Australian Scrapbook Ideas Issue #4

Well, the latest issue of Australian Scrapbook Ideas has hit the newsstands.  With the fabulous Jolene Pienaar on the cover with one of her adorable girls.  My feature this month was called 'Humour Me' and was all about scrapping fancy dress and funny photos - yeah I sure struggled with that! (not)  It was alot of fun.  You can see in the top right corner of the cover one of the layouts - featuring hilarious photos from the Medieval Fayre.  There are also some fantastic goofball pics of the kids in Groucho Marx glasses; as well as a layout featuring pics from Halloween 2009. 

 I hope you all survived Christmas, and haven't been washed away.  With all of the rain here and up north we've had to postpone our trip to Bundaberg to visit the family, not to mention just paying $700 to get another thing fixed on the car! (ouch, It's special needs) Well, I'm off to drink more coffee and then pick up Connor from his sleep-over, ahh the blessed peace shall soon be at an end! If only the rain would stop so that the kids could go outside!  (after all, there's only so many times you can go to the movies and see Megamind ;)

Happy Tuesday, Bloggers!

Merry Christmas

Look at these cute and goofy boys of mine!  Poor Santa is being squashed out of his chair, no simple sit-on-the-knees for my boys ;)

 And here is the long-anticipated (and mocked) photo that you've all been waiting for.

In my defense I had polished off a bottle of wine, as had Fiona (which is probably why Kevvie said 'and you ladies haven't been drinking at all tonight, have you?') He looks so pleased to be there, doesn't he?  Well, that's the risk you take when you frequent the same dessert bar as us!  Fiona was very excited that the honourable MP knew where the scrapbooking shop was.  (She didn't believe my idea that he's been secretly dressing in drag and popping in for his craft fix)

Well as I type here, clutching my coffee and having a mechanical frog shoved up my nose by my youngest (always fun)  I just wanted to wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas.  Thankyou for popping in and visiting me, I really love to see that people are dropping by and leaving comments.  My goal for next year is to actually learn how to make my blog a bit spiffier and get my camera fixed!  I would love any suggestions any of you have!
Have a fabulous New Year, and be kind to each other.
B

December Card Kit

Happy Wednesday Bloggers!  I've been having a slight wigging-out about Christmas being so close (eek) I swear it ambushed me this year, so I'm in denial and am concentrating on other things  ;)  Such as the enormous amount of cards I had to make for the December Card Kit.  Normally there are 5 cards with instructions in each months kit (unless Liz does it and then she goes on a crazy card-making bender!  Just kidding Liz!  I love you and your cards ;)  But it being December we don't want our kit subscribers getting into mischief for the week the shop is shut over the holidays so we put more in.  So here are my offerings:

 

Easle Card

                                                                        Gatefold Card

So that should keep them out of mischief ;)
Anyhoo - the sun is out!  Time for 10 loads of washing ;)

Thank Goodness for Lovely People

Hey Bloggeroos (I know, I'm getting worse ;) I just wanted to share a little thing that really made my day yesterday.
One of my lovely customers (and pals) Shirelle came into the store yesterday and gave me a cute little Christmas present.  It's a heat pack that she made herself.  I just about balled on the spot (I've had this thing lately that I cry if people are nice to me, what's that about?) and the bonus was that I had a headache at the time, (still do) so it is currently sitting on my shoulder healing me with its warmy goodness.  Here's a dodgy pic I took.

It's inspired me to hurry up and get my work and mag stuff done, so that I can finish the pressies I'm making for my friends and family. 
So, here's a big cyber-smootchie for Shirelle, and for everyone out there that takes the time to read my blog and leave me comments.  They really do brighten my day.
Have a great weekend.
B

Just Tootin' My Horn...

Hey there Bloggers.  Well it's certainly been a busy week, and a super busy weekend!  I've been o so patiently waiting for the Publishers to put up the cover pic for the latest issue of Australian Simply Cards magazine but I gave in and scanned my own copy ;)

I'm so excited!  This is my first time being published in Simply Cards (discounting the dodgy card I made for one of their free designer mini books).  Here's hoping they like me and there will be more to come ;)
And technically I'm on the front cover - I'm the 'Seasonal Stamping' bit on the right.

Here's a dodgy photo that I took with my phone of a card I'm about to send off to a friend of mine that's up the duff, (yay)
Just a simple one- using the gorgeous new Graphic 45 range - Once Upon a Springtime.

OH!  And a bit shout out to my Gal Pal Krischelle who's just been accepted as part of the design team for Scrap Tiffany!  Congrats chick!

In other news my car is cursed - this time last year I was rear-ended by a truck (not fun -don't recommend it) and then yesterday I had to get it towed to the mechanics for some sort of ignition coil thingy (it's like they're speaking in tongues) there goes $220 worth of xmas shopping :( Arrgghh!
Anyway, I'm off again (being kicked off the computer by my 11yr old - for shame, I cannot wait until I get a laptop)
Have a great day bloggers!

Is my eye twitching?

Hey there Blogmeisters!  Just  a quick one before I run off again ;)  I've been very 'head down bum up' this last week or so, (not a great image ;) frantically getting my mag stuff completed by deadline, as well as the stuff for the store.  I have a couple of classes this week.  First up is my cuttlebug class, which is on tomorrow.  Then Saturday I have my gift tags and bags class in the morning then my Vintage double layout in the afternoon.  Then Sunday it's the gift tags and bags again!
Here's what they look like.

The first one is a wine bag (hint hint ;) that's super easy to make, the Santa tag is actually an adaptation of a card by Cindy Lawrence. The 2nd bag is also made from scratch, and the tag has a v cute flocked Santa on it, the 3rd bag is actually made from an envelope, very quick and easy to do - created the same way as my Halloween treat bag I made.
Anyhoo, back to the paper trimmer ;)

Too Much Cute Stuff

Hey there bloggers, today started with Hamish (4) crawling into my bed at 5am and then proceeding to vomit everywhere (just as well I have a strong-ish stomach or I'd have joined in in sympathy).  So needless to say it's a stay at home and play catch the vomit day today (fun)  But now he's asleep and I'm blog-hopping when I should be working (deadlines, what deadlines?) and I keep finding sites with the cutest handmade embellishments (I'm such a sucker) check it out

If you click on the pic it'll take you to the site and you can have a go at winning it, cool, huh?  Makes me want to crack out the crochet cotton and go all granny-like...except I need to go back to work....Although a handmade embellishment would put the finishing touch on the layout I'm working on ;)

Just a Quickie ;)

Hey there Blogsters,
I survived, just, after a couple of Nanna naps, highly under-rated, the Nanna nap, good for what ails you, I say.  Anyway enough rambling, I have a quick share. It's my best friend's Mum's birthday this week and I was informed that I was not to make a card with chickens or frogs on it, I was to make something tasteful - as befitting the recipients advancing years (all of 60, a veritable spring chicken! )
So, luckily I had been ruminating on an idea for a class for the schedule in the new year, called Vintage Ladies, and this is what I came up with.

I hope it passes muster ;)
Have a great night!
B

Classes, classes and more classes!

I suspect Fiona is secretly trying to kill me off by putting all of my classes on at once! ;) I have the new vintage double layout on this Friday, (then the shop xmas party in the evening), then Saturday we start with the Interactive Xmas class then have the cuttlebug cards in the afternoon.  Then Sunday we have the off the page frenzy - where people bring along their UFO's or new ones and we get cracking!
So if you don't hear from me after Sunday I've gone into a crafting coma ;) I love a good whinge, it's the English blood in me.

Betty and Jack were my Grandparents, my Dad's parents.  I get my craftiness from Grandma (and my messiness) and my whingey-ness from my Grandad (the Pom).  Isn't it creepy how much I look like my Grandma ;)
I used all Graphic 45 papers and pretty much all Graphic 45 embellishments, not that I'm obsessed or anything ;)

Poor Fiona, she accused me of giving her wrinkles and putting her in an early grave (hmmm, might explain the classes marathon ;).  I can be very 11th hour in handing in my examples, but I must say that the flowery card (the stress-making culprit) turned out to be my favourite, obviously I work best under pressure....
I also got to play with the new Tim Holtz machine on Monday, the Vagabond.  I'm in love (sigh) I can't justify getting one as I already have my beloved Cuttlebug...but if something were to ever happen to it....well it is super-cute, and comes with stickers to customise it ;)

 

the sides open out like a cuttlebug, the clasp-looking bits are the on/off and direction switches and it has a hidden compartment to stash the electric cord.  I just love it.  And on that note, I'm off to finish writing my class notes ;)

Have fun bloggers, B

Issue 3 is Here!

I'm so excited because Krischelle's layout is on the cover!  Yay! You go girl! I did off the page for this issue - 12 days of Christmas advent houses, a star wreath and my Christmas Control Journal (really gotta get that back so I know what I'm supposed to be buying and making ;)

The daggy, giddy delight still hasn't worn off - although the stress of trying to get everything completed in time is certainly not fun ;)
I did another full day class with Jane Tregenza yesterday, gimme a day or so to complete the stuff and I'll post some pics from that.
Anyway, I need more coffee, have a great Tuesday, B

Have Yourself an Interactive Xmas

Well, as per usual I have come up with a class that will most likely drive me mad to teach!  I seem to have some sort of sad addiction to complex cards.  The new class schedule starts this week, along with my interactive xmas cards class on Friday.
My gal pal Val (I'm such the poet) gave me the inspiration for the exploding xmas card/decoration.  (She's the Bill to my Ted on our excellent craft shop adventures).

My 11 year old son Connor actually gave me the idea for the pop-up Santa card.  Last year he created a hilarious interactive card all by himself that featured Santa Claus going up and down the chimney, with his legs sticking out and a speech bubble coming out the side saying 'Help! Help! I'm stuck!!' Freakin' hilarious.  When I showed him my card he looked at me in outrage and yelled at me that I'd stolen his idea!  So I promised to put in a disclaimer ;)

The shaker card uses the Penny Black snow globe stamp and the Stampendous elf - sooo cute.  Secretly I just did it to justify my buying the stamps ;)  Maybe I'll use it again soon to do a layout about my snowglobe collection.....

Well, I don't have anything else exciting to add, except that I fell in love with a cat named Jingles yesterday, and daren't go back into the pet store for awhile in case I come out with an adorable furball stuffed down my jumper (hey, and I'm not a cat person per se - but this guy was hilarious, a total goof-ball, he'd fit right in around here.) Sigh.  I'll have to send Connor in for the crickets for a while until I come to my senses...no wait he'd be as bad as me, it'll have to be Dion ;)

Vintage Cards Class Today

Hey Bloggers,
I had my Hero Arts/Simply stamped class yesterday - the ladies were a hoot, I think we may have scared poor Una though ;)  I can't remember if I'd posted photos of it the last time it ran...hmmm...don't think so, here's what they looked like anyway - I LOVE the little owl peeking out of the present, too cute.

 

The 3 trees one was a hit, because it looks impressive but is really quite easy (just the way I like it ;)

 

 I love the cherubs stamp - I think because it reminds me of the Golden Books I used to read.  

Anyway, I don't have time for these shenanigans!  I'd better get ready for work ;)

Have a great Saturday!  We're off to the Wynnum foreshore tomorrow with the kids - a last Sunday Hurrah for me since I'll be starting taking over Jolene's Sundays from next week since it's her last day tomorrow :(  Good luck with the move Jolene!

B

Barbara the Techno Bimbo

So, I tried my first attempt at cyber-cropping....and ran out of time to post my card I made for it because I'm a doofus and have no idea how to post pics to the gallery ;) so, here it is, a very quick and hurried and slightly blurry card sketch challenge for The Scrappers Outlet

Card sketch

My camera is still broken, so the pic was taken with my dodgy phone ;)
I shall try and cyber crop again, and this time I shall prevail!!!

Notice Board Pics and Roller Derby Tonight

Hey there Blogmeisters,
Here are the pics I promised of Kylie's birthday present.  It was a real challenge to go against my normal tastes and desires - not to cover it with chicken-themed fabric and a horde of buttons, but I succeeded.  It was certainly a good excuse to buy a 4-in-1 nail /staple gun, so now I have a deadly weapon too ;)

 

Not terribly clear, and in the process of being covered with Kylie's enormous collection of hair accessories but you get the idea.

The kids and I (and Kylie etc) are off to Roller Derby tonight at the Convention Centre, should be interesting, as long as Hamish doesn't tackle someone to the ground and try to steal their skates it should be all good ;)

Don't forget to vote/leave a comments for the Cosmo comp, it closes Monday.

B

If you love me and you know it....

Hey there bloggees ;)  I've come seeking your love and affection ;)  Cosmo Cricket (one of the loves in my life ;) are having a competition where you go onto their blog and leave a comment nominating a paper crafter you like. The person with the most comments for them could win a design team spot for the month of November (gasp!) and get some goodies (double gasp!) So, if you love me and you know it...click on the following link
http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/cosmo_cricket/2010/10/sneak-peek-design-team-honorary-spot-.html
and I shall be your adoring fan forever!

Also watch this space for pics of my first attempt at making a ribbon criss-cross notice board jigger (technical term ;)
 Thanks guys, I'm cyber-hugging you right now ;)  (especially those special few wearing velour ;) What can I say, I'm a sucker for texture ;)
B
PS - We're having difficulty coming up with a name for our last frog, we have Houdini (because he was always escaping); Stockholm (because he wasn't); Chenobyl (because he's a particularly bright and virulent green compared to the others); Beaconsfield (because he's always getting himself trapped in the enormous empty space behind the fake rock and ......the 5th one has a penchant for sitting regally in the water surveying all that he sees - or hiding half submerged in the crevassy-bit..... ideas?  I may even rustle up a prize ;)

Some Retro love and Halloween happiness

Well, it seems like a million years since my last post!  In that time I have accomplished great feats (assembling an Ikea bunk bed for the boys in 59 minutes..not that I was counting ;) not to mention surviving Rollerskating on the weekend.  I don't think that it counts that I was the only one not to fall down, as I really only went onto the proper rink part 1 1/2 times.  Hamish and I did rock the carpeted area though ;) and I carried 2 serves of hot chips on a tray - in skates - at last my dream of becoming a rollerskating waitress is slowly becoming realised ;)  I blame LA Ink.  However, I do think that we should have an International day of the Roller Derby Girl, I was barely able to stay upright on Sunday, they do violent craziness on wheels!

Anyway.  This week I have a few classes on, Quick and Speedy Cards, Heritage Layout and a late addition - Halloween (I told her that I would teach a Halloween class one way or another!)

 

There are another 2 cards to the set, but for some reason the photos didn't turn out.

 I was a bit fuming after I made these Halloween cards.  Don't get me wrong, I love them, but I really struggled to not use my not-inconsiderable stash of Halloween stuff to make them - as then it would drive people mad as we don't have all of it in the shop to buy.  So it forced me to adapt and create Halloween things from mostly everyday stuff (apart from the small amount of Martha I snuck in on the gift bag ;)  I was fuming because an hour after I finished the last card (poor Fiona, she really doesn't like my 11th hour approach to life ;) a great big stash of Bo Bunny and Graphic 45 Halloween stuff arrived in the store (which I then had to buy ;)

 I was really happy with how this turned out - check me out as a foxy 2 yr old ;) and look at the size of my Uncle Danny's bow tie!  Wowsers!  Anyway, I'm off to play with the Whooligans (aka - the Bo Bunny Halloween papers ;)
Don't forget to leave me some love!
(in comment form - not weird offerings on my doorstep)...(unless it's coffee...or chocolate...or Martha punches....or Ikea catalogues... ;)