Ramblings at Fangorn

Ezy-Press Die and Embossing Plate Storage

2011-12-31T11:22:00.004+09:00

Ever wondered how to store your Ezy-Press dies and Embossing Folders? Well here's the solution - the 5036 SB Album D Ring 8.5" x 11" (rrp $29.95). The great thing being that you can cover the front of the album however you choose.

The larger Dies, such as the 2901 Circle die fit perfectly into the protective sleeves that come with the album. I leave mine on the backing card that the dies come on. Small to medium sized dies and embossing plates fit into the 70276 SB Album - Share and Tell - Photo Pocket Pages 6x4. I just fold the page in 1/2 so that it doesn't poke out the side of the album.

The smallest of dies fit in the ATC display pages that you can buy at any good newsagency or gaming shop.

Hope you enjoy Love, Peace, Good Health and Happiness in 2012.

Cheers,

GPP - Crusade No. 58 - Girls on Film

2011-12-20T14:22:00.003+09:00

Thought I'd participate in a few more GPP Crusades...this one is about getting yourself on film as oftern we're the ones behind the camera. I took these photos today whilst the kids and co. were having a ball sliding down the rocks at FR Berry Reserve.

Yeah, no makeup and no photoshop!

Christmas 1-4-1 Swap 2011

2011-12-20T08:28:00.004+09:00

This is the gift that I received in the Arty_oz yahoo group 1-4-1 Christmas Swap for 2011. Michelle Brown has created this lovely art journal for me and also included some emphemera, painted pages and dress pattern paper. Now I will have to get serious about doing an art journal. I noted on Michelle's Blog that Michelle is an avid GPP Crusader - I've participated but very rarely. Maybe this is something I need to do more often to help the mojo flow. Now I don't do New Year's resolutions as you just end up feeling disappointed but I may just have to use the Nike credo of "Just do it!".

Have an inky week....I'm off to turn my craft room upside down looking for a Tim Holtz mask that I just know I have somewhere.....

An extra week before Christmas will do...

2011-12-18T15:43:00.005+09:00

I thought I was prepared for Christmas this year - Ha! Not likely. I've only done 10 Christmas cards. I have completed my Stampgropers 2012 Calendar Swap pieces plus having assembled the other 5 calendars in readiness for posting tomorrow. I've also made two vintage glass snowmen. One was sent to Teresa Abajo for a 1-4-1 Christmas Swap on the Arty_oz yahoo group, the other was a Secret Santa gift for the Anne Westerneng's Kaszazz Team Christmas party. Also managed a card for a friend's 30th.
So many things still to do and I'm running out of time.

Vintage Glass Bottle Snowmen as seen in Cloth Paper Scissors issue 1 (Nov/Dec 2008)

Birthday card for Kat

Stampgropers 2012 Calendar Swap

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas, stay safe, have fun and hug your loved ones.

Cheers.

Embroidered Jeans

2011-10-27T18:03:00.001+09:00

The beginning of a new business venture for me. Keep coming back to the blog as I do more machine embroidery and start up my little business of adding machine embroidery and bling to second hand jeans and denim skirts.

These jeans got the Steampunk Wyvern treatment plus I added some cogs cut out from old pants (Tim Holts - Alterations Die). Sorry these are mine - but you can place an order if you like, just email me.

Cheers.

September New Products Pre-Release

2011-05-30T17:48:00.003+09:00

Yep! You read it right....September New Products Pre-release - and only two weeks after the May New Product release (not seen it email me for a complimentary copy). Better still book a Make & Take and you could win $150 worth of product (see previous post)

Products available from the 1st June 2011.

Check out the great Albums that you can cover yourself! And what about the price?

If you would like to order any of the products, just email me.

Inky cheers,

Kaszazz VIP Event

2011-05-30T16:18:00.004+09:00

On Sunday 29th May, I held my first ever Kaszazz VIP Event. I had 7 VIP Customers attend, although there were a few who couldn't make it due to illness.

Everyone who came received a Thank You gift of an Asian Flower Ribbon bookmark (as seen in the May Release) plus a copy of the May New Products flier. All attendees names were also entered in the draw for the Door Prize - valued at $100.00.
(picture below)

And here's the lucky winner - Katy Beales

Anyone who booked a workshop or Make and Take on the day was also entered into a raffle to win this bag of goodies valued at $150.00!
CHECK END OF POST FOR HOW TO ENTER THE EXTENED BOOK A M&T/WORKSHOP DRAW

There was plenty of discounted product to purchase! and purchase they did...my cupboards thank you all.

There was also a Free Make and Take card to do using the new 4486Q - Card Art Asian Spring stamp and chalks.

A lovely afternoon, and a special thanks to Elsie who provided fresh made Cream Puffs and a yummy hot chilli con carne dip!

BOOK A MAKE AND TAKE OR WORKSHOP FOR JUNE, JULY OR AUGUST BY 6TH JUNE AND YOU WILL GET 1 ENTRY INTO THE DRAW FOR THE $150 BAG OF GOODIES (SHOWN ABOVE).

Next post - September New Products Pre-Release.

Long Time No See!

2011-03-30T13:56:00.004+09:00

Yep, I really thought that I'd have done another post since Christmas however I've been busy doing things other than Kaszazz and some very Kaszazz things.

The most Kaszazz thing that I have done is attend the Kaszazz Conference in Adelaide. What a fantastic time I had! Not only did I attend with some amazingly talented WA consultants but Kaszazz gave out Freebies at every opportunity - Smooch, 3-in-1 Paper Trimmer, Card Art Stamps, Shrinky Dinks, New SB papers and rub-ons. We very nearly had to pay excess luggage with all the free stuff. Also, each person attending the conference had the chance to win a Smiley Faced badge. At the Farewell presentation each person with a Smiley Face badge got to trade it in for a workshop pack! These packs contained all the stamps, inks, smooches and acrylic blocks that each table used for each of the two workshops that we had completed over the weekend - AMAZING! (and yes I got one).

This photo shows the display area in my craft room where I have placed both the
2H839 Funky 50's Frame Album and 2H838 Retro Colour Card Art samples that we made at conference.

I have also put up my Ezy-Press Conference competition entries. Although I didn't win the competition I did get an Honourable Mention for the Let's Catch Up card set.
Of the 3 honourable mentions and 3 winners - 3 of us were from the one WA team - Michelle Smith being the overall winner. Go WA GO!

LET'S CATCH UP CARD SET

IT'S A BOY THING SB PAGE AND CARD

Next post will include a run down of upcoming workshops.

Cheers!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THANK YOU

2010-12-20T12:04:00.003+09:00

I've spent this wet and windy morning making Christmas cards (I know, I know, but better late than never!)All of the cards above were made from the 5002 Card Making Kit - Merry Christmas. With the addition of a stamp, circle punch and some spare card stock I made 28 cards with plenty of scraps to make several more. Excellent value packs and a good variety to choose from for all occasions.

Thank you to all my customers and blog followers for another wonderful year. I hope that you and your family enjoy a wonderful Christmas and New Year that is filled with Love, Hope, Peace, Good Health, Joy and Happiness. Stay safe, don't drink and drive. Hug your kids and tell everyone that you love them.

I'll post again in the New Year with workshops for February 2011 - as I'm already booked out for January.

Christmas Cheers!

Christmas Decorations Workshop

2010-11-10T15:42:00.003+09:00

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS WORKSHOP
Saturday 27th November - 10am and Monday 29th November - 7.30pm
$20 per person plus 4945 Chipboard Popouts - Christmas ($7.95)

Add sparkle to your Christmas with this workshop, you'll make a door hanger and tree decorations using Glitter, chipboard, rollagraph wheel, design adhesive and paint. I'll order the 4945 Chipboard Popouts - Christmas for you when you book in.

Please book by: 17th November.
Places are limited so please book early.

$60 FOR $40 PACKS ARE BACK FOR NOVEMBER

GIFT VOUCHERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS - $20, $50 and $100
(can only be redeemed with Genevieve Payne - Independant Kaszazz Consultant ID3018)

Hope to see you soon!

OCTOBER WORKSHOPS

2010-09-21T13:30:00.003+09:00

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER BOOKING BONUS!
Book a Workshop or Make&Take demo in October or November 2010 and receive a Surprise Pack of current range products valued at $50rrp! Hurry limited packs available.

REINDEER BLING CHRISTMAS CARDS:
Wednesday 13th October 11.30am $25
Book by: 26/9/10
Add a little sparkle to your christmas cards this year using the new SB Essentials Bling 12x12,embossing and the new Reindeer Punch to create three cards and gift tags.

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS GIFT SET: Friday 15th October 11.30am $25
Book by: 3/10/10
Make 8 cards plus a holder using the hot colour combo of Purple and Green with Flock.

BLOOMIN' BIG CARDS: Wednesday 20th October 11.30am $25
Book by: 3/10/10
Use Kaszazz's new Large Daisies and smooch to create these oversized cards.

ADORABLE 12X12 LAYOUT: Wednesday 27th October 11.30am $25
Book by: 3/10/10
Using the new Kaszazz Coloured Rub Ons and Rollagraph Wheel, make this fun layout.

PLEASE EMAIL ME BEFORE BOOK BY DATE TO SECURE YOUR SPOT.
Limited places so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Remember if you want to do the workshop but the date doesn't suit you, get a group of friends together and have the workshop at your place (minimum of 4)

I'm Still Here!

2010-08-31T07:44:00.003+09:00

I spent Sunday getting over a nasty head cold by creating this set of cards which were created by the talented Annette Hannigan and featured in the current Cardmaking, Stamping & Papercraft Magazine (Vol 16 No 6). All the products used were Kaszazz products.

This is one I created using the left overs from the first set. Such a nice way to spend a Sunday. Specially as I didn't have to think up the workshop!

I have a few in the pipeline which I will post up once complete. Keep a look out - I promise to have a few card workshops up and running very soon.

DON'T FORGET THAT IF YOU BOOK A FREE MAKE & TAKE OR WORKSHOP DURING SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER 2010 YOU WILL RECEIVE A $50 SURPRISE PACK OF CURRENT RANGE PRODUCTS! (First 12 to book only).

Thanks for visiting....

New Workshop

2010-05-26T13:09:00.002+09:00

FLOWER AND FLOURISH PORTRAIT FRAME WORKSHOP
FRIDAY 11TH JUNE 11.30AM and 7.30pm - $30

Create a decorated frame using New Distress Ink colours, punches and Smooch Spritz.

Email me to attend this workshop.

More workshops coming soon!

Look who I met in London!

2010-04-28T16:57:00.005+09:00

Okay, so it was at Madame Tussauds but who cares! It's probably the closest I'll ever get to Johnny Depp. I also met Brad Pitt, although Ange was with him and Robbie Williams. Lillee was thrilled and a little embrassed to 'meet' Zac Efron and Steve revealed a secret thing for Kylie Minogue (who knew?! lol). We did lots on our last full day in London and as you can see from the photo below it snowed!

We were very fortunate that all the bad weather happened before and after our trip. I can assure you Perth does not get cold in winter and I won't ever live in Europe due to how cold it gets. The only thing that kept me going besides my thermal long johns was the thought that at the end of the trip I would be coming home to a blissfully hot summer - I'm a Sandgroper through and through!

Next post workshop updates!

60 - 4 - 30 is back!

2010-03-08T13:39:00.003+09:00

That' right! For the month of March you can purchase a Surprise Pack containing $60 worth of product for just $30. Contents may vary, products randomly chosen by Kaszazz and the pack may contain retired products.

If you would like to purchase some of these great value packs or book into a workshop - please click on the email me link.

March Workshops

2010-02-23T12:26:00.005+09:00

DESIGN ADHESIVE/GLITTER CARDS: TUESDAY 9TH MARCH 10AM - $20
Book by: 6th March

Created by the talented Naomi Elliott, these fun cards will have you sparkling in no time! Design Adhesives, Glitter, Fluid Chalk inks will have you wanting to make more.

BELIEVE, LOVE, CHERISH CARDS: FRIDAY 12TH MARCH, 10AM - $20
Book By: 28th February

In this workshop you will use some of the beautiful new Romance stamps plus learn the art of masking and how to use Distress Stickles.

RED APPLE ROMANCE GIFT SET: TUESDAY 16TH MARCH, 10AM OR THURSDAY 18TH MARCH, 7.30PM - $30
Book by: 6th March

If you love the Twilight books, you'll love this gift set. Create it for yourself or give to that Twilight obsessed teenager you know!

LOVE IS THE KEY, 3 CARDS: TUESDAY 23RD MARCH, 10AM - $25
Book by: 6th March

Learn how to create a hidden window and learn about embossing and distress embossing.

If you can't make the workshop you want to do, just get a group of friends together and I'll bring the workshop to you!

Please book early as places are limited.

Tonight we dine in Paris

2010-02-23T11:55:00.004+09:00

So we travelled by train from Belifeld, Germany to Paris. It seemed that every time we travelled it rained and the days that we spent sight seeing were fine. We arrived in Paris on the 27th December in the late afternoon, found our hotel and headed out for a look around and dinner. The 28th December was spent on an open topped tour bus making our way around this beautiful city. Although, I must admit we didn't spend much time 'up top' as it must have only gotten to a maximum of 3 degrees the whole day.

The photo above is of the Ponte Neuf which means the 9th bridge, famous for being so very old!

The main highlight of the tour was reaching the Eiffel Tower, JP had been so very excited to see this icon of Paris, although he did get a little upset when he saw the size of the queue.....2 hours we waited in line just to buy the tickets to go up! His diappointment was mainly due to the fact that we wouldn't be stopping at the restauant up the tower for lunch. It was immensely cold with the only relief being the toilets which were heated. Another eye opener for the kids was the number of Africans selling knock off Effiel Tower keyrings. Every time a police man came within cooee of the queues there was a mad dash (even to the point of knocking tourists to the ground) to get away. Explaining to the kids that these people were probably illegally in France and therefore not wanting to stick around. The other eye opener was the very large machine guns that the police were carrying.

As you can see from the photos from the viewing deck we had fantastic weather for sight seeing.

We walked back through this part of Paris to the Champs Eleyese and the Arch de Triumph were we had dinner at Chez Clement, the front part of which is all glass and right on the footpath of the Champs Eleyese. A magic dusk, the photos of which don't do it justice. You really had to be there. As the sun went down (around 5pm!)
the lights that were strung up the trees lining the street came on. There were even some lights in the trees that looked like icicles! Just Magic!

Jarrod ordered snails as frog legs weren't on the menu. As all of us tried the snails we can't blame them for Jarrod throwing up that night! I think it was a combination of fairy floss, snails in a rich butter/garlic sauce and the beautiful creme bulee that was consumed. Poor Steve had to deal with the clean up as I made a quick exit stage left to fetch new bedding, I even sat outside the hotel room until all had been cleaned and de-smelled! Ugh!

And that's what I did

2010-01-13T13:14:00.004+09:00

Well, my grand plans to do all 12 Tags came undone. December just got busier and busier. What with making Christmas cards, running a couple of last minute Kaszazz workshops and organising everything for out trip to Europe.

We flew out on Tuesday 22nd December and headed for Singapore...

As you can see the kids loved Singapore airport and managed to find the world's biggest Chuppa Chumps. After our 2 hour stop over and lots of walking through the airport stretching our legs, we boarded the plane and spent the next 12hrs mowing through umpteen movies, tv shows. The kids got about 8-9hrs sleep each and us adults managed about 6. Not bad really. We landed in Frankfurt then made our way north to my Aunt's house in Bielefeld.

As you can see, snow had fallen before we got there. The kids were able to make a snow man and we had the obligitory snow ball fight. We had a drizzly Christmas Day which turned all the snow into ice! Boxing day was spent at a local animal park where we met some interesting animals (see the hairy, horny cow)

and supped on some gluwein (hot spiced wine - yummm). We also wrapped up nice and warm, however as you can see from the picture above, Jarrod absolutely froze at the Night Markets - can't blame him as it was -1.5c!

Next post - Paris!

Tag No. 1

2009-12-02T13:51:00.005+09:00

Well here is tag no. 1. Although I should be busy typing up P&C minutes and putting the calendar swap together that I'm hosting. I got just a tiny bit excited when I saw the first tag. So I dropped what I was doing and gathered my supplies, got busy and so wanted to show off what I'd done that I didn't even wait for the Picket Fence Stickles to dry before pulling out the camera. All of the stamps, chipboard flourish, inks, stickles etc sold through Kaszazz. If you would like to know exactly which ones, feel free to email me.

Thanks for looking and I hope that your fingers are getting inky.

Season's Cheers!

Tim and his 12 Tags of Christmas 2009

2009-11-26T12:08:00.002+09:00

Yep Tim Holtz is doing the 12 Tags of Christmas yet again. Check out his blog every day for a chance to win the products used to create that days tags. I'll be attempting each days tag and I hope to upload my effort everyday. If you would like some of the tags that Tim uses, I have some. Click on the Email me link and we'll talk turkey (I'm happy to swap tags for ATC's, ephemera etc).

Have fun and get your fingers inky.

Collab Book

2009-09-07T14:49:00.004+09:00

I love the stuff Linda B does, all that texture and colour. Go check out her blog if you haven't already, Linda also does some great youtube technique videos. I had great fun one day, watching the vidoe and pulling out all this stuff that I had tucked away in my room (you know the stuff that you buy coz you'll use it one day! - don't laugh, coz I know you have some too..!).

Anyway, having been suitably inspired, I set about creating my pages for the arty_oz yahoo group 2009 Collaborative Book Swap. All 16 pages (easier than the 32 pages required last year!). So, I started off with a home made transparency, then set about creating the base page with texture paste, golden paints, tissue paper and rub'n'buff. I've added some 'Autumn Leaves' Gold Foil to the urn in the centre of the transparency. Attached the tranparency with brads and hey presto, I was done! Then I read the requirements for the swap and realised that I had forgotten to add a stamp image. Took me several weeks and lots of stamp searching amongst my hoard to discover the perfect stamp to use...also solved the problem of deconstruction by placing the stamped imaged smack bang in the middle of the urn on the front. Used Stazon and an image by Paper Forest Designs Artistree range of stamps.

So that swaps posted now for the Jen Crossley Frames Swap.....

What have I been doing?

2009-08-09T10:00:00.002+09:00

First up was a day class at the local art shop, State of the Art in Glen Forrest, were I joined 6 other lovely ladies in a Fabric Sculpture Class using a brillian product called Paverpol. The class was run by Brenda Sinclair-Jones of Wraptureart. Lots of fun getting messy and using our fingers to create these lovely sculptures. What I love about this product is that it seems that if you touch the sculpture the fabric will move, however the Paverpol sets hard and you can even put the sculpture outside (after a curing time of 3 weeks).

Next up was a class at Scraptivate with the awesome Jenny Crossley. Another wonderful bunch of ladies to spend an afternoon with creating the wonderful little etched book that you see below. All up an artfull week and hubby didn't even spruik his usual comment of 'What's the point?".

Distressed Clock

2009-06-30T11:26:00.002+09:00

Hubby decided that we needed a clock in the lounge room. So I got out my Kaszazz Clock kit and the new scallop chipboard shape and came up with this. I used Tim Holtz Distress inks, Kaszazz SB paper, Rub-on flourishes and Kaszazz Stamps. I've also completed a mini clock using the Scallop Chipboard shape and have submitted this to Kaszazz for approval for a 2HW Customer Event.

I am running the clock shown above as a workshop. If you are interested in taking part, please leave a comment with and I'll get back to you with details. Sign ups by Sunday 5th July for the July 14th workshop.

I'm being artistic - what's it look like I'm doing?

2009-05-07T17:30:00.002+09:00

So, there I sat on the bed, doodling away, having a little me time. Moore River holdiay with the kids and Hubby's family (He's 1 of 6) both of his parents were there plus all the grandchildren (9 in all) as well as a couple of older cousins. Makes for lots of noise! People kept popping in a asking 'What ya doin?' Needless to say that by the time 10 people had asked the same question and I'm sure someone asked twice, I was a litle irritated.

I did manage however, to get something done. I don't keep an art journal on a regular basis but sometimes the mood strikes me and I'll do something. Of course, I had come prepared, Art Journal, Water colour crayons, aquwash pen, black gel pen.

This is what I came up with....

This one has wording written in amongs the flowing lines. I had been reading an article about the different ways to hold your hand bag and that you could match your style to your favourite celebrity - oh pleeeeassseeeee!!

It still feels strange to come home and not have Tess around. Although I'm sure the kids are not missing their 'dog poo' duties.

Thanks for visiting.

Tess

2009-04-28T22:00:00.003+09:00

My beautiful Girlie. Steve and I bought Tess not long after we got married in 1994, Tess was 8 weeks old. Today we had Tess put down, she was 15. I wanted her to go whilst she still had her dignity, before she suffered too much pain. Tess had lost a lot of weight, her back legs were getting weaker. It was an easy decision but a hard one none the less. We will miss her barking at the kangaroos (whether they were there or not), tripping over her (as she loved to stand right behind you) but most of all her being there whenever we came home.

Rest in Peace, Girlie.

And now for the craft room

2009-04-24T17:18:00.002+09:00

Well here it is, some of the photos were taken before I started hauling all of my craft stuff in to the room, a process that is still continuing as I sort through what I've got (lots) and find where I'm going to put it all so that it all flows nicely. I'm sure I'll rearrange the products several times before I'm happy with the flow. I've also yet to bring the central work table in. I know that this will seem to make the room a little smaller but it will be nice to be able to sit down and spread myself out.

I'm grateful for a supportive hubby who was happy to add a main bedroom, lounge, wir and ensuite to my craft room!

I'm looking forward to holding my first Kaszazz workshop in my craft room, I'm running the Bella Stationery Set Workshop on Tuesday 5th May. If you're interested in attending you can post a comment and I'll get in touch with you. Thank you to those ladies who have already booked. The workshops are something that I've been wanting to run from home for many years.

Here's to many happy hours spent doing arty farty things in my wonderful room.

Inkurable Stampers - Alphabet Challenge

2009-03-31T12:30:00.002+09:00

A late entry but hey, better late than never right?

I've stamped Lucy's Stamps (exclusively sold through Kaszazz) Paisley Border Large with Ancient Page Coal Black ink and hand drawn the beak and legs with a black gel pen. I've added small rhinestones for eyes and coloued in the hearts on the 'birds' with lime pastel fluid chalk ink and an aquash water brush. I've then made up 'Tweet Tweet' using Lucy's Stamps Old Type Writer Letters stamp set and stamped with Lime Pastel Fluid Chalk Ink. Images are stamped on to white card stock then mounted onto Limeade Bazzill Basics on Lakeshore Bazzill Basics A5 card.

Next post will show my new craft room - the cupboards, shelving and benches are being install today - yipee!!

Nearly there and something different

2009-03-11T13:41:00.005+09:00

So, we're getting there, busy painting doors and frames. All the flooring is done and the wardrobe install is next week. The picture below is taken from inside the craft room looking out to the new lounge with the original part of the house in the background - and yes, I do like a splash of colour here and there.

The photo above shows the craft room floor, it's called Wine and Fruits and it is by Parador Flooring. If you'd like a better look at it go to the Carpet Call website and click on flooring. This laminate has writing all over it, just like old fruit packing boxes have been laid down. I figured that if I drop something on the floor and I'm not able to get it off it's not going to matter much and will just add to the overall effect.

And now for something a little different. As most crafters do, I'm an avid follower of Tim Holtz's blog. Tim has added a video demo section to his website amongst these is a video showing a new technique using Alcohol Inks. As soon as I saw the video I new that I wanted to try this on glass wear and the following is what I have played with so far.....a bowl from Ikea

Check out the detail and patterns here....
And even a wine glass....I'm working on a set of six.

Lots of inspiration to be had here and my family and friends can expect to be getting something glass and inked for any birthday that's coming up.

Thanks for visiting, I know that's it's a long time between drinks here...however, building an extension does take priority. Cheers!

Inkurable Stampers Challenge - Soot Technique

2009-02-05T18:17:00.003+09:00

Now that the kiddies are back at school (hooray!) I've got sometime on my hands for a little creative exploration (big words there Gen - ED).

I often check out whats going on at some of the challenge sites, Inkurable Stampers being one of them, it's Aussie to boot.

So here are a couple of enteries for Feb - Soot Technique.

With this one I spritzed the card with some distress ink/perfect pearls mix then did the soot technique. Tim Holtz clock stamp, Collections image, found clock hand (thanks to child no.2 who has a great understanding of my strange passion)and a Big Ben clock face transparency (source unknown - less I incriminate myself!).

Plain white gloss card, soot technique then stamped with an Above the mark stamp then a Collections image. I've even started on a set of atcs featuring the rest of the rhyme - keep coming back for updates.

On the extension front - painting, painting, painting and a little more painting!! I have given a deadline for completion of 7th March 2009. It's out there now so I've got to do it.

Thanks for visiting, love lots, hug many and smile!

Cheers!

Scrappindipity/Lorri Lennox Blog Giveaway

2009-01-23T07:35:00.002+09:00

The talented Lorri Lennox is holding a blog giveaway to celebrate her birthday. Thanks Lorri and Happy Birthday for the 5th Feb.

The Silly Season is upon us

2008-12-19T14:50:00.003+09:00

This canvas I did for a teacher at my kids school who is leaving to be the founding pre-primary teacher at Madeley Primary School. Ms D will be greatly missed as she had a lot of time for the kids as well as being very inspirational. My kids could not have had a better start to their scholastic career. Thank you Ms D!

I loved the Keepsake Ornaments that were designed by Donna Tew in Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft Vol 14 No.4, so much so, that I did one as a Mystery Muse gift for Julie H.

I hope that all of you have a Christmas and New Year filled with Love, Peace, Hope, Good Health and Happiness. Hug your family and friends and tell them that you love them and appreciate the qualities that make them who they are.

Cheers!

Look out three posts in one day!

2008-11-18T13:49:00.002+09:00

Whilst having to put my feet up due to breaking my toe earlier this year I was able to enjoy some quality time in the craft room.
The three cards below are the result. I submitted these to Kaszazz, for whom I'm an Independant Consultant as a 2 hour workshop and to my delight Kaszazz recently added this to their fantastic range of 2 hour workshops that all Kaszazz Consultants can run for their customers.
The stamp set that I have used is the Love and Cherish Stamp set by Kaszazz.

The picture below shows a new 2 hour workshop that I put together one day last week. I have again used only products available from Kaszazz and I will be submitting this to them for inclusion in their range of 2 hour workshops. I have used the new Ebony and Ivory SB papers and stamp set, which is exclusive to Kaszazz.

If you would like to do either of the above workshops or enquire about the wonderful Kaszazz range of products, feel free to post a comment.

Please feel free to use my artwork for inspiration but please don't reproduce my work without my permission or without attending a Kaszazz workshop.

Thanks for visiting.

And now for the extension

2008-11-18T09:14:00.003+09:00

Well we have finally broken through to the other side as it were! Now the dust and muck can inhabit both sides of the house - arghhhhh!! I never was a great fan of dusting anyway.

Battling a nasty head cold, both Steve and I pushed through the 'why can't I just lie here and envelope myself in my own snotty misery' and managed to get all wall panels up as well as the ceiling panels in the studio and lounge over the weekend just past. Next weekend we will finish putting up the plasterboard and then it's up to the tradie to come in and make the wall and ceiling joints look good. Once this is done, Steve can do the cornicing and spray paint the ceilings and I can get on with painting the walls.

We aim not to have a deadline to finish the build by, but I'm hoping that the end of January will see us moving furniture and fitting out my studio - YIPPEEEE!!

Thanks for visiting and being so patient.

Update, Update, Update and about time too!!

2008-11-18T08:48:00.002+09:00

In October I had the chance to travel to Melbourne with my beautiful sister Natalie. We timed the trip to coincide with Paperific (paper arts expo) and we had a fantastic time including getting a Henna tattoo at a 'Celebrate India' festival that was held in Centenary Square.

We stayed at the Hotel Tolarno in St Kilda and really enjoyed travelling on the trams and discovering different places and not having any set agenda, apart from going to Paperific.

We both loved Acland St in St Kilda and enjoyed shopping here more than anywhere else, the vibe was just fantastic. We spotted Guy Pearce at an eatery on Fitzroy St, St Kilda however I wouldn't recommend a balcony room on Fitzroy St unless you like the sound of doof doof cars, loud music and merriment until the wee hours of the morning!

Spent a lovely evening with the girls from the arty_oz yahoo group for dinner at the Medici restaurant at Docklands and had a chance to chat and catch up with Julie from Collections and Jenny Crosley as well as meeting some new faces. The lovely and talented Teresa Abajo took the photo of Nat and myself that you see above.

Free Handbag

2008-10-13T21:59:00.002+09:00

Gotta love some free accessories. Register to win a Free handbag. Go on, you know you really want to.

Update on the Extension

2008-08-27T14:37:00.003+09:00

This photo shows the rear of the extension from up the garden path (where I spend a lot of my time LOL).
Next photo is of the front of the house.
This photo is a closer view of the rear of the extension, Steve has even done some cladding in amongst the prescribed burns that the local Volunteer Fire Brigade has been doing.
And this photo is of a bobtail or Blue Tongue Skink that I happened upon whilst up the garden path taking photos! Lots of these guys coming out from their winter hibernation, wandering into the sunshine. If you live in WA watch out for these guys on the road and try your best not to squash them!

Thanks for visiting.

THE ROOF IS ON!

2008-08-07T07:48:00.002+09:00

Yep, the roof is on the house (as it should be I hear you say!). I will take a photo and upload over the weekend - too early and cold to go outside at the moment. The roof being on means that we can start putting the external cladding on and we're no longer restricted by what Mother Nature throws at us - yippeee!
Cheers!

A little more fun on the wing

2008-08-07T07:37:00.003+09:00

In a previous post I mentioned Linda B's blog and her great YouTube tutes. Well, yesterday I had a chance to play with the first tute using acrylic paint, gold foil, fusable film and foil (no surprise I had everything in my stash!) I've also stamped the large butterfly from MADJAK stamps with Staz On and added some 7gypsies tape to the side. Not sure if I'm needing to add words. I think I'll put it up somewhere for a little while and something will come to me. I had great fun doing this and I didn't waste any of the paint the you scrape off as I've taken to having a couple of small canvases and journals handy and I wipe off any excess paint onto these as well as stamping off the stamps onto the journal pages to creat interesting backgrounds.

This card is in the same style as the one from the previous post and once again made for a friends birthday.
Thanks for visiting and hope your gettin' inky today.
Cheers!

A productive week

2008-07-26T15:18:00.005+09:00

As I said in the last post I've been spending some time in the craft room this last week and below are some of the results. The card is alcohol inks with an Artchix collage image. Made for my friend Lisa who turned 40 on Thursday. I also made a journal for her using a background technique in the current issue ClothPaperScissors (July/Aug) by Pam Carriker. Had lots of fun doing it to. I'm inspired and I plan to do a few more using this technique using different colour ways.

Lisa's 40th Birthday Card

Front

Back
Front Detail

I also popped over to Linda B's blog and Linda has a great technique video on Youtube and funnily enough I've got all the materials required!! LOL. So some time in the near future, I'll be trying out this technique as well.

Hope you all have an inky weekend, thanks for coming to visit. Cheers!

Ouch!

2008-07-23T15:56:00.003+09:00

See the straight line of a bruise under the toe nail, that's where the very large and very heavy office desk fell. Did such a good job that the Dr. recommended that it was placed in plaster! Needless to say, I've had plenty of time to play in my craft room. Hopefully one more week in plaster and then I might be able to drive the car.

Did this card using some of the Treasured Memories stamp set from Kaszazz.

Hope your fingers are getting inky. Cheers!

School Holiday Fun

2008-07-12T16:37:00.003+09:00

I have been asked to provide a photo update on the extension - so here it is. DH has been hard at work on the timber verandah post, beams, rafters and battens, we are now waiting on the tin roof to be put on (at least DH can take a break as someone is doing this). Once the roof is on we can get started on the exterior cladding.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS are here and it's been wet and cold, however, we did manage to meet up with some friends for our school holiday walk in the John Forest National Park. The kids are under the strict understanding that there is NO JUMPING IN PUDDLES until we're on our way back to the car from the falls. And as you can see they found the last puddle and went for broke!! We have learnt from previous walks to pack a change of clothes and I'm glad that on this occasion my Mum's house wasn't too far away. (Hot shower and a cup of tea went down a treat!)

I have been feeling a little frustrated as I haven't had the opportunity to get in the craft room and play but today I've managed to creat a couple of cards using the new Kaszazz sets. I will have a little play tomorrow as well and then I might upload a few sneak peaks as I'm going to submit some of the cards as a set to Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft magazine.
Hope you weekend is filled with love, art and inspiration and that you're managing to stay warm!
Cheers!

ATCs and The Extension

2008-05-31T08:32:00.002+09:00

I've just posted off some atcs for a background swap. Talk about a challenge! This really pushed me artistically. To receive 9 different backgrounds and then having to create the foregrounds, often in styles that aren't me. The 'Think outside the box' atc is what I created for my background. Credit Card technique background using Jo Sonja's Aqua and Folk Art Antique Copper. Images are Zetty (like you couldn't tell - lol) and word stamps are from a Paper Artsy plate.

Well the frames are up and we're now waiting on delivery of the timber for the verandah posts and beams. DH will then spend a week or so notching out and putting up before we can put some tin on the roof frames. The photo above is looking at the south side of the house, craft room on your left and lounge room on your right with its big opening awaiting the french doors. The photo below is looking directly into my craft room all 3.5m x 4.4m of it! Yipee!!!

Thanks for visiting.

Cheers!

WS and Niche swap

2008-05-16T17:15:00.005+09:00

I love it when I can kill to birds with one stone - so to speak! This is an Inchie Niche that I recently completed for a Niche Swap. Hopefully the recipient received this in the post today. This piece fits perfectly with the current Wednesday Stamper theme of 'ART' - ie use the word art in your artwork.

I have used Kaszazz chipboard letters in the background as well as felted silk waste and dominos coloured with Alcohol Inks and stamped using the beautiful Stampers Anonymous 'Artful Mosaic'. I have also used this stamp to add detail to the boarder of the Niche. I have also used Collections chipboard branches and Collection stamps.

Thanks for visiting.

Niche Swap

2008-05-13T18:02:00.003+09:00

Here's a sneak peak at a Niche Swap piece that I've nearly finished. Lucky me, I got to spend the entire, wet and cold day in the craft room creating. The basis of this piece is a 1"x 1" inchie that will sit in the middle of the niche. The only two rules of this swap were to use an inchie and a 6"x6" stretched canvas frame. I want give to much away about technique etc. More once my swap partner has received it.

Thanks for visiting.

Cheers!

12 Tag Techniques of T!M

2008-05-08T17:40:00.009+09:00

During December 2007 T!m Holtz kept us all inspired with his 12 Tags of Christmas. I was so inspired I decided to host a swap were each participant picked a technique from T!m's 12 Tags of Christmas and then used this technique to create their own style of tag. The pictures that follow are the result. I hope each of the talented participants enjoy the finished product as much as I do. All tags were placed on a large hinged ring to form a swatch of T!m's techniques. All of the participants are Western Australian artists who belong to the Stampgropers yahoo group. The Tag Technique No. next to each participants name relates to the Tag No. on T!m's blog under 12 Tags of Christmas.
The Cover - using the Perfect Pearls/Distress Ink Refill Spritz technique.

Bec Lennox - Tag Technique No. 1

Genevieve Payne (mine) - Tag Technique No. 1

Jo'anne Spouse-Nastasi - Tag Technique No.7 & 5

Jen Jones - Tag Technique No. 1 & 2

Charmaine Black - Tag Technique No.5

Christina Blackburn - Tag Technique No. ?

Me again - one lady had to drop out of the swap so I did a second one so it could be a truely 12 tag swap - Tag Technique No.10

Sharon Allen - Tag Technique No.5

Nikki Blowers - Tag Technique No. 10

Michelle Smith - Tag Technique No. 7 & 9

Meredith Lane - Tag Technique No. 8

Margaret Chapman - Tag Technique No. 7

Thanks for looking, now go to Tim Holtz' blog and get your fingers inky!

Recovering

2008-04-26T08:58:00.003+09:00

Luckily I'm not recovering from illness, just recovering my dining room chairs. The photo below is the before. As you can see the fabric is rather yuk!border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193337997308827714" />
These two photos show 3 of the newly covered chairs. I had been given a large upholstery fabric swatch from a friend and have had it stuffed away in the cupboard for a few years now. Each of the six chairs will have a different colour scheme. I'd like to think that I'm doing my bit for the world by recycling something that I would assume is noramlly thrown out once the company has finished the fabric run.

Now these next photos show my DH in his loader pushing the sand pad in.

Now it really is a matter of waiting for the building licence approval. All things are ready to go and although it's very exciting, the waiting game is becoming frustrating.

Hope your fingers are getting inky this weekend.

Cheers!

Drosera pallida

2008-04-20T15:49:00.002+09:00

I decided to have a play around with some of my Grungeboard and put this 12x12 SB page together yesterday morning.

The photo is of Drosera pallida or Pale Sundew. A beautiful, delicate climber that produces these amazing white flowers. I have used Peeled Paint Distress Crackle paint on the top RHS and then stamped Autumn Leaves Flourishes v.2 using Peeled Paint and Black Soot. Grungeboard flourishes have been inked with the Peeled Paint Distress Ink.

I think I'll pop this page in one of those perspex frames and hang in on a wall.

Hope you're all able to avoid the dreaded early cold - I'm off to take a home remedy and fingers crossed that it'll work!

Cheers!

A talented artist

2008-04-19T08:19:00.003+09:00

I have been admiring the artwork of the ubber talented Nat Briney and decided that I had better purchase some of her work before Nat became too famous and I couldn't afford her! LOL

So above is my acquisition which arrived on Tuesday just gone. I haven't found the perfect home for it yet, however after a visit to the new Ikea store I've decided that the background colour will be the feature wall colour in my new bedroom and the painting will hang in there.

Speaking of the new bedroom. The frames have arrived for the extension and DH will be putting on his business hat this weekend and putting all the sand in place for the sand pad. Building licence is currently in the approval prosess (should get this by the end of the following week). Concretor is booked in for first week of May as is the plumber. Then you can all pray that the rains hold off until we get the roof on and the outside cladding and windows in, once that's done it can bucket down all it likes!

Have an inky and creative weekend.

Cheers!

Gothic Arch Challenge - We'll always have Paris

2008-04-14T22:59:00.002+09:00

Thought I'd do a Gothic Arch Challenge. This weeks theme is 'We'll always have Paris' and wouldn't you know it, I don't own a single Paris themed stamp. So, collage it is!

Knocked this one up in about 15 minutes.

Thanks for visiting.

A Little Flourish

2008-04-14T21:57:00.004+09:00

Had a little play in the craft room today and came up with this. I had previously done the background which is Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink mixed with water and Perfect Copper Perfect Pearls in a Mini Mister (see T!m Holtz' blog)spritzed on to the size 8 shipping tag and heat set. I was testing out a few colours and in an effort to get creative, started playing with my Autumn Leaves Flourishes V.2 set. I've used Black Soot, Spiced Marmalade and Frayed Burlap Distress Ink on the background flourishes, added an Artchix collage image and a Grungeboard flourish sponged with Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink. A few fibres through the hole at the top, a word at the bottom and viola!

What you can't see in the picture is the lovely sparkle that is achieved from the Perfect Pearls.

Thanks for dropping by.

Beaded Art Doll - Thanks Kelsey

2008-04-12T20:16:00.002+09:00

NATS MINE

I was so looking forward to today and what a blast I had! The above photo shows the finished product. My sister, Natalie and I went along to Scraptivate and did a Beaded Art Doll class with Kelsey O'Mullane. Kelsey had the whip cracking for the first half of the day but eased up after lunch so that we could concentrate on the beading. It was lovely to share the creative zone with my sister, who hasn't done alot of this sort of stuff. Also in the zone were, Julie H whom I met for the first time;Dawn the Prawn and Nikki the Paper Pixie, Shirley from Dowerin and Karen. There was also another table of equally creative ladies but I'll have to get to know them next time.

Lots of great beading techniques were learnt as well as some tips on burning organza.

Of course I could not leave the shop without spending some money on product. I've also but my name on the wait list for the Fiberlicious class in June.

Thanks for visiting and have a great week.

12 Tag Techniques

2008-04-09T14:59:00.004+09:00

Boy does time fly when you're having fun! I didn't realise it had been over six weeks since I'd last updated by blog....

This is a sneak peak at my tag that I've just completed 12 of (yay!) for a swap I'm hosting on stampgropers yahoo group. I was inspired and in awe of Tim Holtz's blog before christmas where he showered us with the gift of a different technique every day for 12 days! This bloke is amazing!!! So each person in the swap has choosen a technique from the 12 tags of christmas and will produce their own tag. We're not talking about christmas repetition here - we're talking putting your own spin on the technique.

I will post further updates as we get closer to close off date.

Meanwhile, I've been turning my house upside down for a couple of special rings that I misplaced! Where did I find them? In a box in amongst all my craft bits and bobs - don't ask how they got there but these were lost for a good 5-6 weeks!!

Cheers!

Dance ...

2008-02-15T12:21:00.002+09:00

I have spent the last couple of days working on this 5"x7" canvas for a friends birthday present. I used gesso as the base then texture paste on the bottom right hand corner with Making Memories foam stamp impression. Once this was dry I applied a wash, which is a mixture of Golden's Nickel Azo Yellow and Quinacridone Burnt Orange. Next I used several pink's and oranges from my Portfolio water soluble oil pastels, as well as some gold paintstick. A little gothic text and some flourishes plus an Artchix Studio image, some wording, sunflower brads and german scrap and hey presto we're finished.

I had an idea for the Wednesday Stamper Asian theme for last week, I attempted it and quite frankly it sucks!!

Thanks for visiting.

Cheers!

Gothic Arch Challenge - Valentines

2008-02-12T14:21:00.000+09:00

Now that my youngest is at full time school, I have some time to myself to create. I do love doing the Gothic Arch Challenges. This weeks theme is Valentines. Although my hubby and I don't do Valentines (my birthday and our wedding anniversary in March) when I saw the challenge this came to mind. Got to use some yummy T!m Holtz goodies that I had in my stash as well as a Gothic Arch background that I had created for another challenge but never got around to completing.

Next post should be for a Wednesday Stamper Asian piece that I'm working on - must wait for the layers to dry (even with the temp here in Perth hitting 37 degress C everyday for the last couple of weeks!)

Cheers!

Gothic Arch Challenge - Guardian Angels

2008-02-01T07:34:00.001+09:00

Okay, I'm several weeks late in creating this and a couple of weeks late in posting but it's here how! Having the kids home on school holidays has meant little time for playing alone in the craft room. Bless the kiddies, but my craft room is small (but i'm thankful I've got one!) and having myself and the two kids in wanting to 'play' with my stuff is almost more than one can handle.

The base of this piece is water soluble oil pastels over Gesso. I've then photocopied a piccie of me and my sister and one of my dad. Winged frame is a stamp by Artistree from PaperForestDesigns. I've always believed that those you hold close to your heart become your Guardian Angels once they have passed away.

Thanks for coming to visit.

Cheers!

Let's try this again!

2008-02-01T07:20:00.001+09:00

Had to make some cards for birthdays and a card swap and was looking through the Art Specailly for You card book for some inspiration when I came across a lovely card that had a wash as part of the background technqiue. The last one I've used only stamps sold by Kaszazz (for whom I'm an indepenant consultant)as it was for a card swap.

This is the 3rd time I have tried to post these images, but for some reason it keeps failing!

Good news! I will have the final plans for our house extension in my hot little email box later this morning! I just have to give the drafty the final approval and then the plans can go to the Engineer and Environmental Approvals guy then it's off to the City of Swan for building approval. I'm hoping that by the end of Feb we'll start to see some movement of soil. The whole thing is timing as we need to remove one external wall on the western side of the house, which means all manner of things may enter! Including the hot weather (if we start too soon) and cold weather and rain (if we start too late)! I will definately be posting the progress.

A little Mystery

2008-01-09T07:43:00.000+09:00

I finally got 'round to doing my December Mystery Muse gift! After much deliberation, I just started to play around with some things that came to hand and things started to fall into place. Sometimes, I find, that I become frustrated when I start thinking too much about what to create. Just relaxing and letting my mind and hands wander produces some interesting works. I have used a Collections photo fob and embossed with Antiquitties Verdigris EP from Scraptivate (found that I had bought two jars on two occasions - don't ya hate that!). Image on transprency is a stamp from Paper Forest Designs it's one of their Artistree stamps. Charm was bought from Scraptivate. This will be on it's way to it's Mystery Muse owner today!
All comments and visits to my blog are much appreciated.
PS. The plans for the house extension are almost complete and my Studio(4.5m x 3.5m)is well on its way to being a reality!! YIPEE - complete with sink and exhaust fan - for doing all those smelly burning/soldering type things....speaking of which, this is where I currently create...

T!m Tag No. 8

2007-12-10T07:34:00.000+09:00

My daughter Lillee and I have been following the T!m Holtz "12 Tags of Christmas" on T!m's blog (with fingers and toes crossed each day in the hope of winning one of the packs). Lillee and I spent a lovely Sunday afternoon playing the the craft room following T!m's technique for Tag 8. My tag is on the left and Lillee's is on the right. I didn't have the Lake Shore Dabber so we used Hazelnut instead. Tag 9 should be up around 6pm AWSST. You know where I'll be....!

Seasons Cheers!

Getting Creative

2007-12-08T06:50:00.000+09:00

This atc is for a Calender Swap that I'm in. I used the inspiration of the Gothic Arch Door that I made. The lock is made with a Krafty Lady art mould and water soluble paper from The Thread Stuido. I then painted over both the embossed card and the lock with various paints (as discribed in the Gothic Arch door Blog).
This tag was made using the T!m Holtz technique for day3 of T!m's 12 Tags of Christmas. Gotta love this guy and a West Aussie has won a pack - Yipee for Natalie Briney. Keep putting a comment every day and you've got the same chance as everyone else! Merry Christmas everyone.

ATCs and Inchies

2007-10-25T07:33:00.000+09:00

This ATC is for a arty_oz swap with the theme of Autumn Leaves ie: You have to use an Autumn Leaves stamp on the it somewhere. Just gotta love a good Flourish!

This 9 Inchie set is from a swap I hosted on Callingallstampers yahoo group. Looks great don't it! Good challenge as well, each of us had to create nine different themed inchies. Have a great day and thanks for looking.

Collaborative Book

2007-10-15T09:45:00.000+09:00

I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in a Collaborative Book with some very talented Aussies. One of the original participants left the online group and a post was made searching for a person to complete 23 pages with 3 weeks before the closing date! What a challenge, how could I resist!! So here is my page. I have used the Dress Pattern technique that I love so much as well as a gel transfer technique for the face on the RHS.

Thanks for visiting.

Gothic Arch Challenge - Flowers

2007-10-15T09:36:00.000+09:00

This piece was created by my lovely daughter, Lillee. Lillee has used Autumn Leaves Flourishes with gold ep and Med Whale of a Punch Retro Flower Punch. Lillee is 7 and thinks that Mum's craft room is wonderful - however, Lillee needs to be reminded that not everything is for her use and that she needs to ask before using 'that piece of paper' or 'that particular embellishment'!

Nature's First Green is Gold

2007-09-20T22:21:00.001+09:00

Here is my entry for this weeks Gothic Arch Challenge theme of 'Gold'. I have choosen a poem by Robert Frost titled "Nature's First Green". I remember being 12 and my Mum (being an English teacher) brought home the movie 'The Outsiders'. I must have watched this film about 35 times over the two weeks that Mum was using it for her year 9's. I have never forgotten this poem and I often recite it to myself whenever I'm up early enough to see the sun rise.

A Title at last!

2007-09-18T18:10:00.001+09:00

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Milady the Most Honourable Genevieve the Sanguine of Porton Down
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

and

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Lord Steven the Saturnine of Heffton St Mallet
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

I always thought that Sir Steven and Lady Genevieve sounded good but these titles are even better. I think I'll go and get some for some friends of mine as well...

Wednesday Stamper - ATC Tryptich

2007-09-14T18:15:00.000+09:00

Here's my piece for the Wednesday Stamper Challenge - ATC Tryptich. This weeks challenge has been set by the very talented and uber lovely Carmel Trigwell, a lady who I have had the pleasure of meeting on several occasions. My theme was inspired by an ATC swap that I am participating in with the theme of 'Something I Love'. I love dragonflies, Stampers Anonymous stamps, Tim Holtz Distress Inks and Flourishes! This tryptich has all these elements. The definition and bug stamps are by Lost Coast Designs. Thanks for coming over to look. Cheers!

Gothic Arch Challenge - Family

2007-09-12T09:19:00.000+09:00

Here's my entry for this weeks Gothic Arch Challenge - Family. The family in the picture is actually ancestors of mine that I found lurking in a old photo album at my Mum's house. The album was rescued from my Granmother (on my Dad's side) many years ago. As the story goes, my Dad's Great, Great Aunt was a Lady in Waiting to Queen Victoria and travelled the world with the Royal Family. Some of the albums that my Dad remembered seeing in the attic had photos of the entire Royal Party with Massai Warriors. Also in the Attic were sheilds and spears from this tour of Africa. Now my Granny, not being of sound mind, threw most of this stuff on to a bonfire! Some of it was rescued including some of the larger albums and the one my Mum is now in possession of. Almost makes you want to cry.....

Gothic Arches and the Moon

2007-09-07T17:51:00.001+09:00

After visting a few blogs including Nat B'sI wandered over to a new challenge blog by Nancy James. The above Gothic Arch is my first which ended up becoming a door. I've used a scrap piece of cardstock that I had embossed with one of my Cuttlebug embossing plates. I then used several paints including Payne's Grey, Cerulean Blue, Metallic Antique Copper, Metallic Peridot and Metallic Silver Stirling Acrylics to create the aged look. I added a Collectionslock and a die cut piece again from Cuttlebug, all having the same treatment as the main piece. Where to with this piece now....hmmm...it may sit on the shelf awaiting a new home or inspiration to open.

The Enchantress of the Moon was my second piece that I created with the Gothic Arches blog challenge directly in mind. I don't often paint, rather using stamped images or collage, but I felt the need for a bit of painting this arvo. Thanks for coming over to look at my art. Cheers!

More flowers and a little Art

2007-09-07T08:21:00.000+09:00

This is a cousin of the Pale Sundew, similar in habitat but with a beautiful pink flower. Couldn't tell if it had a perfume as I have a charming cold!! As do both my children - so I've prescribed a day of rest for all!!.

And now for some of those great little houses from JVO. I created a little family from some Victorian era Calling Cards of my relatives that I found lurking in a leather bound album at my Mum's. You'll be seeing more of these guys that's for sure!

Pale Sundew in Flower

2007-09-02T17:20:00.000+09:00

I noticed this morning that the Pale Sundew that I photographed the other day (see last post) had flowered, so I stopped by and snapped this. One thing I hadn't noticed before was the delicate perfume this flower has. I love this planet of ours, full of wonder and surprises. I truely believe that this planet is Heaven and that if only more people realiesed it (and stopped dying to get there) that we'd look after this truely magnificent planet better than we do. Don't forget to tell your Father that you love him.

Early Mornings and a Spring Flowers

2007-09-01T08:03:00.000+09:00

I've been getting up early (read 5.30am) the past few mornings, too many ideas wanting to get on to the page and out of my head. I thought I'd share this photo of the view from my craft room. Most of our 50 acre block looks like this (without the fence of course). We are so privilaged to live here and be able to share the most wonderful wildlife and wildflowers. So far we have seen a regular group of Western Grey Kangaroos with white markings on their heads, an emu that wanders through every now and then, echidnas, Brush Tailed Wallabies, bobtail skinks, carpet python (he measured over 6ft!), possums and the most wonderful assortment of birds. White Tailed Black Cockatoos, Red Tailed Cockatoos, 28's, Kookaburras, Scarlet Robins, Splendid Fairy Wrens.

I believe that this flower is a Isopogon dubius or pink coneflower. I often take the camera when going for walks on the block. Just going to get the post is a treat as our driveway is 600m long! and on the way back it's all up hill!!!

This one is Drosera pallida or Pale Sundew. These plants have a sticky residue on the leaves and a beautiful white flower. However, my all time favourite Western Australian Wildflowers are the Nodding Lily and Fringed Lily. So beautiful and delicate and they flower right through the hot summer months!

Thysanotus multiflorus or Fringed Lily
Dichopogon capillipes or Nodding Lily

Inchies

2007-08-29T20:10:00.001+09:00

I enjoyed a lovely morning with my good friend Lisa C creating our first inchies. I am hosting an inchie swap on the stamping group that Lisa C is host mum of and we thought that we'd better have a crack at them! LOL I quite enjoyed the challenge of creating such a small piece of art work and decided to place my three inchies on an ATC. The background is a leftover piece of the 'Dress Pattern' Technique (see last post) and I've added a piece of german scrap that I purchased (after Kelsey 'showed' it to me - read...encouraged me to buy the last time I visited Scraptivate)
Now it's off to drink another glass of quality red wine after DS (age4) has added a few more grey hairs with his behaviour today...I'll put the bad behaviour down to the storm and full moon! ARGHHHH!!!

Time for some creativity

2007-08-28T09:22:00.000+09:00

This ATC is for an ATC Technique Book that I am participating in. The background is the Dress Pattern technique that I have used before (see post about the Post it Note Swap). The idea for 'Jude and Trude' took ages to come up with as the background that I had created had me stumped. I knew that I wanted to collage something...but what?! Then in a 'light bulb' moment I thought of using an image from one of the 1950's era dress pattern packs that I have. Don't stress I didn't use the actual dress pattern paper for the background. I've kept all of the dress pattern papers intact as they are too precious to use for this technique. ( I may even make the angular apron for myself!) I tend to use some horrible '80's patterns for the back grounds....ohh just hideous!!! And as for 'Jude and Trude' I just love these two characters from the Kath and Kim show.

I created this piece for a friend after visiting Kelsey's blog and looking at her step by step process for creating a 5"x7" canvas. Thanks must go to Kelsey for showing me the wonderful scroll die for the Cuttlebug and its many uses.

Make It Happen!

2007-08-16T17:42:00.000+09:00

How cool is this, first we could make our own library catalogue card and now we can generate our very own concert ticket! Hopefully the link will work or type in the following: http://www.says-it.com/concertticket/index.php

On the Piste Again!

2007-08-13T22:07:00.000+09:00

Ah yes! The snow, something us West Aussies must travel to see!! Hubby and kids plus myself had an absolute ball skiing on Mt Buller in Victoria last week. First time in skiing/snow for the kids. DD didn't want to come home but conceded that Dad needed to work so that we could return at a later date.

My parallel turns still need a little work but at least my legs got a break from doing the SNOWPLOUGH in a effort to stop, even progressed to doing a parallel turn to stop.

If you get the opportunity to pick a destination for a holiday and feel that the old bod is still up to it, I thoroughly recommend a skiing holiday. Best thing about Aussie Ski trips are: You won't get blown up by some maniac suicide bomber, you can get accomodation on the mountain and ski from the hotel front door, it's quicker to fly there and the locals speak the same language - except for the many ski instructors who travel from the Northern Hemisphere to teach.

Weather could have been better though, back in '99 we had perfect blue skies every day. Mt Buller pulled the fog over us and we battled gale force winds, sleet and low visability most days - but that didn't stop us!! Oh no! Not when we'd travelled to the snow, we skied anyway!!

Here's Cheers! to being on the piste again.

Me and My Mess!

2007-07-11T08:24:00.001+09:00

This photo was taken the other day by my 7yo daughter Lillee. It shows that I really need a bigger craft space....house extension plans are with the draftsman (me!) at the moment and hopefully, this time next year I will post a photo of my much larger studio!!

Chunky Swap ATC

2007-06-27T14:22:00.000+09:00

This ATC is for monthly online swap. Chunky is the theme, this piece has 4 layers all up. I picked up a great Zettiology set of ums from Scraptivate. Lots of new stuff to play with including a Cuttlebug and some Collections chipboard houses. Just got to find the time to play.

Cheers!

Post it note completed

2007-06-09T16:52:00.000+09:00

Here's the finished piece! All I have added to the base shown in the previous post is an image transfer of a lady and a stamped image from Stamp It along with some copper leaf edging. Hopefully the other swap participants will like them too!

Base for collaging

2007-06-06T09:34:00.000+09:00

I thought I'd show a basic collage piece that I'm working on for a swap. This piece is 7cm x 7cm square but started out as a piece that was 21cm x 21cm square. I used the gesso/acrylic/dress pattern technique that is described in the previous post. Doesn't it look scrummy and ripe for the altering. I'm looking at adding an image of a lady on to one side, I'll see where the image takes me. Stay tuned for updates.

Cheers!

Mystery Muse

2007-06-05T09:27:00.001+09:00

I thought I'd put this up as I'm really enjoy doing these 6"x6" mixed media works. I created this piece for a Mystery Muse gift. My MM for May should have rec'd this whilst she was away at Art Camp. I, unfortunately couldn't go, as I had purchased a ticket to see Pink! in concert on the very same weekend - arghhh! I'll make sure I keep the June long weekend free for next year.

I started my chip board piece off with gesso, once dry (thanks to the heat gun - I'm too impatient to way for nature to dry it!) I paint over the gesso with slap dash strokes of a chosen acrylic paint. I then press a dress pattern piece into the wet acrylic (I got this technique from ClothPaperScissors Mar/Apr 07 issue - Art to Art interview with Lizzie McDonald), and cover with a light sponging of another acrylic colour. Dabb some of the colour off with a damp cloth and paint over the piece with Matt Gel Medium. I then use things like collage pictures, words,zapp cloth/fibres, stamps and embossing powders to finish the piece.

Floral Explosion

2007-06-05T09:21:00.000+09:00

The first card I made for my DD's 7th Birthday using the Blossom 12x12 paper from Crafty Kids and the second card is one I show to my customers at demos. I have used the Oh La La! 12x12 paper again from Crafty Kids. Both cards are very easy to make and look great.

15 Minute Challenge winner

2007-05-30T09:00:00.000+09:00

Well we have a winner for the 15 minute challenge. Bit of a one horse race. Seems time caught up with some! lol.

Congratulations to Justtera for her entry, a lovely bookmark!

Please email your snail addy to: gspayne1@bigpond.com and I'll post a scrummy Crafty Individuals unmounted to you.

15 Minute Challenge

2007-05-23T09:16:00.001+09:00

Because I so enjoyed setting a 15 minute time limit for my artwork, I thought it would be fun to see what everyone else can come up with in 15 minutes.

So, set your timer and get going....the heat gun really comes into play with this if you are using paint, gel medium etc. Make sure you have your computer running and that you don't stop to think too much about what you are doing. Leave a comment with a link to you blog with a post/photo by Monday 28th May.

Just make sure your piece is dry before putting it on the scanner bed. lol.

Up for grabs an unmounted stamp by Crafty Individuals.
(winner choosen at random by DD)

Wednesday Stamper - Fleur de Lis

2007-05-22T17:13:00.000+09:00

When I saw the theme for Wednesday Stamper was Fleur de Lis, I couldn't resist putting something together. But what? So I set myself a 15 minute challenege. Create something in 15 minutes or bust! It was so great to challenge myself, limiting myself to a certain amount of time limited the amount of time spent procrastinating about what to stamp, colour to paint with, image to use etc.

This piece has now gone off to a new home, that of my close friend Lisa H (Happy Birthday Lisa!).

Dad

2007-05-22T09:00:00.000+09:00

20 years ago today, my Dad was killed in a car accident. I simply can not believe that it has been 20 yrs! I certainly don't feel that so much time has passed. I will go and visit Dad today. This is something that I haven't done in years. I don't feel the need to to visit Dad's grave, not even on his birthday (March 20th - my wedding anniversary) or on Father's Day.

My Dad is always with me, by my side, watching over me. He is a part of me, intwined with my soul, is his.

I love you Dad, I miss you all the time. I cannot allow myself to dwell on things I can't change but sometimes the pain of lossing you is too much and I must allow myself a moment to grieve once again.

Wednesday Stamper - Grunge

2007-04-23T21:41:00.000+09:00

This is a piece I did after visiting the Wednesday Stamper site I really enjoyed doing this grunge technique. I think I'll have a go at some atcs in this style. Maybe after I've finished the soot technique RAKs that I've been working on for ages. Once again my links aren't working, so here's the long way to it...http://wednesdaystamper.wordpress.com

Michelle Ward Crusade No. 7 - 'Say What'

2007-04-19T23:17:00.000+09:00

Have been lurking around Michelle Ward's site over the last couple of weeks and thought I'd take part in this crusade. Can't provide link so here's the long version - http://michelleward.typepad.com/how_cool_is_that/

Sayings used in our house...

'Hello McFly' from Back to the Future Movies - used in our house when someone does something particulary stupid or states the bleedin' obvious.

'Lunch at 12' used by my sis and I to point out that there is an incredibly good looking guy around without being obivous.

'Smile' code word for 'please check my teeth and tell me if anything is stuck in them'. Well used by sis and I.

'My imaginery friend, Petri, did it' - oft used saying by DS (4) whenever I notice something is broken, ruined, not where it should be etc... I'm sure will become the much stated answer 'Petri did it' whenever someone asks 'who did this!'

Dragons of the Crystal Cave

2007-04-19T08:08:00.000+09:00

I received the Dragons of the Crystal Cave sets as a Birthday present and since getting them, I have spent ages wondering how I was going to display them. The answer came with an email from Dusk and a search of the online store. These wall sconces look great with the Dragons hanging from them, thank you to DH for being such an understanding fellow and allowing all these lovely creatures into our bedroom and all the other that are dotted around the house. PS. I recommend Dusk very highly for service as I only ordered the wall scones on Tuesday morning and they arrived in the post on Wednesday!

60th Birthday Card & a New Baby

2007-04-17T07:39:00.000+09:00

A Vintage Pointy Hat Party for Aunty Katy's 60th Birthday bash. A rather large family gathering at Whiteman Park - luckily we got most of the party done before we all got soaked! The second card I made for a friend who had a beautiful baby girl on Friday 13th. Here's to the young and old who keep us amused and delighted.

Sea Goddess

2007-04-14T17:15:00.001+09:00

This is the Sea Goddess. Waiting naked and unadorned, the Sea Goddess has sat on my window sill for more than six months. Inspiration has taken its time and like the ocean, has washed upon the Sea Goddess and left its mark upon her. Finally, the storm has passed and now she is complete.

The School Holidays are Here!!!

2007-04-05T07:46:00.000+09:00

Yep, the kids are at home and wanting to get into all my craft stuff - argh!

I think I'll buy them lots of easter eggs and I'll get some art done while the kids are in a chocolate induced coma!! I'm kidding. Really.

As for the wireless broadband - that didn't work, apparently we're 20kms from any of the 3 nearest towers. No chance of getting a signal, but the satellite broadband works really well. Welcome to the real world at last.

I hope to finish off a microscope slide book that I'm working on. I just have to decide whether to solder the edges for leave them with the copper tape. The book pages are laser transparencies stamped with various images and sewn together in the usual book making manner. Here a pic of the piece under construction. The other quondary is how to glue the slides to the transparencies.

Happy Easter everyone.

Art Doll - Heather

2007-01-29T08:19:00.000+09:00

As previously posted, I thought I'd try my hand at an art doll.... and here she is - 'Heather'. Heather did have two legs, however the legs being made of thin cork meant that one broke whilst being attached with the brad. The legs were sent to me as part of a mystery muse gift from Dawn T. therefore I wasn't able to create another leg for 'Heather'. I have a few ideas in mind for other Art Dolls and I have had a crack a making another one. I'm on the look out for some suitable 'arm' and 'leg' stamps....I have search the net without much success but I get very frustated at the amount of time things take to load on dial up. This frustration may soon be a thing of the past as I'm being sent out a Next Gen wireless broadband modem to try out - who cares about the possible adverse effects from all those electrical pulses being emitted - bring on the faster download!!! LOL.

On a different note, spent a hot but wonderful day at the Aus vs NZ ODI at the WACA with the family yesterday - AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE, OI, OI, OI!!! I was very proud of the way my kids behave considering the stifeling heat!

Til next time - Cheers!

Credit Card Technique

2007-01-23T22:27:00.000+09:00

I went along to SAJ's the other week. Kelsey O'Mullane did another great demo with the soot technique, however it was the credit card technique and colour combo that interested me. I have used the credit card technique in the background of this card I did for a staff member who's wife has just had a baby boy. I love the old look of the background and how distressed and aged it looks. I have also become interested in doing Art Dolls. My next post may well show off a creation that I have in mind....now off to buy the necessarty components.

Industria Technique

2006-09-22T16:39:00.000+09:00

Thought'd I'd have a go at Julie van Oosten's Industria Technique. I must admit it's lots of fun to do - I've always enjoyed finger painting, sorry I mean Transdermal application of paints!

I've actually mangaed to get some art work done regarding various swaps that I'm in. Lillee had her school sports carnival today and Lillee really enjoyed screaming for her team! Lil came 1st in the year 1 girls running race and 1st in the team flag race - GO GOLD!

Photo of me

2006-09-13T16:28:00.000+09:00

2006-09-01T17:47:00.000+09:00

Thought I'd try something different and set up my first blog. Once the kiddies are in bed I'll come back and put up some photos of things I've created and some of the wonderful wildflowers that are blooming beautiful on my property at the moment.