WOWYWW

Good morning and hello from a very grey and dismal Wiltshire.  It's Wednesday so it can only mean one thing WOYWW  if you don't know what I am on about have a look HERE.

My desk is looking a little different than usual today.  For a start it's clean and tidy!  The kit basket has been emptied ready for a new kit to be posted tomorrow.   I decided to get my sewing machine out. (Julia you will be pleased to hear I have fixed the tension)  I wanted a drawstring bag for my bedroom to put extra lady items in.   (I even used pins Julia!!) 

Look my desk is really tidy!!!!

If you would like to see what's on everyone else's desk please pop on over to Julia to have a look. 

Laura x 

Counterfeit challenge LO

Good morning.  Another LO from me today.  Again I have used the Counterfeit Kit.  This time it is of my DS1 on the London eye.  I just used the scraps of paper from the kit rather than cutting in to new ones.  

Again the LO is very simple but I really like the layering. 

Just a really quick post from me today as I have to get ready for crop at the weekend.  I am going away on Thursday to spend a few days with a friend and to visit Bath Spa and the Jane Austen museum :-)

Have a wonderful day 

Laura x 

counterfeit challenge LO

Hello how are you all?  I have been playing with my counterfeit kit again.  I haven't spent as much time as I would have liked this month but I think that's just because July is such a busy month for us. 

Here is one LO I did using the kit.  It is named Just one.  I want just one picture where they are all smiling and looking happy.  Instead one looks grumpy, one is looking away and the other outs a really false smile on.  I try to take loads but then they just get bored of standing there!!  Does anyone else have this problem?  

The LO is very simple and now I am looking at the photo I am not too sure of the paint splodges, hmmmmmm.  

Anyway pop on over to the Counterfeit challenge blog to see what everyone else has done with their kits. 

Laura x x

WOYWW

Hi everyone I have been a very busy bee in the craft room this week making the teacher gifts which has taken ages to complete - photos to come later this week.  

My desk is a huge mess too.  I need to spend some time on Thursday having a huge tidy up as I have lots and lots of projects to catch up on.  

As you can see there is lots of randomness on the desk. 

If you don't know what WOYWW is pop on over to Julia to have a look. 

Apologies for not getting around to you all last week I think I managed over half. 

Laura x x 

I learned to ride my bicycle

Good afternoon how are you all?  I apologise again for my lack of blogging, after tomorrow I will have so much more time so be prepared for lots of posts.  

Back in June I attended the WOYWW crop organised by Julia and Lunch Lady Jan.  I had planned to do lots and had 6 pages planned.  Well.........  there was so many talented crafters doing so many crafts that I hadn't seen before I spent the day walking around in awe and looking at what everyone else is doing.  I started this LO but just didn't get around to completing it.  I finally managed it at the last crop.  I keep singing the title and it seems to be on a loop in my head. 

Thank you for taking the time to visit. 

Laura x 

WOYWW

Good afternoon sorry for the late post it has been a rather busy and filling day, one that I will be glad is over!!   

The weather here is glorious and can you believe I am playing with Christmas stash!!  I am trying to make all of my cards and gift tags ready and also have some for spare when people ask if I can make them a few cards.   I am trying to do it all with out buying any Christmas stash this year. 

I have been asked how I store my Counterfeit Challenge kit. The basket in the left corner (with the bad photo glare) is where I keep it all together and just dip in and out of it throughout the month. 

If there is any questions please don't hesitate to ask. 

If you have come across this post and don't know what I'm going on about please pop on over to one of my favourite girlies ever Julia and read all about it. 

Laura x x 

London Eye

Good morning all.  Apologies for the lack of posts I have been so busy finishing up college, going to all of the boys end of term activities, spending time up the allotment and generally enjoying the sunshine.  I hope you all have the glorious weather too. 

Anyway as you know I am guest designer over at the counterfeit challenge blog this month so I have been busy playing with my kit.  Here is one of the LOs I did at crop this month using just the kit.  

The picture is of my oldest son Jake on the London Eye.  

I have so many posts to show you I will be back tomorrow with more. 

Thank you for visiting 

Laura x 

Scrap Whispers

Good morning how are you?  Isn't the weather just lovely?  I hope your having glorious sunshine like we are here in Wiltshire.  

I have so much to show you over the next week.  Being without the laptop means the projects have  built up.  

One of the challenges I took part in last month was Scrap Whispers.  It works a bit like the Chinese whispers we used to do as children.  You can read all about it here.   I was sent a picture of a page to work from and this is what I cam up with.

I finally cut in to the gorgeous Cosmo Cricket papers that I have been hoarding for over 12 months.  I changed my page by adding journalling instead if a photo and instead of banners some patterned paper.  

Pop on over to scrap whispers to see the starting page, I couldn't believe that's what we worked from.  I am definitely going to play again. 

Laura x x

Guest Designer for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog

Hello how are you?  Please let me apologise for the lack of posts this last month.  My Computer when a bit wrong and believe me I can not fathom how to blog post on the ipad!!  I was starting to panic about this post but luckily it all got sorted on Friday phew!  

Anyway if you are a regular reader of this blog you will have seen that I applied to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog to be on their Design team.  Unfortunately I wasn't successful  but I was asked if I would like to be their July Guest Designer and of course I said yes!!  

So here we go.  This month we are counterfeiting a wonderful kit HERE called Summer Fun!

Here is the kit 

The kit just screamed 'Boy' to me, which is perfect as I mainly scrap my 3 boys. 

Here is my kit called 'Summer Boys' 

I made lots of different embellishments and journalling cards to go with this kit.   The fabulous stamp is from Heidi Swapp

Here is my stamp sheet.  I have used a selection of Stampin' Up, MME, Making Memories and some other random stamps from my stash.

Here is the back of my papers - photos are the wrong way around!

Here is my paper selection.  I have used Stampin' Up, MME, Bella BLVD.  The stripy paper is a Echo Park front sheet - the back of this is journalling cards.  

For the Bazzil Basics Word Stickers I just cut some words out on the Cricut.

I have also included these two sticker sheets from Bella Blvd and Echo Park. 

I can't wait to play and create with this kit.  

Why not pop on over to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog HERE and join in with us.

If you are looking for more inspiration why not follow the blog hop I am the first on the list. 

                                                                                                                                               Laura http://intheairingcupboardcrafts.blogspot.co.uk

Angela http://colestoucan.blogspot.co.uk/

Ashley  http://paperforpeoplellc.blogspot.com/?m=1

Dawn  http://dawnsscrapbookcottage.blogspot.com

Jemma http://just-jimjams.blogspot.com/

Julene  http://julenebydesign.blogspot.com.au

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

Lisa H. http://lisahausmann.blogspot.com/

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

Lynnette http://sassyscrapper2010.blogspot.com/

Millisa http://millermall.blogspot.com/

Stephanie http://skylinepaperie.blogspot.ca

WOYWW

Good morning how are you?  To those I met on Saturday at the crop, thank you for such a fantastic day.  I learnt so much from all of you.  A huge thank you to Julia and LLJ for organising and making the day run smoothly.  

Anyway my desk.  I haven't actually sat at it since Friday!!!  Saturday I was at the crop, Sunday it was the village fete, Monday college and yesterday I had a poorly child.  I am making a point of tidying it up today and making my counterfeit kit for the month to take to crop on Saturday. 

The desk is a mess.   I got rid of the big shelves that were there last week.  They were needed somewhere else.  I found these in the attic though and they work perfectly.  The stuff on my desk is remnants of card making.  I had a 18th birthday, new home and my friends father's day ones to do.  

So there it is.  If you would like to see other peoples desks today pop on over to Julia where over a 100 people link up!! 

Oh my goodness!!!  I have just edited the post to say last weeks winner which I completely forgot about - sorry is Ria Gall.  Ria can you please email me at laurameeksu@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks for visiting 

Laura x x

My boy and I

Happy Monday to you all.  I hope you had a good weekend.  I had a wonderful day Saturday at the WOYWW crop.  I met lots of lovely ladies and spent the day in awe watching the ladies at work - the talent in that room was amazing.  

I have a LO to show you today that I completed of my youngest son Jack.  He is my baby and a complete mummy's boy.  As a baby he was very hard work and wouldn't let anyone hold him but me - that started at 2 days old!!  I am rarely in photos as I am usually the one behind the camera so this was a nice change to have a picture with Jack.   I used October Afternoon papers (I think) which I got from Sarah's cards a while back.  The chipboard is just inked and I made the heart embellishment.

I apologise for the poor photos recently, the camera battery is dead so I have been taking photos on my iphone. 

Thank you so much for visiting, I am spending this evening visiting blogs and relaxing. 

Laura x x 

May counterfeit challenge and LO

Good morning how are you.  I have had a very busy weekend with the WOYWW crop yesterday which was just amazing.  I then went to a housewarming last night and today I am typing this in between housework as we are going to the village funday this afternoon as ds1 is doing the burger stall to earn a badge for scouts.

Anyway I have not had time to make up this months counterfeit yet (hopefully this evening) so I wanted to show you what else I made with last months kit.  I have done another LO but have not photographed it yet. 

This LO is me in year 6.  We went to North Wales on a trip and had to dress as Victorian children and work as children did in the Workhouse.  I am really enjoying lots of journalling on my LOs at the moment.  It doesn't work for every LO but I am trying with most. 

Next up is my fathers day card.  I made two of these.  It is the most simple design.  I am in love with this Chevron paper.  Luckily It came in a paperstack and I think I have 2 sheets of it left in my stash.

So there you go.  From last months kit I managed 5 LOs and 2 cards which I am very happy with.  

Thanks for looking 

Laura x

COunterfeit challenge kit

Good morning how are you? 

I have been having lots of fun with the counterfeit challenge kit and here is another LO.

It is my DS1 when he met my DS2 for the first time.  

I have now realised I have worded the journalling wrong so I am going to have to go back and amend that. 

Just a quick post from me today I have extra children today as the boys have friends playing.  There are Nerf bullets everywhere!!!!

Thank you for visiting 

Laura x 

WOYWDW and 100th post!!

Good morning how are you all?  It's Wednesday so it can only mean one thing in the crafty world WOYWDW!!!  

My desk is still a mess and more piles have been added...   

I really need to spend some time today tidying so I can pack for Saturdays WOYWDW crop.  AS you can see I have off cuts, stamps, a LO, ribbon and so much more over the desk.  You should see the floor!!!

Today is also my 100th post!!!!   I feel I should celebrate somehow and it's taken me a while to think of how.  I have decided to offer a giveaway.  I will be making a mini scrapbook kit with handmade embellishments and lots of bits.  All you have to do is comment on this post.  It's open to UK residents only sorry (postage is so high I hope you understand).  I will pick a winner Friday.

If you have no idea what WOYWDW is pop on over to Julia and join in with the fun.

Thank you for visiting

Laura x 

Counterfeit Kit DT call

If you read my WOYWDW post last week I mentioned I was planning a big project.  Well here is is.  I love the Counterfeit Challenge blog and have made a few kits up.  I am very much a planner so when it comes to scrapbooking I seem to work better from a kit.  As I have so much stash it seemed like the best idea to make my own kit.  

Over at the Counterfeit challenge blog they have sent out a DT call.  I have decided to have a go and this is what I came up with. 

The first part of the challenge was to choose a online kit.  I immediately went for this one found here. This is a picture of the kit.

This is my version (excuse the poor photos in this post)

I handmade the tickets, bunting, play paper, sticker sheets, flag and I stamped the journalling tags.

Here are the papers out of my stash that I chose to 'match'

The love paper in the original kit really jumped out to me and I wanted to recreate it.  I decided to go with the word play and used a Heidi Swapp stamp and some white ink. 

I just stamped on to some kraft card stock

Here is the finished page

I also wanted to recreate the border sticker sheets.  I used some scraps of papers and some border punches.

One of the sticker sheets looks very 'scrappy'.  I had a go at making my own from scrap pieces of patterned papers and scrap cardstock.

I just stuck pieces on randomly

I cut the cardstock so it was thinner and trimmed the excess patterned papers off.  I then traced a border from another sheet in my stash.

Here is the finished border strip

The next part of the DT call is to set a challenge.  My challenge is called 'And I quote' (if your a WWE fan you will recognise this saying)  The challenge is to use a quote instead of a title.  I have included a quote from Mother Teresa.  Here is my LO for the challenge.

I included the handmade bunting, border, flag and play cardstock.

If you would like to have a look at the Counterfeit Challenge blog have a look Here.

Thank you for visiting 

Laura x 

It was always going to be chocolate

Good afternoon are you enjoying the sunshine?  It's glorious here I wish it was going to stay but it's ment to change here in Wiltshire this week.  Typical for half term!!!

Anyway as you know I am on a scrapping roll and have managed a few more this weekend.  Over on UKscrappers there is an inspiration and challenges board which I have been visiting quite a lot and trying to take part in as many challenges as I can.   

There are two challenges I am submitting this LO to.  Simple recipes which is here and the Uks house weekly challenge May week 3 here.     The house challenge was to scrap a large event, use a non standard size photo and to use 3 items _ brads, buttons bling.   The large event part is a picture of my wedding cake.  I am a huge chocoholic and don't really like normal cake and I can't stand buttercream!!  I knew straight away what I wanted.  My MIL and mother were both whinging at me the whole run up to the wedding that it wasn't right I wasn't having a traditional cake and how it would be embarrassing........   Well they certainly had a shock when they saw it!!  My cake decorator ( a friend) did a fantastic job and made all of the chocolates herself.  It took a few weeks to make.  

The larger photo is a spare photo I had.  It was damaged so I thought the quicker it gets in to an album the better!  I do have one in my official wedding album but I wanted one in my scrapbook too. 

I have also added 3 pieces of bling. 

For the simple recipes the colour combination to use was Mint Chocolate chip, Strawberry Ice Cream and Chocolate Ice cream which I managed.  I have also used more than one type of alphabet.  You had to add something from your most recent stash which was the heart dies.  What I didn't manage to add was a grey or another neutral colour unless I can get away with cream??

Here is a close up of my gorgeous cake. 

Thank you for visiting and if your looking for some inspiration or a challenge pop on over to UKScrappers. 

Laura x 

WOYWDW

Good morning.  I am a bit late with this post today my computer was having a 'go slow' day and did not want to cooperate with me!   So here is my desk today.  It is quite a bit of a mess too.  I have been scrapbooking away and have gone from one LO to the next with out tidying up in between - anyone else do this?  The alphabets are from  LO I did last night.  The pink basket on the right holds my tools I use all of the time.  I moved the shelf this weekend from it being on the right to now in front of me and it works a lot better.   The pile on the left is stuff to put away.  

The desk will be cleared tomorrow for the start of a new (huge) project I am going to be working on.  Check the blog over the weekend to see what I am doing.  

I think my space is set up how I want it now.  I have moved a few bits around to work better.  It's hard when you move in to a new space and have to put everything away, you don't know how it will work until you start crafting.  

So then who is going to the WOYWDW crop?  I didn't think I would be able to go as it is the Ludgershall crop the weekend after.  I spoke to DH last night and he was all up for me going to both (I think he enjoys the peace and if I'm not here I won't be nagging at him to do DIY!!).  I am looking forward to meeting some of you. 

So anyway if you have come across this post and you don't know what WOYWDW is and want to know why I have shared a random picture of a messy desk have a look at Julia's blog to see what it's all about.  I might be late commenting today as I have a hair and beauty fashion show at college tonight so I have a lot to do - oh and Julia is coming round for a brew and a catch up too. 

Thank you for looking 

Laura xx

Sketches with a Twist

Good afternoon how are you all?  Thank you for all of the visits to my little blog the last few days :-) 

As I said in an earlier post I managed to spend some time this weekend crafting away.  I was inspired by a sketch over at sketches with a Twist. I have been scrapping with older pictures lately as I am awaiting an order from snapfish of 258 photos!!   A lot of my older pictures are of not good quality but I still want to document the memories.   

This is a picture of DS1 with his first birthday present.  It took him ages to realise he had to use the steps on the slide.  I felt the sketch really worked for these pictures.  I have used My Minds Eye papers for the LO. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit.  I am spending a few hours this evening visiting you all after I have come back from chub club!  

Speak soon 

Laura x

UKS Weekly Challenge May week 2

Hello I hope you are enjoying your weekend.  I have spent a few hours crafting away today whilst hubby painted the porch.  One LO I did manage to complete today is this one of my son Joseph.  I followed the sketch from UKscrappers which is HERE.  I also managed to complete the prompts which was to have 5 lines or more of journalling and to use 5 different patterned papers.  

The papers are from my scrap box and are Kaisercraft. The journalling is about how when he was little every time I took a photo he would do this pose and I couldn't get a decent photo!!  

Now I am looking at the LO on the screen I think I might go back and add some more embellishments as it looks a bit bare what do you think?

Thank you for looking 

Laura x 

Counterfeit Challenge LO 2

Good morning.  The sun is shining here again in Wiltshire - thank goodness as I can get the bedding on the line!  

Here is my second LO from the Counterfeit challenge kit.  It's a very basic page and I haven't included a title as such.   The page is about DS2 and how he was a completely different shape to my eldest.  Jake was long and skinny and Joe was short and squidgy.  

I have another LO to show you over the weekend and lots of my kit left.  As we have nothing planned this weekend for the first time this year I am going to make sure I spend some quality time at my desk. 

Thank you for looking 

Laura x 

Counterfeit Challene LO 1

Good morning how are you?  The weather is grey and windy here today :-(  ~I have a free day to myself today.  Hubby and the children have gone to London with his work.  I was going to go with them but the dog  got spayed on Thursday and is suffering a bit.  I didn't want to leave her so I am typing this one handed as she is sprawled over me. 

Anyway here is one of the LOs I did using my kit at crop last Saturday.  It's a picture of my oldest son when he was 2.  The tag explains that he was at the age where I was trying to stop afternoon naps.  If he had a nap he wouldn't go to bed in the evening.  I used to walk in to a room and find him asleep in random places. 

If you would like to see what others have done with their kits have a look over at the http://counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/

Thank you for looking 

Laura x 

WOYWDW

Wow it's been a long time since I posted a WOYWDW post!!!  A lot has changed since I last took part.  We have moved house so I no longer have my craft room.  I now have a 'nook'.  Luckily all of my stash fits in and it has just made me be more organised!!!  I will share pictures soon. 

My photo was taken yesterday as I knew I wouldn't have time today.  I have a very busy day today having my hair done, a facial, a wax and my nails done - It's so hard being a beauty therapist student....................

Anyway my desk is a bit cahotic as you can see.  The LO is in my previous post if you would like to see it completed.  The basket of cards is my cards for the year that I have done ( I know I am polishing my halo as you read this) .  The rest is just random bits from different projects.  The ipad is for the sketch I was following.  

Well there it is.  I couldn't show you a tidy desk for my first week back now could I?   

If you have come here not from Julia's blog and are wondering what WOYWDW is pop on over here to see what it's all about. 

Thank you for visiting 

Laura x x

UKS Weekly Challenge May Week 1

Good evening, are you enjoying the weather?  It's glorious here so I hope it continues.  This week I have quite a relaxing week.  The last few months have been manic with everything going on.  I decided to take some time out this afternoon and play with some papers.  I seem to have my mojo back so I have rolled with it! 

Over on Ukscrappers there is a inspiration and challenge section.  Whilst browsing it today I came across the challenge which inspired this layout.  It was to use the sketch that I have copied for my LO, a inking technique, flowers and it has to be a male inspired LO. 

Here is what I came up with

If you enlarge the picture you will see that I have splattered ink across the page.

This LO took me quite a bit out of my comfort zone with the inking but I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very happy with the results.  The papers ares some old Basic Grey ones.  The flowers are a Stampin up punch.  The only thing bothering me is there is no question mark!  I will have to cut one out on the cricut. 

Thank you for looking why not have a pop over to UKscrappers and the challenge which is here

Laura x 

Counterfeit challenge kit

Wow it's been so long, it took me a while to remember my password!!  I started the yea with great ideas of how I was going to do it all..........  it didn't happen!  Scrapbooking has been put on the back burner these last few months, its easier just to pick up the crochet in front of the television.  I have really missed scrapping so I have decided to jump right back in and join in with this months Counterfeit Kit Challenge.

I am now a bit nervous as my kit doesn't resemble kit I have counterfeited in the slightest.  I don't have any sailing papers, or any photos to scrap of that theme, so I went off and did my own thing.  

The kit I have counterfeited is Shoreline Here

I have used papers from My Minds Eye, DCWV and Cosmo Cricket

My embellishments is all random bits that I have had lying around.  I made the envelope from a Simple Stories tutorial.  I will add some pegs if I can find them. 

I have added a selection of letters and some scraps of papers from American Crafts.

I have also included some stamps that I want to play with.

What I haven't included is card stock, punches, inks, and Cricut machine.  I know my kit isn't quite the same but I do really like it and am looking forward to playing with it.  

I am hoping to have a sort out of some photos later and take the kit along to crop tomorrow. 

Thank you for looking 

Laura x

A year???

It's been nearly a year since I last posted!!  How did that happen??

As I sit here and type this post I am taking a quick break from packing my craft room into boxes.  We have bought our own house and move in this week.  I am so excited to be organising a new craft room and I will be sure to share with you some organising posts.

I didn't complete any of last years crafty goals I set myself so this year I am just going to plod along and see where I end up at the end of the year.  The only goal I have set myself is to use more of my scraps.

Well I had better get on and keep packing and check my bag is ready for crop tomorrow.  Happy New Year

Laura x