life is all about creating your own backdrop

Apron Card

2008-10-24T13:43:00.003+11:00

I made this cute lil Apron Card back in Jan 08, for my pals Kitchen Tea - i just found the picture again ( i thought i had lost it) so i thought id share with you all.

ATC's for October

2008-10-20T21:27:00.002+11:00

I thought id quickly post a picture of the ATC's i made for this month, the swap was hosted by Penny over at Scrapbooking 4 Less and the theme is "Floral".

Dreadful Adventure

2008-10-20T10:43:00.002+11:00

Well we are back from our holiday and i think it would have to have been one of the worst Ive taken in a long long long time. To start the experience off, Our son screamed for about 2 hours out of the 4 hours in the car, when we got to the holiday house i was chased by a massive moth ( i hate bugs!!!!!)then had to sleep in a double bed that felt like the mattress was over 50 years old and smelt really musty, and the bed head smashed against the wall every time you moved, and i was moving alot trying to keep springs out of my back and butt -- so i woke up from my 2 hours walking like i was about 90 years old... We went to do groceries on Saturday, and went to the beach, Obie hated the ocean and screamed like a maniac when we took him in, so we spent an hour or so building sand castles and chasing sea gulls, came home and find that our dog charlie had dug his way out of the fenced back yard and was running around the very busy street -yikes! Sunday was another day of walking around for the first few hours of the day like i was 90, but we decided to go to the Dog Friendly beach so we could take Charlie, he isn't friendly so he was growling and barking at all the other dogs running around with out leashes on, Obie hated this beach as well, so after a few altercations with large dogs, we decided it was time to go home. Monday - Went out for Breakfast with my brother, pancakes!! Tuesday -- Hubby got food poisoning and was raining, so we stayed in watching DVDs Wednesday - I got food poisoning and it was raining, by this time my back was so stuffed from the mattress i could hardly walk, so no sleep and more DVDs Thursday- Still suffering from the food poisoning, hubby went fishing with my dad and caught a flathead, then we drove home. So, it was one of those holidays id like to forget that i took, I'm just starting to feel better after the food poisoning, and i will never ever be able to eat what i suspect was the culprit again!

Off on a Seaside Adventure

2008-10-10T16:10:00.003+11:00

Just thought i would post a quick message, im heading out tonight on a well deserved break! 6 nights by the seaside with my hubby and son, and also my parents and my brother. The last time we had a family vacation was when i was 16, so i rekon its time! I wont be posting again till Friday the 17th, so im hoping to have some lovely beach pics to share, with you guys. Bye for now!!!

October Card Swap

2008-10-07T22:34:00.003+11:00

I made this card for the October Card Swap over at www.scrapbooking4less.com.au. Its white card stock, vintage paper doily, vintage white ribbon and pearls. I think its a very elegant crisp card, and im hoping that Beccy likes the card.

Design Team Application

2008-10-07T16:36:00.002+11:00

I just sent in my Application to be part of Scrapbooking 4 Less's 2009 Design Team. Ive never applied to be on a Design Team before, but i thought id apply to be on Shelley's Design Team, as the forum is a great place to hang out. The amount of challenges, swaps, classes and chatter that goes on in the forum is great. All the ladies are really nice and its great to be able to share my "masterpeices" with people who also love to create -- instead of shoving into my husbands face and almost screaming WHAT DO YOU THINK, lol. I have to wait till November before applications close, so the next few weeks will just drag and drag -- although im lucky enough to be going away to the beach at the end of this week for 6 nights, so that will keep my mind occupied for a little while at least.

I call her Maureen

2008-10-06T21:24:00.004+11:00

I think this pennant is just super cool! I made her for a Chinese Whispers challenge over at www.scrapbooking4less.com.au . The rules were to create a layout ( i didnt really feel like doing a traditional scrapbook page) and to take 4 elements from the previous layout and use them in your layout.... I took Scalloped Paper, Patterned Paper, Small Circles and Ribbons from Brens Layout. The lady who ive called Maureen, was cut out from an original 1930's Newspaper advertisment for womens dresses! I am in love with her...

Hayleys FIRST ever ATC

2008-10-01T19:42:00.002+10:00

I am the honoured recipient of Hayley's (view her blog here http://thewhimsicalwanderingsof.blogspot.com/ ) first ever Trading Card, and i thought id share it with you all. The theme was "Under the Sea" What do you think? I think its gorgeous!

ATC's from Scrapbooking 4 Less

2008-10-01T19:38:00.003+10:00

I received these ATC's from the very clever gals over at Scrapbooking 4 Less, they are for September 2008 and the theme was "its about time", I think its our best lot yet and most involved. Im hoping that October has the same amount if not more participants.

Altered Bottle

2008-09-30T22:34:00.003+10:00

After seeing many talented ladies show altered bottles on there blogs, i thought id have a go at it myself -- im quite happy with how my first attempt turned out, and i already have more ideas for the bottles sitting here. Im picturing feathers, bling, glitter and charms!

Fairy Frame

2008-09-30T22:24:00.004+10:00

I made this fairy frame for a special pals Birthday -- her birthday isnt till October but im giving it to her tomorrow at work, cuz i might not see her before her birthday, and i really want to see her reaction. Its a paper mache frame that i painted white, then swiped gold paint over the top. Old sheet music was put on the back of the frame with a sweet ArtChix Girl Fairy stuck on top... the wording was cut from various old books that i have collected over the past year, the rose is a paper rose from my stash, painted to match and the ribbons and crystals are bits and peices from my stash. I simply adore her, and hope that my pal does too....

Pictures of the New Car

2008-09-28T17:07:00.004+10:00

~New Car~

2008-09-25T16:15:00.002+10:00

Today is very exciting!! My poor hubby has been driving a Station Wagon ( not cool...apparently) for the past 2 and a bit years, and it was starting to sound like it was on its last wheel, so instead of pumping money into it to get it ship shape for rego in under a month, we decided to upgrade.... to a 2005 Ford XR6, it has all the bells and whistles, so im told. Im yet to see it in real life, but that all changes this afternoon, Hubby is packing Obie up and picking me up from work, to take me for a drive in the new car lol - he is so excited, its a bit cute to see/hear actually. I will have to post a picture of it over the weekend ( for anyone who wants to see it), by the time i get home tonight it will be too dark.

Coffee anyone?

2008-09-14T13:45:00.003+10:00

I was working on a Coffee Filter album last night, so i thought id share a few pictures. Ive never used a coffee filter before so, it was a fun medium to work with.

Happy Birthday Mick

2008-09-14T13:41:00.002+10:00

I just want to wish my little brother a happy 23rd Birthday for Today. I thought id share a lil picture of him being a goof :)

Trendy Tin

2008-09-12T22:14:00.003+10:00

I took an online class a few months back over at Scrapbooking 4 Less, and this is the gorgeous tin we got to make! How cute is it?

Finally I get to post some creations!!!

2008-09-12T22:03:00.005+10:00

Happy Anniversary

2008-09-11T12:44:00.004+10:00

Just popping in to wish my Hubby a Happy Anniversary - we got married 3 years ago today!! At the gorgeous Chapel Hill Retreat - http://www.chapelhillretreat.com.au/ A glorious day, lots of tears, smiles and laughs. Leading up to it was lots of tantrums and tears, yet it was well worth the 2 years it took me to plan my dream day. Love You Lots Babe xo Id also like to wish my good old Dad a Happy Birthday, old bugger turns 49 today... So Happy Birthday Dad! His off work this week, he had ANOTHER operation on his finger, so he is recovering at home, and playing with his number 1 grandson.

Free Magazine Subscription (click here)

2008-09-09T06:35:00.002+10:00

Do you want a free 6 month magazine subscription? You can choose from Beads etc, Creative Expressions, Creative Weddings, Down Under Quilts or For Keeps Creative Paper. If you do, just click on the Title of this blog or go to www.creativelivingmedia.com.au/newsletter/ and sign up for your free 6 month subscription.

How Cute

2008-09-05T12:07:00.002+10:00

I was browsing thru some random blogs and i came across this fairy cake on http://www.sweetdaisydreams.blogspot.com/ . The cake is so cute i just had to share -- It just looks so yummy

Play- Create -Share - Inspire

2008-09-02T14:06:00.002+10:00

I stumbled across this blog http://play-create-share-inspire.blogspot.com/ from a blog i love to read and i have to share it with you, my readers :) It has some great tutorials with the promise of more to come... I personally love tutorials, as im new to altering things and have loved the look of altered books for over a year, this site has part 1 of a tutorial on Altered Books so im happy as a pig in mud! I hope you enjoy this blog, as much as i have.

Spring has Sprung

2008-09-01T13:00:00.002+10:00

The Call of Spring Norman Schlichter When spring begins Again to light Our happy world With colors bright, The robins all come Back to see How beautiful The earth will be, With crocus gold, And daffodils Lighting meadows, Fields, and hills; With leaves of green And tulips gay, And birds arriving Every day.

New Stamps

2008-08-29T15:39:00.003+10:00

I love happy mail -- I just got in the mail some super awesome "See~D's" un mounted stamps i got 11 for myself and 2 for a pressie for someone who reads this blog -- i cant say who, as i have posted them off this morning as a ~~**SURPRISE**~~ but when i saw them online i thought of her straight away and just new she would adore them. The list of stamps i got are (http://www.goinque.com/asp/product/: See ~D's Collage Flower See ~D's 100% My Guy See ~D's Yummy Birthday See ~D's Funky Punctuation See ~D's Circle of Friends See ~D's Adorable Baby See ~D's Defining Love See ~D's Beautiful See ~D's Torn Note Paper See ~D's Irresistible See ~D's Swirly Flowers I wont list the ones i got as a gift, cuz i think that will give it away... Im really happy with the stamps, they seem to come out nice and crisp, not blurry.

Exciting Day for Blogger

2008-08-29T10:35:00.006+10:00

I just want to share a new and exciting blog that has been created this morning. Its been created by a very special freind of mine, so if you stop by my page, make sure you go and have a looksie over at this fresh new blog.... http://thewhimsicalwanderingsof.blogspot.com/ -- still having mega issues with linking so if you wanna squizzle you'll need to click on the title for this post...

Rental Hell

2008-08-28T15:13:00.003+10:00

I am frustrated with Realtors, they are never around when you want to talk to them, yet they expect you to be able to jump when they want you. We are trying to find a rental property thats not $500 a week or just plain bloody awful, do you think we are having much luck??? Who has inspections at 130pm on a thursday??? WHO???? Arent most people who you would want to be renting your property at work??? Or am i on glue? Im seriously miffed, its like the whole world wants us to continue living at my parents with the awesome tension.

The Stamping Queen's Blog Giveaway

2008-08-25T09:12:00.003+10:00

Barb over at The Stamping Queen is having a giveaway on her blog - http://thestampingqueen.blogspot.com/ she is giving away a set of Debra Cooper's gorgeous acrylic stamps pictured above, if you would like to go into the draw, head on over and make sure you leave a comment and link your blog, before the 31st August 2008. This giveaway is open worldwide! Good Luck :)

Nothing much to report

2008-08-13T11:31:00.003+10:00

I havent really got much to say. I have been trying to get over a flu that just keeps coming back and GRABBING me, so im all bleh and ewh. I have had a great surprise, over at Facebook i was contacted by the bestest pal i had during my teen years, we drifted apart in the later teen years but the memories we shared together are something that i will always treasure. It was great to hear from Hayley, and i cant wait to see her again in person, its been way way way to long... i think the last time i saw her i was 16, but i dont think there has been a week that has past that i wondered what she was up too, and how her family was.... Its amazing to think that all these years have passed but she still managed to make me laugh and smile like we have been in each others lives non stop. I have been working on the Trading Cards for the swap over at www.scrapbooking4less.com.au and im not sure i love them, but they are ok, i spose. Im also "working" on my wand... i just hope when it comes together its nice and fit to send my partner, lol. I really need to find my camera cables so i can get some pictures on this thing!

My Wand Swap Partner

2008-08-04T08:36:00.003+10:00

I just found out who my partner is (her name is Sharon), so im really excited to see that its a lady from the out outskirts of Sydney, its great to know that its someone kinda local for me. Her blog http://funkyfairyfrolics.blogspot.com/ - you should go check it out :D Anyways, i will be starting on my wand this week... and i cant wait!

August ATC Theme

2008-07-28T16:20:00.004+10:00

Do you love these gorgeous pieces of mini art??? Well if you do, head on over to http://www.scrapbooking4less.com.au/ and sign up to join in our August Swap - "Under the Sea". I'm picturing gorgeous blues and greens, mermaids, seahorses, colourful fish and sparkles! I cant wait to sit down and work out what I'm going to do -- i might actually draw on this one, instead of my usual collage style... should be interesting!

August Card Swap

2008-07-25T09:33:00.003+10:00

Good Morning Everyone in Blog Land :D Im hosting my first Card Swap over at http://www.scrapbooking4less.com.au/ . If you would like to join in please head over to the forum and become a member! Swap Details: Sign Up By: 8th August 2008 Items to be posted to By: 5th September 2008 Items Posted to Participants: 12th September 2008 (sooner if i get them all) REQUIREMENTS: * You will need to make two cards for each person who signs up for the swap. (ie. if there are 10 sign-ups you will need to make 10 birthday cards and 10 cards of your choice ie Thank You, anniversary, holiday ) * If we have under 5 sign ups, we can each make 4 cards ( i.e 2 birthday cards and 2 Thank You/anniversary/holiday cards for each sign up) * Cards should fit into a C6 sized envelope. All items should be able to go as standard postage. * Please Include a blank envelope for each card to go in. * The inside of the card should remain blank. You may put a small signature or "made by" on the back of the card. * Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope so I post your cards back to you. Please place your cards into a ziplock bag/Page Protector for postage Id love to see some new faces join S4L as its a great forum full of wonderful ladies who are talented, helpful and very very welcoming. We always have loads of swaps and classes going on over there, so if your looking for some crafty action there is no better place!

Magic Wand Swap

2008-07-17T14:17:00.004+10:00

Ive just joined my first international swap! Its a WAND SWAP! How gorgeous, and so so so magical.

If you want the chance to create something that will be cherised and adored, head on over to http://bella-enchanted.blogspot.com/ and sign up. You have till the 1st August to sign up, then you mail to your partner on the 1st September. Im really excited about this swap, i bet its going to be super awesome! I cant wait

Party Hats and Happy Mail

2008-07-17T09:47:00.003+10:00

Yay, Yay, Yay! Id just like to say thanks to Kris over at Ruby Street Designs for kindly sending me the Artchix Party Hats -- Kris thank you thank you thank you! Your an absolute GEM I am so excited to have these gorgeous party hats in my hot lil hands, i cant wait to get home tonight and start on my ATC's. The only problem is they are so gorgeous its a real shame they have to go on ATC's to new homes... i just hope they bring as much joy to the new owners as they have done to me!

Waiting....

2008-07-10T08:24:00.000+10:00

Morning all.... Im just waiting for my computer to stop playing funny buggers so i can upload some pics of what ive been working on... every time i attach my camera to the computer it has a lil episode -- im thinking its just sick of being used.... Ive ran into some issues with my ATC's, the artchix party hats i ordered were sold out :( so thats a bummer will have to rethink what im going to be able to do for my celebrations theme.... I will have to post some more soon, but right now i have to get back to the exciting world of superannuation contribution surcharges ( dont you just wish you could have my job...)

2008-07-04T10:18:00.000+10:00

How gorgeous is this bag?? To make it head to www.savvyseams.com They have a free pattern there for the more experienced sewer - i cant even sew a straight line, let alone do something as difficult as this... but its so gorgeous so i just had to share it with you. If you do have a go at making it, be sure to come back and show us your masterpiece

What do you do when a brilliant idea flops?

2008-07-04T08:38:00.000+10:00

Don't you just hate when you can picture the perfect card/layout/off the page project, yet when you sit down to work on it, the idea either flops BIG time or isn't how you pictured it in your mind..... I had this happen with the Chrissy Cards I'm making for the July Birthday Celebrations over at www.scrapbooking4less.com.au i had what i thought would be the best idea ever, yet when i sat down, it didn't work.... i was stumped at what i should do, and how i would go about making something that i would be happy to send to Shelley...so i put it aside and waited for inspiration to hit... Thankfully, I didn't have to wait too long as the gorgeous goodies i bought from the wonderful Barb over at www.thestampingqueen.com.au arrived the next day and promptly got the creative juices flowing freely.... ( if you are looking for awesome unmounted stamps... i suggest you clicking and get on over to thestampingqueen...you wont be disappointed) So my cards are ALMOST done now, yay! Oh and i must with a very happy anniversary to my parents, 27 years of Marriage today!! Congrats Mum and Dad, here's to another 27 years of bliss!!

A Practical Guide for the 19th Century Man

2008-07-01T22:56:00.000+10:00

I sometimes wish, that Men could be more like the men of yesteryear, id love to be on a crowded train and see a man give up his seat for a older woman or a pregnant woman, lately it just seems to be other women standing for women. SO i thought id share this lil tidbit with you all

In the Presence of Ladies

"Chesterfield says, 'Civility is particularly due to all women; and, remember, that no provocation whatsoever can justify any man in not being civil to every woman; and the greatest man would justly be reckoned a brute if he were not civil to the meanest woman. It is due to their sex, and is the only protection they have against the superior strength of ours; nay, even a little is allowable with women; and a man may, without weakness, tell a woman she is either handsomer or wiser than she is'" Martine's Handbook, 1866 "When entering a crowded streetcar, a lady should leave the door open. It is quite permissible for her to appropriate the seat of the man who gets up to close it" The Cynic's Rules of Conduct, 1905 "A gentleman will assist a lady over a bad crossing, or from an omnibus or carriage, without waiting for the formality of an introduction. When the service is performed, he will raise his hat, bow and pass on." Hill's Forms, 1873 "In passing through a door, the gentleman holds it open for the lady, even though he never saw her before. he also precedes the lady in ascending stairs, and allows her to precede him in descending." Polite Society at Home and Abroad, 1891 "Do not press before a lady at a theater or a concert. Always yield to her, if practicable, your seat and place. Do no sit when she is standing, without offering her your place. Consult not only your own ease, but also the comfort of those around you." Martine's Handbook, 1866 "It is not deemed polite and respectful to smoke in the presence of ladies, even though they are amiable enough to permit it." Martine's Handbook, 1866 "If you meet a lady of your acquaintance in the street, it is her part to notice you first, unless, indeed you are very intimate. The reason is, if you bow to a lady first, she may not choose to acknowledge you, and there is no remedy; but if she bow to you--you as a gentleman cannot cut her." Hints on Etiquette, 1836 "A gentleman removes his hat when entering a room where there are ladies. When he meets a lady friend, he should raise his hat gracefully..." Polite Society at Home and Abroad, 1891 Should one demand the surrender of a seat to a lady in a crowded theater?"To this, we would answer that, if the gallantry of the gentlemen thus situated does not prompt them to proffer the seats in question, it is rudeness to request it. A lady is a lady, it is true; but if she could not come early enough to get a good seat, she cannot expect that spectators who did should inconvenience themselves for her sake" Gody's Ladies Book, Jan 1850 "...remember also that really well bred women will not thank you for making them conspicuous by over officiousness in their defense, unless, indeed, there be any serious or glaring violation of decorum. In small matters, ladies are both able and willing to take care of themselves, and would prefer being allowed to overwhelm the unlucky offender in their own way" Hints on Etiquette, 1836

A Question

2008-07-01T22:48:00.000+10:00

I have been sitting here wondering, what do you do when your part of a swap, and one persons work isn't up to scratch? I don't mean talent wise i mean not putting in 100% effort ? Do you speak with the swap organiser? Do you talk to that person directly? Do you just let it go? or Do you put less effort into something that you know will end up going to them? What is the correct way to go about it? Id love to hear what you all think about it.

2008-07-01T16:47:00.000+10:00

Hows this for advertising? ( Advertising from the 1930s-1950s)

2008-07-01T10:22:00.000+10:00

How Devine is this cupcake??

1st July 2008

2008-07-01T09:50:00.001+10:00

The first day of the new financial year, how exciting! By the end of the day, i will know who I'm buying a secret Santa gift for, how many Christmas cards, tags and ATC's i will be making for the swaps that are happening this month over at www.scrapbooking4less.com.au I am just waiting on a delivery of ATC supplies from one of new fave stores The Stamping Queen http://www.thestampingqueen.com.au/shop/ , the stamps and goodies that this store has is AMAZING, i want at least one of everything..and I'm also waiting on a delivery from Ruby Street Designs http://www.rubystdesigns.com/pages/home.htm I'm hoping that they come before the weekend, so i can get a start on my ATC's and Tags. I'm also planning on making some more ATC's to send into the Australian STAMPING & PAPERCRAFT MAGAZINE, would be pretty cool to see my work in print... I have come to realise that after making just a few ATC's that my style is very much collage cross vintage, i think i will find it hard to do more modern looking ATC's, and the people featured in my ATC's will either find themselves with wings made from petals or be surrounded by hand cut words from old books. In saying this, i would love to use fabrics on my ATC's and i think ill make that a "new financial year" resolution. I am currently on the hunt for vintage playing cards so i can dissect them for use in the ATC's, same with old photographs and old worn out books, and its proving to be quite exciting and time consuming. Also on my list are various bits n pieces, basically anything vintage or vintage looking.

ATC Swaps

2008-06-27T15:05:00.000+10:00

I just thought i would add as an afterthought, if anyone wants to do an ATC swap, id love to be part of it..... You can leave a comment here and we can go from there :)

Day 2 of my blogging Journey

2008-06-27T14:08:00.001+10:00

Not Bad! Its Day 2 and I'm blogging, lets see if this continues tomorrow, or by then will i have moved onto some new interest? Fingers Crossed, ( I'm sure my fans, ha ha, will be sorely disappointed if i didn't return to blog again) Well there is a fair bit going on the creative side of my existence, Scrapbooking 4 Less ( http://www.scrapbooking4less.com.au/) is having the forum's 2nd birthday celebrations in July and to celebrate we are having Christmas in July! This means we get to have a Secret Santa, Christmas Card Swap, Present Tag Swap and of course the theme for the ATC's is Celebrations... so if you want to meet a stack of wonderful and talented ladies i urge you to join the forum!!

I'm not sure ill be doing Christmas for my ATC's, it will all depend on how christmassy i feel after finishing the swaps . I am only new to ATC's, July will be my 3rd attempt at them and they are quite addictive little buggers, i think the size of them makes them perfect to just sit and create with out having to be so involved like with a 12x12 layout. I will be posting some pictures of the ATC's and the Chrissy Cards at the end of July ( talk about suspense!) Anyways, i better get back to the exciting world of Tax Returns -- bye for now

(picture above is a Vintage Christmas Card from early in the 20th Century )

A New Day, A New Blog

2008-06-26T15:00:00.000+10:00

I thought i might aswell start a blog, i thought it would be a great place to share ATCS, Cards, Layouts and anything else going on. I will try to update it as often as i can, im not sure how great i will be with it, but we can live in hope.