Spotted - Jo's Killer Cards

Complete Cardmaking is published by Practical Publishing (who I used to work for back in the day... and where I learnt the ins and outs of publishing ;) The new issue of Complete Cardmaking is really worth getting... as I spotted some brilliant cards by Jo Kill, but has some fab ideas for using Doodlebug and BasicGrey. Some back issues are on sale at half price - if you fancy a bargain (and who can *resist*) xxxx

WOW

THIS is simply a gorgeous card by the talented Rhiannon Reid.

Uses BasicGrey BOXER as well as the new Core'dinations (rather cleverly!!)

That was it... just a card appreciation post ;)

Spotted: BasicGrey CHA Summer 08

Spotted: So 5 collections announced from BasicGrey - Eva, Ambrosia, Urban Prairie, Granola and Offbeat. LOTS of strong boy colours, with some retro art decor feel prints... as well as the vibrant colours of the season hitting your pallette with a whoooosh. They call it the summer of signature style...

The full range is available to view HERE.

Gone Scrapping...

FINALLY... I scrapped 7 layouts last night. Granted I had an incentive as I have a few Scrapagogo kits I need to *USE* ;) I have to quit being a stash library... or so my DH tells me.

I challenged myself to only use what was in the kit - and it was strangely liberating. No sifting for stash... and no time wasting looking for the alphabet sticker I wanted. If it wasn't in the kit, then it wasn't going on.

I think sometimes the choices can be so overwhelming, that we hit a wall creatively, and suddenly lose the plot. I think the stash gluttons amongst us are the worst culprits, and I hold my hands up and say that too much of a good thing is BAD ;)

I did add my fav adhesive - and played with the new adhesive sheets from 3L. They are AMAZING. Crystal clear (which was perfect for the fancy pants overlay.) You cannot even see that the adhesive is there... and it is on layered onto my photo, which I am not sweating over as it is all photo safe...

CHA: It seems that some vendors are not exhibiting at CHA Summer this year... and I think this trend will snowball. It is all hail the Internet, where shopping, ordering and viewing are all virtually accessible. There is no real need to jump on a plane for a face to face order. Whilst is it delicious to touch and stroke irl - chances are that vendors will save money by email-blasting details globally and hit a much wider web of customers.

Truly Scrummy...

Katy made this truly scrummy layout of my 2 year old... and it is featured as the DO "Project of the Week" {insert the Harry Hill theme tune...}

LOVE the fresh faced colour scheme... which would you believe is from two different design houses (BasicGrey & Doodlebug Design) and yet they sit perfectly harmoniously together here (unlike 2 boys in a car for a 4 hour trip to Grandmas...)

I have to say that I was glued to the Apprentice final last night... and was willing LEE to win. Something about his grit, his drive and his ability to overcome a poor education and fend off "prince and pauper" alike to become Sir Alan's apprentice... IF you want a laughter hit on a thursday, then I suggest you look HERE (WARNING: this may lead to unproductivity and complete loss of bladder control...)

nuff said...

Textiles and Tones

I love inspiration - and usually wander IKEA wishing I had my camera! This morning I had to dip into Homebase for something and happened to have my weeny canon on me - and was a happy snapper... the colours were so muted but FLORAL is everywhere... I did like the 'shaggy' texture (very appealing for a little stroke) and also hints of ORANGE.

I resisted buying anything for my home - especially since I maxed out at TK when I spotted a stunning lamp which had my name on it. I obviously *sold* it to my husband as a necessary investment... because that is girl term for 'look what I bought, but don't look at the price tag'.

A little Saturday Inspiration...

More lush layouts - the pink is def my fav... it is *pow* on the senses! It will be such a tough decision - but 2 additional DT members will be selected from the layouts submitted (and featured over the last few weeks!!) Keep em coming ;)

Been playing on the net. Love the sneak use of the cropadile... and also the FOIL & candle-curled flower ;) HERE I will have to dig through my old stash to find some transparencies!!

Enjoy,
Becks x

Friends...

Good friends are like a comfy chair...
I love this layout by Kim Musgrove - very beautiful colours.
It makes me think of my sisters (spread all over the globe) and how much closer we are now than when we were growing up. I love to call them for no reason to just chat about every minute detail of life. True friends are priceless.

I am off to HQ tomorrow... so get to hang with Beckie and chin wag. I also believe that the samples for the BLOG TESTERS are all in house and ready to send out. Details are coming soon on the product and what we need you all to do!

Recommended***

I love it when my inbox has delicious layouts inside... and even more *fab* is that these were submitted by a 'friend' recommending a friend. I think so many of us don't rate ourselves, which is a shame, because humility is great... but we Brits definitely don't know how to blow our trumpets.

This week the lovely (wonderful, humble, fabulicious) Beckie Dreyer is coming down to visit all the way from snowy Scotland. I love Beckie. She is talented, sincere and just a fun roomy. I fancy heading out this Thursday to go catch a totally lame chic flick (27 dresses... proud sponsors of America's Next Top Model!) Looking forward to catching up with her ;)

More Later,

Becks x

How is a girl to choose...

Choices, choices...

Some stunning layouts from our DT...

I *love* working with creative giants. They can basically whip up anything to spec, and are real gems when it comes to deadlines and all the droll bits of DT work. So enjoy - and details on each of these layouts can be found HERE