Stamps Ahead

Another challenge completed over at Scrapbook Challenges.  This time it was a challenge to use a previous SC sketch layout and then add: 4 patterned papers (I actually used 5 as the strip to the left seemed to blend into the background Card Stock. 1 fibre (twine, ribbon etc - I used ribbon that I ruched up as I used glue dots to adhere) Minimum 1 stamped image (My favourite Medallion Stamp from Stampin' Up!) Minimum 1 technique (ink, sanding, tearing etc I distresse the edges of wide blue strip to imitate the waves, and also use ink around the Memories title) Minimum 2 metal bits - around the ribbon and bottom left The photographs were taken earlier this month when my sister and I were walking along Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. Enjoy.  I am "on a roll" with my scrapbooking this weekend.

I am catching up with scrapbooking since I came back from holidays and I was over at Scrapbook Challenges and in November they had "Gratitude" challenges posted.  This challenge was to select at digi layout as inspiration and then interpret as a paper layout.  I was inspired by a layout by Tanyia. I liked the small squares of  patterned paper (PP).  What my photo does not show is that the floral PP has glitter and it really pops on the pages. I added some jewellery findings for additional sparkle. I am grateful for meeting my friend Reta from Kentucky.  We met over 22 years ago on a European holiday and I have spent many happy holidays with her in USA, and she visited Australia in 1995.  This month she celebrated her 90th birthday. 

Yesterday, my sister and I went fishing at The Entrance, New South Wales. We tried out our new fishing rods and licences (well not really new we have had since August but have not used previously). The Entrance is on the Central Coast of NSW but one hour north from my home. We did not catch any fish this time but it was fun trying.  Here I am  looking the part.  Lunch was at Toowoon Bay, again on the Central Coast, just down the road from The Entrance.  Toowoon Bay Beach.  Love this shot.  Glorious.  There is something about seeing a bench in front of a beautiful tree.  Rock fishing at Toowoon Bay - not for us - give us a river or lake anytime.... As children, our family spent many happy times on The Central Coast and in particular The Entrance and it is always great going back.

Just sharing with you some of my Christmas celebrations.  My sister came for breakfast, before we headed out to Christmas lunch at our brothers place.  I made coconut and raspberry pancakes. I found the recipe online, basically it is a standard pancake batter with added coconut and raspberries (fresh or frozen). The recipe called for coconut essence to be added but I did not add as I did not have any, and I am not sure it would have been necessary. They were yummy served with fresh double cream and additional raspberries.  The plate was a gift from my friend in US. This is the card I gave my sister for Christmas. She has booked to tour Highclere Castle, where they film Downtown Abbey, in April.  She has booked for afternoon tea as well, so I made this card - the main images came from the web, I printed on cardstock and then adhered to card front.  I put some more images in the middle together with some money for her to enjoy the afternoon...

I have started scrapbooking my photos from my recent holiday - a couple I did whilst I was away when I attended an all day crop in Jefferson City with friends. This double layout of the beautiful, fresh water Spring River Bayou Access. On 8th November my friends took me to this beautiful area of Arkansas (not far from their farm in Missouri).  I could not fish as I did not have a licence, so I had a great walk around the river area.  Each person can only catch 5 fish each. On 12 November (Veteran's Day in the USA) I travelled from Jefferson City, MO to St Louis, MO.  I have been to St Louis before but have never had the opportunity to investigate the Gateway Arch.  This layout features the professional photo taken as you go up to the top of the Arch. It was a beautiful day with hardly a cloud in the sky.  The views from the top were just amazing. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to go to the top of this landmark.  This layout is of ...

Before I went on holidays I participated in a day of cardmaking for Christmas cards for Australian Armed Forces organised by Karen aka Paper Lady . It was our 3rd year and each year more cards are made.  Here are some photos, taken by Karen:  A surprise visit from the Army I invited our army representative to make a card and he did. Smiling through the day Together with the cards from this day and cards made throughout the year (I have previous posts of cards that ladies made with me that were donated) Karen was able to deliver 4,631 cards that will be distributed to our troops overseas to send home to loved ones. Thank you Karen for your continued support of this initiative.  For more information click on the link for Paper Lady above.

Santa Monica, California Las Vegas, Nevada San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo St Louis, Missouri Waikiki, Hawaii I have been travelling in USA.  Here are just a few photos of some of the places I went. I will be starting my scrapbooking of my adventures shortly, so please check back soon.