Zip A Dee Doodle

During this month we have seen some great counterfeits of the new CHA releases from our Design Team.

Now it's my turn and I have chosen the fabulous 

Zip-A-Dee Doodle from Bo Bunny

The reason I chose this new collection is partly because I needed to get out of my comfort zone and attempt something new and I also love the colours.

I have always shied away from doodling and drawing on my projects because I'm really not very good at it so what better place to start than with a whole kit based upon it!

The idea is to counterfeit one paper pack and 5 embellishments.
 Here are my choices...

and here are my forgeries...

 Top left - created by dabbing black paint through a stencil and then adding white on top of a few of the dots.
Top Right - black pen through a stencil
Bottom left - Dug out a forgotten "paisley" stamp and used Promarkers to colour
Bottom right - freehand drawn zigzags and Promarkers for colouring
Top (and my favourite) - fine liner used to doodle then once again those Promarkers

All created from scratch apart from the gems.
Using stamps, freehand doodling, dies and punches I have created some of the embellishments from the collection

So there we have it my forged CHA kit.

What have you avoided doing because you don't think you can?
Mine was doodling but I can honestly say that taking myself out of that comfort has made me realise than I can do it - just!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today my Dad celebrates his 73rd birthday.

I tell you, he is so much fitter than I am.

Last week I told you that he and DH walked 36 miles in two days and who was aching for days after...

...it wasn't Dad!!!

I am so very lucky to have such a great Dad who has always supported me,

 loved me and showed me the way

I Did it Boss!!!

Waking up to this blog comment

"You had better use up that whole kit, young lady! And I mean it! :)"

 from Bethany (THE BOSS) on my September Kit one morning this month made me chuckle!

Well, the challenge had been set and I was determined there would be hardly anything left in that kit.

But would I succeed...?

Luckily my photo order arrived so I did have some of this year's holiday to use with my "Road Trip" kit after all.





 LO #20 - us on the beach just north of
Daytona in August this year.
I love the background paper and I wanted
 to continue the theme from the paper
I had the perfect photo setting for it
but only two of us were in the shot.
I wanted us all to share the saying
as we love travelling and exploring
as a family.






Here we are again on the same beach having fun while the self timer ticks away...

21 layouts later and all I have left is twine, alphas, washi and a few scraps of paper

I think I can get away with not using those

can't I????

A Positive Week

It's Rock Your Friday time again ...
(It's a great way to look back at your week and focus on the positives)

Two small battles won this week put a cheeky little grin on my face and reminded me that giving up is just not something I will ever do.
Big or small, it's always worth fighting for.

Me 2-0 Them

Our Chocolate Lab, Olly, made me smile when I came out of my craft room to find him sitting in the only bit of sunshine he could find.

Another one of those "hello" cards made from my scraps resulted in another long chat with a faraway friend - just like old times!!!

At long last physio seems to be finally making a difference - hopefully the next 6 sessions will be the cure.

A lovely lunch and catch up with a very good friend on Thursday was a nice way to while away a couple of hours.

In the last two weeks, a de-clutter of my unused craft supplies has made me £250 which meant I could treat myself to a few more :) and also get an Ebay bargain - a pair of £140 boots in Moshulu, £30 delivered from Ebay and they fit my "Oakes" legs (don't ask!)

Tuesday I started a crochet course...

Yes, I know!! 

We all have to start somewhere :)

...and yesterday a jewellery making course with DD at the local college where we learned how to make paper beads and metal stamping.


A pretty good week all round, how was yours???

Spinning

The Counterfeit Kit Challenge #2 this month asked us to use a game element on a layout.

Now I wasn't going to take part in this challenge as I didn't have anything in my kit to use (and I didn't want to add anymore to my already massive kit) - or so I thought!!!

As I was cutting up my hexagon paper to create my backgournd, I realised that they make excellent spinners especially when you have arrows leftover too.

My DD is a huge Cody Simpson fan and Build a Bear recently launched a Koala (he's Australian) and some clothes.

I was rather embarrassed in the shop when I was asked to kiss the heart and make a wish before it was stitched inside the bear but luckily for me I was the only one in the shop.

DD was delighted when she got home from school.

 The top hexagon (central to the photo is a pull out journalling card)

That's one of the things I love about CKCB, it makes you think and create more that you would (well certainly me) normally.

(LO #19 using my September Kit "Road Trip")

Run to the Hills...

...well, not quite but it certainly felt like those Iron Maiden lyrics were telling me something when they released their own beer this year.

DH had got wind of it and would have done anything to get his little mits on a bottle or 12.

Luckily Morrisons were one of the only stockists so on release day (he'd forgotten) I headed off to do my shopping but some poor other Iron Maiden Fan/Wife had beaten me to it - they'd had a delivery of 6 the day before. No, not six crates but 6 bottles - no wonder the shelf was bare!!!

With a bit of detective work I was able to stalk the shop until the delivery arrived and clear the shelf (again!)

Luckily HE liked it...

This is layout #18 using my September CKCB Kit

Photo Finish

It's that time again!

The Counterfeit Kit Blog Hop is here and I am sure Jemma has already shown you a delightful finished project - if you haven't been to Jemma, she's the first on the hop this month and we would love for you to start at the beginning.

This challenge came at the perfect time for me, I was so determined not to print photographs of this year's holiday until I had scrapped last years, so with such a HUGE September CKCB Kit staring at me and the blog hop deadline creeping up fast what better way than to put my plan into action.

Admittedly, I have been finishing off those photos ALL month and I've created a little collage to show you the 14 layouts I've created so far just in case you haven't already seen them.

Now onto the last three...


Although I don't really agree with these Killer Whales being kept in captivity they certainly seemed to enjoy themselves and put on a first class show

We have cycled it, walked it, flown over it and sailed under it, but there's nothing quite like the approach when driving into SF

During our stay on Whidbey Island, we rented a gorgeous cozy cottage with a whirpool bath and log fire. 
The reading literature was definitely a bit odd though

So, there we go, all of last year's road trip scrapped just in time for those new 2013 road trip snaps to drop onto my doormat. 

Please hop over to see Sherrie next in her Canadian muddle puddle (love the name of her blog)

Thanks for dropping by and don't forget you are always welcome to take part in our monthly hop on the 24th of each month - just shout!!!

CKCB          http://www.counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com/

Jemma        http://just-jimjams.blogspot.co.uk

Lesley         http://ohblogitifyoucantbeatthem.blogspot.co.uk

Sherrie        http://sherriesmuddlepuddle.blogspot.ca

Lynette       http://sassyscrapper2010.blogspot.com

Julie            http://jsquaredscrapspot.wordpress.com

Margie        http://scrappinmargie.blogspot.com

Leslie S      http://lcsmithsaved-outofthemire.blogspot.com

Kate Blue   http://kateblue.blogspot.com

Lisa H         http://lisahausmann.blogspot.com

A Trio...

... of layouts from me again today, so busy catching up with this massive September Counterfeit Kit of mine and the September days are quickly running out.

I don't like having a previous month's kit left so I need to crack it out before October.

Layouts #12, #13 and #14...

Everywhere we seem to go on holiday has some kind "warning" that comes with it, 2011 was tornados and 2012 was tsunamis. I picked the laser cut title up from a craft whilst we were there and thought it went quite well with this photo of me and her running away from the small non tsunami waves.
Imogen made us laugh - every time we reached a new hotel, she would read the evacuation policy!!!

Another PL style page to use up a series of photos - this one about our s'mores making at a lovely little cabin we rented for the night.

I didn't really know what I wanted to do with this photo but my kit saw to that. Using words available in my kit I created the title around the photo.
"Just because we live @ #26 I have to find photographs like this everywhere we travel"

I'm quite pleased with how this turned out considering!!

Layout Lazy

I've been layout lazy the last few days so I'm here today to show you another three I've made with my CKCB September Kit

Can somebody please remind me not to make such a big October kit, it hardly looks like I've even started using it yet!!

I've already done a digi version using this photo but I wanted this cutie in my album. I used the negative from a card I made a few days ago, though it was too nice to throw away!

 Here's a photo of my girl enjoying her first packet of Walkers Cheese & Onion on our return.

"You maybe a world traveller but when it comes to crisps there is no place like home"

 This gorgeous creature let me get extremely close before giving me a little warning bark to say

 "that'll do"

So there we are - layouts #9, #10 and #11

Phew, this month could be a record!!!

Linking Up!

Happy Saturday!

Today is the final day for the 

2013 Summertime Photography Scavenger Hunt

hosted by Rinda

and whether you've completed the hunt or not you can link up HERE.

I've really enjoyed finding all the photos, some in the most ridiculous of places too but nevertheless I got the full list plus one bonus item.

My photos can be seen in their bigger format HERE

but I thought a little collage would make it easier for a quick scan.

Thanks Rinda, I've loved snapping away at random things.

Rockin' Along Nicely...

Before I tell you about what has rocked my world this week, why not sit back and think about what has rocked yours...

Sometimes, in this ever stressful world we live, it's nice to think about the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives.

My husband calls me "the eternal pessimist" as I always see the bad in things and expect things to turn out badly.

Why do I do this?

Well, my thinking is that if my glass is always half empty then when it becomes half full, things will seem so much better whereas if I think everything is going to turn out well and it doesn't then I become fed up and bad tempered.

Did you understand that????

Anyway it's Rocking Your World Friday and this week has been pretty good.

Imogen's boyfriend came round and he spoke more than 3 words to me this time, they watched dvds, played guitar and then she beat him on some computer game - young love, isn't it sweet?
(I still haven't got a photo)

And from young love to...
Mum and Dad celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary.

My Dad and husband walked the Sandstone Trail and although it was a lot of ferrying around for me, it was great to see them enjoying themselves and spending some quality time together
(I dread to think what/who they might have been talking about)

I received confirmation from the police that a summons has indeed been issued so a court date should be imminent...

Remember those little "hello" cards I made last week, sending one of those in the post resulted in a lovely catch-up with a long lost friend (14 years to be exact)

I got back in the kitchen and made this...

 which was snaffled when Dad and DH got back from their second day of walking.

I have had a further 8 physio sessions authorised and even though I don't think they are doing me any good surely the professionals know best?

The best thing about this week is that my wonderful husband is working a few night shifts so I get the whole bed to myself and there'll be absolutely NO snoring (luckily for him!)

Using Them Up Again!

Once again, I'm back to using up last year's holiday photos.

Surely there can't be many left to scrap now!

Using PL style pages I can use up my photos quicker and although these aren't the best pages that I've ever created, it takes the boredom out of using up those few remaining shots!

I have used my September CKCB "Road Trip" kit to complete these layouts...

 San Diego Zoo is probably one of the best zoos I've ever visited.

Some random shots taken on holiday

 and a few of the buildings along the way

and finally a bit of the wonderful wildlife captured on camera

We do have some great wildlife here in UK but America always has bigger and better!!!

It's Been a Card Day

I've been running around so much the last few days that I haven't had a chance to scrap.

I have thrown a few cards together though...

So there's a few more ticked of my list :)

The Final Two

Only a few days until

Rinda's Summertime Photography Scavenger Hunt ends.

I have loved taking part and plan to scrapbook my finds in the coming weeks.

 The final two on my list are
 17.  Candle(s)
2.   Theater for performing arts (not a movie theater)

and here they are...

Laura blowing out her birthday candles

This was taken in downtown Tampa, I was hoping to get a better shot but this one will just have to do!

Thank you Rinda for such a great hunt and I look forward to taking part in the next one.
I have loved see how others interpret the list and hopping around blogs that I've never seen before.
Until the next time...happy snapping!!

My full set of photos can be seen HERE

 1.   Open air market 2.   Theater for performing arts (not a movie theater) 3.   City Hall, Capitol or other similar civic building 4.   Airplane 5.   A sunset 6.   Someone or something taking a nap 7.   A sign that is intentionally or unintentionally funny 8.   A tower 9.   A photo with someone or something that is clearly out of place or doesn't belong 10.  A bench that is outside 11.  An animal in a zoo, aquarium, nature preserve, etc. 12.  A cloud in the shape of something (please specify what you see) 13.  A fence 14.  A stained glass object or a mosaic 15.  A fire truck or police car 16.  A windmill  17.  Candle(s) 18.  Your local pub/bar, coffee house or tea shop 19.  A fisherman 20. A dinosaur 21.  A photograph of you with an artistic tool or craft supply (you cannot substitute for this item) Bonus/substitute items.  If you find any of the above items too difficult, feel free to substitute either (or both) of these items.  You can substitute up to two items, but you cannot substitute Item #21: A person wearing an outfit (or item of clothing) that symbolizes your country
A sundial

Aren't They Sweet?

The next Use Your Words challenge is up on the blog and today our word to inspire you is "sweet"

The word (luckily for me) can be used either in your title or journaling.

As there is no real title on may page, the word "sweet" appears as a word that just describes (along with all the others) what I see when I look at this photo of my sister and brother-in-law.

Don't they look sweet?

I have used my September CKCB "Road Trip" kit to create this layout.

That kit is mostly travel themed but so far I don't think any of my layouts have been anything to do with travel!!!

So, what about joining in with us at UYW?

Link up by September 30th and you could be our guest designer for a future reveal.

Sorting the Scraps

If you've been reading my blog you will know that I've been sorting out my craft room.

When I moved in here last year I only had time to throw things in where they would fit and didn't really get a chance to have a good "sort" - until now.

I've been getting fed up with knocking things over every time I move, not being able to find things and having to move other things to get to the items I use regularly.

Enough was enough and in between scrapping I've been having that much needed sort out.

Yesterday, amongst other things was to sort out the little bits of scrap paper that pile up so very quickly.

I have a box for the big bits and a small set of plastic drawers for the smaller pieces.

I sorted through the 3 drawers and whittled it down to one drawer before punching nearly 100 Martha Stewart butterflies

to make 20 "Thank You" and "Hello" cards which have now been added to my ready card made collection.

One "thank you" card has already been sent to a lovely gentleman we met in the USA.

How do you use your scraps or do you just throw them away?

Friday Rockin'

Well it maybe Friday the 13th but I'm not going to let superstition get in the way of the good week I've had...

This week I'm once again joining in with Virginia's Rockettes and inviting you all to see what has rocked my week.

On Saturday it was the monthly crop and although we were only 9 this month it was lovely to sit around chatting and catch up with some good friends. I didn't get much scrapping done, one and a half pages to be exact but nonetheless a good time was had.

Sunday we were all supposed to go to the cricket, England v Australia but I just couldn't risk sitting in a hard seat and being cold ( that's my neck again).

Every cloud though - DH went and had a great day. DD and I headed off to Nantwich food festival for an hour or two to sample some fab yummy goodies.

Monday was the best day as the "boy" came home from his Summer holidays.

It was lovely to see Mum and Dad for a quick cuppa and chat (I don't see Mum half as much as I'd like)

Here is the "boy" on our way home...

...getting as close to me as possible!!!
Since he came home, the clicker training has begun and so far he is doing very well.
He's not a bad dog by no means but my aim is to be able to let him off the lead without running off!!!

More physiotherapy on the neck has been had - fingers crossed it is actually doing some good

(It never feels like it to be honest but I'm trying hard to believe in the professionals)

Another big job this week has been sorting out that ever bulging craft room. I'm finally getting there...

...and now have some idea of what I own and where it is!!!

And my favourite piece of news is that (and please keep your fingers crossed) justice may finally be done.

Chalk about Memories!

Chalkboard! Hmmm!

When I saw this Counterfeit Kit challenge I have to admit that I wasn't too sure what I was going to do.

I'm not really a big chalkboard fan as chalk and blackboards takes me back to some slightly worrying Primary School times.

In the last year of Primary our teacher, Mr Parry, would throw not only chalk across the room but also the wooden chalk rubber. A few times that wooden rubber would skim past my head as it was aimed at the naughty boys in front of me (honest!)

As the teacher had his desk at the back of the class, there was no way to even duck as you never knew when it would be launched.

Thankfully it never hit me.

 Can you imagine the uproar if teachers threw things at their pupils these days?

Anyway, I digress.

My "Road Trip" kit, although I hadn't realised, contained a few things that could be classed as "chalkboard" including, alphas and papers so I set to work creating a layout using those items.
I also used my kit masks and white chalk pad to create more chalk effect although it is quite hard to see in the pictures.

After four hours of changing photos, papers, embellishments and just about everything else, I finally came up with a page that I like.

I am so proud to have two parents that still love and care about each after 51 years of marriage.
The photograph is from last year when they celebrated their Golden Anniversary.

Don't forget to link up with your creations