Creative Media

A Combined Challenge

2010-10-14T14:18:00.000+08:00

Hello all
I was meant to have pictures of my wedding invite up for you all to see but they are on the camera but I have lost the cable to connect to the computer. Grrr... I even took the photos of the card here on the same camera but luckily for me I still have the card so I took another shot with my little camera.
It has been a crazy time in our household - organising a wedding from the opposite side of the country, starting my own business, attending courses have been amoung the range of things we have been up to!

But on with this card for two different challenges this week. Firstly we have Makeesha's Inkspiration Challenge which provides the sketch and the Embellish Challenge which provides the colour and an added extra of felt! Now the issue I had was that I thought I had no felt but then I found some in my stash and it was totally the wrong colour. So I still proceeded and just used a little bit and attacked it with my SU choc chip marker to ink it. Hint - its the little dot on the ribbon! The colours I thought were interesting and I normally do not do the pink and brown thing but I thought this time I would give it a go!

Here is the sketch:

Here are the colours:

Here is my card:

Sorry about the photo quality and then for some reason when I uploaded it - it decided to come up the wrong way - the joy of technology. I promise though when I either find the cord or I just go and purchase a new one I will definitely get the invite photos up!

Don't forget to go to the respective sites to view the other wonderful entries!

Heaps of Hugs

I Love Stationary!

2010-07-28T11:00:00.009+08:00

Most people that know me - know that I can get a little obsessed with stationary! No boring coloured manillar folders or binders for me! So now tht I am starting this business venture I can actually get the stationary that suits me - not someone else!

So I have been looking online because there isn't much up here although there is one shop but it is all so expensive but then again so is a lot of what i have found too but not to matter!

Have a look at these beauties!
Most have matching items too which just adds to my excitement! The website I found these on is here. The brand is Cavallini. Ahhhhh back to some dreaming...haha!

Hugs to all

Embellish Colour Challenge with Ric Rac

2010-07-27T14:22:00.012+08:00

Hi everyone!
Today I finally got around to the Embellish Colour Challenge and the main reason for that was because I didn't seem to have anything that resembled ric rac at all not to mention in the colours! But then in this sticker booklet that I forgot I even had I found something that resembled it! YAY! So here is the photo that shows the colours - I just love the photos and if you do too head over to Travelingmama's Etsy shop where you can purchase them in a postcard set!

And here is my creation - the original one I had to use glue on for the ribbon but I just found another roll of tape so I just put another layer of ribbon over the top so the horrible wet marks went away! YAY!

It feels great having some time out for getting creative again but then I think about all the pages I want to do and I feel myself getting a little overwhelmed! Haha!

This card is going to some dear friends of mine that have been taking care of our beloved Kimani (our aussie bulldog) whilst we have been off galavanting around the country this year. They have been great and they are very much appreciated! I bet that they are happy that next time we go away they are too - it will be for the wedding!

Ingredient List:
Cardstock: Bazzil Kraft, SU Taken with Teal, SU Choc Chip; Ink: SU Choc Chip, SU Only Orange; Stamps: Seaside, Boho Backgrounds; Ribbon: SU Tangerine Tango; Basic Grey Button.

Hugs to all

Makeesha's Inkspiration Colour Challenge #32

2010-07-22T08:18:00.008+08:00

Hi all - I hope that you are enjoying your week so far. Today I have participated in Makeesha's Colour Challenge #32 which you can find out about here. It feels great to be getting back into the groove of making cards and scrapbook pages!

Firstly here is the colour combo!

And here is my card - simple but I like it! Sorry about the picture quality though!

I hope that you all have a look at the other wonderful submissions so far this week!

Hugs to all!

What have I been up to...Part 3

2010-07-21T16:34:00.005+08:00

Hello once again! I left off last time after announcing that I had been made redundant (did I mention how much I dispise of that word) and so much has happened since then so I will get started!

Every two years Damo's family have a camping trip on the Murray River but this time around we organised to go a little upmarket and treat ourselves to some luxury...we hired out a HUGE houseboat which is the one in the photo above. I had been waiting for 1.5 years for this and it was well worth it! 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 10 person hot tub, deck chairs for all, kitchen upstairs and downstairs! Magnificent! The weather was spectacular too - sun out no rain for the 7 days! Apart from this wonderful holiday there were other things that needed to be accomplished whilst we were over East.....organising Our Wedding! In a week we managed to find his ring, my dress (ordered), my bridesmaid's dresses, our venue, our photographer, hair and makeup...Keep thinking I have missed something but either way thats alot don't you think?!

Before heading home we had a few nights in the beautiful Melbourne so shopping and lots of eating and drinking followed!! Then it was home and back to reality....what about a job!

Whilst this had been going on I had already been contacted by several people in the industry to see if I was looking to do work for them etc but as tempting as that was the offers were not taking a step forward but back and I wanted forward! One call stood out from all of them but it was both a scary and exciting proposition....it was to start my own business! It was as if it all happened for a reason but I knew not to rush I had to weigh everything up and after lots of meetings, stressing, doing the numbers etc I have decided to do it! Damo has been wonderful throughout the process and continues to support my crazy ways!

So that is why I was away for the past two weeks it was induction to the dealer group I am going through for my license and right now I am in my office (working from home) and my business is Think Future Financial Management! See happy endings are always the best - but you can also see why I havent really been around very much in blogland or been able to do anything creative! I hope to make more time now!

I will be back tonight or tomorrow morning with my post for Makeesha's Inkspiration Challenge!

Hugs to all!

What have I been up to...Part 2

2010-07-03T20:09:00.003+08:00

Whilst I was in New Zealand I took time out to relax (even though we had that BUSY schedule) to think about what I do and where I want to be with my career etc because living up here there is money to be made in other industries even in Administration if I wanted too but I really didn't want to go back to that after putting so much time and effort into studying for Financial Planning. I had even considered starting my own business up here and cutting ties with the firm I work for over East. Then it moved on to other elements like getting married and children.

Well, I didn't have to think too much more about the work part because when I got home I was informed on my first day back at work that my position was being made redundant - I finished at the end of that week! Yes this is the company that had just paid for me to go to NZ but this was an unexpected matter and I was not the only one that lost their job. In a way now that I look back on that it was the best thing to happen because it made me have to make a decision not dwell on the pros and cons of every situation which is what I can get caught up in. To provide some further insight where I live there are not many work opportunities for what I am trained in and what I am very passionate about so it really was my first wake up call for me living up here and what that was going to mean for me. Jobs are not hard to find here which I have to be very thankful for but there was still that feeling in my stomach that I was going to have to give up something that I had worked so hard towards.

I do have a photo for up on here but I have no access to my main drive as it is backing up and I wanted to make sure I got Part 2 up before I have to head to Sydney for a week and then Perth. I will be back with the rest of the story on my return and hopefully this time with some more photos and layouts!

Heaps of Hugs

What have I been up to....Part 1

2010-07-02T12:05:00.006+08:00

Hello again everyone!

Late last year I was offered by my employer to attend the Annual Conference this year in Feb with them and when I heard where it was being held I automatically went YES (and so did Damo)! Why you ask...because it was going to be held in Auckland, New Zealand. 1 - I have always wanted to go to NZ, 2 - Tracey my best friend had just moved there with her husband and young daughter Emily (my neice who turned 1 in Feb and I hadn't met her yet), 3 - Damo could come and this would be his first trip outside of Australia. So it was decided we were going to NZ - the only problem was we only had 6 days after the conference to see the South Island. I could have spent 6 months there!

We were wined and dined whilst in Auckland which was lovely and good to be able to get dressed up and meet all the people I speak to generally only by phone. Damo went and did a few of the "couples" itinerary. They are mostly women so he was in his element being all charming as he is! Either way it was lots of late nights and early mornings (ie lack of sleep) but fun!

I got to meet Emily and catch up with Tracey which was great - I miss her so much.

After the conference we flew to Christchurch and hired a little van to drive around in. We visited Akaroa first which was beautiful and had these very cute little cottages, then onto Lake Tekapo, went to the Visitors Centre for Mount Cook, on to Te Anau before visiting Milford Sound, back to Queenstown (sensational) and then to Fox Glacier where we took a helicopter flight up to the top of the glacier and we got to get out on to the ice...OMG that was the most spectacular experience of my life and I recommend to anyone that has the opportunity - yes it is expensive but worth every cent! After there we went on to a small little place called Jackson. We stayed at this wonderful motorhome park and there is a local tavern where we ate and drank with the locals (Aust V NZ in the cricket was also playing so that added to the entertainment!) We were offered by a local dairy farmer to go to his place the next morning to help milk the cows and see how it is all done. It was great even with the early start! After that we went back to Christchurch before heading back home via a night in Perth because we couldnt get home all in one day.

We met lots of great people on our little adventure but it was all over way to fast and we both want to go back as soon as we can!

Here is a scrapbook page of our trip to Milford Sound!

The Journalling reads "Words can not describe this magical place...you hear about it but nothing prepares for its beauty, peacefullness and vastness. The colours, the sounds, the water, the eeriness even draws you in. We almost missed our chance but we made it - the drive alone to get to this place was worth every minute. Another inspiring moment and place in NZ. THs trip was Damo's first outside of Australia and not I believe he has THE BUG"

So I hope that you have enjoyed part 1 - I will show more of this wonderful trip in scrapbook pages to come but this is just a brief run down - part 2 of what I have been up to will come up tomorrow hopefully!

Heaps of Hugs

Hi and a sketch challenge

2010-07-02T07:52:00.008+08:00

Hi to everyone - I made this card 2 days ago and only just got to put it up (and only because of the wonderful thing of time difference from Australia to Canada!) It is the first card I have made since February and I must say I had hit some what of a creative block but I also just have not had ANY time to do anything creative! Part 1 of that will be online today. But first to this card - it is for Makeesha's Inkspiration Sketch Challenge. This is hosted by Cindy this week! Here is the sketch:

Cindy also added the additional challenge to use something we have been hording...my oh my I have stacks to choose from then....haha! Here is my creation:

Great to have something so bright and cheery for everyone that is not enjoying winter so much! Where I live Winter is our summer where we can actually get out and do things because our days now range from 25 to 28 C as a top. Ahhh the Pilbara is a wonderful place!

Be back again later today!

Hugs

Never Fear I Am Still Here!

2010-06-10T08:56:00.003+08:00

It has been so long since I have posted and to make this even worse I have not been busy with cards or layouts in this long hiatus from Blog World! BUT lots of other exciting things have been happening and I will have these coming up for you in the next week or so - so please stay tuned! I have to say though - it has been hard catching up on other blogs reading pages and pages of posts but it has also been fun! Lots of ideas for projects to complete and post for you!

I will post again soon!
Heaps of Hugs
Rach

A Long Awaited Return

2010-02-16T08:30:00.008+08:00

Hello everyone and I hope that you are all having a great start to 2010! It has been a while since I have been on here and updated you all with what has been happening - to tell you the truth I have had quite a bit on and haven't really gotten back into the swing of things in creative terms! Since my last post we went to Coral Bay for a couple of days over the Christmas break - it was absolutley beautiful as I expected. It was great to get away and just relax, go snorkelling, walks along the beach and we also went on a sunset Quad Bike tour (so much fun). Here is a picture of the boat ramp area of Coral Bay...yes the water is that colour! More on this once the scrapbook pages are finished!

I then had to go away for work in January - only for a week though but any travel from here takes a while so it seems like it is forever - the best part was I could shop for some crafting goodies to bring back with me. Then it was catch up until February came along work wise! The begining of February though is my parents wedding anniversary and this year they celebrated 30 years. I made a card for them and I am very happy with this one as it was one of the first I had made in a while! Here it is:

I have been trying to get back into the swing of challenges and I try to get some done and then miss the cut off or something else comes up so once I get back from my next trip away I will endevour to do just that! Another trip I here you say...yes this week Damo and I leave for New Zealand for 2 weeks. For 5 of those days it is my works conference so that is not all that exciting but it will be once the conference is over. I am looking forward so much for cooler weather...trust me you do miss it after 12 months of heat and no rain!

So there are lots of plans and plenty to do - 2010 is going to be very busy for us and I cant wait - but I will make sure that I keep everyone up to date! Here is one last card I have done lately...not overly happy with it but I will share anyway!

Thanks for stopping by and Hugs to all of you!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-28T19:20:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! I know that I am late but we kind of made a pact where we wouldnt go on the computers over the break! I was spoilt and I hope that everyone had a great time with their families or like us with there friends!
We also had a couple of days in Coral Bay which was absolutely beautiful - we havent been theere before but plan on going back more often...so relaxing and great to unwind!
Talk to you all again soon!
Rach

2 Challenges In 1

2009-12-17T08:35:00.005+08:00

I have decided to participate in two challenges this week but decided to combine them into one card! Firstly we have the Embellish Snowflakes Colour Challenge and the wonderful Makeesha's Sketch Challenge which is up to Number 17! The colours were Yellow, Kraft, Brown and Light Blue which was another good challenge in itself and of course you need to include snowflakes! The sketch also looks great and I think that I will definitely be using that one again! Please select the links to access the blogs and also have a look at all the other wonderful creations that they have over there - maybe even inspire you to make some yourself if you haven't already!

And here is my card for you:

Yes I know another Christmas Card but this time using non traditional colours and yes that wonderful snowflake stamp that I love so much - but this time it is not embossed - I am so proud of myself...haha!

Ingredient List:
Stampin Up: Chocolate Chip, YoYo Yellow and Very Vanilla CS. The Snowflake Spot, Snow Flurries and Happy Christmas Mate Stamp Sets, Tempting Turquoise, YoYo Yellow and Chocolate Chip Ink. Tempting Turquoise Brads.
Kraft CS is Bazzill.

Thanks for stopping by!

One More for the Christmas Card Lovers out there!

2009-12-17T08:13:00.008+08:00

Hi everyone! So I have given it some time and I will now show the next installment of Christmas Cards. I can't believe that Christmas is not that far away! I still have presents to post...didnt I tell you that I would have to use Express Post....haha! Our parcels are coming in though from around the country though so I am very happy about that! Our tree finally has some things under it too and I have found a place to hang all our cards!!

The first card is in Riding Hood Red CS and Ski Slope DSP, Baja Breeze CS and Wispher White CS. It uses the Gifts of Joy stamp set.
This one is Whisper White, Real Red and Chocolate Chip CS, Ski Slope DSP and the stamp set is Happy Christmas Mate which I LOVE!

Using the Merry Christmas Mate stamp set again.

I hope that you like all of the cards I have showed you over the 3 installments!

2nd Installment of Christmas Cards!

2009-12-10T07:48:00.005+08:00

Hello all - I couldn't wait - I had to put up another two of my Christmas Cards! And yes I am also procrastinating but what better way that posting on my blog!

The first card is on the blue CS from last years In Colours that I really can not remember the name of and the good ol catalogue is still in storage boxes! All the snow flakes are silver embossed and the large one is from The Snowflake Spot and the small ones are from Snow Flurries. The JOY is also from The Snowflake Spot and ink is StazOn Black.

The second card surprise surprise uses some of the Ski Slope DSP (and believe it or not I still have heaps left!). The base is Whisper White, Real Red used and the Gifts of Joy set stamped in Ruby Red and Old Olive also on Whisper White CS. The greeting is using my gold Uni-Ball Signo pen and my own handwriting. The strip in the middle is actually raised with dimensionals.

That is all for today...now to get back to a collage that I am doing for a present!

Christmas Card Countdown

2009-12-09T08:41:00.007+08:00

Hi all, I am guessing that everyone is either busily trying to get everything done for Christmas or are really organised and laughing at all of us that leave everything until the last minute...I'm generally one of those last minute people and unfortunately living where I do I really can't afford to be! It looks like Australia Post will be getting some extra money from me this year with sending all my pressies Express Post to make sure it gets there before Christmas! So what have I been up to of late...making Christmas Cards and doing some presents but those I can't show you until after Christmas otherwise there will be no surprises Christmas Day! The cards though I can share so I have a few to show you now and I will put some up over the coming week so you are not too inundated!

This year we are not heading home for Christmas as we have to work between the holidays! But as there are others like us up here we are joining forces with friends of ours and having a big

Orphans Christmas as we like to call it! So that way we can celebrate together...bringing all our traditions together too which will be so much fun! Enough of my rambling and on to the cards haha!

As I have to post mine I needed to keep them simple and relatively flat. This is Baja Breeze cardstock as the base, Choc Chip CS with some of the Ski Slope DSP. The greeting is from Sincere Salutations in Choc Chip.

This one is Riding Hood Red CS as base stamped with the the present stamp from Sleigh Full of Toys in Versamark. There is Kiwi Kiss CS then Whisper White CS with a strip of the Ski Slope DSP. The main stamp is also from Sleigh Full of Toys with Versamark followed by Black Embossing then it is coloured in with my pencils! All the bows though are with my Gold Gel Pen but doesn't show up well in the photo.

Last one for today is Whisper White CS base and then the SkiSlope DSP (I love this...can you tell...haha). I have then stamped with Versamark and then embossed in silver the Sincere Salutations stamp and snow flurries.

I hope that you like the first three cards, I will be back with more soon!

Raspberry Suite Colour Challenge #19

2009-11-28T06:46:00.008+08:00

Hi all
This is a quick post this morning as I am off to enjoy celebrating 5 years with my Damo! But I did do a card for him that I hope isn't too late to put in for the challenge on Dawn's blog. The coluours were fantastic to use together even if there were so many. I could have put this up earlier since it has been done since earlier in the week - but didn't want to just in case "someone" decided to have a look!
Here are the colours

And here is my creation!

Sorry about the lighting with the card but it was taken at 6.30am this morning because I didnt think of actually taking the photo earlier in the week when I had much better light to work with!! I must say a big Thankyou to Dawn because I had not known about The Pioneer Woman and have since fallen in love with her website!

Ingredient List:

Stampin Up: Cardstock - Pink Passion, Chocolate Chip, Orchid Opulance, Bashful Blue, Mellow Moss and Whisper White. Ink - Pink Passion, Bashful Blue and Mellow Moss. Stamp Set - Always

Makeesha's Inspiration Challenge #15

2009-11-18T08:09:00.006+08:00

Hello everyone, I am back with another of Makeesha's challenges and this time it is an inspiration one! I had quite a few things come to mind when I saw this one but of course I couldn't get past the silver embossing on black..pity I don't have glitter..haha!!

As always here is the picture first:

And here is my creation

Nice and simple yet effective! Be sure to have a look over at the other entries as they are all great!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ingredient List:

Stampin Up: Whisper White Cardstock, Snowflake Spot and Snow Flurries stamp set in Versamark then silver embossing powder, silver brads.

Black paper from my stash (non SU).

Makeesha's Colour Challenge #15

2009-11-11T09:20:00.005+08:00

Hello everyone, today I finally have got around to doing Makeesha's Colour Challenge #15 and I must say that this one is definitely out of my comfort zone and that is the point in doing challenges isn't it! So what are the colours you say...here they are:

There are some wonderful creations so be sure to check them all out! In the meantime though here is mine:

I also actually have a great idea for a scrapbook page with these colours because now that I think about it they would go fantastically with my photos of Karajini National Park! I will have to work on that one!

As we know time is flying by and it is time for Christmas creations to begin (should actually be thinking of finishing but at least I have started). I will post a couple of my cards shortly!

Ingredient List:

Stampin Up: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla and Really Rust Cardstock. Eastern Blooms stamp set in Chocolate Chip and Really Rust ink (used markers), Symbols of Solicitude stamp set in Chocolate Chip ink (marker) and Close to Cocoa ink around the edges of the Very Vanilla.

Birthday Card Time

2009-11-03T10:17:00.006+08:00

It is one of my best friends birthdays on Thursday and I have made a card for her...as usual though it will arrive late but at least I have sent it prior to the birthday this time! I decided to base it on a card I saw on K Werner's blog a while ago.

I just added white gel pen around the cut out pieces as I laid them flat not using dimensionals. It is a great way to have simplicity but also using left over pieces effectively!

Now next on my ever growing list is the Christmas cards....and thinking of pressies too!

Ingredient List:
Stampin Up: Sincere Salutations stamp set - tempting turquoise ink, Berry Bliss DSP for two squares. Non SU - Bazzil Kraft CS, remaining squares other patterned paper in my stash!

Hello November...but where did October go?

2009-11-03T08:02:00.007+08:00

Hi everyone, well it's November and also Melbourne Cup Day so good luck to those of you that have backed "a winner"! It is bad though when I think what happened to October...what did I achieve ...definitly not much in the craft department...haha!

We have been spending alot of time on our house and especially our pool area since that is where we will be spending the majority of the time from now on! We have hit the 40+ degree weather now but Kimani our Aussie Bulldog doesn't mind all that much because that means she gets to spend the afternoons inside in the air conditioning!

I have been working on a few things though and one is our trip north and I have done a scrapbook page on our stop over in Exmouth. Exmouth is a beautiful place on the coast of Western Australia - beautiful marine life with the Ningaloo Reef which is famous for the Whale Sharks. Now we were there at the end of January which is actually their off season. The town was pretty much deserted and therefore limiting in terms of where to stay, eat etc. This however did prove also to be an advantage because we had an entire beach to ourselves as you can see in the photos and Kimani had so much fun in the water. BUT this night was also the worst of the trip because in our whole trip this is the one place that didn't allow us to have a cabin because we had Kimani (even with her staying outside) so we had to tent it in 40+ degree weather and 30 degree's overnight...no sleep was had and we left as soon as we could the next morning! But I do want to go back because it is great there and not overly far from where we are living now. We will be going in peak time though which is winter so we can go swimming with the whale sharks !!

I love the centre photo as it reminds me of one of those photos you see in tropical oasis tourism shots and you think the water could never be so blue or clear or so calm (or so deserted) but it actually can...haha! And to add to how special the day was...this is a dog that doesnt normally like the water!

Ingredient List:

Stampin Up: Seaside & Eastern Blooms stamp set, Tempting Turquoise, Pink Passion and Real Red ink, Tempting Turquoise and Whisper White Cardstock. The yellow paper is from a bulk pack and non stampin up.

Makeesha's Sketch Challenge 14

2009-10-13T10:31:00.007+08:00

Well now that I posted last week's challenge (better late than never) I thought I would now post this week's challenge which is a sketch challenge and there are some great creations over there so be sure to have a look. Firstly here is the sketch:
As soon as I saw this I knew I wanted to do one of the rosette's that I had seen here as the focus point. Now I had a few problems with getting a good photo of this one so I am putting two on here and I made some more mistakes but that is part of it and they aren't huge ones...I will call it adding character...haha! So here is my card:

I'm really happy with the Rossete and think I will try some more out later on! Excellent use of scraps too!

Ingredient List:
Stampin Up: The blue CS from last years In Colour's that I can not for the life of me remember the name of, So Saffron Ink and Ribbon, Certainly Celery Ink, Live Your Dreams stamp set. Designer Brad in centre of rosette.

The remaining paper including paper for rosette is from an old paperpack (Grant Archival - Flavia is the name I think). Sticker is also from my pack that I don't have details on...haha...can't tell you much on this one can I!

Long Time No Post...and a very late challenge!

2009-10-13T10:09:00.009+08:00

Well what a few weeks it has been....busy busy over in this part of the world so I have neglected my blog a little! But back to it now!

Firstly I would like to show a card that I made for Makeesha's last challenge (that closed last Thursday...haha) but since I did it I might as well show it to you all! The challenge was an Inspiration Challenge and here is the photo:

So I had to go with an invite because it just made me think of a long lazy afternoon party that I feel we will have a few of coming up to this time of year! So here is my creation for the challenge:

Things are a little off centre or not lined up correctly but hey these things happen and I'm still happy with it.

Ingreadient List:
Stampin Up - Whisper White CS, Certainly Celery CS, Real Red Ribbon and Ink, Certainly Celery Ribbon and Ink, Sincere Salutations stamp set, Always stamp set.
The punch is Fiskars and red paper is just old paper in my collection.

Back To Work & Birthdays

2009-09-29T08:04:00.005+08:00

Yes my long weekend is over and do I feel all refreshed and ready to return to work....NO! I feel the need for more than an extra day as lovely and relaxing as it was...I think I need at least a week! Last night I was trying to get a birthday card done for a friend of ours and do you think I could come up with something...no inspiration whatsoever so at 6am this morning I had to get up and make something in time before Damo went to work so he could take it with him! No pressure or anything! My creative thinking at least was back after a good nights sleep and here is the card below:

The card has not really come out as nice in the photo but that's because I am trying to take the photo at 7am - sun isn't really high enough just yet! I have the butterflies inside the card too! I was after something cheerful and I am happy with how it turned out considering when I started out this morning this is not exactly what I had in mind! The chipboard buttons that have a shadow on them have foam adhesive and the others are just normal!

I hope that you like it and I hope that my friend does too - which I will no doubt find out soon enough! And now I should really start on the "work" part of my day!

Ingredient List:
Stampin Up - Very Vanilla CS, Certainly Celery ribbon, Stems are from Heartfelt Thanks stamp set - ink Certainly Celery, Butterfly from Live Your Dream set - ink Pretty in Pink and Pale Plum, Sentiment from Sincere Salutations set - ink Regal Rose. Chipboard Glitter Buttons by crea8tiv

Makeesha's Colour Challenge #13

2009-09-27T15:56:00.010+08:00

Hi everyone - I hope that you have all had a great weekend so far! For me it is a long weekend so I have an extra day off tomorrow ...YAY! We have been doing work on our pool area making it a little more pretty...we are still in need of some more plants and rocks but that will have to wait until next weekend - for now I am going to spend some time relaxing and doing some challenges like Makeesha's latest Colour Challenge #13. Here are the colours:

I instantly thought of my new Seaside set from StampinUp when I saw the colours - I have been waiting a while to get this set and it was SO worth the wait! Here is my design:

Oh you can't really see properly in the photo but the centre piece is lifted by thick double sided tape.

Don't forget to have a look at the others submissions because they are excellent and offer some different takes on the colours and how to use them!

Ingredient List:
Stampin Up
Not Quite Navy CS for base, Only Olive for the strip, Chocolate Chip border
Seaside and Heartfelt Thanks stamped in Chocolate Chip on Very Vanilla CS
Chocolate Chip Ribbon

Damo & His Mum!

2009-09-23T08:17:00.008+08:00

Damo and his family are very close - and I am also lucky enough to be a part of such a wonderful family! Before moving to WA we lived in the same town as them for 3 years so it was quite an adjustment going from dinner once a week to being 5000kms away! In May this year his parents and grandparents came to visit us and a 2 week stay turned into a month....we tried to make them stay longer! The photo used is of Damo and his mum - we were up the top of a hill to have some nibbles, drinks and watch the sunset which I always say is the best time of day in NorthWest WA as the colours really come out and its just beautiful! Sunrise also ins't that bad!

So this layout is actually for Damo - I gave it too him this morning and he loves it (thats a relief...haha)!

I have taken inspiration for the layout from Makeesha's Sketch Challenge #13 (I love that sketch) but I have turned it around and the squares are not overlapped by the photo. The sash part is also not going down the photo but across it so I could do some journaling. Very similar in concept and if my photo was 5"x7" it would have been just right! The idea to put the sketch into a layout was taken from the very talented Chantelle and you can see that here. I have actually never done an 8"x8" page so this is also a first for me!

There will also be lots more photos from their stay as I (eventually) get around to scrapping them. We went to some beautiful places together like Karajini National Park but I will leave that for another time!

Ingredient List:

Stampin Up:

Night of Navy CS for Base, Pumpkin Pie around photo and squares, Very Vanilla for squares, Wild Wasabi for the journal strip

Boho Background Stamp coloured in Not Quite Navy, Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie and Ruby Red - the middle square does have this stamped but very faint.

Journalling written in Old Olive marker - names and date in Not Quite Navy

Silver Brads on each corner

Other:

D & M stickers (unknown)

A Thankyou and Some News

2009-09-22T09:00:00.005+08:00

Apart from my two parcels that I received yesterday I also got an envelope all the way from Morocco - my gift had arrived (beautiful postcard set) and I was so happy to also receive a card from Tina - also know as Travelingmama http://travelingmama.net/! So a big thankyou Tina - you absolutley made my day! Sending you hugs from Australia!

Now speaking of Travelingmama - you may also recall my previous post about her family helping schools and children in Morocco - it now has a name He{art} for Morocco and after having a look this morning over at her blog she has announced that Digiments has come on board to help by donating 50% of sales - you can read all about it here - http://digiments.blogspot.com/2009/09/release-week-begins-stamping-for-cause_21.html

They also have a challenge going on for those of you that love challenges!

Hope that you all have a great day!

New Goodies to Play With!

2009-09-22T08:53:00.003+08:00

Well I have finally received two of my parcels yesterday afternoon and just like a little kid I was ripping them open to see what was inside. I was meant to be getting ready to go out for dinner with Damo but instead he was forced to see everything that I got....haha...not to worry we did get to dinner!

Thought I would put a picture together of some of my new goodies - there is a bit of a mixture but that is just me all over! New paper, embelishments and stamps that I can't wait to play with!

Makeesha's Sketch Challenge #13

2009-09-20T17:36:00.010+08:00

Ok so I didn't get to do Makeesha's last Inkspiration Challenge - see other post - I just could not get past the pacific blue that is coming my way! haha!

But I did manage to do this weeks sketch challenge http://www.makeeshabyl.com.au/index.php/2009/09/18/inkspirations-sketch-challenge-13/ and to tell you the truth I am thinking of re-doing this with Chocolate Chip as the base - not because I don't like it this way but because I just had that thought in my head and I put them roughly together and it didn't look too bad! Just a thought anyways - I will tell you of the outcome later on - good or bad!!

First here is the sketch:

And here is my creation:

Ingredient List:

Stampin Up
Regal Rose base
Stamped Live Your Dream on Very Vanilla in Garden Green, Cameo Coral and Ruby Red
Stamped Happiness in Lavender Lace on Very Vanilla and then cut it into 3 squares
Sincere Salutations stamped in Garden Green on Wild Wasabi cardstock
Pretty in Pink and Elegant Eggplant Ribbon with Pretty in Pink brad

Hope that you enjoy and that you give the challenge a try also!!

*** An Update: I have also just done a LO based on the sketch too!***

Waiting Not So Patiently...

2009-09-20T17:10:00.004+08:00

Last week I did some spending and I love the thrill of selecting "complete order" and getting my little notification email to say - Thankyou for making your purchase and your order is complete and being delievered....from the moment I get that email I get butterflies in anticipation for I am not one that purchases on a whim but carefully looks around and then thinks about it (often too much). So generally when I have made that purchase I have already been looking and wanting the particular item(s) for a few weeks! And just to add to my impatience I live in good old North WA which means 2 weeks to receive the goods from the other side of the country!! Although one is coming from Perth so that should be here faster!

So it has been one week so far...and even though I know they would not have arrived yet I still check my box every day waiting for the slip that says "you have a parcel to pick up"! And I see all these challenges and I think of how much the new items will go great with that - so much that I struggle to think of other ways to do them with the multitude of goodies I already own! haha! But nevertheless I will try so stay tuned!

Daddy's Girl

2009-09-10T09:18:00.006+08:00

I have been having thoughts about how to dothis LO for some time now and believe me it has changed over and over in my head...I love these photos of Damo and Kimani...it captures their relationship so well. She is part of the family and acts so human like wanting to sit up on a chair near you when you are talking and even watches back and forth as people are talking as if she is part of the conversation. So many stories to share like her first camping trip, how she acts around other dogs....ahhh the memories and so many that havent been scrapped yet....yes I am very slack! Damo is not exactly fond of photos of him being displayed for all to see - prefers to be the one taking the photos but surely as fiancée I get an exception!

The quote states "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worth of such devotion". I love this quote...so true!

She is not just a Daddy's girl she is also a Granddads girl -Damo's dad loves her ...we always joke that if how much he spoils her is any indication then we can't wait to see what he is like once grandchildren come along!

Sorry about the bend in the page but as soon as I decided to take it outside to take a photo the wind decided to pick up and then decided to not go away!

Ingredient List:

Bakground is coloured paper in my pile! Stampin Up Brocade Background DSP, Quote Sticker - Dog embellishment value pack - ATD, Journalling in Stampin Up marker in Garden Green

Home Is...

2009-09-09T09:54:00.004+08:00

Damo and I have both called different places home...I thought it would be fitting to have a frame cater for all of these places and I have it at the entrance to our current home. The photos are of Newcastle, The Pilbara and The Murray River. I got quite a few of these frames as they are so versitile around the home and for presents.

Newcastle is on the East Coast of Australia, The Murray River is the longest river and is the border for New South Wales and Victoria and finishes up in South Australia. The Pilbara is North West Australia outback...dont you love the red dirt...you do not wear white there unless you plan on wearing it only once....haha!

Each of these places are as special to us as they are different!

Some Small Changes...

2009-09-09T09:23:00.005+08:00

Well I have made some changes to my blog in order to beautify it a little! More will come and then I might decide to just change it all again....haha!

I have been trying to get more layouts done and participate in some challenges but I have just had so much "work" to do over the past couple of weeks....but today I will have some more posts I feel as I am dedicating some time to creating!

Spring has arrived!

2009-09-02T09:16:00.004+08:00

Although we barely have winter where I am, I still love spring! The flowers are starting to come back out and I have my first ones on my frangipani tree out the back. This is a time when I start to go a bit mad with taking photos of trees, plants and flowers! It's all about a new fresh begining for me. I also start to use a lot more colour in everything!
Spring brings with it the end of the better weather as it gets very hot up here from October and with summer comes cyclone season and 40+ degree weather.
I hope to be back soon with some scrapbook pages I have been working on...

Travellers Inspiration Challenge!

2009-08-26T21:28:00.007+08:00

As part of this weeks celebrations over at Travelingmama http://travelingmama.net/ there is a new Travellers Inspiration Challenge http://travelingmama.net/?p=3022. Here is one of the photos but I must recommend again that you visit this blog to see and experience more...

This is the first one I can actually submit!! I had all these ideas about what I could do but then realised that I didn't have all of the ingredients required and I have no craft shop where I am! So I have jotted all the thoughts down and saved them for later...time for my brain to think of something that I do have all the ingredients for! I loved all the photos and it made me think of how I can just become emersed in looking at all of the different items - especially if I am somewhere new, taking it all in...finding all new treasure! I mean I love the internet because my passion would be somewhat restricted without it but its just not the same by any stretch!

From that - this is my creation....Enjoy Lifes Simple Pleasures...something we all need to remember and take the time to stop and enjoy!

Ingredient List:

Stampin Up
Last years blue in colour (sorry can't for the life of me remember the name right now)
Last Years DSP - Brocade Background, DSP Berry Bliss, Fall Flowers
Designer Brad - Flower

Other
Sticker is from old set that I had in my mostly used pile - no idea who
Ribbon same as the stickers - but I know that I did purchase it from Spotlight a long time ago!

The Wait Is Over

2009-08-24T09:41:00.002+08:00

For those of you that tune in regularly to http://travelingmama.net/ will know that something has been going on behind the scenes and that we had to wait patiently to find out what it was! Well I am happy to announce the wait is over! I urge everyone to visit http://travelingmama.net/?p=2999 to learn what their new venture is all about! They are such an inspiration to us all in what we can do for our community and others.

The major part of this is the new Etsy shop and I have had a look and anyone that has admired Tina's creativeness and Jack's photography will be very happy to know some of that is now up for purchase!

Have fun shopping and helping out with such a great cause!

My Country

2009-08-22T18:12:00.007+08:00

When I was younger (not that Im old now - I mean my teens and early twenty's) all I dreamt about was travel to countries far from where I lived. I wanted to experience all they had to offer - their culture, their way of life, their landscape that was different from mine, the old, the new all mixed together. Australia is a relatively new country to the world and others my age just had no interest in exploring it. We wanted to do exchange years in the US or Europe, we wanted to do a year of Nannying or just backpacking - because overseas everyone loves Aussies!

But what about our own country...is it not spectacular, does it not offer diversity, can you not get lost in its beauty - better yet you can feel like you are the only one there in certain parts - like you are the only ones who know of its existence! I had never really stepped outside of New South Wales (NSW) (east of the Great Dividing Range) before I met Damo, he had moved around all of his life to different towns large and small, coastal and rural because of his parents job. He showed me that there is more to Australia than I might think. We moved to Central West NSW for a few years and then we made the trek to Western Australia (for those of you overseas that is 5000km's - google it). A fantastic drive that I cant wait to do again - we are now North West WA (another 1500kms north from the capital) and seeing an entirely different side to Australia - this place is just magical and where you can go to a beach (that doesnt have waves which I am still tying to get used too) and be the only one there! Five minutes inland and you are in the ranges!

I still have many scrapbook pages to complete about that drive and also what we have been up to in between so they will be coming soon!

So yes I still want to explore the world but first I must explore my own backyard which came to my decision to create this scrapbook page! The pictures are all from my 2009 Australia calendar from Lonley Planet. I also have a France and Italty one. The writing (is Stampin Up markers) is small but it reads as follows:

"Although I wish to see the world...first I would like to discover and appreciate the beauty of my own backyard. Born and raised on the East Coast I moved to the country and then made the journey to the West Coast. What a spectacular trip - one I will never forget. This countrry has everything from the ocean, to the desert, the majestic rivers, the mountains, the rainforest, the bush...Yet so many of us do not venture to witness its beauty - its history and culture. I admit I was one of them wanting to only explore other countries - not now I met Damo - now I'm wanting to visit all of these places and everything in between"

I have also used the Making Memories defined sticker from Journey - that is the discover sticker. The Australia is some old chipboard letters I have in my stash and the rest stamped using the Stampin Up Defining Alphabet in Really Rust.

Hope that you enjoy and inpires you to travel and explore your country (if you are from Australia) or a new country (if you do not live in Australia)!

A New Sketch Challenge

2009-08-18T21:07:00.006+08:00

Well the Ball went great...first time I have been to one that was held outside but I guess up here there isn't really that much of an issue with it raining! It also meant that our major concerns with previous balls and functions of being too crowed and stuffy was not going to happen here! Our table was right near the dance floor too...YAY for me - not so YAY for Damo...haha!

Sorry no photos as yet - but I will share once I get hold of some!

Whilst I was blog surfing I came across http://sweetiessketches.blogspot.com/ which is new to me and they have a monthly sketch for both scrapping and cards which is excellent - definitly worth a look! I plan on doing both but tonight I have made my attempt at the card! Here is the sketch first:

I am really happy with how it turned out - and I have now taken some better shots since the ones on here previously were a mess!

Ingredient List:

Stampin Up: Purely Pomangrante cardstock, DSP Berry Bliss, Pretty in Pink cardstock, Symbols of Solicitude, Kanji, Gifts of Joy and Pretty in Pink ribbon.

p.s I am experimenting with a signature too so I hpe you like it!

My First Submitted Challenge!

2009-08-15T17:12:00.005+08:00

Ok so on my blog I have mentioned my New Years Resolutions (no matter far into the year we are) so I thought best to explain. I found myself not making the time to scrap or be creative in any way over the past year...I had every excuse under the sun like I have been moving around the country, no space, no time, too much work to do....etc etc...I'm sure that at some point most of you would have had these thoughts! So 2009 was going to be my "breaking the habit" year. I was vowing to do more scrapbooking, more cards, experiment with methods and tools that I havent before, start interacting with others in this online world, even to start my own blog and to participate in challenges - and actually submit them! So it may be August but it is still 2009 so that is a start. Now as the title suggests my FIRST submitted challenge! YAY!!!

I am always a fan of Makeesha's blog and have been for some time. This is my submission for her Inkspirations Inspiration Challenge 11 http://www.makeeshabyl.com.au/index.php/2009/08/14/inkspirations-inspiration-challenge-11/

I decided that this picture to me showed streamlined (no fun swirls here) - very exact - lots of white space (which I admit I have a phobia of). So again I have attempted a card and I even had a time frame because tonight I am going to a Ball so have to give myself plenty of time to get dressed up!!

I apologise for the photo quality but still trying to get used to taking photos of my work! I have used Whisper White cardstock, the Stampin Up Happiness background stamp and the defining Alphabet for the U and R - stamped using StazOn Jet Black. The silver is just my silver uni-ball signo pen!

Whilst I don't think it is the best ever card - I am happy with it and I hope that you enjoy!!!

A New Card

2009-08-09T17:24:00.006+08:00

I have made a card for Damo's mums birthday (which is getting there late since her birthday was last week....didn't want to send it without the present though which only just came in)! Now Lisa (my friend and Stampin Up demonstrator), you will be happy with me - two more New Years Resolutions under way (even if it is August). In this card I have used both ribbon and brads...I'm so proud! I am primarily a scrapbooker so cards are still relatively new to me!

Also since this one was just made I can tell you the ingredient list so here we go:

Stampin Up

Lovely Lilac Cardstock for base

Almost Amethyst for scallop circles and tag

Eastern Blooms set - Only Orange and Green Galore

Sincere Salutations - Only Orange

Ribbon - Certainly Celery

Brads - More Mustard

The circles and tag were made using the Making Memories Slice - Basic Shapes 1

Frames

2009-08-09T12:11:00.005+08:00

A friend of ours was in need of some cheering up so we decided to put something together for her to put a smile on her face. We have had great fun with cocktail nights and Damo introduced her to Blue Tongue which is a local beer from Newcastle where we are originally from. Damo is very happy to have found it over here.

I am a big fan of quotes and I love this one "We do not remember the days, we remember the moments"!

She loved it and to see a smile on her face as she read all the bits on there and proudly told people about it....made Damo and I happy too! It had been a while since I had done something like this but now I have done a few different frames which I will have to take photos of to put on here!

Some Layouts To Keep You Going!

2009-08-09T11:40:00.004+08:00

Hi,

So whilst I am still figuring all this out I thought that I better post a few items of what I have been working on recently!

These are from our family's camping trip to The Murray River that we do every two years. It is such a beautiful place - Kunanadgee is a lagoon off the river just out of Corowa on the way to Mulwala. However, everytime that I have been camping there it has been the best weather up until the time I arrive and then we tend to get a "change" come through in the form of rain or strong freezing wind coming off the early snow that lasts until I leave.

Sadly, the lagoon no longer looks like this - it has been dry for some time and all the reeds have taken over - I prefer to remember it like this!

We are not camping next time around as we are moving down the river to Echuca and going to be going on a houseboat for the week. Definitly looking forward to that!

Welcome

2009-08-09T08:03:00.000+08:00

Hi and welcome to my Blog!

After much harassment I finally now have a Blog, Please bear with me though as over the coming days I will be continuing to create it.

Bye for now!