Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween to all my American and Canadian readers. I hope you have a spook-tacular time!!! I know we don't celebrate Halloween here in Australia, but I couldn't resist these candles. They are soooo cute!!! And my girls love having them on at dinner time.

And because I felt so guilty about not going trick-or-treating with my girls, I bribed them with a mini Halloween mud cake, that I purchased at our local bakery. It did the trick! (-:

Earlier in the day, to soften the blow of no trick-or-treating, I took them to Sizzler's for lunch, followed by some play time at Scarborough park. Malayla of course couldn't wait to collect shells along the beach.

And they both spent some time playing "monkeys in the trees", lol!!! All in all, we had a wonderful day together.

Really???

I tried to take some photos of my daughters today...

But they weren't having a bar of it...

It was a fight to see who could get in front of the camera...

Malayla won!!! (-:

Kraft It Up October Challenge...

I decided to have some fun and join in the October challenge over at Kraft It Up! This month's challenge is to use kraft as your base, and follow a sketch. See details of sketch here. This is my take on the challenge (I flipped the sketch). Titled: Girls Rock! I have used My Mind's Eye "Life Stories" paper as my kraft base. And I have used a lot of Fancy Pants to decorate and embellish - papers, transparencies, stickers. And I have finished it off with some Zva Creative bling (rhinestones CR01CB101 and the new range of colours in the rhinestone strips CR01CB113).

Color Combos Galore Challenge #164

This week, it's Challenge #164 over at Color Combos Galore. The colours are green, white, light pink, and raspberry. And the Designer's Challenge is to focus on circles. If you pop on over, the design team have a couple of examples to show you.

Here's my take on this week's challenge. Titled: Car Wash. I have sprayed some Glimmermist on my background, and placed the KI Memories butterfly lace paper on top. I have used some Fancy Pants and Basic Grey papers for the circle, background paper, and punched border strips. I have used one of the new release Zva Creative pearl leaf designs (PES-03CB-103), felt flowers (FL-01-CB-115 and FL01CB117), 1/8" gemstone brads (BRBK2CA101), rhinestone strips (CR-01CB-111) and pearls (PE-02CB-101/CR-02CA-127). The journalling spot is from Jillibean Soup, and the chipboard crown is Maya Road.

October Zva Blog Hop Winners Announced

We'd like to congratulate the five October Zva Blog Hop winners! Their names will be found on the following blogs:

Jillian Deiling Cassity: http://scrappyjilly.blogspot.com/
Veronica Goh: http://scrappychic-pages.blogspot.com/
Ingrid Danvers: http://ingriddanvers.com/
Teri Anderson: http://terisplace.wordpress.com/
Carole Maurin: http://scrapalolette.canalblog.com/

One winner from each of the 5 blogs will receive a Zva prize package worth $30.00. Congrats winners!

All my girlfriends have decided to go and have baby girls (thank-goodness they weren't boys as I have no boy stuff for card making, lol!!!). So I thought I had better try and make some baby girl cards. Now remember, I am not a card-maker, this is not my specialty, so they are nothing fancy. I have used Zva Creative rhinestone hearts (CRW01CB143), rhinestone flourishes (CR02CA118), felt flowers (FL01CB115), foam dots (2mm) and gemstone brads (BRBK02CA101).

And for this one, have used Zva Creative rhinestone crowns (CRW-02CB-104), rhinestone flourishes (CR-03CA-113), silk flowers FL01CB105), foam dots (2mm) and pearls (PE-02CB-102). I have cut the rhinestone flourishes down to a smaller size (on both cards) as they were too big. The mini alphas are from Carolees Creations.

Here's A First!!!

Today was "Silly Socks" day at the school. And of course, Malayla wanted something different, and special. So, for the first time ever, I scrapped a pair of her socks, and turned them into Halloween socks. I used my Noel Mignon Sleepy Hollow kit to create a spider, and cut out some pumkins. I stuck them on, and tied some orange tinsel around the top of the sock.

So, what do you think?

How cute are these socks? (-:
Never, in a million years, would I have ever thought I would use my scrapping skills to scrap a pair of socks!!! The things we do for our children...sigh!

Zva Creative October DT Blog Hop!

It's time again for the Zva Designers to join together to share a project that we have created using some of our favorite Zva Creative products. I am hoping that you will take some time to join us for a little bit of fun again this month!

The Blog Hop begins at Kim Hughes' blog: Paper Hugs. She will have the complete list of all blogs that are participating in case there is a glitch along the way. If you would like to play along, I am linking to one of the Zva designers and that designer is linking to the next and so on. Be prepared to be inspired along the way. Hidden on 5 of the blogs is a Zva Creative prize package ... Woo-Hoo!!! Those blogs will be randomly chosen after the hop is over, so it's important to leave a comment on as many blogs as you can along the way.

The Blog Hop starts now and runs through midnight US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, Oct. 26th and the 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 27th on each of the five winning blogs. The full list will be found on Kim Hughes‘s blog as well (linked above). We will do our best to notify each winner, but it's best if you can pop in to all of the blogs once again on Wednesday...plus, you never know what kind of inspirational creation that you may find there. All you need to do is leave a comment on this Zva Blog Hop post...you do not need to leave a comment on each and every designer's blog post to qualify. The more times you leave a comment along the blog hop path though, the more chances you will have to be one of the lucky winners. And of course, you've got to be in it, to win it! (-:

I thought I would creat a layout to celebrate the Halloween season. Even though we don't really celebrate Halloween here in Australia, my girls still love the whole concept and can't resist dressing up and enjoying all things spooky. This is my youngest trying very hard to be scary (it didn't work, lol!!!). I've used lots of Zva Creative goodies including rhinestone flourishes (CR-03CA-112), rhinestones (CR-02CB-101), pearls (PE-02CB-101/CR-02CA-127), rhinestone strips (CR01CB113), foam dots (2mm), gemstone brads (BRBK-02CB-102), felt flowers (FL-01CB-114 and FL-01CB-116), and silk flowers (FL01CB110).

I created this layout by spraying Glimmermist (Black Magic) around the outside edges and machine stitching a border. This took some of the brightness out of the orange paper (more grunge). I've made a word sticker block up in the left hand corner, and topped it off with a little metal bat. Isn't he cute? I've then layed down a big block of patterned paper, and layered ribbon, canvas borders, doilies, and Zva Creative flowers on top. I've added some bling, then finished it off with journalling around the outer edge of the layout. Feel free to leave a comment or email me if you have any questions about the layout.

The blog hop begins here: Kim Hughes Paper Hugs

Your next stop is here: Susan Lui Of Photos And Papers

Thank you SO MUCH for joining us. Make sure you drop back on Wednesday to find out who the lucky winners are. And don't forget, this will be the final Blog Hop before we announce the new Zva Creative Design Team. How exciting!!!

Pencil Lines Sketch #210

Wow! We are already up to sketch #210 over at Pencil Lines. I can't believe time has flown past so quickly!!! Our guest designer this week is Michelle Lanning (Yay! I'm a huge fan!!!).

Here's my layout for this week. Titled: 5 Hours Of Fun. I've used lots of Sassafrass goodies - papers, stickers, alphas and chipboard. And of course, some Zva Creative pearls and rhinestones for my compulsory touch of bling!!! (-: I've also used the Zva Creative foam dots to raise my flowers and banners for more depth and definition - I'd be lost without those things! Seriously, I use them on nearly every layout that I make.

Loving These Colours...

I based this layout on the colours for Challenge #163 over at Color Combos Galore. However, I have been a little more lenient with the colours that I have added - mine has aqua, yellow and green as well. But I am very much in love with this colour palette, and I think I will be using it again in the future. I have my suspicions it may become a "go-to" palette when I am stuck for inspiration. (-:

My Bucket List!

Like many people, I have a "Bucket List" - things I want to do, achieve, or own, before my time on this planet, comes to an end. I have managed to cross another item off that list. I have always wanted to own a pair of Manolo Blahniks (but could never convince myself to pay over $1000 for a pair of shoes). Yesterday, that dream became a reality. See these baby's - they are coming to live with me!!! (-: Aren't they beautiful - I am so in love with them. They are my birthday present to myself. But for those of you who know me well, you'll already have guessed that I did not pay full price. No way! These baby's actually belonged to Stephanie Devlin, who has never, ever worn them, and has decided to part with them (and still has lots of other shoes for sale on her blog). That's where I come in - I promised to love and cherish them in exchange for some money - and no, I am not going to tell you how much! Can't you just see me scrapping in these??? LOL!!! (Photo courtesy of Steph Devlin).

CCG Challenge #163

We are back on track over at Color Combos Galore. We hit a few hiccups, but we seem to have the worst of it under control. So this week, we are bringing you Challenge #163 - a combination of dark teal, red, white and light teal. The designer's challenge is to use damask and stripes.

I absolutely adored the colours this week. They are bright, fun and fresh, and right up my alley!!! I think I might even do another layout using these colours. (-: Here's the layout I created for this week's challenge. Titled: Smile. Products used: Papers - My Mind's Eye, Amercian Crafts and Bella ! (butterfly); Paper rose buds - Zva Creative; Stickers - Heidi Swapp and Hambly; Glitterd Alphas - Creative Imaginations and Pink Paislee; and pearls - Kaisercraft.

Lesson #457

Don't ever, ever, ever let your children play with your digital camera to amuse themselves. Because 30 minutes and 251 photos later (which equates to one photo every 7.2 seconds), you end up with photos like this! Rexona Men? Really??? What were they thinking?

Words. Lots and lots of magnetic words. On the side of the fridge. How exciting! NOT!!!

Don't ask - I don't know!!!

Up close and personal???

Gum boots in the garage. And the point is???

Sigh...life from a child's point of view. (-:

Forgetful...

In all the craziness of having my husband home, and going to Dreamworld, the park, the Science Centre, and Baskin and Robbins (plus the other 10 millions things that we have done this past week), I forgot to mention that I have posted the RAKS from my September Blog Candy competition. In case anyone one missed the winner's announcement, you can find the winners names here. And make sure you drop back between now and Christmas, because I will have more RAKS up for grabs.

Pencil Lines is Four!!!

Here is this week's sketch - sketch #209. I don't have an example layout, as the layout for this sketch was created by Anna Bowkis, the Pencil Lines founder. You can see her example here, on the Pencil Lines blog.

Here is the sketch I used for this week's celebrations. This is sketch #160.

And here is my layout based on the sketch. Titled: Queen Of Hearts. I have used Webster's Pages, ribbons and alphas, and some Zva Creative rhinestones and flourishes.

Dreamworld Adventure...

We went to Dreamworld yesterday. This is the ride that Malayla and Tony went on.

This is Malayla's face after the ride.

This is Tony's face after the ride.
(I guess Malayla took after her mummy?)

Malayla met one of the locals (these lizards were everywhere!)

We saw this handsome boy. He was BEAUTIFUL!!!

I LOVE tigers. They are one of my favourite animals.

Keana was chosen to participate in a Nickolodean game.

As a result, she had to stuff a cream pie onto her face.

This is my favourite photo of her - with a cream mustache. (-:

Crazy girls wrestling a crocodile!!!

I have so many photos to scrap - these are just a few from our day out. (-:

Celebration Time!!!

Can you believe that tomorrow Pencil Lines is celebrating 4 years of inspiration and creating new sketches for you!

The design team has gone from strength to strength, there have been over 200 amazing guest designers, and over 40 gorgeous RAKS have been sent out to you, the readers and fans! Pretty impressive don't you think.

Tomorrow, Pencil Lines is celebrating with sketches past and present. The design team have chosen a sketch from the archives, and will be sharing with you why they love sketches so much.
On the hour, every hour from 8am GMT (UK), a sketch will be posted along with a RAK from one of our Pencil Lines sponsors. That is a lot of prizes and a lot of inspiration! At 8pm GMT we will post a brand new sketch as normal.

To start the celebrations off, there is a "Blinkie" competition on the Pencil Lines blog. Go here for all the details.

Finally...Something To Share!!!

Here's my first card - the one that I don't like. (-: I created these two cards and layout from challenges set at the recent Scrap With V Cyber Crop. The card challenge (with Belinda) was to use pink patterned paper, a pink butterfly, and some stamping.

Here's the card that I do like - my second one. I am much, much happier with this attempt.

And here's my layout for Challenge #1 with Belinda. The criteria included using die cut paper, pink ribbon, and a stamped flourish. I've used the Making Memories "Think Pink" specialty paper (from last year?), Prima stamps and Prima alphas. The rhinestones and foam dots (which have created all these lovely raised flowers and layers) are from Zva Creative. I'd be so lost without those foam dots - they are my new favourite "must have" item! (-:

What Is Wrong With Me???

Seriously, there must be something wrong with me. I've just made another two cards. Holy cow, Batman!!! LOL!!! One of them is just awful, but the other one is half decent. I'm actually quite proud of it. But it is late here, and raining, so I can't share photos yet. Hopefully tomorrow I will get to photograph them, (although we are supposed to be going to Dreamworld), so I might not get them up until tomorrow night. Or Sunday at the latest. (-; But I can tell you that they are pink, blingy, and pretty. Oh, and there is a layout too. Pink, flowers, bling, and very girly. I'll put that up too.

My daughters are losing teeth like they are going out of fashion. I think the tooth fairy has been to visit three times in the past week. And at this rate the tooth fairy is going to end up very broke. (-:

I think we might be going into the city on Monday, to the Science Centre. The girls have a pupil free day at school, and since hubby is home, we thought a trip into the city might be a good adventure. By the time I put hubby on the plane on Tuesday, I have my suspicions I am going to be stuffed. If you don't hear from me for a few days, don't panic! I am just recovering, lol!!!

And then it's starts all over again for Halloween. I think we are going to Movieworld for their night-time Halloween celebrations. So tell me, what is everybody else doing anything for Halloween?

Imaginisce Sketch Challenge...

I decided to join in the fun over at Imaginisce this month. Cindy Stevens has created a fantastic sketch to play with for October, and here's my take on it. Titled: Our Little Grub. This sketch was a challenge in more ways than one - mainly because all my Imaginisce papers have gone missing. I am fairly certain I had some, but they are gone. No idea where. Maybe mixed up with old papers and given away? Who knows!!! But I was lucky. I found these papers in an old Sweet Peas kit (thank-goodness!!!). So I managed to get my layout created. I have also added some new Zva Creative pearl flourishes (PE-02CB-144) in a lovely shade of light blue. Plus some Zva Creative rhinestones to add a little sparkle! (-:

Just A Card...

I made a card last night for the family of Dr Cheryl Krause (who passed away last week). I think I've mananaged to keep this elegant and tasteful? I've never done a sympathy card before so I was a little uncertain about the design. I've used some old "Collections" 6x6 papers, and Kaisercraft rhinestone flourishes. I think the ribbon flower is from Maya Road?

I've done four cards this month - not bad for someone who doesn't "do" cards!!!

CCG Mini Challenge...

We have a mini-challenge up over at Color Combos Galore. Go here for the full details.

The challenge is to scraplift andy DT layout (or card) from Challenge #145 through to

Challenge #161. The catch is that you have to use brown, aqua, pink and white to complete the layout. So, who's up for a challenge? (-:

Here's my example layout. I have "lifted" Jana Eubank's layout (Puppy Love) from Challenge #145. I have used Crate Paper Snow Day papers and die cuts (flower bases), and some lovely Zva Creative bling flourishes. Throw in a couple of Prima felt flowers and Sultan Centres and I'm done!MLS alphas and ribbon by I Love Elsie.

Pencil Lines Sketch #208

Here's sketch #208 over at Pencil Lines.

Please join us this week and welcome our guest designer

Jing van Opstal.

The design team have been very busy

creating some inspiration for you!

Why not drop by and check it out.

Here's my take on this week's sketch.

I have used lots of My Little Shoebox goodies - papers, die cuts, and alpha stickers. And I have finished it off with some lovely Zva Creative goodies. I have used the new rhinestone flourishes (CRW02CA112). Plus some silk and felt flowers, and a few pearls for a glamorous touch. And even though you can't see them, I have found a new love for the Zva Creative foam dots - they come in two heights - 1mm and 2mm - and three different sizes.

I use them on EVERYTHING!!!

4 Goals...

I've just received a text from my hubby saying "update my blog!!". I guess he must be bored!!! (-: And since I don't have any layouts or photos to share (I lost my mojo for a few days plus I've been busy doing 3 months worth of paperwork - blah!), I am going to post this little exercise that I found on Sasha's blog. It originated with Candice McLean. The aim of the exercise is to post about 4 things I could complete before 31 December 2010. And I don't want them to be scrapping related. So here goes (and hubby, because you made me do this - you get to help with the goals, lol!!!)

1. Make a start on repainting the house. Yep, every room needs to be done. Funny, I like to play with paint on my layouts, but I'm not so keen on this type of painting. Yes hubby, this is the one you are helping with!!! (-:

2. Make a start on re-organising all my digital photos (all 10,000+ of them). This is going to be a long project, but I need to start. I figure if I can do at least a few each night I will get there eventually.

3. Finish sorting out and putting away all our filing. Blah! More paperwork. But I am so far behind it is not funny. This has got to be done. Mmm...I think hubby can do the paper shredding of any unwanted paperwork.

4. Rejoin Fernwood gym and get back into my gym routine - pronto! This is something I should be able to start this week coming. I really need my butt kicked into gear on this one.

So, do you have any goals you can start (or even complete) before the 31.12.10? If you do, link me up - I'd love to see what you have planned. (-: Maybe we can all compere notes again on New Year's Eve? Or maybe a couple of days later after the head-aches have subsided, lol!!!

Sneaky Peeky...

I don't have anything I can share with you yet. So you will just have to settle for some sneak peeks. First up, we have a card...

Next up is a layout...

Then another card...

And finally, one more card to finish it off.
I will be revealing two projects towards the end of the month, but you will have to wait until next year for the other two. (-: I know - that's mean!!! But it's out of my hands. Besides, patience is supposed to be a virtue, lol!!!