Challenge 22

ok doing something that is near and dear to me here and getting back on track with our new challenge idea.

so the theme this week is -

DAMASK

what is this i hear you all ask? While it is a bit last year pattern wise in scrapping (that foul houndstooth is taking over blerch) it is one of my fav. sorts of flourishes to add to the page. Remember that it isn't any old flourish - it has a specific 'look' to it - almost like thistles??! (ok that might be my scottish fantasy coming out LOL) Not to be confused with the fleur-de-lis either.

It doesn't have to be black and white either - they could be in ANY colour. Dont think that they are too flowery for boy pages too - they look absolutely awesome on ANY page.

Kaiser have some fabulous damask papers. As does Teresa Collins. I do think American Crafts have some papers also. Heidi Swapp is also mad for them.

If you dont have anything in your stash right this minute to participate - dont dispair. Go to google images and look for 'damask' you will find hundreds of designs you can print onto plain paper (yes reflex is acid free) and incorperate THAT into your page.

Or find a damask brush and stamp that onto your page with photoshop.

I bought this a while back from 2 peas and LOVE it --

here is another one for sale

you can see it used here for a wedding menu - fab design for a page if you use your imagination too!

Here is a free template to download.

and some photoshop brushes here (i have just downloaded this and can vouch it is A-ok - more fabric looking than the damask examples up the top though)

I dont have a new page to show but i will definately get onto this as I LURVE damask!

ps. you can tuck it behind photos and papers rather than let it be the main focus if you prefer! There are also some cool rubons from Kmart which i snavel every time i see them which have fantabulous damask on them as seen peeking out from the sides in this page i did ages ago.

Can't wait to see what you can come up with!

xmas boxes

a couple of nights ago i had some time to sit and make the boxes Tiff posted about on here = the last challenge.

They were sooooooooooo easy it wasn't funny! I really thought i had done something majorly wrong as they were too easy! But nope - they turned out perfectly.

I used Basic Grey papers which seem to be just the right thickness to get everything to fold and stay in place - with no adhesive. AMAZING! Bazzill seems to be a bit thick to get the nice crisp folds and you need to be careful with flimsy patterned paper as it wont be thick enough. Incredible to think you can make a box just with a few very easy folds.

I have a few gift vouchers to give to people this year for Christmas so will be giving them in a box like this. So cute!

This is what happens when you

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

mix 5 elf suits, some disco music and the amazing dance moves by Tiff, Meredith, Sue and myself (along with a special guest appearance by Ali Edwards)


oh i hope you are laughing as much as i am!

home at the range

Trish has been playing with her new camera. And its a very nooice camera too.
A couple of shots from her. The top one is the view from her property at Edillilie. ( I bet Sue can relate to this one.

I do love the barb wire foreground. Very country. Great depth of field. This 0ne is just south of Cummins on the highway.

Keep snapping away ladies.

anything that takes your fancy that u think would be worth putting on here, email it in and we'll see if we can post it for you.

sandras shots of the ranges

Sandra has come to the fore with these pics. LOVELY. What a gorgeous day for taking photos too. That sky is so crisp and blue.

Thanks girls for participaing in this one.

I hope you can see how cool it is to see the same object but from different angles and perspective.

Now just a bit of house keeping for the retreat..........only 3 days left to finalize classes. AND YES THAT INCLUDES PAYMENT. There are quite a few outstanding amounts for classes so please ensure you have fixed all that up by Friday.

No pay = no class.

Thanks for understanding as we really need to get serious about ordering kit numbers.

Westwards from Wandillilie

We view mose of the Ranges from our hilly view, and probably if i knew exactly where to look Marika i could almost see the dust from your header from our hill top. You are over by P Puckridges right??





So this is just the north block part just now as the sun is setting...

I love to sit on my front veranda and watch the sun setting over those ranges.

Marble ranges from my spot

I have taken these photos over the last year ... I have a washing line one but can't find it at the moment!

This one was taken last week while John was reaping barley, in the paddock right next to our house.

This one you need to use your imagination a little!! It was taken in October this year from Coffin Bay. One of the first times I stayed at Coffin Bay with John he pointed out this perspective ... a man's profile ... think bushy eyebrows, nose and chin!!

more fab shots of the hill

LOL at Marika in her email called it 'the hill'. Poor Marble Range is the only hilly bit we have over here of any substance....it isn't much but it is all we have.

And i am loving all the different sides to it.

Tracey W sent in these fantastic images. She says to excuse the child's arm LOL. I love how the green and blue look so pure in your photo Trace. Also great canola shot - the yellow is so wow.

Marika has sent in a few pics as she has the Range in her face everyday living so close. There is almost one here for ever season on the farm. OMG at how gorgeous that sunset is! My mouth really dropped open in awe at that one.

Hi Tammi

big howdy to u from Tiff of the 'team'

do u see the West Coast wave where u are living now?? You know, that little finger wave from the steering wheel.

cant wait to see your creations.

tiff

wowsers

LOL don't you just love the 'instant-ness' of email. Within a couple of hours i had two responses to our mini challenge.

Sandra has shown us two older images she took out Coffins way. Love how rural and rustic this second one is....just stunning with those country colours. Can't wait to see what you will take as a recent shot (she has promised me one!)

And a special hello to Tammi M who has been a bit of a lurker - and an ex-local (are we allowed to say that Tammi??!!) who was recently back visiting her parents and snapped this shot from ONTOP of Marble Range - wow! This is looking back towards Edillillie. What a great picture and i really didn't expect to get that view when i asked for shots like this ...brilliant! Thanks for de-lurking too Tammi and hope to see your fab work in here soon.

Got my camera out tonight to show you my view. The creative shot didnt quite work how i wanted it to as the Ranges just look like a couple of blue blobs in the background - bloody depth of field grrrrrrrrrrrr! LOL

view from front of our house-

and blue blobs -

Thanks for sharing girls and i hope we see a few more aspects of Marble Ranges! Marika i bet you would have some awesome 'up close and personal' shots!

Tiff's view from the chook yard and the paddock

Please excuse the dark lines. I have stitched 9 photos together and just cant get rid of the seams.

Hay bale props from a couple of years ago.

while you are all busy whipping up your boxes...

and transparency pages ;-) i have a weeny, mini challenge.

I thought of this idea while at Meredith's house on Saturday and yes i had had a couple of cold beverages at the time but thought it was an idea worth thinking on a bit more when i was thinking 100% correctly.

As i was hanging Kelsey's knickers (sprinkler incident) on the line i noticed the most magnificent view of the Marble Ranges that Meredith has. This got me thinking (in a wonky kind of way) that Meredith, Tiff and Me all have this very similar view. THEN i realized that Sue has a view of the same thing - but different angle. Marika would have another angle again (yes i know it isn't really ground breaking news here but bear with me)

So this little mini challenge is to go outside and photograph your view of the Marble Ranges. Cummins girls might need to drive out of the town a little way - not sure of wether the girls from Lock can even see them for that matter! PL girls may need a trip out of town also.

Send me your pics and let's see how many different sides we can capture. Maybe you would like to get creative with your shot? Sunset, Sunrise, rain? Let's see what you come up with.

Dont forget i want to see your boxes too - of the cardboard variety!

Can't wait to see what you can come up with. I will post my new pic later tonight if all goes to plan but here are a couple from Coffins a few years ago..........

Challenge 21

Rito. I feel a challenge coming on.

With Christmas in mind, I challenge you to make a Christmas Box. This idea came from here. Don't be scared. It is really easy. I had 2 done last night within an hour, complete with bows. You dont need double sided PP for the boxes but you will for the PP bow. A quick way to use up some of the PP stash.
Hint: PP is easier to manipulate than cardstock for the boxes.


In my excitement I made a boo boo with the red lid box. The music PP was supposed to be the lid but I got the measurements mixed around. Damn. It would have looked heaps better with the music notes on the lid. Oh well. The PP bow is very straight forward. Did find my adhesive wasn't strong enough as they kept popping apart so I ended up stapling. You cant see the staples so this would be heaps quicker.


Now the Sheer lid box. That was a 'b*****d' to score and fold. Stiff unyielding stuff when folded into several layers. Had to hold the tongue in the right spot and say a couple of magic cuss words and then it came together. Had to hold this one with some invisible scotch tape as it wanted to spring open again.

Otherwise straight forward.
Easy way to make Christmas bon bons with a twist. (bright idea)


These are the two links you need
The first one is for the box folding-origami style and the second one is to make the twisted PP bows.
http://revver.com/video/424450/folding-an-origami-box/
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/paperbow.php

so, jump to it.
;)

thanks girls, a reminder and some of Karen D's scrapping genius

thanks girls for being so patient with the blog and lack of posts while we tried to plug the retreat classes. Hopefully some of our devoted groupies come back soon!! We hope you understand that we wanted to give the classes as much exposure as possible during the registration period.

In saying that we have been OVERWHELMED by the response!! Wow to think that we had only 15 allowed in our classes last year - and a max. of two classes per person so they could be shared fairly..........well our expectations have been waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay exceeded this year. Luckily we have no rules this year ;-)

Just a gentle reminder for those that haven't registerd (there are about 11) that time is running out. Next friday is the cut off to register and pay. No registration or payment recieved = no class.

While we understand some peoples reluctance to take a class - and we are definately not pressuring anyone - they are a great fun way to extend your skills, produce a beautiful piece of work without thinking too much and re-vitalize your scrapping.

I know i felt a bit ho-hum about attending classes when Meredith and I went to the Melbourne retreat but it was fantasticly inspiring and made us all go 'WOW- we had never thought about doing that!'

Anyway i hope i hear from some of you soon. (ga.hall@bigpond.com) to register. Please find class details down the page a little (scroll down) or look to the links on the right of this post.

Earlier in the week i had a lovely surprise in my inbox. The incredibly talented Karen had dropped me a little letter which contained an amazing piece of scrap-work.

she said -

Thought I'd share my latest project with you, its an idea that is getting
around on a few websites and blogs and the original inspiration was from Ali
Edwards. Its a journal for December "Days till Christmas", the idea is
that you have it all "done" so when December comes around all you have to do is
add the photo and journal. In mine I have just used up off cuts and left
overs from my box of scraps, nothing matches and that is the look I am trying to
achieve. Now just to find something interesting enough to journal about
every day!!!! LOL

This is stunning Karen! Thankyou so much for sharing it. What a brilliant way to document those exciting days leading up to Christmas!

we're baaackk

Time to move on from advertising the Retreat Classes. If u want to have a squizzie just scroll down the page and you'll find them. OR click on the links on the right hand side of screen.

Tegan has taken on the transparency challenge. YAY for you chick. Glad to see some action from that challenge.

this is a shaker box card Tegan crafted for her Music Teacher. Just how cool a gift is that.

the music paper is perfect and I love the jaunty tilt of the sax (my favourite instrument)

Awesome stuff chick.

Judy has nailed how to email her projects...*insert long loud applause*... at last. So without any further ado I can show you what Judy has been up to.

Dawson is Judy's adored Grandson that lives up the Top End. Judy visited him and his parents not long ago. So great to see lots of Pics of him Judy. I do love the play on words with (B)RAT.
This one is really awesome. You need to see the details in real life to appreciate the hours of embroidery that went into this one. The silver thread represents barb wire. From a side angle you can really see the wraps of thread like the coiled wire of a barb.

I do love this one...

ESCAPE 2 CREATE CLASSES!

Dear scrapper:

After months of planning, scrapping and sourcing we are proud to show you the four classes that will be on offer at our Escape 2 Create retreat in 2009.

You will need to email Amanda (ga.hall@bigpond.com) and indicate which classes you would like to attend ASAP. There are no limitations on the amount of classes you may attend. You might like to attend all four ... or only one. The choice is yours.

Your class choices and payment will need to be received by the 28th of November - yes very very soon. No time to waste!

Payments can be made through direct deposit or cheque.

Please see your inbox for banking details.

(Although it seems too early to be thinking about all this, we aim to source our kit products and beat the Xmas rush as well as the January farmer's holiday period in which nothing much happens at all!)

Remember if the total class payment is not received by Friday 28th November a kit will not be made for you and you will miss out on any class/es you were hoping to attend.

Please find the class projects below which give photo requirements, kit contents, who will be teaching and an idea of what the workshop actually is .

Classes are a great way to challenge yourself, learn new techniques, play with new products, meet new people and have fun. We hope that you will find something in our class list that interests you.

kit previews - House - Friday Night Class

kit previews - House - Friday Night Class, originally uploaded by *AmandaH*.

Friday Night Collections House Class by Group

Learn how to make these tiny little houses that have taken the Eastern States of Australia by storm. Attach them to a canvas, frame them or pop them onto a card for fantastic 3D gifts. Lined up on a shelf they are a very cute collection

kit previews - Meredith - Sat Afternoon Class

kit previews - Meredith - Sat Afternoon Class, originally uploaded by *AmandaH*.

Saturday Afternoon Explosion Album Class by Meredith
Do you like showcasing your photos in a new and unique way? Meredith will show you how she has made a family trip to the beach unforgettable by displaying them in an amazing explosion album. This innocent little box has a very big impact. Attend this class to see how Meredith made it using her usual flair for colour and attention to detail

A few more photo requirement details:

kit previews - Tiff - Sat Morning Class

kit previews - Tiff - Sat Morning Class, originally uploaded by *AmandaH*.

Saturday Morning Inspiration Journal Class by Tiff
Get your mojo moving with this great scrappers block buster! Tiff has worked tirelessly to bring you a beautifully covered chipboard album full to the brim with ideas, sketches, web sites to get you in the scrapping mood. In this class, Tiff will show you how she has made this small album which is a must have item for every scrapper.

kit previews - Amanda - Sunday Morning Class

kit previews - Amanda - Sunday Morning Class, originally uploaded by *AmandaH*.

Sunday Morning 2 Layout Class by Amanda
Who ever said 12 x 12 is the only way to go was lying! Stretch yourself in this class to make TWO fabulous pages that break all the rules. (you may matt them onto 12 x 12 if you feel nervous!) With a strong focus on colour and design let Amanda show you how to create a couple of layouts which will challenge you to break free of the square!

Uploaded by *AmandaH* on 10 Nov 08,

see through Sandra

oh wow Sandra - this is great!

Love love love that action shot of the bee - what an industrious little fellow he is!

Your photo just pops right off that page and the transparent flourishes finish it all off perfectly.

Gorgeous work.

For those lurking around waiting for the retreat classes to be shown - stay tuned!

Soon, very very soon they will be shown and bookings will be taken.

Tracey's page

Tracey has submitted this one for the transparent challenge. She has used a peice of transparency tucked in behind the photo but has almost done a bit of an abstract take on the theme with the photo.

She says -

David loved this photo of Charlotte and I because of the morning sunshine on our bed hair!!! This is one of his favourite shots therefore it has been scrapped.

The morning sun on your hair certainly does give it a transparent feel. Great page Tracey and thanks for joining in.

(mine is still coming = i have been sick and a bit flat but will get onto it)

Marika's gone transparent

It is great to see some girls becoming more regular in here - Marika and her fabulous creations are making an appearance almost weekly now and it is great to see. I love how she interprets the challenges.

That Jenni Bowlin die cut paper looks awesome teamed up with the transparent ghost alphabet and the little butterfuly rub-ons. Lovely work Marika - glad you joined in this challenge even though you didn't feel you had quite the right stuff in your stash. Ghost letters are totally acceptable and as you have shown - a clever example of the TRANSPARENT theme.