Scrap Happy Lou

WE'RE BACK!!

2011-05-26T19:07:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone!

Firstly apologies for the long absence, but I just wanted to let you know that we are now back in business!

Today I have added 115 new products to my MISI shop, and there's still more to come, so be sure to check back over the coming week.

All orders received will receive a free gift!! And if you spend more than £20 in a single transaction, I'll refund your postage!

www.loobycrafts.misi.co.uk

Many thanks for your continued support

Lou x

I am awful........

2011-03-07T18:36:00.002Z

3 months with no blogging!! Shocking!

But to be fair I've had nothing to blog about as my mojo has been AWOL for months.

Although at the midnight crop at Pickleberry last month, I did manage 2 layouts - and the subject of them is the culprit to my lack of mojo - I spend most of my time with her nowadays :0)

I've also just completed the latest "Create 10" set of classes from Crafty Templates, so will get round to uploading my projects soon (I hope!)

ttfn

Lou x

Chicken Soup 12 Days of Christmas - Day #3

2010-12-03T12:48:00.002Z

We've made it to day 3 over on the Chicken Soup blog, and today I am joining in!

Today's inspiration is Christmas trees!:

And here's my Christmas Tree themed card:

What will you come up with?

Chicken Soup 12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-02T10:09:00.002Z

The 12 days of Christmas kicked off yesterday at the Chicken Soup blog - 12 days of inspiration for your crafting, perfect for whilst we're all snowed in!

Check it out here

Chicken Soup Recipe #20

2010-11-13T19:13:00.002Z

The latest recipe went live last night, pop over to the blog to check out all the other inspirations - and your chance to win a prize from this month's sponsor; Sarah's cards.

The inspiration:

My interpretation

TFL

Lou x

Chicken Soup Recipe #16

2010-10-17T15:56:00.002+01:00

OK, so I'm a terrible blogger and DT member as I totally forgot to share last week's recipe - doh!

But, here is this week's, this was the inspiration

and here is the canvas it inspired me to make.

I painted it with 3 colours of Blonde Moments shimmer paints, and added some silver to the edges.

The quote is a Tim Holtz stamp, stamped onto a patterned paper covered chipboard panel. The chipboard swirl was painted with crackle paint, then I put some silver over the top. The butterflies were painted then sprayed with silver shimmer mist.

TFL

Lou x

I'm back! With good news and some not so good...

2010-10-03T12:16:00.005+01:00

Firstly for the not so good news, and the reason I've not posted for 2 months!

Sadly my lovely Father in law passed away on 9th August. Needless to say the last couple of months have been horrendous and any creative I may have had disappeared completely.

However, a couple of weeks ago I went to the midnight crop at Pickleberry and MADE myself work through it and I made myself apply for the Chicken Soup Design Team call - and I got in!! I still can't quite believe it! The recipes go live every Friday night so make sure you check it out!!

I'll leave you with some pics of what I submitted for the DT call:

bye for now!!

Louxx

Using up the stash!

2010-08-02T20:18:00.004+01:00

I am on a major use up mission at the moment, in the past couple of weeks I've made several layouts and tons of cards, Create 10 really kicked started my mojo!

As I'd ordered the new "She's Creative" quirky kit, I thought I better use up the old ones to make some space, so on Saturday I whipped up this layout with the last of my "What's the story" kit and what better subject for these papers than my cameras - another page for my book of me!

Weirdly enough just as I'd finished it I saw this blog post from Leo about using up leftovers - spooky eh?!

TFL

Lou xx

UKS July Card challenge

2010-07-31T10:50:00.003+01:00

It's been ages since I took part in any sort of challenge blog or anything, so when I saw the card challenge on UKS I thought I'd join in.

There was a choice of 3 sketches so I decided to do a card for each one, I've recently subscribed to Crafty Templates so I used the cupcake and heart tree templates. Will share some more template cards later.

TFL

Lou xx

WOYWW - a confession

2010-07-28T20:39:00.006+01:00

Firstly, thank you to everyone for all the lovely welcomes and comments last week.

Now I have a confession to make and it's the reason I haven't joined in with WOYWW before:

"My name is Lou and I am a tidy scrapper"

there I said it!

This is what my workdesk normally looks like:

I can't help it, honestly it's an illness!

Anyway, now I have confessed, I thought I'd share some pics of the rest of my room as it's newly decorated and I LOVE it! *WARNING - PIC OVERLOAD COMING UP*!

My room is what estate agents would call "bijou" i.e. tiny, but it suits me fine as everything is within reach!

Just inside the door is a tall DVD unit with die cutting at the bottom

and stamps at the top (in A5 folders)
Then on the wall above my desk I have these cute shelves with buttons, mists, stickles etc
Then above that these cute ikea units with stuff I don't use quite as often
Every inch of space is used - even the windowsill which houses my ribbons and my cricut expression
Under the desk hides my bin *must buy a pink one* and my ickle fridge
Then to the right of my desk a 4x2 expedit with minibooks, alterables etc at the top (boring stuff at the bottom so haven't shown it!) and my DVD player sits on top
The wall behind my desk has 2 big expedit units on their side on top of each other, along the top is my "gallery" *cue cheesy Tony Hart music*
The top row houses my tools; sewing machine, bigshot, BIA etc
Next row down is sewing stuff, laminator and heat tool then buckets with adhesives etc. Under that are my alphas, stickers, chipboard etc

These trays hold my kits and scraps and the pink rack holds 8x8 and 6x6 pads
Papers are stored by manufacturer, with bazzill below and my trimmers etc

Then the bottom row (no pic) has my completed albums mini books etc.

Apologies for the lengthy post, but I hope you've enjoyed the tour!

TFL

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project #10

2010-07-27T11:16:00.004+01:00

And so here is my final project of this round of Create 10, a fab little mini book made from just 2 sheets of bazzill. I haven't got round to adding pics yet, but as you can see it's going to be pics of my newly decorated craft room.

I've used up yet more stash for this, namely Cosmo delovely, ancient love elsie stuff (zoe I think?!) and some my little shoebox too.

Huge thank you to Leo for putting on another fabulous set of classes, I've been inspired, had fun, used up lots of stash, chatted to some lovely ladies and seen all their wonderful work - all for just £5 - absolute bargain!

Create 10 - Project#9

2010-07-26T11:28:00.004+01:00

Day 9 was all about using up our leftover ribbons with the option of making a cushion or a layout (or both!) unfortunately I didn't have a cushion to decorate (but having seen the finished article think I'll be buying one to have a go!) so went for the layout option.

I went through my vast ribbon stash and pulled out all the short lengths to use up. For the main circle I used this gathered ribbon that I've had knocking around for ages not knowing what to do with it, so pleased to have finally used it!

TFL

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project#8

2010-07-24T11:59:00.003+01:00

Project 8 was to do a layout focusing on a special date (a good opportunity to use up all those number stickers you end up left with when you've used the letters!)

I chose 7th March 2000 as my special date as that is when Ash and I shared our first kiss (aww! lol) we never had a proper "first date" or anything so count this as our anniversary. The journalling slides out from under the picture.

The picture was taken at a friend's wedding in May this year - and I'm very impressed just how well the Cosmo Delovely papers match Ash's shirt!

TFL
Lou xx

Create 10 - Project#7

2010-07-24T11:54:00.004+01:00

Project 7 was a fab layout using up yet more scraps of paper (woohoo!) clustered embellishments, and a paper cut embellishment - this really took me back to my childhood as I used to love making these, and regularly used to churn out lots of "snowflakes" lol

We also had the option of an extra special prize challenge to make a card using the same techniques, so I whipped up this quick card using up the last of my October Afternoon Detours papers.

TFL

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project#6

2010-07-24T11:48:00.003+01:00

For project 6 we had the option of doing a wall hanging made from picture frames or a layout featuring machine stitching.

I opted for the layout as 1) I had no frames and also my craft room is getting a bit full of decorative stuff! and 2) I've never used machine stitching on a layout before so thought I'd give it a go.

Leo's example layout consisted of a large circle made up of small paper circles which was stitched over, but as I was doing a Disney layout (and just to make things difficult for myself!) I decided to make a Mickey mouse head shape!

I first stitched a square of paper to my base card with zig zag stitch, that was fine as it was straight lines!

Then I made a mickey template using a large circle and 2 smaller ones, drew round it onto my layout, positioned my small circles, then drew round it again with pencil and went over it with machine stitching to define the shape.

As you can see it went a wee bit wrong here - curved lines not so easy! lol so mickey has a bit of a pointy ear, but not bad for a first attempt

TFL

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project#5

2010-07-22T11:11:00.004+01:00

I have to say I think this is my favourite project so far, was great fun to make and I got to use my all time favourite paper - it's from the Sassafras Nerdy Bird range, could it be any cuter?!

I decided to stick with a crafty theme for my "loves" and "hates", really pleased with the finished result, think this might have to be displayed rather than going in an album!

TFL

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project#4

2010-07-21T16:20:00.002+01:00

Yet another lovely project! I adapted this one slightly as I wanted to do a 12x12 layout and also didn't have any fibres so use some trims instead. Not my usual colour scheme by far! But actually really pleased with the finished result

TFL

Lou xx

WOYWW

2010-07-21T16:11:00.004+01:00

I've been meaning to join in with What's on your workdesk? Wednesday (look here if you don't know what it is!) for some time now, but have only just got round to it, not saying it will be a weekly occurrence, but I'll try!

So here is my desk, with my latest Create 10 project that I started last night.

As you can see I don't tend to keep a lot of stuff on my desk - no need really as my room is so small I can reach virtually everything I need without getting up! lol

Just the essentials are kept on here; cutting mat, MM desktop carousel with tools in, cute little pink wire baskets with inkpads and MOST importantly - my telly!!

TFL

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project#3

2010-07-20T20:32:00.003+01:00

Today's fabulous project was making layered embellies from our left over papers etc, we then had the option to make a wreath or a layout, and me being a glutton for punishment (or just having lots of scraps to use up!) made both!

I've nearly finished day 4 too, so hopefully I'll be caught up soon!

TFL

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project#2

2010-07-20T11:00:00.003+01:00

And here's the second one - the idea of this was to use lots of strips with different edges and kind of ruffle them up, but I kept mine flat as I did a 12x12 page, so not much room for ruffling!

This was the perfect opportunity to use up the ton of Sassafras borders I have been hoarding for ages, as well as a few other random strips of paper to break it up a bit and I just love the randomness of all the colours.

TFL

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project#1

2010-07-20T10:57:00.002+01:00

So here's my take on the first fabby project - a great layout using up all those little scraps of paper that are far too nice to throw away!
There's a fair mix on here from Sassafras, October Afternoon and My Little Shoebox collections and some other bits from old quirky kits.

TFL

Lou xx

Very bad blogger!

2010-07-20T10:40:00.003+01:00

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post! *slaps wrists*

Anyway, so what have I been up to?

Well I've been enjoying the wonderful weather we have been having, have done a couple of craft fairs and have been having a bit of a reorganisation!

You may have noticed that all my Looby Crafts stuff has gone from the side bar, well I've decided to separate it all out and keep this as my personal blog, so I now have a new blog for Looby Crafts!

On the crafting front, I have been making stuff but haven't photographed any of it yet *slaps wrists again* But I do have some stuff to share as I'm taking part in the latest Create 10 workshop from Crafty Templates, it started Friday but we were away at the weekend so I started yesterday and have managed the first 2 projects - will share them in a bit!

Lou xx

And the giveaway winner is............

2010-05-18T19:38:00.002+01:00

HENNIE!!

Congratulations!! Email me your address hunny and I'll get them in the post

Thanks to everyone who took part
Lou xx

Looby Crafts Giveaway!!

2010-05-17T10:00:00.001+01:00

I thought it was about time we had a little free giveaway here at Looby Crafts, so here is your chance to win a pack of 15 handmade cards!

All you have to do is visit my shop and leave a comment here telling me which is your favourite product - easy eh?!

But that's not all, if you promote my giveaway on your blog, facebook, twitter etc you'll get an extra entry into the draw for every place you put it (just let me know in the comments)

And if that wasn't enough, anyone who makes a purchase from my shop will get an extra entry for each item they buy!

The lucky winner will be drawn on Monday 17th May.

Good luck!

Lou xx

Looby Crafts May offer

2010-05-04T16:45:00.001+01:00

May's offer is free postage on all accessories (brooches, hair bands, hair clips etc)

Lou x

Create 10 - Project #10

2010-04-25T16:35:00.002+01:00

So here is my final project of Create 10 - this ingenious little minibook, unfortunately I haven't added any pics yet as my printer is being naughty. This was a great project to use up loads of odds and ends and I love the way it look so intricate but is so easy to make!

Bigs thanks for Leo for all the fabulous projects!

Lou xx

Cropping time!

2010-04-24T18:24:00.003+01:00

Had a great time at the monthly Midnight crop at Pickleberry last night, good company and conversation, lots of laughs, fish and chips and homemade cup cakes courtesy of Heather - perfect!!

Here's the girls beavering away!

Amidst all the chatting and eating I managed 3 layouts (well 2 and a bit - finished the last one today) and the second one is loosely based on the UKS cybercrop class from last night

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project #9

2010-04-23T14:01:00.001+01:00

I'm so sad that we're nearly at the end of Create 10 (just printed out the final project) as it's been great fun!

This was a good one for me as I'm very much a one photo scrapper normally so it was good to do a multi pic layout. More sassafras again, mainly Sweet Marmalade with a few other bits thrown in for good measure!

Lou x

Create 10 - Project #8

2010-04-23T13:58:00.003+01:00

Nearly at the end! Here's my day 8 project which focused on journalling. Leo had suggested to use your own handwriting as some people tend to shy away from this, however, seen as how I always hand write my journalling (cos I'm too lazy to go downstairs and print it out! lol) I decided to do the opposite and print out my journalling.

Have used some Sassafras Woodland Whimsy papers for this one.

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project #7

2010-04-22T17:18:00.002+01:00

And here is day 7 - I had great fun with this and decided to do prints of both hands, which was very brave considering I hate getting my hands messy!

Definitely another one to put on display in the craft room methinks!

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project #6

2010-04-22T17:15:00.003+01:00

Been on a roll today - just 2 projects to do and I'm all caught up! Here's my take on day 6, loved the cute cloud templates and have kept these to use again!

Day 7 on it's way!

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project #5

2010-04-20T18:47:00.003+01:00

Project #5 now done! And papers and pic chosen for project #6 so I'm getting there.

I have to say this was definitely my favourite so far, was great fun going through my stash and picking out all my favourite bits to chuck on the page!

The other bonus is that my craft room has been plastered today and we're off to IKEA tomorrow for furniture, so hopefully I'll be back in there soon!

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project #4

2010-04-20T13:18:00.002+01:00

Am slowly catching up with Create 10, have finished day 4 and made a start on day 5.

So here is my Project #4 layout, again I really enjoyed this, particularly making the fabric embellishment and the little dresses!

Hopefully back later with Project #5!

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project #3

2010-04-18T20:08:00.001+01:00

I'm a bit behind with Create 10 at the moment, but here is Friday's project.

I was very excited when I found we were creating a cork noticeboard as I'm decorating my craft room at the moment and it will be a nice addition! (Plus I've had a sheet of 12x12 cork in my stash forever!)

I must admit I was a bit naughty for today's project and didn't follow the instructions at all, I just took the noticeboard idea and ran with it. I decided to use up some old Sassafras products and thought this paper from the My Dearest range would make a lovely frame. I cut the middle out leaving a 2in frame and cut round some of the elements to leave them intact then mounted it onto a chipboard frame, then onto the cork (I mounted this onto chipboard too for strength so the whole things is very sturdy!!).

Finally I went to town with the embellishments then added some plaited ribbon to hang it from.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out - hope you like it!

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project #2

2010-04-15T19:56:00.002+01:00

Day 2 today of Create 10 and another fab project to work on, I really enjoyed this one, very "me" and I had great fun routing through my stash choosing what bits to use!

Leo also added another little challenge to make a card using a couple of techniques we've learnt so far, so I whipped up this quick card for a friend's birthday on Saturday.

Until tomorrow!

Lou xx

Create 10 - Project #1

2010-04-14T16:21:00.004+01:00

And we're off!
Here's my take on the first class, absolutely loved it!! Finally got to grips with my glimmer mists, and loved making the bunting and ribbon roses I decided to use just ribbon rather than do paper ones too, but was too lazy to go and dig out a needle and thread, so secured them with pretty pins instead!

Roll on tomorrow!

Lou xx

Lots of layouts!

2010-04-14T12:21:00.004+01:00

After a major scrapping hiatus at the end of last year, I think I'm finally getting my groove back!

So much so that I've signed up for Create 10 from Crafty Templates - a different project a day for 10 days, it starts today and the first class looks great - just got to decide on a photo now!

Back soon!
Lou xx

Pickleberry sketch

2010-04-13T18:13:00.002+01:00

I have been very slack in the blogging department recently (no change there then!) But I have a valid excuse - the craft room is being decorated!! Which means I have stash all over the house and my main base of operation is currently the dining room table.

It's actually meant I've been more productive though (don't know what's happened there?!) so I have lots more layouts to share, but for now here's my take on the latest sketches on the Pickleberry blog, and no I know the layout looks nothing like the sketch - it started out similar then kind of "evolved"!

TFL

Lou xxx

Another charity shop bargain....

2010-03-18T21:14:00.002Z

Following on from my bargain Glimmer mists, I was in town again today so thought it would be rude not to pop back into the Red Cross shop, and I was not disappointed, I nabbed this little lot for a grand total of £8.30! ☺

Pickleberry sketch layout

2010-03-11T18:58:00.001Z

I've finally finished my layout based on this months sketch on the Pickleberry blog featuring my childhood doggy Clare - bless her!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A new addiction!

2010-02-28T19:50:00.004Z

I had a fab time yesterday at Pickleberry Papercrafts - taught my first workshop in the morning, which went very well and the ladies were lovely! Then spent the afternoon drooling over all the gorgeous examples in the shop - especially the canvases.

This has officially started a new addiction - and Kate (and Jane & Julie) is entirely to blame! lol She had a blank canvas in the shop so I took it home and made this:

my logo on canvas! It will be proudly displayed on my table at Craft fairs, much nicer than the printed sign I have at the moment.

(sorry for the crappy pic, the colours are much better IRL it blends from pink across to purple)

So today I popped to the Range and bought a variety of canvases and have made another 2 already (can't share yet as they're for pressies) - see addicted I tell ya!

Hugs

Lou xx

P.S. Kate is also now stocking some limited edition card kits that I've put together - check them out HERE!

Thank you Sprinks

2010-02-28T17:10:00.005Z

The lovely Sprinks has nominated me for a sunshine award - how sweet is that?!

The idea is that I now nominate 12 people, so I've deliberated all day and being the indecisive person I am, I can't decide and I feel mean singly people out when there are so many inspiring and talented people out there, so I'm giving this award to all the MISI girls.

Not the way it's meant to work, but what can I say - I'm a rebel! lol

A little update

2010-02-24T11:18:00.004Z

Only a week since my last blog post - don't know what has come over me! lol

First up, a little plug for my shop - just added 24 new listings, lots of different cards, some great value card sets and of course some Mother's Day cards http://www.loobycrafts.misi.co.uk/

And for anyone who is in the Kent area, there are still a few places available for my workshop at Pickleberry on Saturday - full details and how to book are here.

Also, check out the Pickleberry blog - Kate has put up a fab sketch challenge, with the chance to win a £10 voucher for the shop, here's my take on the card sketch - will add my layout later, have cut it all out, just need to stick it together!!

Hugs

Lou xx

Charity Shop bargain!!

2010-02-17T14:15:00.005Z

For a while now I've fancied having a go with glimmer mists, but wasn't sure what to buy and frankly was a bit put off by the price - would be a bit of a expensive mistake if I bought several bottles then didn't like them!

So imagine my sheer delight (i.e. jumping up and down in the middle of the shop) when I found one of these kits in my local red cross shop!

So as you do I immediately came home and googled and found them online for £29.99 and I paid......................................£6!!!

Happy days!

Lou xx

Flower Power workshop at Pickleberry Papercrafts

2010-02-14T12:25:00.003Z

Come and join us on Saturday 27th February at Pickleberry Papercrafts in Faversham, Kent for this fab 2 hour class where we'll be making this gorgeous clipboard and card, a perfect gift for mother's day - or just keep it for yourself!!

Full details and how to book are here

Hope to see you then!

Lou x

Check me out!

2010-02-13T19:38:00.001Z

Blogging from my new iPhone - perhaps this means I will blog more often?!

I had a totally fab time at the Pickleberry crop last night only managed 3 layouts though, too much chatting and laughing!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

FEEL THE LOVE FEBRUARY OFFER!

2010-02-01T14:20:00.002Z

Each month throughout 2010 I will be having a different special offer, and for February it is free postage on all Love themed cards (valentines, anniversary, engagement, wedding etc.)

Plenty of valentine's cards in stock and with the big day less than 2 weeks away, grab them now!Lou x

www.loobycrafts.misi.co.uk

Creative Crafting

2010-02-01T11:06:00.001Z

I was very honoured when the lovely girls who create the fab Creative Crafting magazine asked me to contribute not 1, but 2 articles this month!
Check it our HERE

Lou xx

2010 Calendar

2010-01-17T14:16:00.005Z

And here is my Calendar - made using the Hot Date quirky kit from Crafty Templates (as well as a few bits from other CT kits), which is now hanging on the wall in my craft room.

Now I just need to break open my Resolutions kit and do my "looking forward to 2010" layout that I've had planned for weeks! lol

I have scrapped!!

2010-01-16T12:59:00.004Z

Happy New Year everyone! Hope everyone had a fab Christmas - I certainly did :0)

And woohoo - I have scrapped! For the first time in about 6months! OK, so they're not wonderful, but I find the best way to get through a lack of creative juices is just to work through it!

So what else have I been up to? Well just before Christmas I also made myself a 2010 calendar - will share that in the next post. And more recently I've just completed an order of Wedding invitations - but only for a friend, making them reminded me why I don't offer a wedding stationery service - it's far too boring! Designing is the fun bit, but assembling 80 identical cards is just mind-numbing!

Oh, and just to let you all know that I'm offering free postage throughout January in my Looby Craft shop http://www.loobycrafts.misi.co.uk/ (just pay as normal and I'll refund your postage).

And check out http://www.loobysupplies.misi.co.uk/ for some destash bargains!!

Lou xx

My Christmas House!

2009-12-09T11:54:00.004Z

Having finally got all my craft fairs out the way for the year, I've got round to making some stuff for ME!

This year, I decided I wanted to make a gingerbread house, but the more I thought about it, the more it sounded like hardwork! lol Then on my last trip to Pickleberry Papercrafts I spotted this cute little wooden house and decided that sounded like a far more sensible idea!

A quick coat of paint, some Sassafras Life at the Pole papers, Doodlebug paper frills, buttons and a bit of Tulle and it was finished within half an hour - that's more like it!

And it even has cute little drawers to hide sweeties in (and then find them forgotten about and mouldy next year! lol)

Will have more projects to share soon!

Lou xxx

Looby Crafts is 1 year old!

2009-12-07T13:13:00.001Z

Looby Crafts is officially 1 year old!
And to celebrate I’m offering 3 for 2 on everything in my MISI shop www.loobycrafts.misi.co.uk

Just buy as normal and I will refund the cost of the cheapest item (exc. P&P)

I have added lots of new items recently, including 52 new cards today! So you have over 130 items to choose from!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over the last year, and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Lou xx

FREE POSTAGE!

2009-12-01T20:57:00.000Z

For the next 24 hours I'm offering FREE POSTAGE on everything in my MISI shop! Just place your order before 9pm tomorrow night and I'll refund your postage
Happy shopping!
Lou xx
www.loobycrafts.misi.co.uk

MISI interview!

2009-11-13T11:04:00.001Z

Check out this week's Fabulous Friday Interview on the MISI blog - it's me!!
http://misiuk.blogspot.com/

Lou xx

Twisted Sketch #23

2009-11-12T15:14:00.003Z

So a few months ago I applied for the Twisted sketches DT, but didn't get in (insert sad face) but I did get asked to be a guest designer (insert smiley face!) And the sketch went live today!

It was a fab sketch to work with - I haven't done any scrapping for ages as I've been too busy making stuff for craft fairs, so I was panicking that my mojo was lost for ever! But this layout came together in about 1/2 hour and I love it! The twist was to use a punch, so I dug out my ever faithful threading water punch for the scalloped border.

Minimal supplies used on this one too - just some American Crafts Everyday papers and ribbon and Sassafras Sunshine lollipops alphas and sweet treat stickers.

TFL

Lou xx

Misi Makers!

2009-11-08T15:18:00.004Z

Long time no blog (again!) So what have I been up to?

Well, end of September we went off to Orlando for 2 weeks and had the most amazing holiday! We arrived home on 8th October and I have spent the last month getting ready for my first craft fair of the festive season, the MISI event in Bristol yesterday - and what a wonderful day it was!

We left home at 6.30 and had a great journey down to Bristol arriving just after 9am. Set up the stall and had a wander round looking at all the gorgeous stalls and meeting some fellow Misians!

It was truly the best craft fair I have ever attended, with the added bonus of meeting lots of the lovely people I've spent the last year chatting to on the MISI forum! Shamefully I didn't take many pics, I was too busy selling, buying and chatting! lol

But just to prove what a great day it was here are some before and after pics of my stall:

So, my MISI shop is looking a bit bare (but I'm still taking custom orders if you need anything!) and I have another fair on 22nd November, so doubtful that the blog will updated for a while again!

Lou xx

I seem to have.......

2009-09-09T21:46:00.003+01:00

taken the summer off without intending too! lol

I have done very little crafting, apart from custom orders and family birthdays, and have been enjoying the sunshine, and spending lots of time at the riding school playing with the horseys! lol

At least I'll have a nice tan for my holiday - yep, not long now and I'll be in Florida! woohoo!!

So, I've finally got around to adding a couple of new cards to my shop, including this fruity little number! And will be back with some more soon - and I've started making the dreaded Christmas cards too - eek! Far too early, but I have lots of fairs this year, and want to put lots on MISI, so if I don't start now I won't make it!!

Finally, check out the MISI blog for a chance to win a hamper full of gorgeous handmade goodies (including some of mine!)

Hugs

Lou xx

3 for 2 on EVERYTHING!

2009-08-10T16:14:00.003+01:00

Sorry for the looooong delay in between updates - where did the last 4 weeks go exactly?!
Anyway, I'm back now and have just uploaded some new cards to my MISI store AND everything is currently on 3 for 2. You can find all details on the MISI forum HERE.

Lou xx

Lots of new stuff!

2009-07-13T22:12:00.003+01:00

Well, my run of craft fairs is over - so no more mad panic to get things done! Unfortunately I didn't sell quite as much as I'd hoped on Saturday, which means I've got lots to upload to my MISI store! Have added lots of new items over the last couple of days, and still have hair bands, brooches and cards to go!

These are 2 items that I wasn't sure I'd be able to part with, I love them so much! The butterfly money box is just too girly for words, and the desk tidy, well pink, purple, lime and black - my fave colours!

Check out all my new items here http://www.loobycrafts.misi.co.uk/ I'm nearing 200 sales on MISI now, and as soon as that happens, I'll be posting a BIG giveaway on here - so watch this space!!

Lou xx

I'm still alive!

2009-07-01T18:26:00.005+01:00

Sorry I haven't updated in ages - but I've been so busy (not complaining though - it's great!)

So what have I been up to since my last post?

Well on Saturday 20th I spent the day at the Pickleberry Papercrafts crop - Kate has started a sketch challenge and you can see my examples on her blog here, the challenge runs for a month and there's a chance to win a prize - fingers crossed!

Then on the Monday I was back down there for a class with Jane - the first of a series of technique classes, and this one was Doodling. Jane was a fab teacher - she broke everything down into simple steps, and we all came away with a fab little tag book filled with doodles as a little reference guide - I haven't had time to finish colouring mine and photograph it yet, but will do soon!

Then this weekend was the first of my run of events! Friday I attended a Pamper Evening at my old school, it was a bit rubbish to be honest, but I made a profit so that's the main thing. Then Saturday I was at a primary school for a Summer Fayre - this one was much better - 3 hours out in the glorious sunshine (and yes I did get burnt!) and my stuff proved really popular - especially notebooks.

I'm now manically trying to make stuff to restock for A Makey Do on 11th July in Sandwich (pop and along and say hi if you're in the area) and a summer fete on the 18th - and I've just had an order through MISI for 10 notebooks!

Well done if you made it to the end of this post - will try not to leave it so long next time! I'll leave you with a pic of my stall from the weekend!

Hugs

Lou xx

Be my fan!

2009-06-18T23:06:00.002+01:00

I've just set up a Looby Crafts fan page on Facebook (after much faffing around!!) Check it out here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Looby-Crafts/208899075006

Lou xx

Nesties!

2009-06-17T16:27:00.004+01:00

I've wanted some Spellbinders Nestabilities for ages, so was very pleased when I went down to Pickleberry Papercrafts a couple of weeks ago and found out Kate was stocking them (they are available to buy online too!)

After a quick demo from Kate I was more than convinced and bought Labels One and asked Kate to order me in Labels Four.

Well Labels four arrived last week, and I couldn't believe just how little the smallest die is! Just to prove it:

So Kate challenged me to make a card with it, and never one to back out on a challenge, here is the result:

So the next issue was storing them, a quick search on ebay for self adhesive magnetic sheets and voila! Problem solved: (see there are benefits to not having a beautifully decorated craft room - you can stick stuff on the walls without caring!)

I'm down at Pickleberry again on Saturday for the crop, so watch this space there may be more nesties appearing soon!!

Busy busy busy!

2009-06-14T20:22:00.005+01:00

It really has been all go here at Looby Crafts HQ this week!! My first event is coming up on the 26th, so I'm busy making lots of stock, ordering more carrier bags and business cards etc. and I've had several custom orders too!

So if you're after a special card or gift - contact me for a custom order!

Lou xx

Only 2 layouts?!

2009-06-08T11:09:00.004+01:00

Well I spent Saturday at Pickleberry again, but only managed a very poor 2 layouts (oh and a card) - a combination of lack of mojo, and too much chatting to Kate!!

This first one I did using the Nonsense papers from We R Memory Keepers (just love these!) the picture was taken last week, when Todd decided to have a snooze on my desk WHILST I was working!! Thank god Yorkie's don't shed their hair!! Ash came up with the title for this one - he's a big Scooby do fan!

The second one is from the new Juicy Fruit kit from Crafty Templates, I love this kit, it's full of really different stuff, including some kawaii goodies which I just adore (and already have a BIG stash of thanks to Etsy!)

Last night I started a fab little mini book with this kit too, but that's going to have to go on hold as I've just had some custom orders come in!

Lou xx

Lots of new items!

2009-06-03T14:50:00.002+01:00

Have added lots of new items to my MISI store over the last couple of days - more cards, gift boxes, clipboards, trinket boxes, trays etc.

By far my favourite is this card I made last night using the gorgeous Mermaid Anya from the Greeting Farm - loving Anya with pink hair!

Midnight crop!

2009-06-01T21:17:00.004+01:00

Well I did manage to stay awake until Midnight on Friday for the crop at Pickleberry Papercrafts - and had such a fab time!! Fab company and I managed 5 layouts too!

MISI challenge!

2009-05-28T15:26:00.003+01:00

Over on the cardmaking section of the MISI forum, Hayley set us a challenge to make a card with the following 5 elements - stickers, pink, brads, glitter and ribbon - and here's what I came up with!

I've used Imaginisce fairest of them all papers (which are also glittered) a Greeting Farm Anya stamp coloured with promakers - a double sided birthday sticker which I covered with Doodlebug cupcake glitter and a brad and sparkly pink ribbon from my stash.

Hope you like it - thanks for a great challenge Hayley!

Sassafras Bungle Jungle!

2009-05-27T15:58:00.004+01:00

Well, I was determined to scrap this weekend, but my mojo had vanished - then I saw on Maria's blog that she's this week's Pencil Lines guest (congrats hun - very well deserved!) So I headed on over and printed off this week's sketch - and here's my effort- my first layout with the fab Bungle Jungle range from Sassafras!

It's no secret that Sassafras is my favourite manufacturer, and one of the main reasons is that all their ranges work so well together, for example on this layout, the cloud shaped journalling sticker is from the Anthem range and the photo corner sticker is from the Pocketful of Rosies range.

I'm off to Pickleberry Papercrafts again on Friday night for their Midnight crop, so will hopefully get lots more layouts done - especially as the postie delivered THIS just now - it's even more gorgeous in the flesh and I can't wait to dig in!!

Lou xx

Fathers Day cards

2009-05-26T20:04:00.002+01:00

Just added some Fathers Day cards to my shop www.loobycrafts.co.uk including some with a blank panel for the kids to draw a picture on!

Managed to get some scrapping done yesterday, so will be back tomorrow to share the weekend's layouts!!

My first crop!

2009-05-18T15:08:00.004+01:00

Had an absolute ball at my first crop on Saturday at Pickleberry Papercrafts. I managed to get 4 layouts done (well one needed 10 minutes finishing off at home) and I was quite restrained in the shop too - only buying 2 sheets of cardstock!

Layouts to share

2009-05-13T16:28:00.004+01:00

Will hopefully get lots done at the weekend too as I'm going to my first every crop! It's at Pickleberry Papercrafts - a gorgeous new shop filled with scrummy goodies, so I'll probably ended up spending too - oops!

Twitterer!

2009-05-12T22:28:00.001+01:00

Yep, I've joined the ranks of twitter as well, what with that, facebook this blog *which is badly updated I know* and the MISI forum I'll never get any work done!
Find me here if you wanna stalk me!
http://twitter.com/loobycrafts
Lou xx

My amazing swap item!

2009-05-05T19:44:00.002+01:00

This is what I received for my MISI swap, from the amazing Carolyn of Carolyn's creations - a gorgeous handbag with my logo on - how FAB is that?!

When I opened it up, I was gobsmacked at how fantastic it was, and how thoughtful! In fact I've now commissioned Carolyn to put my logo on some t-shirts for when I do craft fairs!

I'm celebrating!!

2009-04-29T14:23:00.001+01:00

Last night I had my 100th sale on MISI!! I can't believe it -I am so happy, and sooooo grateful to everyone who has purchased from me!

To celebrate, I'm offering 3 for 2 on EVERYTHING in my store - and all my existing customers who helped me make 100 sales, will get a free gift with every order!

Lou xx

MISI Wish list part 2

2009-04-27T21:11:00.004+01:00

As promised - here is my second post of all those yummy items on my MISI wish list - this time jewellery!

I must admit to being really naughty about jewellery - I have loads of gorgeous stuff, but always seem to wear the same things and forget to change them - must try harder!

Anyway, first up is this gorgeous necklace from TJ GEMS, Tracey has some stunning items in her shop - at fantastic prices and some of them are charity listings, so you can do a little good too!

Next up, the most adorable strawberry earrings from Lej Jewellery - Jo's shop is full of cute little earrings like these including penguins and piggies too!

Then from SprinklesSparkles we have these very sophisticated swarovski hair pins - I have my eye on these for a wedding I'm going to in August! Avril has some gorgeous bits in her shop, again all very reasonably priced!

And finally this fab and funky charm bracelet from Enchanted - I just LOVE the bright colours of this! Nicky has some wonderful bits in her shop - including some kids bracelets featuring Hello Kitty and Disney characters!

So make sure you check out the shops of these very talented ladies!

That is by no means the end of my wish list - stay tuned for the next post!

Getting to know me!

2009-04-25T21:10:00.001+01:00

Jenny has just put up my interview on the Makey Do blog - so if you want to know a little bit more about me and what I make, check it out HERE

Lou xx

Di Hickman Card Sketch April #4

2009-04-23T10:01:00.004+01:00

Di's latest sketch went live yesterday, and here's my DT card - I've used Crate Paper Katlin papers, rub ons and ribbon - just love these colours! The sentiment is a K&Co rub on and I've finished it off with papermania adhesive pearls and an Imaginisce Bazzill bling blossom.

Lou x

What a fab day!

2009-04-19T17:19:00.003+01:00

Had a great time at Ally Pally this morning, we were only there a couple of hours (I don't hang around when spending!LOL) but I got some gorgeous bits!

Best buy of the day was these - one of the stalls was selling off these Prima racks at a couple of quid each, so Ash bought me all 3 of them for my craft fairs - they'll look fab with my clipboards, notebooks and notelets in!

Now to my goodies!

First up, 4 gorgeous MME paper collections.

The new Basic Grey Lime Rickey, a bargain Love Elsie Daisy kit and some bargain Bazzill.

Some gorgeous papers from My Little Shoebox, plus some other random ones.

And here is all the rest of it, including a fab pack of epherema - there is loads in here! And some alchohol inks, which I've wanted to try for ages, so looking forward to that!

Just need to find a home for it all now!
Lou x

Woohoo!

2009-04-19T07:47:00.001+01:00

We're off to Ally Pally in a bit - very excited, have been saving hard and looking forward to spending my pennies!!
Will report back later.
Have a good Sunday all
Lou x

My wish list!

2009-04-17T21:06:00.002+01:00

Following on from my previous post about my MISI purchases, I thought I'd share what's on my wishlist.

This is not all of it -I'm going to split it into several posts - this one being scarves and bags!

First up is this gorgeous bag from Zoe of Knitz and Bitz - I cannot begin to imagine the amount of work that went in to this little beauty!

And whilst we're on bags, I love this one from Mad about Bags - check out the rest of her shop too - just gorgeous!

Now on to scarves and first up is this gorgeous fluffy one from Knitwits I just love these fluffy scarves - so soft and snuggly - and I can't believe the price of this one - such a bargain!

Next up is this gorgeous specimen from Snowflake.unique - just how gorgeous are these colours?!

Stay tuned for my next wishlist post - next time JEWELLERY!

Lou xx

Di Hickman Card Sketch April #3

2009-04-16T14:30:00.004+01:00

Di's latest sketch went live yesterday, and here's my DT card - another entirely Doodlebug creation!

I must say I LOVE this card! Sometimes it just all comes together right without too much effort and you love the end result - and this is one of those times!

Check out my widget!!

2009-04-14T18:06:00.002+01:00

I now have a MISI widget, so you can have a little sneak peek of what is in my store!
Big thanks to Emma (owner of MISI) for putting this together and all the other hardwork she does!

MISI purchases!

2009-04-12T18:06:00.004+01:00

Just thought I would share my latest MISI buys with you!

First up, I got this fab little bag from BaggyTs - it's made from kid's dungarees! They have some fab bags, and check out their funky wristwarmers too!

The badges on the bag are from Cute Designs and boy does that shop live up to it's name - full of cuteness!

I also treated myself to these fab little earrings from Sprinklessparkles - and a real bargain at £1.50 for BOTH pairs!!

And last, but certainly not least, I bought this little guy from The Pink Fairy Cake last night - can't wait for him to arrive! Make sure you check out her shop - so many different items, and the candles look good enough to eat!

Have some more cards to add to my shop later, I've been so fortunate to have lots of sales on MISI - 88 to date (although some of those are destash sales!) that I've decided once I get to 100, I'm going to have a little celebration, with some special offers - so watch this space!

Lou xx

Not so Wildwood!

2009-04-11T15:13:00.002+01:00

Just a quick layout to share, of our trip to Wildwood a few weeks ago - when we saw hardly any animals!

I've used Sassafras and October Afternoon papers.

Hope you're all having a great Bank Holiday weekend - we're off to my Mum and Dad's for BBQ tonight - yes we are mad!! But it's a bit of a tradition to have our first BBQ of the year on Easter weekend - no matter what the weather!

Lou xx

Di Hickman Card Sketch April #2

2009-04-08T21:19:00.004+01:00

Well another week (where has this past week gone?!) means another fabby sketch from Di - and here's my DT card, using just Doodlebug products - been ages since I used any Doodlebug stuff - I so love their colours and patterns!

Lou xx

More Florida Layouts

2009-04-04T12:51:00.004+01:00

I'm slowly working my way through the ton of pics we took in Florida last September - and finally have some more layouts to share. There's no real journalling on any of them as I kept a pretty detailed diary of the holiday - it's been great fun reading back through it to get the dates/details for the layouts and remembering and laughing at all the silly little things that happened! This first one is of the pool at our villa - I used up the last few scraps of my BG Euphoria papers, along with the matching chipboard and some buttons.

This random pic of Ash was taken at MGM (still can't get my head around the new name!) As we walked pass Voyage of the little Mermaid, Ash decided he would pose for a pic with this smiley little fish! LOL I've used Autumn Leaves, Sassafras and Jillybean soup papers and some random bits from my stash.

This one's of our hire car - using Sassafras Hog Heaven and Happy Place papers, Pink Paislee paper, and the arrow paper and Paper Email journalling spot are from the latest Quirky kit "Note to Self" from Crafty Templates.

Another totally random pic! This was based on a sketch from the SLYMI challenge on UKS. Papers are October Afternoon, Crate Paper and Making Memories.

Lou xxx

A True Friend Challenge 43

2009-04-03T14:41:00.004+01:00

I haven't done one of these challenges for ages, but I couldn't resist this week - the challenge was to use something to do with Dr Seuss.

I took inspiration from the quote "A person's a person, no matter how small" and changed it to fit - people are always making comments about how small Todd is and how he can't possibly be a dog, he must be a guinea pig etc! So I just had to do a LO about this!

I've used a TON of Sassafras on this! LOL The paper is Fawnd of You from the My Dearest collection, and I added a variety of stickers and trims etc. from other collections. The title is a mixture of different thickers and tiny alphas. I outlined all the elements and letters with a pen to make them stand out.

Lou xx

Di Hickman Card Sketch April #1

2009-04-03T14:39:00.002+01:00

Can't believe we're in April! Di's first sketch of the month went live on Wednesday, and here's my DT card - really loved this sketch, it came together nice and quick! Papers are BG Euphoria, stamps are Autumn leaves and sentiment is a Karen Foster rub on.

More layouts to share!

2009-03-29T13:39:00.003+01:00

Just a few more layouts from the past couple of weeks - got some more to photograph and upload too - have been on a roll lately!
This one is of me as a toddler - using Sassafras Hog Heaven and Crate Paper Mia.

Another one for the Florida album! Using Cosmo Cricket Hello sunshine papers - and some cute Mickey embellies!

This was for the SLYMI challenge on UKS to use fabric - I'd never scrapped with fabric before, nor had I sewn on a LO so I really enjoyed this! I used the fab kit from Crafty Templates.

Another one using Crate Paper Mia and Making Memories die cut paper.

Another one using my beloved Sassafras Sunshine lollipops (possibly my fave ever paper range!) Along with some American Crafts everyday papers too.

Di Hickman Card Sketch March #4

2009-03-29T13:35:00.003+01:00

Can't believe we're nearly in April!

Here's my DT card for Di's latest sketch - which went live on Wednesday.

I've used Imaginisce All Kinds of Happy papers and brads.

Lou xx

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-03-22T21:10:00.002Z

Hope all you Mums out there had a lovely day! Our Mums (and Dads!) have just left - following a very yummy chinese!

These are the cards I made for them - the top one for my Mum and the second for Ash's Mum.

And I wasn't excluded from today either; I received this cute little guy:

From this cute little guy:

Lou xx

Catch up!

2009-03-21T21:45:00.004Z

Been ages since I've blogged - been really busy making stuff as I had a card party on 13th March and a pamper evening on 19th - the party was a great success, the pamper evening not so as I don't think it was very well publicised, so not many people turned up - so I've got lots of new goodies to upload to my MISI store over the next few days!

These 2 cards, are my sketch team cards for Di's last 2 sketches - the first one using Crate Paper Katlin papers, and the second one using a variety of Sassafras ranges - and the owl is a tag from one of my many Paperchase purchases - I just love their new owl range - bit weird for someone with a bird phobia! LOL

Will be back tomorrow to share some layouts!

Lou xx

Di Hickman Card Sketch March #1

2009-03-05T10:10:00.002Z

I can't believe we're in March already! Di's latest sketch went live today (link to her blog on the tool bar) and I loved this one! In fact all of March's sketches are just fab!

For this one I've used Chatterbox papers, Imaginisce sentiment stamp and a chipboard frame, ribbon and buttons from my stash.

Thanks for looking

Lou xx

Di Hickman Card Sketch Feb #4

2009-02-26T10:00:00.000Z

Another week, and another fab sketch from Di - can't believe it's the end of February already!!

For this one I've used Basic Grey Phoebe papers and alpha stickers, and finished with some threaded buttons.

Thanks for looking

Lou x

Di Hickman Card Sketch Feb #3

2009-02-19T10:00:00.000Z

Di's latest sketch went live yesterday - and I loved it this week - my card came together so quickly!

I've used Kaisercraft Bloom papers, Cuddly Buddly sentiment stamp, and the border stamp was a magazine freebie!

Thanks for looking

Lou x

Belated Valentine's wishes....

2009-02-16T14:28:00.003Z

.....to you all - hope you had a good one!

We don't really bother with Valentine's Day - although I did make Ash this card (any excuse eh?). I used the January Crafty Goodies kit from Crafty Templates. I'd never bothered to look at this site before, despite seeing it on UKS, as templates really aren't my thing, but their kits are just fab! I got the January and February ones as well as last September's kit and they are brilliant value, with lots of cool and different embellies - I managed to throw most of January's ones at this card! LOL

Thanks for looking

Lou x

Lots & Lots of layouts

2009-02-16T14:20:00.007Z

Here's my creative output, scrapping wise, from the last few weeks - the weather has been soooo pants, I haven't had chance to get any pics before now.

Thanks for looking!

Lou x

Di Hickman Card Sketch Feb #2

2009-02-12T10:00:00.000Z

Here's my card for Di's latest sketch, I struggled with this one to begin with, but it came together in the end!

I've used Basic Grey papers, and Making Memories Shimmer alphas - ooh sparkly!

Thanks for looking

Lou x

Scrummy Stash Cafe - Sketch it out!

2009-02-06T18:03:00.002Z

It's been ages since I've done any of the SSC challenges, but I just had to do this fab sketch! I've used Doodlebug papers, buttons and alpha stickers, fancy pants chipboard and some random doggy embellies from my stash!

Have another 4 layouts to share - hopefully the weather will be good enough tomorrow to get some decent pics!

Thanks for looking

Lou x

This is where it all happens.......

2009-02-05T19:48:00.004Z

There's been some discussion on the MISI forum today about where we all do our respective crafting, so I thought I'd share some pictures of my room!

You have to excuse the bare floorboards and peeling wallpaper - it's not pretty, but it's functional!

You'll also have to excuse the fact that there are a lot of pics - the room is so small, I had to take several to get everything in!

This is the view from the door:

My bookcase with sewing machine and cross stitch stuff on top, then cards, bits to decorate, posting supplies etc.

Top of my unit - My Big shot, draws containing random stuff! Pens, paints etc.

Bottom of my shelves - alphabets (lots of thickers!) Chipboard and journalling, then stamps, then 12 x12 cardstock and paper, then my albums on the bottom.

My Clip it up, on top of a drawer unit my Dad rescued for me from work!

My desk (well it's really a dining table!) and my wall shelves with cricut cartridges and embellishments.

And my favourite bit! Jars of ribbon and spice racks full of buttons!