Staring at the end of 2014...

Honestly, I'll be glad to see the end of 2014. It has not been a good year. But I think a lot of people feel this way. Sometimes it's good to see the end of something. 2014 saw the passing of my grandfather. We had to send our cat Midnight over the Rainbow Bridge. And we lost both our pet rabbits to myxomatosis. 

Yes, I know none of these things are all that bad, and other people are suffering much worse, but after loosing my mum the year before, and the health problems I suffered as well, it was all a bit too much.  2015 is going to be better. 

One good thing did happen in 2014. I finally found the courage to get my nose pierced. It's something I've always wanted to do, and one day I just said "stuff it, let's do this!". And so I did. Ummm...yes, it hurt. :)

We are currently away on our annual family holiday in Robe. Having fun, eating good food, and relaxing. Oh, and shopping. ;-) I'll be sharing a new post with you in early January upon our return home. Until then, have a Happy New Year, and stay safe.  Here's to 2015!!! Cheers and big hugs, xxx

Imaginarium Designs December Projects...

Sigh...the "Silly Season" is upon us, and I am now where near ready. Is anybody else in the same boat? I mean, for goodness sakes, I haven't even written out my Christmas cards yet (gasp!!!). And have you noticed that the Christmas decorations are hitting stores earlier and earlier? Seriously, I think they started in September this year - it's just pure craziness.  My Imaginarium Designs projects for December celebrate the "Silly Season". My layout records that moment when you first see the decorations in a big department store, and you know that Christmas is well and truly on it's way. 

Hop on over to the Imaginarium Designs blog for more photos, and details of how I created my layout, and all the products used. 

My second project is a set of quick and easy Christmas tags that can be used for Kris Kringle gifts, and gifts for my girls' beloved teachers. There's even a quick and simple tutorial explaining how I created these tags. Just hop on over to the Imaginarium Designs blog for full details. 

And keep an eye out on the Imaginarium Designs blog, because any day now we will be announcing the new Imaginarium Designs Design Team for 2015. :)  Can you guess who might be on the new team?  Thanks for stopping by!  Cheers and hugs, xxx

November Projects for Imaginarium Designs...

I was recently asked if I would like to donate an item for a charity auction to raise funds for bowel cancer research. Having lost so many of my relatives to cancer, I said yes. So I created a canvas using Imaginarium Designs chipboard, and made it part of my Design Team commitment for November. (Don't laugh, I kind of did the same for the rest of my November projects too, lol!)

I seriously had so much fun creating this canvas. I think I should find time to make some more (especially since my eldest daughter was NOT impressed when I gave this one away). 

I have used Marion Smith's Motley paper range, along with lots of Prima and Kaisercraft flowers, ID chipboard, sequins, glitter, beads, texture paste, rubons, copic pens, and stamps. 

I don't have a lot of experience playing with copic pens, but I think the finished result was passable. 

This canvas was all about the details, sparkle, and bling. :) I wanted to create something with lots of texture and depth, and something that was very bright, colourful, and feminine at the same time. 

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Earlier this year I was asked if I would like to do a commissioned piece for the Australian Scrapbooking Ideas magazine. Of course I said yes, and it has just recently been published in Issuue 29, pages 24-26. The article was about scrapping layouts in an Art Nouveau style, using a sketch designed by me (which you will find below). I was asked to create three layouts using Meg's Garden papers, and as much Imaginarium Designs chipboard as I liked.  

 "CHERISH"

This layout is based very close to the original sketch design, and was all about highlighting the layout and photo with soft, pastel pinks. I have included lots of punchwork to add details and depth to the design. Most of the chipboard has been heat embossed with embossing powders and glitters.  

 "LOVE, CHERISH, ADORE"

Again, I have used lots of punchwork to add to the design, and lots of fussy cut and layered flowers to help add depth. 

"TRAVEL SNAP SHOTS" This layout is a little more vintage and masculine compared to my usual style.  And if you would like to see more photos about these projects, or details about the products and techniques used, you can find my full post on the Imaginarium Designs blog. 

If you would like to use this sketch, please feel free. All I ask is that you give credit to me, for this design, if you post it anywhere (Facebook, blogs, galleries, Instagram etc.). 
Thanks for stopping by. :)
Cheers and hugs, xxx

Imaginarium Designs October Projects...

It was my turn on the Imaginarium Designs blog a few days ago. (It's amazing how quickly this comes around every month!). If you would like all the details of what I created, and how, please visit the Imaginarium Designs blog. 

I've had this heart shaped metal container in my stash for at least 4 years, maybe more. Anyway, I finally dragged it out of my cupboard, and created this. Isn't it cute! :) (My daughter's are NOT impressed that I only have one). 

I've used Marion Smith's Motley papers for this creation. 

My second creation was this layout, created using the Madeleine papers from BoBunny. I just love the softness of these colours - so romantic and girly. The layout design is based on the BoBunny October sketch (I've flipped the sketch over). 

As you can see, there was lots of fussy cutting involved for this layout. (But it was worth it!!!).

And of course, I've used lots of Imaginarium Chipoard. :) And I think I am in love with these Prima roses - I might have to purchase some more for my stash. They are just divine, and so pretty in real life.  Anyway, I hope you are having a wonderful week - it is school holidays here so I am trying to stay sane. Yeah, I don't think it's working, lol!  Thanks for stopping by, Cheers and big hugs, xxx

Taking A Class With Louise Nelson...

One of the BEST things about living in Adelaide is that I am able to take classes with some of the most talented scrapbookers in Australia, and the world. And one of my favourites, is the amazingly talented Louise Nelson. I love, love, love taking Louise's classes as her work is so different, not just from mine, but from everyone's, and I always learn something new. 

This class (September 6th) was no exception. And I had so much fun too.  Seriously, what more could a girls ask for - bling, bling, bling, and more bling! 

We had a lot of fun playing with new products and new techniques. 

And we got really, really messy. :) 

Just have a look at some of these details. Seriously. Wow! 

So, if you've ever wondered if taking a class was worthwhile, I can honestly YES!!! Now, I just have to wait patiently for the next one. ;-)
Hope you are having a great weekend.
Cheers and hugs, xxx

Imaginarium Designs September Projects...

It's amazing how quickly time gets away from a person - I have been trying to do this blog post for the past four days. It just seems to be a crazy time of year here - there's the Adelaide Show, a pupil free day, a show day holiday, Keana's 11th birthday, and our 14th Wedding Anniversary (now that's something I never thought I'd get to type, lol!). But I finally have everything sorted and under control, and now I have some "me" time to share my recent Imaginarium Designs September creations. If you would like to see more photos, or read about the techniques and products used on these projects, please visit the Imaginarium Designs blog. 

For my first project, I took a plain white $6 frame (shaped like a house), and decorated it with chipboard, flowers, and bling. Seriously, this was so quick and easy, and I am sure it will make a fantastic home-made gift for someone special. 

 Aren't those roses just gorgeous with that butterfly? They add such a romantic touch to the frame. 

 "HELLO PRETTY KITTY"

 My next project is a layout about the youngest member of our family - Thor. I've channeled my inner "Louise Nelson" while creating this layout - she always inspires me to use texture. 

 Lots of lumpy and bumpy. :)

How did I create all my texture? With washi tape, glass glitter, chipboard, and floss. I've come to the conclusion that washi tape will be one of those products that never go out of style - I still love it, and I still use it on most of my layouts.  Do you have a favourite product that you use on most of your layouts? Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to share my creative inspiration with you. :) But make sure to come back in a few days, because I will be sharing a layout that I created in Louise Nelson's weekend class at Seriously Scrapbooking. (It's really pretty, and really sparkly!) Hope you are having an awesome week! Cheers and hugs, xxx

Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!

I have a very special treat for you today. :) Today, I am sharing an altered clock and a love tag that I have created with Webster's Pages Strawberry Fields and Imaginarium Designs chipboard. 

I found this alarm clock in Kmart for $7 and decided it was a bargain that couldn't be passed up. So it came home with me, and I decided to go all out with the feminine, flowery, pretty artwork. And yes, it does work - this clock will be a beautiful addition to my bedroom. Can you imagine waking up to this every morning? I think it just might make my days a little brighter. :)

To start with, I pulled the whole clock apart to decorate the centre, and add all the rhinestones and fussy cutting. Surprisingly, it wasn't as difficult as I thought. 

I was worried that a black clock might be too "harsh" for such a soft and pretty paper collection, but I was wrong - it contrasts very beautifully with the papers and colours. 

It's funny, I always thought I would end up using the Prima white sequin vine on a Christmas or winter project - but no, it was a perfect match for this altered piece. And of course I couldn't resist adding a Prima resin bird - it was just too cute!

 And what did I do with all my leftover fussy cutting pieces from the clock? Why, I created a tag of course. I love getting the most out of my papers :) 

Now, if you would like to see a few more photos, or get more details on the products I used, please visit the Imaginarium Designs blog. 

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you are having an awesome week! Cheers and big hugs, xxx

Bloom Girl Workshop...

On Tuesday 29th August I attended a Bloom Girl workshop taught by the amazing artist, Jamie Dougherty. Unfortunately for me, not everything went to plan - I came down with a stomach bug within 30 minutes of starting the workshop. Typical. But I persevered, and listened to everything Jamie had to say, and had an amazing time anyway. 

It has taken me a few days to recover and finish my Bloom Girl project, but her she is, in all her glory! 

All I can say is that it was worth it - the vomiting, the travelling, the early morning - all worth it. :)

Just a couple of close up of the flowers and details. 

I should add that the original artwork looked nothing like this - I have definitely made this one my own (see the image below). 

Thanks for stopping by! And here's to a good weekend!!! :) Big hugs, xxx

Imaginarium Designs and Couture Creations Blog Hop!

Welcome to Day 1 of the Couture Creations and Imaginarium Designs Blog Hop!

We are so excited to team up with Couture Creations, sharing inspiring projects created with both our products, with you this week. What could be more perfect than Couture Creations Embossing Folders and Dies with Imaginarium Designs gorgeous Chipboard designs.

Each Day this week we will feature our Design Team projects and over on the Couture Creations blog they will also feature their Design Team's projects all created using Couture Creations and Imaginarium Designs products. So, loads of inspiring projects for you, to help get your creative juices flowing.

We will link to the projects on each Designer Team member's blog. Please show all our designers some love and leave a comment on their blog. 

At the end of the week, we will be giving away TWO $100 prize packages filled with Couture Creations and Imaginarium Designs goodness, so be sure to play along and check back on both Imaginarium Designs and Couture Creations blogs, Monday 4th August, to see if you're the lucky winner!

Now, it's my turn to share a little inspiration with you...

"EXPLORE"

As soon as I saw them, I knew the Couture Creation dies and embossing folders would be perfect to showcase some of the photos photos that I took during our Christmas break at Robe. I wanted to create a beach feel layout, but without all the sand and sea-shells, because Robe was not you traditional beach - it was wild, rugged, and beautiful. 

I have used brown cardstock for the boat die, and coated it with Glossy Accents for extra shine. The butterfly die has been given a dash of Kindy Glitz for a little sparkle and glimmer. 

All my chipboard has been left natural, no paints, no inks - it was the perfect colour for a wild beach layout. All I did was coat each piece with clear embossing powder for added shine and a little protection. 

And I added a little texture paste, hessian, and masking tape for extra texture. I also continued the texture theme with the burlap and crocheted flowers that I chose for this layout. 

Here are the different ways you can play along with us -

Like Couture Creations and Imaginarium Designs on Facebook

Share the ID blog post on your Facebook wall, and tell us that you did on our Facebook page

Follow the Imaginarium Designs and Couture Creations blogs

Leave a comment on the Imaginarium Designs Blog and Facebook Page

Follow Couture Creations on Pinterest

Follow Couture Creations on Instagram

Hop on over to the Couture Creations Blog and see what their Design Team has created using our Imaginarium Designs chipboard and their Couture Creations products! They also have a giveaway, so what are you waiting for - hop over! 

And don't forget to follow our Design Team blogs. :)

Here are today's designers-

Click on their names for a link to their personal blogs and the projects they have created.

Belinda Jane Spencer

Susanne Smyth

Julianne McKenna-De Lumen - you are here!!!

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have found all kinds of awesome inspiration in your travels. :)

Cheers and hugs, xxx