Scrappy Me

Alcohol inks

2012-01-28T16:27:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

This is one of two cards that I am entering into this weeks challenge at Try Stampin' on Tuesday. Of the two this one is my favourite. I love the colours of this card, plus it was the second one I made so of course I did things a little differently.

Here is a close up of the butterfly & panel. I used Festive Berries, distress inks on the butterfly & then some Ranger Forever Red Perfect Pearls Mist to give it a beautiful shine. The Stamp on the panel is by Tim Holtz as well. The nestie I cut the sides down on so the stamped image looks better.

This is the first card I made. I discovered that a little ink goes a long way. As I had put on three to four different colours, but the purple seems to have taken over. I tried lightening it up by putting drops of Blending solution directly onto the panel. Not sure on that look though. I also coloured the gems to match using the alcohol ink. All in all not a bad card. Thanks for stopping by today

Hugs to you all & have a great weekend xoxoxo

Jingle Belles - More Snowy Sketching

2012-01-21T15:23:00.001+10:00

Hi there,

I am so please that I got a chance to make another Chrismtas card, using this sketch. I had coloured this Santa late last year & never got a chance to use him. So went through the bucket 'o' scraps & put this card together. You can't really see it but I've stamped the card base with Hero Arts Envelope Pattern. This stamp is fast becoming one of my go to stamps. I ran out of room at the bottom of the card so everything is a bit squished (whoops).

This is my second post for today please feel free to scroll down or go here to see the first ;o) xoxoxo

CPS 251

2012-01-21T14:18:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

This card is another one for Daisychain. I decided to use up some more Paperie embelishments that I had left over from another scrapbooking class, that I did there recently.

I used the latest sketch from CPS. As I find them a great soursce of inspiration. I went with a love theme again for this card. I must be influnced by all of you :o). I've seen so many wonderful Love/Valentines projects lately. This was a very fast card as all I had to do was cut the paper to size & run some through my cuttlebug for the hearts. No stamping at all on this one.

Well thanks for stopping by today & I hope you have a great weekend xoxoxo

TSOT Challenge 49

2012-01-20T10:01:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

This card I made for the latest TSOT challenge here. I used my new Love Anya set (I would share the link but my computer wont let me). I actually remembered to pick out the papers first before I started colouring. Which made deciding what colours to use a lot easier. Shocking I know ;o).

I think the heart charm is from Dawn. I've been hoarding it for the longest time & think it suits this card perfectly - thank you Dawn.

This card I started for the challenge before this current one at TSOT. So this is just a share today. Some days just seem to fly by & before I know it the week has been & gone. I was kinda hoping that the year would start out a little slower that it has. Oh well that's life.

Have a great day & thanks for popping in xoxoxoxo

Donna, Tiffany Doodles & Card Patterns.......

2012-01-19T20:53:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

This is my second post for today, please scroll down or go here to see the first :o).

I made this card with some new Digi images from Tiffany Doodles that I won on Donna's blog & I used the latest Card Patterns sketch as well.

I am all ways amazed at what you can do with scraps. I think they must be my "lemons" that I make Lemonade with. This whole card except the digi image is from scraps. I have a mish mash of c/s & pps on this card. I also used some more of the hearts that Lils' chewed on (had to give them a Copic touch up). I did colour the SWAK in a pale pink but it doesn't show up so well in the photo.

Thanks for stopping by & have a great week xoxoxo

My Fabric Stash & the fleas!

2012-01-19T14:54:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

Not long after we got back from WA in October last year we had a major flea infestation. It was so bad we had to spray, wash & flea bomb everything. I mean everything, the cat escaped being bombed, but not the spraying & washing. It was horrid. Poor Emsy copped the worst of it, it seems she's tasty to the fleas. Even now her legs are still a mess (she wont leave the scabs alone).

But as they say for every dark cloud there is a silver lining. For me it was I decided to wash all my fabrics that I amassed over the last five or six years. Which then led me to actually making something with them.

This is what I made. It's a wall hanging measuring 14.5 inches by 19.5 inches.

I designed this quilt from scratch. I was inspired by the night sky material that I used as a background. I named this quilt "Owlet" because it reminds me of a baby owl. I tried to make it look as though he's sitting on a fence. I am really pleased with this quilt. It took one day to design & put together. Not bad for my first real attempt.

This picture is the start of Lils' Santa Sack. Which I made for her before starting one for Emsy. I used two different applique pictures from one of my (many) quilting magazines. Emsy wanted a cat like our Smudge on her sack.

This is Lils' finished sack. It is the same size as a pillow case. I didn't use a lot of christmas fabric in this one. The bears around the edges have hearts & I thought they tied in well with the central panel. I zig zagged around the edges of the applique. I also used a fine Coic marker for the Christmas light string & some of the finer details on the bear. The coloured lights I satin stiched (not well). I will share a photo of Emsy's sack once I find out where she's put it.

Well that's it from me for today. Hope you enjoyed seeing some of my "other" craft.

Hugs to you all xoxoxo

Sketching through the snow - Jingle Belles

2012-01-18T16:02:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

This is my take on Jingle Belles latest challenge here. As I have decided to keep away from my LSS I am using up more of my scraps. So everything except the digi penguin is from my scrap bucket. The pp behind the penguin I have added Diamond stickles to as well as the edge of the white c/s. I used my Copics to colour in the penguin.

Thanks for stopping by today & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

Inspired by......................

2012-01-12T17:24:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

This card was inspired by so many people & for all that is such a simple card (for me). As I write this I have an additional five windows open all ready for me to get the links for you :). But before all that, I must admit I had intended to enter it into a challenge (one of the links) but my lovely dh used up all our downloads so that put the brakes on that idea. Luckily we now have up graded so fingers crossed that wont happen again.

Ok are you ready for the links? Well firstly I was inspired by the 90 minute scramble here, then by Hannah's cards here & here, then I used this sketch challenge here (where I missed out on entering) & finally I was also inspired by Lucy's challenge here.

So after all that inspiration this is my card. I am really pleased with it, every bit of it (except the card base) have come from my scrap bucket. I've finally decided what my New Year's Reso is, I'm not using any more paper until I've used 80% of the scraps in my bucket.

Thanks for popping in & have a great week xoxoxoxo

CASual Fridays - A chip of the ol' block

2012-01-08T09:13:00.000+10:00

Hi There,

This is my second post for today you can go here or scroll down to see it ;). I am entering the first card into Casual Fridays latest challenge here. To use chipboard on your card. I have a number of chipboard pieces left over from when I went to scrapbooking classes. So I went through what I have & found this cute Bon Voyage piece. I then teamed it up with a Greeting Farm image & the wings are from a Digi butterfly by Hero Arts. To which I've added some Sticklers. I coloured the image in with my Copics. I then went through mu scraps to see if I could use up some of the pp & c/s from there.

The second card I made for the latest challenge at Hero Arts challenge. I used watercolour paper for my b/g to which I added Spun Sugar, Victorian Velvet & Tumbled Glass & spritz with water. I then white embossed the Heart Flourish & then stamped over this with the envelope stamp in Antique Linen. The letters & paper heart came from my stash. The small pink hearts are from Marcy - thank you so much for them :D.

Have a wonderful day every one xoxoxo

90 Minute Scramble

2012-01-08T07:16:00.000+10:00

Hey there,

I just thought I would share my card that I made for the 90 minute scramble that was just held over on the Hero Arts flickr site. I had to get up at 4.30 am so that I could be on time to play. Why is it btw that I can do this (without an alarm) but have trouble getting up at 6.30am every other day with an alarm? Today's chalenge was to use pp in your stamping. So of course I decided to paper piece the smallest things I could find. Why, because I'm deranged! Even though this took some time to do I am really happy with the it has turned out. Actually I had so much fun using some long forgotten stamps, I think that I will have to do some more after breakie.

Well I had better go ~~the terrorist~~ Lilly has awoken, which means Emsy wont be far behind her.

Have a great weekend xoxoxo

Jingle Belles: No time like the present(s)

2012-01-01T15:18:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

Well It's the first day in the New Year & I've managed to make a half decent card. I used the latest Jingle Belles challenge here to make this card. I also was leafing through some old Cardmaking books & came across a card which inspired this one. The only thing I wish I did differently on this card is the embossed senitment. I kinda stuffed it up, but am not sure how to fix it. Oh well it's better than nothing I guess.

I hope you aren't sick of Christmas cards yet (or I'm gonna be in trouble ;P) as I am trying to get ahead on 2012's Christmas card list. I've already written down my card giving list (all three of them). I have a family/friends, list an overseas list & a Mothers' group list. I figured it would make my job a lot easier if I split them up like that. That way I know which cards have to go out early etc.

Have a great week ahead & Happy 2012 everyone xoxoxoxo

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T17:35:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

Happy New Year to you all. It's the very last day of 2011 & what a year it's been. It didn't start off so well what with all the floods, earthquakes & loads of other disasters. Lets hope 2012 is a better year all round. I guess it also means New Years Resolutions as well. I'm still trying to decide what mine will be this comming year. I think I will have to think on them for a bit. Have you decided on yours yet? I'd love to hear what they are. Or are you one, not to make any?  I make them & then usually they go by the wayside like everyone elses. Maybe I should turn mine into a list & keep it out where it can be seen everyday. Either way I think they are something to strive for.

Are you planning to have a party or go to one? Me I will be home alone with the girls whilst my dh is at work. I don't mind as I'm socially awkward. I am hoping to not get side tracked tonight as I want to make some cards & possible start on a Christmas Organiser for 2012.  Anything to help make the "Silly season" a little easier.

I thought I would post a couple of pictures of my Christmas tree from this year. Do you like how the ornaments are about two feet off the bottom of the tree? I can't wait for next year when maybe all of the ornaments can go on the tree once again & maybe all of the tree will get decorated. If you look closely you will see heaps of Emsy's decorations from the last three years at Preprep, plus the beautiful ornaments I got in Hannah's ornament swap from a few years ago. All out of harms way from ~~the~~ ~~monster~~ err I meant Lilly. Even the pressies didn't make it under the tree until after Emsy & Lil's went to bed. Just to be safe.

Well we are about to head upstairs for tea (Corned Silverside & salad - yum), bath & the girls, bed. Have a Happy & safe New Years where ever you are celebrating it. See you all next year ;P

Hugs to you all
Paula xoxoxoxoxo

One more Christmas card

2011-12-24T14:01:00.000+10:00

Merry Christmas everyone,

Well I've almost done it all. The baking is finished, the cards are almost done (just one last one for this year), but the trampoline is still waiting....................

Any hoo here is a card that I made using one of the lastest challenges from CAS-ual Friday Blog here. Of the two challenges I chose the brown paper packages tied up with string. So hope this is ok.

I made this card for the ladies at my LSS. They are the most wonderful caring people that you could ever meet. Barbi the owner is such a sweetheart! They often let me display my cards (& some of yours) in the shop.

Well dear friends I want to wish you all the most joyous of Christmases & I do hope it's all you ever wanted.

Merry Christmas & hugs to you all xoxoxoxo

Merry Christmas to you all

2011-12-23T11:24:00.000+10:00

Merry Christmas everyone,

I do hope that you all enjoy yourselves & have a fantastic, safe Christmas & that 2012 is a wonderful year for you all.

Don't you just love this "traditional" Christmas photo of my two girls? Every year we get a photo with Santa, although I uaually have to be in the picture somewhere. This year was the first time I didn't have to be in the actual photo but as you can see Lils' wasn't a "happy camper" about the whole thing.

I also hope that at this time you are stress & worry free, if that is at all possible. I know for me it will be a bit stressful. All I have to do is put together a trampoline (with some help from my dad) make some Rocky Road, Fudge & mini Christmas Puddings - nothing to it (yeah right). My plans have sort of gone out the window as I was hoping to get the bulk of the cooking done this morning whilst Emsy was staying over at her Pa Pa's for the night. Execpt that she didin't go but she will be there tonight so I am hoping whilst LIls' is having her nap I can get the bulk of it done then. It's easier to cook when I only have to wrangle one kid. I have organised for the girls to spend tomorrow afternoon at my parents place whilst my dad & I put the trampoline together. If all goes to plan I will bring the girls home just after dark, park a little further back on the drive way & get them upstairs before they notice it. I also must remember to draw the kitchen curtains so they can't see it. I so hope I can pull this off. Doug will be working so as usually it will be just me & the girls (I hate that) but at least Doug doesn't have to work Christmas Day night & will also get the next two nights after that off as well.

Wishing you all the very best & have a safe & wonderful Christmas, see you all in the New Year. Hugs Paula & the girls xoxoxoxoxo

Mojo Monday - Sketch 218

2011-12-11T14:43:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Yet again this is a second post in the one day. Please feel free to scroll down or go here. I am hoping not to make a habit of this.

This card I made using the latest Mojo Monday Sketch. I made a fairly simple card today. I used my oval nesties & added a sticker then found some small scraps to add to the card base & a stamp (no idea who made it) for the sentiment. I went around the edges of the sentiment & sticker with distress inks to help them pop. At first I found the sketch a little challenging but got there in the end.

Have a great week ahead & happy crafting xoxoxoxo

CPS Card Sketches 247

2011-12-11T14:34:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Well I got a little carried away with this sketch & made two cards. Still using up my scraps & still making Christmas cards. This time I went looking through my stamp draws to see what I had that I haven't used for a while & this is what I came up with. My personal favourite is the second card. I think of the two it's more festive. I used vellum with flocked snowflakes on the first card & that seems to have dulled it down quiet a bit. I guess you live & learn. I also used distress inks on the sky & reindeer which has given it a mottled effect, not sure if I'm a fan of that yet.

Well I'm off to try & make about 5 more cards in 2 hours (mission impossible). Have a great weekend & have a wonderful week ahead xoxoxoxo

Try Stampin' On Tuesday Challenge 44

2011-12-10T13:10:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

This is my second post for today. You can scroll down or go here to see it ;). I really enjoyed doing this sketch. I didn't stick to it exactly but hope it is still ok for the challenge. I decided that my flowers should have their own row of music. This was such a simple card to put together. I used some more of my scraps & a piece of vintage music sheet. I inked the edges of the music sheet & the Basic Grey papers with Vintage Photo Distress ink. The sentiment is by Hero Arts & was stamped with Versamark Black. The flowers are from Kaisercraft, I layered them together (I was going for a Pointsetter look), using the red & white colours before putting a small hole in the centre so I could thread the yellow flower (not sure who makes them) through them. I added glue dots to the back to keep them all together before sticking them to the card.

Thanks for stopping by & have a wonderful creative weekend xoxoxoxo

Card Pattern Sketch 144

2011-12-10T12:57:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Here is a card I've done using Card Patterns latest sketch here. I've have turned the sketch sideways. I used my circles nestie on the vintage music paper then added a doily to the back of it, just to add some extra interest. I then fussy cut the penguin & trees. I used glue dots to adhere them to the card adding pop dots to the middle tree for something different. The sentiment is from Hero Arts. The patterned papers are from my scrap stash.

Thanks for stopping by today & have a great weekend :D xoxoxoxo

Jingle Belles - Candy Kisses

2011-11-28T11:05:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

This card was inspired by the latest Jingle Belles challenge - Candy Kisses. Which I am sad to say is their last challenge for this year :(. But they are comming back next year (phew) & I know I will definately try to play along more often. I loved the challenges & the fact I didn't have to rush (now) with making Christmas cards. I didn't get to play along every week, but loved it when I could. I used some of my favourite things on this card - Bugaboo digi image, Copics & of course Basic Grey.

Thanks for stopping by & have a great week ahead. Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

PS Emsy has a school concert tonight, I'm hoping to get one or two nice photos to share later ;) xoxoxo

Card Patterns Sketch 142

2011-11-26T10:45:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

This is my second post for today, please feel free to scroll down to see my first or go here :).

This card is for the latest Card Patterns challenge here. I really enjoyed making this card & the best bit was this is all scraps! I only had to cut two pieces of paper for this card - how cool is that! I am definately in Christmas mode of late. I have so many christmas cards to make, like everyone else at the moment. Thats why I love these sketch challenges, it gives me a starting point & takes some of the stress out of it. All the stamps on this card are from Hero Arts.

Thanks for stopping by today & have a great weekend xoxoxoxo

More Christmas cards

2011-11-26T10:21:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Well I'm definately back now (unless I've just jinxed myself). Computer seems to be working again. Which means I can visit you all when I get some time to myself (maybe if I forego some sleep I will be able to visit you all).

This card is for the latest Try Stampin' On Tuesday challenge here. I really enjoy their sketches.  So I do hope that if you are stuck for ideas you pop over to see them.

This card is made from more of my scraps, which is why I've added a row of gems to the bottom corner - they where leftovers & I wanted to use them up. The Santa is a sticker. I brought a sheet of them the other day, because they look so cute.  The stamps are from Hero Arts.

Thanks for stopping by & have a great weekend crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

November/December CCC

2011-11-18T13:58:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Well I managed to upload a picture & things seem to be returing to normal around here. Although we are still having issues with the computer. Now my dh can't recieve any emails either, except one that keeps resending to us & the "techies" can't seem to help either. So they are thinking it's a server issue & will get back to us in the next 24 hours, fingers crossed.

Anyways here is my card for the latest CCC over on Lily Pad Cards. I made it last week (hoping that I could play along). I kept it pretty simple & tried to use all three of the themes for this challenge. Thanks for popping by today.

I'm hoping by tomorrow arvo I will be able to see pictures again after a few minutes (not hours) & will be able to leave you all some comments on your wonderful cards.

Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

My computer :(

2011-11-12T10:23:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Just popping in to let you all know I'm having computer "issues" at the moment. I am not sure if it we've used up all our downloads for the month (we might have gone a ~~little~~ lot overboard since coming home) or if it is our dinosaur of a computer that is playing up. It seems to be taking forever to download pictures & I can't access my emails. Very frustrating! I was hoping Santa would bring me a nice shiny new laptop for Christmas this year, but since we just had to replace the TV (it died just like the camera). My family can't seem to live with out a TV (I must admit I prefer listening to music than watching TV - I get more done that way) I think Santa has been & gone ;P.

So if you don't see/hear from me I'm not ignoring you all - just having the usual computer issues *sigh*.

Happy crafting every one xoxoxoxo

A Deer card

2011-11-06T15:54:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

This card is for two challenges, Lily Pad Cards Kathy's Colour Palette & Try Stampin' on Tuesdays latest sketch. Although I must admit I did struggle with the sketch, but am hoping the circle counts. I started out with pale blue c/s & emossed it with the Swiss Dot folder. I then used a white gel pen to go over all the dots. The Deer is from Darkroom Door (one of my most fav Christmas sets) & the sentiment is from Hero Arts. I also used Tim Holtz Distress inks in Aged Mahogany, Rusty Hinge & Wild Honey. I used a circle die from Nestibilities & a fancy tag from them as well.

Thank you for stopping by today & have a great week ahead. As always happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

Teacher cards

2011-11-04T23:59:00.001+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Today I'm just doing a share. These two cards I have made as part of my Christmas gift baskets for two of the three teachers at Emsy PrePrep. I've been checking out You tube & finding some great videos on using Copics. I do think I am slowly getting better at using them. I really like the shading on the crayons, the rest is a bit ho-hum. But none the less I am happy with them. The image is from Bugaboo I am really in love with their stuff. In fact I am thinking of adding a gift voucher from Bugaboo as part of the prize over on the DCD challenge for the next two months.

This card is using another Bugaboo Digi image. I was practicing my shading again. I then went through my scraps & found some papers that seemed to go well together & came up with this card.

Thanks for stopping by today & Happy crafting xoxoxoxo

Boo!

2011-11-04T15:37:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

I know I'm a little late with a Halloween card, but I do have a good reason (really I do). Here in Australia Halloween isn't celebrated like it is else where. But having said that it is slowly creeping into our culture. I made this card with leftover cutouts from a basket I made for Emsy. I used the latest CPS sketch here & basically used up some leftovers from other projects.

I'd share the basket I made so Emsy could go trick or treating (at one neighbour, who I supplied the treats for) but our camera is deader (yes a new word :P) than, well Halloween it self. Oh well lets add it to the long, long list of things that need replacing.

Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

Bunny card - CPS challenge

2011-10-28T20:56:00.000+10:00

Hi,

I know two posts in the one day. I nearly forgot that some challenges change on the weekend so had better post this card now, so I can enter. I had so much fun making this card. I started by colouring the image in first. Not a good move (when will I learn to see if I have matching papers first?) but I got my act together in the end. I have been trying to get my shading right with my copics. I watched a video earlier this week & something must have stuck, as I really like the way the bunny turned out. I am going to get Emsy to give this card to my sister. I do hope Jules likes purple, just like Emsy does ;).

Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

Bear, Penguin & Reindeer in Blue

2011-10-28T20:30:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Can you believe it I'm making cards again :-D. This card came out exactly how I imagined it would. Not only that, but I have made another two cards since this one. The only good thing about Mr Mojo dissapearing is that when he comes back, all is right in the world & things just seem to flow & turn out perfectly.

This card is for two challenges Try Stamping on a Tuesday & Jingle Belles. I actually wanted to use this fabric on Jingle Belles last challenge, but ran out of time. As soon as I saw the sketch for this weeks TSOT challenge I immediately thougth of doing a Christmas card (not sure why). This is a very large card it measures 6.5" x 6.5". I've used Bazzil Dot & normal Bazzil for the base of the card. The animals are from some fabric that I got at my LSS. I fussy cut the three animals out, glued them to a small circle of card then added foam adhesive to raise them up. I then used my nesties to cut out the tag & used foam adhesive on the two layers. I stamped Merry Christmas in light blue versa cube ink (you can't see it very well sorry) with a Darkroom Door stamp.

My poor camera is dead :(. Which means I am back to scanning my cards into the computer, hence the not so good image. Even this is problematic at the moment (grrrr), because someone accidently turned the scanner off, the computer is not recognising there is a connection. Luckily it tells me it is still connected when I go through Piccassa, bloody dopey computer!!!

Well have a great weekend everyone, I hope you enjoy yourselves & happy crafting xoxoxoxo

A few Holiday pics

2011-10-25T11:31:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Here are just a few photos from our trip to W.A. The top one is of all of us waiting to catch the plane to Perth.

Em as a Cheetah at the Perth Zoo.

Emsy fishing off the the jetty at Denham, with some help from uncle Tim.

The famous Monkey Mia dolphins.

Emsy, Lantie & Zac got to feed the dolphins a single fish. Emsy wasn't happy as she wanted to feed the dolphin by herself.

We went on a Quad bike tour which took about two hours to do. It was so much fun. From closest: Doug, Zac, Aunty Ange, Emsy, me, Lantie & Uncle Tim. Emsy was with me on my bike for most of the tour. But I think the third crash I had was enough for her so she went on her dad's bike after that. I got the nickname "Crash Test Mummy" fromthat expereince. Good thing I'm better at driving cars ;P.

Shark feeding at Ocean Park just outside of Denham. I think this is a Lemon shark (one of the harmless ones).

My poor hubby got so burnt he went bright red. The perils of being a nightshift worker I guess. Everyone started calling him "Lobster boy" after this. ;P

This is a Sea snake that swam to shore whilst we where at one of the many beaches around Denham. We think he was not well, as he kept twisting & standing up. It's really rare to see these guys on the beach. We kept our distance though as they are extremely poisonous.

Here is me with my big fish. It's called a Knobby (snapper I think). I never go fishing but couldn't pass up an opportunity to do something different. Doug & I had a friendly rivalry going as we had to share a rod. I got the bigger fish between the two of us, but we had loads of fun. I think my niece Lantie actually caught the biggest fish on the day (her dad had to reel it in for her).

Well I've probably bored you all enough for one day & I have to go get ready. We are going out for lunch today with my Dad for my sister's b'day (in November).

Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

A card at last ;)

2011-10-24T17:39:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Finally after such a long time I've done it - made a card. Phew this feels good! As soon as I saw this sketch from Try Stampin' on Tuesday latest challenge, I knew what I wanted to do.

I have flipped my sketch so it sits horizontally, but other than that have kept it pretty well the same. I was inspired to use a Bugaboo Digi image (one of my most favourite sites). The papers are from My Minds Eye's Stella & Rose, thank you so much Alice. I love them to bits.

Well as usual chaos is running rampent upstairs so have to go.

Hugs to you all & happy crafting xoxoxoxoxoxo

A random post (I guess)

2011-10-23T18:11:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Well things seem to be settling down a bit around here (yay!). My sister Julie from W.A. is staying with us at the moment. Jules flew over for a school reunion & to catch up with her old flatmate Beverley. Who came up from Brisbane yesterday & stayed the night with us all. Which was great for Julie, they spent most of yesterday out & about. Today Jules & Beverley went to Sea World on the Gold Coast. Which is about two hours south of here. They seem to be having a great time of it. To me it's really strange we went to Sharks Bay to see dolphins, sharks & other amazing sea life & my sis flies over here to do nearly exactly the same. Life is certainly strange some times ;P.

Our camera is all worn out & isn't playing nice at the moment :(. It was working fine up until I took the memory card out to print all the photos at Big W. Since then it's been tempremental, so I'm hoping that after the battery is charged I can at least get some photos uploaded from the memory stick. If not I might have to borrow a friends/family computer to upload them so I can share some with you all. Our memory card slots are the decorative kind on our computer. They look good but don't do anything...........just a lot frustrating. I promise not to bore you with all 490 odd photos. I am now thinking this is why our camera decided to go on strike, it's tired & needs a holiday - from us *tee hee*.

Well Lils just got banished upstairs with her sister so I could finish this post really quickly. So I have to go now. I'm hoping that I get some time to post a card I've done for a challenge a little later (like when they've gone to sleep).

Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

Bye, bye holiday

2011-10-19T20:55:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

Well my WA holiday offically ended today/tonight. We got home just after 6pm (thanks for the lift Dad) & the girls are sound asleep upstairs in their own beds. I am hoping they have a good night's sleep as tomorrow will be busy, busy around here. I have to pick up my sister (from WA) in the morning, do the grocery shopping (or we will all starve) & finish the mountain of washing that I have just started (sigh).

As for our holiday I will hopefully do a post on it in the next few days. But just to let you all know it was FANTASTIC!!!! We all had a wonderful time, with family & seeing some of Western Australia's fantastic sights. Sharks Bay is on our go to again list.

Well I can hear footsteps upstairs so have to go rouse on Emsy :/
Hugs to you all xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Um...........remember me?

2011-09-22T15:49:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

I thought I would quickly pop in to say Hello & that I miss you all terribly. I occassionally get a chance to pop by & see what you are all up to. Just not enough to write anything - Lilly is a mover & shaker, which means the play pen is good for about ten minutes before she wants out in a big way.

I'm slowly getting my act together for our "big" trip. It's been a few years (three to be exact) since we've had a family holiday together & one that was more than a few hours from home. One week this coming Sunday we will be flying to the other side of Australia - a lovely six hour flight with a baby & a five year old. I feel for the other passengers I really do. On top of this Lill's & I have "sinus" issues at the moment so antibiotics have been prescribed by our GP. I so hope (& pray) that they clear the both of us up before the flight. Especially for Lilly, as she is also cutting molars at the moment. I'm planning on having a few bottles of yummy milk for her during take off/landing. Hopefully that will help with her ears.

I've also started doing some sewing again thanks to my Printerest page thingy. I've made a portable highchair (wonderful idea) & an art tote. I must admit that I did add a few changes to the highchair. The art tote I made from scratch using an internet picture as a guide. I customised it for Emsy, by adding a pocket for six Rascal books, another pocket for her Gameboy & twelve crayon slots as well as a large pocket for colouring in books. I have yet to make her a felt playmat for some small animals/dinosaurs. I'm hoping that these will be enough to keep her happy for the two & a half weeks we are away. I am pretty sure that between the cousins, zoo & Monkey Mia that Emsy will have a great time.

Well I'm off to try to make something for my RAK partner :-/ let's hope the mojo is wanting a work out. Doug has taken the girls out for the arvo, so this will probably be my last chance. Wish me luck.

Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Father's Day is nearly here (yikes!)

2011-08-27T14:15:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

I had forgotten all about Fathers Day, until I saw an ad (sometimes they are good for somthing) for a sale for Fathers Day. Which reminded me that I don't have any cards done. So here is my first one. I am using this sketch from CPS. I used Kaisercraft's Script pp from their Timeless collection for my background, with a bit of chocolate bazzil for contrast. I then stamped the image from Hero Arts' CL 335 as well as the sentiment. I used Antique Linen Distress Ink on the edges of the white paper & coloured the BBQ in with Prisma colour pencils & some baby oil (for a smoother look).

Thanks for stopping by today & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

You hoo

2011-08-26T16:48:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

This card is for Try Stampin' On Tuesday's latest challenge here. A rather tricky little sketch that reminded me of a tree (christmas tree to be exact), not really sure why? Any ways I thought I would stick with the tree theme & "attempt" to do another one layer card (so not my strong point). Well I almost got it right. Then I didn't, I added the owl afterwards. I thought just for something different I would have him hanging around upside down. Not sure why, must have been in a really silly mood or something. Am now thinking I shouldn't have done it ;P

I am also going to "brag" just a little - I made the top 3 for last week's sketch. I must admit I was so chuffed. I know bragging isn't becomming, but it was a great pick-me-up.

Have a wonderful weekend every one & happy crafting xoxoxoxoxo

Linda, we are thinking of you always.

2011-08-22T22:13:00.002+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

If you are a member of the Hero Arts flickr group, you will probably know of this thread. The very lovely & talented Charlene is organising a card drive for Linda aka Oz. Who at the moment is battling cancer (you go girl!). Linda is one of those special people who lights up a room (yes even a virtual room) when she is there. Linda is always full of fun, laughter & happiness, which makes the fact that she has cancer even suckier* than normal.

I made a card & a "book" for Linda, using Bugaboo Digi images. With the card I wanted to give Linda a giggle or at least a reason to smile. I scanned them both into the computer. Unfortunately for some reason the card is looking washed out. I used one of my favourite b/g stamps Antique Brocade (Hero Arts) & versamark ink. But you can barely make it out. I then used Spun Sugar Distress ink over the main panel with Worn Lipstick on the edges. I then coloured the top with my Copics, cut out the image & added pop dots to the back of it for some dimension. I used my Copics to colour the edge of the sentiment after cutting it out with my nesties/cuttlebug.

I also coloured the blue/green flower with my copics to get it to match.

The book I did because I know how much she loves anything Halloween or Wizard of Oz. I was originally going to make another card for Linda with the image/sentiment. Only problem was it would have been a huge card (if you can call that a problem). Then I had a stroke of sumtin'..................why not use my zutter ;). So this simple little book was born. Inside all the pages are blank, which I think will make it suitable for just about anything. I thought maybe it could sit by her phone for messages or she could doodle in it or whatever.

Have a wonderful week everyone & happy crafting xoxoxoxoxoxo
* I do know that Suckier isn't really a word, but it so fitted don't you think?

Mr Mojo & a challenge

2011-08-20T13:26:00.001+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

I guess Mr Mojo is comming back :D.

I made this particular card for this sketch challenge on Try Stampin' on Tuesday. I found on my (extremely messy) craft desk a digi stamp that I had cut out with my nesties & thought of this challenge. All I had to do was colour it in with my Copics & mount it on a card. As usual I was using leftover papers for the card. I've nearly used up all of the apple paper now.

I decided to make this card for one of Em's Pre-prep teachers (for end of year) as part of a thank you.

Have a great weekend & happy crafting everyone :D xoxoxoxoxo
PS You know when you've been in a crafting drought when you find a card still sitting in your scanner from a month or so ago ;P xoxoxoxo

It's been a while.............

2011-08-15T12:08:00.000+10:00

Hi Lovelies,

(This is a non crafty post :{)

I know I have been AWOL for simply ages now. Life has a funny habit of getting in the way some times, do you know what I mean? Any way I thought I had better pop in & explain myself.

The last two weeks of July & first half of August has been taken up with Birthdays. Most of the kids in our Mothers' group where born around this time. So I've been driving Miss Em around to loads of different parties at various places for about the last four weeks. We had our last party yesterday & I'm offically worn out lol.

This also included Em's & James's party. This was the first time that I had ever done a birthday party for Em (she turned five). I figure one every four - five years will be enough (hopefully)! The party was a huge hit (thank goodness) but so much work. I was lucky enough that Susan (James's mum) agreed to have a combined party. We had a Pirate & Mermaid party. Because our house doesn't have a backyard or fences, we held the party at a park. Best move ever! The day was perfect & because we had about 25 kids (I am a sucker for punishment) come along, we had enough room for everyone.

On top of this we've just had all the carpets, rugs & pest control done. So that meant everything that was upstairs had to be moved downstairs (no carpets there). That was done last Wednesday & we are still moving stuff back. I'm doing a cull as I go. It seems to be taking forever as I have to do things around people's sleeping. Sometimes I wish Doug worked days, I really do ;).

So you can probably guess not much crafting has been done around here. I think I made about 3 cards (all for b'day kids) & about 10 mermaid tails for the party. I'm officially "Mojoed" out now. I don't have one ounce of mojo left in me at the moment. I've even lent some of my new stamps & nesties to Helen. One stamp had yet to see ink! I figure she should get some enjoyment out of them, since I wont.

I'm going to take a break for awhile. I am hoping to pop by your blogs, semi regularly, but you probably wont see much happening here on this blog. I want to get my house sorted, cleaned & basically enjoy some time with the kids/hubby. Then start preparing for our holiday to WA, in October (yikes it's only six weeks away!). I still don't know what to do about the cat, I'm thinking she may have to go to a cattery just so we know where she is.

Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Christmas "leftovers" - yummy!

2011-07-11T14:04:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I wont blame you if you have given up on me. Things have been rather chaotic of late around here. So with that said I am so pleased that I have managed to do these two cards for a challenge & guess what I even managed to do it before the deadline - woot woot! :) (can you tell I haven't had a lot of sleep). Here are my cards.

Both of these cards are made up of leftover papers & rubbons & one lonely bit of red/black ribbon. I added some extra interest to the penguin card by stamping on the c/s with distress inks & two different HA stamps (which due to my lack of camera skills you can't see). The red oval I was originally going to throw out because I thought I couldn't use it for anything. The Pointsetta card is all scraps & I added interest to the bottom of the card by running it through my trusty cuttlebug with the Swiss Dot folder after applying the rubbon.

Thanks for stopping by & Have a great week & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

Deborah's CCC

2011-07-05T17:01:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I have to be quick - Lils' doesn't want to be in the play-pen (darn kid). Here is my card for the current Lily Pad CCC. I have done a tutorial here on a simular card.

Believe it or not this card will fold down flat :D. I decided to colour the froggy blue to match the Lily pad frog & the bikini is one of the themes. So I downloaded a freebie clip art Bikini for my washing line. Well I'd better free the ~~beast~~ err........baby. Have a great week & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

Lounge v Lillybug

2011-07-05T13:03:00.000+10:00

And the winnner is...........................................................

Yup the lounge won this round. Since I took this photo (yesterday) Lilly has developed a black eye :{. Now you may remember this blog entry about Emsy's black eye. So now both our girls have had them. As did I when I was a young un'. Not sure if this is a family curse or what ;P. Well maybe not a curse but it's sure is a very strange coincident don't you think?

Well I'm off to re-do another card :D for an example for the DCD* challenge I'm hosting this month here. Have a great week ahead every one xoxoxoxoxoxo

*DCD - Die Cut Divas

Lily Pad - I'm a member & prize give away :D

2011-07-03T14:43:00.000+10:00

“I became a Member of Lily Pad Cards today! Go become a member for a chance to win a collection of Hero Arts stamps. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, July 15!” Seriously who wouldn't want to win some goodies & be a part of one of the best blogs around! I highly recomend that you do (if you haven't already) :D.

Have a great day & Happy crafting every one xoxoxoxoxo

Try stampin' on a Tuesday, Jingle Belles

2011-06-28T12:43:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

I am back with my second post for today :D.

I have again combined two challenges for this card/tag. I thought I'd enter Try Stampin' on Tuesday & one of my favourite challenge spots Jingle Belles. These two are made up of more scraps. I coloured the Tree brads in with one of my green Copics & I used a Hero Arts stamp on the tag. The Santa images are from a digi prize I won ages ago. Have a great week & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

CPS & CAS-ual Fridays

2011-06-28T11:27:00.001+10:00

Hi there,

Well I have some rare 'me time' today so I have made this card very quickly (about 5 minutes) for two challenges this time.

I am using this sketch from CPS-Card sketches. I am also using this challenge from CAS-ual Fridays. I made the background paper with Rangers Perfect Pearls Mist in Forever Blue on watercolour paper. I then swiped the edges with Faded Jeans Distress ink. The bird cage is a Hero Arts stamp. The "table" is coloured with distress inks (I can't remember which ones) on water colour paper & cut with a Martha Stewart punch. I used Copics Y35 & YR63 on the flower in the birdcage.

Thanks for stopping by & Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

Recycle, Re-purpose and Re-use

2011-06-21T22:50:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Well over on the DCD* flickrgroup & blog the theme for this month is Recycle, Re-purpose & re-use. So I finally have gotten a chance to do something for the challenge & this is what I came up with.

This is the "before" a sticker sheet backing & two sticker flowers.

This is the "after". The sticker sheet backing is the circle. My re-purpose is the music sheet paper. As for my re-use it's the flowers, I've had them sitting around for like ever! With the challenge you don't have to do all three, but I like to see what I can do.

I think this card looks nicer irl than what it does here. My scanner doesn't seem to like lumpy things ;P so thats why the picture is pretty average. Just a quick note other than the stamped bird image & sentiment I haven't used any inks at all on this card. I must be feeling sick.

Have a great week every one & happy crafting xoxoxoxoxo

One matching envelope

2011-06-18T22:22:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

Well I am back & am on a bit of a creative roll. Gotta love that. Today I am going to share an envelope that I've just finished about 5 minutes ago. It is for my uncle's card (last blog entry). I found this tutorial on how to make envelopes for your cards, love that it's so easy :D. Here is my envelope:

It's hard to see on this picture but I basically used this technique by Shari Carrol. I really loved doing this sort of thing. I think the reason why is because you just never know how it will turn out in the end. I have also used versamark ink & canvas stripe on the red Bazzil just to give it some interest. Unfortunately the cling fell off the block as I was positioning it so the bottom half is a little skew-if. I also intentionally made the words crooked. I broke out of my comfort zone to do this. I just went for it & tried not to think that part through. Yeah, yeah me think I know ;P.

Also I've discovered why my Lillybug is so cranky & upset :(, poor baby has a virus & her little bottom is redder than that piece of bazzil. As well as being blistered. I took her to the dr's today because of it. We just thought the poor little mite was teething & that's why her tummy was so upset. Some days it's hard to know what's what in the world of babies :{.

Well I hope that you all are having a wonderful weekend in your part of the world & happy crafting xoxoxoxoxo

Happy Birthday Uncle Gil

2011-06-17T21:58:00.001+10:00

Hi there,

Bet you thought I fell of the face of the planet? ;P. Well not quite, I've just been super busy doing mum stuff. Lately the days have all been blurring into one, not sure what is going on there?

Well enough dribble, here is a card that I have managed to make today (in between looking after cranky bum Lils') for my uncle who will be 70 this Sunday. So of course we are all going to get together & celecbrate :D.

I decided to make an easel card, just because I haven't made one for awhile. I chose this paper, purely because I thought it was "blokey" (manly). I also decided to make this a larger card it's nearly 6"x6". I also broke out my embossing powders, hadn't used them in simply forever!

Here is a close up of the embossed areas. I fussy cut the leaf from the paper & decided to make it a focal point on the card. Plus the stem needed "stiffening" so it wouldn't tear off. Embossing powders seemed the way to go. I did a few layers on the leaf & about 5 layers of embossing powder on the 70. Just so it looks better (to me).

Thanks for stopping by & have a great weekend & happy crafting xoxoxoxo

Ok what would you do?

2011-06-08T14:16:00.003+10:00

Layered Thinking
Originally uploaded by pajalu (Paula)
Hi everyone,

I was just over at my flickrstream. When I was informed by a wonderful friend that one of my cards had been used by someone else.

Now I've never had this happen to me before & it's not like the person can claim the card as theirs as I have my name on the picture & it's visible when you view the card on their site. So what do you do? I emailed the person & said the following:

Dear Sir/madam,

I am the maker of this card that you have on your site here: (I've removed the link here, not sure on the legalities).
I was made aware of this today by one of my Blogging friends. I am a little taken back that you have used my card without asking me. I know my name is on the picture, but still I would have liked to have been asked first. I don't have an issue with you using my card at all, but if you had of taken the time to email me that would have been nice.

I am awestruck that you think my card is worthy to be on your site, but next time please ask first. :D

Yours sincerely
Paula (Pajalu)

So what do you think? Am I being to "prissy" (couldn't think of the right word) about this? Or do you think I should have said/did something else. Silly thing is, if the person had of asked me I would have been so happy & said yes. I'd also probably would have done a blog entry about it & given them some more exposure (do you know what I mean?).

Well that's it for me today - Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

Almost a one layer card

2011-06-06T21:53:00.001+10:00

Hi,

Today I have an almost one layer card to share with you. I was inspired by Alice to try her wonderful cloud backgrounds. Alice has done a tutorial on it here. I've long been an admirer of her clouds & was surprised at how easy it is to make them. Mind you about halfway through layering my clouds I remembered that I do have a plastic template of clouds (& sea) so will give that a go next time. I used this wonderful sketch from Card Patterns. I am delighted with how this card turned out. I've basically used Distress inks to "colour" the c/s into pp. I did stamp the butterfly seperately & attached it to the card after colouring it in with copics. I also changed the colour of the lace with ink & water in a mini mister to suit the card.

Thanks for stopping by & have a great week :D - Happy crafting everyone xoxoxo

Supplies:
Distress Inks: Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Stormy Sky, Bundled Sage, Shabby Shutters,
Versafine Inks: Sepia, Onyx Black,
Momento Ink: Tuxedo Black
Vivid Ink: Olive (for the lace)
Versamark Pen
Hero Arts Stamps: Cl 151 (Share Laughter), Cl 309 (Whoo loves you), Cl 342 (Everyday sayings) CG 196 (Canvas Stripes)
Copics: Y35, Y38, YR04, YR 68
Cuttlebug
Nestibilities: Tags
Embossing Powder: Red Blush (unknown brand)
Heart button (unknown brand)
Scrappers floss: Neutral

Some random cards

2011-06-06T11:48:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Do you ever think "I will make a card for that challenge" & do it, but then completely miss the deadline by a week? Yeah well that's me. I don't know what I am doing, but the days seem to be flying by & I never seem to have anything to show for it. Certain days I am busy with Emsy's stuff - Mothers' group, tennis, swimming, going to the library etc. Other days I try my hardest to get some stuff done around the house & then craft whilst Lil's napping. That doesn't always work either, then there is Monday/Tuesday when my dh has his days off so not a lot of stuff gets done then either. Which is silly because he's usually sleeping & Emsy is at school (pre-prep). Oh well I will get organised if it kills me!

Anyways here are few cards that I did for challenges & missed the deadlines. Just on a side note two of them are still not completely finished either ;P.

These two christmas cards where for the Jingle Belles challenge to use 3 or more pp on your card. The card below just needs a sentiment then it will be finished.

This cute Ladybug card was for a sketch challenge & I have run out of ideas as to how to finish it. Let me know what you think.

I love Bugaboo digi stamps, they are cute & very funny. I think this is going to be our anniversary card next year ;D. My dh would probably agree with Gus!

Happy crafting everyone & I hope this week is a good one for you all

"The Project"

2011-06-05T09:13:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Today as promised (see I can keep some of 'em) here is the project:

It's a wall hanging that I put together using my dear friend Helen's gift of the circle felt artworks & the really cute fabric stars the very lovely Donna gave to me. I have to admit that they gave me these when Lils' was born & like I said in my post the other day I had a hard time doing something with these as I didn't want to ruin them. Stupid I know, so I finally worked up enough courage & this is what I came up with. I am pleased with what I finally came up with. Here are some close ups:

Thank you all so much for stopping by today & I hope that your weekend is a wonderful one - Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

Happy Birthday Lilly :D xoxoxoxo

2011-06-04T21:14:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

One year ago today Lilly arrived in the world. How the time has flown by, it just seems like last week I brought her home from the hospital & the lovely Dawn & her mum visited us. I think I'm a little (well probably a lot) bit in denial about it all. My baby can't be 1 year old already! I just wont allow it (yeah like I've got any say in it at all).

So as per usual I've left everything to the last minute & finally made her card this afternoon, nothin' like leaving it to the last minute? I used a really cute Bugaboo image & turned it into a "shaped card". All I did was enlarge it to the size of a 4" x 6" card & then coloured it in with my trusty copics. I left a "spine" on the lefthand side & cut around the image. I was going to use some Broken China or Tumbled Glass distress ink on the edges, but Lils' didn't think she should have a second nap & just be cranksy all arvo (grrrrrr hate when "they" think "they" don't need a second nap).

I am still trying to get time to make thank you cards for all you lovely ladies who sent me cards when Lils' was born. I am rather ashamed that I haven't gotten them all done by now. I also have just finished a project for Lilly's room using two gifts (from two very lovely ladies) that where given to me at the same time I recieved the cards. I am hoping that tomorrow I will be able to photograph "the project" & get it uploaded for you all to see. Then maybe on Monday I can sweet talk my dh into helping me put it in Lil's room - wish me luck ;P.

Have a great weekend & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

Supplies:
Paper: Ivory Board Sand (white)
Stamp: Bugaboo Digi Ladybug in bottle
Copics: W0, W1, C1, C3, C5, C7, R05, R17, R29, R46, R59,
BG000, G02, G05, G07,YG17, YG63, YG67

Thank you LO

2011-05-28T14:56:00.000+10:00

Hi there ;D,

I have done something that I have wanted to do for ages now - another LO of Lilly'Bug'.

So what do you think? It's very simple I know. But I haven't done one of these for ages & really didn't want to detract from Helen's gorgeous photos of Lilly. I sometime get so caught up in the "how do I do this without stuffing up those gorgeous photos/papers/flowers etc" that I do nothing. Which is a shame & a waste really. I brought the shaped pp when Lilly was born (nearly 12months ago now!). The flower under the title I got from a good friend when Lilly was a few weeks old & the other flowers I recieved recently from Donna as a part of my CCC card, thank you so much Donna! The title I made up using leftovers from going to scrapbooking classes a few years back now.

My journelling reads:
Lilly at six months Dec 2010. Helen thank you so much for taking these photos of Lilly. I love them so much & am so awed that you set up such a beautiful scene!

Every time I look at these photos I'm reminded that Lilly is getting so much bigger now & what a special friend I have in Helen. Two of my most favourite peoples :D.

Thanks for stopping by today & happy crafting xoxoxoxoxo

Supplies:
White Bazzil
Making Memories paper (unknown)
Making Memories sticker Alphabet - Noteworthy
Distress Inks: Spun Sugar, Antiquie Linen,
Assorted Lace
Prima flowers (thanks Donna)
Kaisercraft Pearls - gold
Hero Arts stamps - K5153 (Heart Flourish), S5213 (Dots & Flowers)

CAS & Sugarplums

2011-05-25T20:30:00.002+10:00

CAS & Sugarplums
Originally uploaded by pajalu (Paula)
Hi everyone,

I'm posting from my flickrstream tonight - Picassa kept freezing up (grrrrrrrrrrrrr). I am entering this card into two challenges. CAS-ual Fridays & Jingle Belles. I hope that this is suitable for both.

I used another digi image that I had printed up ages ago, which suits the current Jingle Belles challenge (well I think so ;P). I also used some fine netting with sequins on it for my "bling" for the CAS-ual Friday challenge this week.

I hope that you are having a great night where ever you are & that you are all safe & well, my friends :D Happy Crafting xoxoxoxoxo

Em & two cards

2011-05-23T12:23:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I have have been a busy mum lately. Emsy had two "firsts" this past weekend. Emsy had a friend over from school for a play "date" on Saturday. I hadn't met the parents before, plus it was a first for them as well. So hopefully it wont be the last for either of us. The other "first" for Emsy was a birthday party for a school mate. It was a dress up as a pink/purple princess party. I didn't know anyone, not even the birthday girl, but that didn't worry Em ;) - wish I could be more like her. I worry about everything, from what I had dressed Em in, what to do, how to talk to others (without sounding like an idiot) that I've never met. Doug was feeling under the weather so stayed at home with Lillybug. I know Em had a great time, which was the main thing.

I managed to make two cards this week, both using Bugaboo Digi stamps. Well actually I did make another card & a gift bag (for the birthday girl) but was in a rush so couldn't upload it.

This baby girl card, I love! I coloured the image first (I so do things the hard way ;D) then later I found this "leftover" pp. Which I think suits the image so well. I then stamped the sentiment, added the ribbon, flowers, pearls & gems.

This card I coloured the image first (which was so not a good idea!) then tried to match pp & bazzil to it. Which resulted in this. I also used a sketch from one of my favourite challenge blogs. I nearly didn't post this card, as I'm not that happy with it.

Well I'm off to have a bite to eat & a play with LillyBug. Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

Supplies:
Scraps of pp - Basic Grey & unknown
Bazzil - assorted colours
Bugaboo digi images
Copics,
Kaisercraft flowers, pearls, gems
Nestibilities - Scallop cirlces, Scallop ovals,
Cuttlebug
Ribbon - unknown ric-rac
Distress inks - Spun Sugar & Worn Lipstick
Rub-ons - Tinseltown Glitter Brownie

Mojo Christmas :D

2011-05-17T15:24:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I know it's been a while since my last post :(. I don't know what I've been doing (well ok I do), but the time seems to be flying by so fast I can't seem to catch up. Plus the days have been so beautiful here lately, that it's hard to be inside. Today in amongst all the domestic duties I managed to make this card. I used the latest Mojo Monday sketch.

I have combined two challenges this week the sketch & Jingle Belles theme of Santa. The other week Jingle Belles had a vintage challenge & I printed up a heap of Christmas images & this is one of them. I put this together around the image & the scrap of BG paper behind Santa. I also used some Rangers Perfect Pearls Mist (Forever Red) on the sentiment, just to tie it all together.

Well everyone, I'm off to see what else I can do whilst everyone is out/asleep. (I so treasure these quiet times lol). Happy crafting xoxoxoxoxoxo

Supplies:

Distress Inks: Tumbled Glass, Broken China

Pearfect Pearls Mist - Forever Red (Ranger)

Basic Grey pp (scrap)

Silver corrigated paper

Red Brads (unknown brand)

Nestibilities - Labels One

Cuttlebug

Digi image

Darkroom Door - circle stamp

My first Bugaboo challenge card

2011-05-12T16:51:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I am starting to get into digital stamping more now. Especially the Bugaboo stamps, I just adore them :D. Not only are they cute, but some are very funny. Love that! Plus every Friday they release a new freebie (Woo Hoo). Which hasn't exactly stopped me from buying more tee hee ;P.

I have entered my first Bugaboo Digi challenge (I think?) over on Crafter's Digital Art Centre (CDAC for short). Not sure how I ended up there but - what the heck right? So here is my first card & the challenge it's based on.

I am so pleased with the way I did this card. When I do colour challenges they mostly go so very, very wrong! I end up hating the end result. I have an unfortunate knack of butchering the colours & the way they go together. I think my saving grace on this card was I knew exactly where I was going to use the colours on the digi image. The rest, as they say just fell into place.

Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting everyone :D xoxoxoxo

Supplies:
Rainy Days Bears - Bugaboo Digi stamp
Copics: BG15, BG23, C-7, E31, E33, E35, R46, R59, Y08, Y11, Y21, YR23
Distress Ink - Tumbled Glass
Nestibilities - Small scallop Oval
Swiss Dot embossing folder
Cuttlebug
Ribbon
Basic Grey Button
Scrappers floss
Bazzil,
Ivory Board - Sand

Romance is not dead!

2011-05-10T12:55:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

I am a happy camper at the moment. I've managed to "fix" my problem with blogger (thanks to my Hero Arts friends on flickr). :D xoxoxoxo

So I have an ATC to share with you all today.

I made this for the latest Hero Arts challenge here. I used 3 of the themes for this month: Flowers, ATCs & Pencils. After watching this technique video I decided to get out my Prismacolor Pencils & have a go. I did make a boo-boo so covered it up with the ribbon bow.

I have also entered this into the CAS-ual Fridays challenge here. I hope that this is ok for the challenge.

The name of my ATC is Romance is not DEAD! It came about because my "loving" dh (insert sarcastic tone) did absolutely nothing for Mother's Day. He couldn't even get me a card (one of my cards) from my card box & write in it. Men hmph! ;P
Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

Supplies:
Stamps: Hero Ats G4337
Prisma clear stamp #536305
Prismacolor pencils
Ribbon
Distress Inks: Antique Linen, Vintage Photo
Versafine Ink: Sepia

Bargins, at Bugaboo Stamps!

2011-05-09T17:20:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,

I'm just wanted to let you all know that Bugaboo Stamps is having a sale! What's even better is it's a 50% off sale for the month of May. How good is that. I discovered it the other day when I went to check out their freebies. So of course I had to get my self some more stamps, so guess what you are going to be seeing for the next little while ;P. I just want to add that I'm not in any way associated with Bugaboo Stamps (just an avid lover of them).

Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

Jingle Belles Vintage style.

2011-05-08T15:40:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

This is my second post for today. So if you like scroll down to see what else I've done.

This week's challenge over on the Jingle Belles blog is Vintage. So here is my attempt at this wonderful style. I won some digi images ages ago & this is one of them. So I printed it up & then went over the red with Iridescent Red Twinkling H2O's, I used Heavenly White Twinkling H2O's on the white. This image reminds me of the old foil images I use to see as a child. The rest I got from my paper scraps & added some lace down the side of the digi image.

Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting everyone.

A quick post.

2011-05-08T15:32:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I just want to let you all know that I haven't dropped off the face of the earth (well not yet). We are experiencing "techno issues" in other words the computer is dying again! This time I think it's really serious, I wouldn't be surprized if in another month or so, we have to get a new one. Hence my little text box in the upper right corner of the blog.

But enough of that. I have been making heaps of cards for challenges & for fun. Only thing is I have missed all the deadlines (doh) for the challenges due to the computer not wanting to play nice. So here are a two that I did for Card Patterns & CPS sketch challenges.

Sorry for the way they look. The camera's battery is flat so I scanned them in. But because Picassa is freezing up & I really wanted to get them uploaded before computer has a "headache" or something. To see them after they have been straightened & what not go to my flickrstream here.

Well I'm off to do another post while I can. Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

May's CCC on Lily Pad Cards :D

2011-05-04T15:13:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Here is my card for this month's challenge. I decided to stick with the sketch & try & get as close to the colours as I could. This scanned photo really doesn't show the colours as they are irl. Especially the thin ribbon on the bottom, it's actually green (not blue as it looks here).
I used two charms that my wonderful friend Helen gave to me ages ago. I was going to try to come up with a sentiment around the word "charms" but my brain is not playing nice today :(.

Hope you are having a great "hump" day & happy crafting everyone.

Supplies:
Paper: Basic Grey - Porcelain
Inks: Versafine Sepia
Distress Ink: Victorian Velvet
Assorted Lace & ribbon
Two metal charms (unknown)
Stamp: Hero Arts - cl342

I'm not a fish killer any more!!!

2011-04-29T23:59:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

Remember this post I did on James the fish? Well guess what he's still alive! I know I even surprised myself. Well on Wednesday (after all the craziness of the public hols & Easter) I got my water tested in the new (30 litre) tank & it was perfect for fish. So not only has James moved up in the world, but now he has a brand new tank mate called Finn.

Wonder why we have two fish with such names? Welllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll in our mothers' group we have two boys called............................wait for it...............................James & Finn. So of course Emsy decided (even before we got the fish) that they where going to be called James & Finn. Not sure why, but hey it could have been worse I'm sure. I am going to attempt to keep a Siamese Fighting fish in the smaller tank, but will have to buy a heater first. So wish me luck with that one ;).
Have a great weekend & happy crafting everyone

Mojo Monday on a Friday.

2011-04-29T22:05:00.001+10:00

Hi all,

How are you this fine Friday night? After watching a little bit of the Royal Wedding (after saying I wouldn't ;P), I decided to make a card or two in the piece & quiet (a very rare thing of late). This is my card & the Mojo Monday sketch I used.

I know not much stamping on this one. I used up some stickers I brought from when Lils' was born. I thought they suited the papers I've used. I must admit I forgot two elements of the sketch, but was lucky enough to be able to add them at the last minute (phew). This is yet another one of my many thank you cards from when Lilly was born. I think I'm now about half way through my list :).

Have a great weekend & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

Supplies:
Cuttlebug
Nestibilities - Tags, Lacy Cirlces & Cirlces (not sure which one)
Paper - scraps
Twine, Lace
Stickers (unknown)
Kaisercraft Pearls
Hero Arts - Cl342

A Mother's Day card for Grandie

2011-04-28T23:17:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I thought I would share a card that I made for my Stepmum Ginny. This is her Mother's Day (here Mother's Day is on Sunday the 8th of May) card from my two girls. I used the latest Card Patterns sketch:

I used a freebie Digi stamp from Tiddly Inks called "For You". The sentiment is by Hero Arts & is one of my most used sets Cl342. The rest is from my stash of scrap ;). Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

Supplies:
Stamp: Tiddly Inks For You
Ink: Versamark Onyx Black
Copics:
Bear: E31, E33, E 35, E11, C3, C5, C7
Flowers: G20, G21, RV11, R85
Paper: Bazzil, Imaginisce (For peep's sake?) scrap
Nestibilities: Fancy Tags, Label Four
Cuttlebug
Assorted Buttons
Pop Dots
Scrap Ribbon.

ANZAC Day

2011-04-25T09:28:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

Today is a very special day here in Australia & in New Zealand. It's our day of rememberance of those who fought at Gallipoli & in all wars since then. To all our servicemen & women I thank you as does my family - God bless you all & keep you safe from harm.

This morning was a special one in our house. Em went to her first Dawn service, with her Dad & Pa Pa. She had to get up about 4am to get ready & was really well behaved at the service. Lilly & I stayed at home. We decided that Lilly is a bit too young to attend this service.

I thought I would include an Australian icon here. The humble ANZAC biscuit. This biscuit was made by the mothers, sisters, wives for the troops serving over seas. I don't think the recipe has changed that much since they where first made.

Have a great safe day where ever you are xoxoxoxoxoxo

Easter cards

2011-04-24T17:47:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Here are two easter cards I made with this free digi stamp from The Greeting Farm. Which I managed to get through two very lovely friends Dawn & Helen (thanks so much ladies).

This first card is Emsy's & to be honest didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped. I love the colouring I did. It's the rest of the card that isn't that flash (if you ask me). Hey Emsy loves it so I guess I didn't do too bad ;P. I used up lots of scraps of Basic Grey's Porcelian range (phew more scraps gone!) on this card & embossed the lower part of the card with the Swiss Dot embossing folder.

This card on the other hand I adore! I just love the overall look of this card. Pitty I don't have a little boy here now to give it too. I'm sure it will find a home soon enough :D. I again used more of Basic Grey's Porcelain scraps for this card.

Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

Supplies:

Both:

Papers: Basic Grey's Porcelain, Bazzil
Cuttlebug
Nestibilities: Lacy Circle, Tags
Scrappers' Floss

Copics:

Girl:

Rabbit suit: C1, C3, C5, E000, E00, E50

Hair: YR20, Y21, Y23

Face: E50, E00, YR00, E04

Basket: E31, E33, E35, E25, E27

Ribbon: BV00, BV02, BV04

Shadding: BG000, B00

Boy:

Rabbit suit: C1, C3, C5, E000, E00, E50

Hair: B00, B01, B02

Face: E50, E00, YR00

Basket: E08, E25, E27, E29, E31, E33, E35,

Ribbon: B00, B01, B02

Dino-mite Day

2011-04-24T17:19:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Here is a card I have made for the latest sketch challenge at CPS-Card sketches.
Here is the sketch & my card.

As soon as I saw the sketch I knew I wanted to use this Greeting Farm stamp with these papers. I coloured the dinosaurs simular to the pp. The sentiment was computer generated.

Happy Crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

Supplies:
Paper: Scraps from the stash
Stamp: The Greeting Farm O & A Happy Day
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Distress Inks: Tumbled Glass, Bundled Sage & Rusty Hinge,
Copics:
Hair: E25, E27, E29
Skin: R00, E95
Shirt: E35, E25, E27, YG17, G07
Dinosaurs: YR04, YR68, R05, G02, YG09, G07, BG000, B00, B01, B02
Pants: B95, B97
Shoes: E35, E25, E27,

A new challenge :D

2011-04-23T10:15:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I am back with another card for a new challenge. This time Lily Pad Cards is having a challenge. You can get all the details here. Here is my card

I wanted to keep to the simple lines of the sketch so came up with this. As per usual this is another scrappy card. I added a bit of sparkle to the balloons with Diamond Glaze & raised the oval up with pop dots. I hope you enjoy :).

Supplies
scrap paper
twine
Penny Black 30-012 Bubbly
Copics:
Cat: W1, C1, C3, C5, RV02, E000
Balloons: BG000, BG10, G00, R17, R46, R59, B00, B01, B02, BV00, BV02, BV04, YR04, YR68, R05, G02, YG09, G07
Distress Ink - Tumbled Glass
Diamond Glaze
Nestibilities Ovals
Cuttlebug
Pop Dots

A quick boy's birthday card.

2011-04-22T22:07:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Hope everything is going well for you all. I've just spent the better part of an hour arguing with my computer trying to upload the following card.

I used the sketch from this weeks challenge at CPS here. Again I used up some more scraps of paper. I fussy cut the two dino's out of pp, punched three squares from grey bazzil & went around the edge with a white gel pen. I then used Hero Arts clear stamp CL272 & white embossing powder for the senitment. I wanted to keep this clean & simple.
Happy crafting every one

Hoppy Easter every bunny!!

2011-04-21T22:40:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

Firstly I just want to wish you all a very Happy Easter :D. I hope that you have a wonderful relaxing time with family & friends over this special time. Plus I hope that E.B. is very good to you all ;P. We are spending our time at home (due to dh's work) so will be a nice quiet family time.

Well our computer went to the computer shop & $200 later came back just as bad as it went in. So I'm hoping that I can manage to get this blog post done without too much trouble. I am now going to do what I probably should have done in the first place & take the rotten thing to my friend's hubby & hope & pray he can do the impossible.

So whilst I've been computerless you'd think I would have been inking up those gorgeous stamps & using my newest nesties, but no I haven't. (Well I did have a very small play with them for about 5 minutes.) Instead I have cleaned up my crafting space. I got so sick of weaving my way around stuff to work on about 5 inches of my desk top! I cleaned for two whole days! Yup you read right two days, that's how messy my area had gotten. I still have a mountain of "leftover paper scraps", I don't know what to do about that, or how to store them so that I do use them up. If anyone has a way of storing paper scraps & use them PLEASE let me know. Here are some after shots (I am not going to share the distasterous before shots!).

My desk it's really there!!! Woo Hoo

Just a few flowers, buttons & inks.

This is a photo tree which is now a ribbon tree (um must stop buying ribbons!)

The peg board was a birthday gift from my parents (the calandar Em did at pre-prep).

See a clear run to my desk - wonder how long it'll stay like that ;P.
I have also made one card since this photo was taken & guess what it still looks this good (woo hoo for me). If you want to see the card I made go here.

On that note have a great easter & Hoppy crafting every bunny xoxoxoxoxoxo

Major Relapse!

2011-04-16T21:18:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to do a quick post tonight, because I fear the computer is having a hissy fit (& hopefully not starting to die). I'm taking it to get looked at on Monday, so hopefully it wont be anything too major. The poor thing is practically a dinosaur, it's really slow at the moment & keeps freezing up :(.

I also have a share. I had a major "relapse" the other week & ordered a LOT of stuff. I asked if I could start paying it off before it arrived (otherwise I wouldn't have ordered it) & luckily my LSS owner agreed to this (thanks so much Barbie :D). So below is just a little of what I've ordered. Do you want to see what you get for $92.00?

Yup two stamps & one lot of Nesties. I still have a heap of Copic refills, another lot of Nesties & some more Hero Arts stamps comming. So all up I guess I'm up for at least another $200 to pay out. Told you I had a major relapse! But I'm so looking forward to playing with all of these gorgeous things. I'm blaming you lot in part for my momentary lapse, Alice gets the blame for the nesties (so love what you do with yours). Dawn gets the blame for the three leaves stamp & the envie stamp (still comming) & well the copics I'll cop the blame for them ;P. Just kidding, what can I say you ladies are such an inspiration to me.

On that note I'm outa here while the computer is playing nice, happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

Bugaboo stamps are gorgeous!

2011-04-13T16:56:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

How are you all this week? I hope all is well with you :D. I'm feeling much better & would like to thank you for your support. I have even made a card, done some commenting on flickr & some blogs (Yay for me).
Here is the card I made:

I am so pleased with the way this card turned out. Yes I'm still using up my scraps, are you getting bored seeing the same colours & papers? I'm not (at the moment), I just love this pp with the tiny hearts on it - wish I'd remember who made it, so I can share it with you all. The image was a freebie from Bugaboo Stamps, when I saw it I had to get it. Only because everytime I see something with Ladybugs I'm reminded of Lilly'bug'.

I used Copics to colour the main image & then Tumbled Glass & Bundled Sage distress inks around the edges. The flowers are mostly left untouched with a hint of colour close to the centres. I used E0000 & E000 just for a hint of colour.

In case you are wondering why I seam to be doing mainly Thankyou & Christmas cards, it's because I am trying to catch up on all the beautiful cards that where sent to us when Lilly was born (the Thankyous) & last year I didn't make one Christmas card so this year I'm getting in early :D.

Well enough dribble from me, I'm off to make a b'day card for the nephew. Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

Suffering withdrawls!!! :(

2011-04-09T16:05:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Sorry I've been quiet again! I am suffering!!!! I have given up a certain brand of soft drink & it damn near killed me (& some times still is killing me). That's where the mirgraines have come from. I've had the DT's (& not the good cardmaking kind either!) & could/would have killed for this drink at one stage earlier this week. Why do we do these things to ourselves? Start doing stuff that isn't good for us I mean.

So this slightly crazy person hasn't been much fun to be around & has started to scare the natives (ie the family). Plus I haven't been that creative 'coz I felt like crap. I am hoping to get some crafting done tonight once the girls are in bed.

Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

Where's the time gone..............?

2011-04-05T16:53:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

It seems like yesterday (or at least last week ;P) that Lilly was born. I can't believe that she was 10 months old yesterday. My chubba bubba is growing up so fast :(. The little brat is so close to walking it's not funny & has four words, dad (the first word of course) mum, dat (cat) & bub-bub & bah (which really isn't a word).

I know she's probably going to DIE of embarassment when she discovers I've blogged about this when she's 15 (guess who's goin' to tell her mwhaaa mwhaaa). I have a simular photo of Emsy at this age just like this. I scrapped that pic so will have to do the same with this one. Maybe I will extract a digit (in other words pull my finger out!) & do some more scrapbooking hmmmmmm.

Well it's nearly tea time so Happy 10 month birthday sweetie monsta!
Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

One card for two challenges.

2011-04-04T13:14:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I was having so much fun making "funny" christmas cards I decided to do another. This time I have combined challenges, I am using the latest sketch from CPS & the Jingle Belles "Funny" challlenge.

Sorry about the blurry photo. I had to scan this in today as it's been raining (yet again!). I so love Gus I think he's a hoot.

Thanks for stoppin' by & happy crafting everyone :} xoxoxoxo

Jingle Belles - Batman smells (Happy April Fools' Day)

2011-04-03T16:03:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Yes this is another Christmas card. I am determind not to repeat last year's disaster! This week's challenge is to "make a humorous card for the holidays". I used Gus from Bugaboo Stamps for this card. My loving dh let me buy a few digi stamps today & boy did I have a hard time trying to limit myself to three of them. Hmmm maybe next week I can get a few more? ;P

I have a saying that I use ~~a lot~~ sometimes. "I'm not evil - just misunderstood" (what does that tell you about me mwhaaaaaaa!). I changed it just a tad just for this card.

Supplies:
Bazzil,
Bugaboo - Gus digi stamp
Copics: Fur Trim W-1,
Boots C-5, C-7,
Skin 100, E000, E00,
Santa Suit & Hat R46, RV29, R59,
Chair E31, E33,E35,E 29,
Background BG000, B00
Distress Inks: Tumbled Glass, Broken China & Faded Jeans
Sentiment computer generated using Comic Sans script
Heidi Swap chipboard stars
Cuttlebug & cirlce Nestibilities

I've gone on a "walkabout" :D

2011-04-03T11:44:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Please pop over to the Die Cut Diva's today to see my latest card. Trying to get some more interest in our group. I know I'm shameless ;P!!!

Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

Die Cut Divas Winner & a new Challenge

2011-04-02T12:16:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Well Last month over on our Die Cut Diva flickr pool we where challenged to make Shaped Cards. The very lovely Dawn was the Judge & gave out a wonderful prize to Greta. You can see the three cards that Greta entered here.

This month I am in charge of the Challenge & prize. So if you would like to join in the fun you can go to our Flickr group here & check out our little blog here. Or if you look over to my righthand side bar you can click on either the prize or the DCD button & they will magically take you there :D.

Have a great weekend & happy crafting xoxoxoxoxo

2011-04-02T00:00:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

This is just a share, today. Not for anything in particular. A while ago the very lovely Kathy shared with everyone this amazing colour chart. Which I thought was such a fantastic idea. I loved the idea of seeing at a glance what a particular colour was & to top it off I think it makes great wall art. So here is my version of Kathy's colour chart using Hero Arts digi Flutterbies found here. I have also used my Cuttlebug & Nestibilities Label Four & Nestibilities Tags. I wanted to be able to see what the colours would look like stamped, coloured & brushed around the edges. Since I am a visual person. I also needed to have the names put on each butterfly so I could just grab it at a glance. So I decided to do a "Specimen Board" with my butterflies.

I took this into my LSS to show them as they helped me with a few little issues I had. Like how to "glue" the labels to the canvas & what I could use for pins. I was really honoured & surprised when they asked me to make one for them :D. So of course I did (it looks exactly like this one). Any way thanks for taking a peek.

Happy crafting everyone

Supplies:
Canvas 45cm x 45 cm
Tim Holtz Distress Inks
Nestibilities Label Four & Tags
Cuttlebug
Kaiser craft Paint: Sea Breeze
Kaiser craft Dewdrops
Modpodge
Hero Arts Digi kit Flutterbies

Deborah's CCC for March

2011-04-01T09:53:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

By now you would know (& probably partook in one or two) of Deborah's CCC challenges. Well this month my partner was the very lovely Anette. So here is what I've made for her :D.

I tried to stick to the colours that Deborah gave as this month's options as well as the sketch for the card. The pad I made because, well don't tell anyone but I ran out ideas & mojo. This was the best I could come up with. Usually I like to make a few cards to send to my partner. I am hoping that Anette likes these.

I want to show you what a gorgeous card I got from Vera as well. I just love everything about it. So simple (something I love, but can't seem to do) & beautifully done. Plus I also got some gorgeous lace as well. Thank you so much Vera :D I smile every time I see this card, which is a lot. :D xoxoxo

Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting everyone.
PS Am feeling much better today, thanks for the kind words :D xoxoxoxoxoxo

MIA

2011-03-31T21:49:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note to let you all know that I'm still alive......................just. I've been suffering with mirgraines for the last two weeks so haven't been up to anything at all. I hope that tomorrow I can get back on deck & around to commenting on your blogs. I have been thinking of you all.

Happy Crafting & sending lots of hugs xoxoxoxoxo

Thomas's birthday card + CPS sketch challenge 210

2011-03-23T22:15:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

A friend's son recently turned three & unfortunately we couldn't make it too his birthday party. Which gave me time to whip this card up for him. I used the latest CPS sketch here. I just love this Greeting Farm stamp & am hoping the little boy in question likes dino's just as much as this guy does. I used my Copics on the image & distress inks. I then raided my stash of scraps for the rest. Actually it's more like I had to use up some of the s"CRAP" on my desk. It's going to take at least a couple of hours to clean up & see my desk I'm sure. I am certain that the paper is breeding!!! I mean what else can it be? ;P. So with that I'm off to either die by paper avalanche or clean up (wish me luck!). Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

Copics used: B24, B95, B97, C-1,C-3,C-5,C-7, G20, YG11,YG17, R29, R46, R59, R00, E00, E25, E27, E29, E31, E33, E35

Distress inks: Tumbled Glass, Bundled Sage,

Stamps: The Greeting Farm

Inks: Momento Tuxedo Black.

Paper: Scraps.

CPS Challenge

2011-03-15T13:38:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

This week over on the CPS blog they have this sketch.

So this is the card that I made for it. Very simple & I am so amazed that I managed to do that. Mind you it took me ages to get to this final card. I kept on adding things then taking them off & I think this bow came off at least three times before I finally decided it needed to stay. I was heavily inspired by the very talented Alice, I am privilaged enough to have a few of her beautiful cards. If you haven't been to Alice's blog or flickr page(s) then you are in for a treat :D. So I know it's not an "Alice card" but I was inspired by Alice's use of stitching & the way she uses distress inks on the edges of her nestibilities.

Have a great week everyone & happy crafting xoxoxoxo

Give it a go & you will never know what happens.

2011-03-15T00:00:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

This is a card I thought that I couldn't make. This month over on the Hero Arts blog the challenge is Birthdays & Stamped Envelopes with a technique on layering.

Now I guess you are wondering why I thought I couldn't make it. Well about 90% of it was self doubt & 10% not having the right kind of stamps (ie non clear stamps). But I decided to take my own advice & try it (that's what I'm always telling Em). Do you know what? I am so pleased with the final result. I was originally disappointed with the way the leaves where blurred on the background. As you all probably know Distress Inks & clear stamps don't do that well together. But after letting it dry I decided that the blurry leaves just added that bit extra to overall look. I'm also not a huge fan of oranges & yellows. I mean I do like them, I just never seem to use them much. I really like the background piece on the tree as well. It reminds me of clouds in the sky behind the tree. For the leaves on the tree I used my Copics, just to get that definition & to tie the leaves on the background to the foreground.

Well thanks for stopping by & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

Baby boy

2011-03-14T10:14:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

This is just a share card today. In yesterday's post I mentioned that, that card was made from scraps left over from this card.

One of the mums' in my mothers' group had a boy (after two girls) & named him Angus. So I thought today I would show the card. Once little Angus was born, I knew what colour scheme I wanted to use, but other than that had absolutely no idea on the style of baby card I wanted to do. The other thing was I wanted to use my Prismacolor pencils for a change (don't tell anyone, but I think the Copics are a little miffed!). So I visited my LSS Daisychains, flipped through a few of their books, brought a few papers & embelies (broke my self imposed "No spending on craft for the month of March") & came up with this card. I loosely followed a card from one of the books, but of course couldn't bring myself to stick to the orginal. Basically all the circles are from the other card & everything else is different.

Well thanks for stopping by today & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

Cool Yule

2011-03-13T10:00:00.001+10:00

Hi every one,

Well I've been busy once again making a few cards. I am really enjoying the challenges over at Jingle Belles. This week's challenge is a colour challenge. I try to do every challenge & so far I've only missed a couple due to either a lack of that week's challenge item or a lack of time. I was really pleased to see the challenge this week as I had just finished making a baby card in simular colours. So I made this card up with yes you guessed it - Scraps! The background paper is from a freebie digi kit (Winter Wonderland from Two Peas). The three images are from the one stamp Stamp-it's Christmas Post (3632E Micky Choo). The circle stamp is by Hero Arts Cl237 Holiday Gift Tags.

I kept this card fairly simple. All I did was stamp the images in Versamark Sepia onto white c/s & kraft c/s. Then I added Frosted Lace Stickles to the snow flake. I cut apart the the Stamp-it image & used my cuttlebug & circle Nestibilities on the Hero Arts stamp. I also used a Martha Stewart punch & some crochet lace.

Thanks for looking & Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

The trouble with Mermaids.......................

2011-03-07T13:27:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Yet again, I have been "playing" with my trusty old sewing machine. This time making a mermaid tail at the request of Miss Emsy. Unfortunately we had a tanty over the end result as she wanted her legs "inside" not out! But because mummy is penny pinching at the moment all I could find on the 'net was this free pattern. Which Em did like to start with. Since then (yesterday) we (Em) have come to the conclusion that the mermaid tail is a good thing. But trying to convince a headstrong four year old that having your legs out is a good thing (ie safe) is not only frustrating, but gets mummy very cranky as well.

It wasn't until Daddy suggested that we put the tail to the front & sit on our legs that the tail became wonderful. Thank goodness for daddys' that can think fast.

Now all I have to do is make about five or six more of these for Em's party in August & we will be all good. This year we are having a party for Em at Underwater World. As we have an eighteen month pass, as do most of Em's friends.

Thanks for stopping by :D & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

Text me - Jingle Bellles

2011-03-02T11:14:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

This is my latest Christmas card for Jingle Belles latest challenge - Text Me. When I first saw the title of the challenge I was wondering how the heck I was going to get a mobile phone christmas themed card. But as usual I wasn't thinking ;P, shows you what I mainly do with my phone doesn't it. I am really pleased with this card. It's a simple card for me & I love it. I got to use my Darkroom Door Christmas stamps, which I don't use enough. I didn't use any pp on this it's all c/s & scraps to boot. I coloured the ribbons with my copics. I also added some gold spica pen to the sentiment & the stars around it. Thanks for taking a peep :D
Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxo

That damn cat!!!!

2011-03-01T12:42:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Smudge the "trouble maker" is at it again!!!! She has been rather naughty of late & all we can put it down to is her missing Tom. For ages now she wont use the kitty trays to do number 2's (really gross I know) then she started spraying (yes she's neuted). So we (me) decided that we had to let her out during the day. Not really what I wanted to do, but couldn't think of anyother way to stop her from doing disgusting things. Cats to me are an inside animal, that way they do less damage to our wildlife. Plus here where we live there are a lot of nasty (dangerous) creatures that will kill her if she trys to catch them. Now she's bringing us gifts - today another snake! Doug heard me screaming from downstairs through a shut door in an aircon'd room. Damn cat is going to get herself dead if she's not carefull. We think she tried to bring home a Red Bellied Black snake a few weeks ago (one of the top 10 deadliest snakes), luckily she left that one under the stairs outside, still alive. Today she actually brought a snake inside downstairs, luckily for us it was dead - not so lucky for the snake though. Doug's not sure, it's either an Eastern Brown snake (another top 10 deadliest snake) or a Green Python (harmless to humans). Either way I don't want any snakes brought inside thank you very much!!!! We still have a couple of months of Summer to go, so from now on no doors are going to be left open for the cat. Rotton bloody animal grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! Why can't she bring home clothes or shoes or I don't know....................... the mail, anything but wildlife.

Oh well I guess that's the joys of pet ownership.
Happy crafting everyone

Sew, sew, sew

2011-02-27T16:10:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Just me again & this time I don't have anything paper to share. Instead I've stretched myself to do some sewing & boy does that feel good. Not that I'm giving my cardmaking away. Just having a small break from it.

When Lilly was born, I started using Em's old nappy bag (shaped like a backpack). But soon gave up on it, as it's way to blocky & didn't fit under the pram well, as well as being unfunctional (well to me at least). I was using an old bag that I had made ages ago. But I was always trying to find everything in it - another not so Paula friendly bag. So for the last two days I have been making this bag.

As you can see it's full of pockets, both on the inside & the outside. I even made three bottle holders on the inside which will stop my glass bottles from banging together & I will be able to access them easily & most importantly quickly.

For this bag I did some 'net surfing to see what was out there & then decided to heck with it all & came up with my own design. So this is a one of a kind custom made bag just for me, Lilly, Em & probably Doug ;P. I got the materials from my quilting box. The outside print I brought a few years ago now when I last visited my Mum in WA. I figured this dark colour would hide the dirt really well. The inside of the bag is in lighter colours which compliment the outside print. I had to use two different colours inside as I didn't have enough of either colour, but I think that just adds to my bag.

I had to include a picture of Lills' as well. The "monsta" as I affectionally call her is now trying to walk & has four teeth. I can't believe she is 8 months old already!!! Or as Doug is keen to point out nearly nine months old. My, my how time flies.

Well that's enough for this post. I'm off to make a christmas card ;) & one or two others. Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

CPS - sketch challenge 206

2011-02-23T00:00:00.001+10:00

Hi there,

I am having a great time getting some challenges done. This latest one is for CPS sketch 206.

I am pretty pleased with the way this card turned out. I love this stamp from the Greeting Farm. The only thing I think I would change is her hair colour. I was trying for black. Oh well maybe next time? Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxo

I'm Baaaaaaaaaack - with another challenge

2011-02-22T13:05:00.001+10:00

Hey it's me again,

I am having a great day today. This is my second post for today, can you tell the weather is icky? Yup it's been raining yet again.

So this next card is for the Card Patterns sketch challenge for this week.

So if you turn your head & squint your eyes you may see some resemblance to the sketch ;P. I did try my hardest to follow the sketch. But of course had to add & move things around just a little. I used my cuttlebug & the Jewel Embossing folder on the green c/s, the flowers I got from my LSS & now can't remember who made them (isn't that so like me!). I am going to send this card to one of my Aunts who has a birthday coming up really soon. Just in case you are wondering those ladybugs are buttons. I just cut the shanks off them & then used foam tape to raise them up a bit.
Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

Another Christmas card

2011-02-22T09:17:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

Yes I'm back with another Jingle Belles challenge card. I can't believe it's been a week since I blogged! Where did that time go? I really do need to get organised don't I!

So with out further ado here is my card & the sketch from this weeks' challenge :D.

I was inspired to make a rosette. It didn't quite turn out the way I wanted it to, but I am still happy with it. I used Hero Arts Antique Brocade with Versamark ink on the green c/s. Then I dove into my bag of scraps & found the red cirlce & striped pp. Lastly I used up more scraps of ribbon & added a button to the rosette. Thanks for stopping by & happy crafting xoxoxoxo

No red she said!

2011-02-15T13:05:00.000+10:00

Hi every one,

I finally have managed to get some more cards made & even enter a challenge! How exciting is that. Yeah I know it doesn't take much to get me excited ;).

This week's challenge at Jingle Belles is No red. So here is my card

Not a scrap of red in sight. I love doing these wreathes. They can be time consuming, but they look so good. When ever I get scraps of green c/s or pp that are too small for anything I punch out these leaves & put them into a zip lock bag. Then I draw a circle onto the b/g paper & glue the base of the leaf to the circle outline. I then slip the next leaf under the first & so on & so on, til the cirlce is full. Add a few gems/pears & ta-da one wreath.

Have a great week & happy crafting xoxoxoxoxo

Newest Family Member

2011-02-12T12:06:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd share a picture of our newest family member.

Yes I finally managed to get the water just about right for our new fish. It's taken me about 3 weeks to get everything suitable for our new pet. Em hasn't seen him/her yet & I can't wait to show Em when she gets back from Pa's later today. I have all my fingers & toes crossed that I can keep "fishy" (have yet to pick out a name) alive. I am known as a serial fish killer. I wasn't always a fish killer, when I was in my teens (way too long ago) I kept tropical fish. I think my problem stems from having such a small tank this time around (just over 5 litres). It's really hard to put the right amount of chemicals into the water.

Have a great weekend & happy crafting xoxoxoxo

A link as promised & Oh no not more rain :(

2011-02-02T11:47:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

As promised I have put up the first of my embossed cards here.

Queensland is really copping it at the moment. We still haven't cleaned up after all that flooding (major job) & now we have a monster cyclone bearing down on the northern part of our state. Yasi is approx. 500 kilometers wide & a catagory 5 (the highest our scale goes to). It's slated to be even more destructive than cyclone Larry which devistated the same area 5 years ago. I think this one will be talked about for generations to come, if it does what it's predicted to do. Wishing all our northern friends good luck & be very safe.
Hope you enjoy the card & have a great day xoxoxoxo

I love my Copics & Distress inks

2011-02-01T22:16:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

Well the title says it all really. Have a look at these two pics & let me know what you think?

I am slowly getting the shading right. I have been taking my time & trying different styles of colouring with my Copics. As for the distress inks is there anything they can ruin? Seriously, they are the best inks for any project (no I'm not being paid to talk about these products). I am planning on sharing the whole cards over the next few days over on the Die Cut Diva blog. I will hopefully remember to let you all know when I do ;D (sometimes my brain does work).

Have a great week & happy crafting xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Deborah's CCC for January :)

2011-01-31T17:58:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I have a little share today about my entries for Deborah's January CCC. I should say I have a story to go with my cards ;). Firstly the cards (then that way you can always go & not have read about the dopey stuff I do). Deborah themes for the January challenge

Valentines Day
Australia Day
Friendship

So of course me being an "aussie" couldn't resist doing the "bleedin' obvisous" ;D. I really do feel for Nancy my partner! So I decided to make some cards with the colours from our flag - red, white & blue. I also decided to use the sketch that Deborah provided. Which resulted in the two fish cards. Then I had a brainwave & made an Aussie flag card with our chant of Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. Then I decided to make another card based on the sketch. Only because I am not so keen on the red, blue, white together (sorry Nancy). I made it "girly" with a huge flower on it, using one of my fav dies Tattered Flowers from Tim Holtz. So feast your eyes on these :D

Now for the rest of my story. As you all know we had some devestating floods recently here in Queensland. Which affected everything including the mail & aircrafts. Which meant that I was late in sending these cards. Luckily for me Nancy & Deborah are so understanding. In the end I sent Nancy pictures of the cards as well as Deborah, just so that Nancy wouldn't feel left out.

Yes the fish do have googly eyes, complete with eye lids & lashes.

Happy crafting everyone xoxoxoxoxo

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!!!

2011-01-26T08:24:00.001+10:00

Happy Australia Day everyone,

Today is the 26th January which means it's Australia day. You can go here for a techno explanition. Or you can read about me rambling on & on about how wonderfully greatful I am to be an Aussie.

Especially since the floods. The whole of Australia has literally rolled up their sleeves & said "What can I do to help?" We have raised so much money (thank you to all those outside of Australia who donated as well), donated so many needed things from clothing, toys to building materials & labour. It truly is our way of doing things. We hate to see our mates down & always tend to battle for the underdog. During such a sad time, we have so many stories of mate"ship" of strangers helping strangers. Amidst the sadness & chaos there where some truly heroic people who risked their lives to save others. This to me is what Australia Day is about, it's people helping people no matter who, what or where they are.

Have a fantastic day where ever you are, we are going to my parents place for a barbie (no shrimps for me yuck!) ;D

Hugs to you all & happy crafting xoxoxoxoxoxo