crikey, Kylie you are busy

Here's a snap from yesterday ... 'School Holiday Fun' - the kids and Dad cooking marshmallows on the fire we made for lunch. I enjoy having the kids home on school holidays and try and spend quality time with them.

We often have a simple barby somewhere on the farm with snags in bread followed by marshmallows, such a quick and easy lunch but so enjoyable ! I've been entertaining the kids with of some of the things I used to enjoy on my school holidays when I was younger ... play dough, cooking, painting, mud pies, gardening, bike riding, footy and cricket in the back yard, playing with the animals (we've gained 2 pups this week so it's kinda busy around here!) and the odd DVD here and there ... I don't like to plonk the kids in front of the telly too much though, there's so many more fun things to do outside ! It's been great these school holidays as Ted's been around (he's normally off working in Edillilie during the week) so the kids have also been able to tinker around in the shed and under the airseeder helping Dad get ready for seeding.
Happy Holidays !!

sandra's snap

School holidays usually means later nights and pushing the kids out of bed in the morning (well Teagan anyway) :)And of course sorting out the clothes, buying new clothes etc etc.But one thing the kids look forward to during the holidays is seeing more of Nanna.Due to school and work commitments they don't see her as often as they would like and they love catching up with her during the holidays.So here is a photo of the kids with their Nanna. They just love her to bits... and vice versa ;)

thanks Sandra. Just knew you be on the ball ;)

quick pic mini challenge

rito.

lets ramp up some action.

While Amanda is off line and Granny Sue is with her newest grandson and R, and lucky Meredith is off to a sewing retreat shortly, send your quick pic challenge to me. Address on the right side bar.

take a pic of what school holidays mean to you.

is it

1. a mountain of washing.

2. PJ clad people at 11am (it is here now and then)

3. is it bodies on the floor with their mates chilling in front of the big screen.

4. could it be that the computer is ALWAYS occupied when u want it.

what's your impression of having the family home from school.

mine is later than normal bedtimes and sleep ins. LURVE em.

Kids in bed normally by 8pm on school nights, usually in bed by 9pm during the school holidays.

(doesn't always mean they sleep in tho) lol

email pics as a small file please and we'll pop them up asap along with your explanation of its importance to you.

A short interuption to usual service ...

Just to let you know that Amanda is "Internet - less" at the moment until further notice

so if you have emailed her a layout please resend it to me so I can post it for you!!

She was shaking slightly when I saw her today but was in denial I think

... she didn't take up my offer to check her emails on my computer ;-)

inspire me.

hmmm. had a good long hard think about this one.

And I think my photoshop is the most influential thing that has a hold over me. Oh and my printer. It doesn't matter where or what grabs my interest, as long as I can adapt it to scrapping, that is what's important to me.

AND I found some absolutely gorgeous brushes that I just had to have on the www. The first time I have actually coughed up $$ for downloads. find them here.

So I had use them straight away. So that swayed this LO which I have printed the pic and the brushes directly onto the cardstock. You can do exactly the same with 8.5x11 inch format in an A4 printer. I always to a fast greyscale test print on reflex paper first to make sure it's all how it should be and then use that as a template to attach the PP or card onto.

:)

Sandra

Well this www inspiration challenge must have you all thinking very hard.

Here is the first entry for the challenge and she has outdone herself (again)

Sandra says -

Here is my entry for the www dot challenge :)

My inspiration was a stamp.I went blog surfing recently and came upon Sonia's blog... I think you have a link to her blog on your blog. She uses stamps on her layouts.. not inking stamps but postage stamps... which got me thinking... I had a sheet of stamp stickers in my stash.

I also had photos which went with the era on the stamps (the forties) and the layout evolved from there. Google imaged 1940's posters and got the colours for my layout there.. otherwise I would never have thought of yellow! (not a colour that I use).

I have also set myself a mini challenge which I saw on the www. A forum member (scrapbooking memories I think) set herself a challenge where she would not buy ANYTHING until she had completed 20 layouts.Well I have set myself 10 layouts. do not have the will power for 20) A Day At Brighton is layout number 19 to go. ;)

and its difficult already!!

wow at all those cool old photos - what a brilliant find! You have showcased them excellently Sandra - the buckles and colours are fantastic. This page really pops and reflects the era perfectly.

Thanks for all your hard work surfing the web Sandra! Top work!

What is your favourite?

Wondering what everyone's favourites are..........

1. Magazine (can be scrapping or otherwise) and please share why.

2. font and where to find it.



My favourite magazine would have to be Scrapbook Trends. This is an American publication that Meredith and I stumbled upon when in Melbourne on our retreat adventure. This magazine is my favourite because the layouts featured in them are so beautiful, balanced and well designed. To me they are the absolute benchmark of scrapbooking. Another thing that i love about the magazine is the photography of the layouts - STUNNING! It really puts the Aussie mags to shame with their amazing true to life colours and display of the layouts.


My favourite font would have to be Type Ra (of course!) I started using this font quite a bit many years ago and still love it. It just seems to be 'me' although that sort of type font is everywhere you look now days. I get all my fonts free from da-font. I like how type ra is a little bit grungy as well........totally me :)


I would be interested to read your comments on your favourites!

Well i know 3 out of 4 E2C committee members are...

out scrapping at Leah and Lindy's new shop. Guess who the one at home is? LOL.


Today i finished off a layout i have had on the go for some time. It is a little different and used a technique that i had not tried before.


I got my inspiration from here - mooo where the Silhouette Canvas Art section is. I decided that i could easily (*cough cough*) make my own girls silhouette out of a photo with a bit (*cough cough*) of fiddling in photoshop. Well after many hours in photoshop fiddling, i was pretty happy with the result and i think i can tell it is my kids really quite well. I was scared turning the photo into silhouette would lose their 'personality' but i dont think it did at all!





(i should also add that mooo is a fundraiser for the Cummins Child Parent Centre and if ordering from their amazing site there is some section where you add your fundraising charity and they donate a percentage of sales..........i think that is right - Marika or Kylie please elaborate or correct me!!!!!!)










title is borrowed from here

The distressed folding thing is also a technique which is new to me but apparently is fairly big in the digi scrapping world at the moment. Inspiration from this clever chickadee





A couple of years ago i was also inspired by a website design. It was Clair Bremner the Melbourne Childrens photographer (also a fabulous friend). Her website has changed since then but the opening page was set out in a series of little squares and photos. I loved it and it inspired me to create this -

So since i am the only one home tonight i thought i would set everyone a little challenge to see what you can find that inspires you on the www. NOT really talking about sketches or scraplifting here but it may be colours, design, a font or just a series of photos.

Go for a surf and see if you can catch some inspiration.

MIA me ...

Hi all,

Been busy with things but finally finished off a couple of layouts ...

This layout has actual Lego (don't tell Lachlan!!).

I also used the Bazzill swiss dots cardstock (black) to resemble the dots of the Lego pieces.

The alphas are the Collections chipboard.

I am loving the Jenni Bowlin calenders too, so far I've used Jan, Feb and April ;-)

The title on this one ... some sticker alphas that I have had for ages and they match up really well to look like cursive writing ... they are called "Big Honkin' Stickers" by Mustard Moon.

Trish's here!!

It's been a bit quiet in here, is everyone busy enjoying this lovely weather and the school holidays??

But Trish just popped these two lovely layouts across to me to share with you all...... they are great Trish and glad someone finding time to do some scrapping.

ALL WET - loving these papers!!!


LIFE'S SO GREAT- love ya buttons, oohhh.. and i would so love a walk along a beach!!

Thanks for them Trish....and hoping to see some more soon. I will be away for the next couple weeks....heading down to help Rach out, her hubby is a fisherman and heading out to sea Sunday, so i will be getting lots of cuddles of Mace ....and doing lots of running with Evan!! :) I will try to pop into have a looksee over that time so please send any pages onto the other girls....and the keep the blog a buzzing....

Catchya,

Suexx

just love this Girl

Sandra has been a busy girl, she did this LO and posted it to me yesterday. It is a layout for the puzzlesketches blog which had the had to have the following - 9 squares, a star, and arrow, and some paint. And Sandra's version of this has sure WOW factor, i am sure you will all agree!!

This is just fantastic Sandra, i am loving it all, the colour combo, inked edges, the coffee ring, buttons ....etc,etc... Thanks Sandy!

Waiting

Loving all the action here!! It is great to see all your pages!!

I have a page to share with you all. I finished this LO yesterday, initially i had abit more pink on the page, but now knowing it's a boy, i adjusted it slightly...

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

she's on a roll

holy cow Marika. When youre hot, youre hot. Love Kraft. Just cant go wrong with that stuff. Marika says

the one of molly and dad is a lift from the cover of the latest sm mag great way to use scrap papers

Little Man took my eye. I think its the colour co ordination. the thickers ribbon and PP are all so similar.

using the torn strips with the sewing makes a great border effect in Eli.

top stuff Marika. looking forward to more from you this week.

this week's challenge posted by Sue is to send in whatever you are currently working on. So any medium will be fantastic. on the page, off the page, cards etc.

impeccable manners

lol Sandra.
thanks for the nudge.
A lo of Annie done just before the Easter weekend. I havent been home to do any others but have plenty of photos to work on.

hope your Easter was fantastic.

Cards by Sandra

Sandra has been busy making Beautiful Baby cards! They are just gorgeous Sandra!!

It's a great way to use up those little bits of paper, add a flower or two, a little bit of ribbon, a few words and end results ....a beautiful card!! I always love receiving home-made cards, they are so special!! Lucky people receiving these cards!!

Thanks for sharing them!!

Show 'n tell

Howdy to you girls who are enjoying a quiet Easter home with your families, hopefully you might be getting a little chance to scrap just a 'little'!

How about i set a mini challenge for the next week - share with us some of your latest pages or projects. We all love to see something new and different....and you girls are all inspiring with your scrapping!!

I have been working on my journal, that i started at the retreat, and have finally completed it, so i am going to show you a few pages from it.June page-I have used rub-ons for the title, love those new Kaisercraft Alphas!I added in between the page a cut up plastic card protector page (ones that hold footy cards etc) and i added rub-ons onto it, plus rubons on the page....and inked the edges

September page - i have used some stamps, added some rub-ons, a Jenni Bowlin ticket and inked the edges. I have also added a journal card stitched to some clear transparency in between the pages.

November page- month title have have put some black paper thru the dynmo and sanded the top (good technique Amanda!), mounted it and added a rub-on. There is strips of paper added near the bottom which have been inked before glued and then various rubons added, and another piece of plastic card protector with various rubons added.

So now all i have to do is jot down the things that happen each month. It was a great way to use up mulitple rubons, get those inks out, make a mess and have fun!

Hope to see some of your creations soon.....you can also email me and i can post them for you :)

Suexx

What a Pearler!!

Firstly, I'd like to share with my fellow scrappers, that we have just become grandparents again....to our 5th Grandson!! Mace Jadran Lukin arrived safely on Wednesday 8th April, weighing in at a grand 9lb 3ozs!! Rach and bubby doing well. He is an absolute pearler!!

AND..I also do have a page with some pearls on it to share. I like embellish lightly with pearls, centre of a flower or a just 3 or so for a little added something. For those who may remember, at the retreat i began a 2009 journal, so this is one of the pages from that, using pearls.

And i also wish everyone a Happy & Safe Easter.....enjoying this glorious sunshine with family and friends.....and hope to see you all back here ASAP sharing all your lovely scrapping with us.

Suexx

Marika's made it.

Hi there Marika. What a lovely LO. Even tho they are rhinestones I reckon that will fit the bill.

What a gorgeous choice of PP. Basic Grey is so right for this one. Of course the circle with the rhinestones is a focal point.

I'm not sure if a new challenge is being posted by the team tomorrow as people head off for the Easter weekend. I hope so but I will be away so I would like to say Happy Easter to you all now as I wont be able to otherwise. Have a great family time, lots of photos, and stay safe.

Sandra's crabs.

LOL. I just know you took that the wrong way. tee hee.

Sandra dropped this little gem in my inbox a tick ago.

Look closely. You will spot her crabs. They have tiny little pearls for bodies.

Just how cute are they. And handwriting to boot. Excellent one Sandra.

Karen

WOWEE.

Thanks Karen for listening to my call out in my last post to send in anything new that you have been working on. We love looking and anything you want to show us is inspiring (talking to everyone here!)

Karen says -

Hi Amanda,
I've been a bit flat out at the moment, not getting time to scrap any time soon! :( Anyhow on the Tuesday after the retreat I did this little album, it was simple and easy and I love how it turned out. Just thought Id post it as my "something I've been working on" :).
Cheers
Karen

oh Karen i would love to see the rest of this - i bet it is stunning. Love the colours you have picked, the OA papers are so funky and ideal for our retreat. What a fab momento of a great weekend!

what a pearler

I tell you what. this chick is on the ball. I got a sneak peak via the mobile over the weekend. fits the pearl challenge beautifully.
pearls on the veil and a little pearl flower on the waist line of the bridal gown.

You may not have realised it Tanya but having the placement of photos and the journalling from left to right helps the eye to travel easily across the page. This is called flow. Well done. You have mastered a fundamental rule in scrapping. applies in real life too. You'll start looking at things in a whole new way and think 'hmmm, that's a great idea I could scrap!!'

:)
t

flutterby

look out. this butterfly has a pearly (cough) after burner LOL. I think I mean flight trail. Or is it flight path.

A pearly card ...

Hi all!!

Thanks for the reminder ... well, nudge Amanda ... had forgotten about the pearls on the card!!

Using the gorgeous new Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday papers.

Maryanne.

She says it has been a while since she scrapped and boy oh boy have we missed her on here!!

Love the grungy look teamed up with the bright papers - brilliant. The pearls you have used on here look great - the black ones look excellent on a boy page!

What a cutie Jaxon was........i bet he loves seeing all these pages with his little bubba face on them!

Great work Maryanne. So glad you picked up the scissors again.

Hope to see a few more pearl pages. I do know of a FANTASTIC card out there that 'someone' made using peals to highlight scalloped edges - it was very clever so hopefully she drops in and shows it off.

some interesting reading

Hi girls.



Things have been bit quiet in here!!! Where are all the pearl layouts - i hope to see some soon :) Dont forget this blog isn't exclusively for blog challenges - we would LOVE to see anything new you have been working on. If you would like to show us ANYTHING please forward it to one of us (emails on sidebar)


I spent a very interesting day today infront of the computer collating all the info from our retreat feedback forms.



Just some interesting facts that we can share with you.



* 43 surveys were returned from 50 retreat go-ers

* 43 ladies said that they had a great time on the retreat (YAY)


* 43 ladies said that they were happy with our onsite (Val and Lorrae) catering


some improvements we could make were listed -

• get rid of the mice


• 50's and 60's music


• change dinner format for Saturday night


• keep having retreats


• make the weekend last longer /more time!


• have a photochopy of the finished class project on each table


• option of not having to stay the night


• more instruction on class photo requirements prior to the retreat


• needing more free time to scrap.


• get two masseusses (not sure if that word even comes as a plural!)

And basically the vast majority were pleased with the setup (some stating it was a better vibe/atmosphere because of the table placement).

There was not one negative comment about the classes being run in the shed and everyone who did a class liked the powerpoint display as an extra aide.

This is great news for us. I thought the retreat went so well in 2008. The feedback we recieved then was also very very positive. For us to actually IMPROVE on something that was good in the first place is brilliant. Thanks to all who took the time to fill out their surveys. These responses help us to know what the attendees are thinking and what we can work on changing.

The main two problems for 2009 were the hotel tea and the appearance of Stuart Little and a few mates. Rest assured the format for Sat. night tea WILL change for 2010.

Here is my answer to Tiff's challenge. Technically they are not pearls - but Kaiser make them and they are called droplets.....and are fairly new on the scene. I am not a pearly or bling-y type of person so this is my page. (yep it is 6x12 inch - i didn't stretch out the image!)

Challenge 32 - pearls

It's Friday.
wahu.
bring on the weekend.
Bring on the new challenge.

I would love to see what you can do with pearls.
Since KaiserCraft released them a while ago in so many colours and oh so cheap, they have become very popular. I have seen black pearls recently. Very masculine for little fella's pages.

Let's be creative. Lets see how many different ways to use pearls.

looking forward to lots of response to this one.

this is one I have done for the challenge. Pearls in the centres of the flowers and pearl ribbon slides.

Kate.

A warm welcome back to Kate.

She sent me this page which damn near broke my heart. Last week Kate had an unfortunate incident with their pup Sid. Basically cars and dogs are bad news........they dont go together too well. Sometimes these little pups dont realize this and in a very quick second things can go very very badly.

I know that Kate loves her pets and that she has cried buckets over this. Chook - it isn't your fault. It is just one of those bad things that happens to us all at times. Dogs are so faithful and forgiving. He loves you all and I am certain that he is so thankful that you all gave him a second chance and got vet help for him.

The emotion in this page is obvious. Love the colour choices, the buttons and the journalling strips. And the long title is just so sad.

Hope you are all doing ok Kate.

Introducing Tanya C

TA DA.

we have a new scrapper on board. Tanya started scrapping 2 hours ago. Literally. This is her first ever LO.

And wowsers. Not bad for the first creation. Not bad at all. Noice stripes and journal strips. And I see you have mastered the art of journaling with the computer and printer already.

Well done chick. I look forward to your next masterpiece.

t

tiff 2

hiya.





A long title for the current challenge. This challenge has certainly got the juices flowing for everyone.

Any new faces out there who would like to say hi or have a go at a challenge?? We are friendly mob here and we don't bite. If any previous ones grab your attention (categories on the right side bar) give it a shot. never too late for sub.
;)
tiff

Sandra's no. 2

I think i may well be in shock - the layouts keep pouring into my inbox for this challenge! I never in a million years thought people would actually do so many pages with really long titles!! (although i admit it is really fun - am so OVER one word titles LOL )

Another gorgeous one here from Sandra - using one of my fav. peices of BG paper ...that red is divine. I really really adore your cluster of elements and the different fonts / alphas you have used. And Ryan has an amazing smile that does totally light up his whole face........he is a lovely, happy and friendly boy!

Beautiful work Sandra - and loving seeing everyones take on a long title!

Marika aka - scrap machine

This chook is on fire!! Pumping out the layouts ....

She says that she is so enthused since the retreat it is hard work trying to keep herself out of her scrap room/office.

This is great news for all of us. Firstly because it means that us, as organizers managed to get some mojo happening for some people ......being in a big room full of scrappers it is kinda hard NOT to feel inspired to create! And secondly it is great news as we get to see her fantastic layouts!

LOVE the blue in this. The big monogram is perfect as is the gorgeous blue combination with the craft. Love that tiny sliver of ribbon? or paper down one side - stunning.

And Noahs eyes ARE amazing. A very cute little boy.

Keep those long titles coming girls! This page is another great example of the challenge.

My longish title ...

Hi all,

Apologies for not commenting lately ... have had no computer for the last week. Oh my goodness how did we cope before computers and the internet!! The hard drive went but luckily we didn't lose anything, just have to re-install a couple of programs that the computer guy didn't have!!

Anyway here is my layout ... great idea Amanda, I have wanted to do a long title one for a while and this was the push I needed!!

The title isn't crooked, just my photo taking!!

Marika

Just look at this one!

1. nice long title

2. gorgous spots

3. adorable baby

4. fab. journalling

5. great colours

6. retreat give-away thickers!

7. paint or inky edges

8. date stamp!

great work Marika! Great memory too.

Sue

Well this challenge had me thinking!! I have incorporated my journalling and title together, and using different alphas to form the title was fun!! So with a couple patterned papers, various alphas, bit of stitching and a few buttons, all was complete!!

Trish

Trish has done very well with her long title.

She says -

Hi Amanda, this is looooooong but its not BIG. It has a grand total of 9 words though.
And for those without 'pointy eyes' , as my once 2 year old son told Nanna, it says "you really enjoyed painting the cobra model with Ian."

Cheers Trish S

I love those squigley black dots - they look fantastic! Are they hand drawn? They compliment the papers fabulously and the lettering 'cobra model' look like it was just made for your page!

Great work Trish - i see a bit of Meredith style in this one - craft, little letter stickers and a very big wow factor!

wonderful.

Amanda

I wanted to use the title to actually tell the story - so the title and journalling are combined in a VERY LONG sentence about our muching mutts.

and yes that is a bit of my FAVOURITE chewed up jacket on the layout :(

Sandra

Sandra has shared something really special with us.

Not only has she met the 5 words or more title challenge, but also challenged herself to journal directly onto the cardstock with her printer - fantastic!

She says -

Hi Amanda!
Here is my answer to your challenge... and boy did I find it a challenge!
I am still not 100% happy with the title placement.
I have set myself a challenge this year to try something new on each page..
this time it was journalling onto the layout... usually I put it on a tag or journalling strips.
So hence the font being so big!... Lesson learn't. lol
I also feel rather over exposed with the journalling subject... I suppose I could of hidden it... but chose not to.
So sorry, a bit of heavy reading, and I suppose cryptic too.
The photo is of me, at the age of 13.... the journalling is me, at 40, talking to the 13 year old me back then.

Great challenge.. and one I will try again in the future!
Cheers
Sandra

I love all your paper placements. The colours you have chosen are fabulous. What a great photo of yourself!!!

The title placement looks excellent to me and wow at your journalling - so personal. I know that i have often scrapped 'difficult' topics and found the art of getting those thoughts down on paper very healing.... I hope you did too Sandra.

famous five (words that is)

challenge done. phew and not as tough as I thought.

I cant show too much as this is a gift for a special person in my life (thanks Meredith for the idea of it in the first place!!), and I dont think she lurks here very often. But, just in case......

This is an off the page project using a Heidi Swapp Mirror book. And I just loved it. Gave the whole thing a brand new dimension.

I just know that 'she' will love it too.

Challenge 31

Hi girls.

Due to Sue being away, Meredith's computer having a meltdown and Tiff off scrapping.......................i will post another challenge :)


This challenge is


to use






a






very long title on your page.

Now i haven't done up an example as i honestly haven't had time to scratch myself this week! But i am envisaging titles that have MORE then 5 words in them. No more one worders. Nope to two or even three words.

Let's get all long, big, convoluted and take up a lot of room with your title.


I want it big and loooooooooooooooooooooooooooong.

(title that is)

spot the diamond

have a good look. It is there.


found it yet????

Trish is playing funny buggers on us LOL. But trust me its there.

Great to see you back Trish.
I remember you showing me these pics a little while ago. Great masculine LO chick. The line of green dots above the i in brushing reminds me of paint drops.

Kerryn's diamonds.

woohoo - here is another new face which i am sure you will all know from the retreat.

Welcome Kerryn - glad to have you participating in this diamond challenge!

What fantastic diamonds you have made here! love absolutely everything - the paper, the colours, the funny photo and what a classic title! Your distressed edges and stitching look so effective.

For those who are having trouble remembering, Kerryn was one of our 'special' Adelaide guests and was an absolute POWER scrapper! She finished a massive number of pages on the retreat!

It is so great to see you here :)

how to comment on the blog

To leave a comment on the Blog

Left click on the word ‘comment’ at the end of each post
A new window appears with a text box
Type in what you would like to say along with your name (important, otherwise unless you have a google account, we have no idea who you are)
Left click Anonymous
Left click ‘publish your comment’

how to save and email a layout to us for display

There are many ways to skin a cat (apparently - never tried it myself) but this is Tiff's way.


To email your photo or scanned image of your LO.
Save it as a jpg on your computer
Right click on the file
Send to
Mail Recipient
Left click yes to make Picture smaller
Your email window should open with the file attached
Pop in one of our email addresses
Type in a short spiel about your work
Send.

Maryanne's dimonds.

Fabulous fabulous fabulous example of how you can make diamonds work so well for your pages. Another great example - see what an array of diamonds we have had! Stamps, paper, shaped pp, stickers, rubons, decorative edges!

Also note how Maryanne has maybe deliberately or possibly accidently used a technique called 'mimicking' where as the patterned paper looks like a snakes skin................

(this is a very loose and abstract 'Amanda' interpretation of that technique. A more direct way would be if there were snakes on the paper i guess! LOL)

Whatever the case this is great. That orange is so striking and omg i just love love LOVE that sassafras lass little strip along the bottom. I just *have* to have that paper now Mary!