Friday, 9 May 2025

Determined - 49 and Market - Rust & Revs 2.0 Collection

Hi everyone!

It’s Rebecca here, and I’m excited to share my first layout of the month with you. This time, I’m creating with the Rust & Revs 2.0 collection by 49 and Market—a stunning release designed by Dennis Bruton. Whether used on its own or paired with the original Rust & Revs collection, it offers incredible versatility and creative potential. You can find the collection in the shop here.


I instantly fell in love with several of the patterned papers in this collection and knew I wanted to showcase a few of my favourites. I chose three designs and used metal nesting dies to cut various-sized circles. These were then layered onto a sheet of Premium White Cardstock, creating a central focal point. To finish the layered look, I added a circular photo right on top.


Below the photo, I positioned my title, which I chose from the Chipboard Words and Phrases set. Since the title has a bold, blocky shape, I trimmed the bottom of my photo and circles in a straight line to mirror its structure and give the design a more cohesive feel.


With plenty of space on either side of the photo, I dived into the embellishments. I selected several Laser Cut Elements from the collection to build two main clusters. To add depth, I used foam pads under some elements. I also tucked in a tag from the Die Cut Elements and even repurposed a film strip from the laser-cut packaging—such a great way to squeeze a few extra goodies out of your supplies!


Once my clusters were complete—but before adhering everything to the background—I added some mixed media to bring the layout to life. Using Distress Oxide Inks in Twisted Citron and Black Soot, I rolled colour onto the cardstock with a mini brayer, making sure it peeked out from behind my main design.


To finish, I added Rub-On Transfers and bold black paint splatters for extra texture and drama.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I’m absolutely loving working with this collection and can’t wait to be back at the end of the month with another layout to share.

Take care, 
Rebecca xx

@preciouspagespapercraft


Wednesday, 7 May 2025

Photoplay This Happy Life - Ascott House

Hi there! Karen here, and I'm excited to share a scrapbook layout I created using the lovely new "This Happy Life" collection from Photoplay. This collection is bursting with cheerful, vibrant colours, inspiring phrases, and lovely images – absolutely ideal for documenting all those joyful moments in your life.

My layout is inspired by a layout by Jessica Mikels.

For the base of my layout, I started with a 12x12 sheet of smooth white cardstock. Along the bottom edge, I added layers of patterned paper: first, a 2.5" strip of the "All My Life" paper, topped with a 2" strip of the "This Year" paper.

Using my sewing machine and white thread, I added a border and texture by straight stitching all the way around the edge of the layout.

I printed six 3" square photos and gave each one a double mat. The first layer of each mat is white cardstock, followed by a layer of patterned paper from the collection. For the patterned layers, I used the A & B sides of the "Everyday" paper and the B sides of the "Sweet Hello" and "This Year" papers.

I then arranged the six photos in a 2 x 3 grid across the upper portion of the layout. To add a touch of interest, I tucked small pieces of patterned paper beneath the corners of a couple of the photos.

For the title, which was placed on the layered paper strips at the bottom of the layout, I used my Silhouette machine to cut out words from gold mirror cardstock. To make the title really pop against the patterned papers, I created a white cardstock mat for the gold words. Finally, I added small gold foam letter stickers from my personal collection to complete the title.


To the left of the title, I added a cluster of die-cut flowers and leaves from my stash. These particular die cuts are from a Paige Evans collection, and although they might not now be in stock, you can find similar packs available here that would work equally well for this design.

To complete the layout and tie in the gold of the title, I added a few gold sequins across the layout and the date in the bottom right corner.

Thank you for stopping by today and I hope you feel inspired by my layout.

Take Care
Karen x x

Monday, 5 May 2025

April Papermaze Kit - Part 2

Here is my second DT post, with two layouts made using the April Papermaze kit. As well as the six patterned papers, the kit has a collection of  embellishments. There are two sheets of Bazzill cardstock included, and you can also buy four more in the co-ordination pack. I have dipped back into the past for these two layouts with photos from 2008 and 1995.


Before looking at how I made the layouts, here are the details of what you will find in the kit.

 

Patterned Papers:
Mintay Papers - 
Photographer collection - #02 & #05
Stamperia - Alterego collection - Postcard & Turquoise Wallpaper
Stamperia - Create Happiness collection - Dewdrops - Wood
P13 - Love Stories collection - #06


2, 49 & Market frames, 6 pieces 49 & Market acetate ephemera, 1 strip Prima crystals, 1 sheet P13 alpha stickers, selection of Cocoa Vanilla foam stickers, 12" lace, 6" Tim Holtz filmstrip ribbon and 6x Tim Holtz brads


Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Twig & Whirlpool (included in kit). Coastal, Avalanche, Jade & Cinnamon Stick (in extra Bazzill pack)

 

Home Sweet Home - My son at 3 years old, helping to clean the Wendy house


For the background I used the sheet of Turquoise Wallpaper paper. Onto this I added a strip of paper torn from Dewdrops - Wood, and placed this vertically onto the background, after inking the edges. I followed the line of the wood effect paper, with a strip of my own filmstrip washi tape.


I arranged my photo overlapping the strips, in the centre. Then I fussy cut some flowers from Mintay #05 (scraps leftover from previous layouts). I inked these and mounted them onto the page using 3D pads.


For my title I used the word 'HOME' from the Cocoa Vanilla foam stickers in the kit. I added the rest of the title using some tiny letter stickers from my stash.


I tucked some cheesecloth along the joins in the papers and around the flowers.


I added a little wooden house, numbers for the date and a key to the layout. 



I made a small journalling tag from Dewdrops - Wood paper, and a die from the Tim Holtz Sizzix Tag collection set.  I inked the edges, and wrote my journalling, then tucked it just under the flowers.


Finally, I added a scattering of water drops.


Memories - A photo of me with my husband on a family day out in Essex. We visited the Battlesbridge Antique Centre, and here we are at the very top of the building in the café.



I started this layout with the sheet of Whirlpool Bazzill. Then I added torn pieces to the top and bottom of this cardstock, leaving a gap of the Bazzill in-between. The top area is from Postcard, and the bottom area from the Dewdrops - Wood paper. I tore some small triangular pieces from the scrap cut away from the #02 camera paper. These pieces were placed over the other papers, to give the appearance of small tears.


I cut a two complete and two incomplete postcards from the remains of the Postcard paper. I mounted my photo onto some corrugated card. I arranged the photo and postcards in a fan overlapping each other, so it appeared the postcards were all complete. I placed these in the centre of the layout.


I decorated the layout with the 49 & Market acetate ephemera from the kit. The title was made with Cocoa Vanilla foam stickers which are also included in the kit.


I used a Tim Holtz Idea-ology label holder from my stash, to add the date with some alpha stickers.


Finally, I scattered the Prima crystals from the kit, around the page.


That's all for the April kit. Back with the May kit soon.
Thanks for looking
Lynn x

Friday, 25 April 2025

Echo Park ~ Blossoms and Bees 🐝 #2

 Hi everyone, it’s Anna back with you today. I’m sharing my second layout using Echo Park Blossoms and Bees, which you can find in the shop here

For this layout I’ve used the 3x4 journaling cards to create a grid style layout, which is one of my go to scrapbook page designs. 


For my background, I used the b side of blossoms and bees. I then selected six of the journaling cards and arranged them in a 3x3 grid. 


I mounted photos on to four of the journaling cards and left the remaining two - one to add some journaling to and one to keep as it was. 


I then added a few element stickers, including ‘welcome spring’ as my title, some florals, and words. 





Thanks so much for looking! 

See you again next month with a brand new collection. 

Anna 

@acraftylifewithanna

Wednesday, 23 April 2025

April crop

 We are cropping again this Saturday, the 26th April! This month's kit has been designed by Lynn, and is full of bright colours with a pretty diamond pattern... 



We will be at Otley Village Hall like we always are, from 10am until 4pm, with punches, dies, tea, coffee and homemade cakes.  

However, I'm afraid the shop won't be open this time.  Orders can be placed online (choose shop pickup when you checkout) and will be brought to the crop - they will need to be placed by 9am on Friday 25th April.

Monday, 21 April 2025

Good Vibes - Simple Stories - Simple Vintage Flower Shoppe Collection

 Hi everyone,

It’s Rebecca here today, and I’m excited to share my final layout using the Simple Vintage Flower Shoppe collection by Simple Stories. This collection has been such a joy to work with—especially now, as the sun is shining brighter and flowers are beginning to bloom again! You can find the full collection available in the shop here.


For today’s layout, I started by cutting three squares from two different patterned papers. I chose designs that complemented the colours in my photo, then trimmed the photo itself to match the same shape and size. I arranged all four squares in a diamond pattern in the centre of a sheet of Premium White Cardstock. Because of the direction we’re facing in the photo, I positioned it to the left—this way, our bodies are angled inward, drawing the eye toward the heart of the page.


One of my favourite Simple Stories products has always been the Foam Stickers—I love the mix of fonts and styles. For this layout, I picked a title sticker and placed it on the right-hand square to create a sense of balance across the design.


Having already used many of the large florals from the Floral Bits & Pieces pack, I flipped through what I had left and pulled a few smaller blooms. To stretch the collection even further, I turned to the 'Beautiful' patterned paper and fussy-cut some additional floral clusters. This is such a great way to get more from your stash!

I built two main floral clusters using a mix of those fussy-cut florals and smaller ephemera, adding foam pads for dimension. I also added a bold piece from the Bits & Pieces to the top cluster and a large Cardstock Sticker to anchor the bottom cluster.


To create a sense of movement across the page, I fussy-cut butterflies from the 'Dreamer' patterned paper and arranged them in a gentle cascade. I always attach butterflies by gluing just the body, leaving the wings free for a lovely 3D effect—almost as if they’ve just fluttered down and landed on the page.

Although I loved how the layout was coming together, the outer edges felt a little too bare. Instead of framing the whole page, I opted for thin, torn strips of patterned paper along two edges. It adds a bit of visual interest without overwhelming the centre. A couple of smaller Foam Stickers were the perfect finishing touch.


Thanks so much for joining me today. I've truly enjoyed working with this beautiful collection, and I hope my layouts have inspired you to dive into your own creative projects!

Take care,
Rebecca xx

@preciouspagespapercraft


Friday, 18 April 2025

April Papermaze Kit - Part 1

Welcome to the April Papermaze kit, This month's kit has a selection of photo papers, making it suitable for a selection of masculine, heritage and floral designs. The first two layouts are based on photo papers as the main feature of the page. As well as the six patterned papers, the kit has a collection of  embellishments. There are two sheets of Bazzill cardstock included, and you can also buy four more in the co-ordination pack.


Before looking at how I made the layouts, here are the details of what you will find in the kit.

 

Patterned Papers:
Mintay Papers - 
Photographer collection - #02 & #05
Stamperia - Alterego collection - Postcard & Turquoise Wallpaper
Stamperia - Create Happiness collection - Dewdrops - Wood
P13 - Love Stories collection - #06


2, 49 & Market frames, 6 pieces 49 & Market acetate ephemera, 1 strip Prima crystals, 1 sheet P13 alpha stickers, selection of Cocoa Vanilla foam stickers, 12" lace, 6" Tim Holtz filmstrip ribbon and 6x Tim Holtz brads


Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Twig & Whirlpool (included in kit). Coastal, Avalanche, Jade & Cinnamon Stick (in extra Bazzill pack)

 

Photography Project - This photo was taken by my daughter, as part of an A Level photography experiment. With the help of two friends who were willing to dress up and pose for her to do a film camera, black and white Victorian project, in the local park.


I started with the Mintay Papers -  Photographer collection - #02 paper, and with a craft knife I cut out the lens from the camera, fussy cutting around the flowers and smaller cameras. I printed the photo A4 size and arranged it to show through the lens.


I fussy cut flowers from
#05 paper, and layered these up with foam pads in the bottom right corner.



I placed a piece of white card under one of the 49 & Market frames, for my journalling. This was placed near the bottom of the layout near the flowers.


I created my title and date around the lens with the
P13 alpha stickers from the kit.


Seeds and Bulbs - A collection of spring flowers, photographed in my garden this year.





I wanted to make the paper - P13 - Love Stories collection - #06 into a showcase for the photos of my flowers. I started by cutting each of the drawers away from the chest. I used a craft knife to cut each drawer away, leaving the frame in one piece. I inked all the edges with Distress Ink - Walnut Stain.


I stuck the frame onto the sheet of Cinnamon Stick Bazzill.


I used a selection of Tim Holtz Sizzix dies to create an envelope, filmstrips, label holders, a rosette and tickets. These incude Alphanumeric Tiny Type Upper, Collector and Specimen. I also used the Sizzix Decorative Strip - Sizzlit mini filmstrip and mini tickets. I cut these shapes from some scrap Bazzill cardstock in Kraft and White, using more ink to distress the edges.


I printed my photos as small index prints so they would fit in the negative frames. Then I mounted others onto some white card.


I created each drawer, adding the shapes and words, labels etc. I used a few brads from the kit and others from my stash. Many items were stuck to the back of the drawers so they would be seen peeking out. Then all the drawers were replaced into the cabinet, using 3D foam pads to raise them up from the background.


Other items I included were, lolly sticks, wooden leave fronds, skeleton leaves, twine, key charms, and some stickers from a previous kit. I also used the Tim Holtz filmstrip ribbon from the kit.



That's all for today, I'll be back with more from this kit soon.
Thanks for looking
Lynn x