June Zva Blog Hop Winners Announced...

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

Jana Eubank: http://www.janaeubank.com/
Carole Maurin:: http://scrapalolette.canalblog.com/
Teri Anderson: http://terisplace.wordpress.com/
Tara Orr: http://eachmoment-onlyonce.blogspot.com/
Angelica Franssen: http://angelicascrappenings.blogspot.com/

One winner from each of the 5 blogs will receive a Zva prize package worth $30.00. Congrats winners!
And here's a little something to finish the blog hop on a fun note! I created this layout to show how summer is different for me with two little girls. Titled: Summer From A Girly Point Of View. I created the background with some paint and bubblewrap, and cut the paper flowers from the new DeLovely range from Cosmo Cricket. I have added a Zva Creative pink rhinestone flourish to the left corner, and balanced this with a Zva Creative flower rhinestone flourish in the top right hand corner. I have added more colour with the Zva Creative silk flowers and rhinestone brads.

Thank-you for stopping by and thank-you for all your wonderful comments. I have read each and every one and I appreciate them all. I hope you can join us for our next blog hop scheduled for later in July. I look forward to inspiring you with some new projects. (-:

Zva Creative DT Blog Hop!

Are you ready to be inspired?

As you may know, I am a proud design team member for Zva Creative. We are joining together today 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! The Blog Hop begins at Kim Hughes' blog. 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 (Veronica Goh) and that designer is linking to the next and so on. There are 19 design team members, so be prepared to be inspired along the way. Hidden on 5 of the blogs is a Zva Creative prize package ...YAY! 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.

This Blog Hop runs through midnight US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, June 29th and the 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 30th on each of the winning blogs and the full list will be found on Kim Hughes‘s blog (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.

Here's a little something that I have created to help inspire you. Titled: A Food For All Seasons. I have used Zva Creative silk flowers, 3D miniature blooms, gem brads, rhinestones, pearls and bling flourish.

Please hop on over to see:
VERONICA GOH at Treasured Moments.

Thank you SO MUCH for joining us.

Pencil Lines Sketch #193

This is sketch #193 over at Pencil Lines. I think this is one of my favourite sketches so far - I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. Our guest designer this week is Tara Rosas. Come on over and have a look at what the designers have been up to. They've created some amazing layouts to share.

Here's my take on the sketch (I think you will see more layouts based on this sketch down the track). I've used lots of Bo-Bunny goodness (because it was already sitting on my desk and it just kind of came together). The glittered alphas are by Creative Imaginations. The layout is titled "Hers" and is about Keana's new acquisition - Stitch!!! (-: I hope you can join us with this sketch and that you have as much fun using it as I did.

I Made The Blog!!!

Woo-hoo! My Teresa Collins/Pencil Lines layout made the Aussie Scrap Source blog. (-: How excited am I? You can check out the details here. Such an honour. (-:

All In A Day's Exploration...

We made a quick trip to the dentist today to have Keana's back tooth coated (this is done for added protection). Our dentist was kind enough to give both my girls a glove, and tell them that they had to blow it up. (-: So the moment we stepped out of the office, this is what I got. Puff, puff, concentration...I think I can, I think I can!!! At least it kept them amused for a little while.

The girls asked if we could stop at a park on the way home. So I took them somewhere new (and not too far out of the way). I've known about the Raven Street Park at Mitchelton for about 6 years, maybe more, but today is the first day we have ever gotten there (I have tried in the past but things always went wrong!!!). It is actually a huge reserve of bushland with walking and bike tracks, and a bushland learning centre.

So we decided to explore the walkways. We found beautiful green moss growing on so many things. And we actually saw a wallaby (but he bounded away before I could get a photo). And there was lots of orange funghi that could be seen on dead logs in the hollows, but they were too far away for me to photograph. The girls had a fantastic time exploring and asking questions.

We found this beautiful pale yellow wattle (at least I think it's wattle - it could be bottlebrush or something else). And lots of spiders - big, big spiders. And a hairy caterpillar on a thread hanging from a tree. It was amazing how a simple walk through this bushland could produce so much intrigue for my two girls. And to think, this is only 20-25 minutes from the heart of the city.

Here's one of the big gullies that we saw. This one had a little stagnant water, but most of them where empty and dry. It was actually quite sad to see an area that was supposed to be "wetlands" all dry and uninhabitated. The drought is still evident in many ways. Anyway, my girls absolutely loved this, and I am sure we will return (maybe with our bikes?). So, that's it for todays exploration and science lesson!!! (-:

Color Combos Galore Challenge #148

Woo-hoo! Challenge #148 is up over at Color Combos Galore. The designer's theme this week is Scallops, Borders and Trims. I hope you can come and join us for some inspiration and fun. (-:

Here's my interpretation of the challenge. Yes, I struggled with this one just a little. (-: But I persevered, and finally got my layout created. Titled: Sisters. I've used lots of Zva Creative goodies (rhinestone words and flourishes, bling brads, pearls); Prima, Pink Paislee and My Little Shoebox papers; and of course, some Glimmermist.

Hello Disney!!!

I took my girls to see Disney On Ice over the weekend. Last year we saw Disney Princesses On Ice, which my girls fell in love with. And they have been asking ever since, if they could go again this year. So I purchased tickets as a surprise for them. Here they are all dressed up and glam!!! Can someone please tell Keana to stop growing! At six years old, she's supposed to be the baby of the family. (-: She took after her mummy (I'm 185cms tall).

She got mad at me, so she gave me "the look". I tried to snatch "Stitch" from her, and that was just unacceptable. Yes, I got suckered into purchasing something for them. But at least I stopped at just one item each (it was SO EXPENSIVE!!!).

Here's Stitch in Keana's protective hold. (Snicker!!!) (-:

Malayla settled for Minnie Mouse.

A fun outing was had by all.

And they are already counting down to next year.

Sigh! Guess I'd better start saving again. (-:

Pencil Lines Sketch #192

Sketch 192 is up over at Pencil Lines.

This week Angie Woolfall is joining us and providing this week's sketch.

This week I decided to play with my Bo-Bunny goodies. They've been sitting on my desk for a couple of weeks just begging to be used. Titled: Hello Sunshine. This layout is about our annual trip to the Festival Of The Sails. And I've added some Zva Creative flourishes, brads and rhinestones for the perfect touch of bling! I hope you can come and join us over at Pencil Lines for a little inspiration and fun. (-:

Misconceptions...

It seems some people think that we have money lying around to burn. So I am writing this post to set the record straight. Certain people have gotten a bee-in-their-bonnet because we purchased a brand new computer. If anybody else has anything to say on this matter, by all means, go ahead. But if not, then I thank-you for understanding. Let me clarify. My husband and I have been saving for this computer about 12-18 months, ever since mine started to play up. Little by little, I have been saving for this day. Occasionally, I teach classes or get a layout published - some of that money has gone towards this computer. On average, my computer crashes 3-4 times a day - not fun when you use a computer so much. So we knew we had to start planning and budgeting to replace my old computer before it died completely. And I didn't waste our money buying a new screen, keypad and mouse. I already have those - so I just settled for a new hard drive and CPU. The extra cash I needed because the computer cost us more than we had budgeted for - that came out of the food and fuel money. The girls and I will be doing without for a week or two. And just to clarify one more thing - if I want to go somewhere with my girls, or purchase something special for them - like most families, I BUDGET and SAVE. I think the word I am after is SCRIMP!!!!! So, if the world has finished judging me on my spending habits, please return, as you were..... this session is over!

Challenge #147 CCG

The new color combo challenge is up over at Color Combos Galore. Challenge #147 includes brown, butterscotch, vanilla and olive green. The designer's themes is "At The Table". With photos and/or journalling. Just go here to check out all the details.

Here's my layout for this challenge. Originally, I thought I was going to struggle with the colours, but in fact, this came together quite easily, and I really enjoyed working with these colours. Titled: Most Amazing. However, I did screw up the "At The Table" theme because I didn't read the instructions correctly. On the upside, I did remember the journalling. (-: I used My Mind's Eye papers, Zva Creative felt flowers and brads, Pink Paislee Artisan tape, October Afternoon alphas, plus a Prima flower. Hope you are up to the challenge? (-:

Girls and Their Toys...

I've got a new baby on the way (no, not a human one - not a chance!!!). Finally, after years of waiting, I have a state-of-the-art computer on it's way to my home. Yippee!!!!!!! {*insert happy dance here*}. I'm sick of using an old computer that keeps crashing. And I'm sick of using an old computer that is so slow you get nothing done on time. So this baby is going to make it's new home at my place. Admittedly, it cost me more than I had budgeted for, but I should be right for the next 5 to 10 years. I chose all the upgrade options, so this baby will fly!!!!! Do I sound happy? You have no idea...hubby, if you are reading this, guess what you get to put together when you get home! (-:

Two For Thursday...

Here's my first June project for Zva Creative. I've used felt flowers in different sizes, brads, large 3D flowers, pearls, rhinestones and bling flourishes. Paper is by Crate Paper. Die cuts by My Mind's Eye. Alphas by AC Thickers and Carolees Creations. I hope you'll come back towards the end of the month to join me in my FIRST EVER BLOG HOP!!! I'm so excited, I just can't wait. (-:

Here's my take on challenge #146 over at Color Combos Galore. Just got this one done in time as the new challenge goes up Thursday (US time). I've used Zva Creative flowers, bling flourish and pearls, one Prima flower, a Hambly transparency, some Prima alphas, and some We R Memory Keepers and Prima papers. And some cardboard, paint and a sewing machine and thread. (-: I wanted a slightly rustic look to this layout. Not sure if I achieved that, or not? And did I mention how much of a challenge this really was? OMG!!!!! These colours are not easy to work with, especially when you have no lilac (or any shade of purple) supplies in your stash. Yes, I really struggled with this, and I am oh, so glad, they are not colours that I have to use everyday. Whew!!!

The Death Of A Spider...

Let's start with the layout. I did this one just for me (while I was at the Scrap With V retreat) last weekend. Titled: To The Top. I created this using a couple of Noel Mignon kits - Playdate and Lemonade Stand (sold out). I wanted it to be a little bit grungy to reflect the rock climbing theme. Seriously, this little girl is a monkey and has absolutely no fear of heights and climbing. When she was about 18-24 months old she decided to climb to the top of a 7 foot netted climbing structure (like they have in the army) while at a park with her grandfather. She then proceeded to hold on to the top point with one hand, while waving to her grandad with the other. Needless to say, my dad nearly had a heart attack. (-:

Now, I can hear you saying, what does the death of a spider have to do with anything? Well, let me share this little story. Last night, Keana and I were in the bedroom reading a book just before bed. Malayla was in the toyroom next door, cleaning up. And then I heard this yelling from Malayla - "spider! spider! spider!". Keana and I just looked at each other, smirked, and shrugged our shoulders. I yelled back to Malayla, "Don't worry, he won't eat very much!". Big mistake!!! (-: All I could hear after that was "whack!whack!whack!whack!whack!" as she chased the spider around the room until she had killed it. While all this is going on, I'm trying not to crack up laughing because I knew she would get mad at me. Anyway, after she had finished murdering the spider, she came into the bedroom. I asked her, "How big was the spider?". Malayla spread her thumb and forefinger apart as far as they could go, and said "this big!". I said "Really? This big?" as I slowly squeezed her two fingers together until they were about 1cm apart. She looked at her fingers, spread them apart again, and nearly in tears, said "No mummy! He was REALLY this big!!!". My brave little, big girl. The spider murderer!!! (-: LOL!!! I guess you kind of had to be there - but honestly, it was so funny to see her reaction to the spider.

Pencil Lines Sketch #191

Righty-o. We are up to sketch #191 over at Pencil Lines. We are still being joined by the team at My Little Shoebox, and there is lots of new inspiration for you to check out. I hope you can come and join us for some fun.

Here's my take on the sketch. Simply titled: Hello. As you can see, lots of goodies from My Little Shoebox, with some Zva Creative bling thrown in for the finishing touch (butterfly stream bling flourish).

CCG Inspiration Board #146

The next challenge is up at Color Combos Galore. Challenge 146 is a combination of grey, ivory, lilac and taupe, with stitching as the designer's challenge. I didn't have to do a layout this week, but if I get a spare five minutes, I might give this one a shot. Yes, for me, these colours are definitely challenging, so I would like to see if I can master them. If you want to join me in the fun, you have until next Wednesday to upload your layout. The new challenge will be uploaded on Thursday 17th June (US time). Happy scrapping! I can't wait to see what everyone creates with this combination. (-:

Procrastinating...

I should be scrapping. I have layouts to create. But I don't feel like it. Instead, I am procrastinating. I did print some photos out - does that count as scrapping??? (-: And I'm trying to ignore the strong urge I have to go and watch the second season of True Blood which I just purchased on DVD. So instead, I shall share some photos and stories with you. I took these photos nearly two weeks ago. We have a lake down the road which is home to many ducks, a few turtles, and a big eel. So I decided it was time to introduce ourselves to the ducks and feed them dinner. Lets just say it was a HUGE hit with my girls, and I think it will become a regular thing. It doesn't help that I have a weakness for ducks - I LOVE them. They are so darn cute, and actually have the most amazing personalities (I use to have ducks for pets as a teenager).

Anyway, these two ended up so well fed that they couldn't eat all the bread, and waddled off, leaving the bread on the ground for the other smaller ducks that were around. Talk about spoilt!!! Earlier this week, I drove past a driveway of one of the houses down near the lake, and what did I spy sleeping in the driveway? Four very happy, and content ducks. (-: Bet the owners weren't expecting that when they got home, lol!

Here's part of the lower lake area. It's on the corner near a round-about. Isn't it pretty? There's always wildlife and water lillies to be found.

Do you remember the retreat that I mentioned I was going on last weekend? Well, we had an amazing time - we did a LOT of laughing, and shared a lot of stories. But I had another blonde moment - I got up there, unpacked and sat down to scrap, only to realise I'd left all my photos at home on the table. I won't repeat the words that came out of my mouth as they weren't very nice. So I got back in the car, drove all the way home, and all the way back up to Caloundra again. Two hours later, I finally got to start scrapping. Are you laughing at me? Go ahead - everyone else did!!!

We're off to the Gold Coast tomorrow. Keana has an audition for Sanyo. They want her for a commercial that they are filming for Japanese television. Filming will commence next Friday. And maybe Saturday. There go all my plans (again!). That's the only problem with the modelling world - you usually only get 1-2 days notice for auditions and shoots. I've learnt to go with the flow (well, most of the time). (-: We were supposed to catch up with friends tomorrow, so we've put that on hold for Sunday instead.

Right. I'm off to find something to do. If I get motivated to create, then I will share some layouts with you tomorrow. If not, you will have to wait a few more days till my mojo comes back, lol!!!

Have a lovely weekend...

Zva Creative Layout...

Here's my 3rd Monthly May layout for Zva Creative. I've used lots of Zva Creative goodies (flowers, brads, flourishes, rhinestones), and a lot of October Afternoon papers, stickers, and journalling cards. Titled: Brave Little Girl (it's about my little girl finally getting her ears pierced). (-:

Scrap With V Monthly Sketch

It's been a while since I've done one of these, but this is the June monthly sketch challenge over at Scrap With V. You can find the details in the challenge section of the Scrap With V forum.

Here's my take on the sketch. Titled: She's A Rose By Any Other Name. I've used papers from the Me and My Big Ideas Cardstock paper pad, some Zva Creative rhinestones, and some alphas from Prima and October Afternoon.

Pencil Lines Sketch 190

Sketch 190 is up over at Pencil Lines. And this week we are joined by the Design team from My Little Shoebox (our sponsor for this week and next). Don't forget to drop by and say hello. The design teams have totally rocked this product. (-: (Yes, I know I am biased but you will not be disappointed!). There's lots of inspiration to be found.

Here's my take on the sketch. Simply titled: KD (Keana's monograms). I'v even gone with a dark spotted background, not my usual style, to say the least (that one's for you Debbie!!! I know you will read this eventually!) (-: But I am happy with the end result, even if it is a little more "busy" than what I am use to. I've even managed to include some Zva Creative bling - I've used rhinestones and brads. After all, what's a layout without the bling??? (LOL!!!)

We're Live!!!

It's here - the big day has finally arrived and I can share my secret with you. (-: Today, Color Combos Galore has relaunched with a new image, new challenges and a new design team. There is an amazing amount of talent on this new team, and I am so honoured to get the opportunity to work with them. The eye-candy is just awesome!!! Please, please, please come and join us for a whole lot of fun and creativity. There are some fantastic RAKS up for grabs too.

Please meet the new team:
ANABELLE O'MALLEY
ANNE-MARIE TEO
DEBBI TEHRANI
DENINE ZIELINSKI
JAIME WARREN
JANA EUBANK
JANET PERAFAN-BABAR
JANIS MEDINA-MAGHINAY
JULES McKENNA - DE LUMEN
KIM MORENO
LADY GRACE BELARMINO
LILLY ROSE
MICHELLE LANNING
PIRADEE TALVANNA
RIA MOJICA
ROREE RUMPH
SARAH KLEMISH
SUSAN DUPRE
YUKA HINO

And here is my layout for challenge 145. Titled: Mommy's Little Princess. I've used a mixture of everything on this layout - Making Memories, Websters and Sassafrass papers, Zva Creative rhinestone alphas and pearl flourish, Prima flowers, and Carolees Creations mini alpha stickers. Don't forget - there is a new challenge everyweek, so pop over to Color Combos Galore to check it out and get all the details.

Blonde and Blonder!!!

Let me start this post with a layout to share (then I'll get onto the funny story!). This is my second project for Zva Creative. Titled: Sunshine (I was inspired by the song that they sing on the movie "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs"). As you can see, lots of Zva Creative goodies, thrown in with some Sassafrass and The Girl's Paperie stamps. I wanted the background to look like bubbles and fizzy drinks, but I'm not sure if I achieved that? Anyway, I had a lot of fun with this - especially the colours - so different from what I usually use. (-:

As some of you might know, I am going away on another retreat this weekend. And this is where my "blondeness" comes into play (yes, I am actually a natural blonde under this red hair!!!). I have been making plans for this retreat for quite some time (we are going to Caloundra - on the beach). I have started packing my bags, and I have organised for my daughters to have sleep over's with some friends. So I am all organised and ready. Or am I? I woke up this morning in a panic because I have two cats (Pandora and Othello) that I had TOTALLY FORGOTTEN ABOUT!!! Holy crap! How are they meant to feed themselves while I'm away? Who is going to look after them? What am I going to do??? I am so used to having my mother stay here (but not this time) while I am on retreats, that I totally forgot I have two cats that need to be cared for as well. Yes, I am blonde! Very, very blonde!!! So an emergency call to the cattery has ensured that they will be well looked after for the weekend (they got the last two vacancies). Sigh. Thank-goodness. Can you imagine me having to explain to the other women why I couldn't go to the retreat? - "sorry, I forgot that I have cats that need to be fed!". Right. Sure!!! I would NEVER hear the end of it. (-:

Scrapbooking Memories...

This layout (Goofballs) has been published in the current Scrapbooking Memories magazine.

You can find it on page 134 of Vol 12 No 6, in the Final Encore Gallery. I created this for a weScrap challenge late last year (using lots of leftover bits and pieces from other layouts). Yes, my family really is that crazy (although my husband would try and deny it and blame it all on me!!!).