Vintage scrapbooking

Whenever I go to antique fairs I always hunt out old photos. I just love the colours, the outfits and, best of all, some of the poses and situations.

It kills me that such precious memories can be thrown away so easily, so by buying a few I hope to save these people, whoever they are, and help them live on a bit longer.

But until I started scrapbooking I never really knew what to do with them. I've only done two pages so far (one was about a year ago now and the one I'm sharing today was finished a couple of weeks ago!) but at least I have a plan and so these people won't be stuck in a shoebox forever!



This photo appealed to me because the lady is so pretty, and also the because of the story. The writing on the photo tells us that she was Tina, and died in Rochester on the 6th of July 1923.

I used the Springtime Vintage DSP to make my 8x8ins page look like a wall. The border is Taffeta Ribbon and Seam Binding Ribbon. I distressed the edges a little to give it that worn look.



I made a frame for Tina's picture using the Decorative Label Punch. I had to position the shapes all around, then I sponged on some Champagne Shimmer Paint and then to neaten the line between photo and frame, I stuck down some Sticky Strip and covered it in Champagne Glass Glitter.



I also used the Decorative Label Punch to make a plain picture frame for some journaling, if I can ever think of anything to say about Tina.

I feel much better now that she has a proper place. Now to do some more vintage photo scrapbooking!

Busy week this one. Last night I went to see the ladies at Wilsden WI to help give a talk about Denman College. It was good fun and we sang Jerusalem!

I also have two other WI meetings this week - Buns & Roses and a new group at Asda - my SU daughter Alex is coming round for chat tonight, tomorrow I have a networking event to go to ... It's all happening!

Read more...

Easter weekend

I think this is about the only Easter weekend I've not spent with my family. Very strange, but I kinda did it without realising. I'm going back later this week as we're having a gathering for my grandma's 80th birthday (it's a surprise and all her grandkids wil be there) and I didn't want to be away from all my crafty goodies for too long!

Anyway, I have spent the time with some of my good friends instead. Yesterday I was round at Sam's to help her get started with the Big Shot and begin making her boxes, labels and tags for her yummy bath products. We had a good play, and this is one of the little boxes from the Mini Milk Carton Die.



The milk carton is made from Crumb Cake cardstock and we wrapped a piece from the Subtles DSP stack around it. Then made the label using Four Frames and the matching Decorative Label Punch, coloured in with the Stampin' Write markers. I added the wording using Just Perfect Alphabet and handwriting. Finally, it is (very poorly) tied with the Pretty In Pink 3mm Taffeta Ribbon.

We were both very pleased with how it looks - just the right balance of cuteness and vintage.

We also experimented with embossing the card once the template had been cut, which also looked pretty awesome, and using a Stampin' Around wheel and the Spritzer Tool to create a design on the carton, but I forgot to take pics!

After all this crafty fun we went to the pub for a cheeky beverage and sat in the sun for a while.

And now I have no idea what day it is and what I should be doing! Best go figure it out!

Read more...

Two tags

Just have a couple of tags to share today, using the beautiful Four Frames stamp set and matching Decorative Label Punch.



This first one I made for some of my friends and customers to go with the new Mini Catalogue I gave them.

I stamped the frame with the roses on and cooured it in using my Stampin' Write Markers. The monogram was added with Broadsheet Alphabet. I then covered both sides in sticky back plastic and punched it out. Finally, I added the Eyelet using the Crop-A-Dile and threaded it with Taffeta Ribbon.



This one is mine and it's on my summer handbag, along with my Julie's Jems team brooch and WI badge.



And here's a gift tag using the same stamp. Again, coloured in and punched out. The actual tag was cut from Crumb Cake card and I added a bit of the Springtime Vintage DSP and some butterflies made with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit on my Big Shot. It was finished off with the Seam Binding Ribbon in Rose Red.

Whoever has a birthday next may just get this label on their present. That is, assuming they get a present from me!

Read more...

A wedding card

Remember the wedding I went to last weekend? Well here is the card I made for the happy couple!

Georgie is president of Buns & Roses WI so I hope she approved!



I used the new Manhattan Flowers Embossing Folder with the Four Frames stamp set and matching Decorative Label Punch. I tried not to be girly but still get it bright. I think the pinks and greens work well together.



I coloured in the flowers on the frame using the Watercolour Pens, which give a beautiful effect, and added the initials from Broadsheet Alphabet.

I hope they liked it and have enjoyed their first week of marriage!

Read more...