Spring Blossom Musings

Scooting by to say Hi - Paper Smooches SPARKS Challenge

2012-02-07T20:44:00.004+11:00

Hi friends ~

I put this little card together on Sunday evening after a day in the garden. It was the perfect way to wind down and relax after working so hard on a hot afternoon.

I love the cute quirky images that Kim designs over at Paper Smooches. This week there is a gorgeous inspiration pic and I took some of the colours and put them into this brighter than usual (for me) card, made especially for a friend who deserves a little happy mail this week.

I coloured the scooter with copics and paper pieced parts of it and popped them up for dimension. Don't you love those little 'puffs' at the exhaust? So sweet.

Thanks for popping by. I really love having you visit!

The 'Opposite' Card - A Valentine

2012-02-04T21:33:00.004+11:00

Oooops I'm here a little bit later than I planned to be today. Gorgeous Kid and I have just arrived home from dinner with friends at Hog's Breath - yum!

I mentioned in my previous post to pop back and see my 'opposite' card. Well here it is ... red on white this time. I love these little felt flowers.

Which do you prefer?

JAI#103...Just Add Red & White

2012-02-03T09:37:00.003+11:00

Happy Friday friends ~

It's time for our weekly Just Add Ink Challenge and this week Mae has given us the lovely colour combo of Red and White - any Red you like. With Valentines Day coming up I went with that theme, however, not being a huge fan of all things lovey dovey I've kept it pretty CAS.

I've used Real Red c/s and the gorgeous Polka Dot embossing folder for my front panel which is popped up on dimensionals. Using a couple of Dies I cut my roses and leaves out of felt. Hope you like!

Head over to JAI to check out the Challenge details and get some gorgeous inspiration from the other fabulous design team members.

Pop back tomorrow and I'll show you the opposite to this card.

Enjoy your Friday.

Just Add Ink #101...A Sketch Challenge

2012-01-20T11:26:00.003+11:00

Good Friday morning lovely people ~

It's a beautiful day here in Canberra so I was up early and off for my walk. Came home and mowed the lawn, cut the edges and tidied things up before the real heat hits. Gorgeous Kid is off playing with some friends for a few hours and I've got some free time. Hmmmm I think I'll play in my craft room. I love Fridays.

Over at Just Add Ink this week we've got a gorgeous little sketch that beautiful Bron did for us before she left the team :o(

I pulled out my copics and tried my hand at colouring one of the gorgeous little Pure Innocence images. I do love her. I even did a little sponging, however, I'm still a bit heavy handed and not entirely happy with the outcome.

I have used Island Indigo as my base colour, with the matching dsp and ink. The little swirls are a SU Sizzlet Die - how did I live without them? They are the perfect little addition. I've given the whole card a quick spritz with Champagne Shimmer Mist so irl it's a little sparkly.

Pop over to Just Add Ink and check out the design team inspiration this week. Hopefully you'll find some time to join our Challenge too.

Thanks for stopping by today, have a fabulous weekend!

JAI#100...Just Add Crowns - Special JAI Blog Hop

2012-01-13T00:02:00.007+11:00

Good Friday morning ~

Wow can you believe we're up to Challenge 100 over at Just Add Ink? This week we're adding Crowns. A very regal occasion indeed!

You will have hopped here from Nikki's blog. There are 11 stops on our Blog Hop, and it's set up in a loop so it doesn't matter where you start. All you need to do to follow along is click the JAI Blog Hop button at the end of each post and you'll be taken to the next stop! If you get stuck just head over to the JAI blog to find all the links.

There is a prize for commenting on all the Design Team member posts this week, and a prize for the winner of our Just Add Crowns Challenge.

This week I've made a crown shaped card (I saw this in a magazine ages ago). The size is the usual A5 so it will fit into a C6 envelope for posting. You'll notice my card is quite a bit different than my usual style. I rather enjoyed sponging ink all over, spraying it with shimmer mist and layering up some ribbons, seam binding and lace.

If you would like any further details about this card just shoot me an email. Thanks for stopping by today. Click on the badge below to check out Paula's awesome interactive project this week.

Big hugs

Happy New Year!

2012-01-08T17:20:00.001+11:00

Hello!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year! I've been having a bit of a blog holiday ... actually a completely craft free, laze around doing nothing kind of holiday. Yesterday I decided it was high time I get back into a routine of sorts as I'm back at work on Tuesday ... soooooooo I hit my craft room, a pretty good place to start don't you think?

I needed to make a birthday card for the 12th ... I am always behind during January and I've decided that this year I'm going to try to change that. Having not crafted for so long I just couldn't get a decent start, although I did know I was going to use reds (a fave colour of the birthday girl), so I had a little look around blogland and found this CAS card over at Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine and off I went. It came together really quickly.

What do you think? Simple but I kinda like it. If you'd like a supply list please feel free to give a shout & I'll happily oblige.

I hope you're all enjoying the new year so far. Like a lot of others I didn't mind seeing the back of 2011 and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this year unfolds and embracing what 2012 brings.

Big hugs

JAI#98...Just Add Sparkle

2011-12-16T08:15:00.003+11:00

Good morning friends ~

Over at Just Add Ink this week we're adding SPARKLE! Yum. I'm kind of over Christmas cards so I went with a big glittery, glossy cupcake for my niece who is having a birthday this Sunday.

I've used some of the new Glitter Paper (you can find this in the Summer Mini), added Crystal Effects to my cherry, some bling to my icing and to finish it off I've liberally sprayed the entire card with Champagne Shimmer Mist. How's that for sparkle?

There is lots of delicious sparkly inspiration from the rest of the design team so head over to JAI to get your creative juices flowing. Hope you can join us for some sparkle this week.

JAI#97...Just Add an Inspiration Pic

2011-12-10T10:43:00.004+11:00

Good Saturday morning ~

Whoooooops, I'm super late posting this - can I blame it on the silly season? Not sure if I'm Arthur or Martha lately lol.

Over at Just Add Ink this week Jo gave us this gorgeous inspiration pic. It stumped me a bit, not having a lot of time lately to give it much thought.

I ended up making a recessed window card using the Itty Bitty flower images in Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Pool Party and Poppy Parade. I added a bit of bling - the photograph is Tiffany & Co afterall - and some all over shimmer, which you can't really see in the photograph unfortunately. It's finished with some gorgeous twine that is an exact match to Melon Mambo.

I should confess that I had originally made this card with a Whisper White & Pool Party (closest to Tiffany & Co colours) base, and although it looked good, it was a bit wishy washy, mind you the flowers in the centre did pop a bit more. Anyway I'm not thrilled with my entry this week so will just have to do better next week instead :o)

For lots of gorgeous inspiration from the design team pop over to JAI, hopefully you will be inspired enough to join the Challenge this week. Thanks for stopping by today. Have a wonderful weekend!

An Award

2011-12-07T17:07:00.003+11:00

Happy hump day friends ~

Well the busyness that is this time of year has certainly ramped up for me in the past fortnight. School assembly performances, liturgies, parent teacher meetings ... I'm starting to feel a little (okay a lot) stressed at how behind I am compared to previous years. Christmas really snuck up on me this year. It seems time is passing so very quickly these days. I want to stop for just a little while and catch my breath. I have no doubt there are many of you feeling exactly the same way.

That is why I've chosen this very minute to just stop. I'm taking a few moments to post this gorgeous little Blog Award that the ever lovely Mel sent my way some week or two ago now.

This little Award spreads love to those who love to leave comment love - say that really fast three times lol. So I am going to pass it on to three (not entirely sure of the rules here) bloggers that love to leave comment love for me:

Trishie

Christine

Theresa

Thank you sweet friends, and a huge thanks to all of the lovely people who leave me comments and feedback. It's really nice to know that people do actually stop by to visit, and that you take the time to leave a note for me to read. It really does make my day. I absolutely love the crafting community and the friends I've made along the way.

Until Friday ... I'll be back with my JAI post.

PS: Guess what? I actually feel somewhat calmer for having stopped for just a few minutes. I love it when I 'forget' to stress.

JAI#95...Bah Humbug

2011-11-25T06:15:00.001+11:00

Hi lovelies ~

TGIF! I'm tired this week. Have been headachey and really just want a day to chill. Good weather for it here in Canberra too as the temps have dropped and it's feeling a lot like Winter again.

The challenge over at Just Add Ink this week is to make something for Christmas, using non traditional stamps, colours, papers ... whatever you want. As you can see I didn't even use a stamp on this one. Can you believe it's not square and it doesn't have flowers? Lol!

I had lots of fun (and a couple of sore thumbs) folding all these medallions using the gorgeous new Spice Cake designer paper (being released on 1 Dec). I added a little touch of Real Red dsp to bring it all to life. There are a few different embellishments to decorate - antique brads, rhinestone brads, jumbo brads, and a retired corduroy button (which I coloured with the Pool Party marker).

Once I had enough to layer on my cardboard circle (underneath) I used my hot glue gun to adhere them all securely, adding a few dimensionals here and there where I needed the height. I added some leaves, which I ran through the crimper, to fill in the 'gaps' and finished it off with the big striped grosgrain ribbon bow - I don't have any Soft Suede so I improvised and used the retired Espresso.

This is going to look so cool hanging on my craft room door - it's just a little delicate to go outside on my front door *smile*.

Do pop over to JAI and check out the other design team inspiration. Hope you can find a little crafting time this weekend to join us - before all the craziness of shopping begins.

Take care, and thanks for stopping by today.

JAI#94...Just Add A Sketch

2011-11-18T08:43:00.005+11:00

Hello & happy Friday ~

My post is a little late this morning because I was at the Cold Chisel concert last night. Fabulous! They played all their old favourites. I had a great time. Might even have a pic or two to share with you later.

This week over at Just Add Ink beautiful Bron set us a sketch challenge. I had my friend with breast cancer in mind when putting this card together. I am off to the hospital to visit this morning and this is the card I'm taking to her.

I've layered some Island Indigo dsp on a white base, then used my Nesties to cut the Pool Party Blossom. I heat embossed my flowers using the new Irridescent Ice embossing powder. It gives a lovely glossy glittery finish. The flowers are Pretty in Pink and Rich Razzleberry, and Lucky Limeade for the leaves.

Pop over to JAI and check out the design team inspiration. Hope you can find some time to get inky and join us this week!

This afternoon we are off to Gorgeous Kid's school twilight fete. It's always huge as they have the big rides, and dunk the teacher! It's a hot one here in Canberra so I'll be happier there once the sun goes down.

Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by to visit.

Thinking of you!

2011-11-15T17:54:00.003+11:00

Hi there and happy Tuesday ~

A dear friend of mine is once again battling breast cancer. She found out only a few weeks ago and goes in for surgery tomorrow. I made her this card to let her know I'm thinking of her.

You'll recognise the layout as one of my 'go to' styles. It's also a 'square' card, of which I'm very fond lately. I went for a black base as a way of acknowledging her 'bad' news, and pink embellies for 'breast cancer' of course. Not sure of those pearls but I know she loves them so I had to include them somewhere.

JAI#93...Just Add A Colour Challenge

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000+11:00

Good Friday morning friends ~

This week the ever lovely Kim has given us a very pretty Colour Challenge over at Just Add Ink. I've been making lots of square cards lately and this one is no exception. I've kept it fairly clean and simple which is my usual style I think most would agree.

I finally got to break out my new In Colour 2 ruffled ribbon and Printed brads! Loving the new Button Buddies set too. Why don't you join the Challenge this week? Head over to JAI and check out the awesome design team inspiration to get you started.

I've got a girlfriend visiting from Brisbane this weekend so I'm sure we'll be up chatting and giggling half the night. I'm so looking forward to it. Then next week my lovely Aunty Marilyn is visiting from New Zealand...hehe I'm hoping she doesn't mind child sitting duty while I'm seeing Cold Chisel. Bit cheeky huh.

Have a fabulous weekend and thanks for stopping by today.

A 40th Birthday

2011-11-09T13:43:00.002+11:00

Hi and happy hump day ~

We're having a bit of a thunder storm here in Canberra right now. It literally just started so I had to run around the house and close all of the windows. It was sunny and bright earlier. Poor Lilli is running about the place barking and panting. She doesn't like the thunder at all. It'll pass by just as quickly as it started I'm sure. Meantime it's great for the garden.

Here is a card I made for a friend turning 40 next week. She doesn't read my blog so it's safe to post here before sending off. It's very similar to the card I made for BFF back in September. I'm loving square cards at the moment.

Guess what I'm doing next week? I'm off to see Cold Chisel!!! My all time favourite band and this show sold out within about 45 minutes of tickets going on sale. I wasn't missing out! Fortunately I've got a good friend with VIP status. Yay for us.

Hope you're enjoying your week so far.

Catching Up

2011-11-08T00:42:00.001+11:00

Wow, November already and I haven't posted in weeks!

It's actually been a really busy time, both socially and work-wise. Gorgeous Kid went on his very first school camp. Four days away and mum got to have a bit of fun. I went out to dinner, met friends for drinks, finally checked out the Dendy Cinema (love love love) and worked much longer hours than usual. I did manage one quiet night at home, enjoyed a huge plate of vegetables with no complaints, gave myself a pedicure and thoroughly enjoyed the silence. Bliss!

This past weekend we've both been unwell so it's been rather uneventful, however, I've finally photographed some of the cards I've made over recent weeks. Which to show first ... actually I have a belated JAI (#91 Colour Combo) card that never actually made it to publication because I didn't get it photographed and submitted. Bad bad design team member!

The colour combo was Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride and a neutral of choice, mine being Very Vanilla. No stamping on this one. I dabbed some Craft White ink across my raised embossed layer and sprayed with Champagne Shimmer Mist. I made my flower following this fabulous tutorial by Joanne Leddy.

That's it from me tonight. I'm up later than usual due to all the rest I've been having whilst unwell, but I'm feeling fatigued at the same time - if that even makes sense.

Flower Pots

2011-10-20T16:30:00.001+11:00

Hi lovely friends ~

A few weeks ago now I really wanted to make some cards but had no creativity flowing. I did what most paper crafters I know do ... fell back on a tried and true favourite ... in my case the Flower Pot card.

I've made these cards free standing, and you can find a nifty tutorial by Sandra with all the measurements you need to create your own.

I made a few in different colour combos. They really are so fun and I think just a little bit special. I've used Concord Crush, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso along with White Heat Embossing on my Flower Fest stamps and my all time favourite Champagne Shimmer Mist for sparkle.

I'm working on photographing my cards better but some days it just won't work no matter what I do. This is a classic example - in real life these cards are quite lovely, however, in every photo I've taken they look too bright and kind of fake - if that makes sense. Try to look past my photographic skills if you can lol.

Just Add...Inspiration #89

2011-10-14T08:57:00.004+11:00

Good Friday morning ~

It's Inspiration challenge time over at Just Add Ink.

This one scared me off a bit and I procrastinated for ages and ages over what I was going to do. I'm no good at sponging or using my brayer and of course this pic was screaming out for one or the other. Fortunately for me the super talented and lovely Paula did a fabulous tutorial on a quick CAS way of sponging just a few days ago. Thank you so so much Paula!

As you can see I've CASEd Paula using the JAI Inspiration colours. This is my very first attempt at sponging this way and while it is far from perfect I'm pretty happy with the outcome. I'm definitely going to keep trying this and get better at it.

Don't let the Inspiration pic put you off the way it did me. Go check out Paula's tutorial and give it a try, you'll be surprised at how easy it is once you know the basic steps. If you don't fancy sponging or brayering just use the colours in the pic the way Delys did this week. Most of all just have fun with it.

Enjoy your weekend!

Party Bag/Survival Kit Tags

2011-10-12T20:26:00.004+11:00

Happy hump evening friends ~

Last month a colleague at work asked if I could make her a bunch of tags (16 actually) that she could add to some party bags she was putting together. The bags were to contain Champagne, Berocca, Panadol and the like. She belongs to a really fun group who socialise and travel overseas annually - with the women being called Grasshoppers and the men Ants. Don't ask me!

Obviously the tags had to have something to do with Grasshoppers! This is what I came up with - I should add that I had about 24 hours notice for this little jobbie.

I used that fabulous little 'hopper from Bugs & Kisses, stamping it once on my tag and then a second time so I could fussy cut the body and 'pop' on top (saves cutting around the legs). I slathered Crystal Effects all over the body too.

Base tag is textured Crumb Cake c/s, with Certainly Celery and Whisper White on top. I used Craft white ink and the Polka Dot b/g stamp and some Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon adhered with Sticky Strip, finishing with a touch of bling - just because.

My work colleague with thrilled with her tags. Phew!

A Thai Birthday

2011-10-10T17:15:00.007+11:00

Happy Monday ~

I just realised this is my first post for the month of October ... time has been moving quickly. I haven't really been crafting much lately so I'll share a couple of projects that kept me busy back in August.

A dear friend chose to celebrate her 40th in Thailand! She had about 30 family and friends joining her over there and wanted to present them each with a gift of thanks. She needed boxes so I made them for her ... they travelled flat and she put the sides together over there.

Unfortunately my only photograph was a little hurried. Half of the boxes were for the ladies and a little taller than those for the men. I did see a pic of them all put together and grouped and they looked pretty good.

This is the birthday card I made for her ... a telescopic fold, just for a little something special.

Gorgeous Kid and I have been trying to find the perfect day to visit Floriade. Canberra has been experiencing really odd weather this past couple of weeks and it's been quite wet so I'm not keen to go trudging through mud while looking at all the Spring Delights Floriade is showing. Typically today was lovely and sunny and we'd made other plans! Hope your October is going well so far!

Just Add...Colour Combo - JAI#87

2011-09-30T00:23:00.004+10:00

Good Friday morning ~

Over at Just Add Ink this week Nikki has given us a colour challenge. At first I wasn't sure of these colours, but once I got playing it was easy, it really is a nice combo.

This is the first time I've used the rolled flower die. The little flowers are very uniform aren't they? I think I prefer freehand to be honest, there is always a bit more texture and more of a 'real' look to the flowers.

The colour palette this week is Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake and Whisper White. Make sure you go over to JAI and check out the design team inspiration - fabulous, even a couple I'm hoping to CASE in the near future :o)

Hope you've all got fun plans for the weekend. I'm kind of hoping this rain will stay with us for a few more days ... gives me the perfect excuse to stay indoors and craft and not feel guilty that I can't mow the lawn or tend to the garden. Hee hee.

Take care and enjoy!

A special card for a special friend!

2011-09-27T16:50:00.003+10:00

Happy Tuesday ~

I survived Brisbane! It was really really busy getting ready for Trishie's big birthday party. We had some running around to do - not quick by any means in a large city full of traffic, there was lots of fun stuff to prep and the end result was totally worth it. Trish had a wonderful party with lots of fabulous friends who went to great efforts with their costumes (it was dress up).

This is the card I made for her! Those numbers are glistening with Champagne shimmer mist...of course!

Back to Brisbane...we enjoyed dinner in China Town, wandered at Ikea for ages, shopped and picked up a few items from Esprit, ate ice cream (it's one of our favourite things to do), did the tourist drive thing around various suburbs checking out the old renovated Queenslander homes, took a walk at Wellington Point, had a drink at the Powerhouse...lots of fun. It's so great to see people outdoors enjoying life. It's not quite the same here in Canberra where it is still fairly cool.

The weather was divine, although I found Saturday a bit hot after running around all afternoon hanging decorations and moving furniture around the yard. The party started at 4pm, but I had to wait for the sun to go down before changing into my costume. It was funny a bit later in the evening when some of the locals were complaining of being cold - it so was NOT cold for me.

It's never fun to say goodbye but there really is nothing like your own bed! I've slept and slept and slept since arriving home yesterday. It was back to work today and back to normal routine for Gorgeous Kid.

My weekend plans & an assortment of cards

2011-09-21T20:58:00.007+10:00

Happy Wednesday evening ~

Thought I'd best do a quick post and let you all know I'm heading up to Brisbane tomorrow to spend an extra long weekend with BFF and help celebrate her birthday - she's having a party! Trishie is much more disciplined with her camera than I am so no doubt she'll have lots of piccies to share on her blog next week. I'm hopeless and forget to take mine anywhere!

Will leave you with a few cards I've made at some stage and not shared here yet.

A 43rd b'day card for a friend earlier this month, using Cherry Cobbler

3x3 Note Card using the new Pool Party c/s - pre release date

3x3 Note Card using the new Island Indigo c/s - pre release date

A CASE of a card I'd stashed in my 'to do' file, yet not noted down the original creator

Have a fabulous weekend everyone, I certainly hope to.

JAI#85...Just Add Baby

2011-09-16T06:00:00.001+10:00

TGIF!

It's been a long and busy week. Can't wait for the weekend and hopefully a bit of rest time. Last night Gorgeous Kid performed at his school Talent Show - what a fun night. Over 500 people and lots of great and entertaining acts from the kids. As fantastic as it was I'm looking forward to a bit of a break from all the months of living and breathing Talent Show rehearsals!

This week at Just Add Ink we're adding 'baby'. Sooo cute. There seem to be babies everywhere these past six months, more boys than girls ... so I've gone blue this week.

I thought I might put these gorgeous doily die cuts to use on something other than a pretty feminine card - which is how I normally use them. Not half bad hey. I've used Marina Mist dsp layered on Whisper White c/s, and the last of my MM satin ribbon - gasp, I loved that ribbon! The little boat is 'popped' up and I've inked it in MM, So Saffron and Crumb Cake. I cut the little circle of MM c/s that's sitting in the centre of the doily with my Circle Nesties.

If you want to join the fun this week and get all clucky creating your own baby cards and layouts head on over to JAI and check out the design team inspiration. I love them all and I'm sure you will too.

JAI#83...Just Add a Sketch

2011-09-02T09:35:00.004+10:00

Happy Spring (to you Aussies and Kiwis) ~

I'm running a little late with this blog post, but that seems to be the story of my life lately. There don't seem to be enough hours in the day. Gosh and it's not even Christmas time. I wish the world would slow down for a bit.

Gorgeous Bronwyn gave us a sketch over at Just Add Ink this week. It's really lovely so you wouldn't guess that I had a bit of a hard time with it and this card almost didn't go live. I started out colouring a pretty little ballerina girl, which suited the ribbon and pink and bling perfectly. But you know when you just can't stop? It's good but needs a little something more? Well I overdid it in a big way and my pretty little ballerina ended up in the bin.

From that moment I didn't like this card and nothing I did would work. On top of that I got really sick and had to stay horizontal for hours, which meant my submission was way late. Lucky for me the JAI girls are such fabulous, supportive and caring friends.

So after all that blurb here it is ... the card I'm really not very happy with.

I've used a combination of Whisper White, Pretty in Pink and Melon Mambo. The sentiment was made on my computer and I've added puffy paint to the edge of my Nestie circle. That gorgeous ribbon is a Tim Holtz I picked up at my local craft store.

I hope you can join in the challenge over at JAI this week. Head on over for some terrific inspiration from the design team.

Oh my goodness, it's been a long while...

2011-08-30T23:22:00.000+10:00

Hi ho blog friends ~

It's late on Tuesday night and I have finally taken a few pics of all the cards I've been making recently. Talk about completely slack! Can you tell I'm missing Winners and Losers already? I no longer have a Tuesday night fix *insert very sad face*.

With Father's Day here in Australia this weekend I thought it good timing to show you this one first. Look familiar? It should. The supremely talented Paula Dobson, a fellow JAI team member made this card and I loved it so much I told her I was CASEing it. It's totally blokey and just perfect for Father's Day I think - I've put an appropriate sentiment on the inside of course.

Thanks for the inspiration Paula, I love it!

JAI#81...Just Add a Colour Challenge

2011-08-19T20:05:00.004+10:00

Oooops running late....it's been one of those days! Thankfully it's Friday so can only get better from here.

We have a Colour Challenge over at Just Add Ink this week thanks to the delightful and super talented Bron. I have to say I struggled with these colours, I'm so NOT a Cajun Craze fan. When faced with such a challenge go CAS I say ... and that's just what I did.

I've used a mixture of inks, Versamark and clear embossing here, along with various sized Circle Punches and dimensionals. If you look closely you'll see I did a little piercing along the bottom of my Cajun c/s for added interest to my very CAS card. The sentiment is from Verve.

We have a bit of excitement at our house this weekend. Gorgeous Kid is turning 11 on Sunday and all I've heard for days now is "can I please open a present early"? Fortunately I have that fabulous ability all parents learn very early on in their parenting careers - to tune out! It drives him nuts, yet keeps me sane lol.

Anyway best be off, things to do and all that ... do pop over to JAI and check out what inspiration the design team has offered up for you all this week. Hope you can play with us!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Sketch Challenge - The Stamp Spot

2011-08-12T21:31:00.004+10:00

Happy Friday evening friends ~

I spent a wonderful day at the Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair with my fellow JAI friend Kim. We had a great time, spent lots of money, did a hands on workshop and managed to stop for cake - we shared so it wasn't as bad as it sounds lol.

Last weekend I managed a few hours of cyber crafting with my beautiful BFF and this card is just one of the results. We followed the colours provided by Colour Throw Down #153 (but I'm too late to enter it over there) and the August Sketch Challenge by Liz over at The Stamp Spot. I can't believe it's taken me all week to photograph and post it.

I've had a really busy week, and will pop back to show you a little of what I've been up to over the next few days. Tomorrow I'm looking forward to some more copic colouring with lovely friends.

Hope your weekend is great!

Just Add...Tearing, Ripping, Distressing #79

2011-08-05T09:06:00.006+10:00

Happy happy Friday friends ~

This weeks Just Add Ink challenge was just that for me, a challenge. Most of you know I don't really do the tearing, ripping, distressed type of card called for this week. I think you'll agree I kept it to a minimum.

I pulled out my copics for this one. I saw these two images from Growing Green on a card of Teneale William's some time back and just loved what she did with it. I've sprayed my pink flower with Champagne Shimmer Mist, however, you can't really see the shine in the pic.

My cardstock colours are Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery. Do go check out the design team inspiration over at JAI and I'm sure you'll be inspired to join in the challenge this week.

Hope you've got some fun weekend activities planned. I'm looking forward to a little cyber crafting with BFF and taking Gorgeous Kid ice skating again! Enjoy whatever you get up to!

Paper Players Challenge #56

2011-07-26T20:32:00.000+10:00

Hi friends ~

Late yesterday afternoon BFF and I managed a little time cyber crafting while my chicken pie was in the oven. We chose to use the Clean and Simple Sketch #56 over at The Paper Players.

Earlier I had picked up a few of the new Chunky Kit Kat bars for some of my work mates - they all have a sweet tooth and now and then we treat each other. I decided to make some little 'extra long' gift boxes to package them in.

These are the two colours I went with ... Early Espresso for the boys and Pumpkin Pie for the girls. Unfortunately the photo doesn't show the shimmer on the individual chocolates but I can assure you they were sprayed quite liberally with my Champagne Shimmer Mist. Love that stuff!!!

Julia has a fabulous little tute on how to achieve an 'extra long' Pillow Box.

I notice no Winners & Losers on tv tonight so I guess I have a date with my ironing board instead. Hope your night is a lot more exciting than mine *smile*.

JAI#77...Just Add A Sketch

2011-07-22T07:00:00.002+10:00

Good Friday morning!

It's time for another Just Add Ink challenge. This week I went for a kiddie card using the fun Party This Way stamp set. I did lots of white embossing and fussy cutting and then slathered all my 'bits' with Crystal Effects and 'popped' them up on my Real Red c/s and Celebrations dsp base.

The Design Team have all gone for a really different look this week. Lots of fun! Pop over to JAI and check out the inspiration. Hope you manage to find some time over the weekend to get into your craft space and get inky.

On a whole different note I've been having smart phone issues for some time now so finally bit the bullet and took it back to the store for fixing. It was a really difficult week using a loan phone that was super NON user friendly, but I got my phone back yesterday - and confirmation that it wasn't user error! My phone couldn't be fixed so they gave me a brand spanking new handset. Slight downside of course is losing some of the info that I hadn't managed to transfer in time. Oh well, adds to the fun of 'making it mine' again I guess.

Happy birthday wishes to an old friend! You know who you are. Enjoy your special day.

CASEing Gretchen

2011-07-12T07:00:00.003+10:00

Hi there ~

I saw the most fabulously simple, yet stunning (I thought) card over at Gretchen Clark's blog This n' That. Gretchen called hers easy peasy lol. I couldn't resist making a few of these, and what a great way to use scraps of designer paper.

All card bases are PTI White c/s, I cut my flowers using the Blossom Party Big Shot Originals die and the buttons are Stampin' Up!

Not quite sure what's going on with my pics, they're all a bit off. I've been having a teensy little play in ph'shop (without instruction) and ... well ... not sure I've improved them any but I tried. I will master a great pic one day!

Today a dear friend is celebrating her 40th birthday and she isn't shy about telling everyone. She says she's earned every crease and wrinkle - good for her don't you think! Happy birthday Jo!

Expired Mojo Monday Challenge

2011-07-10T07:00:00.001+10:00

Good Sunday morning ~

I need a slap. This card was for a recent Mojo Monday challenge and I didn't even post it let alone link it up. Honestly, how annoying. Worst part is that I've done it with about three cards and three different challenges recently! Oh well *sigh*.

I obviously chose to go square. Base is Very Vanilla and I've layered Chocolate Chip dsp and c/s before adding a sentiment from Paper Smooches. Using the Bigz Beautiful Butterflies die I cut some cork and felt butterflies and layered them with a little bling and made their curly feelers with thin slivers of scrap dsp.

Thanks for stopping by today.

JAI#75...Just Add a Colour Challenge

2011-07-08T10:33:00.004+10:00

Hello lovelies ~ thank god it's Friday huh!

Super quick post this morning to show you my Just Add Ink colour challenge card.

Lovely colours chosen by Delys this week - Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Basic Black and Cherry Cobbler.

Notice I'm finally using my watermark? Hee hee BFF gave me some lessons in ph'shop so no excuses now. Thank god for video live messenger, we use it all the time and it's so so fun.

Hope you've all got some fun planned for the weekend. Busy here as I have a friend from interstate celebrating her 40th, and Gorgeous Kid's godmother is down from Brisbane for a flying visit...it's all happening.

I'm off to schedule a few posts since things have been super quiet around here lately. Be sure to pop over to JAI and check out all the other fabulous inspiration projects.

Fancy Folds Blog Hop - JAI#74

2011-07-01T00:01:00.016+10:00

JAI FANCY FOLDS - TELESCOPIC CIRCLES

Good Friday morning to you ~

The Just Add Ink Design Team have a bit of treat for you today. We're all participating in a Fancy Folds Blog Hop. There will be lots of great ideas and inspiration for you along the way. So grab yourself a cuppa and happy hopping!

I hope you enjoyed Kathy's gorgeous Multi Flap card with Pocket and you're ready to check out another Fancy Fold. I have made a Telescopic (or Telescoping) Circles card. I love that this style of card has a bit of 'wow' about it, as do all of the cards you'll be viewing today.

To view the tutorial I followed, click HERE.

The challenge this week is for you to choose a Fancy Fold that you like, make a new card, and link it up as usual over at JAI. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Thanks for stopping by, now it's time to head over to Jodene's Blog where she has another awesome Fancy Fold for you to try. Just click on the blinkie below to take you there.

The colour combo I've used here is Early Espresso, Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette and Whisper White. I cut my base scallop with the SU! Bigz Scallop Circle die, and the circles with Nestabilities. The flowers and leaves have been embossed with White EP.

Clean & Simple Sketch

2011-06-27T22:44:00.004+10:00

Good Monday evening ~

I didn't think I was going to find time to write this blog post tonight, but decided if I make it short and sweet then it's one more tick off my 'to do' list.

If you read BFF's blog then you'll know we managed to fit in a little cyber crafting a few days ago. You'll also know that I finally got myself a SU! Colour Coach - can't believe I waited so long, loving it. So many gorgeous colour combos I'd never dream up on my own...now to work my way through them all...

As we were a little time poor we went straight for the sketch over at Clean & Simple. Here is my FTL#146, using a colour combo straight from the Colour Coach.

Not so easy to see in my over exposed pic that I've white embossed my flowers, and paper pierced above and below the centre panel.

I've used: Pink Pirouette, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze and a little touch of bling.

Baby Card & Gift

2011-06-25T12:00:00.002+10:00

Hello lovely friends ~

Here is another of my little Copic colouring efforts from last weekend. And yep it's another small image lol. It seems to be the season for new babies. They are all around me lately. A friend asked just the other day whether it was making me feel clucky at all...ummmm NOPE. Not at all!

Here is the gift that I crocheted. Told you I'd made a few of the same yet different. This baby blanket is a much looser stitch and smaller in size, just right to fit on a pram or stroller. This one is for a little baby boy born during Winter, but in tropical North Queensland!

I'm not sure how long a 100% wool blanket will be useful for up that way but I hope it'll be good for the next couple of months at least.

Once again I haven't photographed it all layed out and lovely. It's folded and ready for wrapping as I needed to get it in the post asap.

Card base is Whisper White, Crumb Cake and Pacific Point c/s. Hope you're all enjoying your weekend wherever in the world you are!

Monster Birthday

2011-06-24T08:00:00.000+10:00

Yay it's Friday ~

Last Sunday I had some time in the craft room playing with my Copics. I think it was the JAI colouring challenge for the week that had me wanting to improve my limited skills in that area.

One of Gorgeous Kid's best buddies is having a birthday party tomorrow so this is the card I put together for him. You'll note I kept my colouring to a small image lol.

Base is Real Red c/s, Play Date dsp and oops next time I'll note down the Copic colours I use. Enjoy your Friday!

Non Paper Related Craft

2011-06-23T20:00:00.000+10:00

Hi there ~

Remember a couple of months ago I mentioned I was working on a crochet project that I'd share? Hmmm well there have been three different (but the same) crochet projects in that time lol.

A lovely lady at work had her first baby on Anzac Day. This is the blanket I made for him. It's a fairly dense stitch and extra large in size to help get through the very cold Winter we have in Canberra.

Unfortunately I had forgotten to photograph it all layed out and lovely, this is folded and about to be wrapped so just a super quick snap.

RAK - Random Act of Kindness

2011-06-22T21:44:00.004+10:00

Good Wednesday evening friends ~

I've been chasing my tail this week. I have so many commitments and not nearly enough hours to achieve them all. I'm sure many people can relate to that!

I feel extremely slack that I haven't shared this gorgeous little surprise I received in the mail almost two weeks ago now. Gorgeous Kid has been home unwell today so it gave me the opportunity to photograph and edit a few crafty items that I'll share with you over the coming days.

The absolutely gorgeous and delightful Sandra sent me this beautiful gift in response to a comment I left on her 'very easy to follow' ribbon flower tutorial. This little container is full of her beautiful flowers. Sandra thought I may get the hang of stitching these little gems if I saw them irl. Hmmmm I'm not sure that will help, these particular flowers seem to be my handicap...no matter for now, I have a gorgeous little container of my very own to use.

Thanks so much Sandra, you're such a sweetie and I love your little flowers. Look out for them on a project really soon.

JAI#72...Just Add Colouring

2011-06-17T07:00:00.001+10:00

Another Friday morning, another Just Add Ink challenge!

This week we're adding Colouring! Certainly not a strength of mine, much as I wish I was really good at it. I love to sit and colour, but tend to come up short each time I attempt it. I have Copics and Prismas, Aqua brush and Markers ... so it's not for lack of great tools.

Anyway enough blurb, here's my card.

Love this image. I paper pieced her umbrella and coloured her with Prisma Pencils. I added a little Clear Spica pen over her boots for some shine. I would have loved to make a puddle at her feet but didn't want to mess it up - mental note to do that first next time.

You'll notice this type of card isn't my usual style, I've layered up a lot more than usual - perhaps to detract from my colouring lol. The Pumpkin Pie layer is Presto Paper sponged with ink. I'd forgotten all about the Presto Papers until BFF used some in her card last week. I've also used the Play Date and Washington Apple (retired) dsp from Stampin' Up!

Go check out some other gorgeous Colouring samples from the super talented JAI design team and get Colouring yourself. Can't wait to see all your crafty goodness over the next week.

I hope to be back over the weekend to share a special RAK (Random Act of Kindness) I received about a week ago, and I have a craft project that isn't paper related. Meantime enjoy your weekend!

JAI#71...Just Add a Colour Challenge

2011-06-10T07:30:00.004+10:00

TGIF!

Soooo happy to be having a long weekend. Gorgeous Kid and I are off to Sydney to make the most of the extra day off. We'll be taking in Luna Park and the Aquarium which should be lots of fun ... and rather tiring for mum is my guess!

Over at Just Add Ink this week the lovely Paula set us a Black and White only challenge. I love black and white, always striking and most often elegant too.

See that gorgeous flower? Recently both Nikki and Kathy have been making them. I couldn't resist trying one out myself (and in fact made several). I followed their links to Joanne Leddy and used her tutorial to make my own. The photo honestly does not do it justice. It's quite stunning irl...and you know I sprayed a liberal amount of Champagne Mist all over to give it a gorgeous sheen! It's my 'go to' product atm.

A pretty self explanatory card, however, if you have any questions feel free to shoot me an email.

Meantime head on over to JAI and check out all the Black and White goodness going on. Hope you join the challenge this week!

If you're lucky enough to be enjoying a long weekend, have fun!

A very special happy birthday wish to my dear friend Jayne today. Enjoy!

JAI#70...Just Add a Sketch

2011-06-03T08:10:00.005+10:00

Good Friday morning ~

I'm so glad it's nearly the weekend! I have a few fun social activities happening this weekend and I'm really looking forward to it.

Over at Just Add Ink this week we've got a cute little sketch challenge from Bron. Initially I was going to do a Christmas card - can you believe we're halfway there already? Anyway not sure what changed my mind but this is what I ended up with instead.

I've gone with a Rose Red colour combo, daubing the edges of my Scallop Circle which is popped up on dimensionals, cutting away pieces of the doily to make it more flower like and adding some gorgeous little Kaiser flowers. Kathy will be disappointed to know I didn't actually make these myself. They were a gift a little while back from BFF - she has access to waaay more cool craft stores up in Brisbane than I do here in Canberra.

Pop over to the JAI blog for lots more inspiration from the design team, and our two June guest designers. Hope you'll join us this week for some sketch fun!

Enjoy your Friday.

JAI#69...Just Add Fussy Cutting

2011-05-27T07:30:00.001+10:00

Hi and happy Friday friends ~

This week over at Just Add Ink Paula set us the challenge to add 'fussy cutting' to our projects. There was a fair bit of cutting in my flower layers. Lots of fun!

I've gone with a Crumb Cake base, layered Basic Black c/s and some Love Letter dsp on top and inked my flowers in Pumpkin Pie. They've had the Champagne Shimmer Paint treatment too *smile*.

Head over to JAI and check out the inspiration this week. Hope you'll join us for some 'fussy cutting' too.

Friday Eve - for lack of a better title

2011-05-26T20:54:00.004+10:00

Hi ho ~

Super quick one from me this evening. I love the Colour Combo over at Inspirations this week and just had to make time to join in. I've combined these pretty colours with the Paper Players Sketch ... which left little to think about lol.

My pic is a little over exposed so I don't think you can see the Blushing Bride dsp layered on the BB c/s, which I zig zagged on my fancy sewing machine (courtesy of BFF this past Christmas). I've sprayed Champagne Shimmer Paint on the flowers for a little gloss - I love that stuff!

Back tomorrow!

JAI#68...Colour Challenge

2011-05-20T11:16:00.006+10:00

Happy Friday folks!

Gee I'm getting behind in blog posts. Biggest issue lately is that my shiny new laptop has been back at the shop for a week! It's been doing horrid things with my data so hopefully it's an easy fix and I'll have it back again soon. Meantime I can't email anyone because I've got no contacts and my time on a computer is limited at best.

Anyhoo it's Just Add Ink challenge time again. It's a Colour Challenge from the ever lovely Tania this week. Check out these gorgeous colours.
I've gone with my trusty Vintage Vogue set - it's still one of my top favourites. And I even pulled out the sewing machine ... finally I know BFF is thinking *smile*

Fairly self explanatory but if you'd like to know details leave a comment and I'll get back to you. Meantime head over to JAI and check out all the other inspiration pieces from the design team.

For those of you loving seam binding at the moment pop over to Fiona's blog as she has lots for sale, with more on the way from the US and it's really affordable! I've got a bunch on its way to my craft room now!

For those of you missing my usual comments, let me tell you I'm missing all your posts. I'll catch up sometime really soon I hope. Oh oh oh and I nearly forgot to say that I'm soooo looking forward to seeing lots of you at Convention (in Canberra) next year. I skipped it this year as had planned a holiday home to Christchurch for May (until the earthquake changed my plans). I'm going to drag BFF along to join in all our fun! Yay!

Okay think I've waffled enough, hope to be back to normal programming soon!

Patrice x (haven't even got my signature *insert serious pout here*)

Hello Friend

2011-05-08T11:45:00.004+10:00

Happy Mothers Day to all you special mums!

I have been seriously short of creativity lately. Most bits and pieces I've played with have ended up in the bin. I've managed to make a few nifty embellies, but they're put aside for another time.

I have this one to show you using a black crocheted flower that I made some time ago. Can you see that little bit of seam binding poking out the bottom? I thought it brightened up an otherwise stark black and white card.

Can you tell I've got a new toy? BFF bought me a light tent. Now this is the first time I've used it and it was late at night with only my OTT nearby. Not bad huh. I'm sure I'll get better at using it. I love that it has different background colours because I have no clue how to do that. In fact I am so useless with photoshop that I don't even bother putting my watermark on my pics lol.

Not sure when I'll be back, depends on the old mojo. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

A Spotlight Thanks

2011-04-26T07:30:00.002+10:00

Hi lovely friends ~

Another day off, how fabulous has this extra long weekend been! Great weather here in Canberra too, despite it cooling down. I do love the sunny blue skies we get here even during the freezing cold of Winter - not that we're close to that kind of cold yet.

I made this little 'thank you' card the other night for an email friend at work - we haven't met in person but she's been super helpful to me over recent months and she's such a hard worker that I'm sure she'll be quite thrilled to receive something in the mail.

I was completely inspired by this card that the ever so talented Danielle Daws made earlier this year.

I'm not sure I've even used the Birthday Bakery set to date. I think it's perfect for the 'Spotlighting' technique though. My card base is Naturals Ivory and I've used a little Love Letter dsp - too totally easy. The little cakes are coloured with a blender pen and I added Crystal Effects and some Dazzling Diamonds for sparkle to an otherwise CAS card.

Easter Bunny Box Treats

2011-04-24T20:30:00.000+10:00

ETA - Big woops...I wrote this post a week ago and totally forgot to take the pics and add them. It went live and I have been caught out. How completely slack of me. So sorry!

How cute are these two...

And check out the little fluffy bunny tails. Actually there's a bit of a story as to how these tails came to be...I'll give you the short version. Think hills, 10 year old boys, bikes, scooters, fun ... MASSIVE STACK, ouch!!!

Meantime I had been at my craft desk thinking that 'it would be really good if I had some coloured cotton wool balls ... but I'm not going to the supermarket just for that so I'll be using plain white'.

Fast forward to needing the first aid kit (for some seriously beat up, tyre and gravel burnt legs) and guess what I found ... you got it, a nice little zip lock bag of coloured cotton wool balls. Perfect. Not sure Gorgeous Kid would agree if I told him that his accident allowed me to 'find' the cute little bunny tails.

These bunnies have a 'belly box' full of eggs in a cello bag for a couple of sweet little people. As I'm running completely late, by the time they receive these all the other eggs will be long gone and this will be a lovely little 'eggstra' surprise.

The design and box measurements can be found here.

A belated Happy Easter to you all. I hope you're enjoying the Easter/Anzac Day long weekend, I certainly am.

Easter Sweet Treats

2011-04-21T22:00:00.000+10:00

Happy long weekend ~

I put together these little cello bags of choccie goodness for my work colleagues. I was just going to 'top' them with a Happy Easter label when it occured to me that I could 'cute' them up just a little. I'm not a huge punch art fan, however, I do own every SU punch available and they don't get nearly as much use as they should so I went on the hunt and found these little bunnies over on Jayne Mercer's blog ... how sweet are they, and so simple too.

Unfortunately I had to take a quick snap before racing out the door to work this morning, and it was still dull and overcast at that time. This pic doesn't do them justice and I wish I'd photographed them individually, but you get the idea. The recipients loved them so that's the main thing!

Have a fantastic and restful Good Friday.

JAI#64...Just Add Your Favourite Chocolate Bar Wrapper

2011-04-15T21:24:00.005+10:00

Happy Friday evening ~

Oooops I'm running a little late with this one....been a bit unwell today. So cutting to the chase here is my interpretation of my favourite choccie bar wrapper.

Can you work out what it is? You'd be right if you think Cadbury, I think the Concord Crush base is a bit of a giveaway. But what about the bar itself? Some of the DT girls thought Caramello, Crunchie...but if you check out this post you'll soon see. Hee hee unfortunately I didn't have one readily available to photograph with my little milk cartons. If you have any questions about my project please leave a message and I'll happily get back to you.

Head on over to Just Add Ink as it's a really fun challenge this week. I have a feeling there are going to be lots and lots of you playing along...I mean who doesn't love love love chocolate. There are some fabulous, and very yummy looking samples from the design team too.

I've got some Easter treats to show you... and I finally had a play with some of my Seam Binding ribbon, will tell you what I think when I post that card.

Teen b'day card and a gift bag

2011-04-12T19:55:00.006+10:00

Good Tuesday evening ~

Where does time go? Just realised I haven't updated for a bit so quickly popping by to show you a little card and gift bag I made for a friend's daughter a few weeks back. You may recognise the sketch as one used over at Just Add Ink some time back...love that we can always go looking for a kick start and inspiration if we need it.

Would have helped if I'd not photographed a Whisper White card against a white background huh? Trouble with that was the misc dsp I used, it clashed with almost everything I tried, so I gave up and went with the white option lol...hope you can make out the card. The base is Concord Crush. I coloured the little flowers with Prismas then added Crystal Effects and some Dazzling Diamonds so there was a nice texture to an otherwise CAS card.

I'm still fiddling with this new laptop and to date I haven't been able to get the colours right, so I'm not sure how the colours will show up on other computers. Do let me know if it's garish won't you!

Thanks for stopping by and I'll be back in a few days with this weeks JAI challenge project.

Look what I've been up to, my wrist saga ... & template links

2011-04-04T21:41:00.008+10:00

Hi folks ~

I got myself a nice new shiny toy on Friday...loving it!

It's taken me all weekend to transfer my pics and docs and I'm still getting used to using it. If I owe you an email I hope to get to it soon, having trouble with multiples at the moment so I've been flicking between old lappy and new lappy.

I keep meaning to update those of you interested in my wrist saga ... it continues. I had two appointments at the hospital during March, one being a meeting with my surgeon. I've completed all my admission forms and they tell me I should be having my surgery within two months (hmmmm as a public patient I won't hold my breath). In the meantime I have to wear a new splint that is designed to 'tilt' some of my wrist bones back up a bit, they've healed on an angle. I was measured up and received a phone call today advising that it's ready and I have to be back at the hospital on Wednesday morning for a fitting. It's going to be a joy to wear - NOT! Have to increase my physio appointments too between now and surgery. I'm really hoping that this will all be over and done with at some point soon, it's been nothing but trouble since I broke it and I've almost forgotten what it's like to be able to use my wrist fully and have a pain free day. Now and then I have to dope myself silly on the drugs they give me, which is not conducive to getting out of bed and getting myself to work!

Following my last two posts, I've had lots of requests to share the templates I used to create the scallop top note bag and no adhesive bag/box. I did link to the bag when I posted my very first share, however, neglected to do so again. Here they are:

Purse & Bag/box

Enjoy and if you have any queries give me a shout and I'll be happy to help.

More Top Note Bags

2011-04-02T07:30:00.001+11:00

Hi friends ~

A little while back a couple of lovely ladies from the office asked me to make some of these cute little bags for them. Having teenage daughters who attend lots of birthday parties, they thought these would be the perfect 'gift wrapping'. I needed to make pink and purple.

Excuse my re-sizing, they're a bit all over the place lined up underneath each other this way. It was kind of hard to fit the bags in the pics too, with the benefit of hindsight I wish I'd photographed each bag individually. I'm sure they wouldn't have looked so hodge podge as they do here. Each one was sweet in its own way though :o)

Suffice to say the ladies were thrilled and took them all! That's it from me for now. I hope to be back with more to show you soon.

JAI#62...Just Add a Box or a Bag

2011-04-01T06:00:00.003+11:00

Yay it's Friday~

Nearly the weekend! This week is going to be lots of fun over at Just Add Ink. We're adding a Box or a Bag. I can't wait to see all the 3D items and different layouts you come up with.

My little project is kind of a box and a bag in one. Would you believe there is NO adhesive holding that little gem together? Absolutely none. It's a one piece that folds together beautifully and there is an enclosed box on the inside. It fits a few little eggs or choccies perfectly.

Unfortunately I wasn't feeling particularly creative when I put this together and I just couldn't come up with anything better. So it's a bit on the 'less is more' side this fortnight. I used Soft Suede and Baja Breeze, along with a sneaky peak at the Eat Chocolate stamp set in the new Autumn-Winter Mini released today! Hmmmm is that a new punch too?

Head over to JAI and check out all the other gorgeous Box and Bag creations by the design team. I think I'll be giving this another go myself.

Enjoy your weekend!

More Bliss Butterflies

2011-03-31T07:00:00.001+11:00

Hi all ~

Several weeks ago I made this card for the JAI Colour Combo#60. It came together so nicely, that I made a few more in different colours. I do love CAS.

I've put the sentiment on the inside of each card. Not too bad for a gal that isn't totally keen on butterflies huh. Let's just say I'm becoming more fond of them ...

Some Girlie Cards

2011-03-29T23:01:00.004+11:00

Hello hello ~

Late last night I was packing up my craft desk and for some reason I decided to sit again ... here's the result:

Actually there are a few more, but my photographs didn't turn out so well so I'll try again tomorrow. My poor photography skills are only going to get worse with winter on the way and less daylight hours. I might have to invest in some decent lessons.

The two cards above are for a special girl turning 15 this weekend, one each from her mum and her aunty. The pink card uses some of the Bubblegum papers from Kaiser, with SU's Soft Suede c/s as the base. The second card uses Concord Crush with some So Saffron and Certainly Celery. It was fun paper piecing the dress and colouring her with my Prismas.

That's it from me for now. Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with a pic of the other bits and pieces I created late last night.

A Little Whimsy

2011-03-27T09:11:00.004+11:00

Happy Sunday friends ~

Just popping in quickly to show you a couple of cards I made earlier in the week, or the week before I can't remember now *smile* the days and weeks are sailing by too quickly.

The little flower image belongs to a cute little Kaiser set that the lovely Tammy put me on to. This is the first time I've broken out my chunky glitter too - long retired now lol.

We're starting to feel the chill of winter coming in Canberra. Time to break out the socks and slippers. I'm not usually too favourable of the cooler months, however, I do enjoy wearing all my coats and scarves, hats and gloves... Hope you're enjoying a relaxing weekend.

So ... what is a perky nana?

2011-03-24T18:11:00.003+11:00

Hi friends ~

Thanks to all for your wonderful birthday wishes and the extremely excellent handmade cards I have received. It's such fun going to the letter box this week because I'm still getting happy mail.

I commented on my favourite Cadbury bar in a recent post and have piqued quite a bit of interest going by the emails coming in. So today I took some pics for you...

Packaging reads banana flavoured chew bar covered with dairy milk chocolate.
I very neatly cut the bar open for you rather than biting into it :o)

You'll notice how blurry the second pic is hee hee, I didn't download it from the memory stick before demolishing the bar and of course, couldn't take another! How embarrassing.

These bars are not available in Australia! Go figure - there is a Cadbury factory in Tasmania, but no perky nanas. These are a New Zealand treat only - and treat they are, they're soooooo yummo!

A blog Award

2011-03-20T00:30:00.004+11:00

Good Sunday morning ~

I was recently honoured to receive the Stylish Blog Award from my beautiful and extremely talented blogging friend, Christine Blain.

I believe I have to share 8 facts about myself, and pass the Award on to some of my favourite bloggers. Goodness me that is a difficult task because there are so many blogs I thoroughly enjoy and check out all the time. I get inspiration from so many of you.

I'm going to follow Christine's facts because in fact, a lot of mine mirrored hers and I found that interesting at the time of reading :o)

1. I moved (on my own) from New Zealand to Australia 20+ years ago. I miss family and friends dreadfully, and to be honest hadn't thought about hedgehogs in quite some time - but yes I miss them. Quite cute if they're not splattered in the middle of the road. What I miss absolutely most of all though are Perky Nanas - you kiwis know what I'm talking about!

2. I too am VERY particular about the way a roll of toilet paper is hung on its holder, and have been known to change it to my own preference when visiting other loos lol.

3. Ditto to hating snakes and not being good with heights. Not fond of spiders, or needles, or dentists either to be quite honest.

4. Let's not even discuss pain relief during child birth! Suffice to say I could have done with it A LOT sooner than I got it.

5. Even number of female to male ratio in my household.

6. My compulsive tendencies pale in significance to most of the reality shows on tv. I no longer worry about any of mine at all!

7. My absolute most favourite time of year is Spring. I don't suffer hayfever so I am super lucky and get to enjoy the smell of fresh cut grass on a daylight saving evening, and I love to smell all the beautiful blooms and blossoms. I feel alive and full of energy during Spring.

8. My natural hair colour is mousy brown (well as I remember it at least) with an awful lot of gray these days. I don't care what colour my hairdresser uses so long as it covers those grays!

Okay so I'm passing this fabulous little Award along to the gorgeous women below. Go check out their blogs and leave them some comment love. They all deserve it.

Trish - BFF
Tania
Sandra
Melissa
Lynda
Tammy

No stamping today, just a happy dance and some BFF talk

2011-03-19T07:00:00.003+11:00

Hi there & happy Saturday ~

I'm doing a happy dance today as my boy arrives home from a little holiday he's been having in Coffs Harbour for the past week. And he's bringing my darling cousin (from Sydney) back with him for the weekend. I'm heading off to the airport shortly.

A couple of weeks ago beautiful BFF was down this way and we got to spend some time together either side of the wedding she was down to attend. She popped in and spent some time with me at work and gave me these gorgeous flowers - she never needs an excuse to spoil me! I'm very lucky.

They looked so good on my dining table, and they lasted until just a few days ago. I'm tempted to go buy myself more.

That's my little 'show' for today. I will be back with more, I've been quite the busy bee lately - working on some birthday themed bits and bobs, and a wedding, along with some cards too of course. All in good time as they say...

Hope you're having a fabulous weekend so far!

JAI#60...Colour Combo

2011-03-18T00:03:00.005+11:00

Good Friday morning ~

I knew it had been a little while between posts, but gee it's been longer than I thought. Life has been incredibly busy of late, however, I'm back and have a few things to show you in the coming days.

Today I have my Just Add Ink submission to show you. We had a lovely colour combo to work with this week, and in keeping with the style I seem to be so fond of my entry is CAS.

Bliss is the first SAB set I got this year and although as a general rule I'm not a huge fan of butterflies, I really do like these stamps and quite enjoyed the cutting out. They look lovely with the little pearls adhered I think (not that they are very clear in my pic - once again the weather was playing havoc with my fairly weak photography skills).

Why don't you head over to JAI, check out the challenge and join in the fun. There's plenty of DT inspiration to get you started!

Warning long & personal - how you can help & a piccy at the bottom :o)

2011-02-27T08:00:00.013+11:00

I have been thinking for days that I must pop in and update you on my absence, however, I just honestly haven't felt like writing this post.

You see Christchurch NZ is my home town. It's where I grew up, where I went to school, where I became the person I am today. It's where the majority of my family live and many many friends.

I am so saddened by all of this. Absolutely gutted that the icon of Chch itself, The Cathedral in Chch Square is now in half and a pile of rubble. The streets and buildings as I know them are destroyed and I know that the historic buildings will never be the same again. The younger generations will never know the Chch that so many of us know and love.

After quite a few anxious hours, a few mixed messages and dramas and, with the help of DFAT and other family members I found my nearest and dearest all alive and well. Most have lost their homes, or a good portion of them. BUT all are in one piece and for that I am so grateful. Children have been sent off to Auckland to stay with grandparents, where they have relative normality and running water.

I have been glued to the tv coverage and, brought to tears numerous times at the generosity of those helping. There is one woman who is just driving her car, full of supplies, back and forth between Dunedin and Chch - that's a 5 hour trip each way. But I guess it's better than sitting doing nothing. The students that are walking the streets offering assistance to residents and digging away the silt and liquefaction from their yards ... there are so so many heart warming stories of help and it makes my heart swell.

I've thought of going over to help my sister and other family members, but then hesitate wondering if I'll be more a hindrance than a help. Resources are stretched and services well and truly limited with no sewage or water to a great many homes still. I feel so helpless here in my warm, stable home with my lovely garden and all the comforts ... speaking with my sister, hearing her exhausted and defeated voice breaks my heart. Her text messages are even sadder.

My dear grandmother had been in Chch visiting for the week prior to the earthquake and had fortunately just returned home to Timaru, 2 hours south of Chch. She felt the quake when it hit and it managed to crack top to bottom through a wall of glass bricks in her lounge room. Two hours away!!!

I could sit and ramble and tell you the ins and outs of all going on but my family story is not nearly as tragic as others and it just doesn't feel right for me to go into further detail. Thanks to all my friends and colleagues for your kind wishes and words of support, you are all dear to me.

If you need or want more information on what's going on in Christchurch, click here for the latest news.

If you'd like to help out just a little and send a few blank cards to the NZ Victim Support Group, pop on over to Just Add Ink for all the details.

On a much lighter note here is a little Top Note bag I made a couple of weeks ago.

How sweet is it. Perfect for choccies, little gifts of jewellery and so much more. I first saw one of these over at Inking Idaho, click here for instructions.

Now I haven't been sitting idle whilst glued to the tv for the past five days - I'm working on a crochet project and will show you in the next week or so when it's finished. It's been kind of nice to do something a little different.

On that note I'll say goodbye for now and have a wonderful day.

JAI#56...Sketch Challenge

2011-02-17T22:45:00.008+11:00

Happy Friday eve ~

I'm so glad it's almost the weekend. Gorgeous Kid is heading off camping so I get to hang at home and do whatever I want ... give you one guess at what I hope to be doing!

Time for another Just Add Ink challenge and this week we have a great sketch for you to play along with.

When putting my card together I had a recipient in mind. The fabulous Sam Post had a new baby boy just recently and I wanted to send it her way *hi Sam*.

I've used the traditional baby boy colour of Bashful Blue for my base, adding Real Red and a little Close to Cocoa (now retired) plus some BB dsp with a Scallop Trim edge. White Satin ribbon and a little red button finish it off nicely. I used the Star image from the retired Nursery Necessities s/set and slathered it with Crystal Effects.

There is some gorgeous DT inspiration this week so head on over to JAI and check it out. Hope you can play along with us too.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T11:31:00.004+11:00

Good Monday morning ~

Happy Valentines day to you all! I popped a little 3x3 'I love You' card in Gorgeous Kid's school lunch bag today, I hope it doesn't embarrass him in front of his mates. That would defeat the purpose entirely wouldn't it! lol

A little share today - this is what I like to call an opposite CASE.

You'll see what I mean if you check out this card by Laurie over at Soapbox Creations. I just loved what she did with the sketch and so I did the opposite colours for my CASE.

I made my own dsp and grunged it a little around the edges with Soft Suede ink. The sentiment is a rub-on and I black embossed one of the images from the I {Heart} Hearts s/set.

Hope you like. Enjoy the rest of your day!

JAI#55...Just Add Love

2011-02-11T00:40:00.002+11:00

Good Friday morning lovelies ~

Lots of love and romance in the air at this time of the year ... do you have any special Valentine plans over the weekend, or on Monday? None here I'm afraid lol.

At Just Add Ink this week we've added LOVE. My little creation is a Valentine gift for Gorgeous Kid. He's the male in my life and each year I give him a little treat of some sort - it makes me feel good, and that's the main thing right? lol

I've popped a little cello bag full of lollies inside for him - Berry Bliss to be exact, his absolute all time favourite and very safe around here because I don't like them at all - the goo in the middle puts me off.

My heart shaped treat box uses Real Red c/s and I've decorated that with RR dsp, a WW strip punched with the Scallop Trim Border, some delicious RR Satin Ribbon, a little bit of bling and a few hearts from the I {Heart} Heart set - stamped in RR and Soft Suede. My photography skills are seriously lacking, you can only just see that I popped a 3x3 coordinating note card in too.

I can't wait to see what you all come up with this week. I'm looking forward to all the different colour combinations and hopefully some great masculine Valentine card ideas. Like most people I struggle with male cards a lot of the time. If you need some inspiration head on over to JAI and check out the design team projects - divine, all of them! While you're there catch up on some BIG news!

Have a fabulous weekend all.

JAI#54...Colour Challenge

2011-02-04T12:10:00.001+11:00

Yay it's Friday ~

I'm not sure I should be so happy about that being that it is officially the last day of school holidays here in the ACT. I've been rather enjoying special time with Gorgeous Kid these past couple of weeks since he returned from his Qld holiday. It doesn't feel long enough.

I'm here to show you my Just Add Ink card for this week. We have a yummy colour challenge of Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Rose Red and Regal Rose this week - I do love pinks and chocolates. I often struggle with colour challenges so I fell back on my trusty Vintage Vogue stamps this week - have you noticed just how much I love love love that set!

I inked my larger flower in Rose Red. For the smaller flowers I used the Rock'n'Roll technique, inking Regal Rose first then 'rolling' the edge of my rubber onto the Rose Red ink pad - a little hard to see in the pic I think. My vine is inked in Soft Suede and I cut out some little Espresso leaves. A very straight forward card this week, but a perfect addition to my stash which is a little light on lately.

It's been very warm in Canberra over the past fortnight and it just doesn't make me want to sit and craft to be honest. It wasn't so long ago I was telling you how water logged we were becoming. Hate to say it but a day of cloud and rain would go down really well this weekend - perfect crafting weather in my opinion. The forecast is for temps to drop on Monday so I'm sure a lot of people are looking forward to the relief, particularly those who don't have aircon!

Anyway enough babble, go over to JAI and check out the design team inspiration and all that gorgeous pink. Hope you can join in with us this week.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Stuff

2011-02-02T10:15:00.006+11:00

Good Wednesday morning ~

I'm on holidays until next week when Gorgeous Kid goes back to school. As such I just said good Tuesday morning, and then had to think hard ... we've been enjoying lots of swimming and fun holiday activities and I've lost track of the days, as you do at this time of the year ...

Lovely BFF just emailed me and asked why I hadn't been blogging lately. To be honest it's been too hot to be bothered. I can't even think about crafting when the days are so hot and sticky. I do have aircon, but even that has been struggling!

So hunting through my pics I'm going to choose some random 'stuff' for you today.

The card is a thank you to Gorgeous Kid's godmother up in Brisbane for having him for three weeks recently.

And remember I told you about her husband being in the baby business here ... well these are some of the little gifts he asked me to put together for him. Pics are dull and not well taken (because I was racing out the door to the PO) but you get the idea. I made 30 odd Pillow Boxes in various colours with various sentiments and ribbons etc so that he can pop some chocolates inside.

I'm sure everyone has been watching the news and knows that Mother Nature is being a total bitch to Qld. Two of my beautiful friends live up in North Qld and are right now prepared for the worst. I'm thinking of you and have everything crossed that you come through this as best you can. Lots of love and thoughts. Take good care.

JAI#53...Inspiration Challenge

2011-01-28T19:58:00.005+11:00

Good Friday evening ~

The Just Add Ink design team had a fabulous inspiration pic as our 'brief' for this week.

Now because it's an inspiration pic you can take it any way you want - bright bursts of colour as Amanda and Danielle named it, flowers, colours, anything. I went with a 'Wonderfully Wrapped' box this week. There is lots of room in this one and I know just who is going to receive it full of special goodies :o)

My little project has a base of Naturals Ivory and October Afternoon dsp. I've coloured a couple of the Pretties flowers with markers, and a corduroy brad too. I've used the Pumpkin Pie Satin ribbon for the bows on either side of the box, and some of the 1/8" Taffeta ribbon fastened with a clear Rhinestone brad. There are also a few Floral Fusion flowers for decoration around the box handle.

If you have the time to play with us this week head on over to JAI and check out the DT inspiration to get you started. There are some gorgeous designs and ideas!

I've had a valentine card sitting on my desk completed all week, must take a pic and share it with you (along with our Australia day celebrations and other fun activities). I hope to get some stamping time in this weekend too. Whatever you're doing I hope it's fun :o)

A Birthday Colour Cue {11}

2011-01-25T09:42:00.007+11:00

Happy Australia Day eve ~

Gorgeous Kid and I are looking forward to joining friends at a concert on the lawns of Parliament House this evening. It's always a fun family event, and free! Tomorrow there will be lots of activities at Commonwealth Park for us to enjoy. Starts with a bbq breakfast - but I'm not up and organised that early shhhh.

This card was made for the daughter of a work colleague, she turned a precious 3 yesterday! I went to the gorgeous soft palette of the Colour Cue {11} to start with and have been wanting to make something like Andrea's card ever since I first saw it. I just love it, lots for a little girl to look at and touch!

Anyway here is my version ... you can click on the photo for a closer look at all the little buttons and embellies.

Silly me didn't get a pic of the inside, which was completely dressed up with paper pieced party balloons and a luscious crystal effects slathered 3!

Have a wonderful day, even those of you no longer on holidays!

The Forgotten Ones

2011-01-23T10:00:00.001+11:00

Happy Sunday ~

Gorgeous Kid and I are off at the fruit and vege markets today. We're also shopping for a new desk for his room. He found the chair first and I refused to purchase it prior to getting the 'right' desk.

I found these few cards in a folder and realised I hadn't shared them on here. Nothing too exciting, but it's a post and something for you to check out :o)

I found the fabric flowers on the card at top when I visited the Canberra Quilt & Craft Fair last August. I coloured them with my Cameo Coral marker and I have to tell you they coloured so easily.

That's it from me, I'll be back again in the next few days with some more of what I've been up to lately.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Baby cards

2011-01-22T19:45:00.006+11:00

Hi & happy Saturday to you all ~

A strange one here today, hot and sunny all morning and then dark clouds, lots of thunder, trickle of rain, then nothing for a few hours, and now thunder and lightening....Lilli (the four legged fluff ball) is going crazy.

The husband of a dear friend of mine is in the baby business. Hmmm that doesn't sound quite right ... he sells baby furniture and supplies throughout a good portion of Australia and NZ, with the primary focus being in Qld. As we all know Qld has had a hammering from mother nature over the past month or so, and he wants to add an extra touch and personalise his visits with clients a little more than usual. So he's asked me to put together some cards, and a few token gifts he can give. I have some cards to show you, but not the gifts - yet!

Inspired by the wonderfully talented Kerry over at KB Papercraft I've come up with these:

Each card has the embellishment 'popped' up, is stamped on the inside and of course has its own matching stamped envelope. I've used an assortment of stamp sets, punches and dsps. If you have any questions please leave a comment and I'll get back to you.

JAI#52...Sketch Challenge

2011-01-21T13:20:00.007+11:00

Happy Friday ~

It's the Just Add Ink new challenge time of the week. You'll probably look at my card and think meh, not very exciting. As gorgeous as the sketch is, I think my little streak of creativity has taken a hike.

My card base is Naturals Ivory, and I've layered Early Espresso and Crumb Cake on top. I white embossed my little Aviary birdie and stamped the cage over top, thereby keeping said birdie inside the cage...until my hand smudged the ink away lol. I've popped the cage up on dimensionals, and used Espresso Satin Ribbon with some PTI twine at top and a Tiny Tag, Espresso Button and more choc coloured twine. I've purposely not put a larger sentiment on my card - yet, as I'm not sure what it will be used for just now.

Go on over to JAI and check out all the other inspiration pieces from the DT. I'm sure you'll find something to tickle your fancy and get your creative juices flowing...hope mine start again soon.

Master 10 and I are off to see Yogi Bear in 3D this afternoon. I'm not normally a huge fan of kids animated movies, but this one I'm rather looking forward to - it reminds me of my own childhood I guess.

I'll be back over the weekend to show you a few of the things I've made over the holiday period. Hope you have some fun plans for the weekend, and they include a little stamping :o)

Welcome Home & Burlesque

2011-01-18T23:24:00.007+11:00

Hi everyone ~

I don't think I've even mentioned in any recent posts that my beautiful boy (master 10) has been away in Qld since new years eve! He is in Brisbane with his godmother and her family - quite safe from the devastating floods.

Well guess who is flying home tomorrow late afternoon! I can't wait to see him. I haven't had a break like this since he was born, and thought it would be wonderful. Instead I missed him dreadfully and really didn't make the most of my free time. I did enjoy peaceful evenings and lots of crafting time though :o) He has had an absolute blast up there and met lots of new friends and done heaps of exciting holiday activities. I think he's coming home for a bit of a rest myself lol.

Anyway cutting to the chase I made him a cute little "I love you, welcome home" card using the Papertrey Paper Dolls, Challenge #29 - simplicity.

The longest/fiddliest part of this card was assembling the little owl. My card isn't standard size, just note card really. It's the first time my Wood Grain b/g stamp has seen ink - in this case Versamark, and I'm pretty impressed.

On a completely different note I went to the movies earlier this evening and saw Burlesque. Fabulous, loved it. A little something of everything and Christina Aguilera's voice is amazing as always. A couple of songs from Cher too - I thoroughly enjoyed it.

JAI#51...Just Add Monochrome

2011-01-14T21:46:00.005+11:00

Happy Friday night lovely friends ~

Will keep this short and sweet as I'm already running late with it ...

Over at Just Add Ink we've added ... Monochrome! I've gone with black & white, which I think is always a simple and elegant combination.

My card this week is very CAS. On my WW base I used some gorgeous shimmery dsp that a lovely friend sent me for Christmas (amongst many other crafty surprises). I embossed an image from the now retired SU set Stem Silhouettes and layered them on some Nestabilities (Circle & Blossom) adding a little bling to the branches. My sentiment is from Verve.

Head on over to JAI and check out the Monochrome inspiration and join us this week! It's always lots of fun.

Card Sketch Baby

2011-01-13T21:36:00.005+11:00

Hello ~

Well what a week! The devastation up in Qld has just rocked us all I'm sure. It is so truly heartbreaking to see what's going on for the people affected. It's hard to believe that the West side of our country is burning, while the East is under so much water. Mother nature is a confusing beast.

I had another little cyber crafting session earlier this week, or was it last, I honestly can't remember now. We played along with the Card Patterns Sketch #97.

Once again I didn't have a plan and just pottered along with the sketch. I used some of my misc October Afternoon dsp and tried to match my copics to that - the four squares are actually more yellow than the orange they look here. It's been extremely difficult to photograph anything well lately with our overcast wet weather.

That's it from me. I'll be back tomorrow with my JAI card :o)

Sweet Sunday Sketch #99

2011-01-10T11:06:00.005+11:00

Good Monday morning ~

I've been cyber stamping again, this time there were three of us - lots of laughs. We each chose the same challenge and once again came up with quite different results.

I have to admit to no plan here, I was just following the sketch with some of my fave colours and it was quite by mistake that Cheep Talk ended up featuring. I think this one looks better without a sentiment don't you?

Once again the weather is wet in Canberra so my pic is on the dull side. Does no good for my card, as it looks lots better and brighter irl.

Have a fabulous week!

Aussie Cards For Sale

2011-01-07T22:10:00.008+11:00

Happy Friday evening ~

I've had a funny old day today, haven't felt very well, so have done lots of resting and snoozing and not a lot else.

Aussie Cards for Sale is a website dedicated to selling handmade greeting cards made by us Aussies! Alicia is currently looking for new designers. First gorgeous Karen did it, then beautiful BFF and now I'm feeling the pressure to throw my hat in the ring also :o)

There is a fair bit of competition already and I imagine Alicia is going to have great difficulty choosing some new designers. I'm not sure my CAS style is what she's after, but I guess you don't know if you don't give it a go. Here goes...

Alicia has asked for four cards to be showcased...

It was hard just to choose a few...

JAI#50...Colour Challenge

2011-01-07T01:00:00.001+11:00

Good Friday morning ~

It feels like forever since I've done a DT submission for Just Add Ink. I've done a couple 'just for fun' over the holidays of course. A tricky colour challenge this week and here it is...

A big thanks to Amanda for lightening it up for me - it's been very overcast once again in Canberra, and you all know I'm not good with my camera and editing gear.

It's fairly self explanatory, I used the four colours and added a little Very Vanilla - I'm sure most will agree that it's difficult to work without a neutral, although in saying that I'm sure there are those who do it without thought. I paper pieced the little presents from the retired SAB set Happy Moments using RHR & PP dsp. If you have any questions at all please leave me a comment.

Now pop on over to Just Add Ink and check out the latest...there are a few changes a happenin'. Plus of course there are some great inspiration pics from the rest of the DT. Enjoy!

Just Add ... Summer

2011-01-04T15:26:00.007+11:00

Happy Tuesday afternoon ~

I've done a couple of cards for the Just Add Ink challenge this week. I had all these grand ideas and I didn't quite pull any of them off. Don't you hate when that happens. The mojo is still on holiday I think!

What says summer more than berries! Using Tart & Tangy, Real Red & October Afternoon dsp, Real Red & Old Olive markers. The sentiment is PTI.

This next card uses the BS Blossom Party die, I've added some circle punches and a little puffy paint & gel pen here & there. The little bee is from the Picture This set (retired Hostess). Daffodil Delight is a perfect summery colour I think! I wasn't actually going to show this card at all and have been sitting on it for a few days ... it's growing on me ... slowly.

Head on over to JAI and check out the current Just Add Summer challenge. You won't be disappointed with all the inspiration you'll find.

A Stylish Blog Award

2011-01-04T11:36:00.006+11:00

Hi lovely people ~

Last week Kez gave me this gorgeous little blog award! Thanks Kerry :o)

I've been procrastinating over posting it because to come up with eight relatively interesting things to share about myself isn't as easy as you may think lol.

So the rules are:
* that I thank and link to the person who passed the Award my way ... done;
* share eight things about myself ... not so easy;
* pass it on to eight others; and
* let them know about the award.

Okay here we go:
1. I start many more crafty projects than I actually complete
2. I really really really wish I could learn to watercolour better
3. I don't enjoy cooking, despite being not too bad at it
4. I am a neat freak, everything has its place and I hate clutter
5. I love theatre/stage shows of any description
6. Coke is my biggest addiction, followed very closely by chocolate and all things sweet
7. I always prided myself on being super organised and always on time ... as I get older ... hmmmm not so much
8. I gave up smoking last May and have gained quite a bit of weight since - perhaps the ice cream that has become a daily staple since, hmmmmm. This year I need to get it off and fit my clothes again!

Now for eight blogs I enjoy visiting, in no particular order:
1. Trish
2. Tania
3. Rachel
4. Leonie
5. Karen G
6. Bron
7. Sam
8. Paula

Go check them out, they're all wonderful ladies with lots of great creations to inspire you.

Half of Australia returned to work today after the Christmas break, so I hope you're all enjoying your day. May it be a short one! I'll be back later with a couple of challenge cards to show :o)

Two challenges & Cyber stamping :o)

2011-01-02T08:36:00.005+11:00

Happy new year!

It's been hard to get back into regular stamping after concentrating on Christmas for so long. I went in search of a challenge to help get me started. This card uses the Just Us Girls (JUG) sketch challenge #65 and the Play Date Cafe colour challenge #62.

I chose to use Melon Mambo, Crumb Cake, Regal Rose and Whisper White.

The most fun thing about this card is that my BFF and I did some cyber stamping using Live Messenger. She is in Brisbane, I am in Canberra and we used the same challenges and came up with two completely different cards. It was lots of fun and didn't really feel like I was sitting in my craft room alone at all. I'm so looking forward to doing more cyber stamping together!

Odd Bits

2010-12-30T08:30:00.005+11:00

Good morning ~

Unfortunately I'm at a funeral today. The grandmother of my son's godmother passed just before Christmas which was very sad. She lived a wonderful 89 years though and I'm sure today will be a celebration of all those years.

I thought I'd post some of the pics I've had sitting around that haven't found their way to being blogged yet. They all have something in common - fairly poor photography, and therefore don't look quite as good here as they did irl.

What you may not be able to see in the pic is that this card has a clear embossed background using the Linen B/G stamp (retired). The base is Early Espresso with some Tangerine Tango.

These are an all in one box containing a set of six cards and envelopes (which I didn't photograph doh) that I gave as Chrissie presents to a few people. I really wish I had taken pics of the cards inside, they looked rather lovely all put together.

This is my first ever stocking - with a yummy assortment of choccies that Gorgeous Kid found under the tree Christmas morning. I purposely left all the 'trimmings' off it as he really doesn't like all the fussy bits. I guess most 10yo boys feel that way lol.

This last card was taken in such poor light (remember all that rain we had) that I haven't been able to 'fix' it up much at all. The chipboard letters are inked in Choc Chip believe it or not and I've used the Play Date dsp (Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron). This was a card for an 11yo boy back in November and apparently he absolutely loves that his name is on the front and that it's a bit abstract. I used a little of the dsp to 'coordinate' the envelope also.

Hmmmm I wonder if I could 'borrow' Liam's card back to photograph properly ... not a daft idea, I may just ask.

I'm hoping to do some cyber crafting with a couple of interstate friends a bit later tonight - if anything comes together I'll post again soon. Enjoy your day.

Gift Frames

2010-12-29T07:30:00.002+11:00

Good Wednesday morning ~

I put these little frames together for two of Gorgeous Kid's friends. They are more family friends than just mates and all three spend a fair bit of time together. It was nice for him to give them a little something each on Christmas day.

Until there is a photo to insert I've just put their names inside to use up some of that 'blank' space. Unfortunately frames can be difficult to photograph due to the glass. If you have any questions please leave me a comment and I'll get back to you.

Take care.

A special birthday card using JAI#48 - a sketch challenge

2010-12-28T11:26:00.006+11:00

Happy Tuesday ~

I hope you're all enjoying the public holidays and getting lots of rest and relaxation in. I'm just popping in briefly to show you the birthday card I made for my beautiful grandmother who celebrates her special day this Thursday the 30th.

I used the current Just Add Ink sketch challenge as my starting point, and the colours from this gift I am sending to her. Unfortunately it's not going to make it to NZ on time ... our family is notoriously late for cards and gifts and I really don't know why when we all know these significant dates. Not really good enough is it, so next year I am going to make a concerted effort to correct this - I'll keep you posted lol.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T07:33:00.006+11:00

Good morning and merry Christmas!

Gorgeous Kid had me up at the crack of dawn, which I'm sure is a familiar theme worldwide this morning lol. It seems Santa did a fabulous job this year and I have one very happy boy wearing a grin from ear to ear.

Just a little share this morning. Love this Haute Tote template and I use it a lot. Here it is in Pink Pirouette full of Body Shop goodies. It's going to a teenage girl so fingers crossed she likes it.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, that it's full of people dear to you, that you have happy children and full bellies. Let's hope some of us get a little nap at some point today too *wink*

I know that Christmas can also be a sad occasion for many people and missing loved ones is felt more than ever. Wherever you are, whatever you're doing I do hope it's a good holiday for you!

Thanks to all who follow and check in on my blog. I love love love reading your comments and I do appreciate the time you take to leave them.

Take care.

A Different Gift Card Holder

2010-12-22T17:43:00.004+11:00

Hi and happy Wednesday ~

I'm here to explain my disappearing act recently. Last week a very dear friend of mine died suddenly. It was a tragic accident and a senseless waste of a precious life. So everything went on hold while I dealt with the emotions that go with such a loss. The funeral was yesterday and sad as that was, it was also a celebration of a wonderful life lived. Now I must concentrate once again on Christmas being just a few days away - yikes!

Nothing much has been happening in the craft room, however, I have this little gift card holder to show you. I used Marina Mist c/s and matching dsp, along with some Real Red c/s on the embellishment. I didn't photograph the itunes card which fits a Real Red backing piece with punched 'slits' neatly.

I first saw one of these over at Stampin With Sue here. While I didn't follow Sue's tutorial specifically (my opening/closing is different and my embellishment is attached differently), it is very easy to follow and I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results if you give one of these a try.

Hope to be back with more in the next day or two and share some more Christmas goodies. Take care.

Birthday Penguin

2010-12-15T08:00:00.001+11:00

A dear little friend of ours had her 6th birthday party on the weekend. She's a crafty little thing and loves nothing more than visiting my craft room and getting busy - the grin from ear to ear is priceless.

This is the little card we gave her. Totally inspired and fairly well CASEd from this one :o)

This is my first time using the Owl punch as a Penguin - not sure I got 'her' little body the right shape but she has her party hat on so hopefully she looks the part. She's popped up on the new large Scallop punch (available in the Summer mini). I've used Melon Mambo and Pink Pirouette c/s and dsp. The party balloons have been slathered with Crystal Effects and look really glossy irl.

That's it from me for now. Have a great day!

Some more Christmas goodies

2010-12-14T07:30:00.002+11:00

Hello lovely readers ~

Just a few really quick pics for you today.

Some little boxes of choccies for the people I work with. There are many more of these boxes but I think you get the picture :o) I stuck with traditional colours except for one - that Melon Mambo box is for one of the younger girls in the office, she's a delight, always smiling and happy and just a little bit funky too!

Some chocolate sliders - to fit the small Lindt bar perfectly. Tutorial over at Petronela's Keepstamping blog here. I've used Marina Mist, Certainly Celery and Very Vanilla each with coordinating Taffeta ribbons.

A couple of gift boxes containing a set of cards and matching envelopes. The boxes are all in one with a flip top lid, like the one I showed you here. These are for the ladies in the front office at school. They're always smiling and so helpful to the kids who are constantly passing their desks for one reason or another!

Box in a bag, or bag in a box - not sure what these are called. Mine don't follow a tute or template - I made them up as I went along by making a shallow base first and wrapping the c/s around it. The top of the little bags uses the Christmas Ornament punch and that idea I did get from Becky Roberts - she comes up with the best stuff! I used some of the now retired Baja Breeze dsp and tied the little bows around the 'handle' using the Real Red 1/8" Taffeta ribbon.

That 'C' is for Gorgeous Kid and has his absolute fave chocolate Lindt balls inside. I cut the 'C' using the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet die and glittered it up with a lovely deep red from my stash.

This little gift card holder contains a very yummy gift voucher - I'll have to come back and tell you about that after Christmas. I can't be too sure the recipient doesn't read my blog from time to time so best to be on the safe side. Unfortunately on the day I took this pic the weather was a little dull and so you can't see the true Cherry Cobbler/Old Olive colours.

That's it from me, I'll be back again soon I'm sure. Enjoy your day!

A card, a frame and another CD case

2010-12-13T07:30:00.002+11:00

Hi there ~

I'm really excited about this little present I've prepared for my adorable niece, Noah. She turns 8 this week and is all girl - I love it. I had so much fun playing with pinks and flowers and butterflies ...

Her mum tells me she's into Katy Perry in a big way and so the whole family is going to have to suffer this one ... it's the latest CD, once again dressed up using Keesh's tutorial.

Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo and a touch of Certainly Celery. I love the Petal Pizzazz stamps, they can be as girly as you want to make them.

Next is an 8x10" shadow frame - her bedroom is outfitted in various shades of pink, of course! I have been inspired by lots of frames in blogland, particularly Adele's with all her pretty flowers and bits. I've stamped on Whisper White c/s using an image from the Pocket Silhouettes set in Pear Pizzazz and the freehand reeds are by me! My butterflies are Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight. Each butterfly has a 'bling' centre and my frame is finished with the gorgeous Satin Ribbon in Whisper White - love that stuff. I've used Sticky Strip inside the frame to hold it all together neatly. I am hooked, I can see myself doing a few more of these frames.

Unfortunately I didn't get a good pic of her birthday card as the light was dull by the time I had let the 'puffy paint' on the scallop edges dry. This next pic shows all three together, and is a little over exposed unfortunately.

Well all these goodies are wrapped up tight and winging their way to New Zealand - I hope it arrives on her actual birthday this Saturday! Happy birthday beautiful Noah ... with lots of love from your Aunty Trice xox.

A CD Case - a la Keesh

2010-12-12T10:02:00.007+11:00

Happy Sunday everyone ~

It's been a bit quiet on the blog front lately because I've been back at the hospital having some treatment on my wrist and it put my whole arm out of action again for a few days (they've been injecting steroids - ewwwwwww it wasn't nice having multiple needles in my hand/wrist). I have to say I wasn't very brave either!

I'm not sure I updated following my MRI a few weeks back ... fair bit of damage in there still, although the bones have healed beautifully, the ligaments/tissue/whatever is grating against each other (causing pain and lack of movement) and the only fix is to have wire put in. I see the Specialist in the new year.

Anyway enough of that I've got stuff to show you ... it is my darling Grandmother's 86th birthday just after Christmas, and well by that age there isn't really very much you need. So I got her the latest Susan Boyle CD ... and dressed it up a little. I found a fabulous and simple tutorial by Keesh and I think it just makes a plain CD look like a work of art. It will travel all the way to Timaru, New Zealand very well too.

What do you think? Cherry Cobbler and the gorgeous Satin Ribbon in Old Olive ... I didn't really mean to make a birthday gift in Christmas colours ... I just love these colours together, quite regal - just like my beautiful Gran. This pic doesn't show up the little pearls in the centre of the Vintage Vogue flowers - which I've inked up in Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler. If you have any questions please yell out :o)

Have a terrific Sunday and I'll be back with more to show and tell later.

Just Add Ink Swap Hop

2010-12-05T00:01:00.004+11:00

Happy Sunday ~

This is something different and fun for the weekend and the very first time I've participated in a Blog Hop.

Recently the Just Add Ink design team girls had a card swap. A swap is where all participants make multiple copies of one card design and send them off to the rest of the group and you end up receiving a copy of everyone's cards, for your simple effort of designing just one. We thought we'd share them all with you on a Swap (Blog) Hop!

There are 14 stops on our Swap Hop, and it's set up in a loop so it doesn't matter where you start. All you need to do to follow along is click the Swap Hop button at the end of each post and you'll be taken to the next stop!

My swap is a Gift Card Holder using the new In Colours and the level 1 Hostess Gift Designer Series Paper Pack. I've embellished using the coordinating 1/2 inch Stitched-Poly Ribbon and Clear Embossed the For You Flower a la Carte stamp, punched using the Fancy Flower Extra Large punch and layered using the 1-3/8 and 1-1/4 inch Circle punches.

An inside view, with a raised 'slot' for tucking your gift card (or folded money) in safely before closing and securing with your ribbon embellishment.

I hope you like my 'Blushing Bride' Gift Card Holder. You can see all of my In Colour Swaps wrapped in cello bags ready for posting here. Now head off to the next stop (Gorgeous Gardenia) by clicking on the blinkie below and have lots of fun!

2010-12-04T07:00:00.004+11:00

Happy weekend everyone ~

Well if you live in Canberra I'm sure you're feeling as waterlogged as me after seven days straight of rain and storms. It's lovely to have some wet weather following ten years of drought but this is beyond a joke and has definitely worn thin with me :o)

I'm here to show you a money wallet and gift card holder. Each is going to a different friend so it was okay to 'dress' them the same. Gorgeous Kid sat in the craft room with me earlier this week and we pottered about making some things together - a rarity for sure now that he's 10! He chose the c/s and dsp and even the button embellishment (I was so impressed). I did the cutting, he did the corner rounding and applied the SNAIL while I stuck it all together ... it was very much a joint effort and so much fun. I really enjoyed seeing his interest and enthusiasm in being a little creative with his old mum :o)

We used Choc Chip c/s, Holiday Treasures dsp (retired), misc buttons, Linen Thread, small Jewellery Tag Punch & the Tiny Tags Stamp set.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend - hopefully not all of you have developed webbed feet. Gorgeous Kid is away down at the Coast this weekend with a good friend of mine - hopefully they're enjoying some sunshine and beach weather.

JAI#46...Just Add Critters

2010-12-03T08:55:00.010+11:00

Happy Friday lovely people ~

We have a super exciting and fun challenge over at Just Add Ink this week. So so so many options for this one. Funny thing is I didn't come up with anything too outstanding. I had so many ideas running through my head but when it came to sitting and actually doing I was a bit stumped. Talk about decisions ... what stamp set to use, which colours and papers ... you get the idea.

The perfect boy card don't you think? Nice and bright and there are obligatory critters!!!

I've used Real Red, Pear Pizzazz and Pacific Point c/s and inks, Celebrations dsp, Real Red Grosgrain ribbon and my spiral border, 1 3/8 & 1 1/4 circle punches along with a few dimensionals.

Do go over and check out the fantastic JAI design team inspiration this week ... you may even find Noahs Ark :o)

December Frenzy & the new Summer Mini

2010-12-01T15:28:00.001+11:00

During December get up to 50% off a great selection of Stampin' Up! products. Perfect timing for Christmas and some fantastic stocking filler ideas too!

No minimum purchase and no limits

Click on the December Frenzy image over on the right sidebar to download the flyer!

There is also an exciting new Summer Mini Catalogue to tempt you. Packed full of goodies there are some fabulous gift ideas for your favourite crafty person this Christmas :o)

Click on the Summer Mini image over on the right sidebar to have a look at the online catalogue. If you wish to make an order please email me. Happy shopping!!!

Christmas Treat Gift Packaging

2010-11-27T16:27:00.007+11:00

Hi friends ~

A short and sweet post from me today. I've got an assortment of bags and bits to show you that I've been stashing away the past few days. Most I've found on the web in one form or another, and one is a Becky Roberts tutorial. None have been embellished with tags yet, as I'm not sure where some of these will end up :o)

It's trying really hard to storm here in Canberra this afternoon so the bright sunshine of earlier has been replaced by dull and darkening clouds, therefore hampering my photographic skills - yeah right like that's a factor lol.

Most of my items look a bit bland without their ribbons and tags and funky little embellishments. I hope to have time to take more pics once they're dressed up and on their way to their new homes sometime next month.

Above is a cute little baggie made from two of the Scallop Envelopes. Fits a few choccies perfectly.

Another couple of the Tucked Away boxes in Old Olive and Real Red. Love these for Lindt Balls.

This little bag isn't in Christmas colours because I was using scraps to test it out for size. This will fit all sorts of girlie things - hair clips, lip gloss, choccies...and it's fastened with velcro so can be used over and over.

Those of you who follow Inking Idaho will have seen this cute little bag before. I love how vibrant it is in red! I have some 60ml bottles of Body Shop goodies to pop in here.

This one holds a few cards and envelopes - 4-5 in fact with room to spare. I had to adjust the length of the box slightly to be sure it would fit the Australia/New Zealand A5/C6 card size. It's all one piece with the base and lid attached so it flips open.

Above is a fantastic Christmas Cracker (or Bon Bon) that Delys Cram designed. Delys made a tutorial for the Helping Hudson Christmas Bundle a few months back. You can fit all sorts in here, and how gorgeous to decorate your tree with a few of these.

Speaking of trees, Gorgeous Kid has been champing at the bit and at me constantly about putting the Christmas tree up early. I must say I'm not so keen to drag it all out and make a big mess so keep putting him off with "you know we don't do it until 1 December". He very righteously comes back with "well that's a school day". So we've bantered back and forth and negotiated that tomorrow is the day! He's still going on about it ... I'm sure it's the same in most houses at this time of the year. I do love the excitement he shows so I shouldn't be fussed with the 'chore' of it all really.

Right now I need to rescue my washing from the line before it starts pouring. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Just For Fun - JAI ... Sketch #45

2010-11-26T09:05:00.004+11:00

TGIF ~

All of a sudden I realise how close Christmas is and I've gone into panic mode - I'm sure many of you can relate lol. I was up late last night fiddling about making Christmas treats and gift packaging. These little pillow boxes are perfect for stacking and tying together and can hold all sorts of little bits and pieces.

I've followed the fabulous sketch over at Just Add Ink this week.

My two stack uses Crumb Cake c/s and Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon, along with two of the images from Snow Swirled stamped in Versamark. The single pillow box is Sahara Sand c/s and Chocolate Chip ribbon (now retired). My little flowers are made using the 5 petal punch, I've scored each of the petals and folded slightly then sponged Real Red ink on the edges. The layering is pretty self explanatory, but if you have questions just shout out :o)

Make sure you go over to Just Add Ink and check out all the lovely DT inspiration for this week.

Have a fabulous Friday and enjoy your weekend!

CASEing Danielle

2010-11-23T21:15:00.005+11:00

It's a happy happy day for me ~

I'm officially addicted to my internet connection. I know this how? Because I've been five days without it and totally LOST. Sad but true! The courier man delivered my modem first thing this morning - yes absolutely first thing, his knock on the door dragged me out of bed - such a pretty sight. No time for plugging in as had to get off to work. I was champing at the bit to get home ... now I'm wireless and speedy again. Love it!

I made these cards a week or more ago now. Totally CASEd from Danielle - love her style. While I didn't actually set out to use the same stamp set DD had, the image lent itself nicely to some copic practice for me :o)

Forgive my lousy pics, the camera battery was dying and I was too impatient to wait until I'd recharged so they are snapped on my desk toward the end of the day in poor light. The thread I've used was a gift from BFF, a little something from her last PTI order.

I've made a few Chrissie cards that I'll show you next time. Right now I've got some gorgeous blogs to catch up on ... enjoy the rest of your evening!

JAI#44...Colour Challenge & It's going to be quiet on the blog front...

2010-11-20T18:26:00.007+11:00

Hi there ~

A quick little post to let you know my modem died a few days ago and I'm having a few dramas with the courier company who is to deliver the replacement! In the meantime I've been absolutely lost without my beloved internet so I purchased a portable broadband USB modem - ahem I can tell you it's SLOWER than dial-up! Pages continue to crash and it's not even worth thinking about checking in on my favourite blogs! Soooo disappointed in it.

Hopefully I can at least upload my JAI submission. This week was a colour challenge ... and challenge it was for me! Individually I like all of these colours, but together I had a hard time making them work. Anyway here it is ... hope you like.

The boxes are Lauren Meader's 'tucked away'. So versatile and perfect for giving little treats at this time of the year. The larger box holds 5 Lindt balls perfectly while the smaller holds 2 - I always line my boxes with tissue paper! Head over to Just Add Ink and check out what all the other DT girls have come up with this week - look forward to seeing them myself!

If you have any questions about items used do shout out and I'll get back to you at some point over the next few days. To those of you whose blogs I follow religiously forgive my lack of comments ... I'll have plenty of catching up to do soon :o)

Take care!

PS: This post took about 30 minutes by the time the silly portable modem uploaded and saved! Pathetic!!!

Colour Throwdown #118

2010-11-13T10:00:00.004+11:00

Yay it's Saturday ~

I've had a busy few days and today is no exception unfortunately. Late last night I wanted to make a quick card because I knew I'd have limited time over the weekend. While checking in on my regular haunts I came across a really great colour combo over at Colour Throwdown - check it out!

I really loved this layout of Danielle's so followed that ...

... the only thing I wish I'd done differently was perhaps thread some ribbon or twine behind the flower to add a little something. It's a bit flat I think despite my love of all things CAS. I also wish that I could colour better! I can't seem to get the shadowing right and put the depth in the right places - if that makes sense lol.

I stamped my rose on watercolour paper and coloured using my aqua painter. I've popped the layers up on dimensionals. If you have any questions please feel free to ask :o)

Have a terrific weekend!

A Catch Up, A Card From BFF - and a CASE

2010-11-11T07:25:00.004+11:00

Wow, Thursday already ~

I said I would tell you all about why last week was so busy for me. On the Wednesday my beautiful BFF flew down from Brisbane for a few days. We went to dinner at Hogs Breath in the City (gorgeous kid's choice) and pigged out totally. BFF has piccies but I made her swear never to share - you know that massive dessert for two (8 scoops of ice cream, mud cake ... you get the picture) suffice to say we did NOT look so good digging into that. And I'm complaining about my weight gain ... go figure.

Friday night we had planned on crafting together but after a spot of shopping we decided to vege in front of the tv in our pjs! Bliss!

Saturday morning I headed off to Sydney with another friend for the Jersey Boys show that night, while BFF stayed in Canberra for a wedding. The fun started with us arriving at our hotel in the City with no wrong turns, it was a perfect trip through the mad Sydney traffic - which incidentally I love. Cracked a couple of bottles of bubbles, went out and did the girlie thing and had our hair done. Dressed ourselves up beautifully and headed off to The Ivy for dinner before the show.

Bit of excitement now ... heading out of one of the bars or restaurants near The Ivy, or perhaps The Ivy itself was Ronan Keating. We three girls stopped and chatted with him. He was very gracious and looks and sounds exactly as he does on tv - he's quite a small guy. So dinner was had then off to the show. WOW - it was great, terrific story, fabulous music, love love loved it. If you get the opportunity to go then do! I highly recommend it.

A wee tad more excitement on Sunday, whilst shopping near Pitt Street my friend and I literally bumped shoulders with Guy Sebastian. He was trying to look very low key I think - he had that knitted beanie thing happening, daggy baggy trackies ... we didn't stop him for a chat :o)

Now back to reality ... today I'm off to have an MRI on my wrist. Not looking forward to it at all, but it has to be done. Next week I see my fracture Dr for the results and where to next. I'm noticing less pain less often now that the weather is warming up. It does feel strange on rainy days though, and normally that wouldn't be much of an issue in Canberra but we've had more rain than usual this year - that's a good thing of course.

Bit of show and tell now ... BFF made me this lovely card and inside wrote the most beautiful words - as she does.

I rather liked the simplicity of her card and CASEd it in different colours. I don't think my bow is nearly as neat lol. This bright and cheery card is going to a lovely friend who took care of my pets while I was away last weekend.

That's about it, I'm sure you're over reading all my news :o)

Have a happy Thursday and I hope to be back sometime soon with something else to show you. Take care!