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Ok, I just got home from work so I'm a little later than expected with this post but it's worth the wait!

I get to blow my own horn a little as a couple of months ago I surprisingly (more like totally astonishingly!!) won the monthly challenge over at Scrap Around The World!!!!

I don't know if you're familiar with this challenge blog but I drop in pretty regularly to ooooh and ahhhh over the DT creations and equally awesome entries from scrappers all over the world and occasionally, when I have the time I'll link up my own effort.

The first time I entered I managed to snag an 'Honourable Mention" which believe me pleased me no end, but the second time I actually won!

After my initial disbelief, then happy dance, came the reality that I'd be invited as a Guest Designer, and that's when the panic set in.

The SATW blog is constantly full of the most amazing creations which are totally inspiring, so my only hope is that I wouldn't embarrass myself! Lol

Anyhow, here is the current Mood Board I was given for inspiration:

Gorgeous it is too.

I could have gone so many routes with this, but in the end I decided to take a little from each of the photographs.

Here's my interpretation:

Lots of layers behind the photo's including paper, die cuts, embossed chipboard and thread, and just to mess up that gorgeous 'map' background paper a little, I added texture paste through a stencil and inked coffee mug stains.

A vintage style photo slide seemed the perfect place to tuck a little wooden bicycle.......

.........and the title was created by using my Cameo to cut 4 layers of cardstock, glue them together for a little extra dimension then inked to match the colour scheme.

Finally, a great little quote in the top corner which I've always liked, and I thought it would be fun to place it on 'signpost' style strips.

I think that's about all and I'm pretty satisfied with the outcome.......think I can hold my head up!

There's still time to join in with this months Mood Board Challenge so feel free to link up your own interpretation......there's always a whole bunch of fabulous prizes up for grabs.

A big thanks to the SATW team for the honour of winning and the awesome Guest DT opportunity.  I'll definitely be stopping by on a regular basis for my dose of inspiration.

Have a great weekend and I'll see you next week,
Jayne.x.

Sketchy Friday at Scrapmuch? - The Deep

Good morning!

I can't quite believe how fast the weeks turn around these days, but yes it's Friday again and time for another Sketch Challenge over at Scrapmuch?

My page this week showcases a couple of photo's that make me smile, from a day trip to Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto earlier this year.

I think it's the look of combined terror and joy from my eldest daughter that draws a chuckle from me.

The Deep

And here's the Sketch it was based on:

I stuck with it for the most part, just tweaked a couple of elements and changed up the number of photo's obviously.

The background started with texture paste and a stencil, then a little Gesso sponged messily around the edge of the page.

A section of chipboard received the same Gesso'd treatment and was then layered with a couple of die cuts, sticker and starfish embellie.

Finally, a simple title cut using my Cameo, and a touch of doodling to finish things off.

Why not play along with us this week as the sketch is pretty versatile.....lots of scope to change things up however you please!  Don't for get to link up over on the Scrapmuch blog and check out the creations from the rest of the DT.

That's it from me but I'll be back tomorrow with a special, blow my own horn kinda post.......they don't happen too often so indulge me! Lol

Have a great Friday,
Jayne.x.

Mmmm Hot Chocolate

How's it going?

Just dropping in with another well overdue (to be blogged anyhow!) layout!

This one is the second from my Two Scrapbook Friends DT Kit using the Cozy collection by Authentique so as you may guess, it's a Wintery kinda page.  The title sort of gives things away, and although I'm guessing most of us wouldn't settle down with a steaming hot mug at this time of year, in my book, you can enjoy something sweet all year round.

So here we go:

Mmmmm Hot Chocolate

The background started off with a layer of clear Gesso, then mist smudged with a watery paintbrush.

There's also texture paste stencilled on there and some stamped coffee mug stains.  A little collection of embellies in the top corner, and I do love that 'knitted' print paper.

More layers of punched papers and Gesso splattered chipboard behind the photo's, and a little journalling printed onto vellum.

Finally, a small cluster of flowers and chipboard snowflakes.....all dabbed with more Gesso.

That's about all folks so I'll try to get back again over the weekend with another page.

Have a good week,
Jayne.x.

Sketchy Friday at Scrapmuch? - It's All In The Smile

Well hello there!

Another week has flown by but I have finally finished work for the day, so it's time to catch up on this weeks Sketchy Friday challenge over on the Scrapmuch? blog.

This weeks sketch is a beauty and I definitely see myself using this one again sometime.  Here's my page for this week:

It's All In The Smile

And here's that sketch I mentioned:

So, obviously I flipped it 90 degrees to accommodate the proportions of my photographs, but I do love working with smaller prints so this sketch suits me perfectly.

I started with a fabulous wood grain patterned paper from MME for my background (can't go wrong with a wood grain in my book!), then continued with a Tim Holtz stencil and some Martha Stewart Texture Paste for the sunburst element.

A single flower flourish and a looped/stapled strip of paper for embellishment.

I love that some of the most effective embellies, such as this simple curled piece of paper, happen to be the cheapest and most accessible!

Finally, a little random stamping to complete the look.

That's me done, but I know you're dying to create your own page with this weeks Sketch so go ahead!  Just don't forget to link up over on the Scrapmuch? Blog to be in with a chance of winning this months prize.

I'm off to go see what the rest of the Team has been up to so have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you next week,
Jayne.x.