Living my Life

Crop layouts

2012-02-11T20:40:00.003+11:00

Last week I got together with some fabulous ScrapBoutique forum ladies and friends for a afternoon and evening of creating :) I started two pages which I needed to finish at home as I didn't take a lot of supplies with me. Not a lot got done by me but I had a great time chatting and catching up with the girls!

This page of my little nephew Riley uses Echo Park Little Boy papers! The background was created by using a Crafters Workshop template with Claudine Hellmuth studio paints. I have added yellow netting from a lemon bag, October Afternoon Little Flyers and alphas, Webster's Pages alphas...which I just love coated in glossy accents. The chippy title and buttons are courtesy of the lovely Deb Clark! Thanks Deb...you are so generous and kind :)

I also had a play with some Webster's Pages Western Romance papers. I had these photos of a much younger me, when my best friend and I were going through a 'cowgirl' stage, lol. We had a dress up day and took photos of each other...funny thing is that my daughter and her friends now love doing the same! Must be a girl thing :)

I had fun fussy cutting these papers...Webster's Pages are just made for cutting up...although I often find it hard to choose which side to use. I once again used glossy accents on the alphas...I really love these Webster's letters and the glossy accents gives them a lovely shine and dimension! I added some bits n pieces from my stash.... Prima and Kaiser flowers, October Afternoon Little Flyer and Cosmo Cricket word stickers. I love to recycle packaging and have used some older Prima flower backing on this page...to which I added some Kaiser pearls...one of which decided to fall down behind the flower for the photograph :( Oh well, to late to retake it now, lol.

That's all I have to share today! Thanks for stopping by and any comments you may leave :)

Another CC page to share...

2012-01-22T15:56:00.000+11:00

Well it's a funny old weekend here...raining one minute and steaming hot the next! A good excuse to stay indoors and scrap :-)

This is my page for Christine's CC paint challenge at ScrapBoutique. I have used an old debit card to scrape three different paints across a chipboard base. I love this photo of my nephew Beau doing a tandem dive for his 21st Birthday in 2008. How brave to jump out of a plane...I for one could never do that!

Once again, thanks for taking the time to stop by my little blog and for any comments you may leave. They really make my day :-)

ScrapBoutique January CC is on...

2012-01-21T08:15:00.000+11:00

Good morning! Hope you are enjoying a great start to the weekend :-)

The ScrapBoutique January cyber crop is under way in the forum. We are having an 'Aussie Style' weekend with some great challenges and store vouchers to be won!

I am hosting an inspiration challenge! The challenge is to be inspired by the great Australian poem My Country by Dorothea Mackellar. I have chosen the second and most famous verse.

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror –

The wide brown land for me!

I added the extra criteria of the colours red, white and blue to represent the Australian flag!

Here is my page using October Afternoon Seaside papers....

Mikala enjoying some time at the beach! We are so lucky to live in this beautiful country :-)

Hope you can pop over and join in the fun! We would love to see you there! You can check out my challenge here.

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating.

January ScrapBoutique Stash Stomper

2012-01-09T11:23:00.000+11:00

This month I have set the stash stomper challenge at Scrap Boutique. I chose a sketch by Basic Grey with the criteria to use those gorgeous papers that you purchased and have never used. I also want to see lots of punches used just like in the sketch.

this is the sketch...

and my page using Pink Paislee papers.

I love these photos of a young Mikala dressed as a fairy. She loved this outfit and always wanted to get dressed up and venture out into the garden :-) I can't believe it was almost ten years ago!

I hope you can hop over to the ScrapBoutique forum and check out the challenge. Entries are due 31st January to be in the running for a $10 store voucher.

Just thought I would share a little quote card stand I decorated with October Afternoon Farmhouse scraps from my stylist pack. I love these little quotes that you can change each day but the plain wooden stand was annoying me, lol. So I painted it, added some paper scraps with stitching, a sticker and alphas and a Prima rose. Much prettier than before :-)

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating.

January Kraft It Up

2012-01-08T19:08:00.000+11:00

It is mega hot here today...what better excuse to stay indoors and play at my desk :-)

I thought I would have a go at the Kraft It Up colour challenge.

These are the colours...

...and my layout of my niece and nephew playing in their sandpit! I have been having fun creating messy pages and love to recycle stuff at the moment. This page has baking paper, and onion bag, masking tape and a great piece of corrugated card that I rescued from a nail brush package. I just can't seem to put my sewing machine away and am having great fun adding messy stitching to my pages.

Hope you are finding the time to create this weekend :-)

January Scrap the Girls

2012-01-07T17:31:00.000+11:00

I'm back with another challenge...my second today! I'm really enjoying these holidays spending time at home relaxing with the kids.

Scrap the Girls challenge this month is Monochromatic. I have scrapped my favourite girl Mikala using Studio Calico Memoir papers. I love these photos I took of her during a walk on the Jetty. She was looking at a huge boat that was moored in the harbour and looked back over her shoulder smiling. How sweet she is!

I'm now heading out to dinner with the family to celebrate DH's birthday...looking forward to eating out! I love a night off cooking duties :)

Thanks again for stopping by.

Leanne xox

January Scrap the Boys

2012-01-07T13:17:00.000+11:00

Yay!! I have found the time to complete a challenge :) Scrap the Boys January challenge is to scrap about your boys favourite summer past times. I decided to scrap this cute photo of my nephew Riley on his way down to the beach. What a cutie he is carrying his board, bucket and spade!

I have used Fancy Pants papers! Lots of fussy cutting and machine stitching here. I decided to challenge myself to using just the pattern papers and few other additions...which are a few OA alphas, some coloured starfish that was a gift, a piece of an orange bag and string. All in all a very economical page :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy creating,

Leanne xox

New layouts for the New Year!

2012-01-04T09:41:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year!!! I hope all your dreams come true for you in the coming year :)

I have been playing with some gorgeous new October Afternoon for ScrapBoutique. This Farmhouse range is so versatile and I just love the colours and patterns.

My beautiful girl is growing up way to fast for my liking! She will be in high school next year so there will be some big changes on the way for her.

I love heritage style pages and this range was just perfect. I love the little squares of paper with vintage images...I knew straight away that I wanted to cut them up and add machine stitching.

The little flags and stickers in this range are gorgeous too :) This is my maternal grandparents on their wedding day in 1928. I am really enjoying working with the smaller 8.5 x 11 size.

I used lots of stitching here and added some jute ribbon for texture. I just love the Crafter's Workshop chicken wire template.

And a few cards...

I have made little pockets for gift cards for the inside of two of these. All I have to do is add a gift card and I have a nice and easy gift for someone special!

My lovely Mum has been collecting vintage buttons for me. DH bought home this jar containing honey so as soon as it was all eaten I grabbed the jar to decorate. I have used papers and stickers from the range, some tassel ribbon, Prima flower and Kaiser pearls...now I have a pretty home for my buttons.

And I have been playing with mixed media again...

Chelsea sent me a canvas and some cute Stamping Bella stamps. I have used 7 Gypsies tissue paper and acrylic paints for the background and added lots of stamping and random rub ons for texture. This is based on a Christy Tomlinson tutorial that you can find on You Tube.

I have really enjoyed playing in my art journal. I have learnt so many new techniques from the 3 Hearts workshop! Here are a few of my pages using alcohol inks, pan pastels and paint dabbers...

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Creating!

Leanne
xox

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-23T12:39:00.000+11:00

I just wanted to wish all my lovely creative friends a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you so much for stopping by and for the wonderful inspiration I get each time I visit your lovely blogs. I may not be commenting as much these days but I love to stop by and check out what you have been creating! It's been such a hectic time here this year with work and school activities that there has been little time for me to scrap. I am so looking forward to some family time and hope to do some creating over the holidays.

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought I would share a set of cards that I made using Simple Stories 25 Days of Christmas from ScrapBoutique. I have wanted to make an album of my kids Santa photo's for a while and decided to use a set of Urban Lily cards that I have had since I started scrapbooking. It's a keepsake that I hope my children will enjoy in the years to come!

Thanks for stopping by and best wishes for the holiday season xxx

Some Christmas cheer...

2011-12-10T11:16:00.001+11:00

It's such a busy time of year! I have been running from one school activity to another as both of my children are moving schools next year so our last few weeks of term are full of orientations, presentations, graduation dinners and class activities! I will be glad when this week is over so I can relax a bit and enjoy the holiday season. My last ScrapBoutique stylist pack had some gorgeous Simple Stories Christmas papers in there. I loved the traditional colours and lovely designs.

A made a couple of simple cards and a layout of Jake's first visit with Santa...which was pretty cool as Santa was riding a Harley!

Last weekend was the ScrapBoutique Christmas cyber crop and this was what I created...

Chelsea's challenge was to create three different shaped cards. I have used LYB papers.

Christine's criteria was to spell out Christmas by using each of these items on your layout:

C - cardstock

H - handmade embellishment

R - ribbon

I - ink

S - stamp

T - tag

M - mist

A - alphas

S - staple/s

...and my page using Kaisercraft papers and diecuts. I have used a Purple Pumpkin button and hand cut and kindyglitzed trees as the handmade items.

This month I hosted the roast and have used Making Memories and LYB papers for this page of Mikala decorating the tree.

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating.

Some Random pages...

2011-12-01T18:52:00.000+11:00

I totally love Crate Paper! These pages were created using the fabulous Random range...there are so many gorgeous embellishments in this collection. Here I have used chipboard, rosettes and some super cute buttons.

I used lots of different chipboard, layers of paper and border stickers on this page...

...more border stickers and chipboard with 7 Gypsies rub on butterfies which I added to transparency and pop dotted for dimension.

You can get all these gorgeous goodies at ScrapBoutique where Chelsea has always has a fabulous range of Crate Paper products.

I recently had a win at the Card and a Half challenge blog. I was lucky enough to win a shopping spree at Little Scrapbook Shop. I now have a new cutter and some Studio Calico on it's way to me :) It will be my first ever play with this range so... Thanks LSBS!!
It's been a while since I completed any challenges so I was very excited to win and it's a nice feeling to know that your work is liked by others.

This was my entry using Pink Paislee papers and diecuts.

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating!!

Leanne xx

Retreat layouts

2011-11-17T18:33:00.001+11:00

I just had the best weekend at the ScrapBoutique Coffs Harbour retreat. How cool is it having a retreat only 20 minutes from home!! And...what a great bunch of ladies we had to scrap with! Chelsea really knows how to organise a retreat and it was so much fun!

Here we are in our cute aprons from our goodie bags...

And these are the pages I completed...

...using Basic Grey Picadilly...love this range!

and October Afternoon Sidewalks.

The inspiration challenge using Simple Stories Yearography....

...the speed scrap using Pink Paislee Nantucket

and the quote challenge using Crate Paper Farmhouse.

And my November stylist challenge using Fancy Pants Baby Mine. My colours to use for this challenge were blue, yellow or red....perfect for my new little nephew Flynn!

Chelsea had an awesome mixed media area set up at the retreat for all the ladies to use. I did a small demo on Saturday to show a few techniques and then everyone had a chance to have a go and see how much fun it is!

...this is my canvas using pan pastels, liquidtex ink, neocolor crayons, paint dabbers and lots of background stamping using a big brush pen...

I also had a play in my art journal and created a few different pages...but will have to share those another time.

The Passion 4 Fashion Competition is now over with the overall winner being the lovely Karen Watson. Runner up was Monica Brady...both super talented girls and well deserved winners!

I was lucky enough to be a weekly winner and for a style I love...grunge!

This was my page...

It was super exciting to win this as the entries were all so fabulous!

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating xx

Passion 4 Fashion Week 8...

2011-10-31T18:41:00.000+11:00

Well we have come to the final challenge of this great competition and this week was all about....

FUTURISTIC

FUTURISTIC - This category did not really make it outside Star Trek epoch and may have gone completely during the dot com era. The category emphasizes the look of the electronic and the computer age. The design concept is based on galactic or extra-terrestrial inspired clothing.
Colour - Strong metallic (gold, silver, etc.), vivid, and contrasting.
Lines - Angular, sharp and usually asymmetrical.
Textures - Hard, unusually bold and often overwhelmingly round or square.
Effects - Impractical to our present times, unique accessories or trim.
Needs of customer - Bold statement
Favourite Accessory - Bold geometric accessories.
Note: Notice the unique accessories, its sharp and angular lines. Shoes with flashing red lights are examples of this style.

Cool Huh???

EXTRA CRITERIA - Please include the following on your LO....
Repeat a geometric shape at least 4 times on your LO (eg. square, circle, triangle etc)
Include a quote or passage that has something to do with the Future.

And this is my page...

...when I think of futuristic, I think shiny metallic silver so included lots of silver on the page. I stamped and inked the cardstock with silver versa colour, punched a foil strip, matted the journal strips with foil and covered a chipboard heart with foil. My journaling around the page and outlining of the title was done using silver pen. Silver threaded netting and sparkly stars completed my idea for strong metallic colour. I used pattern paper circles for the repeated geometric circles and a touch of red to contrast.

My quote is by the late Steve Jobs...

"Everyone here has the sense that right now is one of those moments when we are influencing the future".

It's sad that the competition has come to an end...I have had so much fun and loved checking out the different takes on each challenge!!

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating xx

A scrappy and my first arty share...

2011-10-24T20:06:00.000+11:00

I had a very busy weekend and was a bit late completing my inspiration challenge for the ScrapBoutique October CC. I was inspired by the colours in the picture and have scrapped my favourite girl Mikala. I have used the gorgeous Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe collection...I love all the patterns in these papers.

I have finished my first two art journal pages from the 3 Hearts Workshop and thought I would share them here...

I have had some fun trying different techniques...this one uses watercolour pencils, liquidtex inks in the hearts, stamping with a big brush pen and stencilling using paint dabbers.

I like the way this one turned out...

I glued dressmaking paper, book paper and ephemera on the page and used acrylic paints to colour the background. The butterflies were stamped using the big brush pen and then coloured with liquidtex inks...gotta get myself some more colours of both of these products! I then added some doodling and rub ons. This is so much fun!

I didn't have a lot of the products used in the workshop so just worked with what I had. Luckily, a lovely parcel arrived from ScrapBoutique today...I now have a set of pan pastels and inktense blocks! I can't wait to have a play and get lots of colour on my pages.

Hope you like them!

Thanks for stopping by and any comments you may leave :)

Leanne

Passion 4 Fashion...week 7

2011-10-23T10:31:00.000+11:00

This week we are going all grungey...

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

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

EXTRA CRITERIA - Use at least 1 STAMP on your layout!!

And this is my page...

I had so much fun with this. I love the grunge style...it's great for teen pages! I have stitched an unusual border and added the hessian and string for texture. The papers were distressed and heavily inked and I have kept the embellishments simple and inexpensive. I have stamped with grid and date stamps to suit the extra criteria.

here is a close up...

showing the stamping, rubber words and paint dabber circles...I just love the effect of these.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you are getting some creative time this weekend!

Leanne xx

ScrapBoutique Pink Girls Night In October CC

2011-10-22T16:46:00.001+11:00

Hello there
Hope your day is going well. This weekend we are cyber cropping at ScrapBoutique and our theme for October is Pink Girls Night In.

There is a pink spot sale in the store all weekend and 10% of the total sales will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. There is 20% off most patterned paper & accessories, albums, glimmermist products, storage and totes, and DecoArt acrylic paints. So why not pop over and grab yourself a bargain while helping out this great charity.

My challenge is up and I have chosen an inspiration picture. Don't you just love these Maxwell and Williams mugs and gorgeous flowers...what beautiful colours! My challenge is to scrap a page of one of your favourite females...or yourself, and include some ribbon and of course the colour pink somewhere on your layout.

Hope to see you over there!!

Leanne xx

Passion for Fashion...week 6

2011-10-15T10:53:00.000+11:00

I loved this weeks theme...
ELEGANT - This style includes expensive designer's reproduction, but should not be misunderstood as "haute couture" or high fashion.

Colour - Unusual, muted solid colours (gray, black and white are common)
Lines - Mostly uncomplicated and well fitted (think Chanel, classic styles)
Textures - Fine fabrics, usually expensive materials.
Effects - Very refined, chic and executive-looking.
Needs - Semi custom-made or altered to fit.
Favorite Accessory - Coordinated Accessories and matching real gold and diamond accessories.

Note: Notice the emphasis on uncomplicated, well fitted status look.

As this style incorporates "Designer Reproductions"...... this week we have a Sketch to Reproduce.
(thanks to scrap a little sketches)

and this is my page using Glitz Design papers...

The photo is of my MIL looking very chic on her wedding day in 1963. I was inspired to use muted earthy colours with touches of black. I altered the Collage Press die cut by cutting out the centre so the gorgeous stripe of the background paper would show through and then threaded the eyelets with satin ribbon. I have covered the bottom piece of pattern paper with Webster's Pages netting to represent the texture of fine fabrics.

I have used new Prima alphas for the title....I just love the texture and size of these little yummies!

...and I added a Prima diamante swirl (which I picked up at the Boutique for a bargain price) to represent diamond accessories and embellished with a few new release Prima flowers...I just adore the fabric Harlow flowers!

That's it for now...I hope you like my 'elegant' entry and thanks for stopping by.

Happy creating,

Leanne
xx

ScrapBoutique Stash Stomper

2011-10-11T20:37:00.000+11:00

Hi there, This month I am setting the ScrapBoutique stash stomper challenge. I have just sorted out my paper stash (as it was becoming very difficult to find the paper I was looking for) so I decided paper would be a good choice for stomping. I borrowed this fabulous sketch from Creative Scrappers...a great one for using up lots of papers. I added the extra criteria to use at least three different brands of paper.

This is my page...

...using a mix of Bo Bunny, Crate Paper and Echo Park papers. How cute is our new little budgie Buddy? He is so affectionate and easy to handle. He loves to sing and is just adorable.

Happy creating,

Leanne xxx

Passion 4 Fashion week 5...

2011-10-09T19:11:00.000+11:00

I'm back again with my week 5 Passion 4 Fashion entry....

This week we're going CASUAL.

CASUAL - This category includes Jeans, TShirts, feeling at-home, feeling comfortable.
Colour - Any!! Colour is not an issue (brights, pastels, earth tones)
Lines - Unstructured, simple, and easy.
Textures - Popular (natural, blend or synthetic fibers).
Effects - Easy-going, athletic, unpretentious and simple.
Needs - Easy care, home atmosphere and comfortable.
Favorite Accessory - Flip Flops, Joggers, basic accessories, including disposables.
Note: Notice the easy-going features and UNSTRUCTURED lines.
EXTRA CRITERIA - This week I would like you to include a MINIMUM of 40 words of Journalling on your layout!! PLUS use a non-scrapping or Household item on your page (eg. as an embellie or a stamp or whatever.)

Talk about leaving this to the last minute.

Luckily the criteria included simple, unstructured lines so was quick to finish. I have gone with the earth tones and a at-home feeling. The photo was taken on my iPhone using hipstamatic. I know I have said this before but I love that app! I have so much fun playing around with it and the best photos are of just everyday things...It's awesome!! My household item is the little bundle of sticks that I made using matches.

Happy creating,

Leanne xox

Some stylist work to share...

2011-10-09T09:47:00.000+11:00

Hi there,
Hope you weekend is going well. I have a few ScrapBoutique stylist layouts that I have not shared as yet. There are so many gorgeous ranges out at the moment :-)

This one is using MME Blush...

I can now laugh when I see these photos of a much younger Mikala at her dance concert. She had beautiful long hair that was to be worn in a bun for her dance concert...but she decided the week of the concert that she wanted to be a hairdresser. She found my scissors and went to work cutting huge chunks of hair from her ponytail and fringe. I was distraught! It had to be cut super short to straighten it up and we only managed to get it into a very short ponytail and it was one of the shortest fringes I have ever seen!

These pages are from the Echo Park Victoria Gardens range...

I loved the versatility of these papers and decided to create quite simple pages just using the papers and stickers with few other embellishments added.

And 3 Bugs In A Rug Ashton...

This is my first play with this brand and I must say I really loved the colours in this range.

My latest Boutique stylist pack is chocked full of goodness. Here are a few peeks of what I have been creating...

The stylist's have been playing with new Prima collections and I have had some fun creating with the Printery collection...

There are some gorgeous new flowers and embellishments! My favourites are the new antique mirrors and canvas resist shapes. I love this old photo of my Mum with her sister and sister in law at the Grafton races in 1957. My Uncle was one of the jockey's racing on the day!

...a sneak showing the canvas and antique mirrors.

And finally a card I created using some scraps...

I have just added a few pearls and some seam binding for a super easy card.

Well that's all for today. Thanks so much for getting this far! I really appreciate you taking the time to stop by and love reading your lovely comments. It makes my day!

Leanne xox

Card and a Half Sketch # 5

2011-10-08T17:53:00.000+11:00

Hello there

I am having my first go at a challenge from the wonderful Card and a Half site. I have been meaning to participate in these lovely challenges but always seem to run out of time. This is the current sketch:

And this is my card...

...using Pink Paislee papers and ephemera. Yummo! They really are some of the prettiest papers. I have added a Prima flower and letters along with Tattered Inspirations seam binding and a 7 Gypsies butterfly rubon that I applied to transparency and pop dotted for dimension. I love the finished result :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

Leanne xox

Passion 4 Fashion...week 4

2011-10-01T10:11:00.000+10:00

Week 4 is all about WESTERN!!!

WESTERN (or Country) - The opposite of conservative. Clothes are reduced from the feminine emphasis.
Colour - Earth tones are favourites.
Lines - Durable, simple, easy and comfortable.
Textures - Natural fibers, basic denim, thick and old-fashioned.
Effects - Tough, strong, manly.
Favorite Accessory - Big is better, cowboy leather boots and thick belt buckles.
Note: Notice the emphasis of earth tone colours

This is my entry for week 4...I loved the western theme and have scrapped some older photos of my boy Jake. I actually named him after watching the old western movie 'Big Jake' staring John Wayne. Many years later and with no help from me, Jake decided that John Wayne was his hero...even going so far as to name his pet bird after him, lol. I have used MME and OA papers and added hessian for a touch of durability. The splats have been made using impasto and liquidtex ink...I love the texture and colour it adds to the page!

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating!

Leanne xox

Passion 4 Fashion...week 3

2011-09-25T09:46:00.000+10:00

It's week three already in the Passion 4 Fashion competition and this is the criteria...

CONSERVATIVE (feminine/demure)- This category includes traditional old fashioned, but should not be misunderstood as classic because of its girlish features.

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

Now this criteria seemed to be right up my alley but I actually fussed around quite a lot. I have used my favourite colour combo of pink, cream and mocha. I started with a base of Prima paper and added some pretty papers from and older Making Memories range. I tried to keep the design and embellishments simple and used the Prima resist canvas shape, mirror and Prima pearl swirls to represent the simple flows. The chandelier has been painted and covered in 3D kindy glitz which I think gives it a fragile look. The photo of Mikala taken at age 3 months covers the effects criteria...soft, charming, innocent and feminine. I have added lace and pearls to represent the old fashioned/traditional.

Now for a close up...

I loved playing with the Prima resist canvas and the new mirrors are just gorgeous! I have included a bottle top and Pin from Tattered Inspirations and a few flowers and Prima stickers.

It is ScrapBoutique CC time this weekend and I host the speed scrap on Friday night.

This was the sketch I borrowed from Creative Scrappers...

and my page...

using some older Basic Grey papers. It's a simple page but I still managed to finish last, lol.

There is still time to play along...Amanda and Christine have posted some great Spring challenges and you have until midnight Monday 26 September to get your pages in the gallery.

In other news, I have just signed up for this...

I'm so excited as I have been interested in mixed media but considered myself not arty enough to give it a go...that is until Chelsea from ScrapBoutique signed up and convinced me I should join too :-) I am looking forward to learning so many new techniques, many using products I already have and in some cases never even opened! You can check out the workshop here.

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating.

Leanne xox

Soul Scrappers

2011-09-18T16:36:00.001+10:00

I'm back with another share.....

It's been months since I have completed a layout for a challenge site but when I saw Deb's challenges on her blog I decided to have a go at her lovely sketch.

I have been playing with the new Crate Paper Farmhouse collection...I love the orange colours in this range and thought it would look good with a photo of our kitty Ginger who we lost a few months ago.

She was such a cheeky little thing, lying in my favourite rug!

Once again...thanks for stopping by and I will visit all your lovely blogs as soon as I can...life is very busy for me at the moment.
Leanne xox

Passion For Fashion...week 2

2011-09-18T12:53:00.000+10:00

Well it's week of the ScrapBoutique Passion For Fashion competition and this week is all about:

DRAMATIC (or Theatrical)- This style creates a glamorous and glitzy impact.

Colour- Strong, vivid, and contrasting (black is a favorite color).
Lines - Severe, sharp and usually asymmetrical. Bold and often overwhelmingly fitted with open slits.
Textures - Rare and trendy.
Effects - Confident, chic, sexy and catchy.
Needs of Customer - makes a statement, garments made or altered to fit.
Favourite Accessory - Bold statement usually metallic (gold, silver, bronzes, etc).
Note: Notice the fit, its impact and its open slits. Sometimes open back design or see-through materials are used. You'll know when you see one.

EXTRA CRITERIA - Please include a quote from any MOVIE on your page.

I had so much fun with this page!!

I had so many ideas for things that I wanted to include on this page and somehow I managed to get them all on there... I hope I have achieved a dramatic looking page!

I have used a gorgeous sheet of Cosmo Cricket Upcycle paper for the background and layered some Webster's Pages netting with gold tread so the wonderful pink and gold colours would still show through. The chipboard frame has been inked gold and then covered in sequins. I tucked some hot pink feathers in behind the photo to add an extra touch of theatrical. I had some fun dressing up the Pink Paislee mannequin, changing the colour to gold and embellishing her with lace, beads and a feather.

My quote is from the 1968 movie Funny Girl starring Barbara Streisand and the photo of DD was taken by Trish O'Brien of Jetty Images in Coffs Harbour.

Thanks for stopping by.

Leanne xox

Passion 4 Fashion...week 1

2011-09-11T10:04:00.000+10:00

Good morning...hope your weekend is going well!

Well the Passion 4 Fashion competition has started at ScrapBoutique and first up is Haute Couture.

The idea is that each week you interpret the style of fashion into your scrapbooking layout.

WEEK 1 - HAUTE COUTURE
Haute Couture (or high fashion)- This category includes the very chic, one-of-a-kind, the custom-made and designer's collections.
Colours - Unusual and rare.
Lines - Unusually layered, fitted to suit, very specific individual taste.
Textures - Unusual and rare materials.
Effect - One-of-a-kind, very unique, tres chic
Needs of customer - Custom-made, designer's originals, very expensive.
Favourite Accessory - Coordinated, matching and custom made pieces.
Note: Notice the unusual layers, unique and one-of-a-kind designs.

And this is what I came up with:

I wanted to create lots of different layers so layered black and kraft cardstock with dressmaking pattern paper then went crazy with some gesso and glimmermist. I then stamped the butterflies and hand painted them with shimmerz. I left creases in the dressmaking paper to resemble the folds in fabric. The papers are from the first MME Lost and Found collection.

A close up of the background and stamping...

I embellished with items that you would find on a haute couture design like feathers, sheer fabric, sequins and pearls and have included a flower handmade from dressmaking pattern paper to add a one-of-a-kind touch.

To sum up the page...I think I have achieved a layout that shows unusual layers with one-of-a-kind elements, that is unique and has a custom made look.

Thanks for stopping by.
Leanne xox

MME Lost and Found II

2011-09-04T09:34:00.000+10:00

The ScrapBoutique stylists have each been playing with one of the new collections from My Minds Eye Lost and Found II. Chelsea sent me the Blush range...mmm what a gorgeous glittery range this is and these colours are so me :)

I have scrapped an older photo of my two taken by Sergio Spagnolo Photography. How cute were they back in 2004!!

Don't forget the Passion 4 Fashion competition is starting at ScrapBoutique tomorrow and there is still time to register...check it out here.

CC pages to share

2011-09-04T09:17:00.000+10:00

We had a great cc over at ScrapBoutique last weekend and these are the pages I completed for the challenges.

Speed scrap with Christine...using October Afternoon Rocket Age papers.

Chelsea's inspiration challenge...again using OA Rocket Age papers and miscellany.

and Amanda's Roast...which I didn't get completed on time :( I have scrapped an older photo of my Mum taken on her 60th birthday back in 1997 using some older Fancy Pants Wishful Thinking papers.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Leanne xx

Back again with a lot to share...

2011-08-27T17:31:00.000+10:00

Hello Again!
I haven't had a chance to share the pages created with my Basic Grey Out of Print stylist pack. I loved this range and found it to be very versatile.

An old photo of myself...not the best pic but I wanted to record my thoughts and there is quite a bit of hidden journaling under the photo.

A rare layout of DH, again not the best pic of him but a great memory to record and look at that background...just awesome!!

And our sweet baby Ginger who we lost the week I completed this page :(

And my main scrapping subject my lovely DD Mikala. DS is at an age where he doesn't want his photo taken and my photo opportunities are few and far between. I am lucky Mikala loves the camera and will enjoy it while it lasts.

The ScrapBoutique site is back up and running and I have now posted my challenge. This is my space page...

I love these October Afternoon papers and embellies. The photos were printed from Google Earth.

And finally my page for the monthly challenge which has been set by Amanda this month. It was all about movement and I have tried to create that by the pic ( although I caught them at the end of the slide) and by using arrows and the background sheet of paper. The papers and stickers are all from the Echo Park Playground collection pack.

Thanks for getting this far and hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Leanne xox

Some sneaks!!

2011-08-27T09:55:00.001+10:00

Well it's the weekend again and it's started off rainy here...hopefully it clears up to a gorgeous day for tomorrow. I have had an exciting week! I started two new jobs :) Add that to my current job and I am now working every day of the week...the offers were so good that I couldn't say no! I am so excited to be learning new things and it is a welcome change from doing accounts. And I do need to feed my habit after all, lol. Best of all one of the roles is only during school terms so I will still get to spend time with the kidlets.

We are meant to be having our cc over at ScrapBoutique but unfortunately the site is having some difficulties. The challenges will be posted when it's all back up and running...so make sure to have a look as we will be going all space age and time travel.

Here is a sneak of my page...

And I have been playing with my stylist pack...I love this range! Beautiful, glittery papers...

...and some gorgeous new rubons.

I hope to be back soon to share some more pages.

Thanks for stopping by and the lovely comments you leave.
Leanne xox

Passion 4 Fashion...

2011-08-24T21:01:00.000+10:00

Some exciting news...

ScrapBoutique have announced the major comp for 2011. Do you have a Passion 4 Fashion? I know I do! The models will hit the runway on Monday, September 5 and I can't wait. There are over $500 in prizes!!

It's going to be so much fun...so come on over and join us! You can check out all the details and register here.

Dear Lizzy...

2011-08-18T17:47:00.000+10:00

I very rarely purchase older papers but when I saw these AC Dear Lizzy ones at a super price at ScrapBoutique I thought why not! This page was for the August stylist challenge in which I chose an inspiration photo. Why not check it out as you can win a $10 voucher to use in the store...and with the CHA products starting to arrive a voucher would come in very handy :-)

I misted the clouds and then added texture paste to give them a fluffy look.

With all the renovations we have made here I decided it was a great time to have a big clean up and have been sorting through all our storage areas. I came across my wedding dress and veil and DD decided she just had to try it on and take a few photos. I had to laugh when she asked if she could wear it on her wedding day as she is only twelve and is already as tall as me. I said you can if you want a dress that comes to your knees! She has since settled on wearing the veil only...how sweet is she!

I loved fussy cutting these flowers and have just added some stickers and chipboard from the range along with thickers and OA alphas.

I recently filed all my pages into albums. I love these WRMK Linen ones and the Boutique is now stocking them at a great price. I just love looking at these on my shelf! Sad I know, lol.

Thanks for stopping by and any comments you may leave!
Leanne xx

ScrapBoutique CC pages to share and Stylist challenge!!

2011-08-04T21:55:00.000+10:00

The ScrapBoutique birthday celebrations are now over and these are my pages from the week long cc.

First up is Christine's challenge to create a page using an oversized number. I have scrapped a photo of my nephew Riley using October Afternoon Rocket Age papers, alphas and miscellany. I love this range of papers...a great boy collection but some of the papers could be used for girl pages too. I have added a large grunge board number which I inked and glimmer misted. Don't you just love the view in the photo from the top of Muttonbird Island looking back over the harbour. I live in a beautiful part of the world!

This page was for Amanda's challenge. I think I strayed from the criteria a bit, which was to be four pp, four colours, four of the same embellishments and four other embellies. I love these Prima papers and the flowers and fabric leaves add wonderful texture. I have wanted to have my hair cut short for a while and finally was brave enough. It's taking a while to get used to as the stylist cut it quite a bit shorter than I wanted :(

The photos were taken using hipstamatic on my iPhone...so love that app!

This month I have set the Stylist challenge and I have chosen an inspiration photo. You can check it out here. We would love to see some new girls joining in the challenges over at the Boutique and don't forget that the winner of each challenge wins a voucher to use in the store.

Thanks for stopping by and for the lovely comments you leave :)

ScrapBoutique Birthday Cyber Crop...

2011-07-24T12:22:00.002+10:00

Well the ScrapBoutique birthday cyber crop has kicked off and there are some great challenges posted in the forum. The fun goes all week with the challenges due midnight Saturday 30th July.

This is the page I created for my challenge and you can check out all the details here. I will also be hosting a game on Friday night...so I hope to see you over there!

My second birthday workshop is also up and you can have a look at the details here. These cards were so much fun to make and I will definitely be making some more of these award embellies to use on my pages.

Happy Creating!! I hope you are having a great weekend :-)

ScrapBoutique Birthday Workshop...

2011-07-18T22:47:00.000+10:00

Remember my little sneak peeks from my last post...

Well my flower tutorial is up in the ScrapBoutique forum now!! You can check it out here.
Hope you can stop by and have a look...Let me know what you think and if you get a chance to make some I'd love to see them :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

Some pages to share and it's almost sale time at the Boutique!!!

2011-07-15T20:07:00.000+10:00

It's well over a week since my last post... Time is flying by so fast this year. These are pages created from my ScrapBoutique stylist pack which was full of Kaiser Chapter One and MME Lime Twist Fly a Kite.

I love the colours in this Kaiser range! I have used a Crafter's Workshop template with glimmermist to add some extra interest to the background sheet.

The MME range is such a versatile range...so good for boy or girl pages. This page of a young DS uses the gorgeous papers, cloud die cut, stickers and twine from the collection.

And I thought the range was good for school pages too :-)

As I mentioned in my last post it is ScrapBoutique's birthday this month. There have been some fabulous flower workshops with Sonia and Christine who is also hosting a layout workshop tonight. It starts at 8pm and you can join us here if you are quick.

Next week will be my turn and I will be hosting an easy flower and card workshop.

A couple of sneaks...

I hope to see you over there and don't forget the BIG birthday sale will be starting tomorrow...this is one not to miss!! So many bargains to be had!

On a personal note, this has been a very sad week for my daughter and I. Last Sunday night our door was accidently left ajar and our ten month old kitten got out and was hit by a car and killed. Ginger was such a loving and playful companion for us and we both miss her terribly. I had just completed a page on Ginger last week using papers from my latest stylist pack. Unfortunately, I can't share it here as yet so I will share this recent photo of her that I think shows how sweet she really was. RIP Ginger.

Thanks for stopping by and happy scrapping :-)

PS. If Mrs Frizz, the winner of my giveaway is reading this...your RAK is on it's way to NZ and hopefully will be on your doorstep very soon :-)

ScrapBoutique Birthday!!

2011-07-05T14:55:00.000+10:00

July is Birthday month at ScrapBoutique and the stylists will be holding birthday classes each week. Sonia has kicked off the party in the forum with some fabulous handmade die cut flowers...make sure you stop by to check them out! The Boutique will have a huge sale later in the month and there will be lots of fantastic deals on offer...it's a great time to restock the stash :)

This is my roast page which Amanda hosted at last weekends cyber crop. I have used a mix of Cosmo Cricket, October Afternoon and Prima papers. Photos by Mike & Amy. Don't you just love roses!!

The winner for my RAK was Mrs Frizz with this comment:

your scrap space is looking totally fabulous and I love, love, love that unit on your wall.

Enjoy yourself and if you feel like scrapping all night, you go for it!!!!

JUNE 30, 2011 8:07 PM

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment...it really makes my day :)

ScrapBoutique June Cyber Crop...

2011-06-25T16:50:00.000+10:00

Yay...It's cyber crop time over at ScrapBoutique. Sonia hosted the speed scrap last night and this is what I came up with.

These Crate Paper Toy Box papers were perfect for these cute photos of my little nephew Riley. Getting a smile from Riley was very hard this day but these cheeky photos are some of my favourites.

I love my EK Success large circle punch....it is so fabulous for boy pages.

I set myself some goals at the beginning of the year and as we have reached the halfway point, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on how I am going with them. This is my page using the gorgeous Pink Paislee Daily Junque papers. My cyber crop challenge this month is to assess how you are going with the goals you may have set yourself...I'd like to see lots of entries so pop on over and check it out.

I just love the colours in this range...they are a bit different to what I'm usually drawn to...

my handwritten journaling is on the news flash tag...

I am happy with how my goals are shaping up this year! I have a great new job and our home renovation is almost done...I say almost done because we still have some painting to finish but the majority is finished.

My new scrap space is finished and everything is packed away neatly...for now!!

...my new desk, with my embellishment centre...where I store all my paints, mists, some inks and embossing enamels. The craft drawers on the left were a gift from my lovely best friend Kim...who has just started crafting again and never forgets to remind me I have her drawers, lol. Thank you Kim!!

My old scrap desk is now home to most of my supplies...geez it was tiny!!

...and I now have a hanging shoe holder to store my punches out of sight behind the door.

It is a much better space to scrap in...I have a new television and the computer at another desk. I just have to choose a sofa bed and then I can have all night scrap sessions without bothering the rest of the family, lol.

One last layout to share...my first at the new desk.

A photo of my son Jake learning to drive in his Dad's old work car...

I had fun stamping with paint and added these magnetic words that Jake got from a recent careers expo...

I have used the Crate Paper Toy Box papers and chipboard...the best boy range I have seen for ages.

Thanks for making it this far! I appreciate your visit and any comments left.

PS. I have just realised this is my 100th blog post and I would like to have a giveaway to celebrate. Just leave a comment or become a follower and I will draw out a name to receive a RAK. Entries will close at midnight on 3 July.

Pages to share...

2011-06-07T17:46:00.000+10:00

I have been very quiet with my blogging and catching up on all your lovely blogs as my dear teenage son used up all of our internet usage with downloads and we were then slowed to a snails pace for the last few weeks :(

I am still not scrapping as much as I'd like to as things are not quite back to normal after our renovation. I have a new scrap desk on order and can't wait to get it all set up so I have everything at hand.

I made a last minute dash to complete a couple of the May monthly challenges over at ScrapBoutique and I have not shared them here as yet.

This one was for Tam's Mother challenge. I have used Webster's Pages Yacht Club paper which I mounted on foam tape for extra dimension. I had some fun with mists and stamping...and made use of a red onion bag. We needed to include a quote on this page so I made mine into the title...A Mothers Love Grows By Giving!

This page of my Mum and her sister was for Chelsea's stash stomper. We used a sketch and had to include at least 20 buttons. I have used Crate Paper Brook papers and stickers...love the colours in these papers!

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating xox

ScrapBoutique June Monthly Theme Challenge

2011-06-03T11:15:00.001+10:00

Hello All

The June challenges are posted in the ScrapBoutique forum. I am hosting the Monthly theme challenge and as it's the beginning of winter I decided to go with a "Winter" theme. There is no extra criteria...just be inspired by winter! You could use a wintery photo or find inspiration in a cosy fire place or the icy blue/grey colours that remind us that winter is here.

I have used Kaiser Chapter One papers and rubons, Prima flowers and bird, AC and OA alphas and my favourite Tim Holtz brick stamp.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you over at ScrapBoutique :)

First Stylist Layout

2011-05-29T17:30:00.001+10:00

I have received my first stylist pack from the lovely Chelsea at ScrapBoutique and have loved every minute of playing with it. This is the only one I can share at this stage...it's the gorgeous MME Fly A Kite range! I have added some OA and Prima alphas, Prima and Kaiser flower and a cotton doily. I love the MME twine...such pretty colours :)

And a close up...

It's just a quick post today as I am still bogged down in all this renovation stuff...We are almost finished and it shouldn't be long now until my home is all sorted and I can spend more time creating. I haven't had time to do a single challenge this month...and there has been so many great ones :(

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog! As you can see from my layout I was a reluctant blogger, lol. But now I love it! So if you do stop by please leave a comment so I can visit your blog as well.

xox

ScrapBoutique Cyber Crop...

2011-05-19T18:59:00.000+10:00

We are having a cyber crop over at ScrapBoutique this weekend. I will be hosting the Speed Scrap at 8.30pm on Friday night and there will be lots of challenges posted over the weekend. Hope to see you there!

Exciting News...

2011-05-18T20:04:00.000+10:00

Hello All

I have some exciting news to share with you. I decided to make a last minute application for the stylist position at ScrapBoutique and was super excited when Chelsea told me I would be joining the team. The boutique is my favourite place to visit for inspirational challenges and there are always lots of yummy products in the store. I would love for you to stop by and check out why I think it is so cool. Don't forget to drop into the forum and say hello while you are there :)

I hope to have some pages to share with you soon but in the meantime I just want to say thanks so much for all your lovely comments on my pages. I love reading them and visiting all your beautiful blogs.

xox

Just because... pages to share

2011-05-03T13:11:00.001+10:00

I thought I would share a few pages using some of the latest goodies I bought from ScrapBoutique. This page is of Mikala playing with her sweet little cousin Zoe during a recent play date. I have used the fabulous Crate Paper Neighbourhood papers and chipboard. I have just added some AC thickers and Green Tara string. It looks a little wonky here due to bad photography...I was in a hurry as it was getting dark and didn't have time to get it all straight!

I love Webster's Pages and knew as soon as I saw this page from the Country Estate range that I would be using both sides of it. Mikala has been taking self portraits again and I love these shots of her. I have added Maya Road pleated trim, Webster's Pages bloomers (love these), Prima and Kaisercraft flowers, Kaiser pearls, Bo Bunny cameo from the Gabrielle range and AC fabric letters.

I thought I would also show you these little boxes I made to fill with Easter Eggs for my young nieces and nephews. I finally used some of the papers that come free with Scrapbooking Memories magazine... lol. I stamped and embossed a greeting and used a Martha Stewart bunny punch to decorate the boxes which I filled with baby eggs.

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating xx

More layouts to share!

2011-04-26T17:02:00.000+10:00

ScrapBoutique have a roast each cyber crop which is technically a blind scrap! This months roast was hosted by Chelsea and this is what I have cooked up! We had to work with the colours pink and cream which luckily I happen to love! The photo is of my Mum and Dad at my nieces wedding last October. I have used Fancy Pants Wishful Thinking papers with some pretty Prima flowers and flourish.

I also had a little play with some paper scraps last night and this was the result. I saw the basic design in a mag and thought I would have a go at something similar. I love the look of layouts with bits and pieces added here and there. I have used Cosmo Cricket, WRMK, Girls Paperie and Fancy Pants papers with a mixture of embellies from my stash. The photos are of Jake when he played Under 14's Representative cricket last year. They won the final...yay!

I am feeling a bit excited and nervous as I start a new job tomorrow...it's only one day a week at this stage but it will feel good to be back in the workforce.

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating xxx

Easter CC at ScrapBoutique

2011-04-25T15:15:00.002+10:00

Well it's been a big weekend of creating for me as ScrapBoutique are having an Easter cyber crop and there are some great challenges posted.

This one was for guest stylist Lisa's colour challenge...black, white and green, with paint and stamping included! I decided to scrap this lovely photo of our Arabian stallion Manasseh. I painted the background with gesso and stamped over it with a bubble wrap stamp. I also stamped and cut out the fence embellishment. I have used some older Basic Grey and Pink Paislee papers and added hessian and Prima fabric leaves for added texture.

I scrapped this funny little photo of me aged a few days old for Lisa's quote challenge. I loved the quote "Where there is love there is life" and thought it suited a baby photo quite well. I used some paper scraps of Echo Park For The Record along with a few of the stickers and some lovely MME trim and glittery AC thickers.

Sonia's challenge was a MME sketch and this is my take on it. I have used Cosmo Cricket Joyride papers and chipboard for these photos of my two during our last trip to the Gold Coast. I am making a real effort to use up some older stash that I just had to have but never got around to using. My daughter Mikala is obsessed with taking photos and I love finding lots of them on the memory card...I think she may be a photographer when she is older!

I also finished the monthly stash stomper challenge at ScrapBoutique which was set by Sonia. The challenge was to go through your stash and use three things that had been unused or barely used. I have used Cosmo Cricket Pixie-Licious papers and stickers, Chip Chop Shop doily and Tattered Angels seam binding and Stick pins...all never before opened!

I know I have not been a very good blogger lately and scrapbooking has taken a back seat to renovating our house. It's not going as fast as I would like it to but I am looking forward to getting it all finished and having a lovely new area to scrap in.

I finished this page of DH and I for the Once Upon a Sketch challenge... which I completed and put aside before I had to pack everything up for the start of the renovation and then forgot to post it. I have again used the Echo Park For The Record range which I totally love!

And finally, my entry for Anna's Craft Cupboard monthly sketch challenge using Echo Park Playground papers. Love these photos of my nephew Riley helping my Mum in the garden...so cute heh! Echo Park are my favourite new paper manufacturer!

Thanks for making it this far! I know it's been a huge post.

I hope you have all enjoyed your Easter and Anzac Day weekend. Lest we forget...

Once Upon A Sketch

2011-03-23T20:49:00.000+11:00

There is a new sketch blog called Once Upon A Sketch where the focus will be on adding journaling to your page...and I know I need some help with that!

They have an amazing design team and are offering a great prize for helping spread the word that the blog has started up.

How yummy does this prize look?

If you would like a chance to win head on over to become a follower and post about this giveaway on your blog.

Good Luck :)

March Kraft It Up

2011-03-21T19:01:00.000+11:00

This is my entry for the March Kraft It Up challenge. The criteria was to use the saying "There is no greater gift than today" in your title or journaling on a kraft background (of course). I decided to scrap this photo I had taken recently on a lovely evening at the Coffs Harbour Jetty...a great place to relax and reflect. I have used the soft and pretty Basic Grey Marjolaine papers, the photos were taken on my iPhone using Hipstamatic.

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating.

One more to share...

2011-03-09T09:40:00.000+11:00

I just can't seem to stop scrapping lately...and I am having so much fun using older product from my stash. This one is for Manon's stylist challenge at Scrap Boutique. You needed to scrap about your work and as I am now a stay at home Mum I decided to document some of the things I do each day. I must say I enjoy having more time to do jobs around the house and not have to rush around in the mornings trying to get it done before work...I will enjoy it while it lasts! I have used the Cosmo Cricket Early Bird range.

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating
xox

Some layouts to share

2011-03-08T13:22:00.000+11:00

Hi there

I have been scrapping quite a bit in the last few days and have quite a few pages to share. This one I competed while having a scrappy day with my sister. I love the Prima Jack and Jill papers...it is actually hard choosing which side to use! I have added some Kaiser flowers, a Prima canvas chipboard diecut...love the texture on these, Jillibean Soup corrugated alphas, and a few bits and pieces from my sisters stash.

This one is for the Anna's Craft Cupboard monthly sketch. I have used some older Fancy Pants papers from my stash...just love using up some older stuff!

I have also completed Sonia's challenge over at Scrap Boutique. The challenge was to scrap something that makes you happy in summer and to add some yellow to the page. I have used the gorgeous October Afternoon Seaside papers and stickers for this page of Mikala walking along the waters edge at Surfers Paradise. I have misted some clouds and edged them in Kindyglitz and added some twine and a piece of a red bag that had onions in it...never throw anything out. lol

Amanda's Scrap Boutique challenge was to complete a page from a sketch using up lots of your flower stash. I have so many lovely wedding photos still left to scrap so have used this one of Mikala with Prima papers. I have drawn the border in blue pen and then covered it with Kindyglitz...it is a very soft and pretty effect. I have used up Green Tara and Kaiser flowers from my stash along with some pretty American Crafts puffy thickers.

Lastly, I went to a Stampin Up demonstration at the lovely Deb's house on the weekend. It was the first time I have seen the products and they have some really lovely stamps. I met some lovely local scrappers and card makers there as well. I had a really nice time and am looking forward to having a play with the stamps I ordered. This is the little Easter card I made...I love the cherry blossom and little girl stamps...so cute!

It's been a big post so thanks for taking the time to read.

Happy scrapping xox

March White With 1

2011-03-08T12:45:00.000+11:00

This is the first time I have played along with WW1 and this month's challenge was to create a layout using white, bright pink and artesian shapes or products. I didn't have any products so cut a shape from pattern paper using a chipboard shape from my stash. This photo is of my niece Chloe dressed all pretty as a flower girl. I have used Echo Park papers with American Crafts glittered thickers, Petaloo, Green Tara and Prima flowers, Heidi Swapp felt butterfly and Purple Pumpkin handmade pokadot flower and button.

March Scrap The Girls

2011-03-08T12:29:00.000+11:00

This months challenge at Scrap The Girls is to use a quote by Kobi Yamada as your title and inspiration for your page. I loved the quote "she saw every ending as a new beginning" and felt that it suited where I am in my life right now. I have used Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 papers and chipboard along with Green Tara and Kaiser flowers, AC thickers and Prima alphas which I just love. My journaling is on the tag behind the photo as I wanted to keep it private.

March Scrap The Boys

2011-03-08T12:15:00.002+11:00

This months challenge at Scrap The Boys is to use a specific TIME as your layout's title... I chose to scrap a small photo I had of my Dad and oldest brother when he was a newborn. I wasn't sure of the day or exact time so went with the month and year as the title. It's a simple layout for me...I usually like adding lots to a page! I have used some older Fancy Pants paper scraps with Websters alphas and American Craft felt thickers. I am so happy to see Scrap The Boys back...I don't always get the time to play along but love to check out the inspiration every month.

Goodbye Summer

2011-02-28T19:24:00.000+11:00

I have not been very inspired of late and only managed to complete two challenges this month.

This one was for the Anna's Craft Cupboard sketch. I love joining in the challenge each month and I have used The girls paperie On Holiday papers for this page about our trip to Movie World late last year. We had a great day and all loved the Stunt Driver show the best...it was awesome!

This layout was for Scrap Boutique's monthly stylist challenge. It was their lovely new stylist Sonia's first challenge and I am glad I found the time to finish this page of Mikala using some old WRMK papers from my stash. It's not very often that I get out older papers, I always seem to reach for the new ones. I have added Prima leaves and a flower along with a few of the new Kaiser paper flowers which are very nice. I had some fun using my sisters butterfly punches (thanks sis) and a few of my stamps too...isn't that little bird house just the cutest??

I can't believe it is the last day of summer already! Not that I am all that worried it has come to an end...it hasn't been all that pleasant with either rain or unbearably hot days at home and the tragedies of flood, cyclones and bushfires will be felt by many for a long time.

I recently bought myself an iPhone and have been taking lots of photos. I love the application Hipstamatic and thought I would share a couple of pics I took at one of my favourite spots to go in summer...the Coffs Harbour Jetty!

I just love the colours in these...especially the first one! I think I will need some add ons very soon...it is so much fun.

Thanks for stopping by and I really appreciate the lovely comments you leave.
xox

Basic Grey Curio

2011-02-05T13:02:00.001+11:00

Good Afternoon

I had a chance to do some creating earlier in the week and decided to have a play with the lovely Basic Grey Curio range along with this gorgeous brick wall stamp that came with my new Tim Holtz stamp set. The photo is of my best friend Kim when she married Chris at Chapel Hill winery in McLaren Vale, SA last March. I loved cutting out these papers and will be sure to use them again on another layout. I have added a Prima butterfly and letters, Pink Paislee corrugated bird and heart, Green Tara flowers with Kaiser pearls, lace, K&Company brads and crystal brads that I bought in a lovely little scrap shop I found in McLaren Vale...I thought that was a nice touch! I love these little kraft alpha stickers that came in a kit...I don't know who makes them but I just love everything kraft and black/brown at the moment. The photo is by Scout Photographics in Adelaide.

Hope you are managing to stay cool...the heat has been unbearable for the last few days!

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating xox

Cosmo Cricket Challenge

2011-01-19T12:01:00.000+11:00

I love reading the Cosmo Cricket blog and they have posted a January challenge. One of our favourite things to do in January is visit the beach. Our family love to go to Moonee Beach where there is a gorgeous creek which is great for families. These photos were taken early in the month and unfortunately it has rained almost every day since...it has been an unusually wet summer this year. I have used Cosmo Cricket Togetherness papers and Core'dinations cardstock for my page. I love the bright, happy colours in this range :)

Thanks for stopping by and any comments.

Dressmaking pattern paper altered background

2011-01-16T19:23:00.000+11:00

I have just had a play with altering my cardstock with dressmaking pattern paper. It was lots of fun crumpling paper and getting messy with glue. I have scrapped a few proof photos I have had sitting around since my wedding in 1993. I have used October Afternoon Thrift Shop papers, letters and stickers with a few Prima flowers and leaves, Tim Holtz film strip ribbon and ornate frame, some lovely Webster's Pages ribbon and American Crafts thickers. I have also added a Tattered Inspirations pin...these are so gorgeous and I will need to be getting some more soon

I love the texture and extra interest it adds to the page!

Have you been checking out the CHA sneaks? I love all the sneak peeks...my favourites so far are Prima, Webster's Pages, and My Minds Eye. I can't wait to see what Cosmo Cricket and October Afternoon have for us!

Thanks for stopping by...Hope your weekend has been fabulous!

My 2011 word is Renew

2011-01-12T12:40:00.001+11:00

I have completed the monthly challenge over at ScrapBoutique which was set by Manon. We were required to choose a word and create a layout to remind us of this word throughout the coming year. I chose the word RENEW as I feel a lot of things in my life need to be revitalised. I decided to scrap the layout on a canvas that I had sitting around unused...that way I can keep it on display to keep reminding me of my word.

And some close ups...

The photo is one that I have previously scrapped and was taken by Trish O'Brien of Jetty Images. I don't have a lot of photos of myself on my own and this one with Mikala is a definite favourite of mine. I have used My Minds Eye glittler papers, diecut and brad, Prima packaging, butterflies, flowers and centres, Tim Holtz ornate frame, Fourish with a Bling swirl, Purple Pumpkin doily, Tattered Inspirations pin and Making Memories glitter alphas.

Thanks for stopping by xox

More scrapping...

2011-01-11T18:03:00.001+11:00

I had another play with the Kaiser Seaside range. The photo of me was taken at Moonee Beach last week during one of those few sunny days we have enjoyed this year. I had fun making my own embellishments for this page and have only added a few Kaiser tickets, some starfish, string, Jenny Bowlin alphas and buttons.

This page is for Amanda's Stylist Challenge over at Scrap Boutique. I had wanted to do a page using this Cosmo Cricket paper and chipboard numbers for a while and Amanda's number challenge fitted perfectly. The stitching and basic design were inspired by a layout I saw somewhere while site hopping on the web...thank you for the inspiration! I really had fun working on this page and adding lots of bits and pieces.

Thanks for stopping by and lets pray this rain will ease off so all the flood effected people can begin putting their lives back together xox

Kraft It Up!

2011-01-09T18:43:00.000+11:00

Hello, I am back again with another challenge layout...
I have wanted to complete a Kraft It Up challenge for ages but always seem to run out of time. Well I have finally managed to get one done...there are some benefits to being a lady of leisure! This months challenge is to create a layout based on a summer theme with a summer word in the title on a Kraft cardstock background. I have used Kaisercraft Seaside papers and tags with a Flourish with a Bling pearl flourish, Prima flower and Basic Grey chipboard alphas. I think this would have to be my favourite Kaiser range ever. I just love the colours with these summery photos of Mikala having fun in her friend's pool.

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating :)

A Compendium of Curiosities

2011-01-09T13:05:00.000+11:00

Each Christmas our family do a secret Santa for the adults. I received this book...signed by Tim himself. How exciting for me!! I love Tim's products and techniques. There was a bit if a mix up and the book arrived inscribed with the wrong name :( Tim kindly replaced the book and sent a few photos of him signing my name. I will have to do a page on the story of this book one day.

How cool is that!! I can't wait to try out Tim's techniques as I have a few of his products that I wasn't really sure how to use...I have no excuse not to use them now :)

Some more challenges to share

2011-01-08T15:32:00.000+11:00

I'm back again with my entry over at Anna's Craft Cupboard. Wendy Smith designs some really cool sketches for the monthly challenge and this photo of my niece Chloe is one of my favourites. I have used Sassafras Indie Girl papers with Prima letters and flowers. I keep going back to my Martha Stewart butterfly punch...I think it has to be my all time favourite! I added some sticker words, tiny alphas and a bit of kindyglitz and Kaiser bling. It's a simple page but I just love the blues with the black and white photo.

I love the challenges over at Scrap Boutique...they just keep getting better and better! This one is for Chelsea's Stash Stomper and we were required to use at least thirty alpha stickers. I have delved into my scrap paper box again and used some older WRMK. I have added a few Prima flowers and leaves, pom pom ribbon, hand stitching and buttons. Alpha stickers are by Basic Grey, Carolees Creations, Websters Pages and Pink Paislee...It feels good to use a few more off the hardly used sheets :)

I love this cute photo of Mikala with her adopted baby Ginger...there is a bit of a story to us getting this kitten. Mikala loves all animals and always wants to visit the pet store. On this particular day there was a male ginger kitten there and she wanted it badly but I said we should only get a female...I said no and when we got home I would look on the RSPCA website for one. I really didn't think we would find one as female ginger cats are very rare...and I was very surprised to find that Ginger was the only kitten available at that time. Mikala insisted we visit the shelter the next day and many dollars later we came home with her. She must have been meant for us and she really is a cute and wonderful addition to our family.

I hope you are getting some creative time and thanks for reading my blog :)

Scrap the Girls Challenge

2011-01-08T15:01:00.000+11:00

This is my entry for the January Scrap the Girls challenge. We had some beautiful days at the beginning of the year and our family took the opportunity to spend some time at Moonee Beach...luckily we got to soak up some sunshine then as it has rained almost every day since :(

I recently sorted through my paper stash and have been trying to use up some of my paper scraps. I have machine stitched on Basic Grey and Echo Park papers for this layout of Mikala and myself. I have embellished with Kaiser flowers, Green Tara string, Purple Pumpkin buttons, American Crafts Thickers, Carolees tiny alphas and added a gorgeous little bird pin from The Chip Chop Shop. Hope you are getting some sunshine wherever you are!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T20:22:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year...I hope that 2011 is full of good health and much happiness for us all. I love the way everything feels new and full of possibility at the beginning of a new year. I spent a wonderful morning at the beach with my family. The weather here in the last few days has been glorious...and such a pleasant change from all the rain.

I thought I would share my last 2010 layout which I completed yesterday. The photo is of my cute niece Chloe trying on her Mum's beautiful veil as they were preparing for the wedding in October. The photo is by Mike and Amy and is one of my favourites from the day. Chloe looks just gorgeous and so cute...such a special moment to capture on film. I have used My Minds Eye papers and embellishments combined with Prima flowers, leaves and butterfly, Kaiser and Zva Creative pearls and American Crafts thickers.

I have decided that I will make no resolutions this year and that way I will not be disappointed if I don't achieve them. I will leave you with an inspiring quote I came across at The Quote Garden.

We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential. ~Ellen Goodman

Thanks for stopping by and any comments you may leave :)

Seasons Greetings and layouts to share

2010-12-30T21:01:00.000+11:00

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and got to spend some special time with their family. I had a great day visiting family and just relaxing and catching up. I received some lovely gifts, one being a signed copy of Tim Holtz's book A Compendium of Curiosities. I love what Tim does and I am looking forward to trying out some of his techniques. I recently made the big decision to resign from my job of 22 years. It was time for me to move on and I am hoping to find an exciting new job in the new year. For the moment I am enjoying spending some lazy days with my children and hope to enjoy more scrapping time. I have just finished a big clean up of my scrap area and found these layouts I completed at the Scrap Boutique retreat in November but had not filed away.

Using Girls Paperie papers, letters and embellishments, Carolees tiny alphas.

Crate Paper Restoration, Prima flower and leaves, AC thickers, Carolees tiny alphas, Tim Holtz journal ticket and A2Z Scraplets chipboard. Photo by Mike and Amy.

Basic Grey Capella. Kaiser bling, Green Tara flowers, Prima flower centres, AC thickers, Tim Holtz ticket and keyhole. Photo by Mike and Amy.

These are the layouts I completed for the monthly comps at Scrap Boutique.

Em's challenge: Prima paper, letters, bling swirls, leaves and flowers, Scrapmatts chipboard chandelier embossed with Opals ultra thick powder, Carolees tiny alphas, lace and pearl ribbon.
Photo by Mike and Amy.

Amanda's challenge: Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 papers and chipboard, Kaiser flowers, Maya Road pleated ribbon, Websters Pages letters and Jenny Bowlin numbers. Photo by Trish O'Brien.

Lastly, my entry for the monthly sketch at Anna's Craft Cupboard using Bo Bunny So Sophie papers, AC thickers and Carolees alphas.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and I wish you a Happy New Year.
Leanne xox

Retreat layouts

2010-11-26T18:37:00.001+11:00

Hello

I have been very quiet lately as my mojo decided to go on holiday and I have had nothing to share with you. I was getting worried as I had the Scrap Boutique retreat at Coffs Harbour last weekend. We stayed at the beautiful Darlington Park which is only a 20 minute drive from home...you can't get much better than that! After a slow start I was feeling all inspired and it really was an awesome weekend. What a talented bunch of ladies, so many different styles of scrappers to admire and just the nicest people. I got to catch up with the lovely Debi and Tam...the other Coffs girls, as well as meeting lots of gorgeous ladies from the forum. Chelsea really knows how to run a retreat and I can't wait until next year.I thought I would share a few of my pages from the weekend.

My lovely niece Kristle recently married so I have lots of gorgeous photos to be scrapped. These ones are by Mike and Amy and I have used Girls Paperie papers, they are so soft and pretty.

So Beautiful

Chloe

I took this shot of Mikala and have once again used the Girls Paperie paper girl range. I have added Prima and Purple Pumpkin flowers and some beautiful fabric leaves.

Beautiful Bridesmaid

These photos were taken by the lovely Trish O'Brien . The pages were created for the retreat product pack and inspiration challenges. Thanks for stopping by, I hope to be back to share more soon :)

BFF

Special Bond

Scrap Boutique 'A Dreamy Nightmare' CC

2010-11-01T19:09:00.000+11:00

Last weekend was the Scrap Boutique October CC. To celebrate Halloween the theme was 'A Dreamy Nightmare'. These are the challenges I completed.

For Manon's inspiration challenge I chose Basic Grey Two Scoops papers and chipboard for this page of my sweet little Mikala in 1999.


Hush Little Baby

Mikala looks very different here in this page I scrapped for Amanda's sketch challenge. I took the photo on the weekend as she was getting ready to go to the Kegel Bowling Halloween Party. She had a great time bowling with her spooky friends. I think the photo really suited the theme of this sketch. I have used Kaiser and Sassafras scraps and added some stitching for extra interest.

Little Witch

And this one is my sample page for my challenge as Guest Stylist. I was a bit nervous about posting the challenge, hoping the girls would like it. I found a cute little house on the Echo Park site and wanted to use it as an element on the page. As I don't own any Halloween papers I decided to add the extra criteria of using non Halloween papers and to add some stitching...just because I am obsessed with sewing on my pages at the moment. The photo of my Mum was taken about 10 years ago when she was heading out to a fancy dress party. I used Bo Bunny and Junkitz papers and machine stitched some tulle and hessian on the page for extra texture. I painted the moon and drew a cobweb onto paper which I then used as a template and hand stitched onto the card stock. And even though I don't really like Halloween I love the finished page...it's fun and so different to my usual work.

Thanks to all the ladies who completed the challenge, I love them all!

You can check the pages out here:

http://www.scrapboutique.com.au/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=575


Wicked Witch

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you had a great Halloween weekend.

Scrap the Boys - October Sketch

2010-10-29T09:55:00.000+11:00

This is my entry for the October Scrap The Boys sketch. I took this photo of my boy recently and I really can't believe how grown up he is now...my how time flies, it seems only yesterday Jake was a baby and now he his working part time and saving for his first car! I have used Pink Paislee Starlight papers and added some hessian as the required fabric detail element. I have stamped and glimmer misted the card stock to give it a grungy feel, which I love on teen layouts.

Growing Up

Thanks for stopping by and any comments you may leave.

Get Picky Sketch

2010-10-25T19:14:00.000+11:00

I thought I would join in the first challenge over at Get Picky, a fantastic new sketch site for multi photo layouts. The photos are of my cute little niece Chloe on a recent trip to the beach. I have used Echo Park Sweet Summertime papers, Green Tara mesh ribbon, Kaisercraft bling, Prima flower and Basic Grey alphas.


Beach Babe

If you haven't checked out the site you should do so as they have some amazing talent on the design team. Thanks for stopping by xxx

ScrapBoutique Guest Stylist

2010-10-15T19:13:00.000+11:00

I was very excited to be invited by Chelsea to be the October Guest Stylist at Scrap Boutique. Chelsea sent me a gorgeous Guest Stylist pack and I have been busy creating...nothing I can share as yet but hopefully I can soon :)

I have just completed the SB monthly challenge which has been set by Manon. It is to scrap a page about you and the things you are proud of about yourself. I found the challenge quite hard and this is what I came up with.


Proud to be...

I have used Basic Grey and Sassafras Indie Girl papers. I love the colours in the Indie Girl papers and the cut off strips are so pretty. I have added some AC Thickers, Green Tara string, a Tim Holtz button, Prima flower and packaging. I have recently seen a few tutorials on how to make bodies for punched butterflies and thought I would give it a go...I love the way they change the look of the MS butterflies.

I am wishing for the rain to stop so we can enjoy a nice sunny weekend for a change...Hope you have a great one!

Leanne xox

Echo Park 'Walk In The Park'

2010-10-15T18:24:00.003+11:00

I love the new papers by Echo Park! They are so bright and fun. I purchased the September monthly kit from Country Papercraft...and found it was full of yummy papers and embellies. I have completed five layouts and still have enough paper leftover for some cards. Now that's great value! I completed this layout of Mikala as a baby using Marg's sketch.

Tree Climber

This one was for Em's challenge at the Scrap Boutique CC.

You are My Sunshine

Amanda's Roast...which I was late for again!

Conga Line Dancer

And Tams blind scrap :-)

You Two

Thanks for stopping by xox

Anna's challenge entry

2010-10-15T17:52:00.000+11:00

I have been a bit neglectful of my blog lately, there has been a lot going on including this little man's parents beautiful wedding. Riley's Mum (my gorgeous niece Kristle) married her childhood sweetheart Craig at the Bonville International Golf Course and even though it hardly stopped raining we all had the most wonderful and special day.

Cute Little Man

I completed the layout for the Anna's Craft Cupboard monthly sketch competition. I have used Basic Grey Cappella papers and letters which are perfect for wedding photos along with some mesh ribbon and AC Thickers. Isn't Riley just the cutest in his little suit?

Here's a family photo I took on the day...you can see the rain pouring down in the background. xox


Kristle & Craig's wedding day

Get Picky

2010-09-25T07:29:00.000+10:00

There is a new challenge site starting soon for multi photo layouts. It's called Get Picky and they have a great prize on offer for helping spread the word. All you have to do is post about this on your blog, become a follower, add their cute blinkie to your sidebar and comment on their post. How easy!.

Scrap the Boys

2010-09-23T08:01:00.000+10:00

Jakey Monster

This is my layout for the first September Scrap the Boys challenge. We were required to scrap about the nicknames we call our boys. I decided to scrap a photo of Jake when he had just started moving around on this own and he was getting into everything...oh the mischief he got up to, but he was oh so cute :-)

I have used the gorgeous Jillibean Soup Monster Stew papers which I thought suited him very well. I have added some Basic Grey chipboard, Kaiser felt ribbon and grid stamp, American Crafts, Carolees and October Afternoon letters.

Thanks for stopping by xxx

Layouts to share

2010-09-19T09:52:00.004+10:00

Good morning :-)

I am loving the colours orange, blue and green at the moment and I think I must be going through a 'country' thing as well...it must be because it's spring! I completed this layout of Jake and Mikala for the Country Papercraft weekend challenge set by Mrs Frizz. I love this photo of my two when they they were aged five and nine...how cute do they look sitting on the bales of hay? I have used a mix of Basic Grey, October Afternoon and Crate Paper papers along with some paper lace, RW Lasercut chipboard title (which I painted with Twinkling H20's and covered in glossy accents) , Crate Paper chipboard, Green Tara flower and a cute bird button from Purple Pumpkin.

I have also been giving my Curvy Cutter a workout...it makes cutting different sized circles super easy :) I have used the gorgeous Echo Park Walk in the Park range for this layout I completed for Manon's Stylist challenge over at Scrap Boutique. The criteria was to have a spring theme and include some handmade flowers. I decided to scrap about springtime on our farm. I love how the paddocks are green, the chickens are laying well and the vegetables are growing. I love the colours in these papers with my photos...Echo Park is quickly becoming one of my favourite manufacturers.

It is my sons 15th birthday today. I can't believe how quickly time goes...before you know it they are all grown up and independent. Happy Birthday Jake! Hope you are enjoying your pressies :)

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy what is left of the weekend.

Challenge Entries

2010-09-12T11:23:00.004+10:00

I'm back with a few other entries I have recently completed.

This layout was for the Monthly Competition at Scrap Boutique, which was set by Em this month. The criteria was to include the word or a symbol for Peace, at least one rub on, a flower or butterfly (to represent spring) and white space. I had taken this photo of Mikala on the first day of spring and thought it was perfect for the challenge. She is always doing peace signs when she gets her photo taken! I have used Cosmo Cricket, Crate Paper and October Afternoon papers along with Bella rub ons and American Crafts thickers. I have also added some Prima chipboard and used a couple of Martha Stewart butterfly punches. I added lots of hand stitching and really like how this one turned out.

This one is for the Scrap the Girls September challenge. The criteria here was to scrap a layout of a first or new beginning on a white cardstock base. I decided to scrap an old photo of Mikala when she had her first 'ride' on one of our horses. I have journaled about her love of horses and how her first word spoken after Dad and Mum was horse. How cute! I have used October Afternoon papers, Prima flowers and Bella and Carolee's alphas.

I think I need to concentrate on doing a few boy layouts as I am doing lots of girly stuff lately.
Thanks again for stopping by and I would love for you to leave a comment.
Leanne xox

Stuck September Challenge

2010-09-12T11:09:00.003+10:00

Hope you are enjoying your weekend and this beautiful sunshine :-)

This is my entry for the Stuck Sketches September 1st challenge. I have used Pink Paislee Bayberry Cottage collection papers, diecuts and artisian tape. I have added a chipboard flourish, some Prima flowers along with Pink Paislee and Basic Grey alphas. I love this pic taken of Mikala under the Jetty at Coffs Harbour in February this year...she is growing up so quickly!

Thanks for stopping by
Leanne xox

Anna's challenge entry

2010-09-05T17:22:00.005+10:00

I completed this layout of Mikala for the Anna's Craft Cupboard monthly sketch challenge. It was a beautiful day here on Wednesday (more like a summers day really) so we headed outside for a photo shoot. I took some lovely shots of DD and scrapped them using Sassafras Indie Girl papers...yummo! I have added some foam letters and Prima leaves. I think the flowers are Prima as well but am not sure as they were a RAK from the lovely Mrs Frizz over at Country Papercraft...I think the Prima centres look really sweet on them! I love using up Prima packaging as well, it's just to good to waste.

Thanks for stopping by xx

Up Up and Away

2010-09-05T16:44:00.005+10:00

Hello

Hope everyone is enjoying their Fathers Day weekend. It is a gorgeous day here and I spent the day visiting my Father and Father in Law as well as taking my daughter Mikala to my sisters to try on her dress for an upcoming family wedding. She looked gorgeous and I'm looking forward to getting some lovely photos on the day.

I have been having a little play with the Kaiser Up Up and Away papers this weekend. I love the greens and browns in this range and thought they were the perfect theme for these photos of my sister and I when we rode the 'Wheel of Brisbane' in June. The photos were way to blue so I had a play in photoshop and changed the colours to a brown monotone. I love the way they turned out and will be trying this again. I have added Basic Grey choc chip letters, some Prima and some gorgeous brown tassel ribbon.

I had this old photo of my Mum, her sister Shirley and my cute big brother Robert sitting in my photo stack for quite a while. The show bag he is carrying says carnival sweets and as soon as I saw this paper I had to have it. I have added a Green Tara and Prima flower, some numbers from the MME Lush range along with a Making Memories journal spot and some ric rac...both from a box of goodies I received from Nina Granzien...Thanks again Nina, I am finding lots of little treasures to add to my pages!

Thanks for stopping by xx

ScrapBoutique Cyber Crop Entries

2010-08-24T17:30:00.006+10:00

I managed to complete a couple of layouts on the weekend for the Scrap Boutique cyber crop. This one of Mikala and her friend Jessica was taken under the Jetty in Coffs Harbour. It's a great place for taking photos and I got some really nice ones this particular day :)

I have used papers and embellies by the Girls Paperie. They really are gorgeous colours and patterns. This was a fantastic challenge by guest designer Lauren. We had to answer a few questions and the answers gave us our criteria. I was to use: cardstock base, three pattern papers, flowers, five buttons and a mixed alpha title...which I am not to sure about and may end up changing.

This layout was created from a lucky dip challenge. I was given designer Manon's criteria which was a monochromatic yellow layout with fabric and paint. Eeek! This one really scared me but now that it is finished it is growing on me and I quite like it.
I have used a mix of Cosmo Cricket and October Afternoon papers along with some Bazzill scalloped cardstock. I painted all the edges and glimmermisted some tulle for the fabric requirement. Do you see that cute little owl button? It is a new purchase from Purple Pumpkin. I am so in love with these and I have a couple of pink ones that I'm sure will show up on a layout in the near future.

I thought I would also share this layout I completed for the Scrap Boutique August Monthly Challenge set by Amanda. The criteria was to do a monochromatic (yes another one) with the theme of celebrating friendship. I chose to scrap an old photo of my two brothers who were also the best of friends. Last week would have been my brother Rodney's 50th birthday (he passed away when he was only 25) and I wanted to do a page about him in remembrance.
I have used Scribble Scrabble paper along with Buzz n Bloom, Collections and Twiddleybitz chipboard, Websters bloomers, Prima flower and a Tim Holtz key. I included this quote:

All for one and one for all,
My brother and my friend.
What fun we have,
The time we share.
Brothers 'til the end.
~Author Unknown

Thanks for stopping by and any comments xx

Tarisota Giveaway

2010-08-20T13:32:00.009+10:00

One of my favourite sites to visit for inspiration is Tarosita. Tamar's blog is a great read, full of interesting crafty things and lots of yummy recipes to try. There is a very generous prize on offer where one lucky person will win the following:

A copy of Apples for Jam.

A paper treasure collection.

And...entry to the Styling for Home class.

All these wonderful goodies are worth $165. What an awesome prize!

If you would like to win, head over here for all the details.