How To Use A Cut File Without A Silhouette Machine

Hi all,

Today I have something to share which blew my mind when I found out.

You can use a cut file without a cutting machine!

I found out during a National Scrapbook Day challenge where the use of a cut file was required. You can print the cut file on your computer and use it as a printable.

What I chose to do was open an A4 document in Photoshop, add the mandala design twice and have it overlapping the edge both times. I printed it onto A4 cardstock.

This layout was the perfect opportunity to use up some of the Papermania Neon collection that I adored a couple years ago. I traced around the edge of the mandalas with PVA glue and then added the glitter. This was quite time consuming as I could only add one colour of glitter at a time but I was so pleased with the result.

I also used neon paint in pink and yellow to fill in some areas of the mandalas. I added neon gems, 3D pearl effects and neon tassels too. 

I printed my photo to 3x4" and mounted onto neon cardstock. I added neon glitter strips around the layout, sequins and neon buttons to finish off.

Thanks for stopping by!

Emily xx

Docrafts PDT End Of Term Blog Hop

Hi all,

On the Docrafts PDT we're having a final blog hop as the current team.

We found out the results today and I didn't get back on the team. I'm disappointed but I guess it's a silver lining as now I'm free to use whatever products I want and apply for other teams. It's not so bad as I'm not the only one to not get back on either - but a very well done to Julie and Mags though for getting back on!

For this blog hop we're sharing our favourite makes from the current PDT term, with the option of making something using up the last of our current kits.

So, here's my favourite layout I made, using the Neon collection. I remember having it planned weeks in advance and as soon as my kit arrived I got on with it. I was so pleased with it, even more so when it was featured in Creativity magazine.

Another favourite memory from this year's team is when I was sent these beautiful cards for my 21st birthday by my fellow members!

And now for something new using the Geometric Neon collection. As you can tell, I love me some neon....

Just a couple of cards I put together.

I'm going to miss this team, I've made some great friends and we are all going to stay in touch on facebook. 

Check out their blogs:

Heather https://heathermitchelldesign.wordpress.com/

Mags https://thetaglady.wordpress.com

Julie http://newnanny.blogspot.co.uk/

Michelle- http://scrapthology.blogspot.co.uk/

Katie http://whatkatiedid2.blogspot.co.uk/

Sarah http://stickerkitten.co.uk/

Amy https://amysureycreations.wordpress.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Emily xx

Die Cut Cards!

Hi all,

I was lucky enough to win over £80 of Xcut dies in the docrafts December Club Prize Draw.
Two of the sets I already had so I have mailed them to a couple of friends. :)

Here are some things I made using them!

This first one is cut directly into the blank card, and some Geometric Neon paper stuck behind.

This one uses the beautiful swallow die, and sentiment set.

And finally a card using the Folk alphabet die set and Geometric Mono collection.

I left the bottom part of the letters out of the die cut sandwich so only the top part was cut. I then cut along the in-between sections of the letters to remove the top part of the cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by!

Emily xx

London Geometric Neon Layout

Hi all,

Here's a layout I made using the Geometric Neon collection from docrafts.
I took the picture on a beautiful evening on the south bank in London last August. I thought the bright blue of the sky and river went so well with the blue and grey in the neon paper.

I did lots of layering on this layout, including using an envelope - the rings and string add some extra detail and texture.

I took inspiration for the layout from those big american companies like Crate Paper and My Mind's Eye. They use lots of layering and co-ordinating embellishments too. I wanted to show how you can achieve this look with more affordable products you can pick up at your local Range or Hobbycraft.

Thanks for stopping by!

Emily xx

Beautiful New Day Layout

Hi all,

A new layout to share today, using a picture I took in January of the sky one morning.

The backing paper is Crate Paper Maggie Holmes 'Shine' and it's perfect to use with my picture... lots of blue with a pop of pink. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Emily xx

More Than Words Challenge February 2016!

Hi all,

A brand new layout to share today, my entry for the February 'More Than Words' challenge.
This month's word is 'Wonderful' and the creative challenge is 'sparkle'. You can play along here 

Here's my layout:

I love flamingos. Any excuse to include them in a layout. This picture was taken at Chester Zoo.

I'm loving bright colours lately so I wanted to create a tropical theme to match the hot pink of the feathers.

I have lots of bits of 'sparkle' on here - glass beads, embossing powder, glitter pens, glitter Thickers, and some die cut glittery feathers (my favourite part of the layout!)

The other day I went to Hobbycraft and bought some mixed media supplies - Gelatos, modelling paste, embossing powder and a heat gun. I (loosely) followed a Finnabair tutorial, adapting it to my layout and I'm quite pleased with the result - not the neatest layout ever but I had so much fun making it!

....also, flamingo washi tape and it's the best thing ever....

Thanks for stopping by!

Emily xx

My Travel Journal

Hi all,

As part of my Docrafts PDT Kit this time I was sent an A5 scrapbook kit. In it you get a scrapbook with printed pages, some stickers, memory pockets and paperclips. With my pages I'm also using other products from the Geometric Neon collection.

Two challenges presented themselves when I got around to doing something with this little book.
1) What am I going to use it for? My usual scrapbooks are 12x12 and are chronological, I make the layouts a few days after I take the pictures. I didn't want to disrupt that routine. But also I didn't want it full of just random things. I wanted a theme.

2) Small layout. When I only really do 12x12", downscaling proves rather tricky!

So, to Pinterest I went. Art journals, smashbooks.
I came up with the idea of a travel journal. Now I can drive, Nathan and I came up with a list of possible places we can go, with ideas for an afternoon out, a whole day, or a few nights somewhere a little further afield. I take so many pictures when we go out that they can't all be used in my main scrapbook. So this book can be filled with instagram shots of the places we go, what we do, just little things like that.

So here's my cover. I was lucky enough to win a set of Alphabet dies from the Papermania Wedding Ever After collection and they are the perfect size for titles in this little book.

Here's the first page inside, with our list of ideas and a picture of us, and of course my beloved Nancy. I normally don't like cutting around things in pictures but for this scale it really works as then it can fit around the text a bit more. 

I think with small scrapbooks you have to not over think it. All you really need is a couple of embellishments. But that's difficult to get your head around when you're used to the larger stuff.
I think these smaller books might be great for card makers who want to dabble in scrapbooking, or just new crafters in general.

The last page I have to share today is an instagram shot of some CDs Nathan and I bought from HMV to play in the car.

I kinda wish I had a Polaroid camera so I could scrap when we go away to places so I could just take the book and some embellishments and stick the pictures in there and then...

But the paper that goes in Polaroid cameras is so expensive... so maybe not! 

Anyway, stay tuned for me sharing updates from my book!

Emily xx

Geometric Neon Shadow Box (Step By Step)

Hi all,

I'm back with a new project made with the new Docrafts Geometric Neon collection - a 12x12" shadow box. The shadow box is great for either using as a decorative display piece or to store your craft stash.
 The shadow box came with my November/December PDT kit and I had been saving it specifically to use with the Neon collection.

Here's how to make it:

You will need:

Shadow Box (they're available in 12x12", 8x8" and 6x6")

2 sheets of deco paper

PVA glue

Acrylic paint in 3 colours

Patterned paper pack

1.       Before you remove the little boxes from the main tray of the shadow box , photograph the layout so you remember where each one goes when you put them back in.

2.       Paint the inside sides of each of the interior boxes with acrylic paint. Make sure to paint the rim of the boxes too as this will show when the box is displayed. Lighter colours may need several coats to show up well.

3.       Measure the bottom of each of the boxes and cut rectangles of Neon paper to fit. Secure in each box with double sided tape.

4.       For the lid, take a deco sheet, cut in half along the length and then half again - each strip is enough to cover a side of the lid.

5.       Paint PVA glue along each side and stick down the deco strips, leaving a little at each edge to tuck under, and secure this with a little more PVA glue.

6.       For the edges of the main tray, cut up another deco sheet the same way and glue a strip along each side.

7.       Leave to dry, then arrange the little boxes in the main tray.

8.       Put the lid back on and fill with your supplies. 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope I've inspired you to make your own!

(And stay tuned as I've another shadow box to share in a few weeks!)

Emily xx

Geometric Neon Layout

Hi all

Stopping by to share a project I made for the Docrafts Trade Catalogue, using the new Geometric Neon collection, out now!

It's by far my favourite collection yet, pastels with a pop of neon and sophisticated foil detail.

Aaand here it is on the Docrafts Social Media accounts...  They added the journalling for me, as I'm rubbish at it and they like to include it otherwise people complain, apparently. Love seeing my work on their social media accounts for thousands of people to see!

And in the catalogue that comes with Creativity! magazine.

Edit: It's even in the front pages of Creativity magazine! Lovely surprise (though it would be nice to have my name on there somewhere...!)

Sorry to be all excitable in this post but I really enjoyed making the layout and I'm so glad docrafts liked it enough to use it in lots of their promo stuff. :)

Now, I've a shadow box to finish, a shopping bag to paint, a commission to do and a layout to finish. Plus I need to do a layout for the new 'More Than Words' challenge.

And then I've lots of other layout ideas, and other things for the Docrafts PDT. I hope the rest of 2016 is as productive!

Thanks for stopping by!

Emily xx

Christmas Gift Tags

Hi all,

So close to Christmas now and if you're not mega-organised like me and had your presents bought and wrapped in November, there's still a little bit of time to get wrapping. Here's a couple of gift tags that can be put together in 5 minutes.

They are using the Geometric Neon collection by Docrafts, out in January. I had some bits left over from a commission and they went great with the paper straws I cut up to make the tree. 

This second one uses die cut bunting and I've turned them upside down to use as trees. 

Now, I need to get into the Christmas spirit - I passed my driving test yesterday! I've spent the past few months thinking (getting worked up!) about that. Now it's done it's a huge relief and I can be myself again! Hopefully that will include having more creative inspiration. And plenty of trips out to take lots of photographs! 

So, have a very Merry Christmas!

Emily xx

Neon Fairground Layout

Hi all

Sharing a neon layout today. I love making things with neon, so when I saw this merry go round on the South Bank in London I couldn't resist taking a snap and making a neon layout with it.

I also recorded making it in timelapse.

Until next time...!

A few cards!

Hi all

Hopping by with some cards I made for docrafts. I hope you will be inspired by these as much as I enjoyed making them!

The first is inspired by 'Smile Power Day'. The idea was to make a card that would make someone happy - and everyone likes a sunny day.

A couple using the Papermania Neon collection. The first uses the 'Make A Wish' download which can be found HERE

And finally a card using the Papermania Owl Folk Collection. 

Until next time...!

Blossom layout

Hi all

Just popping by to share an 8x8" layout I made using the docrafts Simply Floral download which you can get for free HERE
I love using hexagon nesting dies, you can create really interesting backgrounds with them.

Docrafts have a Weekly Sketch, and the one I've used on this layout can be found HERE

Trendy Sentiments layout

Hi everyone

Just hopping by to share another make using the Papermania Neon collection, and the Trendy Sentiments free download from docrafts. You can download the pack HERE. It's full of funky papers and sentiments that feel so fresh and modern - great if you're a younger crafter or crafting for a young person. It works so well with the Neon collection.

Until next time...!

(P.S)... stay tuned for something VERY cool on Wednesday or Thursday or Friday depending on the post... eeeee!!!!

Docrafts Blog Hop

Hi all!

Been making some projects using docrafts products especially for the Design Team Blog Hop. Scroll to the bottom of this post for links to my fellow members' blogs!

This first scrapbook page is using the Papermania Neon Collection. With this layout I thought I'd let you all know a little more about me. 

The background is using a leopard spot embossing folder with Neon pink ink. I did one sheet and the ink pad fell apart. I did another with neon paint but I ended up liking both so ripped them up and alternated between the two as a background.

Also this past week or so, docrafts have a sale on. And I mean a SALE. If you haven't already checked it out, I definitely recommend it. My haul is pictured below and it came to just £20.74. 

I particularly wanted the A4 die cut and paper packs - they're normally £12 each so a bit much for my limit of spending £20 a month on supplies.. (not that I ever stick to that...). And of course I love playing around with frames so I got some of those too.

Here's a page I made using the Papermania Nature's Gallery A4 die cut & paper pack. My boyfriend and I often go to Lakeside on sunny days, there's a little outlet and a lake to walk around.  There's bird species there that you don't normally see such as Great Crested Grebes and Gadwalls and it's rather nice. I used the die cuts as a border, like you're seeing the birds through the undergrowth. 

And lastly a set of cards made with the Bellissima die cut & paper pack. This collection is lovely for card making, lovely colours, but it would also work on a girly scrapbook layout or something floral. I'm not really a card maker but with this set it's all so easy to put together to make wonderful cards.

Thank you for hopping by, and please check out my fellow Design Team members' blogs! 

Heather https://heathermitchelldesign.wordpress.com/

Mags Woodcock https://thetaglady.wordpress.com

Julie Wilson http://newnanny.blogspot.co.uk/

Michelle- http://scrapthology.blogspot.co.uk/

Katie http://whatkatiedid2.blogspot.co.uk/

Sarah Douglas http://stickerkitten.co.uk/

Amy Surey https://amysureycreations.wordpress.com/

Flamingo Layout

Hi all,

Wanted to share one of my favourite layouts.

I made this for docrafts using their Neon collection.

I'd had this layout planned for a while after a visit to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, but waited patiently for my Design Team kit to arrive before I made this - and I'm so glad I did - the collection really complements this photo of a Flamingo.

The background is made by drizzling PVA glue over the surface and pouring glitter over the top.

Find out more HERE

I might post again today depending on the Springwatch Blue Tits fledging - I've been glued to the live feed for a good few days now... surely they've got to go soon? Can I tear myself away from them long enough to go into the craft room? We shall see...

Carnaby Street scrapbook page

Finally got started on scrapping my London photos!

The first page uses Instagram shots of Carnaby Street.
I've found it's easier to just whip my phone out of my pocket when in a busy city rather than messing around with my big camera - my camera phone isn't great, but it's good enough for quick shots like these that are printed out small.

I included a shaker element on this layout. Just get some clear packaging that supplies come in, stitch up 3 sides, fill with sequins, then stitch up the remaining side.

Products used -

My Mind's Eye Cut & Paste paper and postcards.

Papermania Neon pink ink and gems.

Sizzix Moroccan die & stamp set

Paperchase 'geek' stamps

Dovecraft Sweet Paris sequins

Xcut corner die, scalloped circle die.

Various washi tapes.