Marcia Pringle

A Scrappy Share - 2012

2012-02-16T06:00:00.000+08:00

Here's a scrappy share ... using some more of the MME Kraft Funday papers and die cuts and thingys.

I often forget to share about life's little events, the things that happen from time to time, that just gets caught up in the whirl of life. We've got some big changes over the next few months as we adapt to having Mr Chips home every night. We haven't had that in five + years.

I'm loving my Polaroid GL10 photo printer, prints off the coolest pics. Most of the time I tackle the pic in Instagram or Paint.Net or sometimes Camera+ . They come out so full of awesomeness on the GL10 ... in love!

Okay, the week is progressing as I expected. Hectic. So will see you back here soon.

Mwah!

Some Cards ... for Anna's!

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000+08:00

Anna over at Anna's Craft Cupboard sent me some My Mind's Eye goodies to go play with ... some papers and bits and bobs from the Kraft Funday range.

Now I promised Anna a range of cards and these papers are perfect. She sent me the Chipboard Elements to go with them, and the Diecut Borders (that have the coolest tickets in them!)

So here's four cards, a bit of paint here, some rhinestones there, all are completely, absolutely, nothing like I have come up with in a while, but I likey!

Not bad hey! A bit grungey looking but I don't know you can achieve many other styles with these papers.

I've got a busy busy week ahead of me, working four days and Mr Chips and I have some appointments during the week. And my MIL is staying with us for a week while she recovers from some surgery. So my apologies well and truly in advance for ignoring everything else this week!

Have a good one, and if you can't be good, be the life of the party!

Anyone for Anya - Layers of Lace

2012-02-13T12:00:00.000+08:00

Time for the weekly Anyone for Anya share ... this week is an inspiration photo ... check out this vintage wedding dress!

Well ... I decided to go with the lace theme. No Anyas or Ians, no Creeper Crew. Instead, I used one of the sentiments from I {Heart} Sweaters.

So you don't have to always use images, well I think so anyways. Probably totally against the rules, but it's what I did.

Now I have had a sneaky at what the other DT ladies have come up with - go check them out for yourself and maybe you can find the time to join in.

Ciao bellas!

Some Ramblings

2012-02-11T18:45:00.000+08:00

This week has been so up and down. The Chips household has experienced the highest of highs and the reality of some pretty sad moments.

I'll start with the sad bit, I'll prolly mist up typing this.

I've lost my shadow ... my little furbaby, my solace at night when Mr Chips is away. The Princess has lost her second best mate ~~George the Wonder Dog has the #1 crown~~ .

Those who have followed this blog for a long while, and those who get to hear about Priscilla Skitty Kat's antics on Facebook, will know that she has been sick since we got her. She was eighteen months old and her little kitty body just shut down. We've had the most blessed time with her, like we were meant to be part of her short life. We were chosen.

For now though, the Lego is safe once again. Hair lackies are no longer the hunted and the bell on her collar doesn't ring. Well that is unless The Princess starts running about the house with her stuffed dog toy, coz that is where the cats collar now resides.

That said ......... now the happy news. They say everything happens for a reason. For every negative action there is an equal and positive reaction.

Last Friday night I got a phonecall from Mr Chips. He said he was flying home on the Saturday morning and needed me to pick him up. Hmmm, he wasn't due until this last Thursday.

Seems the powers that be decided he could have a little holiday at home. And as a result he has quit his job and is now a home body with us. He's very fortunate that there is plenty of work in his trade here back in Perth. He's having a week or two off and then he is back into the life of a husband and dad. No more FIFO, no more living more time up north than at home each year.

So blessed. I was surprised to hear he had had a gutsful of being away. But so had I and if we had perhaps talked about it a bit more to each other we would have realised so much sooner.

And if he hadn't come home when he did, I would have been the one to have to make the heart wrenching drive to the Vets with Priscilla Skitty and been the one to say goodbye there. But he did it for me as he knew I wouldn't be able to.

So blessed again.

So from the lows of the pussy tat. To the highs of Mr Chips now living under his own roof full time. What a week!

Okay enough rambling.

Anna's February Sketch - Just Us

2012-02-07T12:00:00.000+08:00

I have a scrappy share ... courtesy of Anna's Craft Cupboards awesome February sketch.

I've used some Fancy Pants 'Winter Wonderland' papers and embellishments here ... not just for winter layouts or christmas stuff as you can see!

and the journalling

and here's the whole thing

I had fun with this sketch and I love how this layout turned out.

Anyone for Anya - Sweet Treats

2012-02-06T12:00:00.000+08:00

So my very first Anyone for Anya creation is an inspiration piece ... I could eat these! Well all except the cherries as I am a fan of Cherry Ripe bars, but not cherries on their own!

Here's what I came up with - I used the colours and the cake theme

I've used the MME Kraft Fun Day cardstock for this ... stamping in brown Stazon. The doily is from a MFT DieNamic 'Dizzy Doily' and the flowers from Green Tara. I got all my goodies from Anna's Craft Cupboard!

I'm happy with how it turned out, I know most of the other ladies went with a cupcake theme while I did the colours. Shows the beauty of an inspiration piece, it is how you interpret the pic!

Have a go, get some ink on your Anyas and CC Designs ..... head over to the Anyone for Anya blog for some inspiring!

Some DT Announcements

2012-02-01T09:50:00.000+08:00

I've been sitting on some news for the last few weeks .... and today is announcement day! Now I can burst and tell ....!!!!

First up I have been chosen to be part of Anyone for Anya ... I know, I know. Awesome, huh!

I think my The Greeting Farm stamps are more excited than me, they might get to see some daylight. They have been so neglected in recent times.

The next one has come completely out of left field, stunned me. Well, yes, I did put my hand up but I wasn't expecting any joy!

I'm so humbled that Anna from Anna's Craft Cupboard has asked me to be part of her design team. I am super excited that Anna has asked me to be part of her design team. I can't wait to get cracking on some layouts and more for her.

So now between these two and White with One, I am going to be very busy on my days off ... but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Ciao bellas and fellas ..... have a fab day!

WW1 February Challenge is Up!

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000+08:00

Schools back! Yippee! I love having the Princess home, but she's been home since the 8th December .... it's way tooooooooo long. She needs to be back with her friends.

Have you seen the February challenge over at White with One?

White + Lemon + 3 photos!

I'll admit, I don't often do multiphoto layouts so this was always going to be a challenge.

Oh and my photos ... they were printed off on my Polaroid GL10 printer. My christmas present to myself. I did shop the photos first, putting a green filter onto them, I figured the colour was lemon, green will work with them. The photos were actually taken with my iPhone so they needed a bit of help!

Alright, close ups

and

Now the whole thing

The papers I used were from October Afternoon and Little Yellow Bicycle .. .that die cut has been in my stash for ages! The chipboard scallop didn't come with the holes in it, I punched them out with my crop-a-dile, to match the diecut. I used it to make the Princess and I the focus of the layout even thought the journalling is about marshmallows!

I had fun with this one .. make sure you head over to White with One and see what else has been created.

Dienamic Flowers and a Hello

2012-01-31T17:55:00.000+08:00

Got something different to share with you all today - I got creative the other afternoon and started punching out a whole heap of flowers using felt and my MFT Dienamics....

But before I share, I want to wave hello to the new followers who have come on board in the last couple of weeks. Over twenty new faces have popped in ....

so .... HELLO {waving madly}. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave me such thoughtful comments. I've tried to stop by each of your blogs and most have ended up either with me as a follower or you've made the privelage of my Google Reader roll!

Okay, some snaps....

Here's just a third of what I made up ....

and here's some close ups ....

I seriously love using Dienamics ... these ones are made with the small and large rolled rose die, the retro flower die, the rolled gardenia die and the loopy bloom die (my absolute fave!) ........ oh and not shown in the photos were a whole heap of dizzy doilys cut out too.

I love to use felt, but these come up beautifully with coordinating papers, twill tape, material (especially denim!) and cork.

Okay, enough from me, I need to go cook dinner.

Ciao.

Another Published Work!

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000+08:00

I'd forgotten I had submitted this card for publishing in Stamping and Papercraft magazine .... that was until I got my free copy in the post the other day! I had to flick and find out which one had my name on it!

Here's what was published ... I loved how this turned out, and hot pink with black is always a fabbo colour combination

A quick pop in today ... I'm melting, so spending more time under the aircon vent than anything else!

Celebrating the Power of Prayer

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000+08:00

I sat here in stinking hot Australia Day weather and made these two cards ... then I got in the pool. Well all that was in between ducking in and out of the TV room to see if Clijsters was going to win. I was so disappointed she was beaten, but she did so well regardless.

Oh yeah, cards. I have two friends celebrating for different reasons at the moment. One for an awesome outcome from some hardwork, one for realising the power of prayer and the support of friends. So a double celebration!

Pennant flag made by me!

Both use papers from the same range from My Mind's Eye. These two creations are in the post ...... !

At work today, have a good one, stay cool those in Perth - this heat is ridiculous!

Anna's Craft Cupboard - January Sketch

2012-01-25T07:29:00.000+08:00

I saw the sketch over at Anna's and thought it was a bit interesting, so why not give it a crack!

The Princess won't leave my shoes alone. She never strutted her stuff when she was younger, but this last year or two she has been in them all the time. Painful when I am running late and can't find a matching pair!

(love this Washi from my Smash* accessories !!!)

and the finished product

Papers are from MME Fine and Dandy

Apart from the two roses and doilies, I've made all the flower elements myself. Thank you Blossom and Dahlia nestabilities! The buttons are the new releases from Prima .... in love, sigh!

It's another stinker here, stay cool if you are in Perth. And for those in Qld and NSW, my thoughts are with you as you face another wet day. Stay safe!

Copic Colouring Real Fast - Video

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000+08:00

For those of you who stop by and are Copic users ... check out this video that Sammi from Mad for Markers has popped up on her blog.

I love Sammi's work and I'm so glad she shared this!

A Layout, Just Because, No Reason

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000+08:00

I got a chance to sit down yesterday and scrap. Not following a challenge, sketch, nothing. Just because I had an hour to spare and I wanted to.

I'm loving doing my journalling like this.

These are both stickers from one of the embellishment sheets. I love to take a sticker, place it on white card and fussy cut around it.

Yep, another banner .... I was inspired by one I saw over here. Mine is nowhere as flash .... but I liked how it is 'straight' rather than all over the place.

Papers are from Crate Paper 'Emma's Shoppe'

We went and saw the Muppets yesterday at the movies. The Princess got bored, she just didn't get it. She wasn't a fan of the singing and dancing thing, so I guess cabaret is out for her. She was far more interested in her three trips to the toilet. That's how I can tell she doesn't like a movie ... by the number of toilet trips she HAS to take. Even the one five mins before the movie finished! Oh well, I thought it was okay, but then I grew up with the Muppets.

Have a great day .... I'm grocery shopping and housecleaning. One more sleep and Mr Chips returns!

Mo Manning Magic - Thinking of You

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000+08:00

A quick pop in today .... heading off to work this morning so don't have much time.

I made this card over the weekend for a friend who has been having a rough couple of weeks. She's a few hours drive from me and I just want to give her a hug. But this will have to be a close second. Thinking of you hun!

I paper pieced the dress

Papers are from Creative Imaginations 'Loolah' collection

Okay, out the door. Sees ya!

Anyone for Anya - Inspiration Piece

2012-01-14T18:34:00.001+08:00

Oh guess what! Leaving things until the absolute last minute paid off last week .... I won over at Anyone for Anya!

Well this week I'm not fairing much better, only scraping in by twenty four hours. Oops. I went back to work this week and been having some early nights as a result! This week there is an inspiration piece ...

Isn't that an awesome shot .... I know it's been photo shopped, but man, that blue just pops! Here's my take on it (I went with the colours!)

and

The prize this week is some Bugaboo .... give it a crack!

Scrap the Girls - Yum

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000+08:00

This month over at Scrap the Girls it's all monochromatic! I went with blues, I guess the Princess's bathers in the snaps made me go blue!

I made myself another little bunting banner for the layout ... this one I used my nesties to make it:

And here's the layout

A quick post today, just ducking in and out. I'm still recovering from Monday's gaggle of ten year olds - no sleep, too much noise and lots of fist clenching while they had farting competitions. I thought only boys did that. Eww!

A Just Because Card

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000+08:00

I made this card based on a sketch I saw on the internet last week....I started out by sticking to it, then changed my mind and this is the end result.

And a close up of the flutterby!

The lady who got this little surprise in the mail was well, surprised. She loved it.

Quick post today, I'm off entertaining four ten year olds at the movies. 'Chipwrecked' here we come.

Mwah!

Happy Birthday Princess !

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000+08:00

Oh heck how did that happen? I am mum to a kid in double digits! Where did the time go?

Yep, the Princess is ten today. I'm waiting for her to morph into some horrible little critter, as all my friends who are mums to double digit kiddies have told me will happen. She didn't get up with horns so maybe I'm in luck.

Here's the card she got this morning:

A grown up card, for a growing up girl.

Papers: Lost and Found by My Minds Eye

Oh well, I'm back to work today. The Princess has her icecream cake all ready to go to school holiday care with. I have a friend who works at the centre that she goes to and she is going to make sure she is S.P.O.I.L.T. Lucky for us both, I only work a short day today - my house is going to be overrun by ten year olds tonight as we have a birthday sleep over and then off to the movies tomorrow.

Have a great day, we will. The Princess is now 3,652 days old!

Colouring White with Copics: Anyone for Anya

2012-01-08T14:35:00.001+08:00

The challenge over at Anyone for Anya closes in 27mins so I better get moving. Nothing like leaving things to the last minute.

Actually I had this card coloured up by last Wednesday but Mr Chips and I agreed to a 48 hour No Technology clause .... so it was never gonna get up here any sooner.

The challenge was to All White and here's my take:

and a close up of my colouring

I've used all E copics for this, ranging from E00 and E50 for the skin (with a hint of R20) and the hair was done with E50 and E00. The outfit was colouring in with E31 and E00.

Okay, in by the skin of my teeth. Ciao bellas!

KIU January: A Day in the Sunshine

2012-01-08T14:26:00.000+08:00

I loved the challenge over at Kraft It Up this month ... I mean, let's face it, the colours chosen are MADE to go with kraft card.

This month we had to get back to faction colours, yep red, blue, green and yellow. Here's some close ups:

Doily made using MFT DieNamics (can get the from Anna's Craft Cupboard, Mystical Scrapbooking, JGs Nook and The Stamp Spot just to name a few)

This flower made out of natural hemp ribbon, using a MFT DieNamic, available as above.

And now the finished product

Papers used are from October Afternoon, also using Crown Edge, Doily, Looped Flower DieNamics, gingham washi tape, paint and embellies from my stash.

Pop past KIU, the new CT is sharing some awesome work. Amazing how talented these ladies are.

Cupcakeabella Anyone?

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000+08:00

Birthdays are coming thick and fast .... January is a busy month! So I have started making birthday cards. I have a whopping two cards left in my stash after Christmas, so I have to get creating. What a pity!

Here's some pretty lemon Cupcakeabella ....

Papers: October Afternoon 'Sidewalk'

***

Hey how did your place look on Christmas morning? Our lounge room was trashed. Think most houses would have been paper dump sites.

We had a very busy but fun Christmas. I'm over my need for ham and turkey for another year. And you will be happy to know I drank well and truly in moderation. It's all packed up now, tree is away, one last decoration (our welcome santa plaque) is still on the front door. But as we start our countdown to the Princess' birthday, all Christmas is set aside. Only fair, it's a big deal for a kiddy who is about to hit double figures!

Have a blessed day, I know I will.

WW1 January - My Favorite

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000+08:00

A new year has ticked over and I have convinced myself that I am going to be super committed to this awesome hobby I enjoy. Apparently!

Hey, a new month means a new challenge over at White with One.... and this month is

White + Lime + Buttons

Here's some close ups ~~just to make you scroll all theway to the bottom of the post,lol!~~

and the finished product

Make sure you find sometime to play along - this combo would look AMAZING with your Christmas photos!!!! Just saying.

Pop past WW1 and see what the other CT ladies have come up with, man they are so talented. Have an awesome day!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000+08:00

Oh goody, a new year .... superb.

Not that I want to forget 2011. Never. It was a good year. But I have a feeling 2012 will be a better year for sure.

Last year I chose the word 'Patience' as my goal and boy did I learn some.

I have had some headaches trying to come up with a word for this year. It's been hard, because Patience was a good gig. And no one likes to back up a good gig.

Alright. Drum roll ..... here it is. My word for 2012

I think it goes hand in hand with Patience. And just to get me started, I couldn't resist this

Alrighty then. On with the show.

Let's get 2012 started!

My Top 10 for 2011!

2011-12-29T16:30:00.000+08:00

Over on Kellie's blog she shared her Top 10 for 2011 ... and plonked a Linky on there for anyone else to share what they thought was Top 10 on their own blogs. I really loved checking out everyone's efforts and my memory got jogged a few times too.

Here's my Top 10, as chosen by little ol' me!

Done for White with One, I loved the journalling on this one.

I will never, ever, ever part with my Bellas. They are such fun stamps!

Done as part of my DT work with Twisted Sketches, a fave Valentines Card

Also Twisted Sketches, something way off my usual

Loved the chance to use Grey Copics - done for Mad for Markers

White With One again, this time the Princess is on show

This would have to be my all time #1 layout for 2011 ... it won me a prize too! And they must have loved my style because only two months ago they asked me to be on their Creative Team. Woot Woot!

Tried the grunge look and not too shabby

Birthday cards for tweens is becoming interesting. They love these TGFs

Only done a few weeks back, I love all the little pieces!

So there you have it! My Top 10 ... head over to Kel's blog and see what others have got up to over the last year!

All I Want for Christmas ....

2011-12-21T16:46:00.003+08:00

... is to put my feet up!

I finished work on Monday. Three weeks off.

Tuesday we had morning tea ~~that stretched to us getting home at 2pm~~ with my parents. I cannot describe how excited the Princess was.

Today, Mr Chips is back in hospital. Something about a knee, something called a Meniscus Cartilage Tear and some crutches. Off to pick him up shortly.

Tomorrow, we have a funeral to go to. Such a sucky time of year for anyone to have such grief. But also a chance to say goodbyes and move towards the holidays.

Friday. One word. Food shopping. Okay that's two words, but who is counting!?

Saturday means house cleaning. And cooking. And cleaning outdoor furniture. And finishing the table arrangements. Blah.

So come Sunday I better be able to put my feet up. Blardy Nora, I thought this was a holiday period, a chance to celebrate. Oh I will, all with a glass of Sav Blanc in my hand!

Now on a blog level ....

To everyone who has stopped by this year, thank you for taking the time.
To those who left me some love, your words were thoughtful and caring, thank you.
To those who stop by and never pop in for a 'blog cuppa', thank you too. Maybe next year we may meet!

And to those who came past because of the post heading ... maybe I have been able to inspire you to become creative with paper!

Mwah!

Signing off until the New Year.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Some More Birthday Cards

2011-12-16T06:00:00.001+08:00

A couple of the ladies in at work are having birthdays over the next few weeks, but with the office closing for Christmas, we would have missed their big days! Here's the cards I made for everyone to have a scribble in!

I really enjoyed making this banner out of little pieces

And here's the other one

I have today and then Monday in the office and then I am officially on holidays for three weeks. I can't wait to sleep in on Tuesday morning. Oh wait. I can't, I'm meeting up with family for morning tea. It will just be nice to go ahhhhh for a few weeks. Can't wait.

Have a fab day!

Happy 21st

2011-12-14T06:00:00.001+08:00

I've recently enjoyed stepping away from my Copics ~~*gasp*horror*~~ and getting back to making fiddly cards and those with minimal stamping.

Here's a 21st card I made for a party we went to on the weekend. Seems a lllooonnnggg time ago since my 21st!

It was for a bloke, and let's face it, I don't think he is going to keep it in a treasure box to look back on!

Papers are My Mind's Eye Fine and Dandy.

Published Work !!

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000+08:00

Okay, this mags been out for a week and a bit now but about time I got around to sharing .... these two cards are in the current Stamping and Papercraft Mag. The images are from Make It Crafty!

That Happy Holiday stamp is actually a christmas stamp from Pink Cat Studios ... we're not big on the saying here in Oz, so it comes in handy for other things!

I'm liking her! He he.

Both coloured with Copics.

WW1 - Yep, I'm on the CT!!!!!

2011-12-09T19:21:00.002+08:00

I've been up to my armpits in work of late, but one more week. Then I am on holidays until mid January. It can't come sooner.

But some happy news. Yay finally I can spill .... I've been chosen to be on the White with One Creative Team for the next six months. I'm super excited and have been bouncing for a few weeks. I've never been asked to join a DT for my scrapping, so it's double happy moment!

Decembers challenge is

White (of course) + Christmas Themed + Christmas photo.

Easy right?

Here's my effort ....

I have been in love with Bella Boulevard's Christmas Wishes range for weeks. All my Christmas cards have been made with it, I love the funkiness of it!

Lots of close ups

And here's the finished product

I hope you will join in and then keep joining in for the next six months - I'd love you to come along for the ride with me. After all, most cardmakers start as scrappers then jump ship. So we all have it in us!

Random Things .....

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000+08:00

I LOVED .... watching the Princess do the Hucklebuck at her school concert the other night. She's got da moves!

I'm GRATEFUL .... that Mr Chips has been looking after me while I have been sick this week. And that his hands are getting better.

I GOT TO .... spend a great evening with some wonderful friends. That is all.

I LAUGHED OUT LOUD .... listening to the radio while in the car, sitting at traffic lights. But the window was down and the guy next to me looked at me like I was strange. Has he not heard someone laugh?

I'M WORKING ON .... a present for the Princess to give to her teacher at the end of school next week. And I am still making Christmas cards and presents for friends.

I REALLY WANT TO .... share some awesome news but my lips have to be sealed for a weenie bit longer.

I CAN'T THANK ENOUGH .... the boys who came and helped last weekend, do our front garden. Chateau De Pringle is now finished! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Amazing how after years with a sandpit the new yard has lifted everyone's spirits.

I CAN'T WAIT TO .... see all the birds and flowers and smells and stuff come from the front garden. We planted natives and I sat and watch a Butcher Bird strutting his stuff today, poking about in the plants. It's gonna be awesome.

I HAD .... a dodgy moment with someone in the last fortnight, someone who forgot their manners. Or maybe they weren't taught any in the first place. But it really reminded me about that saying, if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing. Or maybe, treat others like you wish to be treated.

SIGNING OFF .... with a smile. I've been running back and forth this last week, doing everything for everyone and I forgot to smile at times. Smiling is good for the soul. Both mine and others.

2011-11-28T18:36:00.002+08:00

I've tried everything ....

Have cleaned out the craft room, nope.

Have read magazines, nope.

Tried blog hopping some new blogs. Nope.

Even went to some others that have always been my fail safe. Nope.

Then I hit Google Reader and saw I wasn't alone. Must be the time of year.

Seems Austin Powers has more Mojo than most of us at the moment.

Oh well, maybe it will come back soon. Pretty Please Mr Mojo!?!

A Quickie! And a Story!

2011-11-16T06:00:00.001+08:00

A quickie today ... off to get Mr Chips to the hospital for round two. He came out of the last operation really good, was back on the PS3 in no less than 24 hours. But he has conceded that today is going to stop him dead in his tracks. It's gonna be all worth it.

Okay, the last of the 10 year old girl birthday cards. This one was given to a true Miss, 10 going on 25! She LOVED it and I mean loved it. And all the girls were asking 'did you make the card, please say you made the card, you make the most awesome cards'. I even had one girl ~~too funny!~~ say to me 'I only invite Princess to my parties because I know you make the best cards!'. Hahahaha

A Greeting Farm Easel card

Papers are from October Afternoon 'Seaside' collection. Image is Piper from TGF and the rest is from my stash.

Best get Mr Chips moving. Am I a bad wife - I'm dumping and running today. No point in sitting around at the hospital for seven or eight hours. Hospitals are normally for when people are sick and they give me the heebies! Might go shopping while he is in pain!

Ciao peeps ... back soon.

WW1: Year Four

2011-11-14T06:00:00.001+08:00

The White with One challenge this month is to use White with Brights and Flowers. A bright is anything you need your sunnies to look at! I went with yellow.

I painted and stamped my chipboard

And here's one of my flowers, thank you Prima

A washi tape banner

And the finished product

You've got until the end of the month to get your WW1 creation in. Have fun!

KIU: You Bring Me Such Joy

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000+08:00

This month at Kraft It Up, it's all about the journalling .... any which way you want.

I went with strip journalling:

which reads:

You are always thinking of others.
You smile lots.
You have cranky pants on if I wake you in the morning.
You can run and run and run.
You read fast. Too fast. But you take it in.
You’re a good speller. And you have a great memory.
You love your accessories. Belts, scarves, hats.
You love bling. My bling. You are always looking to borrow my jewellery.
You like to walk around in my heels.
You have a strong faith in God.
You are polite and smart.
You don’t judge people.
You love animals, especially George and Priscilla.

I don't know if it is n that order, probably not. Once I cut them all up they got mixed up. The message is the same.

Here's a close up of my Prima Metal (with some Prima resin) .... I am in love with these flowers ...

and here's the whole thing. I love my little scallop border ... holds that journalling in place nicely.

Papers are Picadilly from Basic Grey (yep, still going with it!).... and all from a 6x6 paper pad!

Have a go ... you have until the end of the month.

Card Patterns: Happy 10th Birthday

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000+08:00

The Princess has a few birthday parties to go to in the next few weeks - it's 10 year old birthday season! So I am getting in early and making the cards needed.

This one uses the sketch from this week's sketch over at Card Patterns.

A bit dainty, just like the girl it's for. I love these Picadilly papers! The image is a Stamping Bella one.

Okay, better get going. I'm off on a mission to get out of here this morning, on time! Have a great day.

Friday Sketch Challenge: Merry Christmas

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000+08:00

Oh I loved, loved, loved this sketch! Thank you Tracey, you rock.

I got to use some of my new Picadilly papers from Basic Gray, they are so pretty. The image is a Stampendous one.

I used my Spica pen to outline the image, not that the photo really shows. I love how this turned out.

Head on over to Friday Sketch Challenge and have a go ... you only have a few more days!

SSS133: Another Christmas Card

2011-11-06T15:25:00.003+08:00

Another Christmas Card, this one using the sketch from Sweet Stop Sketches ....

I've coloured up a Christmas image from Stamping Bella and used more of the Bella Boulevard papers that I have here.

Short post today but just wanted to say a massive thankyou to everyone who has wished Mr Chips well in his recovery. He is one operation down, one to go (Wed week). He's pretty cocky at the moment, pushing himself. I keep hearing 'ouch' ... 'ouch' .... he's a slow learner. I think next week after Op #2 he will be a little more compliant on taking it easy. We'll see.

Ciao everyone.

Some Annabelle

2011-11-03T07:00:00.001+08:00

I did some web design work for Patti a few weeks back and she kindly sent me a gift certificate to Annabelle Stamps as a thank you. She must have read my mind as I had a few of Annabelle Stamps on my wish list!

Here's a card I made with one of their stamps. No reason, just a 'I want to colour something and make a card' card!

And a close up

Thank you so much Patti ... you made my day. Now I am a convert, so look out, more Annabelle around the corner!

Big day here, hubby heads into hospital today for his first of two operations. He is gonna be a wet blanket for the next few weeks, sore and sorry. Praying all goes well for him today.

ICS#138 - Christmas Inspired

2011-11-02T14:37:00.003+08:00

Hey everyone, you ever have a flat day ~~or few days~~ and when checking your emails, you get happy mail and it just blows your mind. Bad mood gone and your smiling? Yep, that's me today. Will share when I can, but I'm like a cheshire cat that the moment!

I am in the midst of Christmas card production line .... here's one using this week's sketch from Inspirational Card Sketches. They had the added challenge of Christmas, so why not!

I made the decision a few weeks back to order in a heap of Christmas papers and embellies from the Bella Blvd 'Christmas Wishes' range. All my cards have been made with their papers or embellies ~~or both!~~ . So bright and funky is the way I am going this year. 22 cards done, only about another 20 to go.

Alright, busy afternoon. School run in minus five minutes and counting, then an appointment with the landscaper (yippee! it's finally getting finished) and then the cat off to the vets. Oh and going out for dinner. Hubby is gonna be laid up from tomorrow, so we making the most of it while he can still function.

Ciao bellas.

Scrap the Girls - A Shared Love

2011-10-29T07:00:00.002+08:00

Scraping in .... AGAIN! Geesh I love working under pressure.

Here's my effort for this months STG challenge .... to use the word Love and to use distressing.

I glossied up my word LOVE, just for something differnt

And my distressing is the photos (I sanded the edges) and I scrunched up my journalling

You've still got two days to join in! Hope you can.

Off to enjoy more of our CHOGM Long Weekend. Hoping to get a sneaky at the Queen today, we are heading out to the big BBQ this morning. Been practicing my curtsey just in case!

Things I love...

2011-10-28T12:13:00.005+08:00

Saw this on a car in the local shopping centre when I was out doing the groceries. Clearly a car lover!

Isn't this the ugliest McHappy Meal toy you ever did see? It looks like a dog turd!

A Priscilla Update

B-U-S-T-E-D!

We got to go watch the Australian Diamonds play New Zealand ~ Awesome Awesome Match

And lastly ... yep I love this man, happy anniversary Mr Chips!

Crazy Days!

2011-10-22T19:23:00.002+08:00

Happy weekend to ya!

Okay, I been doing some blog work again. I have had a massive week in life and work and holding a Copic in my hand just wasn't something I had the energy for. But I had creative urges. So I played.

The Princess is off at a birthday party, so I have been able to put the finishing touches on it. Whatcha think? It's a bit fun, less serious. I have to be less serious these days, I'd go mad otherwise.

I have five more sleeps and then Mr Chips is home. But not just home ...... ~~DRUM ROLL~~ ..... home for minimum eight weeks. I know, awesome. Okay, the small fact that he is having two operations in that time is completely irrelevant ..... he will be home! The Princess & I have been doing a happy dance since we found out.

But remind me in four weeks time when I am moaning how he is irritating me that I wrote this post!

Alright, best go get the Princess ... I want to see her mascquerade mask and her strolling the blue carpet! Yep she's at her first Mascquerade Ball. Too cute!

ICS 136 - Thank You

2011-10-21T06:00:00.003+08:00

The sketch at Inspiration Card Sketches this week was a difficult one for me ... I don't make square cards ~~hardly ever!~~ and it took me some time to think how I could make this sketch work for an A5 card. But I did it!

Here's the sketch:

and here is what I did with it:

A bit different to what I normally do. I made it as a thank you card as I have none left in my stash! Always handy to have a few of these on hand!

Head over to ICS, you have a few days left to get in on the action!

Have a great day

x Marcia

Friday Sketch Challenge - Happy Birthday

2011-10-19T14:11:00.003+08:00

The Princess has a birthday party to go to one the weekend and I needed to put together a card quickly and with little fuss. I don't think I have done any justice to the DT examples for the Friday Sketch Challenge, might give it another go later in the fortnight.

Anyways, here's what I came up with - don't like her hair, but don't think a 10 year old will really care!

Image is from The Greeting Farm and the flower is cut from felt with a MFT DieNamic.

Thanks for stopping past, I need to get off to do the school run! Then home to open up a pretty parcel just delivered from Annabelle Stamps!

Ciao bellas!

Just Like Sisters

2011-10-18T06:00:00.001+08:00

Thought I would tackle the sketch over at Anna's Craft Cupboard. First time I have done one of hers. Here's the sketch:

And here's what I did with it:

and some close ups:

Papers are from Simple Stories by Memory Works ... the range is 100 Days of Summer.

My camera started playing up on Sunday night, lucky I had photo'd this layout before it did. So not sure whether it needs to go to the camera doctor first or whether Mr Google will give me an answer. Fingers crossed I won't be out of action for too long.

KIU October: Natural Beauty

2011-10-16T07:00:00.000+08:00

A quick one today .... the Kraft It Up challenge for October was Kraft (of course) with Monochramatic colours, minimalist and vintage/shabby.

Okay I got two out of three ... I think. Kinda added in a few extra colours in my flowers, but the gist of it is a ruby red.

I've stamped and sponged the chipboard fence, you can only just see it. But I loved what Chantelle did here and thought I would give it a crack.

And the whole thing ... excuse it's crookedness, I just couldn't rock this photo and gave up playing with it in Photoshop!

So yeah, kinda cheated, but it works.

Ciao for now....

ICS 135 & Copic Oz - Happy Birthday

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000+08:00

I was trawling through my Google Reader and came across a post over at Copic Oz ... it was talking about using the colour wheel and complimentary colours for shading.

The challenge was to use complimentary colours to create your shadows on your images. Well I chose to use Blue Greens and Red Oranges and here's what I came up with:

and a close up of my shadowing:

The Copics I used are in the top pic. The image is Stamping Bella and the papers are MME Lost and Found.

The sketch I used was from this weeks Inspiration Card Sketches challenge.

I'm enjoying being back in my craft room. Things are really starting to slow down here. It's either that or I am forcing myself to leave things - the ironing will always be there tomorrow!

Have a fun Friday, I've got work, it's my long day today and time drags.

Ciao bellas!

WW1: I love how you know when ...

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000+08:00

WW1 asked us to White + Black + Paints/Mists

A lot harder than it sounds. But I love a challenge.

and it wouldn't be a me layout without a banner

and the journalling says it all

and here's the finished product

WW1 are also having a CT call, so if you're interested head to the blog for some details.

Ciao bellas (and fellas!)

Sweet Stop SSS129 - Best Wishes

2011-10-10T06:00:00.001+08:00

Here's my take on the sketch over at Sweet Stop, sponsored by Sweet n Sassy Stamps.

The sketch was this

and I did this

Materials:
Papers: 'Olivia' by Basic Grey
Other: Label from MME, Kaiser Rhinestones, Melissa Frances Crochet lace, Twinery twine, Best Wishes stamp from Stamping Bella

I've made this card for one of the ladies in at work...see it's her birthday and the Boss shouts lunch for everyone. And now they know I make cards, the order came in. I hope she likes it - none of us know what she likes, so it was doubly hard!

Boxes

2011-10-09T15:49:00.003+08:00

Here's a little layout I have been working on for, oh let's see, about two months. Probably more. Yep. More.

The idea behind this one is Boxes .... the Princess finished her first full season of Athletics last summer and boy was it long. We had done part seasons before then.

Her growth in that summer was AMAZING ... she went from being middle of the pack to setting personal bests every week. She made it to States and made two finals.

The 'Boxes' are the yellow boxes on her score card for the summer. Yellow boxes mean personal bests and she ended the summer with 22 of them.

I love these photos - they show her serious side, fun side, concentration and determination.

Hope your Sunday is superb, back to work tomorrow.

Card Patterns Sketch 135

2011-10-05T07:00:00.000+08:00

Oh my goodness, three posts in four days! Things are looking up.

Here's my take on Saturday's Card Patterns Sketch (#135).

I loved it so much, I made another

Materials: Papers and stickers are from Bella BLVD 'Christmas Wishes' range.

That's two more Christmas cards on the pile. Think I have made a grand total of seven! I love these papers, they coordinate so well and are pretty bright and funky. I bought up from Anna's Craft Cupboard the other week and hope I have enough stuff here to make about 20 cards. All from six sheets of printed paper and four sticker/chipboard sheets!

Have you started your Christmas cards yet?

What's Yellow, Made of Felt and So Yummy?

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000+08:00

My latest cushion creation, that's what!

This one is going with the not so manly flower cushions I made the other week! I love working with felt, it's so easy and best of all, you don't have to overlock the edges. Yay!

School hols here, off to enjoy them!

Friday Sketch Challenge #2

2011-10-02T14:52:00.003+08:00

Happy Sunday to you all ... we had a cracker spring thunder storm here this morning. I love running about in the rain, but not when lightning is clearly too close for comfort. But the hail was fun!

Here's my take on Tracey's sketch over at Friday Sketch Challenge, the sketch first then my effort. Apologies for the happy snap - the flower is done in chocolate felt and with little sunshine, my OTT lite isn't coping!

Materials: 'Piper' from The Greeting Farm, 'Oxford' papers from Basic Grey, greeting from My Favorite Things, flower made with MFT DieNamics Retro Flower

I finally coloured up Piper from The Greeting Farm. She has been so neglected since Sammi sent her to me. I loved colouring her though, that hat is so much fun!

It's mid afternoon here Sunday and the ironing is calling me, I better do it, I have work tomorrow and I don't know they will like me to come in my trackies! Have fun now!

Sarah Kay Sweetness

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000+08:00

Sarah Kay images would have to be some of my all time faves. They are sweet, whimsical and a delight to the eye.

Mr Chip's Grandma had a birthday this last weekend, pushed her a year closer to 90! She's still going strong and I reckon she's hanging out for her letter from the Queen. She'd love that, considering she has a pic of Queenie up on her wall.

Here's the card I made for her, nothing like my usual, but simple and elegant like Grandma.

She's a long card, sorry about it taking up your screen! Papers are My Minds Eye.

Have a great day

2011-09-28T07:00:00.001+08:00

You guys made me cry ... as if I didn't need any encouragement!

I rarely let slip in my online world when the cracks start to show and I am very humbled by the words of support and encouragement that hit the blog and emails on Monday.

Thank you so much. It was a nice pick me up in what was an otherwise crappy day.

You are all so special. Mwah!

I Love Cushions

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000+08:00

My house is a shrine to cushions, a safe house for all those quirkly looking cushions. Sometimes I buy them, often I make them.

While I have been having my blog hiatus, I've had the trusty Bernina out and have been sewing lots of straight lines. I'm great at them, just don't ask me to go around bends.

Mr Chips thought our room was too 'girly' and he wanted cushions that were more masculine. So I obliged, with some dark denim that was on special in Spotlight.

Like my flowers? he he, well he got masculine looking fabric (and colour) and I got flowers!

The close up shows the simple bright yellow stitch in the button ... I am in the middle of making a woven, bright yellow, felt cushion to go on the bed too.

I'm Putting It Out There

2011-09-26T15:41:00.005+08:00

Okay, don't say you weren't warned.

As some of my readers know ~~and I elude to often~~ Mr Chip's work drags him away from home a lot. It's sucky, I hate it and it isn't fair. But in the long run, I know it is all for our future. Still doesn't make me like it though.

Fast forward to this morning. And I lost it. For the first time in sixteen years of putting up with his work, nine years of being a part time single mum, I lost it. Not crazy, screeching, hair pulling lost it. Just tears. I missed him. I was unhappy abbout something and I just wanted him here to give me a hug and say everything would be alright. And he couldn't, because he wasn't. And I cried. And cried. And was still crying when he called me at lunch time to see how I was going.

I've stopped crying now but I know I am tinkering on the edge today. And I am fighting with all my might to not cave into the emotional eating I know I am capable of.

I didn't go to work today - man, they certainly don't need to see my mascara running. Not to mention the never ending flow of snot. The red eye look wasn't special either. So I have had a day at home, pottering, working on my play station thumb, making a card or two and watching the dog torment the cat and vice versa.

Why am I sharing this? Because I think it is important to remember that we are all human. That life does get to us at times. That the person on the checkout who was grumpy today might not have had a choice but to go to work, when they too were having a crap day. That someone might be smiling when you see them at school pick up time, but they may have really struggle today. That just a quick smile back and a 'hello' might be what they need. It's too easy to get caught up in our own day, but doing something nice for someone just might be the tonic.

Two things brightened my day - the Princess knowing something was up giving me a picture of a bunch of flowers and telling me she loves me. And then this:

My mum always told me to put on clean knickers each morning. Maybe she knew something I didn't!

2011-09-24T13:09:00.003+08:00

It's been a long time coming, but I think I am ready to get back into this blogging caper.

What's held me up? Nothing really, just life. You know how it is. If it ain't one thing, it's another. And then I really started to enjoy the little things - the sleep ins, the days off riding our bikes, just smelling the roses. I've been crafting, just not sharing.

The last six weeks have been a blur. Actually, really since the start of July has been a blur. Makes me wonder how I used to work full time, have a toddler in tow, be a stepford wife and more. I'm only working part time now, but man, it's whizzing by.

Here's a couple of proud mummy shots. I only have one kidlet, so I get plenty of time to run about after her.

The Princess has just finished her first season of netball. Wasn't sure how she would go .... but she owns the Goal Defence/Goal Keeper position. It's almost like she got up, day one, game one, and went 'NO BALL IS GONNA GET PAST ME!' ... and that is pretty much how it has been all season.

That said, today she had to play Goal Attack ... and loved it, so who knows, next season she might just play in attack!

It only took all season, but she has finally learnt to put up her arms

Oh and can you see her black eye in the pics above? She got bitten by something at school last week, it had stung her eye before she could squish it ... so she's looking like she got beat in four rounds!

Spring also means athletics. While we are yet to start out summer training and competition, she did have her school sports carnival

and yes, she has blue polka dots in her hair! A 1 inch circle punch to make a template and a can of blue hairspray = happy kid!

We have spent last weekend celebrating Mr Chips 40th birthday. I organised a surprise party for him, he was stoked. It was a MASSIVE night and I think we are still recovering. But a heap of fun. No photos to share, too many incriminating ones!

Okay, I promise I will be back with goodies to share in the next few days. Scouts honour!

Cheese and Crackers

2011-09-07T13:27:00.003+08:00

Hi-dy everyone.

Well. It's like this. No more funny business. I had Copics in my hand today. True. Honest. I couldn't believe it. I can't show you what I was doing, it's for Cardmaking and Stamping magazine so you will get to see real soon. Oh I have some goodies in their September issue, so keep an eye out.

What's been happening here. Well, a new makeover is a start! I have been doing some blog design work for some friends and some new bodies who want to start blogging. So while on my 'lunchbreak' from that I played with my blog.

Cheese and crackers. That was lunch. No wonder my backside is spreading fast. Better lay off those crackers!

Cat is the same - she is beautiful, playful and sweet. Just has the most annoying guts, gets the poops at the drop of a hat. Just call me pooper scooper.

Princess is well, being a princess. Think these tween/teen years are gonna be fun. Not. But we love her and she's not quite that bad that she has to go to boarding school in Switzerland. Yet. I have the brochures though!

And I am busy planning a BIG surprise for Mr Chips. He is 40 in a few weeks and there is absolutely no way I was letting that pass without chucking on a big one. So he is in for a treat at some point in the next few weeks .... will share when I can, don't want to spoil the surprise now do I!

Okay ... I better mop, clean, hang, kick all the floors, washing, dust bunnies I can find.

Mwah!

Um. Hello. Anyone Home?

2011-08-28T09:32:00.002+08:00

Oh wow ... Four weeks. That's bad.

Hello poor neglected blog. Do you forgive me?

And what about my readers? If I have any left! I'm sorry. I'm having a serious craft drought. And being back at work is, well, bliss. I am loving it. But quietly missing my 'old life' . I've been working four and five days a week for the last eight weeks and it has worn me out. Throw in the single mum life of a mine widow and there jus hasn't been enough hours in the day. Oh well one more week of it and then on to three days .....yippee!

So what's been happening:

We have a carport and driveway ... No more bird poop on my car. I never thought I would get so excited about Colourbond and concrete, but I am.

The Princess went to cross country inter school .... And came a very credible 14th from forty starters. Her best time ever, too. Oh and she and her fellow netball team mates are killing the competition on Saturdays ... With score lines like 12-0, 9-0, 14-0 ... You get my drift!

The computer has died a very quick death .... Thanks to some kids website and a nicely placed virus. Lucky all the photos are on an external hard drive .... But no computer means no blogging, photos etc. Hoping to get that one sorted soon.

Killer cat Priscilla is lucky she isn't cat skewers. Can't wait for her to grow up and be a lazy a$$e cat. She has a bad bad bad fetish for hair lackeys and my handbag.

Not much else I can think off now ..... Everything as been a blur for the past few weeks. Hope to be back soon. In the meantime my iPad is it, so I apologize for the autocorrect now!

Mwah!

Scrap the Girls July - There You Go!

2011-07-30T15:55:00.003+08:00

It seems like forever since I blogged something creative. Or made anything. This layout has been on my desk for the whole month! And it has taken the whole month to finish it! Nothing like leaving things til the last minute.

At Scrap the Girls we were given Pink's Greatest Hits album as inspiration

Well I have gone to town on this one - the black and white, the hot pink and the yellow!

I love these pics I got of the Princess when we went down to the farm the other week. She was just off strolling down the paddock, none the wiser. Candid shots like this are my fave!

I used yellow lettering, as on the album cover there is yellow lettering - and the wording is the title to the song 'There You Go' .... although the words to that song are not nearly as nice as the idea behind this collection of happy snaps!

Alright, scraped in, just in the nick of time. Off to drop Princess at a birthday party and then home to make some cards! I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things.

Mwah and have a great weekend - and stay dry!

Warning: Cute Factor Plus!

2011-07-21T20:12:00.000+08:00

So I was googling 'Sorry' images because I feel so bad that I have neglected this piece of webland for the last couple of weeks. And I came up with some very cute ones .....

I'm thinking this last one is rather similar to our kitty Miss Priscilla when she was very little. We got (and still do get) some very sorry looks like this. One just tonight as Miss Priscilla was trying to swim in her water bowl, grrrr. Oh Mr Hart what a mess!

Okay ... I promise to get back here real soon. I picked a sucky time to head back to work - school holidays and Mr Chips home ... so my spare time has been taken up by other things. But schools back next week and I will have some spare time up my sleeve then. Which is good as I have two layouts 1/2 done !

Take care my loyal readers, and thanks for stopping past. It means a lot to me that you are still peeking in the door of my little ol' blog and seeing what I am up to.

Mwah!

A Mad, Work Update

2011-07-14T15:33:00.005+08:00

Oh what a week. Think I am speechless, and tired, and shattered. This work caper has worn me out and I have one day to go.

Above is a sneaky at a card I did make this last couple of days. Mad for Markers has a new challenge out, a colour challenge to use Pink and Yellow .... and I got this new Blush from The Greeting Farm (thanks Sammi) and couldn't wait to colour her up.

Here she is:

Such a sweetie. I got some more goodies in the mail this week and am really looking forward to playing with them. Anyways, head on over to Mad for Markers for some looksee at what the rest of the DT has been sharing - maybe you might be able to join in.

NOW .... many have asked how my first week has gone. Not much of this happening, trust me, althought I wish!

It's been more brain taxing than that. I've been mentally shattered, only way I can put it. So much information going in and in some cases, it keeps leaking out. I haven't finished week one yet so I should go easy on myself. At least I know how to turn the computer on. And I have almost mastered how to use the scanner/printer/photocopier thingy in one. Never worked in a paperless office, it's gonna take some getting used to.

The people I work with are fantastic and so far my warped sense of humour hasn't offended. I did get some giggles yesterday when I had to ring through to one of our business partners for some help and I said to her 'go easy, day one on the phones, so please be nice'. I'm happy so far and can't see any reason for it to change.

Must be getting comfortable there as I let them see my curly hair today, most people have to be on my chrissy card list before I show them the 'un-straightened' me!

Mr Chips has made it home today so a happy household. The Princess doesn't have to go to school holiday care until end of next week so she is happy. And I am happy that for the next week I only have to worry about me in the mornings!

No promises of anything to share over the next week, if it happens, it does. I'm plodding just fine. Take care and I'm working on popping past everyone's blogs, albeit slowly.

Mwah!

Mrs Chips, Take a Letter .......

2011-07-11T06:30:00.000+08:00

So I have my lippy on, done my hair and packed my lunch box and travel mug .... and it's off to work I go.

I worked it out on the weekend it's been over four years since I rocked the power suit. Cue was my shop of choice ... my how times have changed. I'm loving my black stretchy fabric, holds the fat rolls at bay!

I'm kinda excited to be back working in an office. Beats having glitter in my hair or coming home smelling like a chip. I do love working with children ~~didn't really like being a McChick~~ but there is something nice about answering the phone with 'Good Morning, XYZ Company, please hold' .... not yelling 'Oi, Princess, shut it, I am on the phone!'.

So I expect to come home completely trashed tonight. The Princess is holding up better than me. We had a chat about school holiday care today, went through all the contingency plans about all the things she could come up against. Time to let her be free and me to reclaim my Business Chicka!

Have a great day ... I'm so glad I am not working tomorrow, I'll need a sleep in to recover from today! Bahaha!

Hahahaha Did You Miss Me?

2011-07-08T13:04:00.001+08:00

It's been a week, a whole week. Slack a$$e me. Naughty. I can think of too many excuses so best I just own up and say I have been enjoying my last week of freedom, before I head back to work next week.

Anyways, here's my Friday Mad for Markers share .... a cutie with red hair!

He's pretty special, with his paper pieced threads on. Head on over to the M4Ms Challenge Blog for all kinds of ideas on red hair...... there's also still time to join in the challenge.

Okay, outta here. I spent over two hours today trying to sort out childcare arrangements, Centrelink(stink) and more today. I am definately having a drink tonight, I have earned it.

2011-07-01T06:00:00.000+08:00

A Thankful Friday share ....

* I was spoilt with flowers and chocolates and wine this week. I'm heading back to the workforce and got a job with a financial planner. I'm super happy to be back and Mr Chips spoilt me to say congrats!

* That I was in the left lane and not the right lane on the highway heading to the airport Thursday morning - wet roads, people eating their brekky in their car and not paying attention. A three car pile up and it could have been us.

* The rain. I have loved the smell, the sound and the wet. I love that my gardens are being watered, the pool topped up. That it is snuggle weather, under a blanket watching TV or with the blankets up under my chin in bed. We've had more rain this last week, than we have in any given month in the last six years. And I have loved every minute of it.

* That I got two bargains off ebay. And that Mr Chips was home to hitch the trailer to go get them.

* The look on the Princess' face when she saw her new girly girl bed. Oh my, so worth the two hours of fighting with it to put it together.

What have you had to be thankful for this week? Have a blessed weekend.

Red Hair Anyone?

2011-06-30T19:15:00.000+08:00

It's Red Hair challenge time at Mad for Markers - something which I don't do and don't like doing.

Well, I didn't before I made this card anyways! I always have this thought of red, red hair and I have never been able to colour hair this colour to look good.

So I went with a dark auburn, which I found really easy to do.

Copics Used: E51, E27, E08, E93, E97 (the E51 was used to tone everything down)

Here's a close up

Head on over to the challenge blog and have a look - even if you can't find the time to join in this fortnight, see the other red combinations the DT have used. It's quite surprising.

Oh and Sammi will have the July releases of The Greeting Farm Stamps out very soon .... I've seen them and they are delish.

Copic Oz, Some Netball & News

2011-06-27T14:30:00.000+08:00

Monday afternoon is here and I am just getting about to setting a post for today. I'll keep it short, there are a few things to share.

First up, netball on Saturday morning. I let Mr Chips lose with the camera and out of 40-odd shots, this is the best one. I think I need to teach him about shutter speed!

That's the Princess is black and green. Good girl, she is in front of her player! She doesn't like running centre, but had to do a quarter. She normally runs goal keeper or goal defence, which she is very good at. She has been known to keep a shooter goaless for three quarters!

Now, a card. Copic Oz colour challenge for June ends in an hour ... here's my contribution:

and a closeup

The colours were BV00 (icecream), G82 (icecream) and RV21 (dress, shoes and headband). The image is from Stamping Bella and papers are both Basic Grey and MME.

***** Breaking News *****

Mr Chips and I have been talking about how insane I go sitting about the house all day. I am not a coffee mum and I can only do so much housework. Studying takes up some time, but we agreed I would go get a job. So I did! I start a week Monday. I'm really excited, it's getting back to what I used to do before the Princess started school - being in an office.

I'm hoping that the routine will get me better organised and it might just reflect here! You never know.

Okay, I have to get the floors vaccumed and then out to netball training. Have fun!

Friday It Is!

2011-06-24T07:42:00.000+08:00

This kids got the right idea, there have been so many times this week that I could have joined him. Way cute!

My shoulder is still giving me some grief and I have been battling a chest infection (which has kicked my pleurisy off for the winter, grrr!). It's left me so so tired, most nights I have been tucked up by 9ish. It's also meant no crafting for me.

But all has not been lost, I have done some things for the Princess' school, finished the decor makeover of the study (minus my mood board, which broke) and got some more study out of the way.

And today I am off umpiring a netball carnival. Haven't umpired for about ten years, but it's like riding a bike. Apparently.

Well, if you want some inspiration, head on over to the Mad for Markers Challenge Blog and click on the links I am sharing there today - all are for tutorials on how to colour brown hair. I figure why reinvent the wheel when there is so much out there on Google to share!

Have a great Friday and ease into the weekend gently! Ciao.

It's The Little Things .....

2011-06-19T06:00:00.002+08:00

Been a while since I shared about life ....

But before I do, how cool is that print above? Thank you Pinterest, you made me smile.

The Princess learnt at a very early age what sarcasm is ... after all, I have two sayings in life - first is 'sarcasm is another service that I offer'. The other is 'it's either me or the house, we can't both look this good'.

Happy days here, the Princess' team won their third straight game of netball today. That's three from three. Not bad for a bunch of kidlets who have never played before.

Oh and we had our first ever gravel rash; yep over she went on the new surfaces, that were like a slippery dip from all the rain overnight. A few tears, a Bandaid, a tissue for the snot and she was back out there.

This week I am loving how Priscilla the kitty has been so talkative. She tells me all day long how much she wants me to play. And if I ignore her, she finds her ball and brings it too me, dropping it in my lap.

Don't you love how you can meet up with a friend who you haven't seen for over a year and it is like you spoke yesterday. I love that.

I learnt not to play Scrabble on Facebook at 4.30pm ... we don't have a filter on the phone line and when the phone rings the net drops out. And 4.30pm has been Mr Chips favourite time to call this week. Right as I am putting down a 7 letter work worth 90-odd points on a 2min game. Noice. Not.

We are {.} this much closer to having a new carport and driveway. The council in its wisdom decided the neighbours needed a say (and fair enough too!) so what should have been completed by now, complete with new carport smell, hasn't been. At least it got the neighbours talking to us about something other than the sandpile out the front. My advice was to try not to do anything that would hold up proceedings much longer! And then there would be no sandpit!

And this week got us a big fat 'Awesome' sticker in her homework book and a letter of appreciation for some work I do for the school. Happy Mum!

And I still got it. Will explain if all falls into plan.

Some sound advice:

Wonder if it will get me one of these:

Probably not, but would be a hoot to try!

Have fun!

Mismatch Brown Haired Girl - M4Markers Friday

2011-06-17T07:20:00.000+08:00

That was cryptic wasn't it!? It's Friday and my day to have a Mad for Markers share. Not on their blog, but on mine! And a new challenge started this week .... colour some hair BROWN!

But before I reveal all, here's a close up of my rolled roses. Aren't they divine? I use a My Favorite Things die to to make them, but ooh la la, they are pretty special. Well I think so.

Onto the card

Sorry for the big picture, this card is a long tall one, measures 8 x 4inches. And don't even get me started on the darkness, serves me right for photoing this one up at 9pm at night!

This is Mismatch Ketto from Stamping Bella and she is teamed up with the last of my Olivia papers from Basic Grey. Gutted. I love the simple lines of Stamping Bella stamps and Mismatch's hair is perfect to showcase brown.

I've done a fair bit of feather blending on this card, mainly on her outfit but a touch in her hair as well.

And the colours I have used

Alright, head on over to Mad for Markers and see what the rest of the DT have done this week. And while there join in the fun!

Don't Call Me a Poser

2011-06-16T06:00:00.002+08:00

This one is for Challenge Heaven's negative space challenge for June - Michelle wanted us to use less than half the page.

Accomplished!

Oh and we had to add a charm - done, one princess crown added.

Challenge Heaven have some great challenges each month, head on over for a look.

Friday Night Challenge at Scraphappy Kats

2011-06-15T06:00:00.003+08:00

Lexie set a great sketch challenge for last Friday nights sketch challenge, you can see the sketch here.

I have had this photo here for a couple of months ... it's what The Stamp Spot, my online store, looked like before it was shipped to a new home with Michelle in Queensland. I couldn't believe it made it into six boxes - well Lexie's sketch seemed perfect to scrap it.

I've used Basic Grey Origins papers and Cosmo Cricket stickers. The red checkers is washi tape, which I got from Just Scrapbooking (I think!). I'm happy with how this came out, and it's a nice keepsake for me.

There will be another challenge set this Friday night and you have until the following Tuesday to join in. all the details are on Scraphappy's blog!

White with One: Up

2011-06-14T06:00:00.002+08:00

A short post today. Here's my White with One layout for June ... I've got my red and white, polka dots AND circles (think it was mean to be one or the other, oops!).

and a close up

Madam had wanted a bean bag for so long and she made me crack up the day she did this. She seriously told me it was down too low when on the ground so she was moving to higher altitudes!

Have a good day and if you need inspiration, head on over to White with One and have a crack!

A My Favorite Things Sketch

2011-06-13T06:00:00.002+08:00

Monday morning. Off to do the tuckshop stocktake at school after Friday nights disco .... I'm excited. And then off to the docs to get this shoulder another look. Wish me luck!

Here's a card made using this weeks MFT Sketch, didn't keep a copy of it, but I know you can see it over on Splitcoast Stampers. I'm just too slack to go cut and paste it.

Now ... did you see my flower? I made it using one of the new DieNamic dies from MFT. I've loved their rolled roses and flowers dies, so when the Rolled Daisy Die was released back in May (I think) I had to have one.I love it. can't wait to cut some chipboard with it, think it will distress up nicely.

Papers are from My Minds Eye (yeah addicted!) and stamp is a Pure Innocence from MFT!

Alright, have a good one. Outta here.

ICS#118: You Make Me Smile

2011-06-12T16:36:00.000+08:00

Dodgy shoulder or not, I have been creating this weekend. I was cleaning out my Google Reader the other day and came across some really cool sketch challenges. Been working through them slowly, as slow as one sore shoulder will let me.

Here's my take on the Inspirational Card Sketch for this week ... it's a simple sketch which I haven't deviated from.

The image is Abbey from The Greeting Farm. I had to have her and pestered Sammi over at Mad for Markers for her - would you believe its only the second time I have inked her, and she was in the May releases! Oops.

Papers are from My Minds Eye and the ticket greeting is from an old Autumn Leaves stamp set I have.

Okay, better go do some dinner. No long weekend here in the West this weekend, ours was last week. So Sunday night frantic about to start! Have a great day off tomorrow those who are lucky enough to have one!

A Mad for Markers Friday

2011-06-10T06:00:00.001+08:00

Good Friday morning. Didn't think I would get this up - my week has been spent in a sling after dislocating my shoulder last weekend. Good news is no major damage and no surgery needed. Bad news is, I also tore my bicep, so still a tad tender and sore.

Sore shoulder or not, I had fun making this one handed! Well not quite, but mostly. This fortnight at Mad for Markers there is a sketch challenge up and here is my take on it - after setting the post etc I realised I missed the embellishments down the left hand side top, but you get that.

Materials
Paper: My Minds Eye Lime Twist 'Happy Go Lucky'
Stamp: All Dressed Up Jolinne, My Favorite Things
Flower: Made with felt using Die Namics, My Favorite Things
Colouring: Copics

Okay, off to tackly grocery shopping one handed. All I can say is, you don't realise how much you need two hands when you only have one working.

Ciao, have a great Friday

Typical!

2011-06-08T06:00:00.000+08:00

Had to share this one! Has happened here. And when it did we laughed, thank goodness for my floorboards, they were easy to clean.

Still one armed, turns out I actually dislocated my shoulder, so off to get an ultrasound today to see how much damage was done.

Happy Wednesday - don't forget Lollipop Ladies has a new challenge out today. Pop past for a look and to meet the new Candy Stripes!

Long Time, No Blog

2011-06-07T05:00:00.000+08:00

Well, my little blog break ended up lasting longer than I thought. Sorry.

What started out as a week off has ended up being more, due to a house full of sick. The Princess was off school all of last week, she's over it and so am I. Throw in a long weekend and Him being home ... well, life got in the way.

At the moment I am nursing a torn shoulder muscle and a bruised ego - nanna naps should be left to nannas! That's my story and I am sticking to it.

So while my left arm is in a sling, my right arm was working a treat on the web design ... hence my little makeover. I had creative urges, bit hard to cut paper with one hand though. So Mrs Blog here got a touch up.

I have done some scrapping, and will post them later this week. In the meantime, I have to get some cards done. Hope people aren't going to be too picky about the details. One hand means easy easy creating!

Have a great Monday, I'll be back later in the week once I can hold a camera steady!

Mwah!

Colouring Embellishments with Copics

2011-05-27T06:01:00.000+08:00

Thank goodness this week is almost over. What an emotionally draining week I have had - long stories, so not going to bore you. But I am very much looking to a drinking session with some gorgeous girlfriends tomorrow night to wash away some of the stress.

It's my day to share some Copic goodness with you all ...... and this fortnight Sammi has set us the challenge of colouring embellishments. I only have one trick up my sleeve so here it is!

Colouring Twine!

Start with this

End with this

Not bad. I have some more hints and tips over on my post at the Challenge Blog - I'm not cutting and pasting, and this is a scheduled post because it's Thursday night and the Princess is begging for some dinner! Pop over and see some butterflies and other goodies that have been coloured this week.

Take care, mwah and have a blessed weekend!

Lollipop Ladies Vintage Banana! And some Decisions

2011-05-25T08:00:00.000+08:00

That sounds intriguing! The challenge this fortnight over at Lollipop Ladies is Banana custard, with a Vintage twist.

Here's what I created

Don't like that I did it on white card, just not creamy enough for a vintage look. But it does look better in real life and I can't wait to pass this one on to someone deserving!

Head on over to Lollipop Ladies for a looksee at what everyone else is doing!

****

Now, I know there hasn't been much on here for the last couple of weeks. In all seriousness I am snowed under. Only way to put it. I am trying to do way too many things at once and it is all becoming a little consuming. So, I have made some hard decisions in the last couple of days. I'm not one to do anything rash, but this is how it is going to be ....

First up, Cute.Pretty.Things just isn't happening. I don't have time to scratch myself let alone get stuff up and sell. So I am shelving it for the time being. No more promises. I'm sorry. Just the way it is. I will in time get the Twines up here on the blog on another page and people can buy from me a metre or three at a time. I have 16 colours here so plenty to go around.

From there, a few other decisions have been made. I just need time to talk them through with some people. But I am finding studying, being on campus etc is just eating into my time. Going back to work next year, it won't change, so best I get my act together now.

And I promise to try and get a few more things on here, just as soon as I finish my next assignment, which is a cracker!

Thanks for keeping stopping by, it means alot to me and I love that you share my passion. That will never stop and it's important to remember life has to get in the way from time to time - and it is important to let it.

Mwah!

White with One for May

2011-05-18T06:00:00.002+08:00

Still catching up on posts, darn blogger. I could combine them all in one, but where would the fun be in that!

Here's my take on the May challenge over at White with One .... to use White, of couse, with orange and scallops.

And a close up of the little flower I made

Now while talking about little flowers I make ~ I've had a number of people ask about the Etsy shop and what the holey moley is going on with it. Well. It's like this. I got everything organised, together ready to go and then crashed and burned. Seriously, I had some anxiety about getting back into online retailing. I know it is only Etsy and it can be what I want it to be, but I just couldn't do it.

So ........ I am changing tack, Cute.Pretty.Things is still going to happen, I am just going to be changing the way I promote it. Over the next few weeks, I will be loading up stuff and will be promoting it through the CPT blog. Bear with me - between studying, being a part time single mum and trying to hit the gym, its going to take a bit longer than I had wished for.

In the meantime, if you are after any of the twines (all 14 colours!) I will be loading them into the blog by the end of the week (Friday) and you can email me for details on how to buy.

Okay, that said, have a fabulous Wednesday, half way there!

Kraft It Up May Take Two.

2011-05-17T06:00:00.001+08:00

Well with Blogger's little hiccup last week, I am behind on my post scheduling .... so much for being organised!

Last Tuesday night I tackled the Kraft It Up challenge for May (using no patterned paper, ugh!) ... well Mel and Donna will remember it one way ~~they were here scrapping with me when I did it~~ but now it looks another way. I just wasn't happy with it, so I redid it.

Here's my KIU May entry, take two!

I had to get a passport photo done for my Working with Children clearance card (yep back in the classroom real soon!) and the chick at the Post Office just couldn't get her head around the fact the pics weren't for a passport ~~even though she had the WWC paperwork in front of her!~~ ... so she made me take my glasses off and I was told not to smile. Well I have never been one to follow the rules!

Here's a close up of my banner and my paper roses

I love the colours in this, I have always loved turquiose and lime together ....

Have a fantastic Tuesday - I'm off to the gym and then home to do some more study!

A Weekend at the Farm

2011-05-16T06:00:00.000+08:00

We spent this last weekend at my Mother In Laws farm ... she lives about 2 hours drive, south east of Perth.

What struck me on the trip was, how in mid-May, noone had really started seeding or even getting their paddocks ready for seeding. How brown everything was and how much dust there was. Really hit home how little rain most of the SW/SE of Western Australia has had this last twelve months. My MIL has said they are going into their fourth year of drought conditions, that farmers are starting to borrow $$$ for the first time ever and things are starting to look grim. For this part of the WA farming community it must be getting black - they are in prime farming area, the rainbelt.

Never the less, on a very windy Saturday we had a bit of a photo moment ... the camera came out and a few snaps were taken ~~only about 200+~~

Here's some:

Some Friday the 13th Magic!

2011-05-13T06:00:00.002+08:00

Bahahahaha, you thought you were gonna get some ghosts or ghouls? No witching here, just a Mad for Markers share!

This fortnight's challenge is to use Greys .... whether they be neutrals, warms or tone. I went with warms for a change and am really excited with the outcome!

Not bad hey? Angel Anya looks very pretty sitting there, if I do say so myself.

Head on over to the Mad for Markers Challenge blog and see what everyone else has been up to!

Yummy, Yummy, Fruit Salad in my Tummy!

2011-05-11T06:00:00.001+08:00

It's the middle of the week, time for some craziness. This fortnight's new challenge has been posted over at The Lollipop Ladies ... and for once it is the healthy choice, a Tick meal and deliciously fresh!

Fruit Salad rocks!

The bonus challenge this fortnight is Round or Square ... which I did neither, I went Oval and Rectangle ... he he. No I do have a circle there, the circle eyelet the ribbon is threaded through, does that count?

Pop past the Lollipop Ladies and see how the others tackled the healthy choice .... hope you can join us.

Also, while there, have a look at the Candy Stripe DT call ... you never know, it might be you we are looking for!

Twisted Sketches #58 .....

2011-05-08T06:00:00.000+08:00

This is my third last Twisted creation to share ... and the sketch and twist were crackers this week:

with the added twist of 'laugh' ... hmmm, what to do?

This is what I did.

Completely removed from anything I normally do, but it was good to step outside the box. I had a friend over Tuesday night when I made this and we both kept looking at it saying 'it needs something else', then 'no it doesn't' .... we couldn't decide, so we left it.

Now head on over to the Sketches site to see how this sketch got treated by the rest of the Sketch ladies!

Colouring with Grey!

2011-05-06T06:00:00.000+08:00

Happy Friday to you ... schools been back for a week and it has been a madhouse here. I have been helping with the Mother's Day stalls at school, so it has meant everything paper related has been left sitting incomplete on my craft table.

But not to worry, I finished this little lady off for you all. The new challenge has started over at Mad for Markers, this fortnight Sammi is asking you to colour using your grey markers. Now you could colour an image all in grey (like I have below), or you could do shading with your greys .... as long as you use greys!

Here's CC Abbey from The Greeting Farm, she looked like she could do with some grey treatment!

Copics Used:
Greys: C0, C1, C3, C5, C6, C7, C9
Greens: YG0000, YG01, YG03

Papers are from My Minds Eye and Kaisercraft. Doily has been made using a MFT Dienamics.

The inside of the card says 'to have a friend like you' .....

Now, if greys are scaring you, have a look at these few tutorials I have found and see if they help you along:

Colouring Black and White Images Using Cool Grey Copics

Shadow and Depth Using Grey Markers

Tis Wednesday ... A Recipe to Share

2011-05-04T06:00:00.000+08:00

Yep it's Wednesday .... and I haven't achieved much in the way of cards or layouts this last week.

I've been studying like a trojan. I went back to the gym ~~so sore~~ , the Mothers Day stall preparation for school, cranky child and trying to organise grano workers .... that's been my week so far.

But I couldn't say all that and not share something ... so I have a new recipe to share and you can see it here.

Have fun!

The Week of Sneaks Begins

2011-05-02T11:18:00.004+08:00

Happy Monday morning .... school is back, I've packed up my wedding party dress ~~and quietly glad all that hype is over~~ and the Logies embarrassment for another year is kaput. What a great day!

Just sharing a link with you all this morning ... my new venture is underway, starting with a Week of Sneaks ...

You can get more details by clicking on the logo below:

2011-04-29T10:03:00.004+08:00

It's a very important day today ... yes, there is some Princess called Katherine marrying her Prince Charming, somewhere .... but there is another Princess who has excelled herself.

Yep, the Princess is back from church camp today - and she has done us proud. Sure she has had sleepovers before with friends, or she has stayed with family on her own. But only ever for one night. And we have always been a phonecall away. Not this time ... she has been two hours from home, with the knowledge that we weren't coming unless there was blood or the need for a hospital trip. And she did it!

So she's home in a couple of hours and I will quietly admit, that I might have missed her just a weenie little bit. Not much, just a bit.

Easter was awesome, I could bore you with the story about the floppy chocolate easter bunny who met a nasty death in the Perth heat at a picnic by the foreshore - he was laid to rest in a Tupperware container for one little kidlet to reclaim later in the day.

I could also bore you with just how much alcohol and food was consumed, or how much chocolate was (and pretty much still is) in this house. But nope ... I'm just gonna share that we had a gorgeous time, I love my nieces and nephews ~~sticky fingers, chocolate faces and all~~ and that we had such a good time catching up with friends and family.

Wanna see my Mothers Day present? Too bad, I'm sharing, I got it early!

Now I looked at all the cases and folders for them and to be quite honest, ewk! They were so boring, office like and clinical looking. I wanted something with some personality. So look what I made:

Yep, a Marcia P original ... I love how bright this fabric is and there is gonna be no denying whose it is ... and he won't want it coz it is girly, ulterior motive, love it!

Not bad hey....having fun looking for new iPad apps. If you have any faves make sure you share them in the comments below.

Okay, I need to get theis house clean and tidy after last nights little scrapbook ladies gossip session. And then make sure we have plenty of popcorn and fizzy drink ready for our prime time seats for the Royal Event of the Year ... NOT!

Have a great day everyone!

A M4M Happy Birthday

2011-04-29T06:00:00.000+08:00

I'm full of surprises today - do you remember a while back I owned an online store? Yeah, that one. And as part of that I was on the DT for Mad for Markers, sharing with Sammi? Well, she has asked me back and I have gladly said yes!

So today is my first post in months for her and I managed to draw the final day of the April challenge ... great timing! I'll look at it as being the chance to inspire you to crack out your markers today and get your entry in before they close today!

The challenge is to use your markers from the groups RV, BG and YR ... my three faves!

Here's La La Land crafts Winter Marci, rocking a birthday card that was sent to a friends birthday girl last week!

Papers are My Minds Eye and I've used my MFT DieNamics Scallop Border die.

Copics used, for those who want to know are:

Alright, give it a crack, head on over to the M4M challenge blog and see who has been doing what!

Lollipop Ladies Ribbons Galore!

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000+08:00

Oh this fortnights challenge is so right up my alley, it isn't funny. I am the ribbon queen ... okay not these kinds of ribbon, but the material ones I lurve!

Here's the inspiration piece

Is that a plate full of yum or what!

And just to prove you don't have to do a card for Lollipop Ladies, I joined the scrapbooking ranks this fortnight

The added challenge this fortnight was Ribbon!

I've used some MME papers (Good Day Sunshine) and the embellies are the diecuts from the kit I have here.

My ribbon is the pleated blue satin along the photo bottom and I used some lace to make the flower embellie as well.

I love these photos - Priscilla Kitty looks so tiny in these, she's nine months old now and getting humungous. But she still likes to curl up with me on the couch most nights. She and the Princess are the best of mates, even when Kitty Kat pinches her Mighty Beans or hair lackies!

A Sweet n Sassy Mo Creation

2011-04-26T06:00:00.001+08:00

That's a mouthful .... did you have a good Easter weekend? We caught up with family and friends, it was so nice to just relax ... no pressure.

We also planted out the garden beds in the backyard, will share some happy snaps later in the week. Oh and I got to have lots of sticky finger cuddles with my nieces and nephew; bliss!

I checked out the sketch for Sweet n Sassy stamps challenge and loved it. My kinda sketch! Here's what I did with it:

This is a Mo Manning stamp I picked up at Paperific at the start of April, it's a super cute image. Papers are from Sassafras Lass 'Count Me In'.

Hubby and her are off shopping today, something about a Mother's Day present .... For Me! I know Mother's Day is still over a week away, but he will be away and she doesn't want to come to me empty handed, nawww how sweet!

And then she is off to camp. Yep my baby is off on her first school holiday camp. It's only for a couple of nights, but she will be two hours drive away, in capable hands for sure. She is super excited, has made a list of what she needs to pack. Can't wait!

Have a great Tuesday holiday ... I'm off to work on some Cute. Pretty. Things! Not long until the big launch!

It's Not Too Early to Think About ....

2011-04-25T14:32:00.003+08:00

Christmas, is it?

For the last four years I have promised myself I would start my Christmas cards early and never done it.

Well, call the Queen ~~oh that's right, she's busy with a wedding or something~~ ! I started!

My blogging buddy Sparkle has her own stamp company and amongst other things, she runs a Christmas Card challenge. It has only taken me until week 21 of this year to get organised to join in .... but I have. I don't know what's more shocking, that I have joined in or that we are in week 21 of 2011!

This week's sketch was easy enough, here's my take on it.

I've used on of my gorgeous My Favorite Things images and the snowflake is made using my Dienamics .... Papers are Cosmo Cricket 'Mitten Weather'.

I'm going to try and join in with this challenge a bit more ... who doesn't need Christmas cards, right?

Twisted Sketches #56: Just Because

2011-04-24T05:00:00.000+08:00

Buona Pasqua! Wishing you a Happy Easter to everyone out there.

It's my Twisted Cards weekend, and this weeks sketch was a beauty:

I took full liberty on it being a sketch and made sure I worked it to suit me, the basic shape is all that has been left standing!

I love how vintage this came out. No inking, just paper edge distressing with my scissors. I moved the sentiment, it wasn't working for me and that little turtle and fairy are so cute - I wanted them to be the focal point.

Paper is a Websters one.

Head on over to Twisted Sketches and have a look at what the rest of Team B created!

And after that, go hug someone close and share your easter goodies! Have a great day!

KIU: Summer Splashing

2011-04-22T06:00:00.001+08:00

Kraft It Up chucked us a number challenge this month:

1 Piece of Kraft (easy)
2 Photos smaller than 6x4 (no dramas)
3 Different alphas (doable)
4 Different patterned papers (not liking!)
5 Different embellishments (really not liking!)

It was a challenge and I was up for it....here's my take on it.

Kraft card on the background - check
2 Photos, yep got them
3 Different alphas, yep
4 Papers, there are four there, two under each photo
5 Embellies - well the doily is one (it's cut in half), the tickets is two, the brad holding them is three, the pin is four and my pretty circle banner/bunting is five. Check, check and double check!

Papers are Kaiser Seaside and the doily is made by little ol' me!

I know lots of people like close ups, so here's a close up of the banner

Alright, head on over to Kraft It Up and be inspired! Oh and while there check out the DT call they are having!

Have a mighty fine Easter and Anzac weekend .... I'll leave my weekly highlight post until after the egg hunt on Sunday - that will be a post in itself!

Ciao bellas and fellas

Scrap the Girls: She

2011-04-20T04:00:00.000+08:00

Told you I had been scrapping! Here's my take on the inspiration piece that was this month's challenge over at Scrap the Girls.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, could they have come up with a more difficult inspiration piece?

Not bad hey? Terrifying I reckon. Nah, once I put my thinking cap on I decided this pic wasn't so bad after all. I decided to create a bit of a scene:

Given the Princess is out on the grass, just relaxing, why not!

Instead of journalling on this one, I found a great way to use up those pesky word stickers that come in the alpha packs (especially the Cosmo Cricket little alphas) ....

And here is the kite and the cloud I made ....

You can't see it, it's blurred in the pic, but there is a weenie brass butterfly charm in there.

Alright, head on over, not long to go until this challenge ends and there are some great prizes on offer!

White with One: Always Smiling

2011-04-19T23:22:00.003+08:00

The April challenge over at White With One is to use White (of course!) with Olive and some twine. I love using olive, so this challenge had my name all over it.

The photos pretty cruddy, will take a better one when I can get some better lighting but good enough to see it all!

One of those candid snaps you get, when there is no real posing, just being herself. I love shots like these!

I've glimmermisted the background with Apple mist, using a mask. My twine is as you see it, making a gorgeous little heart on the side.

And a little cluster (the worst photo out of all of them, ugh!) to finish off.

Oh well, the sun wasn't playing and I wanted this one on the blog. Head over to White with One and see what everyone else has been submitting - there are some amazingly talented people out there, you will be blown away!

Have a great day, will be back tomorrow with some more!