Friday 21 September 2018

Fabscraps ATC Blog Hop


No blog hop is complete without a prize! There is one FABulous FabScraps gift up for grabs.


To join this GIVEAWAY you must leave a comment on each blog post to have a chance at getting your hands on the prize.

The Winner will be chosen at random on the 28th of September 2018 from the comments left on ALL THE POSTS. Our crowned crafty will be announced on the FabScraps blog for all to see.



As you may recall we have done our fair share of paper challenges over the years. We've done inchies, twinchies, moos and artist trading cards among others. Each one was a new opportunity to stretch our creativity in new ways. The ATC (artist trading coin) is the newest format to challenge our use of space and materials.

WARNING THIS BLOG POST CONTAINS CRAFTING THAT MAY BE ADDICTIVE TO SOME PEOPLE

Once you start making these highly addictive mini masterpieces you will find yourself looking at all your supplies and wondering "would this fit on an ATC". You will be suprised how much you can put on these 2.5 inch wonders.

Enjoy the amazing talents of the Fabscraps design team as we each try our hand at creating beautiful artist trading coins.
In making the coins I opted for a coverweight cardstock for my base. I cut out enough circles to use the entire sheet. You can use a 2.5 inch hole punch or a die (like I did).

I used the distress oxides to colour the bases and then stamped random flowers in archival black ink.

Using my Fabscraps design paper I chose my favourite images to cut out using my two inch circle die.

Using walnut distress stain I made the outside of each circle a bit more vintage looking. Once the edges were inked I adhered them together. I offset the smaller circle in different places on each coin.

Using a brown fine tip marker I created faux stitching around the edge of the design paper.
I had some left over adhesive gem circles left over from another project so I used them to highlight my favourite part of each image.
I dug deep in my bead stash to find a variety of pretty colours to showcase the colours in the paper.

As a final touch I added a small angel charm to each coin.





I love how the coins turned out and I am so excited to see what all my other team mates created. I hope you loved the coins and follow me along the blog hop to all the other designers' blogs.

FabScraps the lovely Cailtin Fowle
You Are Here 💖💖Tracy Sagriff 💖💖
Your Next Stop 💖💖Moira Giloway💖💖

Saturday 2 June 2018

Southern Ridge Design Team Project: Shaker Dashboard

Hello ladies. Have you been bitten by the planner bug yet? You would not believe how much of my studio is now dedicated to all things planning.




I recently did a project for the Southern Ridge Trading Company blog and I wanted to be sure you popped over and had a look.

This beachy shaker dashboard is such a cute addition to my Classic Happy Planner. I will do a how to video when I can and put the link to it at the bottom of this post.

So off you go to Southern Ridge Trading Company's blog.

Thursday 31 May 2018

Fabscraps Design Team Project:Prayer Journal

Are you ready for another B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. project using the oh so pretty Memory Lane Design Paper Collection? I thought so!

Memory Lane

-Tracy Sagriff-

For This Project You Will Need:
• FabScraps  Memory Lane paper range : C105 005, 006,
• FabScraps Chipboard Pieces : DC 105 004
• Chipboard album
• Crystal Adhesive backed Accents
• Distress ink (antique linen)
• Crocheted trim


Instructions

1. Use design paper to create dimensional flowers
2. Use a full sheet of design paper to wrap the cover of the album.
3. Attach crocheted lace to front and back cover allowing ends to reach the inside of the cover.
4. Attach a short ribbon on each side of the album to use as a closure.
5. Cover the inside of the album with a coordinating piece of design paper to cover the exposed chipboard and ribbons,
6. Adhere flowers and sentiment to cover.
7. Distress all the edges of the cover with antique linen distress ink.
8. Use extra sheets of design paper to cover the chipboard pages.

Tuesday 22 May 2018

Fabscraps Design Team Project: Memory Lane Pocket Letter

Pinterest. Need I say more? Well actually I guess I will or this would be shortest blog post ever.

Pinterest introduced me to pocket letters. I have been busily pinning the amazing creations you ladies have created. All I can say is wow. The imagination that you guys put into those tiny boxes is awe inspiring.
I finally took the plunge and created my very first pocket letter using the Memory Lane paper line from Fabscraps as well a as their bird stencil. The rest are just bits and bobs from my stash.

Thursday 17 May 2018

Fabscraps Design Team Project Coffee Confessions

I am quite sure that the incredible ladies at Fabscraps were reading my mind when they designed this adorable coffee themed paper line.
Don't let the soft pastels fool you. This paper is fairly cheeky and celebrates all things #coffee and of course #bff.
This sweet beerboard book was perfect to create a very vintage looking memory book.



Coffee Confessions
-Tracy Sagriff-

For This Project You Will Need:
• FabScraps Coffee Confessions paper range : C103 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008
• FabScraps Chipboard Pieces : DC 103 007
• FabScraps Beer Board Book: DC 103 001
• Kraft Cardstock
• White Cardstock
• Gesso
• Glossy Accents
• Flat back Pearl Accents
• Dovecraft Resin Roses
• Tim Holtz Oxide Distress Ink Vintage Photo
• Brown Glitter Glue

Instructions

1. Trace outline of DC 103 001 on each of the design papers in collection 103.
2. Cut out each shape and adhere to the individual pages of the book.
3. Adhere DT 103 001 to the front cover.
4. Using a fine file, sand between the shapes of the front cover to reveal the pattern.
5. For a shabby chic look distress the edges of each page and ink with Tim Holtz Distress Oxide in Vintage Photo.
6. Ink DC 103 007 with Tim Holtz Distress Oxide in Vintage Photo.
7. Trace the top and bottom designs of the cover on white cardstock and cut out.
8. Use glossy accents and dazzling diamonds glitter on top piece then adhere both pieces to cover.
9. Fill the die cut shapes in the cover with brown glitter glue.
10. Arrange DC 103 007, resin roses and flat back pearls as desired.
11. Affix pages with the included brass rings.
12. Tie lengths of ribbon and lace to one of the brass rings, using one piece to form a bow.
13. Add your own photos and enjoy.

Friday 11 May 2018

Fabscraps Design Team Layout for Memory Lane

I was so excited to work with the beautiful floral paperline Memory Lane from Fabscraps. The soft flowing colours make creating a spectacular layout a snap.

This layout features memory lane design paper, chipboard and their beautiful feather stencil. I love the way the feathers jump off the page.

To see the official blog article and how to visit: http://fabscraps.com/2018/04/10/tutorial-c105-memory-lane-collection-memory-lane-layout-done-tracy-sagriff/

Saturday 14 April 2018

Free Fitness Tracker for Planners

Hey guys. One of the things I really need to focus on this year is being active. The long winter has made me feel lethargic and the lack of sunshine has made me lose all ambition to be doing any kind of excercise.

I think we actually had two days when the sun shone this week so I felt motivated enough to make this tracker. I use the fitness planner from Happy Planner  but I wanted a tracker strictly for excercise. If you are interested in tracking your fitness, feel free to grab this free printable.


Tuesday 10 April 2018

Design Team Projects

Good morning friends. Today you can see my work featured on Southern Ridge Trading Post as well as Fabscraps/. Please bounce on over there and leave a comment.
I hope you enjoy my Springtime projects.

Sunday 1 April 2018

20 Brilliant Ideas for your Spring Bucket List

Spring is my absolute favourite season. The fresh air blowing through open windows, the smell of the lilacs bursting into bloom. I think it is the whole process of renewal. A fresh start.

As a crafter there are things we can do to give our studios  a spring makeover. Remove any unused supplies and donate where possible. Declutter your tools, I promise you don't need 5 die cutting machines. Spring is a great time to set goals to achieve .


I have put together a bucket list to get you started. Have fun and enjoy every moment.

.

Thursday 22 March 2018

Southern Ridge Trading Company: Meet our New Design Team Members!

Exciting things are happening this year. I am excited to announce that in addition to my new position with the amazing Fabscraps design team I have also accepted a six month term with Southern Ridge Trading Company: Meet our New Design Team Members!: Karen and I would like to thank you for your submissions. It was unbelievable to see all of the from Canada, the United States and the ...

Gratitude Journal Mini Happy Planner


via IFTTT

Monday 12 March 2018

Review: Ayurveda Beginner's Guide

Ayurveda Beginner's Guide

Author : Susan Weis-Bohlen


Ayurveda (/ˌɑːjʊərˈvdə/ or /ˌɑːjʊərˈvdə/[1]) is a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent.[2] Globalized and modernized practices derived from Ayurveda traditions are a type of complementary or alternative medicine.[3][4] In countries beyond India, Ayurveda therapies and practices have been integrated in general wellness applications and in some cases in medical use.[5]


This book is a gentle introduction to the ancient practices of Ayurveda. The author invites you to dip your toe into the life altering routines, practices and ways of thinking that have been proven effective over thousands of years.
This book came to me at a good time as I was looking for something to improve my overall wellbeing not just a diet book. Susan's book teaches you how to work on mind, body and soul with practical instruction on each. Included is 21 day challenge that will help you make small changes that will become life long habits.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to improve their overall health or even just to create a more effective daily routine.
Ayurveda Beginner’s Guide is a great investment in living better.

















I received a free copy of this book to review. The opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author: Susan Weis Bohlen



Friday 9 March 2018

Fabscraps 2018-2019 Design Team

I am so thrilled to share that I was selected to be on the Fabscraps design team this year. Fabscraps has been one of my favourite papercrafting companies for quite some time.

"Fabscraps is a family run business established in 2005 by sisters Brigitte Wimbush and Janine Smollan. What started as a small local business venture is now Africa’s largest craft manufacturing company with over 3000 product lines distributed around the world."


I am so excited to be part of this incredibly talented team.



Sunday 4 March 2018

Dated Big Happy Planner Dimension Templates

The Big Happy Planner from Mambi gives you lots of elbow room to design cute weekly layouts that will keep you inspired all week.

My Big Happy Planner has become my favourite mini scrapbooking outlet. It takes only 2-3 pages of design paper to create a full layout with very little white space. I have included a Planner Dimension Template for my dated 2018 Big Happy Planner. This template will not work with horizontal or undated BHP.

Watch me create a beautiful bold layout featuring Fabscraps design paper.


If you would like a copy of the template


Tuesday 6 February 2018

Free Planner Printable: Habit Tracker

Hello friends.

Just popping in to share a habit tracker that I made this afternoon. I made it to to keep track of my morning and afternoon medications. I did not number it or add too many labels so that it would be useable for whatever you want.


Monday 5 February 2018

Resources for Cricut and Design Space

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

As a papercrafter I have purchased allot of tools over the years. It started with the decorative edge scissors put out by Fiskars and has continued on through 4 generations of Cricuts and numerous cutting tools.
















Over the years though I have passed many of my no longer used tools down to my daughter, a girls group, a women's shelter and some even found their way to Kijiji.

I have found that I consistently prefer to work with my Cricut. Sometimes I miss announcements about new features until I watch one of Melody Lanes videos. That is how I discovered print and cut had been added. What a game changer.

I came across this video which shows some of the features of design space (the software that works with your Cricut). This playlist goes through the many features of the software with easy to follow instructions.


If you don't own a Cricut Machine yet, what are you waiting for?
Shop Crict Machines

Sunday 4 February 2018

Creating Beautiful Blooms




This post contains affiliate links. That means if you take this class I make a commission. That being said I would not suggest a class that I felt was not great value and very informative.



Winter roads giving you cabin fever? Why not put on your cosy slippers and learn how to make beautiful spring blooms at home. CreativeLive I is offering an online class by Robert Mahar February 5-6.



Do-It-Yourself: Paper Flowers.

Paper flowers add whimsy and beauty to any occasion. Learn how to craft a whole handmade garden with Robert Mahar in How to Make Paper Flowers step by step.
Robert Mahar is an arts and crafts professional who teaches others how to create imaginative do-it-yourself projects. In this class, Robert will teach you how to make impressive florals out of inexpensive materials. You’ll learn how to:
  • Create large-scale stylized flowers from standard sheets of paper
  • Make life-like flowers from crepe paper
  • Use your paper flowers in a variety of party decor creations
Paper flowers can be used as photo backdrops, centerpieces, napkin rings, or anything else you can dream up. This celebrated art form is sure to turn heads and spark conversation among anyone who experiences it. Learn how you can make your next event beautiful from Robert Mahar How to Make Paper Flowers.
Creativelive paper flower making class.

Friday 2 February 2018

5 Great DIY Gifts for Your Valentine


The clock is ticking. Valentine's Day is a mere 12 days away. Time to start helping your kids write out their class Valentine's and flipping through your recipes for a healthy party treat to send. I'm right there with you. I feel like we have exhausted our list of Valentine ideas over the years.

I thought it might help if I posted a few project ideas to get your creative mojo going. These crafts are all pretty simple but well received.










Jane Austin Inspired valentine




Mini Valentine Canvas












Vintage Inspired Necklace












Valentine's Easel Card








Sunday 28 January 2018

Free classes this week on Creative Live.

This post contains affiliate links. #ad

Free On-Air Classes - Week of 1/28

Class Name: Brush Lettering Basics
Text Link: Brush Lettering Basics class at CreativeLive
Start Date: 01/29/2018
End Date: 01/30/2018
RSVP Date: 01/29/2018

Class Name: Stop Making Excuses
Text Link: Stop Making Excuses class at CreativeLive
Start Date: 01/29/2018
End Date: 01/30/2018
RSVP Date: 01/29/2018

Class Name: Vlog Like a Boss
Text Link: Vlog Like a Boss class at CreativeLive
Start Date: 01/30/2018
End Date: 01/31/2018
RSVP Date: 01/30/2018

Class Name: The Outdoor Photography Experience
Text Link: The Outdoor Photography Experience class at CreativeLive
Start Date: 01/31/2018
End Date: 02/01/2018
RSVP Date: 01/31/2018

Class Name: Modern Web Design Demystified
Text Link: Modern Web Design Demystified class at CreativeLive
Start Date: 02/01/2018
End Date: 02/02/2018
RSVP Date: 02/01/2018

Class Name: Make Your Own Bath & Body Products
Text Link: Make Your Own Bath & Body Products class at CreativeLive
Start Date: 02/01/2018
End Date: 02/02/2018
RSVP Date: 02/01/2018

Friday 12 January 2018

A healthier you for 2018 :Skinny Chicks Cookbook

I was given a free copy of this book in order to provide a review. The opinions shared are my own.

Did I mention that I was diagnosed with diabetes last year? Its not suprising as I am at least 30 pounds over weight, eat like a five year old and exercise consists of chasing my pups around to get my sock back. (Even then it depends on how attached I am to the sock.) I know that I need to make changes but I find it so hard to wade through all the mystery ingredients at the bulk food store let alone trying to assemble something somewhat palatable to put on the table.

Enter The Skinny Chick's Cookbook. When I received a copy of this book to review I anticipated page after page of recipes that I could neither prepare nor eat. I am here to tell you, I could not have been more mistaken. The pictures will have your mouth watering and the ingredient list is simple and easily accessible. Each recipe has less than 10 ingredients  and are low calorie, gluten free and yummy looking.

I can't wait to start my day with strawberry banana crepes or enjoy a spicy buffalo cauliflower as a snack. The Skinny Chick's Cookbook is my new go to resource for healthy recipe ideas.  Check it out on the kindle store and make eating healthy in 2018 a reality.


Wednesday 3 January 2018

Are there a few things Santa missed?



This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase.


Let's face it, the jolly elf is not getting any younger. If he forgot a few items off your  creative supply list.....or even if you made the naughty list....now is a great time to stock up. Blick Art is having a great deal. Hurry it won't last long.

Get 20% off Blick orders of $79 or more, plus $35 free shipping! Use code CELM. Offer expires midnight (CST), Saturday, January 6th, 2018. Exclusions apply.


Tuesday 2 January 2018

Planning a Happy New Year

This post contains affiliate links to products that I think are excellent choices to set up your planner. If  you purchase through these links I will receive a small commission to help me maintain this blog.

Well here we are. 2018 has begun. Was one of your resolutions to get a handle on your schedule?

Last year I experimented with every type of planner around. I have decided that a travellers journal is my go to for my daily carry, however I can't add all the things I need to track in it without creating a very full, bulky journal.

Additionally, there are allot of things that I don't necessarily want to be carrying outside of the house.  For these living documents that I am using at home daily, the Me and My Big Ideas Happy Planners are an ideal fit. I love being able to easily add and remove the pages that I am using such as recipes or medication lists.


My Webster's Pages and Carpe Diem A5 plan
ners are a perfect match for organizing all the clinical notes, meeting notes, IEPs, letters of diagnosis and Respite reports for each of my 3 kidlets.

 It sounds like allot but I am finding that by compartmentalizing my information in separate planners it is easier for me to stay on task. Not all my planners are fully set up yet. My Big Happy planner is being converted to my social media/blog planner and some of my travellers journals need some tweaking but overall I am feeling prepared for the new year.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel My Grandmas Teacups to see my planner set ups, hacks and flip throughs.

If you are new to planners I think the Mambi Happy Planner line is a great place to start. They offer many extensions and accessories to customise the planner exactly to your needs. There are also some really supportive Facebook groups that will not only inspire you but also answer any questions you have.