Happy Birthday Sanne!

Today, my little niece Sanne is celebrating her birthday. I was just speaking to her on Skype and asked whether she'd already received my card, but she hadn't. Lucky me, the postman just delivered today's post while I was talking to her and my card was one of them. Again, happy birthday Sanne.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon | Tag: Clothing | Twine: Kikki.K | Border Punch: Martha Stewart | Ribbon: B*Inspired | Flower: Prima Marketing | Rhinestone: KaiserCraft | Clear Stamp: Papertrey Ink | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) 

Well it's Christmas Eve and we are all set for tomorrow. The table is laid for breakfast,  I've baked an apple pie, and a stollen and David made a white chocolate cheesecake. The weather is going to be warm tomorrow, but cloudy. We are doing a typical Aussie Christmas and having a barbecue with friends.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Cards

The other day, when all the work was done on the yearbook, I finally had a day where I could sit relaxed and create some cards. I managed to create six cards in one day, which is a rarity for me. Four of these were Christmas cards, my first Christmas cards this year, and quite possibly my last.

I started of with the first one using the Papertrey Ink stamp set Wreath for All Seasons. I love that set, but hadn't had a chance to break it in yet. Also, the only Christmas papers I bought this year, where those from The Girl's Paperie, Tinsel & Twig. They are simply delightful.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Papers | Patterned Papers: The Girl's Paperie (Tinsel & Twig) | Die: Papertrey Ink (Spiral Notebook Page) | Ribbon: Vandoros from B*Inspired | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Wreath for all Seasons + Big and Bold Holiday Wishes) | Glitter: Stampin'Up | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black, Blazing Red) + Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Vellum

On the second card I used the same papers, but pulled out the Christmas tree die. I had chosen the 'Happy Holidays' sentiment to stamp on it, but when I was ready to stamp it, it was vanished. I spent about 10 minutes looking for it, cleared my whole desk since it was just there. No, couldn't find it. Later that night, after I had long finished my card and chosen a different sentiment I went searching again and found it stuck on the bottom of my buttons jar.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: The Girl's Paperie (Tinsel & Twig) | Die: Papertrey Ink (Christmas Tree) | Ribbon: Spotlight | Glitter: Stampin'Up | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Tree Trimming Trio + Signature Christmas) | Buttons: Spotlight | Tag: from clothing | Twine | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black)

On my third card I didn't use any patterned paper, just a gorgeous ribbon I bought at B*Inspired on Maling Road.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (Kraft) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Big & Bold Holiday Wishes, Friendship Jar Holiday Fillers) | Rhinestones: Me and My Big Ideas | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black, Blazing Red, Cotton White), Versamark | Ribbon: Be Inspired | Embossing Powder: white

And finally I was inspired by my own Christmas decoration that I created in 2007 to use a little Robin.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: The Girl's Paperie (Tinsel & Twig) | Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Lacey Circles, Circles) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Friendship Jar Holiday Fillers) | Chipboard Bird and Twig: Maya Road | Paint: Making Memories | Ribbon: Spotlight | Tag Punch: Martha Stewart | Twine | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black, Cotton White) + Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Cling Stamp: Hero Arts | Glitter: Stampin'Up

Well, that was three post in one evening. I've still got a few more things to catch up on and show you, but it's enough for tonight. Time to find my pillow. Night!

For the Graduate

Last night Rebecca was officially graduating from primary school. They had their big night, where they were all dressed up in beautiful gowns, had dinner with their school teachers from the past seven years and afterwards received their certificates during the ceremony.

A couple of weeks ago we got an invitation from Rebecca and were asked to RSVP in writing. The children had chosen their graduation colours to be purple and turquoise, which was being reflected in the decorations for the event. I created a card to accept our invitation using these colours as well.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: SEI | Dies: Papertrey Ink + Spellbinder Nestabilities (Labels Eight) | Ribbon: Ribtex from Spotlight | Alphabet stickers: American Crafts Thickers (Giggles)

Because graduating from primary school is somewhat of a big event, I decided to make a card as a keepsake for Rebecca, which we gave to her last night. I chose turquoise again, as blue is Rebecca's favourite colour.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Ribbon: Spotlight | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (For the Graduate, A Little Argyle) | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) + Stampin'Up (Turquoise) + Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Rhinestones: KaiserCraft + Papermania | Punch: Fiskars (Uppercrest) | Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities (Scalloped Squares) + Papertrey Ink (Double-Ended Banners)

Despite the fact that the children had chosen purple and turquoise as their graduation colours, Rebecca wanted a red dress. Here's a picture of her and her best friend Lauren.

The two of them will be embarking on their journey to their new secondary school as of February 1st. But for now relax and enjoy your holidays.

Farewell Granny

This past weekend David's gran past away. She reached the beautiful age of 90 years. As we are so far away, I made a card for David's mum to let her know that our thoughts are with her.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Ribbon: Spotlight | Butterfly: Jenni Bowlin | Marker: Kikki.K | Clear Stamp: Melissa Francis + Papertrey Ink (With Sympathy) | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black + VersaMark) | Embossing Powder: white | Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Labels Fourteen) | Vellum

Today was the children's last day of school. All the madness and chaos is over for a couple of months. We have almost 7 weeks of 'nothingness'. I'm so ready for the break and fingers crossed that the weather won't be too disappointing, because we haven't planned to go away. We start afresh in February 2011 for the new school year.

10 Birthday Wishes

Today my little niece Fleur is celebrating her 10th birthday. My record of immaculate timing for cards arriving on time has been scared. Not totally my fault, as it seems the Dutch post is on strike. I just spoke to Ingrid on Skype, but Fleur was at another birthday party so I couldn't congratulate her myself.

Fleur, I wish you a lovely birthday and hope that your card will arrive soon.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon 'Homemaker' | ribbon | Foam letters: American Crafts Thickers | Chipboard Frame: Tattered Angels | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Mixed Messages) | Glitter: Stampin'Up | roses | Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Labels Eight)| Ink: Stampin'Up (Chocolate Chip)

I have a lot more things to show you, but I've been buried under the design of the Graduation Yearbook in the past week, which meant everything has fallen by the wayside. The deadline for the yearbook was on Friday. I handed it over to the printer on schedule, and ironically enough I was very pleased that after a full week I could get actually get back to my ironing.

We still have one busy week left before the school year finishes. Rebecca is  After that we have almost 7 weeks off! I'm definitely looking forward to that.