Not As Planned...

Our week definitely has not gone as planned. We had so much we needed to get done this week, but they all decided to get sick. :-( So I have had two little girls at home all week, and a sick husband to go with them. And they keep coughing and spluttering everywhere, so I confined them to the lounge room. 

In case you are wondering, my youngest child on the floor is playing Play Station. Yes, with a pillow, lying down. No, I don't know how she does it, but she does, lol!!!

Meet Loki. He's just joined our family. He is so cute and cheeky.

What's that? How many cats do I have now? Ummm...7 of my own, and 1 that is fostered. :-)

And I love them to pieces, and no, I am not a crazy cat woman (yet, lol!!!).

Do you remember Bolt? She was from a litter of four kittens that were motherless. Her siblings didn't survive, but she did. This is how tiny she used to be. 

And this is my baby now - all grown up, happy and healthy.  She's such a big smooch. 
Thanks for dropping by.  I'll be back in a few days with some new projects and layouts. :-)
Have a safe and Happy Easter xxx

Some Sketchy Fun!!!

I never thought I would be a person who enjoyed creating sketches. 

Well, I guess I surprised myself, didn't I? 

I now design regularly for Sketches With A Twist, and occasionally for PaperHaus. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be doing this. :-)

Today I am sharing my take on the March PaperHaus Sketch. If you click on the link, you can find the all the details. You still have time to enter!!! 

(We are looking for someone to be a guest designer for next month's sketch). 

 "SMILE"

I had fun with this. I was aiming for bright, happy, and cheerful, and I think I achieved that. 

I think the pinwheels definitely add to the happy feeling. 

I even managed to use up some of my old stash of Prima flowers. :-) Yay for me!!!

I can't believe my girl was once this little (she's nearly 11 now).  But she's still got the prettiest smile. Always will have. 
I'm off on a retreat tomorrow, so I'll be back on Monday to share some of my creations.  Until then, happy scrapping!!!

OTP Bird Cage

I'm starting to experiment more with off-the-page projects. Up until recently, I've always been a "layout" kind of girl. But one of the advantages of working on Design Teams, is the opportunity to grow and try new things. (I've got a cupboard full of OTP projects waiting to be done, lol!). 

I created this sweet little bird cage for my eldest daughter. 

You can find all the details and extra photos on the PaperHaus blog. 

When I purchased that little bird a couple of weeks ago, I had no idea I was going to create this bird cage. Isn't it funny how life works out? I'm just glad I purchased two birds, because I see another one of these in my future for the youngest daughter. :-)

Thank-you for stopping by today. 

Happy scrapping!!!

Grunge Gone Girly...

I love Finnibair's grungy style. It's stunning, and so detailed and textured. But my style is a little different (much more feminine, pretty, and colourful). So I decided to combine what I learnt in her workshops, with my style, and my available mediums (Finn uses different paints and inks to what I have available).

"LITTLE MISS K"

I created this layout as part of my DT requirements for Imaginarium Designs. You can find all the photos, details, and requirement lists over on the Imaginarium Designs blog.

All I can say is, "there will definitely be more of this heading your way!".  I am in love with this mixed-media style of scrapping. Who knew, I do actually like getting my hands messy and sticky after all, lol!  Cheers and Hugs, 

More Fun - Round Two!!!

The one thing Finn said when I attended her workshop was "to make it your own". 

Well, I took that advice, and came up with this example for my second layout.

I am so totally in love with this technique of creating layouts. Totally, totally, totally!!!! However, I will point out that I finished this layout at home, using Glimmermists and Twinkling H2O's (Finn uses different products that I do not have). So in this case, my layout is a lot brighter than what it would have been if I had completed it at the workshop.   

Following Finn's advice, I also added a little bling to my layout. Yeah, I kind of couldn't help myself, lol!

I'm loving the vibrance of the Glimmermists. And all the little details I've been able to add to the layout.

Scrapbooking is never going to be the same for me again. :-D
Thank-you for dropping by. Cheers and Hugs,x

The Best Fun EVER!!!!

Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend two workshops held by Finnibair. 

All I can say is OMG!!!!!!!!!

Without a doubt, these were two of the best workshops I have ever attended. I learnt sooooo much, and had so much fun (it was just ridiculous how much fun I could have with grunge!!!).

Needless to say, I am completely and utterly addicted. 

 Today I will share the layout from my first workshop

 (I am still adding finishing touches tot he second layout). 

Who would have thought that trinkets could bring me so much joy. 

I think this is what I have been waiting for. Now to incorporate it into my scrapping style. I have so many ideas, and so many things I want to try. 

All I can say is thank-you Finnibair for beings so awesome, and for sharing your creativity with the world. You have rocked my world is the most amazing way. :-)
Thanks for stopping by, Cheers and Hugs, x

And The PaperHaus Winner Is...

It's time to announce the winner of the Time For Spring kit that I am giving away as part of the PaperHaus Spring Fling Blog Hop. I put the numbers into a random number generator, and it came back with...
NUMBER 11  Congratulations Wendy Brassart. You are my winner!!! Please contact me with your mailing address (or leave a message on this post).
11 
Random numbers generated Mar 9 2013 at 11:28:49 by www.psychicscience.org   Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic.
I hope you have all had a wonderful time with the PaperHaus Spring Fling Blog Hop,  and I look forward to seeing you again at the next one. 

Imaginarium Designs March Projects...

Today it is my turn to share two projects over on the Imaginarium Designs blog. I have created two layouts for my March projects, and both of them are sweet, pretty, and girly (like that is unusual for me, lol!!!). 

"HAPPINESS"

I created this layout to celebrate the happiness I have received from having my two girls in my life.

Yes, I have used new release products from ID. 

Aren't they awesome! (I'm totally in love with the new butterflies).

For more photos,details, and a list of all the supplies used, please visit the Imaginarium Designs blog.

"HAPPY DAYS"

I took a different approach with this layout - using shapes (triangles and arrows) to create my background, then finishing with flowers, butterflies, and a Penny fFarthing to create a soft and whimsical layout.

Flowers and rhinestones. How very me, lol!!! There are more photos, details, and a supply list on the Imaginarium Designs blog.
Thank-you for dropping by today. It's Friday! Are you ready for a weekend of scrapping fun? I am!!!
Cheers and Hugs, xx

Spring Fling Flower Tutorial...

Today I am sharing a quick flower tutorial with you. This is a Paperhaus Spring Fling project and you can find all the details on the PaperHaus blog. . 

 There are four quick and simple flowers that I would like to share with you. I cannot take credit for creating these flowers, as I have learnt these techniques from other scrappers.  But I am happy to share what I have learnt.  And just a note - double sided paper works best.

You can create four different types of flowers with just two punches, and a few scrapping supplies.
And most scrappers will have these supplies in their stash, so you don't have to buy anything new. If you don't have a heart punch, you can always use a template, or die cut tool. 

FLOWER ONE:

Step 1: You will need 3 or more paper circles of varying sizes. 

Don't make perfect circles - the edges need to be slightly rough and uneven. 

Pierce a hole through the centre of each.

Step 2: Cut six slots into each circle (as shown in the diagram).

Step 3: Ink or colour the petal edges if desired. 

Step 4: Scrunch each circle up into a little ball (you can spray with water first to soften the paper). 

Step 5: Carefully (the paper can tear easily) unfold each scrunched up circle. 

Step 6: Layer circles together and secure through the centre with a brad. Flower complete. 

FLOWER TWO:

Step 1: Punch out one circle and 11-13 heart shapes (it will depend on the size of your punch). 

Step 2: Fold each of the hearts in half to form petals.

Step 3: Place glue in the centre of the circle and start placing the heart petals in place.

Step 4: Continue adding the heart petals until you have completed the flower shape. 

Work quickly before the glue dries. 

Step 5: Finish with a button, brad, or rhinestone in the centre of the flower. Flower is complete. 

FLOWER THREE:

Step 1: Punch out 12 circles.

Step 2: Fold each circle as shown in the image, to create a cone shape. 

Step 3: Ensure that you have eleven cones and one circle.

Step 4: Add glue to the centre of the circle, and start placing the cones around the circle. 

Step 5: Continue placing cones around the entire circle. Work quickly before the glue dries. 

Step 6: Finish with a button, brad, or rhinestone in the centre of the flower. Flower is complete.

FLOWER FOUR:

Step 1: Punch out 1 circle, and 25-30 heart shapes.

Step 2: Mould/bend each heart to add shape and definition 

(you do not want them to be completely flat). 

Step 3: Add glue to the centre of the flower, and start placing the hearts around the outer edge of the circle. 

Work from the outside edge inwards. 

Step 4: Continue placing hearts around the circle, slowly working inwards. 

Keep working in a circular motion.

Step 5: Finish with a resin flower centre, button, brad, or rhinestone in the centre.  Flower is complete.
Thank-you for dropping by today. I hope you have found this flower tutorial helpful (don't forget to share if you make some of these creations - I'd love to see your work).
Cheers and Hugs, xxx

PaperHaus Spring Fling Blog Hop...

Hello and welcome to the PaperHaus Spring Fling Blog Hop! We are excited that you have joined us in celebrating the release of the Spring Issue of PaperHaus Magazine! We are excited to share all of the amazing projects and inspiration in it with you!

Please take some time to LIKE us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thepaperhaus). The Paperhaus Spring Fling Blog Hop will run from the 1st March to 7th March, with lots of inspiration and prizes along the way. Are you ready to have some fun?

"SPRING TIME BEAUTIES" I am going to take a moment here to share my layout with you. I created this layout to celebrate the personal growth of my daughters. I wanted to keep it soft and feminine, with lots of details.

I used lots of flowers, birds, kites, and bees, as symbols of Spring, and new growth. 

And lots of soft pastel colours too! 

Materials Used: My Mind's Eye papers; Imaginarium Designs chipboard; Prima flowers; prima resin pieces; Cosmo Cricket chipboard alphas and mini alpha stickers; Zva Creative rhinestones; Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots; Glossy Accents; Kindy Glitz glitter; twine; and journalling pens. 

Now, to help celebrate Spring, and the release of the Spring Issue of PaperHaus Magazine, I am giving away one kit (Fancy Pants Spring Time papers) to one lucky person. All you have to do, to be in the running, is be a follower of my blog, and leave a comment on this post. That's it - simple and easy.  Your next Blog Hop stop is Vivian Sung Soon Keh: www.contadinak.wordpress.com/ The Blog Hop starts here: PaperHaus Blog www.thepaperhaus.com A full list of all the blog hop participants can be found on the Paperhaus Blog. The Blog Hop finishes here: PaperHaus Facebook www.facebook.com/thepaperhaus Thank-you for stopping by today. And don't forget to come back and check if you are the lucky winner of the Fancy Pants kit.  Happy hopping everyone!