A Black & wite Froggy Christmas

Hi all
Time to deliver a project of the day over at the Lily pad again. Some super simple but stylish black and white Christmas cards


As ever a more detailed post can be found on the Banana Frog blog.

Well it’s time for this froglet to hop off the lily pad I’m afraid. After much soul searching and juggling of time I have decided with great sadness after 2 ad 1/2 years it is time for me to step down from the Banana Frog DT and have said my fond farewells over at the Lilypad today.

Thanks for stopping by and hopping over to the Lily pad, I hope you're well and happy and until soon Happy Crafting
Love
M x

Lost in Space

Hi all
Well this blog title is fitting! It is actually the title of my Project of the day over on the Banana Frog blog ...



and it also kind of sums up my recent absence! I know I have been MIA and apologise for my lack of beng here but it's been one of those months. I've been poorly sick, had visitors, TV and well just life in general has gotten in the way but all's good and I'm still alive and well.

As you are reading this I will be at the NEC taking a peek at the early issue of the Scrap 365 magazine, not available until the 18th anywhere else. I am super excited about it, I've seen a lot of the proofs and a lot of the gorgeous projects in it in real life and all I can say is it's going to be FAB and you're going to love it! So if you make the NEC hobbycraft show today wave if you see me and say hi, and if you make it any time over the weekend be sure to check out the magazine on the traplet stand!

Now I'm going to do an impression of a bus .... no posts for ages and then 2 in one day! I have a Glitzy post going live at 2pm!! So I'll either see you here or at the NEC!

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you're well and happy and until soon Happy Crafting!
Love
M x

A spooky twist with Banana Frog

Hi all

Just a quicky to drop this off


My project of the day on the Banana Frog blog. A little spooky twist using the fairytale princess castle ... yes really :) Pop on over to the Lilly pad for my project.

I hope you're well and happy, see you Friday with 2 posts and until then Happy Crafting!
Love
M x

A quick catch up

Hi all
Well I did promise (kind of) to be a better blogger and seem to have fallen at the first week but I have a reason honest! I've been a bit poorly sick ... I was struck down with a naughty cold type virus last weekend and it's taken a while to drag my sorry self back to normality (whatever that is!) BUT I am still alive and in one piece and laying catch up with life so here goes!

Last week was crazy busy leading up to the pre launch of the new scrapping magazine Scrap 365, the response has been AMAZING and the blog hop was great, what a talented bunch of scrappers we have on board. The 1st issue is well on it's way and finishing touches are being done .... exciting! Also you can now subscribe on line! Check out the blog post 29th Sept on the blog!

Just before the blog hop, hubby was home for a whole week (shock horror) so we took a trip down to the West Country to visit his family.


Grandad had a spelling lesson with Sophie


We all went out for dinner and the girls tackled the most obscene pudding I have ever seen! Mountains of ice cream, cream, chocolate bars and smarties! Even they got beat so Sophie and Dylan had to help out .. then came the sugar rush!


So off we went to the beach to walk it off


What an amazing sunset!
It was Ollies first time on the beach but he soon got into the spirit! A mad chase with another dog saw Stan and Ollie launching into the sea, Stan took it all in his stride but I wish I had a picture of Ollie's face when the sudden realisation hit him that he was swimming. It would be titled 'how the? How did I get here' trust me it was hilarious and even funnier was seeng hubby having the 'shall I dive in?' dilemma




back to the house for cuddles before bedtime, and then the long drive home!

Oo I got some new glasses too last week, I was so excited! (ignore the pink hair in bad need of a dye job LOL)


Turquoise and black


Pink and Purple.
I have always wanted glasses in different colours to swap about with my moods and this is the start of my collection. In fact I took hubby in for an eye test when I picked up the new specs and he treated me to 2 newpairs that are more dressy, just think purple sparkly LOL Lucky me :) I'll share pics when I have them(and I'll dye my hair before I take the pics!)

Last Sunday I had a FAB time teaching an all day workshop at 3 Jolly Scrappers. If you are close enough to get to any of their workshops please go, everyone there is so lovely, lunch is delicious and you even get afternoon tea with homemade cake!! I will share pcs of the layouts we created soon, they're coming up in my Glitz Designs post on the 7th but in the mean time here are some pics of the lovelies I spent the day with.





Then the lurgy struck so that's all I have to catch up with apart from AND FINALLY ..


Stan and Ollie hugs on the way down to the West Country


They make my heart melt


2 very soggy, sandy happy dogs after their adventures on the beach. The kids were happy too even if Dylan looks very serious, he was told not to do a cheesy grin so that's the face we got LOL

So that's been my week and a bit since our last visit except for one other little excitement that perked me up no end ... I got our tickets for next years 80's rewind festival, don't know who's on yet but I'm looking forward to it already whoop whoop! I'll be back on Tuesday with a Banana Frog project, until then I hope you're well and happy and until soon, as ever, Happy Crafting
Love
M x

Scrap 365 .... the cat's out of the bag at last!

Hi all

Welcome to my little slice of the Scrap 365 blog hop, I hope you're having fun :) If you are here under your own steam why not start at the beginning on the Scrap 365 blog? I don't want you to miss out on any of it!

So finally the cat is out of the bag and we can shout about Scrap 365, the brand new UK scrap magazine coming very soon. I have been lucky enough to have worked with Katy Fox (the editor of Craft Stamper and this new title) as a freelance consultant on Scrap 365 and all I can say is this is going to be a great magazine with a super talented design team bringing articles covering all aspects of scrapping today.

For those that don't know me let me introduce myself. My name is Michelle Jackson-Mogford aka MJM. I’m a onetime theatre designer/stage manager who decided to give it all up to get back to my arty roots and I’m loving it! I’m married to a comedian (that’s a whole other story!) and I live in the beautiful British country side with him and our 2 little dogs Stanley Dervish and Oliver Pickles

I discovered scrapbooking at the beginning of 2007, I love creating art with meaning as well as being really into collage so scrapping is perfect for me. I also enjoy using my model making skills to create 3D scrap art and interactive pages.

I was proud to be a Best of British Scrapbooking winner 2008. I am a regular contributor to the Craft Stamper magazine and have been featured in other craft magazines in the UK. I design for Banana Frog stamps here in the UK as well as Purple Cows Inc and Glitz Designs in the States. I also work with Serif (Digital Craft Artist) and I have been demo-ing their product on Create and Craft/ Ideal world TV as well as Purple Cows tools for the last year and a half and love being part of an amazing TV family!

The rest of 2011 going into 2012 is shaping up to be very exciting with many big crafty projects on the go and a 6 week Amazon cruise on which I will be teaching craft classes ... lucky, lucky me :)

As part of the hop we've been asked to share one of our favourite projects of 2011 with you and I think mine has to be a class I designed for the Scrap-A-Mia retreat back in the Spring ...


A scrapped birdcage....


...A unique piece of home decor...


...That looks good all ways round...


...Containing pictures of our Granddaughter...


...and our Grandson (I know what you're all saying, I don't look old enough LOL, it's my step son's children ;))


I also converted it to a double layout



For anyone a little nervous to tackle the construction



and I have to say I like the layout just as much :)

I best stop waffling now and let you carry on with the hop. Before you go don't forget to leave a comment. REMEMBER! leave a comment on EVERY DT blog and on the Scrap 365 blog for a chance to win a years subscription to Craft Stamper (our big sister magazine) PLUS over £20 worth of stamps .... now that's worth leaving a few words for isn't it :) Oh and if you're lucky enough to be at Ally Pally for the Big Stamp and Scrapbooking show this weekend don't forget to pop along to the Traplet stand for a sneak peek of the new mag and a fabulous subscription offer! (Can't make Ally Pally but still want the fab subs deal? If you live in the UK you can still get it by calling 01684 588599that'll get you the first 3 issues for just £1 whoop whoop! And click the button on the post earlier today on the Scrap 365 blog to be entered into the prize draw so you don't miss out on a thing!)

So you're next stop is with the oh so talented Wendy McKee Enjoy!!

Thanks for stopping by. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the Scrap365 Design team..... It’s going to be a grand adventure!

*see you* soon, until then HAPPY CRAFTING!
Love
M x

Tweet and fluffy

Hi all
Today is my turn to share a pick of the day over on the Banana Frog Lilly pad. I decided to create some fun and fluffy cards this month


As ever the stpby steps can be found over on the Banana Frog blog .... enjoy!

Sorry this is fleeting, my old nemesis time seems to be getting the better of me at the moment but never fear ... I will win eventually and I'll be back to tell the tale :)

I hope you're well and happy, thanks for stopping by and until soon Happy Crafting
Love
M x

Simply Clear scrapbook stamping

Hi all
Today is my turn to share a project of the day over on the Banana Frog blog and as promised I expanded on the card idea I created for the Frog hop last Saturday


I've taken it large on a scrap page! As ever the step by steps for the poject can be found at the Lily pad.

I hope you're all well and happy, life at Mogford towers is still super busy but very exciting (and keeps me out of mischief LOL) I have so much I need to catch you all up on and one of these days I will be true to my word and get back on track with this blogging malarkey!!

Until then nice to *see you*, stay safe and Happy Crafting
Love
M x

Froggity blog hop!

Hi all

It's that time of the month when the froglets leap from their Lilypads and share some work with you on the Banana Frog blog hop. You can start at the beginning from the frog blog if you have just happened to visit, if you're here on the hop I hope you're having fun :)

This months theme is Summer so I made some summery cards to share with you ...


I like the clear fresh look of the acetate and love adding a splash of colour to acetate stamping with some alcohol inks.


Happy Days card


This is super simple. Using the Totally Tropical stamp set, add some different coloured stayzon to the large corner stamp and stamp twice onto your acetate. I really like mixing inks on my stamp to get a shaded, multi coloured image. Top tip, when stamping onto acetate get right over the top of your work and stamp straight down positively but not too heavy handed as the stamp will slide!


Stamp two title blocks from the Tropical Taste tadpole stamp set, again mixing the colours and then stamp the greeting from the Sentimental Style stamp set on to one of them. I have stamped two sentiment blocks so the one with the greeting will be for the front and the other one attaches to the inside behind it to cover up the glue marks, obviously it shows just plain white on the inside as the stamped side goes against the front block, but, as I have used gel glue to attach the sentiment for dimension it is quite nice to see the double stamped image. Hmmm I keep re reading this last bit .. does it make sense?? LOL


You are my sunshine card


Again another simple card but I think it has added impact with the alcohol ink. Using the Scribble Flowers stamp set, I stamped a pattern using black stayzon down one side of the card front.


Flipping the card over I then dropped on some alcohol inks in different colours and let it do it's own thing! While it dried (it doesn't take long!) I stamped the little sentiment block from the Build a Daisy stamp set, again I did this twice attaching one to the front and the other behind it


Flowers in Nature


And finally, a card that mixes a bit of all of them! I stamped the flowers from the Super Dreamy stamp set using several stayzon colours, Stamped the sentiment from Build a Daisy and finally added some butterflies from the Swirls and Butterflies stamp set. I then added some alcohol ink to the back of the sentiment area, letting it do it's own thing again and that was it, a striking card made simply :)

I hope you've enjoyed your visit with me on the blog hop and feel inspired to do some simply clear summer stamping, I feel inspired to take this to a larger project and am cooking up a layout for my Project of the Day on the 4th August so please check back then!

A lot of the froglets are very busy at the moment with summer holidays etc so this month is just a short hop, I will direct you back to the Lilypad to catch up on those you've missed or to peruse for added inspiration and don't forget to check the shop link to grab a sale bargain while you're there! thanks for stopping by and I'll see you soon, until then Happy Crafting
Love
M x

Happy Scrappy stamping!

Hi all.

I cannot believe how fast time is going again and that we are already in July! I've also been rubbish at keeping in touch with you all I know, life is super busy but very exciting though. I WILL get into a better routine and pop into my little corner of blogdom a bit more often .... honest :)

Ok, so today is my project of the day over at Banana Frog, inspired by a glorious summer morning I made a 'happy card'


As ever the step by steps are over on the Lily pad and all the stamps I have used are in the sale so why not grab yourself a bargain treat or two while you visit!

Talking of projects of the day I had a lovely email from a lovely lady from across the pond the other day. She owns a FAB website called All free Holiday crafts, there are loads of great projects over there and lots of inspiration for all manner of holidays and celebrations and all free! (I spent far too long having a happy trawl around over there!) Go and check it out, and while you're there see if you can spot this


My Project of the day that went live on the Lily pad on Xmas day last year. I was thrilled skinny (oh there's a dream way to lose weight LOL) and very flattered when she asked permission to use my project on the site, maybe some more will pop up :)

Things are good at Mogford towers, busy as I said and full of craftiness that I hope to share soon!

The boys are good too


It's been a while since they made an appearance here hasn't it, haven't they grown!

Plans are afoot to take my website off line soon to give it a much needed face lift and update and I really want to re decorate here too .... now if only my old nemesis Mr time would slow down a little maybe I'll actually get there!!!

Thanks for popping by, I hope you're all well and happy and until soon Happy Crafting

Love
M x

Glue stick embossing!

Hi all, today it's my turn to share a project over on the Banana Frog Lilypad.


It's a technique based project using a glue stick for that distressed embossing look. Step by step photos are on the frog blog, so why not hop on over and take a peak and get creating with your glue stick!!

I hope you're well and happy, life has been busy in Mogford towers as usual but hopefully one of these days I will keep my promise to come back and have a chat ... you never know stranger things have happened :)

Until soon Happy Crafting
Love
M x

{happy birthday} froggity blog hop

Hi all
Well that's another month gone and time for another Banana Frog blog hop, can you believe we're nearly half way through the year!! Anyway this months blog hop is a special one .... it's the little green guys birthday and what's a birthday without some cake?


And better still this one is calorie free :) and doubles up as a great gift box! I have used a veritable feast of Frog stamps for this project Charming prince, Tropical garden, Build a daisy, Simple greetings, That takes the cake and It's all about elegance (psssst all these stamps are on sale, go on treat yourself ;))


1st up I cut a strip of white card for the lid and stamped along the bottom edge with the lace trim from It's all about elegance and trimmed to the pattern. Then added the greeting from simple greetings along some ribbon with permanent ink sticking it along the strip above the stamped lace trim.


Next thing was, what else but, the cute little frog from Charming prince, again stamped with permanent ink so I could colour them in with my pro markers.


I cut a wider strip of white card for the base of the box and added a purple trim to the bottom of it and along the top of the top strip of card using a stapler to pleat it as I went to give a look of piped icing.


I then added some bling to the crowns with glitter glue.


Cutting a circle with dragons teeth for the top and bottom of the box I added pretty sprinkles to the top from the stamp in that takes the cake and inked the edges.


Using the totally tropical stamp set I stamped some leaves and flowers mixing the ink on the stamps to create shaded colouring. I used one of the petals from build a daisy to create the candle and one of the leaves stamped in yellow for the flame.


To make the candle stand up on the cake I cut it with some tabs on the bottom of the petal that were stuck to the underside of the top when it was in position.


The flowers and leaves were added with silicon glue and curled before sticking in place to add dimension.


And that's it a unique froggy birthday gift box :)

Thanks for hopping by today, your next stop on the hop is the fabulous Francine (I love her style) and don't forget to comment as you go there may be birthday prizes!! Enjoy the rest of the hop and I'll see you soon. Until then Happy Crafting
Love
M x