Fancy $200 worth of Copics...

...I know I do **big grin**

If you are a follower of the lovely Krista's "Saturated Canary" blog hop over there and see what is going on.

Krista is offering the most wonderful load of goodies - I'm not going to share any pictures with you because you need to see for yourself what is on offer and what you have to do to be in with a chance.

Good luck everyone.............................

A Place in Time...

...the start, the book and January & December.

Graphic 45 produce some wonderful ranges but like always, there are some I like and some I'm not so keen on. They also tend to be slightly more expensive than my 'run of the mill' choice of papers so when I do treat myself they often become items for stroking rather than using LOL

When I saw the "Place in Time" range I had to have a 12x12 pad as the papers are wonderful - but I just couldn't bring myself to use them. Then projects started appearing on t'net and I was so tempted to break into it...but...so I got a second pad. Okay, I know that's daft but there was one project that I'd seen that I really wanted to have a go at but still couldn't bring myself to cut into those lush papers.

A number of sites by folk who went to CHA Winter 2013 mentioned a super class by Laura Denison (Graphic 45 DT member) - a lovely 6x6 mini book created from the 12x12 pages. Lots of folding to create pockets and 'hidden' spaces. A friend of mine was even lucky enough to attend a class at the Artistic Stamper with Jennie Boxall where they created one of these super little books full of tags and interest. Poor Suzie was given a shopping list to fill whilst there as I wanted to 'play' too.

So starting with this little collection...

...I made a start.
Most of the examples I have seen on the web use the word block paper from the stack to cover the outside of the book but I wasn't keen...

...so I bought another Graphic 45 paper which has a lovely kraft look to it and is covered in clock faces - very apt; don't you think?
The folded pages create the spine of the book...

...and ribbon ties hold it in place so that it doesn't 'over-stretch' but still allows it to be flexible to accommodate lots of tags and embellishments.
The edges of the pages are inked in colours that 'fit' with the theme of the page...

...boy did I have fun going through my collection of Distress ink pads to find suitable colours (and yes, I got mucky).
This is my January page...

...everything needed came from the paper stack (each month has a base sheet and a sheet of cutable ellements). I did add a couple of gems and might even add some stickles to the 'snow' on the word January.
Here is December...

...I think a few red gems will get added to this.

I need to have a sort through my collection of Baker's twine so that I can finish off some tags but the whole book is going to be a "work in progress" for some time - I do not intend to rush this.

I did sit last night and cut out all the elements for each of the papers...boy was I organised - a little poly bag for each month so I know what goes where. However, even with cushion grip scissors my hand is complaining today so I think crafting may be a little limited for the rest of the day (ouch).

I'll keep you up to date with progress on this project - probably a post everytime I've completed a couple of 'months' - but if you'd like to see more projects using this range of papers, do hop over to the Graphic 45 site as the design team blog has some super projects. There are lots I'd like to try but the first thing I'd have to do is lay-in a stock of papers LOL..........................................................

I Believe in...

...Angels.

Okay, so I know I have set some of you off humming this - you will probably either be thinking of the ABBA version or perhaps Westlife (depending on your age **giggle**) - sorry about that but the title seemed appropriate.

Over at the CDAC Progressive challenge site we were given this freebie (ages ago) to produce some thing for the challenge - I can't believe that today is the last day for entry and I'm tearing around trying to finish in time. The image was provided by "Shelly's Images".

I've been wanting to put together an angel journal for some time so here is the cover...

...the image has been 'washed' using Ranger Distress markers.
I didn't want too much colour but did decide to go with the blue accent...

...and used the blue to pick out some of the letters on the sentiment (also provided by Shelly).

I'm still in two minds as to whether I leave the cover like this or add a bit more decoration - not sure.

Anyhoo, that is my entry for the challenge. Why don't you have a hop over to the challenge site and take a look at what other folk have produced.....................................

Rocking your World Friday...

...has rolled around again and if you want to find out more just hop over to Virginia's blog.

A visit to the Celtic House (Virginia's blog) will explain that there are a small band of us who try to link up each Friday over there to share the positives/things that made us smile during the previous seven days.

I think that a lot of us are finding things a bit tough at the moment but actually stepping back for a moment and looking for even the smallest things can be very up-lifting.

So here are my 'happy' things...

I managed to finish off the memory book that a colleague had asked for and when it was handed over he was over the moon - makes a job worthwhile when the results meet with approval.

Didn't start as a positive...Monday morning as I headed for the station I got a call to tell me not to bother going in as there had been a serious water leak in the building over the weekend. The area where my team sit had taken some of the worse damage. The building was closed for the day whilst the bulk of the damage was dealt with but we all had to report for duty on Tuesday. Despite the disruption to my staff they duly found themselves places to sit elsewhere in the building and went about their duties to the best of their abilities - another reminder of what a good team of folk I have.

On Wednesday one of my staff received a recognition letter from our regional assistant director for work she did creating a virtual newsboard that all the staff in our region can view - a very proud moment. The day got better when I also received a letter thanking me for covering an absent colleague for an extended (on-going) period.

Thursday was the start of a lovely 5-day weekend for me and I just pottered about catching up on a few things and seeing some friends that I hadn't seen for a while.

Friday (today) was the awaited members weekend for March - which just happens to also be Easter weekend.

I have been keeping everything crossed that the new stampscapes stamps would arrive in time...and they did **YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!** These are the range of stamps that we recently had the chance to play with on a Pan Pastel 'try-it' lesson. As you can see... 

 ...just a few **rollseyes** jumped into my basket...

 ...the set with the rowboat was the one we had 'played with. In addition to a few 'bulid-a-scene' sets I also got these...

 ...the snowy covered bridge was probably the one that I was most looking forward to grabbing. It might not look much in the picture but the sample that is used on the company's home page is amazing.

I also managed to nab the latest limited edition Promarkers...

...the colours in this set are fabulous.

Apart from the bargains that are available during members weekend at Pinnacle Crafts, I always manage to bump into friends and we have a natter. The shop was exceptionally busy today so Hilary and I took a 'time-out' and went for a coffee and a chat...before heading back in for 'round 2' LOL

I think we were both very pleased with our purchases and we rounded the morning off with another visit to the cafe for a couple of hot chocolates.

The sun has been shining all day (although the wind has been bitterly cold) so things have seemed a bit more cheerful - isn't it amazing what a bit of sunshine can do.

Why don't you pay Virgina a visit and see what other folk have found to be positive about this week - or better still; why not join in too.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend everyone and don't forget to put the clocks forward............................................................

Boxing clever...

...with the help of my Crafters Companion Ultimate Pro.

I love my 'Ultimate' and I have to say that it has been worth every penny just for the box making facility alone (I don't think I could have made all those favour boxes for my niece's wedding without it).

So when it came to making a box for the Cluedo themed memory book, I grabbed my 'Pro'.

As I mentioned in the previous post, the book was actually a bit bigger than 8x8 so I was going to struggle to make a suitable box because I didn't have any CS larger than 12x12. Then I had the 'lightbulb' moment and pulled out some 12x12.
The lid was never going to be a problem as the sides didn't need to be any deeper than 1 inch so grabbing a sheet of 12x12, I scored along each side.

I'm a lazy crafter who doesn't 'do' all those measurements and calculations unless absolutely necessary - the 'Pro' lets me score at just the right place and I know it will fit.
Snipping into each corner to create a tab to secure the corners...

...I then used the scoring tool to create crisp edges. Then using DST I stuck the corners. One completed lid for a 10x10 box.
The base of the box was always going to be the problem area.

If I scored at the 2 inch point on all four sides I was going to end up with an 8x8 box base - not a lot of use! This was where I utilised 2 sheets of 12x12.
I only scored the CS on two adjacent sides...

...creating 2 walls and a base.
By creating two pieces like this I was able to slot them together to form a whole box...

...and by having a double layer for the base it makes the box a bit more sturdy to cope with the larger size.
Ta-da!!! One 10x10, 2 inch deep box...

...all ready to reinforce/decorate with some washii tape.

So as you can see - it is possible to make bigger boxes without resorting to the expense of having to buy A3 CS.

I handed the completed Cluedo book & box over to my friend/colleague Simon today and he was over the moon - it will be presented to Patsy tomorrow as she will be popping back to the office for a meeting.

Simon asked if I'd taken photos of it for my blog...doh!...bit late there Simon LOL

He also said that I should tell you all that I have the rights to this 'Intellectual Property' - the boardgame book idea (those of you in the UK will have probably seen the Compare the Market/Meerkat adverts...) - again - bit late there Simon...I've already shared with my crafting friends.

I hope the idea about using old boardgames for your crafting has sparked some other ideas for you and I'd love to see anything that you come up with.

I also hope that the tip on how to make a bigger box from 12x12 CS proves to be useful and that it helps to solve a few of those packaging problems..........................................................

It's all in the...

...presentation!

So you've made your memory book and now you have to hand it over...do you shove it in a carrier-bag ? Wrap it in some paper ? Give it 'as is' ?...doesn't look very good; does it.

The problem is, you got a bit carried away with the size and you have a book that measures 9.75 x 8.75 inches and it is quite thick...what do you do ?

This is what I did...

...a 10x10 inch box with 2 inch-deep sides - and all out of 3 sheets of 12x12.
Cutting was kept to a minimum...

...and the washii tape not only secured the joins but it provided some decoration too.

Pop back later and I'll tell you how I did it..................................

A Night to Remember...

...captured in a Cluedo themed memory book.

Lots of photos but I'll try and keep the waffle to a minimum LOL

You have already seen what the outside of the book looks like as I posted this pic in the previous post.

However, I thought I'd post it again and just let you know a bit about what you are seeing. I decided to go with 1.5inch book-rings rather than using my Bind-it-All (largest o-wires are only 1.25inches and it would also restrict the recipient from adding any other keepsakes)and used my crop-a-dile to set an eyelet at the leading edge on both the front & back to attach ribbon closures.
The first few pages just introduce the main characters - Mrs White (Patsy)...

...Col. Mustard (Simon)...

...and Miss Scarlett (Paula).
The playing cards from the game provided great themed embellies...

...and the "Detective Notes" sheets will be perfect for Simon to add some journalling before the book is handed over.
There is at least a double spread for each of the 'rooms' that appear on the playing board...

...this one, as you can see, is the 'Study' - well she is sat at her desk; what more do you want **giggle** - and throughout the book the RH page has backing paper created by photocopying the appropriate part of the playing board.
The LH pages are much plainer. Some have photos...

...with embellies and some just have the playing card embellies.
Some of the photos were 'staged' by Simon...

...it was the only way we could ensure that there were suitable pics for every room.
Some photos didn't need staging...

...food? - kitchen; of course!.
There were numerous group photos...

...and as you can see...

...the Detective Notes will be useful for Simon to record the names of the folk in the pictures.
A bit of a knees-up...

...in the 'Ballroom'.
Definitely a staged pic...

...I think she would have had more luck potting the balls with a cue rather than a pint LOL
At the back of the book I made a pocket page...

...which will be ideal for containing small keepsakes.
On the very back page I've used the 'Murder cards' envelope...

...I tucked a couple of tags in the envelope so that Paula and Simon can write their own wishes.
I didn't have a full set of playing pieces but the ones that I did have are joined together to create a 'danglie' from the book-rings...

...and all the book-rings were decorated with a mix of ribbons/fibres/string.
The title on the front cover was created on a panel of black CS edged with gold pen and the lettering was from the Papermania 'Deco' range.

I hope she likes the book and it really does bring back memories of a night to remember....................................................................