Craft'n Around the World January Design Team Share

 Hello, crafty friends!

I’m back with another fun and creative project to share, and this time, it’s all about taking a card sketch from the Craft’n Around the World Facebook Challenge group and turning it into a scrapbook layout! I just love how these challenges push me to think outside the box, and this month, I couldn’t resist using the sketch to create a page that captures the dreamy, magical feel of my wedding day.

I couldn’t let this blog post go by without mentioning the fun new elements added to the monthly challenges over at Craft’n Around the World. This month, in addition to the card sketch challenge, we also have a Tic Tac Toe challenge to really push our creativity. I love how these challenges allow us to explore new themes and ideas while still giving us a framework to work within.

I’ll admit, at first, I wasn’t sure how I could change the card sketch into my layout, but I was up for a challenge so I took a closer look, I realised it’s all about the elements! The sketch had a circular focal point, which made me think of using a large white paper doily. It’s a soft, delicate element that fit perfectly with the whimsical and dreamy theme of my wedding. Plus, the doily added just the right touch of texture and elegance to the design, allowing the photo to really stand out while still feeling like it belongs in the layout.

One of my favorite parts of this layout is the butterflies! I used a die cut to create a bunch of delicate butterfly shapes and then hand-colored them to match the beautiful Monarch Butterfly that my husband Adrian and I are holding in the wedding photo. I went with a white, orange, and black color scheme, which really brings out the butterfly's stunning details and adds a pop of color to the layout. The butterflies are like little bursts of life on the page, fluttering around the doily and bringing some dynamic movement to the design. It feels like the butterflies could fly right off the page!

The overall feel of this layout is soft and whimsical, with just the right touch of romance to match the dreamy magical theme of our wedding. I wanted the layout to feel light, airy, and a bit magical, much like the feeling we had on that day. The soft pastel tones, the fluttering butterflies, and the delicate doily all came together to create something that’s just as enchanting as the wedding day itself. It’s a simple yet elegant design, perfect for the moment.

I encourage you to join in on the fun over at Craft’n Around the World and take part in the challenges this month! Whether you’re transforming a card sketch into a layout, doing either of the sketches, or tackling the Tic Tac Toe challenge, there’s so much room for creativity, and the inspiration from the group is always amazing.

Happy crafting, and I can’t wait to see what you create!

Paper Issues sketches #3 and #4

 We’ve all had those days where you sit down at your scrapbooking table, staring at your supplies, and think, "What in the world am I going to do with all of this?" It’s like staring into the abyss of your craft stash, just waiting for inspiration to strike. But here’s the thing—sometimes you need a little help to get those creative juices flowing. Enter Paper Issues sketches, the ultimate solution to your scrapbooker’s block.

Today, I’m showcasing my creations using Sketch #3 and Sketch #4 for Paper Issues, and let me tell you, these sketches were like a warm hug for my creativity. They gave me direction, but also enough freedom to add my own flair.

 

Good Vibes

Sketch #3 immediately grabbed my attention with its layered papers—hello, scrap paper heaven. Who doesn’t love using up those leftover strips of patterned paper? It's like the sketch was practically begging me to pull out my scraps and get to work. And, oh, the opportunity for mixed media, with those circular marks and splatters. Well, let’s just say I took that as a "go ahead, get messy!" sign.

For this layout, I decided to go with a fun water-themed page of the girls dressed in mermaid tails and having a blast mucking around in the pool. I interpreted the sketch to represent their watery fun with all shades of blue, messy splattering, and summer-themed patterned papers. A couple of rainbows and beachy die cuts were the perfect finishing touches to tie it all together.

Now, I’ll admit, the messy splattering of paint had me questioning my life choices for a momment, but once it dried, I couldn’t help but smile. The layout felt like pure summer joy. So, if you’ve got some leftover paper scraps and you’re in the mood to get a little paint on your hands, this sketch is your best friend.

Life is Good Today

Sketch #4 had me really thinking outside the box. I saw that huge conversation bubble and immediately thought: “Comic books? Action figures? I have no idea what to do with this.” I stared at that bubble for a while, feeling stumped. Then, as if the universe knew I needed a sign, I remembered that Bronte had just gotten her license. Of course, a conversation bubble was the perfect way to represent her “big moment” in true comic-book fashion.

Once I had the idea, the layout came together so quickly, I used a bit of paint on the background to break up the patterned paper and really make the conversation bubble pop. I added a printed title from one of my favourite movies (Licence to Drive, anyone?), a few stars, and bam, the page was complete. It’s now a fun, quirky tribute to Bronte's new driving freedom.

I’ll admit, I did have a few “What am I doing with this layout?” moments, but that’s the beauty of Paper Issues sketches. They push you to think differently, to try new things, and suddenly, your ideas just click into place.

If you’re stuck in a creative rut, Paper Issues sketches are like a road map to scrapbooking success. Whether you’re using up paper scraps, trying your hand at some messy mixed media, or thinking outside the box (hello, conversation bubbles), these sketches give you the structure to get started while still allowing you to add your own personal touch.

So, the next time you’re staring at your supplies with zero inspiration, give a sketch a try. I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly your ideas come together. And remember—getting messy with paint? Always a good time!!!

Paper Issues Sketches #7, #8

Today I’ve created two new layouts to share with you where I have used the Paper Issues daily sketches, numbers #7 and #8. Both came together so easily and I had a lot of fun playing with different techniques and embellishments to bring the pages to life. Here are the sketches if you want to play along.

Fins & Scales Adventure (Sketch #7)

This layout captures a fun adventure Bronte and Paige had with Adrian in the heart of the Sydney, where they discovered the Japanese Gardens. While feeding the big goldfish, a curious water dragon paid them a visit, and of coarse Paige had to try and pat it. The sketch balanced out two photos perfectly, one of each of the girls, so I could highlight their individual moments.

I used some fun patterned paper from Coco Vanilla, which had beautiful oranges that matched the vibrant colours of the gold fish. To complement the paper, I created a mixed-media background. I simply sprayed some ink onto a piece of plastic packaging, then blotted it onto the cardstock, staying near the edges to mirror the design of the sketch, then randomly splattered a darker, earthy orange/brown over it. I love how the ink added a soft, organic feel that draws attention to the photos.

To add some extra interest and draw the eye downward, I used some chevron-coloured chipboard shapes across the bottom. The sketch’s design left a perfect spot in the middle of the page for handwritten journaling, so I filled it with a few lines about the fun day.

Big Kiss, Baby Sis (Sketch #8)

The second layout is a sweet moment between Bronte and Paige, capturing Bronte being a loving big sister and giving Paige a kiss on the head. The sketch for this one focused on the centre of the page, which gave me a great opportunity to create a bold mixed-media background. I used a small heart stencil and some colour paste in a vibrant watermelon hue, which contrasted beautifully against the soft pastel colours in the patterned paper and die-cuts I used for the rest of the layout.

This sketch was perfect for a moment like this, as it focused attention on a singular, heartfelt photo. The mixed media background added a bit of texture and fun while still allowing the sweet image of the two sisters to take centre stage, and of course, I just had to add a few tags (my latest obsession) to the mix, with a bit of hidden journaling on them.

Both of these layouts came together so quickly and easily thanks to the Paper Issues sketches. If you're ever in need of inspiration or want to jumpstart your creative process, I highly recommend checking out their daily sketches— they make it so simple to focus on key design elements and play with fun techniques.

Tag! You’re It.....Fun Layouts with My January Counterfeit Kit

I’m excited to share what I've been up to with my January Counterfeit Kit so far this month. I've created two fun layouts that came together quickly, thanks to the daily sketches from Paper Issues (Sketches #5 and #6). I’m currently obsessed with using tags on layouts, so I was thrilled to see that one of the sketches already included tags. For the other, I decided to add a tag or two anyway. Tags are such a versatile embellishment—they can frame photos, hold titles, add journaling, or create layers for added depth. I just love how they elevate the design.

Its So Fluffy (Sketch #5)

First up is It’s So Fluffy – a layout documenting an adorable photo of Paige and a fluffy chicken she befriended at the Nowra Zoo, using the Paper Issues Sketch #6. I used a lot of the patterned papers from my kit, mixing them with die-cut flowers and bows in soft pastel colours. I didn't have the tags in the colours I wanted for this layout so I cut out two from some of the patterned paper scraps, and I love how they turned out. 

Full of Colour (Sketch #6)

Next, I worked on Full of Colour – a bright, bold layout capturing when Paige had rainbow hair threads braided into her hair, using Paper Issues Sketch #5. The colour scheme of the layout matched her vibrant braids perfectly. I used tags as part of the photo mat, which helped to anchor the picture while adding layers and interest. I also had some fun with black ink, doodling around the photos, tags, and even the background paper. The little ink splatters and hearts tied everything together in the most playful way.

Both layouts came together so quickly thanks to the kit and the sketches and with my latest obsession with tags (seriously, they add such a fun dimension to any layout!) If you’re ever feeling stuck or uninspired, creating a small kit like this and having a plan (like those daily sketches!) can make all the difference. 

What are you working on this month? Let me know in the comments!

Craft'n Around the World January Challenge

 Mermaid Tails

Hey, crafty friends! It’s time to dive into another exciting month of the Craft'n Around the World Facebook challenge group, and let me tell you — there are so many reasons to join in this year! If you’ve participated before, you’ll notice some fun new changes to the challenge that will spark your creativity even more.

This year, the challenge keeps things fresh by offering not one, but two fun sketches every month — one for a card and one for a scrapbooking layout. But wait, there’s more! The new twist is that each month will also feature a choice between a Tic Tac Toe board or a color combination which you can incorporate into your project, if you feel like..... but you don't have too!! And don’t worry, the theme remains wide open, giving you the option and freedom to create whatever inspires you.

Whether you’re a card maker or a scrapbooker, there’s something for everyone in this challenge! It’s the perfect way to push your creative boundaries, try something new, and get involved in a super supportive community of crafters.

For my first creation for January, I chose to play with the scrapbooking layout sketch. I was inspired by some photos of my daughters playing in mermaid tails in the pool, splashing around and having the best time. The memories were so playful and magical, and I knew the layout had to reflect that whimsy.

I used the sketch as my foundation and decided to add a fun twist by incorporating a few personal touches. First, I chose patterned paper that runs down the left side of the page, which mimics the look of mermaid scales — perfect for this aquatic theme. 

I also had to pull in some Jane Davenport tissue paper featuring seashells and a mermaid. It was the perfect finishing touch to really bring the mermaid vibe to life.

And of course, no mermaid layout would be complete without some sparkle! I added glittery puffy letters to form the title, because what’s a mermaid without a little glimmer and shine? 

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your supplies, head to the Craft'n Around the World Facebook group, and join in on the fun this month! I can’t wait to see what you create.

Until next time, happy crafting!

A Cut Above Design Team

Lip Gloss or Fairy Floss

I am beyond thrilled to share some fantastic news with you all today! I've been selected to be part of the A Cut Above Design Team! This is such an exciting opportunity, and I couldn't wait to get started. If you love die cuts, you’re in for a treat! The monthly challenges are simple; Create a project with at least one die cut (defined by using a die cut machine, manual or electric, not a purchased pre-fabricated die cut). It can't get much simpler than that, right? I’ll be sharing my first project with the team, and I hope it inspires you to dive into your own die cutting adventures.

 For my first Design Team creation, I was inspired by a recent memory with my daughters. We were at a drone light show on the shore of the lake in Canberra, and they had the biggest cotton candy (or fairy floss as it's known here in Australia). Their giggles, sugary smiles, with the pink and blue fairy floss candy inspired this dreamy, pastel-colored layout.

The Die Cuts That Made the Magic Happen

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show— die cuts! These versatile little wonders are perfect for adding intricate details and dimension to any project. For this layout, I used three of my favorite die cuts: a fairy, a layered butterfly, and a bow. Each of these dies has so much personality and works beautifully to enhance the soft, whimsical theme of the layout. And the best part? You can easily customise them with glitter, which adds a whole new level of sparkle to the design.

The Bow Die Cut: You can never go wrong with a sweet little bow. I used a die for this bow to add a fun, playful touch around the stick of the Fairy Floss. Again, I added glitter for that sparkling effect. It’s such a cute little detail that really pulls everything together.

The Fairy Die Cut: This delicate fairy silhouette is perfect for any magical or dreamy theme. I die-cut it from soft pink cardstock, then added a touch of glitter to her wings and dress. It just gives her that extra bit of shimmer, like she’s ready to take flight off the page.

The Layered Butterfly Die Cut: This butterfly is all about texture! The intricate layers of the die cut give the butterfly dimension, and with a bit of glitter along the edges, it looks like it's fluttering right off the page. I cut it from a mix of pink and blue pattern paper to match the colour palette and give it a few sequins for that whimsical feel.

Why I Love Metal Die Cuts

If you haven’t already jumped on the metal die cut train, let me tell you—it’s a game changer! Whether you use manual or electronic die cutting machines, these dies make crafting so much easier and more fun. The precision and detail that comes with metal dies is unbeatable. Plus, they’re extremely versatile—you can use them for cards, layouts, tags, home décor, and so much more. They’re a must-have for any crafter looking to add a touch of elegance, whimsy, or fun to their projects.

Being part of the A Cut Above Design Team is a fantastic opportunity to get creative and share my love of die cutting with fellow crafters. The challenge is all about using die cuts—whether they’re manual or electronic—and I can’t wait to see what everyone else comes up with! It’s going to be so fun to be part of this supportive, creative community. And if you’re feeling inspired, why not try using some metal dies in your next project? You can create beautiful and intricate designs with ease. 

Thank you so much for celebrating this new adventure with me. I can’t wait to share more projects with you as we go along, and stay tuned for more fun on the A Cut Above Challenge Blog!

Happy crafting, Tracey

P.S. If you love what I’ve created here, be sure to check out the other amazing projects from my fellow design team members. They’re full of inspiration, and I know you’ll love them as much as I do!

January's Counterfeit Kit Challenge and Paper Issues sketch 2

If you're like me, you’ve probably found yourself scrolling through those gorgeous scrapbook kit club websites, admiring all the beautifully coordinated papers, embellishments, and themes. But deep down, you know you’ve got more supplies than you could ever use in a lifetime. And you’re definitely not alone—I have copious amounts of papers, embellishments, and stamps stashed away in my craft room, just waiting to be used.

That’s where the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog comes in. If you haven’t heard of it, this community is all about helping you make the most of what you already have. Each month, the team challenges you to “counterfeit” a kit from a well-known scrapbook kit club by creating your own kit from your own stash. No need to buy anything new! This is a great way to rediscover old favourites and get your scrapbooking mojo back.

For January, the inspiration kit is Hip Kit's September 2024 "Good Things Ahead". I’ve pulled out papers in shades of blue and touches of peachy/orange, inspired by the denim pockets and soft rainbow hues of the Hip Kit kit. I also included some pocket embellishment stickers to tie in with the kit's theme. It’s amazing how just selecting a few coordinating items helps me see the potential in my supplies and gets me excited to create. Here is my kit:

And to kickstart my January scrapbooking journey, I joined in with the Paper Issues Facebook group’s Day 2 Sketch challenge. I love how sketches can quickly jumpstart a layout when I'm feeling stuck. Sketches are a fantastic tool when you want to scrap quickly and efficiently. They give you a clear direction, so you don’t have to spend ages deciding on layout design. Paired with a counterfeit kit, I find it’s an efficient way to create beautiful pages without overthinking. You can follow the sketch closely or adapt it to suit your photos and style—either way, it helps take the guesswork out of creating.

 Using the sketch, I created a layout featuring a sweet memory from a few years ago—my daughters, Bronte and Paige, having fun together at daycare. In the photo, Bronte is pulling Paige around in a toy wagon. It was such a simple, joyful moment, and I’m so happy to have it documented.

One of the things I love about this layout is the colour combination of peach and blue. These two colours might not be ones you often see paired together, but I think they work so well here. The peach tones add a warmth and softness to the page, while the blue brings a fresh, cool vibe. The combination creates a perfect balance between cute and fun, making it ideal for the playful moment captured in my photo—light-hearted, sweet, and joyful. The peach and blue work together to make the layout pop without overpowering the photo, and it really brings the page to life.

Paper Issues Sketches - 1

Happy New Year, Scrapbookers. I am so excited to kick off 2025 with a fantastic challenge from one of my favourite Facebook groups - Paper Issues. This month, they're offering a Daily Sketch Challenge, and I’m all in!  

To start off the challenge, the very first sketch prompted me to use a family photo from our Christmas celebration here in our home in Canberra, it's the first time we have celebrated with everyone at our home. It’s such a cherished moment.

For this layout, I decided to create my own background, I splottched some red colour spray on the white cardstock and then dulled it down by painting a layer of white paint over it. Then I used a stencil to create an explosive effect of lines and stars, giveing the layout a lot of energy. The pop of red stars is really what makes this page, and I love how they stand out against the creamy background. To add a bit of elegance and sparkle, I included small touches of gold here and there to highlight certain areas – because who doesn’t love a little shimmer?

I’m hoping to stay on track and keep up with the daily sketches this month to really get me back on track with my scrapping. 

If you’re looking for inspiration, need a creative push, or just want to be part of an amazing scrapbooking community, check out the Paper Issues Facebook group! It’s full of so many talented people sharing ideas, tips, and beautiful layouts.

Wrapping Up The Year - Craft'n Around the World Design Team layout

 This month, for my Design Team layout I decided to get creative with the Craft'n Around the World Facebook challenge. While the challenge included both card and layout sketches, I decided to take the card sketch and turn it into a scrapbooking layout. It had a lovely Christmas vibe, so I chose to make a festive layout that captures a bit of our holiday cheer.

One of the reasons I love using card sketches for scrapbooking layouts is that they often help me think outside the box. With card sketches, you’re usually working in a smaller, more confined space, which challenges you to be creative and make the most of the elements. That same challenge applies when you adapt it for a larger layout; suddenly, you’re thinking about how to stretch the design, how to play with proportions, and how to balance the elements in a way that feels right for the size of the page.

The sketch had a circular element, which I replaced with a fussy-cut Christmas wreath. I made the wreath much larger than in the sketch, giving it an overemphasised, whimsical feel. It really stands out and gives the layout a playful, festive touch. The wreath’s soft greens, reds, and golds from Cocoa Vanilla’s Joyful collection added a lovely, muted tone—much more subtle than the usual bright reds and greens of other Christmas collections.

The sketch included paper strips behind the central element, which I wanted to use as a background for my photo. The last strip features a 'V-notch' which I placed so that it overlaps the wreath, making sure the detail was visible. This small touch adds some interest and balance to the page. What I love about Cocoa Vanilla’s Joyful Collection is the soft, muted colour palette. The colours are delicate and whimsical, creating a calming, nostalgic Christmas feel. It was perfect for the look I wanted—festive but not too bold or overwhelming.

 

Using a card sketch for a layout is such a great way to stretch your creativity. The compact design of card sketches challenges you to think outside the box and makes it easy to adapt elements to fit a larger page. It helped me create a layout that was both unique and fun, without being too rigid in design.

If you're looking for a fun way to jumpstart your creativity this month, I highly recommend giving the challenge at Craft'n Around the World a try. It’s a great way to create something new and get into the festive spirit!

Happy scrapping, and have a wonderful holiday season!

Scrapbook Fun with Craft’n Around the World Challenge - Untamed Happiness

Hello, lovely scrapbookers!

It’s time for another Craft’n Around the World challenge, and I’m so excited to share my layout with you all! Whether you’re a seasoned scrapbooker or just getting started, this challenge is a fantastic opportunity to get creative, try new things, and connect with crafters from around the globe. Each month, the Craft’n Around the World Facebook group offers three different categories for you to choose from:

1. Scrapbook Sketch
2. Card Sketch
3. Open Theme

This flexibility is one of the reasons I love this challenge so much. Whether you’re in the mood for following a sketch or want to do your own thing with an open theme, there’s something for everyone! The best part? You can enter up to three times, so you have plenty of room to experiment and try different approaches. And remember, with the sketches, you’re not locked into a rigid design—you can rotate the sketch, swap shapes, or put your own unique spin on it. Just like I did for my creation, I flipped the sketch on it's head which turned out perfect to captured Hunter’s wild personality. I’ve been meaning to scrap some photos of Hunter, our red Alaskan Malamute, and this sketch was the perfect excuse to do just that. 

Hunter is a dog with a lot of personality. He tests our patience, but his loving nature and hilarious antics always win us over. And honestly, there’s no better way to describe him than with the title I gave this layout: Untamed Happiness. You can see the joy on his face as he bounces around the backyard, showing off his wild side—just pure, untamed happiness!

The photos I used perfectly captures Hunter in his element—legs mid-air, ears forward, and a face that just screams fun. I wanted the layout to reflect that energy, so I chose elements that felt playful and lighthearted.

I’ll admit, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start with a layout, but this sketch made everything come together so quickly. The design was full of fun elements that I could easily adapt to fit my photos of Hunter in action. I added some layers of patterned paper, which helped add depth, and the overall layout just clicked.

One of the things I love most about this layout is the background. I used a woodgrain paper to create a natural, earthy feel, but then I added a bit of messiness to the mix. I splattered some silver and grey colour spray over the page to give it that carefree, energetic vibe. The splatters feel like Hunter’s exuberant energy spilling out all over the page, adding a fun, messy touch to the design.

For added texture, I fussy cut a bunch of stars from patterned paper and created little clusters around the layout. These stars are playful and tie in perfectly with Hunter’s fun-loving personality. The clusters help guide the eye across the page and add a bit of whimsical charm.

The sketch had a great spot for a title, and I knew I wanted to make it stand out. I used two different types of fonts to add some visual interest. The chipboard title gives the page some height and texture, while the flat sticker font adds a subtle layering effect. The title, Untamed Happiness, perfectly sums up Hunter’s spirited and joyful nature, and the mix of fonts makes it pop against the background.

If you’re not already part of the Craft'n Around the World group, don’t worry—it’s open to crafters worldwide, and we’d love to have you join us. You can find the group here. Trust me, it’s a great community for inspiration, encouragement, and a bit of fun.

I’m so happy with how this layout turned out, and I hope it brings a little joy to your day just like it did for me when I created it. Thanks for stopping by, and I can’t wait to see your creations in the group.

Happy scrapping, and remember: let your creativity run wild—just like Hunter!