Daley's Dailies

SNR - Life Is Good

2012-02-20T17:09:00.000+08:00

Scrapbooking News and Review magazine's latest online issue is out today. I have a layout called "Enjoy Life" in the "Life is Good" section of scrapbooking. I submitted it for the Colour Red section but they liked it for Life Is Good.

Lots of inspiration in the latest issue.

Chocolate

2012-02-20T11:42:00.000+08:00

My son Mark has been waiting for me to scrap these photos. I have previously done the companion page called Mmm... of me which was published in Scrapbooking.com's February issue this year. I love the close up photo of him with the chocolate on his mouth and pinky finger. He is smiling as he's eating too. Just darling.

This layout is my entry for Daring you to scrap's current challenge which is to use a song's lyrics as a major design element. I've chosen the song "The Chocolate Song" by Buddy Wasisname. The theme of my layout is chocolate and part of the lyric is "bring on the chocolate", which I've used for my heading. Also the colours are chocolate and the embellishments too.
I've also used a Lime Tree Creation's crochet strip as I've used some of their elements on my other Mmm page too.

My Mind's Eye birthday card

2012-02-20T11:15:00.001+08:00

Here's my entry for Challenge #32 : card at My Mind's Eye. Use the sketch above and the theme "You", plus 80% MME products.

Anna's Feb 2012 sketch layout, some Basic Grey

2012-02-18T17:50:00.000+08:00

Anna's Craft Cupboard sketch challenge is what this layout is for and I've chosen to use it for Basic Grey's weekly challenge as well. I've used some of the girly ranges from BG - Olivia and Sweet Threads, plus added in some more scraps that I had lying on my table. Plus, I've got a hand made embossed paper flower and a fabric button.

This page is for my son Mark's album. He's the one in the middle. See how Damon is already taller than me at only 14 years of age.

SUYS sub - Bright boy's layout

2012-02-16T17:24:00.001+08:00

Show Us Your Stuff is a fun challenge blog. I've been participating there on and off. I've also thrown my hat in the ring for their latest DT call. I'd love to be chosen. Can't seem to get anyone to take me on. Sob.

Anyhow here is the criteria for their latest and greatest.

OUR GROUP 2 FEB CHALLENGE IS:A RECIPE CHALLENGE

Use at least 3 pieces of patterned paper
Use 3 embellishments
Use at least 1 heart
Use some paint somewhere on your layout!

Make one of your embies a paper doll chain as per this month's TRY THIS technique and be in the running for even more prizes!

I've achieved all of the above.

I've used a little chippie soldier to create some paper dolls. Just traced around him and they are done on a great piece of paper, so appropriate for the topic of my layout.

Also, I used some Lego-like blocks and some paint to create the little circles on the top and bottom of my page.

Love layout

2012-02-14T13:09:00.000+08:00

What an appropriate title for Valentine's Day, no? Speaking of which, wishing you a very special day. Hope you get spoilt or at the very least get a loving hug. I left a special card in my bathroom surrounded by different coloured punched out hearts for my husband to find this morning. He was surprised and touched.

Here's my entry for this month's ARTastic challenge.
Here's the blog post address to see the picture. Criteria is to add red hearts, B&W photo, red layout with a touch of green.

The touch of green is the embroidery floss which I have hand-stitched around the heart.

Thanks for looking. xx

ily card

2012-02-10T17:53:00.001+08:00

I've made this card for Red Earth Scrapbooking's February 2012 Mystery Box challenge. The challenge was to use these ingredients:

AC Thickers - I've used Marquise CB stickers. I like the gun metal colour. Awesome.
Flourish - This is cherryArte Rubon Basket. Pretty cool.
Tag or ticket - I've made my own tag using a Creative Memories punch and white card stock. I've added felt hearts, Mrs Grossman's fabric zigzag sticker, ribbon and some Maria George Designer Trim.
Something vintage - Maria George Designer Trim
brads - I've got some pearl brads that came free with my Anna's Craft Cupboard order. They're also kind of vintagey.

The card is made from grey DCWV cardstock and the heart PP is Bella Blvd Honey I'm Home/All You Need pp.

I think this would be a great card for Valentine's Day or an Wedding Anniversary (both of mine are next month) or a spouse's birthday.

Kaisercraft sketch using On The Move

2012-02-09T16:01:00.001+08:00

Last December I won some of the On The Move collection by Kaisercraft from Kaisercraft. Here is my first layout using it. It's for February 2012 Sketch #1 on Kaisercraft's blog. Here is the sketch.

Now the first thing that comes to mind when you look at this sketch is flowers. True? Well, if I wanted to use On The Move, which I did, there are absolutely no flowers to be had there. But there are wheels. Here's what I did.

The background paper is the flip side of a Kaisercraft Christmas pp with big baubles on it but it had just the right colour tone for this new collection. Everything else is On The Move except the Transformers title which I printed from their movie poster on to photo paper.

Abe for Basic Grey

2012-02-08T09:58:00.002+08:00

Hiya.
I made this layout last night for the Basic Grey weekly challenge beginning on 3 Feb. I have a lot of Basic Grey papers, a whole heap. I thought it was a good way to use some up.

I've taken my inspiration from the photos themselves. I took them whilst waiting inside the Washington Memorial for the lift. There are these great postage stamps from around the world mounted on the walls with a background of the World map.

The challenge was to use torn paper and your own handwriting. I've torn the papers up to abstractly represent the continents. I've used two different BG papers to do these with similar colours in them.

I've also cut up some more BG papers to replicate the postage stamps. My journalling is down the bottom.

Here's my layout entitled Abe.

I've used a metallic pen to outline around the letter stickers in order to highlight them.

Published

2012-02-04T15:49:00.002+08:00

Check out this article featuring my layout Love My Nan in February's Scrapbooking.com issue.

Scrapbooking.com -- Article - Mmm

2012-02-04T15:16:00.000+08:00

Scrapbooking.com -- Article - Mmm

Hi friends. Guess what? I have a feature article in Scrapbooking.com magazine this month. Click on the link above to take you there. It's about chocolate. Yum.

Please vote for me

2012-02-03T17:59:00.000+08:00

Hi friends.
I was wondering if you'd lend me a helping hand. I'm trying to secure a position on Cord Scrapbook Studio's Design Team. They have a unique system of selection. It's by voting. No names are mentioned but they said you can encourage friends and relations to vote for you if you'd like, so here's my request.

If you go here to this post you will see the details and click on the "here" link to go to the voting site. My projects are:

Thank You card with cream bird on
Celebrate card with pink paper flower with green paper leaves
Layout of me and Mum - Merry Christmas (it has a Prima dress dummy on)
Layout of me, soft blues with rhinestone circle
Altered tissue tube Prima products bottom left

I hope you decide that you like my projects and that you consider them worthy of your vote. Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it. I'd love to be a Designer for them.

Cheers.

Game On

2012-02-02T10:36:00.002+08:00

Here is my example for the Design Team I'm on at From Screen 2 Scrap. The movie poster inspiration this month is Valentine's Day. Appropriate. My husband and I had our first date on Valentine's Day. It was at Rottnest Island. A work colleague set us up. He had two extra tickets to a work social day. He said his kids didn't want to go along and would I like one. He also offered one to Paul, my now husband. The rest is history.

My layout features 11 photos. It's of my son's indoor sport party for his 11th birthday last year. The boys had a wonderful time and I took lots and lots of photos so it was great to feature lots on one page. I have 3 little tiny heart stickers in between the "sports sticker tape. I've also used a background soccer paper, very cool as the main sport they played was soccer and the 8 photos on the right are mounted on black cardstock. I've done some faux stitching with my white signo pen.

So, there you go. Your theme doesn't have to be about love. You just have to meet the criteria and be inspired by the poster. Best of luck.

For an extra 6 bonus points :)

1) Two hearts on the page= 1 pt
2) Black Background = 2 pts
3) At least 10 small, tiny photos = 3 pts

Please make sure your entry is specially made just for FS2S. If it's your first time doing the challenge tell Shazza I sent you. I hope you give it a go.

Scrapbook News and Review magazine

2012-01-31T09:16:00.001+08:00

Great news fellow scrappers and cardmakers! Scrapbook News and Review magazine is back up and running with a revamped magazine. I just went over and checked it out at http://magazine.scrapbooknewsandreview.com/. It's looking totally awesome. I love the new format.

They have published some of my work again this month.

One layout called Girl's Night Out is in the black and white section. This one is a particular favourite of mine.

Also, four cards. Two are in hugs and kisses, one is in butterflies and the last is called Remember When which is movie based but I haven't found that one yet.

The site has added all kinds of wonderful things which will take some time to check out. I'm so pleased they are back up and running.

Webster's Pages In Love - giveaway

2012-01-26T15:20:00.001+08:00

Webster's Pages are at it again. Here's a little taste of their new wedding collection "In Love". Go here for more and to read about how to win this and more.

Nautical card

2012-01-26T14:06:00.001+08:00

365 Cards challenge for Day 331 is nautical. Here is what I did, front and inside. I've used Cosmo Cricket's Salt Air range.

Harrods - Scrap Boutique stash stomper layout

2012-01-26T11:14:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone. It's another stinking hot today here in WA. The boys are in the pool and I'm in the air-con and I've made a page this morning. It's for Scrap Boutique's January 2012 Stash Stomper. Use papers you have been keeping by and punches, plus this stunner of a sketch.

Now I don't normally use Kraft. Not really my thing and not sure how to make it look good sometimes. I thought these pics would suit it though. I also had made a pinwheel last week that I thought would suit as well.

I've used 4 different punches, 2 from Creative Memories and 2 from Martha Stewart. I've added in some Webster's Pages and Basic Grey elements as well.

Here are the photos of my layout. It's of Harrods in Knightsbridge in the UK.

Thanks for looking.

Viola layout for ARTastic

2012-01-24T08:26:00.000+08:00

I have created this layout of Mark playing his viola for ARTastic. Here are the criteria for this month.
It turns out I have a fair variety of fairies in my stash but after much searching only one angel. Well there are two in the stamped image but only one item. Happily, they were nestled amongst clouds which is another criteria. I have also made two of my own clouds in which I've written my journalling.
Then lastly I needed 2 to 3 instruments. Mark is playing one and I have a sticker for the other.
I've made a nice pinwheel for this layout too. It's fun to revisit techniques you haven't used for a while. I like the Dusty Attic chipboard of musical notes I've added.
All in all, I'm happy with the result.

January's inspiration will come from the painting 'Ecstasy of Saint Cecelia' by Raphael

Diva Demand for an extra 6 bonus pointstry and
work the following into your layout.

1. Clouds = 1pt
2. An Angel embellie = 2pts
3. 2-3 Musical Instruments = 3pts

Graphic 45 Kraft Reflections collection and giveaway details

2012-01-24T07:38:00.002+08:00

Check out Graphic 45's new Kraft line. This is very stylish. You could win this too.

Giveaway

2012-01-24T07:16:00.000+08:00

Who doesn’t love a giveaway???? And these papers are proving to be really popular before they’ve even hit Australian shores.

The rules are simple. Just write a short post on your blog with the picture that you can see above. Then, leave a comment under their blog page post including a link to your blog!

They also have a Giveaway on their Facebook fanpage – it’s enough if you re-share our photo on your personal boards! That’s it!

They will randomly choose two people playing along at the Facebook Giveaway (one from Poland and one from abroad) and two people from those who leave comment on their blog.

And what can you win?

Webster's Pages Game on new line

2012-01-23T16:33:00.003+08:00

Check out Webster's Pages new line. Very useful. There's also a giveaway going on.

Prima Giveaway

2012-01-22T08:01:00.000+08:00

Scraphappy Kat (Kathie) has a nice product pack and 3 gorgeous Prima flowers packs??? You could win the first photo's worth of goodies and if you repost on your own blog the second one as well. Nice one hey?

Product pack

Extra Prima's if you have put this on your blog!!

Friend card

2012-01-18T14:13:00.002+08:00

Day 323 at 365 Cards challenge is called "World's Collide" because we're mixing some Vintage Style with a little Clean and Simple. Here is my take on it.

Day 320 at 365 Cards - Celebrate card

2012-01-15T13:02:00.002+08:00

Day 320's challenge is:

There's no embellishment quite like fringe, so let's really use it for this challenge.

Here are the specifics

Use fringe in two different places on your card - not just around the base of the card.

I quite like a bit of fringing so here's what I made.

It's a very hot, bright day outside so I took the above shot inside. Not very crisp photo but face on outdoors was no good. Whereas, the shot below side on to show the paper fringing I did came out really well. I have a fabric flower with button and put some orange sequinned trim I got from Spotlight yesterday all around it. I've also added some nice trim at the top and created a paper fringe down the bottom.

New York - Trump Tower

2012-01-15T12:07:00.003+08:00

Here's the colour palette for the January Stylist challenge at Scrap Boutique.
Here is the layout I've created for the challenge.

These are photos of the lobby of the Trump Tower in New York in October 2010. I really wanted to have a sneak peek. It's quite opulent. I loved the colours and the chandelier. We tried to book a suite in the Trump Vegas Hotel on our trip in 2011 but our Travel Agent wasn't able to do it for some reason. I was a bit disappointed. I've watched a few Celebrity Apprentices so was a bit familiar with the Hotels and service. Would have liked to experience it first hand.

New Cricket Kit layout

2012-01-15T11:54:00.000+08:00

Good morning all. My guys have all gone off to the Test Match at the WACA, again. Nice and peaceful here so I'm taking time to enjoy my scrapping in peace.

This morning I've created a layout about cricket. There you go, can't get away from it. My son Mark got a brand new bat and a thigh pad for his 11th birthday last year. I've made this page for his album.

I've made this for 2 challenges. There is a new blog called Daring You To Scrap. It's Australian and the January challenge marks there very first one. You had to use paper scraps to make your own background. I've got a nice little pile of scraps on my table so I used them in this layout. The only items that were not scraps are the chipboard and the alphas. Everything else was scrap.

I've also entered this layout for Challenge 3 at Red Earth Scrapping which was to use the word new, plus a bonus item which I figured out was twine. I've wrapped two bits of twine around the N in New in the title.

I've used paint on the chipboard cricket title. What a cute little guy. Here is a close up and then the layout.

Sweetheart card

2012-01-12T11:57:00.000+08:00

This beautiful image was the "ad inspired" inspiration for Day 315's card at 365 cards blog. So pretty. I wanted to do a card with hearts which would be suitable for either my husband's upcoming birthday, our upcoming Anniversary or Valentine's Day next month. So I've chosen to use red and white rather than these pretty girly colours.

I haven't forgotten the inside. There's space to write a message of love.

Prima Giveaway

2012-01-12T10:46:00.000+08:00

Stacey Young is giving away some Prima Romantique collection goodies. Click on her name to go to her blog for a chance to win. Here's a pic.

Her great photography makes it look even more enticing. No birdcage in the win.

My Eyes Adore You - gems

2012-01-11T11:54:00.000+08:00

Red Earth Scrapping has a happy new year comp going on. CH#4 is:

Create a layout with LOTS on it, you must use:

* Multiple photos (2 or more) I've used 5

* Lots of journalling (at least 2 sentences) I've got 10 sentences

* Use 3 or more clusters of embellishments Subtle but there are 3

* Use 3 or more different edge techniques (sanding, distressing, inking, punch borders, etc.) I've got distressing around the white cardstock and inking over same and then I corner rounded each photo.

Here's my entry. I entitled it My Eyes Adore You. I just loved looking at these incredible gems in the Museum in Washington.

It is the companion page for the page I did for Show Us Your Stuff a few weeks back which you can see here.

500th blog post - Giveaway

2012-01-10T10:05:00.002+08:00

This is my 500th blog post. How amazing! I have been a busy little blogger. It's been an enjoyable experience. I love looking at other people's blogs as well.

On another note I have the details of a giveaway here. Nadia Cannizzo is at it again. Go and check it out.

Have a great day everybody. xxxx
Dale

Paisley and yellow

2012-01-08T11:56:00.001+08:00

I've got to say, paisley and yellow are two of my least favourite things. On a card though, they are just fine. This card is for Day 313 - Pretty Pairs. You had to use that combo. Here's what I made.

I used up some scrap strips of paper on this one. I like that the sentiment is vague so I'll be able to use it for most anything really.

Show Us Your Stuff - a girly layout

2012-01-07T17:50:00.002+08:00

SHOW US YOUR STUFF layout for 1/1/12 challenge - Unique

close up of the handmade flower

I have created this layout of myself using the above sketch which is the challenge this month (January 2012) at Show Us Your Stuff. I love big circles and so I couldn't resist doing it. This layout also would have suited Scrap The Girls this month as their challenge is to do monochromatic, but I had to choose.

At SUYS you also have to include a hand made item. The white lace flower with blue flower button is the hand made item. I've also used some pretty Webster's Pages tutu trim and patterned paper.

I really like how this turned out. I don't often get to do a "pretty" layout.

Be Mine - Valentine's Day card

2012-01-07T14:49:00.003+08:00

I have created this Valentine's Day card for Day 311 of 365 Cards. The challenge for this day is to use pink and damask. Lovely combination. I've also added some black for dramatic effect.

Win lotsa flowers

2012-01-07T10:04:00.000+08:00

Manor House is giving away a box full of their pretty flowers. Just click on their name to try your hand at the win.
Here's the pic.

Beautiful Memories

2012-01-03T14:34:00.000+08:00

I've joined in at Soul Scrapper's for a challenge today. It may well be the quickest page I've ever created and that is saying something as I'm pretty speedy normally anyway.

It is a negative space challenge. Me, I like more than one photo on my page, mostly. This is the second layout in a row that I've used just one.

This photo is of my Dad, Mum and lil brother, circa early 1970's. The photos in those days came small and this is an only the lonely. I took it myself, I would have been about 9 years old.

I've used some gorgeous Webster's Pages products here and a couple of Prima CB stickers. Sweet and simple.

Here is the sketch.

Published in Scrapbooking.com

2012-01-03T03:36:00.001+08:00

http://scrapbooking.com/cgi-bin/Phase_2/layout.pl?serial=76575

Above is the link to a layout I have published in the current issue of Scrapbooking.com. Check it out.

The Colour Purple

2012-01-02T18:22:00.002+08:00

All my friends know that I love to wear the colour purple. I think it suits me. I've done a layout about it. The sketch is from Anna's Craft Cupboard's January competition. I've often admired these type of layouts, they are kind of like a swatch across the page on a diagonal. Thought I'd try one myself.

I started with a wisteria stamp which I've used twice and then coloured in with artist pencils. Plus, I've had this piece of mulberry paper for something like 6 years. Glad to finally use it.

Some close ups.

The sketch.

Reveal - a fun card

2012-01-02T17:17:00.000+08:00

From Screen 2 Scrap this month has an older movie poster to draw inspiration from. It's a 1947 Christmas movie. Look at the elaborate hairdo Maureen has. My goodness, what a long time it would take to get ready to go out anywhere.

Here is the link to more info on the movie.

The criteria is :

1) A santa on the page= 1 pt
2) Brown, orange and yellow hues = 2 pts
3) Use your house number as part of the same title
(Example = Miracle on 12th Street) = 3 pts

I chose to make a Christmas card for Mark's male Primary School teacher. I printed a fun digital image of Santa going in to have a surf. I've got my street number, which is 20, in the title and I've used the specified colours.

Why not have a go yourself at http://screen2scrap.blogspot.com/.

Day 307 - Prima background card

2012-01-02T13:00:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone.
I took the tree and decor from Christmas down today. Bit sad and not so much fun as putting it up. All done now.
Took some time out to make a quick card. This one is for 365 Cards Day 307 which is a sketch. I had been wanting to use a Prima background from some flowers of theirs that I had used up. They are quite pretty. I wouldn't use them on a scrapbook page as they aren't acid free but perfect for a card. I also decided I'd like like of scallops and I've used one of my paper tear flowers. See here for my tutorial.

Here is the sketch.

Merry Christmas Mum

2011-12-31T12:39:00.001+08:00

If anyone chanced to see the sewing machine wall plaque I made which I did a tutorial for in a previous post, here is me giving it to my Mum, along with a sewing machine on Christmas Day. I had a lot of fun creating this. It was a bit tricky as the background My Mind's Eye paper is covered in red glitter.
I've created this for Red Earth Scrapping's Happy Scrappy New Year comp. The Challenge 1 details are:

our challenge is to create a scrapbooking page/layout with the following criteria ...

* Photo/s from Christmas 2011

* non-Christmassy papers or embellies

* hidden journalling

BONUS ITEM CLUE ...

* I am icky, sticky but oh so pretty, I'm not the adhesive hiding behind your papers though, I like to be seen

I've met all of this criteria. Here is my layout and a few close ups.

Webster's Pages Sunday Picnic

2011-12-30T16:13:00.000+08:00

Anybody like Webster's Pages goodies? I know I do. Take a look at their latest collection here. They are giving some of it away! Look at all of this below. Lovely right?

Card for Day 302 - Masculine

2011-12-29T13:40:00.002+08:00

I couldn't sleep last night. I made this card at about 5am. It was nice and peaceful as everyone else WAS sleeping, lucky them.

The challenge for Day 302 at 365 Cards is to do a masculine card with a touch of pink. This was a challenge already done on Day 33 this year called Boy Oh Boy. I often have occasions to give guy cards but don't tend to make many so I wanted to do this one.

I've chosen to make an anniversary card for my husband. It's nice and simple, just the way guys like their cards (in my experience).

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T09:47:00.004+08:00

Good morning everyone and a very Merry Christmas to you and to your families also. We are off to have lunch with my family shortly. Lots and lots of food to be sure. Hope you have a joyous and safe day.

Lots of love,

Dale

Scalloped Hanging Christmas Tree

2011-12-23T14:13:00.004+08:00

Hello everyone. It's Christmas Eve Eve. I wasn't going to do any more Christmas crafting but then I couldn't help myself. I had this Kaisercraft Scalloped Hanging wooden tree which was begging to have something done with it.
I decided upon the colours based on the colour scheme of my house. I chose not to include green on purpose.
I was in a Secret Santa swap at Red Earth Scrapping and my Santa was the owner Helen Kinsela. She sent me the 3 Prima flowers you can see on here. I also won a prize at ARTastic this year where the sponsor was Tattered Inspirations. I got a Vintage Christmas kit. I have included quite a few items from it on here too.

Products used:

Kaisercraft Scallop Hanging Tree
Twiddleybitz Christmas Angel chipboard
Kaisercraft Clara pp
Creative Memories 1" circle punch
Kaisercraft Glue dots
Creative Memories ABCs
Tattered Inspirations Vintage Christmas kit
Prima flowers
Ribbonz - raspberry
American Crafts Elements premium ribbon
Scrap FX flourishes - chipboard
paints

Day 295 - I've Been Framed

2011-12-21T16:58:00.000+08:00

I made this card today for 365 Cards blog challenge's Day 295. Create a circle shaped frame on your card using flowers. I've used a Glitz cardstock sticker and cut some Francheville flowers in half, layering some and used some seed beads and rhinestones for their centres.

The yellow strip is from a Basic Grey patterned paper. BG very kindly print their paper details along the bottom on only one side of their double-sided paper. On the other is a continuation of the patterned paper. So I kept this strip from a layout I used the PP for the other day. Aren't I good at using up scraps? Then, I've pressed a rub-on over the top.

My card was chosen as the best one for the day. Yay!

Diamonds and bling

2011-12-21T07:41:00.000+08:00

Now what girl doesn't love a diamond? What girl wouldn't love to see (own) the Hope Diamond? Ah, deep sigh.
Photographing it was actually difficult. It is in an enclosed glass case which revolves and a light inside goes on and off. Now you can imagine how many people also want to photograph it when you do. It has to be facing you and the light must be on as well. So, it takes some time but that way you get to look at it for longer as well. It really is spectacular. I had to do a special layout just for it. I'm so glad I've seen it.

I've used a background pp of Basic Grey Lauderdale. I've created a circle with a white pen. Of course I had to use a lot of bling on this page. It required it.

I have designed this page with Show Us Your Stuff's 15th December challenge in mind. You had to use the colours blue, white and a splash of red. Also there is a bonus if you include a melted organza flower. I've done that too. The fabric happens to have a blue sparkle in it.

Who Loves Ironing?

2011-12-17T15:36:00.001+08:00

I'm about 17 years old in this photo. This proves that I've been ironing my clothes for many years. It's not a job I love, I don't hate it either. Problem is, I like my clothes to be crease-proof. I have many friends who don't care so they don't iron. I couldn't do it.

I've used some Webster's Pages, Cosmo Cricket and Basic Grey here. This is for Anna's Craft Cupboard's December 2011 sketch.

Merry Christmas - layout for ARTastic

2011-12-13T12:03:00.001+08:00

I created this lay out in about 45 minutes this morning. I think it's very typical of my clean and simple style. I made it for this month's ARTastic challenge. At first I thought I wasn't going to be able to put in an entry this month. The painting and the criteria seemed pretty tricky for a Perth Christmas, which is in summer and where it never ever snows. I've never spent a Christmas overseas where it has been winter either.

Then, I saw this background paper at Anna's Craft Cupboard from Websters Pages and thought it was the perfect thing to build a page around around.

Here is the painting, so you know what I'm talking about.

It's A Blessing of Christmas by Thomas Kinkade. Very pretty isn't it? The criteria was to have a Christmas tree, a snowman and Christmas in your title. I have all three. My snowman is some pp by Donna Salazar which I have cut him out from. He looks so much like the snowman in the painting.

Kaisercraft December Sketch #2 - My Boy

2011-12-11T10:55:00.001+08:00

Here is my entry to the December 2011 sketch #2 at Kaisercraft. You have to create a layout from a sketch. There was no sketch visible on the blog yesterday but they did have designer examples so I just noted the placement of items on there and had a go.

This layout is of my darling son Mark opening his presents on his birthday. I've used a lot of different Kaisercraft papers from a lot of different ranges in my stash to create this layout. Hope you like it.

Here is a little close up of the top left of the layout.
Thanks for looking.

UPDATE
This layout received the runner up prize from Kaisercraft. So thrilled.

Christmas layout for Scrap The Boys

2011-12-10T12:21:00.001+08:00

Hi there.

Here is my submission for December's Scrap The Boys Christmas challenge. You could use 1 or 2 photos and the colours red, green, white and light blue.

Christmas Giveaway

2011-12-05T10:08:00.001+08:00

http://samnadia.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-x-mas-giveaway.html
Click on this link to visit Nadia's blog to view her Christmas giveaway. It's a whole stash of really gorgeous Christmassy items for your scrapping needs.

I have a long to do list today. Best get back to it. Have a great day friends.

From Screen 2 Scrap - December's challenge

2011-12-03T15:19:00.001+08:00

There are 8 guys in this house right now so I am hiding out in the Study. Time to put up December's reveal for From Screen To Scrap.

The poster for this month was an oldie but a goodie. I think it lends itself really well to scrapbooking, don't you?

The added criteria to follow was:

For an extra 6bonus points :)

1) White cardstock = 1pt
2) Two color title = 2 pts
3) Christmas Hats = 3 pts

Here is my layout.

I've used some tried and tested techniques here. I've made a half tree using my square punch. I've got the green base like the poster and little stars like the poster also. White background, tick and 2 coloured title, tick. I've done my journalling on white cardstock too and mounted it on green card stock. I wanted to use just the colours from the photos, with the little pop of red to go with the two tiny Christmas hats I've used. Can you spot them?

This is a really easy layout, anybody could replicate it. Why not have a try at the challenge this month? I know it's a busy time and I'm busy too but I'd love to see what you can do. Just go to From Screen 2 Scrap to add your blog post by linking it in. Best of luck. There are always great prizes to be won.

If you are new to the blog and do enter because you've read my post just let Shazza know if you don't mind. Thanks.

Sewing Machine Wall Art for The Robin's Nest

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000+08:00

I am really excited to show you this art piece I have made. It is part of my Design Team application for The Robin's Nest. Click here to view their website. Click here to view their blog.

I have created a wall plaque to give to my Mum. I'm giving my Mum a sewing machine for Christmas. Now, she happens to have her own craft room, lucky lady. I know that she will love this special plaque I have made for her to hang in there. I have decorated it and made a tag for it and will hand it over with her gift wrapped sewing machine. She'll be blown away.

The finished product - SEWING MACHINE WALL ART by Dale Tiernan

Now on to how I made it.

Here is a list of items I used and two photos showing them.

Products used:
Typo Wall Art Laser Love Sewing Machine
Strong glue - clear drying
Cosmo Cricket Butterflies and Doilies (Salt Air)
Kaisercraft Wooden Flourishes Manequins
Arbee Wooden Letters
scrap paper and cardstock
Prima Flowers, Manor House Flowers
Kaisercraft Rhinestones Flourishes - Champagne
Making Memories Trims Flutter and scrap trim
Brown ribbin with white stitching
Derivan Kindy Glitz - Aztec Gold
Making Memories paint scrapbook colours - espresso
Derivan Matisse paint - unbleached titanium
Kaisercraft Pearls - chino

Adhere flourish to sewing machine.

Tie your brown ribbon into a bow.

Paint flourishes with unbleached titanium. Set aside to dry.

Paint letters with espresso. Set aside to dry.

Decorate manequin with pearls and trim.

Thread Making Memories trim through slits in sewing machine.

Apply Kindy Glitz to top of letters all around the edges. Allow to dry.

Using strong glue adhere letters along bottom of sewing machine. Hold each letter in place until the glue has set.

Using strong glue adhere flowers and ribbon.

Glue manequin on bottom right.

I made the tag with pieces of scrap paper and used some of the pearls to match. Write your sentiment on the tag. I've used a copper metallic pen to match the colour scheme.

Sneaky peek - Off the Page

2011-11-29T18:59:00.001+08:00

I cannot wait to show you what I made today. The post will be going up on December 2nd. I'm very pleased with it myself. Here's a little corner of a pic of it. Can you guess what it is?

Scrap The Boys November challenge

2011-11-22T11:15:00.001+08:00

It's a very bright day today. I've taken two shots of this layout and couldn't decide which I preferred so I've put them both in this post.

Today I've made this layout for Scrap The Boys. The challenge is to show your team colours. Easy peasy for me. I have a host of sporting photos to choose from. These shots are ones I took of my 11 year old son playing footy. He's a bit of a star I must say so I had to include one for him. I've also got a Scrap FX CB boot which I've painted the same as his actual footy boots he's wearing in the photos. He really does put his all into the game and he makes me so proud. I love to watch his play. It's always a pleasure. I'm documenting his career in an album so this page is for inclusion in it.

Secret Santa and Advent Calendar

2011-11-22T10:29:00.001+08:00

Amanda's Scraps Swaps is having a Secret Santa for December. I've put my name down for it. You have to make 6-10 handmade items for your person and send before Christmas. Easy. Just click on the link if you want to join in. It will be fun. It's nice to get a surprise for Christmas, don't you think?

I've made an Advent Calender today for Red Earth's Christmas A-Z Advent Calender. It's for a special something Helen is running over Christmas.

Here is my calender. It is a Little Yellow Bicycle Kit which I bought last year and have had sitting there. I've never had my own advent calender. I use a special one for the boys with little pockets which I put sweets in. They absolutely love it. Mine doesn't have lollies. Not sure what Helen means for us to do with it yet. Time will tell I suppose.

Day 264 - Happy Birthday card

2011-11-20T14:41:00.001+08:00

Today's challenge at 365 Cards is to "Just add a thought bubble, or if you prefer, a talking bubble to your card and be sure that your ENTIRE sentiment is in the bubble."

I knew that I had quite a few My Mind's Eye accessory sheets that had these so I had a browse through and chose one. I also knew that I wanted to add a cute little animal saying the sentiment. I chose Basic Grey's Olivia Element sticker bunny. Then, it was easy to continue from there. Here is my card.

Products used are:

Grant Studios White card and envelope
Prima cardstock sticker
Blue bobble trim
Basic Grey Olivia Element stickers
My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary/Mary Mary "Happy Birthday" stickers

This card was chosen as card of the day. Yay.

Day 263 - Happy Trails To You

2011-11-20T14:35:00.001+08:00

Day 265 at 365 Cards' challenge is to put an ATC on a card. I had previously made an ATC for a swap and I thought it would look good on a card. My card is called Happy Trails To You. It could be a birthday card for a man or a card to wish someone a good road trip holiday. My family are fond of doing this so it would suit them.

In case you're unaware of what an ATC is, it is an Artist's Trading Card. The concept is quite an old one. They are all a particular size but then you can really create whatever you want on them. I've chosen to add stamping and inchies to mine.

Thanks for looking.

Published in SNR

2011-11-15T10:06:00.001+08:00

Hey, the latest issue of Scrapbook News and Review, Issue #4, 11/12 is up today. That's one day early actually. They've been having technical difficulties. It's jam packed full of great stuff. Take a look. They've published four of my pieces. I've got one card in the Welcome Home section and 3 layouts in the Travel/Vacation section. You know I've been doing a lot of travel layouts lately and there are many more in my future. Good thing I enjoy doing them. lol

Scrapbookit's birthday sketch challenge - A double

2011-11-12T14:25:00.001+08:00

Hi there. Scrapbookit have set a birthday sketch challenge. I liked that it had so many photos. I've chosen to do a double as the photos I had of the U.S. Capitol deserved it I felt. I've used 9 photos on two pages. Quite happy with that. I've used the sketch as my basis for the left hand side and mirrored the basics (minus photo arrangement) on the right hand side as well. Here is the result.

Most of the products are by My Mind's Eye.

Nadia's Giveaway

2011-11-11T16:11:00.001+08:00

http://samnadia.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-giveaway.html

The above link is to Nadia's very generous giveaway blog post. There are 5 chances to win a bunch of great goodies. You won't be sorry you visited. Don't forget to check the rules for your chance to win.

A fun new challenge site I found today

2011-11-10T10:57:00.001+08:00

Use It Tuesday is a new challenge site that makes you USE up your stash. I have a rather large stash nowadays. When I used to sell scrapbooking supplies as a job I had a lot of product in my house. I don't think I'm quite at that level yet but edging towards it. Time is always the issue of course. I do have other duties to think of as much as I would like to sit and just scrap most of the time. lol

So, the current challenge is a really fun one. It's Cooking Up Fun. I do like to cook. For an event last year at School I had to make lots of cupcakes. I mostly bake dairy free cakes so I made the cupcakes dairy free, chocolate ones (cocoa only). My son Damon (who is allergic to dairy) tried them out and declared them yummy. I also decorated the boxes with my pens and templates so they looked pretty.

One other requirement for Use It Tuesday is to tell what stash you've used up. A few years back I was in a colour swap that Wendy Smith organised. It was an orange one. The little stamped image of an orange has been sitting patiently waiting to be used since I got it. I had also had the Sassafras Lass paper for some time. Orange is a great colour for a boy's page don't you think?

Use It Tuesday are also having a DT call. I think I may apply. It seems like a fun challenge site to me.

Layout for Anna's November sketch

2011-11-09T10:53:00.001+08:00

Hi all.
Last night I created a layout for Anna's Craft Cupboard's November sketch challenge. I must say it is fairly blah in my opinion. The colours all match the the elements all complement each other but I just find it a bit dull. The background paper is by Cosmo Cricket and most of the other items are Basic Grey/Wander. Anyway, that's another layout for last year's vacation completed, which is great. See, a positive.

Here is the sketch. I flipped it on it's side as I am wont to do.

A Giveaway

2011-11-08T20:30:00.001+08:00

My Scrap Friends are a new challenge blog having an amazing giveaway. Check them out by clicking on their name above. Here's a pic of the candy on offer.

Super amazing right? I knew you'd think so.

Harrods for Handmade by Suzanne sketch

2011-11-06T16:12:00.002+08:00

Here is a layout I did today for the November sketch challenge at Handmade by Suzanne. It's called Harrods and it's about the famous Department store in London. Such a lot to see there but all very pricey. The guys loved looking at the really expensive big boys toys.

I've used a sweet colour palette for this. As it happens the paper tear flowers I made yesterday (see the next post for a tutorial on how to make them) colour matched perfectly so I've added one.

Techniques used were fussy cutting, paper tearing and adding scraps. It's always good to use up scraps. Manufacturers used were Pink Paislee, Fancy Pants, Basic Grey and Sassafras Lass.

Thanks for looking. Hope you liked what you saw.

Tutorial - Paper Tear Flower

2011-11-05T18:52:00.002+08:00

Today (and part of last night) I made 9 x Paper Tear Flowers. At least, that is what I am calling them. I had a bright idea of tearing strips of paper up to make some flowers. Here's how I did it. (Please forgive the photos. even though it is spring is it dull and rainy here.

First, choose 3 complementary papers that are fairly thick and have a white inner (not dyed all the way through). Choose a length that you want and sit there tearing up strips. I had a tool to help me. I used a Creative Memories tearing tool. Made this job a little quicker.

Then I decided that I would turn the ends over and glue them down to create a little lift on the ends.

Set to dry.

Then layer the 3 papers until you have created a flower shape, leaving the turned up edges underneath. (not the like one on top as you can see it is no good this way)

Choose another complentary piece of thick paper with a white centre and tear some circles for your flower centre.

I've used another Creative Memories tool, this time a punch. It is a splat punch. I have a lot of Creative Memories tools as I used to be a Consultant. They are really excellent tools. I've placed the splat over the top of the circle to create a more realistic flower.

Now you just need to push a hole through all of the layers in order to put a brad through to hold it all together.

Here is the final result.

I've made these flowers as part of Amandas Scraps Swaps for November. I chose the theme of flowers and these are for the embellishments choice. I only needed to make 5 but I made as many as I could with the amount of torn paper that I had. I'm sure these will come in handy. They'd probably be nice on a card.

My ARTastic entry - Together Forever

2011-11-04T13:26:00.002+08:00

Hi there. Last night I got busy creating my layout for November's ARTastic challenge. I chose to use the photos of my wedding anniversary this year. They are quite nice posed pictures my husband and I took of each other. I love the dress I wore. It's very pretty and floral so I wanted to complement the colours in the dress when I made the layout.

Here's my layout and a couple of close ups.

The painting inspiration is Bacchus by Caravaggio. (see here to view the picture on the blog)
The extra criteria is to add:
1. fruit or graphs
2. wine glass or bottle
3. a bow

I've got all of them. I have a wine bottle which is full of grapes. It is a sticker journal box by Creative Imaginations. Neat huh? I have a little red rose with a green ribbon bow in the top journal box.

I have a created a cluster or BG stickers and Cosmo Cricket doilies in the centre at the bottom to replicate the fruit bowl in the painting.

Thanks for looking.

UPDATE
Incredible news. This layout won first prize. Hooray. I'm so happy.

From Screen 2 Scrap - November challenge

2011-11-02T09:14:00.001+08:00

Winners are up for October over at From Screen 2 Scrap. Take a look if you entered. Pretty much guaranteed you won something. Come on friends, support this great challenge blog. Let's get some more entries this month.

Now, I chose the poster for this month's challenge. I know the entries will be diverse. It's a great one with some good colours. It is "Home For The Holidays" which starred Holly Hunter. Don't you just love her accent? It also stars the lovely Robert Downey Jnr. He's just so cute and very entertaining. Here's the poster.

You must try to include all the criteria. We do take note of it when judging. Plus your entry must be made for this challenge.

For an extra 6 bonus points :)

1) Journal in white pen = 1 pt
2) Use the word 'HOME' in your title = 2 pts
3) Use a photo of a family gathering = 3 pts

Here's my layout.

I have used all of the criteria. I've chosen to scrap last year's Christmas lunch which we had at my home. We always have a buffet meal with a mix of hot and cold dishes.

I've used a lot of Creative Memories products here. The baubles are fussy cut from a piece of CM pp and the background coloured pp is also fussy cut. I wanted the black cardstock to show through to show up the baubles up the top and it was one of the colours in the poster too. The title is a Creative Memories vellum accent.

Hope you have a go at this. If it is your first attempt let Shazza know I sent you as I gain DT points if you do. Thanks a bunch.

Smile

2011-11-01T18:51:00.002+08:00

Day 245 at 365 Cards' challenge is all about a smile. Here is a sweet little card I made.

I've also entered this in Deep Ocean Challenge #11.

P4F last week - Futuristic challenge

2011-10-27T13:28:00.001+08:00

I love the last challenge for Passion 4 Fashion at Scrap Boutique. It is all about the Futuristic fashion fad. I love the design of my layout. It's really cool. I love the colour combo of silver, purple and black. It's such a striking layout. What do you think?

This was our criteria. I found this one really easy and I'm sure I've met the criteria.

FUTURISTIC

FUTURISTIC - This category did not really make it outside Star Trek epoch and may have gone completely during the dot com era. The category emphasizes the look of the electronic and the computer age. The design concept is based on galactic or extra-terrestrial inspired clothing.
Colour - Strong metallic (gold, silver, etc.), vivid, and contrasting.
Lines - Angular, sharp and usually asymmetrical.
Textures - Hard, unusually bold and often overwhelmingly round or square.
Effects - Impractical to our present times, unique accessories or trim.
Needs of customer - Bold statement
Favourite Accessory - Bold geometric accessories.
Note: Notice the unique accessories, its sharp and angular lines. Shoes with flashing red lights are examples of this style.

Cool Huh???

EXTRA CRITERIA - Please include the following on your LO....
Repeat a geometric shape at least 4 times on your LO (eg. square, circle, triangle etc)
Include a quote or passage that has something to do with the Future.

The quotes say "The moon is within reach." Perfect right? Also, "It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and reality of tomorrow." I really liked the optimism of that last one.

Get Picky entry

2011-10-27T13:06:00.000+08:00

The challenge blog Get Picky turned 1 recently and is having a blog hop. Lots of inspiration there. This is their current sketch. If you do a layout for it, plus visit and leave a comment on each blog you could win a prize and a Guest Designer spot. I like that the Get Picky blog requires that you use multiple photos as that is always my first choice. Click here to go Get Picky.

I've left a comment on each blog and done the above sketch in the following layout. It is in my normal clean and simple style. Usually the winners at Get Picky are layouts that are very pretty and girly so I won't win but then I am not expecting to. I'd love to win a prize though. That's always appealing.

The layout is all about the remarkable Washington Monument. It's a really incredible structure and it makes it easy to know where you are in the City from taking your bearings from it.

Flowers Swap

2011-10-24T18:56:00.000+08:00

Check this out. Amanda Taylor organises a swap with a theme each month. There are 5 items you can sign up for: ATC's, embellishments, flowers, stamped images and shipping tags. The theme this month is flowers. I got to pick that one. I thought it might be popular. Lots of scrappers love their flowers. Click on Amanda's name for the link to the blog.
I've been doing this for a while now and it's great fun. It's such fun, happy mail to get in your post box. Also, other people create things that you wouldn't so it's often quite a wonderful surprise to see what's in the package.

11/11/11
I thought I'd add a photo of the items I created for this swap.

Win this

2011-10-24T18:48:00.001+08:00

You could win this glitter prize pack that I am giving away at ARTastic challenge blog this month where I am Guest Designing.

There are loads of other prizes to be won too. Take a look here.

Don't forget to try From Screen to Scrap's challenge as well here. There are only a few entries this month which is a bit sad. Makes for amazing odds for you winning a prize though.

Teacher thanks card

2011-10-22T13:15:00.001+08:00

Day 232 at 365 Cards is a colour scheme challenge. I really like these colours together.

I had to make a Teacher thank you card for my son for World Teachers' Day next week. I've kept it simple using some great number PP and highlighting the 9 with a square frame of grey PP. Mark is in Room 9. I've also used a strip of grey with a Thanks rub-on. Not one to leave the inside blank I've also decorated that a little too. I hope Mark's Teacher likes it.

Our Californian Adventure

2011-10-22T11:57:00.002+08:00

I'm going to describe our recent trip a little. I'll do my best to be brief and add just a couple of the 2000 photos we have.

We flew to LA via KL, spending overnight in KL. Then we took a car to Anaheim. Staying at a Disney Hotel was a great move. We could get to the Parks first thing, come back for a rest mid afternoon and stay til closing time.

The first photo is of the It's A Small World ride. Long story but we finally got to go on this ride (which is really aimed at tiny people). Did you know that when Walt Disney opened this ride he poured water from the seven seas into it? It's a boat ride, in case you weren't aware.

Second photo is obviously the castle. Doesn't it look pretty all lit up pink at night time?

After Anaheim we travelled to San Diego. Did the usual things, Zoo, Balboa Park, Sea World and the Maritime Museum. We liked SD. I liked the shopping a lot. We bought some costumes at a costume shop. Paul's and Mark's are both creepy. Will have to pull them out at Halloween. This morning I decorated our lobby in preparation. Getting into the spirit of it this year.

I think this photo I took of the Shamu show at Sea World is pretty great. It was a terrific show. Mark bought a soft toy and has been very fond of it ever since. Damon got a polar bear beany toy but managed to leave it in San Diego in the Hotel room.

Off to Las Vegas from here. What a place! Truly. Had my 44th birthday there. Went up to the top of the Stratosphere Observation Tower in the morning, booked a jump for 8:30pm and then went in a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon in the afternoon.

Tyler James was our pilot. He sat to the left of me. I didn't get used to the Americans driving from the left hand side of the car and on the wrong side of the road. Disconcerting. Mark, Damon and I sat in the front. Paul and 3 Spaniards sat in the back. Pretty cool.

Made me feel a little clammy on the way there. By the time we got back to the Hotel I didn't feel up to the jump. We went out to dinner at Okada Restaurant in the Wynn Hotel. High end Japanese food. I had a rainbow roll. Now, it was divine I must say. I also had some tuna sashima which melted in my mouth. Yum.

After Vegas we went to San Francisco. Did a hop on hop off two for the last two days. Saw the Golden Gate Bridge. The day before that it rained all day. We went to Alcatraz. A great touristy thing to do. Lots of beggars there. Also some protesters. There was some protesters in Vegas too. American economy not too good for a lot of people right now.

Headed off on the torturous trip home from SF, to LAX to KL. Spent a wonderful two days in KL at the JW Marriott. Love that Hotel. Best breakfasts I've ever had. Endless selections. Recommend it highly. Same time zone as Perth so a good transition.

Happy to be home safe and sound.

Grunge for P4F at SB

2011-10-19T13:52:00.000+08:00

Week 7 at Scrap Boutique's Passion 4 Fashion challenge is to do a grunge layout. Yikes I said to myself. So not my thing. Well, I've attempted it and see for yourself whether I've managed to achieve it or not.

SNAPSHOT

I saw a technique using paint in SBM where you use a card and swipe paint on to cardstock so I've given that a go with Jo Sonya's carbon black and burgundy paints. I've added some tulle which has curled up quite nicely. I also had to use more than one stamp in this challenge. I've managed to use four. One is a brick wall one, another two are the picture perfect wording and camera on the black tag and the final one for the journal spot.

I think all the colours compliment the photo nicely. Not what I would have normally done but that's why I like challenges.

TERROR - From Screen 2 Scrap submission

2011-10-17T11:47:00.002+08:00

Two posts in one morning. Go me.
I created this layout for October's From Screen 2 Scrap challenge where I am a Designer. The movie poster inspiration is from Psycho. Very scary poster, very scary movie. Gives me shivers thinking about it.

Extra criteria for points is :

For an extra 6 bonus points :)

1) Spooky house = 1 pt
2) A Silhouette figure = 2 pts
3) A one word title split in half = 3 pts

Also must be created and submitted only for From Screen 2 Scrap

I chose to use the colours in the poster, plus purple because of my Tink t-shirt. I like the combo.

The page is about a ride we went on at Disney last year called the Hollywood Tower of Terror. It's a 13 storey elevator ride which takes you up and plunges you down so you're weightless. Quite a scary ride. Also near the top you can see out over the park. There are also Twilight Zone elements. We all loved it. In fact, we went on it again in Anaheim a couple of weeks ago. So brave and crazy.

Products I've used are:

MME Boo To You! Bewitching Webs and Fright Night (a fun range)

Versafine ONyx Black ink

DCWV Metallic grey CS

Dyed purple paper

Kaisercraft Dear Santa Clear Stamps

MME Haunted Deco Brads

MME Boo To You Border stickers

Borderline Tattoo rub-ons

The Papermill cardmaking stickers

Mrs G's Happy Halloween stickers

The Papermill dimensional stickers

Little Yellow Bicycle Pack Your Bags Tear out ticket book

Plenty of prizes to be won by joining in. Why not have a go! Let Shazza know I sent you.

ADDENDUM: Find out more about the Hollywood Tower of Terror here.

Guest Designer at ARTastic challenge blog - TUTORIAL for Brother layout

2011-10-17T08:39:00.000+08:00

Hi everybody. I'm back from my 3 week vacation to California. I'll do a post about it so you can read about what we did.

Meanwhile, I'm pleased to say I was invited to be Guest Designer at a favourite challenge blog of mine, ARTastic, which is run by Shazza Bishop.

I created the layout for it on 27 August in preparation for going away and am only just now able to put up a post about it. If I had more blogger nous I could have done one ahead and scheduled it but as I've not done that before and was busy I didn't try it with something important like this.

The inspiration painting used for the month of October 2011 is

Dr Jekyll's Hideway by the artist Maryanne Jacobsen

Extra criteria is:
1. A house = 1pt
2. Trees = 2pts
3. A spooky feel! = 3pts

Above is my layout. I was into using Basic Grey that week. I've created a layout featuring my brother Dean and I on his birthday.

I started with a background of Basic Grey Max and Whiskers/Gannett/max-2455. I liked the varied colours and needed paper with green to make a sort of scene.

I then took a tree mask and glimmer misted 4 trees on to the paper. One blue, one wheat and two white. In the second pic above you can see the white trees. I thought they created a spooky feel and it satisfied the second criteria of trees.

I've cut a strip off Basic Grey laser cut doilies paper and added it along the bottom to create some greenery.

Then I've used a Dusty Attic Main Street chipboard house, just cut one off the strip. I've painted it and tucked it into the doilie paper.

I had an offcut of Making Memories Artisan Toile Greenhouse Paperie paper but it was too bright against what I had already so I've used a black ink pad to darken it up. It then matched really nicely with the clothes we are wearing in the photo. I adhered that to the page.

I mounted my photo on to some Basic Grey Origins/authentic pp. I placed a strip of Darice Oh So Trendy sage ribbon across the page and adhered my photo down.

I took some scrap BG paper, rubbed on a Creative Memories word sticker, cut it to fit behind Making Memories Vintage Findings mini kit nature piece for my title. It had brads so I used them to attach it to the page.

I've used more scrap of Kaisercraft Hunt and Gather PP to punch a strip and placed it underneath the photo. Then I've just added some sticker strips from BG Olivia and BG Oxford Element stickers and journalled and I was done.

Thanks to Shazza for having me as Guest Designer this month. I have assembled a glitter prize pack to give away and will be choosing the winner. Please have a go and mention that I sent you if you're new to the blog. Just go to http://artasticchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/october-inspiration-will-come-from.html to have a look. You'll see the other prizes on offer and what the Designers have created. Make a blog post and link it up. You stand a good chance of winning something. Best of luck.

Set of 3 Space cards

2011-09-21T14:02:00.001+08:00

Day 203 - Outer Space Masculine StyleThis is the theme for 365 cards today. So, why not a set of 3, envelopes and all. Boys just love space and so do I.

This will be my last post for almost a month. I'm off to sunny California on vacation. Can't wait. Just finished packing my bag. Woohoo.

Conservative (Feminine/Demure)

2011-09-20T16:28:00.001+08:00

Mine was first cab off the rank this week for week 3 of Scrap Boutique's Passion 4 Fashion competition. The theme is conservative. Challenge is to use pastels, soft blends, muted rainbow with simple rounded curves, innocent and very feminine. Sometimes diamond accessories.

I love the colour lilac so I used that as my main pastel colour. I've used a layout by Natalie Elphinstone (11/9/11 post) as my inspiration. Main element I scraplisted was the hand cut "rainbow" and placement of photo. I've used a black and white picture of myself at 4 years of age. Innocence personified. I look very sweet don't you think?

The little butterflies have been hand made by me. I made them as embellishments for Amanda's swaps last month. The theme was fly away. I stamped the butterfly using Kaisercraft lilac ink on to some cardstock which was a bit textured, then hand cut it. I've lined the edges in Kindy Glitz and added a purple rhinestone from D'Lish Scraps. I made some extras to use for myself I liked them that much.

Published

2011-09-19T13:03:00.002+08:00

Happy days. Scrapbook News and Review magazine likes my work. They've chosen to publish 3 layouts again this month in the Volume #4 9/10 issue, just released today. Some great inspiration in this magazine. Look for my layouts in the Colour of the Month : Pink/Rose section and the Action and Sports Shots. Love you SNR. Thanks for the honour. xxx

Passion 4 Fashion - Dramatic double

2011-09-16T12:12:00.000+08:00

Week 2's challenge at Scrap Boutique for their Passion 4 Fashion competition is Dramatic. This style is glamorous with strong colour, especially black, open lines, garments made to order and sexy. We also had to add a movie quote.

I've chosen to scrap photos of a party Paul and I attended in honour of the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. We were to dress accordingly. I wore a ball gown, Paul wore a tux and there were various costumes from wedding dresses to military uniforms. The woman who won best dressed had spray painted the union jack on her wedding dress. Crazy.

I've used a colour scheme of black, cream, bright pink and bright blue. The bright pink lace cs and bright blue punched cs take care of the open lines and the black flowers takes care of texture. The glam outfits and costumes certainly made a statement and were glamorous. Of course William and Catherine's outfit were made to order and they looked amazing.

My movie quote is included in my journalling. I took a quote from the movie "The Village". It is "The World moves for love. It kneels before it in awe." Certainly the World all watched this Royal Wedding with great interest. Such a wonderful love story for our future King and Queen.

The crowned lion on the left page is part of William's coat of arms. I printed it as a photo and fussy cut it.

2011-09-08T14:33:00.001+08:00

I've gone straight from a 12 week challenge at Red Earth Scrapping to an 8 week challenge at Scrap Boutique. I usually do there cyber crops and I enjoy their challenges. Unfortunately I will be away overseas for 3 weeks of their challenge so I won't be eligible for their major prize but could possibly win a weekly one. Also, it will be fun as I love a unique challenge.

This week the theme is haute couture. So think layering, unique, hand made, expensive.

I chose to use photos of this Nef at The British Museum. I was fascinated by it. It was made in 1585 and was used as table entertainment at dinner parties and the like. It made music, it was a clock and the cannon fired causing smoke and trumpets to sound. Plus, it's made of gilded brass. What a stunning piece of workmanship! Well, that's a pretty rare item and hand made and expensive. Good place to start.

I've used Graphic 45 Renaissance Fair patterned papers, Kaisercraft Clear Stamps and sepia ink, Making Memories glitter paper and foil compass pp, Basic Grey papers to make the flower, Maya Rd CB which I've misted, Creative Memories Vintage letters and journal mat and 7 gypsies gem gears.

Handmade Embellishments

2011-09-08T11:00:00.002+08:00

Do you like to hand make some items for your pages? I do. I am in a swaps group called Amandas Scrap Swaps. You can choose to make ATC's, flowers, embellishments, shipping tags or stamped images. This month the theme is fly away. I've chosen to do the flowers, embellies and tags. It was hard to photograph this image as the butterfly embellishments kept fluttering away. lol They really did want to fly away.

I've also added in some flowers which I made using Basic Grey papers and some punches, a distressing tool, ink and a fancy brad. You can see these top left.

Altered art for ARTastic

2011-09-03T15:50:00.004+08:00

Today I have altered a tissue box into a pen holder for my scrap desk. I like this size tissue box as it fits neatly into my cup hold in my car. This is the first one I have used up and I decided I would like to repurpose it.

The challenge at ARTastic was to take inspiration from a beautiful painting by Van Gogh called Almond Blossom.

Isn't it pretty? Extra criteria was blue background, white flowers and brown or white title.

I've used Prima Annalee Collection Poetry PP as the background. It is blue and green with white flowers. I've also used some little white flowers in amongst the Prima crystal spray that I bought this week.

This is how the box looked originally.

Thanks for looking.

2011-09-02T10:16:00.001+08:00

It's spring. Hooray. A new monthly challenge for you do to at From Screen 2 Scrap features the movie poster below.

Extra points criteria was:

1) One Word Title = 1 pt
2) Use Blue, Yellow and Red cardstock = 2 pts
3) Add a bird = 3 pts

Here's what I came up with:

Mark and I made this fabulous hat for his Easter parade at School. I also made a little egg in a basket for his Teacher gift. I've used Sassafras Lass pp as the background, a red turkey feather (which I've also used in the hat), I made a felt embellishment which I've hand stitched. I lined his hat with felt so that it was comfortable to wear. I've used stripes as inspired by the poster in all the required colours. I have a little CM chickie sticker as well. Do you see the little yellow chickies on his hat? Mark didn't win this year but he should have I reckon.
Hope you can join in the fun this month. I look forward to seeing what you create.
Here is the web address: http://screen2scrap.blogspot.com/

Anna's September sketch

2011-09-01T14:46:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone. It's the first day of spring in WA. Hooray. Lovely day today. I took the opportunity to do Anna's Craft Cupboard's September sketch challenge today. I won't be doing many challenges at all this month as we are going overseas on holiday at the end of this month and half of October.
I've chosen to use two photos of my 11yo son when he was just a little tacker. Sometimes it's nice to scrap baby photos for a change. We're at my Mum's place so he's getting fed in his stroller. Mark still likes his food.
I've used all Basic Grey, except the ribbon and the die cut.

Raquel's blog giveaway

2011-08-28T16:48:00.000+08:00

Look at this yummy scrap kit Raquel has put together. Go here for a chance to win this:

Included in this giveaway pack are papers from October Afternoon, Studio Calico, Cosmo Cricket, My Minds Eye and more!!

Embellishments include Crate Paper stickers, two packs of thickers, Sassafras month cards etc...

Easily over $50 of retail value! Sweet huh?

The Paper Variet Ch#45

2011-08-27T16:02:00.000+08:00

Journey

The Paper Variety's current challenge is to create a travel paper project. Here is my entry.

Win this

2011-08-26T07:42:00.000+08:00

Do you like this?

You could win it. Sam's having a sale on the 18th September and wants us to spread the word.

Support Sam's enterprise at: http://samiammylifeinnotes.blogspot.com/.

From Screen 2 Scrap Ch#3

2011-08-25T12:07:00.000+08:00

Here is a card that I've made for #3 of this month's special birthday challenges at From Screen 2 Scrap.

Here's the inspiration.

Added Criteria

1 point - Polka dotted patterned paper

2 points - Use numbers in your title

3 points - Let’s make this girly - lots of pink and bling and froth and bubbles

Mission accomplished I reckon.

Pinup Boy for Scrap the Boys

2011-08-25T10:11:00.000+08:00

This charming boy's room below was the inspiration for this month's challenge at Scrap The Boys challenge site. My layout features my son Damon, dressed all in Billabong clothing, in front of the Billabong shop in City Walk at Universal Studios. It wasn't open when we got there but we had a chance to go inside later. There is a fabulous whooshing water feature out the front of the shop which is why I've incorporated the wavy patterned paper, plus Billabong is a surf brand. I've also used a clothing tag from one of Damon's pairs of boardshorts on the layout.

Prizes for FS2S's 2nd birthday up for grabs

2011-08-24T15:55:00.000+08:00

Only 4 days left to get your entries in at From Screen 2 Scrap.
Don't forget that there are 5 challenges there this month and that means 5 lots of prizes up for grabs. Go take a peek here.

RERT Week 12 and Day 172 at 365 Cards

2011-08-20T12:43:00.000+08:00

Week 12 and the final destination at Red Earth's road trip is upon me. Mum gave me a wonderful photo of Dad last week and I couldn't resist printing it larger and using it in this week's challenge. The location is Canowindra which is where Helen, who is the owner of Red Earth Scrapping hails from. Criteria was to use 1 photo, bright colours, hot air ballon paper piecing. Tick all of those off in my layout "Daydream".

The card was just a birthday card. I've used the criteria for Day 172 at 365 Cards which is vintage and green.

Thanks for looking.

From Screen 2 Scrap cards

2011-08-17T14:06:00.000+08:00

This post features two cards I have done for the 2nd birthday celebrations of From Screen 2 Scrap where I am a Designer.

Firstly I've made a card for challenge 2. The criteria is:
* use a white and blue background
* child celebrating birthday
* an umbrella

The second card is for an extra DT sub for Holiday Inn. My youngest son performed on violin in his ensemble at the Perth Music Festival on Saturday which was held at my older son's School Perth Modern. In appreciation of his Teacher's efforts we pooled together and I got her some flowers and some chocolates from Johnny Walker Chocolatier shaped like instruments. I also made her this card which I made to fit the criteria for Holiday Inn. (navy and red, 2 toned title and music paper). She was delighted with everything.

Here's a pic of my son looking at the Teacher.

Anna's August '11 sketch entry

2011-08-17T09:28:00.000+08:00

This is my entry to Anna's August 2011 sketch competition. These are photos of the actual vehicles used in the movie the Dark Knight. I wanted to keep the feeling of dark and incorporate the motor vehicle aspect. I've actually added in some hardware which you can see in the bottom photo. I've used 3 "O" rings tied with ribbon. I think it looks kind of cool. Of course there are a couple of bats thrown in for good measure.

Published in SNR

2011-08-15T11:15:00.000+08:00

The current issue of Scrapbook News and Review online magazine contains my first ever card submission in the Back To School section. My card is called Think Positive. I made it as an inspiration and motivation card. It features mainly words of encouragement. It's a great mag full of great stuff. If you haven't ever seen it, it is worth a look.

RERT layout and card Wk 9 Feed The Birds and Merry Christmas

2011-08-15T10:53:00.000+08:00

Canberra is the destination for Week 11. Only one week left. This week's layout challenge is to use floral papers and a sketch. I've chosen to make a page for Damon's album. He's feeding birds apple at the Walk-In Aviary in Canberra when we visited there in January 2009. I've used mostly Echo Park papers and elements. I've included some little butterflies which I hope you can see in the close up photo. Bit subtle but sometimes the little things count as much as the big. The bonus item this week was the Australian flag.

The card challenge was inspired by the House of Reps being green and the Senate being red. We've actually been in those rooms. You had to use non-traditional Christmas papers. I quite like how it's turned out.

Thanks for looking.

The Paper Variety citrus challenge

2011-08-11T10:00:00.000+08:00

Here is my entry. Damon was such a cute baby.

The Challenge~

Your paper project MUST be primarily green, orange, and yellow.

ARTastic entry - Fly

2011-08-08T13:29:00.000+08:00

The sun peeped out just now so I ran outside to photograph last night's creation. It's a layout for ARTastic's August challenge. The criteria was to use a ribbon, have a photo of a child playing and create your own background using paint. The painting inspiration is 'The Playing Claude Renoir' by Auguste Renoir.

Here is my entry called "Fly". It is of Mark piloting an army helicopter at the War Memorial in Canberra. Damon and I are passengers. I'm pleased with how all the colours and elements from so many different company's came together so well.

If you look at the 1" square underneath the ABC s of the title you'll see little helicopters on the paper.

Products used are:

Making Memories/Just Chillin'/Patchwork Boy pp

Crate Paper Toy Box CB

Orange paint

ribbon

Creative Memories blue cardstock

Bo Bunny Back to Basics/Grease Monkey pp

Kaisercraft Long Ranger brads

MME Boo! To You! Candy Dots pp

WRMK Geo-Hectic/Light Board pp

Creative Memories blueberry ABCs

Basic Grey Oxford Element stickers

Thanks for looking.