SMASH*ing 2013 - Finished!

I've finished my 20013 Journal ... Yayy! The book was so fat by the time I had finished. I really tried to use flatter embellishments but it just never works out. In some ways I wish that the spine was wider on these journals! I find it very hard to photograph my journals towards the end - here is a photo showing how I tried to elevate one side so it would be flatter for photographing. But it still doesnt work that well because as you can see the pages still dont lie flat (they are lower near the spine) this makes it very hard to focus the whole page. If anyone has any suggestions on how to photograph this better I'd love to hear :)

Thanks for stopping by
Crafty hugs xx

SMASH*ing December 2013!

Todays post has some more SMASH pages from my 2013 Journal (using the 365 SMASH* folio). These are photos from December when Rachael went to her first Disco and had her last day at Primary School (sob sob!). This year each of my girls made a gingerbread house. They had so much fun - we will definitely be doing that again next year!

On the top page I've used some stamps from Kellie Stamps - "Best Friends" from the Best Friends set, "Catching the bus to school"  and "Last Day" (I used the First day stamp but only inked up the last 5 letters and then hand wrote the "LA") from the School is out set, and "Proud moment" wood mount stamp. I've also used a heap of my other staple goodies from my stash (chevron bags, tags, paper doilies, wood veneer, alphas, paper clips and enamel dots). 

Thanks for stopping by

Crafty Hugs xx

SMASH*ing 2013!

In November last year I took the plunge and organised my craft space. I had always thought I would do this in a spare room but firstly we don't have one and secondly it actually works better for me to be out where all the action is! I had my first trip to Ikea (can you believe I have never been there before) and purchased and put together 2 Expedit's and a heap of drawers and boxes to match. It is now an absolutely amazing space!! 

Todays post has some more SMASH pages from my 2013 Journal (using the 365 SMASH* folio). Again, I've kept my pages relatively simple and I'm also trying to include more visible journalling on my pages (not hidden away in pockets)!  

I just love the photos of my youngest daughter on this next page. She had just had a bath and washed her hair and the first thing she did was pick up a library book to read. She is just finishing her Reception year at school (the year before year 1) and can now read picture books - she just loves it and it really blows me away how far she has come with her reading over the past year!

I made the calendar myself using MS Word. I've used some stamps from Kellie Stamps on the bottom pages - "Coffee" from the Tea for 2 set, "I love reading" from the School is out set, and "Proud moment" and "You are absolutely amazing" wood mount stamps. I've used heaps of stickers from old Amy Tangerine collections. I've also used a heap of my other staple goodies from my stash (chevron bags, tags, paper doilies, wood veneer, alphas, paper clips and enamel dots). 

Thanks for stopping by

Crafty Hugs xx

SMASH*ing November 2013!

Todays post has some more SMASH pages from my 2013 Journal (I used the 365 SMASH* folio). I've kept my pages relatively simple yet still used lots of my favourite SMASH*ing goodies and using up lots of stickers I have accumulated. During this month I took my daughter shopping in the city for a year 7 graduation dress and my hubby bought himself a new ride on lawnmower.

I made the calendar myself using MS Word. I've used some older stamps from Kellie Stamps on the top pages - the Picture Perfect set from 2013. I've used heaps of stickers from old Amy Tangerine collections. I've also used a heap of my other staple goodies from my stash (chevron bags, tags, paper doilies, wood veneer, alphas, paper clips and enamel dots). 

Thanks for stopping by

Crafty Hugs xx

SMASH*ing October 2013!

Todays post has some SMASH pages from my 2013 Journal (I used the 365 SMASH* folio). We seemed to spend a lot of the month socialising with family and friends (It was school holidays after all!) and we treated ourselves to tickets to Cavalia - it was amazing!!

I've used heaps of stickers from old Amy Tangerine collections (my current motto is to use what I have before I buy more) I've also used a heap of my other staple goodies from my stash (chevron bags, tags, paper doilies, wood veneer, alphas, paper clips and enamel dots). 

Thanks for stopping by

Crafty Hugs xx

SMASH*ing September 2013!

Yes, you have read the title correctly - I'm still catching up on blogging some SMASH pages from my 2013 Journal. A lot went on this month from Dad's birthday, to a year 7 exhibition, to lots of gardening!! I found it amazing that the underlying SMASH* pages suited our activities and photos perfectly :) 

I've used an older stamp set from Kellie Stamps on these pages - the You are the Best set from March 2013, I love all the banners in this set. I've also used a heap of my other staple goodies from my stash (chevron bags, tags, paper doilies, wood veneer, alphas, paper clips and enamel dots). 

Thanks for stopping by

Crafty Hugs xx

Show Day!

Although I did finish my "SMASH*ing 2013" journal (using the 365 SMASH* folio) I didnt get around to blogging much of it. So here is a page from September. We love going to our local Show's as they are called in Australia (I think they are referred to as Fairs in USA). My girls love going on all the amusement rides - not for me but I'm happy to watch and take photos :)

I've used lots of older stamps from Kellie Stamps on these pages - the Keen As Mustard and Favourite sets from 2013. I've also used a heap of other goodies from my stash. 

Thanks for stopping by

Crafty Hugs xx

Kellie Stamps January 2014 Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Kellie Stamps 1 January 2014 Blog Hop!!

This month there are 5 clear stamp sets, 6 wood mount stamps, wooden flair and metal flair being released at Kellie Stamps!! The wood and metal flair are so awesome - they coordinate with some of the stamps and are my favourite embellishments to use on SMASH* and scrapbook pages.

This hop showcases this new range of products - it is full of inspiration and there are prizes to be won ... yay!!! So hop along with us and enjoy the ride!

If you have come from the amazingly talented Jodie then you are right on track. If not you should go to the very start with Kellie.

Today I've got a few SMASH* pages to show you. The first is from my Holiday SMASH* folio where I'm documenting Christmas 2013. To tell the truth I'm way behind in this documentation process and this page is for November when our two Elf on a Shelf's arrived.

On these pages I've used a heap of products from Kellie Stamps : the "You are absolutely amazing" wood mount stamp from the new release; two wooden flair (you are amazing and the triangles); as well as "Elf on the shelf 2013", "the elf", and "Cheeky" from the Elf mini 2013 stamp set.

One of the things I love about the wood mount stamps is that they are always ready to go for those phrases or quotes that you use all the time. 

I'm a lover of all wood veneer embellishments and I love that these coordinate with the stamp sets!

I've also used a heap of die cuts from Pink Paislee Snow Villiage collection; Studio Calico tree, star and heart wood veneer; Prima house and Joy wood veneer; APOCD elf flair; SMASH* holiday roller date stamp; and paper doilies, twine, chevron bag, button, enamel dots and tag from my stash.

My next page is from my 365 SMASH* folio that I'm using to document 2013. I do about 6 pages per month. I'm still back at September but I will catch up, I will, I will!!

On these 2 pages I've used more of the new release stamps from Kellie Stamps: "Happy Camper", "having so much fun" and the row of triangles from the Summer 2014 stamp set; "Keen as mustard" and "cool bananas" from the Photo bomb set; "you little rippa" and "you little bewdy" from the Australia day 2014 stamp set.

I've used some papers, kraft bag/tag and wooden moustache's from a Movember Tart kit from Lime Tart - raising money to support mens health!

I've also used Studio Calico boat, arrow and chevron wood veneer; Prima leaf wood veneer; and paper doilies, twine, chevron bag, flair, enamel dots and tag from my stash.

My SMASH* books always get very thick and can be difficult to photograph so I took this photo to show how I lift up one side of my book!

Next on the hop is the talented Sue so hop on over for more fabulous inspiration! 

It wouldn't be a blog hop without a giveaway would it! 
Kellie is giving away a selection of products from the January 2014 release (see her post for all the details). To be in the running to win this you need to leave a comment on ALL the people/blogs on this hop. You have until midnight 5th January (Australian eastern time).

Here is a full list of the other blogs on the hop so be sure to check them out!!

Kellie
Natalie
Aimee
Jodie
Karyn << You are Here
Sue

Crafty Hugs xx
Karyn

Visiting Great Grandma!

Life in Details is a challenge blog for people that live SMASH*ing or pocket page scrapbooking (eg Project Life). The December challenge is "Anything Goes"!

These SMASH* pages capture photos from a recent visit to my Grandma, my girls Great Grandma. It was great for them to spend time with her - we should do it more often. We all enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, having cups of tea and eating!! We also took the opportunity to visit the nearby beach on the way home - brrrr it was cold and windy!

On the LH page I've layered a photo over a chevron bag then embellished with some paper flowers, resin flowers, a crochet doilie and some enamel dots. I've added some twine and washi to my tag. I've used a wood veneer arrow and some arrow washi from Freckled Fawn. I've added a flair, some SN@P word stickers and some Silhouette diecuts.  Lastly I've used a Kellie Stamps "Out and About" stamp from the I made this stamp set.  

On the RH page I've added similar products (my favourites!) as well as some paper doilies!

Thanks so much for stopping by

Crafty Hugs xx

School Sports Day!

The school sports day was very special for us this year. Rachael is in her last year (Year 7) at Primary school and Jessica is in her first year (Reception). Both girls really loved the day and tried their hardest. Jessica is a great sprinter and loved the sack race. Rachael loves high jump and shotput. Rachael is also the vice-house captain and loved her leadership role in the day. We were so proud of them both. The competitor ribbon was Jessica's from the day.

I've used heaps of the new "School is out" stamp set from Kellie Stamps ("Sports day", "year:", "7", "prep", and the girl image). Remember to use the code KELLIESTAMPS for 15% off your order when you spend over $10.

I've used my 365 SMASH* folio and Dear Lizzy stickers, papers, flair & alphas; Amy Tangerine dog paperclip; Studio Calico wood veneers;  Stampin' Up! Dahlia adornments; and a bag, tag, buttons & twine from my stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by

Crafty hugs xx

SMASH*ing July!

I've been using a 365 SMASH* folio as my 2013 SMASH*book . I love that at the end of the year I can look through the one book and get a glimpse of our life during the year.

I allocate six pages per month. On the first page for each month I include a calendar of the month (I create it in MS Word then print it out) and I write in the daily highlights with coloured pens. 

Today's SMASH* pages are for July and are made using the gorgeous September '13 Gourmet Tart kit from Lime Tart. The photos are from the last school holidays when we stayed in Adelaide and went to the movies.

I used the MME Cut and Paste papers from the kit and cut some strips, punched some circles, and fussy-cut around some of the flowers. I've also added a heap of the Crate Paper Party Day die-cuts, MME label stickers and a Studio Calico calendar journal card on the pages (all from the kit).

Finally, I've added a paperclip, wood veneers, and electronic diecuts from my stash and used some stamps and date stamp. 

In addition to the Gourmet Tart kit I've used Studio Calico flower, shapes and camera wood veneers; Freckled Fawn heart wood veneers; Kellie Stamps "MY DAY" stamp from the Thrifted stamp set, "INSTAmoment" and "Holiday" from the Favourite stamp set, "Movie Night" from the Just for you stamp set, and "selfie" from the I Made This stamp set; Stampin' Up! ink; Pebbles roller date stamp; and a paper-clip from my stash. I've used my Silhouette Cameo to cut the polaroid frame, today tag, and arrows.

Thanks so much for stopping by
Crafty Hugs xx

We Are Happy!

Last week I gave a bit of an introduction as to what SMASH*ing means to me and I showed you how I added interest to a plainer SMASH* page using paints. This week the foundation SMASH* page I used was quite the opposite - it was super busy!

I didn't take a photo of the page before I started but hopefully you can see well enough. This was probably one of the busiest SMASH* pages I've come across - but that is what I just love about using SMASH* folios. Every page is different. Some are plainer with just some grid lines, other pages are white with images and words, others are simply coloured, and some are works of art that I don't want to cover at all! Some people prefer to completely cover a page they don't like, some people rip it out, but I like to go with the flow and work with it - let the quirkiness shine through!

Today's SMASH* page is made using the gorgeous September '13 Gourmet Tart kit from Lime Tart. It contains a photo of my amazing hubby and I at brunch one day :)

The page is in my 365 SMASH* folio. I've added some white paper doilies underneath my photo and embellishments to separate them from the busy background. I've used a heap of the Crate Paper Party Day die-cuts and MME label stickers from the kit on this page.

Finally, I've added a paperclip, flower, wood veneers, tag, bag & twine from my stash and used some stamps and date stamp.

In addition to the Gourmet Tart kit I've used Studio Calico chevron and camera wood veneers; a Prima flower; Freckled Fawn heart wood veneer; Give A Girl A Stamp "we are happy" stamp from the Currently mini stamp set; Stampin' Up! ink; Pebbles roller date stamp; and a paper-clip, tag, bag, twine and doilie from my stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by
Crafty Hugs xx

SMASH*ing with Lime Tart!

I just love SMASH*ing. For those of you that don't know what SMASH*ing is, let me elaborate - or my version of it anyway! I first heard of SMASH* folios about 2 years ago. They are made by K&Company and the pages in the folios are already patterned - each page is different. I watched this youtube clip and was immediately hooked. SMASH*ing has no rules. You can use the folios like a journal and write in them, you can paste in magazine articles, attach movie tickets or wedding dress fabric - whatever you like! 

I'm more of a SMASH*booker - sort of a casual version of scrapbooking in a SMASH* folio. I like to include photos but I also like to include mixed media and lots and lots of embellishments (flatter ones mainly or the book gets too thick too quick!). My pages are much more informal than my scrapbook pages and my aim is to SMASH* much quicker than I would scrapbook. I also tend to SMASH* items, photos and memories that I would not normally scrapbook. I don't tend to layer lots of papers on my pages, but I do like to use paper strips, die-cuts and punched shapes. The pages in the SMASH* folio's are already patterned so I generally like to feature this. If I really don't like a pattern on a page then I cover it up. 

I will share more of my thoughts and tips on SMASH*ing over the coming weeks.

Today I would like to show you a SMASH* page made using the gorgeous September '13 Gourmet Tart kit from Lime Tart. This is a new range of kits that Lime tart is offering with lots of fun goodies for SMASH*ing (or any of your papercrafting really!).

The photos on this page were taken when we went out to brunch with my parents. We don't get many opportunities to catch up so this was a special moment!

This is a page in my 365 SMASH* folio. I'm using it as a 2013 SMASH*book and I do 6 pages to a month. This particular page was relatively plain so I started by splattering some paint across the page.

I used the MME cut and paste papers and cut some strips and punched some label shapes. I layered these strips and a heap of the Crate paper Party Day die-cuts under the photos and at the top and bottom of the page. I attached a Maya Road envelope to the bottom of the page to hide my journaling tag, some MME label stickers and a SRM tiny calendar for June (all from the kit). 

Finally I added a journalling tag, a stamp, a flower, some wood veneer, arrow paper clip, sequins and twine from my stash. 

In addition to the Gourmet Tart kit I've used Studio Calico quote and bird wood veneer; Prima house wood veneer and flower; Give a Girl a Stamp "you are my favourite" from the Thrifted set; Stampin' Up! ink, label punch and arrow paper clip; and a tag, twine and sequins from my stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by
Crafty Hugs xx
Karyn

My Potato!

We have a large vegetable garden at our house and there are always yummy surprises to find out there. On this day a very large potato was dug up - way over 1kg can you believe it! My youngest daughter loves to go in the garden with her dad so it was fitting for her to pose for the photo. She really got into the photo mode and I took about 20 pics of her with different expressions - what a poser!!

I've use a gorgeous stamp by Give A Girl A ... ("you are absolutely amazing" from the My Home set). Remember to use the code KARYN for 15% off your order when you spend over $10.

I've used my 365 SMASH* folio and I've also used Angie Delarie vintage love camera, Polaroids Flying and Slurpie Cup digis; Studio Calico wood veneers; Amy Tangerine stickers; and a bag, tag, twine & doilie from my stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by

Crafty hugs xx

Looking Fabulous in Red!

Recently a friend turned 40 and had a birthday bash with the theme of red (and a bit of black) and formal. It was fun buying a new dress, jewellery & shoes and having an "up-do" especially for the night. I used rhinestones on this page to copy my earrings, and I included the invitation.

I've used my 365 SMASH* folio and I've also used  Give A Girl A ... you are the best, my home and picture perfect stamp sets; D-lish Scraps sequin bow; Glitz large rhinestone; Stampin' Up! black cardstock and red glitter paper; Spellbinders fancy tags die; Silhouette Cameo to cut out the glitter alphabet; and rhinestones, washi, bag, tag & doilie from my stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by

Crafty hugs xx

Grand Friends Day!

This is another SMASH* page from "Grandfriends" day at my daughters school.

I kept the page fairly simple because it was already so pretty! I've included another of my twine flowers and a diecut made using my Cameo (love this machine :) ).

I've used my 365 SMASH* folio and I've also used Studio Calico wood veneers and feather mistables (sprayed with Heidi Swapp color shine); The Greatest View mini doilie and flair; Stampin' Up! cardstock; Amy Tangerine thickers; Typo heart sticker; my Silhouette Cameo to cut out the polaroid frame; and twine, metal charm & doilie from my stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by

Crafty hugs xx

Come to School with me Poppa!

Today's SMASH* page shows some photos from "Grandfriends" day at my daughters school. They love showing Grandparents and other friends their classrooms and some of the work they do!

I made a "flower" using some twine - I wrapped a few coordinating colours around my fingers a few times then knotted the middle. I then fiddled with it a bit to look flower like. What do you think? I quite like the effect.

I've used a heap of the fun stamps from Give A Girl A ... ("Today" and "Hello" from the I Made this stamp set; and the arrows from the Hello Arrows stamp set). Remember to use the code KARYN for 15% off your order when you spend over $10.

I've used my 365 SMASH* folio and I've also used Prima wood veneers; Dear Lizzie stickers; Studio Calico butterfly and heart stickers; The Greatest View mini doilie and flair; Stampin' Up! washi; October Afternoon woodland park washi; and twine, metal charm, heart stamp, bag, tag & doilie from my stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by

Crafty hugs xx