Focusing on the Love.

Good Morning Everyone!  Happy last day of January!  It was a happy day here this morning as I saw our Foster Son off to school on the bus this morning, what a long few weeks we have all had together.  It's definitely been a bit of a roller-coaster as Rod and I get used to the whole parenting thing and 'A' gets used to the house rules, and new environment.  Let's just say he has definitely been testing the boundaries.  So it isn't just because Valentine's Day is around the corner that  I've been trying hard to focus on the love.....lol

Participating in Life Book 2013 has been a blessing, and finding a few minutes in-between keeping 'A' amused over the school holidays and running the rest of my family back and forth to various appointments etc has been a godsend.  Anyway today I thought I would share a couple of my journal page/experiments that I have been playing with.

This page is for my personal journal I created this week.   I was wanting to do something a little Shabby Chic which is so not my style.  I am yet to add a photo under the banner and words down the left of both pages.  It's kind of fitting as February is the month of Love and also the month Rod and I met some twenty plus years ago.

It was created uses a selection of products from Altered Pages - Vintage Text Pages, Glitz Pretty In Pink Papers, Chipboard Scroll Corners and the Glitz Love Games Clear Stamp Set along with a few other items from my stash.

This page is using a technique by Christy Tomlinson (and part of Life Book) to make flowers from Foil and Tissue Paper.  I created this a few weeks ago.  The background is a combination of Torn Paper, Washi Tape, and Water Color, Stamping, Doodling, Stickers and Rub Ons.  My messy hand written quote reads:-

"You have to take the good with the bad, Smile with the sad, love what you've got and remember what you had.  Always forgive, but never forget.  Learn from mistakes but never regret."

A bit of a reminder to focus on the good and be kind on myself which we all need from time to time.  In focusing on the good, I am looking forward to the month ahead with a short holiday on the horizon for Rod's Birthday.  I also start voluntary teaching next week and know I will have a bit more time to create and play with new things.  Look out too for the New Design Team which I was asked to join for the New Challenge Site Cards In Envy which kicks off Febraury 4th.

Embrace Possibility!

Hi Everyone!

Having finished cleaning up my craft room I have been back in it creating more mess!  This time making a small mixed media canvas using lots of my favorite products.

Papers:  Background and Collage Pieces from Crafty Individuals, Stampin' Up! Cardstock

Stamps:  Unity Stamp Co - Christy Tomlinson Disttressed Criss Cross, Donna Downey Art & Possibility,
 Inspired by Ang Moment by Moment, Unity KOTM, Dark Room Door Wildflowers Volume 1 

Other:  Kaiser Craft Acrylic Paint, Tria Markers, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Punchinella,

Kindy Glitz, Robin's Nest Dew Drops, 

Initially the idea for this one started with the idea of making a small canvas about where I feel I am currently at in my life.  The past year has seen so much change with us moving house, having mum and dad come to live with us, losing Rod's Dad and one of our good friends to cancer to name a few.  Its been a time of reflection and reassessing what is important in my life and also identifying who and what I want to be part of it!  I am feeling that it's time for me to once again spread my wings and explore and discover new possibilities some of which I have been doing over the last few months.

Then this morning I had a question put to me totally out of the blue by a friend about perhaps travelling overseas to the USA where I do have family living.  Rod and I have discussed this before, but up until yesterday hadn't given it much thought, we'd always been saying we want to see our own country first.  But now recognizing the perfect opportunity could be presenting itself to us, with Rod due for Long Service at the end of this year and also with us about to sell our other house and having some money available, it definitely is one of the possibilities to embrace and explore.

I am linking up with my Unity Friends with Flair this week, as my canvas has lots of Unity Goodness on it, as well as entering this into the following challenges:-

Altered Elusions and Artitude - Challenge #1 Anything Goes 

Platypus Creek Digitals New Release - Butterflies

Today Platypus Creek Digitals are releasing two new Butterfly Digital Images and a Cutting File.

Cairns Birdwing Butterfly and Ulysses Butterfly Digis

Solid Butterflies Cutting File

I have a couple of projects to share with you today using these files.

For my first one I have created a Photo Pouch Card, so that if you wanted to send a Hello and enclose some photos of the family etc they can be held nice and secure in this card.

The sentiment is on a circular flap which is held down by the beautiful Birdwing Butterfly.

Upon opening the flap the Ulysses Butterfly is revealed.

And at the top of the card we have created a pocket so that you can include a note or photos etc and know they want fall out the side of the card.

For my second card I have used the Solid Butterfly Shape Cutting File of the Birdwing Butterfly with out antennae.  

I have hand cut this shape from the centre of my card front using the cutting file pattern and layered my text paper behind it.  I have defined the shape by a quick faux stitch outline with my trusty black Zig Pen.  I have also done some messy faux stitching around the edges.  The colorful dots on my card front were created by sponging different colored ink over some Punchinella.  

For both of my projects the background papers have been from the Christy Tomlinson She Art Paper Pack.

I love butterflies, don't you?  If so be sure to pop over to the Platypus Creek Digitals Blog and see all the wonderful creations for today's release by the rest of the DT.

Magical Monday - 3 In a Row

This fortnight for Paper Cupcakes Magical Monday I was asked to choose our challenge criteria and thought it would be fun to have a 3 in a Row Challenge, where you choose a row of elements from a grid which are in line either, vertically, horizontally or diagonally and you must incorporate these into your card.

For my card I chose to work using one of the vertical combinations of elements which is to use 2 or more patterned papers, lace and bling.

Image:  Mommy's Shoes by Paper Cupcakes

Sentiment:  Art & Possibility Set by Donna Downey from Unity Stamp Co.

Cardstock/Paper:  Stampin' Up & Christy Tomlinson She Art Papers

Ink:  Tria Markers and Memento Black Tuxedo Ink

Other:  Spellbinder Long Rectangle Nesting Dies, Lace, Felt Flower, Rhinestones.

Isn't this image so sweet!  It's called Mommy's Shoes.  The minute I saw it I fell in love with it.  It's one of  20 new images released by Nina over on the Paper Cupcakes site this month, so be sure to pop over to the store and check them all out as there is a great variety suited to so many occasions.

For more wonderful inspiration from the team and to see the full list of elements you can choose from to play along with our 3 in a Row Challenge, be sure to pop over to TIMITA.

Other Challenges I am entering this card in:-

Sassy Studio Designs: DTBST #126 Hats off to You
ATC's and Cards with Attitude:  Challenge #14 Anything Goes
Inspire Me Fridays: #60 Anything Goes
Patties Creations: #44 Recipe
Totally Gorjuss - #133 Something New (Digi and She Art Papers)

  

PTT#67 - Mum's the Word

With Mother's Day just around the corner, Mum is the Word so we want to see you create a special  Card for Mum this week at Party Time Tuesdays.

The Party Planners got to play with the gorgeous images from Elisabeth Bells Digital Collection, so be sure to pop over to the PTT Blog and check out all this week's DT Creations.

I kept my card quiet simple, as I really loved this sweet image and had planned to team it with some more of the wonderful She Art Papers, my Mum's favorite colour is green, so this is the colour I chose to work with.  My Tria Markers were put to good use once again as were some of my Dew Drops.  These items along with the She Art Papers have been getting a work out on my cards of late.

Joining Elisabeth Bell as our sponsor this week is also our month long sponsor Fantastic Ribbon.

For more information regarding our wonderful sponsors please see the link over at PTT.

Platypus Creek Digitals Challenge 6 - Flowers

Today it's time for another fun and fabulous challenge over at Platypus Creek Digitals.  Our last challenge was Bling it Up and I have to say I just loved all the creative ways to use bling that everyone showed us with their wonderful entries.  The winners have been announced over on the blog along with the very first PCD TOP 3.

This week our challenge theme is Flowers - who doesn't love them, and it's perfect as we approach mothers day too!

My card today uses the Friendship Daisy Image.  I have cut the daisy out and popped it up over the first copy of the image for some dimension and added a button for the centre.  The three punched daisies across the embossed strip have a clear rhinestone centre.  The floral patterned paper is another gorgeous one from the She Art Paper Pack by Christy Tomlinson.  

Platypus Creek have some really gorgeous flower/floral images including the brand new Blossoms image which Tracey is kindly offering as a freebie for the duration of the Flower Challenge.  So be sure to pop over to the PCD Blog to check it out along with all the other wonderful creations from the DT.

SWAT May Sketch

This month's fabulous Sketch over at Sketches with a Twist I must admit was a bit of a challenge for me to turn into a card.  But I got there in the end by simplifying and choosing those elements I really loved to translate into my card design and I am kind of happy how it turned out.

 

The twist this month is to include stitching somewhere on your design. No faux stitching it has to be hand or machine stitched. This for me I think was the hardest part of the challenge, because those of you who know me know I can't stitch for quids, and I loathe it.  Lucky for me I owned one gorgeous Martha Stewart Punch with a stitched edge,so easily made the holes and I do own a needle and floss.

The beautiful rose paper is another one from the Christy Tomlinson She Art Paper Pack I received as a free gift from the Unity Stamp Company, and I love how this stamp from their KOTM coordinates so beautifully with it.  The other thing I am finding about working with these beautiful papers, is that I am using colours I wouldn't normally reach for or team together.

I am really hoping to find some spare time to do some scrapbooking and if I do I can't wait to try this sketch for a layout too!  

Also don't forget to check out the fabulous designs by the rest of the DT over at the S.W.A.T. Blog.  I just love seeing how everyone translates it so beautifully and so differently and  if you are up to the challenge of using this design for either a page or card, I can't wait to see what you create either.

Magical Monday - Be Inspired

Monday here was Magical.  The sun was out for the full day, and combined with the wind it was the perfect day for doing the washing.  It was a nice change from all the wet weather we have been experiencing.

Our Challenge this fortnight over at There's Magic in the Air has been set by fellow DT Member Sonia Rivera and she has challenged us to come up with a card using the wonderful picture below as our inspiration.

The pops of color from the furnishing and the white couch were my main inspiration.  The Patterned Paper and Green Strip down one side was taken from the floor rug, the yellow strip and flower from the pot in the top left corner and the shape of the image panel was from the cushions.

The image which I've colored with my Tria Markers is called 'Sent with Love' from the Paper Cupcakes  Store.  I've cut this out and popped it up and once again I am using the beautiful She Art Papers by Christy Tomlinson.

Be sure to pop over to the TIMITA blog to see what inspiration from the picture the rest of the Design Team has taken.  You are sure to love them all, and I can't wait to see what wonderful entries we have, one of which I am hoping will be yours!

Happy Birthday!

This week one of our friends is celebrating her 30th Birthday so I made her a card to let her know we are thinking of her, as we won't be there to celebrate with her.  This weekend Rod and I are joining a group of our other friends and will be walking in the Cancer Council's Relay for Life Event raising vital needed funds for Cancer Research and Prevention and Support Programs.

Digi:  Sentiment from Birthday Round Set, and Cupcake by Platypus Creek Digitals

Cardstock/Papers:  Christy Tomlinson She Art 6 x 6 Petite Paper Pack, Stampin' Up!

Other: Tria Makrers, Ribbon, Scallop Circle and Plain Circle Punches, Embossing Folder, Dew Drops.

The card I made is using two images by Platypus Creek Digitals.  Both the Sentiment and Cupcake can be found under the Birthday Category over at their Store.  I paper pieced the Cupcake and have to say I am just loving the Christy Tomlinson She Art Papers I received as a free gift from the Unity Stamp Company recently.  You will see a lot of them over the coming weeks as I have used them for a number of my upcoming DT Projects.

It's suddenly turned quite cool here, nearly down to single figures temperature wise overnight, so we will definitively have to rug up for our 16hr Relay on the Weekend, which is an overnight event.  I have lots to get done today so better be off.  I hope everyone has a great Weekend!

Thinking of You

Today being ANZAC Day here in Australia I thought it was fitting to share with you a recent Thinking of You Card I made using a image of Poppies from Paper Cupcakes.

Digi Image:  Poppies from Paper Cupcakes Digital Store, Sentiment:  Darkroom Door Stamp

Paper:  Christy Tomlinson She Art 6 x 6 Petite Paper Pack

Other:  Martha Stewart Border Punch, SU Ribbon, Viva Decor Gold Glitter Liner

The poppy has long been part of Remembrance Day Ceremonies marking the Armistice of November 11, 1918 and now it is also more widely being used to commemorate ANZAC Day.  It was the first flower to be seen growing on the devastating battlefields of France and Belgium during the First World War and soldiers folklore explain that the poppy's vivid red color comes from the blood of their comrades who died on those battlefields.

In searching for an Anzac Themed Poem to also share with you today as we remember those who fought so bravely for their country, to give future generations the life they now lead, I found this poem which seemed fitting as it beautifully describes the interpreted symbolism of the Poppy. I have copied this from http://www.anzacday.org.au/anzacservices/poetry/inquisitive.htm, who have a list of other Anzac and Remembrance Day related Poems.

"The inquisitive mind of a child"

Why are they selling poppies, Mummy?
Selling poppies in town today.
The poppies, child, are flowers of love.
For the men who marched away.

But why have they chosen a poppy, Mummy?
Why not a beautiful rose?
Because my child, men fought and died
In the fields where the poppies grow.

But why are the poppies so red, Mummy?
Why are the poppies so red?
Red is the colour of blood, my child.
The blood that our soldiers shed.

The heart of the poppy is black, Mummy.
Why does it have to be black?
Black, my child, is the symbol of grief.
For the men who never came back.

But why, Mummy are you crying so?
Your tears are giving you pain.
My tears are my fears for you my child.
For the world is forgetting again.

LEST WE FORGET.
 

123 Challenge - Metallic Blue

I found myself with a list of things to do late last week including orders for some of my cards, etc, but I was being drawn to do something just for me.  My creative juices were pulling me in all sorts of directions last week.  I am now half way through a mixed media canvas, and the arrival of some new Unity Stamps particularly the beautiful textured backgrounds by Christy Tomlison and Quotes/Phrases by Donna Downey for Unity Stamp Co. had me creating back in my art journal, and then I saw the March Challenge over on the 123 Challenge Blog, I thought I would play along with this too.

Stamps:  Unity KOTM, The Paper Studio, See D's., Cardstock/Paper:  Stampin' Up

Ink: Stampin' Up! Pacific Point, Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, Pumice Stone Distress Ink,

Other:  Martha Stewart Punch, SU Circle Punches, K & Co Die Cuts, Punchinella, Paper Flowers, Robin's Nest Dew Drops. 

Their Challenge this month was to incorporate the Colour Metallic Blue, the Words 1,2,3 and use/embellish with some form of organic matter.  For my layout I used blue metallic paint on the flower centres and I spotted some around my page, some metallic blue kindy glitz on my punched flowers along with creating my own metallic glimmer mist using Metallic Gold Perfect Pearls powder mixed with water and some Pacific Point Dye Ink.  My organic matter was the inclusion of 3 smalls pebbles/shells we collected along the beach.

Sometimes its the background I create that determines the photos rather than the photos determining the background.  I initally went with the strips of butterflies to frame and wanted them to portrait something magical.  I played around with a couple of different photos, but finally settled on three photos of our holiday to Tassie in 2008 where we had set out for a day of adventure and travelled up the east coast.  We made it as far as the small fishing village of Bicheno, which was also known for its Blow Hole.  These three photos were taken as we went out across the rocks to find and experience the Blow Hole.  Compared to the Kiama Blow Hole in Southern NSW I was a little disappointed as there wasn't much to see.  But adventure is all about escaping, exploring, discovering, and experiencing isn't it.  And there's always something magical about going to new places and seeing different things.  Sadly this was to be one of the last adventures we would share with our good friends John and Toni together as John passed away last year following a short battle with cancer.  We had all planned to go back to Tassie to do the rest of the island we didn't get to see, so maybe one day soon, we will take another adventure and explore and discover all those places we planned to see knowing for sure that John will be there with us in spirit.