...Our Little Family...

Pretty Little Studio Blog Hop!!

2012-02-12T23:00:00.002+10:00

Welcome Friends to our little blog hop for Pretty Little Studio. If you are looking for the very beginning... Look no further!! You have come the right place as I am sending some *love* your way! ;) Take a deep breath as the love bug strikes and hopefully you'll catch some of the fever of Valentine's Day!

I have created a few Valentine's Day Cards and I want to share them with you today. :)

I have used all the lovely reds, pinks and even blues from across the Pretty Little Studio collections. Sometimes it feels good to just create using products that are beautiful. And even though I'm not really a card maker (yep. you've all heard me say how much I struggle with making them!! LOL!) I couldn't resist playing.

{remember}

PLS products: pp - Jolly Christmas (good cheer); document winter paper ribbons, journaling cards (love notes).

{forever}

PLS products: Little girls vintage illustrations, word flashcard (anniversary), document winter paper ribbons.

{forever love}

PLS products: pp - Antique Store; scallop circles.

So... You have made it this far. Well then I have a little something for you. I am giving away these super cute little Valentine's journaling hearts from the Pretty Little Studio store.

All you have to do is leave a comment or "some love" here at the bottom of this post telling me what you love the most and I'll put you in the draw to choose a random winner!

But that's not all! If you see something you must have in the PLS store.. there is a special offer of 14% off the price of your purchases. TODAY only (12th Feb, 2012). Your coupon code is: bemine

Isn't that love*ly!

And because Melissa is incredibly generous we have an added bonus gift for you. This adorable little download is yours for free!

To access it.. please visit here.

Now don't forget to leave a comment to be in the draw to win my giveaway from the PLS shop. Your next stop is here with the lovely Katie! AND just in case you get lost... here's the full list of designers who are taking part. Have fun!!

Leanne Allinson ---------------"that's me!!"

Irit Shalom
Keri Babbitt
Pretty Little Studio Blog

Thanks for visiting..x

52 photos...week 6

2012-02-07T09:47:00.000+10:00

{We are Learning}

It's a process right?! One that encourages our children to learn. Or is it more a survival instinct kicking in... helping them get a step up before they start school? I've always tried to encourage my kids to love learning. And so far... It seems to be working. LOL! As it is, Prep/Kindy usually has a screening process now anyway. Or at the very least, in my experience, your four year old gets to have an "interview" with the school Principal and they test them on their letters, numbers, colours, shapes etc... That's what Ethan had to go through... Tahlia and Liam just rocked up to school, pencil in hand, ready and eager to get started. No pre-Prep testing, just the name of their teacher and what class they were in.

I guess the curriculum has changed since Miss T started, waaaaaaayy back in 2005! And now students can be placed in classes that have others who are at a similar academic level as themselves..

So what does this have to do with Cam...? Well he's busy learning. Loving his numbers... two, frwee, hor, h-ive, shix, h-evan, nine! Loving his colours. Green, red, pink, blue, orange, yellow, rainbow! No problems there. :) And even though he loves looking through books, pointing out several things of interest, his favourite subject this past week have been shapes! LOL! Especially if he can make the shapes with his hands.

So, at home we've been busy. Cutting out the shapes in play-doh, drawing "hircles", "quares" and "ti-angs" on countless pieces of paper and singing "Twinkle, twinkle little star", "Wheels on the bus" and "I love you".

I love this time at home with Cam. And to be honest, I'm not going out of my way to have the brightest two year old on the block! LOL! I just love that he loves to learn. I want to encourage and nurture that gift. And hopefully I can do him justice. Who knows what will keep his interest next week.... (Hopefully not tele-tubbies..LOL!) Hmmmmm. That scares me! hahaha! I think I might need to break out the big guns. Now where did I put that encyclopedia Britannica set??.... LOL!!!

Thanks for visiting and have fun learning this coming week..x

Create + Share...

2012-02-04T09:36:00.000+10:00

Today I want to share with you a layout created for The Boxx. I am posting a series of tips and easy to use ideas to help launch you into using more journaling on layouts....January's tip is about incorporating the title as part of the journaling process.

I find that the "long" title draws me into the story being shared. It is most definitely a starting point - a first paragraph if you like.. :)

Here's my layout:

[Have Faith]

products used: cs - bazzill; pp - October Afternoon; alpha - American Crafts, October Afternoon, kaisercraft mini alphas; other - October Afternoon stickers, string, machine stitching, tim holtz distress ink, shipping tag, kaisercraft ink (antique blue, sepia).

If you think this LO looks odd, because it is about encouraging journaling and you can't really see any on the sample... well... LOL!! My journaling has been hidden behind shipping tag!!

Be sure to visit The Boxx blog for more ideas and inspiration. Thanks for visiting..x

..............................................................................

Oh!!! And one last thing. It's FREE class weekend at Miss Art's Papercrafting school. The fabulous Lisa Valentine is being featured. Check this out:

Hope you have fun!

Get Picky...

2012-02-02T16:22:00.001+10:00

This fortnight at Get Picky we are celebrating our Summer Holidays with the gorgeous photo inspiration prompt below....

However, the challenge can be used to scrap your most favourite holiday. Ever! The twist of course.. and you know there's usually one... YOU NEED TO INCLUDE FOUR PHOTOS! And they must help you tell the story you want to document.

Here's my layout.

products used:  cs - kaisercraft, stampin' up; pp - bella! alpha - American Crafts; other - jillibean soup stickers; crate paper sticker; kaisercraft: paint, chipboard #3; scrap fx chipboard cogs; string; martha stewart circle punch; bella! word stickers; maya road transparency; machine stitching; sharpie pen.

Almost every afternoon during the school Summer holidays, my three boys would go outside and wrestle. They have the best times chasing each other around and around just in our yard. And I really do prefer this activity as opposed to sitting in front of the tv and playing wii games! LOL! Don't get me wrong. My two older boys are quite proficient in playing (and mastering) anything technological... and I include the craze skylanders in that!!! But it makes me smile just to see them outside. playing.

Even if it can get a bit rough sometimes! And the roughest of them all of course... is usually Cameron. All of two years of age.

So to be in the running to win next month's guest spot over at Get Picky, all you need to do is upload and link your multi-photo layouts by midnight (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on February13th. Good luck. I can't wait to see your entries....x

Greatest View...

2012-02-01T15:46:00.000+10:00

Well it's that time..... Release day at Greatest View!! Winners have been announced and the shop will be open tonight at 7pm Brisbane time. Check out some of the items available.

I promise you there will only be disappointment if you miss out. So be quick...x

52 photos...week 5

2012-02-01T10:02:00.004+10:00

{Cousins}

photo: A group of kids reluctantly having their photo taken. Wanting to play and run and yell and chase... A group of kids... four siblings and one cousin. A cousin who they have met for the. very. first. time. Introducing Leah. She is my brother's daughter. My niece who is three years old and I am meeting her for. the. very. first. time. as well. :)

Leah lives in Darwin. We live in Brisbane. There is unfortunately a huge distance between us to travel. And sadly, up until this point, we have not had the opportunity to spend time with her. But for the last few days, Tahlia, Liam, Ethan and Cam have got to play with this wonderful little chatterbox and get to know her a little better.

This week has been about sharing time with family ...in between the bouts of rain and thunderstorms, flooding and road closures! LOL! But we made this get together happen. Finally. And it was definitely worthwhile..x

Greatest View...

2012-01-31T09:50:00.002+10:00

Have you remembered to enter into the Greatest View's giveaway yet? Today is the LAST day. So if you haven't you really need to hurry!!!

For the last few days, Gail has been having a countdown to the first release of the shop's goodies! Kim, Kerryn and Gail herself, have all shared their fantastic creations... And today I can share with you, my full layout...

{Splash}

products used: cs - bazzill, kaisercraft; pp - Pretty Little Studio, Bella!, Jillibean Soup; Alpha - sassafras;  Greatest View - badges, yoyo flowers, mini doilies, string; other - kaisercraft: rhinestones, hot pink paint; machine stitching; bo bunny brads; Martha Stewart butterfly punch; sharpie pen (black).

Head on over to the Greatest View blog for a little "how-to" that I've put together. Thanks for visiting...x

Photo Journeylism...

2012-01-29T08:58:00.000+10:00

That's right. That's the title of the latest Miss Art's Papercrafting School lesson. Starting in February, I am going to encourage you all to try your hand at "downsizing"!! And maintaining the ability to share your photo journey at the same time. It's really easy! Get your 8.5in x 11in papers ready... because I hope to see you there!!

52 photos...week 4

2012-01-24T11:58:00.001+10:00

{A Good Year}

Well.... maybe...LOL! What this photo shares is... three kids, up bright and early, dressed and ready for school. What it shares is the amazing amount of growing Tahlia and Liam did over the Summer holidays! What it shares is the excitement of going back to school... for at least one of them! LOL!

But what it doesn't tell is the story of being prepared to prevent the major getting-ready-for-school rush and flurry. Or the anxiety and nervousness of entering a higher grade. What this photo doesn't reflect on is the skip in my heart when I walked them into school and left them in the care of their teachers for the day. My immediate sense of needing to use a deep breathing technique, as another year passes and they grow more independent. :)

And of course, it doesn't share the nightmare of school parking on the first day. Or the drenching rain, as we tried to get into the classrooms without needing a dry set of clothes... Welcome back to school guys. Have a great year..x

.................................................

ps - Thanks everyone who left a comment about me leaving little snippets of family life on my blog. It has helped me decide to keep blogging as per normal. I appreciate it...x

Sneak...

2012-01-22T14:34:00.000+10:00

Just a little something I've been playing with...

Coming soon....to Greatest View..x

Create + Get Picky...

2012-01-20T15:19:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends. TGIF right! LOL!! I'm still playing catch up here and trying to get ahead at the same time... if that makes any sense at all!! hee hee..

Today I want to share my layout created for the Get Picky inspiration sketch. This one was heaps of fun and I found myself having completed it before I knew I had. Again... does that make sense either?! hahaha.. (It must be all the brown paper covering of school exercise books that is sending me ~~slightly~~ batty at the moment! Grrrr!! Not a task I enjoy. hee hee..)

So here is sketch #16...

And my interpretation.

[Art]

products used: cs - American Crafts; pp - Bella! alpha - American Crafts; other - machine stitching, Jenni Bowlin journal card, kaisercraft rhinestone and ink (black), Tim Holtz distress ink, ric rac ribbon, string, apple embellishment (unknown), black pen (sharpie).

Yes. That black blob on the first photo is the satin flower in the second! Ethan had a fabulous day at school for Under 8's last year. He soooo loves being creative. I loved using the primary colours and going back to basic for this one. Simple colours, simple layers, simple concepts. Love it when it all comes together easily.

Thanks for visiting and don't forget to check out the amazing DT creations over at Get Picky. This month's sponsor is Scrapbookit who are offering a voucher for our sketch challenge winner.

To be in the running to win all you need to do is upload and link your multi-photo layouts by midnight (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on January 28th. Our lucky winner will be announced on January 29th. Good luck!!

As Promised...

2012-01-19T11:01:00.000+10:00

*ahem - photo heavy post*... :D

Those in the Scrapping Community, who visit to see my creations, may not be terribly interested in my family exploits! LOL!! But I share these stories here on my blog for friends and family. And for me. So I can remember the details of what, where, when, how and sometimes why. I guess it is my time capsule of sorts. Just like scrapbooking. Minus the pretty paper and gorgeous embellishments! But I'm cool with that. Because when I go to use the paper and scissors, I have the documentation already completed. And those of you who visit my blog on a regular basis, know how important the story is to me.

I have considered starting another blog, just for family and friends who are interested. But as of yet I haven't decided. It may be a new venture in 2012. I'll mull over it for a while. :)

So.... Here goes. As promised (Mum...) :D

Camping at Wivenhoe.

The Captain Logan campsite at Wivenhoe Dam, is fast becoming a favourite place for us to camp at. Not only does it have HOT showers, flushing toilets and allocated sites... but there is the ultimate attraction of the water. hee hee.. oh! and throw in the added bonus of a taipan slithering about and the rest is all gravy.

Bushland on one side..

Water on the other...

Okay... So I wasn't thrilled when I learnt about the snake. The on-site Ranger called in to see how we were getting along with setting up and warned us about the potentially deadly neighbour... Not fun.

But back to the water. We love it here because the kids can swim and kayak to their hearts content without the fear of being run over by a motorboat. Here they can jump, emerge and float happily...

...water guns in hand, of course! LOL!

We set up camp on the hottest day of the Summer. Typical. The heatwave hit us at just the wrong time! LOL! I think the temperature got up to 42 degrees... in. the. shade!!!! OMGosh! It was a stinker. So hot that we all just walked into the water with out getting changed into our swimming gear first.

The rest of the week wasn't as bad. We still had some hot days but later in the week it got quite cool! How are we suppose to plan for a camping trip if the weather isn't going to behave for us! LOL!

We took a day trip to the Queensland Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich while we were so close. The kids loved it.

Cam especially with his total adoration of all things train.

And Liam because of the scientific displays and interactive experiments he could get involved with!!

So, back at camp.. besides having dirty faced kids..

or wet kids..

or cheeky sunglass stealing kids...

or zinc covered kids...

...we all had a rather relaxing week away from the normal routine of work and home duties. Even Mark, with his arm in plaster for the first little bit. I'm glad we managed to get away, in spite of it being incredibly hectic during the school holidays. Now it is a matter of trying to get some washing dry (2 days of rain doesn't help) and to sort out the school books for the coming year. Back to school on Monday.

Thanks for visiting..x

Create...

2012-01-18T08:32:00.000+10:00

Here is a little share from Pretty Little Studio and one of the sneaks I released before I went away camping. :D

It comes with a step by step tutorial on how I created this zesty orange and lime layout!! hee hee..

[Just Come a little bit Closer]

products used: cs - kaisercraft; pp - PLS; alphas - AC fabric thickers, kaisercraft mini alphas; other - PLS: train ticket, clown tag, large boy word flashcard, funny talk journaling cards; maya road vintage stick pin; kaisercraft organza ribbon, rhinestones; jillibean soup label sticker; glimmermist (sunflower); tim holtz distress stain; office date stamp; sharpie pen.

As you can see, I ran out of the letter "s" and substituted with an up-side down question mark! Whatever works huh!?

Thanks for visiting..x

52 photos ... week 3

2012-01-17T11:30:00.001+10:00

{The line in the sand}

We've been camping. But it was camping in the hottest week of Summer so far! Thank goodness we went to a large body of water... Wivenhoe Dam. And the kids were incredibly eager to get in the water. Most of them would have stayed in there all day long. If allowed. But like I mentioned... It was the hottest week of our Summer so far and that meant sun safety.

Swimming was encouraged. Oh! It was definitely encouraged. On the first day of setting up in 40+ degree heat, I think we all got into the water with the clothes we were wearing! We went through litres of sunscreen. And the hats had a massive workout. But... during the hours of 10.30am til 3pm, there was strictly no swimming allowed. The sunlight reflecting and bouncing off the water would have had us severely sun burnt within the first five minutes.

So we drew a line in the sand... sort of! LOL! We set up a large shade area down by the waterline and used the shadow it cast, as the barrier to which the kids could sit along and wait, not so patiently, until 3 o'clock.

On this day, it was sweltering. They were all lathered up with sunscreen ready to go and watching the water and the time closely. In fact, I got so tired of somebody asking me what time it was (and they started at approximately 11.30am) I made a new rule. Each time the question was asked, I add an extra five minutes of waiting time before they could enter the water. The twist was, it was added to the group collectively. Not individually! LOL!! I think they made the wait time last an extra 40 minutes!! (But we didn't hold them to it!)...x

Happy news and a giveaway!..

2012-01-16T08:35:00.000+10:00

Helloo Friends!! Sorry about my absence in blogging land, but I had some family time off the grid! :D Actually we really were off the grid. No electricity, limited internet access and lots of family fun time. We were camping again. The last little holiday before the kids return to school. So today I am catching up on things, sharing some exciting news and doing a. lot. of. clothes. washing. LOL! One thing I realise though after returning home after a week's camping trip is... I love two things. A solid roof over my head (especially when it rains!) and stain remover! Oh. My. Word. Do my children have fun getting dirty or what!!! LOL!

But more about our camping trip later in the week. Today is announcement day! Woo Hoo! I am excited and honored to share with you, that my lovely friend Gail has asked me to join her DT for her simply fabulous etsy shop - Greatest View!

And in celebration of her new blog she is having a little giveaway!

Above is a sneak peek at some of the goodies Gail has been working on for the first bi-monthly product release.

Would you like to win a $25 voucher to spend at the release? She is going to give three away and to be in the running, we need your help to spread the word!

Become a follower of the Greatest View blog and post the details of the giveaway on your blog or facebook. Or both for two entries :) Be sure to include the picture above and link back to the brand new Greatest View blog. Leave a comment on this post to let Gail know!

Entries close 9pm January 31st and I'll announce the winners shortly after.

Over the coming couple of weeks until the next release, she will be introducing you to us, the design team, providing you with a little more information about Greatest View and starting from the 28th January we will countdown each day untill the first release for 2012 on February 1st.

Are you excited? hee hee.. If you have never seen Gail's products before, you are in for a treat! Her items are spectacular and so beautifully made I can't wait to be creating with them on a regular basis!

Good luck everyone with the giveaway. Thanks for visiting...x

52 photos...week 2

2012-01-10T11:03:00.007+10:00

This week I am sharing two photos. Mostly because they are of the same tragic story, just different angles! LOL! (and they are from my i-phone).

{Again!!!}

This is the third time. Same arm, same elbow. Broken, dislocated and completely tragic. LOL! The story is still on going, but this particular chapter started on the 29th of December, last year. The full story starts with the first accident way back in 2009, Boxing Day.

The Quad Bike Accident - broken, requires sling and rest. Scared the life out of me. Mark and Liam rolled the huge quad bike and luckily survived with only Mark's injury to talk about.

Then last year, it was followed up with another chapter. While at the snow on "Our Big Trip" in June/July, he thought he was younger than he is (sorry honey!!) and had The Snowboarding Accident- broken, almost needs surgery, physiotherapy required, sling and rest.

This time we were at Wet n Wild. And I'd really love to say that he was doing something completely daring. Trying out one of the new crazy-out-of-your-mind rides (can you tell I don't like torturing myself by performing feats of madness!!) and he smacked his arm really hard against the side of a water slide tube..etc.. But he didn't. He didn't even trip over uneven ground and fall hard onto concrete. But he did save Cameron from drowning.

We were entering the nice sedate cruisey ride at Calypso Beach. It's one of those ride where you sit on a rubber tube and just float. Just float. Mark got in the tube first and reached for Cam. I passed him over and placed him on top of his chest. The line up behind us was a bit pushy and impatient. They kept surging forward to grab the tubes as they floated past. Liam was in his tube and had just started to enter the current that takes you around in a large moat.

Cam got a bit scared with the crowd of people moving in and moved unexpectedly. This movement overbalanced both Mark and Cam in the tube. They both went under the water. It all happened so very quickly. And the lifeguard was standing right next to me. Literally.

Cam was wearing a toddler life vest. Thank-goodness for that. And he cam bobbing straight up from under the surface of the water. He's a little fish and it didn't phase him one bit. It was the current of water that worried me. Immediately as they both went into the water, Mark went to grab Cam. Instinct kicked in. That strong parental instinct where you'd do anything for your child. He twisted his already damaged arm, in among a sea of eager swimmers and their arms and legs surging forward to grab the passing rubber tubes. They didn't stop to help Mark who was clearly in pain. Nor did they stop to pass a small boy back to me who could have easily been swept away. What the people behind me did was grab the tube I was holding out of my hand and use it for themselves...

By this stage I didn't care who had the tube. Liam was already moving along in the current and I yelled at him to go around once and then quickly return to me. I couldn't stop him. He was already a good five meters away from me. I grabbed at Cam next and pulled him out of the water, alerted the lifeguard, who even though he was standing next to me was still watching the wannabe riders push past.

Mark had gone white. Really pale. He had seriously lost all colour in his face and was ready to pass out in the water. I tried to help him up but I could see his elbow was clearly dislocated. There was a golf ball size protrusion coming from his elbow socket that was definitely in the wrong area. I now had Cam in one arm, clinging to me, and grabbing Mark by his rashy (sun safe swim shirt) to help him to the edge of the pool. He was nursing his arm and trying desperately not to throw up and pass out at the same time.

The lifeguard stated to yell at the line behind us telling them to "back off!". One lovely lady in her 60s came to my aid. The only person who offered to help. She helped me sit Mark up against the edge of the pool and tried to make him comfortable. The lifeguard by this stage was trying to get medical help over the radio.

Liam still wasn't with us.

This all happened in seconds. But it felt like forever. We were waiting for the nurse to arrive with a wheelchair, who was trying to get through the crowd. Thankfully, Liam suddenly appeared from behind me and I then had to run off and find everyone else who was in our group (including my Mum, Tahlia and Ethan). Luckily, some of them were in the same area about 50 meters away in a picnic/relaxing area. We had traveled to the theme park with two other families.

After informing our friends what had happened, I found Mark in the first aid complex. One long discussion with the emergency nurse, one torturous wait for an ambulance and one anxious drive on unfamiliar roads, found us at a hospital on the Gold Coast.

The staff at the hospital were amazing. They were lovely, reassuring and very professional. Mark had to have an x-ray to determine the damage and assess what needed to be done. After the x-ray the doctor said he had two options. 1: Mark goes under anesthetic and the elbow goes back into place gently. It gets put into plaster and there is a follow up with his own GP at home. 2: Mark goes under anesthetic and the elbow goes back into place with difficulty. It requires surgery and night in hospital and then we'll see what happens!

I want option one. And thankfully that is the option that pulled through for us. I think I had everything crossed that night - fingers and toes - for that outcome. phew...

Fortunately for us, Wet n Wild was open til late (9pm). Our friends kept our older two kids with them to prevent having to sit them in a waiting room for a few hours while this drama unfolded. It was also fortunate that despite everything, we managed to get into a hospital that was quiet. There were hardly any inpatients. The holiday rush of injuries had lessened. So timing wise, it was perfect. Our friends left the theme park just as we were discharging Mark and they drove the extra fifteen minutes south so we could all travel home together. Two hours north. I am thankful to Calvin and Cindy too, who pushed me out of the driver's seat and took over the driving, so I didn't have to stress about getting us home. I hate driving. At the best of times.

So this is the photo story for week two. Sadly, I have NO photos from Wet n Wild! LOL! But by the time we were at the hospital, I had enough humour to take some there.

Thanks for visiting..x

Sneaky...

2012-01-08T14:31:00.000+10:00

Are you intrigued?! LOL! Coming soon on the Pretty Little Studio blog...

Ethan's family party photos...

2012-01-07T20:37:00.001+10:00

Cake, presents, family and playtime. What more could a boy ask for....x

Create...

2012-01-05T09:05:00.012+10:00

Hello Friends. Today I wanted to share with you a little more Christmas spirit! LOL! That's right. I'm sure you still won't mind another small dose!! Pretty Little Studio has the most delightful range of Christmas paper goodies on offer and I couldn't wait to create some fun layouts with this collection and these photos!

{Santa Elves}

products used: cs - bazzill, stampin' up; pp - PLS Jingle Bells Collection; alpha - AC; other - PLS shipping tags, semi-circle banners, paper ribbons, journaling bracket notebook; ink; embroidery floss; glitter nail polish; ScrapFX chipboard; twine; black pen; white pen; machine stitching.

Cam is so cheeky! These photos are the ones that didn't make it into my December Daily... something else I need to share with you all soon. :)

Thanks for visiting..x

Happy Birthday Ethan!!!

2012-01-04T10:41:00.000+10:00

Today, my second youngest/third in line/middle son, (LOL!!!) turns 6! Happy birthday little man! Oh I so wish you would just stay little!! For just a bit longer at least. I am having heart palpitations at the thought and realization that birthdays come around so quickly. sigh... But I can't stop them or him from growing.

So this is what I can do... Let you go and discover who you are becoming, especially now that you are a school boy. Continue to support and encourage you in the things you want to explore. And snatch you up sometimes in a big bear hug... Just so I can delight on you and you can whisper in my ear that you are still my boy. :) We love you so much buddy. Happy Birthday....x

52 photos...week 1

2012-01-03T16:07:00.001+10:00

Okay. So I am going to try this. Post one photo for the week and then tell the story behind it! Every Tuesday...hopefully! LOL! I don't know how successful I'll be. But I sure will try to complete this goal. And it all falls under my wish to document the quirky stories that occur within my family dynamics. Who knows what this will lead to. And I have NO doubt at all that I will scrap some of these stories. Well... That's bound to happen here. Right?! hahaha..

I have to say though, to eliminate some of the pressure of posting only the best and most spectacular of photos, I will make a commitment to myself to only add photos that have a story to tell. You know the ones.. they maybe grainy and have low light. They maybe overexposed and have no composition. But if there's a story to share behind the image, I want to document it. All part of my 2012 plan to tell my story. ;D

I know this isn't a new idea. Far from it. LOL! But by putting this out there, in blogging/cyber space... I might in some small way, encourage you to tell the story of a photo without the pressurized need to scrap it. If you know what I mean. After all, doesn't this idea make it easier to scrap at a later date? Make your LOs become a little more focused? Of course there is no right or wrong way to scrap. My urge is plainly to tell the story. Sometimes a paragraph, a series of note points or perhaps even an epic tale. Whatever is needed. :D

So here goes.. Week One:

{Firey Shapes}

Tahlia: 01 Jan - our side yard.

Today we experimented with light. Sparkles and light! And what a better way to bring in the New Year. Our first attempt wasn't too great. It really wasn't dark enough to capture the trails of sparks to make our shapes. But it was fun. And after dinner we tried again. This time we had more success. All the kids wanted to make shapes appear, as if like magic, in the photos. We got adventurous too. Not only did we have complete circles but Liam created a letter "L" and Simone produced the number "2". Hahaha! Very adventurous. Unfortunately with fire comes heat and fingers were burnt. Several fingers. Normally the kids are very good and in control of not touching the "hot" parts. But I guess the excitement and their eagerness got the better of them. Happy New Year..x

Create...

2012-01-02T20:12:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends! It's challenge time for the regular visitors of Get Picky. And this inspiration challenge has you looking forward into 2012. A New Year's resolution if you like. Nikki and Tanya provided an extraordinarily, beautiful poem by Sandra Sturtz Hauss for you to glean some inspiration from and I've chosen one of the verses to help me create this layout...

{family}

journaling: May a kind word, a reassuring touch, a warm smile be yours
Every day of your life,
And may you give these gifts as well as receive them.

My happiest achievement last year was capturing a family-of-six photo every month. And no, they are not all good shots. In fact most of the ones of me are down-right horrible... But I am still thrilled that I ~~forced~~ encouraged my little family to stand still for one moment, for just once a month, to capture a family portrait.

This is something I really want to continue into 2012.

This idea was challenged every single month... mostly by my husband ( 'cause the kids are used to having a camera pointed at them! LOL!!) And I know that I will see opposition to it again in 2012. But I'll persevere and see where it takes me.

So... What is you New Year's resolution? If you dare to scrap it, don't forget to share a link to your creation over at Get Picky. Thanks for visiting...x

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-01T10:57:00.000+10:00

Hello 2012. I am ready to see where you will lead me this year. I am ready to be inspired and I am ready to play. How exciting is that!! Woot Woot!!

Lets start the year off with some scrapping.

This is my last post for Sketchabilities. Or rather it is time for the new DT to share their interpretations of Karan's awesome sketches. I've had 6 months at Sketchabilities and enjoyed every moment there. This is sketch #62...

And here is my layout...

{H2O boy}

I wanted to keep this layout relatively clean and I've been working on emphasizing my white space lately.

There's a lovely mix of Lily Bee and Bella! papers on this page. So, there we have it. My last Sketchabilities assignment. Thanks for visiting and I hope your new year has started off with a bang!!

2011 in review...

2011-12-31T10:19:00.000+10:00

Well, if it needs to be done, then today is the day... and 2011 was full of surprises. Good and bad. Full of many adventures and the building of some great bonds between friends. The sad, sudden and tragic loss of my Dad in July to the wonderful family holiday we had exploring our country. All eventful and all burned in our memories for the duration. Too many stories to write in one post.

But what I will share is this. I have grown more appreciative of my own little family. I am grateful for the memories we will share and the stories I have already documented through this blog and my scrapbooking. I am looking forward to the new challenges of 2012. Already it promises to be an exciting year for me.

This Christmas I created some photo books to hand out to family. Documenting our last 12 months.

This is something I look forward to doing each and every year from now on. Sorry folks if you were the recipient of one of these book for 2011. It looks like you may get some more in the future! hahaha! But anyway.. I know I will be conscious of the fact that I want to now fill my Christmas photo book full of meaningful snapshots. Those quiet moments captured secretly on film, the joyous moments of our achievements shouted out for all to hear and see and of course the everyday miracles.

That is my aim for next year. To enjoy. To capture. To document more and more. Less embellishments and flourishes. More facts and anecdotes of everyday life.

Happy New Year my friends. I hope 2012 is good and kind to you all....x

Santa came. I promise you...

2011-12-28T15:00:00.001+10:00

Hello Friends! I've taken a few days to recover, catch up on some scrappy commitments and build flat packs! LOL! Yep. I'm a multitasking machine! woo hoooooOooo.... *oh my!*

Leading up to, during and after Christmas has been car-razy! hee hee. But I didn't really expect any different. We were hosting Christmas dinner this year and sadly...because I was in the kitchen for most of the evening, I missed out on taking photos. A lot of photos. :(

So I'll share the few I have from the day, bright and early Christmas morning!

{2011}

Somehow, I manage to get this traditional "posed" photo every year. And I am so glad too, as it is one of my favourite things to look back on and compare as the years fly by...

{2010}

{2009}

{2008}

(minus Cameron of course!)

And I can go on and on right back to the year 2000 when Tahlia celebrated her first Christmas. Some things will never change. And I like this little tradition! Of course the other non-changing element of Christmas was the early morning wake-up! But this year we put a challenge out there to the kids! Bwahahaha!

2011's Christmas morning story went like this.... It was the night before Christmas.... Ooops! Sorry, that's from somewhere else... :D

But it did start out on Christmas eve. Mark challenge the kids to stay in their bedrooms until we got up to bring them down to the tree. Yep. I know what you're thinking. Bad parenting!!! That will NEVER work! hahaha! But as an added incentive, rules were made to make the challenge fair. We, as the parents, promised to come and get them at 6am. That was deemed a reasonable time by all. But, if any child strayed out of the bedroom before we came and got them, they would open their gifts last. HAHA! There was an obvious loophole. What if they ALL came out? Well, we, as the said parents, told them, they'd have to have breakfast first before any gifts were opened!!! Could they (or more accurately, would they) do it?

Just after 4am, we heard movement. Okay, I thought... Here we go... Am I going to be mean enough on Christmas morning and force cereal down my children's throats when they will be clearly obsessed with what is in the other room? I was hoping not. :) So Mark got up to investigate. Here they were, sitting patiently at their bedroom doors not daring to go out any further into the hallway, and just bursting with excitement!!! Liam and Ethan in one doorway. Tahlia and our niece Simone in the adjoining bedroom doorway. All lined up at 4AM!!! Sheesh!! LOL!

So we caved. Weeeelllll...... Technically we actually got them and brought them down to the Christmas tree. (That's what I'm claiming anyway!) And just like that... chaos rang out! LOL!

The kids kindly posed for the above photos and then wrapping paper was strewn across the atmosphere! So yes. Santa did come to our house. And he was most welcome...x

ps - If you were wondering... Yes. We do have daylight here just after 4am. And it makes it very hard for kids to stay in bed! LOL!!

Oh Sweet Christmas Time...

2011-12-24T16:33:00.000+10:00

The season is busy. Always. But I want to share my warm wishes and love to you all at this precious time.. I hope that you all receive a gift of love this Christmas even if it is in the form of a tender touch or warm embrace. I hope that you don't let an opportunity slip by where you can give that hug or embrace back in return..

I hope that the Season reminds us to bring joy to our hearts and maybe, just for one moment.. slow down and reflect..

So, from my family to yours...

Merry Christmas!!

Oh. My. Goodness!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-20T17:06:00.001+10:00

Hello friends! Do you remember a little while ago when I posted about being one of Australia's top ten Scrapbooking Masters? :D Well.... The magazine edition is out and circulating among those who have a subscription or is featured in this issue. Unfortunately I don't have my copy yet. And it doesn't go on sale until December 28.

However........................... I did get sent a photo of the cover. And just let me please repeat.................

OH. MY. GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!

Have a little look at who is on the cover!!!! It's MEeeeeeeEEeeeeee! (Well, technically it's Tahlia! But it is my layout.) My first. Ever. Cover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you tell I'm a little bit excited!!!

Thanks for visiting..x

December Daily (part 3)...

2011-12-19T10:54:00.000+10:00

I guess it is time to play catch up! LOL!! As I said earlier in the week, I have been moving along with this little (massive!!) project! hee hee.. I am also very glad to have kept it simple. I find that the management of it has been really easy.... this time around. I am even going as far to say... ahem... I might continue this tradition in years to come! YAY!

Day five:

journaling: Gift wrapping is usually the last thing on my mind at Christmas...sure it is an essential part of the fun for the kids but I always seem to leave it until Xmas eve. This year I started early.. and boy does it feel good to be so organized! It may be the start of a new tradition! lol..x

Day six:

journaling: Today is gold pass and for the kids it means a great day! Both Tahlia and Liam have been level one behaviour all year and for this they get rewarded with a trip to swimming parks... "Wet N Wild" on the Gold Coast for Tahlia which goes from 7am - 7pm!! "Burpengary Aquatic Centre" for Liam: 9-3. But today he has fallen sick.. :( He is staying home instead. Unfortunately for Ethan, prep doesn't participate in gold pass. Next year buddy! And you will have a great time..x

Day seven:

For this page I've added a Thank-you card from Ethan's teacher. This card also allowed me to add extra photos for day seven.

journaling: Today, teachers' gifts were carefully carried into class and handed over. This year instead of 3 gifts, a total of 5 were given out. Liam and Ethan both had 2 teachers this year. As an extra bonus, the kids also got to juggle Christmas/end of year break up party snacks. Lots of reindeer and melted snowmen to be eaten...x

Day eight:

journaling: Today I am grateful for my children having wonderful teachers who have guided them throughout 2011 and encouraged each and everyone of my kids to love learning. Today was their last day @ school.

Day nine:

journaling: Today: We celebrated the town's "Christmas Under the Stars" festival.. This year was the 1st time we have attended. We walked thru the new library and cultural center and waited nearly 45 mins in line for a free balloon!!!

Day ten:

This page was created with a flyer that came in the mail. I do have a photo of the storm that came across that afternoon but I still chose to use the flyer. After all, it has an awesome lightening strike and it really says it all about the Summer weather we have been having lately. :D

journaling: Today: we had Australia's version of a white Christmas! Plenty of hail stones in a late afternoon thunder storm... This season the weather is very wet once again. So far, not a lot of sunshine...

Day eleven:

I still need to journal on this page but it will be about putting the decorations up around the house.

Day twelve:

I haven't written on this page either, but I know the words will come directly from this blog post! ;)

journaling: These little elves are an apology gift from the store that destroyed our original Santa photos last year! Cam loves them. He is always walking around with both of them tucked up under his arms. I even found one of them sitting in a "Barbie" horse carriage this morning! LOL! I don't think I will pack them up in boxes this year after Christmas. He is having too much fun with them...x

Day thirteen:

journaling: Dear Santa, today we are working out the "naughty" and "nice"list. For the majority of it, the kids have been good but I still have to deal with squabbles!..x

Day fourteen:

journaling: Today we celebrated Grandma's birthday. Pool party & lots of yummy treats. Happy Birthday!

Day fifteen:

journaling: Today we went searching for the winning entries in the Xmas lights displays! Our local area didn't have as many entries this year - probably because of the wet conditions lately. We did however, find some fabulous participants including one with a train ride and snow machine!!

................................................

So that is where I am up to. I'm not completely on top of it! hahaha! But every time I go to update on my blog, I find that I am ultimately a few days behind whatever! hee hee... oh well... Thanks for visiting...x

Create + Sketchabilities...

2011-12-17T14:47:00.000+10:00

I'm back! So soon... Did you miss me? hee hee... Today I wanted to share my second to last layout for Sketchabilities. Six months of fun and fabulous sketches by the lovely Karan. I can't wait to see what the new DT has to reveal.

But back to the present...! Here is sketch #61.

And there are those circles again!! LOL! But guess what... I changed it up a bit... :D

My layout:

products used: cs - Stampin' Up, bazzill; pp - Bella!; alpha - American Crafts thickers, Kaisercraft mini alphas; other - kaisercraft: clear stamp; October Afternoon label sticker; string; star punch; Martha Stewart circle punch; machine stitching; Sharpie pen; ink: versacolor.

Well... not overly much... but you can see I rebelled a little bit! LOL! Thanks for visiting..x

Create + Get Picky...

2011-12-16T07:41:00.000+10:00

Hello All. It's been a little while between posts huh?!... I guess that's the busyness of December. I am still moving along with my December Daily, taking photos and writing down the stories! I love this idea so much! Thanks Ali! :D I hope those of you who are joining in on the journey haven't given up. I'm sure it will be worth it in the end. I will update mine in the next day or two....

Today I want to share the latest reveal over at Get Picky. This is sketch challenge #15! And it is divine! I love this sketch and the DT have produced fabulous creations! Head on over and check them out!

So here is the sketch:

You can interpret it in any way you like AS LONG as it is still recognisable AND has multiple photos on it! LOL! Yep. Some people forget that this challenge site is to get us to use MORE THAN one photo on a layout. :)

So here's my layout....

[Wave Runner]

products used: cs - bazzill; pp - Lily Bee; Bo Bunny; alpha - Lily Bee; other - Kaisercraft: die cut journal block, rhinestone flourish, embellished paperclip; ink: versacolor (pinecone), Tim Holtz distress ink (antique linen); string; machine stitching; handmade satin flower; Martha Stewart butterfly punch; Sharpie pen.

No interpretation needed! LOL! I loved it straight up and didn't want to change a thing. Hmmm.. Is that some kind of lyric? hee hee...

So... I do hope I see you over at Get Picky playing along. I know this is a crazy time of year to be creative but why not get a jump start on it... hee hee... maybe some Holiday photos are beckoning to be scrapped! Thanks for visiting..x

Cheeky elf...

2011-12-12T12:18:00.000+10:00

These little elves are an apology gift from the store that destroyed our original Santa photos last year! Cam loves them. He is always walking around with both of them tucked up under his arms. I even found one of them sitting in a "Barbie" horse carriage this morning! LOL! I don't think I will pack them up in boxes this year after Christmas. He is having too much fun with them...x

Exciting news!

2011-12-10T11:29:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends! I just wanted to let you all know a little something I've been working on!! Check this out!

Yep. That's right. I'm going to be teaching here at Miss Arts! Wow!! I can't wait to share some more. Stay tuned...x

December Daily (part 2)...

2011-12-07T19:49:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends and Hello December! I know I have had a really busy start to the month already, but hopefully it will all just add to the experience of my journey with my December Daily!

Today I wanted to share with you the first few pages.. (sorry about the bad light.. it looks like we may be in for another wet Christmas in Queensland, again this year! rain, rain and more rain! =D )

Day one:

journaling: Oh what a delight it was to see the expressions on the faces of the kids when I picked them up from school... Nanny had come for a special trip to surprise the kids and to see Tahlia's ballet concert. We had planned the surprise right down to Mum holding her phone camera in her hand just as we arrived @ the school gate. Their squeals were priceless!!

(photo taken by Mum on her phone)

Day two:

journaling: Finally the tree came out from its hiding place and the kids got to decorate with gusto! Cam joined in for the first time and constantly placed baubles on the same branch. He certainly loved decorating and we let him place the star.

Day three:

journaling: Our beautiful ballerina shone on stage! She was so magnificent to watch... her smile... wow! This year Tahlia was involved in 2 performances - matinee and evening. Cindy and I volunteered backstage for the matinee and watched in awe with our families, the evening show. The first ballet "Blue Danube" blew the audience away! It was amazing... created in only 5 weeks..x

Day four:

journaling: Today was a good day. The kids got to spend some quality time with Nanny. They went to the movies to watch "Puss in Boots"and got to eat plenty of lollies and popcorn!!! They all spent some more time shopping and making Christmas lists together... All their planning and plotting will make for some fun in the near future. I am so glad that they get to spend good times together. Christmas will be fun..x

So this is the start of my DD. Just keeping it simple and manageable.. (hopefully! LOL!) Thanks for visiting..x

And the winner is....

2011-12-06T19:20:00.000+10:00

Number 9:

Cynthia said...

Your tree is SOOOOO cute!!  I love the idea of making them for name cards--what a perfect idea!

Friday, December 02, 2011

Congratulations Cynthia! Head on over to the Pretty Little Studio Blog and let Melissa know you have won the prize on my blog...x

Just a little update too on how I created these little decorations. A few people were asking how I put them together so here is a quick step by step...

1. Using a saucer or similar sized plate trace a circle around the outside edge, directly onto cardstock. Cut in half.

2. Take one semi-circle and form a cone shape. Adhere edges together.

3. Create a concertina flower as seen here but don't close it up.

4. Cut three more circles (3", 2.5" & 2"). Cut each circle in half and form cone shapes.

5. Snip the bottom of each patterned paper cone shapes to create the branches. Ink the edges. Cut a small section off the top of each cone until it slides to position required on the cardstock cone.

6. Slide over the cardstock cone and adhere.

7. Create a star using left over patterned paper and/or star punch. Adhere to a toothpick. Slide toothpick into the top of the cone. Decorate with organza ribbon and a small shipping tag.

Thanks for visiting..x

Create with Sketchabilities...

2011-12-02T17:32:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends! It certainly has been a busy week! If you are looking for the Pretty Little Studio Happy Holidays Blog Hop...........Please visit here!!

.........................................................................................

Today however, I want to share with you my layout for the latest Sketchabilities sketch #60.

Karan's gorgeous sketch looks like this...

And from this sketch I was inspired to create this layout...

[Stolen Moment]

products used: cs- bazzill; pp - Lily Bee, Kaisercraft, Nikki Sivils, Bella!; alpha - cre8tive foam letters; other - Abi's Craft paper flowers; homemade flowers; kaisercraft: pearl strips, ink, grosgrain ribbon; machine stitching; hessian; office stamp; black pen (sharpie).

OMGosh!!! And look at that! I am in these photos!! LOL! Shock! Horror!! hee hee..

I hope you will play along. See you there...x

Pretty Little Studio - Happy Holidays Blog Hop!!

2011-12-02T01:00:00.004+10:00

Hi Everyone and welcome to the Pretty Little Studio Blog Hop. If you have stumbled onto this post by chance, CONGRATULATIONS!!! LOL! You have found the very beginning.... =D! I am very pleased to say that these talented ladies, on this blog hop, will delight you with everything they have to share!

So are you ready for some Christmas inspiration from the Pretty Little Studio girls? Well, here are the rules...

Visit each of our blogs for additional holiday projects, and be sure to leave a comment at each stop. Each of us will be giving away a $10 gift certificate to the PLS store, and there will be a grand prize $25 gift certificate awarded to one lucky person who comments on the PLS blog! You have until the 5th of December to leave a comment.

I've decided to make an OTP project with the gorgeous Jingle Bells collection. A cute little table decoration that can be used as part of a name card or simply to add that homemade touch to the table...

{Merry Christmas}

products used:

Thanks again for joining in on our first Blog Hop. Your next stop is here with Irit. But if you get lost, here is the list to follow....

Now as an extra bonus, Melissa is also kindly giving away a FREE vintage card download for our blog hoppers! YAY!! Have a look...

They are available as a PNG file or PDF. Here is the link:

http://shop.prettylittlestudio.com/welcome/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=132&products_id=1098&zenid=ce57bb78eef94f3f6ea8f9e947b727b8

Have fun!! And don't forget to leave some love for the Design Team as you go! ... =D

Happy Holidays...x

Back to business :) ...

2011-12-01T10:03:00.000+10:00

Firstly, I just want to say thank you all so very much for the love and support regarding my exciting news. Unfortunately I am aware that there will be some negative comments put out there. People are allowed their opinions I guess, even at the expense of hurting others. But I am still happy to be up there on that amazing list and I know I've put the hard work in to now enjoy the moment. So, once again.. THANK YOU all for your beautiful comments...x

Now, as the blog post title suggests... LOL! Back to business! Yesterday was the release of Get Picky's new challenge! (yep. sorry. I'm a little late!)!!!

This challenge is close to my heart. It is all about telling the story! Yay! Here is the inspiration photo...

And here is my layout..

[Carnival]

products used: cs - bazzill; pp - kaisercraft, We R Memory Keepers, Nikki Sivils; other - PLS journal card; string; machine stitching; glimmermist; glimmerglaze; kaisercraft clear stamp; Tim Holtz distress ink; black pen (sharpie).

My story is all about how Liam, my eldest son, is always trying to be "the funny man". hahaha.. He has such a quick wit at times and is constantly thinking up new jokes. His favourite book at the moment is one that holds tonnes of practical jokes! yikes!! We, as his family, are constantly second guessing whether or not he is about to hit us with his newly discovered knowledge... *sigh* ... But he is lots of fun to be around and he doesn't like to see anybody upset. That's the bonus side!! LOL!

I really hope you will join in and share your story over at the challenge. I can't wait to see what you will create.

Thanks for visiting...x

My little secret...

2011-11-30T16:53:00.003+10:00

Well it's out. On facebook at least. So maybe I should put something up here... You know... this is a time where I should have had something prepared. Unfortunately I have been waaaay too busy. Even today! Among all the craziness I've held onto my little secret for near on three months! THREE MONTHS!!! Not even my family know... well hubby did. He saw the parcels and packages arriving and was a tad curious...

So what is my secret?

I can proudly announce that I am a 2012 Scrapbooking Memories Master!!

One of ten amazing people throughout Australia! My nine fellow Master's are so amazing ... well.. I do kind of feel insignificant. And I am not just saying that! :) I really do wonder at why I was chosen. I did love my entry but I was in complete turmoil when I sent it off. Two days before the due date.

Mark told me to do it. He actually organised it all for me to sit down and finish the job. Especially when I didn't have the heart to enter it anymore. He was my rock. So I thank him for pushing me.

Don't get me wrong. I am absolutely thrilled. So thrilled that when I received that phone call from Cassie at Scrapbooking Memories, I cried. Sorry. True story. :) She may have been a little surprised! hee hee... It has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. You see, my Dad had passed away in the middle of all this. I was so keen to enter for the first time this year (previous years I had had no confidence), that I had two layouts completed right from the very start. Then we went away on our holiday. And immediately as we returned home, we got the devastating news about Dad.

So my heart wasn't in it. At that time.

I don't want to come across as ungrateful. I am in shock. Even after three months. I am however, excited for what the next twelve months will bring. I am ecstatic to meet new amazing people and learn from them. I hope I can live up to the honor of being called a Master. And most of all... I hope I can create some inspiration for you all to enjoy...x

Thanks for visiting.

............................................................

Dedicated in loving memory to my Dad....x

Create...

2011-11-25T17:49:00.000+10:00

This month we are starting a little journaling challenge over at The Boxx blog for those of us who need a little prompting to write the story behind our scrapbooking layouts.

If you would like to play along, we are using (strangely enough!!) a prompt! I am challenging you, during this very busy holiday season, to journal on our layouts. The prompt is something we would like to...

It can be anything. "Remember to" do, say or think about.

I want to "remember to" record the details. Here's my layout based on the Creative Scrappers sketch #183:

[Remember]

products used: cs- stampin' up; pp - Nikki Sivils Gingerbread Lane; alphas - Nikki Sivils; other - ink: Tim Holtz distress ink, shipping tags, machine stitching.

This layout is based on memories from last year. The little things I don't want to forget. Especially since it was the last Christmas I had with my Dad.

I hope you will join in. If not, you can at least check it out here...x Thanks for visiting.

December Daily...(part 1)...

2011-11-22T10:27:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends! I am really excited to share my project this year. One, because I have actually finished ALL the base pages before December rolls around... and Two, because this project was on my "want" to do list! LOL!

It is a simple little album this year. Barely 5x5"... And the best part is... I haven't spent a single cent on it this year. Everything was taken from my stash. Isn't it amazing how much stuff you can find when you actually go looking for it!! Who knew huh?!

Yes. I was totally inspired by AE's white on white front cover look! Who isn't in the scrapbooking world, inspired by that talented lady.

My page layout for the project was all about repetition. I had to make it easy. December is crazy, busy as it is. I didn't need to make this more complicated than it needed to be. Last year I had no idea what I was doing. I thought I could keep up with it all... The truth is... I haven't finished it. Life got in the way. I have the photos and I have the stories written down in a journal. I am sooo grateful that I managed that part at least! I know I can go back to it and complete it.

So this year I am hoping I have taken the "where am I going to put that photo?" and the "what size should I print this photo out?" questions off the table. I know exactly where my photo is going. Yep. I have decided on just one photo a day. It doesn't mean I wont find a place to add more... ;) Even if they just go in, back to back and directly onto the jump rings.

One side of the album is dedicated to holding a 2x3" photo. It will fit nicely in portrait or landscape, so at least I haven't limited myself completely! LOL!

And I have made sure that there is room for journaling. Hand written stories.

I didn't limit myself to a colour scheme either. As long as it looked Christmassy... I used it! hee hee.. And some papers, which are clearly more suited to the northern hemisphere (page 10), I altered with a few well placed stickers and alphas!! (It used to say... "Let it SNOW". Hmmm.. Not going to happen in Australia at Christmas time!).

You may have also noticed the banners... Well, because I am crazy about them this year, I thought I'd add them to my album! :D Hopefully (if I manage to do more in the future..) I will add my fave technique or scrapping habits in little doses to each album I complete.

Those little numbers are cute aren't they. They are from Pretty Little Studio. I love them and am definitely ordering some more. (These ones came in my DT pack!! YAY!!)

On a side note, some of the papers I used weren't double sided. This was one of the things that tripped me up last year. This time however, I just took out some stamps and took advantage of the blank canvas that was before me. No more trying to find enough paper to complete both front and back. No stitching either. And as much as I love a good row or two of stitching... I had to leave it out. All part of keeping it simple for me! :D

Yep. I am definitely looking forward to completing this project. Keeping it simple has freed me up to enjoy the process of story telling. If you are doing a December Daily this year, please share a link in the comments. I'd love to learn more about the processes you use. Every bit of knowledge or an idea is always taken on board by me. Sharing the creative process is a part of the fun!

Thanks so much for visiting...x

.....................................................................................

products used: Maya Road chipboard album; pp - MLYB, Kaisercraft, MME, Fancy Pants, Pretty Little Studio, Nikki Sivils; alpha - American Crafts thickers (powder blue, brown), Bella! Pink Paislee; other - PLS: number tags; shipping tags; ink: Tim Holtz, versacolor, Kaisercraft; string; Stampin' Up punch; clear stamps: Kaisercraft, Darkroom Door, Christmas Create.

Family...

2011-11-18T11:05:00.001+10:00

Wow! Is it Friday already???! Seriously??! I guess I have been busy this week not to see the days go by... LOL!

Today I just wanted to share some photos for the family (and anyone else) to see. It is all a bit of a blur at the moment and I've been meaning to post these photos all week..... (insert chirping cricket noise here)! :D

Last Sunday (see what I mean!!) we spent the afternoon at the beach. It was a really nice break from the usual routine of housework, cooking and organising the kids for school the next day! Of course all that had to be done after we got back from the beach but it was still a lovely reprieve not having to do it in that moment. There's something to be said about procrastinating! LOL!

Anyway... we had a lovely time with our good friends. And the surf was still quite busy at 5 o'clock in the afternoon.

There was lots of running and jumping to be done as soon as we hit the sand...

And then we discovered the new Baywatch team on Bribie! bwahahaha!

Does anyone need rescuing? Anyone....? (insert some more chirping crickets here!!)

Nope. They're good. No rescuing needed here..

And probably not here either!! Bwahahaha! But boy does this boy crack me up with his "posing"!!!!!

Thanks for visiting. Hope you have a lovely weekend...x

Create + Pretty Little Studio...

2011-11-17T12:16:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends. It is getting to be that busy time of year. The time when schools go into over drive regarding end of year concerts, end of year break up parties and end of year chaos! :)

The older the kids get (plus the addition of having more children at school!) tends to increase the work load which is expected at home. Costumes are to be readied - ballet/jazz/rock eisteddfod/Arts night... Props to be organised - prep/ballet... Baking to start - birthdays/school projects... And I'm not complaining. Because I love being involved with what the kids do, both in and out of school. I'm merely documenting the workload... IYKWIM! ;)

At the moment it's a battle between the "need to do" list, and the "want to do" list! hee hee... That first list is feeling rather large.... I have so many little (and big) projects on the go at the moment. I'm sort of stuck in exhaustion mode. LOL!

But anyway.. Today I want to share with you my project over at Pretty Little Studio. It is another sketch challenge but I love the way my layout turned out... (maybe it has more to do with the journaling opportunity than the whole overall look! Because it is kinda blue looking!! But not IRL!!)

[You & Me]

products used: cs - bazzill; pp - Pretty Little Studio (Antique Store collection); alphas - American Crafts vinyl thickers, October Afternoon; other - string, PLS: journal cards, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Tim Holtz ink, black pen (sharpie).

photo credit: Brock Beazley photography 

I had to throw in a banner there at the bottom. I love how it creates a festive or celebratory feel to the layout. Especially in regards to the journaling...

Thanks for visiting...x

Create + DT call...

2011-11-16T09:22:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone. It time for the new sketch reveal over at Sketchabilities! And if you wanted a challenge for scrapping multiple photos on a layout, then this fortnight is the place to visit! Check out Karan's new sketch...

[Water Fight]

products used: cs - DCWV, Stampin' Up; alpha - October Afternoon; other - machine stitching, Tim Holtz ink, versacolor ink, foam tape, black pen (sharpie), fiskars circle template.

I love that I got to scrap these photos so quickly! They are from our camping trip, in early October. The water was freezing cold. No. It was actually ridiculously cold. All the kids wanted to go swimming but no-one wanted to go in the water. LOL! I think it was one of the adults that started the water fight... Mark probably! hee hee.. But the kids soon got involved and then it was just Tahlia and our camping buddy Liam R (note: not her brother Liam!).

In the end Liam just picked her up, threw her over his shoulder and dunked Tahlia in the water!!

And then there were fireworks!! LOL!! Meanwhile... all of us (supposed) grown-ups were rolling on the ground with laughter!! Definitely a good day. Well... for most of us!!

Sooo... If you would like to have a good day as well, head on over to Sketchabilities and give this sketch challenge a go. And while you are there check out the details for Karan's new DT Call. This is a such a fun place to visit and you will create some wonderful layouts. Don't be shy. Submit your entry now. Good luck..x

Create with Get Picky...

2011-11-15T09:48:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends. I hope you all had a lovely week-end. Mine was filled with nine year old boys playing x-box!! LOL!

Today I want to share with you my layout created from this Get Picky sketch...

Hmmm... Do you see that. More round things! LOL!! I think circles really must be the "in" thing at the moment. Have I mentioned that before??? hee hee..

Here's my layout:

[Simple Things]

products used: pp - Bo Bunny; alphas - Basic Grey, Adorn It; other - paper clip, tulle, machine stitching, black & green pen, mist, textured paste.

Straight from the sketch to paper with the exception of NO round photos! ;) 

I have to admit I was totally inspired by the lovely Julie Winks. And who else do you know that can ROK circles like she does? Well... The DT at Get Picky did a pretty amazing job too! You should go and enter your interpretation of the sketch because there's a fabulous prize up for grabs.

Our November sponsor is Australian flower manufacturer, Manor House Creations and we have a beautiful prize containing 5 packs of flowers for our sketch challenge winner. BUT please remember that this challenge site is for MULTI-PHOTO layouts! :) Entering a layout with more than one photo will take you a long way towards possibly winning the prize.

Good luck....x

Happy Birthday Liam!

2011-11-11T10:14:00.000+10:00

We are so proud of our big boy!!

Today, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 2011, he turns nine years old! He thinks he may have a very lucky day today! And I think he may be right. After all... this week has been very good to him already - in a non-birthday related way! Goodness knows what adventures and opportunities will open up for him in the coming year!

Earlier this week Liam received the coveted school award "Aussie of the Month". Wow! Two brothers have been given this award in the four short months it has been in operation! They are the only siblings thus far to share the award. A huge achievement in a school of 1200+ kids! And for the month of November, Liam was THE only boy on stage! Even the school Principal told him (and everyone else) on parade, that Liam was having a fantastic week! ;)

We are so blessed to have this young man in our lives. We love you very much Liam.....x

Create + Share...

2011-11-10T12:55:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends. I'm back with another crafty share today. AND..... It is Christmas themed!! YIKES!! Did you know that it is only SIX weeks until Christmas! sheesh!!

Any way.... Now is the perfect time to get last year's photos scrapped. (or if you are anything like me!... photos from 2009!! LOL!) Hee hee...

Pretty Little Studio has an amazing Christmas/Holiday collection. It is so sweet! So sweet in fact, that Studio Calico and Ali Edwards, have picked up some pieces for Ali's current December Daily!! Very exciting for PLS!

So here is what I have created for this week's reveal....

[Decorating the Tree]

products used: cs - Stampin' Up; pp - PLS: Jingle Bells collection; other - PLS: Document Christmas paper ribbons, Peppermint Journaling cards, Train Ticket cards, vintage tags; buttons; stamps: Kaisercraft, Darkroom Door; string; machine stitching; glimmermist; Tim Holtz distress ink; ribbon.

I know I am putting some of these items aside for my own DDaily. I can't wait until I actually find the time to pull it all together! tick, tick, tick.... yep. I know.... I'm running out of time! Wish me luck!! ..x

Scrapboxx create...

2011-11-08T09:46:00.000+10:00

Once again it is time to share some layouts that were created for The Boxx newsletter using the September and October Boxx of Scraps.

The wonderfully talented Gina put together September's BOS using plenty of Authentique and My Mind's Eye papers. Yummmmm!

[Blissful]

[Father's Day]

And I got to put together October's BOS. (There is only one kit left in the shop... so be quick if you want it! ;D ...)

[The most delightful kind of wonderful]

[Hula]

Don't you just love those Manor House flowers!!!

I still have plenty of product left over from both kits but I have also made use of the packaging as well! I just can't let anything go to waste! hee hee... Especially when it is all so pretty. :D

Thanks for visiting...x

Kids in kayaks...

2011-11-07T11:37:00.002+10:00

Hello Friends. I just wanted to share a few family shots from the week-end. We went away camping, for two nights out at Wivenhoe and wet the kids kayaks for the first time!

We only purchased two kid sized kayaks (they carry up to 60kg). Tahlia and Liam were ecstatic when they were brought home and promptly named them after holidays or significant dates from the months they were born in. Liam's birthday is this Friday. Remembrance Day. Hence naming his "boat" Remembrance.

Tahlia's birthday is in May. And maybe a little more thought should have gone into it but.... her "boat" is called..... MayDay!!!! LOL!

And.... Because we only purchased two... we now think we will have issues the very next time we hit the water.

We didn't get one for Ethan. He is terrified of the water. He usually will only go so far as to get his feet wet. It seems he has a lot more confidence than we gave him credit for... We are very proud of him for trying something new. :) And he is very good at kayaking too!!

So the three older kids had a fabulous time on the water. And when they weren't floating around on the "boats", they spent most of their time floating and playing in the water!

Cam too... although his style is a little more sedate... :)

It always feels too short when we go away for a week-end. :) Plans are already in the works for a longer and more leisurely holiday in the near future. The very near future if my hubby has anything to say about it! LOL!

But of course after going away camping there's always the inevitable pile of laundry waiting to be decontaminated! sigh... I guess someone has to do the dirty work.... SIGH! hee hee..

And lastly... before I sign off, I have to give credit to our VERY good friends, Cindy & Calvin (but mostly Calvin!!!) for finding this wonderful camping spot.

Happy now, Cal? LOL!

**edited - okay... so Calvin ALSO needs credit for this week-end retreat too. LOL! Men!!! Are they ever happy??! LOL! **

Thanks for visiting..x

Create + Share ...

2011-11-03T22:12:00.000+10:00

I often wonder at the relationships developing between my kids. I mean... There are so many dynamics! (Of course there are bound to be, with four of them! LOL!!) But, among the craziness of our household, I see their relationships developing none the less. Tahlia and Liam share a bond. Sure.. at the age they both are.. (11 and almost 9), it is a challenging bond! hee hee... brother/sister love and all that! :D But they were here first. They stake their territory. When they are friends, which is most of the time, they are best friends. Tight. Standing strong together.

There is a more boisterous one between Liam and Ethan. Sure... It all works out when they are on the same team playing the Wii or superheroes but when asked to clean their shared room... well... let's just say it's not all amicable!! It ALWAYS ends up with his side of the room versus his side of the room! LOL!

Ethan and Miss T are like passing ships in the night. Their interests don't intertwine just at the moment. There is a six year age gap. But she loves to read stories to him, watches him closely when they travel on the school bus, and is protective and proud of him while at school. He in turn loves to share his exciting news with her. Can't wait to tell her what he learnt at school that day and pesters her to read him one more book at bedtime... just after I've already completed the task! LOL!

Soooo... Where is all this rambling leading to. Well, Cameron of course! hee hee.. Child #4. The baby.

Tahlia adores her baby brother. Adores him with probably too much fervor. And Cam, well he sometimes resents all the smothering attentions! hee hee. He however, adores his biggest brother, Liam. AND Liam is fabulous with him. Plays endlessly with him. Guides him. Teaches him. Is a BOY with him. hahaha...

But Tahlia is like a little mother. And she is a huge and willing help. And he is starting to appreciate her affections. Lately he as been asking me ( in the middle of the day) to drive to school and get Tahlia. Not Liam (as he alway used to do). But Tahlia. That is so sweet... Like I said... I love seeing their relationships develop.

This week over at Pretty Little Studio I have shared this layout.

[Big Sis]

Product used: cs - Bazzill Swiss Dot; pp - PLS: Antique Store collection; Alphas - Basic Grey; Other - PLS: Bingo Cards, notebook brackets, pennant flags, vintage cutouts, cookie cutter labels, word flashcards; kaisercraft: paint, paper flowers and rhinestones; Martha Stewart butterfly punch; heart punch; machine stitching; glimmermist; Tim Holtz distress ink; black pen (sharpie).

The photo is about two years old but since when do I scrap in chronological order! LOL! So now I have a question for you. What types of relationships do you see developing right in front of you? Is it between your kids? You and your partner? What idiosyncrasies do you see coming to light? Food for thought. And maybe a scrapbooking page or two...

Thanks for visiting...x

Create + Sketchabilities...

2011-10-31T09:04:00.000+10:00

Hello! I'm back. Again. hee hee. (did you miss me??!)

I have another reveal I can share with you all today. It's time for Sketchabilities #58. And OMGosh! The DT has gone crazy! I mean... Their work has produced some stunning examples! You need to go. Right now. And check them out! LOL!

Okay.......................

So here is the fabulous sketch (and wait for it... It involves circles! Aaarrggghhhh!!).

Can I just say... Karan ALWAYS challenges me. Especially with those circles! hee hee.. But I have to admit, it is still a pretty cool sketch. :D

Here's my take:

[Today]

products used:  cs - bazzill; pp - bo bunny, jillibean soup, kaisercraft, bella blvd, book paper;  alpha - jillibean soup: blossom; other - scrap fx chipboard branch; jillibean: diecut shape, stickers & journal card; kaisercraft: ink, flowers, ticket & rhinestones; string; twine; bling brads; machine stitching; tim holtz distress ink; black pen.

A little bit different for me. I think it is the whole circle thing! LOL! And there are quite a few more textural elements. It was really nice to have a play with those elements I don't usually associate myself with. I should probably change it up more often!! LOL!

Anyway..... I hope you will join in and enter your version of the sketch. I'd love to see some familiar names. Thanks for visiting..x

Create + Share...

2011-10-30T14:05:00.000+10:00

Firstly.... I just want to say thank you all so very much for the love and comments left behind from the Get Picky blog hop! It is always so interesting to see who comes for a visit! And I also want to extend a warm welcome to all my new followers (who probably found me through the hop! Yay! New friends!!) I hope you enjoy your time here. :) I had an amazing 74 comments left for me to read through! Thanks to each and everyone one of you who entered. And of course, I now have to choose a winner for my little giveaway.......................................................................................

CONGRATULATIONS.......... Lizzy Hill!

Lizzy Hill said...: The title caught my attention ~ I love the print look ~ I hope you bought 'em like this, cos it would some BIG amount of work to paste & fussy cut. Great idea, either way, so thank you:):); Saturday, October 15, 2011

Lizzy, if you can email me at leanneallinson (at) hotmail (dot) co (dot) uk with your details, I'll send off my little gift to you as soon as I can.

So.... Today is reveal day for the next Get Picky Inspirational challenge. This month it's a photo prompt - be inspired by this photo AND you must include FABRIC on your page. The fabric can be in any way, shape or form (burlap, lace, felt etc)...

(image source: http://vintagerosegarden.tumblr.com/page/2)

And here is my layout:

[Fern & Wilbur]

products used: cs - resist ink; pp - October Afternoon, Kaisercraft, Jillibean Soup, Echo Park; Alphas - American Crafts fabric thickers; other - ink: tim holtz distress ink, versacolor; tulle; bo bunny brads; string; home made satin flower; felt; kaisercraft pearls; Autumn Leaves clear stamp; black pen.

This is another Book Week layout. Tahlia knew right from the beginning that she wanted go as Fern from Charlotte's Web. She didn't change her mind a gazillion times like the boys did! LOL! She made her own spider's web and found a pig pencil case from the $2 shop. Gotta love a bargain! hee hee...

Anyway... I digress! hee hee...

The last Get Picky challenge was a huge success! I can't wait to see who participates in this challenge. Good luck...x

Wow! Check this out...

2011-10-29T15:12:00.001+10:00

OMGosh!!! Are you as surprised as what I am???? My layout is currently the featured project over at Two Peas! Wow!! ........ Wow!!

I don't know how long it will last up on the site! LOL! But it was a lovely surprise to see my daughter looking back at me. How cool is that! hee hee...

Create...

2011-10-27T19:04:00.001+10:00

Hi Friends!! I'm sorry for being away for the last few days. All I can say is.... "Grrrrrr... Computers!!". But we seem to be back up and running so I 'll post on my blog very quickly, before it all goes pear-shaped again!! LOL! (And knowing my luck.... It probably will! hee hee..)

Over at Pretty Little Studio, there's an ad inspiration and an awesome giveaway!! You need to go and check it out! I have just recieved my DT parcel in the post so I am very excited to start playing with the two new collections! Woot Woot!!

But.... Before I can start creating, I want to share my layout inspired by this pintrest photo!!

Here is my layout:

[When I grow up]

products used: cs - Bo Bunny; pp - PLS (Antique Store); alphas - My Little Shoebox, cre8tive; other - Bo Bunny button, handmade flower, foam tape, machine stitching, black pen, string, cupcake star topper, PLS: vintage tags, starburst numbers, notebook bracket journal cards; Heidi Swapp transparency.

I was inspired by the large pennant flag of course! LOL! I didn't really follow the colour scheme! But I threw in a few circles!

Please visit here and check it out. And while there, don't forget to enter with your version of layout or card. I can't wait to see them! Thanks for visiting...x

My scrap space...

2011-10-22T16:46:00.000+10:00

Hi Friends! If you are looking for the GET PICKY blog hop.... pleases scroll down or visit here.

___________________________________________________

Recently I've had a HUGE clean out of my scrapping area. Not just the generally tidy up.. but the full on of moving furniture, purging of patterned papers and getting myself so much better organised!! LOL! It feels so much better to be able to walk into my room and even though it is a shared room (with baby change table, two seater sofa and a gazillion kids toys!!), I feel like I really have a designated area to work in now.

I think the last time I was "forced" to take a photo of my space, I was on the Kaisercraft DT. And even then I didn't realise what I was in for. hee hee. My space was basic. Incredibly basic.

Simple and tidy but after working for Kaiser for 12 months, my space shrunk. LOL! They are very generous with their products and we, as a DT member, were swamped with all the latest and greatest product they produced!! Boxes and boxes of stuff arrived and I found I was placing them under my table and on the couch to stop from tripping over them! It was cluttered. Not all the time but every time I needed to scrap....

So... in the last two weeks, I've had a major scrap overhaul. LOL!! For no other reason than it was driving me nuts! Completely. I hate being in a disorganised space. I can't use the products I have effectively (especially if I can't find them!) and it was time to give the camping table back to my hubby!

Well... maybe. I haven't decided yet because I really like the table space! LOL!! (You can see it against the window in the photo below.)

And so the clean up began. And I am not being "forced" to take the scrap space photos for any DT project.. hee hee. This is just for me and anyone who wants a few ideas for their own space. The end result? Here goes...

So what do you think? I think I need another one of the tall shelving units (from Bunnings) as I still have stuff I need to put away. But for now I am hoping I can find things with a little more ease and get down to doing some more creating!! Yay!

Thanks for visiting...x

Scrapboxx on-line class...

2011-10-20T09:04:00.001+10:00

Hi Friends! If you are looking for the GET PICKY blog hop.... pleases scroll down or visit here.

___________________________________________________

Today I wanted to share with you a few sneaks of my layout, from the class I am teaching over at Scrapboxx! We are having so much fun and I am glad to report... ahem!* tee hee.... people are actually learning something! LOL!

[My Boys]

products used: Scrapboxx "texture" kit. Photo: Brock Beazley Photography.

If you are interested in joining us, you can purchase the kit for $80 or instructions only for $20. I'd love to see you there!!

Thanks for visiting...x

Create + Share...

2011-10-16T11:29:00.003+10:00

Hello Friends! If you are looking for the GET PICKY blog hop, please scroll down here to the next post!

..______________________________________..

Today however, I want to share with you, the next sketch reveal from Sketchabilities:

#57

I think I say it every time, but Karan really has some wonderful sketches!! I always seem to create something fun with them! So..... Here is my layout:

[My Phone]

products used: cs - core'dinations; pp - October Afternoon, Kaisercraft, American Crafts, Authentique; Bella Blvd;  alpha - American Crafts; other - machine stitching, ink: versacolor; brad; buttons; kaisercraft: paper blooms & rhinestones; hessian; paper doily; string; black pen; martha stewart 1" circle punch; homemade satin flowers; shimmerz spritz; glimmer glaze.

journaling says: technology is worth embracing, especially when we are sitting in the car! It really amazes me @ how easily the kids can work out the gadgets on my phone... Sept 2011

Every now and then (not very often..) I'll let the kids play a game on my i-phone. I am constantly telling them "my phone is not a toy!" LOL! But it certainly comes in handy in confined places... such as the car.. while we are doing some waiting. :D Even Cameron (my youngest) loves to play and I have found a really simple game for him. He likes to pop balloons by just touching the screen. And of course... the other two like to get in on the act as well.

By the way... did you notice all the flowers, doily and bling on my boys' layout? Just mixing it up a little and challenging myself.

Thanks for visiting...x

Welcome Blog Hoppers!!!

2011-10-15T09:00:00.013+10:00

Welcome to the Get Picky 1^st Birthday Blog Hop!

We are celebrating our first year with a very exciting reveal as we unveil our 13^th Sketch with you today and share the beautiful creations of both present and past designers from our first year! Some of the team members will be offering prizes so you will want to visit all of the blogs to increase your chances of winning a prize. We are also offering a major prize along with the chance at a Guest Designer spot for the month of November if you visit and leave a comment at all of the blogs in our blog hop and participate in Sketch Challenge #13. The Blog Hop starts today and will remain open until midnight (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on October 28^th so this will give you all plenty of time to visit everyone’s blogs and create a layout for the sketch challenge.

Here is Sketch #13:

And here is my layout

I have mirrored imaged the layout but the rest has pretty much been left the same. I may have also focused in on the circle detail too! LOL!!

products used: cs - American Crafts; pp - Jillibean Soup, Echo Park, My Little Shoebox; alpha - Jillibean Soup (newsprint); other - Jillibean Soup: stickers, journaling sprouts, die cuts; ink:Tim Holtz distress inks, versacolor; Green Tara: twine; staples; machine stitching; foam tape; black pen (sharpie); dymo label maker; rabbit embellishment (unknown).

Here are some details...

As we mentioned, there are lots of great birthday pressies up for grabs along our hop today. Some of our designers will be offering a RAK of their own and of course there is the chance to become our Guest Designer for November....but what's a celebration without that very special gift.

We are so very excited to also announce that Imaginisce have been kind enough to sponsor us with an awesome prize for our very special birthday celebration.

Get Picky is the first stop of our birthday journey where you will find the complete list of all blogs in case there is a glitch along the way. If you would like to play, just follow along the blog path in order so you don’t miss anyone.

Remember, if you want to be considered for the Guest Designer spot in November, once you have visited all the blogs and uploaded your entry for Sketch Challenge #13, please make sure that you go back to the Get Picky Blog and leave a comment on the challenge post.

The blog hop begins here: Get Picky Blog

Your next stop is here: Mette Kallander!

Thank you so much for joining us for this very special birthday celebration and for your continued support!

PS - I love celebrating birthdays and so, just to show how much I appreciate your lovely comments I want to give one of you a gift!!

Please leave a comment on this post and I'll draw a random name to receive a little RAK out of my stash. Happy hopping fellow bloggers.

Thanks for visiting...x

Gone Fishin'...

2011-10-11T09:16:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends. Today I have another little share from Pretty Little Studio. I am still working my way through the gorgeous Antique Store Collection but this time I have put a twist on the typically vintage style papers...

[Gone Fishing]

products used: cs - bazzill, American Crafts; pp - PLS: Antique Store; alpha - pink paislee; other - PLS: vintage boy cutout, apothecary journaling card, cookie cutter label; celebrate paper ribbon; tim holtz: distress stain, distress ink; black pen (sharpie), machine stitching.

Definitely a little bit more boyish! :) Especially with the ink splatters! (A little bit of pretend mud on the page couldn't hurt! hee hee!) Head on over here for more details on the products listed.

Thanks for visiting...x

Create...

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

For the past few weeks, I've been teaching a class over at The Boxx, and fingers crossed... it is going well! LOL! But I thought I would share last week's layout that the lovely ladies are recreating.

[fearless]

products used: cs - bazzill; pp - kaisercraft;  alphas - kaisercraft; other - authentique shapes, kaisercraft: die cuts & paper flowers, ribbon, string, machine stitching, Martha Stewart: border & butterfly punch, embroidery floss, basic grey brads.

(All products can be purchased in kit form.) 

There is still time for you to join up and if you want instructions only it gives you the option of using up your stash!

Thanks for visiting.

Spring waters...

2011-10-09T14:39:00.000+10:00

You know it is Spring when the cool water beckons for you to make a splash...

... but even though it looks really tempting.... you still find yourself sitting on the edge of the pool...

because... the water's frigid temperatures are too icy to contemplate fully emerging yourself. Unless of course, you are coerced, pushed or simply tricked into going under...

Then you have no choice but to toughen up and not act like a little princess (which is not a good thing in a household of mostly males!). So you get on with the job of pretending the water isn't freezing and stay in the pool for at least... a full 10 minutes!! LOL.

Hope you are making a BIG splash of your own somewhere today! Have a great one...x

Feeling Punchy?...

2011-10-05T13:57:00.000+10:00

This was the title of the article featuring one of my layouts I'd created for Kaisercraft! And I almost missed it's publication! LOL!

[Love Hand Made]

It was published in this issue of Scrapstreets E-Zine. There's a lot of other inspiring creations over there too! Head on over and check out the latest submission calls.

Thanks for visiting..x

Create x 2...

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

Hi Everyone! Firstly I just want to say thanks to all the wonderful bloggers and friends who always leave such nice comments on my blog. I appreciate every single one of them. Even more so when I blog about my family and the things we do together. I know it probably doesn't interest most people! LOL! But I have to keep "the Family" happy and so I try to intersperse my day to day happenings with the creativeness of scrapping, here on my blog! Tricky balance huh?! hee hee...

So... Onto the creative stuff!

Today I wanted to share the new sketch release from Sketchabilities as well as the Inspiration Challenge found over at Get Picky.

I loved Sketch #56 as soon as I saw it!! It has such a classic feel to it...

It's very easy to create a layout from this sketch, so of course, what do I do to it? Mixed it up a little.

[DinoCakes]

products used: cs - bazzill, best creations; pp - October Afternoon, Kaisercraft, Echo Park; alpha - My Little Shoebox, Collage Press; other - Jenni Bowlin stickers, Bella! chipboard, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, button, machine stitching, black pen, pink paislee washi tape, kaisercraft printed chipboard, versacolor ink.

It's kinda shabby now! LOL! I can't wait to see what you can do with this sketch! Head on over to Sketchabilities and give it a go!!

And if you are in the mood to create more and are just looking for some inspiration, Tanya and Nikki have a fabulous challenge ready for you over at Get Picky!!

This month,we have chosen the word...

"Celebrate"

as the focus for our layouts.

You can choose to use the word (or a variation of it, ie. 'celebration') as part of your title or journaling, or you can use the theme of celebrating a special day or holiday like Christmas, someones birthday, celebrate life, good times....

We have so much to be grateful for each and every day, so we want to see how that translates into any or every aspect of your life through what and how you celebrate!

The Design Team have still been working with Best Creation products for this challenge and this is what I came up with...

[Celebrate Book Week]

products used: cs - best creation (glitter); pp - best creation (happy haunting); alphas - American Crafts, best creation; other - best creation stickers, kaisercraft: ink & rhinestones, black pen (sharpie), versacolor ink, machine stitching.

I hope these layouts have inspired you to get your scrapping stuff out and try a challenge or two!! And like I said before... I can't wait to see you over at either site!! Happy Scrapping!

Thanks for visiting...x

Hello Friends...

2011-10-03T11:21:00.001+10:00

Absence makes the heart grow fonder... right?! hee hee.. Well in my case I've been spending wonderful carefree days with my children during their school holidays... and now that they have returned to school I finally have a few minutes to share our family adventures. :)

Week-end picnics and swims in the creek...

Arts and Craft...

Icy-poles...

Camping...

And of course that doesn't include the sleepovers, building bases, decorating cubby houses, cooking cupcakes, drawing, visiting Grandma and Grandad, swimming in their pool, ballet practice, cricket games, playing at the park, watching repeated episodes of Play School, and movie nights at home. I'm sure I've missed a few activities because the last two weeks have been jammed pack with non stop holiday fun!!!

Now, I just need to recover! LOL! I'll be back soon with the minimal scrapping I've managed to do! :D Thanks for visiting...x

Create...

2011-09-25T11:19:00.000+10:00

Hello friends! I have another share for Pretty Little Studio. This layout uses the Clowning Around collection and was ideal for my photo of the kids outside of Sydney's Luna Park.

[Luna Park]

products used: cs - bazzill; pp - PLS Clowning Around, Kaisercraft; alpha - American Crafts; other - PLS: pennant flags, vintage tags, word flashcards (vacation), cookie cutter labels, notebook brackets journal card; string; corner rounder; ink: versacolor; foam tape; fiskars border punch.

This is my second scraplift from the incredibly talented Anthea Peterson! And I really love how it has turned out. :) I just have to add my journalling of course, but I also love how the journalling card hides all the unwanted elements in the photo.

_____________________________________

Just a reminder also that tomorrow night marks the beginning of the six week course I am teaching for The Boxx. If you are interested the instructions only, cost $20 and both the instructions and kit cost $80. Jane is selling these kits at below cost as the have well over $100 worth of product included! I'd love to see you there!

Thanks for visiting..x

Create + Share...

2011-09-23T14:19:00.000+10:00

It's time to think outside the box and visit Pretty Little Studio. This week they have their 4th September Ad inspiration reveal and I got to have a play!!

Here's the ad...

And this is what I came up with...

[C]

products used: cs - DCWV, bazzill; pp - PLS Antique Store; alpha - American Crafts; other - PLS: notebook brackets journaling card, celebrate paper ribbons, fruit punch cookie cutter labels, little man vintage tags; kaisercraft: paper bloom. ink (sepia); Basic Grey brad; string/twine; corrugated cardboard; Bella! chipboard stickers; black pen (sharpie).

I was inspired by the neutral coloured wall and the idea of having one main frame to highlight my photo. Why not go and visit PLS and link your entry to the post! I can't wait to see how you were inspired...x

Our Weekend past...

2011-09-21T09:37:00.000+10:00

Oh my! You certainly know that Summer is approaching. Especially when it hits 30+ degrees in the early days of Spring! LOL! So what do you do when the weather warms up. Go swimming of course. And get yourself thoroughly dunked! Hahaha... ooops sorry kids. (But it was funny!)

Here's a little share of where we went...

Hmmm. Obviously not the beach!

But a stunning little creek in a nearby National Park. Look at how clear the water is!! What that photo doesn't tell you however, is how FREEZING cold it was. Numbing in fact. And how reluctant the kids were to get into the water after dipping their toes in. So we resorted to this....

Poor Ethan. bwahahaha... (sorry. forgot!) hee hee.. It was all in fun. And he got his own back anyway, when our friend Calvin wasn't looking!

Here are a few more photos from our day. And yes. I even got my feet wet!!

Oh! And did I mention the wildlife was out and about???

He was pretty big and I didn't like the way he was looking at me. So we moved on. Fast.

What did you do on the weekend? Thanks for visiting..x

Wha??...

2011-09-19T14:02:00.000+10:00

Have you heard the news??? I'm teaching a class over at The Boxx! It comes with a kit specifically designed to develop your knowledge of using colour, texture and patterns in your scrapping. You can find it and the details here.

Here's a little sneak to whet the appetite...

I'd love to know what you think so far. This will be the first time I've done anything like this, so... I'm a little nervous! Fingers crossed though.....x

Create + Share...

2011-09-16T09:54:00.001+10:00

Hi again! Today I wanted to share the latest reveal over at Sketchabilities. This is another really fun and easy sketch to follow.

[surf dancing act]

products used: cs - American Crafts; pp - Echo Park, Bella!, kaisercraft, October Afternoon; alpha - American Crafts fabric thickers; other - Jillibean Soup journaling sprouts, bella!: brads + chipboard stickers, embroidery floss, staples, machine stitching, kaisercraft: ink + shapes and tags, ink: versacolor, Pretty Little Studio journaling card, basic grey glazed brad, MS butterfly + circle punch, paper flowers (unknown).

I am also very excited to share that I will be returning to the Sketchabilities Design Team for a second term. I love the sketches Karan puts together!! She has such a talent for them. Please go and visit here to see what the other team members created. And I hope you will come and play along!!

Thanks for visiting..x

Create + Share...

2011-09-15T09:19:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone! I have a fabulous Get Picky sketch to share today for September and the DT had the amazing opportunity to play with a brand new line from Best Creations Inc. Straight from the recent CHA, I had heaps of fun playing with "Happy Haunting"!!

So cute right! LOL! Hmmmm.... Maybe I shouldn't say that about a scary Halloween line!! LOL!! Anyway, here is the sketch....

September Sketch Challenge #12

And... here is what I came up with:

[You & Scooby Doo!]

products used: cs - bazzill, Best Creations glitter cs; pp - Best Creations (Happy Haunting); alpha - American Crafts fabric thickers, Best Creations sticker mini alphas; other - Best Creations stickers, staples, black pen (sharpie), Glue Arts foam tape, kaisercraft ink: black.

I have to admit I was challenged with these papers. Not because I didn't like them. They are so much fun! And the Glitter Cardstock!!!! (I've got to find some more of that here in Australia!! LOL!). But I struggled simply because we don't celebrate Halloween. It's not a big thing in our household. (Even though I'm sure the kids would LOVE it! hahaha!).

So what did I scrap about then. Well.... Scooby Doo of course! hee hee! Ethan is O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D. This was his Book Week Character from last month. How cute is he? (Biased mother speaking. Ignore that!)

And can you see the sketch?? Yeah. I suppose it is a bit of a stretch! HAHAHA! I do that. hee hee. I've created a window using the black glitter cardstock on top of white bazzill. This window is my substitute for the big photo in the sketch. The little photo above and on the left, replaces the journaling card and the rest is still sorta, well, kinda... in the same spot. hee hee. Trust me. hee hee.

I hope you will all join us over at Get Picky for the chance to win THREE brand new CHA Glitter Collection Kits for our sketch challenge winner. How fantastic is that!! Three collections for the winner! And while there, have a look at what the other DT girls created. Amazing.

Thanks so much for visiting...x

Photo update...

2011-09-14T10:31:00.001+10:00

The boys...

Liam...With a mouthful of food. Typical! :D

Cam. With sporting equipment. Typical! :D

Ethan. Just playing along and...

...giving goofy grins! LOL! Typical!! :D

Liam. Spending time catching lizards... Yep. Typical.

Cam. Still hiding from the camera. sigh. Typical.

And all three brothers.. enjoying each others company. Not to mention my phone!

Yep. That's typical too! Have a great day...x

Boxx Newsletter...

2011-09-12T10:00:00.000+10:00

Hi there! It's that time again! Time to sit down and read all the news about what is happening at The Boxx this month. There is some exciting news about a new on-line class I am teaching! Yep. You read that right. I'm going to attempt to teach something about scrapbooking! Bwahahaha... That was my nervous laugh. (I hope it turns out okay! LOL).

With this month's newsletter however, I had the incredibly fun task of scraplifting another talented lady on The Boxx forum. If you want to know who and what the original looks like... please visit here.

[With You In It]

products used: cs - bazzill; pp - Echo Park (Victoria Gardens), kaisercraft. Other - Echo Park stickers, Jillibean Soup corrugated butterfly, foam tape, black pen, ink: versacolor, kaisercraft.

Thanks for visiting...x

Create + Share...

2011-09-10T15:04:00.013+10:00

Woohoo!! I am thrilled to share some of my latest publication news! I was casually flipping through Scrapbooking Memories this morning, knowing I had a layout in there somewhere (thanks to BB for letting me know through FB! LOL!).

What I didn't know is... I didn't have just one layout featured but three throughout the whole magazine!! *Sorry* Just doing a little happy dance! LOL! I don't sub very often and was genuinely surprised to see each LO. These layouts had been photographed by SM months ago!

The first layout was featured in the "Top 10 style trends" on pg 62. It was described as shabby chic.

[Be Brave]

The second was in the "clean and simple" gallery, pg 68.

[Rain Dance]

And finally, one of my all time faves, featured in the "spooks and ghouls" gallery, pg107.

[Monster Bash]

So... three of my kids were pleased to see themselves in a magazine today. Cam... He wasn't bothered!! LOL! And of course Tahlia had to rub it in to her brothers, that she was featured twice...sheesh!!

So that's my little share. Thanks for visiting...x

Design Team Call....

2011-09-09T19:46:00.000+10:00

Hello Friends. I seem to be sharing a few of these announcements at the moment! But it is all for a great reason. The Scrapboxx is looking for two new, fresh faces for their Design Team. Sadly two of our team members have recently resigned due to family commitments but this is a great opportunity for you.

We are looking for someone who is an Australian Resident (sorry overseas friends!) and isn't already on the DT of another on-line scrapping store...(manufacturers are fine.)

If you would like to give it a go, or have any questions, please join up over at The Boxx and send Jane an email including 2-3 images of your work. It can be layouts, cards or both but they must be original work.

Closing Date: 30th September.

Thanks for visiting..x

Giveaway!!!

2011-09-09T12:53:00.000+10:00

Win Big!!!

We will select 3 people to win one of the following:

One person will win the entire Scaredy Cat Collection!

One person will win a Scaredy Cat Paper Pack

One person will win a $25 Gift Certificate

Just leave a comment here to enter. Ends September 16.

And that is just a small sample!! Go over to the Pretty Little Studio blog to see the whole collection!

Thanks for visiting..x

Create + Share...

2011-09-03T19:07:00.000+10:00

Hi Friends! I have another scrappy share today. This one is from Pretty Little Studio. Remember those little word flashcards? They are so much fun to play with!

Told you, that you'd be seeing some more of those! LOL! But this time I've altered the BINGO cards too. Gosh... I am totally loving layers at the moment! Can you tell? hee hee...

If you are interested in how I created this effect (and trust me, it's not hard! :D!), please visit PLS here. So after all that... I can now share the complete layout.

[Relax]

products used:  cs - bazzill; pp - PLS, kaisercraft; other - PLS: word flashcard, Bingo Cards, Buttermilk Lemon sliced garland, cookie cutter label;  glimmer glaze; purple pumpkin doily; crate paper stickers; kaisercraft pearl brad; dress makers pattern sheet; black pen; string.

Tahlia and Liam were just chilling on the beach at Rainbow Beach. A beautiful place to visit if you are ever in Queensland. (My journaling came after the photo was taken.) :D

I have to admit however, I was completely inspired by Anthea Petersen when creating this layout. You can check out her amazing original here. Thanks so much for allowing me to scraplift you Anthea! PS - There's another Anthea inspired layout to come yet! And I think it may be one of my faves!!!

Thank-you all for visiting.

Create + Share...

2011-08-31T13:47:00.003+10:00

Hi All! I'm back again with another scrappy share already!! hee hee.. I have the new Sketchabilities sketch to share with you.

And this my version of the layout:

[Sugar & Spice]

products used: pp - kaisercraft (Chapter One), kaszazz; other - basic grey fabric brad, American Crafts thickers, embroidery floss, versacolor ink, kaisercraft: ink, pearls, paper blooms, paper flowers, wooden birdcage flourish,crochet doily, diecut shapes & mini alphas; paper doily, string, foam tape.

I found this sketch a little bit of a challenge....After all, I told myself, I'm not really a circle kinda gal! LOL! But I actually like the end result. Even with the lime green and black colours. Go figure!

Don't forget to check out the other DT layouts here. Thanks so much for visiting....x

Create + Share...

2011-08-30T11:19:00.000+10:00

Hello Everyone! Guess what? It's time for a new Inspiration Challenge over at Get Picky. And not only that, we are raising awareness for a brilliant and noteworthy cause... Daffodil Day.

Here in Australia, the Cancer Council celebrates an awareness day on August 26th with daffodils as their theme. We thought this would be a great way to get behind the cause and also promote some awareness by providing you with a daffodil-inspired board for inspiration this month:

The DT has gone all out with this challenge! Check out what the other amazing designers have created here...

This is what I came up with after seeing the inspiration picture:

[All the way to the Top]

products used: cs - bazzill; pp - kaisercraft, PLS; alpha - AC puffy thickers, kaisercraft mini alphas; other - kaisercraft: ink, wooden flourish frame, paper flowers, paper blooms, pearls & rhinestones; basic grey brads; prima flowers; ribbon; grace taylor clear stamps; stampendous clear stamps; heart punch; scrapmatts kite chipboard; string; PLS bracket journaling card; black pen.

Cam was so thrilled when he made it to the top of the slide, all by himself!! LOL!

The winner of this challenge will be invited to guest design for our next inspiration challenge in September.

And this month we are offering another random prize. Everyone who participates in this challenge will go into a RANDOM draw to win a selection of gorgeous products from My Little Shoebox!

All you have to do to be in the running to win is enter the challenge - it's that simple! Everyone who enters automatically goes into the draw for the prize!

Good luck....x

Design Team Call...

2011-08-29T12:10:00.001+10:00

Hi All! Just wanted to let you know that Karan has put out the call for a new DT over at Sketchabilities!

It's a great site full of inspiration. Go and check out the details!!! Good Luck.....x