tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85090003014768163772012-02-11T12:46:30.426+11:00Stamping, cardmaking, scrapbooking, papercrafting, lampwork jewellery, crochet, pretty things, photography and family rambings by Sam PostSamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.comBlogger5181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-50022503468831479152012-02-10T20:34:00.002+11:002012-02-10T20:34:25.269+11:00

Warning: This post has nothing what-so-ever to do with papercrafting, or in fact, any other type of crafting! The weather in Canberra of late has been positively poopy! Cold (I've had a jumper on for much of this week...and we've even had the heater going at times), overcast and raining. I'm feeling rather out of sorts over this whole faux-summer business. This is the second year in a row...and

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-67624331918875800272012-02-04T15:07:00.001+11:002012-02-06T10:28:44.899+11:00

I managed to grab a few quiet minutes earlier this morning to make a card for the latest Just Add Ink challenge, JAI #103 - Just Add Red and White... Let me tell you, it was no easy thing using just red and white. I have several false-start focal 'bits' scattered across my desk, and I almost binned the whole lot in frustration at one point, but after fiddling for so long, I wasn't going to

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-36260758221436757372012-02-03T17:52:00.002+11:002012-02-03T19:01:11.740+11:00

I first spied these little love-sick cuties on Heather Summers' blog here, and I knew immediately that I would have to CASE them sooner rather than later. Thanks so much for the awesome inspiration Heather!! I don't have all the SU punches that Heather used, so I've improvised a bit.  My little Love Owls are much smaller than Heather's, and also have bigger pupils, and different wings.

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-85867714871290978262012-02-02T19:57:00.001+11:002012-02-02T22:05:39.697+11:00

After making our little Thumper a punch art turtle card for his first birthday, I thought a fun matchy, matchy turtle cake might be in order too. So I scoured my trusty 'Woman's Weekly Kids' Party Cakes' book and found Tommy Turtle...who I thought fit the bill perfectly! I had two little helpers lending me a hand (or four) at various stages throughout the making of this cake...it always

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-89047188504592461132012-01-30T13:54:00.000+11:002012-02-02T22:06:06.228+11:00

...or maybe you know them as Anenomefish, or to some they may be more familiar as Nemo! We saw heaps of these little fellas on the Great Barrier Reef. Lots of different types too...some bright orange, some dark, some with black, some without, some with two stripes, some with one. They all had one thing in common though...they move really quickly, and are very hard to get a nice clear picture

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-81523719181576158542012-01-26T16:51:00.001+11:002012-01-26T16:54:22.622+11:00

Thumper has an important birthday coming up soon so I've been trying to get myself organised in advance...such a cool concept that, being organised in advance...wonder who thought of it? Anyway, I started thinking about turtle punch art while we were out and about on Lucey Blue, but I couldn't try it out because I didn't take any punches with me (what was I thinking?...thing is, we already

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-91080719424061667242012-01-25T09:37:00.001+11:002012-01-25T10:03:42.005+11:00

Thumper is asleep, and the other two are busy turning the lounge-room into some kind of tent-city. I have just agreed to sacrifice most of my roll of kitchen string for their washing 'lion' (as Mr 5 calls them)...which, now that it is tied between the tent and the bannister, poses a serious threat to my ability to leave the lounge-room. It even has undies pegged to it!! So while I'm trapped

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-69131902049555285102012-01-22T21:04:00.000+11:002012-01-22T21:04:14.324+11:00

I have managed to pick up one unpleasant 'welcome home' present on my return to the ACT...a cold! Today I have been feeling especially sorry for myself and now the couch is my friend (at least I have the tennis and my crochet to keep me amused). Thank goodness hubby has been around to entertain the kids. The crochet is still coming along nicely. Here are a few pics to show you where I'm at...

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-14012578698544424232012-01-21T09:32:00.001+11:002012-01-21T10:17:19.166+11:00

In yesterday's post I mentioned at the end that I thought leaves on the tree might be appropriate. Well, I took a few minutes to have a fiddle this morning, and I think leaves are just what it needed! Being that it is a tree, this should not have been as big a light-bulb moment for me as it was (derrrrrrrrrrrrr)! Those leaves were tricksy little blighters to stick on, I can tell you! I

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-77306898468746854742012-01-20T15:10:00.000+11:002012-01-21T09:33:56.308+11:00

Thank goodness for sites like Just Add Ink, and their droves of inspirational design team members to get the poor old mojo-less hordes craftin' and creatin'. This week's JAI challenge #101 is a Sketch Challenge, and being a nice layered and symmetrical one, it suited me perfectly. Thanks JAI! I had plenty of sticky fingered help with this creation, but you prolly can't tell that from

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-17244963709192829452012-01-18T19:56:00.000+11:002012-01-18T19:56:31.954+11:00

This week Just Add Ink celebrated their 100th 'birthday' with a challenge that was totally befitting of a centenarian...JAI #100 - Just Add Crowns... I needed to make a special thank you card for the friend who house-sat for us while we were off singing sea shanties and walking the plank...so I decided I'd try and adopt the crown theme and take part in the celebrations too. Easier said

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-81772215742788203052012-01-13T19:00:00.002+11:002012-01-13T19:00:42.443+11:00

I have a 'Thinking of You' card to pop up here today. I made it recently for a special friend, one who I thought could use a little card cuddle! I have used the reverse applique technique again here. I do love how it looks. The rest was very straightforward...and done in one of my favourite colour combos, light blue, purple and white (aka Baja Breeze, Vintage Violet and Whisper White [

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-25654526173765582742012-01-11T19:32:00.000+11:002012-01-11T20:42:24.432+11:00

Yup, still crocheting up a storm here, so thought I'd share a quick pic or two.... It was blowing a gale on Sydney Harbour today and I didn't fancy my lovely blankie taking a swim, so it was modelled by Miss 7 (above), who desperately needs a hair cut! I am well and truly into the second cycle of colours now. I did a quick calculation, and decided I'd need more yarn than I'd ordered, so

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-51707989604637916402012-01-11T14:26:00.000+11:002012-01-13T19:03:04.524+11:00

I needed a card for an upcoming birthday, and I had recently seen the Annabelle Stamps challenge, Say It In...Black, White and Silver, which looked like fun! So I decided to use that as a starting point for my card. I thought it'd be pretty straightforward, until I discovered I did not have any silver paper onboard, and my supply of black was seriously small...doh! I then had to ruminate

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-44912263289727191602012-01-08T19:47:00.001+11:002012-01-08T19:47:37.190+11:00

Just a little Christmas card, a lot late. Better late than never? Who knows, but it is what it is! This one was inspired by this lovely paper pieced Christmas card by Julie Marshall. Thanks for the inspiration Julie. It was mostly a low fuss card, me likely that! There was an eanie weanie bit of fuss from me when I discovered at the last minute that I had pretty much neglected Christmas

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-63922798661845186922012-01-06T13:29:00.000+11:002012-01-06T13:29:28.356+11:00

I have been trying to get in as much quiet, colourful, ripply, hooky down-time as I can right now because we depart Lucey Blue and head back to Canberra next weekend (after 8 wonderful months afloat), and after that it'll be all action stations as we unpack and return to land-life, work, school and housework (i.e. real life!!)....and my craft desk...hooray! I have almost completed one

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-67054729861595598202012-01-05T19:56:00.002+11:002012-01-06T10:13:16.559+11:00

When I saw that Just Add Ink had started a new scrapbooking challenge I really, really, really wanted to play...but I have little in the way of scrapbooking supplies aboard Lucey Blue so rather sadly thought I'd miss the Just Add Scrapbooking Challenge #1. But this afternoon, as I was quietly crocheting in the cockpit (and the rest of the crew were either asleep or creating disastrous Lego

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-67797017826153533882012-01-03T20:35:00.003+11:002012-01-06T08:20:07.793+11:00

...but it isn't papercraft! I have done some beading though (well actually, I did it just over a month ago while we were stopped in Bundaberg...and then I promptly wrapped them up and put them away). Today I thought it might be time to break them out as I have been debating whether I might pop a few pieces up on Etsy and see how I go. I might also think about it a bit more though. No good

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-52195966135236666102012-01-02T08:15:00.001+11:002012-01-06T08:20:07.766+11:00

Athol Bay off Taronga Zoo was a huge success for us. The fireworks were spectacular and the weather was perfect. We had my mum to stay with us for the two nights we were there, and we all had a lovely time. Even the rumours we had heard of boating/anchoring chaos did not eventuate. We had one small, expensive party boat turn up right next to us at the eleventh hour...but they had a private

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-56061963538516045862011-12-31T11:49:00.001+11:002012-01-06T08:20:07.779+11:00

Just a quick pic to show you some of my crochet progress. It's coming along in ripples and rows! I am enjoying myself with this project a great deal! Even more so with the amazing view from the back of the boat. Yesterday we dropped our mooring in peaceful Middle Harbour and motored out into the fray that is Sydney Harbour. We checked out Farm Cove, which still had heaps of space, but

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-11886632430713400392011-12-28T10:16:00.002+11:002012-01-06T08:20:07.746+11:00

I've gone all hook happy here. I'm in a bit of a ripple rhapsody you might say. Crochet crazy? Definitely!! I can't remember if I ever said much here, but I know I mentioned it (even if briefly), because I got two generous offers of crochet tuition from some fabulous stamping friends (thanks so much Patrice and Jocelyn...even if I haven't managed to take either of you up on your kind offer...

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-57681690311716500062011-12-24T16:20:00.001+11:002011-12-24T16:26:28.405+11:00

I was just wrapping one last Christmas gift, and I thought I'd open up my poor old neglected blog and post a picture of what I made, and say hi...and Merry Christmas...if there is anyone still out there reading! The gorgeous black, red and white glass lampwork focal beads in this set are by two different artists on Etsy...Laura Critchfield of Chestnut Ridge Designs and Kandice Seeber of

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-36753451988532661502011-11-21T16:24:00.001+11:002011-11-21T16:54:08.689+11:00

A while back, at Hamilton Island (above), I made a bright, beady sun-catcher. Unfortunately, my craftin mojo departed shortly thereafter, and the accompanying card never got made. So the sun-catcher has been sitting in its box, not catching any sun at all. That's a pretty poopy situation methinks! So on Saturday, with my craft supplies already out and littering every surface in the saloon

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-71693141773379343282011-11-19T15:09:00.001+11:002011-11-19T15:49:27.590+11:00

With pretty vistas like the one of Bait Reef on The Great Barrier Reef (above) to distract me, sitting down to do some craft has not been high on my list of priorities. By just lately I have been dreaming about making a card. I've taken to doodling card layouts at random moments, and have been itching to drag all of my stuff out and have a good ol' play. So today, with Nick and all three kids

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-57824315029578760982011-07-27T09:28:00.000+10:002011-12-29T08:30:41.424+11:00

Ok, so I'd better not make any more promises regarding craft projects, I can't see any on my horizon just yet. I'd end up with sand in my inks if I got them out now...so I probably shouldn't risk it ;-). I did make a postcard of our latest stop...does that count? Missing my craft blog lots and lots. Hope to be back here soon. Sam.

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-72578036873967905142011-07-11T16:45:00.000+10:002011-12-29T08:30:41.445+11:00

I have no papercraft to show you, but I do have some pics of tranquil Tin Can Bay in Queensland, and one from Moreton Bay too. We are having a lovely time, but I am missing this blog lots! I have been updating our Lucey Blue blog, so you can catch up there if you wanna know where we are. I will make something for here soon though...promise! Have a great week! Sam.

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-50429907666576428962011-06-12T09:57:00.004+10:002012-01-26T15:06:40.820+11:00

I thought I'd play along with Just Add Ink's Challenge # 71 - Just Add Black and White this week...because I needed some inspiration, and this one seemed like just the ticket! I visited Fantasia at Taren Point yesterday, and picked up a few little goodies to make this card at Mum's place...   The Love bug is just hand cut, except for his little feet, which are parts of a flower in the Spring

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-73251233474134029452011-06-09T18:02:00.002+10:002012-01-26T15:06:40.834+11:00

Actually, it looks more like we'll be sailing into a headwind. Not very good news! Last night I stayed up WAY past my boat bedtime (which has been in the vicinity of 7pm - can you spell P.A.R.T.Y. A.N.I.M.A.L??) and made a little thank you card to give to the marina staff here (with some yummy Haighs chocolate frogs). We have had Lucey Blue at the d'Albora Marina at The Spit for about a year

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-33677969274878632452011-06-06T16:37:00.003+10:002011-06-09T16:29:16.979+10:00

Today I got a chance to do some crafty tinkering, and I felt like playing with fun and pretty beads...so I did! I used some supercalifragilisticexpialidocious beads by Laura of Chestnut Ridge Designs on Etsy... The photos above are both by Laura (thanks Laura). Laura makes gorgeous beads, and she is even trialling free shipping at the moment...if you like colourful lampwork beads in fabulous

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-47358949066198804642011-06-05T08:01:00.002+10:002011-12-29T08:31:08.994+11:00

Sorry 'bout the long silence in here! We have finally packed up our home on terra firma, moved out and are now installed on our floating home, Lucey Blue, in Sydney Harbour. I do have a cupboard full of crafting goodies onboard, but who knows when I'll get time to use them. I have been thinking about them often, but thinking and doing are such vastly different things eh?! We are undertaking

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-3958980577269966892011-05-01T14:46:00.000+10:002011-05-01T14:46:35.703+10:00

You may have noticed my new addition at the top of my sidebar on the left... I've been Chibi'd by Kristy! A short while ago Kellie Winnell blogged about her very own Chibi (here) and I thought it was so, so cute that I wanted my very own me too!! I emailed Kristy and sent her a few pictures of myself, and told her a little about me...and a couple of days later...voila...I arrived in an email

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-52069356061524627012011-04-30T09:37:00.004+10:002011-04-30T18:46:28.737+10:00

Just thought I would pop in here quick stix, and let you know I did draw my packing up blog candy yesterday, but then completely forgot to post it in the excitement of last night's wedding viewing (we also drove back from Sydney yesterday...so it was a long one)! I want to say a big thanks to everyone who replied and gave me some great suggestions as to what to take with me. After discussing it

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-21283265211214810952011-04-29T19:49:00.001+10:002011-04-30T17:37:34.739+10:00

May your days be filled with lots of milk and happiness, and may you both look as good in a shiny paper crown as I do! Is it cruel to dress up your 12 week old baby in a shiny paper crown? (Blogged to: The Royal Wedding Coverage).

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-70172345874076788352011-04-22T19:26:00.004+10:002011-04-23T19:24:50.002+10:00

We had a leisurely day at home today. I didn't do much at all, but I did manage to do some sewing for Thumper's basket. He currently sleeps in a Seed Organic Moses Basket. We just have the basket, not the stand...and it is wonderful. We even tote it up to Sydney with us and Thumper sleeps in it on the boat. The only problem to date has been that it only came with one mattress cover, and that

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-73372280846233189112011-04-21T15:19:00.002+10:002011-04-22T17:33:04.284+10:00

Got some oh so pretty lampwork baubles to show you today. This gorgeous set of 'Salsa' beads was made by the very talented Laura of Chestnut Ridge Designs on Etsy (the picture below is also Laura's...thanks Laura :o): I love the colour combinations that Laura uses, and her groovy shapes and designs. So vibrant and beautiful! I have made Laura's beads into a bracelet and earring set: I

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-25449281078157165722011-04-20T19:14:00.000+10:002011-04-20T19:14:28.477+10:00

Not today....this was last week, but I'm only just catching up on a few things Early last week, in the middle of the night, while BFing Thumper in a stuporous state, I remembered that it was the last week my kids would spend in school with their current teachers this year, so I needed to get my act together and make five thank you cards (two class teachers each, and one for the piano teacher),

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-11138761416803541082011-04-19T19:26:00.002+10:002011-04-19T19:30:38.667+10:00

I can't put my finger on what it is about this card that I don't like...but the fact remains, I don't like it! It was one of those cards that sat around on my desk, half finished, for about four weeks. I literally had to blow the dust off it when I finally decided to finish it up (because it was getting in my way). I ended up making Master Five another card...so this one is still sitting around

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-14115020640300518082011-04-17T18:31:00.002+10:002011-04-17T19:25:18.245+10:00

I mentioned in a recent post that we were about to depart on an exciting adventure. We now have about three weeks left to pack up the house and move ourselves on to Lucey Blue. I have been slowly tidying stuff away, and while I was sorting out some craft things I made a small pile of things to giveaway as blog candy. Here is what I have come up with... This blog candy contains: 1 x new,

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-486625209371837482011-04-17T13:58:00.002+10:002011-04-17T14:09:33.311+10:00

Friends of ours in Sydney welcomed their first child, an adorable baby boy, on Friday. I was sitting, contemplating what card to make last night and had my 'Big Bird in purple dinosaur egg' card out on the table in front of me. While I was looking at him I had, what I consider, a bit of a light-bulb moment! I hope that what I consider a light-bulb moment, is not actually a delirious episode.

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-52448724530329879382011-04-16T10:48:00.003+10:002011-04-16T11:26:15.962+10:00

I am being a naughty mummy. I should be packing the house...but while I was feeding during the night I dreamed up another card I wanted to make for the Just Add Ink Challenge this week. My hips are  pleased to say that I do not have any of the inspirational chocolate on hand this time! Can you guess which chocolate wrapper inspired this card?   It was this little beauty... I got the creme

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-52349919010897346482011-04-15T13:08:00.008+10:002011-04-17T18:32:56.619+10:00

This week's Just Add Ink challenge header said more than just 'CHOCOLATE' I think...but I'm easily distracted (especially when it comes to things with a cocoa base)! Actually, the challenge this week is to "make a paper craft project inspired by your favourite chocolate bar wrapper". I had one big problem to get over right away! The words 'a' and 'wrapper' were of particular concern to me. Did

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-75382664706743756322011-04-14T18:42:00.002+10:002011-04-14T19:27:08.990+10:00

 Or in the case of a slumber party for five seven year old girls...the lion doesn't sleep tonight! I thought I'd show you the birthday card that I made for Miss 7. It was inspired by this gorgeous card that we received from my friend Di...but I've kept with the lion theme (as requested by Miss 7 herself)... List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Basic Black (Textured), Only Orange, Yoyo Yellow (

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-54492176341242811472011-04-13T13:25:00.004+10:002011-04-17T18:33:22.560+10:00

Got your attention? Let me start by saying this blog post has nothing to do with pastrami on rye. If, however, you feel like checking out some delicious, beautifully decorated chocolate mud cake...this is the post for you...just read on! Remember at the end of my last post, the tragic tale of cake woe and retail disappointment, I mentioned that I had a GOOD cake story to relate too...well, this

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-76453882359240955312011-04-11T13:35:00.003+10:002011-04-11T13:39:27.233+10:00

Sorry for the long absence! First off, I had two birthday parties to prepare for last weekend (one of which was a slumber party for five seven year old girls...yes I may well need my head looked at). Then I managed to leave my laptop up in Sydney last Tuesday...so I've been pretty much incommunicado since then :-(. I have my laptop back now...I missed it sorely. It is probably a good thing that

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-91330855394645633592011-03-30T20:28:00.000+11:002011-03-30T20:28:30.572+11:00

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Papertrey Ink's Vintage Buttons? Well, I do! They are so pretty, and the best thing about them is that you never know what you're gonna get (a bit like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates eh?). I was particularly enamoured by the selection in my recently purchased Royal Velvet pack. Lots of groovy shapes and styles, and I love, love purple! I had them out on my

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-39685355232769389172011-03-28T16:13:00.000+11:002011-03-28T16:13:11.430+11:00

I have been sitting on a bunch of pics of some more beautiful creations that I received from friends following the birth of our wee Thumper. So without further ado... This creation by Di Barnes is so amazing I want to CASE it, but I don't have a month of spare time up my sleeve! Di even made matching wrapping paper and tag for the accompanying gift... ...just gorgeous! The inspiration for her

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-8059697408874889362011-03-27T16:27:00.001+11:002011-03-27T16:42:03.635+11:00

The birthdays are drawing nearer, and I am pretty much on top of the birthday cards. I finished Mr Almost 5's card early last week, but have been madly studying for my MROCP up until this morning (when I sat for the test...fingers crossed I passed)....so I haven't managed to post it yet. I am really happy with the card that I made...and am totally in love with the colour combo...which includes

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-85977903408375477312011-03-21T19:58:00.000+11:002011-03-21T19:58:02.214+11:00

In my last post I alluded to a big adventure that my family and I will be embarking on in the very near future. Use of the term 'embarking' is a big clue ;-). I have been sitting on this info for a long time…more than a year in fact. I have kept my life compartmentalised for numerous reasons, but mostly because…well, because this blog is about cardmaking and scrapbooking! However, this blog is

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-38863870103062162052011-03-20T20:40:00.001+11:002011-03-21T09:46:58.070+11:00

We've got parties (yes...parties plural) coming up here soon. Both Miss almost 7 and Mr almost 5 are due to celebrate their birthdays in the next few weeks. We have actually brought their birthdays forward almost a month due to a big, big adventure that we are embarking on in late April (more on that exciting story later). This year I have scheduled both birthday parties on the same day. Crazy.

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-18244536284881161362011-03-16T16:16:00.003+11:002011-03-16T17:45:56.732+11:00

We had a wedding to attend in Sydney last weekend. It was hubby's sister's wedding...so it was a big deal. We packed our 15 bags, dismantled the kitchen sink, loaded the camels, stowed six weeks rations and commenced the trek to Sydney on Friday. It was a long weekend in Canberra, so we didn't even try to pack light (HAHAHA....AS IF!). Upon arrival Mister Almost Five's bad cough/cold....which

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-61157321189656033762011-03-05T15:39:00.004+11:002011-03-06T15:52:18.195+11:00

 A big thanks go to Jo, whose comment on my last muddy, mutant-mouthed Suffolk sheep-pig post helped me sort out a more appropriate looking face for my poor old Suffolk sheep! Thank also for the other sweet comments on my mutant sheep (I think you were just being nice though ;-). I knew while I was making her that she reminded me of something (dim stirrings were happening in the numbed recesses

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-85839666351541819712011-03-04T19:07:00.005+11:002011-03-21T22:28:24.325+11:00

I recently saw a very cute card on Kez's blog, which inspired me to make my own woolly creation. Thank ewe very much for the inspiration Kez! I have been feeling a bit mojo-less and baaaaaaaa-dly needed some help ;-). I decided that I would make my sheep using felt and dies. Having been to the Canberra Show only last weekend I was aware that Suffolk Sheep have black faces, ears and legs...

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-48865234332882152992011-02-27T12:18:00.005+11:002011-02-28T13:08:15.811+11:00

...to all my lovely crafty blogland friends for their lovely comments, emails, cards and gifts sent following the birth of our little man Thumper. I am sorry that I have not managed to reply individually to many of you yet. You can probably imagine why this is the case ;-), but please know that I really appreciate your thoughts and sweet comments. Yesterday I took photos of some simply gorgeous

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-36990743637698196252011-02-14T12:01:00.003+11:002011-02-14T15:02:25.501+11:00

I know it has been pretty quiet in here...but I haven't only been feeding, burping and changing nappies! It is just that any crafting is only done in very small increments, over much larger periods of time. My first priority after making sure that Thumper is fed, clothed, entertained and gas-free (the child seems to be very gaseous...and tends to want to keep them to himself, until you try to

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-33645516982690848412011-02-05T18:46:00.000+11:002011-02-05T18:51:19.374+11:00

Papertrey Ink celebrates its fourth Anniversary this year, and in order to help celebrate they are running a mega giveaway for one lucky stamper! You can check out the full details for yourself at the bottom of the post here on Nichole heady's blog. All you need to do is select your favourite project from 2010, which features at least one Papertrey Ink product, and re-post it to your blog.

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-2559862330772069102011-02-01T19:36:00.002+11:002011-02-08T16:14:07.707+11:00

I just wanted to quickly let you know that our new family member project has been published! Our little man 'Thumper' popped into the world (literally - you should have heard/seen it when my waters broke...I even got a midwife who'd only just entered the room and was a metre away!!) in the wee, wee hours of Saturday morning after 3 hours of labour. We made it to the hospital with a whole 47

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-52699077151482958032011-01-28T09:02:00.001+11:002011-01-28T09:02:55.453+11:00

I made another suncatcher recently...to send to friends who moved to Brisbane. Luckily they moved into a slightly elevated area and were not directly affected by flood waters. Here are some pictures of the card and matching box I made to send them their little housewarming gift in... List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow (SU) and Stamper's Select White (

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-87204838828248870622011-01-26T06:50:00.003+11:002011-01-26T07:14:50.079+11:00

I had a bit of spare time on my hands yesterday...you know, patiently waiting for this baby to be born and all...NOT ;-)...so thought I'd make the most of it and participate in this month's Papertrey Ink Blog Hop Challenge... With the new year comes a clean slate along with many resolutions.  This month's blog hop challenge involves you challenging yourself to use a Papertrey stamp set that

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-88192418497999519642011-01-15T14:18:00.004+11:002011-01-28T09:04:04.088+11:00

Apologies for the big delay between posts. If I knew where the Christmas/New Year period here had gone, I'd tell you...but I don't. It has just gone! We were here, and then there, and then back here...and somehow time has just completely gotten away from me. I have managed a little crafting time, but have had very little inclination to post to my blog as my back is playing up (I guess a 38

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-13122459657335632332010-12-27T21:01:00.002+11:002010-12-27T21:05:04.307+11:00

I have a few pictures to show you of things that I guess can best be classed as Christmas knick knacks, or maybe stocking stuffers. Some of them I bought for others, some I bought for myself ;-). Some were given to me at Christmas. Some are cute, some are yummy, some can be used for crafting, some can not. What ever their purpose...they made me smile! Cute, shaped paperclips. Which I got from

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-17678101110300120562010-12-27T12:13:00.003+11:002010-12-27T15:41:04.422+11:00

Today I thought I might take part in my first ever Papertrey Ink Blog Hop Challenge: The Challenge for this month is the: ...annual holiday leftovers challenge! Use scraps of wrapping paper, parts of holiday cards, recycle gift tags or bits of ribbon on a paper crafting project.  We all have plenty of it laying around after all the holiday excitement and this is your chance to incorporate

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-44716369354194718212010-12-15T20:44:00.001+11:002010-12-19T08:38:48.603+11:00

I've been working on a little project to hand out to some of my work colleagues this Christmas. I finally managed to get them all done today, and I'll distribute them tomorrow. I think they'll put some smiles on some dials :-)... List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Real Red, Kiwi Kiss Textured, Whisper White, Basic Black and Blush Blossom cardstock (all from SU) Punches: 1 3/8" Circle,

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-26732873059323442732010-12-15T12:59:00.002+11:002011-01-28T09:04:47.145+11:00

I have lots of projects in various stages of disarray here...but its organised disarray if you know what I mean? To the untrained eye....my desk and surrounds would certainly look like they were in disarray...but I KNOW what's what! Seriously!! Just thought I'd pop on here quickly and put up a few pics of the gift I made for Miss 6's Kindergarten teacher this year: List of Ingredients:

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-29390289894952387552010-12-07T14:04:00.000+11:002010-12-07T14:04:01.540+11:00

We had an afternoon tea get-together here on Sunday. It was mean't to be a dinner BBQ, but with the weather being as poopy as it has been, and more rain and thunderstorms forecast for Sunday afternoon I downgraded the event to afternoon tea...which of course ENSURED that not a single drop of rain would fall at all on Sunday ;-). I thought I'd show you the lovely little goody bags that Kim

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-39039992409850054912010-12-05T21:33:00.000+11:002010-12-05T21:33:04.294+11:00

I finally managed to catch up with a friend today, Kim, and pass along her very late birthday present! Here are some pictures of her gift, the card and wrapping: List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Tempting Turquoise (textured) and Whisper White Ink: Elegant Eggplant Classic Ink Stamps: I wish I could remember what sets those two Happy Birthday sentiments are from, but I

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-34195244741361717182010-11-23T10:17:00.002+11:002010-11-29T07:23:13.857+11:00

...up a chimney! I am sorry if you are over Elliot Elf by now, but I'm having fun with him. I seem to be spending at least part of each night where I can't sleep (almost 31 weeks now and the belly is getting, well, you know, BIG) thinking about what Elliot can get up to next. I have another one on the back burner...not sure about it yet though....we'll see. Anyway, this is Elliot stuck up a

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-59321368469992408132010-11-20T15:18:00.003+11:002010-11-23T10:23:53.874+11:00

I had so much fun making the last Elf scene I thought I'd make another one. I am pretty happy with how it turned out, except for the back of Santa's sleigh...its looking a bit too 2D for me. But as it IS only 2D...I guess that's not such a biggie ;-). List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Real Red, Brushed Gold, Whisper White, Shimmery White, Kiwi Kiss, Blush Blossom and Chocolate Chip (all SU)

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-74033665163472860362010-11-17T11:08:00.003+11:002010-11-17T12:24:01.729+11:00

I have to say right up front....I didn't read the instructions for the Just Add Ink #43 Challenge - Just Add Christmas very carefully at all! I made this card (that I am about to show you) yesterday, and then last night when I was browsing the Just Add Ink homepage I noticed that they say ' we can't wait to see what fantastic designs you are mass producing'. Can I just say here and now....

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-13902171945368652852010-11-15T11:33:00.001+11:002010-11-15T13:10:27.424+11:00

Over at Just Add Ink this week, it is time for challenge #43, and the challenge is to Just Add Christmas. Not such a hard challenge at this time of year! My colours are a bit out of left-field for this project, but I am happy with the overall effect: List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Whisper White and Peach Parfait (all SU) Ink: Poppy Parade Classic Ink (SU) Stamps: Trees With

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-85312839795829733852010-11-14T11:21:00.002+11:002010-11-14T14:42:11.363+11:00

First of all I want to say a big heartfelt thank you to everyone who left a lovely comment on my last post! You guys sure know how to make someone feel special. Thumper sends thanks and a big high five too...OUCH! ;-) Some friends of ours also recently announced their pregnancy, and hubby actually asked me to make them a congrats card! He does that a bit my hubby...asks me to make a card for

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-80110997095579224812010-11-13T14:24:00.004+11:002010-11-13T18:46:20.271+11:00

Just thought it was about time that I share something by way of an explanation for all of the random absences on my blog over the last while. You see, I have this little... BABY growing inside me...and its been occupying a lot of my time :-). We went and had one of the 3D/4D ultrasounds for the first time ever this week...at Bundles Baby Ultrasound in Canberra: This baby, that I

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-48134313133932888352010-11-13T13:06:00.007+11:002010-11-13T21:51:12.735+11:00

I don't actually need to have a good reason to want to stamp and create with cupcakes as the theme...but in this case, I did have a good reason! There was a Cupcake Challenge on the We Stamp for Lara forum last weekend, in honour of Miss Lara's second birthday! It is still not too late to join in this fabulous, month-long forum, check out the details on Madonna's blog here. List of

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-90714295509547112132010-11-02T13:51:00.000+11:002010-11-02T13:51:58.140+11:00

Today's 'We Stamp For Lara' tutorial is a very groovy one, and has been put together by Leonie Schroder. Leonie's tutorial is for a Christmas Planner! Such a novel idea for me..actually planning for a big event. So I ripped out my crafting goodies before lunch and made my own using Leonie's instructions.     Look carefully at the middle image...can you see the doozy of a boo boo I made while

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-91672627252119496382010-11-01T17:45:00.000+11:002010-11-01T17:45:11.952+11:00

Well...being the 1st of November, today is the first day of the wonderful 'We Stamp for Lara' initiative, which I mentioned in a recent post here. Today's tutorial is one by Nicole Derendorf, and focuses on the use of Shimmer Paint! It is not too late to join in this wonderful event, and for a small entry fee you get a new tutorial for every day of November....and chances to win lucky door

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-12166907945641857722010-10-31T12:46:00.008+11:002011-03-22T18:05:26.987+11:00

This week's Just Add Ink challenge is to Just Add Birthdays! The card I have made has been in my MUST BE CASED file for a few weeks now, and is an amazingly beautiful card by one of my blogging friends, Susy. I told Susy how much I loved her card...and I have gone to great lengths to CASE it (more on that later)! Here is my version of Susy's beautiful card: List of Ingredients:

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-72474895691469130072010-10-25T17:47:00.002+11:002010-10-27T06:23:44.065+11:00

...You might remember that I ceased to be a demonstrator for Stampin' Up! back in about March of this year...and I have finally got around to clearing out some things I no longer need. I have listed them on the Sale page - HERE on my blog. There are Stampin' Up! Plastic Logo Bags, Stampin' Technique booklets and old IBCs which are free to anyone who might need them (although if you want me to

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-71796661062990050312010-10-20T12:36:00.003+11:002010-10-20T14:36:52.613+11:00

I found out about 'We Stamp for Lara' during my internet travels yesterday...and signed up straight away...what a great event for such a beautiful little lady! Here are the full details: You can join by purchasing entry using the Paypal button on either: Madonna Dunn's Blog here or on Alisa Tilsner's Blog here. It’s going to be loads of fun! If you would like to read more about Lara’s Story

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-60268091295474863242010-10-14T21:31:00.002+11:002011-02-05T18:50:28.605+11:00

First up, I'm going to apologise for the photos. It was after 5pm, and really windy outside this afternoon while I was trying to get these shots, so the light was poor and the card was blowing about all over the place. I've done the best I can in Photoshop...but if it clears up on the weekend, I might try and do them again. Here is the card: List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Pink Pirouette (

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-22502398548904626682010-10-10T17:25:00.000+11:002010-10-10T17:25:41.714+11:00

This week's Just Add Ink challenge is to Just Add Bling...and Pink! Here is my pink blingy creation: List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Rose Red (Textured and Plain), Pink Pirouette, Shimmer White, Cardstock Vellum and Whisper White Ink: Rose Red Classic Ink Stamps: Animal Stories (SU) and Birthday Basics (PTI) Accessories: Divine Swirl Cuttlebug Emboss Folder (Provocraft), Pink Pirouette 1 1

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-75292543588945996802010-10-09T18:07:00.003+11:002010-10-09T18:53:22.621+11:00

I'm not real sure about this card. It is a sympathy card, to be given after the death of a father. Obviously, that is not a time for celebration, but I am thinking this card may be a bit too sombre. I think I'll ponder it a little longer... List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy and Baja Breeze Stamps: Through the Trees (PTI) and Garden of Life (PTI)

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-50591178709488075912010-10-07T13:03:00.000+11:002010-10-07T13:03:44.091+11:00

Well, I've finally made it to the last required birthday card, and I even have two days to spare...YEAH me! This one has been wholly inspired by this awesome creation by the lovely Carol Dunstan. Thanks for your inspiration Carol! List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie (Textured), Basic Black (Plain and Textured), Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-3493676568124246152010-10-04T10:26:00.002+11:002010-10-07T11:37:58.108+11:00

I bet we're not thinking of the same bugs though! I am thinking of Volkswagon Bugs....were you? The punch art VW Beetle on this little card was inspired by LeeAnn Greff....or if you read her full post here...apparently I need to thank her husband Andy! Thanks Andy and LeeAnn :-). ETA... I just found the other place I had recently seen one of these VW Bugs. Check out Julia's beautiful card here

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-86264759806066683752010-10-03T11:04:00.004+11:002010-10-04T11:22:28.737+11:00

I am still working away on all those birthday cards we're needing here soon. This time I have gone back to another of Jackie Topa's fabulous punch art creations...and have dubbed it puppy party. List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Chocolate Chip (Textured), Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss (Textured), Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Basic Black and Real Red Stamps: Lots of

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-16440101255242328162010-10-02T11:23:00.001+10:002010-10-02T11:29:34.764+10:00

The new Just Add Ink challenge this week is a colour challenge, and I must say I really love these beautiful colours together: This is the card I have made for this challenge: List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Always Artichoke (Textured), Whisper White, Old Olive, Rose Red and Pumpkin Pie Stamps: Everyday Button Bits (PTI) Ink: Old Olive Classic Ink (SU) Accessories: Theatre Ribbon Originals

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-43358886024251528762010-10-01T16:04:00.002+10:002010-10-01T16:12:43.666+10:00

This week, for Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge, you could choose any previous sketch challenge and use that as your inspiration....I discovered that this is easier said than done! I downloaded about 10 old sketches, and have been fiddling about with this challenge ever since last Monday. It was one of those projects that was worked on, left, pondered, shuffled, left, worked on, left

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-49270052226937654002010-09-30T10:30:00.003+10:002010-10-09T19:20:14.400+11:00

So this makes two down...three to go. I am confident that if I keep trawling through my CASE folder I will come up with enough groovy ideas to get this glut of birthday cards all sorted in the next week (fingers crossed ;-). This little number is a CASE of a simply gorgeous idea by the fabulous Jackie Topa. Check out her oh-so-cute clown valentines day card here...and more of her amazing punch

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-85143093175113974052010-09-29T13:28:00.002+10:002010-09-30T10:32:18.996+10:00

Over the last week my two kids have brought home FIVE birthday party invitations. I'm doing the math to see what time of year it was when all of these children were conceived. I'm thinking it must have something to do with the Christmas Holidays or Australia Day ;-). Anyway, I've been madly trying to come up with some inspiration for the Birthday cards I'll need for all of these parties. So I

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-41684753753930355172010-09-27T16:06:00.003+10:002010-09-28T06:27:35.747+10:00

It is a public holiday here in the ACT, and hubby took the kids to Sydney for the weekend, and left me alone to recuperate (he is such a sweetie). So today, with a balmy top temp of 20 degrees C, I have done some crafting, had a snooze, made 2 minute noodles for lunch, hung some washing and read my book (The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva). Blissful! I started a card this afternoon with the

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-61029847670667308182010-09-26T20:14:00.005+10:002010-09-27T08:22:14.156+10:00

As I mentioned, I wasn't really that thrilled with my last attempt at the Just Add Ink Sketch Challenge # 36: So, fortified with more Panadol, Berocca, tissues and throat lozenges, I sat down again this afternoon and tried again: List of Ingredients: Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Whisper White (Textured) and Cardstock Vellum Accessories: Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Series

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-47002997431193523042010-09-25T12:38:00.006+10:002010-09-26T08:32:32.149+10:00

Ok...so I have a monster cold. You know the one? The one where it feels like someone has pumped a concrete slurry into your head? You can't hear. You can't breathe. Your eyes are dry. Your head pounds. Your throat is raw. Your nose is dripping like a tap. Fun times all round. NOT! Not to be out-done by this minor health setback...I got up this morning and decided to make a card. But do you

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-36801715207226500072010-09-15T11:20:00.002+10:002010-09-15T11:26:36.197+10:00

  You can all rest easy now :-). My birthday card from Kim has been found safe and sound, and it was nothing to do with my young treasure hunters either. I'd gone and stashed it in my Copic marker box after our craft session on Saturday night (so it'd be safe on the way home, of course)....and promptly forgotten all about it. Blush... So, with a good bit more care than yesterday...I went out

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-51686185435024608482010-09-14T13:44:00.004+10:002010-09-14T14:05:39.357+10:00

If you answered 'NO, certainly not'...you'd be right! I made this Christmas card on Sunday morning, and used a groovy new PTI toy that I had recently received as part of a birthday gift (more on that later). So today, I think...must go take a photo of that card for the blog. I find the camera, put on the 50 mm lens, add the UV filter (which I'd moved onto another lens) and then put in an empty

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-11243095218068807042010-08-31T12:47:00.001+10:002010-08-31T14:19:54.341+10:00

...at least I should be ready when this year's Christmas cards season begins...this is the theory, at any rate ;-). As you can probably tell, I haven't cleaned up the detritus from last week's Christmas card-making session...soooooo, these ones are in very much the same vein....the stuff was all there, ready to go! List of Ingredients: Stamps: Merry and Bright (Papertrey Ink) and Believe (

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-76326173561036135182010-08-24T14:41:00.000+10:002010-08-24T14:41:53.306+10:00

Last night I was invited to join some friends to do some craft and have a chat. I was so excited to be going out and doing something creative again...but what to do???? Then I remembered a beautiful Christmas card that I had seen on Jo Eades' lovely blog just this weekend (you can see it here) and it inspired me to make these Christmas cards: List of Ingredients: Stamps: Christmas Classics

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-39258913848521395162010-08-22T16:08:00.001+10:002010-09-14T14:26:04.176+10:00

Well....it has been a long, long time between posts. No excuses...just haven't felt like crafting. Even this little project is cheating some...it was started about 2 months ago, and has spent the intervening period collecting a magnificent coat of dust. Grand plans eh? But its here now, better late than never, and all that stuff ;-) I am not even going to try and come up with a recipe for

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-81303178633376090712010-07-01T13:00:00.000+10:002010-07-01T13:00:51.233+10:00

I know it has been vewy, vewy quiet in here of late. My creative mojo took all of my energy on a surprise vacation...YEAH, but they left me here...BOO! They are currently sunning it up on the island of Barbuda, with Strawberry Mojitos in hand. Lucky things... I did recently manage to make a little something though...another pretty suncatcher. This one for my Mum's birthday. I used another

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-34225656861934500922010-05-26T12:47:00.000+10:002010-05-26T12:47:59.838+10:00

Just thought I'd jump on here and post a little pic of another bracelet that I made a few weeks back. These beautiful lampwork beads are by Marie of Bleu Verre on Etsy. I love the combination of bright, fun colours and even looking at the picture is making me smile on this cold and wet day. The orange and pink go really well together and look great with the metallic touches. I have used

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-70029331703289765182010-05-19T19:18:00.000+10:002010-05-19T19:18:58.193+10:00

After Miss 6 had her lion birthday cake...Mr now-four put in a custom order for a tiger cake (don't mind me...I just do what I'm told ;-). It really wasn't very hard to make and I am pleased with how he turned out. I did have some difficulty cutting out the tiger stripes. The Woman's Weekly Cookbook said to use your pinking shears...and I did. I am not sure if they will ever work on cardstock

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-9040890510834579812010-05-12T21:09:00.000+10:002010-05-12T21:09:57.803+10:00

This little bracelet features more astoundingly beautiful lampwork beads by Sari of Gaialai on Etsy. I just love the combination of blues that she has used for these, and the lovely designs too! (Photograph by Sari of Gaialai on Etsy). This is the bracelet that I have made with these beads: The silver beads and findings are all Sterling Silver and the crystals are Swarovski. I have used

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509000301476816377.post-74369642938465922392010-05-12T20:44:00.001+10:002010-05-13T18:05:17.103+10:00

We have a fourth birthday coming up here soon, and I've had waves on my mind for some time. This nautical theme is, in part, inspired by the fabulous Jessica Watson, who is due to sail back through Sydney Harbour Heads after her solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of our planet this Saturday! I have watched Jessica's progress from day one and am in awe! GO JESSICA...YOU ROCK!! Once

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025117568106142238noreply@blogger.com2