Just a little bit Crafty

I will be missing for a while.....

2011-05-22T12:29:00.004+10:00

because our world has been turned up side down. A couple of weeks ago our daughter Debbie was diagoised with Acute Leukemia and will be in hospital for around 8 months receiving treatment after which, she will spend a further 2 months for a transplant. Debbie and Craig have 2 little boys 6 & 3 with special needs and are going to need extra help in the months ahead.

We have been considering moving back down closer to our family and friends and this latest event has made the decission to move ASAP much easier. So we have put our house on the market and now the waiting game starts.

In the meantime, we will be travelling down to Brisbane mainly during the school holidays to help out with the boys and give Craig and his family a break and also to give our precious daughter all the support we can.

Not only that, it will also give us quality time to strengthen our bond with our grandsons. When you live so far away, 9 hours by car, we only get to see these gorgeous, loving boys a couple of times a year.

So I don't know when I will be posting agian. My scrapbooking has been put on hold but I am journaling so there maybe a mini album in the future.

To all my wonderful scrapbook friends who have visited my blog, I say a warm thankyou and I hope that you will all still be around when I come back.

It's so Confussing.......

2011-04-04T15:38:00.003+10:00

whenever I take a photo. I don't have a SLR but my camera does have manual settings - it's just that I get so bamboozled with the aperture and shutter speed that I revert back to AUTO. I would love to be able to snap those perfect shots and I do realize that using the manual settings I can get a greater shot.
Well, thanks to Kayla Lamoreaux of Digiscrap 101 I found a link to muddyboots where I found a link to this awesome site.
There is a SimCam where you can try out different apertures and shutter speeds to see what effects they have on the "sample" image. I found it a lot of fun as well as learning to understand the applications.
All of the links I have given you today are packed full of tutorials to help everyone from digi scrappers to hybrid scrappers to beginner photographers so I highly recommend you go take a look for yourself.

Gotta be quick.....

2011-03-29T08:28:00.005+10:00

if you want a chance of winning this Mandala Reflections Board. For more info on how to win, click on the image in the "Candy Bar".

It is designed for card makers but really, anyone who crafts with paper will be inspired by this board. I can already think of several ways I can use it. So, if you would like to know more about this board, then I suggest that you visit ikki's cuttlebug cupboard where you will find more inspiration and heaps of great tips on how to use your Cuttlebug.

If it looks lika a snake.......

2011-03-28T08:10:00.005+10:00

and it moves like a snake, then it must be a snake. Well not exactly. A couple of days ago, I was about to fly out the door to rescue my washing from a pending storm but I stopped dead in my tracks. There, under the clothes line, was this reptile warming it's belly on the pebble concrete. At first I thought "SNAKE" but it didn't look quite right.

Bec took a photo of it and researched it on the web and found it to be a Burtons legless lizard. Their average length is 29cm and this one was a monster at around 60cm. Mind you, I had no intention of getting the excat measurement.

I've said it before.......

2011-03-23T07:47:00.004+10:00

"I'm Back". Well this time I think I have out done myself. When I looked at the last time I posted I was shocked. So many reasons (or are they just excuses?) why I have been away for so long. I am a very organized individual (NOT) and well, life has been very busy and so much has happened - all good.

At the moment I am working on an album that I want to document a trip/holiday we had last year. I am trying to follow Noell's Task Batching to help me finish it in record time. At the moment I am tackling the journaling, next will come the photos and finally the embellishments.

If you are looking for a site that is packed full of video tutorials, examples, techniques and very entertaining podcasts, then I highly recommend that you visit Paperclipping.

Well, that's all from me today - better not go overboard on my first post in eons.
Now back to my Task Batching and to finish my cup of tea before it gets cold.

p.s. It's good to be back.

Find something good in each day and enjoy...........
Irene

Introducing Ella Joy

2010-09-16T10:40:00.005+10:00

Last week my niece Melissa and hubby Richard were blessed with a precious little baby girl Ella Joy. Both baby and mother are doing very well. The look on Melissa's face says it all. I know that the years to come are going to be filled with so much love and happiness and priceless memories.

This is a card that I made for the baby. I looked at all the baby cards that you can buy but I really wanted to make one. I struggle when it comes to making cards so I have kept it simple.

Thanks for stopping by,
Hugs, Irene xx

My Tasmanian Holiday

2010-09-10T15:03:00.005+10:00

Last week the Annual National Mah Jong Tournament was held in Hobart, Tasmania. The venue for the competition was Wrest Point Casino and most of the players stayed there too. We had 4 half days of competition and while we played, the husbands that came along were free to do a bit of sight seeing.

Wrest Point Casino by night. Our room was the

top left of the 3 level Water Edge wing.

This is the amazing view from our room. Each morning we would draw back the curtains and feel the window to see how cold it was outside. I think that I will be painting this view as a reminder

of our first visit to Hobart.

The main reason for being in Hobart was to play Mah Jong.

Here are a few of the 120 ladies that participated.

The Dinner and Presentation Evening was a Winter Wonderland theme and there were many wonderful costumes. I went as the Snow Queen (always knew I had royalty in my blood LOL). There were penguins, snowmen, snow flakes and icicles, but I was lucky enough to be awarded First Place.

I had two wishes while in Tasmania. 1) Was to touch a Koala. DH took several photos but this is the only one that came out. I think it might be time to start researching a new camera.

AND

2) Was to see snow. There were 5 of us in the car including my Best Friend Trish, and as we climbed higher and higher up Mt. Wellington the excitement grew. It was freezing, between -3deg to 3deg, thick with fog and a biting wind but it would take more than that to cool my fun.

Gloves off, I had to feel the snow and even made and threw snowballs. In minutes, my hands were numb but I had the best time EVER !!!!

On our Bus Tour, we visited historical Richmond. It is full of wonderful old buildings. My only regret is that we didn't have much time here. This is the oldest bridge in Australia which was built by the convicts. I couldn't help but notice the contrast of the bitumen road and the hand made sandstone of the bridge.

Our last free day was spent at Port Arthur. We spent most of
the day wandering around. So much to see and feel. This photo
of the Church, is one of hundreds that I took.

Well, that is only a tiny glimpse into my holiday in Tasmania. Thanks for stopping by and sharing my adventure.

Hugs, Irene xx

It's GREAT to be back

2010-09-09T07:35:00.012+10:00

OK, I know that I have been away from blogger land for a few weeks but I needed a break. There were no dramas (I am blessed with a happy secure life), I just needed a little time to breath. The past few months have been packed so full of "stuff" that I needed a break.

A couple of days ago, when I got back from a fantastic holiday in Tasmania, I was catching up on some of my favorite blogs when I came across a great give away. If you would like a chance of winning a Shadow Box, then pop over to Leah's blog where she is giving away a ShadowCase designer kit of your choice. There a so many styles to choose from.

So go check it out but don't tell too many people hehehehehehe 'cause I want to win it.

I'd love you all to come back soon because I lots to share.

Hugs,

Irene xx

Let's Get Shabby Challenge 13

2010-07-20T22:02:00.007+10:00

I have finally completed my project for this month's Lets Get Shabby Challenge No 13. This month, Lets Get Shabby is celebrating their 1st Birthday so it's not surprising that the challenge is all about birthdays and stamping (since this month's sponser is Purple Onion).

As I have mentioned in the previous post, I found this little basket. It stands 29cm high and 13cm wide. My creation is all about family birthdays. I wanted to showcase each member of my family during their birthday month.

The concept is that if someone is having a birthday in a particular month, then their photo will be incerted into the frame and hung in place of pride. I made a little "file" booklet where each page is a pocket that holds each individual photo so it are easily found as the months come along.

I have used stamping to create lables, frames etc on the front, outer sides, inner sides, back of photo frame and the front of the booklet. I have had so much fun with this challenge and I want to thank the girls for putting up these fabulous challenges each month. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have this Birthday Basket which means so very much to me.

Thank you for your patience. I realise that there are a lot of photos but I just couldn't help myself. LOL

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

A Bit of This and That

2010-07-11T12:24:00.004+10:00

Thought I would give you a little peek at a project I am working on at the moment for the Lets Get Shabby monthly challenge. There is a huge prize this month so head on over to find out more.
I came across this little basket at our local Vinnies shop. It looked rather sad, covered in dust and unpainted with a bamboo handle. I looked at it last Saturday morning (the shop closes at midday) and put it back. When I got home I couldn't stop thinking about it and then I got this great "idea" how I could use it.
I should have bought it there and then. I had this vision of a long line of little old ladies that extended out the door and down the footpath wanting to buy it. My only hope was that it was high up on the top shelf. So you know where I was at 9am Monday morning.

To my huge relief, it was still there so I pounced on it, then started looking for a small photo frame. After rummaging through a bin of unwanted frames, I spotted this little treasure. If I had commissioned someone to make it for me, this is what I would have asked for. So, feeling very pleased with myself, I headed over to the counter to pay for my findings. Can you believe that I got both items for a huge sum of $2.50.

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I think that I am treading a fine line here. On one side, I could be called crazy but on the other side I could be called amazing. Do I have blood in my veins, or do I have scrapbooking products running through my system. It all started like this.....................

This morning I was about to throw away one of my favorite handbags but first I wanted to keep the little key that dangled off the front of it. Then I found that the hinges actually screwed off so I kept them, next came the buckles........so on and so on.
By the time I had finished, this is what my handbag looked like. Looks like my handbag has had an autopsy !!!! But, look at all those gorgeous bits and pieces that are now going to get a new life.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

June was a good month

2010-07-01T21:08:00.007+10:00

I can't believe it !!! My name was drawn out over at Challenge Heaven monthly challenges for the month of June and I get to have a little shopping therapy at D-Lish Scraps. I also get to display this gorgeous little badge on my blog.

Challenge Heaven is a great place where everyone is friendly and there is tons of fun to be had. Each month there is a list of challenges put up and you can do as many or as little as you like, but if you complete a minimum of 4, then you go into the random monthly draw where you
have several chances of winning a voucher.

The gallery is packed with some awesome layouts for inspiration, so COME ON have yourself some fun.

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I also belong to Paperclipping which is an international site for scrapbookers that focuses on design and techenques which are backed up with videos tutorials - some are free but members with subscriptions get extra in depth videos and have access to around 15o HD videos which can be saved to your PC.

Last month, the host Noell Hyman, ran the first Paperclipping Festival. She asked members to create a layout or project using one of her tutorials. You can imagine how excited I was when I saw my project featured on the blog. I almost fell off my chair.

Well, that wraps up the month of June. Lets see what July has in store.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

A Couple of Layouts to Share

2010-06-29T15:33:00.007+10:00

This first layout is of my granddaughters Isla and Mia. They were off to a "Fairy" Birthday Party and looked so cute. I wanted this page to be whimsical - as if there were fairies in the graden. I don't think that I have cut out as much as I did for this page but I am happy with the end result.

This next layout is so different. My Very Best Friend Trish sent me a beautiful card a couple of years ago and what better way to scrap my friend than use this card to show how special our friendship is.
I cut the card up into pieces (oh, it's not like it sounds) to form the matte for the photo and journaling card. The words in the card are very heart warming and I wanted to keep that part too, so I have hidden it under the matte and attached the little heart (that came with the card) so you can slide out the words.

Both these layouts are for the Challenge Heaven monthly challenges. I only have one more to complete for the month. If you have a few spare minutes, head on over to their site and you never know, you just might get inspired.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

My Happy "RED" Day

2010-06-26T13:56:00.019+10:00

As promised here is a sample of how my Birthday was spent. My very best friend Trish sent me a parcel for my birthday. It arrived last Wednesday. If anybody knows me, it was a miracle that I didn't open it before my birthday. My day starts at 6am with a cup of tea after which I attacked the parcel.
Trish is one of those people that doesn't just give one present so it was no surprise to find 3 presents all wrapped in red paper and the craziest card ever. Scary at how close it represented my friend and me.

In side parcel #1, I found this totally gorgeous evening clutch. In the photo is a little on the pinkish side but irl it is blood red. Looooooove it!!!

In parcel #2 came this funky mug. It has now become my favorite and together we will start each and every day. Parcel #3 was a box ofnotecards by Andrew Zuckerman. Thank you so much Trish, your gifts always blow me away.

By this time, hubby was coming down stairs with Rebecca and after hugs and a birthday song I opened more presents.

When I opened Ross's present and saw that it was Photoshop Elements 8 I was so thrilled. Up until I got my new computer, I have been using a photo editing program that came with my scanner. At first it was great but I have long since out grown it. YEAH.........I am going to have so much fun.

The bigger parcel was a combined gift from all 4 of my girls....a Bon Appetit Enamelled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. I can't tell you how long I have wanted one of these. It is huge and very heavy and with winter here, I can't wait to start using all of those yummy hearty recipes. So ladies, if you have a favorite recipe, please share.

Of cause I didn't forget to give Ross a HUGE hug and thank you for my present before he was off to work.

When Ross had left, Bec wanted to make me breakfast and asked what I wanted. Eggs Benedict of cause. Last Mother's Day, Bec gave me Julie Goodwin's cookbook and I have tried out her recipe for Hollandaise Sauce and let me tell you, it is the best ever. I would say that I now consider myself a critic where this sauce is involved.

The day was taken up with phone calls from friends and my girls, being fussed over by Bec (and I don't know how many times she sang happy birthday to me in an Ukranian accent) and playing with PSE8, picking up my Birthday Cake and a couple of bottles of Bubbly.

Our friends Ted and Kay come over on Firday nights for home made take-aways and a movie. Ross took us all out to the Endeavour Inn for dinner. They have the most amazing Chinese Cuisine with an authentic chef. Fortunately for Ross they do steak as well.

Around the table...Ross, Kay, Me, Rebecca, Ann-Marie, Ted. After eating Garlic Bread (best ever with grilled cheese on top), Entrees, Mains, Desert, wine, cocktails, we all carried our stomachs out the door moaning and groaning, heading back home were we planned to have coffee and Birthday Cake.

Ted (who is the thinnest of us all) was the only one who could manage to eat a piece. I sent some home with Ted and Kay and we enjoyed the rest for morning tea today.

I went to bed last night totally exhausted with the memory of the best day ever. Can't wait for next year. LOL

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME........

2010-06-25T15:52:00.004+10:00

This is going to be a quick post. Today is my birthday and I plan to PARTY !!!

WOW, I am having such a great day. Woke up this morning to a beautiful day. I have been totally spoiled with some awesome presents. More photos will be taken tonight so I will be posting tomorrow with piccies of my presents etc.

Before I go I would like to share a layout that I have completed for Challenge Heaven.

Hamish had this cute little thing he used to do after he would finish playing with a toy etc. He would throw it over his head. It was quite funny at times, when he needed to be changed, we would find bits and pieces that would get caught in his tops. Such things as pieces of jigsaw.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Toilet Rolls Mini Album

2010-06-20T22:22:00.005+10:00

Talk about leaving things to the last minute !!! I have finally finished a Toilet Roll Mini Book for Let's Get Shabby Monthly Challenge. I have to say, I am really happy with how it turned out. Last year I couldn't help but notice that when the TV or DVD was on, my grandchildren switched on to another place.

One morning I was trying to talk to my GD Mia and it was like talking to a brick wall. It's not that she was being naughty or anything like that, she just couldn't hear me. She was watching Toy Story and I was amazed at how many facial expressions were traveling across her little face.
So, being the ever vidual scrapper, I grabbed my camera and started clicking away. In a period of 3 minutes, I captured 15 different expressions. When Mia realized that I had the camera AGAIN !!! I thought I was in for it but she just gave me the biggest smile and giggled.

I made this little book from toilet rolls and it is my entry for this month's challenge at Let's Get Shabby. The criteria was to use chipboard, paint and lace. I struggle with lace but on the pink pages I managed to use a little. All of the pages have been edged with white paint as well as the front transparency. The front page (transparency) has a chipboard frame and there is a tiny chipboard crown and heart which I painted and dusted with fine glitter while the paint was wet.
I made journaling cards which slip into the flattened rolls. As I am running very late with this project, I haven't had time to add the journaling but it will include why I took the photos, why I was there and a list of Mia's favorite DVDs at the time.

I must apologize for the quality of the following photos. 10.30pm is not the best time to be taking photos, but when one is as disorganized as me ............................

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Paperclipping Festival Entry

2010-06-18T14:49:00.012+10:00

I have been a member of Paperclipping for over a year now. This web site focuses on techneques rather than products. I totally love this site and have learned so much from Noell who is the owner. She very gengrously shares her knowledge and passion from design to photography. So much is free but if you are a member, you get extra content every month. If I have stirred your interest, then head over to Paperclipping and check things out - you won't be disappointed.

Noell is running a Paperclipping Festival on 22nd June and members have been invited to create a project using techneques from any of the tutorial videos. I was inspired after seeing Noell's Coffee Cup Wamers Minibook. Here is a mini tag book that I put together using this tutorial.

For many years I have not only made wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses but I have also altered too many to remember. Being a true scrapper, I kept all the tags from the bought dresses (alfred angelo) knowing that they would come in handy someday.

After watching one of Noell's video tutorials, I have decided to use these tags to create this mini book which holds only a few of the gowns that I have altered. I wanted the mini book to have a whimsical, bridal and delicate feel to it.

Firstly, I covered one side of each tag with texture paste and while wet, I stamped an image into it using a foam stamp (I think it is from Making Memories). When dry, I painted each tag with a thin coat of white acrylic paint making sure that the printing on the tag stayed visible.

On the other side, I adhered photos of "my girls" as I like to call them and added patterned vellum to the top and bottom of the photo for a romantic touch. Finishing off with a layered punched flower.

On the reverse side of of each page, I have added a little bit of journaling about the bride to be, the wedding day and what alterations were needed.

For the front cover I applied 2 good coats of white paint after the texture paste had dried. Next I added a touch of Versa Color sky blue and highlighted the stamped pattern with Versa Color royal blue to help it stand out. For the titleI used stickers by Karen Foster Headline.

The journaling cards are inked with Versa Color royal blue and adhered with mounting squares and finished off with a tiny punched flower.

I set a large flower eyelet in the top of each tag and threaded all the pages onto a ball chain and tied a few ribbons, pearls and lace onto it.

Close up of layered flowers. I placed them randomly on each page.

I have thoroughly enjoyed making this album especially being able to have the connection of the tags which came from the wedding gowns.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Back in Action

2010-06-16T08:08:00.007+10:00

It's been a while since my last post but then you all know that and so much has being going on. So, to make things easier for myself I shall go backwards.

We have had the most fun filled weekend. My DH's brother and wife visited us on the weekend. It has been about four years since Paul and Joy have been here. Can't say I blame them as the trip by car is some 8 hours.

We talked, we ate, we laughed, we ate, we watched DVDs, we ate.........you get the picture.

Monday was a holiday here (Queen's Birthday) but my art class was still on, so during a sight seeing tour, we called in so I could collect a couple of paintings that I had entered into our local Annual Show.

To my utter surprise, one of the paintings had won an award "Highly Commended". I was stoked. I am painting a series of three which are a birthday gift for my eldest daughter Stacey.

Only one more painting to go. You can see the first painting here.

Happy Birthday Mia
Last Monday was also my sweet granddaughter Mia's 5th Birthday. I am waiting on photos from mum but until then, here is a photo I took during my visit a couple of weeks ago.

Mia celebrated her birthday with 17 friends at Clowntown. They have several different "Themed" rooms for birthday parties and Mia chose the "Under the Sea" room. Even though she loves mermaids, (mummy was sure she would choose a Mermaid cake) Mia insisted on a Strawberry Shortcake birthday cake. When I get photos, I will post them - it will be well worth the wait.

The last two weeks I spent at home making good friends with my dressing gown, slippers, boxes and boxes of tissues, a jar of Vicks, Cold and Flu tablets and buckets of hot tea. No photos necessary to document this event. Fortunately I have not been scared for life and have only been left with a little cough now and then. cough..... cough cough....cough !!!!!

Am I the only one having problems with Posts in Blogger? I can remember when it was so easy to upload photos into my post and then just cut and paste them into the appropriate places. Now, Blogger wants to do its own thing. It will be so much easier to start a new post of my Sydney trip then try to add more photos to this post. So stay tuned.

Thanks for taking the time reading my ramblings.

Hugs, Irene

2 Layouts 2 Share

2010-05-20T15:38:00.006+10:00

Here are a couple of layouts that I have completed for this month's challenges at Challenge Heaven. In this layout we had to use the word kiss/kisses in the title and stitching on the layout.
I used a bird from Tattered Angles Glimmer Screens with light blue paint then flicked white paint randomly over the page. My rub on stash got a good work out and of cause I scrapped some of my favorite photos of my GS giving his mum hugs and kisses.

This layout was also for this month's challenge on Challenge Heaven. We had to use either black or white with yellow and also polka dots. It was hard to get the layout photographed well. I have a lot of trouble with black and the yellow is more of a rich pumpkin colour.

If you are looking for a challenge blog then visit Challenge Heaven. You can have a lot of fun and you can do some or all of the challenges for the month. If you complete a minimum of four challenges, you go into a random draw for great prizes.

The thing I love best is that I get to use up a lot of my old stash - which in turn makes more room for new goodies. LOL

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Challenge11

2010-05-16T11:34:00.009+10:00

This month on Lets Get Shabby, the challenge was to create a layout using the quilt below as our inspiration

I love the challenges on this blog because it takes me out of my comfort zone. As a result, I have fun trying out different techniques to achieve a "shabby" look, whether it be a layout or an OTP project.

This month when I saw our challenge, I knew I had the perfect photos for a layout. Last year I was visiting my Sydney grandchildren and went along to their play group where these photos were taken. I wanted to created a patchwork country side with a fresh air and sunshine feel.

I tied a rope around my waist and dove into my fabric collection and found 5 different fabrics to create the patchwork country side. These are machine stitched and I ruffed up some of the edges to resemble grass. The path is paper from the Bo Bunny Lunch Sack Plaid range which I have had in my stash for some time. I grunged it up a bit with Tim Holtz Distress Ink - walnut stain.

The sun was printed on the background paper and I wanted to give it a 3D look. So I cut it out, and used Kindy Glitz on the rays and Dimensional Magic on the face. I then cut out a slightly larger sun shape from a warm yellow paper and adhered it to covered the hole. Then I used dimensional foam to adhere the sun.

A close up of the knot in the tree trunk.

I would have liked to use wire for the vine but as I didn't have any, I cut very fine strips of dark green cardstock and wound the ends around a paper piecer to give me the curls. I then added tiny glass beads to the centre of the flowers. The picket fence, I made from cardstock.

Since Hamish is looking a something to his left, I cut out a cute little bunny and I added it to the layout. The little bling flowers have embroidered stems.

Initially I was going to put in a barn but since the play group is held in the church grounds, my barn became a church. LOL Then I noticed that the challenge image also has a church - perfect !!! The trees, I cut out of left over fabric.

In the second image of Hamish, he is looking up into the tree so ofcause a little birdie had to be sitting up on the branches. (my art teacher always says that you need something red on your project - so this one is for her) hehehehehehehe The tree is made of felt with a few punched out leaves.

When I finished the layout, I didn't have anywhere suitable for journaling, so I created another layer for the tree, attached it to a journaling card and now it sits tucked away out of sight.

I would like to take this oppurnity to thank you for your patience. I know that this post is a long one. Now I am not admiting to anything, but, I occasionally have been accused of being a bit of a chatter box. lol

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

1 Amazing Mum

2010-05-11T21:54:00.003+10:00

Since I have been scrapping, I have learned that it's not only the happy, smiley fun moments that get scrapped. What I am trying to say it that I want to capture different emotions which will help tell the story of our family in years to come.

I have had these photos of daughter #3 for some time. Deb was dealing with issues regarding her eldest son as well as bringing up a 6 month baby and these photos show how tired and stressed she was at the time.

I hope that when Debbie looks at these photos, she will see how far she has come, and how much she has accomplished. I am so proud to have such a beautiful daughter.

The photo flap opens up to reveal the journaling.

This layout is for the "Theme"challenge over at Challenge Heaven. We had to use 3 photos smaller then 6x4 and it was to be about mothers.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Bits and Pieces to share

2010-05-04T17:24:00.004+10:00

Last Saturday our art teacher Gillian celebrated her birthday so I decided to make her a little gift and a card. I made two poi pouri sachets filled with Old English Ross. I was very pleased when I opened the celophane packet and discovered that it was actually made up of small rose buds and petals and smelled wonderful.

Firstlty I made a pink silk pocket, attached a layered flower with a sparkly brad and filled it with the poi pouri, then slipped it into an embroyered organza cover and finished off with some lace and a ribbon loop so it could be hung from a hanger or popped into a draw.

As you can see, I am by no means a card maker. After I had finished it, I could see that I could have added more demention by inking. Oh well, it was too late to change anything as I had 5 minutes before I had to head out the door. Gillian appeared to love both (she is so sweet).

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

2010-04-30T13:56:00.004+10:00

Here are a couple of layouts that I have finished for the Challenge Heaven challenges for April. The first layout is for the Colour challenge. We had to use autumn tones and rounded corners. I have addes the journaling in the flower (top right corner).
The journaling reads:
Isla, grandad and grammy (I am behind the camera) took you to the park late in the afternoon. You and grandad had so much fun taking turns running down the hill.
I punched out a butterfly from the foil you peel off coffee jars, embossed it and inked it with Staz-on.

The next layout was the Sketch challenge. I took loads of photos of Hamish trying his hand at playing the piano. Since the piano is over 100 years old, I wanted to grunge up the background. I can't remember having so much fun. All those "art" classes way back in primary school came flooding back LOL. I really like the toothbrush effect.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Scrap the Girls April Challenge

2010-04-25T14:24:00.004+10:00

Here is a layout I did for Scrap the Girls. The challenge was to use 5 buttons, 4 papers, 3 flowers, 2 photos and 1 alpha. You could add additional elemnets just as long as you kept to the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 list.

What little girl doesn't love dressing up in a fairy or ballerina outfit. My precious little granddaughter Mia is no different. If you were to peek inside her wardrobe, you would fine lost of hangers full of tulle, satin and sparkles.

If you have loads of "GRILY" photos waiting to be scrapped, then why don't you take a moment and visit Scrap the Girls. They have a monthly challenge and it's all about girls......NO BOYS ALLOWED. lol

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

I FEEL BETTER NOW !!!

2010-04-22T13:28:00.006+10:00

I would say that there is a very good chance that I have missed out with my entry into the Shabby Easter challenge at Let's Get Shabby. Somewhere out there, my comment has been sucked out into syber space never to be seen again.

What is a girl to do? (I really am OK with it though) there will always be another challenge. Now getting back to my wonderful creation. As I sit here looking at it, I have decided that there is only one line of action that will make me feel better - CHOCOLATE !!!!! Well, those scrumptious little eggs won't keep forever will they? So there is nothing else to do but EAT them. ALL of them...........munch, munch, munch, munch

I FEEL BETTER NOW. lol

Thanks for stopping by,
I can't share the eggs with you, but there are a lot of warppers I can send you. hehehehehehehe

Hugs , Irene xx

Let's Get Shabby - Easter Challenge

2010-04-20T18:27:00.007+10:00

I wasn't sure if I would make the deadline for this challenge. What with moving into a bigger craft room and setting up my new computer things were looking rather tight around here. But I have managed to finish my entry for Let's get Shabby and managed to take some photos before the light faded.

I have to say that I had so much fun with this project. We were asked to create a layout etc which was inspired by Easter. I had a balsa wood box just asking for a make over so I turned it into a gift box. My plan is to create a mini album each year at Easter and this little box will hold all of those precious memories.

Since it is realted to Easter, I made a little basket using pp and asertate (from product packaging). I edged the asertate with texture paste and fine glitter and a rub-on (which reads "Hoppy Easter"). To finish off the project, I made a little mini album. There is a tutorial that I used but for the life of me, I can't find it. You use one 12x12 cardstock and make 3 cuts then fold. If anyone has seen this tutorial, please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due.

Thanks for stopping by,
Hugs, Irene xx

Another Layout

2010-04-14T21:55:00.004+10:00

Well I seem to be getting a bit faster with my layouts. This is another one for the Challenge Heaven. We were asked to use paint on our creations as well as the word RELAX.
I love walking on our beach. It's where I can do a lot of thinking, whether it be about creating a layout or just sorting thought life's issues. Sometimes I will take my camera and just practice taking shots, and sometimes it's simply wonderful being outside with the fresh breeze (or more likely a strong wind) blowing through my hair and the cool water lapping over my feet.
Quite often, I have the beach all to my self so in this layout I wanted the feeling of serenity but still being in contact with nature. Recently I started using the delayed timer on my camera. This way, I am in a "shot" instead of being behind the camera. Being on my own, I placed the camera on a piece of driftwood, put on the 10 second timer and walked away. I am really happy with the shot.

Sorry for rambling on much. I do get carried away at times. Anyhow, here is the layout I put together this morning.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Ebony and Ivory Challenge

2010-04-13T17:24:00.004+10:00

Here is another layout for Challenge Heaven. In this challenge we could use lime green with either black or white and we must use circles. My circles are the balloons. Since the photos are of my granddaughter on her 4th birthday, I used balloons as part of the title to give the layout a party feel.

The day was very overcast, not that good for taking photos. The green is more like a lettuce green. I am pretty impatient and just couldn't wait for better lighting.

Thanks for popping in,

Hugs, Irene xx

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T08:40:00.002+10:00

To all my friends and visitors, I would like to wish you a Happy Easter. I hope that you all have a wonderfully happy day spent with loved ones. I know that Easter is more than just Chocolate Eggs......its a time to reflect on our life, on our friendships and our beliefs. Its a time to rejoice, to share with others and to be thankful for what we have.

Love to you all,

Irene xx

A Layout to share

2010-04-03T15:21:00.004+10:00

Hi all, this is a layout I have just finished for the Challenge Heaven "Themed" challenge. It was one of those moments when I had my camera handy and I managed to snap this photo as my daughter Debbie scaled a fence in seconds to get the rego number of a driver that had been hooning around the streets. Needless to say, she got the number but in the mean time, Lachlan thought he might try and climb the fence like mummy. Give him a few years and there will be no stopping him.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Last Challenge for the month

2010-03-31T10:10:00.004+10:00

This has to be a quick post. I am running late for my Mah Jong day. This layout is for the March Theme Challenge over at Challenge Heaven. I put it together this morning and took a photo of it even though the clouds are still covered in wet paint LOL.

At the bottom, I drew some waves free hand, applied a good amount of glue and sprinkled some seed beads. The clouds I made from some left over cardstock that had been covered in scrunched up tissue to add texture.

Thanks for looking,

Hugs, Irene xx

Challenge Heaven Layout and a Painting

2010-03-30T12:02:00.008+10:00

Layout
Here is a layout I have completed for the Colour Challenge over at Challenge Heaven. The colours we were asked to use are blue, green and orange and we had to use ribbon.
I love this photo of my two grandsons Lachlan and Benjamin playing in the early morning sunshine on Broadbeach, Gold Coast.

Oil Painting
At present I am working on a set of three canvas paintings. They will all be of the same type of plant, the Century Plant (Agave attenuata). I took photos of these plants which are growing in my garden and at first I was planning on just one painting but then my art teacher suggested that I do a set.

Thanks for stopping bye,

Hugs, Irene xx

Medical report on my computer

2010-03-30T11:26:00.005+10:00

Firstly, I must say that I am thankful that I have been given a second chance with my computer. I have known that the motherboard has being failing for a while now , so when my computer shut down, I just assumed that the mother board had died.

I mentioned my computer woes to my "tech mate" Ted and he was sure that if he replaced the motherboard with a spare one he had at home, that should fix the problem long enough for me to back up my recent work + my email address book + my videos + my music. You get the picture.

Well, the motherboard is still hanging in there - just. The problem was a massive heart attack (the power board had expired), so after a transplant my computer has arrived home with strict instructions to retrieve all the information I can because the end is very near.

I have been backing up my files (namely - photos , work in progress and all my scrapbooking stuff). But it was the little bits and pieces that I thought that I had lost. I was upset about that but could live with the loss and come away with a valuable lesson -
BACK UP.....BACK UP....BACK UP.

So now I am in the process of retrieving as much as I can off my trusty friend and I am looking forward to getting my new computer.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings,

Hugs, Irene xx

March Sketch Challenge

2010-03-25T12:42:00.004+10:00

Well I didn't stay away too long did I? My DH left me his laptop for the day. Just love him to bits. So here is my layout for the March Challenge Sketch over at Challenge Heaven. I must say that I had a lot of trouble trying to find papers that went together and after hours of uncertainity, I through them all away (well actually, just on a pile on my desk) and went for a basic white Basil Cardstock.

Mia is such a cutie and has a beautiful soul. She is a loving and happy little girl and loves to give presents any chance she can. Last November when I was there for a visit, she was going through a period where she objected to having her photo taken. I would have deleted the photos but when she saw how cute she looked, she said OK.

I love how it turned out and the tissue flowers were so easy to make that I will be using them again.

Thanks for stopping bye,
Hugs, Irene xx

I will be back

2010-03-24T20:01:00.003+10:00

Hi all, it is going to be hard living without my best mate. My computer died (RIP) on Monday night due to a power surge. I do have a power surge protector but alas it didn't do its job. Being realistic it is going to be at least a couple of weeks before I get a replacement so until then, I have to borrow one every now and then to connect to my web friends.

So bye for now and think of me while you are surfing the web.

Hugs, Irene xx

Layout for 2 Challenges

2010-03-17T08:47:00.005+10:00

This is the first time that I have done a layout which can be entered into two challenges. The first challenge is for Scrap the Girls. We were given this picture for inspiration.

What inspired me, was the fun the girls were having and the friendship between them. I also loved the colours.

The next challenge was from Challenge Heaven. We are given a list of themes and you can complete one or all from the list. If you complete a minimum of 4, then you go into the random draw for a prize.

I am so excited to be able to use the roses and buds that I made using the tutorial that I found recently (you can find it a couple of posts back).

I have gone for Ebony & Ivory with the added colour Pink. We also had to use buttons and brads. I must say that I enjoyed this challenge because I had the perfect photo to scrap.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Handmade Roses

2010-03-07T13:13:00.004+10:00

A little while ago I posted a link to a tutorial on making roses. I thought I would share my first effort usingNicole's step by step directions. I must say, I am rather amazed at how gorgeous they turned out.

They are really easy to make and depending on the type of petal you use, the results are endless. So have a go, you can find the tutorial here. If you, or rather, when you make some, I would love to see them.

Hugs, Irene xx

Video Tutorial

2010-03-06T16:04:00.002+10:00

Here is a tutorial that shows you how to create a fancy circle border using a corner punch.

Hugs, Irene xx

The Boxx - Weekly Challenge

2010-03-06T08:36:00.005+10:00

This week over at The Boxx, the challenge was to use Vellum. I can remember back a few years when it was in fashion and how much I enjoyed using this produce. I still have a generous supply of the stuff lol. I am excited about the fact that this is my first layout that doesn't use a photo. Not a visual one anyway, but the memories are forever in my mind.

Recently I discovered that my Wedding Album was being attached by acid and rust, yes rust. When it was put together - way back then- they used staples of all things to position the photo.
These staples were so rusty, that they literately fell apart when I was removing them.

So now I am in the process of re-doing this precious album. And while I was saving the photos, I started reminiscing about all our plans and hopes and dreams as we were starting off on a new journey. That's when I realized that there was so much more that had not been captured on film.

This gave me the idea of documenting those Little Things that went on behind the scenes. The events that put a smile my face, even today. I plan to use this page in the front of our new Wedding Album.

I have left the first image as a large file so that you can read the journaling.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Irene xx

Butterflies

2010-03-04T09:06:00.004+10:00

As I have mentioned in my previous post, I am in an Easter Swap over on The Boxx. At first I made some journaling cards but the longer I looked at them, the more I felt that they weren't enough.
So yesterday I made some butterflies to add to my swap. Earlier in the week while I was shopping, I spotted some silk orchards and the first thing I thought of was Butterflies. I bought a couple of bunches and when I got home I pulled the flowers apart. By cutting away one petal and removing the centre (the tongue thingy) I rearranged them to form butterflies. Added some Kindy Glitz, a body and feelers and this is the result.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Irene xx

The Boxx - Swap and Challenge

2010-02-26T13:32:00.006+10:00

I have been having fun playing around with a digi kit DVD that came with Scrapbooking Memories. So I thought it would be interesting to see if I could create something for an Easter Handmade Embellishment Swap.

This is what I have ended up with. This could be used as an embellishment, a journaling card or even as a frame for a photo. The weather is pretty overcast here so the photo isn't that great. I have added dimensional magic to the bumble bee and the three little chickens.

The Boxx had a challenge this week. We had to draw and cut out the title, using only a pair or scissors. Once again, the image is quite dark due to the weather. I have doodled around the edge adding simple images to keep with the book theme.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Box of Love

2010-02-18T12:33:00.005+10:00

Hi all, I have been waiting for the weather to clear so I could take some photos of an OTP project I have been working on for "Lets Get Shabby" February challenge. It is still very gray outside but at least it has stopped raining for the moment.

Over at Lets Get Shabby, the challenge for February was to use your imagination and create something which must include a love letter or message. I chose to create a "Box of Love" that could hold all the precious cards, notes and letters that my girls and husband have given me over the years.

I have adhered a scanned copy of a message from two of my daughters to the inside flap of the box. I just couldn't bear to cut the original. (That was the year I got a Cuttlebug for Mother's Day). To help keep the flap shut, I used metal magnets. I concealed one half by using a clock face rub-on and turned it into a feature (image 9).

I had a lot of fun playing with all sorts of bits and pieces as well as some different techniques. Thanks to the girls from Lets Get Shabby, I now have a special box that I can keep all that love stored safely inside.

Thanks again girls for a fun challenge.

Hugs, Irene xx

Do you celebrate St. Valentine's Day?

2010-02-14T17:50:00.003+10:00

I have to say that we (my DH and I) don't usually celebrate St. Valentine's Day, so you could have blown me over with a feather when DH came home on Friday night and handed me this gorgeous box of 3 red roses, gave me a hug and told me that he loves me.

I wanted to leave them in the box cause they looked so beautiful but DH was stressing that they might not survive so I found a vase. It turned out to be a good idea. Now I could admire them from every angle.

During dinner DH suggested that we make a booking at Coco's for Sunday Brunch. I can tell you that this girl was very happy.

Well today being Sunday 14th, we arrived at Coco's at 10am. I am mentioning the time for a reason. We were seated, water was poured and our order was taken. 11am found us still waiting for our meals. At 11.30, the waitress arrives and says that there was a mix up with our order , she was sorry and the meals would be ready shortly. The drinks waiter arrived with our coffee and a cup & saucer with a jug of milk for DD - no tea pot.

When the waitress brought out our meals DD asked if there was a pot of tea just sitting around. The teapot arrived with more apologizes. Fortunately, we were all in a good mood and thought the whole thing was terribly funny and were looking forward to seeing what would go wrong next.

Now don't get me wrong, the meal was great (when it finally arrived) it just turned from a Brunch to Lunch. LOL. When DH went to pay our bill, it came to $12.50. They said the meals were on the house due to the stuff up. "Lunch" tasted even better now.

What more can you ask for, a lovely "Lunch", lots of giggles, and I didn't have to make any lunch.

Hope your Valentine's Day was as much fun.

Hugs, Irene xx

My Diary for 2010

2010-02-12T08:49:00.004+10:00

I was late this year buying a 2010 diary. I actually picked one up while I was in Rockhampton last Wednesday. This morning while I was waiting for a load of washing to finish I took the opportunity to use up some of my scraps and give the new diary a scrap over lol.

I have so much lace and ribbon that I am forcing myself to use at least a little bit of it. I tried to use some buttons, but they went back into the jar.

Well I have a fun filled day ahead of me (NOT) . There are floors to wash, vacuuming, dusting, washing and putting away. Would anyone like to swap? LOL

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Challenge No. 4

2010-02-11T15:14:00.004+10:00

Here is my forth entry for Challenge Heaven. This is a colour challenge where we had to use Cream, Green, Red and Blue as well as buttons and ribbon.

When my DD Debbie sent me photos of Lachlan's first Preschool Disco, I knew I had to scrap them. The funny thing is that Lachlan was ready to go home after only being there an hour. It was his little brother Benjamin who turned out to be the party animal.

Maybe we have our first RAP dancer in the family. At one point he was in the middle of the dance floor flat on his back being a STAR. LOL hence the star theme.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Challenge No 3

2010-02-09T16:49:00.004+10:00

This is Challenge No 3 for Challenge Heaven monthly comps.
Not sure if I like this one. I can see myself re-doing it I think. But anyhow, here it is.....

We had to use torn paper, the word "Crazy" in our title and have some stamping on the page. Only got 1 more to go to be eligible for the monthly prize.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Rose Tutorial

2010-02-07T12:10:00.005+10:00

I was on the Challenge Heaven forum where I came across this link which shows you how to make roses/flowers. If you are anything like me, then you will have lots of paper flowers that never seem to get used. Well in this tutorial, Nic shows you how you can go from this.....

to this. Aren't they the most gorgeous flowers. You can make any size depending on the petal sizes in your stash. I think that I shall be buying more petals very soon.

This is a great tutorial with easy to follow step by step instructions. You can find Nic on her blog here.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Irene xx

Challenge No.2

2010-02-05T08:36:00.008+10:00

I have amazed myself with completing 2 layouts in two days. LOL
This is Challenge No.2 for Challenge Heaven. The theme was to do a Christmas layout using Kraft cardstock and using four photos smaller then 6x4.

I was going for a minimalistic look and ended up journaling in pencil so it didn't take away from the simple lines, just above and below the border strips. I wasn't sure what to do around the edges of the layout so I dropped a few stars in opposite corners and where they fell, that's where I adhered them. I also used foam tape for a couple of the presents to give it a 3D look.

Kits by Lisa
Now I don't usually buy kits but when I found these on Lisa's blog I knew I could have a lot of fun with them. My style is all over the place and at the moment, vintage is the flavor of the month LOL.

Lisa puts together a wonderful variety and there is something to please everyone. At $10 a kit it is value for money and her shipping charges are crazy - just $5 per order for Aussie scrappers (no matter how many kits you buy). So when you get the chance, pop on over and have a look HERE and let her know I sent you. I should mention that I don't work for Lisa LOL.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Irene xx

Mia starts Preschool

2010-02-04T11:42:00.003+10:00

I can't believe that our little Mia has started Preschool. She has a very happy personality, one of those little people that skips through life and finds joy in most things. She loves to make friends and create so I am sure that this coming year is she is going to have a lot of fun.

Here is the layout I did of Mia's first day of Preschool based on a sketch. It is also Entry No.1 for Challenge Heaven. Each month there is a list of 7 challenges to choose from and if you complete a minimum of 4, they you go into the draw to win a prize.

Appointment with the Dentist

2010-02-02T16:19:00.003+10:00

I get so nervous when I have to go to the dentist. Today, I am nervous cause not only do I have an appointment, but it is my first visit to our new dentist. It must be almost 20 years since our little town has had a dentist. A couple of months ago he open his practice in our medical center.

Now my appointment was for 2.30 which rhymes with "tooth hurty". I was hoping this was not an omen. All my fears were unfounded. This young dentist (he asked me to call him Russell) was very gently and kind. Can you believe its the longest time I have had my mouth open and not said anything. In no time at all, I was back home sipping on a nice cup of tea.

I LIKE MY DENTIST.

Hugs, Irene xx

The Enemy - ACID

2010-02-01T07:16:00.005+10:00

Do you have days like this? One thing leads to another. . We were meant to be painting the ceiling in the lounge room but with the weather like it is, that has been postponed for another weekend. I had cleared all the family photos off the entertainment unit so it could be covered and noticed that it needed a dusting. Then I noticed the bookcase could do with a bit of attention. I started pulling out the photo albums and that's when I found this.................

To my horror, when I opened my album of my daughter's wedding, I found that the album was not acid free and it was covered in yellow spots. I had bought the album many years ago way before I knew anything about scrapbooking and the major enemy ACID.

I spent the afternoon literately tearing up the album to remove the photos. The album is now in the recycle bin where it can RIP. Now I have the dilemma of how to remove the sticky residue left from the double sided tape left on the photos.

The gorgeous ladies from The Boxx have given me some helpful ideas so as soon as this rain and wind dies down, I am off to Yeppoon to see if I can get some Un Do or a Rub-on remover.
So all I can say now is go check your albums especially your Wedding Albums. Back in the 60's and 70's they probably didn't use acid free.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Bear with me.....

2010-01-30T11:01:00.005+10:00

OK, so I tried to add extra information in the last post but Blogger and I didn't get on very well. I wanted to mention that on Day 14 the red envelope contained my flight tickets and on the reverse side, I made a pocket from the Hot Chocolate Cup I bought at the airport. It contains a journaling card about how I spent some quality time with my daughter Cathie before I flew home.

The next image I wanted to talk about was Day 25. My best friend Trish gave me the most beautiful Christmas card. The Christmas Tree is in 3D snowflakes and I wanted to use it on my Christmas page.

Our day was spread over two venues and I wanted to use quite a few photos on this page. So I put together my version of an exploding present. It represents the "Gift of Christmas".

The ribbon is adhered to the page and when untied, you can remove the mini album. It contains 12 photos and three journaling cards.

I have also included a DVD which has ALL the images I took over the month of December, not just the ones that I have used. Also, a few little videos. I looped a piece of ribbon through the center hole of the DVD. It is not attached but makes removing the DVD from the pocket so much easier.

My final thoughts on this album:
This year I chose and 8x8 post album with protective sleeves and I also covered it in a raw silk fabric. I love the size of the pages but I felt restricted by having to put them in the protective sleeves - I do like layers and textures on my pages (I call it "Lumpy Bumpy").

My choice for next year will be something where I can use split rings. That way, if I want to use a large photo and maybe split it over two pages, it would work much better.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Irene xx

Project DDA 2009 Finished !!!

2010-01-29T14:58:00.013+10:00

I know it's been a while since my last post but I have been working hard on completing my version of Ali Edwards' DDA for 2009. I was so happy to have my pages all ready to go for the start of December and thought it would be a breeze to finish off. WRONG !!! I had all sorts of problems with my photo developer. In the end, I printed off quite a few of my photos at home.

Anyhow, getting back to my album. I was determined to finish this project first, before starting anything new. I know me, and if it was put aside, that's where it would have stayed for months if not years. Ali seemed to breeze through hers but it was not so easy for me. I wanted it to be interesting without being over the top. So far my DH has looked through it and was quite excited about the memories it recalled. As far as I am concerned.......MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !!!

I hope you enjoy looking through my DDA as much as I did putting it together. Just click on the photos for a larger image.

Thanks for stopping by and having a look.

Hugs, Irene xx

Lets Get Shabby

2010-01-12T12:11:00.004+10:00

Lets Get Shabby - Challenge 7
This is my entry into this challenge. Not sure if I would call it Shabby. I did give the photos a good roughing up though, but it was the colours that inspired me.

I'm sure that I am no different to any other scrapper who carries her camera around like a piece of jewelry and takes a few hundred photos especially on Christmas Day . We had Christmas lunch at my daughter's in-law's home and after lunch a water slide was set up in the back yard (they have the perfect angled back yard). All the kids had so much fun sliding, slipping and getting very wet. I was there too, behind the camera of cause - standing, sitting, squatting, on the ground, trying to get some good shots. You know what I mean......you have all been there.

I had so many photos from which to choose and I thought about doing a double layout - I should have done a double layout. I culled my selection of photos to 9 and then to 6. I still may do another page, one for Lachlan's Album and one for Benjamin's Album. In the mean while, here is what I ended up with.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Irene xx

DDA Covered Album

2010-01-07T07:25:00.005+10:00

Morning all, hope your day is a good one. I am slowly getting my DDA (December Daily Album) completed. I am still waiting on a few of those final photos and when all the pages are completed, I will post them, hopefully in a week or so. Until then I can show you the album cover. It is the first fabric cover I have attempted so please don't be too critical.

I found this gorgeous rich red pure silk fabric which I felt had a great Christmas feel. I have kept the embellishments very simple - the focus being on the fabric. With the inner front and back covers, I wanted to tell the story of what Christmas is all about.

I am a true scrapper at heart and never through anything away. I made the Christmas Baubles from the gold foil that you peel off a tub of cream cheese. I ran the foil through my Cuttlebug, glued it onto some cardstock then cut out the desired shapes. Made the loops from gold wire and attached with ribbon.

The Inner Front Cover

I downloaded the images off the internet, flipped the "Three Wise Men" image so they were traveling in the right direction and cut them out with a craft knife.

Inner Back Cover

This was a little time consuming but well worth the effort. I used basic black cardstock and added a layered gold star.

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs, Irene xx

Treasure Box

2010-01-05T10:59:00.009+10:00

I can finally share some photos of the box I made for my daughter Debbie. Since we were going down to spend Christmas with her, I felt it would be much safer to take it down rather than trusting it to go by Post. Oh, did forget to mention that I only just finished it the day before we left to drive down to Samford Valley for Christmas. This is the reason that I chose the word "Organize" for my New Year's Resolution.

I have a connection with each of my 4 daughters and with Debbie it is fairies. My favorite flower is the Sweet Pea and when I came across a picture of Fairies and Sweet Peas, I knew that I had to create something using this image. It took me a few weeks during Art Class to paint the lid and the rest was pretty straight forward.

I know that she kept mementos in a plain box so it gave me the idea of putting together a "Treasure Box" for all her special pieces.

I have added a personal message on the inside of the lid but with it being so busy with Christmas preparations, I forgot to take a photo if it.

Being ORGANIZED in 2010
My first step to being organized in 2010 is to write down everyone's Birthday in the appropriate month in my diary then 2 weeks before their Birthdays, I will give myself a reminder, then 1 week before, will be the deadline (that is if I need this prompt as I hope to be totally organized this year LOL).

Mango Feast
Last night the Fruit Bats devoured the last of the mangoes on my neighborer's tree. It was such a shame to see half eaten mangoes covering the ground. Then this morning a flock of Rainbow Lorikeets flew in and had a feast of the golden sweet flesh of the mangoes. They ate so much, I was surprised that they could fly.

I don't usually write such long posts and I am completely tuckered out. I am off to enjoy a nice cup of tea. Have a great day.

Hugs, Irene xx

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T12:56:00.002+10:00

To all my friends and those who have visited my blog throughout 2009, I would like to wish you all a Very Happy New Year. I hope that 2010 holds everything at you wish for and that you all keep safe, healthy and happy.

Each year I make a New Year's resolution and try to keep it for as long as possible. I figure that even though I go off the tracks, at least I tried and hoped that it did make a difference. This year my resolution is to be more organized. I hope that by sticking to it, I will have more time and less stress.

I would love to hear what resolution you have made for this coming year and maybe we can help each other stay on track.

Hugs,
Irene xx

Last Painting for the Year

2009-12-10T07:27:00.006+10:00

Every Monday I look forward to my Art Class. I have been painting for some 8 years now and enjoy the creative outlet as much as the social side. Gillian Cornish is a wonderful teacher and her talents span anything from silk painting, water colour, oils, acrylics and anything in between. The class is very informal with the students working on individual pieces of their choice.

At the end of each year, we are given a small challenge and our efforts are displayed at our Christmas Break-up. This year we were asked to do a painting from Arthur Streeton works and the medium was Water Colour. Now if anyone knows me, water colour is not my strongest point - I would sooner do Ice Sculpting LOL. So after some extensive whining by "the one who shall not be named", the medium was changed to include acrylics. And this is what I ended up painting.

Thanks for stopping by,
Irene

DDA Day 1

2009-12-03T17:10:00.001+10:00

Here is my page for Dec 1st for the December Daily Album. I am still working on the covers (front and back) of the album. I am covering it in fabric and as soon as it is finished, I will post a piccie of it. I am amazed at my self, I have all 25+ pages all ready to go.

Cheers, Irene

Back in the Pool

2009-11-24T08:53:00.003+10:00

Woooo Hoooo, I have just come back from my first session in the pool. My hair is still wet and my smile has not faded yet. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed swimming. We used to live on a hill overlooking our little village and the swimming pool so it was no surprise that I was drawn to the pool. In 2001 I took my first swimming class (I was 53 but don't tell anyone). From that day I felt at home in the water and the day I completed 200 laps, I think all of Emu Park heard me.

We moved in 2002 - down the road and round the corner, sort of, and since we live almost on the beach , I took to walking in the early mornings with my friend. At the moment I have an issue with my foot and it is taking some time to get better which means walking is out of the question (and I really need to do some exercise) and since I don't like the feel of sweat, swimming is the PERFECT option.

At last I can Share

2009-11-19T14:52:00.008+10:00

Hi all, At last I can share with you, a mini album I made for my daughter. Sometime ago Cathie mentioned that she didn't have many photos of when she was little. Back in the old days (I can't believe that I would ever admit to this) when we didn't have the freedom of digital cameras, photos were not high on my list of priorities.

I did however over time take photos but they were mostly in the form of colour slides. The earliest photo I have of Cathie was at 10 weeks. That would NEVER do in today's world and even more so for a scrapper. Well it took a while of hunting through shoe boxes and cases of slides, but I finally found enough photos that would document her early years.

I found a mini album which the very talented Ruth had made - you can find her tutorial HERE. She had put it up as a give away and since I didn't win it, I decided to have a go and make one myself. Ruth's album gave me so much inspiration and even though in the end my album was nothing like what I had imagined, I was very happy with the way it turned out.

I wrote a personal message on a little card and slipped it into the inside front cover. I also covered a little box in matching paper to keep the mini album safe when it was not on display.

Thank you for stopping by.....

Irene xxx

Back in Action

2009-11-10T15:17:00.004+10:00

Here in Australia, we do not celebrate Halloween with the passion of America but it is slowly catching on (with a big push from the retail sector). Now I don't care for Halloween myself but I understand that the children have a lot of fun dressing up and ending the night with loads of sweets and I don't have the heart to send children away from my door with nothing. Last year I had about 10 children knocking on my door, so this year I made up a few bags of goodies (chocolates, lollies, balloons and mini games ) and baked some cupcakes .

I even brought out my black widow cloak from storage and waited, and waited, and waited. No one came to the door. They were around but not in our street. I even put balloons on the letter box......but nothing !!! Sometimes you just can't win. Oh well, maybe next year.

I even used and American recipe - Red Velvet Cake. I liked the idea of a red cake mix which looked like blood (YUCK) and what better accomplishment but spiders.

This all happened the night before I left to play with my Sydney grandchildren. I have played, fed, changed, bathed, babysat, cuddled and done a little craft with them as well as completing a mini album for Isla for her 7th Birthday. Let me tell you, I am EXHAUSTED. I have to admit that I am no longer as young as I would like to be. I almost fell asleep on the flight home yesterday.

I have loads of photos to share with you but that will have to wait until tomorrow.

Cheers for now,
Irene

A Huge Giveaway

2009-10-30T08:16:00.001+10:00

It's time again for another huge giveaway at The Crop Spot!!! This giveaway consists of the products that I've used in my next month's mini album tutorials. Packed with loads of new Graphic 45 line, Prima, Robin's Nest, Clear Scraps, Creative Imaginations, Hambly and more!!!
One very lucky winner will win all these products and get it in time to follow along my tutorials next month. So, are you all ready for an early Christmas? Check out the details on this giveaway here!

Happy Birthday Deb

2009-10-28T21:34:00.004+10:00

Today is my daughter's birthday and I am sending her all my love and hope you have a fun filled day.

Debbie sent me a photo of the cake she made for herself. She said that it was a little rough around the edges.............what do you think. This is her second attempt at this type of cake. I think she did an amazing job. Pity I don't live closer to her, I really would have loved a slice. Oh, did I mention that it was a white chocolate cake.

Cheers, Irene

A Mini Album for Ted

2009-10-27T19:24:00.004+10:00

Can't believe that I am posting twice in one day. Gosh I'm good...hehehehehe
This is a little mini album I made earlier in the year during my first on-line class. It has sat in a draw just waiting for that special moment.

Our best friend turned 50 a couple of months ago. He and his gorgeous wife Kay were too busy with guests and food preparations to even think of taking any photos. So I quietly clicked away all afternoon and into the night. Thank goodness for digital cameras. I took a stack of photos, in fact, I didn't have enough pages in the mini album to accommodate them all, so I had to choose carefully.

It took a while before I completed the album then it was a while before Ted and Kay paid a visit. Finally I gave Ted the little album and he loved it. He had forgotten some of what went on and really enjoyed the photos.

If you would like to see a larger image, then just click on the photo but be warned !!!!! the files are huge. I forgot to reduce the size before uploading.

Cheers, Irene

Great Night Out

2009-10-27T12:39:00.004+10:00

Our local amateur theater group, Yeppoon Little Theater, have been putting on plays over the past few years and their latest production Allo Allo was a sell out. Not having been before, we were not sure what to expect. We live in a small coastal community but if the show was anything to go by, we are oozing in talent. I have never laughed so much. The actors were brilliant, funny and multi skilled. At interval, they were the waiters who served the audience with a light French Supper while keeping in character.

Our local Postmaster Kerry played the main role of Rene. It was a huge part and he was definitely up to the job. When ever I go to post a letter or parcel, I will never see him in the same light again. Wish you could have been there too.

If you haven't seen Allo Allo HERE is the link which will explain it better.

Cheers, Irene

Am I the Only One Who is Messy?

2009-10-16T08:21:00.005+10:00

I have been working on my eldest grand daughter's birthday present and yesterday in the middle of my "creativeness " I became aware of how messy I had gotten my work space. So of cause I had to take a photo of it all. There were bits of paper and glue everywhere. And I got to wondering if anyone out there gets into the same situation?

In this image I was working on the singles on the castle and I had hundreds of tiny bits of paper everywhere. As you can see I am running low on the glue and I find that storing in up side down is a great time saver........(mental note to self - buy more glue).

The singles were very time consuming. Each piece had to be cut to size, inked, curled and adhered, 39 pieces in total. I must admit that I am having a great time putting this album together for Isla. There will be a story line included but I haven't got that far yet LOL.

Yesterday's Breakfast

Normally I have a bowl of cereal with a few blueberries and yogurt and a cup of tea. But the previous day at Mah Jong the ladies were talking about breakfasts and most of them had eggs, bacon, sausages etc to keep them going until lunch. Normally I only have this kind of breakfast on a Sunday but I thought I would give it a try and this is what I had.........

They say that fresh is best and I am lucky enough to get eggs from happy hens. These hens live under 2 minutes away and it is quite common to get eggs that were laid that morning. So when I cracked an egg for breakfast, I was pleasantly surprised to find a double yolker.

Being a scrapper, my camera is never far away so I snapped this photo. Now I must say in my defense that I never cook with butter - usually its just a light spray of non-stick spray and NO, I didn't have any butter on my toast.

TFL Irene xx

Do You Believe in Fairies?

2009-10-08T10:02:00.012+10:00

This is a little mini album/story book that I made for my little granddaughter Mia for her 3rd Birthday. During one of my visits, I spent a couple of hours at a gorgeous little park with Isla and Mia and of cause my camera. The girls were having a lovely time exploring the little dry creek bed and playing around the vegetation and I got some lovely natural shots.

When I had the photos developed, I thought it would make a great mini album to document the fun time we had at the park. Then I realized that I could turn the whole thing into a cute story with Mia as the main character.

Now I am by no means a writer but each day I jotted down a few ideas......some were good...some not so good. And I finally came up with this story.

Thanks for looking,

Irene x

Great Way To Start The Week

2009-09-14T07:49:00.001+10:00

I came across this video and I know it will put a smile on your face.

Latest Layout

2009-08-30T21:46:00.007+10:00

Well I have finally had the chance to use an embellishment that I have kept for some years. My granddaughter was only a baby when I covered a wing chair for her nursery. I had kept scraps of the fabric and made a miniature version for the chair with the intention of doing a layout about the event.

This month, Paperclipping gave me the ideal opportunity to use this embellishment. I had quite a few photos that I wanted to use so I chose to do a double page.

Thanks for stopping by

Cheers, Irene

WOW, Blog Candy of Your Choice

2009-08-25T08:13:00.002+10:00

I have to admit that this is a first for me. Where have you ever seen Blog Candy to the value of $150 and YOU get to choose where you would like to spend it? If you are looking for inspiration and a chance of winning this amazing candy than head on over to Stephanie's blog.
Congratulations Stephanie on your 25,000 blog visits. You must be doing something right.

Cheers, Irene

"Friends" Mini Tag Book

2009-08-17T08:11:00.012+10:00

This is a little mini tag book that I made recently. I had a pile of tags that were hiding deep in one of my draws and I decided that it was time to do something with them..........anything. I matched up 5 pairs of similar shapes and after embossing them with my Cuttlebug and inking and stamping each tag, I then glued them together which have them a little more strength. I printed out some little sayings (I like to use Microsoft Office PowerPoint) adhered them to the tags added a few embellishments and threaded them onto a ball chain. I was quite happy with the result and my friend loved it.

Front Cover

Reverse

Cheers, Irene

Lemon and Poppy Seed Cookies

2009-08-15T15:40:00.004+10:00

This morning I was baking a cake for DH and since the oven was still hot, I thought a batch of freshly baked cookies would be perfect with a nice hot cup of tea. I found this recipe on a Vegan site when my daughter came to visit. They proved such a hit with everyone that I kept the recipe. Today , however, I have modified the recipe as it called for real butter, eggs flour etc.

Lemon and Poppy Seed Cookies

Ingredients:
2/3 cup castor sugar
1/2 cup butter at room temperature
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups of Self Raising Flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
2 teaspoons lemon zest finely grated

In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add egg and beat until well combined. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix to a soft dough. Place rounded teaspoonfuls onto a greased tray - I prefer to use baking paper - and bake at 170 c (my oven is fan forced) for about 12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden.

When cool, store in a air tight container. They are delicious as is and will probably last only two or three days if you are lucky. For an extra zing, drizzle the cookies with a little icing. Add enough lemon juice to 1/2 cup of Pure Icing Sugar so that the mixture is a little runny. I found that pouring the icing into a zip lock bag and snipping off the corner works really well. Makes 2 dozen.

Made the Front Page of Creating Keepsakes

2009-08-03T22:39:00.003+10:00

Well, technically I made the page from a free download at Creating Keepsakes. There are some very cool free downloads on this site and I couldn't resist having a play and getting "Published". LOL

Ross and I are celebrating out 41st Wedding Anniversary today and I thought "what a fun way to document this special day". We went to our favorite restaurant in Emu Park and had a lovely meal and a good bottle of wine. Ross went off to bed and I started playing around with this fun digital kit.

Cheers, Irene

A New Layout

2009-08-01T15:28:00.003+10:00

When I was down in Sydney, I took so many photos of my grandchildren, enough to keep me going until my next visit. This is Hamish and he was only a few days off turning 1 year old. He loves nothing better than playing with balls, balloons....anything that is round and moves. It has been a long time since I did an actual layout and it feels good.

Cheers, Irene

A New Look

2009-07-28T11:33:00.003+10:00

OK, I have exhaled, taken a deep breath and I am ready to start blogging again. The last few weeks have been tough in one way or another. I have been uninspired, unmotivated, and generally feeling flat. But that is all in the past.

I now have a fresh look for my blog and I am ready to start creating those layouts that have been hidden away in the dusty corners of my mind. Like most people, my life is very full and I need to be very organized so I can have time to scrap, paint, play Mah Jong, improve camera skills and of cause create and alter wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses. Then comes the housework, laundry, cooking etc. Notice that I included them last. LOL

Today is a very special day.........it.s my man's Birthday. He will be celebrating his 61st birthday.
Ross and I have been going together since we were 17 and I am proud to say that I love him more today then I did on our wedding day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweetheart

Letters to Scrap By Challenge

2009-07-08T19:20:00.004+10:00

Once again the girls over at Letters to Scrap By have set the challenge. This week it was the colour "Turquoise" that was to be used as the basic colour in a layout. Here is my effort. I love these photos of Isla. Standing beside her daddy's surf board looking very much the part of a surfer girl. She enjoys having her photo taken and is ready to strike a pose as soon as she sees a camera.

Thanks for popping in and having a peek.

Cheers, Irene

Letters to Scrap By Challenge

2009-06-21T14:31:00.005+10:00

This is a layout I did for Letters to Scrap By. This week we were asked to use the colour Sienna. Recently we visited with our daughter Debbie and of cause I took tons of photos. This photo was taken while he was in "quiet" mode LOL. He look so cute that I had to scrap this one.

I often wonder just what little ones dream about. Lachlan loves all kinds of animals and at the moment one of his favorites are dragons, so this is what inspired me with this layout.

Paperclipping Monthly Challenge

2009-06-12T07:54:00.004+10:00

Here is a layout I did for Paperclipping Monthly Challenge. We had several topics we could choose from and I went with using fabric on your layout. The journaling says it all so if you want to read it then just click on the image. I warn you, the file is large.

I sprayed the corners with black paint to give the effect of the subject being in the spotlight. And to add interest, I also added pieces of DH's shirt that had to be cut off the grinder and his arm.

Cheers, Irene

"R" is for Red

2009-06-11T16:07:00.003+10:00

This layout is for Letters to Scrap By challenge. We were asked to use the colour RED. When our grandson was about 2, we were at a shopping center and while mum was getting some groceries, Ross and I let Lachlan have a ride while we waited. Even though the photos aren't all that great , they showed how much Lachlan enjoyed his ride on the merry-go-round.

Cheers, Irene

It's been a tough couple of weeks

2009-06-04T07:13:00.006+10:00

It's been a little while since I have posted. A couple of weeks ago I discovered just how easy your world can do a massive flip. Thursday evening I was waiting for my DH to arrive from work, as usual. It usually takes about 40 minutes driving thought rolling hills and cattle country, when I got a phone call from our very good friend Ted. Ross had called in to see Ted after work (which is not normal) and while there suffered a mini stroke. It all happened so quickly, he was perfectly normal one minute then unable to speak the next. Fortunately the symptoms only lasted a few minutes but he had his first ambulance ride that night and had to stay in hospital for 3 days for tests etc. I can't imagine what would have happened if he had be on his way home when the attack happened.

The following Tuesday we got another phone call. This time it was from Roger, our Best Man, letting us know that his partner of 30 years had lost her fight with cancer. Narrele was a beautiful and loving person who fought a seven year battle with courage, a positive outlook and determination, never giving up hope. She will be sadly missed.

We drove to Brisbane , well actually, I drove since Ross had only just got over the Stroke scare. It was my first long distance trip which took 7 1/2 hours straight and I was amazed that I didn't feel totally spent when we arrived at our destination. After the funeral, we drove to Debbie's (our DD) for a short stay.

On a brighter note, we got to spend a couple of days with our grandsons. They live about 8 hours drive away so we only get to see them a couple of times a year. Lachlan is 4 1/2 and has been diagnosed with speech and communication disorder. We were amazed at how much he has improved with all the help he is getting and it warmed our hearts to see the bond that is gowning between him and his Granddad. And as for Benjamin who is 21 months........well he is too cute and totally 100% boy.

I just don't want to believe it........I was on my way to bed and went to cover Salem - he is our little white budgie and I found he on the bottom of his cage. If ever there was a little bird with a huge personality/attitude, he would have to take the cake. He has been part of the family for around 12 years and we are going to miss this little guy very much. I don't have a photo of him but he was happy to do a photo shoot for a Xmas layout.

Q is for Quirky

2009-05-19T20:33:00.005+10:00

This week Letters to Scrap By had a real challenge. They couldn't find a colour for "Q" so they opted for a style. As a rule I am not one to go way out, I feel much more comfortable if I am more in control. I was having a good think about what to do and since I had just put a colour through my hair, I thought "why not"? So here is what I came up with.

The journaling reads: I have inherited my dad's hair. His hair was fine and silky and had a soft wave. I always thought that he looked so debonair. The only problem was that he went silver grey quite early so that is why I have developed a relationship with the BOTTLE.....the hair colour bottle that is.

When I took this photo, the light must have been perfect because this layout IS this colourful. Here in Queensland the sunlight is very bright and even in the shade, the colours don't always come out right. Fortunately today was overcast. So if you want to have as much fun as I have, then join in the fun at Letters to Scrap By and you might be lucky enough to win a great prize.

Cheers, Irene :)

Great Weekend

2009-05-18T08:37:00.003+10:00

Well good morning all. Even though I have nothing to show you today, I have been busy over the weekend. I am working on a couple of projects for two of my daughters for their birthdays. It is killing me not being able to post these - can't even say what they are because both Stacey and Cathie visit my blog and the surprise would be spoiled. But I promise that as soon as they get their presents, I will post.

Oh, one thing I can show you is this cute little owl I made for an "Owl Swap" over at The Boxx.

Well I am off to play with some paint brushes and oils. Hope you have a great day.

Cheers, Irene

"P" is for Plum Challenge

2009-05-10T22:24:00.004+10:00

Well it has finally happened, I have dipped my toes into the world of digi scrapping. Don't get me wrong, I will NEVER give up my paper.......I love everything about it. So here is my layout for the Letters to Scrap By. This week our colour was plum. It's not a colour I use much though I love the richness of it.

Most of the elements I used for this page were free downloads. Unfortunately I don't have a list of the designers as I have used bits and pieces from everywhere but I will go searching to see if I can find them to give them credit.

Cheers, Irene :)

Sketch Challenge

2009-05-08T13:05:00.006+10:00

This is a layout I did for a weekley challenge on The Boxx. I used the Kaisercraft Dancing Jewel range for the page, some of their rhinestones and a touch of Kindy Glitz, BG rub-ons and my nifty Fiskars boarder punch.

The title is a mix between a shadow box and a window. I got the idea from The Techniquezone. Then have some great ideas with step by step tutorials and I always get inspired when I visit.

Thanks for stopping by and having a peek.

Cheers, Irene :)

Mother's Day Card

2009-05-05T14:29:00.003+10:00

What, two posts in one day.......
This is a card I made today for my mum. I have a Cuttlebug and need to use it more than I do. A little while ago I came across ikki's blog and it is the best thing I ever did. Ikki is passionate about sharing her knowledge of just what a Cuttlebug can do with step by step tutorials. Ikki creates the most amazing cards.........that's where I got inspiration for this one.

I wont tell you that I made a mistake when using the debossing technique, I like the two score lines down the side instead of the bottom lol. I don't have a die for hearts (YET) so I made my own from a piece of cereal box. If anyone would like to know how, just leave a comment and I will get back to you. I mounted the embossed hearts on pink CS which I cut out using my nifty fancy scissors. Finished off with a pink satin ribbon and a touch of Kindy Glitz.

I added an inner page by printed out a message on vellum, trimmed the side edges with my nifty fancy scissors and embossed a little floral strip down the left hand side. So........if you have a moment, go check out ikki's blog. There is plenty to inspire you and you could even learn a thing to two.

Cheers, Irene :)

A little bit of nonsense

2009-05-05T08:35:00.002+10:00

I was sent a couple of pictures in an email recently and I think that they are so much fun I would share them with you.

Now I always associate murals with walls and ceilings but this one could really mess with your head. I can just imaging someone going to the bathroom opening the door and grabbing the door frame in panic while tapping the floor gently with their toes. LOL

The next one I feel is better than any warnings on cigarette packs. Going to the Smokers Room for a quick puff would definitely give you that sinking feeling.

Cheers, Irene :)

Mini Album

2009-05-02T12:19:00.008+10:00

I thought I would like to share my first mini album, this is the one that has started my passion for mini albums. I made this one for my VBF (very best friend). We met in 2003 and hit if off right from the start. Over the years we have been there for each other sharing the good times and the bad. In 2007 Trish moved away to be closer to her family and even though it was hard for both of us, our friendship has stayed strong.

Trish is one of those people that has everything so I decided to have a go and make her a mini album for her birthday. I wanted to focus on our friendship and the fun times we shared as well as affirming who she is and how much she has to give. It now has pride on her sideboard and she shows it it anyone that happens to walk through her front door LOL.

click to enlarge

I hope you have enjoyed looking through this mini album, there are 10 pages in all and it was hard to stop there.

Cheers, Irene :)

"O" is for Orange

2009-04-30T08:17:00.008+10:00

I have had this layout finished for a couple of days now but the light has been pretty YUCK as far as taking photos. This morning I managed to take a photo of my entry for the "O" is for Orange challenge over at Letters to Scrap By.

click on the image to enlarge

I really love these challenges, they get you to use colours that normally you would avoid. I am not a yellow/orange person but these colours are growing on me. One thing I have learned is that you can tone down a colour by grunging it up a little. On this background I applied paint to a piece of exposed corrugated cardboard (torn from a cardboard carton) and stamped the cardstock. The journaling tags are paint sample cards.

So, if you would like to join in the fun, meet some lovely girls and even win a prize, then head on over to Letters to Scrap By.

Cheers, Irene :)

I spy with my little EYE

2009-04-16T13:49:00.004+10:00

As you may have noticed, I have changed my Profile Image. Last year I did a few layouts about me and one of them was about my eyes. I took a photo of my eye (anyone watching would have rolled on the floor laughing) and had a play with it in MS Power Point.
So I wouldn't freak any one out, I have decided to give you a close up of this photo. The concept behind it was how I see things through the lens of a camera. Click on the image to enlarge.

Cheers, Irene :)

Letters to Scrap By Challenge

2009-04-16T13:34:00.004+10:00

This is another challenge from Letters to Scrap by.......N is for Navy of cause it is another page of one of my grandchildren. I liked the simple look of this layout and decided to hide the journaling block which slides in behind the photo matte. I really enjoyed this challenge so if you want to join in the fun head on over to Letters to Scrap By, you could even win a prize.

Sorry about the image quality. It was taken at the wrong time of day and I couldn't get the colour right. The navy is not that dark.

Cheers, Irene

The perfect little Bag

2009-04-16T13:22:00.004+10:00

Hi all, I had to share this with you. I recently won a gorgeous little bag over at Tammy's blog and I am so thrilled with it. I have been looking out for a little bag that would fit my cam-corder and would not be too bulky - this one is perfect and padded as well. Thanks Tammy, I will think of you every time I shoot a video.

Making these little bags is only one of Tammy's talents. Pop on over and take a look at her scrapbook layouts.

Easter Weekend

2009-04-14T16:49:00.005+10:00

I hope all my friends have had a wonderful Easter. We had a quiet Easter here at home this year. I felt a little flat especially on Saturday, there was not a grandchild to be seen anywhere. We live about 700klms from our nearest grandchild and this time it seemed like 10,000klms. We (Ross, Rebecca and myself) did however have our very good friends Ted, Kay and daughter Ann-Marie over for dinner on Sunday so I thought I would share a couple of photos with you.

I had a play around with the camera and couldn't decide which photos to include so I posted them all. The desert was Chocolate Mouse which I made from scratch and now that I know what goes into it, I will only be making it once a year. It tasted fantastic and so it should have because all the ingredients were sooooo rich and naughty..... YUM.

A layout to share

2009-04-08T16:59:00.004+10:00

I have been waiting for this photo of my daughters to be developed so I could finish this layout.
This is one of the classes that I did recently online. The class was about layering. I have to admit that I did add extra bits and pieces to the page since it was all about layering LOL. It's a little too busy for me and I feel that a photo could get lost in all the embellishments. But anyway, I thought I would share it with you.

I love this photo of my girls. They live far and wide and only get together once a year if they are lucky. This shot was taken on the day my grandsons Lachlan and Benjamin were Baptized.

Cheers for now,
Irene

The Colour Magenta

2009-03-31T22:21:00.005+10:00

This is my entry for M is for Magenta. If you are looking for a fun challenge then head on over to Letters to Scrap By. Each couple of weeks there is a different colour challenge.

For almost 3 years, Isla could not bear to have her hair brushed let along anything put in it. Her hair was quite long and she was forever brushing it out of her face with the back on her hand. Then almost over night, ribbons led to hair clips and even plaits.

Cheers, Irene

No Mistakes in Scrapbooking

2009-03-31T12:34:00.004+10:00

I have heard this comment many times but not until recently did I put it into practice. Sometime ago I tried to paint a heart as my main feature for a layout. Needless to say it looked terrible and I promptly shoved the cardstock as far out of sight as possible. If it looked like this, wouldn't you do the same?

Then the other day I came across some photos of Mia that I have wanted to scrap for some time. The cardstock above was the perfect colour but how to fix that heart? From my stash I found four patterned papers that complimented each other. I cut them into 3cm squares and inked the edges with Distress Ink (aged mahogany) and covered up the white paint.

I glued these pieces randomly then stitched them down. At last that heart was gone. Next came a contrasting patterned paper from which I tore a heart shape and inked the edges before stitching it into place, then came the photos, the embellishments, title and lastly the journaling around the edges of the page.

You can still see a little of the white paint at the lower edge of the layout. I rather like it as it reminds me that you don't make mistakes in scrapbooking all you need to do is take a different path.

Cheers, Irene

Someone pinch me

2009-03-31T08:37:00.003+10:00

I am so happy, still can't believe it!!! I won some gorgeous blog candy over at Shannon's blog.

Shannon has an amazing talent and a very unique style for her layouts. If you get a moment pop on over and check out her creations. Her teddy bears are just too cute for words. Thanks Shannon for putting up this fabulous pack of blog candy.

Cheers, Irene

Storm.............what Storm?

2009-03-31T07:53:00.005+10:00

Last night this vicious storm came rolling in and all I could think of was "PLEASE, NO BLACKOUT". This was our last online class and I didn't want to miss it. Our little township of Emu Park is renowned for power failures, the regional power supplier likes to call them Power Outages, makes it sound important but the locals are fed up. Sorry about the grizzles, I got carried away.

Well like a true scrapper, I grabbed my camera and started snapping away. You have to agree that this storm looks pretty fierce. All my worries were in vain, the amount of rain wouldn't have filled a thimble.

Like I mentioned earlier, it was our last class and a bit sad that all this fun was coming to an end. We planed to kidnap Sherre (our teacher) and feed lollies to her kids unless she agreed to do a couple more classes. LOL

Last night we made a mini album. I am very impressed that 3 sheets of bazzil cardstock and a few embellishments could turn out this great.

There are 10 pages in this mini album which is 15cm x 15cm. I have not decided which photos I want to use for this album but when I do I will post more photos of the finished project.

Cheers for now,
Irene

2009-03-29T12:05:00.005+10:00

I thought it was high time that I posted something on my blog. It's not that I am being slack, on the contrary, I am so busy at the moment with Weddings. I have several wedding gowns to be altered for April/May which was fine but then I took over the making of 4 Bridesmaids dresses from a very distraught mother of the bride. To say it has been hectic is an under statement.

Well getting back to scrapbooking, here are a couple of layouts that are from the online class that I have been doing. Only one more class left (very sad.........I really did look forward to Monday nights).

With the First Surf layout we were shown how to make our own embellishments use patterned paper. The beach hut and door are mounted onto chipboard to add a little dimension. I love the white space in this layout too.

This layout has an interactive touch. The slide tag at the top of the photos can be moved to point to any of the photos. It also has a hidden journaling block.......the lower pink strip with the flower, slides up to reveal the hidden journaling.

Cheers for now,
Irene

Trying New Styles

2009-03-17T09:53:00.003+10:00

Recently I signed up for an on line class which runs for 6 weeks. Each week we scrap in different styles which I think is great. So far we have worked on blocking, collage, minimalistic and 3 layouts in under two hours. Week 2 was blocking which I have never tried but I quite enjoyed.

This layout is of my youngest grand daughter Mia. She was only two and a half at the time. Even though she loves water, at Clairview Beach there was just too much of it. Little Mia was quite content playing in the sand with a couple of her little friends.

Cheers, Irene :)

Lime Layout for Letters to Scrap By Challenge

2009-03-17T09:26:00.005+10:00

Here is my layout for this challenge. The girls over at Letters to Scrap By asked us to create a layout using the colour lime. I have always wanted to make these flowers and I felt that they were not too girlie and would go great on a boy page.

I never throw anything away and in my scrap bin, I found bits of paper that I had inked for a layout months ago that was a disaster then but perfect for this one.
I cut out different sized circles, distressed and inked the edges and drew circles off center on each piece before assembling . For the thick black strips, I randomly punched holes using different sized punches - as I have said before "I never throw anything away", the black strips are the backing from some Heidi Swap products.

Cheers, Irene :)