Back to the grind!

Well here I am back to the grind today, after being down at mum's all week to catch up with my sister & her family. The kids had a ball playing together and it was interesting to see just how big Brielle looked standing next to them now. Here is Brielle with her gorgeous cousins Madeline & Jackson...

And here's a selfie of me & my sis...

After my week down in Brissie I had to come home so that Shannon & I could have our first BIG NIGHT OUT since Brielle was born!!! Lucky for us Auntie Cindy came over to babysit for the night so we were able to go out and run amok with "The Crew" just like we used to. We went to a gig featuring a couple of awesome bands and then back to a friend's place - we had a absolute ball! (Crawled into the back of the car to get some sleep at around 5.30am...LOL) ROCK ON!!!

Getting my "rock chick" on...

Tacca & Shannon, luv ya boys...

 Watching Toe to Toe...

 Dreamkillers go off...

Go Kev...

 Our girl Grom, hit the stage with the 'killers and rocked the house...

 

Luv ya babe...

June 1,2,3 Challenge LO!

Well the 1,2,3 Challenge is definitely back with a bang! This month the criteria are the colour white (must be dominant), the word 'new' and a paint smeared background. I am pretty happy with how this came out and it gave me a chance to scrap an old pic of DP & DD I hadn't already, so always happy about that!

Here is my LO...

SBT50 Cyber Crop LOs!

I have been scrapping my butt off for the Scrapbooking Top 50 June 'Wings' CC this week. First on the agenda was the Opening Night Mini Challenge. Because it was a mini challenge, we had a much shorter timeframe to complete it in (2 days!) The criteria for this challenge was to create something smaller than 12 x 12 with our own "wings" criteria. That is, something representing each of the letters in "wings". The criteria I used were Written journalling, Ink, Neutral coloured background, Gems, Sepia photo and staples.

Here is the result...

The journalling...

My challenge for this CC, "Free the Fairy" was the last one to be posted. The criteria are to use the quote "let your inner fairy fly free", use a pp background and include something silver. I love the pic I used for this (my evil fairy...LOL) and it gave me a great excuse to use lots of yummy pink!

Here is my LO...

Most of the goodies on this page came from My2Angels. The yummy pps I have used are from the Little Yellow Bicycle "Delightful" range. I have also used some white & pink mulberry flowers; pink, white & green mulberry leaves; fairy girl charm; circle pendant charms; silver foil Thickers; plaid fabric brads and grosgrain spotted ribbon...all items are available in Tracy's store!

A Couple of Cards & Sale News!

A couple of quick cards I have whipped up using my DT kit from Handmade By Suzanne. Both cards are based on the 3 Bugs 'Savannah' range which I thought was perfect for little girl's birthday cards. The first card is for my niece, who is totally mad about pink, unicorns and princesses...I think it will get the tick of approval.

With the second card, I simply used a tag from one of the papers for the feature. I added a bit of bling, a button and a sentiment and hey presto! (Perhaps next year's card is already sorted? LOL)

Now is a great time to visit the store at Handmade By Suzanne, as Suzanne is having a MASSIVE 25% OFF STORE WIDE!!! Yes, you heard correctly, STORE WIDE (even on all the new stuff). Pop over and have a look at what's on offer - there is soooo much stuff I want, I can hear my credit card groaning in protest now! LOL

Handmade By Suzanne DT shares!

A couple more LO's to share with you - these ones were done as part of my Handmade by Suzanne DT responsibilities...the results of my first kit of yummy goodies from Suzanne's shop! I was sent some pps from the 3 Bugs in a Rug 'Savannah' range to play with and I just LOVE it!!! Bright, pretty and perfect for scrapping pics of gorgeous little princesses!

Here is my first LO...

Besides the yummy 3 Bugs pps, I also used a Kaiser rhinestone word (these are currently 40% off!), satin ribbon, floral lace trim, Smooch ink (to colour the lace) and loose rhinestones from the store. 

My second LO...

I decided to go 8.5 x 11" for this LO and besides some of the products mentioned above, I used a ScrapFX chipboard wordlet (which I cut to give me the small tag) and a Green Tara mini flower (these are so cute and such good value, and come in an awesome range of colours!)

I still have lots of product left to play with so will be back with more at some stage!

WIOIN Year in Review Challenge

Another LO for the Whats Old Is New "Year in Review" Challenge I am taking part in. I cant believe I have just scrapped a LO for May...where is the year going? Scary!!! Again with the bright colours for this LO and back to trusted territory of a neutral coloured background...LOL Love this pic of my girl, she is such a little copycat!!!

Here is my LO...

Another challenge LO!

Another challenge I have managed to complete this week is for guest DT Bec's June Monthly Challenge at Scrapbooking Top 50. Bec has set everyone a sketch challenge with the added criteria of using bright colours, a one word title and foam dots (or mounting tape). Here is what I came up with (as usual there were a few slight adjustments to the sketch...LOL)...

OOTH June Challenge LO!

The June challenge at Out of the Hat is to use a mixed alpha title, multiple photos and doodling & staples (the last criteria was mine!) I decided to scrap this cute series of pics of Brielle playing with a totem tennis set, which gave me the perfect opportunity to use up some older Crate Paper pps I had in my stash.
Here is my LO...

Don't forget Out of the Hat has moved, you can find their new site HERE

SBT50 June CC..."Wings"!

Another Scrapbooking Top 50 Cyber Crop is fast approaching...

Click HERE for details!!!

Another amazing giveaway!

Just thought I would let you all know that Sam Hauzer has another amazing giveaway up on her blog. Up for grabs this time is a fabulous prize pack from the Imaginisce 'Splash Dance' range...isn't it the cutest?

To find out how you could win, pop by Sam's blog and check out the details HERE

HBS June Sketch Challenge!

The June sketch challenge is now up at Handmade By Suzanne. Up for grabs for the winner is a $20 store voucher to spend on some of Suzanne's yummy stuff! New stock is always arriving, so make sure you pop by to check what's new. While you are there, don't forget to also check out the sale section - as there are some awesome bargains to be had!

Here is my take on the sketch...

And a close-up of the journalling...

SBT50 June Monthly Challenge!

New monthly challenges are up at Scrapbooking Top 50! This month there is a sketch challenge from guest DT Bec, an inspiration challenge from Vicki and a technique challenge from me. My challenge is all about creating and using transparencies. The additional challenge criteria are to use the word 'happy', something green and at least 2 bows. Here is my LO using some yummy Rouge de Garance pps (loving bright colours at the moment!)...

While you are visiting the forum, you can also check out our current embellishment swap, ribbon and button swap or "We Dare You" challenge - and of course, chat with some great girls! :-)

Scrapability May Sketch!

Just a quick share from me today - this is the LO I did based on Bek's May sketch at Scrapability Sketches. Its not the greatest photo, but I actually had the LO sitting around for a few days waiting for decent light to take a pic and then just got impatient in the end...LOL I finally made some handmade fabric flowers for this LO (well ones that looked OK enough to actually go ON a LO), as I have been loving the look of them everywhere lately.

I am sooooo excited!!!

I have some exciting news to share with everyone - I am now a proud member of the Handmade by Suzanne Design Team!!! I am really excited to be part of Suzanne's team and will join existing DT members Marelize Frisby and Kathy Baker, and fellow "new recruits" Liz Weber, Kim Jeffress and Chloe Nielsen...what a fabulously talented bunch of ladies! I am not only excited to be part of this team because of who I will be working with, but am also happy to be representing this relatively fresh, new store. Having been a customer of Suzanne's, I already KNOW that the service and products she provides are exceptional and I am proud to put my name to her store.

SFS Giveaway!

To celebrate reaching 400 posts (and nearly 15,000 views), Peta from Scrapbooking From Scratch is having a giveaway! The lucky winner will receive one of Peta's yummy Designer Kits! (I can certainly vouch for them too, as this month's Designer of the Month @ SFS I got to play with one of Peta's kits!) Look at this...

If you are interested in being in the running for this awesome prize, just head over to Peta's blog and check out the details HERE.

It's coming back!!!

What's coming back? I hear you say...the "1,2,3 Challenge" of course!!! After a bit of a break, the 1,2,3 Challenge will be re-launched on the 1st June with a new challenge to inspire everyone. The criteria for the challenge will be a combination of one WORD, one COLOUR and one MYSTERY criteria...sounds intriguing doesn't it??? There will be 3 prizes up for grabs for lucky winners and in the meantime there is a random prize up for grabs for becoming a follower. Just head over HERE to find out how!

"Dare the DT" Challenge!

For the past couple of months, we have been running a "Dare the DT" challenge at Scrapbooking Top 50, where members get to have their revenge on us DT girls by setting the criteria for a LO for us. The ladies have been throwing all sorts of criteria at us, but at the same time bearing in mind, that if you are one of the "darers" you have to complete the challenge too!
This month our criteria was to use ONE sheet of cardstock and NO patterned papers (eek!), use buttons in at least 2 different colours, a doodled or stamped border and an embellishment cluster including a journal spot. Here's what I came up with...

HBS Sketch Challenge!

Handmade By Suzanne is currently running their first ever sketch challenge! The sketch is one provided by Inspired Blueprints, as HBS is the main sponsor there this month. The catch is you can only enter one LO for each site though, and as I couldn't see myself completing more than one LO for this sketch, I have popped it up in the gallery at Handmade By Suzanne. If you are looking for a challenge be sure to check it out - there is a store voucher up for grabs for the winner! Here is my LO...

Cyber Crop Layouts!

I have finally managed to complete all the challenges for the SBT50 "Lights, Camera, Action!" Cyber Crop. (I had been waiting for decent light to photograph them.) So without further ado, here they are...

This first LO is for guest DT Judith's "Avatar" challenge. For this challenge we had to use the movie poster as inspiration (I was inspired by the sky / flying aspect of it), our LO had to be at least 50% blue, include dots / spots and use head shot photos. It was the perfect opportunity for me to scrap some of Shannon's 30th birthday skydive pics...

The next LO was for Kathie's "Up!" challenge. For this one we had to use the movie poster for inspiration (I was inspired by the colours and the "fun" aspect of it), use a minimalist approach, bright colours and one word title. I couldn't go past using this funny pic of Brielle in the bath, and yes, it seems I might have overcome my fear of orange...LOL

The last one for was for Vicki's "Twilight" challenge. For this one, we once again had to be inspired by the movie poster (I started off using it as a sketch, but then shuffled things around so it didn't really end up quite the same...LOL). We also had to use a die cut base, black, white and only one other colour and also strip journalling.

Lil' Red Rocket Giveaway!

Would you like to win this???...

This selection of yummy goodies is the latest giveway from Lil' Red Rocket. If you would like to be in the running (although I am seriously hoping it is ME who wins it...LOL) just pop over to the Lil' Red Rocket blog to see how you can be in with a chance too!

Delicious Scrap Candy!!!

If you are anything like me, then you are always up for some delicious scrap candy! This time the candy is up for grabs from the amazing Sam Hauzer (Kaisercraft & Imaginisce DT'er). If you haven't already been to Sam's blog, I highly suggest you do! Not only can you go in the running for Sam's awesome giveaway, but you can also check out some of her gorgeous work! You can check HERE to see how you can be in the running for all this...

WIOIN Year in Review Challenge!

Just thought I would share my April entry for the Whats Old Is New "Year in Review" Challenge that I am taking part in. Each month we have to create a LO about something that happened that month and also include a calendar on the page. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to get some of this year's Easter pics scrapped, here is my LO...(yes, Kraft AGAIN! LOL)...

Cyber Crop Mini Challenge!

I have only managed to complete one of the SBT50 "Lights, Camera, Action" CC challenges so far and that was the opening night "Mini Challenge". The criteria for this challenge was to create something smaller than 12x12 based on our favourite movie poster. I couldn't go past the poster from my all-time fave movie, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", (hilarious!) starring Johnny Depp...

I decided to scrap an 8.5x11" LO for this challenge (I LOVE that size!) and drew my inspiration from the colours, the basic composition of the poster, the black splatters and the red title. The poster also inspired me to use the photo I did as it reflects the large eyes, hat and something in the mouth - all of which Brielle did very well in this Christmas snapshot...

If you haven't been and checked out all the awesome CC challenges yet, make sure you do! They are all based around movie posters and there is still a full week to get your entries in, so its not too late to join in!

Don't forget that we are also on the lookout for a new DT member to join us at SBT50, applications are open until 31st May, check out the details HERE

My Cyber Crop Challenge!

The May Cyber Crop is underway at Scrapbooking Top 50, and this month's theme is "Lights, Camera, Action!" As the name implies, it has a bit of a movie theme to it, and 3 challenges have already been revealed, with 2 more to come! My challenge was based on a poster for the recent "Alice in Wonderland" movie. The criteria are to create a LO inspired by the poster, include layering, handmade flowers and a butterfly.
Here is the poster...

Here is my LO...

Most of the materials on this LO came from My2Angels - the pps are Websters Pages and how gorgeous are those red hydrangea flowers and mulberry leaves? DIVINE! The rose is all mine though, coz I made it myself! ;-) 

Don't forget that we are currently searching for a new DT member at SBT50. You can check out all the details of how to apply HERE

More DOTM Stuff!

I have been busy creating again with my Designer of the Month kits from Scrapbooking from Scratch. I managed to finish another LO, then 2 quick cards with some of my scraps. If I get enough time, I may well be able to squeeze another LO out of what I have left...will have to see! ;-) If you haven't already done so, make sure you head over and check out Peta's Designer Kits, they are YUMMY!

Here is what I have created...

Toot, toot...time to share!!!

Toot, toot...time to share my news...I am VERY excited!
I have been chosen as this month's Designer of the Month @ Scrapbooking From Scratch! Lucky me received a mixture from TWO of Peta's gorgeous Designer Kits to play with and I had a ball! I have already created two layouts, with a third underway, and will have enough materials for even MORE! Make sure you stop by and check out my creations, and have a look at Peta's Designer Kits. The kits I got are selling fast and she also has lots more in the shop, all very yummy and great value! One other thing I HIGHLY recommend you check out, is Peta's Designer Buttons (I was lucky enough to get some of these too). These handmade chipboard buttons are DIVINE and a great addition to a LO!
Here is a layout I created using the "Cosmo Cricket Material Girl" kit...(LOVE these papers!)

PS - Happy Mothers Day to all the mums out there!

Exciting News!!!

What can it be??? I will be back later to share with you all!!!

SBT50 DT Call Out!

We are currently looking for a new member to join our Design Team at Scrapbooking Top 50! Unfortunately our dear Kathie is stepping down, so we need someone to replace her and join Vicki and myself. If you think you are crazy enough to fit in with us, would love to be part of a great DT, AND get some yummy goodies from My2Angels to play with, pop by the forum and check out the details HERE

May Monthly Challenge

My May monthly challenge is up on Scrapbooking Top 50 and this month I have done a sketch challenge. Besides using the sketch I chose, the extra criteria is to use lace and a playing card - something sure to get everyone thinking! Don't forget to also check out the other DT monthly challenges - there is one from Vicki and one from this month's guest DT member, Judith.
Here is my challenge LO...

Our Baby is Two???

ANZAC Day was a big day for us here...our baby girl turned two!!! (I can still hardly believe that she is already two, it still feels like only yesterday when we brought our tiny girl home!) Brielle had a great day - we started with presents at 7am. She was so over-whelmed when she got up and saw them all, she didn't quite know what to do. (She soon figured it out though...LOL) We had a small party at home to celebrate the day, and Brielle had a ball with everyone and LOVED being the centre of attention...don't know where she gets that from! :p
For a few weeks Brielle had been telling me that she wanted a "Wiggles" cake and yellow balloons for her birthday, so she was VERY excited when she got both of them! Besides the presents, the visitors, the cake, the balloons, the party food and the pinata that cousin Zoe made just for her, she also went swimming in the pool with Zoe AND swimming (in her clothes!) with daddy at the beach. It was a HUGE day for one little girl!

Although I did have the camera out throughout the day, I wasn't entirely happy with the pics I managed to get, so am hoping that someone else got some good ones.
Here are some moments we did manage to capture...

The calm before the storm...where do I start???

First present being opened - a talking "Spotty Wot".

Soon the paper was flying off the presents!

This kitchen was definitely the favourite thing!

Brielle was soon "feeding" everyone in sight!

Great choice dad, Spotty Wot was a hit!

The much-antipated "Wiggles" cake...it HAD to be chocolate with sprinkles (her favourite) and HAD to have marshmallows (another favourite). The best part was that she also got some new toys to play with!

Check out how intently she was eyeing off that cake!

A very big blow!!!

Enjoying some party food...too cool for school!

We ended the day with the same toy that had started it all!

Happy birthday baby girl!!! XXX

Scrapability April Sketch!

I have had such a busy month, I didn't manage to get to the April sketch for Scrapability until right at the very end of the month! As I was so time-pushed I decided to use Bek's sketch and combine it with the criteria for Anthea's April Monthly Challenge at SBT50. Ant's criteria were to use fabric, layering, spots and the word 'sweet', which were great criteria to use with Bek's gorgeous sketch. Here's what I managed to come up with...

Final Scrap Soup Layout!

I have finally managed to complete all the challenges for Scrapability's 'Scrap Soup' comp, and just squeezed the last one up before deadline! For the final challenge we had to use B & W pics, 2 6x4 pics, family theme, use a technique and describe it (I chose mounted layering) and we also had to provide a sketch of our layout. (My first attempt at a sketch based on one of my LO's!) Here is the LO...