Merry Christmas...

I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! Let's hope 2013 brings much happiness & health for all!!!
We've enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with all it's festivities, but I'm loving the peace & relaxation of Boxing Day...especially as I found time to scrap! :) :) :)

First one for this months WW1...white + red + christmas photo.

 

Here's a close up of the beads...hehe rather therapeutic selecting & placing all those beads in there ;)

 

This one was simply for fun...love the MME papers, so gorgeous & this photo of my girl.

 

I had a couple of pieces of this paper, so layered the 'follow your heart' piece & using Imaginarium's gorgeous honeycomb chipboard, it was super easy to replicate the hexagon effect in the top of the paper.

 

Again another layout for fun! I started this layout a couple of weeks ago...wanting to play with the Rangers Rock Candy a bit more, so it was good to finally finish it! I had found this old photo of my hubby in our early years which I simply had to scrap...I love this guy more than words can say!

 

 

A close up of the Rock Candy...it was the last bit in the jar & I don't whether it was that or the heat of the day, but the shards ended up falling off, so after gluing them back in, I put another layer of crackle paint to keep it all in place.

 

Thank you for stopping by :) As always, a huge thank you for all your lovely comments...I really do appreciate the time you take to leave me one :) x

Happy scrapping...& enjoy the holidays!



SBM 'Masters'

So amazing to see the new SBM Masters for 2013...huge congratulations to them all! It's such a brilliant line up of ladies & I'm in total awe of their entries. I'm super excited for a couple of personal fav's, but wish all the girls a fabulous year ahead!
I feel so honoured to be in the 'Honourable Mentions' magazine...my double layout was a 'sentimental' favourite for me, so to see it there was a bit emotional ;) :)
Here are my other entries...

...using the 5x7 photo

...memorabilia layout, where I used the gift shop wrapping paper

 



...my canvas, which I turned around to create a shadow box effect or a 3D layout.

 

Thank you for stopping by...& a huge thank you for all your lovely comments! I really do appreciate the time you take to leave me one x
Happy scrapping.
PS. if anyone has the ability to give me some extra time to do that 'happy scrapping', I would really love it ;)

Scrap the Boys

Ahhhh I didn't think I was going to make this months cut off for Scrap the Boys November challenge...haha just made it in the nick of time! Please excuse the dodgy night time photography ;)

This month was a colour challenge...

I simply loved the colours & had to give it a go...especially as my son had a t-shirt in similar colours. This is what I came up with.

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by...as always, a huge thank you for all your lovely comments! I really do appreciate each & every one of them :) x

Can you believe tomorrow is December!!!

Happy scrapping!

Inspirational Finnabair!

While blog hopping recently, I made a stop & feasted on the gorgeous creations by Anna Dabrowska aka Finnabair. All of her creations are absolutely amazing, but one layout really caught my eye & I sooo wanted to recreate it. This is my take/lift/copy of her layout...

 

Not all my letters are random...there is a (hidden) title in there, to describe this other amazing talent! & my DD pointed out another word that fits for this gorgeous lady! ;) Can you spot them?

 

Here is a close up of the Rangers Rock Candy with the Distress Stains...I so loved the texture that was created doing this. I can see it's going to be something I'll try many more times.

 

You can see Anna's amazing original here...mine still pales in comparison, but I certainly had a lot of fun creating this.





Thank you for stopping by & as always, a huge thank you for all your lovely comments! I really do appreciate the time you take to leave me one & I certainly appreciate them x
Happy scrapping!

Scrapping from the heart...

The challenge for this months KIU was minimalist / white space...here is mine.

 

 

I'm blessed with some gorgeous friends...both these layouts are an expression of my gratitude for some of those friendships. I am so lucky :)

 

Thanks as always for stopping by...your lovely words are greatly appreciated, thank you x
Happy scrapping!

KIU challenge!

Woohoo...challenge # 2 completed for the month! Haha it's not as many as I would have liked considering the time left for the month, but I guess you've got to be grateful for what you do get done ;)
This layout is for KIU's challenge of misting...

My kids love to pull faces for the camera...this was my daughter after the excitement of getting 1 Direction tickets, she was mimicking some of their silly faces! I just love the excitement! :)
Thanks for stopping by & a huge thank you for all your lovely comments, they do mean so much to me! x
Happy scrapping!

A layout of love...

This layout was done for a dear friend, as part of a gift for this brave wee girls family. I do not personally know this family, but I've been following their story for months now...I cannot quite imagine the bravery & strength they must require on a daily basis, my heart simply goes out to them! I pray this gorgeous little girl wins her fight & goes on to live an amazing & happy life!

I am reminded to be grateful each & every day for my childrens health & all that is good in our life...for that, I am very thankful!
Thanks for stopping by...I hope life is being extra kind to you! As always, a very big thank you for all your lovely comments, they do bring a smile to my day x
Happy scrapping!

October WW1

I miss being part of the CT's, partly because it forced you make the time to create...I haven't joined in any of them for a few months :( I'm so good at that 'mummy guilt' crap...I'm yet to implement that concept of 'balance', but am going to give it a good try this month!
Starting with WW1 - white + yellow + stars

Having fun with the glimmer mist, paint, distress inks & texture paste...perfect way to spend a sunday arvo! :) Also loving this star template from Crafters.

Thanks for stopping by...I hope you managed some weekend scrapping! Thank you, as always, for your lovely comments...they do make my day x
Happy scrapping!

Holiday scrapping...

Can you believe it's October??? Haha I know I say this each & every month, but seriously....!!! In a blink, it will be November...& then arrrgh, December! LOL!
I didn't manage the amount of scrapping I would have liked over the holidays...haha I never seem to have time for the 'ideal' amount of scrapping I'd like, but am very grateful for the time I had to do these...
A beautiful & generous friend gave me this 'Save the Date' Kaisercraft pack...lovely papers & embellishments to play with! I had a lot of fun creating this.

This same friend let me borrow her Crafters template & while playing I thought I would select 'key' words to use with texture paste. I kept the layout fairly simple so I didn't lose the focus on those words.

 

Again, I kept this layout simple as the group photo already makes it rather busy...I used the gorgeous 'Dylusions' ink spray, well the left over spray as a stamp!

 

 

September marked 20 years since I lost my dad to cancer...I've been thinking of him a lot lately, so felt the need to scrap a layout. I had this photo printed as I had shown it to my brother, who's about the same age as dad is here...they are freakishly alike in so many ways!

I've had this photo for a while...loved the effect created in a photo editing program & have been mulling over what to do with it. When I saw Natalie's beautiful layout here...an idea began to form. I was initially going to use glimmermist, but ended up using 'Distress Stains' hehe a bit more control & the colours matched perfectly ;)

Thanks for stopping by! As always, a huge thank you for all the lovely comments...they really do make my day, I appreciate each & every one of them x
Happy scrapping!

All things Tim!!!

My regular readers would know about the 'wee crush' I have for the super talented Tim Holtz, especially after doing his class, while he was here in Sydney! Hehe that 'wee crush' should really read 'huge crush' ;)
With this layout I've basically incorporated his 'signature tag' to my layout! I so love these stamps & the colours worked perfectly with this cheeky photo of my girl.

 

The next is a card I created by simply adding the tag to it! Again using more of my Tim Holtz stamps & distress inks.

 

For this one I gave the alcohol inks a try...hehe I think a bit more practice is required ;) he makes it all look so easy, but I managed to create some dark backgrounds...LOL will use those for male cards :)

 

 

Thanks for stopping by...a huge, huge thank you for all your lovely comments! I really do appreciate the time you take to leave me one x

Happy scrapping!

Weekend scrapping!

I found some time to finish off a couple of layouts over the weekend...

 

This one was kept fairly simple & ended up using some of the scraps from the previous layout, worked well using similar colours ;)

 

Thanks for stopping by & a huge thank you for your lovely comments...I really do appreciate you taking the time x
Happy scrapping!

Canvas play...

Whilst at retreat the previous weekend, we set a canvas challenge for the girls to get messy with! It was inspired by the lovely Lisa who joined us previously...we all adored her style & what she created with her canvases.
I wanted to create an 'affirmation canvas' for myself to keep me focused on positive thoughts...this is what I came up with.

 

I really struggled with chosing a single affirmation that I liked, but then realised I wanted something that would change with me, so have used these cards from Lousie Hay, which I can change day to day...mood to mood ;) The background was created using glimmermists, paint & crafters templates...haha just a few of my favourite things!
Thanks for stopping by...as always, a huge thank you for all your lovely comments, I really do appreciate each & every one of them x
Happy scrapping!

September already...

...& spring has sprung! I'm so looking forward to enjoying some warmer weather & being free from the cold & flu season.
I have been very quiet lately, but I'm pleased to say that I have been scrapping! :) I ended up entering the Scrapbooking Memories Masters Competition! In all honesty, I had given up hope after being endlessly plaqued with illness, but a gorgeous & supportive friend gave me a 'nudge'! LOL after removing her boot from my butt ;) I scrambled to get myself into gear. I think the lack of time ended up on my side, haha I didn't have time to over think things. I'm so thankful I entered, I know I would have been disappointed if I hadn't again. Whatever the outcome...I am happy! Good luck to all who entered this year!
Now onto scrapping that I can share...last weekend I had the fun of retreat, this is some of what I did...

This next layout started after reading the fabulous article from Marelize in SBM Vol 14 # 8,  on creating your own doily using a corner punch...simply brilliant, I just had to give it a try! The title of this layout comes from the fact that my girl is a mad, obsessed 'One Direction' fan & this song plays constantly in our house!

  

 

'Messy Delight' is an old Scrap The Boys challenge a few months ago on using a messy photo & using it as inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by...as always, a huge, huge thank you for all your lovely comments :) they do mean so much to me x
Happy scrapping!

Scrapping update...

This layout somewhat created itself :) haha that is so rare for me!
This wasn't the photo I was working on, but in an effort to clear my desk, I had stacked photos with backgrounds together & was putting away everything else. As I was sorting through things, each piece that had been pulled out for other layouts seemed to work perfectly with this photo...by the time I had cleared the desk, I had a ready made layout sitting in front of me! Hence this layout turned out completely different to the one I had planned in my head...haha notice NO glimmermist what so ever!!! Though I think I want a little crazy on the inking...still thinking about that one???

Thanks for stopping by...as always, a huge thank you for all your lovely comments! :) They really do make my day x
Happy scrapping!

Quick weekend share...

Hello...hoping everyone is enjoying the weekend. I took a break from my other projects to complete a quick layout! Haha got to love that satisfaction of actually completing a layout...

I couldn't wait to scrap this photo that Louise took of us at the Brissy Expo in June this year. To me, this is the definition of friendship...we have been through the good, the bad & the ugly together, these girls are the best!!! They are one of the blessings that have come from scrapping :)
Now to flatten my layout under a box ;) haha!
Thanks for stopping by & a huge thank you for all your lovely comments...they do mean the world to me & I appreciate each & every one of them x

Weeks are flying past...

...& I'm trying very hard to press 'pause'!!!
I'm hoping you have all avoided this flu bug going around...sadly I haven't & have lost precious school holiday time :(
I'm also having 'blog withdrawals', will get back into it soon, but to start me off...

This layout I created a few weeks ago, playing with the paints, crafters template & washi tape...kept it fairly simple. Can't believe this is my eldest girl...only seems like yesterday.

This was a oversized card for the kids from the school performance to sign for their teacher. She had been so busy with their performance stuff that she didn't have a baby shower, so the kids threw one for her.

This is the tag my daughter put on her gift...playing with a few Tim Holtz techniques ;)

This layout has been a labour of love that I've been working on during the holidays. It's taking a while to do (sickness hasn't helped), but I'm loving it...a huge thank you to Kim Jeffress for inspiring me & giving me a new addiction! ;) While at the Brisbane Expo, I was lucky enough to 'handle' Kim's beautiful work...seriously, the internet does not do it justice. This was when I first saw the Heidi Swapp Memory Files & I simply adored what Kim had done with them! Essentially it's brought my old style of scrapping (loads of photos) together with my new more aesthetic style of single photo layouts. I will show you inside when it's fully completed.

The title of this layout came from the school performance my daughter was in...one of the songs was 'just a housewife' & just the way they portrayed it got me thinking. I personally LOVE being a stay at home mum! Before I know it, the kids will be grown & out of the house...so I am making the most of it! Many wouldn't agree, but I believe I'm totally blessed!

Thanks for stopping by...as always, a huge thank you for all your lovely comments! They really do mean so much to me :) x
Happy scrapping!

Scrap The Girls July challenge!

Sadly this is my last month with Scrap The Girls. I've absolutely loved being part of STG & owe a huge, huge thank you to Kate for originally taking a chance on me & to Mal for continuing to keep me on the team...both have been fabulous to work with! I'm also so honoured to be among such an amazing group of talented scrappers over my time :) but it's time for me to take a break...

The July challenge is a super easy one...Black, White plus ONE other Colour!

I love the array of colour selections from the CT, simply gorgeous inspiration...check it out here!

Thank you for all the support I've enjoyed during my time at STG, it's much appreciated :) Thanks for stopping by!

Happy scrapping!!!

Lou Inspired!

As I have previously said...I was lucky enough to do Louise's amazing class while @ the Brisbane Expo! I loved her class...she is so inspirational, you walked away feeling so creative & simply busting to having a further play! My only beef is she makes things look so incredibly easy...& they are not ;) haha you should have heard the cursing & carrying on while creating my wire frame! I did manage it, though no close-ups & I cheated on the next one!
This was my layout from the class...

I wasn't completely happy with my butterfly placement or amount (lack of) gesso used, so couldn't wait to have a play again, once home.
This is what I did, it's a very personal layout for me, photo taken by the lovely Lou herself. This layout will hang somewhere for me to view each day!

You may ask why would I do such a personal layout using someone else's signature style???...it's because of the message behind it! This lady is an inspiration to me on so many levels...& she simply makes me smile! I admire her strength & sheer determination to never ever give up...& that's a daily reminder that I want & need right now! Thank you my gorgeous friend!

Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo!

Wow, what can I say...I had an absolutely brilliant weekend!!! Haha...an added bonus, it was so much warmer than it is here & a whole lot less rain! ;)
My huge excitement from the weekend was being part of the top 20 in the Black & White Plus One competition. It was truely amazing to see my layout up there on the wall with all those gorgeous creations. I feel honoured to be among them!

I was also lucky enough to meet some of my idols & wonderful blog supporters...it was so very cool to discover they are just as lovely in real life as they are online! :)
I did two classes, one with my super gorgeous & talented friend, Louise & the other with the amazing Julie Winks ... I'm yet to finish these layouts, but will post as soon as I have, they were both amazing classes. Whilst we are talking about amazing...the very amazing Tim Holtz was there doing free demos!!! He was a joy to watch! :) I'm just a tad excited to be doing a class with him on sunday :) :) :)
Thank you for stopping by...as always, a huge thank you for your lovely comments, they really do mean the world to me! x
Happy scrapping!

Scrap The Girls CT call!

There is a CT call over at Scrap The Girls, so if you've got plenty of girly photos to scrap, why don't you give it a go...I've thoroughly loved my time with the team! It's open to Australian & International scrappers...check out all the details here.

Scrap The Girls!

June challenge over at Scrap The Girls is using 'outside' photos!...can't get any easier than that ;) This is my take on the challenge...a rather old photo of my girls.

Here's a close-up of the stamping...

Go here to see the other examples by the CT, they are gorgeous! 

Thanks for stopping by, your lovely comments are always greatly appreciated & always add a smile to my face...thank you! x

Scrap happy!

After much paper shuffling...a little too much shuffling for my liking, but I've finally got my groove back ;) This layout was simply scrapping for no reason, hehe giving myself free reign to create.

I had a bit of fun with the mist & paint again, but the big plus...I used up more of my scraps! :)

Thank you for your well wishes last post :) I've sought natural/alternative therapy for my condition & currently feeling really good! I'm certainly feeling a whole lot stronger physically & mentally, so we'll see what the future holds. I've realised I can't worry about what tomorrow may bring, but rather live for today.
Thanks for stopping by, as always...a huge thank you for all your lovely comments! They really do make my day x
Happy scrapping!

Yin & Yang...

OK...I've been sitting on some VERY exciting news for me...my layout has been selected in the top 20 traditional entries for the Scrapbooking Memories & Expertise Events BLACK AND WHITE PLUS ONE competition!!!

I remember being in awe of the entries last year, so to think that I'm among the entries this year is...WOW!

So exciting as well, that I will again be traveling to Brisbane for the June Long weekend to see them all in person!

On the flip side...I've not got much to share creative wise :( It's not been the best few weeks for me health wise, but journaling has been helping get my head back into gear. I'm loving this technique that I saw whilst doing Natalie Kalbach's Creative Jump Start, it's perfect for getting all thoughts out & onto paper then covering them up with lots of paint for no-one to see ;) It's helping, which is good...I've got so much to be grateful for...most of all, my family! I love them so much & I am so blessed by their love & support.

But I'm guessing I'm not the only one not getting creative this month, looking at Scrap The Girls challenge this month??? Is this on your 'to do list'? We are all hoping to see more gorgeous creations soon, hopefully you find some scrapping time over the weekend...that's my hope too! :)

Thanks for stopping by, sorry for the 'downer'...hehe promise to start & end with a more positive post next time ;) LOL be grateful for lots of editing ;) & a huge, huge thank you for all your lovely comments...believe me, they really do mean a lot to me! :)

Happy scrapping. 

White with One!

Sadly this is my last month with White With 1 :( I owe a huge thank you to Mel for having faith in me, it's been such an honour to be among such a brilliant line up of talent over the past year! Don't forget, you still have to the 6th to try out for the Creative Team...good luck!
The challenge for May is...WHITE + CREAM + CHIPBOARD.
I had an extra photo of myself from last month (printed the wrong size) & thought it worked perfectly with the gorgeous Imaginarium chipboard I had.

Here's a close-up to show the stamping using my paint dabber...how easy is that, love 'em!

Go here to see the other CT's gorgeous creations, they are simply beautiful!

Thanks for stopping by...& a huge thank you for all your lovely comments :) they honestly do make my day! x

Happy scrapping!!!

Scrap The Girls May Challenge!

Arrgh...seriously, where did April go?

Though a new month means new challenges...gotta love that!

Over @ Scrap The Girls, the challenge for May is to use this quote...

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there" - Amy Li

This is my sample...

& a close-up showing off the gorgeous flower from Apple Tree Lane Designs



To check out the gorgeous creations from the Creative Team, go here.

I look forward to seeing all your 'sister' layouts! :)

Thanks for stopping by...& a huge thank you for all your lovely comments! :) I really do appreciate each & every one of them x

Happy scrapping!