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