Crafting to Stay Sane!

Smash Style Journal

2012-01-27T19:33:00.004Z

This is a Smash style journal I made as a present for our niece who is off to New Zealand for 6 months. I am not sure if she will use it but I thought it might be nice for her to add postcards, tickets etc and make a memento of her trip!

Didn't want to go too overboard with the embellishments on the covers incase they don't "travel" well!
Thanks for watching!
Have a great weekend!
Alyson :o)

Mini Junk Journal for a swap

2012-01-24T21:26:00.001Z

Just wanted to share a mini junk journal that I made for a swap on Mini Album Scraps.

Prima Botanical Heritage Album video

2012-01-13T11:21:00.000Z

Sneak Peek of an album for a friend

2012-01-12T14:17:00.005Z

Towards the end of the summer a friend of mine from the scrapbeach and I decided to do a swap for christmas. Well life sometimes gets in the way and I am running late with this but have finally finished! sorry but blogger never gets the pictures in order for me not sure what I am doing wrong? Anyway here is a little peek, I will post a video in the next day or so when I have time to film it!
The album is made from black envelopes and the paper I used was Botanical by Prima.
Thanks for looking! Alyson :o)

Birthday and New Years eve ..............

2011-12-31T15:56:00.002Z

My youngest son turned 16 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ash!
As ever the time is flying by as we head rapidly into 2012!
I would just like to thank all my blog subscribers for following my crafting journey and wish you and your family all a Happy and more importantly a Healthy New Year!
hugs Alyson x

2011-12-23T23:31:00.000Z

Merry Christmas!

Sorry as I have been missing yet again! Finally seeing the christmas plans comming together so I thought I'd have a quick catch up while I had a few spare moments before the big day!
Yesterday evening we made our "traditional" visit to the winter wonderland, trouble is this year it seemed to have lost its magic! Last year there was snow on the ground and temperatures of about -2 degrees c which added to the christmas feel, however it is mild here in the uk at the moment so with a temperature of about 11 degrees c it wasn't quite the same! We still ended the evening with a hot chocolate topped with cream and a chocolate flake!
Tomorrow, christmas eve, I'll prepare as much of the christmas dinner that I can ready for christmas day, the in the afternoon we are going to see a pantomime, this year is Aladdin. then its back home for Sausage rolls and Mince pies!
So all thats left is you wish you all a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and thank you for all your support and good wishes!
Hugs Alyson x

Christmas Is Comming and I am so NOT READY!!!

2011-12-08T11:41:00.003Z

Sorry I haven't posted for a while but life has just got in the way! Those of you who have been following my blog for a while will know we sadly lost my mother in August of 2010. Since then my father has been living alone some 2 1/2 hrs away and has been very lonely. Well we have finally moved him into a property in the next village so we are at hand when he needs us. I won't bore you with all the details but just to say he was stopping with us for the last 3 weeks!
Anyhow amongst all the upheaval I have managed to make some christmas organisers for the classroom assistants at my daughters school. I downloaded the pages from: Organizedchristmas.com and think they will make a useful present to use in next years christmas preparations!
Now to catch up on the christmas shopping, decorating the tree etc!

Poppy Journal

2011-11-09T08:59:00.002Z

Thought I'd share a few pictures of a journal I have created.
You can see more details here

Halloween In Wonderland Album

2011-11-02T14:07:00.000Z

The winner of the 300 subscriber giveaway...........

2011-10-31T20:27:00.000Z

Christmas Organiser

2011-10-29T18:19:00.002+01:00

Another Christmas Journal, this time an organiser to carry with you. Divided into 6 tabbed sections: wish List, Card Tracker, Gift Ideas etc.
You can see it in our shop here !

December Daily Journal

2011-10-29T16:08:00.003+01:00

Here are a couple of the latest Journals that have been added to our etsy store here:
The first is a December Daily. I have made these the last two years and have had fun adding to them in the lead upto christmas!

Don't Forget.....

2011-10-20T09:39:00.001+01:00

If you follow this blog you also need to leave a message under the giveaway post below to be entered into the draw!
hugs
Alyson x

300 Subscribers on my You tube channel GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-10-19T18:02:00.001+01:00

For 3 chances to win you can:
1. Subscribe to my youtube channel and leave a comment on the video posting
2. Follow my blog and leave a comment here
3. Spread the word about the giveaway and post a link for me to see!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Shabby Chic Journal

2011-10-13T16:17:00.002+01:00

For sale in our etsy shop

Giveaway Time!!!!!

2011-10-01T08:57:00.003+01:00

Visit here for details how you could win this gorgeous Freshwater Pearl and Sterling Silver Stacker Bracelet!
Thanks for your support and GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!

Sophie's Stacker Bracelets!

2011-09-29T15:58:00.001+01:00

Please visit here to see Sophie's new Stacker Bracelets and also find out about a chance to win a Freshwater Pearl Stacker Bracelet!
Thankyou!

New Blog and New Etsy Store!!!

2011-09-20T13:43:00.004+01:00

Hi Guys,
Here is a new project I have been working on and I know it is a diversion from papercrafting but I hope you will find it of interest and be able to support us!

New Blog: http://dragonflygemsforyou.blogspot.com/

New Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/houseofcommons2?ref=seller_info

Thank you for looking it is much appreciated!
Alyson x

My Smash Book Tutorial Video

2011-09-15T17:21:00.003+01:00

This is the first tutorial video I have done so it is not great but I hope it gets across how to make the smash book. Unfortunatly half way through the sound goes so if you have any questions I will be happy to answer them and don't forget all the other details are in the post below!

Thank you for watching!

My Smash Book Tutorial

2011-09-14T14:32:00.004+01:00

A Video will follow but I wanted to post here in more detail sizes of paper, chipboard etc so that you can refer to them without having to watch the whole video over again!
So to make a smash book like the one previously shown you will need:

Sturdy Chipboard:
2 -off 9 1/2" x 6 1/2" for front and back covers
1 -off 9 1/2" x 1" for spine of book

Patterned Paper:
Preferably from a 12" x 12" sheet that is the cut into
Approx 35 - off 6" x 9" for the pages
2 -off 6" x 12" for the cover ( I cut a 12" x 12" sheet in half vertically to get a continuation of pattern on front and back of book)
2 -off 9 1/2" x 3" strips to cover outer and inner spine (I used offcuts from the pages)
1 -off 12" x 9" for inner covers and binding ( scored vertically at 6" along the 12" length the again 3/4" either side of the 6" score line)
2 -off 9 1/2" x 3" for inside covers pockets

Bind It All:
Wire size 3/4" (17 coils)

The of course any envelopes, tags etc that you want to add!
As I said video will follow so please keep a look out for it!
Thank you
hugs Alyson x

Another SMASH BOOK!

2011-09-07T21:36:00.002+01:00

I've not had a lot of time for crafting this past 6 weeks with the school holidays but I did get time here and there to put together this SMASH style book to use for pictures of my daughter that get sent home form school! I was fun to make so here is the video:

Missing In Action....

2011-08-13T11:57:00.005+01:00

Hi Guys, Sorry I haven't updated my blog for a while but with the kids being off school for the summer holidays life kinda takes over! We had a lovely week away in the Lake district. Never been before but the scenery was stunning and we were lucky as we had gorgeous weather with no rain what so ever, a rarety with it being the wettest part of the country and in fact they had flooding the week before we went!
On our return it was full steam ahead for the preparations for my eldest son, Sam's 18th birthday. We went for a meal on the day and had a Hawiian themed BBQ for family and friends last saturday. Yet again we were lucky as the weather held out with just a few spots of rain that didn't come to anything!
Hope to catch up with you all again soon with some crafting! Until then enjoy what is left of the summer!

My Version Of A Smash Book using 7 Gypsies and a Zutter Cover-All!

2011-07-14T15:06:00.001+01:00

See photo's below!
Thank you for looking!

My Version Of A SMASH BOOK!

2011-07-14T14:44:00.005+01:00

Like lots of people I was wanting to get my hands on a SMASH BOOK by K & Co. But my search showed it was not going to be easy as everything was selling out fast. So I decided to make my own using some stash that I had hoarded a couple of years ago! Well you will see form the video that I was lucky enough to get my hands on not 1 but 2 Smash books (one is to record my son's 18th birthday!). However I thought I would share what I made using a Zutter Cover All and a 7 Gypsies Journal Pack along with some extra 7 Gypsies Papers.

Altered Journal for a swap on the Scrapbeach

2011-07-07T22:54:00.002+01:00

Another fun swap hosted by Lori on the scrapbeach!
Thanks for watching.

Shabby Chic Garden Coffee Sleeve Album

2011-06-16T16:43:00.002+01:00

This was another two part swap hosted by Irene over on the scrapbeach. Once again we put together a set of kits to make a page (this time using coffee sleeves).The kits were then distributed so each person in our group had a set of parts to make the final album, that is then sent to a nominated partner.
The above video is what I created with my kit!
Thank you for looking, please leave a comment!

Shabby Chic Album Kit For Sale!!! All SOLD!

2011-06-09T14:13:00.004+01:00

This kit is using the Kaisercraft Chanteuse Collection.
This collection is absolutly gorgeous and perfect to make a shabby chic style album!!!!!

This is another huge kit and here is what you will receive:
18 off 6 1/2"x 6 1/2" Single sided patterned papers (inc. 2 spot varnish,
1 flocking and 3 foil)
2 off 6" x 6 1/2" double sided papers
1 off 5 1/2" x 12" double sided paper
2 off 6" x 12" Co-ordinations sand it, tear it card
1 off 6" x 12" white card
2 off A5 pearl card
1 0ff A5 Velum
6 off 6 1/2" x 5 3/4" thick white cardstock for album covers and pages
1 off pack Rub on's to match collection
2 off pieces of Tulle ) to make your
1 off piece of Voile ) own flowers etc.
3 off pieces of lace
2 off pieces of organza ribbon
1 off length of leaf trim
1 off 6" pearl strand
1 off 6" white blooms
2 off lengths fibres
1 off 6" large green blooms
17 off assorted die-cuts and chipboard pieces from collection ( will vary each kit)
6 off tags from collection
Large collection of die-cuts from Tim Holtz dies and martha stewart punch
2 off cream skeleton leaves
2 off large wild orchid crafts flowers
5 off cream kaisercraft flowers
5 off pink kaisercraft flowers
1 off Leaf
2 off Crystal sprigs ( 1 pink and 1 green)
3 off small white blossom
1 off Pink Cherry blossom
3 off white Rosebuds
3 off Pink tipped Rosebuds
11 off assorted small roses
2 off book rings
1 off ribbon clip
2 off Small swivel Clasps
1 off Crystal topped Pin
1 off Pink topped Pin
5 off Headpins
5 off Jump rings
3 off Flat backed Dewdrops
Assorted Beads

SORRY ALL NOW SOLD!!!!
There are just 3 kits available and they will cost £25 each plus post and packing.
If you are interested in a kit please email me at:
houseofcommons2@hotmail.co.uk
Title the email "Shabby Chic Kit" so that I won't miss it!
Please let me know where you want the kit sent to so that I can do a postage quote. I am happy to send international. Payment by pay pal please.
Thank you for looking!
Alyson x

Shabby Chic Altered Box and Album using Websters Pages

2011-05-13T18:35:00.001+01:00

Finished Moulin Rouge Album

2011-04-29T19:17:00.002+01:00

Sneek Peek

2011-04-28T17:13:00.005+01:00

Here is a little peek at an album that I have made as a sample for some kits that will be available here on my blog soon (hopefully tomorrow!)

It is using the Prima Moulin Rouge paper collection and is very lush! There will be 3 kits available so if you are interested in one please let me know and I will reserve it for you! Full details are to follow!

Shabby Chic Paperbag Album

2011-04-14T21:28:00.002+01:00

Here is my latest project as Shabby Chic album using the papermania Summer Bloom paperline.

Sorry it is in 2 parts as my camera shut off part way through!

It is for a swap with Becky on the scrapbeach hope she is pleased with it!
Thanks for watching!

Blog Candy

2011-04-01T09:29:00.000+01:00

http://angelwingsandbeautifulthings.blogspot.com/

Lots of gorgeous goodies up for grabs so take a look!

Red Nose Day!

2011-03-18T10:57:00.003Z

As I am sure my regular followers will know by now, my daughter loves to dress up and any excuse will do! So when a charity event like Red Nose Day comes along Sophie is full of enthusiasm! She chose and bought the T shirt weeks back when they first came out, not sure it was the punk theme she was after,I'm sure she just saw it as a clown lol!Anyhow just wanted to share a couple of photos of how she was dressed when she went to school today!

Finished Spring TP Roll Album!!

2011-03-14T11:09:00.000Z

Out Of My Comfort Zone....

2011-03-09T13:50:00.000Z

I joined a swap with a difference over on the scrapbeach. The swap was in 2 parts, first of all we had to put together some kits in the theme of Spring, to decorate a TP roll album. We had to make a kit of parts for each person taking part, including: patterned paper, ribbons, flowers, beads etc.etc. these where the bagged up and sent to our lovely host Irene who then sorted them out and sent the kits to everyone.Are you following me lol?
Second stage on recieving the kits from everyone is then to create a TP roll mini album, for a partner who Irene has selected for you, using only the components in the kits although we are allowed to use our own inks, paints etc. This way we can see what different albums everyone comes up with despite using the same kit of goodies! The thing is that being a Spring theme all the components were lovely bright colours which I don't usually work with as those of you that follow will know!
Well here is a sneak peak at the album, which is still a work in progress...
Doing something like this has really got me thinking outside the box, as you will notice on the charm I didn't have enought to fill it so I added a safety pin that was in the kit with some beads on it which I thinks looks rather good!

Something a bit different....

2011-03-04T15:26:00.002Z

Playing with beads and my first attempt at making a charm.....

Simple Male Card

2011-03-04T13:07:00.000Z

I suddenly realised it is our Nephew's birthday over the weekend so have made this simple card for him.
The Hot Air Balloon image is from the Kaisercraft Up, Up & Away collection. I have used my Tim Holtz Mini Baroque die yet again but this time I have used the "Negative" and made a frame around my image.I have also used the Scallops on the edge die for the back ground paper.

Junk Journal

2011-03-02T14:51:00.000Z

I am hosting a swap over on www.thescrapbeach.ning.com to make a junk journal. Here is a sneak peak at the cover:
This is made from corrigated card from an old box, over which I have Modge Podged a paper napkin. When dry the cover was then stamped with Stazon ink and a script stamp. The edges were distressed with vintage photo distress ink,followed by a gold ink pad.
For the title I die cut one of Tim Holtz Mini Baroque shapes from white card, glimmer misted it with Wheatfields Tattered Angels glimmer mist. Distressed the edges with Fired Brick and then Vintage Photo distress ink. Stuck on some glittered alphas from my stash.
I layered up the flower from 2 of Tim Holtz Tattered Floral die cuts, cut from old book pages. The lower one was glimmer misted in Olive vine to look like leaves. Then layered with a prima flower which I had gesso'd inked and sprayed with wheatfields. The Gesso makes the flower "plastic like" to add another texture. Then cinnamon stickles were added to petal tips and a Poppy was added to the centre.
I made one of my butterflies, which I seem to be making a lot of lately lol!
White card die cut to butterfly shape, Glimmer misted, edged with fired brick distress ink. Stamped with a background stamp also in fired brick. Then Rock candy distress stickles were added to the wing tips and 1/2 backed pearls for the body. Then the flower and butterfly were layered oto the cover.
For the inside cover I tore back some of the covering to reveal the corrigation inside. Painted this area with mushroom paint dabber. Then sprayed with Ancient Copper Cosmic shimmer spray. When the patterned paper was fixed on I tore an area over the corrigated section to reveal it!
More to follow!....

Win A Years Worth Of Scrap Kits.....

2011-03-02T11:42:00.000Z

http://wescrapkits.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-kit-win-years-worth-of-kits.html
Just copy and paste the link above!

More detailed photo's of Altered Composition Book!

2011-02-23T16:07:00.000Z

For this composition book I have used K&Co Wild Saffron Paper. The dividers were made using the Tim Holtz On the Edge die. Edges inked using Broken China distress ink.

Altered Composition Book

2011-02-23T14:20:00.000Z

Basic Grey Cappella Valentine Album

2011-02-12T12:47:00.000Z

Another quick project to share with you. Have a great weekend!

My Latest Project.....

2011-02-11T13:46:00.000Z

I thought I would share my latest project with you. Hubby has made this clothes hanger plaque for Sophie's dressing up clothes so I decided to decorate it to match her bedroom using some of the left over paint, some prima flowers and some flowers from Wild Orchid crafts. I couldn't go too over the top with the flowers as I didn't want them to get in the way when the hooks were in use!

Where does the time go?

2011-02-07T14:05:00.000Z

Well my little girl became a teenager on Saturday and she is getting so grown up! Despite having special needs she notices what the other "young ladies" are wearing and wants to be just like them: clothes, hair, makeup etc.Very girly!
We bought a birthday cake from Asda and it was yummy as you can see lol! If you like chocolate cake I would definately recommend it!

Decorated Candles

2011-01-29T12:31:00.000Z

What with a busy run up to Christmas I didn't get round to sharing the candles I decorated as gifts for Sophie's Teachers, so here they are!
I used some Vanilla and some Berry scented candles,paper from Paper Artsy, lace, flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and stickles.Then I wrapped the finished candles in cellophane and tied with some raffia, I was pleased with the overall effect!

Altered Journal

2011-01-21T14:54:00.000Z

Christmas Daily 2010

2011-01-10T14:38:00.000Z

Like many other people I made a Christmas countdown journal. It is now finally finished as this year I took it through to New Years Eve as it is my son's birthday then. This slide show shows a selection of pages from the journal. I haven't shown it all 1) it would be a long slide show and 2)there are pictures of friends and family who I have not asked permission to show.
Anyhow I hope this gives you and idea of the journal. Now it can be put away until next christmas!

TP Roll Vintage Christmas Album

2011-01-06T09:05:00.000Z

This is an album I made from empty loo roll tubes, before christmas for a swap I hosted on the scrapbeach. As it has now arrived at its destination I thought I would show the video of it here. Please excuse the noisy bird in the bacground he feels he has to compete with me lol!
Thanks for watching!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-12-31T13:11:00.000Z

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all my wonderful friends a Happy and Healthy New Year! Lets hope that 2011 is a good one!
Love to you all
Alyson xxx

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

2010-12-28T22:49:00.000Z

Sorry I know I have been a bad blogger! Things have been very up and down since loosing my mum. Dad has spent lots of tme with us and I haven't had time to catch up one everything! Lets hope the new year will be different!
Anyhow we did get a visit to the Winter Wonderland before christmas. Made even more magical by the fact that there was a scattering of snow on the ground!

More Halloween Look if you Dare!!!!!

2010-11-01T10:53:00.000Z

I know Halloween is over for this year but wanted to share some photo's from last night!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T11:13:00.001Z

Thought I'd share a few photo's with you............

Steampunk mini album

2010-10-08T22:33:00.000+01:00

"Steampunk Style" mini album

2010-10-05T12:08:00.000+01:00

First of all I just wanted to thank you for all your support during this difficult time. I did read all your comments but was not upto replying. So now for some crafting.................

I have recently taken part in a swap over on the beach to craete a steampunk/victorian album.

Here is a sneek peek of what I came up with. More photos to follow when I have more time!

More blog candy!

2010-09-17T19:42:00.000+01:00

This time at:
http://www.vintagescrappin.blogspot.com

Check out this Blog Candy From Stacy

2010-09-17T19:32:00.000+01:00

http://scrapwithstacy.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-tim-holtz-blog-candy-giveaway.html

Why I haven't posted in a while..............

2010-08-25T16:21:00.000+01:00

For those of you who visit my blog to see my crafting you may not want to read further but I am feeling very low at the moment and thought that if I got some things off my chest it may help. As some of you know my mother passed away unexpectedly a couple of weeks ago. Despite being unwell with a form of dementia caused by her diabetes (thats another story) her passing was a great shock and although I know she did not suffer and would have wanted to go this way it is still hard to come to terms with. My elderly father is staying with us as they lived some 2 1/2 hrs away and I do not want him to be alone at this time. Well the last 2 weeks have been full of funeral plans and toing and froing to my parents house. Our hurt has been added to by the fact that a neighbour who has been awkward with my parents over the last couple of years, who knew my mother had passed away and that the funeral was going to happen, went and parked his car outside my parents house and cleared off on holiday! How can people be so cruel as to deprive my mother of going to her final resting place from her own home? These neighbours have abused the elderly people in the street arguing with them on more than one occasion but the strange thing is that the woman works for "Help the Aged"(or whatever it is called now), so how does that work I ask myself? Of course everyone is too scared to stand up to them and my dad has had enough on, caring for my mother to get into any arguments with them. We shall have to bite our tongue over this now as I don't want them to start on my father again if he is ever at the house alone!
To top it all my mothers brother will be at the funeral, no doubt showing crocodile tears for my mother. This man hasn't been to visit my mother and the last time he saw her, he stood behind her chair and talked over her totally ignoring her! Sorry but he had better watch is tongue tomorrow or he might find out just what I think of him!!!!
I am not looking for your sympathy in writing this but just needed an outlet for my frustrations. Thank you for all the messages and cards that I have received and although I don't always respond to the messages I do read and take comfort from them.
Not sure when I will write again but thank you all for being there!
Hugs Alyson x

Our Trip To Cadbury World.........

2010-08-06T14:12:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday (4th August)it was my son's 17th birthday, where do the years go????
He chose where to go for the day and plumped for Cadbury World in Birmingham. We have been a few years ago and had a good time and of course our fill of chocolate so it was s good choice!
Well yet again it was a great day, Sophie had a wonderful time and especially enjoyed seeing the drum playing Gorilla from the cadbury adverts shown here in the uk!(Also the children with the "dancing" eyebrows lol)
When we got back home my husband who is a driving instructor took my son for his first driving lesson. Of course I had to record the occassion with a photo or two much to my son's embarassment!

Flowers for the August Swap on the scrapbeach

2010-08-02T16:51:00.000+01:00

The August swap is Orange flowers so I cut these from old book pages and stained them with Marmalade distress ink. Fun to make!

Meet the Latest Addition To Our family....

2010-07-16T10:25:00.000+01:00

Sorry I have been MIA as things have been busy lately! What with University open day visits with Sam and the preparations for the end of term there doesn't seem enough hours in the day!
Also as you can see we have another addition to our family. Ash had been on about getting a Ferret for a while now and Kev and I were not keen having never had anything to do with them in the past. Well a man up the road had some baby ferrets for sale and Kev agreed to find out more. The result being that Ash as of yesterday evening,is now the very proud owner of a ferret named Toby! As you can see from the photo's he is thrilled to bits and I must admit that Toby is rather cute!

Fun with Flowers!

2010-07-01T13:20:00.000+01:00

Sorry I have been missing lately, things have been really hectic with family etc. I did however get the odd time when I have been making some flowers! I have watched various instruction video's on You-Tube, from where I have gained lots of inspiration! Here are what I have made so far! I have taken part in a couple of flower swaps which were great fun but the only downside is the shipping costs to and from America. Therefore I was wondering if anyone would be interested in taking part in a Flower Swap if I were to organise it here on my blog? I will finalise details once I know what the interest is. That said, I am happy for anyone to join, international or UK!
Look forward to your comments! Hugs Alyson x

June Flower swap

2010-06-12T22:55:00.000+01:00

For the last couple of months I have joined a flower swap hosted by Lyla New on the ScrapBeach. The ones I made for May are already in America but here are the ones that i have just made for June. I had to make 12 sets and this months colour was Yellow. Please let me know what you think. Thank you!
Photo's were taken at night so don't show true colours but you can get an idea of what they are like!

Finally Back............

2010-06-04T21:07:00.000+01:00

and no real excuse for being a bad blogger! here's one of my latest creations that is winging its way across the oceans to Tracy my dear friend in America!

You can see a video here
of the complete album. Please bare with me as I am still learning with the videoing and it isn't brilliant but will hopefully give you an idea of the album! Please leave any comments as they are much appreciated!
Thankyou for watching!

Filled Matchbox Swap

2010-05-01T16:52:00.000+01:00

Suzie from the docrafts forum organised a "filled matchbox swap" which I had great fun taking part in! Of course I had to alter my matchbox lol! My partner turned out to be Suzie and as she has now received the box I thought I would show it on here. Yes it is a vintage style box lol!Made using distress ink, glimmer mist, lace and a hand made flower! Filled with more handmade flowers, lace, charms, paper clips, mini postcards, and lots of other tiny goodies (see picture).Great fun to do thank you Suzie for organising!

2010-04-21T12:47:00.001+01:00

Thank you Leslie and Tracy for this award!

Here are the rules to accepting this award:

1. Thank the person who nominated you
2. Copy the award and paste it on your blog
3. Link to the person who nominated you for the award
4. List 10 interesting things about yourself
5. Nominate 10 other Beautiful Bloggers

So here goes! 10 interesting things about myself:
1. I have 3 wonderful young adults ages 12yrs, 14yrs and 16yrs so I guess I shouldn't call them children any more!
2. I will have been married to my wonderful husband for 19 years this May!
3. I love making mini albums and taking part in swaps.
4. I have made some wonderful friends through the scrapbooking world!
5. My favorite time of year is Spring as I love all the new beginnings: baby lambs in the fields, plants beginning to grow (sorry if this sounds corny!)
6. My favorite flower is the Tulip (another reason I love the spring time!)
7. I always have an untidy craft space lol!
8. I love anything in a vintage style!
9. My Favorite products: Tim Holtz, Prima, Websters Pages, Graphic 45 and of course Glimmer Mist!
10. I used to be quite shy but have got more confidence as I have got older!

So I now Nominate the following for this award:
Sarah miniaddict.blogspot.com
Sue Sue-bubbles.blogspot.com
Gina southlea.blogspot.com
Suzie Suzieboocrafts.blogspot.com
Diane dianesrambles-diane.blogspot.com
Felicia scrapzville.blogspot.com
Louise myhuckleberryfinn.blogspot.com
Val bastlemania-craftattack.blogspot.com

Our Holiday.....

2010-04-18T19:39:00.000+01:00

Around Whitby are a lot of places that are used as TV and Film Locations. We visited a Village called Goathland which was used in the filming of Heartbeat, along with the surrounding Moors. A couple of places were still set up as for filming!

Goathland railway station was also used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone as "Hogsmeade Station". The car at the top of this post was also used in one of the Harry potter films!

Finally time for some blogging!

2010-04-18T19:30:00.000+01:00

Things have been busy the last couple of weeks as the kids have been on their Easter break from school. The first week we went away to Whitby in Yorkshire. We had a lovely time and the weather was even quite kind to us with really only one day when it rained in the morning. As we took the dog with us we did lots of walking but we even took a ride on a steam train! This we could see from our cottage window!

March Scrapzville swap for Heidi, A Recipe Book

2010-04-18T19:25:00.000+01:00

As Heidi has her album from the March scrapzville swap I can now show the pictures above. I hope she was pleased with it as it was her first album swap!
Heidi did not want an album that was too jammed packed that it wouldn't close, so I thought I would make this album which is based on one by Laura Dennison of Following The paper Trail. This is what it came out like.

March TWS swap Album For Trini

2010-03-31T21:34:00.000+01:00

Trini now has this album so I thought I would show it in its entirety!Thanks for looking!

Cover's for Somer's Memorial Books

2010-03-24T15:17:00.000Z

Following a huge responce it looks like there will be enough pages for about 10 albums of Somer's mum Diena. As it is such a mamoth task making covers and binding the books I have offered to make some covers. They are very simple, but with the time scale involved as they have to be in America early April, this is what I have come up with!

Card and Mini Book Page for Diena

2010-03-16T15:46:00.000Z

A good friend of mine in America posted a call for help to put together a mini album for a lady called Diena. Last year Diena's daughter, Somer, was tragically murdered you can see more about the story on Sarah's Youtube channel: kaczsk.
This is the page that I have made for the book along with a card.Somer's favorite colour was purple.

March 2010 crop challenge #6 Pretty In Pink

2010-03-14T11:15:00.000Z

I have made this 12x12 Layout for the Pretty In Pink Challenge on The Scrap Beach Forum.

Sneek Peek of March TWS album for Trini

2010-03-12T21:32:00.001Z

Heres a couple of photo's of my latest mini album! I have used the V&A paper pack.I will post a slide show once this album is with Trini.

Dressing Up For World Book Day!

2010-03-11T11:21:00.000Z

Well a week late as World Book Day was last Thursday, but Sophie's school had an OFSTED inspection so it was postponed until today. Not that it worried Sophie as she is thrilled at any chance to get dressed up! She went as Jesse the cowgirl from Toy Story 2!
She already had the hat but borrowed the shirt, gun and holster from her brothers!

More Tim Holtz!

2010-03-08T10:19:00.000Z

As well as the tags I have used this technique on a Mothers day card as I love the vintage feel which went perfectly with the Image I was using!
The chipboard frame was inked with Walnut Stain and covered in crackle accents.
The background also has stamped wording which I did using versa mark ink and brushed cosmic shimmer pigments to high light it.(Unfortunately this doesn't show in the picture!) This was then sprayed with hairspray to fix it! Well I was quite pleased with the result!

Playing with my Tim Holtz Inks!

2010-03-08T10:12:00.000Z

Lately I have , like so many others, had great fun experimenting with the few Tim Holtz inks I own! there are lots of great tutorials on You tube, which is where I got my inspiration!
Here are a couple of tags I have made, not perfect but I am pleased with them as a first try!
They were made using: Old Paper, Worn Lipstick, Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain distress Inks. Wheatfields Glimmer Mist and a Prima Stamp. The top tag also has a handmade flower! I'd appreciate any comments good or bad!

Sarah's February TWS swap

2010-03-03T14:26:00.000Z

Sarah has finally received her album from me so I am able to post a slide show of the whole album. I am looking forward to receiving Sarah's album as I have only seen the front cover so far!
You can see Sarah opening this album on a youtube video her user name is kaczsk if you want to have a look!

My February scrapzville swap for Robyn

2010-02-26T15:17:00.000Z

As it has arrived with Robyn, in Ireland, I thought I would show you the album that I made for the February Scrapzville swap. I picked up some red bags from a party suppliers but was rather disappointed with them as they are such poor quality to those from the States! Once covered with paper they were ok but I am just hoping that they will be able to take the ware that the better quality ones do! I used assorted K & Company papers.Thank you for looking!

Fantastic Giveaway!

2010-02-24T17:45:00.001Z

See here for a fantastic giveaway!

Sneek Peek at my February TWS album for Sarah

2010-02-11T13:34:00.000Z

The theme of this months swap was "The Love Of My Life". Sarah told me she would like to have the book about the loves of her life, her boys and dog. This is a little peep at the album that I have made. A full slide show will be added when Sarah has her album!
Sarah said her favorite colour is purple and she loves butterflies, Lace, vintage/distressed and Fairies all of which I have incorporated somewhere within the album. Hope she likes it!

January TWS swap for Michelle

2010-02-11T13:32:00.000Z

Michelle wanted a vintage/ grunge album that her daughter could used for pictures etc of her friends. Here is what I came up with!

Blog Awards

2010-02-01T14:47:00.000Z

Thank you to Val and Maria for my blog awards!
Right I have to tell you 3 things I would never do:
1.) Cause upset to someone on purpose
2.) Eat meat ( Yes I'm a Veggie!)
3.) Leave the house without my makeup on (How sad is that?)

January Scrapzville swap For Cathy in Ireland

2010-01-29T15:19:00.000Z

Cathy and I both love Vintage so that was what we decided to make! This is an Envelope Mini Album the Idea of Laura Dennison of FollowingThePaperTrail.blogspot.com. Great fun to make and a new challenge! Hope Cathy likes it!

Hard to believe but.....

2010-01-29T14:56:00.000Z

Sophie will be 12years old next Friday! So I have been busy making this birthday card for her. Nice and girly so I think she will like it!

Caroline's Fat Book Of Sparkles

2010-01-28T22:19:00.000Z

This book was made by all the lovely ladies on the Docrafts Scrapbooking forum for a wonderful lady, Caroline, who brings us lots of inspiration and has recently had an operation. Margaret had the idea of putting together a fat book for Caroline as a way of sending our best wishes. Margaret did all the hard work of rounding everyone one up to contribute to the book and I volunteered to make the covers and put the book together. I got the best deal as I was able to see everyones gorgeous work at first hand! Any way I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone for taking part!
Sorry some of the lighting isn't too good and doesn't show the true colours!

GGS December mini album swap for Kathy

2010-01-25T14:56:00.000Z

I've finally got round to updating my blog on some of my lastest swap albums. Although these were swapped before christmas this is the first chance I have had to add them here!

Countdown to Christmas 2009 Album

2010-01-14T12:28:00.000Z

Countdown To Christmas Album

2010-01-09T17:09:00.000Z

Well I finally finished my countdown to christmas mini album! Here are a few pictures, will add a slide show when I have more time!
Not much time for crafting lately as Sophie has had a few snow days from school!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T11:46:00.000Z

To all my lovely friends!
Lets hope that 2010 is a good one with regard to health and prosperity!

Merry Christmas everyone!

2009-12-24T22:33:00.000Z

and all our best wishes for 2010!
Alyson and Sophie
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Brilliant website

2009-12-22T15:43:00.001Z

We came across this brilliant website and Sophie loves Santa's personal message to her! Take a look:
www.portablenorthpole.tv

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

2009-12-22T15:32:00.000Z

Sorry it's taken me so long since my last post but you know how busy this time of year is and with the addition of snow causing disruption, I don't know where the time has gone!
Well last night we went to the winter wonderland which is in the gardens of an outlet shopping centre near where we live. It was opened last year for the first time and was so christmassy that we decided to go again this year. Well dispite the bitter cold it was made even more magical by the real snow. Thought you might like to see some pictures.
We ended with a visit to santa in his grotto and a present for Sophie!

November TWS Mini Swap for Carroll

2009-11-16T16:27:00.000Z

My November TWS swap partner is Carroll and she is another lover of vintage so I have made this mini album for her using the K & Co Brookfield papers.
Hope she likes it!

Vintage Mini Swap Album for Louise

2009-11-11T12:20:00.000Z

I have taken part in a mini album swap hosted by Felicia in Ireland, whose blog is http:/scrapzville.blogspot.com. The theme of the swap was Floral. My swap partner Louise is like me and loves Vintage so we decided to make each other vintage floral albums and this is what I came up with! I have loved making this album and hope that Louise is pleased with it!

Challenge # 6 Animal Crackers

2009-11-09T14:10:00.000Z

Just managed to complete another challenge for the TWS virtual crop. This is a simple Lay out of our dog Chester who as you can see from the photo's is a big Softie!

Challenge # 5

2009-11-08T16:04:00.001Z

The other challenge we completed this afternoon was as follows:
1 x Paper clip (by the title)
2 x Flowers
3 x Shades of Ink ( inked over black foam alphas for title, Edged photo's in different inks)
4 x Patterned Papers
5 x Photo's
6 x Brads ( top and bottom lefthand side of lay out)
Think we completed all we needed to do!

Yet again photo's don't do this justice!
Thanks for looking!

TWS Virtual Crop Challenges

2009-11-08T15:55:00.000Z

Although due to time differences we could not take part in the virtual crop on Trade Wind Scrappers, Sophie and I have spent a lovely afternoon together making a couple of Lay outs for the challenges:
Here is our page for Challenge 1, using a template.
Afraid the pictures are not great I haven't worked out a way to take pictures of 12" x 12" pages yet!

Silent Auction Now in progress!

2009-11-01T16:30:00.001Z

Visit Laura's blog for more details and to see all the wonderful mini albums on offer!
http://followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-31T08:27:00.000Z

Just wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY HALLOWEEN! from a very wet Lincolnshire! Sophie is excited so I'm hoping that the weather will improve by tonight so that I can take her Trick or Treating! We only visit a few people that we know in the village then plan to get back home for Sophie to hand out the sweets to any "visitors" that we might get lol! Hopefully there will be lots of photo oportunities so watch this space!

Blogcandy!

2009-10-30T22:27:00.000Z

Just come across this wonderful blog:
http://scrapwithsuzy.blogspot.com/2009/10/blog-candy-enter-to-win.html
Take a look for some wonderful Blog Candy!
Alyson xx

Crafting to Stay Sane!

Smash Style Journal

Mini Junk Journal for a swap

Prima Botanical Heritage Album video

Sneak Peek of an album for a friend

Birthday and New Years eve ..............

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Is Comming and I am so NOT READY!!!

Poppy Journal

Halloween In Wonderland Album

The winner of the 300 subscriber giveaway...........

Christmas Organiser

December Daily Journal

Don't Forget.....

300 Subscribers on my You tube channel GIVEAWAY!!!!

Shabby Chic Journal

Giveaway Time!!!!!

Sophie's Stacker Bracelets!

New Blog and New Etsy Store!!!

My Smash Book Tutorial Video

My Smash Book Tutorial

Another SMASH BOOK!

Missing In Action....

My Version Of A Smash Book using 7 Gypsies and a Zutter Cover-All!

My Version Of A SMASH BOOK!

Altered Journal for a swap on the Scrapbeach

Shabby Chic Garden Coffee Sleeve Album

Shabby Chic Album Kit For Sale!!! ** All SOLD!**

Shabby Chic Altered Box and Album using Websters Pages

Finished Moulin Rouge Album

Sneek Peek

Shabby Chic Paperbag Album

Blog Candy

Red Nose Day!

Finished Spring TP Roll Album!!

Out Of My Comfort Zone....

Something a bit different....

Simple Male Card

Junk Journal

Win A Years Worth Of Scrap Kits.....

More detailed photo's of Altered Composition Book!

Altered Composition Book

Basic Grey Cappella Valentine Album

My Latest Project.....

Where does the time go?

Decorated Candles

Altered Journal

Christmas Daily 2010

TP Roll Vintage Christmas Album

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

More Halloween Look if you Dare!!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Steampunk mini album

"Steampunk Style" mini album

More blog candy!

Check out this Blog Candy From Stacy

Why I haven't posted in a while..............

Our Trip To Cadbury World.........

Flowers for the August Swap on the scrapbeach

Meet the Latest Addition To Our family....

Fun with Flowers!

June Flower swap

Finally Back............

Filled Matchbox Swap

Our Holiday.....

Finally time for some blogging!

March Scrapzville swap for Heidi, A Recipe Book

March TWS swap Album For Trini

Cover's for Somer's Memorial Books

Card and Mini Book Page for Diena

March 2010 crop challenge #6 Pretty In Pink

Sneek Peek of March TWS album for Trini

Dressing Up For World Book Day!

More Tim Holtz!

Playing with my Tim Holtz Inks!

Sarah's February TWS swap

My February scrapzville swap for Robyn

Fantastic Giveaway!

Sneek Peek at my February TWS album for Sarah

Shabby Chic Album Kit For Sale!!! All SOLD!