Documented365 - Part 2

Firstly, a BIG thank you to everyone who dropped by for the reveal of Documented365 - I'm so excited to finally share! There is still time to enter our giveaway (see previous post or the Documented365 blog for more info) so don't miss out!

I had so much info to cram into my last post that I missed a few things out! I want to show this scrapbook page again that I made with the Documented365 kits just to point a couple of things out....

The woodgrain paper is a 12x12" digital paper from my 'Say Cheese!' digi kit, very easily resized to 8x8" so don't think you can only use your digital kits digitally - it's super simple to print everything out and just double your stash (who doesn't like that! lol) I printed it onto Bazzill Basics white cardstock - I love the way it looks...

This rosette wasn't made with a die, its one of the Documented365 kits (available here) you literally just print, score (there are score lines to make it easy) and fold - there are tops and bases too or can you can punch them out with a circle punch (I used my Martha Stewart starburst punch here and topped with a flair badge) a much more budget friendly way to get lots of fab 3D embellishments!

and finally, a super tip given to me by Jaine from my Design Team - she printed my digital washi tape kit (available here) which I did think could only be used digitally! how wrong was I?! the trick is to print onto vellum (I actually used tracing paper as I didn't have any vellum) cut out and use a swipe of a glue stick or glue dots to adhere so no adhesive is visible - super fabby tip right? thanks Jaine!

My lovely DT have some more Documented365 projects for you today - check out the blogs of Candice and Claireliz for some fab inspiration! Don't forget to show us your projects too, we can't wait to see what everyone else does with this range :o)

I'll be back tomorrow with the reveal of the Christmas CD - how many secrets am I finally giving away this week?! it feels good, my load is lightened! lol.

Now I must get back to work, so much on at the moment, craft, illustration and writing and I'm LOVING it, I feel like a very lucky girl at the moment :o)

Thanks so much for dropping by today
Sarah x

The BIG reveal! Introducing... Documented365 & a Giveaway!

Today I'm totally thrilled to introduce my new product range, something I have been working on for months and months, so I can bring you a system rather than just a product. This new range, my new love, is Documented365!

Documented365 is a new way to capture the everyday moments...

The idea for Documented365 came from the realisation that the best things, the funniest things, the happiest moments are not always when they are "supposed" to be, not just on Christmas, our Birthdays, at our special occasions, often they happen in every day life and are quickly missed, moved on from, because the camera isn't to hand, we weren't expecting it, it wasn't planned for. Not any more! With this easy system and product range, you can quickly put together those memories and record everyday things you may not have before. Instagram pictures, tweets, funny things your husband / child / friend said that cracked you up - all those things you don't want to forget.

I wanted a system that was easy but didn't take away the creativity - something I could use just to write something on and stick a picture on if I wanted but something I could also use to make scrapbook layouts, mini albums, smash book pages and so much more and with this mix and match collection you choose the pieces to make your perfect collection!

The first 22 kits launched today with lots of new products coming over the next few weeks (both digital and physical products) you can see them all here in my shop.

I've cut some of the info out of this epic post as I want to show you some of what I've made, so you can read the full version and see more info here on the Documented365 Website and Blog!

Here are my first projects...

This 6x6 Scrapbook page is the first in a new album I'm starting, I mixed Documented365 with my Say Cheese! Digi Kit - a perfect combo! I printed the elements onto Bazzill cardstock for a fab textured look.

 a couple of close ups....

This 12x12 layout, again mixed with a paper from the Say Cheese! Digi kit, all other elements are Documented365 printed on Bazzill cardstock. The rosette is also from a Documented kit, it was printed on coated white paper, scored and folded (so easy to put together!) and has one of my little flair  pin badges from the Say Cheese! collection in the middle. I also added some October Afternoon mini market alphabet stickers. The prints are all from Printstagram and are on the specially sized chevron journaling cards. This is a real everyday moment - whats on my desk! :o)

 And a couple of close ups...

You can see more projects from my lovely Design Team - some that I've previously previewed and some that I haven't - here on their blogs - Jaine, Nicole, Clare, Nat and Jess and you can see all the kits here in my shop

There is also a fab competition over on the Documented365 blog courtesy of our sponsor Prinstagram who have donated a bumper prize! You have 3 chances to win, so don't miss out!

Thanks so much for popping by today and sharing in our excitement, I think I need a lie down now! lol
Sarah x

More Sneak Peeks!

I just wanted to quickly share two last sneak peeks with you today before the big launch tomorrow (so excited!)

So here is one from Nicole....

and one from Jess...

Look out for all the details and first stage of the product release tomorrow as well as the full reveal of all of these projects I've been teasing you with and some fab prizes to be won - squeeeeee! Fot those of you that have asked, the Christmas CD will be available next week - not long now :o)

Thanks for dropping by today!

Sarah x

Punky Scraps Blog Hop

Today I'm taking part in the Punky Scraps Blog Hop. This fab inky painty challenge blog is run by Nat from my DT and she very kindly asked me if I would be a guest for her today (how could I refuse!)You should have reached my blog from Celina's blog (or you can start at the beginning here) and at the end Nat has a sketch challenge for a spot on the Punky Scraps Design Team and some fab prizes up for grabs - not to be missed!

For the hop we were asked to share our favourite inky painty project which for me is this Art Journal page I made a few months ago (I don't share many pages from my art journal and this is a rare example!)

This is done in my little Derwent journal, I used lots of different colour Ink Sprays on the background along with lots of doodling, a print of one of my favourite quotes and some magazine scraps) 

Here are a couple of close ups...

 

From here, you can hop over to Amy to see her favourite project! and then on to try out for the coveted DT place and prizes at the end!

Thanks for taking part today!
Sarah x

A Sneak Peek and a Clue...

Tonight, as promised, another sneak peek and a little clue of the BIG product launch next week that I'm super excited about...

First up, a little clue, today I received these from the product launch sponsor (who is FAB by the way!)...

These are a key component of making the new range work... ;o)

And the lovely Jaine has been working hard on a project using the new range (in conjunction with Craft Basics) and here is a sneaky peek (you will be able to see the full project on her blog next week!)

I'd love to hear your guesses and feedback - I'm absolutely bursting to share everything!! I will spending the weekend finalising a few more bits and making some samples myself - can't wait!!!

Hope you have a fab crafty weekend!

Thanks for dropping by today.
Sarah x

Sneak Peek! Santa's Workshop

I promised some sneak peeks this week as we have a couple of big launches coming up including Christmas and a fab new product line I have been working on for months and can't wait to share!!!

So today, the first sneak peek is from the new Christmas CD - Santa's Workshop!

The CD and kit will be launched on 3rd August and in the run up my lovely DT will have some projects for you, so keep a look out!

The next sneak peek will be from the other product range I've been working on for many months, I'm so excited but nervous to launch that next week!!!!!! :o)

In other news the sun has arrived and I've melted into a little pink and orange puddle - I really don't do well with heat! lol, but I've been working super hard on all the new products coming your way, I'm really thrilled with whats coming up!

Thanks so much for dropping by today!
Sarah x

Memories of Grandad Scrapbook Page

Today I'm sharing a scrapbook page! I haven't shared one for ages as I haven't had chance to do much scrapping recently (I miss it desperately!) and to be honest, I wasn't sure if this one would ever see the light of day as it's so personal and I found it so difficult to scrapbook.

I was very close to my Grandad, he was the strongest male influence in my life for lots of reasons and he died when I was 18, I'm really not one to brood on things or sit crying about things, but I find it very difficult to think of him or talk about him without crying even now, over 10 years later (even writing this is making me cry!) However the layout is done, this was a part of my process with documenting my family history with Ancestry.co.uk (I started with my grandad and am working back mostly on his side of the family) I knew this journey wouldn't always be an easy, happy one, and more than that, I think he deserves a mention on my blog!

The papers and most of the embellishments are from the Echo Park 'This and That' collection, one of my current favourites, that crossword paper fit perfectly as he loved crosswords and it was something we loved to do together! I also got to use lots of washi tape on this one too. I have journaled a few bits on the journaling card at the front but there is more hidden journaling (too personal to share - a great reason for hidden tags!) on the inside tag tucked behind the photo

I will be posting a more indepth update of my Ancestry project in a couple of days so keep a look out!

Also this week, the sneak peeks start! My Christmas stuff is very very nearly finished and I have another product launch for you also before the end of the month, myself and my lovely DT are working round the clock to get some samples ready for you - such an exciting but busy time!

Thanks so much for dropping by today!
Sarah x

Vintage Lady card for Making Cards Magazine

Today I'm sharing another card I made for Making Cards magazine recently - this is part of a set of 3 (I'll share the others another time!)

The stamp is from one of my favourite Hero Arts sets of vintage ladies, I stamped and watercoloured it. The papers are from Cosmo Cricket - love these too! I may have a few extras of these stashed away ;o) which I distressed around the edges with my scissors and then Tea Dye and Walnut Stain Distress ink (what did I do before those colours came along!) and stitched together (I stitch by hand as I've never got to grips with using a sewing machine) The flower is from the Tattered Florals die byTim Holtz for Sizzix, I cut it from kraft paper and layered with a brad through the centre.

This set was featured in the July issue of Making Cards, if you don't have it I think there are still a few copies available on their website here. My friend and DT lovely Emma also has a fabulous set of cards in there you just have to see, one of them is on the cover, fabulous!

Now I must be off, today is a rare day off for me and desperately needed if I'm honest! Of course I have a few emails to catch up on first... ;o)

Have a fab weekend (I'll be in my studio working on some projects - yay!) and thank you for dropping by.
Sarah x

Fuzzybutt's Exciting News!

Last week I posted on Twitter that I had received an email for Fuzzybutt - it's not the first time it's happened - I've had some 'fan mail' for her before, lol, but this email was from Pedigree! Pedigree had seen a picture of Fuzzybutt on my blog (when I baked the doggy treats for her) they thought she was super cute (which she is of course *proud mummy moment* lol)  and wanted her to take part in a trial they are doing for their Joint Care products!! Of course Fuzzybutt was super excited to hear she would be getting treats in the post and have lots of attention - her two favourite things!

Today her lovely box of goodies from Pedigree turned up - B helped her open it while I stood around taking pics like it was Christmas morning! So please excuse the cute overload now while I share some doggy pics!

She could not keep still for wagging her tail as B opened the box...

Inside the box was this bag - amazeballs right?! I love attention to detail like this! :o) (see the little nose creeping in at the side - no patience! don't know where she gets it from... ;o) haha)

And inside the bag...

 There were treats...

And toys!

 And a video camera for me to capture all of her escapades!

She had to check the bag thoroughly to make sure B hadn't missed anything... I think she was hoping for a pair of Doggy Dentures!... lol

 and finally, she had her first Joint Care treat - they smell quite strong, normally she doesn't eat anything that smells strongly so I was a bit worried, but she wolfed this down and then asked for another (she only gets one a day though - little piggy!) She seems smitten...

So that was Fuzzybutt's exciting day! A big 'Thank You' to Pedigree for this bag of goodness, it made our day! You can see more about the trial (and cute pictures of other dogs!) on the Pedigree Facebook page

Thanks for popping by today!
Sarah x

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October Afternoon Rocket Boy Card

Today I'm sharing another of my cards that was recently featured in Making Cards magazine!

This was made using October Afternoon's 'Rocket Age' papers and stamps, coloured with Promarkers. The lined kraft card is from a Docrafts pad I have (it has lined, grid and plain - fabulous!) which I've punched at the top to make it look like notepaper.

This weekend, I didn't make it to my studio unfortunately, I'm working flat out on my new craft ranges and products as well as some bits and pieces for some of my clients (more details when I can - very exciting!) Today has been a super busy one too, hence why I'm posting my blog post so late! Now I must get back to my illustration - lots to do so I can start revealing some more of these secrets I have bottled up! lol

Thanks so much for dropping by today
Sarah x

Cookery Corner - No Fry Fish & Chips

I've been promising you another Cookery Corner - I've had a ton of emails asking me when it would be posted - well, here it is! Sorry for the delay but with so much happening it can be a struggle to squeeze it in sometimes, I will make sure to do one more often in future!

Today's recipe is a popular one here at home, B loves junk food, anything fried is his favourite, personally I don't like fried food, we don't have a frier here at home and I try to encourage him to bake or grill wherever possible to try and keep him healthier! My fish and chip recipe came as a result of that, I'd rather cook a healthy baked fish and chips (no frying, no batter!) that tastes just as good as the fried shop version, and even B agrees that this is better than his junk food favourite!

No-Fry Fish & Chips (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

2 pieces of white fish - I tend to use Haddock or Cod
2 Potatoes
4 Pieces of Smoked Bacon
Spray Oil
Sea Salt & Black Pepper

Wrap each piece of fish in 2 pieces of bacon, wrap loosely in foil and put in the oven on a medium heat
Peel the potatoes and cut into chips
Lightly spray a baking sheet with oil (2-3 sprays)
Spread the chips evenly on the baking sheet, spray again with oil (2-3 sprays) and season with sea salt and black pepper
Bake in the oven with the fish for around 30 minutes (turn halfway through) and serve!

Just a note that towards the end of cooking, I unwrap my fish from the foil and grill each side for about 2 minutes to make the bacon crispy, depends on how you prefer your bacon (I like mine just in danger of burning, lol) I also rest my fish on some kitchen towel for a few seconds each side before serving, it soaks up any excess oil from the bacon.

Simple, easy and relatively healthy - apart from the bacon - but you could use turkey bacon or a low fat version if you are more health conscious than B and I! but there isn't much of it and it's better for you than the oily fried batter! The bacon also gives the fish a fabulous taste. Baked oven chips are also much tastier than fried, for a change you could also try leaving the skins on for more fibre (just remember to scrub them thoroughly first)

Enjoy!

Thanks for dropping by today, I will be back tomorrow with a crafty project to share :o)

Sarah x

A Free Journaling Card & a Special Offer!

Today I'm really spoiling you all, first up, I've had lots of fun responses to my Essex themed Journaling Cards released yesterday, just a bit of fun, but as an Essex girl and a scrapbooker this just had to be done!! (apologies if you don't get the joke, I'm not sure if people outside the UK would know about Essex / TOWIE but I could be wrong!)

You can get this kit here

I think the tanning guide one is my fave - even though I have zero tan or ability to tan! I've already printed them out ready to pop in my Smash book at the weekend when I get some crafty time. So for all of you fellow Essex crafters / scrapbookers and smashbookers I have an extra freebie one to add to the above collection, just click on the link below to download.

Click here to download your free journaling card

It comes in PNG format for using digitally but you can also paste into a Word / Illustrator / Photoshop or Craft Artist document to print out and use in your paper crafts, its sized to 3" x 4" for those of you doing Project Life or something similar.

I also had an email this week from the lovely peeps over at Craft Superstore who wanted to let me know about their 10% offer they have on at the moment, so I thought I'd share the love, I've got my eye on a Big Shot... (don't tell B!) ;o)

Thats all from me today, I'm working hard on a new range of crafty products being launched later this month, my Design Team LOVE them and I'm super excited to reveal all, its a project I've been working on for a while and I just knwo you're all going to love it!!! :o) Sneaks will start soon over on my Facebook page...

Thanks for dropping by today!
Sarah x