Being Karen

Grateful

2012-01-21T17:11:00.000+10:00

"It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks."

I don't know the author, but the words resonated very clearly with me, and I wanted to share them. The photograph is mine.

Today I am thankful for the obstacles and lessons of the past month, for the gift of life, and for the blessings I find in my life every single day. I'm ready now to move forward.

Here's the full poem:

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations

Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge

Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary

Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.

Another card

2011-12-16T22:55:00.000+10:00

This time of year, I'm finding it so hard to fit in crafting time. But I still managed to make one more Christmas card for C.R.A.F.T. Challenge. The theme is "Christmas card with removeable item". I made a double pocket card and added some flavoured teabags, for my husband's aunt:

Our sponsor this week is Bows and Berries, and I used the adorable Warm Penguin image. I also used: Fancy Pants patterned paper, Echo Park patterned paper (for the paper piecing) and Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type alphabet stickers.

To make the card, I followed this tutorial at Splitcoast Stampers.

I'm submitting my card at:
# My Mum's Craft Shop ~ Cute and funky Christmas
# Paper Sundaes ~ Anything Christmas

A card sketch

2011-12-12T02:01:00.000+10:00

This week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge we have a sketch. We have two wonderful sponsors and so I've made two different cards.

The first card uses 'Funky Flower' from Floppy Latte Designs:

What I did:
1> I resized the image to create several different sized flowers.
2> I printed the flowers onto patterned paper (Echo Park 'Victoria Gardens')
3> I cut out the flowers, crumpled them, then layered them.
4> I secured the centres - a Basic Grey brad for the big one, and a button for the smaller one.

The next card uses 'Asia' from Glitterbabe:

What I did:
1> I printed one image onto cardstock, and fussy cut around the edges.
2> I printed a second copy of the image onto patterned paper.
3> I cut out the patterned image and paper-pieced the kimono onto the first image.
4> I added some extra colour with gel pens, then assembled the card with embellishments.

I used: Scenic Route paper, Limetree Creations doily, Kaisercraft tiny alphabet stickers, and my own fabric yo-yo flowers.

I'm submitting this card at:
# Crazy Challenge ~ Anything goes

Guest designing

2011-12-03T13:13:00.000+10:00

I'm guest designing over at ARTastic this month, and I'm also providing a RAK prize for one of the winners.

The December challenge is inspired by Thomas Kincade's painting 'A Blessing of Christmas'.The other criteria are: include a snowman, include a Christmas tree, include 'Christmas' in the title.

I have to say, I did find this quite challenging on a number of levels. First, I have hardly any Christmas photographs remaining unscrapped. Next, we don't have snow at Christmas in Australia, so combining the criteria was a little tricky!

Click to enlarge

I took inspiration from the soft lighting in the painting, which gives a kind of ethereal 'blurry' effect. I chose a blurry Christmas photograph from last year, and some dark papers. No snowmen for me, but I thought that the white spotty patterned paper did give a kind of 'snowy' effect... maybe? And the Christmas trees - I made them myself from some offcuts and added a little machine stitching and pearls:

I used papers from 7 Gypsies and Bo Bunny 'Mamarazzi', Lily Bee Designs alpha stickers, lace, Kaisercraft pearls, and some upcycled product tags from a recent shopping trip.

Something different

2011-12-01T17:30:00.002+10:00

This week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge our theme is 'Christmas Present' - perfect timing for sharing our Christmas gift crafting projects! One of things I love about the C.R.A.F.T. Challenge blog is that any project is okay - it can be a card, layout, or any kind of hand crafted item. We encourage young crafters to join in too - everyone is welcome.

I made something a bit different - it's a beaded bookmark:

Not so easy to photograph - in real life it looks pretty cool :) This is how it's used:

The pictured book is How to Guzzle Your Garden - a non-fiction children's book by Australian author Jackie French.

Unusual Christmas

2011-11-24T17:19:00.001+10:00

The theme this week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge is a little unusual ~ "Unusual Christmas". I'm sure it can be interpretted in lots of different ways. I made a Christmas card using non-traditional colours (orange and yellow, with a touch of pink) and I also used a non-Christmas image. The image is Umbrella - Closed from our sponsor, The Stamping Boutique. I cut off the handles and turned the image into a Christmas tree, then resized and used two images. Hopefully that's unusual enough to fit the challenge!

I also used: Crate Paper (Emma's Shoppe), Bella gems, Glitz Design alpha stickers

I'm submitting my card at:
# The Stamping Boutique ~ Holiday
# Creative Craft ~ Free for all
# Craft Your Days Away ~ Embellishment bingo ~ gems, ribbon, buttons

Seeing stars

2011-11-17T17:30:00.003+10:00

Thursdays seem to be coming around SO fast... where has this year gone? This week the theme at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge is 'Stars in your eyes' - and we'd love to see projects featuring stars. I was lucky to receive a fun image from our sponsor Bugaboo Digi Stamps, and I made this card:

I used: Echo Park 'Victoria Gardens' papers... and that's it!! I made the stars with auto-shapes in MS Word. With the busy papers, no other embellishment was needed, though I couldn't resist a touch of K-style doodling around the edges.

I'm submitting my card at:
# Challenge Up Your Life ~ Friendship
# Paper Sundaes ~ Digital images

Jasmine's got stars in her eyes too

2011-11-17T17:10:00.006+10:00

Jasmine has participated in another week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge. I'm so proud of her! She's taking her Junior DT role very seriously and has been trying so hard to stay ahead with her homework to allow for some dedicated craft time each week. The theme this week is 'Stars in Your Eyes', and she made a thank you card for her teacher:

The image is from the challenge sponsor, Bugaboo Digi Stamps, and Jasmine coloured the shirt to match her own school uniform colours. She also used Bazzill cardstock, stars from her sticker collection, and twine.

It's also exciting for Jasmine to have her card featured over at the Bugaboo blog this week.

Jasmine is submitting her card at:
# Crafty Cardmakers ~ Recycle (recycled book page)
# Fussy & Fancy ~ Be Thankful (handwritten sentiment)

Fabulous fabric!

2011-11-11T00:23:00.000+10:00

How gorgeous is this 'Garden Patchwork' fabric?? I love the vibrant colours and of course, a bit of red in my life always makes me smile :) I've started sewing some Christmas gifts already (shhhhh!) and I can picture a super cute skirt for Jasmine using this fabric - and maybe with a matching carrybag too.

Fabric Traders are giving away some fabric grab-bags (Australia only) - CLICK HERE for details.

Cuteness

2011-11-10T17:30:00.009+10:00

This week is all about the 'cute factor' at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge. Here's my card, using the adorable Penguin Fun image from one of our weekly sponsors, 2Cute Rubber Stamps (this one is a digi stamp):

I used: American Crafts 'Pearl' cardstock, Spellbinders Nestabilities 'Labels Sixteen' die, Adorn It tiny alphabet stickers

I'm also submitting at:
# Charisma Cardz ~ Cutesy projects
# Allsorts ~ Anything but square
# One Stop Craft ~ Three is a magic number - Three scoops of icecream, three pieces of trim

Cuteness - Part 2, Jasmine's turn

2011-11-10T17:25:00.002+10:00

Jasmine got creative this week for C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - who can resist a "CUTE" theme??

Jazi used: Cupcake Kitty from 2Cute (digi), Bazzill cardstock, Kaisercraft patterned paper, and a sentiment stamp (possibly Grant Studios)

She's also submitting at:
# Charisma Cardz ~ Cutesy projects

Scrapping Everyday Miracles

2011-11-08T03:01:00.001+10:00

In September I entered a challenge at Scrapping Everyday Miracles, and I was thrilled that my layout was selected as one of the top three.

I was honoured to be invited to be a Guest Designer this month. The theme is 'Nature' and you can read all about the scrap twist HERE, as well as see the lovely contributions of the design team. This is my layout:

The layout title Jacksonia is the name of this beautiful tree - it is an Australian native species that grows in the wild on my property.

I used paper from Echo Park 'Victoria Gardens', Glitz Designs alphabet stickers, Lime Tree Creations crocheted trim, and a re-purposed waffle-weave tea towel to make my own lollipop flowers and background accent.

I'm also submitting my layout at Lime Tree Creations November challenge - Becci would love to see some of her product used on a creation, and this month the criteria requires using another handmade item.

A bookmark

2011-11-03T18:00:00.006+10:00

Jasmine is joining in at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge again this week. The theme is 'Family Activities' and she chose sewing because it is something that the two of us do together. I have been teaching her to sew and she has her own little sewing machine too.

Here is her bookmark:

The image is 'Pin Cushion' from Bows and Berries, our lovely sponsor this week. The ribbon is from Maya Road, and Jasmine made the buttons herself from Bazzill cardstock.

Jazi is also playing along at:
# Paper Sundaes ~ Bookmarks
# Dream Valley ~ Anything goes
# One Stop Craft ~ No sentiments
# Bows and Berries ~ Clean and simple

Some sketchy goodness...

2011-11-03T17:00:00.009+10:00

It's my turn to host the sketch challenge at Scrap Pile this month, and I also broke open a new package of Echo Park papers to create my layout with.

This is the sketch:

Digital credits: 'Grunge' papers by Toucan Scraps; 'A Delightful Day' journalling card (kit possibly retired) by Chelsea Parsons

And this is my layout:

The layout is also my contribution to C.R.A.F.T. Challenge this week - with a theme of Family Activities. Thank you Robin at Bows and Berries, who generously provided the 'Sewing Machine' image for me to use:

I used: Echo Park 'Victoria Gardens' papers and stickers, American Crafts foam Thickers, Prima 'Gatsby' flower (Myrtle) and packaging, and baker's twine. I'm probably the last scrapper in the universe to use baker's twine - I'm a bit slow on the uptake when it comes to trends!

I'm also submitting my layout at:
# Dream Valley ~ Anything goes
# Paper Playtime ~ Anything goes

Folding card

2011-10-30T18:20:00.021+10:00

I have a fun card to share - this one is a little more intricate than my usual ones. I followed this tutorial and created this:

I used papers from Kaisercraft and Bo Bunny, and a few leftovers from Cosmo Cricket and MME. The flower, ribbon and button have been floating around on my desk for months, and it was time to use them!

Today I'm playing along at:
# Our Creative Corner ~ Fancy folds
# Charisma Cardz ~ Anything goes
# One Stop Craft ~ No sentiments

Jasmine's card

2011-10-27T18:00:00.001+10:00

Jasmine is a Junior DT at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge, and will try to create something every week, if she has finished all her homework! This week she's on track, and made a lovely card for the colour challenge:

She used: 7Gypsies and Carolee's Creations patterned papers, Spellbinders 'Labels Four' dies, Tim Holtz 'Tattered Florals' dies, sentiment stamps (unknown company), StazOn 'Timber Brown' ink

Autumn colours...

2011-10-27T17:00:00.003+10:00

The theme this week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge is autumn colours - and this is the palette we are working from:

My submission is a little different this time - it's a knitted scarf that I made for my friend's birthday:

I tried some 'bobbly' fibre for the first time - and while I loved the finished effect, it wasn't all that easy to knit with, and it took me waaaaay longer than I expected! And I must admit I loved it so much that it was very hard to part with!!

Celebrating "Odd" style!

2011-10-26T20:25:00.000+10:00

My Dollie-friend Kristy is celebrating her birthday this month - HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTY!! Pop across to her blog for some amazing tutorials, product showcases and other fun stuff - the girl really knows how to host a party!

My most recent card using a Some Odd Girl image is here, and you can find the full collection of amazing Some Odd Girl images in the store HERE.

A little bit grungy

2011-10-24T00:56:00.001+10:00

I've been enjoying the Passion for Fashion challenges at Scrap Boutique over the past few weeks, and loving the chance to push myself a bit. This week it's all about grunge - a style I love but don't actually indulge in very often:

GRUNGE - A category which was made popular during the early 90's. It creates an emphasis of younger generations, exaggerated constructions, the ripped, unloved look was popular.

Colour - Could be anything. Camoflage was popular.
Lines - Unstructured, sometimes exaggerated and unusual.
Textures - Popular (natural, blend or synthetic fibers), knits or canvas, frayed hems.
Effects - Youthful, confident but sometimes impractical. Most designs died quickly.
Needs - Easy pieces, but sometimes wild and usually inexpensive.
Favourite accessory - All kinds, real or fakes, inexpensive accessories including disposables.
Note: Notice the exaggerated lines, sometimes out-of-this-world. Different styles were popularized by Madonna and Cindy Lauper in the 80's. Very artistic and sometimes unexplainable designs.

Click to enlarge

I had fun with the paper-tearing, paint and stapling. My layout focuses on thecriteria of unstructured lines and inexpensive accessories, and the overall effect of youth, confidence, and sometimes wild. The photographs were taken at the 21st Century Kids program at GOMA in Brisbane - there was a giant twin slippery slide inside the gallery foyer!

I wrote a letter to my love...

2011-10-21T01:04:00.000+10:00

This week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge the theme is Autumn. I made a card using autumn colours:

Our sponsor this week is Some Odd Girl - and I chose to showcase the adorable "Love Letter Kaylee" from the store. I also used: CTMH cardstock and paper, Echo Park 'For the Record' paper, and Cosmo Cricket alpha stickers. And I couldn't resist a little doodling too :)

The Odd Girl herself is celebrating her birthday this month - HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTY!! Pop across to her blog for some amazing tutorials, product showcases and other fun stuff.

I'm submitting my card at:
# Simon Says ~ Nursery rhyme (A-tisket, A-tasket)

Elegant?

2011-10-18T23:32:00.000+10:00

I don't really consider myself an "elegant" scrapper so last week's Passion for Fashion challenge at Scrap Boutique stretched me a bit. The layout was based on a provided sketch, and was inspired by the criteria:

ELEGANT This style includes expensive designer's reproduction, but should not be misunderstood as "haute" or high fashion.
Colour ~ Unusual, muted solid colors (gray, black and white)
Lines ~ Mostly uncomplicated and well fitted (Chanel type)
Textures ~ Fabrics, usually expensive materials.
Effects ~ Very refined, status and executive-looking.
Needs ~ Semi custom-made or altered to fit.
Favorite Accessory ~ Coordinated and matching real gold and diamond accessories.
Note: Notice the emphasis on the uncomplicated, well fitted status look.

I made the flowers myself :)

Shaping up

2011-10-13T16:54:00.000+10:00

This week at C.R.A.F.T. there's another recipe challenge. Usually I struggle with these ones, but this week I really enjoyed myself and found it came together quickly:

The recipe is:
* 1 ribbon - I used some wrinkled ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique
* 2 shapes - two shaped journalling pages (Making Memories)
* some glitter - glitter alphabet letters (American Crafts "Bliss" Thickers)

I also used: Lily Bee 'Picket Fence' paper, Prima flowers and Bella rhinestones.

It's a fairly basic layout, but I wanted to keep it simple to keep the focus on the photograph.

I'm entering my layout at:
# Papertake Weekly ~ Get in Shape
# Dream Valley ~ Monochrome

The J-girl scraps!

2011-10-09T15:01:00.002+10:00

It's been a while since she sat down and focussed on something - but today she found an old photograph of Ella (our guinea pig) and decided to do a layout.

This is her page - I think it's fabulous!

She raided my older stuff and used: Dream Street paper, striped ribbon (unk), buttons from my habby stash, fabric flowers. She made the title herself by cutting out WordArt letters and colouring with a watercolour pencil.

Jazi is entering her page at:
# Glitter Geeks ~ Flower power
# Papertake Weekly ~ Anything Goes
# My Mum's Craft Shop ~ All Creatures Great and Small

Going Casual

2011-10-08T15:27:00.000+10:00

Another layout this week, inspired by the Passion for Fashion criteria at Scrap Boutique...

CASUAL - This category includes jeans, Tshirts, feeling at-home, feeling comfortable.
Colour - Any!! Colour is not an issue (brights, pastels, earth tones)
Lines - Unstructured, simple, and easy.
Textures - Popular (natural, blend or synthetic fibers).
Effects - Easy-going, athletic, unpretentious and simple.
Needs - Easy care, home atmosphere and comfortable.
Favorite Accessory - Flip Flops, joggers, basic accessories, including disposables.
Note: Notice the easy-going features and UNSTRUCTURED lines.

Here's my layout - I made a double 8"x8":

Click to enlarge

I used: Basic Grey 'Urban Couture - Cashmere' paper, American Crafts vinyl Thickers, Heidi Swapp journalling spots 'Ledger2'. All the rest is non-commercial stuff - denim from some old jeans, muslin gauze cut from a triangular bandage, buttons, and a broken hairclip:

I'm entering my layout at:
# Hooked on Craft ~ Anything but a card

Is it...

2011-10-06T19:21:00.000+10:00

too bright? This week at C.R.A.F.T. the theme is 'bright colours', and this is my contribution:

It was a little tricky to photograph because the shiny cardstock kept reflecting back at me no matter what I tried! I used the brightest paper in my stash - one of my last remaining scraps of Cosmo Cricket 'DeLovely', and the brightest ribbon (May Arts). The white cardstock is inked with Versacube 'Pink Petal'. The adorable image is 'Little Art Mouse' from our sponsor, Meljen's Designs.

I'm entering my card at:
# Craft Your Passion ~ Anything goes (with ribbon)
# Simon Says ~ Sparkle - I used American Crafts pearl cardstock

A little bit Western

2011-10-02T17:56:00.002+10:00

Another week of the Scrap Boutique Passion for Fashion challenge, and this time the theme is WESTERN. The criteria states:

The opposite of conservative. Clothes are reduced from the feminine emphasis.

Colour - Earth tones are favourites.
Lines - Durable, simple, easy and comfortable.
Textures - Natural fibres, basic denim, thick and old-fashioned.
Effects - Tough, strong, manly.
Favourite Accessory - Big is better, cowboy leather boots and thick belt buckles.
Note: Notice the emphasis of earth tone colors

This is my interpretation:

Click to enlarge

I had heaps of fun with this layout - I painted a piece of corrugated cardboard (Kaiserpaint 'lime green') and cut a piece from some old jeans. for the background. I keep a box in the shed with fabric oddments, including several pairs of old jeans (which I kept for patching our current jeans, LOL!). I had to rummage to find it... The denim is held in place with strategically placed staples, hidden under the flowers (Petaloo) and other elements. The buckle has been in my stash for at least 5 years - I hardly ever use metal embies these days and I had to rummage to find my box of metal bits too ;) I painted and inked it to take away the original shiny copper colour.

What else? Alphas are from October Afternoon and journalling spot is from Jillibean Soup. The little label sticker is from a small sheet I was given; my best guess is Scenic Route, but I'm not sure?? The mesh and jute flower were both RAK's from kind friends - I know the flower was from Melissa, but the mesh - no idea!!

Some more girliness...

2011-09-30T21:18:00.002+10:00

After finishing this layout, I was in a girly kind of mood, and keen to make another pink one. I was inspired by the colours in this gorgeous picture from Cupcake Inspirations:

This one is a double using some delicious Echo Park 'Life is Good' papers:

Click to enlarge

I made two paper flowers (box folded) and one felt flower with pinched petals and a button in the middle:

I also used: Green Tara 7cm flower, (no idea what brand the big one is!) American Crafts 'Dear Lizzy' Glitter Thickers "Bliss".

I'm entering my layout at:
# Berry7Bleu ~ Pink and mint + three handmade flowers
# Kaboodle Doodles ~ Pretty Doily
# Paper Sundaes ~ Anything Goes

Celebrating 49...

2011-09-29T19:17:00.000+10:00

I didn't get any really nice photographs this year for P's birthday - actually, only one shot turned out. As a scrapper, I must admit I'm guilty of procrastination when it comes to photographs I'm not happy with - silly, I know.

It should be all about capturing the memories, not showcasing a perfect photograph. So, I got motivated this week to print out a few 'not so perfect' photographs and I started scrapping.

I started with this inspiration photo at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge this week:

Focussing on the orange balloons, I went with a birthday theme, and scrapped this layout:

Almost everything I used is from We R Memory Keepers 'Fiesta' collection - kindly given to me by my friend Melissa. Mel - it took me a while, but I finally used some of those papers!! The only extras are the foam Thickers from American Crafts, and the May Arts red gingham ribbon.

I'm submitting my layout at:
# Celebrate the Occasion ~ Use ribbon
# Deep Ocean ~ Happy birthday

Another Lily Bee layout

2011-09-28T19:20:00.003+10:00

I've been using more Lily Bee - I *love* these papers! My Craft Spot wants to see ribbon, and I based my on a sketch at Pixie Dust Paperie:

Edited 29/9: My friend Roxy suggested I enter my layout at Seriously Creative Challenges this month - where the criteria is: 1 ribbon (May Arts gingham); at least 2 embellishments (Prima flowers, buttons, pin, Jillibean Soup journalling card); 3 patterned papers (Lily Bee 'Picket Fence' x2, Making Memories 'Noteworthy' page x1).

A little conservative...

2011-09-25T21:21:00.001+10:00

This week's brief at Scrap Boutique "Passion for Fashion" was CONSERVATIVE (feminine/demure).

Colours - Pastel, soft blends, muted rainbows.
Lines - Simple flows, rounded curves and semi- fitted.
Textures - Light, flowing, lace,usually old-fashioned small print.
Effects - Fragile, soft, charming, innocent and very feminine.
Favourite Accessory - Very simple accessories, sometimes diamond accessories.
Note: Notice the simple accessories, its pastel colours and rounded lines.

This is how I interpretted the criteria:

Click to enlarge

My favourite bits are the yo-yo flowers, which I made myself, and the organza ribbons:

I'm also submitting my layout at:
# Crafty Ribbons ~ Anything Goes ~ I used pale pink satin-edged organza ribbons

A Passion for Fashion - Week 2

2011-09-18T17:48:00.001+10:00

Week 2 of the Scrap Boutique 'Passion for Fashion' challenge, was all about being dramatic...

My layout:

How I interpretted the criteria:

DRAMATIC(Theatrical) This style creates a glamorous and glitzy impact.
Colour: Strong, vivid, and contrasting (black is a favourite).
I chose a black background (Core'dinations 'Nightfall') and contrasted with red.
Lines: Severe, sharp and unusually asymmetrical. Bold and often overwhelmingly fitted with open slits.
I think the second statement describes Betty's usual attire! But I grabbed onto the idea of sharp lines, and I created an asymmetrical stitched border with both straight and zigzag stitches.
Textures: Rare and trendy.
I tried to mix up the textures a bit.
Effects: Confident, chic, sexy and catchy.
Betty Boop's persona captures the first three, and her theme song and signature phrase are catchy :)
Needs: Custom-made or altered to fit.
I made a silver 'spotlight' and I added a line of brads to the black matt to mimic the look of a film strip.
Favourite Accessory: Bold statement, usually metallic.
I chose silver for the accessories, and also a glittery title (American Crafts Thickers).
Note: Notice the fit, its impact and its open slits. Sometimes open back design or see-through materials are used.
I used lace for the see-though element

Other products: Cosmo Cricket 'Circa 1934' papers - I chose these to match the era of Betty Boop :) The flowers are Bella (red) and Petaloo (black). The little journalling pin is from my2angels, and was a RAK from my friend Melissa. Thank you xx

Owl Love

2011-09-15T21:16:00.000+10:00

It's recipe time at C.R.A.F.T Challenge this week and I always seem to struggle with these ones. Probably because I tend to overthink the criteria and then get a mental block... anyway, I pulled out my scraps folder and just started shuffling bits around, and then I found a card sketch that would work, and this card happened:

The recipe? Three squares (which I layered on top of each other), two ribbons, and one circle (the button). On top of it all is the adorable 'Owl Love' image from our sponsor, Bows and Berries.

I used scraps from Crate Paper 'Crush' range, and printed the owl onto a scrap of MME. The fabric is from a pack of Junkitz swatches I found in the bottom of a box last week! The button is from American Crafts (I only know that because it was still in the blister pack) but I have no idea what brand of ribbons they are...

I'm submitting my card at:
# Frosted Designs ~ Card sketch
# Papertake Weekly ~ Things with wings

A new favourite

2011-09-13T19:15:00.001+10:00

Fickle, fickle, fickle... my favourites constantly change. I can't decide on a favourite colour - it's different every week. I can't decide on a favourite food - it depends on my mood. Same with favourite clothes. Favourite papercrafts company - almost impossible! Right now, it's Lily Bee Designs. My last few layouts have been created using the 'Picket Fence' collection and I just love how easily the papers coordinate. So... here's another one:

I'm joining in these challenges:
# The Paper Variety ~ Favourite papercrafts company
I used Lily Bee papers, alphabet stickers and cardstock sticker all from the 'Picket Fence' collection.
# Scrap Lounge ~ September technique ~ Paper tearing and scrunching
# Craft Your Days Away ~ Make your own flowers
The large flower is made from a scrunched up paper doiley

Haute Couture?

2011-09-12T01:18:00.000+10:00

My scrap-mojo needs a serious kickstart, so Passion for Fashion 2011 at Scrap Boutique couldn't have come at a better time for me:

Week 1 was all about 'Haute Couture'. I know next to nothing about high fashion, but what's fabulous about the challenge is that the criteria can be interpretted however you like!

My layout:

My take on the criteria:

Colours - Unusual and rare

Orange, yellow and terracotta - unusual and rarely to everyone's taste, I'm sure, but it worked for me :D

Lines - Unusually layered, fitted to suit, very specific individual taste

I have five layers, not counting the photograph or the base cardstock. The mix of patterns are individual to my eclectic taste.
Textures - Unusual and rare
I used a mesh bag that came with my lemons! Other textures are the tulle, damask and felt letters. Rare? Well, the damask swatch is from a Junkitz collection and since the company went bankrupt a few years back it's pretty rare now, LOL!

Effect - One-of-a-kind, very unique

Not sure if I achieved this?

Needs of customer - Custom-made, designer's originals
I made my own custom background by ModPodging the glittered tulle to the cardstock.

Favourite Accessory - Coordinated, matching and custom made pieces

The flowers are custom made by me from the same tulle as the background.

The flowers are my favourite part - I had fun making them and deciding how I would use them on the page:

I think I covered all of the criteria except for "expensive" - but I did invest a lot of time in the layout and I do have lots of gold flecks in the tulle!

And most importantly I had a lot of fun with it, used up some more older stash, and got another photograph onto the page.

The miracle of the moment

2011-09-11T16:28:00.002+10:00

I've been playing with Lily Bee papers again! During the July school holidays we took a day trip to O'Reilly's, putting our little soft-roader through its paces on a local 4WD only road. It was a fun day out, with gorgeous scenery, brisk weather and some quality family time together. One of the highlights was the Treetop Walk and climb to the top of the observation deck 30m (110ft) off the ground. I took some lovely photographs throughout the day, but these ones of Jasmine reaching the upper deck were my favourites. She was so nervous, but also so proud that she climbed all the way to the top:

My layout was created with the following challenges in mind:
# Scrapping Everyday Miracles ~ Miracle of the moment
# The Paper Variety ~ Favourite photographs
# Frosted Designs ~ Sketch-Along Tuesday

My first Lily Bee

2011-09-10T22:30:00.004+10:00

I have to admit, I've never used any Lily Bee products before. But after receiving some Lilybee 'Picket Fence' papers, stickers and alphas in my Scrap Pile design kit this month I think I have found a new favourite! Fickle me, I have lots of favourites!! I found it very easy to put together some layouts using mostly product from a single collection.

This is the first layout I created, with a few little Prima 'Essentials' and a Little Yellow Bicycle journalling card to mix it up a bit:

I based my layout on the sketch I designed for Scrap Pile this month:

Digital credits: 'BnW Grunge' papers by Toucan Scraps; journalling card ('Daily Planner') by Michelle Underwood; 'Feed the Birds' paper flakes by Dianne Rigdon

I'm entering my layout at:
# The Paper Variety ~ Monochromatic
# Lime Tree Creations ~ August/September
The gorgeous lime green doiley is made by Becci at Lime Tree Creations.

For a child...

2011-09-08T18:18:00.001+10:00

The daughter of a special friend is turning 6 this week, so I made a card and decorated a little (store-bought) plastic case full of little-girl trinkets:

The timing was just perfect too, because this week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge it's all about children - any project for a child or featuring a child can be entered. The cute digital image I used on my card is called Balloon Leah, generously provided by our sponsor, Whimsie Doodles.

I also used: American Crafts 'Vanilla' cardstock, BoBunny 'Jazmyne' paper and alphabet stickers, American Crafts 'Dear Lizzy' paper (for the paper piecing), Martha Stewart border punch, and a few assorted flowers from my stash.

I'm submitting my card at:
# Crop Suey ~ Numbers
# The Stamping Boutique ~ Birthday
# Raise the Bar ~ Paper Piecing
# The Paper Variety ~ Use stamps

I'm submitting the decorated case at:
# Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes (with flowers)

Jasmine's card

2011-09-04T03:05:00.000+10:00

The J-girl has been using up my scraps to create some cards. This one is a thank you card, using a butterfly punch:

Jasmine is submitting her card at:
# Creative Card Crew ~ Anything Goes
# Cute Card Thursday ~ A pinch and a punch

A bit sketchy

2011-09-01T17:15:00.007+10:00

I really enjoyed making a quick and easy card for C.R.A.F.T. Challenge this week ~ it's a sketch challenge and the fabulous, versatile sketch was designed by Kevin, who was previously on the DT with us. Here's my card:

I used an image called 'Top Hat for a Lady' from our generous sponsor, Floppy Latte Designs. I also used: Kraft cardstock, Spellbinders 'Blossom' diecut, Basic Grey 'Black Tie' and Echo Park 'For the Record' papers, Bella flower and Making Memories metal flower (shows how old some of my stash is!!)

This is also for:
# Simon Says ~ Anything Goes

Butterfly Garden

2011-08-28T21:26:00.001+10:00

It's been a while since I posted any Scrap Pile layouts. These are some layouts I completed in July, featuring Pink Paislee 'Butterfly Garden' papers, but due to some computer issues I couldn't open a whole bunch of image files. To make matters worse, I couldn't find my original layouts to re-photograph them. This weekend I found them - safely filed away in a pizzabox which had fallen down the back of my desk!

The first one is for the August technique challenge - to use chipboard on a layout. There's still time to enter this challenge - it's EASY, and we don't usually get a lot of entries, so the odds of a prize win are pretty good too ;) I used Dusty Attic 'Park Bench' - when it arrived in my kit I was a bit stumped. It's beautiful but I didn't know how I would use it. Turns out it was just perfect for this photograph:

The next two are super simple - with lots of roses ~

The last one is another from the same series of photographs:

Now that I've found these again, I've filed them into the album they were intended for - Mother's Day 2011. Tthis album is still a work in progress - I have a few more photographs remaining.

Colour Fiesta

2011-08-25T17:00:00.014+10:00

This week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge it's all about the colour palette:

I delved into my old stash and found some Creative Imaginations (turquoise) and K&Company (pink) papers, and I also rediscovered some chipboard shapes that I picked up at the Scrapbook Expo years ago. This is what I came up with:

I also used: Bella journalling card, Rouge de Garance felt alpha stickers, flowers from Prima, Green Tara, Bazzill and a few others I don't remember!

This layout is also for:
# Creative Craft ~ Anything but a card
# Tuesday Throwdown ~ Dimension and texture
Chipboard for dimension, felt alphas and a mix of flowers for the texture

Another 1000 sheets...

2011-08-23T19:55:00.000+10:00

Holy dooley... Amy is giving away another mountain of patterned paper!! Not only is she an amazing paper crafter and stamp designer ~ this amazing giveaway shows just how generous she is too :) Fingers crossed!!

Resisting...

2011-08-18T17:00:00.001+10:00

I have to be honest and admit that I really struggled with this week's theme at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge It's all about 'resist technique' - and despite the endless round of tutorials and demonstrations that I viewed online, I found it very difficult to come up with a result I was happy with. Part of my problem was inexperience, and part of my problem was my limited stamping supplies (I don't consider myself a 'stamper' in any sense at all!!) This is what I settled on:

What I did ~
1> I stamped then heat-embossed the yellow flowers onto pale lemon cardstock. (Making Memories foam stamp from one of the alphabet sets)
2> I painted over the top with two different Twinkling H20's colours (Pink Cloud and Vanilla Bean)
3> I added everything else once the background was dry

The image is from Sew Many Digital Stamps, our generous sponsor this week. Please pay our sponsor a visit and also link across to Stryder's List while you're there.

I'm submitting my card at:
# The Ribbon Girl ~ Use ribbon
This ribbon has been in my stash for years - it is from the Maya Road 'Soho' collection
# Paper Playtime ~ Anything Goes

Crafty Ribbons

2011-08-13T00:25:00.001+10:00

My online friend Mandy shared some news about Crafty Ribbons and their new challenge blog, which is launching in September. To celebrate, they are hosting a fun giveaway, and they are also seeking a design team. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

So... This is where I'm sharing some of my favourite 'ribbon or lace' projects that I've created this year - each of these can be clickety-clicked to enlarge:

It was hard to choose my overall favourites so I went with three cards and three layouts :)

A little gift

2011-08-11T21:36:00.001+10:00

This week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge the theme is Gifts. I kept it super simple and made a few little 'candy wrappers' with a little giftcard. This is the story ~ my daughter went on a week-long school excursion to Canberra, by bus. She took some spending money with her, but I didn't want her to spend it all on snacks, so I sent along a little care package of her favourite muesli bars. I wrapped them individually, and gave her two for the first part of the trip, and I hid the rest in her suitcase so she would find them later (and not eat the whole box on the first day!!)

The image is called Sailing, Sailing from our sponsor, Robyn's Fetish - coloured with watercolour pencils.

I used: Gin-X paper, Martha Stewart 'Lattice Arch' border punch, Basic Grey 'Two Scoops' patterned paper (for the card)

I'm entering my project at these challenges - popular theme this week!
# Deep Ocean ~ Sea
# CES Challenge ~ Water it
# By the Cute and Girly ~ Sea

Loving red...

2011-08-10T20:39:00.001+10:00

I made another 'Thank You' card... this one for my Zumba instructor. (The water bottle is a kind of in-joke between us.)

I used: Bazzill cardstock, Cosmo Cricket alpha stickers, Green Tara flower, Robyn's Fetish image - coloured digitally

I'm entering my card at:
# Allsorts ~ Red
# Lollipop Crafts ~ Monochromatic
# Cute Card Thursday ~ No designer paper

Another thank you

2011-08-07T13:26:00.000+10:00

I really enjoyed making my gift wrapper yesterday, so I made another one today. This one is a 'Thank you' for my yoga instructor:

Why all the 'thank you' things lately? It's nice to let people know you appreciate them not for something *special* they did, but for what they do for you every time you see them :) It's so nice to bring a smile to someone's day. I've got a few other people on my gratitude list this month... and a few other projects in mind.

I used: Echo Park 'Walk in the Park' papers and element card, Prairie Bird Boutique wrinkled ribbon, Studio 18 rhinestone, Bazzill Bitty flower (white), unk silk flower (yellow), Fiskars 'Threading Water' border punch.

I'm submitting my project at:
# One Stop Craft ~ Sentimental
# Papertake Weekly ~ Anything Goes

I also want to say thank you to Really Reasonable Ribbon for the lovely prize I received in the mail:

Thank you

2011-08-06T21:02:00.002+10:00

Thank you to the lovely players in my little giveaway. The correct answer was "Seven Little Australians" and if you've never read it, I totally recommend it you seek it out and read it at least once:

The winner, by random draw, is... MERRY. I'll be getting to the post office some time next week.

And another 'Thank you' - this is a little gift wrapper I made for one of my gym instructors:

I used: Cherry Arte 'Party Days' and Cloud 9 ' Chocolate Swirl' papers, October Afternoon journalling sticker, Kaisercraft Tiny Alphabet stickers, Studio 18 rhinestones, Bumblebee Crafts flower, recycled twill ribbon

I'm submitting the gift wrapper for these challenges:
# Sarah Hurley Challenge ~ Punch It
Martha Stewart border punch and My Memories butterfly punch
# Scrapalicious ~ Anything but a card
# Crafty Cardmakers ~ Flutterbies

Anniversary Wishes

2011-08-04T18:40:00.001+10:00

It's my wedding anniversary next week so the timing of this week's 'Anniversary' theme at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge was just perfect for me! We don't usually exchange anniversary gifts, so I just made a woven heart "basket" (sans-handle) and filled it with my husband's current favourite lollies. (And because there's lollies involved, he will even forgive the PINKness, I'm sure...)

The image is from our generous sponsor 2Cute Rubber Stamps (mine is the digi version). The kitten is printed on Basic Grey 'Two Scoops -Very Berry Sundae' paper and coloured with watercolour pencils. I used Basic Grey 'Stella Ruby' paper and pink Bazzill cardstock for the heart, and inked the edges with Colorbox fluid chalk. The flowers are Heidi Swapp (pink) and Bumblebee Crafts (lemon).

I first came across woven hearts like this many, many years ago at a Guide camp, when some Danish Girl Scouts taught me how to make them (they also made them with ribbon, which looked amazing). They are very easy to make even without a template, but I must admit I had to do an internet search to refresh my memory about how to start them off. There are hundreds of tutorials out there but one of my favourite finds was: http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2009/01/woven-hearts-modernizing-classic.html

I'm submitting my project at:
# Craft Your Passion ~ Anything Goes
# Stamping' for the Weekend ~ Paws for Thought
# Challenge up your Life ~ Anniversary

Fairytales

2011-07-28T17:21:00.000+10:00

I had a lot of fun with this week's theme at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge, inspired by fairytales. I made a card which features the 'Shoe' image from our sponsor, Glitterbabe's. The prize this week is a $10 voucher to spend in Stef's shop.

Here's the inside (and the punch line...)

And of course I can't resist sharing a little detail shot, for a better look at the bling:

I used: Basic Grey 'Two Scoops - Very Berry Sundae' patterned paper, Glitz Designs gems, Kindy Glitz (pink), and a skerrick of pale pink ribbon from my stash.

I'd like to enter my card in the following challenges:
# Less is More ~ Button or Ribbon
# Clear it Out Tuesdays ~ Anything Goes
# Top Tip Tuesday ~ Make it Girlie

My tip: If you don't own a digital editing program, it's easy to make your own sentiment using WordArt - you can mix up the fonts using multiple text boxes, then resize and move them around to suit the size and style of your card. I made my own sentiment for this card :)

Thank you!

2011-07-21T20:56:00.002+10:00

This week at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge our theme is "Thank you, Teacher". I've gone shabby again - I'm still loving Kraft and book pages and stitching!

Click to enlarge

I used "Audrey's Books" from our sponsor, The Stamping Boutique - such a wonderful, versatile digital image.

I made the apple myself from some felt scraps, and hand-stitched the sentiment and accents.

I'm entering my card at:
# Kraft Journal ~ My Favourite Things
Two favourite things - hand stitching, and books. I love reading!
# Allsorts ~ Free & Easy
# Stamping Boutique ~ July

**** PS - To say "THANK YOU" to my blog visitors I'm having a little blog candy giveaway ****

I will include some vintage goodies, some red ribbon as pictured and some handmade felt apples, similar to the one in the photograph. No picture yet, because I'm still stitching madly to make a little set of matching embellishments for the winner.

To enter, please reply on this post with your best guess about the title of the top book in the picture! (The bottom one is 'Heidi' by Johanna Spyri.) Hint: The story was originally published in the 1890's...

You can post on your sidebar if you want, but it's not required. And I will never ask anyone to become a blog follower - if you do, I want it to be entirely voluntary with no ulterior motives involved! Every visitor is welcome to join in and your guess doesn't have to be correct in order to go into the draw :) I will keep this open until 31st July.

Butterfly, butterfly

2011-07-14T19:44:00.001+10:00

Gosh, Thursdays seem to come around so fast! This week at CRAFT Challenge the theme is 'Butterflies' and I had lots of ideas about what to create. In the end I decided on another shabby chic card; I'm really enjoying playing around with this style:

The fussy-cut images are from Floppy Latte Designs Butterfly Dreams set. I also used: Kraft cardstock, Cuttlebug 'Daisy Design' EF, a motif from Pink Paislee 'Butterfly Garden' paper, Prima 'Essentials 9' flowers, Prairie Bird Boutique wrinkled ribbon.

I'm entering my card at:
# By the Cute and Girly ~ Things with wings
# Bows'n'Berries ~ Kraft
# Lollipops Crafts ~ Anything Goes
# Simon Says ~ Anything Goes

Top Tip Tuesday - GDT

2011-07-13T12:48:00.000+10:00

Here is my second project for Top Tip Tuesday. This week it's a sketch challenge and you can choose from two different sketches - check it out HERE.

I made a layout this week - loving the opportunity to get a few more photos scrapped and put into albums! This one is another 8x8 for my Mother's Day 2011 album:

I'm also entering my layout at:
# Cupcake Craft ~ Favourites ~ Challenge 135 (Flowers for Mum)

Finally, another layout

2011-07-12T13:20:00.002+10:00

Scrapbooking was my first love in the papercrafting world, and I really feel like something is missing when I can't find the time to sit down and scrap my photographs. Cardmaking fills the gaps, but I just don't feel the same creative spark. So I relished the opportunity to create some layouts this week.

My process for this one was simple (and not at all technical). I grabbed a sheet of Kraft cardstock and some bits and pieces from one corner of my embarrassingly-messy scrap desk, added my photographs, some flowers and a journalling stamp... voila:

Click to enlarge

I used: Kraft cardstock, Basic Grey paper, Cosmo Cricket 'Earth Love - Borders', Green Tara flowers.

# Kraft Journal ~ Something Borrowed, Something Blue
~ the pleated paper strip was a RAK from my friend Melissa.
~ lots of blue!
# Simon Says ~ A Stitch in Time
~ The stamp is from the 'Memo' set by Kelly Panacci, stamped on watercolour paper with fluid chalk.
# Lollipop Craft ~ Anything Goes
# Scrapalicious ~ Challenge 10 - Turquoise

Edited 21/7: I was one of the 'Top 3' at Scrapalicious for this layout, and I can wear this cute blinkie:

Feeling Artastic

2011-07-10T00:12:00.001+10:00

This month at Scrap Pile it's my turn to present the sketch challenge. Here's my sketch:

Digital credits:
Papers and flowers: Ami Collofello 'Inspired' (retired kit)
Bird: Anita Stergiou 'Brand New Day' (retired kit)
Journalling card: Stacy Marks 'Courtship' (2 peas, free kit)

I used my sketch to create a layout for this months challenge, inspired by this picture at Artastic:

And my layout:

Click to enlarge

I went with the red theme and the portrait (my daughter). It's not exactly a hat, but it is a head-accessory ~ hopefully that's close enough for the challenge :)

I used: Cosmo Cricket (red) and American Crafts (black & white) papers for the background; Echo Park 'For the Record' paper offcuts and journalling card; Green Tara and Kaisercraft flowers; American Craft foam Thickers; Making Memories alpha stickers; Doodlebug spotty buttons; white Signo gel pen. The little bit of white is the school flyer about the disco ~ I've tucked it in behind the spotted paper.

Another little box

2011-07-07T20:00:00.003+10:00

At C.R.A.F.T. Challenge this week our theme is 'Boxes'. I made a pyramid box, and I also made a matching card:

I used the Dungarees Printable Gift Box template from our sponsor Toucan Scraps. I altered the colour a little by reducing the opacity so the lighter colour cardstock would show through. I secured ribbon to the box using double-sided tape and the bow holds the flap closed.

The tags are made using an image from the Everyday Sentiments set by JLJ Designs - who was our May sponsor at CRAFT Challenge. The only colour I added was a bit of white to the flower border, using watercolour pencil (with no water). The tags are both mounted onto silk gerberas from Bumblebee Crafts.

I'm submitting my project at:
# One Stop Craft ~ Tags
# Dream Valley ~ Ribbon
I used spotted grosgrain ribbon from American Craft
# Papertake Weekly ~ Anything goes
# Everybody Art ~ Shapes

I'm submitting just the card at:
# Quirky Crafts ~ No patterned paper
I embossed the background with Cuttlebug 'Daisy Design' EF

Prima, Prima, Prima

2011-07-06T17:48:00.001+10:00

Totally delicious... yet again!

July's PPP is filled with gorgeous reds, whites, and blues! Prima has a wonderful selection to help you get your freedom-loving projects done up in style.

Guest designing at Top Tip Tuesday

2011-07-05T21:49:00.002+10:00

I was so excited when Leanne offered me the chance to be a guest designer at Top Tip Tuesday. I love the variety of challenges and of course, the wonderful tips from the DT and participants each week. This week the theme is Wedding/Anniversary, and I made an anniversary card:

And a little closeup:

I think they forgot to add my project up on the blog... but anyways, I had lots of fun making it.

I've always struggled a bit with shabby style and I've been playing around a lot lately to get a better feel for it. I'm really happy with how this came together. I used: Kraft cardstock, Pink Paislee 'Butterfly Garden' paper, Prima 'Essentials 9' flowers, Jo Sonja's paint.

I'm entering my card at:
# Frosted Designs ~ Going vintage
# Allsorts ~ Free and easy
# Craft Your Days Away ~ Vintage
# Lollipops Crafts ~ Anything Goes

Butterflies and other small wonders

2011-06-30T20:30:00.001+10:00

Over at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge this week we are sponsored by The Crafty Pad and I was very fortunate to be given Butterflies with Verse and Borders to create with. The theme is Gardening ~ and I used one of my favourite quotes from Alfred, Lord Tennyson:

I printed the quote directly onto smooth cardstock, and kept the design simple to keep the focus on the butterflies, which I printed onto photopaper and coloured with Twinkling H2O's 'Summer Breeze'. I added some Kaisercraft Rhinestone Strips to finish it off. And something different for me ~ I added some extra butterflies to the inside as well:

This is also for:
# Paper Sundaes ~ Gems and wings
# Truly Scrumptions ~ Things with wings

Moving on to some other little miracles of nature - I was enthralled by these tiny toadstools which I saw at Mount Tamborine last month. They are only about an inch high and the prettiest shade of orange. I couldn't resist scrapping this photograph with Cosmo Cricket 'Earth Love' paper - finally my decision to 'wait for just the right layout' has been vindicated!

This one is for:
# Scrapping Everyday Miracles ~ Use paint and type-written journalling
I used Jo Sonya 'Titanium' acrylic paint for the background, and 'Courier' font for the journalling
# Tip Top Tuesday ~ T is for ~ 'tiny' and 'toadstools'

Sunshine

2011-06-27T21:46:00.002+10:00

I love the Design Dollies Trifecta challenge - mostly because it always takes me out of my comfort zone and makes me think :)

This week I found it a little easier than most - the colour palette (orange, yellow, white, aqua blue) matches the elements requirement (summer) so perfectly, so it was just a matter of choosing what project to make with the sketch. I made a sunshine-y card which hopefully brings a smile to the recipient:

I used: Kraft cardstock (never get tired of this stuff!!), Sassafras Lass papers and diecut sticker, Green Tara mesh, satin ribbon and satin flower.

I'm submitting my card at:
# Southern Girls ~ Anything goes
# Shopping Our Stash ~ Tools of the trade
I used my Cuttlebug and my favourite embossing folder ('Swiss Dots) and also my sewing machine to do some zigzag stitching around the papers.
# Papertake Weekly ~ Here comes the sun
# Sketches in Thyme ~ Open challenge
I used my own sketch which I created for the Design Dollies

A teacup and a recipe

2011-06-23T18:00:00.005+10:00

Thursday again, and it's C.R.A.F.T. Challenge day :) This week it's all about a following a recipe. I always procrastinate with recipe challenges, but it's also a good feeling when it all comes together! So... the recipe is:
~ one tag
~ two circles
~ three squares or rectangles (I used rectangles)

My card is for a dear friend who is currently bed-ridden following an accident, and I'm hoping it brings a smile to her face:

The image is from our generous sponsor, Louby Loo at Digital Delights - I printed it on Kraft cardstock and coloured with watercolour pencils. I also used: paper offcuts from Bella, Basic Grey 'Origins' and Dream Street 'Tea for Two', Prima flower, American Crafts button, October Afternoon alpha sticker, DMC embroidery thread and Stazon ink.

I'm submitting my card at:
# Secret Crafter ~ Something from around the house
# Creative Inspirations ~ Stitching
# Kaboodle Doodles ~ Food and drink

A little bit sketchy

2011-06-20T20:35:00.001+10:00

Monday again, and it's Design Dollies time! This week it's sketch week. Here's the sketch:

And here's my 8x8 layout:

Click to enlarge

It's yet another one from Mother's Day 2011- still working my way through a heap of lovely photographs from that wonderful day! Be sure to check out the blog to see what my fellow Dollies have created too.

I'm entering my layout at:
# Frosted Designs ~ Use journalling cards
I used a journalling spot (artisan shape) by Bella! and a journalling sticker from October Afternoon.
# The Paper Variety ~ Mixed alphas
I used American Crafts 'Niki Riki' Thickers and Cosmo Cricket 'Tiny Type' alpha stickers

I also used: Papers from October Afternoon 'Cherry Hill', Cosmo Cricket 'Garden Variety', Kaisercraft 'Flutterby', Prima flowers

Another Mother's Day layout, this time based on the June sketch at Show Us Your Stuff:

Click to enlarge

My "something handmade" for the challenge criteria is the pair of devine pink crocheted flowers from Lime Tree Creations. I also used: lots of ribbon scraps; papers from Cosmo Cricket 'Nutmeg', American Craft 'Dear Lizzy' and Kaisercraft 'Flutterby'; Prima 'Essentials' flowers; Rouge de Garance felt alpha stickers; unk alpha stickers from a RAK; buttons from my stash.

I'm entering my layout at:
# Lime Tree Creations ~ Winter
# Scrap Boutique ~ Inspired by winter

Circles

2011-06-19T20:00:00.004+10:00

I'm not a tidy scrapper. My desk is... well, I know I've got a desk under that mess. It's there somewhere. I've had a pile of Echo Park offcuts on my scrap desk for months. Months. This weekend I was determined to use some more of my scraps. (Use them up, so I don't need to find somewhere to put them...) I didn't quite use up all of the offcuts, but I reduced the pile :) I also used a really old sheet of Cosmo Cricket paper from the Wonderland range.

This layout was inspired by Sonia's Stash Stomper Challenge at Scrap Boutique:

Click to enlarge

Sonia wants to see something that gives us 'warm fuzzies' (Jazi's smile, and New Year fireworks), stamping (I used my Kaisercraft 'Flora and Fauna' set), mixed alphas, and at least four of the same kind of embellishment (I used flowers - Green Tara and Kaisercraft).

This layout is also for:
# Frosted Designs ~ Use journalling cards
I used a journalling card from Echo Park
# Challenge Up Your Life ~ Circles
I cut a large circle from a half-sheet of Echo Park patterned paper, and it's got lots of large polka dots on it too. I made a spotty title, and added a few buttons too.

Little Fairy

2011-06-16T18:00:00.003+10:00

The challenge at C.R.A.F.T. this week is to use stitching - one of my favourite things to do!

I used an image from the 'Ella Collection' by our sponsor AiFactory, and I made a little birthday card for my workmate's daughter:

I also used: Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey 'Romani' and Kaisercraft 'Flutterby' papers, American Crafts foam Thickers number, Distress Stickles 'Worn Lipstick', Green Tara flower, May Arts gingham ribbon

I'm entering my card at:
# Frosted Designs ~ Stitching
# Emerald Faeries ~ Petals
# Digital Tuesday ~ Gingham

Blooming late!

2011-06-13T22:28:00.000+10:00

I mean to upload this last Monday!! I thought I'd scheduled but just realised I had a typo in the date (2012 instead of 2011, silly girl)

This was my creation for the Design Dollies June Colour Challenge. Wendi chose the devine colour combo of yellow, orange, white and aqua blue - and I had a ball playing around in my scraps folders to come up this layout:

I also had a ball with the machine stitching.

Back story: My sewing machine has been playing up for a few months, and I finally gave up and took it in to my local Janome shop a few weeks ago to see what was wrong. The lady there asked how long it had been since its last service. I gave her a blank look - I've had it since around 1996, and it belonged to my Mum for around 10 years before that... so at least 25 years, maybe longer? The lady was shocked (and made me feel really ashamed that I'd neglected my baby!!) Nothing had ever gone wrong, so it never occurred to me to have it serviced before. I handed my baby over to her care, and after a long-overdue tweaking, my Janome is running smoother than I ever believed possible!

This is the first layout I did after getting my machine back so I just HAD to play around a bit ;)

I'm entering my layout at:
# By the Cute and Girly ~ In the garden

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2011-06-09T21:22:00.002+10:00

Someone amazing is having a birthday today, so I made this a little canvas-inspired creation to honour her special day:

Some of the Design Dollies are also helping to celebrate ;)

I do have a confession to make... I made a birthday card (I haven't shared it online, so there's NO peeking!) and I mailed it on the weekend, but I'm pretty sure it won't arrive in time. SORRY. And this little project didn't make it into the package, so I'll have to send it later ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, gorgeous girl x

I'm sharing my project at:
# Getting Cricky ~ Vintage Appeal
# Scrap Fit ~ Around the house
I used - corrugated cardboard packaging, paper doiley, kitchen twine
# Sugar Creek Hollow ~ paper flowers, lace and bling
I used - Green Tara paper flowers, lace paper doiley, Kaisercraft rhinestone and glittered buttons
# Paper Sundaes ~ Let's get sentimental
I used - AdornIt alpha stickers, Basic Grey white chocolate chipboard alphas

I also used: Kaisercraft paint, 'Tiny Bubbles Tia' from Some Odd Girl

Read it...

2011-06-09T18:00:00.005+10:00

Prologue:

A chicken entered a library and walked up to the desk. It clucked, "Book, book, book, BOOK!" The librarian set a pile of four books in front of the chicken. The chicken grabbed the books and disappeared out the front door.

About an hour later, the chicken returned the books to the library and squawked, "Book, book, book, BOOK!"

The librarian wondered what the chicken was doing with these books, but since they seemed to be in fine shape, she gave the chicken four more books. The chicken zipped out the door and down the road.

Another hour passed and the librarian heard a loud "Book, book, book, BOOK!" She looked up from her work and saw the chicken back again! She gave the chicken four more books and it headed out the door.

The librarian's curiosity got the better of her, so she followed the chicken down the road for a half mile to an old farm. The chicken disappeared into a cluster of trees.

The librarian snuck up to the trees, moved some branches aside, and saw the chicken standing by a pond handing each book to a frog. The frog looked at the cover of each book and croacked,"Read It. Read It. Read It."

Time for something masculine - I don't do many masculine projects so it's always a challenge for me.

This week C.R.A.F.T. Challenge is celebrating Father's Day (in the US and UK). The challenges at this time of year always take me by surprise because in Australia we celebrate Father's Day in September... So I decided I'd make a gift for my husband's birthday instead. He's an avid reader (even more so than me, which is really saying something) with several books on the go at once, so bookmarks are always in short supply at our house!

We are sponsored this week by Some Odd Girl and I had fun creating a corner bookmark using Tobie and Buddie:

I'm submitting my project at the Some Odd Girl challenge blog for the "manly" theme.

This was my first time making a corner bookmark, so I went searching on the internet for some instructions. There are zillions of tutorials - all taking a slightly different approach. The one that inspired me most was HERE - hints and instructions for three different methods, and some fun samples and variations too.

I'm also entering my bookmark at:
# Craft Your Days Away ~ Special Man
# Papertake Weekly ~ Anything Goes

A summer card in the middle of winter

2011-06-06T20:34:00.001+10:00

Today I'm sharing another cute card that Jazi made! For this one she used an Anya stamp (from the Rain, Snow, Shine set) and a few little diecut tags from the depths of my stash:

This card is for:
# Dream Valley ~ Stamp Something
# Fairy Fun Fridays ~ Summer Fun
# CES Challenge ~ Clean and simple

J-girl's been creating!

2011-06-05T15:21:00.003+10:00

Over the past month or so, Jasmine's attention span has been almost non-existent, so card-making has been on the backburner. But this weekend she got creative and made a card for her dad's birthday (which is on Monday):

And a little detail shot to see the glitter:

This card is being submitted at:
# Kaboodle Doodles ~ Show your colours
Inspired by Australia's sporting colours of 'green and gold'.
# Cute Card Thursday ~ Embellish it
Jasmine added lots of glitter to the diecut sun
# Party Time Tuesdays ~ Anything Goes
# Craft Your Days Away ~ Special Man

A little bit of love

2011-06-02T18:00:00.005+10:00

At C.R.A.F.T. Challenge this week the theme is Weddings or Love. I have no weddings on my social calendar any time soon, so I went with the 'love' theme...

Thank you to Digi Doodle Shop, who kindly sponsored the challenge this week and provided this cute 'Love Frogs' image for me to play with! I cropped the image and moved the lily pads around a little - isn't that the beauty of digital images?

I had a lot of trouble coordinating colours this week - I tried lots of different combinations but none seemed to work. I was determined to have a green frog! (Perhaps if I had compromised on that little detail, it would have been easier ~ a pink frog probably may have been easier all round...)

This is what I did:
1> I printed the image on plain white cardstock, then die-cut around it (Spellbinders Nestabilities - 'Lacey Squares')
2> I paper-pieced the froggie (Autumn Leaves paper) and lily pads (American Crafts paper - reverse side), then added some extra colour touches with water colour pencils.
3> I mounted the die-cut on green cardstock (American Craft, from the 'Travel' kit) and mounted that onto the card background (Basic Grey 'Offbeat - Light Hearted')
4> I added ribbon to the top of the card. I couldn't find a perfect match so I chose two to (hopefully) balance each other out. (The green is from Prairie Bird Boutique and the white spotty organza is by May Arts.)
5> I didn't add a sentiment - making it suitable for various occasions.
6> I added a small amount of faux stitching and penwork around the edges.

What I didn't do but wanted to:
I really, really wanted to add a glossy medium to the lily pads, but I ran out of that too... might be an extra touch for another day!

I'm entering my card in these challenges:
# Paper Playtime ~ Digi Monday + Love
# Digital Tuesday ~ Animal Friends
# Top Tip Tuesday ~ Wrap it Up with Ribbon
My tip ~ It's fun to mix & match styles and textures of ribbons - two different styles together in a bow looks great!

Toucan Scraps

2011-06-01T23:58:00.000+10:00

Angela at Toucan Scraps kindly invited me to be a Guest Designer this month, and I am thrilled to share some projects created with her new pack, A Touch of Grunge. It's part of the 'Black n Whatever' range - the designs can be printed onto coloured paper or cardstock for a different look each time, or the files can be altered in a digital program to a custom colour to suit any project.

It's been a while since I scrapped a 100% digital layout, and I enjoyed playing with some of the digi papers from the kit:

I used three different papers from the pack - Grunge Stripe, Grunge Fine Script, and Grunge Floral Script. I coloured each of the designs in Photoshop to match my photograph.

I also used: buttons and journalling brush from the free Courtship DigiKit by Stacy Marks at 2peas in a bucket.

This is my paper project using the same kit:

No modification required for this one - I printed the Grunge Floral Script design onto coloured 8"x8" cardstock and folded the sheet to make a gift card holder. I also used: Prima flower (grey) from 'Essentials 9' pack, Blueye-Dezines flower (black), red grosgrain ribbon and a button from my haby stash.

I'm entering my paper project at:
# Party Time Tuesday ~ Anything Goes
# Top Tip Tuesday ~ Wrapped in ribbon

I love the versatility of these digi papers and can see myself using them over and over. There are six different designs in the pack and the pack is very reasonably priced at only $2.00

Sketchiness...

2011-05-29T19:59:00.001+10:00

I played with some delicious sketches this week, and this is one of the layouts I finished today:

I used the May sketch from Purple Pumpkin ~ which I flipped and rotated like this:

... to fit my layout like this:

Click to enlarge (I just noticed how fuzzy my pic looks - might have to re-photograph this in better light)

And of course, a little close-up of the gorgeous Purple Pumpkin goodies I used on the layout:

I chose the colour scheme for the Scrap Boutique May Stylist Challenge - using autumn colours of brown, cream, green and orange. I used: Papers from Kaisercraft 'Elegant' range, Cosmo Cricket 'Garden Variety', Scenic Route paper (fussy-cut leaves), Cosmo Cricket 'Tiny Type' alpha stickers, October Afternoon 'Fly a Kite' label sticker, ribbon from a RAK.

I really love mixing older papers with new embellishments! I'm also entering this layout over at Paper Crafting Journey for the Anything Goes/Favourites challenge - featuring another favourite technique (fussy-cutting) and my new favourite embellishments (Purple Pumpkin).

Scrapping with Melissa

2011-05-27T21:05:00.000+10:00

This week I visited my friend Melissa - it has been way too long since we last caught up in person and I had an amazing time chatting and scrapping at her place. Spending time with Mel is good for the soul, and I haven't been so productive in months - I finished off three layouts, a card and an OTP, and started two other layouts which I later finished at home. Some of them I've already shared this week and the remaining two I'm sharing now:

The layout is based on the May sketch at Get Picky ~

I used: Prima 'Fairy Flora' papers, October Afternoon 'Fly a Kite' label stickers, American Crafts glitter Thickers, striped ribbon (received in a prize pack from The Ribbon Girl). The felt stars and the copper coloured pearls were from Melissa's stash, and I also used her new EK Success 'Binding Edge' punch. THANK YOU!

The paper is quite busy and you can't see the detail in the photograph, so here are a few little detail shots:

I'm also entering my layout at:
# Paper Crafting Journey ~ Anything goes / favourites
Lots of favourites here - papers (Prima), alphas (Thickers), technique (doodling around edges of papers and elements)

The card was made with just a few bits and pieces left over from other projects, together with a few more of Mel's pearls:

I'm entering my card at:
# Artastic Challenge ~ Mother's Day card
# Party Time Tuesdays ~ Animal themed
# Creative Card Crew ~ Anything goes

Artist jar

2011-05-26T18:00:00.198+10:00

Thank you to the lovely participants who visited my blog and left comments during the week for the C.R.A.F.T. Challenge 2nd anniversary blog hop. One commenter will receive THREE digitals of their choice from my wonderful sponsor, Some Odd Girl. At the cut-off time of 8pm GMT, there were 28 comments. I placed the names in a basket and drew out one random winner...

CONGRATULATIONS TO.... Dora
who wrote (in Comment #24) that her favourite Some Odd Girl image is Love Letter Kaylee.

Dora's challenge entry at the CRAFT Challenge blog was #117.

Please email Jo at craftchallenge@yahoo.co.uk to claim your prize - include "Blog Hop Winner - Karen's blog" in the subject line

Our challenge this week is 'Alter/Recycle' - alter something, or include a recycled element your project.

I was inspired by this item from Paula Art:

Our wonderful sponsor this week is Meljen's Designs, and I have also used her image, "Artist Mug" in my project. I've recycled a coffee jar, and a large sheet of Jasmine's old 'marble painting' artwork from preschool:

This is the underneath - not a very exciting view - but it shows how the paper edges were folded under the jar and covered up with a punched circle:

What I did:
1> Remove the lid and label from a coffee jar
2> Wrap a sheet of artwork around the jar and secure with double-sided tape.
3> Print the image onto another piece of artwork and mount onto a tag. Ink the edges.
5> Tie a ribbon around the neck of the covered jar and attach the tag with a bow.
6> Use the jar for paintbrushes or other art tools

I'm entering my project at:
# Etsy Inspired ~ Paula Art
# Polka Doodles ~ Anything but a card
# Really Reasonable Ribbon ~ Anything Goes
# Challenge Up Your Life ~ Recycling

I'm submitting my 'tip' at:
# Top Tip Tuesday ~ Children's artwork is wonderful to use on all sorts of projects! I ran a piece of painted paper though the printer and it worked perfectly as a background for the image.

EDITED 4/6/11:
I was a winner at Etsy Inspired for this creation - and I won a lovely digital prize from Shery K Designs.

Outdoor fun

2011-05-24T02:00:00.001+10:00

The next best thing to enjoying the outdoors is scrapping about it to capture the memories. On the weekend I did a little of both! I was busy (outdoors!) with the family and didn't get to join in all the challenges at the Scrap Boutique cybercrop, but I couldn't resist doing just one! Christine challenged us to scrap a favourite outdoor activity:

I based my layout on the May sketch from Scrap Lounge and used some upholstery fabric samples to add texture to the background. It's kind of hard to see in this photograph, but in real life the gold stars on the organza ribbon look really striking. I wouldn't have considered using that ribbon if it weren't for The Paper Variety challenge this week to use stars.

The matted-with-white title technique is ~~stolen from~~ inspired by Leah L'Orange, who does wonderful matting of alphabets on her creations, and it's a technique I find really works for me too.

I used: Kaisercraft scalloped paper; Cosmo Cricket paper; Collage Press alphabet stickers, Green Tara lace

Mother's Day layouts

2011-05-23T23:50:00.006+10:00

** Warning - marathon post **

It's Monday ~ Design Dollies Day ~ and time to share the May Trifecta:

The Trifecta requires a project based on each of the three previous themes for the month - the colours (pink, dark blue, white and chocolate brown), the elements (creative folds) and sketch. The other Dollies have created some fabulous works of art which can be found HERE.

The folded dahlias were inspired by Helen Croft's tutorials here and here. I've used folded dahlias on cards before but this is the first time I've used them on a layout:

I used: All older stash items! Papers from Bo Bunny and Arctic Frog, Bella flocked alpha stickers, Making Memories 'Paperie Poolside' journalling page

This layout is also for:
# Scrap Lounge ~ handmade flowers
# Papertake Weekly ~ 'Bloom and grow'
# ABC Challenge ~ Unusual folds

My friend Tam set the monthly challenge at Scrap Boutique - she wants to see layouts about mothers - so I couldn't resist scrapping another photograph from Mother's Day this year. The reason I love this photo is because it's so unusual to get a picture of me and my mum and my daughter all together. I think this year was my most memorable Mother's Day ever because of the beautiful day we spent together.

A little detail shot of the gorgeous Lime Tree Creations crochet'd embies, and the quote I found by Marge Piercy:

I also used: Cosmo Cricket 'Nutmeg' and Gin-X papers, Prima 'Got' flowers (really old stash!), Kaisercraft rhinestones, Cats Life Press journalling stamp, Fiskars scallop circle punch, and some cute tickets which were a RAK from my friend Melissa. (Thank you!)

This layout is for:
# TAAFOMFT ~ Fave photo
# Lime Tree Creations ~ Girls

And yet another Mother's Day layout - this one with a photograph of my Mum and my daughter:

I used: Cosmo Cricket paper; vintage sheet music; the lace was a RAK from a kind friend; orange woven ribbon came in a multi-pack from Spotlight; CTMH sticker; Kaisercraft pearls.

This layout is for:
# Artastic ~ May challenge ~ picture inspiration, lace, something orange
# Really Reasonable Ribbon ~ Anything goes

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge 2nd anniversary blog hop!

2011-05-19T18:00:00.006+10:00

Welcome to C.R.A.F.T. Challenge 2nd anniversary blog hop!

This week at CRAFT Challenge we are celebrating our 2nd Blogaversary in style. Our challenge this week is Happy Birthday! (to us). To celebrate we are having a Blogaversary Blog Hop with wonderful sponsors and prizes on the way. To be in with a chance of winning these prizes, leave a comment on each of our blogs, and a winner will be chosen randomly at each stop.

Don't forget to collect a "secret code word" on each stop as well! After you have collected all these words, form a sentence with them and enter your sentence in a comment at CRAFT Challenge.

If you arrived here from Jo's blog you're on the right track. If you've arrived here directly from another link (** waving HELLO to my friends and regular visitors **) you can still join in by starting at CRAFT Challenge.

I'm thrilled to announce that my sponsor for the blog hop is Some Odd Girl, and I was so excited to create my birthday card with "Tiny Bubbles Tia" - isn't she just the cutest?

I used: Echo Park 'For the Record' papers, American Crafts paper for base, scraps of Junkitz and 3 Bugs in a Rug papers, Green Tara flower, Doodlebug button, DMC embroidery thread, AdornIt alphabet stickers, unknown bubbles stickers.

Kristy is offering a choice of THREE DIGITAL IMAGES for one lucky winner at this stop. This is what you need to go into the draw:

* Enter your birthday themed project at this week's C.R.A.F.T. Challenge; and
* Comment on my post with the name of your favourite Some Odd Girl image

The winner will be drawn on Wednesday and I will check to see that both conditions have been met.

We also have a major sponsor for the blog hop game this week. Robyn's Fetish is offering a generous prize pack for one overall winner who guesses the correct phrase. Robyn was kind enough to provide her image "A Little Birdie Told Me" for me to create the next card:

I used: Little Yellow Bicycle papers, AdornIt alphabet stickers, Bazzill cardstock, Carl 'mini daisy' punch, Kaisercraft rhinestones

I'm entering this card at:
# Stamp Something ~ Anything Goes
# Corrosive ~ Birthdays

Just as a reminder, here is your route to follow for the blog hop:

CRAFT Challenge
Jo's Digi Stamps
Carol
Claire (GDT)
Gemma
Jacky
Jo
Karen (you're here!)
Kerry
Kevin
Kim
Nikki (GDT)
Sharon
Tigerlover (Junior DT)
CRAFT Challenge

Finally... Are you looking for the code word for the secret phrase??
My word is: in
Your next stop is Kerry. Have fun!

Happy mail

2011-05-17T23:03:00.010+10:00

I've been on a SUPER tight budget for the past 12 months or so, and have been buying very little 'new stuff' for myself. I'm very blessed to receive new products to work with for some of my design team work but it's SO EXCITING to receive special surprises in the mail!!

This week's mail brought huge smiles.

The first to arrive was a fun international post package from the UK ~ my prize for winning a challenge at Ribbon Girls:

Next, this is what Becci sent me for her April Lime Tree Creations giveaway:

Sketch time

2011-05-16T23:21:00.001+10:00

This week at Design Dollies I'm hosting the Sketch Challenge ~ a little nerve-wracking for me because our Dollie sketch queen Kristy has set the bar so high and I'm still a novice! Here's my sketch:

Here's my sample project ~ yet another little layout for my birthday album:

Sticking with a sketchy theme today, here's one more layout for my birthday album:

# Artful Delight ~ May Sketch #1
# Get Creative ~ Age last birthday
# Crafty Creations ~ Anything goes
# Creative Inspiration ~ Glitzy and bling
I used: Smooch Spritz mist and M&MBI 'Martini Glass' rhinestones

Lost in space...

2011-05-12T20:00:00.005+10:00

** This is a re-post - sometime over the weekend, Blogger deleted my original post along with the lovely comments **

I must admit I struggled with this week's C.R.A.F.T. Challenge. The theme is 'Aliens/Space' and I had a hard time coming up with a project idea. I finally decided on a birthday card for my nephew, who turns 5 in a few months. I don't have much need to create for young boys so this one really pushed my boundaries:

What I did:
1> Paper pieced the Digital Delights image
2> Cut the 'face' out from the helmet and added a picture of my nephew instead
3> Adhered the image to the starry background
4> Added a number and some ribbon
5> Matted the paper onto cardstock and adhered to card base
5> Added some doodled line borders

This card is also for:
# Secret Crafter ~ Dust off your stash
~ Alison Ellis Designs patterned paper, circa 2007
~ Autumn Leaves/Rhonna Farrer 'Scribbles' ribbon

Loving Echo Park...

2011-05-09T22:00:00.007+10:00

I have a huge stash of Echo Park papers, from the earliest collections to one of the most recent. And instead of hoarding it, I really do need to get in and just use it!!

This is my contribution for the Design Dollies Elements Challenge this week. The theme is 'creative folds' ~ I added a row of pleated paper. Pleating is one of my favourite things to do with offcut strips of patterned paper. The photograph on the layout is a little blurry because I took it at the New Year's Eve celebrations; I had my camera set up for the fireworks and not for portraits. But despite the fuzziness I still love it and the special memories of that night.

I used: a sketch from Artful Delight, and everything is from Echo Park except for the alphas (Basic Grey 'Origins') and the rhinestones (Studio 18). I cut the artisan shape using a Teresa Collins chipboard book cover as a template.

I'm also entering my layout at:
# Papertake Weekly ~ Anything Goes
# Charisma Cardz ~ No cards allowed
# Paper Crafting Journey ~ Bling

I also made a quick card: with some leftovers:

This one is for:
# Paper Wings ~ National Scrapbooking Day
# One Stop Craft ~ Birthdays
# Sentimental Sundays ~ Anything Goes

Scrapping Everyday Miracles

2011-05-07T23:00:00.000+10:00

My Dollie-friend Nicole is launching a new challenge blog soon, called Scrapping Everyday Miracles... HERE are the details. She's also hosting a fun giveaway as part of the launch:

Pop over and join in the fun :)

How to shine (Part 1)

2011-05-06T18:48:00.002+10:00

I don't write much personal stuff on my blog. But to understand the next project, it's probably useful to know that my 10 year old daughter lives life on the autism spectrum. Some days she is extremely rigid in her routine daily activities - fixated and inflexible. Some days she is easily distracted and overwhelmed - with not a clue what to do next. Mornings are a stressful time of day. After positive steps forward in some areas this year, and regression in others, we decided we would try out some new checklists.

This is the first one, which is A4 size and designed to be clipped on a clipboard or just pegged to the fridge:

I used very few materials for this project: The cardboard is a heavy piece of backing board that came with my photographic paper. The fonts are freebies from the web - 'Block Letters Tryout' and 'Quick End Jerk'. The patterned paper is from a very old Christmas range by Alison Ellis Designs. The foam alphas are American Crafts Thickers. The image is "Star Bright Tia" from Some Odd Girl. I made the ribbon stars to mimic the asterisks on the paper:

I've had this on my 'to do' list for months and I've been procrastinating. The following challenges gave me a push in the right direction:

# Charisma Cardz ~ No cards allowed
# My Partner in Crafting Crime ~ Incorporate numbers
# Show Us Your Stuff ~ Ribbon
# Paper Sundaes ~ Favourite hair colours
I coloured the image in PhotoShop. The hexidecimal codes for the colours of her hair are: #ddba68, #debb69, #fad680, #fad67e, #cea646, #cda746

EDITED 23/5/11: Selected as "Most Wanted" at My Partner in Crafting Crime!
Thank you xx

CRAFTing with a sketch

2011-05-05T19:56:00.001+10:00

At CRAFT Challenge this week, it was fun to work with another sketch by my design team-mate, Kevin. I used the 'Camping Tween' image from our sponsor, Digis with Attitude, and I made a tag:

I used: Cosmo Cricket 'Nutmeg' and K&Co 'Jubilee' papers, Carl mini daisy punch, Cosmo Cricket 'Tiny Type' alphabet stickers, mini ric-rac, Kaisercraft rhinestones.

I'm entering my tag at the following challenges:

# Pear Tree Designs ~ Free for all

# Creative Inspirations ~ Digi

# One Stop Craft ~ In stitches

# Pixie Dust Paperie ~ Tags

Published

2011-05-04T14:31:00.004+10:00

I was a little bit surprised to have a layout published in the latest edition of Scrapbooking Memories (Volume 13 No 6).

I hardly submit anything because I don't buy any magazines anymore. I'd forgotten about that particular layout, to be honest. The layout in question was 'tentatively accepted' for publication in early 2009! I posted it off, received my layout back, filled in all the requested paperwork and sent that off... and then... nothing. I heard that it can take a while, but two years?? So yeah, it was a surprise.

Only two small errors too. They spelled my name wrong, and they added 'SBM Newbie' (this is not my first pub with SBM). Oh well...

A little bit pink

2011-05-02T21:00:00.002+10:00

Where has this year gone? First Monday of May is here already... and in my little corner of the world it's a Labour Day holiday.

It's also Design Dollies time, and this week the colour challenge is to use any three from ~ chocolate brown, white, mid-pink, dark blue. Here's my card:

I'm entering my card at:
# Paper Variety ~ Polka dots
I used: Spotty paper (from Dream Street 'Baylee's Garden') for the piggies, and 'Spots and Dots' Cuttlebug embossing folder for the background.
# Dream Valley ~ Flowers
I used: Green Tara flowers and handmade rolled roses
# Party Time Tuesdays ~ Anything goes

I also used: Bazzill cardstock, Spellbinders scalloped circle dies, Colorbox 'Dark Brown' fluid chalk inkpad, unknown ribbon, image from The Stamping Boutique.

Like a princess

2011-05-01T16:30:00.003+10:00

The J-girl experienced a touch of royal wedding fever and made her own princess crown:

Jasmine is entering her creation at:

# Paper Play ~ Use an item not intended for crafting
The crown was made from a paper plate.
# Emerald Faerie ~ Anything goes
# Paper Crafting Journey ~ Bling
# Quirky Crafts ~ A Right Royal Affair
Red and blue painted diecut shapes, white ribbon

CRAFTy Thursday

2011-04-28T19:00:00.006+10:00

At CRAFT this week Challenge 100 is to create a project using ribbon, a tag, two squares and a circle. Here's my card:

My recipe:
1> Print a digital image from our sponsor, Lia Stampz onto cream cardstock.
2> Use Spellbinders Nestabilities 'Labels Four' die to cut a tag around the image.
3> Ink the edges with fluid chalk and add some gingham ribbon to the top.
4> Cut two squares - Kraft (4"x4") and Cloud 9 patterned paper (3"x3"), and machine stitch around each.
5> Layer the squares and the tags, then slip a circle (reverse side of a Jillibean Soup journalling spot) under the edge of the tag on one side.
6> Embellish the circle with some Prima mini roses and handmade rolled roses.
7> Add a short sentiment with Adorn It alphabet stickers.
8> Mount the layers onto a 5"x5" folded card

The recipe had me daunted at first, but when I started to play around I really had fun with it. I'm also entering my card in the following challenges:

# Stamp, Scrap & Doodle ~ Tagalicious
# One Stop Craft ~ Chocolate inspired
# Tip Top Tuesday ~ Squares
# Simon Says ~ Anything goes
# Pixie Dust Paperie ~ Tag

Scrap friends!

2011-04-27T22:00:00.002+10:00

Second post for today... I've added some pages to a few of my mini albums. Both of them feature some amazing ladies I met online through scrapbooking - and they have become special friends.

This layout is another for my 'Macleay Island' birthday album:

I was inspired by these challenges:
# Frosted Designs ~ Sketch Along Tuesday
# Secret Crafter ~ Pink, cream and brown
I thought papers from MME 'Lost and Found - Madison Avenue' were perfect for this colour combination.
# Lollipop Crafts ~ Shabby chic
I added some lace and jute string, and also made a handmade flower from coffee filter paper.

The second layout one is another for my 'Book of Me'. The photograph was taken in 2008 when I met up with some online scrap friends at the Brisbane Scrapbooking Convention. I was inspired by the April sketch at Show Us Your Stuff, and my handmade elements are the layered flowers:

I'm also entering this one at:
# Paper Sundaes ~ Sundae bar
I used lots of yellow, and Sassafras Lass 'Mix & Mend' diecut stickers.

Flashback to when it was a NEW bike

2011-04-27T15:20:00.000+10:00

We went cycling at a local park on the weekend and I quickly realised that our J-girl is too tall for her bicycle. She's grown a whole head taller since Christmas! I recalled taking photographs on the evening her bicycle first arrived in 2008 (an early birthday gift from her grandparents) - and I realised I've never scrapped them. I thought it might be a good idea to scrap them before she outgrows the bike altogether...

This one is based on the April sketch at Handmade by Suzanne:

I wasn't too sure about this layout at first - I still think it's a bit 'busy' with the but it has grown on me a bit and I was happy to use up some more of the scraps on my desk.

I used: Echo Park 'For the Record' base and the large square of Sassafras Lass 'Starters',There's scraps of Echo Park, Memento and Sass Lass papers, as well as some other bits and bobs - white Green Tara flowers, green flower (possibly Petaloo?), Foof-a-la buttons, Daisy D's journalling tag, ric rac offcut, and a funky chipboard embie that came in a Scarlet Lime kit ages ago, can't remember what brand it is from. The alphas are Fancy Pants 'Kraft Kuts' and the stars along the bottom (my favourite bit!) are the negatives from a Jenni Bowlin 'Apothecary' sticker set.

The next layout is based on the April sketch at Scrap Lounge, and the colour challenge at the Scrap Boutique cybercrop (green, white and black):

The extra criteria at Scrap Boutique was to include paint and stamping - here's my little painted snail, which I stamped with Rhonna Farrer 'Swirls v2' stamps. I also stamped some flowers:

For Mum

2011-04-26T20:31:00.000+10:00

This card:

was inspired by these challenges:

# Some Odd Girl ~ Hot Mommas
I used Mae's Bouquet from SOG (no longer available) - which I coloured in PhotoShop.
# Basic Grey Challenges ~ Spring
The card base and paper scallops are Basic Grey 'Two Scoops - Blueberry Custard'.
# Get Creative ~ Spring themed card
My Dollie-friend Karen is guest designing at Get Creative this month, so I wanted to join in the fun :)

I also used: Rose Moka alpha stickers, Prima flower, Kaisercraft flower, Foof-a-la buttons, lace (from a set given to me by Liz for my birthday last year).

April Trifecta

2011-04-25T20:25:00.000+10:00

Time for another Design Dollies share - this week it is for the Trifecta challenge. I used the April colours (lime green, royal blue, orange and white), sketch, and elements (7 or more buttons) to come up with this layout:

I was so excited to find these photos from June 2008 in a forgotten folder on my external hard drive! I thought I'd deleted them, but turns out they were just misfiled. It's only a simple layout, but it's my favourite one this week.

I'm entering my layout at:
# The Paper Variety ~ It's all in the numbers

One last Easter project

2011-04-24T21:31:00.001+10:00

I decorated another iced coffee bottle - and filled it with mini Easter eggs:

And a little detail shot:

I used: Echo Park 'For the Record' paper, foam Thickers, and a cute digital image, "Spring Peep" from Designed2Delight. I coloured the image in PhotoShop and printed it onto photopaper, then I added a few little rolled roses made from paper scraps.

This project is for:
# Hotspot ~ Earth Day/Trash art
# The Ribbon Girl ~ Red, white and blue
# Frosted Designs ~ Birds and/or butterflies
# CES Challenges ~ Spring image
# Craft Your Days Away ~ Easter

Some sketch layouts

2011-04-23T18:25:00.003+10:00

I've been itching to scrap for weeks now - I have lots of ideas, lots of motivation, lots of scrap goodies to play with... but almost NO free time :( On Friday night I 'speed scrapped' to scratch the itch, but today I was determined to take my time a bit and do some more!

This layout is based on the April sketch at Artful Delight:

Click to enlarge

It's also for:
# The Ribbon Girl ~ Red, white and blue
# Top Tip Tuesday ~ Open Challenge
My 'tip': ** Christmas products can look great on non-Christmas projects ** This frame from my old chipboard stash (KI Memories, Love Elsie 'Noel' set) was just the perfect colour for my layout.

The next one is a little bit Sassy... it's on the April sketch at Sassafras Lass blog and I was also inspired by this pic at Chicken Soup. I used some Mix & Mend goodies to create this:

Click to enlarge

Happy scrappy vibes happening!!

Favourites

2011-04-22T22:35:00.004+10:00

Tonight was all about my favourites - hanging out at my favourite place (home with my family) and, after dinner, visiting one of my favourite scrappy forums. I'm joining in the Easter Crop at Scrap Boutique, and tonight I finished the first challenge - Chelsea's speed scrap.

I had just over an hour to complete and upload the layout (using the provided sketch for inspiration, and using at least three different patterned papers). I lost count of how many different papers I used, but there are papers from two different Echo Park ranges, Crate Paper 'Emma's Shoppe', Prima 'Annalee' and half a dozen different papers from my "tiny scraps" folder to make the rolled roses. In keeping with speed-scrapping tradition, the night-time photograph is suitably poor and not quite true to colour, but it still shows how much fun I had with it!

Click to enlarge

My layout is (another one) about Jasmine's favourite pastime - swimming. I had a quick browse through my layouts over the last year and there are a dozen or more which focus on her swimming lessons!

This layout is also for:
# A Few of My Favorite Things ~ Favourite pastime
# Tuesday Throwdown ~ Polka Dots

Flowers, flowers everywhere

2011-04-21T20:20:00.001+10:00

I was so thrilled with the theme at C.R.A.F.T. Challenge this week - it's all about flowers - one of my favourite things to use on cards and layouts. And even better, we have two fabulous sponsors and I was lucky to be able to use an image from each, to create TWO projects.

My first card features Bu'fly Tia and Friend created by my Dollie-friend Kristy from Some Odd Girl:

I always have trouble colouring digital images with my pencils because of the bleeding, so I decided to try colouring the image in PhotoShop using the bucket-fill and brush tools. Next, I removed the background, then printed the coloured image on photo paper. I cut it out, then applied Stickles to the wings. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!

I'm entering this card at:
# Secret Crafter ~ Stitching
# Wee Memories ~ All things adorable
# Kaboodle Doodles ~ Thoughts of spring

The second card uses the Birdie Love image from Bows and Berries:

I used lots of Prima 'Got' Flowers, Kaisercraft flowers and ribbon scraps on this one for depth and texture, as well as a handmade paper flower made from paper scraps. I printed the image onto coloured Bazzill cardstock, cut it out and added small touches of colour with my Signo gel pen.

I'm entering my card at:
# Sugar Creek Hollow ~ Monochromatic
# Paper Sundaes ~ Texture
# My Partner in Crafting Crime ~ Inspiration picture (lots of flowers)

EDITED 3/5/11:
I was chosen as one of the Top 3 at My Partner in Crafting Crime!

Christmas Magic

2011-04-20T21:26:00.000+10:00

I didn't take very many Christmas photographs last year - time just ran out to do a special photo shoot, we had terrible weather, and Christmas Day was just a blur... But I did take a few photos while we were out in the city one day, when we happened across the Myer Christmas window display in the Queen Street Mall. The theme was The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and the moving puppets were mesmerising. It was difficult to get good photographs through the glare and reflections of the windows, and the crowds of people, but I did manage to snap a few decent ones.

This layout is based on a sketch from Bo Bunny and I've used papers from Bo Bunny 'Gypsy' collection:

My layout is also for:
# Bird is the Word ~ Magic
# Crop Stop ~ Vintage finished
# Scrap Lounge ~ Paper rolling

I distressed and rolled the edges of the papers and I made some rolled paper roses:

April sketchiness

2011-04-19T20:49:00.000+10:00

I love the sketches by Kristy, and it's sketchy time again at Design Dollies. I used the Dollies sketch for the layout design, and I also took inspiration from this gorgeous ribbon from the Creating is Fun Etsy store:

I used lots of really old stash, all of it from my Basic Grey scraps folder, and this is what I came up with:

# Etsy Inspired ~ Crafting is Fun

Digi with a difference

2011-04-14T21:30:00.001+10:00

The theme at CRAFT Challenge this week is 'Easter' and I really enjoyed making my project:

Last month I bought some little cloth giftbags at my local craft store's Valentine's Day clearance sale. They are perfect for Easter, and I knew what I wanted to make for this challenge straight away. I used a newly released image from our generous sponsor, Whimsie Doodles, to make a template. The image is called 'Simple Bunny'. I cut it out from felt, stitched the edges, ears and face, and adhered it to the bag. Add some grass, and some ribbon, and voila!

It's an easy theme this week, and of course you can create any kind of Easter project you like! The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Whimsie Doodles online store - and the images are so sweet!! Our sponsor is also offering a special discount for CRAFT Challenge fans - you can find the code with this week's challenge post.

Here's a little detail shot of the bunny:

I'm submitting my project at:
# Creative Inspirations ~ Challenge 57 ~ Easter
# Allsorts ~ Week 98 ~ Anything but a square

And thank you to Rebecca for inviting me to link up in her spring blog hop, "A New Season - A New Skill" - this project was something new to me. I have never used a digi image as a template before (but now I've done it once, I'll do it again with suitable images!) and I've never embellished a little fabric bag like this either. I have another two bags in my stash and I'll definitely be trying it again with a different theme.

Another Easter project

2011-04-11T22:00:00.028+10:00

I seem to be making more Easter projects this year than any other year... wonder why that is? Luckily I have no shortage of lovely people I can share them with.

This one is for the Design Dollies Elements Challenge - Adina-Dollie challenged us to use at least seven buttons on a project. This is what I made:

How to:
* Wash and dry a small recycled bottle - I have a heap of these cute iced coffee bottles in my stash, perfect for gift-giving.
* Punch a strip of patterned paper along both sides (I used Little Yellow Bicycle 'Love Notes', punched with Martha Stewart 'Floral Lace' punch).
* Cut the strip to length and adhere around the bottle near the base.
* Stamp out seven flowers on scraps of patterned paper. I used offcuts of: Bo Bunny Double Dot, Little Yellow Bicycle, Dream Street 'Bailee's Garden', K&Co 'Jubilee', Kaisercraft; two different flower stamps by Rhonna Farrer, from Autumn Leaves, Stazon black ink.
* Fussy-cut the flowers and add buttons to the centres.
* Arrange the flowers around the bottle, and adhere them to the paper strip.(Rubber bands are useful to hold them into place until the glue dries.)
* Add a ribbon, and alphabet stickers (Cosmo Cricket 'Tiny Type').
* Fill the bottle with goodies - these ones are little choc-mint eggs.

I did try to get some photographs from different angles, but it's tricky with round things!!

I'm entering my project at:
# Simon Says ~ Time for Spring Colours
# Allsorts ~ Week 98 ~ Anything but a square
# Stampin' for the Weekend ~ Challenge #7 ~ Easter