Stamps Ahead

Scrapbooking in action

2012-02-07T07:57:00.004+11:00

My good camera is still being looked after by Nikon repairs, so these photos from my mobile phone show me doing some recent scrapbooking.

I have been making 6"x 6" scrapbook pages to be given to an organisation that runs camps for kids. On this day my sister and a friend came to my place to help me. My friend had never scrapbooked before and she really enjoyed creating her pages. This week, I am heading to a local craft group and they will also be helping to make more pages. I would also like to thank my friends who gave me some of their excess supplies and this has helped to make many pages that will be handed over at the end of the month.

Christmas Cards for the troops

2012-01-27T20:29:00.002+11:00

In the mail today I got a lovely letter and a picture of Australian troops in Timor that received some of my christmas cards to send back home. It was great to get this acknowledgement and to know that they were appreciated.

Scrapbooking Europe and cupcakes.

2012-01-15T12:17:00.006+11:00

Before I start apologies for the quality of the photos, they were taken with my mobile phone. Reason my Nikon broke in the last week of my holidays and I need to take it and get repaired this week. London Eye - it was a clear and sunny day, so I got great views from the Eye.

Wien (Vienna) Austria - this was my birthday. We found this great little restaurant whilst discovering around Vienna. We had Wiener Schnitzel and it was delicious.

On Friday night we had neighbourhood drinks (we usually have at Christmas but I was away) and I made (well technically my sister did!) these Angel Food cupcakes and I decorated with Petite Eiffel Tower candiesI purchased in Paris. Aren't they cute.

More scrapbooking to be done and I am also making 6" x 6" scrapbook pages to be donated to a good cause. Thank you looking. Bon Annee - that's happy new year in French.

Paris

2012-01-13T14:51:00.004+11:00

Another photo to share with you, it was a beautiful if chilly day last week when I was there. Eiffel Tower in Paris. This was the inspiration for my tags that were in an earlier post. I

I'm back

2012-01-10T01:22:00.004+11:00

Bavarian Alps, Germany

Regensburg, Germany

Holly and Ivy taken in England - just so Christmas.

Where have I been? I've been to Europe for 6 weeks. I had a fabulous holiday and I am now preparing my photographs and memorabillia to allow me to start scrapbooking.

Above are just a few (of the many) photographs I took.

Keep looking out for my scrapbook pages - coming soon.

Christmas market photo

2011-11-20T12:51:00.002+11:00

Here I am ready and waiting at the Christmas in Europe market last night. I met some lovely people. Guests could sit awhile and make a small card with me. Thanks to everyone who visited. Merry Christmas.

Small Gift Tags

2011-11-19T07:51:00.005+11:00

The day of the Christmas market and my table at this market has arrived, it is a twilight event and is called a European Christmas. I have made cards (birthday, thank you, friendship and of course Christmas), 2012 mini calendars, and gift tags and cards. Here are some of the small gift tags I made - I used Spellbinders Scalloped Tag die (the largest die, you get 3 in the pack) and used many fun techniques to create the tags. Thank you for looking. Enjoy your day.

Cards for kids

2011-11-09T13:41:00.006+11:00

I don't normally do kids cards, my nephews and niece are well past the kid age, so as I was making cards for a Christmas table I will be having shortly, I decided to make some non-Christmas cards and I have made some cards suitable for kid's birthday.
Over a year ago, I purchased these adorable rub-ons from Kaszazz. I little hint - I rubbed the images onto a sheet of plastic (you know like those we used in the 'old days' for presentations on the overhead projector) and then cut around the images. Thank you Danielle for this hint. Look at the little monkey, you will see that I was able to put him hanging from the ribbon. For the faux grass I stamped images onto green card and then snipped away very close.

Candle Wrap

2011-11-04T07:36:00.004+11:00

I have been asked to create some candle wraps for soy candles that come in a glass container. This is my first effort - what do you think? There are 3 of the birds around the wrap. I have created the flower stamping on vellum, using scallop punch, distressing around the edges, scrunching and finally putting a brad in centre. I like it.

Thinking Paris

2011-11-01T07:52:00.005+11:00

I am thinking all things Europe at present - why? A couple of reasons, but the first one is that I am having a table at a Christmas market in the next few weeks. It has a European Christmas theme. Okay, so this is not a Christmas card, it is a Thank You card as I have made some non-Christmas cards so that I have a range of cards for sale. I have been in a distressing (as in ink/paper distressing) mode recently and this card uses Ranger Distress Ink. I love this Stampin' Up! (r) stamp set that is now retired I believe. Some lace and ribbon from my stash add to the vintage feel that I was wanting. Off now to make some similar birthday cards. Have a great day everyone.

The Blue Whale - a Route 66 icon

2011-10-25T06:59:00.008+11:00

I have finally finished my 2011 USA holiday scrapbooking. Today, I am sharing with you The Blue Whale at Catoosa, Oklahoma - an iconic Route 66 stop.
Built in the early 1970's as a surprise anniversary gift for a wife who collected whale figurines. The Blue Whale and its pond became a favoured swimming hole for both locals and travellers along Route 66 alike. For several days our tour guide had promised us a something unique and as he said you could just picture kids pleading with their parents to stop for a rest and swim along their way. It was closed to the public in 1988 and had fallen into disrepair. It has been restored by the people of Catoosa and is a popular stop again. But be aware do not stop for a swim the pond is full of algae!
I have hand drawn my blue whale - sorry about the glare on the photo but yesterday was a 'scorcher' here in Sydney and I just could not could not stop the sun to take a photo - and this was without the flash!!! And I just realised we were all wearing blue!! A fun stop.

Welcome to your new home card

2011-10-24T07:30:00.004+11:00

My cousin has recently moved into a new home she has purchased and she is excited that she has a rose garden for the first time ever. Here is the card I sent welcoming her to her new home. The rose paper is Anna Griffin (circa 2007) from my stash. I have put some more of the paper inside with an appropriate greeting. Whilst blog surfing recently I saw a similar card but I did not take down the blog details - so I thank that person for the inspiration.

The end of Route 66 @ Santa Monica, CA

2011-10-21T12:39:00.007+11:00

I am meeting friends for lunch on Sunday and they want to see my photos from my USA trip this year - so I have been madly finishing up my pages. This one is of the end of Route 66 @ Santa Monica, CA (the start is Chicago). The alphabet stickers I got at Big Lots, Poplar Bluff, Missouri for 25c for the pack - bargain. And my friend Carol sent me the Route 66 charm. I love the simplicity of this page.
We were unable to stop to get a better picture of the plaque marking the end, as there was no parking for our bus, so this photo was taken from the bus. One day I hope to go back and actually read it.

"Friends are those who nourish the spirit"

2011-10-18T07:46:00.015+11:00

What a great anonymous quote this is "Friends are those who nourish the spirit" . This has never been more relevent over the past few weeks as I have a had a chest infection that has left me feeling without energy etc. My sister was overseas and so I could not call on her at the start - but my next door neighbour and friend (who noticed I had not collected the local paper) came in with this beautiful basket of goodies - just what I needed. Thank you Dianne.

When my sister arrived back in Australia, she came over and made a great salmon mornay, sorry no photos of this.

And then I got a post from Laura and family, who live in Missouri, just the pick-me-up I needed. I have put a close up of the beautiful owl notecard set she included. Laura loves her owls and Cole put in a beautiful handwritten letter. Thank you Laura and Cole.
My abovementioned neighbour went to Bendigo, Victoria and so I put together a bag of nibblies and drinks she could take along on her road-trip and I put them all in this bag with gift card I made for her.

Christmas Cards for the Troops - cardmaking day at Rozelle

2011-10-16T08:20:00.010+11:00

Yesterday, I had a great day making christmas cards for Aussie troops to send back home to family and friends. We were all excited to get a visit from some serving troops during the day. Here is just one photo from the day. A bit blurry but you can see we were having a good time/laugh. Also, in the photo is Julee who is our contact at Defence.
Thank you to Karen for your continued organisation of this event and for the photos- for more photos go to Karen's blog here

Badlands National Park - A Kodak moment

2011-09-29T13:51:00.005+10:00

This photograph was taken in Badlands National Park, South Dakota. This is a real hidden gem in the National Parks in USA. We did a 40 mile loop through the park. This photograph was taken at an area of the park called "The Door". We were able to get out and walk around the area - I tell you it looked like as though it would be a perfect setting for movies. The vibrant colours of the outcrops are caused by mineral deposits - oxidized maganese, iron oxide and volcanic ash.
The Badlands were named by French trappers who explored the west in the early 1800's and they called the area a "bad land to cross". The Dakota Indians labeled it "mako sica" meaning "land bad". Remember back then they did not paved highways or visitors centre that makes for travelling these days. This is no bad land it was a joy to discover.

Inspiration for this layout was found in Scrapbooking Trends, Dec 2009 p.29. The tag has my journalling on it. Lots of distressing on this page to represent the erosion that naturally occurs every day.

Christmas 2011 cometh

2011-09-26T09:14:00.006+10:00

I have been making christmas cards for Cards for the Troops - check out the details here if you would like to be involved in this, making cards for Australian troops to send back home at Christmas.
And, I have been also making cards to sell as a fundraiser as my sister's church. They raise funds for ongoing mission work. Here is just one of the cards I am currently making.I have stamped the image with Stazon onto Very Vanilla cardstock, the photo comes out quite white and then coloured with my very limited collection of Copic pens. There is a message inside. I like it and I hope you do as well. Have a happy day.

Scrapbooking can be simple

2011-09-18T13:52:00.007+10:00

Sometimes, you see something that takes your breath away and for me it was this tree in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, ACT when I visited there earlier this year. I decided to keep my layout simple, I had this wood grain paper in my stash, some green cardstock for mounting, journalling and the punched branch completed a simple layout with emphasis on the photograph. I hope you agree. Margaret

Sydney, Saturday, Spring and Sunshine - Out and about

2011-09-18T07:30:00.014+10:00

Saturday - lunch at a restaurant in Woolwich on Parramatta River with my sister. Lovely meal with views to Sydney. These photos were taken with my mobile phone - why oh why do I not have my Nikon with me when I need it.

Snakes, Spring and Scrapbooking

2011-09-16T17:13:00.004+10:00

Well spring has sprung in Sydney with temperatures expected to reach 30 degrees (c) tomorrow. Here is a photo of the Wisteria and Jasmine over my side fence. With the sun coming out my friendly blue-tongue lizard comes out to sun itself and it reminded me that I had a photo to scrapbook. I have blogged previously about my day at Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park . The rangers allowed visitors to hold at diamond python snake and after much urging from my visitors from Missouri I had my photo taken with it. We were told to put both hands out flat to hold the snake - look at me - a one handed hold! I like to wear scarves but a snake is ridiculous!! Fun.

Bear Country USA - Distress Ink techniques.

2011-09-11T12:17:00.004+10:00

Recently watching Scrap It TV Rachel Greig was demonstrating a layout using Distress Stains and Inks - I was inspired to create this page. Check out her link here. I added a spray of Walnut Ink as well. Bear Country USA is in the Black Hills of Dakota. This is a close up of the tag. "I see bears". I have been to Alaska - no bears seen, I have been to Yellowstone - no bears seen. Okay Bear Country USA is not in the wild BUT I SAW BEARS!!! I am happy. More pages with bears yet to come.
Thank you for looking and thank you Rachel for the inspiration.

We make tea and scones

2011-09-10T07:46:00.007+10:00

The Country Women's Association (CWA) is a national, state based, not for profit service organisation that has been assisting women and their families for many years.
At this years Sydney Royal Easter Show, my sister and I volunteered at the New South Wales CWA tea rooms. Here we are in our aprons ready for the day. Heather's, front of house job, was to put hot water into teapots. My back of house jobs were cutting fruit and making fruit salad, making special request sandwiches (aka Vegemite and cheese) and relief scone maker. It was a very exhausting, as the CWA tea rooms are for many the highlight of their visit and it was very busy for both of us but fun at the same time. The journalling is on the small tag slipped in behind a photo and I have used some Dimensional Magic (DM) to highlight the chipboard letters. The DM needs to take over 3 hours to dry completely, longer in cooler weather. So this is not a fast finished layout - I needed to wait!!!!

Pina Colada Cake ahead

2011-09-07T15:36:00.005+10:00

Today I made a cake. A Pina Colada cake - no alcohol - just the deliciousness of coconut and pineapple. This cake is about 5" square and I made 6 large cupcakes as well. I am just back from lunch, at a friends place, and we enjoyed the cake in the beautiful Spring sunshine here in Sydney.
Want the recipe? Into a mixing bowl put the contents of packet cake mix, add ingredients as per package (I left out the butter as it was going to be moist enough), add 1 cup coconut and about 2/3 cup of crushed pineapple. Mix all ingredients until combined, if mixture is too dry add more pineapple. Put into oven until golden brown and a skewer, when inserted into mixture, comes out dry. When cool ice - I used the icing that came with the packet cake and added a small amount soft butter, coconut and crushed pineapple to this. A sprinkle of coconut and a couple of cocktail umbrellas - ready to eat and enjoy. Scrumptious.

Scrapbooking the Grand Canyon, Arizona

2011-09-06T12:01:00.006+10:00

30th May, 2011. Before leaving Flagstaff, Arizona and heading to the Grand Canyon I was watching morning television and the weather announcer was saying what a great day it was going to be and said "Get out and enjoy your day". So this became the heading for my day in Grand Canyon. I have used a scrapbooking kit I got from the Grand Canyon to display my photos.For this page I combined two photographs and put them in the frame that came in the kit - I loved the result.

Scrapbooking in San Francisco

2011-09-05T10:29:00.004+10:00

One of my favourite things to do before heading off on a holiday is to research what scrapbook, papercraft, craft stores I can visit. One of the most viewed pages on my blog is a posting I did on finding a scrapbooking store in Shanghai.
Well, knowing I was going to be in San Francisco in June this year, I found Scrapbook Territory located in Berkeley. On Monday 13th June, I started out - take the Bart to Berkeley Station, change to a bus and get off at Fourth Street, walk to store. The store was in a beautiful area, lovely stores and such. Find scrapbook store - WHAT it was closed, oops obviously did not see that on the internet!!Oh well, look around the area, have a cuppa and cake, and a free facial offered by one of the stores and check out Castle in the Air that I had read about in Victoria magazine. If you are ever in the area check out Fourth Street, Berkeley - you will not be disappointed.
I did go back to Scrapbook Territory on Wednesday 15th (following same route) and was not disappointed.

Medallion Wedding Card

2011-08-26T20:16:00.010+10:00

Tomorrow I am attending a wedding and here is the card I have made for the happy couple. The colour was inspired by the ribbon around their wedding invitation. Looking for a less traditional wedding card I went blog surfing and I found a card by Christine Miller on which I based this card. My thanks also go to Jayne for lending me her stamp. Happiness always Tegan and Ben

Scrapbooking memories

2011-08-25T16:06:00.003+10:00

This week I have managed to complete 3 scrapbook pages - slowly the mojo is returning. My friends came to Australia from Missouri in December, 2010 for a holiday and these pages are from that visit.
We had a fabulous day at Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park, Calga NSW - if you have not been there and you live in or are planning to visit Sydney, go there in the school holidays when they have a fantastic holiday programme. Aboriginal Face Painting was a hit.
At the end of their holiday I asked each of them to write down their individual memories of their holiday. I have kept this page simple as the memories are the most important element of the pages.Today, I went out and got the remainer of my USA holiday photos developed - a bargain at .12c per photograph as I had so many!!!!
I hope to get more pages created in the coming week.

Travel Scrapbooking - I've started

2011-07-25T10:29:00.007+10:00

Fishing down on the Farm. I stayed with my friends Carol and David down on their farm. Whilst Carol went to a meeting, David and I went fishing in the dams on their property. First I needed to be kitted out - gumboots, shirt and hat courtesy of Carol. I needed a little help putting the gumboots on and then we hopped onto "The Mule" aka jeep and headed to the ponds. We caught many fish and had a great fish fry in the evening. Now these pages did not really come together until I put the black wire (to represent fishing line) on it.

Checking out scrapbook stores in America. After spending time with Carol and David, I headed up state to my friends Laura (Carol and David's daughter), Jason and their fantabulous boys - Casey and Cole. Whilst there Laura had to go to Kansas City for work and I went with her - and of course she had to twist my arm to visit the scrapbook stores on the way!!!! As we passed into Kansas state - she said we had to go to the best scrapbook store ever. As there were many colours in these photos and the title I picked up in the store - I decided to go with the purple to match Laura's top and the title.

I have taken these photographs on my front grass - after the record rains we have had here in Sydney - the most rain for over 59 years - it is great to be able to get out and enjoy the sunshine.
Thank you for stopping by - more pages to come. Enjoy.

Peek-a-boo.....someone new!

2011-07-12T08:29:00.004+10:00

My friends in Queensland have recently had their second child and here is the card I made for them. I dug out my cute little Stampin'Up!(r) set Build-a-roo. Welcome to the world, Brody.
I have not started my holiday scrapbooking yet, had a quick visit to Melbourne last week for a funeral - but I am determined to start this week. Promise to myself.

Distressed Shabby Chic

2011-06-26T11:19:00.003+10:00

cards (c) Bianca Clarkson - Princess Bee's Designs - Classes at Fantasia.

Yesterday, I made these cards at a workshop at Fantasia, Bella Vista. Lots of good techniques. Today. it is a beautiful winter's day here in Sydney,plenty of sun - I have really got my creating mojo happening - I have made some scrapbooks for SCKC (South Coast Kids Camp) and some christmas cards for Aussie troops overseas. I really need to get some photos of my holidays printed and start scrapbooking my holiday.

Making friends and travelling USA

2011-06-22T07:10:00.007+10:00

Where have I been? Well, for the past six weeks I have been travelling in The United States of America. I have seen so many wonderful places - a favourite was The Grand Canyon, this photograph was taken at sunset. Amazing. Of course, I have taken many more photographs and will begin scrapbooking them asap - stay tuned to see more amazing photos.

One of the other wonderful things about travelling is the people you meet. This card is for Ruth Ann, from South Carolina, who very kindly gave me the book she was reading when she finished it. This card was inspired by a challenge on Splitcoast Stampers. More later and thank you for stopping by. Margaret

Time for some scrapbooking

2011-04-23T09:31:00.003+10:00

It is Easter Saturday and it is raining here in Sydney - just right to stay in and so some scrapbooking. Here are the two pages I have created already (and it is only 9.33am).
This one is when the Bax family arrived in Australia from Missouri in December, 2010. It was great to welcome them to my country. The first place we stopped was at Kirribilli, on the north side of Sydney Harbour Bridge to view the Bridge, Opera House and the harbour.
In October, 2010 I was invited to the naming ceremony for the granddaughter of my long term friends - Robyn and Colin. After the ceremony we all headed to Sutton Beach, Qld for a barbeque.

I love the sayings on this page - they seemed just right - especially "Open your arms and Welcome the JOY of today!"

Birthday Strength and Hope

2011-04-09T10:45:00.004+10:00

Sunday we are getting together for a friends birthday. Here is the card I have made her. I had the Cuttlebug embossing folder and Blushing Bride CS/ribbon out from yesterday's card, so I just continued with them. The set I have used is a new Stampin'Up! (r) set called Strength and Hope, I was drawn to this set because of its message and as well SU is donating $2 from each set sold to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Inside the card and on the envelope I have stamped the message and scroll. For the front scallop/circle embellishment I was inspired by a card by Sandi Maciver in US.

If you are looking for a demonstrator to support this cause then simply visit the Stampin'Up! website.

Wedding card

2011-04-08T14:15:00.003+10:00

Tomorrow I am off to a wedding - here is the card I have made for the bride and groom. The colour is Stampin'Up! (r) Blushing Bride (BB). I have embossed some BB CS and used a Martha Stewart Heart lace edged punch at the bottom. I then embossed white CS and sponged them with BB, punched out the larger hearts and placed some random bling onto the hearts, then a little bit of BB ribbon. Not forgetting the inside I have put another punched heart and a greeting appropriate to the occasion. A long and happy life toether Tessa and Peter.

Scrapbooking today

2011-04-07T17:23:00.006+10:00

I met with my sister and another friend today and we did some scrapbooking and lunch, and cups of tea and ................... Here is a page I based on a layout from Splitcoast Stampers. I moved the top right papers down to the bottom as I wanted to ensure the journalling "How to kiss a kangaroo" was evenly spaced on the layout. Cole was quietly interacting with this kangaroo, there was no-one else around (well there was me with my telephoto lens). I was transfixed as the kangaroo allowed him to get so close and Cole seemed to be talking to him. I love it!!!

Embroidered Lavender Sachets.

2011-04-03T11:03:00.006+10:00

And now for something different...............

I have been cleaning up and clearing out a lot of my craft supplies. I rediscovered these painted images and I picked up a needle and thread to complete some simple embroidery to finish them off. I used a candlewicking knot as I find this to be a very tactile knot.I have turned them into lavender sachets - again using fabric and wadding from my stash. The finished items are heading to Grafton to assist in raising funds for a missionary in Kiev, Ukraine.

Enjoy.

Mothers Day cards

2011-04-02T17:53:00.003+11:00

My mother died far too early over 30 years ago - my how time flies - so I really enjoy making cards for others to give to their mothers. These are just two of the cards I am sending off to Grafton to be sold to raise funds for a missionary in Kiev. The inside greeting "hope your day is blooming with love." I have watercoloured the image with my SU markers - my favourite method of colouring by far. Thank you for stopping by.

Finding inspiration

2011-03-19T14:04:00.004+11:00

Needing inspiration - I found a great book "52 more scrapbooking challenges" by Elizabeth Kartchner Creating Keepsakes. Challenge 1 find inspiration all around you......Get inspired by an outfit. The inspiration for this page are the bright clothes worn by the pre-firework entertainers on New Years Eve in Sydney. What do you think?

A different kind of birthday card

2011-03-04T18:01:00.004+11:00

What have I been doing? Well for the past month or so I have been making 15cm x 15cm ( 6" x 6" for my USA friends) scrapbook pages that I have made for children who attend camps for abused children here in Australia. It has been fun and I must say slightly addictive - a 20 page album grows quickly.
Tomorrow I am off to a friends 60th birthday celebration and here is a different kind of birthday card I have created for her. I followed instructions found the pixie cottage
I have used a sheet of vellum for the envelope and created a card from some embossed paper left over from a previous card. Some lace and a flower from my stash finish the envelope wallet.
Thank you for reading, have a great weekend everyone - celebrate everyday.

Engagement Card

2011-02-05T09:49:00.003+11:00

It is hot, hot, hot here in Sydney today (in fact we are breaking records for the number of hot days). I am off to an engagement celebration this afternoon. Here is the card I made for the happy couple. I found a long not used dry embossed sheet of paper in my stash and it suited the chandelier stamp (from Kazzaz). Many congratulations to Tegan and Ben. Happiness always.

What are you dreaming about?

2011-02-01T17:54:00.003+11:00

Here is a card I got from Laura in USA - isn't it lovely? What are you dreaming about? Well in Sydney today it is a 'stinker' we are having a heatwave and it looks like it will be for a few more days to come. So I am dreaming of some cooler weather!!!! It is good to dream. Thank you Laura for a great card and your box of goodies as well.

It's January!

2011-01-21T00:40:00.003+11:00

Well, here is it's January again. And that means it's my sisters birthday. If you have read my blog for a while you will recall that she likes blue, shabby chic and all things Paris. Here is the card I have created for her this year.
My birthday gift to her was I paid for 5 nights accommodation in Paris during trip she took there in September last year and this card pays homage to that trip. The clock face was one she picked up in the Paris markets.

Midnight 1/1/11 NYE Fireworks

2011-01-07T15:10:00.011+11:00

I was lucky enough to win 5 tickets to watch the Sydney NYE midnight fireworks from the Cahill Expressway. I took the Bax Family from Missouri, USA and we had a "blast".

There were crowds of people leaving and I think all headed for Wynyard train station at the same time as us - I have never seen so many people in one place at one time - estimated to 1.5 million watching the fireworks.

Here are a couple of my photographs. Now to scrapbook - these photographs together with others taken whilst the Bax's enjoyed their holiday here in Australia. Happy 2011 everyone.

Happy Holidays All

2010-12-18T06:46:00.003+11:00

My wish is that you all have a happy holiday season and a great 2011.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Birthday card

2010-12-11T07:02:00.003+11:00

This week was my birthday and I got some fabulous cards and wishes. I wanted to share with you all a card I received from Laura in USA. Laura made the card and it is just beautiful. I love the colour, the detail and the design. Thanks to everyone who sent me wishes.

We stamp for Lara - Challenge 4: Colour

2010-11-21T20:33:00.004+11:00

This week over at We stamp for Lara it is a colour challenge to use Stampin'Up! (r) colours Pear Pizzaz (green), Blushing Bride (pink), Regal Rose (a darker pink), More Mustard (yellow) and Whisper White (white!). I embossed the white and then passed stamp pad colour (one Blushing Bride and the other Regal Rose) over the raised image and this 'pops' out the embossing. I wanted to created a non-traditional colour Christmas Card.

Artistic Etchings

2010-11-20T15:25:00.004+11:00

I have been making some cards for a friend and I wanted to use a new Stampin'Up (r) stamp set called Artistic Etchings. It is perfect for vintage type cards and also images would be suitable to use for a male card. I went in search of inspiration and found this video. This is a complete case of the card as I loved all the elements that the artist has used. Merci for stopping by. Margaret.

We stamp for Lara - Sketch Challenge

2010-11-14T09:18:00.002+11:00

This week it was a sketch challenge over at We stamp for Lara. Here is my contribution.

Yesterday, I made my first ever gingerbread house - I was pleased with the result and hope to get some photos printed and a page scrapped asap. In the meantime, here I am creating and the end result.

We stamp for Lara

2010-11-05T11:42:00.005+11:00

I have joined a group to raise much needed funds to enable Lara to get special equipment to enable her to have a better quality of life. For $25 you can get one month of tutorials by talented artists, a chance to win some prizes and of course to participate in some challenges. Want to know more click here.
Today is Lara's 2nd birthday and the first challenge was to create a card using cupcakes as the theme. Here is my entry.
I wanted to create a card that was girly and had lots of texture. Enjoy.

Alcohol (Ink that is)!

2010-11-04T18:24:00.004+11:00

I recently bought 3 bottles of Alcohol Ink, as I had seen them used and was interested to give them a go. Well today, I was over at Jennifer McGuires blog and she had a video on how to use these inks on watercolour paper. Now, I think I was a little heavy handed with my application of ink/blending solution (you should see me make a sponge cake!!!) but I still like the effect that my background achieved. I did not have any metallic Alcohol Ink so I used some Perfect Pearls to give a shimmery glow. I think this would make a great masculine birthday card - what do you think?

Girls Night In - Challenge 3

2010-10-24T11:47:00.004+11:00

Jayne's final challenge for the night was to find a card, in current SU catalogue, that you like and turn it pink! You can substitute other stamp sets too. Just use the card you choose for inspiration. My inspiration came from page 90, top right hand corner, the one with hearts. Doesn't it look great with the flowers from my garden.

Girls Night In - Challenge 2

2010-10-24T11:34:00.004+11:00

Challenge 2 - Sketch Challenge. Simply turn to page 56 of the current Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalogue.Using the card with the pram on the front for inspiration, create your own card or scrapbook page. I have called mine "Pink Paris" appropriate given that my sister has recently returned from Paris. You cannot see it clearly but I have used Glimmer Mist Chalk spray.

Girls Night In - Challenge 1

2010-10-24T10:54:00.009+11:00

Last night, I and my sister headed out for a Girls Night In at Jayne's. . My sister is a breast cancer survivor and I was so pleased she could come with me this year. I am happy that I can support and donate to this worthy cause year after year.
Jayne had prepared several cards for us to make and set several challenges for us to complete.
Challenge 1 - Create a card, scrapbook page or 3D project using the following colours: Pink! Ok, you can add a neutral colour to the mix too! Mine is a 2011 calendar.
These are the cards we made whilst at Jayne's. The flowers are from my garden.

If you would like to support this worthy cause you can do so through Jayne's fundraising page here.

Christmas Cards for the troops

2010-10-21T19:04:00.005+11:00

Today,I headed to Rozelle to finish off making my Christmas cards for the Australian troops. Paper Lady has been organising this effort and all cards will head overseas for the troops to send back to their families. You may remember an earlier post when cards I made last year made it to Jordan and I got a lovely thank you postcard from the troops there.
Here I am creating.

the cards and close up of three of the cards I made today.

Where have I been?

2010-10-20T10:55:00.003+11:00

For the past two weeks I have been in Queensland. I had a naming ceremony (for 2 beautiful girls) and a christening (another beautiful girl) that I was invited to, so I took the opportunity to have a holiday as well. My sister came and a friend joined us for 3 days as she was attending the naming ceremony as well.

The weather was for the most part wet and windy but we did manage to get some glorious sunny days as well.

Here are some pages I created one wet day, it was fun to stay in the cabin that we had and create with some new products that we purchased in Queensland.

The first two photos show the naming ceremony. I have used some of the elements that I used on the card I created for the girls. My sister crocheted the white flowers to match the headbands that the girls wore (that their mother made for them). Unfortunately it was wet on the day of their ceremony and it was quickly changed to the unit their parents were renting.

The last page is of a visit we made to Montville, in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. We had lunch at this restaurant, again it was raining. But look at the mist that surrounded the trees - usually a great view across the valley. For this page I used some Green Glimmer Mist on the fabulous Kaiser paper that I found.

More pages to come. Thanks for looking, Margaret

Beautiful Wishes

2010-10-03T16:37:00.005+11:00

Would more could we give to our loved ones. I have been catching up with some scrapbooking recently and here is a page I have created today - enjoy.

I have used Prima flowers and pebbles (see detail above) that my sister got for me in a scrapbook store she found in Singapore recently, and the stamping and green background paper, well they are Tim Holtz, Stampers Anonymous. Some complementary and gold stamp pad ink around the edges and ribbon complete the look.

From my garden

2010-10-03T11:02:00.004+11:00

Spring has sprung! Colour is all around. This rose is from my garden, and its perfume is as magnificient as the bloom. I think the rose is called Ingrid Bergman, after the actress. My dad loved growing his roses, looking after them, pruning them - I am pleased that I have been able to continue his legacy and the roses continue to bloom despite my gardening skills. He would be pleased I am sure.

A quick card

2010-09-23T11:58:00.003+10:00

Here is a quick card I made - I have used an old (2006) stamp set (it also includes a koala, a playtpus and several other animals). This stamp set comes out whenever I teach study tours from other countries as they love seeing our animals. An amazing fact - did you know that a kangaroo cannot walk backwards?

A blast from the past with something new

2010-08-29T16:20:00.006+10:00

Back in the 1990's I volunteered as a demonstrator at Old Sydney Town (near Gosford). Once a month I would demonstrate quilting and embroidery. The quilt hanging is one that I made and sold not long after. We were required to dress in clothing appropriate for the era and not wear or use anything that was 'modern'. In winter the little cottage had a wood fire and I would have to look after it for the day as well, it was nice and cosy. It was a great experience. Unfortunately, Old Sydney Town closed several years ago.

The something new - well yesterday I was watching Scrap TV and I have based this layout on one that was demonstrated, what I really fell in love with were the flowers.

Recipe for the flowers:

1. Cut 3 circles (freehand okay and preferred) of varying sizes. Synthetic fabrics work best.

2. Light a candle (have water nearby just in case) and take the circles, one by one, and move the edges over the flame. You can get even more texture by putting them over the flame and the fabric will buckle and give you interesting lumps and bumps.

3. Layer on top of each other and place a brad in middle.

4. Spray with glimmer mist. (The first flower was white polyester fabric and look what happens when mist is applied - beautiful, the second flower was a lavender colour to start with)

5. Apply to layout and go aaahhhh.

Welcome little baby

2010-08-22T09:17:00.002+10:00

Wow, 3 cards in 2 days - I am on a roll!! Again this card has a lot of pink - my friends have recently had a long awaited child - and this is my card I am sending to them. Welcome, little one, Welcome Eunice. May you have a life full of wonderful blessings and happiness.

Helping Hudson Sketch Challenge

2010-08-21T18:37:00.008+10:00

Images:(c)Stampin'Up! 1990-2009(r) Artwork:Margaret L Crawford

Well, I had the pink designer series paper out so I completed the final sketch challenge at Helping Hudson. As my card was not a square I put the strip of paper at bottom rather than the side. It has been fun creating again.

Helping Hudson

2010-08-21T17:20:00.004+10:00

A group of heartfelt stampers created a blog Helping Hudson to help a young boy Hudson get a Kid Walker. Over the past weeks there has been challenges and competitions. Here is a card I created for the final colour challenge - Pink with one neutral colour. Well done to all the organisers as Hudson is to get his walker.

2011 is not that far away

2010-08-15T19:14:00.005+10:00

After a short break I am back again creating and I hope to do more this coming week. I am making these 2011 calendars (they have a magnet on the back) for a street stall to be held in Grafton in December to raise funds for a mission in Kiev, Ukraine. They are really quick and easy to put together. I have used a stamp set (Blooming with Love) that was not available in Australia - the images are just right for a little bit of watercolouring. I am going to make more with different stamp sets so that buyers can have a choice of images and colours.

Pansies for thoughts.

2010-07-08T10:22:00.004+10:00

And there is pansies, that's for thoughts. William Shakespeare

This technique, to use a butterfly punch, to make the pansy flower, has been around for a while - I finally got around to trying it out today as I had a couple of cards I needed to make. A 90th birthday card for someone who has always had a great garden and one for a friend in the USA who is recovering from an operation and I just wanted to say I am thinking of you - friend to friend.

I followed a video here by Dawn Olchefske - I used Very Vanilla cardstock (as this was the only one I could find when the urge to create came!)

A Thank You mini-book

2010-07-01T16:18:00.006+10:00

I had a birthday last December, and on my actual birthday with my sister and friends, Robyn and Col we went to The Summit restaurant for dinner. Col helped by taking some of the photos above and Robyn found the 'sixty margaret' on a building in Sydney city and so I just had to use on the cover of this mini-book. It opens up as shown. This was not my original idea - I first got the idea from a Stampin'Up! (r) project.

I had made this earlier but I did not want to post until they had received it. By the way the Strawberry Souffle was fabulous and check out the candle they put on it for me.

A great night, great food, great company.

The 21 Challenge - Day 21 (The shortest day of the year or the longest night!)

2010-06-21T15:57:00.006+10:00

The final layout for The 21 Challenge. I have finished off with a recent photo of me. I have kept it simple and put in one of my favourite quotes that I have tried to live by:

Whatever you are - be that!

Whatever you say - be true!

Straight-forwardly act,

Be honest - in fact,

Be nobody else but you.

I would like to say thank you to everyone who has encouraged me, sponsored me and donated to The 21 Challenge. It is not to late to donate - just click on the link on the top right of my blog.

Tonight is the longest night of the year in the southern hemisphere and I am blessed that I can spend it in the warmth of my home and that I have the warmth of my family and friends at all times - others are not so blessed, that is what this challenge has been about for me - making a difference in other people's lives.

The 21 Challenge - Day 20

2010-06-20T14:58:00.003+10:00

The penultimate page. I have had some brushes with fame over the years - When I was bank teller Johnny O'Keefe came in for his banking, I cashed his cheque and he said "Thanks love!!!. I remember one time I had flown from New York to LAX, the plane was late arriving at LAX and even later leaving for Sydney that meant many hours waiting at LAX - when in came Hugh Jackman and he was rushed through to First Class - no doubt spending time in some first class lounge beforehand and not with me in Cattle Class. This page is dedicated to one other of my brushes with fame. The journaling reads:

"My brush with fame. June, 2009 Great American Scrapbook Convention Arlington, Texas.
When I first started scrapbooking I bought 2 books by Joanna Campbell Slan that are full of journaling hints and tips. Imagine my delight when I am came across her signing two recent novels, with a scrapbooking theme. I was starstruck! I bought and she signed the books and I
told her I had her other books. She was impressed that I had come from Australia for the convention. I walked (no ran back) to Carol, Laura and Tracey to tell them I had seen her!"

The photo shows her signing one of the books.

This is a bright page. I have gold embossed the background cardstock and embossed some other stars in the other colours of the books.

Enjoy.

The 21 Challenge - Day 19

2010-06-19T17:00:00.005+10:00

This is my Grandfather (we kids called him "Pop") standing beside Crawford Rd sign, in Morriset NSW. He and my Grandmother moved from Hornsby to Morriset in 1930. This road was named after him, as he was a representative on the Morriset Farms Estate during the depression. This company used to show people farms that were for sale, selling off plan in Corranbong and Morriset and surrounding districts. He had a dairy up the road and used to supply milk during the depression - my Dad spent his younger years on the farm and would always tell us tales of life on the farm. In 1947 Pop and Grandma would leave Morriset and settle for the rest of their lives in Asquith.
This photograph would have been taken in the 1960's - and yes the road is still there.
As children we would many times make the journey to Crawford Rd, we would take friends and family to show them the sign. We would all have our photos taken to record the occasion (just can't find those photos). Towards the end of my father's life I would take him for the drive up to Morriset and I would ask him questions so that this part of our heritage could be saved for future generations.

The 21 Challenge - Day 18

2010-06-18T21:24:00.004+10:00

The story of the clown. Okay sometimes I have been called a clown, but this is not my story. Just over 30 years ago my first nephew was born, and being a really proud auntie I went out and bought some soft toys, books etc for him to play with when he came to my place. At the time I was working in St Leonards, so I paid a visit to the gift shop at Royal North Shore Hospital and this clown just said 'buy me'. Some 2 years later his brother was born and over the years they enjoyed playing with the clown with the long legs. Then 21 years ago my niece was born and she too played with the Clown as well as any children who visited me. Here is the clown out and about now - my 2nd nephews children now play with it when they come to visit.

I was inspired to create the woven page border, after seeing a challenge in the book "A designer's eye for scrapbooking with patterned paper" by Ali Edwards. Quite a lot of colours in the photo so I hope I have done The Clown justice.

The 21 Challenge - Day 17

2010-06-17T20:49:00.005+10:00

Just 4 days until the shortest day of the year - or for many it is the longest night of the year. Why not consider donating to assist The 21 Challenge - see link on top of my blog. Thank you to all those who have already donated, it is much appreciated.
In an earlier post, I did a layout of a visit that we did to Ginger Factory in July, 08. Now this was just one thing that we did on that holiday. I had found a box of these journalling notes and I asked Jess and Heather (and me) to write out thoughts on what we would remember about the holiday. I used the stamp set I had out yesterday, Scribble This, to stamp the background and then I put some stick-on rhinestones to add a bit of sparkle to match the fabulous beaches. I hope you can see them - I will wait for tomorrow and take a better photo in the sunlight.

The 21 Challenge - Day 16

2010-06-16T10:48:00.006+10:00

Another layout with flowers! I here you say. But this layout is simply a very self indulgent bragging about myself!!!.

Back in October last year I attended a Crop for Pink (to raise funds for McGrath Foundation) organised by Scrapapple Penrith. It was a great day with lots of classes and competitions. I was lucky to win a subscription to Scrapbook Creations magazine with the cards that you see above. And here I am with Donna Macpherson, Managing Editior of the magazine. Do I look happy or what!! I was so pleased.

For the layout I have used all of the elements that I used on my cards with the exception of the darker green paper that I seem to have run out of.

The card "From you to Me" went to a friend for a recent birthday.

The 21 Challenge - Day 15

2010-06-15T17:25:00.005+10:00

I set myself a challenge today - to use my Circle Scissors Plus (CSP). I have had trouble mastering this 'easy' tool to create circles. So off to Goggle to do a search - I was not all that impressed with cutting photos into circles and I just did not seem to have photos that would suit circles as a key design feature, and then I stumbled upon Witty Images where they had made flowers using circles. I used this as an inspiration to create my flowers using CSP.

I was very pleased and very chuffed with myself that I created perfect varying sized circles only to ink and distress them!!

The photo is of my sister taken on Christmas Day, 1994. Now if you have read my blog you will remember that her favourite colour is blue and her favourite style is Shabby Chic (although these days she is moving towards French Provincial). I have done a lot of distressing and inking of edges and have used some vintage grosgrain ribbon.

It seems as though I have a lot of single photographs, from the past, in my collection of photos waiting for a their new home in one of my scrapbooks.

The 21 Challenge - Day 14

2010-06-14T12:07:00.002+10:00

One of the things I have slowly been doing over the past few months is taking photographs out of old style photo albums. This challenge has led me to look at lots of them and I found this one. It was obviously a special occasion - looks like a trip to the hairdresser was in order - look at those curly locks (permed of course) and I am wearing make-up and earrings!!!

I made the flowers this morning. Take a punched circle, about 30cm of lace (I used some old lace I had), then I put some Crystal Effects (CE) around the circle and using my fingers move lace around the shape and then into the centre of cirle (use more CE if needed), finally put a bard in the centre.

This is a very soft page, very girly don't you think. I have not decided if or where to put journalling.

The 21 Challenge - Day 13

2010-06-13T16:58:00.006+10:00

On June, 2009 I was staying with Carol and David, down on their farm in Doniphan, Missouri. Here is a layout of our shopping trip into town on 2nd June, 2009. Not sure what the man at the feed shop thought of this stranger from Australia taking his photo.

The population of Doniphan was 1932 at the 2000 census (from Wikipedia), so it is a very small city.

The 21 Challenge - Day 12

2010-06-12T21:08:00.006+10:00

Today I am very late - let me tell you why! My sister and I went for a drive, and then a little spot of dinner here. I asked her to set my challenge for today's layout. So looking in Scrapbook Trends (a great little magazine that comes from UK) for January, 2010 she found a page (101) with a single photo layout. Now this taken me some time to put together, notice there is some machining and much layering of different elements. I love the movement on this page - Jess dancing, Graeme clapping in time to the music, the circles, the hearts floating off the photo, the ribbon winding its way, the little bird and the gold button. Again this is a favourite photo from many years ago and as soon as I saw the layout I knew this was the photo I wanted to find - I just had to remember where I put it!!!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy my challenge within a challenge.

The 21 Challenge - Day 11

2010-06-11T15:10:00.005+10:00

Back in July, 08 my sister, niece and I headed to Coolum in Queensland for a week of sun, rest and relaxation. One of the side trips we did was to the Ginger Factory in Yandina - Jess and I did the Taste of Ginger Tour (Heather had done it before). As we waited for the tour to begin I had Jess pose with the Gingerbread Men (are you serious? > Yes! > Okay). I am in one of the photo's - check out the hand in the image in the circle - that is my hand!!!!

If you are ever up that way it is a good tour to take - you get to sample ginger drinks and snacks made with ginger as the core ingredient.

The 21 Challenge - Day 10

2010-06-10T19:49:00.006+10:00

A little late in getting today's layout finished.These photos were taken on my short holiday to Tangalooma Island Resort in April. Some magnificent sunsets each evening. Here I am waiting for the sunset you see in the bottom photo. The quote is "It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream." Bern Williams.

I love that the Tim Holtz Muse Tokens - Wonderful, Journey and Thoughts are so appropriate for this layout. The CS is black but it has not photographed well.

I never seem to be able to hold/control my hands in photographs - then I just looked at the photograph on the right - I have shaped (not intentionally) them like a heart, okay a slightly skewed heart and this is so true - I love the beauty of sunsets.

The 21 Challenge - Day 9

2010-06-09T17:27:00.005+10:00

Wow, has it been cold in Sydney Town today!!!

This photo of my sister was taken in 2008 whilst she was on a European Christmas Markets tour - it was taken in front of Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Shoppe in Rothenburg, Germany. I love this photo of her and the colours of all the presents on top of the vehicle. It also reminds me my visit there about 20 years ago and wandering about in wonder of all the fabulous Christmas trees, ornaments etc.

The tag, tucked in under the photo, has the journalling. Not your traditional colours for Christmas and I had the gold embossing out from yesterdays layout. A bright layout for a cold day and evening to come.

The inspiration for this page came from Scrapbook Trends, December 2009.

I am nice and warm tonight - I am blessed that I can be, however others, in completely different circumstances to me are not as blessed. You can help - I'm participating in The 21 Challenge to raise funds for Open Family Australia to help at-risk and homeless young people.You can help support me by making a secure online donation using your credit card. Click on the link below:http://www.openfamilyfundraising.org.au/margaretlcrawford?SID=125620

The 21 Challenge - Day 8

2010-06-08T12:00:00.005+10:00

These photos show just what fun can be had with a $2 bubble set. I gold embossed the letters of 'Bubble Fun" and then circle punched them out and placed large circles behind. I love how the kids (and their Dad) got into the fun -running and chasing the bubbles.

The 21 Challenge - Day 7

2010-06-07T15:42:00.004+10:00

Well here I am at Day 7 - 1/3rd of the way through The 21 Challenge. I hope you have been enjoying my layouts.

Today's layout is a photo of me at 11 - wearing a hand knitted jumper and skirt that my mother had made. The bike was hers, that she used when she was younger. I love this picture for a number of reasons - not only the memory of my mother but it was taken by a well-loved family friend. The buttons and lace are old. One fond memory growing up was my mothers box of buttons that we used to play with on wet wintery days!!!

The journal block says "Memory is a way of holding on to the things that you love, the things you are, and the things you never want to loose."

The 21 Challenge - Day 6

2010-06-06T12:35:00.004+10:00

I recently blogged a photograph of a card I gave my brother for his birthday. Here are some photographs taken at his birthday dinner. I love that we are all smiling in these photos - "Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it." ~Author Unknown. And that the words on the paper (that I bought in USA last year - not sure if it is available in Australia) just seemed right to describe my brother - I have used some hardware to highlight some of the words.

The 21 Challenge - Day 5

2010-06-05T17:20:00.003+10:00

On 31st May, Jess (my niece) and I were watching "The Circle" on Channel 10 when we heard about The 21 Challenge. Now, also on this show was a man making what he called "Drunk Food" a cake (muffin) in a cup. After we finished we immediately went into my kitchen and made our own. I did not have any cocoa, so we used drinking chocolate and had fun making and watching them rise in the microwave. At times they looked as they would erupt - but the end result was YUM (Mine is the picture above). And OOPS we forgot that there was supposed to be some oil - but it did not need in our humble opinion. On a side note - Jess sent me a proper recipe the next day!!! So must try that.

Back with another layout tomorrow. Until then happy cooking!!!

The 21 Challenge - Day 4

2010-06-04T18:21:00.004+10:00

More photos that I have been wanting to put on a layout for some time! I was thrown by the colours of my top - just could not get a CS to match - so put them away until now. I did crop the photos down and that helped me see a layout. Now about the photos.

Soon after arriving in Xiantang at Hunan Institute of Engineering (HIE) as an English teacher, I was asked to prepare a presentation for English Corner (where the students organise an evening where they had entertainment etc). I was asked to talk on why a student should study in a foreign country and I was told I could 'sing' as well. Well I love to sing, and have been in several choirs in my time but not before this crowd!!! I decided to give them a taste of Aussie slang - I prepared a bag with whatever Aussie I had with me - I would put on my 'sunnies', throw the 'lollies', put on my 'lippy' and put up my 'brolly' and more. The students loved it and had many a laugh - often during my year at HIE students would come up and talk 'Aussie' with me - oi, oi, oi!!!!

Thank you for following layouts for The 21 Challenge, look to the top right on how you donate to this cause and thank you to those that have already done this. Much appreciated.

If you want to give me a layout challenge, during this challenge, just leave me a comment.

Until tomorrow.

The 21 Challenge - Day 3

2010-06-03T19:18:00.003+10:00

Did you watch "Who do you think you are?" last night? Matthew Broderick found out that his great-grandfather was killed in the American Civil War. This reminded me that I had not created a layout of my visit in June, last year to Shiloh, Tennessee. This was the site of a major Civil War battle - it lasted just 2 days, 6-7th April, 1862. There was 23,746 casualties (both sides) out of 109,784 men. Monuments are erected where the troops were located and a star shows that a General died on that spot. This was a very insightful visit and you could not not be moved by the experience.

I have purposely kept the page simple - just a replica musket rifle (don't worry it is just a pen).

The 21 Challenge - Day 2

2010-06-02T17:38:00.004+10:00

My challenge to myself for Day 2 (20 days to end of The Challenge) was to open a scrapbooking magazine at page 20 and design a layout inspired by something on that page. The magazine was Creating Keepsakes March 2009.

These are some of my favourite photos of my brother and his kids - they were taken in 1992. It is ironic that I chose these photos tonight to scrap as 1+9+9+2 = 21.

To counterbalance the rather earthy colours I put in a little pink to match Jess's top and socks.

Come back tomorrow night to see my Day 3 layout.

The 21 Challenge - Day 1

2010-06-01T16:23:00.006+10:00

I have registered for The 21 Challenge at http://www.openfamilyfundraising.org.au/
The 21 Challenge is your chance to help homeless youth by doing something you love, perhaps something you don’t love, or even something you’ve never done before, for 21 days.

I will be doing something I love - scrapbooking a page a day for 21 days. My niece is also participating and she has made a greater sacrifice - giving up Facebook for 21 days.

I thought it appropriate to start with a page of my 21st birthday party many years ago. I made my crepe pantsuit (with a touch of glitter in the weave) and check out the little pink bow in my hair. And look how skinny I was then....... Such fun times and it only seems like yesterday.

If you would like to donate some money to this cause you can do so my personal page

my direct link for donations is http://www.openfamilyfundraising.org.au/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=348751

Come back tomorrow to see page 2/21.

Engagement Card

2010-05-29T09:17:00.003+10:00

I have a new toy - Martha Stewart Lace Heart edge punch. I used it this morning to make an engagement card. I have made a several engagement cards lately (and I wish I had this punch then as I think it is just right for engagement cards) and I have been remiss in photographing them. Inside this card I have put the sentiment, a couple of large punched hearts and a litle bit of the paper used on the front and, of course, my wishes to the happy couple.

Visit to the Doll Hospital

2010-05-28T14:35:00.002+10:00

On 8th May, I took my Aunt to the Doll Hospital Bexley, NSW. She has owned Rosemary, a celluloid doll, since childhood. Rosemary was in need of some medical attention. Mickey (my cousin's soft toy) came along as well as he needed a clean and and some TLC. Rosemary was belted in and away we went. Now if you have never been to the Doll Hospital it was a wonder of dolls and soft toys and all things dolly. After Rosemary and Mickey were checked in - they will be there for a few weeks we headed to Eden Gardens, Ryde for lunch. A fun day.

Thank you from Jordan

2010-05-26T12:08:00.007+10:00

I went to the mailbox yesterday and in there was a postcard from Jordan. I thought first of all it was from a friend who was in this area in November and her postcard got lost/delayed.

I wrote sometime ago that I was making Mother's Day cards to be sent to Australian troops overseas. I am so excited that some of mine made it to Jordan and that they took the time to write a thank you. Now I don't know if this is confidential info. so I have blocked out details that were on the bottom of the card.

Birthday time

2010-05-25T09:00:00.002+10:00

It is my brother's birthday this week and here is the card I have made for him. He is a carpenter so the faux woodgrain technique seemed just right. And this year his daughter, my sister and I have all put in to get him 2 two Gold Class Tickets (and a box of chocolates) as his gift so "enjoy" was just the right sentiment. Yes the edges are roughed up (including the edges of the card) to add to the rustic feel of the card.

Challenge: Unusual shaped card - Cupcake anyone?

2010-05-16T16:09:00.005+10:00

Another challenge to day was to make a card that was not square or rectangle. I used the cupcake stamp from Simple Birthday Thanks to create this card. The second image shows how I have positioned the stamp on folded CS. I cheekily punched out shape to show that someone as already eaten the cupcake!! Enjoy.

Who said men don't like cards with flowers on them?

2010-05-16T14:49:00.005+10:00

This weekend Rhonda over at th...INK with "EMBELLISHED" has set some challenges. Her first was to create two cards identical but the difference being one is for female and one for a male. Different colours, scallop punches and ribbon/twine, so I hope I passed the challenge. Off to do some more.

Happy Moments

2010-05-05T11:27:00.003+10:00

All images Stampin'Up! (r) unless indicated

I have purchased 4 Copic markers and I used them to colour in the images from SU Happy Moments stamp set - I stamped out an A4 sheet of Very Vanilla CS (sorry it came out white in photo). I am very pleased with the result - what do you think?

Welcome Baby (Babies)

2010-05-04T09:51:00.002+10:00

All supplies Stampin'Up! (r) unless otherwise indicated.

A couple of friends have had baby girls recently and here are the cards I have just created for them. I decided to go for a non-traditional baby card and have used paper from Stampin'Up! Sweet Nothings Simply Scrappin' kit. Some now retired stamps/ribbon and a little flower from my stash complete the card. Welcome to world Chloe and Isabelle.

A card from Missouri

2010-04-28T14:44:00.004+10:00

Look what was in my mail today - a handmade card from Tracey in Missouri, USA. Thank you so much. I hope that my readers enjoy looking at it as much as I do.

Happy Birthday scrapbooking

2010-04-26T11:28:00.004+10:00

I have been catching up on some scrapbooking this weekend. Here is a layout of my sister opening my birthday gift to her in January. In a previous post showed you the card I made for her and I have used a lot of the elements from that card on this page. My gift (a new book from Rachel Ashwell, of Shabby Chic fame) that I purchased from Crabtree & Evelyn, hence ribbon. There was a lot of white space on the right hand photo, so this was a good spot to put the flowers and a tiny bit of journalling.

Family heritage scrapbooking

2010-04-25T08:02:00.006+10:00

"In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future." Alex Haley.

This a page dedicated to three strong women in our family - Nana Reid (Mum's mother), Mum, Grandma Crawford (Dad's mother).

The photo was taken at my parent's wedding in June, 1948 and Mum is wearing her going away outfit (yes not so long ago the just wedded changed into going away clothes that they wore as they left the ceremony on to the honeymoon). Mum made her dress and it featured pin tucks, covered buttons with fabric loops and magnificent tailoring.

My scrapbooking usually focus's on the photo/s but this page just called out for some old fashioned embellishments. The background CS is black but photographed blue in today's overcast weather. The lace on the side, the buckle with tag and sticker from an old thread roll are all original. I love the Graphic 45 paper to the left with the pictures of women in their 'best' clothes. A lace heart, flowers and buttons from my stash complete a page full of memories.

Another Mother's Day card

2010-04-18T08:54:00.002+10:00

Here is another card I created - I have used two Stampin' Up! sets that were not available in Australia - the flower stamps were available in 1998!!. They are great little images, of several flowers, that I have watercoloured using my markers.

Mothers Day cards

2010-04-15T09:23:00.007+10:00

Friends in Grafton are raising funds for their son who is a missionary in Kiev, Ukraine. They will be having a Mother's Day stall and I have been making some cards and goodies for them to sell.

This is one card I made, I had a great time rummaging through my stash and putting together this card. The image is on canvas and I purchased it many, many years ago, some lace and a rhinestone brad in her hair complete the card. The greeting inside says simply "Love".

Sensational sunsets

2010-04-06T06:45:00.004+10:00

I am just back from a week in Queensland - I stayed at Tangalooma resort on Moreton Island (out of Brisbane). There were some magnificent sunsets each evening and here is a sampling of some of them. Enjoy as much as I did.