Chalk Studio Part One - Mix It up!

Hello! It's Jennifer here, with some projects using the My Mind's Eye Chalk Studio collection. The Chipboard Elements, Decorative Frames, and Label Stickers are all available in the shop right now, and I'm going to show you how to mix them up with various papers and embellishments!

First up is a layout made by adding Chalk Studio to some other My Mind's Eye supplies - I've paired them with papers and elements from the Cut & Paste - Charm collection, and the Find Your Wings and Fly - Sky's The Limit collection...

Muddy Puddles:

The chalkboard items add a classic feel to this gallery style page. The small photos I wanted to use could have got lost on a 12x12 page, but the bold style of the frames really helps them stand out. I added bunting from the Chipboard Elements on top of one frame to give it extra depth. The journaling (using a white gel pen) stands out really well too!

The right hand photo frame is adhered to the layout with Foam Dots to make it a focal point, which is also helped by the 'Adventure This Way' arrow from the Carefree Label Sticker Sheet pointing down at the picture:

I also loved using the Chipboard Elements along the edges of the page (you'll spot this on the next layout too), as it defines the edges and brings the page together. If the black items were just in the middle of the page then it would have a heavy centre, so spreading them out like this means you look around the whole page:

I also added lots of Mist splatters and Enamel Dots & Gems to look like raindrops all over the background!

The next page uses a greater mix of products - I used items from Basic Grey Mint Julep, Crate Paper The Pier, and Glitz Designs Wild & Free collections...

So Content:

I've been holding on to this picture for ages - I hadn't scrapped it yet because you can't see my children's faces. But you can see my face, and every time I look at this photo I'm reminded how happy it makes me to have people to play in the sea with - my husband does not like the sea so I've been waiting for my kids to be big enough to join me!

I pulled together an eclectic variety of papers and patterns. They all work together because of the pink and yellow tones, and because the chalkboard scattered around the page helps to unite them.

I added some colours to the top of a couple of pieces using Stickles and Liquid Pearls on one, and Gems on another - don't forget you can alter the chalkboard pieces to fit the theme of your project:

Some of the Chalkboard pieces come with words or a sentiment on them, so if you don't like doing too much journaling then they are perfect for sharing your emotions on the layout. Try layering one on top of another embellishment, like I did with the 'Happy Day' piece here:

I love how the chalkboard elements have helped me to bring an imperfect photo to life!

What do you think about the chalkboard trend? I'm totally loving it, and I'll be back with more Chalk Studio inspiration on a second post soon!

Bye for now, Jennifer x

You can see more of Jennifer's papercrafting at her blog Jennifer Grace Creates!

New My Minds Eye Collections!!

This week we've taken delivery of some gorgeous new goodies from My Minds Eye!

I'm loving these 6" X 6" Paper Pads from the The Sweetest Thing Collection - there are four to choose from: Honey, Lavender, Tangerine and Bluebell.

                         
                          

Rhonna Farrer has designed the gorgeous All Things Bright Collection

               

We have the Collection Kits, 6" X 6" Pads and matching accessories.

Click here to browse all the MME products!!

My Minds Eye Nostalgia Cards

Hi All ... I hope you have been enjoying the recent good weather!

Today I'd like to show you a couple of cards the very talented Jenny has made using papers from the gorgeous MME Nostalgia 6 x 6 pad which are in stock in the shop.

These papers really are so versatile ....  at first they may appear to be quite feminine colours with the pinks and yellows but Jenny made two cards suitable for males to show you just how adaptable they are.

Jenny used Glossy Accents on the balloon and liquid pearls on the bow tie and collar. 

The 6" x 6" Nostalgia pad is available here!

Also, don't forget to check out the Bronze, silver and gold Special Offers!!

Monthly Challenge 2 (February)

Thank you for all the entries to our last (and first!) challenge. The Design Team have enjoyed seeing all your wonderful creations.

Please remember to check out the monthly challenge rules on the tab at the top of this blog, before entering. We have tried to keep our rules fairly straightforward and fair to all who join in.

A quick reminder:

Your entry may be a card, scrapbook layout or any other papercraft project.
You may combine your entry with other challenge(s)

No more than 3 entries per person please.

Please link directly to your post & not a general link to your blog.

You must include a link back to the challenge in your entry post.

No back linking please - new work only.

Please ensure your work is your own and not copied.

One random entry will win a prize which will be announced on this blog. The winner must contact me by e mail to receive their prize. A few of our favourites will also be selected to be featured on this blog!

The final (& most important rule) is to have fun!!

So, let's get on to your challenge for this month!

Challenge # 2 ... Flowers

Added Extra : Include red or pink!

Just a few ideas to get you started ...  create a scrapbook page about your favourite flowers, scrap photos taken in your garden or  you could embellish your project with flowers or make your own flower embellishment. A stamped image of flowers would fit the theme too!! I'm sure you will come up with lots more ideas!

Closing date for entries is: 14th March at 1pm.

One random entry will win this Howdy Doody 6" x 6" Pad from the new Miss Caroline Collection by My Minds Eye.

Here's some inspiration from our fabulous Design Team.

If you want to see more of their work, just click on their name to visit their blog.

Jennifer

Jennifer's lovely, bright card features kraft  cardstock, MME Miss Caroline papers, MME brads for the flower centres, twine and a sentiment from Favourite clear stamps. 

Jenny

Using patterned paper from the Dolled Up Pad by MME, glossy accents, a doily and some twine, Jenny has made this really cute card.

Louise

Louise's "Garden of Eden" layout is beautiful. Her supplies include: chalkboard alphas, tattered rose distress ink pad to ink the edges of the doillies and papers from the MME Lost and Found Two. 

Lisa-Jane

A pretty layout by Lisa-jane entitled "How Does Your Garden Grow" using American Crafts papers, kraft cardstock, vintage photo distress ink applied with a blending tool (both by Ranger) and glossy accents on the flowers.

I hope the DT projects inspire you!

I can't wait to see your flower projects!

Please remember to link directly to your project and not just your blog and to include a link back to the challenge. If you do not have a blog, please e mail your entry to me at sarah@sjpapercrafts.co.uk and I'll upload it for you.

I'll be back soon to announce the winner of challenge 1 and the Top 3!!

My Minds Eye - Miss Caroline!!

Have you seen it yet??!!!

No?? 

It's here!!

And it is absolutely Beautiful!!

My favourite collection from MME ever!!

There's Butterflies ... Flowers .... Wood Grain ... Doilies ...

Seriously, what is there not to love in this collection?!

Miss Caroline is made up of 4 different lines: Dilly Dally, Howdy Doody, Fiddlesticks and Dolled Up.

We are stocking the 6" x 6" pads - although I'm still awaiting delivery of the Dilly Dally pad!

    
    

We have the 12" x 12" Papers from the "Dolled Up" Collection, which I'm totally in love with! These are all double sided and a lovely cardstock quality.

Here's just a few of my favourites ...

       
       

I just have to show you these ...



Yes, clear stamps with butterflies, flowers, wood grain and really handy date and place tags!! Love 'em!!

To see more of Miss Caroline, hop over to here!!

January Kit released Today!!!

Yes, the January main kit is finally ready to go!!

The last few products arrived in this week's stock delivery and the kit has been uploaded to the shop.

Click here to visit the shop for full kit details!!!

The kit is packed with lots of My Mind's Eye loveliness including 5 double sided patterned papers and a 12" x 12" sheet of chipboard elements!!

I've loved playing with this kit and want to show you this first layout today.

The photos are quite old taken on holiday back in 2008!! I used some big alphas from my stash for the title and inked all the paper edges with brushed corduroy distress ink but everything else was from the kit, although the borders and tickets may vary in design and colour.

The colours work equally well for boy or girl layouts.

The "Fun Days" kit is priced at just £13.99 and contains around £16 of stash so it's great value for money as well!

These kits are limited in numbers and already orders are coming in so if you want one don't delay!!

Have a great weekend!

MME Kraft Funday & Happy Christmas

Yay, I finally found some time today to upload the gorgeous My Minds Eye Kraft Funday, Happy Days Collection to the website. Check it out here!

I love these little garlands so much!

I've also made further reductions and added more goodies to the Winter Sale!  Don't miss out because lots of the sale items are "when it's gone, it's gone" and won't be restocked!

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a big thank you for all your support this year!

Christmas Decorations

Did you know it's only 50 more days until Christmas?

So, with Christmas just around the corner we thought it was time to turn our thoughts to making some cute decorations!!

Design Team member, Jennifer has made these really lovely tree decorations and made a video tutorial with instructions on how to make them!

Jennifer used the My Minds Eye 12 days of Christmas collection.

I am going to have a go at making a few of these to hang on our tree this year!

You can see more of Jennifers fabulous work on her blog here!

Thanks for stopping by!

This Week's Special Offer!!

Hi Everyone!

As many of you will know, at S J Crafts we have a weekly offer which usually goes live on Thursdays and so this week's Special Offer is now up & running!!

£1.00 off all 6" x 6" Paper Pads!
Enter code PADOFFER in the coupon box to receive the discount.

Offer is valid for up to 4 pads per customer and until 11pm Wednesday 26th Oct or until stocks last, sorry UK delivery only!

 

 

                            
 

Maybe you will choose MME Lost & Found or Crate Random or one of the others!!

 

Click HERE to browse all the 6" x 6" Pads!

 

Have a fabulous Thursday! x

 

Scrapping with MME 12 Days!!

Do you still have photos from last Christmas or even from years before that that you have never got around to scrapbooking?  I'm guessing the answer is probably Yes!!

When I sent Lisa-Jane some of the new MME 12 Days of Christmas collection to play with she jumped at the opportunity to pull out some photos taken at Christmas time and get them scrapped. Today I'd like to share with you her fabulous layouts.

Layout 1 : Bauble Fun

 

 Lisa Jane says ...

"I'm usually a traditionalist when it comes to colours for Christmas themed projects but I loved the colours in 12 Days of Christmas  because they are bright and modern. It was a great change! 

The bobble trim is lovely and great for adding dimension and texture. I used a frame from the chipboard sheet with  a scrap of notepaper behind to make a journalling spot.

The baubles are also from the chipboard sheet and the twine from the pack of trims.  I added one of my favourite rosette flowers. You get so much chipboard on the sheet that it can be used for absolutely loads of layouts and cards! I inked everything with vintage photo distress ink.

Other supplies & tools: Christmas Tree punch, Martha Stewart Starburst punch, MME letters. 

Layout 2: What's Under The Tree?

The photos on this layout are a bit blurry but I love them and the photos are what its about for me. I used the Wrap It Up paper as my background and layered up the other papers on top. MME is such a good weight paper it is good as a base too. I added some of the chipboard elements and a couple of strips of green trim to add some interest and texture.

I wanted the layout to be really blingy and sparkly and fun like the photos so I used lots of rhinestones and some glittery letter stickers but I still wanted more sparkle so I added some stickles to the chipboard letters too."

Two lovely, festive layouts by Lisa-Jane but she also made a non-christmassy layout to show you how versatile the collection is!!

I'll be back soon to show you her 3rd page!

 You can see more of Lisa- Jane's crafting over on her blog here!

We hope this post has made you want to dig out the photos you took last christmas (or from years gone by!!) and scrap them! I'd love to see your Christmas layouts, leave a comment so I can stop by your blog/photo gallery and see!!

Easel Cards ~ as seen at the Demo!

I hope everyone who came along to the Open Day last Saturday enjoyed themselves. Jenny's Easel Card Demonstration was very popular and I think all the ladies watching picked up a few new tips, techniques or ideas to go home and try.

As promised here are the cards Jenny made ....

This super cute easel card is the Christmas Cat's whiskers Stamp Set 

Jenny used the Christmas Bears clear stamp set and MME Breaking Free paper to create this twisted easel card.

A close up of the dimensional die cut & punched snowflakes

I think this one is probably my favourite ~ the image is from the Elfs 1 stamp (not yet on the website but will be very soon) and the paper is Fancy Pants Designs Little Sprout (in the sale!!)

The last card is the other image from the Christmas Cats stamps. These stamps really are such good value for money at £5.95!!

The other main supplies for all cards are nestabilities, promarkers and stickles.

To see more of these cards and also Jenny's tutorial for full instructions on how to make easel cards pop over to her blog.

Our next Open Day is on Saturday 29th October, full details can be found here, a date for your diary!!