Craftin' Around the World March Design Team Reveal - Tic-Tac-Toe

Hello, fellow scrapbookers!

If you're looking for a fun way to jumpstart your creativity this month, you’ve come to the right place! The Craftin' Around the World Facebook Challenge Group has a fantastic set of challenges for March, and I have my March Design Team creation here to share with you. Whether you're a seasoned scrapper or just getting started, there's something for everyone. As always, there are two sketches—one for a scrapbooking layout and one for a card—with an open theme, so it’s perfect if you want to scrap a topic that’s close to your heart. The extra challenge for inspiration this month is the Tic-Tac-Toe Board. This challenge is a personal favourite! It’s such a fun way to get creative. You pick three elements in a row (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) and incorporate them into your layout.

I ended up doing more than one row because, why not have extra fun and challenge myself? (You'll see below how I included circles, flowers, die cuts, bling, patterned paper, butterflies, and the colour pink!) I am also on a mission this year to use up my surplus patterned paper supply, so I decided to use just scraps for my creation.

 For my layout, I pulled out some of my leftover patterned paper scraps from previous projects. I don’t know about you, but I always end up with scraps—small bits of beautiful paper that I just can’t throw away! This challenge gave me the perfect excuse to use them up while still keeping my layout fun and fresh. So, to start my process, I selected a photo of my parents on their 56th Wedding Anniversary and placed it alongside my tub of patterned paper scraps. I then riffled through it to pull out patterns and colours that I thought would complement the photo. I picked flowers first, as that was one of the elements from the Tic-Tac-Toe board. I then found a check pattern to match my Dad's shirt and looked for colours to complement the rest of the design.

We all end up with leftover patterned paper scraps, and it's easy to let them pile up. Here are my favourite five fun and easy ways to use those bits and pieces:

1. Use Scraps as Decorative Borders – Create a border with strips of patterned paper along the edges of your page. It’s an easy way to frame your layout and use up those leftover bits.

2. Create Die-Cut Embellishments – If you have small scraps, they’re perfect for die-cutting. Use them to create flowers, hearts, butterflies, or other shapes to decorate your pages or cards.

3. Make Tags – Cut your scraps into small tag shapes to use for journaling or as fun embellishments. It’s a simple way to add more layers to your projects.

4. Layer Them Behind Photos – Don’t toss out those tiny pieces of paper. Instead, use them behind your photos as a fun, colourful mat. It adds depth and brings more interest to your page.

5. Create a Sunburst Design – Turn your scraps into a dazzling sunburst pattern. Cut patterned paper into strips or wedges, and arrange them in a fan-like shape starting from the centre of your page. It’s a bold and beautiful way to use up those scraps and create a radiant effect on your layout or card.

I’m so excited to see how others interpret the Craftin' Around the World challenge for March, and I hope my layout has sparked some ideas for your own projects. Whether you’re new to scrapbooking or an old pro, challenges like these are a fantastic way to get out of a creative rut.

Let’s make March the most creative month yet.

Craftin' Around the World Challenges March Design Team reveal

 Hello, crafty friends! It's time for another fun month with Craftin' Around the World Facebook challenge group, and trust me—there's plenty to get excited about. Instead of just one sketch, there are two—one for cards and one for scrapbook layouts. Plus, there's a fun new twist: you’ll also have the option to choose between a Tic Tac Toe board or a colour palette moodboard to include in your project. But no pressure. If it’s not your thing, feel free to skip it and just go with the flow of the sketch. The theme is still wide open, so you’re free to create whatever inspires you—how awesome is that?

Whether you’re into card making, scrapbooking, or both, this challenge has something for everyone. It's a great way to stretch your creativity, try out new techniques, and be part of a super supportive crafting community. I can't wait to see how you’ll interpret the March challenge and get crafting with us!

For my design team layout, I couldn’t resist using the scrapbooking—though, I decided to take a little trip back to Christmas, even though it is now March. Sometimes it’s just too hard to let go of the magic of the season, right?

I chose this sketch because it had such a great balance of photo placement and fun embellishments, and I knew it would be perfect for capturing a special Christmas moment with Paige. You see, Paige had the biggest Grinchy moment when she spotted Grinch-themed Krispy Kreme doughnuts at the shop. She was so excited that she begged to buy them, and as soon as we got home, she made sure we paused everything for a few fun photos. You know how it goes—those spontaneous moments that just scream to be scrapbooked.

To make the layout truly capture that Grinchy vibe, I went with a bright green colour scheme, perfectly matched with some Christmas-themed patterned papers to echo the green doughnuts. I didn’t want to waste the adorable Grinch imagery on the doughnut box, so I carefully cut out the images of the Grinch, the decorations, and even the cute little girl, and added them as fun embellishments to my page. Waste not, want not, right? It added such a playful, personal touch to the layout.

The end result is a fun-filled layout that perfectly encapsulates the pure joy Paige had that day—and honestly, it was such a joy to create it. Sometimes, going back to those little holiday moments is just what you need to kick off a new month of scrapbooking.

Craftin' Around the World Design Team share

I’m so excited to share my second February Design Team layout for Febrauary. As always, our challenges are open themes, or you can choose between the sketches or the colour combination this month. I can't wait to see which one or combination of them that you pick. 

I decided to focus on the Colour Moodboard, and I can’t wait to show you how I used it to create a beautiful layout celebrating my daughter Bronte's Formal (Prom). But before I reveal my project, let’s talk about how colour can truly elevate your designs, and why using a colour moodboard can make scrapbooking so much easier and more fun!

Colour is a Powerful Tool in Scrapbooking

Colour is one of the most important elements in scrapbooking. It has the power to set the tone, evoke emotions, and bring your memories to life. The right colour combination can transform your scrapbook page into a captivating visual story that resonates with the viewer. But, as you can imagine, with so many colours to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to picking the perfect scheme for your project. In the past, I’ll admit that I picked colors for my scrapbook pages based on what simply appealed to me in the moment. There was no rhyme or reason to it—just colours that I thought looked pretty together. But after a while, I realised that a lot of my pages started to feel a little bland. They all looked the same, and nothing really stood out. Can you relate? I had a bunch of pages with no wow factor.

That’s when I decided to turn to colour moodboards for inspiration. A colour moodboard is a fantastic way to take the guesswork out of selecting your colour scheme. Instead of picking them randomly, a moodboard already provides you with a beautifully curated combination of colours that are proven to work well together and create a visually appealing result. The great thing about using a colour moodboard is that it simplifies the creative process. No more second-guessing whether your colours are matching or complementing each other. With a moodboard, the hard work is already done for you! It reduces the time spent in the colour selection process, which means you can focus on adding your own personal touch to the layout and let the colours take care of the rest.

My Layout Inspired by the Color Moodboard

For my February layout, I was drawn to the colour moodboard that was provided, and I decided to create a layout about Bronte’s Formal (Prom). I loved the colours in the moodboard, and they were perfect for capturing the elegant, celebratory feel of the occasion.

One of the first decisions I made was to convert my colour photos to black and white. Why? The moodboard had a very specific colour palette—bold bright green, teal, pink and purple—and I wanted my photos to complement the colours rather than compete with them. By making the photos black and white, I ensured that they blended seamlessly with the layout’s colour scheme and let the focus remain on the overall design.

Next, I found inspiration in the butterfly featured in the moodboard. I loved the delicate, graceful feel of the butterfly, so I decided to incorporate it into my layout as a prominent element. I used die cuts to create butterfly embellishments and placed it near Bronte’s photos to bring a touch of whimsy and elegance to the page. The butterflies not only added visual interest, but it also tied back to the colour moodboard, reinforcing the theme and colour choices.

How to Join the Challenge

Joining in on our Craft'n Around the World Facebook Challenge is simple! There are no strict rules about what you can or can’t do. The only requirement is that you join in the fun and incorporate the elements of the challenge into your project, which is open themed so.... anything goes!! So, whether you’re drawn to the sketch, the moodboard, or the Tic-Tac-Toe grid, there’s something for everyone to get involved in! I can’t wait to see how you all interpret the colour moodboard and what amazing projects you come up with this month. Please share your creations with us in the group, and feel free to ask any questions if you need guidance or inspiration!

Happy crafting and good luck to everyone.

Craftin' Around the World February Design Team Share

Hello Craft'n Around the World friends!

I’m so excited to reveal my February Design Team layout for this month’s challenge at Craftin' Aroung the World Facebook group. As always, we’ve got an open theme, with a card or scrapbooking sketch and a bonus of a Colour Moodboard to get you really thinking. I’ve chosen to focus on the monthly sketch for inspiration for this layout. If you haven’t checked out the sketches yet, I encourage you to do so at the Facebook Group. 

Monthly Challenge Details

Don’t forget, the Craft'n Around the World challenges are open to everyone, and you have a few ways to play along each month: Use the Sketch: Create either a card or layout based on the provided sketches, or now choose from the rotating monthly Mood Board or the Tic-Tac-Toe. The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with this month!

This month, I created a layout celebrating my daughter Bronte, who just completed Year 12 and graduated from college! It’s a huge milestone, and I wanted to capture that special moment. I used the scrapbooking sketch to guide the placement of my photos, title, and embellishments-making the layout come together so fast. The final result is a beautiful tribute to her accomplishment, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

Using Sketches for Inspiration: A Blueprint for Your Creativity

One of the things I love most about sketches is that they provide a clear framework for your project, but still leave room for personal creativity. Think of a sketch like a blueprint—it’s a guide that gives you a general idea of where to place your photos, title, and other elements on the page. It’s a fantastic way to get started, especially if you’re feeling a little stuck or need a spark of inspiration.

Here’s why I love using sketches for both scrapbooking and card making:

• Quick & Easy Design: When you use a sketch, you’re essentially working from a plan. This allows you to create a well-designed project quickly and easily. The sketch gives you a clear structure to follow, which makes the process smoother. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—just follow the outline and let your creativity fill in the details!

• Flexibility to Personalise: While the sketch provides a starting point, it’s not a strict rulebook. There’s no law that says you can’t move the elements around or change them up a bit! Feel free to swap out embellishments, adjust photo sizes, or add more layers to suit your style. A sketch is simply a guide, not a set of rigid instructions, which means you have the freedom to make it your own.

• Build a Professional-Looking Layout: Sketches can help you create a layout that looks polished and well-balanced. If you’re a beginner, they provide a great way to ensure your photos and elements are arranged in a visually appealing way. If you’re a more experienced scrapper, a sketch is a way to streamline your design process while still achieving that “wow” factor.

 I hope this layout and the tips I’ve shared inspire you to give the challenge a try if you haven’t already. Remember, sketches are a fantastic tool for streamlining the design process while still allowing room for your own creativity. Whether you’re creating a layout for a special milestone like Bronte’s graduation or a card for a friend, a sketch can help make the process both fun and efficient.

I can’t wait to see what you all create for this month’s challenge! Don’t forget to share your projects with us in the group—we love seeing all your amazing work.

Happy crafting.

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!

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!

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!

Longest Gap Ever

Hello everyone.

I wonder how many of you will even see my post? It as been so, so long since I was last on here. Life has been super busy and I need to take a break to concentrate on improving my mind and work. I took all of last year off from Scrapbooking to concentrate on study, I achieved a Master's in Capability and Technology. 😀 Which, if you know me, is a huge accomplishment - I am not the most technologically minded person, and mathematics is not my strong suit - but I passed with Credits!! I got offered the Masters as part of my career pathway, and this year, I have been posted to the Defence Space and Cyber College, which is a great place to work.  

Anyhoo, I just wanted to pop in and share what I have been up to scrap-wise as I only started scrapping again in May I have been a bit slow finding my mojo again, but am loving my creative time. Reflecting back I should have really of kept doing it last year, it might have saved my sanity a bit. 😂 

Whilst trying to get back into scrapbooking I saw a call for a Design Team on the Facebook Group - Craftin' Around the World Challenges and applied. Imagine my surprise when I get accepted. It is a fun little group and each month a new challenge is posted, here are my takes on the challenges.

May - Female or Patchwork:

Beautiful Sweet Girl. 

I tied the two themes for the challenge together and scrapped a photo of Bronte and created a patchworky background.

June: Song and Monochrome:

Every Day Moments

I used a light teal colour as my monochrome layout, which really complemented the photo of Bronte in the ocean. Love her cheeky smile in this photo.

Favourite Song - Mockingbird

Paige's favourite song right now is Mockingbird by Eminem, it has such an influence on her that she asked for an Eminem cake for her 13th Birthday.

July: Seasons, Feeling and Weather

Four Seasons. 

Isn't it funny how sometimes, as soon as you see a topic or challenge, you know straight away what you want to do? Well, that happened with this Season's theme for me; I knew I just had to use four different family photos for four different seasons. 

Blankie. 

For the feelings challenge I had to scrap about Paige and how her blankie is her regulator to her feelings. From being wrapped in this blanket as a baby to carrying around small piece of it, now to this day, it helps her regulate her feelings and keeps her peaceful and calm.

Thanks for popping in, and I apologise for how long it has been, but be assured... I will be on here more regularly from now on. 

Hugs