At last - a scrappy share!

OK, having been 'offline' for 2 weeks, I at least have SOME scrapping to share. (These were done last week - before I got the man flu...LOL) This first one was done for guest DT Nikki's "Kids in the Kitchen" challenge for the SBT50 "What's Cooking?" CC. Criteria was to create a layout about kids in the kitchen and include ink / texta, staples, hidden journalling and a paper rolling / curling technique...

This one was also done for the CC, for Ant's "Made with Love" challenge. This challenge had to be about a recipe, and had to include a pp base, at least 2 flowers, some distressing and an embellishment cluster. I chose to scrap a copy of a handwritten recipe of my nana's, along with a picture of her. I inherited all nana's handwritten recipes when she passed away and I treasure them. This one (for her 'Nutties') was a particular family favourite...but somehow, despite having the recipe, they are NEVER as good as hers were!

Close-up of the embellishment cluster...

I'm back!!!

Well here I am - back on my blog after a couple of "issues" this past 2 weeks. The first was a technical one - my monitor died and it took me a few days to be able to organise buying the new one. Then it was my birthday (no cheers thanks, I am trying to forget I am 35 now...LOL), and then the final issue was the "gift" that my DP gave me for my birthday...THE FLU! Argh!!! That has seen me sick all week and totally lacking in the mojo department, as well as absent from my computer for much of the time. So to all my friends in cyberland out there, I am sorry I havent been visiting you, I will be trying to catch up on all I have missed in the next day or so.

Here's a quick share of a photo of myself, Brielle & Shannon we had taken at Australia Zoo yesterday - with a totally GORGEOUS 18kgs of Burmese Python named 'Jenny'. Brielle loved her and couldnt stop touching her. She also gave her a kiss and told the snake handler "I love Jenny"...LOL (I wish we could have taken her home!)

The last bit of Peacock Lane...

This is it. The very last scraps of my Bo Bunny 'Peacock Lane' DT kit sent to me from Handmade By Suzanne. :-(  I sooooo loved this range, and am happy with all the creations I made from it. Here is a card I managed to squeeze out...

Besides the 'Peacock Lane' pps, I also used one of the matching cardstock stickers, Green Tara mini flowers (I adore these!) and some green rhinestones all available at Handmade By Suzanne!

Ant's Sketch Challenge!

A quick share of a LO I completed for Ant's monthly challenge at Scrapbooking Top 50. The criteria for this challenge was to use the sketch provided and include something clear (I used some transparent flower die cuts) and a journal block / tag. Here is my take (yes, still challenging myself to use up some old stash)...

Pretty Petals!

Just thought I would let you know of a brand new venture thats about to begin - Pretty Petals! This Etsy store will specialise in handmade flowers so to celebrate the launch Vicki is giving away a pack of gorgeous tissue paper flowers...

Pop over HERE to see how you can win!

My2Angels Scrap Relay LO!

This week I signed up to take part in a scrapping relay being run as part of the birthday celebrations at My2Angels. Everyone was assigned to a team with 4 other members (go team one!) and then each day a member of the team had to complete a birthday themed LO incorporating a daily criteria. I was the last member of my team to participate and my criteria was CANDLES! (I made mine by rolling up some paper and inserting a small twine 'wick'.) We also had to use as much My2Angels product as possible, and here is what I came up with (not entirely happy with this, but no time left to procrastinate...LOL)...

My2Angels products used: Sassafras Lass 'Apple Jack' & 'Nerdy Bird' pps; American Crafts 'Dacquiri' Thickers; assorted mulberry flowers; glittered brads; princess crown charm; plaid fabric brad.
The only things I used that aren't available from My2Angels were 2 buttons (there are other buttons available though! LOL) and the tiny alphas (although Tracy does stock Carolees Creations tiny alphas too!)

My Cyber Crop Challenge!

If you haven't already popped over to Scrapbooking Top 50 to check out the 'Whats Cooking' August CC, then pop over HERE to see what happening. There is still one challenge yet to be revealed, and there are also daily giveaways happening with lots of free goodies up for grabs. My challenge has already been posted and it is a good old 'Recipe Scrap'! Up for grabs for the winner of my challenge is a gorgeous handmade embellishment pack from Purple Pumpkin. Here is my LO...

Close up...(the gorgeous flower and doiley are both My Vintage Blossoms from Krissy at Wicked Princesses)...

Win a Little Bit of Whimsy!

Stephanie is going on vacation so to celebrate she is having a super duper giveaway at My Little Bit of Whimsy. There are lots of ways to win, so make sure you head over to the MLBOW blog to check it out! (I have only just discovered MLBOW and I think I'm in love...LOL) Here's a sample of some of Stephanie's delicious creations (warning: serious drool material ahead!)...

HBS August Sketch Challenge!

The August sketch challenge at Handmade by Suzanne features another gorgeous sketch from Natalie Elphinstone. I have AGAIN used the Bo Bunny 'Peacock Lane' pps I received in my DT kit and have almost nothing left of them...LOL...well, maybe enough for a card! ;-) Here's my take on the sketch...

I have also used some of the matching 'Peacock Lane' stickers on this LO (but sorry, these are currently sold out), Bazzill Dotted Swiss cardstock, BG 'Olivia' micro mono alphas, AC glittered Thickers and Green Tara mini flowers all from the store.

In addition to this LO, I have also managed to complete 2 others in the last 2 days...but you will have to wait for those, coz it's secret squirrel stuff! ;-) LOL

Another Purple Pumpkin Giveaway!

You heard it! Sam is having another giveaway at Purple Pumpkin for some of her yummy handmade goodies. (You already know I love them and you would have spied one of Sam's buttons on a recent LO of mine.)  Doesn't this look GOOD...

If you would like to be in the running, simply pop over to Purple Pumpkin HERE

What's Cooking? Our August CC is!!!

Get out of the kitchen and get cooking with us instead...

Don't forget to pick your bingo words before Monday night HERE and also make your selections for the "Hamburger with the Lot" challenge HERE. There will be lots of awesome prizes up for grabs, so register your interest in the forum HERE...we would love to see some new faces come along! :-)

Wanna win some bling?

If the answer is "yes", then you have to check out the amazing giveaway happening over at the Imaginisce blog HERE Up for grabs is the awesome "i-rock" tool, which you can use to bling up just about anything, plus a gorgeous album which has already been given the "i-rock treatment"! Check this gorgeous stash of goodies out...

Now wouldn't you love to win that??? I think I would start with my jeans...LOL

Stuck?! Sketches August LO!

Feeling inspired at the beginning of the month and with a kit of gorgeous Bo Bunny "Peacock Lane" goodies from Handmade by Suzanne, I decided to play along at Stuck?! Sketches with their August 1st sketch. Here is my take on Sara's sketch...

Here's a close-up of some of the yummies on this LO...

BB "Peacock Lane" cardstock sticker & BG "Olivia" glazed brad both from Handmade by Suzanne, spotty fabric button from Purple Pumpkin and the stunning beaded butterfly is from my darling friend Treens in an embellishment swap. (I think some serious bribery is in order for some more of these...LOL)

btw - Stuck?! Sketches are currently celebrating their birthday with a blog hop. You can join the fun HERE

My Monthly Challenge @ SBT50!

New monthly challenge time again at Scrapbooking Top 50! This month my challenge to everyone is to draw inspiration from an item of clothing! The only real criteria for the challenge is that the item must HEAVILY influence the layout (eg, colours, elements, design) and that the inspiration must be clearly visible in the LO. I used my favourite t-shirt as inspiration for mine...

Can you see the inspiration in my LO???

Most materials for this layout were supplied by My2Angels. I have used Teresa Collins and Bo Bunny pps, black velvet ric rac, black rhinestone chain, camera charm, small silver key and small heart locket charms, 10mm rhinestones, grey mulberry flowers, and plaid fabric brads.

I used some of the mulberry flowers and rhinestones (along with some Stickles glitter) to make these flowers...

And just another close-up...

My2Angels currently have a store-wide sale on, so if you like anything I have used here (or are just looking for a bargain), head over to the shop HERE! Just make sure you tell Tracy that I sent you! ;-)

Peacock Lane...

Bo Bunny's 'Peacock Lane' is the latest range I have been sent to work with from Handmade By Suzanne. This range is really gorgeous, with lots of purple and teal...perfect for pics of my little munchkin! Here's a LO I created using the die cut and one of the pps from the range, along with the matching cardstock stickers, some yummy glitter Thickers, BG 'Olivia' micro alphas, a few rhinestones and gorgeous Green Tara mini flowers (packs of these cost less than $1 - bargain!)...all items available from HBS of course! Here is my LO...

I have entered this LO over at Challenge Heaven in their Cyber Crop. The challenge criteria was to create a LO about something / someone you love...and how could I possibly go past Brielle? This pic was taken while she was picking flowers for me...something else I just love!

Don't forget that the layout and card sketch challenges at HBS close at midnight, Saturday 31st July, so get your entries in! While you are there you can also check out the fabulous work from the other members of the DT, including our newest member, Natalie! Congrats again to Natalie on joining the team!

The hat...

"Yook mum, I wearing birthday party hat"...and yes, it IS an envelope on her head!!!

Vicki's Scraplift Challenge LO!

Vicki's monthly challenge at Scrapbooking Top 50 this month is to scraplift a LO from the lovely Paula Perry. I love Paula's work so was very keen to have a go at this challenge. Usually when I lift a LO I end up deviating quite a bit from the original, but in this case I didn't really want to change a thing, so left it pretty much as is. Besides scraplifting the LO, we also had to include title & subtitle, handmade die cut and a random button in white space. Here is my LO...

You can check out the challenge details plus have a look at Paula's original LO HERE. Entries are not due until Saturday 31st July, so why not have a go?

July 123 Challenge

Here is my layout for the July 123 Challenge. This month's criteria were to use red, grunge technique and the word passion. I decided to try for a relatively minimalist look for this challenge, as my usual grunge style is quite busy and full. I am pretty happy with how this came out, and love this old pic of DP and I that was taken at a party a few years ago...

A Blog Award!

This week I received a blog award from the gorgeous Mel...mwah! Thanks Mel! X
(Mel is one of my 'Scrapability Sisters' and does some rockin' good stuff, so be sure to stop by and say hi to her!)

Here are the rules that go with this award...

1. Put the Swap Sisters Bonny Blog Award on my blog.

2. Share 5 things about myself.

3. Pass the award onto 5 other Bonny Blogs.

4. Add links to my 5 chosen Bonny Blog Winners.

5. Let them know they have been chosen to win the Swap Sisters Bonny Blog Award by leaving a comment on their blog.

So...5 things about myself?

1. I have 2 tattooes (one across my lower back and one on my hip) but I definitely want more! I have 9 piercings in my ears (which I have had for over 20 years now) and I used to have my belly button pierced but had to take it out.

2. I was married once. I try to forget it.
3. I drive too fast. It cost me $200 a couple of weeks ago.
4. I can't wait to move into a bigger place. The lack of space here is slowly driving me insane!!!
5. I always find it interesting when people are asked what they would wish for if given three wishes. I'd only need one - I would wish for unlimited wishes!!! (Why doesnt anyone ever say that?)

My nominees?
The 5 people I nominate for this award are 5 scrappers who inspire me...
1. Paula
2. Wendy
3. Kim
4. Chloe
5. Samantha (& Purple Pumpkin)

Becci's Giveaway!

Would you like to win these gorgeous goodies??? I know I would!!!

This batch of yummies, all handmade by Becci herself, is up for grabs via Becci's blog.

To be in the running, be sure to stop by and check it out HERE.

A Couple of LO's!

Just thought I would share a couple more LO's I have completed. The first one is one I did for Charmane Koch's class, who is our guest DT member this month at Scrapbooking Top 50. Charmane's class was lots of fun (I soooo love her work!) and will be available for a while, so if you would like to see Charmane's original LO or have a go yourself, you can go HERE. Here is my LO (I did deviate a bit from the original...LOL)...

This next LO is one that I completed for the Whats Old Is New 'Year in Review Challenge' for June. Am not really sure what is happening with this comp as the entries havent been posted up on the blog for the last 2 months, so am wondering if I am / have been wasting my time with it??? :-(

SBT50 CC LO!

Here's another LO I have completed in the last few days, this one is for Ant's Challenge for the Scrapbooking Top 50 "Celebrating Independence" Cyber Crop. The criteria for this challenge were to scrap someone who represents independence to us, use one photo larger than 6x4, include at least one heart, and also a quote from the person in the pic. Here is my LO...

Here is a close-up of the yummy gardenia from My2Angels, you can get them HERE ( I sprayed mine with a bit of 'Baby's Breath' Spritz, smeared on a little kindyglitz and added a few "dew" drops of DM.)

Although the CC formalities are over, there are still 6 days until entries are due, so you are still welcome to pop over, say hi and join in a challenge or two!

Still "Feeling Groovy"!

I managed to find time during the week to get stuck into my DT kit from Handmade By Suzanne again. This month I have the "Feeling Groovy" range from Doodlebug, which has a really funky, hippy feel. Besides the papers, I also used the Cute Cuts and Fancy Frills stickers from the same range. For the LO I used AC "Tangerine" cs for the base, which I sponged and smeared with paint. (Suzanne has a huge range of American Crafts cardstock colours which are only 65c / sheet...CHEAP!) I also used a few other bits n pieces from my stash to add to the funky feel of the LO. (Still loving my twine...LOL) Here is my LO, pic is of Brielle having her first-ever ride...

I also managed a quick card with some of the left-overs...

If you haven't popped over to check out Suzanne's big sale yet, I suggest you do - almost 600 products have been marked down to clear!

My Cyber Crop Challenge!

Only one challenge is yet to be revealed for the Scrapbooking Top 50 'Celebrating Independence' Cyber Crop. If you haven't had a look at what's on offer yet, make sure you do! Not only are the challenges great, but there are awesome prizes up for grabs too! (Entries not due until 25th July.) Today was my turn to reveal, and my 'Independence' challenge was all about red, white & blue! Besides using those colours, layouts also need to include a neutral background (black / white / Kraft), raw chipboard, and twine / string / thread / cord. (I am sooo loving my twine right now...LOL) Here is my example layout...

I also wanted to say a quick thanks to everyone that left comments on my previous post. My excitement was made all the more special by the lovely words of encouragement I received from all of you. (It really is one of the reasons I love scrapping - the people are just the BEST!) Thank you my friends! XXX

I'm FINALLY Published!!!

I have just received my copy of Scrapbook Creations Issue 80 and my card has FINALLY been published!!! This is the first time I have ever seen anything of mine in print so I am VERY excited! Here it is as it appears in the magazine...

"Celebrating Independence" CC Underway!

The Scrapbooking Top 50 July CC 'Celebrating Independence' is now underway! We began it all with our usual party night on Monday night and I posted the first challenge - the 'mini' challenge. (Simply named because it is to get everyone warmed up for the main challenges.) The mini challenge criteria were to create a LO (smaller than 12 x 12), card or OTP using a list of 'ones'...one piece cs, one pp, one word title / sentiment, one length ribbon / lace / fabric, one button and one pin. (Yes, you can add other things, but must use one each of those listed.) Entries are due midnight Thursday 15th and there is a great prize pack up for grabs so why not have a go? I whipped up a quick card using only the criteria...

Two other challenges have now also been revealed (one from guest DT Charmane Koch and one from DT member Ant), with a couple more to come. If you have time, pop by the forum and say hi - we welcome new friends! (And don't forget to post a comment each day in our CC 'daily giveaways', you might pick up an awesome prize!!!)

Becci's Crochet Creations!

My lovely friend Becci, is a whiz at crochet, and has been getting some recent requests to sell some of her handmade goodies. So she has caved into public pressure and has decided to start selling some. You can pop over to Becci's blog and see some of her LO's using them. In the meantime, to help launch Becci's new venture, she has decided to have a giveaway of a selection of her crochet goodies when she reaches 50 followers. To be in the running for something like this sample...

pop over and become a follower and help us get Becci to 50 followers! (And if you are reading this and not following MY blog, then you best become a follower here too! Check to make sure you are!) ;-p

SALE TIME @ HBS!!!

With CHA just around the corner, Suzanne is clearing the decks for all the new stock that will be arriving at Handmade By Suzanne. Almost 600 products have been reduced by 30% today! (Brands include Kaisercraft, American Crafts, Bo Bunny, October Afternoon, My Mind's Eye, Fancy Pants, Basic Grey, Crate Paper and more!) MASSIVE bargains to be had!!!

You can pop over and see exactly what's on sale HERE

Cyber Crop Time Again!!!

Can you believe that it's Cyber Crop time again? Where is the year going???

Be sure to join us at Scrapbooking Top 50 for our July Cyber Crop 'Celebrating Independence' from Monday 12th - Friday 16th July, with all entries due Sunday 25th July. There will be lots of challenges & prizes on offer, as well as a free class from guest DT member Charmane Koch! It all starts Monday night with live chat and games (including bingo). Hope to see you there!

You can pop over to the forum to see what's happening and sign up HERE!

(Be sure to tell 'em I sent you, you might just win us both a prize!)

And another one...

This month I received a selection of the Doodlebug "Feeling Groovy" range in my DT kit from Handmade by Suzanne. One look at the papers and I knew I had to scrap a "retro" type pic so I found a beauty of my sis and I...LOL In addition to the groovy papers, I also used the Fancy Frills stickers and Cute Cuts from the range, AC "Lipgloss" cs and turquoise rhinestones all from the store. Looking at the papers, I knew I they were perfect for this month's Out of the Hat challenge criteria, which were to incorporate a rainbow, raw chipboard and a critter.
Here is my LO...

Here's a LO...

Here is the LO I completed for Anthea's Colour Challenge at Scrapbooking Top 50. The criteria were to use black, white and only one other colour (guess mine...LOL), bling, flourish, broken border and long title. Most of all, the LO had to represent FUN - and I think this pic of Brielle does just that! I also had lots of fun doing it - even got the paint out!
Here is my take...

HBS July Sketch Challenge!

This month's sketch challenge at Handmade By Suzanne has been created by guest designer Natalie Elphinstone. You can check out Natalie's gorgeous work on her blog here, but in the meantime here is her sketch...

And here is my take on it (for once I didn't stray too far...LOL)...

Don't forget that there is a $20 store voucher to Handmade By Suzanne for the winner of this challenge! While you are there, be sure to also check out the just launched card sketch challenge (with a sketch by the very talented Liz Weber)...hopefully I will post my take on that one later in the month!

Wanna Win This...

If you would like to be in the running to win these gorgeous goodies, simply pop over to Purple Pumpkin and become a follower. Purple Pumpkin is a brand new blog from Samantha Hauzer, and will feature lots of kits and yummy handmade embellishments. I love Sam's stuff and have purchased from her before, so I highly recommend you check it out - just leave some for me!!! LOL

SBT50 July Monthly Challenge!

Ooops! I had forgotten to post my July Monthly Challenge for Scrapbooking Top 50 here! This month I have a style challenge for everyone - "Girly Grunge". I looooove to scrap grunge, but with only 1 DD, true grunge can be challenging. Therefore, I have evolved my own "girly grunge" style. In keeping with the girly theme, LO's must include a pic/s of a girl, a non-scrapping item and a song title somewhere...and of course, must be GRUNGEY!
Here is my take...

Most of the materials for this layout came from My2Angels. The pps are all from the Rose Moka 'Diva' range (one of my faves). I also used pink velvet ric rac; felt embossed hearts; black flower bling chain; Buzz & Bloom 'Diva' chippie alphas; Carolees Creations tiny black alphas and few assorted bits n bobs from my stash. Be sure to check out Tracy's store, her stuff ROCKS!

This month marks the first monthly challenge for our new DT member Anthea. Be sure to check out Ant's Colour Challenge or Vicki's Scraplift Challenge, they are both sure to get the mojo going! (And who knows...you might just win a fabulous prize!) :-)

Wanna win these???

Would you like to win these YUMMY flowers???

Well you will have to be quick! Ebony is giving away this gorgeous assortment of her mum's handmade flowers on her blog, but you only have until TONIGHT to enter it! Pop over to Ebony's blog HERE to go in the running and you can check out some of her stunning work while you are there. (I don't think I have ever seen something of Ebony's that I didn't love!) :-)

A Couple More!

I promised more scrappy shares, so here they are! The first one is for Vicki's June Monthly Challenge at Scrapbooking Top 50. The criteria for this challenge was to be inspired by the following pic...

we also had to include a pinwheel, rub-ons and lots of journalling. Here is my take...

The next LO was for my first challenge ever at Challenge Heaven. I really loved the June challenges, but being away meant that I didn't get to do as many as I wanted to. Hopefully this month I will get a chance to do a lot more! This one was for the Quote Challenge, where we had to use "My Friend" as the title and also black alphas...

A quick thanks to everyone who stops by and leaves me love - your comments are always appreciated! X

At Last a Scrappy Share!

Finally, a chance to share the other LO's I did for the SBT50 'Wings' CC before I went away. This first one was for guest DT member Bec's "Spread Your Wings" challenge. The criteria was to use the quote "until you spread your wings you have no idea how far you can fly", we also had to include meaningful journalling and flowers...

The next LO was for our outgoing DT member Kathie's "Soaring High" challenge. We had to include the quote "the higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly", hand-cutting, distressing and at least 2 birds or butterflies...

The final LO was for fellow DT member Vicki's "Take Off" challenge. We had to include the quote "indulge your imagination in every possible flight", multiple photos with at least one cut out and a 4 word title...

I really tried to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit with these LO's...as it's always good to challenge oneself and try something new! Back later with more to share!