Into The Hills...

My husband wasn't too keen to do anything today because it was raining and cold. I told him "too bad"", and to get in the car. This was his last day at home before he flies out tomorrow, so I wanted to do something with the family. I decided it was time to explore the Adelaide Hills.

And guess what? We had the best time EVER!!!! What a great family day together. We started with Mt Lofty and a look at the beautiful views over Adelaide. My girls just loved the tower and climbing on its base.  (Please note: these photos have not yet been edited. They are straight from the camera). 

Camera shy much? No, I don't think so, lol!

We met "Roger". His owners had stopped for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Isn't he just amazing? And he knows lots of tricks too - he was so much fun to interact with. He does high fives, kisses, and lies on his back for a belly scratch. (His nickname is "The Chick Magnet"). 

My beautiful girls while we were waiting for our lunch at the German Hotel in Handorf. Oh yes, we went to Handorf. We found a bakery that makes AWESOME chocolate coated pretzels, and cherry streusal danish. I found some lovely soaps. We found yummy chocolates (way too many yummy chocolates!!!). There were lots of lovely things, but just not enough time to explore everything (we will definitely be returning soon!). 

Here's lunch. Oh my goodness, it was so, so yummy!!!! Being from a Polish background, I LOVE German and European food. And this was good. The cabbage and potatoes were delicious, and the schnitzel was fantastic. I walked away from that meal very happy. And we all voted for a return visit. :-)

So how are you spending your weekend? Hope you are having a great one!!!

Have Mercy On Me...

Pan Pastels...sigh...I need a new addiction, like I need a hole in my head. But it's too late now. I've already "played" with them. I'm done for. Completely addicted - hook, line and sinker. So my warning to you is - don't look at them, or play with them, unless you are willing to deal with the consequences. THEY ARE ADDICTIVE!!!! You will WANT all of them. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Here we go - my first creation with Pan Pastels. Titled: Life Change. How can I ever go back to using chalks after using these? I can't. It's that simple. These pastels blend so beautifully. The colours are so vibrant. If you make a mistake, you can just rub it out. They have a gorgeous texture. And they cover chipboard AMAZINGLY! And they work with a stencil so brilliantly - it's so quick and easy. And less messy than sprays and mists. 

   (Please forgive my not so great photography - it's wet, dark, and raining here today). 

But back to the reason for creating this layout. I wanted to record the reasons for our move to Adelaide. My girls are still mad at me for dragging them away from their friends. So I have written my reasons and explanations on cards, and placed them in the envelope (the reasons are many, and personal, so I have hidden them). Hopefully, my girls will read these when they are older, and understand why I made the decisions that I made. 

Yes, moving down here was a big life change, but I know, in my heart, I have made the right decision. This is home. This is happiness. This is peace of mind about so many things. 

Imaginarium Designs Products Used: Bicycle; Alphabet letters; Heart with insert; Flourish; and Girl Silhouettes. You can find more details about these products on the Imaginarium Designs web site.

Other Products Used: Jillibean Soup papers, kraft envelope, and journalling spots. Zva Creative rhinestones. Washi tape. Pan Pastels. Crafters Workshop stencil.

Thanks for dropping by! Hope you have a great weekend!!!

May Projects For Imaginarium Designs...

Ever since I created this layout, I have been holding my breath, waiting to share it with you. Why? Because I tend to gravitate towards bright colours, so this was a change for me. Something a little different. A little more subdued, a little more in the pastel range.

This is one of my May Projects for Imaginarium Designs. (There are still another 3 Imaginarium Designs layouts that I am not yet able to share...but soon...). Titled: Love Cherish Adore. You can find more details about the techniques and products I used over on the Imaginarium Designs blog. (Plus you can see two more layouts created by Solange and Natalie, both using feathers). 

I had a play around with ombre colouring on the ID feathers. It's not exactly the greatest result, but I'm happy with it since it was my first attempt. It will get easier next time (it's a case of practice makes better...).

See those ID chipboard buttons? Now, I had a LOT of fun creating those. I embossed them first, inked them, then glittered them. I just think they are so darn cute!!! You will definitely be seeing more of those in the future. 

And a close-up of my journalling. I used the ID chipboard words, and the words printed at the top of the page, as prompts for my journalling. I think I should do that more often! I like how it ties the title and journalling together.  

Imaginarium Designs Products Used: Words, Buttons and Feathers.

Other Products Used: My Mind's Eye papers; Tim Holtz dies; Spellbinder dies; Die-namic dies; Washi tape; The Twinery twine; Zva Creative rhinestones; Copic pens; Ingvilde Bolme Prima inks; gesso; Kindy Glitz; Zva Creative foam dots; Tim Holtz Distress Inks. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Remembering How To Play...

I've been so busy with life, that I've forgotten how to play, and just enjoy scrapbooking. To create with no purpose. Just for me. So I rectified that immediately!!!

I found this wonderful and inspiring Page Maps sketch on Pinterest (along with another hundred or so sketches that I'd like to play with, lol!). 

I dragged out some My Mind's Eye papers that I hadn't yet played with. And went to town and had some fun. I've just purchased some new die-cuts, so I dragged them out too, and put them to use. I think I'm addicted to the little mini die-cut daisies. Thay are so cute!!!

Here's a close-up of the daisies and gardenias. The flourish and buttons are also from new die-cuts that I have added to my collection.

And of course, I played with my ever-faithful Martha Stewart butterfly punch. I think a lot of scrapbooker's would be lost without that punch. :-) It's a staple of my stash. What about you? Do you have a punch that you live without?

Thank-you for dropping by today. I hope you are having a lovely weekend. And don't forget to make some time for YOU to play. Just play, and have fun. 

Imaginarium Designs With Extra Colour...

As many of you know, I LOVE colour. Most of my layouts are bright (and sparkly). I took this one to the extreme, and went full-out with the colour. It started out as an experiment, a chance to play and have fun. And it went from there.

This layout was created as a DT project for Imaginarium Designs. You can find more details about this particular project on the Imaginarium Designs Blog. Plus you will find two more bright and colourful projects created by other Design Team members. I hope you will pop on over and check it out - there's lots and lots of inspiration to be found on the Imaginarium Designs blog.

Imaginarium Designs Products Used: 12x12 Chipboard Sheet;  IDS0036 Small Clock Faces; IDS0006 Clock Face Shape 3 inch; and IDP0013 Special Memories. 

Other Products Used: Crate paper; Hambly stickers; Prima flowers; texture paste; Gesso; Tattered Angels Glimmermist and Chalkboard; beads; Kaisercraft rhinestones; Prima/Ingvilde Bolme inks; Zing clear embossing powder; Kindy Glitz; and Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots. 

Thank-you for stopping by and letting me share this with you.

I hope you are having a lovely scrappy day!!!

Class Sneak Peeks...

I thought I would tease you with some sneak peeks of the layout I will be teaching at Seriously Scrapbooking, on Saturday 9th June. Mean, aren't I?

It's a double page layout - yes, you heard me right - Double Page!!!! 

And it's titled "Love You Always".

Lots of pretty things - flowers, ribbons, bling, glitter. Sigh...ever so girly.

Lots of details, and lots of photos. 

If you would like more details or to make a booking, just contact Jane (or any of the team) at Seriously Scrapbooking on 08-8277-1298. This is going to be a lot of fun (and a little messy). And honestly, the finished product is just gorgeous! But I can't share a full picture until after June. (Unless you pop into the store - you can find it there on display). So, I might see you there???

Crafty Sketches May Sketch...

I can't believe it is already May, and time for a new sketch.

Are you ready for it? Here we go...

Crafty Sketches May Sketch

And here is what I created using the May Sketch. Titled: One Fine Summer Day. 

The day I decided to create the layout for this sketch, was the day that my prize package turned up from Echo Park. I was fortunate enough to win the "Hello Summer" range of papers, and they worked perfectly for this layout. I absolutely adore the beautiful bright colours, and the sweet little birds, and all the flowers that could be cut out. A wonderful range to work with - very much a fun and happy range!

If you would like to join in the fun, just pop on over to the Crafty Sketches blog where you will find all the details. Plus you will find a whole lot of inspiration from the rest of the design team. :-)

Happy Scrapping everyone!!! 

Pink Artist Trading Cards...

At heart, I am a 12x12 layout girl. I also love creating tags. Unfortunately, that love and fascination doesn't extend as much to 8.5x11 layouts, cards, or Artist Trading Cards (ATCs). But a close friend of mine (Annette Gearside) needed my help, so I persevered, and came up with this cute ATC. This is my contribution to the Be-Uplifted benefit scheduled later this month. They are hoping to collect enough ATC's to create a wall-hanging which will hang in the reception of the Oncology Department in a local  Brisbane hospital.

But they are a long way from their goal. They still need a lot more ATC's. Would you please, please, please consider creating an ATC for them? (They just have to be pink and have an inspiring word or quote on them). If you message me or email me, I can provide you with the address to send the completed ATC. And you can share this with any scrapbooking friends - the more the merrier!!! Thank-you for letting me share this with you.