Thursday, June 27, 2013

Scrapbooking with Simple Stories A Fun, Interactive Scrapbook

Hey, Ya'll!

I finally got around to scrapping another traditional book. I got started with this project at Tiny's Hobby Shop in Kortrijk, Begium. They have all kinds of workshops year long and if it were closer I think I could have my own parking spot! Hehehe...

We had explicit, detailed direction for the project, but as usual, I did my own thing. I don't want my album to look like anyone else's and because the class was in Dutch, I wasn't sure how much I would be able to follow. Everyone finished their book by the end and only had to put some embellishments and pictures in. That hardly ever happens! Hats off to our illustrious instructor (who turned out worked with my neighbour from across the street).

We got the ENTIRE Simple Stories collection 24/7. As you can see when you scroll down, it was one heck of a collection. We were totally spoiled. Don'cha just love that?! I can't wait to go back again and get scrappy with Vicky and the other fantastic ladies at Tiny's.











Above, I used all of the goodies in the kit except that chipboard rain drop, liquid pearls and the red glitter paper hearts that I just punched out.


Rounded corners, cut out sticker and layers.


I see I forgot to post the picture where you lift the flap. There's another picture under it. I just cut out this stuff from the paper in the kit and used a tiny ink pad for the dark brown edging.


More red glitter paper for some pizzaz and a tag. I cut out some arrows and put them along the bottom of the picture. The picture on top flips open.


Voila! Another picture hides underneath. I love that I could use such large pictures.


Here's another flip book. More red glitter that I cut out to mock the arrow theme in the kit. All of the red checkered board is washi tape.  t's so easy to frame, cover mistakes hehehe...and use for flip pics.
Oh, the butterfly and ribbon is mine. I just used a small ink pad to color the butterfly FAST.


 A huge pocket with a great sentiment.  Add some pull tabs, buttons and ribbon for fast, easy usage.


Little details like these tiny pearls add extra pow. Pockets are a great way to get more pics on your page.


This page was pretty cool and was supposed to be the cover. Neat to peel apart the cardboard for this effect.


Took my scraps and pieced them together to make this page. It made a cool pocket so I constructed a huge tag with appropriate wording and gave it another splash of shazam. I added dimension with black pearl paint for the wording, sticker washi that was aged and that large heart is a chipboard heart that I drowned in red glitter glue.  It came out awesome!


This next section of flip pages turned out quite alright. That washi makes flip pages a synch.


The button, metal frame and ribbon are from my own stash.



This picture of Liam is my all time favourite.


This is another flip page and finally some journaling.  It's all so fresh in mind even though it was a few years ago.


My hubby is so much better at the camera than me! He got some great shots!


So, there you have it. My newest scrapbook made with great stuff from a workshop at Tiny's Hobby! Check out their web site or join them on Facebook. They have great updates for workshops and new products.

Thanks for checking out The Cherry On Top!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Waterpark +


Welcome to The Cherry On Top!

I can hardly wait to get started today.  Take a look at this kit.  Is it not fabulously breath taking?!  So vivid and alive with color.  I could just cry.  Ok, I may be a bit hormonal today, but this kit makes my mouth water. I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to work with it.  I also love when I can blah, blah about kits that are a great value!  This one is just $2.79.  If you are working with Euros like I am, you can hardly get a croissant for that price!  A-Manda Creation has a wonderful collection of bundles and kits all at fantastic prices.  Head over to her store and be ready to be amazed.

Without further a due, her is Waterpark a Collaboration.  The image is hooked up to the link.  Who loves ya, Baby?!



Here's the first layout I made with Waterpark.  I slightly scraplifted this from a layout over on my Scrap Ideas Board at Pinterest.  I get loads of inspiration there!  Come join me there by clicking on the red and white P over to the left.



This next layout is an example of my first attempt at working with doodles.  I never found them very appealing, but once I started working them, I started changing that closed view.  This is actually pretty cool and I plan on trying them out, again.



 Thanks for taking a peep.  See ya next time for a freebie update!

Friday, June 14, 2013

Father's Day Feature

Thanks for stopping by The Cherry On Top!

I have a lot of FREEBIES for you today!

Father's Day is a very special day for people all around the world.  We had our Father's Day, here in Belgium, already.  So all of my research is done, but I'll share it with you incase you still have to plan it. These are great, last minute ideas that you can make in a pinch.  Good for those of us who wait until the last minute or are tight on cash.  Hehehe...

First, why not try printables?  I was amazed at how fast and easy they are to put together.  A-Manda Creation has A-mazing printables.  I've had the pleasure to work with at least a half a dozen of them for totally different occasions.  Birthdays,  Cinco De Mayo, St Paddy's...  The Father's Day printables are really great and cheap.  Click on the image to get to A-Manda's Etsy shop and get yours!  Here's just one  example:


And she has a FREEBIE you can find on her blog as well as really low prices.

Still not impressed?  This is a way cool gift idea.  Movie night!  Get his favorite movie and load up his favourite snacks in a pocket.  This link is a super hook up to Pinterest where you can find hundreds, if not more, gift ideas for your top pop.

Have you got an even better idea?  Well, by all means, share it here.  Have a wonderful weekend.  Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure to do it again soon. I'm leaving you with another layout of my top pop.  Find the time to get crafty this weekend.  You deserve it!







Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Recycled Children's Cardboard Books

Thanks for all of your attention on my last blog. Someone requested more pictures of my children's cardboard books.  My first attempt was the train book and certainly not the best, but this second one came out much better.  These books were made for my little boys.  So, they are slightly...abused.  Hehehe...

Enjoy the rest of the pictures and let me know if you have any other questions.  Thanks gain!

I couldn't find much at all for monster trucks in the scrapbooking line back then and had to use my imagination.












Monday, April 22, 2013

EcoScrapbooking eBook Launch Party Sustainable Crafting Ideas


Welcome, Hoppers!

I just love blog hops! Meeting new designers and filling up with great ideas, inspiration and other goodies. Ecofriendly ideas are my all time favourite and I have many of them to share with you. Scroll down and see what you find, then check out the links section to hop around to the other blogsters.

Below are images from up-cycling projects.  If you click on the image, it will take you to the tutorial or blog entry where it is featured.  Enjoy the show, download and share the FREE E-Book by clicking anywhere it says, "E-Book".Thanks so much for coming and thank you for keeping the environment in mind.

This first image is of a tag I made for a friend. It doubles as a magnet by attaching magnet tape to the back. Because the tag is small, it uses less supplies and these were ALL from left overs.



I always use cool clothing tags in my layouts and other artsy projects, like this one below.


Hard back children's books are excellent for upcycling projects like mini albums.


I'm often inspired by mail and other advertisement. I made a mini album from an idea I got from a flyer.


Here is an old Ikea frame painted, and scrapped with some left overs and a couple of recycled gift bows from gifts.


This has to be one of my favourite. I upcycled an empty match box. It is small, so you don't need a lot of supplies.


I recently started digital scrapbooking. No more garbage, adhesives, packaging and it's nearly free.There are more freebies out there than you can use. Hang out here on my blog or check out my Facebook page where I post free stuff daily.


This project is super fast and didn't cost a penny to make. I used some left over cupcake papers, embellishments and a bit of washi tape to upcycle this yogurt bucket. It now houses my markers.


Below, is a recent upscaled sock box made into a treasure chest. You will definitely want to check this one out!


What do you with your old cards? My mom is still into sending cards and I keep most of them. You can use the lovely script in side, the word art, images and sometimes they even have embellishments on them. I also like how rigid they are and often use them to make another card for someone else, like this one here.


Here is the list of the other blogs presenting ecofriendly ideas. Thanks again for stopping by and for sharing the FREE  E-Book with your friends! Happy scrapping!

Danielle HunterEcoScrapbookZaira Sierra | Hacer ScrapbooksLisa Troch | The Cherry on TopCathy Sanders | What's up with CathyJules Hollis | Inspired JulesErin Bullock | Deeply Rooted LifeStephanie Medley-Rath | Scrapworthy LivesRenee Joy | Charms Buttons & BowsAndrea Friebus | Lights C.a.m.era ActionJody Spiegelhoff | SpiegelMom Scraps


    Thursday, April 18, 2013

    Pop Cakes


    Welcome to another edition of TCOT!

    I am into everything.  Absolutely everything!  Cooking is detrimental because of all of the crap they are putting into today's food.  I make a lot of stuff from scratch and try to buy organic fruits, veggies, dairy and meat whenever I can get it and it's affordable.

    I've been eyeing up a popcake maker.  It just seemed so easy.  Popcakes are smaller than cupcakes and of course, you can put any fresh, healthy ingredients you want in there.  I use stevia in place of sugar when the recipe calls for a smaller amount.  I also use agave and honey when possible.  White, refined sugar is just toxic!

    My new popcake maker is fabulous!  It exceeded all of my expectations and that NEVER happens. Hehehe...  The boys were more than happy to help and of course feast on the lovely treats.  I made a couple of batches with no chocolate and a couple with.  I use those rice pops with dark chocolate on.  They are not sweet and add a neat texture to the cake.

    You can pop in carrots, fruits, all kinds of healthy ingredients.  It took me about 10 minutes to get the batter ready and then each batch only took 3 minutes to bake!!  I could not believe how lovely they turned out.  This was even a cheap popcake maker.  15 Euros at the Kruidvat!

    I have no plans on adding sickly sweet frosting or candy to these.  Check out those happy faces.  They don't need all of that other stuff.  Use any cake or muffin recipe.  Click on the last image for the basic, yellow cake recipe I used.  Enjoy!




    Here are my boys pig'n out!



    Here are the lovely, golden goodies.  I recommend one of those pastry bags with a wide opening or a large, plastic ziplock with a cut in the corner to put your batter in.  I used a spoon and it was a bit slow and messy.  Stick'm in a clear cookie jar and they will be gone before you know it, with no belly aches!


    Thanks for checking out the Cherry!