My Stamping Place

Are you a Domestic Goddess? Even a little?

2011-11-11T11:35:00.002+11:00

My answer to this one is . . . I'm trying to be.

Housework has never been my forte (well, except when I was a single mum and it was just Zac and me. I worked full time, so it wasn't so hard, as we were really only home on weekends).

However, I have decided that its time for me to get up off my lazy butt and becone the mum I always wanted to be. You know the type - always has yummy stuff cooked for the kiddies for after school snacks and always has something good for them in their lunch box. My mum worked full time outside of the home, as well as doing ALL of the domestic yucks at home (we were lazy kids I think, except for chore-day-saturday), so I didn't really have a role model for the stay at home thing, which is probably why I suck at it hehe. However, my mother always made the best cakes and slices in the world and her potato salad and egg&bacon pie are to die for!!!

I am starting my new self off with baking.

I found a fabbo website for SAHM mums, www.stayathomemum.net.au and it has plenty of frugal recipes for the domestically and financially challenged (like me lol). The recipes are easy, economical and the kids will love them.

Jenni also passed onto me a recipe for quick, easy muffins, that she found somewhere in cyberland. I am going to tweek it a bit, cos they are just a tad dry for my taste - I prefer a moist muffin. THe basic recipe would be awesome for savoury muffins (like bacon and cheese or something), but I like my sweet muffins a little wetter.

Here is the muffin recipe:

2 cups SR flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
1 egg

I will be increasing the oil to 1/2 cup and increasing the sugar to 2/3 cup for sweet muffins plus, I added a little more milk.

You add whatever ingredients you like to this. I rather like apple muffins, so I added a grated apple and some mixed spice (next time I will use 2 apples and a whole teaspoon of mixed spice and also 1/2 cup of oats)

Yum yum.

So, I am tackling the cooking side of domistic goddess-hood first. The housework is a never-ending battle with the kids, and frankly, life is just too short.

So, what about you - do you have something goddess-worthy you can share with us mere mortals? I sure hope so, because I need all the help I can get.

Take care and ciao for now,

Zentangle at the Diva's blog - prizes up for grabs

2011-11-06T11:24:00.002+11:00

Howdy folks,
I cannot believe its been so long since I have been on here!! Ah well.

Today I am sharing with you details of a fantastic competition over at The Diva's blog.

Here is the link to see the comp and the great Zentangle prizes up for grabs.
==>> Passing the Celebration on to You (us)

Be sure to pop over, read the rules and enter to win. Gotta be in it to win it!!!!

Take care and ciao for now,

Crochet Slouchie Beret

2011-09-17T21:35:00.003+10:00

Howdy bloggers,

Long time no see!! Been busy and pre-occupied and a bit lazy. Soz.

I thought I would share a photo of what I have been making lately - slouchie berets!!! I love these - so easy and quick to make (I made 4 in the last week or so). This one is modelled by my darling Emily. Check out those blue blue eyes!!

It is green as that is the school colour. This is for her to wear to school in the cool months. Maddie has one exactly the same (except a little larger). I made one for myself, trying to jig to pattern and it was all wrong. So I unpicked it, rejigged and it was still all wrong. No way was I unpicking again, so I gave it to Em, who gave it to her friend. Went to a nice home and the recipient loves it. I also made one for Jenni, who also loved hers.

I now have 2 more to make - one for my hubby in purple (started but still going) and another school coloured one for one of Emily's friends.

The pattern is one that one of my Wednesday Knit and Natter ladies let me copy, which she found on the internet. Hang on, I'll find the link just in case anyone else out there wan't to play. . . OK, here you go Easy slouchie hat. The pattern is for one skein, but it depends on the weight of your yarn. For Jenni's hat, I used 2 skeins of Little Grins yarn (50g each). Emily's and Maddie's hats used less than one large (100g I think) ball of 8ply acrylic. I crochet with a loose stitch btw.

So, without further ado, here is Em modelling the lovely Easy slouchie hat

Take care and ciao for now,

Tangle a Day #8

2011-08-16T12:11:00.002+10:00

Hello everyone!
I have been playing with stencils and zentangling in the last couple of days. I love this kitty - it reminds me so much of my kittycat Jack!!!

I really enjoyed filling the stencil in with Nzeppel (an official Zentangle® pattern) then tangling around it. I do prefer the 3½" square where he doesn't have an aura but never mind.

Enjoy.

Take care and ciao for now,

Published again. Yay for me.

2011-08-11T21:38:00.003+10:00

Yay for me! Linda Farmer of TanglePatterns.com has just published another one of my tangle patterns, called Diamonds and Squares. I am excited that it is different enough from all the other stuff out there, and that Linda likes it enough, to include it on her website.

To see the step by step how-to-draw this pattern, you can pop over to the TanglePatterns.com website. Click "deannesm" in the tag cloud on the left to bring up my patterns. The patterns are also listed alphabetically, so you can click on the "D" along the top of the page and it will bring it up too.

There are many possibilities for shading variations, depending where you apply the solid colour (Linda has a really interesting variation, and I show you another in my steps). The basic pattern makes a really great background (IMHO) and I have used it on the ATCs below (which are for a swap over at the Zentangle Inspired Art yahoo group)

(you can click on the image for a larger view)

I will be putting my published (and some of my unpublished) patterns on here in the near future, but I like to have the reference to the TanglePatterns site, as it is an excellent resource for tanglers.

Have a marvelous day!

Take care and ciao for now,

Zentangle - the value of shading.

2011-07-30T22:25:00.005+10:00

Hello bloggers! Long post today, so bear with me - its been a while.

Hope you have all been well and happy! I have been happily tangling - mainly to try to preserve my sanity as my 2 daughters squabble and argue with each other constantly! They can be complete angels or complete devils and lately they have been wearing horns rather than halos! My favourite thing to say at the moment is "There is a girl with a curl, right in the middle of her for'd. When she is good, she is very very good, but when she is bad, she is horrid!!" This applies to both my girls (and to me too, I believe lol).

But I digress...

My post today is about the value of using shading on your zentangles. I have been meaning to scan my tangles before I shade them as well as after, to demonstrate the value of shading. However, I am usually so in the zen-zone that I don't remember until after I have finished. So, today I managed to do it.

The Zentangle Inspired Art yahoo group to which I belong, is about to run another bingo game (called Zengo!) and the 'fee' to enter is to complete a 3x3 grid sampler of tangles, that we choose from a list of 60. I chose 8 that I hadn't tried before and one that is a fave (Puf).

The 1st image I have here is the completed grid, minus the shading. I really love to use shading, as I love the depth you can achieve just by adding a smudge of shadow. I could never leave a tangle unshaded (at least, not for long) because it just looks so incomplete to me.

The 2nd image is the finished sampler, complete with shading. See the difference? It is amazing, isn't it, how something as simple as a bit of shading can enhance the finished appearance so much (you can click on the images for a larger view).

I know a few people who are afraid to add shading to their tangles, for fear they might 'wreck' them, or not do it 'right'. Folks, there is no right or wrong! If you like how it looks, then its 'right'. Don't be afraid - its only pencil and there are plenty more tangles inside of you waiting to come out.

There are no mistakes, only opportunities to learn.

My advice to anyone who fears to shade - pick up a pencil and just go for it. I use a 2B or a 4B pencil and very light pressure when shading - if I am too heavy handed I simply rub it out and re-do. The softer pencils are much easier to rub out than HB pencils. Again, there is no right or wrong way to do it. You can shade using a 'light source' (like I did for 'Nipa', where the light is coming from the north-east) or you can shade where the light appears to be coming from straight above (like in 'Eiffel' and 'Zingiber') or you can just shade however you want.

I like my art to appear 3 dimensional - I do the same when colouring in stamped images for cards. It's just my style. You don't have to shade your tangles, but you have to admit, it makes a world of difference.

Give it a try. You won't be sorry you did.

Take care and ciao for now,

Tangle a Day #7

2011-07-16T17:56:00.004+10:00

Hello out there in blog land,

I have been doing so much creating lately - some for the Teapot Tuesday challenges at SplitCoastStampers, some Design Team work for LSBS, and today, just for me, a Zentangle inspired challenge. One of the challenges at Zentangle Inspired Art yahoo group is to create a ZIA tangle with concentric circles.

Here is my take on this, even using my 'Celtic' tangle (for which you can find the instructions at www.tanglepatterns.com). I really enjoyed this. It took me a couple of relaxing hours to do and it was perfect for clearing out my brain. What a great challenge.

(you can click on the image for a larger view)

Thanks for stopping by.

Take care and ciao for now,

Zentangle Inspired Art ATC Swap 2 - If the Shoe Fits

2011-07-12T09:00:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I popped up the ATCs I did for the butterfly ZIA swap. Today I have some the 2nd swap "If the shoe fits!". I have hand drawn the jester shoes (I love jesters!) and tangled them. The 2nd ATC I am calling "Cosmic Jester" cos to me it looks like it's in space.
The last one is the hostess gift for Esther for hosting the swap. I am really happy with these.
Enjoy.

Take care and ciao for now,

Zentangle Inspired Art ATC Swap

2011-07-11T11:18:00.005+10:00

Just recently, I joined a terrific Yahoo group called Zentangle Inspired Art. They are a wonderful group of folks who love to tangle too. I immediately signed up for a couple of swaps that close at the end of July.

I have completed the first swap (Butterflies) and have posted them off to the USA. I am really looking forward to the returns. In the meantime, I thought I would share with you those small pieces of art. The first three ATCs are for the swap. The 4th is for the hostess to keep, as a thank you for running the swap.

Enjoy.

Take care and ciao for now,

How to Tie a Bow - tutorial

2011-07-10T11:38:00.003+10:00

Would like to know how to tie a bow? There has been some chit chat on LSBS recently about people's ability (or not) to tie one. Well, if you are one of those who would love to learn how, then pop over to the forum to see the first of a short series of tutorials on bows.

I am first up, with a ribbon bow. You can see the step by step >> HERE <<

Take care and ciao for now,

Shabby Flower Tutorial

2011-07-02T14:54:00.003+10:00

I was asked by a few people how to make the flower on the cards I created the other day (seeTHIS post).

So today I have created a quick step by step tute, showing how I made them. Pop over to the forums at Little Scrapbook Shop >>> HERE <<< to find out how.

Take care and ciao for now,

New Monthly Challenges over at LSBS

2011-07-01T10:12:00.009+10:00

Looking for something to challenge you and cheer you up during these cold winter days?

Well, look no further than Little Scrapbook Shop, where we have the first of our monthly challenges ready for you!!

Challenge 1 is mine - its a colour and cardmaking challenge and here are the 2 cards I made which meet the criteria. . .

Challenge 2 is by Lauren - its a sketch challenge and what a great sketch it is too.

Head over to the Little Scrapbook Shop Forums for all the details. There is a great prize for each of the challenges and you have a whole month to get them completed.

Hope to see you there.

Take care and ciao for now,

Tangle-related post

2011-06-22T09:07:00.002+10:00

If you are new to tangles and are using micron pens for the first time, then there is some great information at TanglePatterns.com today from Sakura, which will help you get the best out of these pens and ensure they have a longer life.

Click >> HERE << to go to the post.

Take care and ciao for now,

Tangle a day #6

2011-06-20T16:29:00.003+10:00

Welcome to another tangle. I don't always have a lot to say about these. I love to look at tangles all over the web and I do enjoy other people's stories about how their tangles have come about. Mine just happen and I don't always think about the process. I just do it. And I don't analyse my work after I am finished. I just sit back and admire it hehehe.

So, on that note, here are some tangles for you to sit back and admire too {{wink}}

Take care and ciao for now,

Tangle a day #5

2011-06-18T10:48:00.006+10:00

Good morning (well it is in Sydney :) )

Today I am sharing 3 tangles with you. As I have been learning new patterns, I have enjoyed trying them out in tangles. I have a few that are real favourites, but I do love seeing how each new pattern works with others.

In this tangle, I was trying out Zenplosion folds (the one that looks like a scroll) as well as a few others. I have always enjoyed the swirly look of scrolls, so adding them to a tangle was fun.

Just some more playing with this one

This tangle was my first larger sized one (created in my A5 art diary - my TangleBook). I really like working on a larger scale and now have an A4 sized TangleBook and I really love the result I got working on such a big scale. More on that in a post to come - keep a look out.

If you are interested in learning some tangle patterns, head on over to Tangle Patterns [dot] com. There are oodles and oodles of doodles to choose.

A bit of trivia: You may (or may not) have noticed my initials have changed too. My married name is hyphenated, but I had been DMS for so many years that I didn't want to add the extra M on the end. However, after talking to my mum and a couple of friends, I realised that I really ought to included the extra letter at the end, hence, I am now DMSM. I should have realised it would seem ok, after all, my daughters' initials are MRSM and EJSM. I actually enjoy signing my work with the 4 initials. So there you go. :)

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed your visit today.

Take care and ciao for now,

Tangle a day #4

2011-06-16T13:43:00.003+10:00

Welcome to a cheery post on this wet, cold and windy afternoon in Sydney. Hopefully we will have some sunny days for the weekend.

Anyhoo, here is my tangle for today. Well, 2 tangles actually. I hope you enjoy.

Take care and ciao for now,

Tangle a day #3 & Happy Birthday Phil!!

2011-06-14T08:16:00.004+10:00

Welcome to another tangle a day post. Before I get to that however, I want to wish my terrific nephew Phillip Cairn a wonderful 21st birthday. Phil has recently reached some milestones - he got engaged to his long-time girlfriend Eliza Tickner and just last week, completed his apprenticeship and is now a fully qualified bricklayer (and a very skillful one at that!!).

Happy happy birthday Phil, and many more!!!

Now, onto the tangle a day . . . Today's tangle is a mandala I recently tangled. Whilst browsing through a wonderful local bookshop called QVB, I found a fantastic book called " The Mandala Doodle Book". Published by Arcturus, ISBN 978-1-84858-053-4. It contains over 100 fantastic mandala designs, many of which are ideally suited to tangle artists.

After I scanned the image into my computer, I noticed that my scanner software had a command called "invert", so, ever curious, I clicked it and was amazed at what I saw. I thought it looked really cool, so I scanned the inverted image as well, and here they both are, for your enjoyment.

Edited to add: Blogger is playing up again today, so here is the link to my flickr photostream where you can see them full-sized: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21206021@N07/
Take care and ciao for now,

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mum

2011-06-10T09:01:00.002+10:00

69 years ago today, Mrs Wheaton gave birth to a baby girl named Charlene who would grow up to be creative and inspiring and also a terrific mum.

Happy birthday Mum. Wishing you a fabulous day

Love from Deanne
xxxx

Tangle a day #2

2011-06-09T19:07:00.003+10:00

Hello bloggers.

Here are a couple of tangles for you. They are just small ones from the beginning of my TangleBook.

Enjoy

Take care and ciao for now,

A Tangle a Day . . Celtic

2011-06-08T07:49:00.007+10:00

I know the post says "a tangle a day.." but I don't usually manage the time to post every day (haha - as you can see by the huge gap between yesterday's post and the one before lol).

So, anyway, I have over 20 completed tangles in my TangleBook (my visual art diary) and I scanned them all last night so that I can gradually upload them onto here and also into the Zentangle (R) flickr photostream. You can click on both the below photos for a larger view.

This first tangle was made by using the Celtic tangle as the string. I like working with larger areas and wanted to see how it would look tangled. I don't mind it. One of my friends said it reminds her of the ABC logo (haha thanks Jenni!).

For the tangle below, I drew a loooong string then drew over it with the Celtic tangle as well as another of my tangles "Braidz", then filled in with tangles. Instead of drawing the usual 4 dots and a box, I just drew a rounded kind of rectangular shape before drawing the swirly string.

I hope you enjoyed these tangles. I'll be back again soon with some more.

Thanks for stopping by. Take care and ciao for now,

Edited to add: for some reason blogger won't take you to a new screen with the images at their true size, so here is a link to my Zentangle (R) flickr stream where you can view them at 100%
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21206021@N07/

I am on TanglePatterns.com!

2011-06-07T07:53:00.002+10:00

Some very exciting news! I recently came up with a tangle pattern that I was so excitied about that I sent of to Linda Farmer at Tangle Patterns.

Today in my inbox there was a link to how to draw Celtic - one of the patterns I submitted to Linda.

I am very excited lol. If you click >>> HERE <<< it will take you to the Tangle Patterns page where you can learn how to draw Celtic.

Take care and ciao for now,

A Zentangle Post

2011-05-03T19:23:00.004+10:00

I have just discovered Zentangle (R)!! (doodling with purpose, or as I like to say, doodling with style). There is a difference between doodling (random scratchings on a page) and Zentangling. Its all doodling to me :)

I have been doing it for 3 days and I totally love love love it!! For information about this amazing emerging art form, you can visit the official website at www.zentangle.com and click on the links around the site. For a great index of (I think) all the patterns, go to TanglePatterns.com

I have ordered 4 (or was it 5?) of the official Zentangle (R)books from The Book Depository and am eagerly awaiting them. In the meantime, google and TanglePatterns.com are my friends. Wow, I wish Marie and Robert would come to Australia, as I can't afford to go to Michigan for the CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher) course. My 2 girls have taken to this art like ducks to water too. We all have our own little Zen kit that I put together. Its wonderful!

I am still learning (of course), but I really like the results so far. The image at the top is my fave and the most recent of my Tangles.

I hope you enjoy (I sure do :) )

Take care and ciao for now,

nee naw nee naw crochet emergency!!

2011-03-24T19:20:00.004+11:00

Long time no posts!!

here's my latest update:

Completed: 4 no-sew grannies (me, Zac, Em & Mad); one no-sew teeny granny squares cushion front (gotta sew the back on and find a suitable huge cushion to fill it).
Current projects: Rainbow chevron blanket for me; purple, blue & white chevron for my nephew & niece-in-law-to-be as a wedding gift (needs to be completed for 21s May!! eek); lots of teeny little flowers to decorate the front of some knitting needle and crochet hook roll ups (need to be completed before 1st April!).

Busy busy busy!!

Now I have a question, which I'll get to in a minute. As I said just up there ^ I am making some needle and hook rolls. I am selling these at a community market in a couple of weeks. I posed a question on my facebook wall yesterday(?) about how to decorate the outside. Some suggested stamping (nope, the fabrics are textured), some said ribbons (they are tied with ribbon) and Rachel (Pepper) stated the obvious answer I should have thought of in the first place - crocheting a couple of little flowers. Well, derr me lol.

So, now I have settled on the little flowers (which I am quite enjoying making, by the way), my next question is: which side - left or right - should I sew them to??

Do you (or would you) roll yours from the left to the right or from the right to the left??? I roll mine from the left side to the right, so my own would be decorated on the outside of the right-hand side. But does everyone roll that way? Would that put off any lefties out there from using one that rolls up that way? Or is it as case of "6 of one, half a dozen of another?"

Don't know what a needle roll is? HERE is a link to a search in google images which might help

I have posted this question over in the Little Scrapbook Shop forums too, in the "Hookers & Knitwits Unite" thread.

That's my dilemma. Can anyone help?

Take care and ciao for now,

School Holiday Classes at Dean Park Community Development Project

2011-03-10T14:05:00.006+11:00

Hey there bloggers!

Hope you are having a lovely day. I just wanted to let folks know that I am teaching some workshops in the April school holidays if people out this way would like to come. Place are limited so book in quickly before they fill up (I am only taking a max. of 10 people for each workshop).

The first workshop is on Wed 13th April 10am - 3pm and is an altered canvas picture frame

The 2nd workshop is on Wed 20th April 10am - 3pm and will be broken into 2 projects - shabby chic layout and matching card.

For details, click *HERE* or you can click on the link at the top of my blog under my banner, which will take you to the page telling you all about it.

Take care and ciao for now,

One Product 3 Ways - Stamps! at Little Scrapbook Shop

2011-03-09T09:02:00.003+11:00

Good Morning Bloggers!!

Today I have a treat for you! I have just loaded a tutorial over at Little Scrapbook Shop, showing you 3 ways with stamps. Below is a peek at the cards I made. Details on how to get these results can be found in the forums over at LSBS. Click *HERE* to see the thread in the forum.

Create a background for punching out shapes:

Shrinky Dink Fun:

Paper Piecing:

Product information
~ stamps - The Greeting Farm, "Later Sk8er", "Journey", Buddies"; MME Lost & Found "Madison Avenue "Pretty""
~inks - Stazon Timber Brown
~ cardstock - Bazzill Basics
~ Patterned Papers: Echo Park "littlegirl", Kaisercraft
~ Brads
~ Flowers - Green Tara
~ Ribbons
~ Buttons
~ Punches - Martha Stewart - large butterfly, hydrangeas 3
~ Journaling pens - white & brown
~ The Crafters Workshop Template -
~ EK Success punch - retro flower large
~ Other tools: distressing too, heat gun, adhesives

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!!

Take care and ciao for now,

Blog re-vamp - please bare with me

2011-03-07T09:34:00.002+11:00

Having a small re-vamp. Please bare with me while I add new pages to my blog. Not quite sure how its going to work, but just remembered I could do it.

I will have some photos later - cards/atcs and hooky goodness to share with you :)

In the meantime, have a fantabulous day!!

Take care and ciao for now,

Pretty little crochet squares

2011-02-12T10:31:00.009+11:00

Having completed my pretty rainbow blankets, I have now embarked on making a pretty little cushion to match my blanket (I might make matching ones for the girls' blankets, but not sure yet).

Once again, my inspiration comes from Lucy at Attic24. Her pretty little cushion is so cute and I wanted to use up the partially used balls of wool I have left over from our blankets.

Here is my WIP for you to see.

and here is the graph I made to follow.

Unlike Luce, I do not have the knack for getting random colours to work. I find it much easier to work from a diagram than having to think as I go, sort of like planning ahead. If I do the thinking first, the rest is a no-brainer and I can just hook to my heart's content.

If you want to have a look at Lucy's completed cushion, click HERE and it will take you to the post in her blog where it shows the work in progress and finished block of squares, ready to turn into a cushion cover, which you can see if you click HERE.

Thanks once again for the inspiration Luce :)

Take care and ciao for now,

Cards and blankets. . . .

2011-02-11T10:03:00.000+11:00

I have so much I want to share, but today will be a card and my no sew granny blankets, all complete.

First I would like to share the card I taught to my Thursday group yesterday. It is such a cute little card. I got the idea from StampOwl's blog (France Byrne). This is such a great blog, lots of inspiration there and well worth a visit. I am teaching this card to my UIW class on Monday too, just in time for Valentine's Day :)

And without further ado, here is Madeleine's no-sew granny blanket finished!! Yay! I love the colours in this (the camera didn't capture the true to life colours, but you get the idea)

I used Mint Green on this blanket (and Emily's which I will show you in a minute) which was much nicer than the Olive Green I used in mine (wasn't available when I bought all the yarn for my blanket).

And here is a close up of the edging on Maddie's blanket. I love the rainbow colours. The edging on this is quite striking and this is the pattern I intend to use when I make my wavy granny blanket (Chevron style)

Below is a photo of Emily's blanket. You will notice that the border is nowhere as nice as Maddie's and that is because Emily was so impatient to have it, she didn't want to wait for me to finish the edging. The upside is that now I can tell them apart. They are the same size and the colours are on a slightly different orientation, but there is no way I would have been able to tell whose was whose without a lable.

See, only 4 rows of edfing in 2 colours. Emily likes it, so I guess that's all that matters, yes?

And just as a reminder, here is my original no-sew granny. I just adore this blanket, which now lives on my ugly old couch (much prettier that the couch underneath). The original inspiration for thes blanket came from Attic24 blog. Lucy has such a wonderful blog, with so much colour inspiration, I thoroughly recommend a visit, even if you aren't inclined to hook along. Lucy has such a wonderful outlook on life, she is like a breath of fresh air :)

And this is my edging. I love the way the colours all blending and merge together. This edging made the blanket very heavy to complete and made my RSI flare up. However, I love it to pieces and doubt I would've done it differently had I known it was going to cause that.

Oh, and last, but not least, here is Zac holding the blue and white blanket I made for him last year (after mine and before Emily's). I used the same basic design as my own, but added 3 larger squares in there for something a big different. I love how this came out and so does Zac (see that big smile on his face??) I also knitted that beanie he is wearing. I do love to knit too :)

So that's it, my share for today. Stay tuned for more card shares in the coming days.

Take care and ciao for now,

A quick card share . . .

2011-02-10T17:19:00.005+11:00

Yes, I know, 2 posts in 2 days hehehe.

Today I thought I would share with you some very cute little cards I made towards the end of last year. I just so love this little "Milton with Card" stamp from Wild Rose Studio (you can get these at Little Scrapbook Shop :) )

TIP: I colour in my stamped images in colours that I like and then choose the cardstock and mix and match patterned papers to go with the colours I have used in my images. It works surprisingly well.

~ Add some interest to your card by rolling the corners instead of sticking them all down

~ tear an edge of one of your papers and add some sparkles

~ punch a border around 2 sides of your patterned paper for a slightly asymetrical look

______________________________

Product information

~ Wild Rose Studio Clear Stamps - Milton & co - Milton with Card + acrylic block
~ Stazon Inkpad - saddle brown
~ Patterned papers from: Echo Park, Prima, Basic Grey , October Afternoon+ scraps in my stash
~ Bazzill cardstock
~ Ribbons
~ FLowers
~ Buttons
~ i-rock tool & clear & coloured gems
~ Cosmo Cricket alphabet stickers
~ Martha Stewart Border edge punch (available by pre-order)
~ Other ~ Watercolour paper, watercolour paint, handmade flowers and a pin from my stash.

All text and images Copyright © Deanne Stewart-Mills and Little Scrapbook Shop 2011

I will have some more for you tomorrow :)

Take care and ciao for now,

4-7-11 ~ 7 Wonders ~ Challenge 1 ~ Pyramid at Giza

2011-02-09T09:17:00.006+11:00

Howdy Bloggers!

Well silly me, I keep forgetting to keep my blog up to date. Our first challenge went up atLSBSon Sunday for our 4-7-11 challenges.

I was first up and my challenge is to create a pyramid-shaped mini album/art work. I have a step by step which you can see in the forum by clicking HERE

Here are the photos of the project I created - a Fairy Garden.

Enjoy.

Product used:

~ Bazzill cardstock
~ Ribbons
~ Wild Rose Studio Stamps
~ Stazon Inkpad - Jet Black
~ Flowers (a mix of lots of brands)
~ Kaisercraft round gems
~ Basic Grey Stickers Chipboard Alphas
~ Kindyglitz
~ other - watercolour pencils, circular paper clip

Take care and ciao for now,

4-7-11 ~ 2011 Challenge at Little Scrapbook Shop ~

2011-01-27T10:08:00.002+11:00

Hello Little Scrappers and welcome to our 2011 challenge, 4-7-11!

Why 4-7-11? Well, we will be running our challenge program in 4 sessions, there's 7 design team members, and it's 2011!

But as you'd expect, there is a twist... the answer lies within the number 7!

Each session will run for 7 weeks, the first one starting on Sunday the 6th of February.

So, now you know that there are 7 design team members, and each session will run for 7 weeks... but there's one more thing!

Each session has it's own '7' theme...

Session 1: 7 Wonders
Session 2: 7 Deadly Sins
Session 3: 7 Seas
Session 4: 7 Colours of the Rainbow

Are we clever or what?!

We aim to challenge you in new ways... we aim to challenge you to look at things a little bit differently... but more than anything, our aim is to get you scrapping!

To visit the challenge forum at Little Scrapbook Shop, simply click HERE

We hope you will join us in this exciting project for 2011, and good luck with the challenges.

If you want to promote this challenge on your blog, simply right click and save the image to your desktop and upload to your blog or site.

Take care and ciao for now,

Kits from Tattered Inspirations

2011-01-16T11:48:00.005+11:00

Hello and welcome to another post in a week!!

Last night I made some cards using a couple of gorgeous kits I bought from Carol over at Tattered Inspirations (see Carol's Etsy shop HERE).
The kits I used were Little Knight and Little Fairy (hope I got the names right Carol!). I have only used a few little bits and added textured cardstock as the bases, some Carolees Alphas, white gel pen and kindyglitz.

I hope you like them as much as I do :)

Take care and ciao for now,

The Shadoogies

2011-01-15T11:47:00.003+11:00

Are you a fan of The Shadows?

My husband Michael is in a great covers band called The Shadoogies and they have just recorded an awesome demo CD for their agent. They are a gigging band and looking for work, so if you like the sound and would like to have them play at one of your events, just contact them via their MySpace page.

Click on the link HERE and it will take you to The Shadoogies' on MySpace, where you can listen to their awesome sound.

Photos of the band will be coming very soon (and I will update my blog when they do)

Take care and ciao for now,

Hello Again!!

2011-01-06T18:21:00.002+11:00

Hello out there in blog land.

I have networked my blog so that it is now linked to my facebook page. If you are a follower, can you scroll down the page a bit on my blog and click "follow" on the networked blogs link please. I am curious to know if it sends you 2 updates (one from google and one from FB) or if you only receive the one.

I am hoping that 2011 will be a good year for me for blogging. I am hoping to share more creations on here from my classes and also LSBS and keep the mojo moving!!

Happy new year for 2011 and may this be a great year for everyone!!

Take care and ciao for now,

oops, been MIA

2010-09-27T14:21:00.000+10:00

Seems I have neglected my blog again. Just too many other things to do!
My No-Sew blanket is finished, and I finished Zac's as well. I have started Emily's and have been busy sewing together squares for blankets to raffle at Dean Park Community Development Project (more on that soon).

So, just a quick Hello to you all and I will attempt to be more blog-wise again :)

Take care and ciao for now,

Quick Update

2010-06-21T16:24:00.001+10:00

Just a quick note to say HELLO!!

No-Sew Blanket Update
My wonderful blanket is coming along beeeeutifully! I have finished all the squares and have started the edging. I have a photo of the finished squares plus the first 2 rows of the edging (red). I will take another photo asap showing where I am now up to for you to see. No pics yet, as they are still in my camera.

Charity Blanket Squares
We have lots and lots of squares now for our blanket. It is going to look so terrific. I have an updated photo of all the squares and those in-progress also. Again, the pics are still in my camera, and I will upload them asap!!

Just wanted to let you know I haven't fallen off the world again, just need a breather to stop and upload.

Take care and ciao for now,

No-Sew Granny Progress report

2010-06-13T10:17:00.002+10:00

Good morning crafters!!

Just thought I would share with you the progress I am making on my blanket. I am really really enjoying this :)

When I started to make this, I was just picking colours at random, with an eye to keeping colours away from each other and mixed up. Once I got to 20 squares, I realised how darned hard this was going to be as it grew larger, so I decided to graph out the colours. I didn't want to do this originally, but found it was necessary and really quite enjoyable too.

Here is the graph I ended up with. The rainbow around the edge is the edge I am going to do after the 54 squares are all done. It will go all the way around the blanket, but my graph paper wasn't large enough to put it on. At least I have an idea of how its going to look.

Here is the colour planner (I tried hard to get coloured pencils that closely matched my yarn colours)

And this is the photocopy of my graph so I can mark off my progress as I go.

And, last but not least, here is my blanket with 25 squares

I don't mind the randomness of the colours, but I do prefer a more "rainbow" effect. My next blanket (after I have made Zac's, Mad's and Emily's) will be a chevron in rainbow hues. Looking forward to that one very much.

Thanks for stopping by :)

Take care and ciao for now,

Cuttlebug Tutorial #7

2010-06-10T08:00:00.018+10:00

Hi again,

Last night, the 7th tute in my series went live at Little Scrapbook Shop, where I show you how to Make Your Own Embossing Templates.
If you missed the post listing the previous tutorials, here is the list again for you:

Week 1: Printing with Embossing Folders
Week 2: Colour It

Week 3: Tricks with Acetate

Week 4: Cordinations Cardstock
Week 5: Creative Collage

Week 6: Fun with Grungeboard

Week 7: Make Your Own Embossing Templates

Be sure to tune in next week at LSBS when I show you some things to do with Metal Shim and Metal tape. That will the the 8th and final tutorial for the series (I thought I had 10, but there are only 8), but don't despair, as we have something special planned once my Cuttlebug tutorials are finished.

Take care and ciao for now,

Knitted & Crocheted Squares

2010-06-09T14:45:00.001+10:00

Hi again,

Remember I said I would show you the squares the ladies have made so far for our charity blanket?

Well, here they are (with the exception of Eleanor's, because she didn't have hers with her). (Click on the photo for a larger view)

With grateful thanks so far for the following people who have made (or are making) squares:

Myself (hehe)

Margo
Karen
Jenni
Rae
Maggie
Eleanor
Michelle & her lovely MIL Carmen (who have taken wool & needles to knit up some squares)

The blanket is going to look really lovely finished - we have people doing crochet, knitting with fluffy yarns and all sorts. I hope I win the blanket {wink}.

So, remember, if you live in the Western Sydney area and would like to knit or crochet a square for our blanket (in pinks or varigated yarns with pink in them), please leave a post on my blog or contact Karen Tyler at the Dean Park Community Development Project by email deanpark@marayonghouse.org.au and you can find patterns to knit the squares at Wrap With Love on THIS page.

Take care and ciao for now,

Charity Knitting

2010-06-07T08:13:00.001+10:00

A couple of days ago I said I was going to tell you about the charity squares I am knitting and encouraging others to knit too. Here's what it's all about.

As you may know, I teach Knitting and Crochet at the Dean Park Community Development Project (DPCDP) in Western Sydney, NSW. The Community Development Officer, Karen Tyler, is a wonderful lady, full of energy, enthusiasm and a seemingly endless supply of caring for our community. Karen has organised several different fundraisers at the centre over the last 10 months or so, since she took on the job there. One of those fundraisers last year was for Breast Cancer Research. This year, it is happening again in October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

So, where does the knitting come in? I suggested to Karen that it might be nice for our knitters and crocheters to make a few squares each (or even just one) so that we can put them all together and make a blanket that we can then raffle off to raise money towards the charity. Karen loved the idea and so it has begun.

I have knitted a few squares (4 or 5 now I think), Jenni has made 2, Margo has made 3, Karen was in the middle of one last week, Eleonor has made a few (but I am not sure how many at this stage) and I believe Auntie Rae has begun to crochet a square (she is the Crochet Queen!). My friend Tracy has also volunteered to knit one or 2 squares and Jenni is kindling interest by taking her knitting to school to do while she is waiting to pick up her boys. One of her school mums has already offered to knit a square. How cool is that?

I don't have any photos yet, as I have left the squares in the care of the DPCDP, but when I am there this week, I will be sure to take a photo of the squares for you to see. I am going to handmake a label for the back of the blanket with a list of all the wonderful people who have contributed to the blanket.

Now, if you live in the Western Sydney area (or even anywhere close {wink}) and would like to knit or crochet up some squares, we would love to hear from you. The squares need to measure 10" x 10" (25cm x 25cm) finished. You can find the instructions to knit the squares on the charity website Wrap with Love and you will find the patterns HERE. They have a couple of different designs to choose from, but you don't necessarily need to use those - you are welcome to do whatever knit or crochet design you like (except a whole square of stocking stitch please, as it tends to roll and is a pain to try and sew up) provided it's finished size is the correct dimensions (or close enough to) as specified above.

If you have any questions or queries, you can pop a comment on my blog, or you can email the DPCDP directly at deanpark@marayonghouse.org.au. We would love to hear from anyone interested.

I will be back later this week with progress photo of the squares we already have.

Take care and ciao for now,

Time to getting knitting now. . .

2010-06-06T10:24:00.000+10:00

Oh, well, it really isn't that tragic, but I have so been enjoying my hooking.

Turns out the scarf I knitted for Zac last year irritates his skin (hello, why didn't he tell me that a year ago???) and now I need to make him a scarf in yarn that doesn't irritate. Due to his AS, Zac has sensory issues (bit like me actually) and there are some things he just cannot cope with. Skin irritants is one of them. So, I have pulled out some red and black fluffy yarn (a bit like "eyelash" or "feathers yarn") and my 15mm needles to whip him up a scarf today. Should only take a couple of hours on needles this large.

Here's a pic for you. I have cast 15 stitches onto my bamboo needles. This size is rather awkward to knit with and I have to hold them like a knife and fork but at least its quick :).

In the meantime, Zed is wearing one of my older scarves thats was given to me by my friend Tracy (it was a re-gifted gift as she didn't need it). Soft and fluffy for him and it has stopped his whining for now hehehe.

See you all again soon,

Take care and ciao for now,

mmm.....yarn!

2010-06-05T13:59:00.000+10:00

So, I am back from shopping. Aah, I do love a good shop! Wanna see what I bought? Makes me very happy in my heart :)

Here is a bundle of 17 colours (yes, I ended up getting the reds and the olive. Sadly, there was no black).

I also got blue and ivory for Zac (as, no black).

I am looking forward to getting started on Zac's cos I don't have to think very hard about the colours :)

Take care and ciao for now,

No-Sew Granny Squares Blanket

2010-06-05T10:19:00.000+10:00

This is my new love and joy!!

Thanks to Lucy at Attic24 blog I have renewed my love of the humble granny square. I just love the way you join them as you go- no more having to sew them all together at the end, a very daunting task.

I have also been inspired by the gorgeous colours that Lucy uses (also my favourites - I love brights). I went and bought ~~a little bit~~ a lot of yarn on Thursday and got hooking. I am loving the way my blanky is coming together so fast, and just love love love the colours.

Here it is, what do you think?Yes, they are my toes peeking in at the bottom there, all toasty and warm in my knitted socks.

I am really enjoying this.

I am using a 100% acrylic yarn that feels beautiful and soft. I can't use wool or wool blends, as they irritate my skin. However, this yarn is gorgeous and on sale at the moment for only $2 per ball, so I am going to go crazy and buy heaps, as I know my 2 girls are going to want their own snuggly blankets too. I am also going to buy lots of this yarn in blue and black to make a nice snuggly blanket for Zac in his fave colour (blue) with black. He feels the cold so much (like his mama) and I have only made him a scarf while, for the girls, I have knitted handbags, scarves and cardigans. Its Zac's turn to be on top of the list {wink}.

The only downside of this yarn is its tendency to split (aarrggh!!) but it is so easy to use, I can forgive that small annoyance. It also tends to have a few 'icky' bits here and there, where it hasn't spun properly, but I am forgiving those too, as they just add to the charm of the whole thing and aren't really that noticable.

Here is my bag of yummy coloured goodness. It makes me happy in my heart to look at these colours. I have 12 colours all together (notable missing colours are red, black and olive green, not my faves blech).

So, thats it for today. I will back back soon with some information about the knitted (or crocheted) charity squares.

Take care and ciao for now,

So, don't have a heart attack . .

2010-06-04T10:19:00.003+10:00

but I am back in blogland!!!

I decided its time my blog had an overhaul (its looking a bit dark and ho-hum) and its time for a facelift.

But first, what have I been up to for the last 6 months?? Geez I have no idea heheheh. Crafting, teaching, being a mum (a mean mum, if you are to believe my 2 mischevious daughters!). I am so loving being crafty and my girls both tell me they love having a mum who knows how to make stuff. How sweet are they??

I have finally finished Maddie's knitted cardigan that I started 18 months ago (sad, isn't it??) but the good news is, it fits her! Yay!! Emily's one has grown more than Emily, so I am hoping that Mad's will fit her for a while yet too, as the yarn seems to get a bit more stretchy as it gets worn. Fingers crossed.

I am in the middle of many projects, knitted, crocheted and paper-craft based, but here is a list of what I am current doing:

1. Knitting myself a big, bulky purple jumper. Have knitted the front and back, and started the sleeves many months ago but developed a repetitive strain injury in my hand and had to stop. All better now, so I should be able to get it finished in time for next winter! haha!

2. Knitted squares. The community centre where I teach at Dean Park in NSW is having a Breast Cancer Awareness Week Fundraiser Day in October. I have started knitting squares to put together a blanket that will be raffled off on the day. I am also encouraging the ladies who attend the knitting & crochet class to knit or crochet squares to add to the blanket. Thanks so far to Margo, Jenni and Eleanor, who have already made some lovely squares for our blanky. I hope I win!!!!!

I will pop back at a later stage with more information about this for anyone who lives in the Western Sydney area who might like to contribute to our community blanket.

3. I discovered the most wonderful blog just this week, called Attic24. Lucy has only been crocheting for 18 months, but when you see her work, OMG! it is just amazing and it looks so good, you'd think she'd been doing it all her life. The colours Lucy uses on her crochet projects is so beautiful, it has totally inspired my to, once again, take up my crochet hook to make granny squares, something I swore I would never do again 18 years ago, when I gave it up in frustration! Now that I am teaching knitting and crochet, I have learned many things and picked up so much, that nothing seems too daunting (except for a hideous crochet doily stitch that Joan wanted me to try and work out - that has left me stumped {{rolls eyes}}).

More to come about this blanky later too. If you are a crocheter, be sure to go and check out Lucy's block at Attic24

4. I am still crocheting big sqaure (sort of grannies but not really) inspired by the blankets made by my friend Virginia's sister. Actually its a blatant copy - I made a pattern by looking at the squares she made and went with that :) This is a long long term project (cos I just don't have enough hours in the day) but I love it and totally enjoy getting lost in the stitching and then looking at the lovely piles of squares. :) Not looking forward to stitching them together however.

5. I am still very much on the design team at Little Scrapbook Shop and am always busy with things over there. I am currently in the midst of a weekly Cuttlebug tutorial series (there will be 10 all together), of which 6 are already up.

Week 1: Printing with Embossing Folders
Week 2: Colour It

Week 3: Tricks with Acetate

Week 4: Cordinations Cardstock
Week 5: Creative Collage

Week 6: Fun with Grungeboard

6. I am also teaching my 2 girls to knit. It's rather painful as they don't pay attention to business, so that, while I may have started them off with 15 stitches, one ended up with 25 and the other with 32!! I guess they won't be making any jumpers any time soon.

OK, so thats all for now. I am going to now go looking for a nice way to change the look of my blog - needs to be brighter and more cheery, and then I will be back with more info about numbers 2 and 3 above.

Have a great day!!

White Christmas Cybercrop @ Little Scrapbook Shop 11th Dec 2009

2009-12-02T16:45:00.003+11:00

Wow, another month has gone past and December is already here.

Why not come and join us on 11th December for a White Christmas cybercrop, with Bingo, challenges, prizes and lots of laughs.

Click on the poster to go to the thread in the forums.

Supporting Sandie's Handmade Daisies wholesale business

2009-11-14T10:22:00.001+11:00

I recently became aware of a copycat stealing Sandie's idea to make and sell handmade paper daisies. This person was a follower of Sandie's blog, and blatantly stole Sandie's idea and started her own business creating the same style of flowers, with very similar packaging and identical prices. Funnily enough, after we all started inundating her blog and facebook page with comments (which she refuses to publish) she is no longer a follower of Sandie's blog. Good riddance.

Some people obviously have no respect for other people's ideas. Certainly, it isn't a crime to immitate something that someone else has made - I have a daisy wheel and paper string myself - but it is certainly unethical to use that idea and encroach on someone else's territory. Just because you CAN do something, doesn't mean that you SHOULD!

So, I am putting a link on my blog to Sandie's wholesale daisies blog. Support the original and the best - Handmade Daisies by Sandie.

Its CyberCrop time again at Little Scrapbook Shop!

2009-11-13T17:16:00.005+11:00

Yep its that time again, so come and join us for a

Crafty Christmas CyberCrop!

Come and visit us in the forums to find out all about it

See you there!!

Winners Announced for WCMD Weekend at LSBS

2009-10-20T21:01:00.007+11:00

Well, everyone had a top time making cards during the World Cardmaking weekend over at Little Scrapbook Shop. So many fantastic cards to see in the Gallery.

All of the cards for each challenge were simply fantastic. Here are the links to each challenge in the gallery if you want to go and have a look for yourself, as well as a link to the winner of each category, plus some additional winners.

Challenge 1 - Make a set of cards
and the winner of this one was Virginia with a set of fab male cards.
Challenge 2 - Sketch Challenge
and the winner of this one was Marg with a beautiful friendship card.
Challenge 3 - Set of Christmas Cards
and the winning set was created by beaverjane (Melinda) with this wonderful Christmas Set.

There were also some special mentions:
Prettiest cards - by Shelee with THESE gorgeous creations.
Cutest cards - by Cats (Clare) with THESE wonderfully stamped cards.
Most eyecatching - gorgeous set of Lime & Black cards by DebiJ.
Coolest cards - THESE cards by Neat28(Anita).
Most different - THESE terrific cards by Pepper (Rachel)

The winners of the competitions were:
Competition 1 - Kingtan (Tania)
Competition 2 - alittlescrappy

Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who joined in. What a fantastic range of cards you now all have to add to your stash for the next occasion!

Crafty Christmas CyberCrop Nov 13th 2009

2009-10-19T15:40:00.007+11:00

Are you stressing about Christmas? Want to make something special for someone but you're fresh out of ideas?

Never fear Little Scrappers! We have not 1, not 2, but 8 challenges for you in November and they all revolve around having a Crafty Christmas.

Whether it's a card, a gift for a loved one or for your child's favourite teacher, we'll have something perfect for you.

So, mark your calendars and get ready for a very Crafty Christmas!

World Cardmaking Weekend at LSBS

2009-10-17T10:45:00.005+11:00

Just when I was starting to get my blogging going again, we were speed limited (thank you DH & DS!!). I am back now, and what a way to kick it off . .

The wonderful Helen has set some terrific challenges over at Little Scrapbook Shop for you to get your cardmaking kick-started this weekend.

If you would like to come and join in the fun click HERE to go to the forums to register, join in the challenges and play some games.

To save you some time, here are links to the individual threads in the forums:

Register HERE
Challenge 1 HERE
Challenge 2 HERE
Challenge 3 HERE
Game #1 HERE
Game #2 HERE

To see the terrific creations made this weekend, head on over to the GALLERY and check them out.

Hope to see you there,

October Cybercrop at LSBS

2009-10-11T13:25:00.000+11:00

Are you looking for some inspiration this weekend???
Would you like to win some prizes???
Then pop on over to LSBS and join in the fun of the CyberCrop.

Junior Challenge (for the kids)

Kids Challenge was set by Helen, and what a great challenge it is.
Get your kids to make something fun and pretty for the fridge.
Click--> HERE for all the details of the Kids Challenge.

Challenge #1 Layout Sketch Challenge

This challenge was set by Tracy.
Click--> HERE to find the details of the Layout Sketch Challenge.

Challenge #1b Card Sketch Challenge

This challenge was set by me (Deanne).
So many interpretation of this sketch are already in the gallery.
Click--> HERE to find the details of the Card Sketch Challenge.

Challenge #2

This challenge was set by Belle.
With Belle's challenges, you have to read the story behind her photos,
the story is just a awesome as her layouts.
Click--> HERE to find the details of this Challenge.

Challenge #3 Inspiration Challenge

The inspiration challenge was set by Tara...
The photo that Tara has used for the inspiration is just amazing!!!
Click--> HERE to find the details of the Inspiration Challenge.

Challenge #4 Step x Step Challenge

This challenge was set by Nicrus.
This is a great challenge to get the kids to help you with
Click--> HERE to find the details of the Step x Step Challenge.

Challenge #5 Guest Designer Challenge

Our Guest Designer Challenge this month was set by Tarrah.
(Channelikins in the forum)
Click--> HERE to find the details of the Guest Designer Challenge.

So pop on over and have a look, maybe it will inspire you to come join us.

You still have plenty of time to join in, as the deadline for uploading into the gallery is 12 Midnight ESDT on Monday the 12th of October.

Hope to see you there.

TIMELINE

2009-10-10T11:36:00.002+11:00

Hi all,

Recently my husband Michael, daughter Madeleine and Mick's friend Glenn recorded an album under the band name Timeline.

Maddie sings, Michael plays guitar and Glenn plays bass (the percussion is synthesised).

Here is the link to their MySpace site where you can hear 4 of the songs.

Click there =>> Timeline

We are all blown away by the fantastic sound of Maddie's voice.

The songs were written by Michael. The vocals all arranged by Madeleine. Amazing, considering she is only 9!!

So, come and have a listen!!

Its been a long time between drinks . . . .

2009-10-09T13:11:00.011+11:00

Wow, its been a while since I have been on here {blushing}.

I have been very busy and also very lazy!! I am teaching several days a week in the community now, so that keeps me on my toes. I teach knitting and crochet on Wednesdays and cardmaking on Mondays and twice on Thursdays. Next year I have the opportunity to teach a couple more days a week too, and hopefully that will pan out!

Since I am here, I thought I would share with you some things I have been creating and teaching. I have been away from my blog since March, so there is a lot to put up here! I will put it up over several days.

Also, its CC weekend at Little Scrapbook Shop this weekend, so I will pop my challenge up after it has gone 'live' (but that is another post :) ).

I also have some news on the Stampin' Up! front, but that is also a rant for another time.

Enjoy the photos to follow. Drop me a line and say hi - I'd love to hear from you.

This is a card created using bleach. (sorry, the pic is quite blurry - will fix asap)

Products used: Stampin' Up! stamps, RST verse stamp, Cuttlebug, distressing tool

The following cards were created for Little Scrapbook Shop.
Click on the photo to go to the forum for a closer look and product details.

This layout was created using an Artist Trading Card as the inspiration.
The gorgeous young man in the photo is Angus, the son of a good friend of mine, Jenni.
For a closer look and to see the rest of the collection I made using the set of ATCs,
click on the photo and it will take you to the LSBS forums where you will find
all the information about products etc.

This gorgeous calendar is a little something I created while away at Little Scrapbook Shop Retreat in August 2009. I love dragons and loved these chipboard dragons I found in the shop!
For more information about the products used, click on the photos and it will take you to the forums.

oops, I did it again!

2009-03-29T09:57:00.004+11:00

Once again I have neglected my blog. It has been a difficult couple of weeks here, starting with a shooting in the street, then I broke my big toe and then a close family friend passed away - all within the space of 36 hours!!

So, hopefully, starting today, I will feel more inclined to get onto updating.

I have some photos of some wonderful creations by my Uniting in Work ladies that I really want to share with you.

I have been inspired by Libby to come and get back into blogging. Libby's blog is always busy and updated with her wonderful creations. I have just printed off Libby's sketch challenge (click HERE to go and have a look) which is partly to help her celebrate 2 years of blogging! Libby also has heaps of links down the side of her page to all sorts of challenges and inspirational blogs. Why not pop over to her blog and take a look?

Anyway, I promise I will be more regular with the updates from now on!!

Come and play 52 Pick Up with us

2009-03-11T13:04:00.003+11:00

We currently have a 52 week challenge happening over at Little Scrapbook Shop called 52 Pick Up.

We don't want to tie you down with a lot of rules and regulations. We want you to create!

Here's the guidelines:

1. Challenges will be uploaded by the Design Team on Sunday evenings.
2. While challenges are to be uploaded weekly, you have 52 weeks to complete them all.
3. There will to be a variety of challenges. Inspiration, technique, and product based.
4. Layouts can be 8x8, 8x11.5, 6x12 and 12x12. They can be landscape or portrait.
5. There will also be card & OTP challenges.

And of course you want prizes right?!

The 52 Pick Up challenge is not a competition. It is not about being the 'best' scrapbooker or card maker. It is about completing 52 projects for the year. It is about encouraging you to do what you love to the best of your own ability.

We will be having 52 Pick Up Support Sessions on the last Sunday of every month.

At these sessions, one participant who has completed all set challenges preceeding the last Sunday of the month will be drawn out of a hat to receive a prize. You must have completed all the challenges in that period to be eligible.

At the end of the 52 Pick Up challenge, participants who have completed all challenges will be placed into a hat and one overall winner will be drawn out.

Along the way there will also be prizes for things like craftmanship, photography, encouragement, creativity and outstanding work.

We have a mega prize pool, and it's all going to you!

To find out more about it in detail, click HERE
To see the challenges that have been put up already and to watch for new challenges, click HERE
To pop in and join in with the Support Sessions or to read what was discussed at a previous session, click HERE
And to see who the random winners were for each session, click HERE

You can also pop over to see all the fantastic creations in the LSBS Gallery. Our participants have been creating up a storm and there are many totally fantastic layouts, OTP's and cards in the gallery.

Dr Seuss on the Loose!!!

2009-03-11T12:50:00.005+11:00

I say, can you say . . . .
Dr Seuss is on the loose at Little Scrapbook Shop this coming weekend.

Be sure to come and join in the fun with us all weekend. Click on the image above and it will take you straight to the forum for the Cybercrop.

Hope to see you there!!

I AM BACK!!!!

2009-03-11T12:42:00.004+11:00

Hello everyone!!

I cannot believe I have neglected my blog for so long! I just could bring myself to be on here all the time - I seemed to spend all my time on the computer and no time creating!!

So I just disappeared for a while but now I am back!! WAHOO!

To get the ball rolling, I am going to put up a few posts to show you some things I have created over the last little while, I will share a glimpse into my craft room and you will find out all about the CyberCrop coming up this weekend at Little Scrapbook Shop.

At the moment I have one child home with the chicken pox (I sent one back to school today - she was off for just over a week and was very happy to get back to school today ;) ). Now I just have Zac home, but back to school on Monday for him.

So, bye for now, stay happy and healthy!!

Kreativ Award

2008-11-30T07:30:00.003+11:00

Earlier this month I received this blog award from the lovely Sandie.
As I have been a bit busy and distracted, I haven't had a chance to pop it in here or nominate some other blogs for the award. So, today is catch up day.

The rules for receiving the award are simple:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

So, now I just have to nominate 5 blogs to whom I would like give an award. So, here they are (in no particular order):

1. Libby (Libby always has terrific creations and projects on her blog.)
2. xoxAlyssaxox (Alyssa has a fresh fun blog with lots of fun digital creations)
3. Tania (Tania always has fun layouts to see)
4. Indigo Inklings (this blog has some fantastic Cuttlebug ideas and is always inspriational!)
5. Lauren (I really enjoy Lauren's blog)

Be sure to pop over to these great blogs and don't forget to leave a comment.

Have a terrific day!!

Deanne
xx

Frogger's gotta go!!!

2008-11-29T14:56:00.002+11:00

While I loved having it here to play with, I am afraid it has pushed everything else too far down, since it has to be right at the top of my blog to work. So, I hope you enjoyed it. Keep a look out, next week I will pop another fun game on here for you to waste some more time on hehehehe.

Take care til next visit!!

Deanne
xx

I am Number 7

2008-11-29T14:49:00.003+11:00

which is good, cos 7 is my lucky number!

I just saw this on Stenja's blog and had a go. What number are you?

You Are 7: The Enthusiast

You are outgoing and playful - always seeing the happy side to life.

You're enthusiastic and excitable.
You love anything new.

Multi-talented, you do many things well... and find success easy.

You prefer to keep things light with others. Opening up is hard for you.

At Your Best: You are deeply involved in each experience. You appreciate life for what it is, and you take the time to enjoy each moment.

At Your Worst: You are greedy, self centered, impulsive, and insatiable.

Your Fixation: Gluttony

Your Primary Fear: Deprivation and pain

Your Primary Desire: To be satisfied and content

Other Number 7's: Howard Stern, Cameron Diaz, Robin Williams, Jim Carey, and Jenny Mccarthy.

What Number Are You?

A Magical Christmas Cybercrop at Little Scrapbook Shop

2008-11-29T10:03:00.003+11:00

Hello all,

The love Mrs Carol Christmas likes to visit our forums around Christmas time and this year is no exception. Carol has kindly posted the info about our December CC and I have popped it here for you to read.
"Hello My Little Petals,

December is almost upon us, and it's time to start filling you in on all the glorious details of our Cybercrop.

We want to know, what do you believe?

Do you believe....

~ in Santa
~ in the birth of Jesus
~ in love & family
~ Christmas is the best day of the year
~ that giving is better than receiving
~ in a huge lunch and an afternoon nap
~ in the spirit of Christmas
~ in tradition
~ Christmas is a time to say & give thanks
~ in the magic of Christmas
~ Christmas lights are beautiful

The questions are endless, and the beautiful girls on the Design Team are preparing magical challenges for you all.

We will be having a few special challenges and surprises as well this month, so make sure you stay tuned. The first of these will be announced by Monday!

Here's our flyer that Kerryn (aka Not Nigella) has prepared for us. You may use this on your blog or wherever else you are allowed to post cybercrop information.

Save the 12th of December, and the entire weekend, for some scrapping and chatting my little petals. It's going to be a cybercrop filled with the magic of Christmas."

What does my home say about me?

2008-11-28T18:31:00.006+11:00

I saw this on xoxAlyssaxox's blog, and on Bon's blog and thought I would have a go. Pretty cool.
What does your house say about YOU? I'd love to know. Click on the link for find out, pop it on your blog and come back here to leave a comment and link so I can have a read.

You come across as very intellectual.
People take your wisdom seriously.

Your hygiene is passable, but you may be
hiding some dirty secrets.

You are a very domestic person. You enjoy decorating, cooking, and making things homey.

You are a very nurturing person.
You find meaning in taking care of others.

You feel settled in your life.
You have enough time to focus on little details.

You are a very self sufficient person.
You can get along well without much help.

Your friends see you as honest,
humble, and responsible.

What Does Your Home Say About You?

Bras, Bras, Bras and more Bras

2008-11-27T18:41:00.003+11:00

Hi out there in blog land.

One of the lovely ladies who belongs to the LSBS forums, Honeywine (aka Carol) has just become the A.C.T. Rep for an organisation called Uplift which sends bras to the Pacific countries where ladies cannot afford to buy bras. She popped this post in the forum this week, and wants your old bras.

Carol wrote:
"These women need your preloved bras and all sized bras are very welcome and much appreciated..... ones that are for well endowed ladies and nursing bras are great too.....

Here is the link to see that I haven't gone completely strange http://www.upliftbras.org/ Have a look at the faces of those ladies who otherwise would not ever be able to afford a bra.

Could I ask you please to hold on to your bras that you may have been going to throw out and send them to me after Christmas......

When the silly season is over I will ask you to post them to me so I can sort them with the other 'few hundred' I have and deliver them to Melbourne

Thanks I really appreciate it!!!!"

Carol has also advised that bras of ANY SIZE and in ANY CONDITION will be gratefully accepted - any bras in less than good condition will be cut up and used on other bras for repairs (like hooks and eyes, elastic etc).

If you would like to donate your pre-loved bra (or even new ones if you are so inclined), please pop over to the forum by clicking HERE and find out how to contact Carol with your donation. Alternately, visit the Uplift Website and you can look for a representative in your state.

Have a great day!

Deanne
xx

Cards to Share

2008-11-27T11:17:00.007+11:00

I have been playing with some of my new stamps (and new 2nd hand stamps) and these are the cards I created.
As always, you can click on the images for an enlarged view.

Urban Prairie Card

Products used:
(please note that all links will take you to Little Scrapbook Shop)
~ Basic Grey Clear Stamps Urban Prairie, Wild FLowers
~ Acrylic Block
~ Stazon Inkpad Jet Black
~ Basic Grey 6x6 pad Urban Prairie
(the papers in these books are the ideal size for
cardmaking and for matting photos on layouts!)
~ Bazzill basics cardstock (beige)
~ KaiserCraft Round Gems
~ Adhesives - mounting foam, double sided tape
Other - rub-ons from stash, ribbon, square card, water-based markers

Techniques

The coloured image was created by colouring in the stamp with water-based markers, then "huffing" on the stamp to moisten the ink again. It was then stamped straight onto the back of the Bazzill card (flat surface).

All edges are distressed with the inkpad to 'dirty' them up a bit.

Just Because Card

Products used:
~ Butterfly Stamp (Anita's stamps)
~ Basic Grey 6x6 pad Urban Prairie
(the papers in these books are the ideal size for
cardmaking and for matting photos on layouts!)
~ KaiserCraft Round Gems
~ Adhesives - Pritt Power Gel, double sided tape,
Glossy Accents (dimensional medium)
Other - rub-on's from stash

Techniques

The butterfly image was stamped onto the pink paper, then I cut away all the background with a scalpel. I then stamped the image onto various pages from the 6x6 book, then cut out and paper pieced the images onto the pink square. I adhered the round gems to the centres of the flowers, then added a layer of Glossy Accents to the flower petals and the butterfly bodies and parts of their wings.

Thanks for visiting my blog today.
Have a great day,

Deanne
xx

Happy Thoughts Canvas

2008-11-26T12:29:00.006+11:00

Hi all,

I was playing around with some new stamps yesterday and wanted to created a shaker card using the owl stamp. I made the little shaker window, then mounted that onto the green PP, then onto the blue bazzill.I liked it so much that I wanted to turn it into a canvas. For some reason, this owl makes me feel very happy in my heart, so I wanted my canvas to be something that would make me happy, or remind me to be happy and also to be something inspirational.

I can write on the acetate (over the yellow pp) again and again, as I have used an erasable whiteboard marker.

As always, you can click on the images for a larger view.

Products used:
(All links go to Little Scrapbook Shop)
~ White 30cm canvas
~ Clear stamps. (I used a set by Chatterbox, but there are heaps of fantastic stamps in the shop to choose from. Click HERE to go and browse at all the great stamps Cath has (see, I have left you some!!) hehehe
~ Acrylic block
Stazon inkpad Jet Black
~ various rubons from stash including: Making Memories, Kaisercraft, Autumn Leaves Rhonna Farrer (not the same set, but these are just fantastic!
~ Patterned papers from paper stacks by K&Co and Basic Grey
~ Acetate
~ Large Brads
~ KI by Bazzil (Orange Peel) - Boogieboard
~ Microbeads
~ Adhesives - Pritt Power Gel, mounting foam, doublesided tape

Here are some close up shots of the canvas

Frogger!

2008-11-25T11:13:00.002+11:00

Hi everyone!

Does anyone remember the old arcade game called "Frogger" ? It was one of my favourite games. Loved the sounds and the whole game play.

Well, today I found a cool widget so YOU can play it too now!! It is on the right hand side of my blog ---->>
Just use your mouse to click on "new game" and used your arrow keys to navigate the frog across the road and across the river into the little slots. Try and pick up the lady frog on your way and you get bonus points.

Hours of pointless fun for all!! hehehehe!!

Deanne
xx

November/December Challenges at LSBS

2008-11-24T18:44:00.003+11:00

Hi all,

Need some inspiration? Want the chance to win a cool prize (a shopping voucher to spend in the shop)? Well, head on over to Little Scrapbook Shop and take part in our Monthly inspiration challenges.

The November/December Inspiration Challenge is pretty cool. Here is the image Cath has chosen to inspire you. Pretty nice huh?

Click HERE to go to the LSBS Forum thread for the rules etc.

The November/December Sketch Challenge is pretty cool too! He is the sketch Cath has created for you.

Click HERE to go the the LSBS Forum thread for the rules etc.

The wonderful Helen Jolly has put a challenge out for November for the Design Team Monthly Challenge. Sorry, this should have put popped on my blog earlier, but you have another week to complete the challenge.

Isn't that just gorgeous!!!! Here are the details of Helen's challenge (you can also check it out over at the forums by clicking HERE)

Helen wrote:
"When i saw this i just loved it, Dragonflies for starters i just love, the colours are my favs, and then i started to think in the last year or so i have finally gotton a bit more girlie........with all the testosterone in this house its no wonder ........ive never really been into bling and stuff but just recently this has started to change so i saw how beautiful the bling and gold looked in this

What do you see in this ???
You may see something totally different to what i have but i want you to create either a card or two or a LO or anything that you get from this little beauty

I will show you what i came up with very soon"

So, head on over to Little Scrapbook Shop Forums for some inspiration, or just to join in the chat with us.

Hope to see you there. If you are new to the forums, pop into the Welcome Thread HERE and say hello!

Have a great day!

Deanne
xx

Birthday Cards

2008-11-23T13:00:00.000+11:00

Hey there,
It was my 40th Birthday a couple of weeks ago, and I was the lucky recipient of some beautiful handmade cards. Thanks to all my wonderful friends and my parents!!!!!!! You ROCK!!!

From Kaz

From Mum & Dad
From Jane
From Sonja
From Missty
From Kim
From Jenni
From Leanne
From Jo

Zac goes to the Year 10 Formal

2008-11-23T09:00:00.000+11:00

My lovely boy Zac went to the Year 10 formal last week. He looked so nice and he had a fantastic time!!

Here are a couple of photos of him before he went.
Looks nice, doesn't he?

Have a great day!
Deanne
xx

Utensils Tin (altered Milo Tin)

2008-11-22T16:59:00.004+11:00

I have a hideous utensils draw, so messy and impossible to find anything, so I decided to make myself a utensil holder to keep near my stove.

I had this enormous milo tin (something like a 1kg tin I think) and thought it would be ideal, as my utensils have long handles.

I just got the photo of it today, as my camera has been MIA for about a week, and I just found it last night (yay!!). Unfortunately, I splashed tomato sauce onto my tin last night, so the thickers are a little dirty looking in the photo. Oh well, it is meant to be used, and is near my stove, so it was inevitable lol.

Hope you like it.

Products used:
(all links go to LSBS shop)
~ Paper flowers by - KaiserCraft, Prima, Rebecca Erickson, FTI and my stash (and Jenni's stash - thanks Jenni!!!)
~ KaiserCraft Round Gems
~ Bright patterned papers from my stash
(I am sure I got these from Cath, but I am afraid I can't remember what brand they were. However, Sandylion/Kelly Panacci have a great range of bright pp's)
~ Striped Grossgrain ribbon from my stash
~ American Crafts Thickers Foam stickers "Eggnog" white
~ Adhesives - double sided tape, Pritt Power Gel

Got Straws? Altered tin

2008-11-22T16:55:00.002+11:00

I needed to put our straws into something a bit nicer than a plastic bag, so I popped them into an old coffee tin. As most of you know, I can't have "naked" OTP items being used, so, of course, I had to cover it.

This is the result.
I was very happy with the finished product and love that the stripey straws I use match my tin.

Products used:
(all links go to LSBS shop)
~ Reminisce 12x12 shimmer paper from my stash
~ KaiserCraft Fozz Felt (cut up to use shapes individually)
~ KaiserCraft Round Gems
~ American Crafts Thickers Foam Stickers "Eggnog" white
~ KI Memories Red Carpet Mini Sashes
~ Adhesives - Double sided tape, Pritt Power Gel
Other - Jac paper (double sided adhesive sheets)

BLING BLING Calculator

2008-11-22T15:33:00.002+11:00

Surprise surprise, something made almost entirely from bling!!!!! hehehe.

Thanks to Jenni, who told me about seeing a bling calculator in the first place. I spent 3 hours one night blinging this darned thing lol, and went through ALL of my Kaiser silver gems, and quite a few of the kaiser flower gems.

Some of the pink bling is from a KaiserCraft Rhinestone Word. I love these because I can cut them up and use the different sized blings however I like. I am yet to use a word I have bought as a whole word
The tiny pink bling is from. . . er, I can't remember actually, but it may have been mobile phone bling that I have had in my stash.

Enjoy!!! Products used:
(links will take you to LSBS shop)
~ KaiserCraft Round Gems
~ KaiserCraft Flower Gems
~ KaiserCraft Rhinestone Words

Friendship Cards for LSBS DT

2008-11-22T14:48:00.003+11:00

Hi there,
More creations - this time some friendship cards I made using some fabbo KaiserCraft stamps. Just LOVE LOVE LOVE the Kaiser clear stamp range!!!

Products used for all cards:
(additional products used are listed under the individual cards)
~ KaiserCraft Clear Stamps "Friends" + acylic block
~ Stazon Inkad - Jet Black
~ KaiserCraft Round Gems
~ Ribbons (some from stash, some available at LSBS)
~ Basic Grey patterned papers
~ Cardstock in various colours
~ Adhesives - mounting foam and doublesided tape

Additional products used:
~ Bella chipboard shape (thanks Jo)
~ Black Gel pen for doodling
~ Stampin' Up! Scallop border punch
(available from 1st December!)
Additional products used:
~ Black Gel pen for doodling
~ Stampin' Up! Scallop border punch
(available from 1st December!)
Additional products used:
~ Plain white cardstock
~ Pink inkpad (for the edges of the white circle and around the edge of the white card)

Bye for now,
Deanne
xx

More creations for you

2008-11-22T14:12:00.005+11:00

Hi all,
This is the first of a few posts today - I am just popping up some things I have recently created.

First up is my Gingerbread man Countdown Calendar. I was inspired by Kerryn's Countdown Gingerbread men calendars, so had to make one of my own.

Products used:
(all links will take you to the Little Scrapbook Shop shop)
~ KaiserCraft OTP Wooden Gingerbread man album (thanks Jenni)
~ KaiserCraft Paint (green - thanks Jenni)
~ KaiserCraft 12x12 Christmas paper (mine was from last year's range, but there are some lovely papers in this year's range)
~ Silver rings (KaiserCraft have silver and lots of other colours too)
~ Ribbon from stash
~ Various Rub-ons from stash
~ KI Memories Little Softies
~ Large brads (with the prongs removed with shank pliers)
~ Adhesives - Pritt Power Gel and Pritt power glue stick
~ Rik rak from Jenni's stash (check out the rik rak in the shop here)
~ Crop-a-dile and large eyelets (from stash)
~ white cardstock and cold laminate (clear self-adhesive vinyl)
~ The little xmas tree and lollie etc are from a $2 pack of wine glass charms from a bargain shop.

Some techniques used:

Used Pritt glue stick to adhere paper to the gingies after I coated them with green paint.
The eyes are made from large brads which had the prongs removed with a button shank removing tool. They are stuck on with the Pritt Power Gel (I LOVE this stuff!!!!!)

Have a great day!
Deanne
xx

More Christmas Cards

2008-11-18T21:30:00.004+11:00

Ok, last post for today. Here is another set of Christmas cards using my November DT pack.
Enjoy!!

Deanne
xx

Products used for all cards:
Products used for all cards:
(Additional products used are listed under the individual cards)
~ Bazzill Cardstock
~ American Crafts MiniMarks Rub-ons Christmas Book One

Circle Tree
Additional Products used:
~ Basic Grey PP Wassail "Laurel Leaves"
~ KaiserCraft Pearls
Other - circle punch, olive green inkpad

Techniques:
~ used the circle punch to cut out the laurel leaves and inked the edges
~ The trunk of the tree is a bell rub-on

Christmas PresentsAdditional Products used:
~ Basic Grey clear Stamps Tannenbaum + acrylic block
~ KaiserCraft Pearls
~ Basic Grey PP Wassail "Merry Happy"
~ KindyGlitz Crystallina
~ Mounting foam

Techniques:
~ Stamped 3 trees on the card in olive green, then masked them off and stamped off the trees to create lighter images (to create distance). Lisa has a tops tutorial on masking HERE.
~ Cut out individual gifts from the pp and adhered them both flat and with mounting foam then decorated the ribbons with KindyGlitz.

Partridge in a pear treeAdditional Products used:
~ Basic Grey PP Wassail "Sleigh Ride" & "Laurel Leaves" (the reverse side)
~ Basic Grey clear Stamps Tannenbaum + acrylic block
~ Grossgrain ribbon - Cream
~ Other - olive green inkpad, Fiskars shape cutter - circles

Techniques:
~ Cut a piece of the "Laurel Leaves" pp and stamped randomly with the snowflake stamp.
~ Using my circle cutter, cut the circle from the "Sleigh Ride" pp, then larger concentric circles from the green and cream Bazzill. Inked the edges with the olive inkpad.

Christmas Cards

2008-11-18T21:19:00.009+11:00

Its that time of the year - Christmas madness is nearly upon us. I have been making lots of Christmas cards using my LSBS DT pack. Loved all the products in here (as always!!!).

As always, you can click on the images for a larger view. All links will take you to the LSBS shop.

Deanne
xx

Merry Medallion

Products used:
~ KaiserCraft Clear Stamps "Flowers" & Christmas (sold out - sorry I bought the last one) but there is different set HERE + acrylic block
~ Versamark inkpad
~ Silver embossing power
~ Blue cardstock
~ Adhesives - mounting foam, double sided tape, Pritt Power Gel
~ other - silver border stickers

Techniques:
~ Stamped the flower image 3 times onto dark blue card with the versamark and heat embossed with the silver embossing powder. (Helen has a great tutorial HERE for heat embossing). Cut out 2 whole images and one of just the central flower of the image, them layered them, medallion style, with mounting foam.
~ Stamped and embossed with silver the Merry and Christmas onto dark blue card and cut out close to the image.
~ Used the border stickers to frame the card.

Christmas Cards

Products used for all cards:
(Additional products are listed under the individual cards)

~ Bazzill Cardstock (red, green, cream)
~ Fancy Pants Ribbon, The Daily Grind, Ball Trim
~ American Crafts MiniMarks Rub-Ons - Christmas Book One
~ Adhesives: mounting foam, double sided tape

Christmas BaublesAdditional Products used:
~ Grossgrain Ribbon - Red
~ KaiserCraft round gems
~ Basic Grey PP - Wassail "Sleigh Ride" (the reverse side)
~ Other - Thin gold wire from stash

Techniques:
Baubles rubbed onto red cardstock and cut out. Stuck on kaiser gems to embellish, mounted with the foam tape. The ric rac is also a rub-on. The wire curls were made with 26 gage craft wire.

Red & Green ChristmasAdditional Products used:
~ Basic Grey Clear stamps - Tannenbaum + acrylic block
~ Grossgrain Ribbon - Red
~ KaiserCraft Pearls - Red
Other - Red star from stash, Olive green inkpad

O, Christmas TreeAdditional Products used:
~ Basic Grey Clear stamps - Tannenbaum + acrylic block
~ KaiserCraft Pearls
Other - Red star from stash, Olive green inkpad

Creating update

2008-11-18T21:04:00.006+11:00

Hi all,
Have been MIA due to issues at home. All seems to be settling down now so I am in the mood to update.

I have been busy creating for LSBS with the latest 2 kits I have received. Just love all the products and haven't really had to add too much. All links will take you to Little Scrapbook Shop store.

As always, you can click on the images for a larger view.

Enjoy.

Deanne
xx

Teddy Broach Birthday Card

broach detail (can you see the pin?)
This little card would be ideal for an older little girl (or boy) who could take the broach off the card and wear all day on their birthday!

There is a little story behind the bear. . .

While I was away at my girls' weekend away in November, we were having a pajama party on the Saturday night. We were supposed to bring our teddy bear with us, but I forgot mine so I had to make one. So, I stamped up the teddy and turned him into a 3D broach that I wore on my jammies!!

The next day, we were having a pink card competition, and I thought that my teddy would make a lovely embellisment/gift on a card, and that's how this card came to be!!

Products used:
~ KaiserCraft Clear stamps - Birthday + acrylic block
~ Stazon inkpad - jet black
~ White gel pen
~ Adhesives - Mounting foam & Dimensional medium (to stick the pin to the back of the bear)
Other - Lucy's Bear stamp, silver border stickers, patterned papers

Techniques: Paper tole to create the teddy (stamped several bear images then cut out sections to create a 3D image, adhered with mounting foam); the words were highlighted with the white gel pen

Birthday CardsProducts used for all cards:
(additional products used are under the individual photos)
~ KaiserCraft card pack - red
~ KaiserCraft Clear Stamps "Birthday" + acrylic block
~ Stazon inkpad - jet black
~ American Crafts Celebration papers

Cupcake BirthdayAdditional Products:
~ American Crafts Celebration papers
"Disco Ball", "DJ" and "Truth or Dare (both sides)
~ American crafts MiniMarks rub-ons "Celebration Book 2 colour"
~ KindyGlitz - Crystallina
~ Adhesives - Pritt Power Gel, double sided tape
Other - clear plastic

Techniques:
Cupcake stamped onto the clear plastic, stamped onto various patterned papers, cut-out and paper pieced onto the clear plastic.
Birthday circle stamped onto the pp then cut out and stuck onto the plastic. Happy birthday rub-on is also on the clear plastic.

Hip Hip HoorayAdditional Products:
~ American Crafts Celebration papers "Pinata" and "Cocktail" (I used both sides)
~ KaiserCraft round gems
~ American crafts MiniMarks rub-ons "Celebration Book 2 colour"
~ Black gel pen

Techniques:
Cut strips of PP and inked the edges with the black inkpad.
Stamped the circle stamp onto PP, cut out, distressed the edge with my fingernail then with the black inkpad.
Hip hooray was stamped onto 2 different colours, cut out and then the centre mounted with foam tape.
The stars on the card are rub-ons, which I have then traced around with the black gel pen to make them stand out more.
The edge of the red card is distressed with the black inkpad.

Birthday PresentsAdditional Products:
~ American Crafts Celebration papers "Musical Chairs"
~ KaiserCraft round gems
~ Black gel pen
~ Adhesives - doublesided tape, mounting foam
Other - white cardstock, watercolour pencils

Techniques:
Presents were stamped onto white cardstock then coloured and cut out. Mounted with foam tape and decorated with bling and kindyglitz.
Doodling (the border) and around the presents to make them stand out.
Distressing - the edges of the red card were distressed with the black inkpad.

A different kind of creation

2008-11-05T07:21:00.007+11:00

Howdy bloggers!

I love to cook and my kids love to eat what I cook (lucky, aren't I?) so it is a happy combination for me when I make something they will all love and I know it won't go to waste.

So, on Sunday I decided to cook a yummy egg & bacon pie, a recipe that I got from my mum (Charlene), which is so easy, and which we all loved as kids too.

Here it is (you can see where I started to cut it up, then decided I wanted a photo of it, I was so impressed lol!).

What do you think of the leaves? Due to the size of this monster, I had to join 2 sheets of pastry together, so the leaves were a way to hide the join (and stop the eggs from oozing out lol). They didn't rise up the way I had hoped, but they still look ok.

And, it was so popular that, as of yesterday, there is none left!! Oh, and the monster this size took 12 eggs to make! Yes, that's right, 12!!!

For anyone interested in making this, here is the recipe.

Charlene's Egg & Bacon Pie
Ingredients
(for an 8 inch square pie dish. If your dish is larger, increase the amount of bacon and eggs)
1 x sheet ready rolled Short Crust Pasty
1 x sheet ready rolled Puff Pastry
9 x eggs
300gms bacon (approx), the rind and some fat removed. Cut the bacon into large pieces.
milk to brush over top

Method
1. Heat oven to 180 degrees celcius. Line the pie dish with baking paper.
2. Place the Short Crust pastry into the dish, mitreing the corners and pressing any joins together well.
3. Cover the bottom of the pastry with bacon, so that none of the pastry is visible.
4. One at a time, crack open and put the eggs on top of the bacon, so there are three rows of 3 eggs. Using a sharp knife or a fork, pierce the yolks and scramble the eggs very slightly, so that the yolks are spread a little.
5. Carefully lay the Puff Pastry over the top of the eggs and press the joins together well.
6. Brush milk over the top of the pastry with a pastry brush.
7. Place onto the middle shelf of the oven and cook until the pastry is golden brown and puffy (approx 35-45 mins). Cooking times may very, depending on your oven. If the pie is not quite cooked, just leave in the oven for another 5 minutes or so.
8. When cooked, turn the pie out onto a cooling rack.

This pie is delicious warm with a salad, or eat cold from the fridge. Excellent to take on picnics or as a lunch box filler or snack.

To freeze, cut the pie into portions and wrap in foil and place in a bag. To thaw, simply leave on your bench top for an hour or so (or reheat in the microwave, after removing the foil, on medium heat for about 20 seconds). I am not sure how long it will last in the freezer, as it only stays in ours for about 2 days lol!!!!

ENJOY!!!

Deanne
xx

PS: Thanks mum for being such a great role model. I always enjoyed watching you cooking at home and have many fond memories, particularly licking the spoons and getting the yummy sweet pastry scraps!! Love you!!

Non-traditional Christmas Cards

2008-11-04T08:34:00.004+11:00

Here I am again!! Yay!

These are the first of a few photos I will upload over the next few days.

These cards were created for Scrapbook Hub using products from my Contributor Team pack. I can't find my list of supplies (oops) so I will pop back later to update with the information.

As always, you can click on the images for a larger view.

Merry Christmas

MerryJoy!

Have a great day!

Deanne
xx

Photos coming today - stay tuned!

2008-11-04T07:31:00.002+11:00

Good morning all!!

I am hoping to get all the photos out of my camera today (have been meaning to do it for a week now!) and upload some pics for you.

Watch this space!!

Deanne
xx

Further on from this morning. . . .

2008-11-03T13:05:00.003+11:00

Well, it appears that Miss Mad was actually telling the truth. The rash is actually showing from an infected gland, coming from an infected mozzie bite at the back of her leg (which has become a school sore (Impetago). So she is now on antibiotics to kill it off.

Zac is also on antibiotics now for the ick tooth, and is booked in to the dentist in 2 weeks to get the tooth out. We could have had an appointment next week, but he has exams all week. Drats. Oh well, at least they squeezed us in as soon as they could.

Fingers crossed no more happens today.

Deanne
xx

Oh, the joys of Monday mornings. . . .

2008-11-03T07:19:00.002+11:00

I just loathe Monday mornings here.

Almost every single Monday (except in school holidays, of course) at least one of my children has a hissy about something and doesn't want to go to school.

Usually its Em, who really dislikes Library visits and they are on Mondays. Often she gets a mysterious tummy thing on Monday mornings (but is made to go school anyway - her teacher is aware of the issue lol).

However, today, I have both Zac and Mad suffering from maladies. Zac has a tooth that has been quietly rotting away in his mouth and last night, it announced that it is ready to be removed by causing him a serious toothache. His face is swollen today and his mouth really hurts, so I have sent him back to bed. I have to ring my dentist and see if she can squeeze him in this week to remove that tooth. He has Yr 10 exams coming up, but he said he wouldn't miss those for the world! What a trooper.

Mad has developed a nasty rash on the up thigh of one of her legs and is walking like a cowboy! She has a tendency to suffer from eczma, which usually responds well to a cortizone cream. However, this rash is not responding at all. Looks like a trip to the doctor is on the cards today. But AFTER class this morning. I refuse to miss another Monday class. My kids will just have to get over their Monday-itis!!

So, wish me luck for an uneventful kind of day.

Ciao for now,
Deanne
xx

LSBS CyberCrop Nov 2008

2008-11-02T16:58:00.005+11:00

Hi bloggers,

Wow, where has the time gone? Its nearly time for our November CyberCrop. The theme this month is A Night at the Museum.

If you would like to join us, pop over to the forums for details, pre-cybercrop chit chat and hints for the CC.

Here is the flyer made by the ever-talented Kerryn! (you can click on it to enlarge it and read all the clever little details)

Hope to see you there!

Deanne
xx

Been a while - and some exciting news!!

2008-10-31T08:31:00.005+11:00

Hi everyone!!

Wow, its been 2 weeks since I updated my blog!! What a shocking couple of weeks we've had here!

Will try to keep on top of that from now on.

So, to the exciting news . . . . . .

There is a great new website, created by the lovely Annie Hillier, called Scrapbook Hub. The idea of the site is to generate more interest in the Papercrafts industry, particularly here in Australia where many small businesses are going under.

Annie asked me to be part of the Contributing Team for SBH and, with kind permission from the wonderful ladies over at Little Scrapbook Shop, I am now on that team as well.

Thanks Annie for the opportunity to be part of this.

Be sure to pop over and say hello!! Also, check out the gallery!

There are links to great sites for ideas, templates, online shops, bricks and mortar shops and very soon there will be classes and competitions, with prizes from sponsors of the site.

Hope to see you there!!

Deanne
xx

More Calendar Swap shares

2008-10-17T00:30:00.002+11:00

Good morning everyone!!

Today I have for you, the latest calendar pages I have completed in the Little Scrapbook Shop 2009 Calendar swap.

The first calendar is for Honeywine (Carol).
The theme for this calendar is
"Quotes that changed your life"Products used:
Self adhesive holographic foil sheets
Cuttlebug & dies/emboss folders
(Tree tops, Snow Fun, Olivia Font)
Red and green Bazzill
BoBunny patterned papers
BoBunny brads
White Gel pen
Red gingham ribbon
Kaisercraft Round gems

This calendar is for Owl.
The theme for this one is
"Monochromatic"
I did green for December.

Products used:
Green Bazzill
Patterned paper from DCWV Glitter stack
Green handmade paper (unknown)
Circle punches (Stampin' Up!)
Cuttlebug & dies/embossing folders
(Hippy Chick font, Christmas Ornaments, Snow Fun)
Green Sharpies
Black Gel pen
Kasiercraft Round gems

Stay tuned for a special announcement!!

Deanne
xx

Little Scrapbook Shop - Fave Cocktail Swap

2008-10-16T00:30:00.001+11:00

Hello bloggers!

Today I am sharing a swap I made for Little Scrapbook Shop, Favourite Cocktail Recipe Card Swap. There are some really nice cocktails in this swap and I can't wait to try them all.

As always, you can click on the image for a larger view.

Products used:
Red cardstock (office works)
Cardstock: Generic white textured;
green (DCWV Mat stack brights)
Image from the internet
Prima paper flowers
Kaisercraft round gems
Cuttlebug & embossing folder (Floral Screen)

Have a happy day!

Deanne
xx

Uniting in Work 12.10.08

2008-10-15T00:30:00.002+11:00

Hi all,
Our classes for Term 4 have resumed at Uniting in Work. It was lovely to see all the ladies again, especially since I missed the last 3 weeks of term last term due to illness.

A couple of our regulars were missing (Joan, Henny and Tina) as they could not make it yesterday and Sonja joined us again this term (Sonja is usually with the Scrapbooking group). Jenni also started with us *waving*. Great to see your there Jenni!

For our class, we did two quick and easy Christmas cards. We will be doing a few Christmas themed cards this term. The ladies did a great job, as usual, and a few of them changed their cards a little (for the better, I think!)

Here are the cards the ladies madeAnd here they all are, holding their creations.
From left to right back row: (half of) Barb, Pat, Sonja and Heather
From left to right, bottom row: Kristel and JenniFrom left to right: Julie, Pam, Audrey and Barb
Thanks for stopping by today!

Deanne
xx

Birthday cards

2008-10-14T18:13:00.003+11:00

Hi bloggers,
Today I am sharing the cards I made for my mum and dad to send to my nephew and my son, who share a birthday. The stamps are by Penny Black and they are coloured with watercolour pencils and blended with a waterbrush. The rub-ons are by Kelly Panacci (Sandylion).

Have a great day!

Deanne
xx

CC Card Sketch Challenge

2008-10-11T13:13:00.001+11:00

Howdy again!

I forgot to show you the card I created and the sketch I used, so here they are:

This is the sketch I used, #171 from the Sketches Gallery

And here is the card I created using the sketch.

I decided to make it a standard size, rather than a long card.

Don't forget, if you want to come and play with us for the October "Haberdashery Heaven" Cybercrop, just pop over to the Little Scrapbook Shop forums.

Ciao for now,

Deanne
xx

Come and play with us at the CyberCrop!

2008-10-11T09:12:00.001+11:00

Good morning!!

Are you feeling creative today? Would you like some inspiration and the chance at some terrific prizes? If you are and you would, then head on over to the Little Scrapbook Shop Forums and check out all the challenges for the Cybercrop.

There are sketch challenges (for a card and a layout), inspiration challenge, colour challenge, digital challenge, step by step challenge and a junior challenge for the mini scrappers in your house.

There are awesome prizes up for grabs in each challenge, and heaps of chat and fun to be had.

Hope to see you there!

Deanne
xx

Another bit of fun

2008-10-09T08:35:00.000+11:00

I saw this over on Smauge's blog and thought it looked interesting. After reading it, I have a feeling it is aimed at people under the age of 20 lol!

I act 24 years old - is that a good thing??? :)

[x] You know how to make a pot of coffee
[x] You keep track of dates using a calendar
[x] You own a credit/debit card
[x] You can handle your own money
[ ] You know how to change the oil in a car
[x] You've done your own laundry
[x] You can vote in an election
[x] You can cook for yourself
[ ] You think politics are exciting

TOTAL SO FAR: 7

[ ] You show up for school late a lot
[x] You always carry a pen in your bag/purse/pocket
[ ] You have never gotten a detention
[ ] You have forgotten your own birthday at least once
[ ] You like to take jogs by yourself
[x] You know what credibility means, without looking it up
[x] You drink caffeine at least once a week

TOTAL SO FAR: 10

[x] You know how to do the dishes
[x] You can count to 10 in another language
[x] When you say you're going to do something you do it
[x] You can mow the lawn
[x] You study when you HAVE to
[x] you've hand washed a car before

TOTAL SO FAR: 16

[x]You can spell experience, without looking it up
[ ] The people at Gloria Jeans know you by name
[ ] Your favourite kind of food is take out
[ ] The first thing you do when you wake up is get caffeine
[x] you can go to the store without getting something you don't need
[ ] You understand political jokes the first time they are said
[x] You can type pretty quick

TOTAL SO FAR: 19

[ ] Your only friends are from your place of employment
[x] You have been to a Tupperware party
[x]You have been to purse/jewelry party's
[ ]You have realized that no one will take you seriously unless you are over the age of 25 and have a job
[ ] You have more bills than you can pay
[x] You use the internet every day/ or try to
[x] You make your own bed

TOTAL : 24

NOW REPOST AS: I act __ years old

Happy Sweet 16th Birthday Zachary!!

2008-10-08T09:21:00.003+11:00

Today my "little boy" turned 16!!! Wow, it still seems like only yesterday that I was looking at my baby in NICU and then holding this scary little person in my arms!

So much has happened in our lives since Zac was born, and we are all better for it. We are so proud of you Zac. You are growing up into a wonderful, sweet, caring and thoughtful young man. You are a wonderfully talented musician, a great older brother and a terrific son. Our lives are richer and fuller because you are here.

To think how Zac started of very precariously - he ingested meconium in utero before he was born and was very sick and spent his first 4 days in intensive care. I didn't even get to see what he looked like until he was 3 hours old and one of the nurses took a polaroid photo and brought it to me.

Here is a layout I made using a scan of that photo. . . .

And here he is a couple of weeks ago - a strapping, 6'1" and still growing!

Hope you have a wonderful day Zac!! We love you!!!

2008-10-07T18:58:00.003+11:00

Hi Bloggers!!

Today I am sharing some cards I created while I was at my mum and dads in the October school holidays.

Melissa's Birthday Card

Butterfly Quote Card

Thank You Card for Mum & Dad

Products used:
(all links will take you to Little Scrapbook Shop)
~ KaiserCraft Flutterby patterned papers "Long Wing" and "Monarch"
~ KaiserCraft Round Gems
~ Stazon Inkpad Jet Black
~ Pink cardstock
~ mounting foam
~ Black gel pen

I will pop some more up later on.

Have a great day!

Deanne
xx

Birdy Swap on LSBS

2008-10-04T00:30:00.000+10:00

Hi there folks!

Today I am sharing the results of a Birdy Swap from Little Scrapbook Shop that was hosted by Kayla. I got my returns ages ago, but forgot to post them on here.

As usual, click on the image to enlarge it.

Have a great day,

Deanne
xx

Holiday Update

2008-10-02T12:48:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone!!

Just popping in to say hello!!! I am having a lovely time so far.

Tuesday was a very long day - hopped on the train to go to Strathfield at 10.53am and arrived in Bega at 8.50pm. I read an Anne McCaffrey book, which was great, managed to have a snooze and slept quite nicely at my parent's house.

Yesterday was a pretty full day; mum and dad had to go to the eye specialist at Batemans Bay, an hour & a half's drive north of us. While they were in at the specialist, I checked out some shops in the Bay and then went and had lunch at the Catalina Country Club (fab food and great service!). After that, went and got ma and pa and drove them all the way down to Bega (a 2 hour drive) as they had to go to their doc there. While they were busy there, I tried to get my mobile fixed (stupid thing - no-one can hear me on it ggrrrr) then wandered around the shops. I went into Go Lo and spotted a soft-cover version of the Chronicles of Narnia, containing ALL 7 BOOKS!! What a find. I love the stories and have been looking for an edition with all of them. So, for another hour while waiting for the oldies, I sat in the car and read my book. I knitted all the nearly all the way back to Cobargo (until I got carsick and had to stop that lol).

Last night was a delicious dinner, chops and veges yum!!! And, I even managed to get some creating in before I got too tired (made some ATC returns for a yahoo group I'm in).

Today I have been trying to speed up ma & Pa's puter, which is deadly slow. Am making progress, it is a little quicker, tho still not as good as my one at home.

Later I need to make some cards for mum and dad for various grandsons whose birthdays are next week (ie, my son and my nephew whose b'days are on the same day).

As you can guess, I took some advice and snuck some craft things into my bags lol!!!

It is so nice to enjoy the quiet and the lovely country air. We have been over to visit the cow and the calfs (one of which will be food next month).

It is very dry here, as they don't get much rain when there is snow in Jindabyne because the wet doesn't make it over the mountains.

I have also, shockingly, offered to do some of mum's ironing. You should have seen the look on mum's face when I offered hehehe. I actually ENJOY ironing, just not for my lot who have no appreciation for it. I actually miss doing it.

Anyway, this has turned into an essay *rolling my eyes*. I hope you are all having a great week and that those with kids on holidays are coping.

I will pop in when I can.

Ciao for now,

Deanne
xx

Little Scrapbook Shop DT Challenge

2008-10-02T00:30:00.002+10:00

Howdy bloggers,

Just sharing some cards and tags I made for Little Scrapbook Shop. The team was given a challenge pack to work with, and these are what I came up with. As always, you can click on the images for a better view.

Recipe (Note that all links will take you to Little Scrapbook Shop)

~ Bazzill Smoothies - Cherry Red & Apple Crush
~ Bazzill Christmas Pack
~ Rhonna Farrer Christmas Felt
~ Sandylion Christmas Embellishments
~ KasierCraft Clear Stamps - Flourishes and Flourish Journals
~ Stazon Inkpad - Jet Black
~ American Crafts Mini Marks Rub-ons - Christmas Book 2 Black
~ KaiserCraft Round Gems
~ Gel pens - white & Black
~ Adhesives - Express It tape & Pritt Power Gel
~ Stitched Ribbon

Techniques used:

For the red card with "seasons greetings" - to get the scalloped edge, I just drew a line of scallops and cut them out with my scissors, then used a crop-a-dile to punch the holes along the row. Easy peasy.

For the 'happy holidays' and 'deck the halls' cards, the felt comes with little holes punched in them, which are the perfect size for the kaiser gems.

LSBS Calendar Swap

2008-09-30T00:30:00.005+10:00

Hi there Bloggers!

Today I am sharing my calendar page for Marg's calendar. The theme for this one is Happy Quotes. One of Marg's requests was to put a photo of yourself on the tag for the sign in page. Since I like this photo, I decided it would do. I think I will put it on the rest of any sign in tags for the remaining calendars.

As always, you can click on the image for an enlarged view.

Edited to add the products list (oops, forgot)!

The pink shimmery cardstock is Bazzill Bling. Not a fan of this stuff, but it actually looks really nice on this page.

Products used:
(note that all links will take you to Little Scrapbook Shop)
Cardstock: Bazzill Bling (pink), Bazzill Basics light pink, generic white textured
American Crafts Foam Thickers (giggle)
MME Garden Party Lush Blooms Accessory Sheet (Die cut flowers)
Mini Ric Rac
Black Gel Pen (for the doodling)

Thanks for stopping by.

Deanne
xx

I'm off on Holidays!!

2008-09-29T09:05:00.002+10:00

WOOHOO!!!

Tomorrow I am off to my parents house without DH or the Kids!! Woohoo!!! A whole week of peace and quiet with my mum and dad.

The only downside is that, as I am going by train and bus, I can't cart my papercrafts along too :( . The upside is that I am taking my knitting instead, so hopefully I will get some projects finished, and started and finished on the way and while I am there.

It will actually be nice NOT to be driving it this time, as it takes anywhere from 5 to 7 hours (depending if the kid are with me and how often I need to stop along the way). Instead, I can just sit and relax, sleep, knit, read, whatever, for the entire trip. It is much longer (nearly 9 hours in total, including stops along the way) but at least I won't have to suffer through driver fatigue at the end of it.

So, while I will endeavour to post a few sneaky posts I have sitting in my drafts, I won't be able to post new piccies (unless I use mum and dads new camera ;) ). I will still pop in and say hello (if I have time *wink*).

Hope you have a lovely week - I know I will!!!

Deanne
xx

Just a bit of fun

2008-09-27T16:06:00.008+10:00

How fast can you type? Found this over on Paula's blog (in an older post).
Thought it would be a bit of fun.

70 words

Why don't you have a go, then come back here and leave a comment to tell my how fast YOU can type?

Have a great day.

Deanne
xx

Jaimee's Birthday Card

2008-09-26T00:30:00.002+10:00

One of my kids had a birthday party to go to recently, and I needed to make a card for her friend.
Here is the card I made. It is a case from other cards I have made, using the same techniques.
You can click on the image for a larger view.

Recipe:
Stamps: Penny Black clear stamps "Critter Party";
Fiskars Clear stamps "Put on your party hat"
Inks: Stazon Jet Black, SU! Ballet Blue
Watercolour pencils
Kindyglitz
Techniques:
The clouds were created by cutting out a piece of paper with a scalloped edge and, using it like a mask, sponging from the top of the card to the bottom with the template and the Ballet Blue ink.
The cat was stamped onto a separate piece of white cardstock, coloured in, cut out and then mounted onto the clouds with mouning foam.
I stamped the happy birthday straight onto the card, then traced over the word with my Crystallina Kindyglitz. I also put the KG onto the balloons.

This is always one of my fave ways of making cards - simple but effective and with layers.

Thanks for visiting.
Deanne
xxx