3 Obsessions - Scrapping, Malamutes and Devons

A new project

2012-02-18T09:37:00.003+08:00

This year I am going to do a special year album - one layout for each month - easy for me to keep up with. I discovered the Year.O.Graphy range from Simple Stories and have started with a layout for January. Nothing special happened this month so it is a layout of some special hugs and kisses that the girls are forever sharing. Makes me happy to see them get along so well.

February saw the start of Bronte attending Transition - Big School - so I had to scrap all about that. She isn't too sure if she likes it yet but loves being a "BIG GIRL".

A HUGE New Competition

2012-02-16T12:14:00.004+08:00

We are all getting ready for a huge new competition at Mystical Scrapbooks it is going to be great fun and there are some wonderful prizes to be won. So I would love to invite you all over to have a play with us.

You have to be in it to win it so come on and give it a go.

Sisters

2012-02-05T06:46:00.003+08:00

I'm still scrapping at Mystical Scrapbooks this weekend and here is another layout I cam up with for Donna's 4321 Challenge. Not the best photo in the world of the layout as it is overcast today, but had to share the layout. I love this photo of the girls. Strange expressions on their faces but it shows the love between them and how close they are.

February Cybercrop at Mystical Scrapbooks

2012-02-04T10:04:00.004+08:00

WOW the month has come around so fast again and once more we are cybercropping at Mystical Scrapbooks. The theme this month is as easy as 123ABC which is a great way to get the mojo running. The challenges can be as simple or complex as you want and suit all scrapping styles. So pop on in and join in some fun.

My challenge is

1 - Cardstock

2 - Photos

3 - Patterned Papers

A - Alphas

B - Buttons or Brads

C - Chipboard

And here is how I put it all together.

A layout about Bronte's first day "At Big School" in Transition, you can tell by the smile on her face she was so excited to go.

My Big Girl

2012-02-02T13:43:00.003+08:00

Bronte started Transition today - A Big Girl in a big school! She wasn't sure if she was excited or scared, but there were no tears. From her or me. Helps that she has been going to daycare, kindy or preschool since she was 6 weeks old. One thing I am happy about - no more daycare fees for her!!! Yippee.

Cybercrop Time

2012-02-02T13:20:00.002+08:00

It is that time of month again - Cybercrop Time at Mystical Scrapbooking. SO get your creative thinking caps on and join us for some fun, games and scrapping.

New Design Team

2012-02-02T13:13:00.004+08:00

I have been holding back on telling everyone that I was asked to join the "This Ones A Winner" Blog's Design Team. I thought that I would just show you instead - it is a blog that is so easy to participate on...you have already done the hard work... for you chance to win some great prizes just submit you favourite layout of the month. That's it, that simple.
The Design Team is mighty impressive and a little bit daunting for me as there are some very, very creative ladies on it.

So have a look and the site and send in your layout.

http://thisonesawinner.blogspot.com.au/

Let me know if you think that the layout that I submitted as my favourite is the one you would have picked as my favourite.

Colours Stories Inspiration - Case File 3

2012-01-22T15:10:00.007+08:00

CSI is in it's third week already and so far so good - I have kept up with the challenges. I was a bit stumped with the third case file, the colours and some of the elements had me pulling my hair out. Slowly but surely I played around with the layout, I was tempted about four times to bin it...but I kept going and grabbed the mist bottle.

Here is the case file that we had to work with, it is lovely but very difficult for me. After some time this is the layout that I finished with. The photo of it is a bit off and doesn't show it's true colours - believe me (it took me ages to find them) but I have used the proper colour scheme. All that misting is actually a light brown, similar to the colour element, but for the life of me every photo I too it almost looks black. These close-ups show off some of the detail and they also show off the colours better. I have done the main title gold - which I hardly ever use, you can also see the sheer ribbon, with gold trim. I have done the journaling on the tags, which are hidden behind the photo. The journaling reads; For a Dream Wedding just add 1 Princess, 1 Prince, 1 pair of fairy wings, lots of laughs, lots of fun and a life time of love. I just had to add a fairy to the layout and above the fairy you can see the doily.

Mystical Challenge

2012-01-21T13:49:00.003+08:00

I set a challenge over at Mystical for this month and I almost stumped myself. The challenge was to use some Christmas photos, no patterned paper and either the words joy, cheer or happy. Well the no patterned paper was what I struggled with. It has been a while since I have tried to scrap with no patterned paper at all. But I think I did okay - I misted, stickered, and washi taped instead.

Come on over to the forum and see what the other girls have set as the monthly challenges, you will have a heap of fun.

Top 11 of 2011

2012-01-15T14:30:00.008+08:00

While both girls are having a day sleep (thanking my lucky stars that they are both asleep at the same time) I was rereading my blog for last year, 2011. I was reflecting on my style and how many layouts I had actually blogged about. Anyway I thought that I would try and pick my top 11 layouts for the year. So here they are in no particular order; What have I learn from doing this....I love messy and lots of colour!! There are a few more that I created last year and I know that absolutely love....but they are off at Australian Scrapbooking Ideas Magazine being photographed for my articles....so you will have to stay tuned for those ones at a later stage. Hope you have enjoyed looking back over last years scrapping endeavours with me.

CSI Case File 2

2012-01-15T11:54:00.006+08:00

Just when I was looking for another challenge up popped CSI Case File 2 and what a great challenge it is. This is the Case File; And this is what I came up with; Croc CoveThe journaling reads: What a great adventure it was.....swimming in a pool filled with crocodiles....well there was a glass wall between you and them but it felt like they were in the same pool.
I had fun with mists on this layout - first the wall mask with two different colours and then I misted the Kaisercraft paper flowers purple.

Another Layout for Mystical's Cybercrop

2012-01-14T10:59:00.003+08:00

The girls are having a day watching Scooby Doo - Adrian was so sick of watching it that he banned it for the rest of his time here - so now that he has gone the girls are catching up with it.
So whilst the electronic baby sitter does it's job I have been scrapping, I did the third and final challenge over at Mystical Scrapbooking Love a Sketch Cybercrop. The wonderful Donna designed a lovely sketch and I just had to scrap this photo of Paige. So here it is.

You are just so cheaky

(yes I know I spelt cheeky wrong...off to fix it up now)

Love a Sketch Cybercrop at Mystical Scrapbooking

2012-01-13T17:42:00.003+08:00

Come and join in the fun at Mystical Scrapbooking this weekend for a week long cybercrop. All the challenges are using sketches this month, so there is no excuse not to join in. For my challenge I borrowed a sketch from Page Maps and this is the layout I created with it.

Who is a Big Girl Now?

It's a layout about Paige's first time in a big bed...can't believe my baby is growing up so fast. :(

Here are a few close ups of the layout....I have a thing for crumpling up paper flowers and bright colours at the moment....loving the look.

This layout I have created for Christine's (Shimano's) challenge. I had a bit of a mishap with the mist when I was doing the splotching....I took the lid off and spilt it everywhere....but the layout turned out okay.

I would love for you all to come and join in on the fun.

My First CSI Layout

2012-01-10T08:49:00.004+08:00

This is the first Case File for the new CSI Challenge Blog. I struggled with the colours as they really aren't my type of colours to scrap with and ended up spending ages going through my stash to find any thing, but one I had found a few bits and pieces it seemed to come together nicely. Here are a few close ups of some of the "Evidence" that was required for the challenge - pins, lace, a tea cup (pot) accent and a bow. A repeated stamped background - I actually heat embossed (first time in ages) but I couldn't find my heat gun so I had to get creative and did it over the toaster.... It surprised me and worked!! Here I journaled on to tags and in a numbered list...something I don't do very often, but such a fun and simple way to journal, I should do it more often. And this is the final product - a layout of the girls and I. The photos were take the other night out for dinner at the Trailer Boat Club here in Darwin, the sun was setting and the girls were in fine form. I didn't even realize that they were pulling faces until I had a look at the photos later that night. Such BRATS!!!

I really enjoyed the CSI Challenge, even though I have just done a simple layout I have used elements and techniques that I hadn't for ages.

Pop on over to the http://csicolorstoriesinspiration.ning.com/forum/topics/case-file-no-1 CSI Blog Challenge and give it a go, I am sure you will love it.

Catch Up

2012-01-09T14:12:00.004+08:00

A bit of a catch up from me as I have been a bit quiet lately. My computer finally died, it has been on it's way out for ages now but it finally gave up the ghost. I now have a new and improved computer and am struggling with the learning curve to work out what is what. It is huge, is touch screen and has more functions on it than I know what to do with. I still have to work out how to get all my photos off the old computer and on to this one.....so if anyone knows any computer gurus here in Darwin let me know.

I have been asked onto a new and upcoming Design Team ..... but I can't say much more than that just yet, so stay tuned for some more exciting news later.

I have discovered a new fun challenge blog site that I am going to participate on - It is called CSI: Colour, Story, Inspirations and it looks like so much fun....now to find the time to actually do the first challenge.

With the purchase of anew computer the store was giving away DSLR cameras, so I ended up with a new Cannon to play with. I had a bit of a play with it yesterday and here is one of the photos that I took that I just had to share. Love the colour and clarity that it gets.

Okay off to hit the scrapping table now and see how much I can get done before having to go and pick up the darlings from Daycare.

Mystical Scrapbooking January Cybercrop

2012-01-07T07:05:00.003+08:00

Come and play along with us as we have a "sketchathon" to celebrate the start of the year. We would love to see you at Mystical for a fun and friendly time. http://www.mysticalscrapbooks.com.au/forum/index.php

Bringing in the New Year

2012-01-01T17:12:00.003+08:00

We had a quiet night - LOL we didn't even bring in the New Year....we are getting old!! There were fireworks and crackers going off all night, even at the neighbours house!

I have done a bit if scrapping .... when the girls have be behaving....so not so much time for it lately. So waiting for them to go back to school and daycare...they are craving other kids to play with.

Love That Smile

I just happened to have the camera in hand when Paige started hamming it up, so I kept snapping and when I looked back at the photos knew that I had to scrap them. Love this girls cheeky personality and her beautiful smile.

Happy Days

A fun day playing outside in the warm Darwin rain. I am loving using lots of bright and funky colours lately. Always

A Beautiful photo of Bronte helping Paige put on her raincoat. I so hope that they always have this type of relationship where they help each other.

Merry Christmas from Darwin

2011-12-27T08:21:00.003+08:00

We had a lovely first Christmas up here in Darwin. With a cyclone on it's way ..... that never got here (thank goodness) and Christmas Brunch over at my cousin's place it was a pretty quiet and enjoyable Christmas. The girls got spoilt and had lots of fun.
Hope you all had a great Christmas.

Just Because

2011-12-21T08:20:00.002+08:00

I just wanted to share this layout; it is one that I actually did with nothing in mind - no deadlines, no design team .... just because!!! Mind you it was before Paige got burnt and we all got sick...but we are all on the mend now so I am itching to get back to my table to scrap.

Scrapbooking Ideas Magazine Volume 11

2011-12-07T15:27:00.001+08:00

My most recent article for the Australian Scrapbooking Ideas magazine is about online scrapbooking Kits. I approached for fantastic online kit sites and told them about my article and what I was doing. Well the kits that I received were wonderful and there were so much product in each kit that I simply didn't have enough space in the magazine to fit in all the layouts. So I have taken some photos of them and will be sharing them here with you all.

The first group are from Scrapbooking from Scratch
The kit was jammed packed with some lovely BoBunny Products that were so easy to use and create so many wonderful layouts.
The second kit I opened was from Lime Tart this fun pack was so easy to use and the colours really enhance any photo that you put with it. I did create one other layout that isn't shown here or in the article...but I sent it in to the magazine because I couldn't decide between it and the one in the article, so I don't have a photo of it, but when I get it back I will share it with you all.
The third kit I tore into was the fabulous kit from Wicked Princesses it was simply divine to use and the hand made embellishments by Krissy were so complementary to the papers, it was like they were meant to be together.
And last but not least was the terrifically wonderful kit by Blue Bazaar this kit is filled to the brim with bright and bold colours that are suited to scrapping for boy or girl photos. So very easy and fun to use.

I hope that you like what I have done with these four kits and I highly recommend that you pop into the sites and get yourself one, two or even all of the kits as start scrapping up a storm. But be quick as they are such great kits that I am sure that they all will sell out soon.

Cybertime again at Mystical

2011-12-03T14:01:00.003+08:00

Well it is time again for a Cybercrop at Mystical Scrapbooking this month we are doing a Christmas Countdown. Some come and join in the fun.

I have set a sketch challenge this month. Use the sketch and come up with a great layout and share it with us at Mystical. Donna and Trudie have also set two wonderful challenges that I am going to find time to do this weekend.
For my layout I have used some lovely papers from Nikki Sivils, they are so easy to use - love the little critter and school elements.

Scrapbooking Ideas Magazine

2011-12-02T17:51:00.003+08:00

Just wanted to share some of my layouts from my "Road Trip" article in The Australian Scrapbooking Magazine.
The layouts were all about a road trip that we went on with some great friends of ours. We did a bit of site seeing around in and around Brisbane at Christmas time 2010 - we managed to avoid the floods and have a lovely time.

"3 Worlds so many Rides" is a layout about the theme parks that we visited

"The Gold Coast" - although it was overcast and blowing up a storm we had to stop
and visit the beach.

"QLD Road Trip" I had to show the car that we hired so all 7 of us could travel

together and the map of where we went.

"Sun Shine Coast" - not too much sunshine on this trip but a lot of great sites.

Old Photos - New Look.

2011-11-26T18:25:00.004+08:00

I have had these photos on my mobile phone for years now...well two and half at least (Bronte is only two in the photos) and I have only just recently worked out how to print from my phone. So when I managed to get a hold of this Nikki Sivils Collection - Get Well Soon, I just knew I had to scrap them with the photos of Bronte in Hospital for the very first time.
I must admit I had a ball using this range it is very easy and fun to use. The girls were drawing along beside me as I scrapped and they both enjoyed looking and and playing with all the medical themed bits and pieces. I had to put my foot down and chase them away when they discover that the band aides would actually stick to their skin like real ones!!!

Here are a few close ups of the embellishment clusters that I created, such a great range that there is not much need to any many extras to them.

I actually used a real medicine bottle for the glass ring - I spayed a bit ob mist onto a plastic container, enough to make a small pool, then dipped the medicine bottle into it and stamped it onto the layout.

Off to the Races Cybercrop

2011-11-06T11:54:00.004+08:00

Another fun weekend scrapping this weekend at Mystical Scrapbooking Off to the Races Cybercrop. There is still plenty of time to join in as it runs until Friday evening. So a whole week to get the challenges done.....no excuses not to now.

This layout Beauty is one that I did for Trudie's Elements Challenge. You had to include; Kraft, green, a banner, flowers and bling.
This is one of the two layouts that I did for the 30 minute speed scrap. I had so much fun doing them, would you believe giving a time limit to your scrapping actually gives you a rush!! LOL I kid you not.
My second layout for the 30 minute speed challenge. But I failed with this one...I was meant to use 8 patterned papers. I acutally punched out enough in the butterflies but ended up not using them. Whoops.
And last but not least is Donna's sketch challenge....plus if you use a horse in your photos you get a bonus. Well I didn't have a horse so I used the next best thing....a Zebra.
So pop in and have a chat and play with us. It is a lot of fun and there are some great layouts going into the gallery for some wonderful inspiration.

It's Off to the races this weekend......

2011-11-04T16:56:00.003+08:00

Come and join in the fun at Mystical Scrapbooking's Raceday Cybercrop. There are great challenges to be done and lots of fun chatter.

Mystical Scrapbooking Showcase

2011-10-23T07:43:00.004+08:00

Well I got my first box of yummies from Mystical Scrapbooking and let me tell you I had a heap of fun playing with it all. So far I have made only two layouts but I have a lot left over to make some more.
The first range I used was Basic Grey Out of Print - how easy is it to use?? VERY!! And it looks great with a wide range of photos. The hardest thing about using this range was picking which photo to use.
This layout is one of many great photos that I had taken by Studio Noah - a great animal photography place in Perth - I highly recommend them if you want any photos taken of you and your furbabies.

The second range I had a play with was Echo Park Springtime - once again a great range to use. The colours is it are lovely and they are lots of fun to play with.
A few typical photos of Paige and how she loves to be upside down.

Pop into Mystical Scrapbooking and say hello to the ladies there it is such a fun, friendly and happy place to hang out.

An Online Class

2011-10-09T13:21:00.006+08:00

I have been doing an online class at Scrapboxx for the last two weeks......there are still a few more weeks to go....it has been great. Lots of new ideas and learning about the use of colour and lots of chatting. These are the two layouts that we have created for the class so far. I have done a few things slightly different than the original class does.....but then again that is just me.

It's not too late to come and join in the fun at the Scrapboxx. You can still purchase a kit or be like me and pay for the instructions only and use up your stash.

Mystical Springtime Cybercrop

2011-10-07T18:54:00.006+08:00

It is cybercrop time over at Mystical Scrapbooking so why not pop in for three fantastic challenges, a great dun game and lots of chatter.

Here are my samples for the challenges.
This is the Inspirational Picture Challenge - set by me.
The Sketch Challenge - set by DonnaThe Technique Challenge - set by TrudieLots of great inspiration for you all. Would love for you to join in the fun.

Springtime Cybercrop

2011-10-04T15:55:00.003+08:00

There is a Springtime Cybercrop at Mystical Scrapbooking this weekend - It will be my first cybercrop as a Design Team Member and I am so looking forward to playing along.

I have already worked out my challenge and have even finished my sample layout, here is a sneakpeak.You are just going to have to come to the cybercrop at Mystical Scrapbooking to see the whole layout.

Would love to see you all there playing along with the fun, challenges, games and laughter.

New Design Team

2011-09-28T11:14:00.002+08:00

I am happy to announce that I am now on the Design Team for Mystical Scrapbooking. I am stoked. I have always been a lurker there - popping in and out to read and catch up on the happenings of the forum, but now I am on the lovely team and am looking forward to having some fun times.

I found time to scrap!!!

2011-09-25T13:17:00.005+08:00

Mystical Scrapbooking has some great challenges up this month in thier Montly Challenges on the forum. If you want to get your mojo going pop in and give them a go. There is a $40 product prize up for grabs.
The girls actually allowed me to have some "me time" during the day as they played so nicely together. I am sure there is going to be a blue moon tonight! LOL.
Anyway here are my layouts that I have created using the Mystical Challenges as inspiration.
Challenge One - An easy one to start with....a multi-photo layout.

There were 2 sketch challeges for week two.
Donna's Sketch

Christine's Sketch

Week Three was a colour challenge.

Week 4 was to scraplift a Mystical Girl from the gallery. I scraplifted Christine Rayner's layout for this one.

I am just stoked to have gotten so many layouts done today.

Another Issue of The Australian Scrapbookign Ideas Magazine....

2011-09-05T18:32:00.002+08:00

Issue 9 has hit the news agency and I have an article, with four layouts, step-by-steps and a Tried and Tested Roadtest in it. It is jammed packed of great ideas and how tos. If you haven't already grabbed yourself a copy make sure you do, it is a great read over a cuppa.

Mid Month challenge for Black with 2

2011-08-17T20:39:00.000+08:00

This challenge gave me a run for my money - Black, bright blue and music notes!!! Here is what I came up with.

Look at my babies bright blue eyes, can't believe they are this bright and beautiful

August Black with 2 Challenge

2011-08-03T20:37:00.000+08:00

Black, green and NO flowers.
I had a ball with paint and making the banner this month. Lets see what you can do.

Black with 2 - mid month challenge for July.

2011-07-18T20:33:00.000+08:00

Mmmm what a lovely challenge this month at Black with 2 - Black, pink and pearls. I must admit if you have a look at the other girls layouts you would have to agree with me this combination looks stunning.

Pop on into the blog and give the challenge a go.

Black with 2 July 1st

2011-07-14T20:28:00.002+08:00

Wow where has the month gone?? So busy here at the moment as we (the girls and I) are packing and moving up to the Northern Territory. Adrian is staying for another 6 months or so and then will follow. So is is busy, busy, busy here.
The Black with 2 Design Team did a fantastic job this month with there samples of the challenge - Black, white and stripes. It was a challenge, but here is what I put together.

I don't think think there are too many scrap shops in Darwin so I guess I will be shopping online from now on.

Black with 2 for June.

2011-06-15T18:18:00.004+08:00

Wow this month has flown by and I just realised that I haven't even posted my Black with 2 layout from on the 1st. So I am actually posting both in this one.
The first of the month was Black, teal and string.

The mid month challenge is Black, baby blue and hearts. So get scrapping and pop the link to your layout. We would love to see it.

Catching Up

2011-06-06T19:58:00.006+08:00

The latest addition of the Australian Scrapbooking Ideas is out again and I have a four page feature on multiphotos and a Tried and Tested article in there. Got to love this magazine it is for scrappers of all stage from the beginners to the advanced with so many handy hints and how tos that is fantastic.
This is what the cover looks like....so be on the look out for it in stores now.

See the very top right hand corner...that is one of my layouts from the Multiphoto feature.
The Devon Rex update.
It has been so long since I have actually added any pet photos to my blog so I thought I would share a few of the cats. Gremlin and Mischief (our newest addition) only took three days of careful introductions...but now they get along so well.