Saturday 12 May 2012

Getting Our British On...


Here's another layout from last week's crop.  'Crop', by the way, is the name given to the meeting of crafters in a hall for the purpose of scrapbooking.  Or paper crafting.  Because scrapbooking often used to involve the 'cropping' of photos to fit page or to remove unseemly bits, so the crafters became croppers...and the meeting became a Crop.  I believe. Anyway, I decided to let the paper do the talking and not over do anything. I know!  I like this executive decision because it means the whole LO took about 10 minutes and for once, knowing when to stop wasn't in question.  
Here in the United Kingdom, we've really dumped the 'quiet reserve' and are going all out with our national pride. Well, the manufacturers and retailers are anyway. Never seen so many products carrying the Union flag.  I'm loving it!  We have Englebert Humperdinck doing Eurovision, a long weekend to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee and then the Olympics.   I think it's difficult to avoid two of the three (!).  I find a lot of cynicism about some of this when I'm out and about -  the Olympic Flame is passing through our village in July.  When I express excitement, others are quick to remind me that it will be in the back of a van for security and will involve a road closure and blah.  My response is the same each time.  So what? The event is being brought to us, make the most...it won't happen again, particularly if we all moan about it before it's even happened!   And if it's an opportunity to stand up, wave a flag and be counted a Brit, I'm in. I think, on the whole, I'm patriotic.  I think I'm realistic about it. I wouldn't dream of arguing over anyone's patriotism. But..probably could argue a storm about nationalism.   Mr Dunnit says it's all about recognising a scrapbook opportunity.  Can't argue with that. 

45 comments:

Sunshine Girl said...

Great layout - I will be flying my flag when it comes through our town too! Whooo hoooo

Unknown said...

Well I'm excited about the olympic flame coming to Edinburgh-and I've only been British for 4 months!!

Bethan said...

liking the layout a lot... yep I'll be out watching the flame pass by..flag waving.. debatable!!

...the yorkshire fox... said...

...patriotism i'm all for it, I don't know what it is with some people they just wanna shoot everything down and pooh pooh it, such negativity about ones country is not good...anyways a fabby LO with a cool photo of the gals & featuring our very British phone box!...fabby stuff have a loVely weekend Julia...Mel :)
We have the best and most striking flag followed closely by the stars & stripes me thinks... :)

Kirsty.A said...

I agree - never miss a chance yto wave our union Flag with pride, or snap a scrap-worthy photo! I love the name 'crop', but how many of us do it any,more in the days of digi photos and PSE? Great layout anyway

Unknown said...

I'm in the USA although I agree 100%, one should be proud of their roots! Nice layout and the umbrella is adorable.

Sheilagh said...

Rule Britannia and all that jazz.
I'm proud of being British and I am really enjoying everything at the moment. Ok we have a few problems but what country doesn't?
I will be flying the flag over the next couple of months.
Loving your layout by the way. You have given me ideas for the TWO scrapbooks I am doing on for my Dutch niece of her week over here recently and still working on my London weekend book.

CraftygasheadZo said...

Super layout! I'm loving it all too, even bought a union jack style DAB radio! To be honest I've not done scrap-booking before but this year I'm having a go and using the red, white and blue as a theme too for lots of pages. Zo xx

Deanne said...

love that paper julia, really tells the story like you said :) x

Redanne said...

I love those Papermania papers, Julia, so much, that I bought the album too! I am a Canadian who has lived here since getting married and I have bunting, flags, crockery and anything else I can get my hands on because I LOVE it. The torch is coming through our town and I will up front waving my British flag!! You go girl. Your layout is brilliant, by the way...Anne x

Carmen said...

Can't tell you how excited Craig is about Engelbert! How did we end up together? How?

Loving this page, am seeing lots of people using these papers. Check out Virginia's here :) http://celtichouse.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/just-for-k.html

Sarah said...

Love this page - oops LO I mean - gotta use the lingo... perfect balance of embellies and colour! The Olympic torch runs past our very street in two weeks time and I just told an American friend it's football not soccer. Brit power....

KatzElbows said...

Seeing your layout has reminded me of how thrilled I am that crafters are reclaiming the Union Flag. Your layout is beautiful.

cheers,
rachel

Hels Sheridan said...

I am, most definitely, in the same camp as you hun, very patriotic and cannot wait for the Jubilee (I am planning on wearing some Union Jack pants) and the Olympics... tis a good year to be a Brit. LOVE your pic... now, did you make that paper or is it a bought one pleasings? I need to know because I ... erm... need to add it to my already burgeoning paper stash. Oh and thanks for putting me right on the whole "crop" thing. There was me thinking it meant that you had to eat grass for a few hours... rofl xx

BumbleVee said...

scrapbook op.... blog fodder....it's all good!

Lynn Holland said...

It's all brilliantly exciting and we have got a great jubilee day planned. Whoopee let's celebrate and chuck Mr Misery out the door for a while xxx

Helen said...

Love the layout. The flame is coming through Sutton too, about 5 minutes from my house - and I intend to take the day off work to see it, so I am with you.

Virginia said...

Oh that's gorgeous, I'm loving your photo and the extra flags. I did another page last night using the same papers and ended up with the photo in the middle - it really lends itself to that doesn't it!

misteejay said...

Great LO Julia - I just stocked up on a few more of these Papermania bits.

I've also been stocking up on the bunting & flags and will be waving my Union flags and George cross with pride.

I have mixed feelings about the Olympics only because of the disruption it will cause to the area where I work (Stratford, East London) and the problems it will cause to commuters...but the excitement is already building and this last fortnight with the 'test events' being held at the Olympic park it has really brought home to everyone that this is 'our' moment to celebrate - Rule Brittania!!!

Toni xx

Darnell said...

Keep on waving, Julia! I'm glad to see that you must be feeling better and getting over your cold!

Sue from Oregon said...

Oh your crop sounds like so much fun! And...you accomplished some great pages besides all the gabbing that goes on!

Rhissanna said...

Heck, I'm over here in the USA and I'm going to miss it all. I hope someone reserves me a Jubilee Mug!
I love the design and yes, I see the Union flag cropping up (yeah, that's a pun) everywhere. Even over here.

Claire said...

Gorgeous layout Julia, the Olympic flame is coming through Blackpool too :D
C x

Monica said...

YOU GO GIRL
As an X-Brit i plan to watch as much of the royal Jubilee shows as possible. Maybe some of the Olympics
what a wonderful opportunity for layouts tags journal books. Lets have a jubilee swap!

JoZart Designs said...

I'm waving the flag with you... take a look on my new post! I made bunting for yesterday's show!I There are asl oa few WOYWW badges being flashed too!
We really don't take enough pride in being English!
Love your LO ... what a lovely memory it invokes. Three cheers for the red white and blue!
Love joZarty xxx

Unknown said...

Julie I love your L.O. you know we had just arrived in Athens in 2004...and I thought that the Olympics would be a huge bother!! I so regretted not getting tickets for the opening ceremony...I was almost crying with frustration during the ceremony!!..don't make the same mistake..participate it's fun....we went to the hockey basketball and many of the para-olympic events...

Eliza said...

Love your layout, so British.

The games are nearly upon you, enjoy the hype and energy of it all, it is awesome.

Eliza
http://queenartoypia.blogspot.com.au/

Angie said...

I LOVE that LO.
I'm not sure where I stand on enthusiasm over the events that are due but I think I should be excited over the Jubilee as I was 5 and my nana bought our first 9"tv so we could watch it.

I am hoping to be back on track from June onwards ...I might even have my own computer again... I am going to try and join in this week with woyww ...I've missed it.xx

Kathryn said...

fan-flippin-tasic :)

Craftychris said...

Love the page! You will have plenty of scrapbook opportunities this year - enjoy! xx

Laura said...

That paper is fantastic -- like you said, it practically designs the layout for you. The lines coming in from the corners draw your eye right to the photo -- great! :) When the Winter Olympics was in Lake Placid, I was aware of it, but my family didn't really have the means to try to attend. I love the Olympics. Despite various scandals with athletes, I persevere in thinking the best of everyone whenever possible and loving the camaraderie and the opportunity to root for your country's athletes.
~ Laura

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Love the lay out! You rocked this one! Did you piece the flag together? It is fabulous.

Polly Polkadot said...

Thanks for the explaination - I like to believe you write this blog just for me!
I am visiting my mum this weekend ... because the flame comes through our town the following weekend, and I am not missing it. I have become really emotional about the Olympics, clearly age is catching up with me.

Hettie said...

Don't get me started on the Olympic Flame. We asked if we could go and see it and we were refused - not like it is ever going to happen again is it? Not impressed!
As for Jubilee, Hubby is on nights so I have to tip toe around the house for that event.
However, I do get to go to London shortly so I can feel British then and I may even buy that paper to make a mini album with to mark the event!!
Wanna see Hels prove she is wearing the Union Jack knickers!! Hee Hee!

Claire said...

sorry, i'm only now replying, it's been a long week...
many thanks for dropping by and leaving a note last WOYWW - it's much appreciated :)
and i hope your cold's better xx

BJ said...

Love the LO and ALL stuff Union Flag related. Even have my Union Flag socks on as I reply to this - hehehe. I have the PM papers in the 6" pad which I made my LO of Her Majesty, but your 12" paper (assuming it is 12" though) is FAB. Love your ribbon rushed around the photo and the phonebox (don't see many of those these days) EXCELLENT - Rule Britannia - BJ

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

My British ancestry is definitely showing, because I love the layout you created. You are SO lucky to have the Olympic Flame come to your town. I remember when it passed through Wichita a few years ago. I didn't go because I think I was in school at the time, or maybe actually working a day job.

You made making that flag look EASY. I may have to try making one, since I'm pretty patriotic when it comes to anything British. I KNOW. You don't have to tell me I live in the US, but I can still wave a British flag for the Olympics and the "Queen's Jubilee." After all, I WAS named for her, although I think her time has passed!

And I agree with Mr. D. I may have to see if OUR scrapbook stores are carrying anything British as the Olympics get closer.

Di said...

Totally agree Julia - proud to be British - and looking forward to an opportunity to wave the flag.

Super LO - and at least now I know what a crop is - I thought it was when my hairdresser has a funny turn :) Snigger, the one who did my hair brunette just before I met you and Jan has moved on (I won't be following)!Seems she got the colour mix all at sixes and sevens - to right she did!

Di
xx

Lisa-Jane said...

Well I think it is marvellous, both the layout and all this Blighty-ness. Tricky paper to use that Portobello Road, but you've pulled it off wonderfully.

Neet said...

Very clever that layout Julia - and watch out for my blog post which is how to be patriotic on a shoestring.
Hugs, Neet x

Anonymous said...

Proud to be British too and take every opportunity to tell anyone within earshot! Doesn't always go down well I can tell you!!! Just make sure the Brit flag you wave doesn't say "Made In China" on it somewhere, like the little plastic American flags they give out here for Independence Day!!!

Hugs
Brenda

NEEDLEWINGS said...

Wonderful! Makes me wish I were British!

Unknown said...

Am loving the 'Union Flag' theme at the moment and have done a couple of projects myself (another 2 milestone birthdays - aside the ones i mentioned in another comment which were all girls - apart from the new baby which is a boy ((oops, i'm working backwards at the moment)...

A while ago - lets say 18 months+, Tesco had a range of kitchen stuff in the Union Flag style. I bought the glass kitchen chopping board, the tea-towels and apron to match. Back then it was on offer and probably not much take up.... I bet there is now.

Anything in this theme is OK by me - so especially love your layout Julia. Lovely and nostalgic.

Big Hugs

Paula x x x

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