Here we go Loobylou

Cybercrop scrapping

2011-10-16T13:29:00.006+08:00

I really enjoy the challenges and inspiration from the girls at Mystical scrapbooks . Last weekend I got 2 layouts finished with old photos and papers from my stash.

Kaisercraft Chapter One, and a challenge

2011-06-12T09:36:00.003+08:00

This is my entry for kerry's colour throwdown #4. The colours were just perfect for the new Kaisercraft Chapter One paper range. I've been loving playing with the Bargallo technique lately, and love the soft, fresh feel of this colour range.

Teen Birthday Card

2011-06-02T15:27:00.003+08:00

I Just never seem to have enough birthday cards on hand for when my boys ask for a "last minute" card. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of cards in my "stash". They are at that awkward age (turning 15 &17) where it can't be too cute, and definately not "girly" (aka: no ribbons or flowers or bling). This month my social stamping group ladies posed a "teenage" card theme for our swap, so I put this one together. Stamped motorbike is from Sullivans, Numbers are unmounted and unknown brand. Papers are from my stash.

The front flap is folded inside to form a pocket to tuck in cash or a gift voucher.

scrapping with friends

2011-05-23T18:54:00.002+08:00

I usually scrap alone, but yesterday was so much fun. I spent the day with one of my best friends, and a whole bunch of noisy, but inspiring ladies as we all scrapped, chatted, ate, and ate some more! I was happy to get a few layouts finished, all inspired by Let's Scrap sketches.

Let's Scrap

2011-05-20T08:09:00.002+08:00

I've been more into scrapbooking than cards lately. Maybe because it's for me, and I am in a "selfish" stage at the moment?

Recently I came across a great site that has sketches for layouts and cards. It's called Let's Scrap . They have a month of challenges on at the moment for National Scrapbooking day. They also have a weekly sketch challenge, and a whole heap of past sketches in the gallery to inspire you. I actually did a double layout! with multi photos! that's how inspiring it is! I like this community because the ladies have many different styles, and they are accepting of whatever you are into. It's not about being the best, but about sharing the stories and the scrapping process.

Creating twinchies

2011-04-17T19:22:00.002+08:00

After a bit of a break, I'm back creating, just for me. This little creation is a "twinchie"- a 2 inch square tile of chipboard covered in paper and embellished with little bits and pieces. I'm making 9 of these for a swap with a vintage browns and cream colour theme. When I get my swaps back I'll have enough tiles for a 6 x 6 canvas, or if I choose I can make some more with photos on and make it a 12 x 12 mosaic canvas. Haven't decided yet what I'll do, but I really enjoyed working in minature.

2011-01-08T16:11:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year Everyone. I have a totally selfish resolution to "simplify" my life. I want to be passionate about my life, and be able to spend more time with people and pastimes that inspire me (and less on those that don't!) I've already done some stamping and scrapping, and had coffee and lunch with my 2 favourite girls (Mum and sis). I've been out boating with my hubby and boys, and I am currently on holiday...life is good.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-22T13:37:00.002+08:00

Thankyou to all my stamping and scrapping friends for your support in 2010. Your friendship and creativity have inspired me. I plan to blog more often in 2011, maybe even to try to do the 365 thing again.

Wishing you all the joys of the Christmas season.

Happy World Cardmaking day 2010

2010-10-03T09:31:00.006+08:00

I spent the afternoon at Made with Memories colouring my new Ladybug Nora stamp from CC. designs. She is so adorable, I just couldn't resist her. Here's one of the 3 cards I've made for World Cardmaking day.

Wondering which Copic colours i used?

hair- Y11, Y21, E43

skin- E51, E00, R20

wings- RV00,RV02

clothes- RV29, R29, C5, C7

I am loving my Copics

2010-09-26T13:39:00.004+08:00

I finally have my hands on the full range of Copic Ciao markers- and I am in heaven- I've been colouring for me, and teaching 3 Copic classes a month at Made with Memories in Rockingham. I just did my first set of ATCs using Copic markers too. I'm sharing this cute little Bumblebee Hansel ATC with you today.

Wondering what colours I used?

bumblebee suit- Y17, C7

wings -V12

skin - E00,YR00,R20

hair- Y11,Y21,E43

It's Cybercop time again - Game On

2010-07-21T19:23:00.004+08:00

Scrapping with friends is so much fun. Sometimes getting together can be hard- so that's where a Cybercrop is fantastic. The design team sets challenges, we play games and scrap up a storm (all in our own comfortzones- you can even do it in your PJs if you want!). I'd love for you to come and scrap with all the fun and friendly ladies at the next Cybercrop Weekend at Enchanted - starting July 30th- Hope to see you there

August classes- Sneaky Peek

2010-07-05T23:09:00.002+08:00

I'm Teaching cards/stamping classes at Made With Memories, Rockingham City, 3 times a month. Here's a sneak peek of my samples for August.

I'm officially a Copic Certified Designer!

2010-06-26T19:55:00.007+08:00

Today was an exciting day in my stamping journey. I completed the first ever Copic Marker Certification course in Perth. It was taught by Debra James and "Johnny" from X-Press Graph-X. As most of you know, my stamping style hasn't included much colouring-in for the past few years... Today a whole new world was opened to me...with the Copic Markers, colouring-in was fun. I learnt a heap of techniques that I want to practice...yes, I actually do want to keep playing with them...just need to save, or work more, to get my collection happening. Here's one of the images that I coloured tonight at home, with Copic Ciao markers.

Keep your eyes out for Copic classes that I will be teaching in the next few months at Made With Memories, Rockingham City.

Cybercrop weekend

2010-06-24T10:06:00.002+08:00

The girls at enchanted are having a cybercrop this weekend- if you feel like a challenge come check it out

an Enchanted weekend

2010-03-28T18:15:00.004+08:00

I've been a little MIA from my stamping sistahs at the Stamp-Shack, sorry girls, but I have caught the scrapping bug. I haven't left you, I promise!

Anyway, I've done a couple of layouts from the awesome challenges set by the design team at Enchanted. Stampers, if you are also a scrapper you might want to check out the inspiration here

Woohoo- a weekend of scrapping!

2010-03-23T07:06:00.002+08:00

Come join me! there will be all sorts of challeges and inspiration. Hope to see you there

cute as a bug

2010-03-07T22:41:00.001+08:00

the latest page for my young man's scrapbook.

Red Blooded Princess

2010-02-20T12:47:00.003+08:00

No, not me! that's the title of this ATC I made for a "royalty" swap at the Stamp-Shack. I made the background with the wrinkle free distress technique using Ranger distress inks and glimmer mist. Kirsty they will be in the mail this afternoon!

Celebrating Summer.

2010-02-13T15:01:00.004+08:00

I has inspired by my friend Lisa's challenge at the Wet-n-wild cybercrop that the Enchanted Scrapbooking girls are having this weekend. I love to tear, distress and ink.....then a fabulous Design team parcel arrived from my friend Chris,(Born2create) My favourite thing was the ribbon flowers that Chris makes herself. I just had to use them right away! You can see all the different colours here

I see more scrapping in my weekend... and a couple of ATC swaps.....loving it!

February is shimmery and fun.

2010-02-06T21:18:00.003+08:00

I'm teaching on Monday at Made With memories. My class is full, but I still have vacancies for Tuesday, 23rd Feb, Lots of techniques and stamping fun! Want to get messy? come on down!

Busy busy

2010-01-25T17:33:00.003+08:00

I've been teaching at Made with Memories today, the last of my card classes for January. Now I can show you what we've been making this month. These were the cards I had planned to teach in October, before my Dad passed away. I had a fantastic bunch of ladies in my classes, and lots are coming back in February. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to share my love of stamping. Plus, as this is officially now my work, of course I need to spend time and money playing (oops I mean practicing) .

New Beginnings

2010-01-18T12:40:00.003+08:00

The theme for the Born2Create January ATC swap was "all things new". I've gone with "new life" as my inspiration. I had fun making the little raffia nests and placing the cultured pearl eggs in them. The background is sprayed with pearl mist, which really doesn't show in the photo.

I hope your year is off to a great start, full of hope and creativity.

cracked glass technique

2010-01-11T17:51:00.003+08:00

My February Card classes at Made with Memories include Lots of Techniques and a fun fold too. We will be working with distress inks, embossing powders, Utee, vellum, Nestabilities, dry embossing and perfect pearls to create 3 cards suitable for any occasion. Here's a sneak peak of one of the cards I'm teaching using the cracked glass technique.

Papers are "little Yellow Bicycle", stamps from "stamp-it Australia"

Scrapping in memory of my Dad

2010-01-10T17:27:00.004+08:00

The time has come, I'm ready!

I really wanted to scrapbook the last Christmas we had with Dad before he passed away. I know it will be an important page for my boys (and of course myself) to look back on. Christmas 2008 was special. Dad dressed up as Santa and handed out prezzies to all the families that were with us that day. I got some great pics. This week i felt ready to face them, and happy to look back on the warm memories of our Last Christmas together. He was the kindest most generous man. Remebering him giving to so many people is just so perfect..

Thanks for sharing this with me.

New DT position to start 2010

2010-01-03T19:10:00.004+08:00

I am excited to announce that I have joined the talented ladies at Born2Create, Heading up their ATC challenges. I'd love you to check out the awesome gallery of scrapbook pages, cards, ATCs and mixed media projects.

Above you can see a couple of the tags I've designed using techniques inspired by the Tim Holtz 12 tags of Christmas tutorials. I'm swapping these tags with some talented stampers all over the world. I love sharing my creativity with my online friends. In 2010, I plan to be even better at sharing my projects on my blog!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T22:21:00.002+08:00

To all my friends, all over the world, sending you warm wishes for a Christmas day blessed with love, hope and joy.

SCRAP.N.ART JOURNEY: Christmas Candy

2009-12-15T19:25:00.001+08:00

To help get into the Christmas spirit, my generous friend,Angie, has decided to giveaway some Christmas Candy. I just couldn't help myself , I have to share the chance to win with you...I'm good like that!
Check out her blog for more details HERE

Dont forget, if you're after a bargain, Angie is also holding a 50% OFF sale over at her scrap.n.art supplies store.

Something Fishy???

2009-11-03T18:10:00.003+08:00

I spent Melbourne Cup Day scrapbooking! What's up with that? Usually I would be out to a lovely ladies luncheon, but all my friends were working this year.

Anyway, it was a nice productiveday- the first day I've felt like creating in a LONG time. A layout for each of my boys of their first Charter boat Fishing Adventure. I was inspired by a class I took with Skye Johnson as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer.

Some good news

2009-11-01T09:31:00.002+08:00

after a sad month with my Dad passing away, I finally have some good news to share. I have a card and an ATC published in this month's edition of Scrapbook news and review.

I also heard I have had an ATC accepted for publication in the next issue. I haven't been feeling very creative lately, so this is just a great boost.

Shabby chic challenge

2009-10-01T23:08:00.005+08:00

My gorgeous friend Chris has set a new challenge at Born2Create. Check out the details here. Entry is open to international and Australian scrappers and cardmakers. Entries close October 20th.

The sun is out! & October Card class sneak peek

2009-09-28T21:08:00.004+08:00

Here's a sneak peek of my "Think Pink" themed cards for my October classes I'm teaching at made with Memories in Rockingham. I'm teaching 6 classes next month. It's going to be a busy time with lots of new techniques and fun getting inky. Until then, I'm having a week off enjoying the School holidays.

It's been a beautiful day here in W.A. I sat outside and finished my book and am halfway thru another. Lovely way to spend the Queen's Birthday public holiday.

Yay! I'm being published.

2009-09-27T07:24:00.002+08:00

One of my scrapbook pages was accepted for publication at Scrapbook News and Review magazine, They are having a special 12 hour sneak peek this weekend where you can look at the magazine online for 12 hours only from Saturday 8.30pm EST- to Sunday 8.30am. That's the US timezone which I know is 12 hours different from me in Western Australia. Please check it out by clicking on the magazine tab.

Teen grunge collage

2009-08-30T15:14:00.003+08:00

Love this page I made from a Kit by Deb Mitchell. My Mr "Almost 15" is looking so handsome with his hair longer (yes I'm a proud Mum!). I tried out the barbed wire doodling I saw in a tutorial somewhere. I'll get back to you with a link if you are interested.

The barbed wire tutorial can be found here

more handmade flowers - roses or camelias?

2009-08-15T13:28:00.003+08:00

Look what i made this morning.
I tried out core'dinations, patterned paper and recycled vintage book pages for these handmade flowers. Now I just need to design some cards for them to go on~ There's not enough hours in the day!

handmade flowers for cards and scrapbook pages

2009-08-15T13:22:00.002+08:00

I've been creating! Inspired by a tattered old copy of "Little Women" and some Prima flowers I saw online, I decided to have a go at creating my own recycled book flowers. of course I couldn't resist adding ink and glimmer mist and some Bling to finish them off.

Look out for these on some of my cards and scrapbook pages soon

Digital photo sizes for enlargement

2009-08-08T20:11:00.003+08:00

Sometimes when I go to get photos enlarged to 5 x 7, the photobooth gives the warning signal that the photo is not suitable for that enlargement so I did some research about what size a digital photo needs to be in order to get a good quality enlargement done. I hope this advice is useful for all you scrapbookers who are sick of getting Pixelated prints. I got it from an online printing service

Print Size/Product Minimum image resolution required
4 x 6 690x460 pixels
5 x 7 805x575 pixels
8 x 8 920x920 pixels 8 x 10 1150x920 pixels
8 x 12 1380x920 pixels
11 x 14 Enlargements 1610x1265 pixels
12 x 12 1380x1380 pixels
12 x 18 Enlargements 2070x1380 pixels
16 x 20 Posters 2300x1840 pixels
20 x 30 Posters 3450x2300 pixels
11 x 14 Collage Posters 1260x990 pixels
12 x 18 Collage Posters 1620x1080 pixels
16 x 20 Collage Posters 1800x1440 pixels
20 x 30 Collage Posters 2700x1800 pixels
Wallet Prints 374x259 pixels

Are you interested in a blind Scrap challenge?

2009-08-06T15:53:00.002+08:00

Check out U2s new challenge blog where you can find my challenge.

A blind scrap is where you are given instructions on how to make a scrapbook page, but have no picture to follow. The fun of it is comparing your layout to the one the challenge setter designed. I hope you are inspired to create today!

August card sketch challenge at Scrapawayg3

2009-08-04T07:35:00.002+08:00

Here's my card for the new August sketch challenge at Gayatri's http://scrapawayg3sketches.blogspot.com/

Check it out for your chance to win a prize

Chinese whispers

2009-07-23T07:39:00.003+08:00

We play a scrapbooking challenge at Uproar2scrapmore called Chinese whispers. One member makes a layout, emails it on to the next person on the list, who scraplifts at least 4 elements and then emails it on to the next person. When everyone has done their turn, we can all reveal our pages. It's so much fun seeing how it all started, and how mine relates to that. I was number 8 on the list. I'm happy with my page, but it's VERY different than the original. I've been busting to share it. So here you go!

If you want to see the rest, come check them out in the Uproar gallery.

2009-07-19T09:12:00.003+08:00

I tried a new blog layout for a few days, but I couldn't get used to it. I wish they would let you choose the middle colour. I like black, for some reason! Sorry if you've visited in the past few days and felt "lost". All back to normal now thanks to the Cutest Blog on the Block!

Blokey cards

2009-07-19T08:55:00.004+08:00

I have the hardest time making "masculine" cards. I'm not good at "minimal" and I always think cards for men look better "clean and simple". I'm teaching "masculine cards" this month at my LSS (Made with Memories) since Father's day in Australia is the first Sunday in September.

Guess what? I found a way to make them look "clean" but still satisfy my need for "more" and fancy them up. I designed 3 cards using LOTS of background techniques. Not a scrap of patterned paper in sight! AND I love them. I can show you a little sneak peek, and will put all 3 cards up at the end of the month when my classes are over.

(click on the photo to see larger)

Happy Birthday Sissy

2009-07-11T19:11:00.003+08:00

My sister, mum and her best friend all have birthdays this week, so we went out for lunch today to celebrate- Absolutely delicious meals, infact we were fighting over who had the best meal. (aaaah, family). Anyway, getting to the point... This cake slice shaped box was part of my present to my sister. I filled it with Dolly mixture and humbugs.
The template for the box came from Stampington Sampler magazine. Leave me a message if you'd like me to find you a link.
Patterned papers from Uproar2scrapmore. I used divine swirls Cuttlebug embossing folder (a bit fiddly) and teabag folding for the flower on top.
Thanks to ChrisW for making me thing "outside the box" for her Cybercrop challenge.

52 pieces of me

2009-07-06T17:59:00.002+08:00

Since I started scrapbooking for my son, I have really enjoyed it. I am quite traditional in my thinking, in that I struggle to put flowers and pretty things on a boy's page. -Just not ready for that yet. Hopefully as I mature as a scrapbooker I will feel more comfortable with it.

Anyone who knows me, as a person, or my cardmaking style, will know that I am a real BLING girl. I love rhinestones and sparkle and lace and flowers on my cards. I'm missing that in scrapping for my boys, so I decided to do a few pages about me where I can embellish to my heart's content with whatever takes my fancy.

Here's one of my first pages( I plan to do "52 pieces of me")

Exciting news.

2009-07-05T10:27:00.005+08:00

I have been invited to join a new design team at http://scrapawayg3sketches.blogspot.com/

I'm so excited to be part of a sketch design team. I absolutely love working with sketches as the springboard to my cards and scrapbook pages. I hope you'll come and check it out. Gayatri has a monthly competition with a prize pack and all you have to do is make a card using her sketch to enter. This is the card I made as inspiration for the first sketch.

Cybercrop this weekend

2009-06-25T06:29:00.003+08:00

I'm hostng a challenge and maybe a lesson or 2. Hope to see you at Uproar2scrapmore this weekend.

Birdsong ATC

2009-06-20T19:05:00.002+08:00

The ATC theme this month at Uproar is "Birds". I've used vintage sheet music for my background, coloured with distress inks. Stamps from Basic Grey, inkadinkado and Autumn leaves

Bazzill Tattered rose tutorial

2009-06-14T21:35:00.007+08:00

I taught this handmade flower as part of a class earlier this year, and have had a few requests for pictures. The first time is a bit fiddly, after that you'll be in love!

You will need Bazzill Cardstock, EK success large and medium retro flower punches, ink, sponge and rhinestones (optional)

punch 2 large and 1 medium flower from Bazzill cardstock (it must be Bazzill as it has 2 layers, this will not work with regular cardstock)

Now scrunch those flowers up, really well. the more you scrunch the easier the next step will be. Open them back up again.

This is the trickiest part! Peel apart the 2 layers of Bazzill on the flowers by separating at the tips of the petals and peeling back to the centre- don't pull the centre apart. Do this for each petal on the three flowers you have punched.out

Roll both layers of petal toward the centre of your flowers. It doesn't have to be uniform. You are going for a "distressed" look. Now stick the 2 large flowers on top of each other. Try to off set them a little, Add the smallest flower to the centre.

Apply ink to the flower with a sponge for a lighter look, or direct to the flower with the inkpad for a deeper colour. You can do this before or after you assemble the flower. Just keep adding ink until you're happy with the look

stick a gemstone to the centre . Here's a close-up for you

use your flower to decorate cards, scrapbook pages or gift boxes.

If you make any projects using my tutorial please give credt with a link back to my tutorial and, please post a comment here with a link to your blog. I'd love to see them.

June Cybercrop Theme

2009-06-11T16:37:00.004+08:00

is "Birthdays". Thought I'd give you some time to collect up your photos you've been planning to scrap, and join me at Uproar2scrapmore on Friday 26th, Saturday27th and Sunday 28th of June. Festivities commence at 7.30pm Queensland time Friday night with challenges, games, special offers and classes throughout the weekend.
It's a cybercrop, a great big virtual crop that my friends from all over the world are welcome to check out...with lots of inspiration and fun. hope to see you there.

I'll be teaching a class with distress inks~like I used to make the background on this card

and the ATC pictured above

Happy 21st Jem

2009-06-09T14:44:00.002+08:00

My niece is turning 21. I can't believe it! She was 1 when I met her- where does the time go? She's grown-up into a happy bubbly young woman- so I couldn't resist making her a "bubbly" card.

Cards of the day

2009-06-06T18:51:00.004+08:00

I got a BIG SHOT!!! and I have been excitedly making cards using the cuttlebug embossing folders and papers from my Uproar design team kit. Here's 2 for today inspired by the June sketches from Pagemaps

Celebrating Mothers

2009-06-01T00:41:00.002+08:00

I've been working on my scrapbook challenges today. This is the most lumpy bumpy embellishing I have ever done, and I love it. Definately will be going in a frame, not tucked away in a book.

It's cybercrop weekend at UPROAR

2009-05-30T18:21:00.002+08:00

This morning I taught an online class on techniques with Cuttlebug embossing folders, as part of my design team gig at Uproar to Scrapmore. You can check it out here.There are card and scrapbooking challenges with prizes all weekend. Hope you can join us.

distressed?

2009-05-25T21:25:00.004+08:00

Here's one of the cards that I taught during May, in a class all about distress inks. . I love the watercolour look you can acheive.

I got my official Tiger Team Blinkie

2009-05-23T07:07:00.004+08:00

I'm so excited! I wanted to share my new blinkie with you. It's my design team badge. I'll be getting my first design team kit this week and I can't wait to see it. Thanks Dalena,

If you are interested in getting Blinkies made, or even a personally designed blog layout or header, check out STAR. She made the Tiger Team Blinkies. Isn't she clever?

2009-05-22T16:42:00.001+08:00

My entry for ChrisW's weekly challenge at Uproar2scrapmore. The criteria were: Circle feature,multiple pics and some clustering. I hope the flowers count as clustering? Can you see me? I'm 3 years old in this photo. Another layout I did at my scrapbooking class this week. it is going to have strip journalling around the photos eventually, but I'm still thinking about the words.

That's my boy!

2009-05-18T16:43:00.006+08:00

He's such a clown! I know it's gross, but I couldn't help myself- it just had to be scrapped.

Yay I stamped today!

2009-05-16T18:52:00.004+08:00

Yay, I stamped today!

Today I finally caught up with my stamping friend and made a couple of cards. I was inspired by some gorgeous flocked papers that Kylie sent me as a prize for winning a Cybercrop blind challenge at Uproar2scrapmore. Stamps are from Kaisercraft

sorry I'm MIA

2009-05-11T14:59:00.003+08:00

I've had a cold for the last week and it's hanging around. Not getting much creating done.

It was an exciting mail day though. ATCs from a "Flower Power" swap I was in, hosted by the very talented Renu, arrived today. Here's the whole set for you to ooh and aah over. They certainly brightened my day.

ATCs created by L to R, top row- me, Renu, Martha

Middle row- Faith, Cindi, Loretta

bottom row - Suzi, Patty, Terry

Movie Title ATC

2009-05-06T10:35:00.002+08:00

can you guess which movie this ATC is about?

It's for a Movie Title swap at the Stamp-Shack. My friend Chris, in Canada has great theme ideas. I decided to go with the old Alfred Hitchcock thriller- "The Birds". Background is alcohol inks. Images from Inky Antics and inkadinkado

My how incy wincy has grown.

2009-05-05T12:06:00.005+08:00

Remember the spider I showed you in this post, way back in February? Well, we've watched her grow, and boy has she grown. Check out the latest pic, taken yesterday.

I've been chosen for a Design Team!

2009-05-04T08:13:00.003+08:00

Yes, that's my big news! I hope you're doing the happy dance with me.

I'm officially part of the Tiger Team at Uproar to Scrapmore. Dalena has asked me to be the Card making and stamping Guru (her words)..and I'm so flattered. The Uproar design team has amazingly talented scrapbookers (Lisa, Amanda, Kylie and Chris) ,who are so inspiring they got me started scrapping when I said I never would! I'll be doing monthly challenges and cybercrop competitions too. I hope you'll check out all the fun in the forums and the inspiration in the gallery, as well as Dalena's amazing special offers. See you there!

last chance Ink-a-palooza Challenge

2009-05-03T22:03:00.006+08:00

hot foot it , over to the Stamp Shack for your last chance to enter my Ink-a-palooza challenge to create a single layer card. I have a great stamp set on offer as a prize. Entries close Sunday May 3rd, Midnight PST. oops, that's today people. get a move on. There are 14 other great challenges and lots of prizes on offer too.
Just checked out what midnight PST means for Australians. Apparently it is 19 hours behind Sydney time, so if you work thru the night, you can get all 15 challenges done. C'mon Aussie C'mon!

Blingy souvenir

2009-05-03T11:20:00.002+08:00

I love my Bling, and wear a big blingy necklace most days. Here's my one and only blingy souvenir from my trip to Darwin.

Top is the front, but I think the back is just as pretty.

on cloud 9

2009-05-02T09:03:00.003+08:00

I'm bursting to share some exciting news with you. I just need a few more days before I can spill the beans...

Now after that teaser- I'll share a photo I took from the plane as we flew out of Darwin.

Mojo, Mojo, where for art thou????

2009-04-28T08:47:00.003+08:00

just feeling Blaaa and not at all creative since we got home from Darwin, Couldn't have left my mojo there, could I?

So today I'll share another of my holiday photos. This is one of the favourite Sunset pics I took.

Darwin was fun!

2009-04-26T21:01:00.004+08:00

Did you miss me? I've been on holiday with my family for 9 days in the Northern Territory. Here's my favourite landscape photo from our trip. This is Florence Falls. We swam in the cool, clear waters of the lagoon/billabong. I'll show you some more of my favourite photos tomorrow.

Ink-a-palooza

2009-04-23T21:16:00.002+08:00

Check out the Stamp-Shack for a whole week of inky challenges. Starting Friday 24th April, lots of fun, inspiration and prizes. I'd love to see you there.

mini- scrapbook with paper towel or dunny roll tubes

2009-04-15T22:09:00.003+08:00

One of my scrapping friends just had a baby and this is the mini-album I made her from empty cardboard dunny rolls. I hope it reminds her of all the poop she's wiped since he was born.

She's such a good stick- took it in fun and wants to display it in her bathroom! Love ya Darl!

Happy Easter

2009-04-14T09:40:00.003+08:00

I had a relaxing Weekend, spent some time with my family and made some Mother's day cards (May 10th in Australia). I was inspired by the challenge at Splitcoast stampers to make a pocket card. Here's my flowerpot. The flowers are on the top of a tag which pulls out for me to write a message on to my gorgeous Mum.

Do you recognise the flowers? They were samples that I made for my "Trend studio" class on handmade flawers in March. My LSS owner loved this card when she saw it and asked me When can I teach it at her shop? I said I'd do a similar design with different flowers...So guess what?- My June classes will be shaped cards. The flowerpot, a baby romper and a cupcake shaped card. Not so much about techniques, more about construction, but it's good to mix it up each month to cater to all the different ladies who seem to have become regulars to my classes.

2009-04-08T22:38:00.002+08:00

A simple baby romper suit card for a friend. I'm thinking of teaching a baby cards class soon at Made With Memories.. This design with probably be on my list. People seem to like shaped cards. I taught 5 classes in March. I will be taking a break in April then teaching 3 classes in May based around distress inks. Lovin every minute of it.

Turning Japanese

2009-04-06T14:21:00.002+08:00

I'm in an ATC swap where the challenge is to make your ATC reflect a song title. Well, my Asian stamps don't get enough love, so I went with the song "Turning Japanese" by the Vapors. I made the background with alcohol inks, and gold embossed the Inkadinkado stamp. The dragonfly charm was silver, until I altered it with alcohol inks

My favourite stamping project ever

2009-04-01T17:30:00.002+08:00

Just thought I'd share a photo of the most precious project I've ever made with rubber stamps. It was when I was on the Creative team at the Stamp-Shack. I hosted a challenge to make a piece of wearable art.

This piece can either be worn as a brooch or a pendant. I cut a heart shape from an old CD, covered with Ultra thick embossing powders, stamped into it and added wire and beads. One day I'll have the perfect outfit to wear it with. Until then I'll keep it on my desk as eye candy!

View from the lookout

2009-03-30T21:22:00.002+08:00

Taken on my walk to the beach. You can see the pathway that I walk on. It goes for miles along the coast.

recycle scrapping

2009-03-29T10:05:00.004+08:00

Been scrapbooking this weekend, enjoying the challenges at Uproar to Scrapmore. It's all about going green- reduce, re-use and recycle. I've used flywire, junk mail and bubble wrap as well as using up scraps of patterned papers.

Recycled Christmas ATCs

2009-03-25T22:26:00.004+09:00

I just hosted a swap at the Stamp Shack to make Artist Trading Cards incorporating a recycled/used Christmas/winter themed postage stamp. These amazing ATCs are made by a talented bunch of stampers from all over the world. They are flying their way back home now. I hope they are as pleased with the collection as I am.

top row: Me (Australia), Kay (U.K), Chris (Canada)

2nd row: Tami (USA), Lisa (U.K)

3rd row: Robin (USA), Christie (USA)

4th row: Sue (U.K), Jan (Alaska- yes Jan I know that is in USA)

If you love to recycle, check out the GO GREEN cybercrop over at Uproar to Scrapmore this weekend.

Tip for stampers

2009-03-23T21:43:00.003+09:00

Don't be like me and leave your bare red rubber for years. Mount it on ez-mount as soon as you get it. This weekend I finally got around to mounting a heap of red rubber stamps onto the ez-mount foam cling backing to use on acrylic blocks. What a job! I didn't want to get my scissors all goo-ed up with the stickiness on the ez-mount, so I stuck my stamps onto it, then sprinkled a heap of cornflour all over them, to cover the sticky parts between the stamps. As you can see it got all over my stamps too. It really wasn't as bad as it looked. I took them outside to cut the rubber stamps (avoiding a horrendously messy cornfloured kitchen). Then I threw away the waste pieces and put my stamps in a sink of warm water, All the cornflour dissolved away and I had lovely clean stamps, mounted on their foam backing. Can't wait to actually use them. I plan to make some vintage ATCs very soon.

flags

2009-03-20T19:38:00.004+09:00

These flags fly from a pole outside a local house, up by the beach. I don't know the story of the people who live there, but I'm guessing they've come to live in Australia from USA. What do you think?

My friend Christie who lives in Texas feautured flags on her blog last week- I'm such a copycat!

Look at the clouds in the sky. We got a sprinkle of rain on the way home walking. I'm glad the humidity has been broken now the rain is here. It's nice not to feel like I'm melting.

Inspired by friends

2009-03-18T19:47:00.011+09:00

Joanie at the Stamp-Shack challenged me to use this spotty green paper on St Patrick's day. The flowers are similar to some of the styles I am teaching in my Trend studio classes next week. The handcut flourishes were inspired by a new scrapping friend ChrisW. Her scrapbook pages have the most amazing handcut embellishments. She even has some published in the Basic Grey gallery. I love that I am trying new things everyday.

ChrisW gave me this blog award.It is a blog award given to sites who:~ inspires you~ makes you smile and laugh~ or maybe gives amazing information~ a great read~ has an amazing design~ and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!The rules of this award are:* Click the badge and get the code then put the logo on your blog sidebar or post.* Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing and let them know.* Share the love and link to this this post and to the person you received your award from!

I would like to give it to these people who inspire me daily as artists and as friends

walking

2009-03-17T07:36:00.002+09:00

A view from my walk today. Hubby walking with our doggy on the way to the beach. It's a part of my day I look forward to. Just chatting with no interruptions.

Walk to remember

2009-03-15T11:55:00.003+09:00

I did the "walk to remember" today. It is an annual event run by the Compassionate Friends to raise money for counselling and support groups for people who have children die too soon. I walk to remember our friend's son. It's a really touching event, led by a bagpiper which draws lots of attention to the cause.

ATC swap

2009-03-12T16:39:00.004+09:00

I'm thrilled with this set of ATCs I got back today from a Stamp-Shack swap. Christie hosted a swap where we all made 9 ATCs and 1 matching domino. Everyone got an ATC from each swapper, plus a lucky dip of 1 domino that matched 1 of the ATCs. I was thrilled with the Domino I got which was made by Faith aka Barbiegirl. I think I might make it into a brooch pin to wear on my scarf this winter. The rhinestones on the face make me think of "Bollywood".

My first Trend Studio class

2009-03-10T20:13:00.003+09:00

Today I taught a 2 hour Trend Studio class on making Handmade flowers to use on cards and scrapbook projects. These are some of my samples. We made 10 different flowers today. I had a lot of fun with the 7 ladies in my class, and learnt techniques from them too. That's one thing I love about papercrafts, the willingness of many talented people to share their creativity.

If you are interested in a free step by step photo tutorial on how to make the tattered rose (top left) check out my tutorial at the Stamp Shack HERE. You may need to register if you are not already a member. If you have any other ideas to share on how to hand make flowers, please leave me a comment.

Patriotic thongs

2009-03-09T21:24:00.005+09:00

Yes I know I showed you shoes yesterday- but these ones aren't mine. (I COULD SHOW YOU A DIFFFERENT PAIR OF SHOES EVERYDAY FOR QUITE A LONG WHILE!!!)

My ds wears these Aussie flag thongs. For my American friends these are not the "butt floss" type of thongs- they are what you call flip-flops. There's nothing better for the beach than a good wide pair of thongs to make walking across the hot sand easier. We're still enjoying hot summer weather even though it is officially Autumm.

NEW shoes make me happy

2009-03-08T23:31:00.002+09:00

No matter how ugly the rest of my body is feeling, a pretty pair of shoes will always make me feel beautiful. Yes, I'd say shoes are my weakness. Who could resist all the BLING on these?

Pelican

2009-03-07T10:27:00.001+09:00

This huge pelican swam in to check us out at the beach last night. I hope you're not sick of my sunset photos yet!

Cards for the Hospice

2009-03-06T16:27:00.002+09:00

Every March, for the last 5 years, my friends at our monthly stamping/cardmaking group have made cards to donate to the hospice. The cards are sold in the support and therapy centre and raise funds for diversional therapy programs for carers and terminally ill patients. We are a small group of women who are thankful for our health, and for the services that the hospice provide for people touched by life-threatening illnesses. These are some of the cards we are donating this year.

what am I?

2009-03-05T16:03:00.002+09:00

This little creature lives in my alfresco area and loves to chase around the brick pillars that my rose climbs on. Some people say it's a lizard, and some say a gecko. What do you think?

Look what's growing on my tree

2009-03-04T20:44:00.002+09:00

My Granny Smith apples have snuck up on me this year. I hadn't even noticed them, then suddenly today right near thetop of the tree I saw this little crop of apples. I can see the bugs have already gotten in the ones at the back. I can't wait for them to be ready. I'll eat one warm right off the tree. There are a few more flowers so it looks like we'll get a nice crop this year.

Happy Birthday Brad

2009-03-03T18:18:00.001+09:00

My Nephew turned 18 this week. I can remember the day he was born so clearly. He's a fine young man now and finding his place in the world. Boy I feel old!

Arty letterbox

2009-02-28T20:58:00.001+09:00

I go past this handmade metal letterbox when I walk the dog. I wish it was a stamp!

Another gorgeous sunset

2009-02-27T22:14:00.002+09:00

I really am blessed to live so close to the beach. I can walk down and watch the sunset every day if I like. Here's my dh looking out over the water.

I'm a Vegemite kid

2009-02-26T21:51:00.003+09:00

This is what I eat for breakfast most days. Vegemite on wholemeal toast. I even cooked it at work today and we made our own butter with cream and marbles in a jar. The kids had fun taking turns shaking it all up.

Sk8 Skillz

2009-02-25T21:25:00.003+09:00

I just found this photo of my ds doing his best skateboard trick. Look at that air! This is definately going on a scrapbook page. I especially like the shadow underneath him. It was taken by one of his friends and sent to us. I'm amazed at the quality since it was taken with a mobile phone.

My next class....

2009-02-24T17:12:00.004+09:00

Exciting news! I've been asked to teach 3 Card Making Classes a month starting in March. Today I worked on my samples for a Gift Giving card class. Two cards are designed for giving cash and 2 for Gift vouchers. The small matchbox card is for a choccie. I'm using the new Sugar Sugar range of papers from Kaisercraft. Yummy!

I spent the weekend Scrapping

2009-02-23T10:31:00.003+09:00

It was a cybercrop weekend at Uproar 2 Scrapmore and I managed to get 4 pages done following the "blind" challenges. These are for my youngest son's scrapbook. I'm having fun using up my stash.

ghost???

2009-02-21T19:10:00.003+09:00

This photo was taken at night and I seem to have gotten a double exposure. Our friend moved as I took the shot and ended up looking like a ghost- pretty cool effect I think.
We've been a bit obsessed with beach fishing lately. We were there until midnight last night and were treated to a great dolphin show. I didn't catch any great shots of the dolphins, but they were really close in. They ruined our fishing~ but we still caught half a dozen crabs

watch your toes!

2009-02-19T21:05:00.002+09:00

here's what was nipping at my son's toes the other night when we were fishing after dark. This one was a legal size to keep, but we ended up giving ours to the young guy fishing next to us as we don't love crabmeat that much. A lot of messing about for a small feed in my opinion.

My Dog Sasha

2009-02-17T23:25:00.004+09:00

She's bitsa. -bitsa Blue Heeler, Jack Russell, border collie maybe. Basically an Aussie farm dog. The best, most calm and most loyal dog we've ever had. I think she is about 5 years old, I love her smile.

Lunch with a view

2009-02-16T15:19:00.003+09:00

Here's the view from my table today as I ate lunch with my sister. We don't have too many days where it's just the 2 of us, no kids or hubbys. It was lovely. We went to a restaurant on the boardwalk, about 10 minutes from home. I forgot to take a pic of my meal. I'm sure you want to know what I ate- Chicken, roast pumpkin and capsicum couscous salad. It was delicious, with Moroccan spices. YUM!

Filling up- ouch!

2009-02-15T15:32:00.002+09:00

Filling up with petrol is one of my UN-favourite things to do. My tank was nearly empty and it hurt to fill up today. Still, I'm thankful that the price of fuel had dropped 30% since the middle of last year.