Cameron's Corner

Some gorgeous handmade embellishments

2012-02-12T10:28:00.000+11:00

Handmade embellishments are all the rage it seems at the moment in scrapbooking, and I was lucky enough to get to play with some gorgeous examples from Scrap Elegance Scrapbook Supplies. I received a very girly kit to use including some handmade embellies plus others - luckily I have ready access to lots of photos to suit! I went back and printed out some photos of the newborn Alexa, awwww, just look at her! But you will have to be patient - the embellishments are not available until the February Handmade Embellishment Sales Event on Wednesday Feb 22nd at 7:00pm when you can purchase these and many more embellishments here.

The complete layout

The very sweet footprint button, and crochet layered flower (one of my favourites), and white mesh

Resin flowers and doily (more of my favourites)

Other half of the doily (a great way to get more out of your embellishments, and use it in two places on your layout)

Charm's Creations Feb/Mar Challenge

2012-02-06T13:09:00.000+11:00

Can be found here and is to create a layout using at least one heart on your page (check: A Charm's Creations red and black heavenly heart); to use misting or paint (check: red paint on the border of the pp); and to use at least one Charm's Creations (check: the Heavenly Heart and also a Page Runner).

And here it is:

And the final Bo Bunny layout

2012-02-06T09:34:00.000+11:00

From the Enchanted range I received in my DT kit from The Scrapbooking Haven is also one of the February sketch challenges found in the forum here.

In other news, school is back in for the year - the girls were both quite happy to be back (as was Mum!!).

Sketchabilities Number 64

2012-01-31T09:39:00.000+11:00

Wow, time sure is flying by - already we are up to reveal day for Sketchabilities.

Again I have simplified the sketch right down to suit my "style", using just the one photo and a circle instead of the lacey doily, and no paint splatters etc etc! So you can see how the sketch can be adapted to suit your type of scrapbooking, no matter what it is.

You can see the rest of the DT's samples here.

Sharing and passing on the "Liebster" award

2012-01-30T11:59:00.000+11:00

One of my new fellow DTers at Sketchabilites Marcia Dehn-Nix has awarded me the Liebster award.

“Liebster” is a German word meaning dearest, beloved or favorite, and the Liebster Award is sort of a chain letter among bloggers that’s intended to showcase exceptional up-and-coming blogs (typically, those with 200 or fewer followers). Now, there’s no evaluation committee or formal award process for the Liebster, but in a way it’s even nicer – it’s recognition that a peer has noticed and appreciated your hard work.

Here are the rules:

Choose 5 up and coming blogs of fewer than 200 followers to award the Liebster to.
Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
Post the award on your blog. Link back to the blogs you have given the Liebster to so everyone else can pay them a visit.

So in no particular order here are my 5:

Go forth and visit!

Sale time at Charm's Creations

2012-01-27T21:09:00.001+11:00

This is one prize that would definitely worth winning! I managed to get some of Charm's gorgeous handmade creations when we were in Warrnambool so can recommend them. Charm is also having a sale soon so check out her blog for more details.

Scrap Elegance Scrapbook Supplies

2012-01-25T10:20:00.000+11:00

Very excited to announce that Tenisha has asked me to join Team 1: Handmade Embellishment Sales Team for her new shop Scrap Elegance Scrapbook Supplies. The webshop is nearly finished (will open Friday) but you can see some sneaky peaks on the facebook page here. I have my embellishments for the February sale, and let me tell you - they are gorgeous!

There is a sale this Friday, so make sure you stop by the facebook page to say hello!

Sketchabilities Number 63

2012-01-22T14:24:00.000+11:00

How exciting, the first reveal at Sketchabilities of my DT term!

Here is the sketch:

And you can see all of the other fantastic examples here.

More exciting scrappy news to share soon!

January Kraft it up

2012-01-09T19:33:00.000+11:00

The challenge for January at Kraft it up is a colour challenge to use red, blue, yellow and green and here is my take on it:

I spy a Catie's Craft Corner fabric covered button!

Step by step layout using Bo Bunny Enchanted

2012-01-09T08:45:00.002+11:00

If you want a step-by-step tutorial on how to create this:

then all you have to do is click here and there you go!

Gorgeous goodies from The Scrapbooking Haven

2012-01-07T14:50:00.000+11:00

So I have been having a bit of a play with my goodies from The Scrapbooking Haven January DT kit which is full of Bo Bunny Enchanted and Prima gorgeousness. Now probably not what I would usually have in my shopping cart but so far I have created three of my favourite layouts for a while, and still have lots left over for plenty more! I will show you one today, another will be up as a step-by-step tutorial on the blog on Monday (how exciting!!) and you will have to wait for February for the last :(

I am usually not a big fan of creating layouts with big flowers, there are so many great scrappers out there who do this effortlessly and beautifully....but I thought with this Prima flower and butterfly there was no choice but to try!

Perhaps I better rethink my thinking on the whole large flower thing, I love the way this has turned out!

January Cybercrop at The Scrapbooking Haven

2012-01-02T17:00:00.001+11:00

Come visit us here we would love for you to join in with some great challenges!

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T15:53:00.000+11:00

Yay first post for 2012, we had a good day yesterday celebrating the remaining Christmas tree with the Cameron side of the family, then a BBQ tea, slip'n'slide (well, not me personally!!) and a bit of karoke with some dancing from Lex to bring in the New Year. Today is REALLY hot, the girls are either fishing, swimming, or sleeping so what else to do but scrap?
One of the new challenges that have started at The Scrapbooking Haven is a 52 layout group, you can find all the details here. Not sure how I will go with all the weeks, but Week 1 is done and dusted:

Isn't this a great quote? I think this layout will go up on the noticeboard in the bank to be remembered for the year. Happy New Year!

December Daily 2011...completed!

2011-12-31T16:50:00.001+11:00

So I have finished up my December {not} Daily for 2011. For the first set of pages, click here. I am really happy with the way this has turned out, really simple which made it achievable. So much easier doing this hybrid version than traditional scrapbooking. And I don't know about you, but once Christmas is over, I don't really feel like ever finishing this off, do you? Anyway, here are the rest of the pages, and the front cover:

11 favourite layouts for 2011...

2011-12-30T14:07:00.002+11:00

I did this last year as well, you can see my faves for 2010 here. So for 2011, here goes (remembering that some faves are off to {hopefully} be published!!) and in no particular order:

A recent layout for the sketch at Challenge Heaven (love this photo of Kiara)

Said this was an all time fave at the time, using a sketch (I think Sketchy Thursday's???)

A never before seen layout, and a double to boot...anyone recognise what this may have been created for??? (Hint: the colours may give you a clue)

For the 1,2,3 Challenge, a winning entry! Such a classic Kiara page.

And just to even things out, a classic Alexa page, this one was for Kraft it up.

This was a just 'cos, but went for a trip with to the Craft Expo's Papercraft Showroom with Scrapbooking Memories

A challenge at Scrapz Biz

Another challenge at Scrapz Biz, that also was also selected in the top 20 traditional entries for the Scrapbooking Memories & Expertise Events Express Yourself competition

For the Easy as 1,2,3 Sketch feature in Scrapbooking Memories. Clean and simple.

Possibly Scrap the girls?

So there you have it. I think I may see some kind of a trend happening, maybe there could even be a "style" developing? What do you think?

More exciting scrappy news...

2011-12-28T15:28:00.000+11:00

I am very excited to announce that I am now a new Design Team member of The Scrapbooking Haven. Come and say g'day and join in some great challenges at the forum here and click here for a great range of scrappy goodies at such CHEAP prices (you won't believe it!!). This will take you to the facebook page, and click here for the blog. So many places to chat with us!

In other good scrappy news (it is all happening at the moment!!) check out the Scrapbooking Memrories Masters edition, my single layout with a 5x7 photo has received an Honourable Mention.

Phew, I think that is all the good scrappy news I have up my sleeve!!

Challenge Heaven Design Team

2011-12-21T10:27:00.000+11:00

Super excited to announce that I am joining with a team of super talented scrappers on the Design Team at Challenge Heaven. I have been joining in with their December challenges (scroll down) and they have heaps of great challenges to participate in every month - with 2012 set to be even bigger and better.

I would love to see you all come along and join in!

December Daily 2011

2011-12-19T14:19:00.000+11:00

So this has been in the back of my mind for a few weeks. I didn't put any foundation pages together. But I have been taking photos...so yesterday I had a play on Photoshop Elements and came up with my album (so far) for 2011. Now when I say December Daily, I don't really mean "daily" - mine is more of a December {whenever I have appropriate photos and stories to tell}. But that is really a bit long to put on the front cover. Not that I have done the front cover yet! I am really happy with how it has turned out, it hasn't been a lot of work, and is completely achievable with everything else that is going on.

So without any further ado.......

I was very inspired by Ali Edwards, just love the way she puts things together and I have a few of her brushes from earlier in the year with my Project Life. So I just adapted the way she was doing it to suit myself, changed the orientation as I mostly have landscape photos, popped on the photos first and then the journalling. I printed them here at home on my Canon printer and they seem to be of high enough quality to last. Originally I wasn't going to mat them at all, then I realised I had a whole packet of Stampin' Up A4 cardstock in the perfectly coordinating colour, and this also makes it far more sturdy overall. Then I just grabbed any matching bits and pieces from the magic Christmas embellishment box and away I went.

I have also pulled out my December Daily's from last year and 3 years ago, it is great to look back at what we were doing then, the girls just love it. And this is a really simple way of getting to the end result quickly.

Sketchabilities Number 60

2011-12-14T16:12:00.000+11:00

So I thought I would play along for December before my official DT term starts!

Here is my layout:

And here is the sketch:

Okay, okay. So I tried to put the photos on an angle, I really did! But I just couldn't do it, so they kinda ended up straight. Looks much better, trust me!

Very excited to announce

2011-12-14T09:48:00.000+11:00

That I have been chosen as one of the new Design Team members of Sketchabilities!

Just look at this:

Introducing our new Design Team for our next term

January1-March 30th 2012

we have 4 returning designers-and 15 new Design Team Members

Aki Iinuma - Japan

Debbie Sherman-USA

Ginny Hughes-USA

Helen Tilbury-South Africa-returning

Debbie Standard-USA

Julie Comeau-Canada

Kim Kendell-Austrailia-returning

Kimberly Arledge-USA

Leah Cameron-Australia

Linda Eggleton-Austrailia

Marcia Dehn-Nix-USA

Marilyn Rivera-Puerto Rico

Nicole Doiron-Canada

Raissa Costa-Brazil

Nina Stenzel-Germany

Victoria Freze-Ukraine

Regina Castillo-Philippines-returning

Leila Cassimira-Brazil
Valerie Charlot-France-returning

Another sketch down...

2011-12-12T11:38:00.001+11:00

This one from Challenge Heaven. Just love the way this one has come up. When I first saw the sketch I thought "Oh no, banners!" (not a huge banner fan here), but then found this paper and thought it would be perfect to count up to number 7 for Kiara's birthday. All these bits and pieces are from My Scrapbook Nook's November kit.

And here is the sketch:

A layout showcasing the bond between two people....

2011-12-11T12:06:00.000+11:00

Could only be between these two, couldn't it?
I have discovered a great new challenge blog found here Challenge Heaven with a heap of challenges monthly (with some pretty nice prizes available too). What more could one want?
So I have decided to play along, and this is what I came up with for the theme challenge:

For the love of CHIPBOARD

2011-12-09T21:45:00.000+11:00

This layout features chipboard that I have coloured with markers to match the papers and photos.

Painted black for emphasis.

Raw chippy on the left hand side...

I think I really like to paint my chipboard black!!

See, I told you!

Sometimes simple is all it needs - painted chipboard hearts.

He he he, this is one of my favourites!

And this is Kiara's favourites - all embellishments chosen by her!

And a double! What??? And purple to boot...

December Once Upon A............Sketch

2011-12-09T11:55:00.001+11:00

The first challenge at Once Upon A...Sketch for December is to use the sketch provided and the criteria is Something I look forward to in December. What better excuse to use up {some}of the massive pile of Christmas scrappy supplies that I seem to have accumulated! Here is my entry:

And a close up of me getting all messy (well, as messy as you are likely to see, anyway (I guess other than my house he he he))

And the journalling.

Some Sunday scrappin'

2011-11-27T17:38:00.000+11:00

Well, some Sunday photo-ing, anyways!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Scrap the girls and just 'cos!

2011-11-21T14:04:00.000+11:00

Just for a change I have done a layout for no reason at all! Or, maybe just because I have some pretty papers and a pretty photo - which surely is reason enough.

The challenge for November Scrap the Girls can be found here and is to have pink as the dominant colour, include multiple pics and polka dots. Here is my take:

Check out this giveaway:

2011-11-09T10:04:00.000+11:00

From Scrap Friends - here is just ONE of the prizes available:

Yes please!!!

November Kraft it up

2011-11-06T14:09:00.002+11:00

Can be found here and here is my take on it:

I have used the journalling as part of the overall design, and printed it onto the paper used to mat the photo. This process for me is a little unusual, as it meant the page had to be pretty much planned out in my head before I started so I could get the journalling in the right spot.

And some more...

2011-11-02T15:54:00.000+11:00

Challenges from Scrapz.Biz that is. These are great for giving that little kick start that is sometimes needed!

And possibly a new fave (for this week, anyway!) of the Scrap it Blind for this week, using the new Ticklez kit from Scrapz and this gorgeous pic of Alexa. Appropriately titled "Always ready for a photo".

This one was for the Melbourne Cup Flutter which was based on a sketch, some colour inspiration and to use twine (which I almost forgot about!).

Thanks for stopping by!

Loving the challenges

2011-10-26T13:49:00.000+11:00

Over at Scrapz at the moment!

Firstly to document the story of the girls' lemon drink stand - they made the lemon drink all by themselves and asked if they could have a stand out the front to sell it - they were mighty surprised when I said yes! And I was even more surprised when they had a lot of customers and made $8.00...

Not sure if you can read the journalling, but the story goes:
Alexa and I were walking out to the car to go to school, discussing how Daddy had lots of meetings to go to this week.
Oh well Mum, she said, that's just part of his life you know.
Yes, I agreed.
And anyway, Queen Elizabeth would want him to.
Well, yes, I guess she would!
Later in the car she added:
That's Queen Elizabeth the second, you know.
Just in case there was any confusion - and this was weeks ago, before the queen was even here!

And finally Miss Kiara, this was a challenge to have part of the journalling or title on a tag so I gave the Rachael Greig technique a go and love the way it has turned out.

Happy turning 7!

2011-10-21T14:59:00.000+11:00

Kiara celebrated her 7th birthday this week, her birthday was on Tuesday but we had a BBQ for her on Sunday.

And now for some scrappy shares from some great new challenges that are being posted EVERY DAY over at ScrapzBiz and I have been really enjoying them - a great way to get back into the scrapping groove!

They include Scrap it Blind, sketch challenges, colour challenges, inspiration challenges etc etc, and here are some layouts:

This one was a sketch challenge, and I love the way the colours of the papers match in with the tulip.

I think this is the only photo we have of all 6 cousins on this side of the family - not the best photo in terms of lighting etc, but priceless just the same.

This one was a blind scrap, that I think I may have just mucked up right from the start! So I juggled a few of the pieces to make it turn out okay.

This was another blind scrap, that I just left the last few steps completely off! I couldn't get a third photo to look right, so it is still sitting on the desk in it's cute little frame.

A colour challenge which suited the colours in this pic perfectly.

And a sketch challenge. Just check out the pics of the girls in front of their childcare/OSH care taken three years apart. Oh my how they have grown!

Long time, no see

2011-10-12T13:33:00.000+11:00

Whoops, has it really been that long?
Well, the MIA from me has been due to absolutely no scrapping going on whatsoever for September (not sure why this is, combination of the can't be bothered and the scrapbook bank being full of furniture while the new carpet was being laid (woo hoo)).

So I am finally back in the bank, and a little scrapping has occurred. Please note that nowhere have I claimed it to be GOOD scrapping, but scrapping it is none the less!

Firstly, a layout for the site Once upon a ... Sketch October 1 challenge:

And secondly for October's 1, 2, 3 challenge which is the word YOU, colour GOLD and LEATHER, SUEDE or LACE - my first thoughts were UGH, but then when this paper arrived it was just perfect!

Seems to be a bit of a pattern going on here with the photos! Just as well the yellow t shirts match in well with these papers and criteria!

In other exciting scrappy news, the latest Scrapbooking Memories magazine has a great little feature called Easy as 1,2,3 sketch challenge where two talented contributors make a layout and card based on the one sketch - check it out here and if you click NEXT twice you can actually see it!

August 1,2,3 Challenge

2011-08-10T10:11:00.000+10:00

I have really been happy with all the challenges this month, and the 1,2,3 challenge for August is:
Word: What
Colour: Black
Technique: Multi photos

Here is my layout, using some rather amusing photos of Kiara when I was just wanting to get ONE normal photo!

August Kraft it Up

2011-08-10T10:06:00.000+10:00

Can be found here and is based on this sketch from Page Maps

and here is what I managed to do with it (after flipping the sketch to suit my photos). I love the way this one has turned out, helps I think when I am using these gorgeous photos of Alexa!

August White with One

2011-08-07T10:55:00.000+10:00

The White with One challenge for August is white + purple + doodling (insert shudder here!)...purple and doodling? Luckily Kiara's favourite colour is purple and she is always at me to use this or that purple paper or embellishment on her pages!

And there is doodling on there, I swear! It hasn't come up in the photo, but there is doodling around the edge of the white tag - very, very subtle (the best way for doodling to be, really!).

August Scrap the Girls

2011-08-07T10:50:00.000+10:00

The Scrap the Girls challenge for August is to use this quote:
"Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it"
and here is my entry:

He he he, such great photos of Alexa after she had emptied the bottom shelf of the pantry! There is a very good reason that there is only tins stored here!

A perfect day is...

2011-08-07T10:44:00.000+10:00

This was the title/journalling prompt for August's Once Upon A Sketch challenge, and here is my take on it:

Another photo from Alexa's 5th birthday, and it sure was a perfect day for her!

Storyboard Kits sketch

2011-07-22T10:37:00.000+10:00

There is a great challenge over at Storyboard Kits called the Great Storyboard Challenge which can be found by clicking here. I was needing a good sketch to get me started, so I had a go at this one.

I used two copies of this gorgeous photo of Kiara (we don't often get to see her dressed up with her hair down and neat!!), and went with a bit different colour scheme than normal. I also used the paint smearing technique on the background, although it didn't turn out the colour I was after - I thought it would do a creamier, lighter colour behind the pics but it was too see through and yellow. Oh well, still okay I guess! I stayed very true to the sketch as it just suited the photos, papers and embellishments I had chosen.

FINALLY....

2011-06-29T11:45:00.000+10:00

Of all the month's for my Scrapbooking Memories subscription to be late. And for the magazine not to be in the newsagency until late. Finally it arrived yesterday, so here is some clearer and bigger pics for me to brag about!!

And the front page of the "Simple and Stylish" gallery:

I managed to get away with this cover without too many issues because Kiara was actually IN the magazine!

So that is my brag session over for now. Hopefully there might be another one soon!

White with 1 - June

2011-06-22T16:23:00.000+10:00

It has been a long time since I have joined in with White with 1 but this month how could I resist? White + red + polka dots - just perfect! And no handwriting or doodling in sight...

We usually see Kiara with her hair tied back in a pony tail, with all the bits falling out at the front - so this is a very rare occasion to have it all out and looking purty.

Scrapbooking Memories excitement!!

2011-06-22T13:53:00.001+10:00

Apparently there is a new Scrapbooking Memories magazine out. Volume 13 Number 8. And apparently there is a very cute looking chickie on the cover....and believe me I would be showing you if I could! But I don't have my sub yet grrrrr....anyway, so excited to have my layout "Ready for prep" with one of the cutest photos of Alexa on there.

Yes, yes, it is Alexa again, so there won't be much tooting going on in this actual house - if last time was anything to go by! I hear I also have another layout in there, on the front page of one of the galleries - can't wait to see which one...

So that is the big scrapping news for me at the moment, can't get much better than that! Will be back when and if I get my copy....

Edited to add: Amazing what you can find when you have a look around, sorry it's only small but definitely better than nothing:

And check this out:

http://www.craftlovers.com/magazines/92-scrapbooking-memories/13804-scrapbooking-memories

So exciting!!

June Beyond the Door

2011-06-12T13:41:00.000+10:00

This is the first time I have ever done this challenge, set up by the gorgeous Catie. Last month the challenge was a bit too "specific" for me, and didn't really suit my style. But this month the challenge was to do a layout based on this gorgeous room:

I was inspired by the colours, and also the round light fittings and came up with this one, using pictures of Kiara from her school swimming fun day earlier in the year:

June Scrap the girls

2011-06-12T13:37:00.000+10:00

A gorgeous colour challenge this month at Scrap the girls this month with cream/white: light pink: dark pink: black

and here is my take on it, using a gorgeous picture of Alexa from her 5th birthday:

Scrap the girls May

2011-05-15T09:49:00.000+10:00

The challenge for Scrap the girls for May is to scrap a layout based on an important female in your life. Extra criteria: more than 20 words of handwritten journalling - so I didn't think there were two more important females in my life at the moment than these two (and the fact that I have ready access to photos of them helped too!!)

But handwritten journalling again? I've said it before, I'll say it again - "Ugh".

Hold on tightly...

2011-05-11T13:43:00.001+10:00

Another layout using some gorgeous Paper Inklings products, this time (not that you would know it) the Son and Grandfather patterned paper; the Brother rub ons (title), Son rub ons (trees - which were actually one that I cut in half and patched up a little!), and Work of heart rub ons (hearts), and the tree chipboard accent.

The range is so versatile, love how all the papers work so well with pics of my girls.

Scrapbooking Memories & Expertise Events EXPRESS YOURSELF Competition

2011-05-09T19:15:00.000+10:00

....................TOP TWENTY................................................................

Yes, a little excited and a shameless plug for votes here..shame we are so far away from Brisbane really!

So I sent in this little layout (that you have seen before):

And I made the shortlist for the final 20!

The layout will be on display with the other 19 finalists at the Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Convention over the June Long weekend. Show attendees will then vote for their favourite. So if you are headed to this great show check me out!!

Mothers Day Inspiration

2011-05-07T11:00:00.001+10:00

Our latest parcel from Paper Inklings was full of yummy family goodness - and what better time to break out some of the Mother, Grandmother and Daughter range than for Mother's Day?

This first layout is my favourite, I was totally inspired by the Daughter patterned paper and couldn't resist getting some stitching on there to mimic the lines on the paper. Then I cut out some hearts and randomly stuck them on the stitched "stems", and also painted a couple of chipboard hearts to add some dimension on there as well. A new rub on title was perfect for this photo!

Since I can't get past this stitching thing, I did a bit more on the second layout to adhere the strips of the Daughter range of paper (front and back sides). I also used a rub on from the Daughter pack down the right hand side of this paper block to incorporate some more black onto the layout. I used a chipboard title Mothers Love painted black, but you can see how I have adapted it to suit my longer title "I never understood unconditional love until I became a Mother" - I just snipped off the "s" and used the chipboard words in the sentence. I also used the "unconditional" part of an Unconditional Love rub on from the "Mum" rub on's. I just love how the titles and rub ons are so adaptable to suit your own style and layouts.

Next I thought these papers would be perfect for some mother's and grandmother's day cards to give away tomorrow. Now, I am definitely no card-maker, so I just googled "special fold cards" and found lots of great tutorials to lead me through! The patterned papers of the Mum and Grandmother range make these cards look great with little need for extra embellishment - although some fussy cutting of hearts or painted chipboard just finish them off perfectly.

Yummy new Paper Inklings goodies

2011-04-26T15:02:00.000+10:00

Just had a little play so far, and am loving this layout:

Using Paper Inklings Chipboard title "Sisterly Love"; Colour-Me Doily; Patterned paper Family PI-FM-296 "Brother"; Chipboard accent; Designer Rub-Ons PI-RO-307 "Brother"; Paint

See - once again not only for the "brothers" out there, but also great for the sisters as well. Love how you can mix and match the products and they look good together.

Loving a good sketch

2011-04-11T09:20:00.002+10:00

Sometimes when there are no ideas flowing, a good sketch is all you need! And with so many available out there (who knew? Thanks Chat with Charm!!), there is usually one to suit the photos you have.

This one is another one for Sketchy Thursday's, and let me say - I think I have a new favourite layout!

And this one is for Crafty Sketches, an older photo of Kiara but I still love it - it is just "so her".

Once upon a sketch

2011-04-09T09:09:00.000+10:00

Here is my entry for the new sketch blog Once upon a...sketch.

One of the criteria for this one was handwritten journalling. Ugh. That's all I have to say about that!

And another quick one based on the sketch at Sketchy Thursday's, of some pics taken yesterday in the backyard. Such a classic (I think we say that about Alexa's pics often!!).

So what is new...

2011-04-08T13:30:00.000+10:00

Well, not much to report, really. Last day of school for the term here, not sure if that is a good thing or not!! We will see how the two terrors get along during their first real school holidays together...

Scrapping wise there hasn't been much exciting happening, have a list of April challenges printed but nothing really enthusing me at the moment. Hopefully the arrival of a kit or two for the month may help.

This one is done using the March Nook kit and the March sketch at the Nook - just love how the papers match the colours on this photo perfectly!

Again using the March Nook kit, a nice simple interpretation of the sketch at Scrapbooking from Scratch. Sometimes less is more, perhaps.

She is...Scrap the Girls March

2011-03-26T11:15:00.000+11:00

The challenge for Scrap the girls for March is to use a quote on your layout - I used the March Nook kit for this one and just love the way it has turned out.

Think it helps when you have a gorgeous photo like this one, though!!

March Kraft it Up

2011-03-18T15:03:00.002+11:00

Here is my layout for the March Kraft it up challenge, which was to use the quote "There is no greater gift than today". This photo from our summer holiday really sums that up - family together, doing "stuff", just being together.

Are we there yet?

2011-03-14T13:34:00.000+11:00

With all the layouts? Well. Nope actually! Here we go:

This was the Horticulture challenge at Scrapz, using the Feb Nook kit - which was a bit purple and pretty, even for me! Suited these pics of our garden though.

Ahhh, how I love a layout that makes me smile! Just check out this crazy girl - and the title is how Tom described her at Warrnambool this year, and seems to me to fit her just perfectly - Cute, but demented. This is using the February Scrapz kit.

I think this is my favourite photo for a while, Alexa was looking in a mirror checking out her lipstick and face painting. Just love that look of wonderment on her face - "Is that really me?". This is using the Feb girl kit from Bon's.

Another one using the ScrapzBiz Feb kit - I think the kit was made for these pics! Check out the ladybug rub on!

And finally a "Just 'cause" layout, using bits and pieces from everywhere. Love this photo of Kiara and Tom at the beach.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy 5 Birthday, Alexa!

2011-03-13T11:32:00.000+11:00

Alexa had a magnificent time at the combined birthday/tennis breakup BBQ last night. She wore her new ballet outfit all night and danced her little heart out. I think some of the older guests had a rather good night too, with the karaoke proving a hit again!

Happy birthday, crazy girl!

And here's some more...

2011-03-11T10:34:00.000+11:00

This was such a funny conversation - and great to have it recorded so I don't forget! Another Scrapz Biz Uni challenge.

And another - must have had these colours on my desk for a while, they seem to be appearing quite regularly! Love this series of pics, I took them before one of Alexa's orientation days for prep last year.

He he he, love photos that make me chuckle when I look at them! Perfect for the music challenge at Scrapz Biz Uni. Rock on, girls!

And finally for today - wasn't going to show this as layouts of myself are never much fun, but this is one of my new favourites with the colours (yellow??? what is going on with that at the moment??!!) so here it is.

And yes, there is still more to come so stay tuned.

Got a big weekend planned with Alexa's 5th birthday - cupcakes to deliver to school today, shopping tomorrow morning, BBQ party tomorrow night, then her actual birthday Sunday.

So much to show you...

2011-03-09T14:59:00.001+11:00

I guess that's what you get when you don't blog for a while....and while I am at it - waving "hello" to all my new readers out there - you know who you are!

So I have a bit to catch up on, but I will do it in bits so you are not completely overwhelmed (or bored!!).

Did I show you this one already? Oh well, I do like it so if I did you can look again! For the ScrapzBiz University to show off a photo that has been "actioned".

This one was a scrapping whispers where someone starts a layout then sends it to the next person, then that person sends their layout on and so on...this was my take on it. So funny!

This was using the January kit from Scrapz Biz, and an older photo. I seem to not have too many camping photos, can't think why not??!!?? The title says it all - "What were we thinking?".

Just look at that little bubba! Another challenge for ScrapzBiz Uni - to go back to when your children were born. Not too many options for photos for me, so this was it.

I think that's enough for now - more to come though as I was on a Stampin Up retreat over the weekend so there is some more layouts to show.

Too cool - check me out!

2011-02-18T14:51:00.002+11:00

http://create-with-paper-inklings.blogspot.com/2011/02/introducing-dt-member-leah-cameron.html

Pretty exciting, huh???

Another layout

2011-02-16T17:13:00.000+11:00

For the Scrapz Biz university competition:

I have also done some more playing with my DT kit from Paper Inklings which I will post when Blogger will allow me to - grrrrr!

Some Paper Inklings layouts to share!

2011-02-13T17:14:00.001+11:00

So I have started to play with my pack! So exciting - here are the first three:

The Look:

This recent photo of my youngest daughter Alexa was crying out for a funky and grungy layout, and the colours and themes of the new “Concrete Jungle” range were perfect for just that! The range is far more versatile than just scooter and skateboard layouts, as is shown on this layout. Included on this page are papers and rub ons from the Concrete Jungle range, and Hazard Symbol chipboard from the Awesome Boy range.

Scooter Girl:

My aim for this layout was to incorporate the Concrete Jungle into my usual style – which often includes white cardstock background. The use of a basic white background really sets off the colours in the Extreme Scooter paper used for the patterned paper border, making a great feature of the arrows. Some rub on arrows from the Scooter A5 rub on pack were cut and placed in a couple of different places on the layout to draw attention to the title and link the arrows in. The fantastic Scooter Boy chipboard title can be used for more than just boy layouts! Here I have painted the title red, and then I just love the technique of painting black lines on there simply with the edge of a plastic ruler – so easy and so eye catching.

Aussie Road Trip 1994:

What better way to use up those awkward, small, {old} photos from years ago! These pics were not really good enough to feature on a layout of their own, but now I have a fantastic record of our road trip from many years ago! I have mapped out our route on the Australian Map Die-Cut paper from the “Australia” range, and used the Aussie from the Aussie Pride A5 rub on pack. How appropriate to have a kangaroo sign for this layout – from the Road Sign chipboard!

Exciting mail from Paper Inklings

2011-02-07T13:53:00.000+11:00

So super excited - got a pizza box from Paper Inklings today - just check out this pack full of goodies, just for me!!

Sorry the pic is not so good, but I just couldn't wait to get into it! Gotta get me some new pics printed now - particularly from Australia Day, and also my girls scootering - just gotta adapt the Scooter Boy to be Scooter Girls and we are all good! Love the rub ons, some great ones there for my girls. Can't wait!

I am on a DT!!!!!!!!

2011-02-04T11:13:00.000+11:00

Very excited (and a little bit nervous as well) to announce that I made the Paper Inklings design team! Can't wait to get my first delivery of product and get to work......pretty good work, if you can get it I say!!

Hopefully I will get my box of goodies soon and share some piccies.

Today is the first day back to school, Alexa's first day. Poor little thing, she was exhausted by the time school started (having been awake during the night, and then from 4:30am onwards). So I left the poor munchkin sobbing in Mrs Matheson & Kiara's care....hope she is okay now.

She looked so gorgeous and grown up in her dress, will put some pics up when I have downloaded from the camera. Mummy felt very bad leaving her there - should have done what she said "You can just drop us off and go Mum" rather than staying - I know they are better when I am not there.

Might just go and ring to check how she is getting on.....

Media Studies

2011-02-03T11:20:00.000+11:00

Okay, so this challenge at Scrapz Biz Uni really had me stumped at first...amazing how such "challenges" can turn into favourite layouts!

And you can also see it here - on the featured layout! Woo hoo!

Also waiting on some exciting news from here but don't think I had better get too excited. Never know - gotta be in it to win it, hey?

AND got some exciting news to announce in a little while as well....

So there is some exciting scrappy things going on...missed out on Stuck and Scrap the Girls and 1,2,3 challenge - but looking on the bright side, this means I can still win the prizes LOL!

Some layouts to show

2011-01-31T21:32:00.000+11:00

Well, I have signed up to a Uni course - no, not a real one but the Scrapz Biz university!

I got stuck straight into the layouts as who knows what the rest of the week will bring - here's my first two:

Holiday snaps

2011-01-29T14:51:00.000+11:00

Sorry been MIA for a while, have been on our annual summer holidays to the beach (eventually, after being delayed slightly by floodwaters). The girls had a marvellous time, we had great weather, and had lots of adventures. We are all also very happy to be home, although it sure was straight back into it with three days of work and Peter back on the header.

School starts at the end of the week, they start on Friday so just have the one day and the weekend, this should suit Alexa though I think as she can have the weekend to recover from the excitement, and lack of sleep I'm guessing!

Here are some pics from the holidays:

Kiara just loved the beach once again, she loved to swim, kept getting "dunked", and would go every chance she got.

She had a great time when Tom went too, on her new boogie board.

Fairly sure I may have nabbed myself some new pics for scrapbooking, too. We found our face painter again at the Friday night markets - check these out:

Flooding Jan 2011

2011-01-14T13:45:00.000+11:00

After a week's rain so far totalling 185mm, this is what we woke to this morning in Marnoo:

Been playing with my photos

2011-01-07T22:01:00.000+11:00

Hmmm, well I have decided to go with Becky Higgins' Project Life again for this year - thought I might try the digital version but had a bit of a play last night and have decided that it is not for me. However, along the way I had a play with some of Ali Edwards' digital brushes....and W....O....W , me likey!

Kraft it up - January

2011-01-07T14:32:00.002+11:00

The challenge is to create a layout based on the theme SUMMER and you must also use a SUMMER word in your title, using Kraft cardstock as your base...I have used this pic taken new year's eve last year of the girls with Tom in the trough pool, playing "foo" while I took the photo.

Favourite layouts of 2010

2011-01-05T20:02:00.000+11:00

Okay, so I'm not going to put a number on it because it just might depend...and some may just be out for publication (woo hoo!!), so here goes (in no particular order):

He he he, this pic just cracks me up! So funny, so fresh, great memories.

I can't take any credit for this one at all, it was a class by the wonderful Giovanna Scott, completely out of my comfort zone, and I love it to bits.

This was a challenge at Bon's, love the way it turned out.

Another classic photo, this was for a challenge at Scrapz Biz.

1, 2, 3 challenge, love this one, such a different set of colours for this girl's pics.

Another challenge at Scrapz Biz, love the trees and clouds - and again, the memories associated with these cute Aussie pics.

Ahhh. So simple, so perfect. I think this is my all time fave for the year.

I think this one was using a Bon's girl kit from earlier in the year.

And this one was from the very start of 2010, did it while on holidays in Warrnmabool. Completely using a Scrapz Biz Ticklez kit. I had done the layout without any journalling or title, but it needed something extra. When we got home from holidays, I googled sayings that may suit and found the most freakishly perfect one.

And so that is it. My faves from 2010.

January Scrap the Girls

2011-01-04T20:17:00.000+11:00

The challenge for January for Scrap The Girls is to scrap a favourite summer memory, so I have chosen to go with Kiara at the beach, which she just adores. This is a pic from last year - nearly time for a new one this year!!

Chance to win some scrappy goodness...

2011-01-04T19:07:00.000+11:00

The gorgeous Raquel is hosting a massive giveaway on her blog, check it out here: http://www.raquelp.blogspot.com/

My Internet Explorer is not playing nicely though, so won't let me open her blog today - but all you need to do is become a follower and leave a comment and into the draw you will go (and hopefully so will I, if ever I can open it up!!).

KJC - One month

2011-01-04T12:00:00.000+11:00

I have used the ROTM from Bon's for inspiration for my second layout of Kiara:

Project LIfe 2010

2011-01-03T13:38:00.002+11:00

Here are just a few examples of my Project Life from last year. It is definitely not finished, I have most of my photos in, just need to finish off the journalling.

For the front cover I simply cut one of the 12x12 pieces of paper that are included in the kit to the sizes of the pockets. I added our surname and the year, and one of the 6x4 cards for a kind of title. Simple, love it.

The above are just random examples from the album. Just wanted to show that I have included a range of sized photos, some I cut down to go in the middle envelopes. I tried to include bits of "stuff" that I kept during the year, and also wanted to show the last example where I used a whole page for an event (Alexa's birthday).

Think I had better be getting another one for this year now!

Woo hoo - a win for 2011!!!

2011-01-02T19:30:00.000+11:00

So excited that I have been drawn out of the hat on Nadia's magnificent giveaway - check this out:
http://samnadia.blogspot.com/ So generous, now just to wait and see which pack I won.

I have done a layout for Bon's January sketch, loving these pics of Alexa after playing in the mud back in November. Classic.

Stuck sketch Jan 1st

2011-01-01T19:59:00.001+11:00

Nothing like getting a challenge done quickly! Am getting a bit of time during the school hols to do some scrapping, the girls are happy to play various pretend games in the bank, so I whipped up this one for the Stuck Jan 1 2011 (!) challenge. The idea I have, which I already printed the photos for, is to scrap my fave photo from each month of the girls. If I can use a challenge for it, then all the better! So this is my first one, of Kiara when she was born. So sweet, and also a good chance to use up some of those pretty pastel colours.

Scrap the girls - December

2010-12-31T14:04:00.001+11:00

The challenge for December for Scrap the Girls was to choose a colour combination, and I went with blue and orange. The pic is of Alexa on her second orientation day, makes me laugh so much - look at those pigtails, and the school uniform (not ONE of the other girls wear a dress, they all wear shorts!!). But not our Alexa - wanted to wear a dress!

Stuck sketch Dec 1st

2010-12-20T11:51:00.000+11:00

I love this layout! What great colours, and such a classic photo!

Yep, it's wet!

2010-09-05T09:46:00.000+10:00

We have had over 2 1/2 inches in the last couple of days, and the rivers and creeks are full and flooding for the first time in about 15 years. We spent a lot of yesterday driving around, even the girls are amazed by the way the country looks at the moment. The road was closed between Marnoo and Rupanyup, just before old Orana (which is my Dad's farm, actually it is his paddocks that were covered just near the road closure!).

Here are some pics:

The Marnoo Oval where we had the school sports on Friday! It would have been the swimming sports by Saturday morning!!!

New Competition at Wicked Princesses

2010-08-31T14:40:00.000+10:00

All the details can be found HERE

August Kraft it up

2010-08-23T10:18:00.000+10:00

Was a colour challenge, with black, yellow, green and of course Kraft. I used one of my new pics of Kiara, just love it.

Am a tad tired here this morning, Alexa has had a cough/cold all last week, with some interrupted nights, and now Kiara has it which of course means asthma for her. So the poor thing has had a bad weekend, she is on the pred-mix since Saturday (luckily) and is home from school today. Hopefully she will be back on track tomorrow. Only hoping I am not getting it, too...

STA Round 3

2010-08-21T10:41:00.001+10:00

And finally Round 3 of Scrapz Biz Scrap That Ad Challenge:

Home alone...

2010-08-14T15:37:00.001+10:00

ay very well be the best pre-birthday present ever! Oh, that sounds a little bad, but seriously it is nice to have a few hours to ones self I believe!

Have been scrapping up a storm the last couple of weeks, well, that is all this weather is really good for isn't it, except making those gorgeous crops grow of course.

So here goes, in no particular order:

Bon's (mostly) boy kit

Bon's mostly girl kit!

Bon's combination of both kits

I had another go at The Colour Room yesterday, much happier with this week's efforts, perhaps the colour scheme suited me more, with some bright yellow and blues.

And last, but definitely not least as I think it could be my favourite for a while, I did the August 1, 2, 3 challenge which was Colour: Yellow, word: sunshine, and technique: misting:

Notice a bit of a theme going on lately? I have - white (or light) cardstock, with a coloured border top and bottom. I'm liking the results, too (obviously, I guess!!)

Scrap that ad round two...

2010-08-09T18:31:00.000+10:00

And the challenges are not getting any easier...this week's ad is Happy Little Vegemite - and we have to use the colours, the word happy, and a diamond! Wow.... visit ScrapzBiz for more info.

So here it is:

TCR #18

2010-08-07T13:22:00.000+10:00

I had another shot at The Colour Room last night, this time back in His Room. I sometimes find it difficult to get the colours right...I look at some of the layouts posted up and think - that's not what I thought that colour combo was! Anyway, pretty happy with the way this has turned out:

Had a happy email during the week with a $10 voucher at Scrapz Biz for a minor win in the June Ticklez comp - all spent already on another Martha Stewart butterfly punch. Can't wait for it to come with the August Ticklez next week!

Love start of the month and getting new kits!

Scrap That Ad begins

2010-08-02T16:57:00.000+10:00

The competition at Scrapz Biz has started - the first challenge of Scrap That Ad can be found here
The ad is the Qantas ad, with the added criteria of including Australia in the title, a list, and a piece of Australia ephemera (the stamp).

Here is my take on it:

These pics were taken in January of 2007, and have been waiting to be scrapped ever since!

I can't wait to get...

2010-07-30T15:45:00.000+10:00

This:

From the ever so talented Jodi at Tildy's....ordered it for myself and will call it a birthday present from Peter and the girls - why not I say!!

TCR #16

2010-07-26T16:43:00.000+10:00

Okay, so I joined The Colour Room when it first started, and have never managed to get around to completing any of their challenges:

Until now, that is!

Number 16 is the family room palette, with some rich colours of olive green, burgandy, and white. So I took advantage of a "pretty" pic of Kiara to put the layout together. This actually needs some journalling, but I think I will put it on the back as I don't want to clutter up the layout with it - but I probably need to explain that we are not "allowed" to call Kiara beautiful - she is that much of a tomboy! And I am not meant to put flowers or pink things or pretty things on her layouts either LOL!!!

ANOTHER emergency visit...

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

Why does Kiara always get sick either on public holidays, at night, or on the weekend - or a combination of all three? Last night at about 8:30 (in the midst of Masterchef, mind you) she started crying and complaining of a sore tummy again. This also happened just over a week ago, but as she vomited that time we put it down to a gastro bug. As Peter had a bad episode with appendicitis as a child, we are quite nervous about this, so I rang nurse on call, and as usual they suggested we head off to emergency.
Great. So we rang Dad to come and sit with Alexa, who luckily had already gone to bed, and off we went. And of course, just a few minutes into the 50km drive, Kiara is better. Which also happened last time, she had a quick recovery. But we kept going, and she was checked out - showing no signs except a slightly high temperature of there anything at all being wrong. Which I guess is a good thing, but doesn't explain the pain.

Anyway, the diagnosis was possibly wind pain, which given her history is possible. So we keep an eye on her, and even if it is the start of problems with her appendix it would be that early stage that they wouldn't do anything, anyway. Grrrrr. So we got home at about 11pm, I let her sleep in until 8:30 thinking she could be late for school - but she didn't want to miss out on "play".

Alexa and I have been busy baking today - all up we have managed a banana cake, honey crackles, lemon tarts and meringues (as we had egg whites left over from the lemon tarts). All seem to have worked okay, but the proof will be in the tasting, I guess.

From plain to perfect

2010-07-25T14:23:00.000+10:00

I did a layout of a gorgeous photo of Kiara earlier in the month, documenting how proud we are of her in her first year of Primary School. I just took another look at it and decided it looked unfinished somehow. So I grabbed some stuff that kind of went with it, kind of matched, took about five minutes and turned it into a far better layout.

Perhaps sometimes you just need to go back after a while and look at your layouts with fresh eyes!

Before:

After:

As an aside, most of the "after" version is from Bon's July girl kit, with a few bits added. The photo has an action on it from CoffeeTeaPhotography.blogspot.com (probably Lomo, since that seems to be my fave!).

Funny Times

2010-07-25T09:43:00.000+10:00

So as mentioned, yesterday was a very happy, scrappy kind of day. The girls are {finally} at the age where they are generally happy to play by themselves, and Mum is happy as she can scrap by herself.
Some of their favourite things to do at the moment are:
Playing babies in the bank: With Harrison and Ineka of course (not the real ones!!), although now Emily/Melody (depending on the mood of the day!!) has now joined in a lot more. Kiara and Alexa are often "Craig" and "Kim" - hilarious when you hear their conversations!
Cooking outside: Hmmmm, not too sure we'd want to be eating some of these little Masterchef creations - but it is funny to watch them cooking and judging each other since the start of Masterchef. We luuuurve Masterchef in our house, the girls have their bath and then sit ready to watch. Often Alexa doesn't quite make the end and asks to go to bed midway through, but Kiara normally sticks it out.

We are a bit sad that Marion didn't make it through, glad that Jimmy didn't, and are hoping that Adam wins tonight!

The girls also love to draw and colour - "Mum, can we have colouring pictures" is heard often, which means we search on the internet for various subjects to print out and colour in.

Can't wait for a bit warmer weather to come so we can have doors open and the girls can come and go as they please.

So here they are from yesterday - dressed up, hair in clips with Harrison & Ineka (not the real ones!)

A new beginning

2010-07-24T16:00:00.000+10:00

A new beginning for a blog, and a new promise to blog more often! I know, I know - I've said it all before {twice!!} but I am going to attempt to be a more prolific blogger from now on.

So this will be a place for ramblings on family, scrapbooking and whatever else comes to mind at the time.

Also a place to showcase my scrapping layouts in the one spot.

The big scrapping news in my world is the latest cover of Scrapbook Creations - featuring Our Girly Girl which is a layout I did of Alexa late last year. On the cover! I kid you not - take a look:

I have had a scrappy kind of day today - it is great now the girls are getting older they can amuse themselves without needing me every two seconds, so they have been busy playing (inside and out) and I have been scrapping. I have done the following layouts for Bon's Scraps July Cybercrop - entries due Tuesday night so still time to enter bonsscraps.com.au/forum

Scraplift:

Charm's Sketch:

Bon's Colour Challenge:

Be back soon. I promise!