.

More Christmas ornaments for my tree

2011-12-06T19:19:00.000+10:00

Well I've been on a roll today and was able to complete 4 more ornaments for my tree, yea hay for me I was actually able to do more than one thing today......

Been hunting down stash to create an altered baby box for a swap that I'm going to do with a gal pal from the US, Hi Tabitha.......This is what I'm using for it... but will add more when I see pretty things to put on it....
I've also got my swap partner for a mini Christmas swap album that's due out by the 5th of January so going to buy some papers so I can make a start on that one.....
So I'm going to be busy getting these done this month....

And I can officially say I'm addicted to making these ornaments, there so fun to play with....Also I'm back to gaming with a passion hubby spotted me breastfeeding Izzy whilst in a major battle playing War in the North (LOTR) just because I'm feeding dosen't mean I can't play lol.....
Now I'm on the hunt for another game to play just completed Fable 3, now I need something else to play for christmas so yell out any suggestions.....
Well gotta go hubby is working late so gotta get kiddies in line and off to never never land.......

Ps

Finally seeing Breaking Dawn tomorrow hope it's good!

Ciao

Just for Maree

2011-12-04T15:19:00.000+10:00

A good friend asked if I could give a tutorial on how I made the last xmas ornament from the soda can so here goes.....
Step one.

Next Step

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Now my finished ornament that I finished off this morning is this one

Another xmas ornament for the tree made from a soda can

2011-12-03T17:45:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone, it's a late Saturday arvo for me here in BrisVegas just chilling today have three sick kids so today was a not go out day.... So I thought I would create something for the tree, now my daughter came home with an awesome idea she had made a soda can decoration at school so I thought I would try and and do something in my style......

I got this lovely image from Magic Moonlight's blog, it was in todays post, so I thought I would have a go as the only soda can I could find was a purple fanta one, so I thought I would make the decoration silver and purple.
Now mine is a hanging kind of ornament you just can't see it from these photo's, it's almost night so it was a pain trying to get a good photo.......
Will be back later on with the next one, just hunting down an image maybe of santa this time.......
Have a great weekend, now I have a crop to attend so gotta find some stuff to make up a xmas vintage tag....
Ciao ladies....

Let's get shabby mono challenge

2011-11-19T15:27:00.000+10:00

I don't do very many challenges lately but I've missed doing the "let's get shabby" monthly Challenge so thought I would try and get something done in time.
I've gone for a white combination and made a matchbox ornament for my tree, I've used for this challenge the following.

Texture paste
German scrap image
Crepe paper in white
I've made a white vine and then added my flowers to it
White doily
Paint
Rock candy crackle paint

Thanks for looking...

Became a Brave girl member,the start of my Soul Journal

2011-11-18T22:34:00.002+10:00

Well today I was blog hopping and found a wonderful creative site called Brave Girls club http://bravegirlsclub.com/ and signed up to do a couple of the online workshops, I don't seem to do much about me anymore I think I lost myself but am slowly finding myself once again.... So I made time to create today probably the worst time to start as hubby was home today recuperating from a painful biopsy..... But alas I did and my mojo has decided to return....
So anyway I decided to do something simple and signed up for the vintage wall art class but then realized I would need to go shopping for supplies so I ended up buying the Soul Book class as I knew I could at least make a start on the book.....
Here is the link check it out and tell me what you think, what I love about it is these talented artists Melody Ross and her sister Kathy are just so down to earth their videos describing their courses are just fabulous and you just want to do one or all of their classes.....

So this is the cover of my Soul book, you learn how to make these books from scratch this is what I started working on this morning after I had put the book together and bound the spine

My finished cover

Finished first layer of cover needed to add more dimension

I took these pictures tonight so might try and get a better photo of my book tomorrow......Right gotta fly the babe has just woken crying for a feed ciao for now...

ps

Alicia and I are signing up for the brave mothers and daughters online class next week what a great project to do for the holidays, so were both super excited...

Christmas mini album the decorated cover

2011-11-14T14:03:00.000+10:00

Well I bet your surprised to see me post twice in the same week lol, gosh so am I but I got totally creative this morning so I thought I would show and tell.
So I got motivated because I really wanted to enter the November tres chic chaIlenge over at Bellacreations the criteria was this

Okay so for this month's challenge we are going FREE STYLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This means you have the ultimate choice of deciding what style to create in.

All you need to do is create a project, layout, card, altered......upload the entry here in the thread. Please when describing your project, tell us what style you chose!!!
So I decided that I would do my christmas mini album for this challenge, okay I decided that I wasn't going to go with the usual kind of christmas colours call me boring but love to do something different, so for this album and its pages I'm going to use cream's, browns, gold and the slightest hint of red for it, I also get to use my old 7 Gypsies stash up so it's a win win situation.....

So now I just need to hunt around for loads of embellishments to do my 25 days of christmas pages and of course start taking photos to fill up these pages....
On my list is to do the all white challenge but I'm not sure if this will be for "Lets get shabby's mono challenge or for the November Nuances De Couleur challenge at Bella Creations maybe I will have time to do them both, but I guess time will tell......

One wish for you, an album page for Izzy's baby album

2011-11-08T14:35:00.001+10:00

Not much has been happening with me since my last post, Izzy is just over four months now and I never have a free moment right now to sit and just create, but I really want to work on getting her album done so a late night session last night produced this layout....
Seeing that "Wish" was one of the feature challenge words on bird is the word challenge blog it made it even easier to come up with a title, so my layout is called "One wish for you", I have journalling which you pull out on the right side of the photo....

And seeing that's it's Christmas next month I thought I had better get a start on creating ornaments for the tree, so this is Isabella's first ornament for the tree which I made today out of a small mint tin, played with texture paste, rub n buff and made an art mould for the top......
Next thing I want to work on is the creation stage of a Xmas album mini, and then make a few more mint tin ornaments, other than that I just need to make time for myself, hubby keeps saying go out leave the babe with me, but as Izzy refuses to take a bottle not going anywhere at the moment..... Surely this girl will want one soon lol......

So if u need a challenge to do then click on the link...http://birdisthewordchallenge.blogspot.com/

Treasured Memories of Isabella Erin

2011-09-13T11:30:00.000+10:00

Well been so slack lately so needed a bit of motivation to get me scrapping again, so when I saw the Bird is the word challenge word I thought I would give it a go this is the cover of my daughters baby album. Oh and the word is Memory etc.....
I've used a combo of Prima papers, flowers, seam binding, gesso, paints and crackle paint.
Thanks for a great challenge....

.
Here is the link to Bird is the Word challenge blog http://birdisthewordchallenge.blogspot.com/

Ps here is her latest picture she has just turned 3 months old the time is just flying by so quickly......

Just gone 6 weeks and talk about changes

2011-08-02T07:58:00.000+10:00

Well it's nearly the end of July and Isabella has just past the six week mark and I haven't found time to do anything that I enjoy, she's growing so much with each day that passes, but has a bit of a diva nature already, this girl just wants to be in your arms so it's so hard to get anything done at all.....
I've had the Game of thrones book for the last three weeks and only just finished it the other day, now normally I read at least 2 to 3 books a week to keep sane so it's such a shock to take that long to read one book......
And as for scrapping that hasn't even got a look in until yesterday when I began work on the cover of Izzy's album so I can show and tell that in this post, I just need to add her initials and then that part is done, then I need to work on covering the actual album but I'm deciding on fabric or paper to cover it with....

So here is a photo of what I've done so far....

And then last night I went thru and began going thru papers and embellishments that will be making up her album it's kind of a mix of Prima Annalee papers, graphic 45 and Webster's papers and then of course lots of different embellishments, I have a couple of orders coming so will be adding more embellishments to what you see already below....

And here are a couple of recent snaps of Izzybee, the kids call her the cuddle-monster as she is always in someone's arms.....

Say hello to my little Isabella

2011-06-17T20:02:00.000+10:00

Well I have to say it's been a major rollercoaster ride these last few weeks of my pregnancy, as you all know I was going to be induced on Thursday, but had a complication with a bleed of course this had to happen at 1.30am early Thursday morning.....
Rushed off to hospital got there and it was full on every bed was full, hubby had to throw a major fit about having to wait so long, but it did the job and they got another midwife in to check us all out.....
Was at 5cm they couldn't figure out where the blood had come from, so they found me a room and in we went, they wanted to rupture my waters but had to wait until a theatre was free as they kept saying the C word to themselves, needless to say I was petrified I so didn't want to go under the knife......
Well After a change of midwife my doctor came back at 1.30pm and said right were going to get you kickstarted again I have a theatre all lined up for you, half an hour later and the contractions started coming, hubby and I walked the hallways to get these contractions started and I bounced on the birth ball which was a new experience, by 4.35 I was having them close together and I started singing out for the epidural.....Especially as I wanted drugs drugs and more drugs lol...
Midwife told me she would do a check and of course goes hey you can push if you want, I was so not impressed but next contraction I tested it out and yes I was at the point of no return, 2 pushes and hubby happen to look down south and saw he r head, so talk about pandamodium, no one was ready, my midwife was getting my drip set up, hubby is running around the birth suite like a pro handing her gloves, helping her sort out the drip so she can catch the babe as it comes out......
So my gosh talk about drama drama drama, but of course we both fell in love with our baby girl......
So here she is our queen of hearts her name is
Isabella Erin
she weighed in at 7lb15oz
and everyone just adores her.....

Well just a short post my eldest daughter just arrived in from Melbourne haven't seen her in over 2 years so its going be so good having her around, just got to see her to tattoos in person and my gosh they are so big......
Can't believe hubby hasn't said a word about them but then again I told him no arguing or disagreements while she is here they both have the same personality so tend to butt heads lol.....

This babe is coming on Thursday

2011-06-06T16:13:00.000+10:00

Make a pregnancy ticker

Well after spending five days in hospital last week for blood pressure, my doctors have said that they want to induce me on Thursday, so kinda apprehensive but excited at the same time for the arrival of our little one......
Had to go back in today for bp checks and monitoring of babe, my midwife kept my hospital notes and said we may as well keep them as you'll be back on Thursday, I was told that they will need to have a theatre free just in case of problems, so her saying that has me a bundle of nerves I'm going to be emotional wreck come Thursday....
Poor husband looked after the kids while I was in hospital and he was kind of relieved when I rang to say I was allowed to come home for the weekend, and of course half the family had nasty coughs and colds which he has come down with now, it never rains but pours in our household.......
So keep me in your prayers and I'll post photos when she arrives......
So I've repacked my hospital bag all ready for d-day once again, just have to wash some clothes that arrived from Gymboree today and I'm all set to go......

6 weeks to go, it's the final countdown

2011-05-04T14:41:00.001+10:00

Hey Everyone,

Okay long time no see of little old me, been on bedrest on and off trying to keep my blood pressure good, kinda sucks when you have a nurse in the house and his trusty little friend the blood pressure monitor, gosh I hate that thing with a passion.....

So can't wait until this little girl enters the world preferably a little earlier than later, hubby has to go on exercise on my due date so hmmmmm, I soo don't want to do this birthing alone......

So I'm finally getting myself organized with buying all her stuff have her name pretty much picked out her initials will be IED i think I'm the one that has military in their blood, but still tossing betwen two names for the middle one...
Kids are excited my youngest is half and half he calls her the turtle and wants her to stay in my tummy forever, but sometimes he hugs my tummy and says wuv you Izzybee, so he may have a little trouble when she first arrives.....

Havent scrapped that much at all over the last couple of months but I did do her journal that I'm bringing to hospital with me, so at least i got that done, also decorated a box for her bootees, but have two more to get done......

Izzy's baby journal

Her bootees box

With Mothers day on Sunday my son Chris saw that I wanted one of these bags so has ordered me the pink and black one, and then my other son has got me the red and black one so I'm going to use them both as diaper bags as they are so roomy and have lots of pockets to stash all your gear into....

So 6 weeks to go the final countdown I'm already anxious as I just want to know what date she will appear gosh I hate surprises, I've been told by my Doctor and hubby that as soon as I think I'm in labour to get to the hospital quick, as they both think she will be very quick, so that makes me nervous especially as I know I need to have all my drips put in and they have to have blood on standby just in case....
So keep your fingers crossed that this one comes at nighttime as traffic is just disgusting thru-out the day, and that she turns at the moment she is transverse breech so no rib kicking for this mama I get kicked and prodded in the kidneys not a nice feeling at all......
PS this is the moses basket I got for her just feel in love with it when I saw it....

What a week and it's all good news I'm having a .......

2011-02-10T10:14:00.000+10:00

Sorry been abit slack with posting just don't seem to have any time on my hands at the moment life is just chockerblock I'm always on the run, Max has started Prep and he has adjusted to school life so well it's kind of amazing for such a shy little boy to turn the corner so quickly, he hates it when its the weekend he would prefer to be at school...
Okay so on to the good news well as you know the Superbowl was on here in Oz on Monday and hubby's team was in the playoff's the Mighty Pittsburgh Steelers, now mine didn't make it this time around I'm normally a Viking/Cowboys fan so I of course had to go and Pick Greenbay to win as there is no way I'm going to go for the Steelers to win the Superbowl....
Of course this day was the day we had to go into have our ultrasound done so hubby missed half of it, we took Max and Drew to see our newest member, had to go in to the hospital's specialist clinic as I'm considered high risk and all now that I'm an older mama.....
Of course I had to ask that question what is it can you see, had my fingers crossed that its legs were uncrossed this morning and hello were having a

GIRL and she is growing perfectly looks like she maybe the biggest of them all so I am totally over the moon it's been 12 years since our last girl so it's going to be so lovely to buy pink again and of course I get to choose her name I've already seen a cheerleader outfit that I'm getting her lol although I may have to buy her two as I love both the Dallas Cowboys and the Vikings......
And we have even begun to agree on names, I was seriously getting heartburn when it came to boys names and we just couldn't agree on a boys name, but I had a list of girls names that were both happy with just have to actually pick on the one we love but at the moment the top contender looks like it's going to start with I and her initals could be IED hmmm can you tell were a military family....
Now I have to go and actually do some housework, later ladies........

Make a pregnancy ticker

Gone for awhile but I'm back again with a bun in the oven.......

2011-01-16T13:06:00.001+10:00

Well long time no post can you believe it's the start of a new year, and new beginnings well for me I have a new beginning the stork is delivering in June, hmmmm a new baby yes totally shell shocked an unexpected surprise still have to keep pinching myself but yip the evidence is in my belly is growing......

This girl has cravings for butterfingers, grilled peanut butter toasties and orange juice and can I say I don't normally like peanut butter so not sure where this craving for anything peanut butter is coming from.....

Now I'm 99% that this one is going to be another boy, but in my heart I'm secretly praying that after all this horrid morning sickness I experienced and yes I had it for 9 weeks couldn't cook anything for that period of time, that maybe this babe has girly parts.....

But I guess we'll have to see in a couple of weeks when I have my 3d ultrasound, just hope the place I'm going wasn't damaged to much with the floods it's on South Bank....

So I have been scrapping but only on my pregnancy journal which is busting at the seams already and I'm only finished with week 16 lol..

I've found a cute little shop on Etsy called Tattered Inspirations lots of little shabby inspired kits to get you creating so check it out here is the link www.etsy.com/shop/tatteredinspirations

I'm finally back back online again

2010-10-08T13:26:00.000+10:00

Well yay I'm finally back online again oh my gosh all the hassles we have had with our internet provider and the damn modems finally after a few dramatic heated exchanges we are back online so all I can say is thank goodness.... Not having the net has been hard you don't realize how much you depend on it until its gone......
Okay so have had a few things I was working on since my last post yes all my matchboxes and gifts to go inside each one are done, but then my son handed me a couple of little tins and then a small plastic chewing gum container that I made over......
Not the best photos of my matchboxes and gifts the lighting was terrible when I took it but I so loved making each and everyone of them.....

my altered mint tins

Now seeing that I wasn't able to get online I am emailing all the girls who signed up for the petite box cameo swap to make sure there still all good to participate in it, I will extend the deadline as well for post outs....

My new altered display board

2010-09-09T10:42:00.000+10:00

Well I saw this gorgeous image the other day it was the September image for Mind Wide Open's Sept challenge so I thought I would give a go and do a collage type piece for it, now I have this display board that's been sitting here in my stash so thought I would dress it up and make it look pretty.....
I've used a bit of this and that, pieces of prima paper, tissue paper, french language paper and then of course I have to add some flowers into the piece as well....
So here is my new display board

Just a close up

Will she have a happy ending

My book cover made for the Lillian Russell challenge

2010-09-07T09:33:00.000+10:00

Over at Mary's Green Paper blog their is a lovely challenge this month to use the three images and create something, I wanted to make a book cover come diary that I can use to jot down those random thoughts and feelings.....
So this is what I have made

I've used Graphic 45 paper, prima tissue paper, all three images and it's called In my search to find you, I found myself....
Thanks for a lovely challenge the images were a pleasure to use and I look forward to the next challenge....

Crepe paper, Parisian lady and flowers galore can you guess what I'm making

2010-09-06T09:53:00.000+10:00

It's the end of the weekend and truthfully I haven't accomplished much of anything craft wise okay I'll let you in on my secret I watched the whole third season of Gossip Girl on Saturday, so there was one day gone shame on me lol.....

But I have nearly finished a swap project I'm involved in so that is a bonus so I guess my weekend wasn't too much of a right off....

I've been gluing, collaging, playing with a mixture of flowers, I think this swap has seen me use more flowers than on anything else I've done this year,so I truly hope my swap partners likes what I've made for her.....

Here are a couple of sneek peeks the first two are the outside of the box

 and this is the inside

Other than that I have a few things to do this week here is my little list of things that I want to get done by Sunday...

 :finish off the rest of my matchboxes

 :make 21 little items to go inside each one

 :gather all the goodies for my swap box

 :work on my otp project for the friends swap 

 :get two more items for the colour swap

 :buy my advance screening tickets for The Girl who played with  

  Fire.

 : Begin work on a party decoration for Max's fifth birthday in 11 days time, not having any family close can really suck, so if you would like to fill one little boys mailbox with a birthday card then let me know, you will make one little boy's day....

Have a great day everyone......

Rosette Swap and16 done and nine more to go I'm in matchbox heaven right now

2010-09-02T08:27:00.000+10:00

Well I just got an email from my swap partner for the rosette swap saying that she had received it so thought I would show and tell what I sent Ann....

I'm glad it got to her safe and sound.....
Now yesterday I spent the afternoon crafting away and made 9 of my christmas swap matchboxes so I'm on a roll and hope to have these all done by Friday, then of course I will have to work on the goodies to go inside each one which is the longest part as I have to wait for things to dry so I will have to do an assembly line for the gifts so I can get them all done quickly...
So these are what I made yesterday, some don't have numbers as I ran out of ones so will add those in the next couple of days...

Christmas hanging petite box

2010-08-31T09:40:00.001+10:00

Morning Everyone,

Well yesterday I had a lovely day my girlfriend and her hubby came up from the Gold Coast to spend the day with me, so we had time to catch up on all the gossip even though the coast isn't that far away, we don't get to see each other that much. Mainly because my other half tends to work on a weekend and neither of us drive.... Yes shock horror I don't drive nor do I want too, I think I would be one of those road rage drivers so why even go there, and the promises of an old jaguar (my favourite car) dosn't even tempt me to get a licence.....

The last day I have been working on a petite box ornament for one of the kid's teacher's I thought I would do something creative to go with their xmas present's this year so I have made this one for Daunte's teacher

I have to say I really enjoy making these and the little art frame moulds just fit perfectly on these size matchboxes.....
I'm expecting my new prima and 7 gypsies order today from Blue Bazaar so I'm waiting patiently for my postie to rock up and ring that doorbell so hurry up already I want it now lol....

Then I am going to start work on my private swap with Tabitha I have the perfect image that I received from Lynne just for adding this website button

to my blog so girls click on the link add Lynne's blog button to your blog and you will receive two image sheets of your choice, how wonderful is that....

Now I'll be back later with a photo of what the postie delivered, catch you soon and thanks for dropping by my blog....

Well my postie just dropped off my order gosh it was quite heavy so here is what I got....

And then of course I got some of the papers this is really the only one I liked out of the collection so I stocked up and brought a few of each paper....Don't you just love those carnation vines these really called out to me to buy them, I wasn't really fussed with the other flowers no doubt I will buy them but the vines are fabulous....
Can you guess what papers I'm going to use on my private swap with Tabitha now lol?

First 7 matchboxes for the Chrissy Swap and hosting a new Cameo petite box swap

2010-08-26T08:42:00.001+10:00

Okay well I posted on Monday that my goal for this week was to finish five of my christmas matchboxes and hello I did 7 today and burnt my finger on my hot glue gun, forgot that it gets so damn hot quickly so note to self quit checking with your finger to see if it's hot lol...
I'm doing a mixture of colours for mine so it's fun putting each matchbox together wondering who will get each one, I already have a couple of favourites one is the one with the little girl I've used skeleton leaves to give her wings and I so love the way number 4 turned out I think I' going to make a bigger sized matchbox for my tree just like that one....

Now I'm hoping to get another 7 done by the weekend so keep your fingers crossed that I can find the time to craft in peace, normally my household on a weekend is action/drama packed what with teens having their friends over, the little ones fighting over whose going to play with the toy that of course they both want to play with, and then the kids arguing over what movie/game to play on tv it's never ending in my house.....
And of course the other half hides himself away playing his guitar so he can't hear anything ohh what a life lol....
I'm thinking of hosting a new swap I think it maybe a cameo inspired petite box swap so if you think your interested just leave me a comment.......Here is all the details

Marias Cameo Petite box swap
Sign up's until Wednesday 13th Sept
Send out date by Oct 15th....
Sending to two swap partners

You will need to decorate a big sized matchbox and fill it with at least
three cameo's
lace
ribbons
vintage buttons/beads
a small bunch of flowers
5 different charms (good quality ones)
And then make a tag for your swap partners

You will be sending to two different partners if you can only send to one let me know as there maybe others who can only send to one person.
Please don't sign up if you don't feel you can get this swap signed up, bad swappers beware...
Email me at topendgirl2000@gmail.com or leave me a comment here.......

Tea caddy/cigar box swap sent spoiler alert....

2010-08-25T08:08:00.000+10:00

Well yesterday I posted off my cigar/teacaddy box back to school swap to my swap partner in Canada so I thought I would show and tell what I created and sent Sandi.I really enjoyed creating this one and actually didn't want to send this one off as I so love the image and just the way it turned out....
I used a mixture of 7 Gypsies/Graphic 45 papers to decorate it,

Now what's inside the box are these:
3 tiny vials of german glitter glass
4 different sprays of flowers
1 pack of buttons
1 pack of collections pins
2 different white laces
hidden under the wadding is a container of assorted glass beads
A packet of mixture ephemera (book pages, vintage tickets, playing cards, flashcards, valentines day cards etc)
Collections tile prints
Collections 6x6 designer paper in Sepia
Heidi bling strips
2 Prima stamps
A Jenny B framed rubon
A package of white German scrap trim
and a little sweet sachet to make it smell all nice

Thanks Tabitha for hosting the swap......

PS made my first christmas matchbox for the big swap hoping to get at least two more done tonight, but now I have to go and get Max ready for his Prep meet his teachers session....

What I've done a layout you betcha...

2010-08-24T08:27:00.001+10:00

Okay so I have been so slack with not doing any actual scrapping but I really was motivated to do the August Scrap with V challenge Pip wanted us to do an all white layout so had to kind of think about this one before I actually worked on it.....
So this is it

For mine I have used, a white oval doily, white cotton cheesecloth material, an assortment of lace, white prima packaging, white crepe paper trim, an atc canvas used as a tag, it slides out from under the Prima packaging on the left handside of my layout, a small white drawstring bag which I have attached to my floral vine made up of white sprays, a mixture of old and new white flowers and then a vintage button.....
I just got a knock and my postman was standing their with a parcel box in his hands hmmm wonder what's inside the box

and these were what were inside my flower order from iamroses if you havent shopped their before you should fast delivery I got mine in just under a week and postage is 50 cents per package of flowers....

What's going to go inside my xmas matchboxes

2010-08-23T12:11:00.000+10:00

Now I've finally made a start on my matchboxes for the swap at A swap for all seasons, thankfully I did my first one and decided to check the post giving all the requirement details and realized my matchboxes are too big so my first one went into my christmas decoration box so have to go and hunt down smaller ones tomorrow when I go grocery shopping...
Also that meant my little mini frames won't fit so had to think of something else and this is what I've made so far a couple of keyrings and a couple of magnets, I've also spotted a little cameo art mould on ebay and think if I can get it I could make some little brooches but I will have to buy it and see if it will fit into the matchboxes.....
These are what I made last night and my gosh they were so time consuming what with cutting them all out, painting, gluing and just putting them together it took ages especially as I broke my finger nail yesterday and it hurts like the dickens, yes going to get it fixed tomorrow they were all booked up today....

So this week I am on a mission to get at least ten of my matchboxes completed and do another 6 of the gifts for inside, I'm also going to start on my personal swap for Tabitha a paris inspired teacaddy box just have to get that thinking cap on and start planning on what to use on it.....

So this week I plan to

Post my tea/cigar box to Sandi (back to school swap)
Finish off reading my book called The Passage
Take my son for his Prep open day session he is so not excited lol
See 3D Piranah on Wednesday night with my other half
Wrap up the first lot of christmas presents that I have brought for Drew
Make at least 10 matchboxes for A Swap for all seasons
Wait patiently for my I am roses flowers order
Also need to get my thinking cap on for my swap partner Maree's handmade item hmmm what will I make I have a few ideas for that
Oh and I need to preorder the new True blood book coming out next week

So what's on your to do list this week?

Just having one of those days

2010-08-19T07:36:00.000+10:00

Morning Everyone,

Well I received my order from Scrap Matrix the other day thanks Rae for the all the little extras that was so sweet of you just love those tiny little birds you put in my order there so cute.... So now their is no more excuses need to get cracking on making my 25 matchboxes for the Swap with all Seasons countdown to Christmas swap,

...Now when I placed my order at scrap matrix I brought this fabulous frame art mould which I was going to use to make all my lift ornaments to go inside each box but when I got it I realized its too big to fit inside any of the matchboxes that I was going to use so had to think again, so have come up with another idea of altering tiny little frames and making them into a christmas ornament for their tree.
So the first image is of the cute little frame this is actually going to be added to a challenge otp that I'm going to do as its a 3d kind of challenge this is the frame I wanted to put inside each box all decorated up.

And this is a photo of one my first ornament made for one of the matchboxes I'm going to use the same image for the ornament that goes on the box, and I've found some sweet images to use, these will all be done in a couple of colour combinations like pink silver and white, red, gold and white and silver, red and white.....

Also I've been working on my altered cigar box/teacaddy swap for my partner Sandi and its all done nearly ready to post so this is a tiny sneak peek of it.

and this is a sneak of some of the goodies inside the box.

Right now I must go have to get the kids out the door and get ready to go to the shops have to stop off and get a few goodies for embellishing my matchboxes and also pick up my Paris goodies for my swap with Tabitha of http://creativewingsboutique.blogspot.com

PS
Blue Bazaar just got in Graphic 45's steampunk paper and their staples so yay I ordered some and they are being delivered today so woo hoo so love Graphic 45.....

Swaps received, sneak peak of swaps sent out, and something I have made for a new swap

2010-08-14T10:17:00.000+10:00

Well I haven't done much of anything this last week gone I've been battling getting over this horrid chesty thing I came down with given to me by Max now talk about one horrid bug...

Last night I altered a little foldable box that I've made for a new swap I'm in yes I will show and tell but just not going to say who it's going too so this is it.
I also have my tea caddy box already to alter for my private swap with Tabitha of Creativewings now I'm also hoping I can use one of these for the back to school cigar box swap seeing as I can't find a cigar box anywhere yes they have them but all the places I went to they were all out of stock so grrrrr....

So this is the box I'm altering were doing our boxes with a Paris inspired theme so think pink and girly so can't wait to get this box altered.....

Okay I've got a couple of swaps in the mail this last week so wanted to show and tell firstly were my petite bead box swaps from my partners Julia and Chenoa this is what I sent them this one is to Julia and it went to Russia and the other one went to Chenoa who lives here in Oz.

And these are my lovely boxes from the girls so thankyou both loved the goodies inside and can't wait to make a piece of jewellery with the contents inside.....

Now just a couple of sneak peaks at my swaps sent out for the Seaside Swap and the Shabby Vintage swap

Okay now I have a crazy pyscho kitty who loves to scratch my couch now we have just gone and brought leather reclining sofas so hubby said we had to buy him a scratching post before our sofas got delivered on Tuesday so I spotted this little scratch post while out shopping yesterday and had to get it....

But alas yes he scratches on it but I heard him scratching our sofa this morning so grrrrrr....

Okay I went shopping online the other day at Scrap matrix now Rae is having a monthly special and the one for this month is a beauty her hot deal for the month is on her Germanscrap trims so click on the link and go shopping and stock up www.scrapmatrix.com.au

My Creative Spirit project

2010-08-09T12:54:00.000+10:00

Well Cindy from http://cindyadkinswhimsicalmusings.blogspot.com/2010/08/come-join-link-party.html invited me to be part of her Creative Spirit link party so I have finally finished making my little hanging christmas ornament box for it....
I've used a bigger sized matchbox, a vintage paper bag, prima flowers, lace,tulle and then I have made the little hanger out of beads.....

Thanks for dropping by to check my project out....

My let's get shabby box

2010-08-06T08:59:00.000+10:00

Well I haven't done a Let's get shabby challenge in a couple of months but I liked the criteria for August so thought I would alter a box, the theme was Wings and you had to use this friendship quote somewhere on it"Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to FLY...

So here is my altered box for the challenge

My latest creation and my new toy and my newest xmas project

2010-08-01T13:40:00.001+10:00

Hello Everyone,

Well the last couple of days the weather has been so warm and sunny, not exactly winter kind of weather which I love, but at least we have been able to do all those outside kind of chores you know the ones I hate mainly weed pulling lol....
Altered a little tin yesterday which is the only thing I have done craft wise all weekend have a few things on the go that I'm working on so will be able to show and tell those later in the week.....

I found this cute little silver trim the other day while I was shopping and I have used this to decorate the edges of the tin cover, and then have painted the tin bottom silver, and used my heat gun to create this paint effect....
Well I finally got my ipad the other day and I have been playing with my new toy ever since I got it, just found out there was the next season of the Tudors so have got that all on there now, it's such a handy item the only thing that should of come with it I think is headphones but that is my only complaint....

Now a friend of mine Tabitha is hosting a swap over at her blog back to school cigar box swap she is also having a giveaway as well if you follow her blog so why don't you go and check it out...
Here are the swap details

I am invisioning book pages, flashcards, corregated cardboard, lovley trims, tea dyed tags, buttons and general crafty goodness ... This swap will be open to 20 participants or until August 7th. Your packages should be in the mail to your partner by September 1st. I know that is a short amount of time but Halloween is just around the corner.

For this swap each participant is to fill a cigar box no smaller than 5x10x2 inches. (Of course you can always go bigger) This swap is one on one and the box is to be filled with lovelies and no DESTASH . To particpate in this swap you must be an active blogger. If you are interested in playing along please email me at info@creativewingsboutique.com with your name, address, and favs. I will email everyone August 8th with swap partners.

Now for the extra bonus! If you blog about this and link to my page you are entered into a drawing for a sweet surprise. If you become a follower you get another chance. If you particpating in the you are already entered. So particpate, link, and follow and you have three chances to win. I will post some sneak peaks of the prize pack every week.

OK ladies invite everyone you know who loves to swap!!!

Okay I'm back I brought this Twiddleybitz winged shadow box last week from Scrap with V and this is what I have been working on this afternoon, now those who know me know that I want a shabby style christmas this year and my goal of making an ornament each week, so I have created a winged xmas tree topper to sit at the top of my christmas tree this year....

Am I a scrapa-shopperholic hmmmm maybe

2010-07-29T08:15:00.000+10:00

Good Evening Ladies,

Well I for one have had a lovely day today went to see Knight and Day at the movies this morning, had a browse around a couple of the shabby shops in the shopping complex, brought myself a new tool a cordless glue gun so woo hoo lol...
Feel like I've been on the go non stop all day which I guess I have just hope I can sleep better tonight have insomnia at the moment so not falling asleep till after two the last few nights, hope it stops soon or I'm going to look like the walking dead.....I already feel like it.....

I have a show and tell today just got my order from Vanessa at Scrap with V and oh it's so yummo while I was there picking up my order I got to scramble thru the Twiddleybitz box that hasn't been put up yet and got some lovely things my favourites are the winged shadow boxes I've been after these little beauties for ages now so its great to be so close to all my favourite brands........................ I also got some of the new prima bling and it looks lovely......

Okay not the best photos it's pitch black outside but I just wanted to show and tell my goodies as tomorrow I'm going to be busy getting two swaps finished......

And PS I just wanted to say a big thankyou to Vanessa for my free gift I got a lovely Creative Imaginations Madeline acetate album so how lucky am I.....
This is what I worked on last night my little petite matchbox I was just waiting to get my order so I could make a start on it and I got to use one of those little sprays that I got a couple of weeks ago so loving the colour combination of my little creation...

PS

I had a go with my new gluegun last night and oh my gosh it's a beauty works so fast and it dosen't drip.....

Just a sneak peek and 50% off storewide at Scrap with V

2010-07-26T12:17:00.001+10:00

Well this weekend went by so fast, Saturday was a total right off as I spent most of the day with the kids at the school fair, my son Daunte was performing in the choir so hubby got to see him sing for first time, and then of course he got called in to work to work till 11pm, so we just stayed and enjoyed the day....
The kids got all day ride tickets so they went on the Miami sound ride so many times, had to laugh at Daunte's face the first time he rode it, the look on his face was priceless a look of pure terror wish I had my camera....
So I really didn't have time to do much crafting until this morning this is a sneek peek of one of my petite box swaps I've used Prima paper/music sheet/crepe paper,prima braid/ribbon and flowers to alter a bigger size matchbox.

I've got all my stuff to adorn the next one sitting on my workspace just trying to decide on an image to use on it....
Got so many things I need to start on this week just need to make time to sit down and actually get it all done, I have an order that I placed the other day at Scrap with V as soon as I get that one I need to create an item for one of the swaps I'm in and yes I was naughty got more prima flowers, Websters and some lovely Creative Imaginations papers and embellishments
A big thank you to the lovely Cindy I received my tag the other day and it's gorgeous thank-you for thinking of me....

Girls this is the last day that you can get 50% storewide at Scrap with V,what are you waiting for click on this link to start shopping now http://shopping.scrapwithv.com.au/

HUGE STOCKTAKE SALE!!

CONTINUES

I don't want to count it so out it goes
to make way for new stock

50% off store wide

sale starts now until midnight Tuesday 27th July.

sale includes discounted items too, yes that's right

take a further 50% off already discounted items.

discount will be applied after checkout and prior to processing.

sale excludes Scrap with V Class Kits

and Magazine Reader Offer & Kit of the Month Kits

see the offer below

30% OFF ALL CLASS KITS WHILE STOCKS LAST
Price/discounts will be adjusted after checkout.

60% OFF ALL KAISER
60%OFF CREATIVE IMAGINATIONS BARE ELEMENTS CHIPBOARD

RECEIVE A FREE GIFT WITH EVERY ORDER

ALL DISCOUNTS WILL BE APPLIED TO ORDERS AFTER CHECKOUT AND PRIOR TO PROCESSING

Free postage Australia wide for orders over $100

$100 order after the discounts have been applied.

under $100 will be shipped registered post for our flat rate fee of $7.95

only while stocks last

no further discounts, no vouchers.

Things I'm itching to get my hands on

2010-07-21T10:32:00.000+10:00

Have you seen all the new goodies that will be hitting our shores soon from Graphic 45, Webster's and Prima oooh I so want to get my hands on them all especially these ranges....

Graphic 45's Steam Punk Debutante

The Deluxe Christmas Past

Hallowe'en in Wonderland

And hello three cheers for Graphic 45 have you seen all the new embellishments to compliment the ranges all I can say is hurry up and get here...

Now look what Websters have coming in August...
This is Hollywood Vogue

This is the Wonderfall Collection

And then there is Prima what more can I say I love the Fairy Flora Collection.and the Annalee collections

I already have some ideas on how to use those Graphic 45 papers the Deluxe Christmas past would be ideal for some more shabby inspired christmas ornaments and OTP's, the gorgeous steampunk range I would love to use to alter a box of some kind and maybe create an altered frame and journal.
With the last collection I will probably make an arty kind of collage for Alicia's room kind of like a large display board.....

Speaking of prima goodness this is what I got last week on Friday I couldn't resist stocking up on some more Prima flowers from Scrap With V I added another 13 packs to my stash can you tell that I love the little bouquets lol...
Right I should go and do some housework, I need to get the slowcooker on for tonights dinner as Alicia and I are off to the Chicks at the flicks movie night, were seeing Killer's and then having dinner out....And then I'm starting on a little altered box for my shabby swap.....
So have a great day everyone, oh before I go check out this lovely swap that Jill is hosting over at http://gypsyfleamarket.blogspot.com/2010/07/rosette-swap.html I just signed up.....

Later ladies

Where did my weekend go

2010-07-19T10:43:00.000+10:00

Where oh where has my weekend gone it was here one minute and gone the next, haven't done much creating this weekend, Saturday my day was written off I was sick with a rush to the loo gush out your mouth kind of bug, had to be the subway I ate the night before grrr knew I should of stuck with Indian.....
Sunday late morning I was on the road to recovery so I ventured into my scrap room and started working on two of my circle journals of course I go to print off my quotes and alas my printer is playing up so they still have to be added to it, so today I am going to fiddle around with my printer and see why it won't let the paper come out....
But this is them done so far.....

Having a go at Cassie's box tutorial

2010-07-16T13:11:00.000+10:00

The girls in our bloggerette sorority were given a tutorial by the lovely Cassandra Van Curen and I thought I would give it a try as I haven't attempted to cover a box with fabric yet, had to make do with what was in my stash and I have made this for one of the swaps that I'm involved in, and really love how it has come out....
Okay I kind of substituted things along the way like the padding inside the box, mine is on top of my box and I've used a square instead of a circle box lol.....I tend to have difficulty in following all the rules lol....

On to other things I put in another order the other day with Scrap with V come on can as girl have to much Prima lol, not me and I am looking forward to the new Prima collections that are being released soon...
And talking of new releases have you all seen the three new collections from Graphic 45 be still my heart they are all gorgeous....
I love the new embellishments that Graphic 45 has come out with to compliment the three new collections of course I want them all so wish they would hurry up and get over here...
Alright gotta go and do some house duties WHO fired the maid hmmmm hang on I guess that's me better get back to work.....
Have a fab weekend......

New flower stash don't you just love Prima

2010-07-15T07:41:00.002+10:00

Don't you just love Prima I did a bit of flower shopping the other day with an online order from Scrap with V and brought all these gorgeous flowers my favourites of course are the little debutante sprays I have been searching for these for ages think I may use these on my petite bead swap boxes....

I also found these little ones yesterday while I was out shopping

Today I will pop out to the shops to get my matchboxes for my petite bead box swap and this will be my project for the weekend, as hubby is teaching the reservists on base this weekend so he won't be home the whole weekend .

I have a couple of papers that I'm thinking of using but I will have to have a little play with the embellishments to make sure it compliments each other....

Don't you just love this image I got this one from Magic Moonlight free Images

Sunday's Creation and so much to do this week and look what just came in the mail for me

2010-07-12T10:25:00.001+10:00

Well I did have good intentions this weekend my plan was to do some scrapping I did start on one of the challenges an atc but I can't show that just yet, finally went to see Eclipse at the movies on Saturday and then had lunch out with the boys, Alicia had been grounded as she refused to clean her room so she wasn't impressed at all when she had to stay home.... But she was warned......
Now yesterday I was going to start altering a jar and candle for a challenge that I'm doing but I didn't have the right sized candle so I went in another direction and made my christmas wall hanging, I got a bag of mixed christmas items at Spotlight after xmas so I went hunting thru that for some of the embellishments like the little drum, present etc.....
And came up with this wall hanging that was originally on a piece from an old kaiser album but then I attached it to this frame...

Now this picture shows my little drum that i have altered with a little image

and then this last picture is a side view of my embellishing.

Now I wanted to say a big thankyou to Cindy

Who made me this gorgeous tag, mine is the together one, Cindy is a sister in the bloggerette sorority she makes such wonderful things so check out her blog above and be inspired....

Well school starts back again tomorrow and hello can I say that I'm relieved and jumping for joy that it's time for them to go back I swear when the kids are on holidays my grocery bill goes up another 100 a week and when your bill is already at the 600 a week mark you start to say ouch......
So I have a few things I want to work on this week and they are

: scrap a couple of layouts
: make an altered xmas jar and candle
: will be working on circle journals I think I have three coming my way
: work on my petite bead boxes
: start working on what swap to host next
: make something for my vintage vacation and seaside swaps

So my week is going to be full on now what about you? What have you got planned for the week?

Okay just had a parcel delivery so had to share what I got as it was from one of my swap partners the lovely Ngaire, she made me this gorgeous jar using the Collection's range of paper's that I so covet and inside bursting at the seams were these lovely goodies..... Lots of gorgeous lace, trim and ribbons, a little keyring from her part of the country, a beautiful pearl necklace and earrings and this gorgeous altered spool......
So without further ado this is what I got....

And this is a little sneak of what I'm sending to Ngaire mine is heading off to her in tomorrow's post....So thankyou so much Ngaire I love my gorgeous jar and all the goodies.....

Going to get my scrap on and actually do a layout

2010-07-10T09:04:00.000+10:00

Well this weekend I have decided that I really need to do a layout, now when was the last time I actually sat down and scrapped one let me think I guess it would of been for one of the Let's get shabby challenges so it has been awhile....
I've been so engrossed in my altering OTP's that I just haven't been motivated to scrap but I do have incentive this week I'm doing the online cyber crop over at Scrap with V and we have a week to upload our layouts so it gives me time to actually get the challenges done......

Onto other things went shopping at Spotlight the other day to get some goodies for my noodle box swap and this is what I got my swap partner....I love that floral material so had to get some for me as well it's just so pretty....

I also stocked up on some beads for my petite bead swap boxes so I will be working on these next week so they can be posted off to my three swap partners......
Today I'm hoping to go and see the new Twilight movie and then have lunch out, but it depends on whether hubby gets called in to do a hospital shift so I may have to go tomorrow instead....
What's on the agenda for you today, anything fun and exciting? And more importantly are you crafting?

Where did my last post go hmmmm

2010-07-07T10:43:00.000+10:00

Morning Everyone,

Well yesterday I had major problems with blogger I lost my last post, comments wouldn't add to my post's just don't know what was happening so I'm back again today to do a new one....
Have a few things to add that I finished last night so was able to take a better photo of my button's jar.....

So yesterday I gathered stuff from my stash to embellish two pasta bottles one is a square kind and the other is a slim tall jar these are the two altered bottles one will hold my vintage buttons and the other is going to hold scraps of white/pink ribbon.

I also have a photo of my noodle box swap that I have made for my swap partner Rae which I'm posting out tomorrow had to wait for the other half to come home so I could go into Spotlight and buy pretty sewing stuff to fill it up with....

I'm also doing an ATC swap with Wendy from Bliss Angels the theme was Grow so I have made this one to swap with her...

Sneak peeks of my whimsy jar swaps

2010-07-02T11:07:00.000+10:00

I have just finished making my two whimsy jars for my two partners I will show you a sneek peek of my friend Ngaire's one and this is the other one I have made for my other swap partner.....

These were from this swap above at http://jessicarodarte.blogspot.com/2010/06/whimsy-jar-swap.html
I have used the colours white, purple and pale blue for my swap partner Megan and for Ngaire's seeing that it's July I thought I would go with something different and do a Christmas in July wish jar in the colours of cream, red and brown....
I still need to find things to fill them so will have to go shopping for the contents for each of them, now seeing that Megan's craft is sewing I will fill her's up with sewing goodies and as for Ngaire I think a little bit of this and that for her's.....
I have really enjoyed doing these altered jars I didn't think a pasta sauce jar could look this good lol, so I am really thinking of doing an altered jar/plastic jar swap soon, so if your interested just let me know......

Now as I was creating these last night look who decided to make himself at home in my craft bag he looks so peaceful there, I think Keiko was hiding from the two little ones who love to carry him around in shopping bags.....Now dosen't he look peaceful.......

My hubby is on his way home so he should be home sometime tomorrow unless he ends up driving all the way home tonight...... So this girl had better get her house clean, time to drag sleeping teens from their beds and give them their chores to do... I bet the first thing they say but it's only Friday I thought we only did this on a Sunday lol...
Right gotta go and wake up the teens.....

First page in my (Rush) swap album

2010-07-01T10:05:00.000+10:00

Morning Everyone,

Well seeing as I made my Swap album cover for our Rush project I finally had time to work on my first page in it, this was one of the first international swaps I particpated in it was called the Secret Garden swap and I altered this box for my swap partner Debi.
I think I will do 2 double pages for each swap so I think by the time I'm finished I'm going to have an album that will be bursting at the themes as I'm so addicted to swaps.......
I'm thinking of the next one I will host ohh what should it be?
Suggestions anyone?

Two more days and my hubby will be home so the little ones ask me each day if daddy will be home today and I have to say no not till Saturday, so yay we get to celebrate the 4th of July all together. I'm thinking of us going on a riverside picnic to celebrate the day, no fireworks for us here to set off so were going to have to make do with sparklers instead...

So if anyone has any yummy recipes they would like to share please do I have a hubby who is homesick for the US and I want to make him some comfort kind of foods.....

Something old, something new bridal swap from Peta.....

2010-06-28T14:55:00.000+10:00

Well my postie knocked on the door as soon as I heard that doorbell flew to the door and the first thing he says, was you were expecting me weren't you, and I reply why of course I thought you would have been knocking at my door sooner.... Ahhhh he says I wanted to make sure you were home as I know your out most mornings so I saved you to last........Love the way he thinks he knows my hubby is away and didn't want me to have to go and pick it up from the post office if I wasn't at home.... So 3 cheers for my postman.......

Hip Hip Hooray I say.....

Now this parcel came from Peta who was my Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue swap partner....

Okay so trying to rip into my package Peta my lovely swap partner had sealed it real well I had to yell out for one of my teens to help me open it I was too scared I would break a nail lol, after about 20 minutes trying to wait patiently for my son to open the box he finally opens and I say back away from the box please lol.....

And waiting inside was some gorgeous boxes all wrapped up for little old me now in this beautiful box there was some gorgeous fabric in cream, pink and blue, floral tags and flowers galore.....

My something old was truly a lovely gift everyone knows I love my Queen's and Peta had sent me a magazine from 1938 which is beyond priceless and I will cherish this for always.... I also received this gorgeous vintage card, old postcards and a lovely photo of her grandparents, with a little story of how they got married...

My something new was a gorgeous box to hold paper napkins in,

some gorgeous little wooden boxes to put my pretties inside,

a little sachet, a Romantic Country "Flea Market Style" magazine

and a beautiful apron which I so love.....

Isn't that apron delightful I really love it think this will be my craft apron though it's too pretty to not want to wear it.....
So a big thankyou to Peta I loved everything you sent.....

I'm late, I'm late for a most important date, hello it's the Mad Tea Party

2010-06-27T12:04:00.000+10:00

Okay I'm running late with a hubby away on secret army business and me left home alone with 8 kids it's a wonder I'm actually posting something at all, what for do you ask it's my Mad tea party post so pull up a chair, come as you are and say hello.....

Okay just setting my little table for our mad tea party tea who is coming to my tea, hmmm I wonder wonder how it will be.....

So thanks for coming why don't you check out all the other party participants and say hello http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/

It's RUSH Day

2010-06-25T14:58:00.003+10:00

Well it's RUSH time for the Bloggerette Sorority and this is what I have created for it, I've altered a prima canvas album well the cover to hold all my swap photo's that I do this year....
It's been fun creating something a little special for the blogging party, and yes I've got a photo with me and the project not the best got my nails done yesterday and there abit longer than I'm used too but it's a self portrait so it will have to do.......
So without further ado here is Moi

And then here is a close up of my album as well.....
Thanks for dropping by my blog sister's......

Okay I turned a year old yesterday and with my man being away he still was able to surprise me from a distance giving the kids money before hand to buy me a present with, now my ipad which is going to be my belated present as hubby wants to actually buy if for me and present it himself just have to wait until he comes home from his army course in just under two weeks time.... But this is what they got me, my hubby brought me two BBC TV series that I had had on my want list.....

Look what Mr Postie brought me today

2010-06-23T14:52:00.000+10:00

www.scrapmatrix.com.au

Well Mr Postman came a knocking today with a lovely little parcel hmmm what was inside you must be wondering it was my beautiful noodle box swap from my partner Rae of Scrap Matrix and it was overflowing with some serious eyecandy.......
Here is a side view of my box it's just so sweet so love it.
Hello how sweet are those little birdies......

And what inside you were thinking hmmmmm just all of this

I got some amazing things from that little pink bird at the front to altered cotton spools and ribbon holders handmade by Rae and they even have my name on them......
This is what was inside my package because you really didn't think that was all going to fit in that noodle box did you?
Cream lace
pink lace
lots of different crocheted flowers in my favourite colours
7 ribbon altered holders with beautiful ribbons, laces and trims adorning each one
some pretty pins with charms
2 little altered cotton spools
my beautiful little pink birdie
some pearls cream and pink
2 cottons in different shades of pink
Distress stickles
some little bows and flowers
a butterfly
lots of buttons
and these

and seven different kinds of materials am I spoilt or what....
So thankyou so much Rae I loved everything you sent and I hope you like mine........

These are my layouts for my round robin, it's all completed now ready to send off again to Ngaire.

Some things to share a new swap and two new swap partners

2010-06-22T10:23:00.000+10:00

Well Sunday I managed to find time to craft, I made another ornament for the tree, and was able to work on my project for the blogging society's rush dare that is almost complete just have to hot glue some of embellishments to the cover so they actually hold.... So I can't show and tell that until it's time....
I also have had to start a new round robin album so doing something abit different for this one and have used the empty pouches that Kaiser holds their embellishments in for the pages so all the girls have to do is take the cardstock out and decorate it or they can even decorate the outside plastic if they want, I will leave that for them to decide...
It's still a work in progress I have more to do on the cover just have to hunt around for stuff to adorn it, this is it REMEMBER it's not finished yet! So I'm hoping to have it ready to send out by Friday just have to work on my inside pages as well then it will be ready to send to Ngaire....

Also today I received my swap partners for the Whimsy Jar swap they are my lovely friend Ngaire and a lady called Megan so I am going to start finding those jars and get my thinking cap on what I'm going to create, for Ngaire I already have things in mind so that is a start.......
Also Ngaire told me about this swap so I have just signed up for this one and am awaiting to find out who I will send too here are the details if your interested in being part of the swap.. Here is the link http://tillyroseblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/tillys-shabby-vintage-swap.html

So...........

I have put on my thinking cap.....

and me thinks you might like to join in with my

'Shabby Vintage Swap'

So here's the deal folks...

This is a very easy swap, no pressure for anyone.

I really don't want people to stress over it, only to have fun!

I'm hoping you will all receive gorgeous parcels full of shabby loveliness just oozing with lots of love!

Here are the five items to include in your little swap parcel...

*A little something that's vintage or vintage style

...piece of fabric, haberdashery, china, linens etc

(It really doesn't have to be big and expensive)

*A little something with a shabby chic style (the possibilities are endless!!)

*Something brimming with loveliness...

I'll leave one that to all your wonderful imaginations!

*A little something that's full of colour and scrummy gorgeousness

*Lastly....a sweet little surprise for your swap partner

If you would love to join in, please leave a comment with your email address.

I will arrange swap partners with a simple 'pull out of the hat ' style.

The closing date for joining in is

30th June

...leaving you plenty of time to decide if you want to join in with the fun!

I will let everyone know their swap partners the next day...

(if I'm really organised!!)

Can you tell that I'm a swap addict now, my gosh I am so addicted but it's so much fun putting these things together and posting them off, and then getting a lovely surprise in the mail....

Right off to finish at least my cover and start on my noodle box swap for Rae time is ticking my god I am going to be another year older in two more days that's a scary thought......

My swap to Peta has arrived, and lots of things to get done in the next week.....

2010-06-18T16:37:00.000+10:00

Well my swap to Peta has finally reached it's destination and hopefully it has all arrived safe and sound, for my something old I brought Peta a shabby little china plate, my something borrowed was a little Paris case from my stash, my something blue was some blue lace and a millinery flower and the piece de la resistance was the Something new which I had fun buying.....
I got Peta a cup and matching plate, a pink lingerie bag that has embroidery on the front, a couple of handkerchiefs ,a fabric image so she can craft something special, a little lace sachet holder and of course my old wedding photo.....
I really enjoyed this swap it was so much fun to go looking for items even though I wanted to keep most of it for myself lol...

Now I haven't been creating that much lately what with hubby away and me having to look after 7 kids on my own I find I'm not getting enough time to do much of anything, by night time when I normally craft I'm too knackered to do anything at all so the mojo is at a simmer at the moment......
And yes have to say miss having him home because guess who forgot to tell the boys to put the rubbish bins out yes it was me, forgot it was trash day the other day and of course went out for the day so going to have a trash overload now....
Things I want to and need to get done are these:

Make my noodle box for my sewing box swap
start creating something for my vintage vacation swap (got my thinking cap on)
Work on my tea party hats
Work on my item for the blogging society party next week I'm going to make a swap album have all of my photos of the swaps I've done this year so it will be nice to start working on that one...
Sort out some papers for Alicia so she can work on her camp album over the school holidays......

Now it's late Friday afternoon here down under and I have to say I'm really looking forward to this weekend I just want to it to be a relaxing one where I can catch up on things around the house and get some crafting done too.... Have a great weekend everyone

Scrap for a Cure

2010-06-17T18:55:00.001+10:00

As I was walking past the shopping centre today at Albany Creek spotted this on a flyer I am so going......

Scrap for A Cure

July 17, 2010 - 10:00am - 10:00pm

Scrap For a CureRaising vital funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia

Where: Strathpine Community Hall, Cnr Gympie Road & Mecklem Street, Strathpine.
When: 17th July 2010 at 10am until 10pm (You may leave beforehand)
Cost: $40.00 per head. This includes a light lunch and BBQ dinner. Snacks and drinks will also be up for sale at the event.
Scrap for A Cure is a 12-hour long scrapbooking day. Great for everyone from beginners to advanced. Many stalls will be available for all those great bargains, great raffles, make and take classes and so much more. A great day to be had by all. All for a great charity: Ovarian Cancer Australia.

If you would like to buy a ticket or reserve a seat, please call Michelle Moore on 0458 437 440 or email at scrapforacure@gmail.com

Do not miss out, only 200 tickets for sale!!
Happy scrapbooking!

Just wanted to show and tell a cute photo I took yesterday at the museum it was abit of a dramatic day after we left the museum we went and had lunch at the Parklands and while we were having lunch an Ibis stole the subway from Max's hand.
Now to say he was totally petrified is putting it lightly every time another bird took one step in his direction he nearly would fall out of his chair trying to run away from it...
Now his little brother Drew decided that it would be fun to throw one of his chips at the birds, and of course he threw it right at Max's feet and he didn't have anywhere to run as he was surrounded by seagulls and Ibis's.... So there were screams and tear's of don't let the birds eat me.....

Pretty in pink goodies for my tea party hat

2010-06-12T20:44:00.001+10:00

I've started gathering my items to create my tea party hat, picked up a cute little party hat today to alter well I picked up two I liked this one and Alicia wanted the hot pink glitter top hat so maybe I might make two as it will be two for tea that day....

I found some massive flowers okay they were from a hair accessories shop but they just screamed out for me to buy them, along with a white feather boa, sheer star ribbon, pink glass beads, creatures from the garden, a toadstall or two, a lace crocheted doily, of course more flowers and a little mask to alter.....

So that's a start I still need some more tulle and other bits and pieces to make one cute little hat so this is the only show and tell I'm doing until we post on the 26th of June.......

As for other things worked on another little favour basket last night just had to pop out today and buy a couple more headbands for the handles....So this is the finished favor basket holding a little party favor.

Now seeing as Alicia came back from camp yesterday morning I wanted to share a few photos that she took most of her photos have her and her friends so there were only a few of just her in them and this is probably one of the better ones, I'm hoping that the teachers will give the kids a photo cd of the photos they took whilst at camp so she can start creating a scrap book .

These are some of my favourites from her trip I had to kind of narrow it down but the lampost one is my all time favourite such a good photo taken by her... Normally she tends to take photos of herself so it was great that she remembered to document her journey thru Sydney and Canberra......

The Mad tea party, a petite basket swap and my little mini basket....

2010-06-11T10:02:00.000+10:00

Good Morning Everyone,

Had an early one this morning my daughter Alicia arrived back from her Canberra camp this morning so had to get up early to pick her up from school, she had an amazing time in Sydney and Canberra seeing all the sights and has come back with a camera filled with lovely images for her to scrap, with the holidays coming up what a perfect time to create an album documenting her Grade 7 camp.....
Got a swap in the post yesterday from Sarah it's my little petite basket swap and it's jammed packed with goodies and a beautiful little cuff bracelet to wear..... So thanks so much Sarah I love it....

And I've just signed up as a particpant in the Mad Tea Party over at A Fanciful Twist so drop by and join in the fun, not sure what I'm going to create think I might have to alter up a little hat or something and make some table decorations, but there are lots of helpful hints on how to plan the perfect teap party so what are you waiting for click on the link and join in the party.http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/2010/04/the-mad-tea-party-2010-an-invitation-surprise.html

Onto other things I have seen some gorgeous altered yoghurt containers whilst bloghopping and I really wanted to give one a go so this is my first attempt at making one, and hello I'm addicted these are just so cute I'm going to make a few for the Mad tea party to hold party favors.....

The cat has a stalker and my altered jar

2010-06-09T09:02:00.001+10:00

Yesterday as I was blog hopping I spotted Yumiko's altered jar tutorial on the Let's get Shabby blog http://letsgetshabby.blogspot.com/2010/06/yumikos-altered-jar-tutorial.html and thought I would give it a go, yes I have altered a jar before but not with paint and not with the image placed on the inside, this is an old Nescafe coffee jar that Daunte brought home from the church fair filled with goodies so I used this one to alter, all my coffee comes in can's....
I've used one of my favourite images, to paint it I have used a cream paint and then have gone over it with Baby blue liquid pearls and broken china stickles and really love the affect, I didn't paint the lid as I used a crepe paper shredded trim to cover it, and then added some prima rose ribbon on the top, to the top I have used a piece of music paper to cover it, and then went over it with some cream paint.....
Then added a mini cluster of flower's down the bottom and then garnished the top with a little bouquet of flowers, feathers and pearls....
This is going to hold my vintage buttons.......

Okay it's official my cat is so being stalked by a few birds, my cat is normally an inside cat, he's only allowed out if he is on a lead so imagine my surprise when I hear the kids screaming that the birds are harrasing the cat.

So I walk outside and there are six different birds sitting along the fence eagle eyeing my cat, Keiko is in crouch mode with his tail going 100 miles an hour all ready to pounce, of course by the time I run in and get my camera all the birds are spread along the fence so I couldn't get them all in the one shot so had to settle on the pair that were annoying the cat the most, now the little parrot was the most obnoxious of them all he would swoop down and make lots of noise, the poor cat nearly strangling himself trying to pounce on it, of course there is no way he's getting any of these birds not on my watch lol...

Rushing for Sorority who's with me sister?

2010-06-08T08:00:00.000+10:00

As I was blog hopping yesterday I came across Debi from (Life in My Studio's blog) post about joining the Blogging Sorority and I thought i would sign up and rush as well.....

Let's begin. To join you must ~

1.) Become a follower ~

Now you know how I feel about this, I only want you to follow me if you desire to but, it's been explained to me that this makes hosting future Sorority events much easier. And easier is good!

2.) Spread the word!
Please post about this. Let the whole world know about our Sorority and let's share our excitement for this wonderful world of blogging. The more the merrier!

3.) Leave me a comment on this post.

Please leave me an Email address and your blog name.
You may send it to me in an Email if you wish. I will automatically add you to our Sorority Sister list.

4.) Grab our button ~ (located on my sidebar)
Each of us will post this button on our sidebar to show we are Sorority Sisters in the newly founded (ahem . . . drumroll please!)

Now everyone knows to be initiated into a Sorority - you must "Rush"

Your rushing preparation will take place between now and

June 25th.

Then on that Friday ~
we will announce our Sisterhood!

To rush you must do the following:

Take this picture . . .

and create something with it.

A banner, a hanging, an ATC,
a piece of jewelry, a tag, a card . . . anything!
Print the picture and place it in a frame -
it doesn't have to be fancy!
Just use your imagination. The possibilities are endless.
You have inspiration all around you.
After all . . . that's what our blogs do - they inspire us.
This can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.

Then take a picture of your creation.
There are no rules.
Well - except one.

You must be in the picture too.

You can always take a self-portrait in a mirror.
Because we all want to see who are
"Sisters" are!

Then post your picture the day of our
Sorority party.

Friday - June 25, 2010

So who's joining me in rushing, and I love the date as it's the day after my birthday......

Now what am I going to create?

First round robin album pages completed

2010-06-07T13:36:00.000+10:00

Well I have finished my first pages in Judi's round robin journal so it's all ready to post off to Ngaire, hopefully it won't be too bulky I've used Prima paper's on this one so hope Judi likes it....

Have my new swap partner for the Vintage holiday swap and her name is Debbie and she lives in the US so starting to hunt for items for the swap now, part of the swap is something edible but I'm wondering if were able to send and receive food type items from overseas.... So might have to drop into the post office and ask on Thursday....

Not much happening with me hubby arrived safe down south, sent Alicia on her way on Saturday night to her camp in Canberra, there were three coaches filled with kids and five teacher's so have to say I feel for the teacher's, the kids were all excited as they were boarding and hello my daughter didn't even wave once....
So the kids and I had a movie marathon on Sunday and watched the first season of KyleXY on dvd so that had them all transfixed for a good part of the day, and I got to kind of clean my scrap desk up, problem is I still have way too much stuff and not enough storage places to house in it, so it still looks cluttered and does my head in just looking at it....

Think I might make another christmas ornament tonight, when the wee ones are asleep so I can concentrate and work in peace....
Right gotta go and punch my pizza dough down, told the kids I would make them a bacon and egg pizza for an afternoon snack, so have a lovely day my friends.....

My first attempt at altering a noodle box

2010-06-04T08:33:00.000+10:00

Well I thought I would have a practise run making one of these noodle boxes before I attempt to work on my box for my swap partner, this one is a mini sized noodle box which will go on my Christmas tree which will then be filled with treats.....
This weekend I'm going to give the bigger size one a go as I want to practise a bit more as they are abit fiddly.....

So today I'm having a me day just going to read, hopefully create, catch a movie and I'm trying to decide if I want to go and see Legion or the new Sex and the City movie so decisions decisions.... Then tonight Daunte and I are going out for dinner....
My hubby goes away tomorrow and of course the weather conditions down South where he is driving forecast alot of rain, now I worry when he drives to work, so I'll just be glad when he gets to his final destination safe and sound and I get that phone call saying he is there.....
I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend, do you have any plans?

Scrap Matrix giveaway and some new sounds to listen to

2010-06-03T18:53:00.000+10:00

Hi Ya everyone,

Girls you need to check out Scrap Matrix Rae is having a giveaway filled with goodies so why don't you click on the link and be in the running to win a fantastic giveaway....... http://scrapmatrix.com/pages/Blog.html
Rae has a shop filled with the most beautiful goodies from Prima to birdcages and everything in between, check out the store and start shopping.........

Onto other things Brought myself some new sounds today at Sanity brought these two CD's the New Glee Soundtrack and then the new Bullet for My Valentine album called Fever I have been waiting for this to come out all year so had to pick this one up today, and I saw a gorgeous pair of Doc Martens today while I was out shopping trying to talk my hubby into letting me get them.... He thinks they are horrid and unfeminine so boo to him

Here kitty kitty cat, and a sneak of part of my goodies for Peta

2010-06-02T20:37:00.000+10:00

Just a little teaser of what is in my swap parcel for Peta, I'm still waiting on my something old surprise first one arrived broken so had to frantically search around for something else to replace it so it should be rockin up any day now so I can send it on it's merry way..... My something borrowed and blue aren't in the picture otherwise I will give it all away but the something borrowed is from my home and it's something that I love and treasure so hope Peta will like everything I'm sending her........

Talking of other swap's I'm partnered with Rae from Scrap Matrix for my shabby altered noodle box swap so going to start working on that next week, got to get hubby on his merry way so I can work on it in peace and quiet, so it's me and the kids alone for 5 weeks hmmmm will I be sane by the time he gets home lol....

I'm also waiting for my swap partner for the Vintage Vacation swap I'm so

looking forward to gathering my goodies for this next one, I really enjoyed finding things for Peta actually I wanted to keep half of the stuff myself..... So I should know by tomorrow who I'm sending too......

Okay got a cute photo to share of the munchkin not the best quality photo my lighting in my lounge is shocking but he was reading his mini books to our cat Keiko

Last Monday in May, June is so close

2010-05-31T12:50:00.001+10:00

Afternoon everyone wow can you believe it's going to be June tomorrow this year is passing by so quick.Have five more days until hubby and my daughter go away, Alicia is off on her school camp to Sydney and Canberra for 6 nights and my other half is away until the 6th of July he is doing a course for promotion another step up the ranks....
So this last weekend we have tried to spend as much time as we possibly can together before he goes just doing family stuff there has been guitar playing, reading together, walks to the park, watching movies and lunches out....So I haven't crafted since my last post.....

So today I really wanted to make something so I have made a chipboard Christmas stocking,I made a little music paper shredded trim for the top, used up an old piece of patterned paper that has been in my stash and of course the usual lace, flowers and a couple of feathers...
I'm really positive that I will be able to have a real shabby Christmas this year as I'm so enjoying making these to hang on my tree.

Well I'm counting down the days until it's my birthday I've been hanging out for one of these since I heard about them. Everyone who knows me knows that I'm a total gadget kind of girl so what is it she wants your asking......
Hello one of these

I'm so counting down the days until my new toy is in my hands, does anyone have one yet? And more importantly do you like it?
Well off to iron hubby's camo's for the next couple of days kind of looking forward to him being away no ironing for five weeks lol...

Ciao

Two new christmas ornaments and a vintage wreath kit

2010-05-25T08:29:00.001+10:00

Morning everyone,

Well this is my latest little matchbox ornament for this year's tree I've used one of my metal handles from Gathering Dust and this of course is my little devil/angel Drew....
So far I'm on track to make an ornament a week until christmas the next one I think I will do will be using one of these little wreaths that I got from an etsy shop this is the vintage wreath kit I got in the mail the other day. I think I will use a Marie image for this one just have to find one for it...

Just wanted to update this post instead of doing a new one with my latest shabby christmas ornament this is just a wooden shaped piece from an old Kaiser album have a few more floating around the house somewhere so have to hunt them down and decorate them....
I've used A piece of vellum paper from Webster's, my image is underneath the vellum, a few feathers, a touch of lace and flowers to finish it off....

Artist class, an HM at Let's get shabby and I'm on the road to recovery

2010-05-23T08:24:00.000+10:00

Morning Everyone, yes I'm back I have been out of action for the last week trying to get over this nasty flu/cold bug that of course went through the house like a tornado striking everyone in it's path bar one, Alicia hasn't got it.

So have spent the last week on the couch supervising kids and yelling out order's the kids were happy we had a few Create your own nights during the week, other than that have just read and watched DVDs the whole time, watched all of the True Blood Series 2, and went thru 3 seasons of The Tudors, but then I could watch that show over and over again it's just one of my favourites......

But now I finally feel alot better, took the kids to DFO yesterday got Max the sweetest pair of converse so of course he was running around the house in just his boxers and his new shoes last night gotta love him. But I felt like the living dead when I got back home but today woke up feeling normal again so woo hoo I"M ALIVE

Now you gotta know I'm really sick when I don't buy anything for a week lol but last night I really needed a little pick me up so I have signed up for the Glue book Artist class over at Mary's Green Paper blog there is still time to sign up and participate this class looks like it's going to be awesome and it's something that can be applied to your scrapping as well, so many gorgeous images and lots of notes to print out and have on hand to refer to. Here is the link http://greenpaper.typepad.com/green/your-vintage-gluebook-online-classwith-materials-ideas-and-instructions-for-vintage-collage.html

Your Vintage Glue book is a fun and fast-paced online class. Three lessons post each week for 3 weeks, for a total of 9 lessons. Every paper and image used in class is available to you, so you can get started creating in the very first class.

A combination of information and hands-on practice, each class includes a practice collage to reinforce the lesson. You can complete the class with 10 or more finished pages in your own Glue book.

Your Vintage Glue book Online Class… With Materials, Ideas and Instructions for Vintage Collage.

Onto other things got another Honourable mention over at Let's get shabby so that always brightens up my day so congratulations to Lou for winning and to all the other HM's especially Ann who's gorgeous journal was a delight for the eyes Congratulations to you all.

Got a list of things to do:

Work on Judi's round robin journal
Clean up my scrapping area I think I should have put that one first
Take my dogs for a walk
Pull the weeds in the garden
Start working on my She album (Carol Wingert Creatologie kit)
Make another christmas ornament something with feathers in it
Print out all my images for my glue class lessons
Find a notebook for the class
Clean house
Work on a layout
Take some photos of the kids

So hope your having a gorgeous weekend.

Matchbox shrine, and new books to read

2010-05-16T16:25:00.000+10:00

Well woke up this morning feeling sick as a dog yes caught that nasty bug the kids got, so far half the house is out of action with it so I guess we all get to feel miserable together.
So to cheer myself up hubby dragged me to the shopping centre to pick up a couple new books to read, and do some clothes shopping for Alicia thankfully for us she is really great when it comes to shopping and can pick out her clothes real quick.....
So for my reading pleasure I got the last two books from the Millennium two series "The girl who played with Fire and The Girl who kicked the hornets nest" seeing as the the movie for the first book was really great I'm looking forward to reading these two, have to hide them as my son Chris is itching to read them first.......

Other than that have been working on a little matchbox shrine of Marie been playing with it all afternoon, hubby has been telling me off as I'm supposed to be taking it easy on the couch BORING just had to finish it off as I have had this idea floating in my head all night......

So this is my little project the bottom photo is just a close up, the lighting in my house wasn't great today but it's the best photo I could get of them both...... Hope everyone has had a gorgeous weekend mine is nearly to an end, tomorrow another Monday arrives......

An altered pot plant holder and another Marie ornament

2010-05-15T11:19:00.000+10:00

It's Saturday morning woke up to a morning of chaos, lost car key's, toddlers whispering in my ear to wake up and turn on Dora, hubby going help me find my keys I'm going to be late!
Grrrrrrr so much for a late sleep in on a Saturday morning, after two mugs of coffee drunken in a very quick manner have finally began to become alive......
Now I'm giving out orders and trying to organize a chore plan for the kids as hubby is off in a couple of weeks for a month, so want to get them into routine now instead of just doing it as soon as hubby goes.......So of course lots of complaining because they have to clean their rooms and do something else.
So now their all trying to think of the easiest chore to do hello who said motherhood was a breeze mustn't of had my kids.....
But onto other things I got time yesterday to make two more ornaments for this year's tree I have made another Marie cone this one has a drawstring top so I can add something into it and have it not fall out and the other is a chipboard planter that I have turned upside down and turned into a bell type ornament...

I'm hoping today to get another ornament done I'm thinking of a little hanging matchbox shrine with a picture of Santa in it, and I also want to get a couple of noodle boxes and start making treat boxes for the family......

I also have another project I want to do just have to get a couple more of the planter's but this one will be a bridal themed project for my swap partner.....
Well should go and supervise the kids before world war 3 erupts, have a lovely weekend.......Have 5 more hours until hubby is at home and I have some ME time.....

My first christmas ornament for the year

2010-05-14T08:41:00.000+10:00

Well this year I am setting a goal to start making my Christmas ornaments early my goal is to make something for the tree each so I can have a shabby inspired Christmas tree so to start things off with a bang I have created a little shabby Marie inspired cone these will be filled with little Christmas goodies when placed upon the tree.....
I have used a small paper cone, prima paper, a doily one of my new Marie stickers from Vintage Bella an Etsy store just got these in the post the other day and their just gorgeous. I've used some of my goodies from the swaps I've received on these as well.....
This is a photo of it hung up

Have a lovely day everyone off to do the dreaded housework......And just get it over with so I can go and play and create something else....

Don't you just love it when the postie comes a knocking

2010-05-11T07:40:00.001+10:00

Morning Everyone,
Okay so everyone knows I have been having troubles with my postie never knocking on the door well yesterday he turned up and pounded on my door and also rang the doorbell to signal he was there lol, the poor cat who was sleeping on the couch nearly had a heart attack and fell off the couch, of course he walks aways all proud after that ungraceful move.
Normally he just leaves a note in the mailbox telling me he turned up and no one was at home..... Even though most of the time I have been home yes dear old hubby complained about them not ringing the doorbell......

Now normally I have no troubles complaining but when I know I have stuff about to come thru, didn't want to rock the boat and have my packages go to China lol...

Yesterday I got a lovely package from my friend Maree with her three altered tins for the queens and kings swap, and a beautiful altered noodle box that she had made for me, filled with some lovely goodies and a gorgeous china mug....

Then I received my order from Gathering Dust an Etsy store and even hubby got a small package, and on the other side of the ocean my Petite basket swap Partner Sarah got the swap I sent her.
So I'm glad it arrived this is what I sent her and yes it was supposed to be a basket but mine fell apart after a giving it a couple of coats of paints and I had spent ages trying to find something little that was old lol...
I ended up emailing and asking if I could alter a box instead and I'm happy with the way it turned out, it's one of my favourite images to use so loved creating this one for the swap....
Onto other things seeing that it is May already I am motivating myself and the girls at my little forum to start making Christmas ornaments for their tree, last year I wanted a shabby tree filled with shabby kind of handmade ornaments, but with our posting out I didn't get to make enough to fill the tree so my mission is to make something each week for it..... And the girls are going to have a go as well and make at least one a month until December so I'm thinking a Christmas ornament swap in July for a possible swap will have to be arranged......
Now gotta go and wake up a teen who doesn't want to go to school today.....
Thanks for dropping by....

Altered tea light holder for the Let's get Shabby challenge

2010-05-09T16:56:00.001+10:00

I didn't think I would be able to do this month's challenge at Let's get Shabby until I brought this little tealight holder at the church fair yesterday and then I started getting an idea for it...... Was concerned about the colours but I think I have been able to incorporate most of the colours into my otp project.

CHALLENGE #11

IT'S ALL ABOUT COLOUR!!
Here in Australia at the moment its Autumn!
And maybe where you live its Spring!!
Either way, look at this incredible Quilt.
Be inspired however you like....it would be nice to see you include some fabric somewhere
but remember...
its a

COLOUR CHALLENGE

I've used a prima paper at the top, a tulle bow from a present I just received, loads of flowers I have finally used up the big roses I got from Spotlight so need to go and buy some more of those, Ive used a little birdie pick, for the material I've used part of a sleeve collar.....
This is the before picture

And this is the finished project

And then just a close up of the top

So ladies thanks for a great challenge and if you haven't had a go then click on the link to play along http://letsgetshabby.blogspot.com/2010/04/its-al-about-colour-here-in-australia.html

Mother's day and a sweet tussie mussie surprise

2010-05-09T10:24:00.000+10:00

On Friday I was waiting for that knock at the door I knew my tussie mussie from my swap partner and good friend Lou was turning up today, now normally my postie guy never rings the bell so this time I opened my windows to signal I was at home and you guessed he rang the doorbell.....
Presented me with a heavy box now normally I just rip it open before I even get in the door but I wanted to wait until I knew Lou was in the process of opening her's we wanted to open our's up together.......

So waiting waiting for Lou to get online lol felt like forever but finally she did and I started to open up the jam packed boxes to start was this gift from Lou to my daughter Alicia and then all these beautiful goodies for me....
My tussie mussie I have hung on my prison mirror in the hallway where I can see it all the time, it's truly just beautiful Lou really has made me one that I truly love, and my gorgeous little birdie box is just so precious....
What did I get in my swap hello what didn't I get Lou gave me so much stuff it brought tears to my eye's everything she sent me I love.......
I got two pink Tim distress inks
Got loads of Prima flowers and the ones she got me were the ones that I had wanted but were sold out at my scrapping store this lady sure knows me well.
a Cavallini folder filled to the brim with some bird cards, a whole bunch of cavallini stickers, pink and cream dyed coffee filters and these ones are massive, prima journalling cards, some floral german scraps, and two sheets of printouts one with Marie in them.
And also some Pink Paislee artisan element swirls I so love these their gorgeous......
A charlotte doll
I got some much gorgeous ribbons, laces and trims
a box filled with art moulds
a floral tin filled with little paris tags, ruffled paper trims, the sweetest cherub's and more goodies galore.
Here is a photo of all the stuff Lou sent me I hope you can see it had to take at least four different photos to show it all off....

I have to say I was so gob smacked when I saw it all, but I have to say her friendship is the gift I treasure the most and I'm glad that we got to partner up and get to know each other thru this swap.......

Okay long post with lots of pictures but it's Mother's day today and I got most of my mother's day stuff yesterday as hubby was hoping to be working today the kids all put together and got me this little handmade quilt

From my hubby I got this little set of shabby cups and saucer's their so small and dainty and Alicia surprised me with this little cameo yesterday she spotted it at the craft table where they got my quilt how gorgeous is it.....
This i will treasure as she handpicked it for me with her own pocket money.

How lucky am I to have such a beautiful family and a lovely friend I am so spoilt.....
Wishing you all a fantastic day this mother's day......

A new partner, an early mother's day pressie my cup is overflowing

2010-05-05T07:47:00.001+10:00

Well this week our swap partners for A Swap for all Season's were emailed to us and my partner for this swap is Peta who comes from the other side of Australia so it's going to be a nice journey getting to know her and what she likes...And creating and finding something special to brighten up her day.... Got my thinking cap on I have one thing in mind already just have to wait until it comes in the mail so I can start working on it.....

I have to say my last partner Lou has become a friend for life so I'm so blessed to have had her as my first swapping partner and can't wait until we finally get away and go go on our girly retreat.

Found this amazing new shop on etsy thru a Mind wide Open and this is what hubby has got me it's part of my mother's day present from the kids, but I really love it even though I'm not much of a jewellery person the artist is really talented and I could buy everything in her store I'm hoping to get a necklace of Anne Boleyn next week when she updates her shop.... Okay shop is called http://www.etsy.com/shop/meluseena

Preview

Now when I was buying this one I was umming and ahhing over which necklace to get as I liked this one of The Queen and the Explorer, but I also have these saved on my wish list these prints of Marie and Anne Boleyn aren't they beautiful.......

Now today I haven't got much planned I need to go to the Post office and pick up a package I'm hoping it's my first round robin journal to start on, and then I plan on stalking the postie and doing something creative not sure what but want to do something......
Went to the movies last night to see The Girl with the Dragon tattoo now have to say this movie was good I haven't read the book but now I think I will be getting all three this week as it was such a great movie, fabulous plot it just had you on the edge of your seat the whole entire movie......It is with sub titles but it really didn't make a difference at all, so if you haven't seen it check it out.... I think this one will be one for my DVD shelf when it becomes available......
Now I must go and get the kids out the door for school, I can hear them protesting already.....

Okay I have been naughty somebody take my computer away

2010-05-02T15:14:00.000+10:00

Okay I have a secret to tell you one that is starting to annoy my hubby what is it you ask?

I'm addicted to shopping at Etsy I've been looking for things for the A swap for all season's swap

and found a couple of gorgeous bridal images on material and of course had to look at other things and saw loads on Marie so had to have one of those of course.

And I found this gorgeous fan that I had to have I'm so getting into the Bridal spirit lol....
The way I'm going half the treasures I find, aren't going to leave my house as I keep finding things that I want to keep for myself.
I've also got a little vintage wreath kit and a gorgeous old music book ordered as well.
So somebody STOP ME I'm supposed to be saving for my little girlie weekend in August but temptation is a powerful thing especially when a little someone keeps tempting me along the way....
Well hubby will be home gotta look like I have been doing something housework wise........

HMMMMM I wonder who my partner will be for the swap? Only one more day to find out who.....

An August getaway and something pretty for me

2010-05-01T15:00:00.000+10:00

Well another long weekend for us girls in Aus, so today just been chilling got a whole lot of books on Marie Antoinette for reading material this weekend, all of course from the library now just got to find which ones I want to buy so I can add them to my own bookshelves, hmmmm I'm probably going to want them all no doubt.....

Today I haven't really done much I have been putting the contents of my Queen matchboxes together for the girls at A scrap artist within okay mine wouldn't all fit in the box so I am putting them into little bags and making them look pretty.....

Other than that went and did a wee bit of shopping at My2angels hello when you have a 20% discount you have to use it don't you? So I have stocked up on more Prima paper's needed to get some for a round robin journal that's on it's way.... But I also found a gorgeous little plate that I had to have not the best photo but it's from the 1920's and it just looks pretty.

Onto my big news Lou and I have decided to meet up in August so we have been looking at places to stay on the Sunshine coast we both love the look of Maleny so were going to scrap, get facials, drink too much wine, sight see, hit the antique shops and do a high tea it's going to be an awesome little break away.

Were looking at cabin's and think we have found the perfect one in the middle of nowhere, but one that has chaffeur service so we can dine out at night and have more than one champagne cocktail......
So of course we both are in plan mode now, my hubby has put in his leave forms so I can have a couple of extra days were looking at Thursday to Sunday so of course now it's save mode.....
Were both only allowed to look at scrapping stores with our eyes covered so we can't be tempted lol....

What else got a sneak peek of my tussie mussie from Lou and it's gorgeous my two favourite colours pink and cream now got to find the perfect place to display it....Right just a short post from me today have a lovely weekend......

altered mini frames and Marie matchboxes x 3

2010-04-29T08:13:00.000+10:00

Morning ladies well my last Queen's matchbox swap for The Scrap artist within is finally done it's the top photo, first I used one of the frames I had altered in the morning and then used a contact image transfer which I have then layered onto fabric. I've then added that to one of those little small sheer drawstring bags for something different, have to say this is my favourite and I want to keep it, but alas it will be going to either Maree, Lou or Ngaire lol.....
Now yesterday I had some cheap little frames that were silver that I wanted to see if I could do something different with it, so first I soaked the three frames in the rust technique this actually stripped it and they turned out nearly black which I didn't mind, then had a play with some gesso, alcohol inks, perfect pearls and some clear utee.

I have used one on my round robin this one was just altered with gesso, distress inks and Heirloom gold perfect pearls.... I also dusted it again with some of the green patina.
Right just a short post this morning it's Thursday so it's grocery detail for me as well as a trip to the post office have a wonderful day everyone...

Oh what a beautiful morning and my petite basket sneak peek

2010-04-28T08:48:00.000+10:00

Oh what a beautiful morning it is today it's actually a little nippy, just looked outside to check on my chinese hairless to see if his sweater is still on and nope my little llasa apso has pulled it off again so they are snuggled up together in the turtle pool...Note to self buy both dogs the same sweater so no one get's jealous.

Well the adventure begins today as our round robin journals begin their journey around Australia, I so look forward to working on each and every journal that passes through my hand's, and hopefully creating a page that will look beautiful in each..... The first one I get will be Judi's, so have got my thinking cap on already for paper's and embellishment's.... The first stop for my journal is Cairn's to the lovely Lou of Pretty Posies and papertrails......

Well above are sneak peaks of the swap I created for my partner Sarah it's the petite basket swap I ended up doing a box as my basket pretty much disintegrated when I was painting it hmmmm maybe it was just too old lol....
But I had fun and I hope she likes it....
Not much happening today I reserved a whole lot of Marie Antionette books last night oh and a couple about Anne Boleyn so I'm waiting impatiently for them to come in so I can read to my heart's content...
Now how am I going to spend my day hmmmm let me think
1. Breakfast
2 housework ohh what fun
3. Clean my patio
4. Playtime with kids outside
5. Work on my matchbox for the Scrap artist swap
6. Watch Avatar as I fell asleep watching it halfway thru last night, maybe I shouldn't have started watching it so late.
7. Bake something for afternoon tea hmmm cookies or muffins or both?
8 exercise hmmmm an hour now taebo or Wiii and exercise bike

And that's about it have a lovely day everyone

Trying my hand at altering a bottle

2010-04-26T14:07:00.000+10:00

Well Sunday was such a long day, hubby marched in his first Anzac Parade and to our good luck when we turned on tv and watched the coverage on ABC we saw him on tv, and what was great is that the camera man just kept zooming in on and him .
Hmmm that's maybe how he fell out of step but at least he had his army face on lol the kids went crazy saying that's daddy, of course Max comes out with wow mom dad looks fat on tv, I seriously do agree that tv adds pounds to you because my hubby is so not fat all....
So now of course all his men are calling him a celebrity and it's gone to his head.
Today I decided to try my hand at altering a little bottle I have seen these on blogs and have always wanted to have a go at altering one, so this is my first one..... I've used a little atc image, just a mixture of flower's a couple of charms and a few pearls for decoration....

I have to say I have been pretty good with sticking to my scrap budget unlike somebody I know lol, I haven't brought any paper in quite awhile which is weird.
But I really like hunting for vintage items like these I got from Beth's store at Gathering Dust, this is what I just snapped up yesterday. Some gorgeous metal ware, an old vintage ledger, and some french playing card's my favourite is the metal ware now what will I make with those hmmmmmm.....

Anzac day , an Altered notebook and pretty little things to add to my wishlist

2010-04-25T09:07:00.001+10:00

Today we honour our soldiers, those who have laid down their lives in the sake of freedom, let us not forget their sacrifices that they have made on our behalf, to the fallen, our soldiers today and to those who are to come we honour you this day, you are not forgotten but always remembered in our hearts.

Good Morning everyone,

Well last night I waited for layers to dry on my altered notebook so I could add the final touches and add another layer to it, but yes it’s now finally finished…..

After about 5 hours of being in my own little world hubby pulled me aside and said do you realize you have ignored everyone for pretty much half the day, hmmmm hello I was working. Now just because he has trouble doing two things at once dosen’t mean I can’t lol, after countless requests to put on this, get something out of the fridge for the little ones and of course make dinner I finally finished my notebook….

And I like it I loved putting this together for it I used a few napkins, a piece of K and Co paper although you can’t see it on their now, material’s x 3, buttons, tickets, filmstrip, tiny beads, perfect pearls, little flowers, and contact transfer’s.

I’m already starting to look out for items for The Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue swap over at A swap for all season’s hmmm wonder who will be my partner this time around…….

Found this website with some beautiful treasures and trinkets its called http://www.cherishedbride.com/ it has vintage albums, accessories and even gift paper so I’m sure I’m going to find something in their to add to my swap.

I’ve also found a couple new stores to shop at I like this one it has some lovely little things perfect for swaps and just for creating http://www.etsy.com/shop/JunqueArt and http://www.etsy.com/shop/32NorthSupplies and this one has some lovely items for mixed media http://www.retrocafeart.com/category_49/SHRINE-KITS.htm

And this is something that I would love to have a go at making it's a beautiful choker now this one is just stunning I could actually see that on my neck.

I found that choker at Vintage Glitterati these can be made custom ordered for you so I think I will get one made up for me here is the link this store is a treasure's cove of just truly beautiful things http://www.vintageglitterati.com/queenlytreasures.aspx

My round robin journal is almost complete and the start of an altered notebook

2010-04-24T14:36:00.001+10:00

This afternoon has had me doing another attempt at my sign in page for my round robin album, now it's almost complete and ready to send on its journey to some beautiful ladies to adorn and decorate.
My first sign in page was just lacking so ripped it off and started again, but I'm glad I did as I ended up doing something entirely different and making a little folder to hold all the sign in tag's, now seeing as my album is a book I am using a strip of material to attach it to my album....

I've used a manila folder, a couple of different napkins, pretty little images found on the net and also did a couple of image transfers on contact to go over my photo's.....
I was still waiting for it to dry when I took the photo's so you can see spots where it's not dried yet but the weather today is rain one minute dry the other, crappy weather when your doing a collage project.....

Seeing that I'm loving collage at the moment I thought I would alter this old notebook this is still a work in progress as I'm still adding layer's just waiting for things to dry.....

Swaps received, new Creatologie kit ordered and a new class to attend

2010-04-22T21:43:00.002+10:00

Evening ladies just a short post today it's just been such a long day today, gosh I hate these days when they just seem to never end....
Just received an email from two of my swap partners one from Lou saying she had received her tussie mussie swap and one from Debi saying she had received my Secret garden swap so I'm so pleased they both got there safely... I can show and tell my photos of what I made for Debi now as she has opened it, will do another post when Lou open's her's....

Now I know Debi loves Marie so had to do her a little matchbox to hold some goodies in, I really delight in making these, something so little can turn out to look so pretty .
Now just got one more swap to be received and I'm all good it should be arriving any day now to Sarah my little petite box that I have made instead of the basket that went horribly wrong....
Other than that I have just ordered the new SHE kit from Creatologie by Carol Wingert so I am so looking forward to making this gorgeous binder I so can't wait for this to arrive in the mail. http://carolwingert.typepad.com/creatologie/2010/04/she.html

Another thing that I am going to do is buy this class from Mary at Green Paper it's a Vintage glue book class that will have you making a gorgeous gluebook from start to finish, a gorgeous collage project I so can't wait as I haven't done one of these before so I should start hunting for that perfect book for it. http://greenpaper.typepad.com/green/2010/04/announcing-your-vintage-gluebook-class.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+greenpaperpackages+%28Green+Paper%29

Thought I would just add to this post instead of doing a new one ever since I got my little cuff from Debi I've really been wanting to give it a try and make one, I can't sew to save my life so don't look to close lol, it never was my favourite subject at school that and art so it's a wonder I do anything creative.....

For mine I have used a cut up doily and a tea dyed broderie anglaise material, I've done my one one sided I tend to wack things and break them probably the reason why I don't wear watches so mine is enclosed by the pink button...
And here is my first page in my round robin I just have to do my sign in page and it will be ready to send off to Lou....Speaking of Lou my lovely friend I just gotta a sneak peek at what she is sending me and oh my gosh it's just all so beautiful she is so spoiling me.......

Congratulations to Jan for winning the Let's get shabby challenge her Easter inspired matchbox was just a masterpiece of shabby perfection, and thanks girls for including me in the Honourable mentions that was a nice start to my day......
It's Anzac day long weekend let's not forget our soliders past, present and future who protect and serve our country, to my beloved Officer who serves you make me proud to be your wife.....

PS Just got my confirmation email from Linda who hosts "A Swap for all season's" to say that I'm accepted into the swap so woo hoo these are so addicting......

Round Robin cover and a tin of beautiful things has arrived

2010-04-20T07:14:00.000+10:00

Today I received this gorgeous altered box filled with oh my gosh so many beautiful things I swear I nearly cried this was from my swap partner Debi and this was the Secret garden swap......
Can I just say I love it all from the beautiful altered tin filled to the brim with embellishments galore from trims, laces, flowers and the secret garden novel Debi thought of everything.
I also received this gorgeous handmade cuff I love this so much it's just to die for....I sneaked peeked a photo of this last night to my friends as I just had to show it off it's really just divine.........
So thankyou Sarah for arranging this swap it's been so much fun to make and also to receive so many gorgeous things, and thanks to the lovely Debi Huntsman for the beautiful treasures that she made me....

Well yesterday I started on the cover of my album did one take of it and wasn't happy and ripped it up in frustration, calmed down later and decided nope not going to go with that kind of album and found this other indexed book in my stash so decided to go with that.....
I've used a way old piece of K and Co for the cover love the colours in this paper so just went with the flow and found embellishments to match, I used this gorgeous trim that I just got in the box seeing as this is my BFF quotes album I wanted my album to to look beautiful and this gorgeous trim is truly that..........I also used the sweet little bunch of flowers as well.....
Will show more when I finish up the next pages in it, but for now have to go and crash the rubbish lid down the hall and wake up my teen's....
Have a beautiful day, Lou get ready to post, my tussie mussie and it's goodies are heading your way via express...

Hmmm weekend's over, egg challenge and sweet images

2010-04-19T07:46:00.001+10:00

Gosh April has just seemed to fly by so quickly so many things to do and so little time to get it all done, hope everyone had a fab weekend we went for a drive yesterday to see what we could see.....
And we found a Rum distillery, Sunday markets and pony rides so hubby wanted to take Drew and Max on the ponies so made him drive back so I could get my camera, finally get there pay for the ride and nope both are terrifed to get on so there went my little photo shoot opportunity out the window, now Drew has no problems getting on the back of my llasa apso and chinese crested and riding them in the backyard lol....We also found a spot to go canoeing or kayaking as well so were going to give that a go so that's on the to buy list....
By the time we got to the markets they were winding down so making sure we go next week to the Saturday one, Sunday my hubby is marching in the ANZAC parade in Brisbane so Sunday he is on base pretty much all day doing army things... So I'm sneaking his uniform to the drycleaners shhhhh don't tell I hate ironing the damn crease at the back I never seem to get it right....Ohh the joys of being an army wife

I've got lots to do this week start on the cover of my quotes round robin album found some gorgeous images to use on the cover and for my pages so I'm hoping today I can actually make a start on it.
And at least create my cover but I guess first thing is what papers to use, I want it to be kind of a mixed media type of album lots of textures, vintage and just lots of eye candy, I'm so looking forward to doing this circle journal with a gorgeous group of ladies whom I know will be my friends for a lifetime.

Okay enough gossip and chitchat found some lovely images from my favourite place Magic Moonlight free images this one is so beautiful I so love photos in a sepia tone http://magicmoonlightfreeimages.blogspot.com/2010/04/beauty-in-sepia_16.html look I know Easter is over but this photo is so cute it's from Shabby Chic papirskatter and every girls need's abit more Paris in her life so love the little Moulin Rouge postcard. http://shabbychicpapirskatter.blogspot.com/

Well the challenge over at Gothic Arches this week is an egg themed one.
This weeks theme is "Eggs"...we want to see your creations using bird eggs, scrambled eggs, chocolate eggs...whatever suits your fancy! Got eggs? Post your art here: Here is link if you want to give it a go http://gothicarches.blogspot.com/2010/04/eggs.html

Marie hanging (my take on the artist class tutorial)

2010-04-17T13:58:00.000+10:00

Been working on this tutorial from the artist class session for my image I have chosen a Marie Antionette image which I have altered in paint, I've also used a piece of tissue paper and gone over the image in places so I have some text and then my music sheet coming out from underneath the photo.....
Used up a doily, material, crocheted doily, and different bits of lace to make my altered wall hanging....
Then have added a Tim metalware, some small flowers, buttons to decorate it up.....
The photos aren't perfect I have a couple of wet glue spots but I was in a hurry for it to dry as I wanted to show and tell lol....

Drew's birthday centrepiece. blog award my baby has just turned two

2010-04-16T09:28:00.000+10:00

Today has been one of creation and thanksgiving my little munchkin Drew has turned two and is no longer considered a baby so to celebrate his birthday I decided to create a little centre piece for his birthday of course in the shabby style.
So this morning I went thru the tutorial over at artist class and just got inspired to create my centrepiece in between getting the kids out of bed and out the door.
Today was one of those days when they absolutely refused to get out of bed at 7.30, after countless threats the spray water bottle had to be used and of course they all shot out of bed in a shot, mean me I used iced water had to make it effective lol......
If you read the description below you can adapt these for any occasion....
Finally, Beth Leintz will decorate our tea party tables with a charming Spring Centerpiece tutorial. This one is very adaptable, and Beth provides lots of inspiration and suggestions, along with images you can use. This project can actually be place card holders when you make them in multiples, or make a good group activity with each person making their own.
Please join us in Artist Class where we're just getting started. You can join us at any time - you'll still receive all of the same content. Registrations are open now. http://artistclass.typepad.com/

Okay I can't follow instructions so went and did my own thing but I have used things in it to it make mine I hate to copy other's work always just feels like it's stealing lol so I've added abit to mine to make it mine....

I've used Prima paper Drew loves butterflies so this one was perfect for his centrepiece, a mixture of flowers, muslin, fabric, pins and tulle to create my spring piece.....

So thankyou to our teacher Beth Leintz for a wonderful tutorial with such easy instructions to follow, I think I will be making more of these for sure hmmmm who's birthday is coming up next ummmm it has to be mine lol.

Well this is my little Drew on one of his present's we took him to Toys R Us yesterday and this is what he picked out a thomas bike not exactly what I would of chosen I kept taking him in other directions but nope this is what he wanted so this is what he got.....
We were getting him a trampoline but have had to order it in we can only fit a certain sized one in the backyard as our's is so tiny you can hardly swing a cat in it, so were waiting for that to come in, but car's, trucks and more cars made up his present stash this morning.....
My older boys are sweet they are just going to take him places over the weekend to celebrate his birthday because of course they spent their pocketmoney on you guessed it food and prepaid mobile card's......

So tonight it's a gorgeous cake from the cheesecake shop hmmmm just got to figure out which one to get and good old Pizza which is one of Drew's favourites.
PS thanks Metal_Minish for the blog award I'll be back later to do a separate post.

Tuesday's tales, a win and school is back in session

2010-04-13T10:23:00.000+10:00

Good Morning ladies,

Well school has finally gone back one week seemed like a lifetime, the endless hands out for money, the fridge door opening too many times that even it was starting to complain, and then their was the constant arguing over who was playing which console or watching a particular movie.
I think I overdosed on watching countless runs of Thomas and Hi5 with the little one's, while the other's were having their Wiii battles in the bedroom's, how come they can't be good loser's hmmm wonder if they take that from me.......Yes I'm a gamer girl who hates to lose lol.....

Now loud music I don't mind because half the time it's coming from my ipod and it's hubby saying turn that crap off, and of course all the kids go but it's mom's music lol have to laugh because then hubby goes into kiss ass mode saying sorry....
Onto nice things my favourite friend came to visit yesterday of course it's Ann so my kids went into rowdy mode, Drew calls Ann's hubby Daddy which is so cute probably because my hubby has grey hair (he went grey in his late teens) I've already spotted grey hairs in my 15 year old so it's passed down the line to him let me say he wasn't impressed with those, and wants me to dye his hair black so they can't be seen, their the same height and he often wears his glasses lol, so of course he threw a major tantie when they had to leave and he wasn't going in Daddy's car so cute.......
So I got to show and tell Ann's my swaps there were going out and of course we chatted up a storm while Mick entertained the kids outside the poor guy probably went home exhausted.........
Now they brought my soon to be 2 year old a present and the look on his face when he opened it and saw what it was was just priceless his eyes were as big as saucer's, he had a little help from his brother who said you can have the pillowcase and I will have the blanket....
And of course Max has asked Ann if she will buy him a present too on his birthday, he says it's in September and I would like a remote control car please, hello no flies on that boy lol...Sometimes kids can be so embarrasing.....

After running around for about three hour's, Drew got up on the sofa with his new present he wouldn't let me wash it and fell asleep

Found out on Sunday that my little canvas inspired cat house has won at Project 52 so that was a great start to the week I love being inspired to think outside the square and with project 52 it does just that......

Onto things scrapping wise were about to start our friendship quote albums and I'm still thinking of what album to use I keep going in two different directions either my prima small canvas album or creating an index typed album so hmmmm got to get my bum in gear and start working on the cover and the sign in pages so we can start sending it on it's merry way....
Lou if your reading my post do I get my sneak peek yet lol, I'm dying with curiosity can't wait to see what you have created for me....
Well better get some housework done hubby is working late again tonight with the army so hoping he will get a late start on Thursday so we can shopping for Drew's present hope it fits in the trailer and I hope it's in stock..... Later ladies enjoy your day and ps are you creating....

My Patchwork inspired bookmark

2010-04-13T09:45:00.000+10:00

Well I've found a new challenge blog called "The Shabby Tea Room" and thought I would give this week's challenge a go.

Week #5 - 'It's Hip To Be Square'

Using this Vintage Quilt photo for inspiration, create a card or project using squares ... lots of them ... the more the better! (You do not have to use the colors in this photo).

Here is the link to the challenge blog http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/

For mine I wanted to make something for me and seeing that I'm always losing my page in the book that I'm reading decided to create a bookmark....
I've used Graphic 45 Le Romantique paper's, twine, vintage doily pieces, trim and some metal ware.......

Gothic arch mini tag challenge

2010-04-11T19:17:00.000+10:00

Well I haven't done too much scrapping today I've been working on my last swap which is my petite one but so can't concentrate with kids running around like the house like it's the end of the world, but I did spot a mini arch challenge at http://gothicarches.blogspot.com/2010/04/mini-gothic-tags.html so thought I would give it a go as I enjoy making tag's......
I've started with a basic tag and distressed and crumbled it with inks, perfect pearls then I have added my arch which I used a plain paper brown that has been stamped with a darkroom door stamp, added my image under it...
And then just tore my arch to showcase her face, then I have used a couple of different materials, little gold nails, and then dripped candle wax over my tag mainly around the edges of my arch to highlight it and bring it into focus more....

And okay I brought myself a little something now I'm not into bling bling but I saw this little cameo and earring awhile ago and they appealed to me well I finally back to see if they were there and they were so I just brought them even hubby likes them so that's an even better bonus....

I picked these up from Beth Leintz's etsy shop aren't they pretty.....

Gift wrapped and ready to send

2010-04-10T15:40:00.000+10:00

Well with one swap just posted this is the second swap to go out to my swap partner Lou, a tussie mussie filled with goodies all packaged up looking pretty.....I'm just waiting to send it as I want my friend Ann to have a look at it and tell me what she thinks before I part with it.....

Now just have one more swap to finish which I got some goodies for today and they will all be done........

Then I can start working on my little friendship quotes round robin album that were about to start up at http://thescrapartistwithin.forummotion.com/index.htm there is still time to join in.....

I ventured out to my local scrapping store as they had the prima flowers in but they weren't really any of the ones I wanted why do I have to be so fussy so I'm kind of disappointed I love the vines and the little debutante kind of flowers and they had none, so had to make do with what they had.......But I brought my little box to alter for my petite basket swap its hardly petite but I thought it was a cute box to alter so I hope my swap partner will like it.....

As for me haven't done too much today I made tags for Lou's gifts and made things to hold my goodies in so Lou can't see until she get's it.....

Have tried to tidy my scrap table but now of course it looks like a bombsite their is so much debris from my tag making this morning that I can't quite see my table so another clean up is in order for sure.....

As for the rest of the day I think I'm going to sit back and read a book I've found a new author to read who writes abit like Catherine Cookson whom I love her name is Rita Bradshaw and she writes about apart of England that we used to live in which was County Durham so it's making me homesick for the quaint countryside pub's, crisps and club biscuits and my favourite place to shop Next........

Then I will probably start working on my altered box, have a glass of wine or two, and spend time with the family outside kicking the soccer ball around the park, now I'm not a sporty kind of chick but I can kick a ball like Beckham lol.... 

Right off to read....... Have a fab weekend...

PS the wine drinking will happen after the soccer game.....

Coffee where art thou coffee!

2010-04-09T08:23:00.000+10:00

Morning ladies well yesterday was a fab day I knew I had a package coming from Maxine's Melange so made sure I stayed home all day stalking my postie was tracking and noticed it said it had been delivered already hello I was at home and it wasn't in my hands so rushed out the door to see a little letter attached to my door from the postie saying I could pick it up after four..... So grrrrrr why didn't he ring my doorbell?
But oh well flew down to the Post office and like a kid at christmas had to unwrap the packing right there and then and oh my heart a flutter looked at all the goodies inside...... So thankyou Maxine for sending out to me so quickly..... Okay are you ready to see what I got.......Check out Maxine's store here http://www.maxinesmelange.com/index.php

And I had a play with my first ever mould the little heart shaped one, my first go I used one of my pink scented candles and wow these are so easy to use didn't take long for the mould to be firm at all I have used one of my moulds on this Marie matchbox that I'm doing over at http://thescrapartistwithin.forummotion.com/forum.htm were doing three matchboxes with a king or queen theme so I'm really enjoying making these especially as I'm queen mad.....
The first one I have used K and Co paper and the second is a GCD paper and as for the third one still deciding on what paper to use prima maybe?

Also made a shabby inspired bookmark using up scraps from a massive ziploc bag filled chocker block with bits and bob's, so yesterday I did find time to create but to be honest I am so looking forward to Tuesday when the kids go back to school apart from one whom I'm homeschooling then I can actually get more time to create without having to rush or get sidetracked which seems to happen alot when the kids are on holiday......

Here is a picture of my little munchkin he turns two a week today, this is my little daredevil who has no fear at all can't you just see mischief maker written on that face of his lol.....
Well just a wee post today now it's back to reality and housework hmmmmm where is my maid when I need him ohh he's at work....l...

Hmmmmm I think I want to be lost in Austen

2010-04-08T08:42:00.000+10:00

Have you had one of those day's when you've ordered something in the post and you just want it be here already well that's what I'm having today I'm out stalking my postie this morning as my order from Maxine's Melange should be rocking up today so I am so not going out until it's delivered into my eager waiting hand's......
At the moment life is filled with tearaway children arguing over who can play this on a gaming console or watch that on tv, the endless hands out for cash to feed their takeaway addiction ,one half are addicted to sushi and the other half to subway and music belting out of our garage till wee hours of the morning courtesy of eldest teen who ignores the pleas of dad too turn that crap off lol.....
I haven't been able to do much of anything except work on my swaps I've made a few more tags but still waiting on things to finish them all up, today I'm going to try the rusting technique going to start small and just do some safety pins as I have too many in silver and I want them to look ancient, then I'm going to start working on my kings and queens matchbox swap that were doing over at my little forum..... The girls have all got the jump on me and have them nearly all done, so gotta get started and get them done......
On Monday catching up with my favourite girl Ann hopefully we can hit the scrapping store as well as I know she needs some more prima lol..... So the kids are all excited already.....

Well you all know that I love Marie Antoinette did you know you can get an action figure of her well I didn't until today when I googled her name lol

And look at these gorgeous Marie inspired wigs made out of plastic wrap by designer Kate Cusack how awesome are they now wouldn't you be the belle of the ball at a fancy dress party.....

Okay I'm not really a barbie girl but this Marie doll barbie style looks gorgeous her dress is just gorgeous how could not want one but I think this one looks pretty fab as well Our last Tudor queen Queen Elizabeth I

And of course a girls always needs a pair of high heeled shoes look no further than these gorgeous beauties by Christian Louboutin And for your viewing pleasure what about this dvd Marie Antionette starring Norma Shearer and Tyrone Power

Now this movie was made in the 1930's with a massive budget of 2 million dollars it was one of the most expensive movies to be made in that time, also the first time any movie was filmed onset at Palace of Versailles, see you learn something new everyday.....
And for your reading pleasure what about one of the books below.....

Well onto beautiful images to collect over at Magic Moonlight free images there are four lovely sepia images to be found I love these two the most think I'm going to have use that first image on a tag or make a bookmark or something it's just too lovely.....
Now I'm off to do some housework and get my unruly lot cleaning their rooms, and I'm putting earplugs in my ears so I don't hear them all whine and complain later ladies......

My let's get Shabby challenge an Easter inspired Tussie mussie

2010-04-06T14:48:00.001+10:00

Well this is my take on the Easter shabby challenge over at Let's get shabby I decided to do an easter flower inspired tussie mussie with a little hanger attached to add my little Easter image....
The wind kept blowing it so it's not the best photos in the world so I did the two close up photos as well....
Thanks for looking and thanks girls for a lovely challenge....

Thought i would add my sneak peeks for two of the swaps that I'm participating in one is my tussie mussie swap for

This is a sneak peek of my tussie mussie that I have made for Lou

and a sneak of the goodies that will be inside

And then this is a tiny peek of my altered box for Debi for the

Now I'm not going to show the goodies for this one as I'm still putting it together still and I'm waiting for something to come in the mail hopefully tomorrow.....
And then the last swap I'm working on is my petite basket swap but still creating that one so can't show and tell until it's finished.....

Easter Monday and I'm just scrapping OTP's

2010-04-05T13:51:00.001+10:00

Monday afternoon and this morning I started once again on my altered box for my secret garden swap partner, the first one just wasn't doing it for me so found another box and have pretty much finished it all, now just got to add in the goodies although

some of the stuff won't fit inside, I'm excited and anxious at the same time as I'm sending it overseas to a very talented lady just hope she likes it and what's inside.....

My tussie mussie is almost complete should be sending it on it's way probably on Thursday just hoping my last order will get here before then so I can add to it...

Lou from Pretty Posies and Papertrail's (blog) has just given us a new link to a fabulous new shop and of course where is it back up in Darwin, why do they open as soon as I leave lol..... Can't mention any names as I told Lou she could blog on the shop first lol yes I'm being good even though I'm dying to tell you...all.

I've had a great weekend just having hubby home, watching movies, Glee Season one, not once but twice love it that my scrapping area is close range to our lounge so I can watch and scrap at the same time....Okay so the kids overdosed on chocolate yesterday and oh my gosh I am never giving Drew chocolate again, he is full on hyper all the time but yesterday he was like the energiser bunny who's batteries didn't die out until 9 my gosh talk about exhausting....

My scrapping store around the corner has got in their new prima flower range so first thing I'm doing is hitting that shop I need more prima flowers for sure just hope they have the ones I covert.....

Also saw these new Bazzill vintage buttons that look lovely as well so will have to add those to my shopping list`.

Okay I’ve always loved Laura Ashley and these things are some of the things I would love to get, a lot of them are from the UK store but a girl can wish right?