Boy Oh Boy!

During the month of September two of David's three brothers celebrate their birthday, as well as a nephew. I always quite enjoy making cards for boys. Earlier today I went through my iPhoto library and dug up the cards I haven't shown you yet. Here's is a few of what I created.

This one was for Paul, David's eldest brother:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Bella Blvd. (Man of the House) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments + Fillable Frames #4) | Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown) | Frame Die: Papertrey Ink | Buttons: Basic Grey | Border Punch: EK Success | Embossing Folder: Papertrey Ink (Picnic Plaid) | Twine: B*Inspired.

The second one was for Glen, David's youngest older brother (David's the baby in the family):

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Enjoy the Ride) | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) | Star Dies: Sizzix | Chipboard Arrow: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Button: Basic Grey | Border Punch: EK Success | Decorative Edge Scissors: Fiskars.

And this one was for our nephew Benjamin:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Enjoy the Ride) | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) | Star Dies: Sizzix | Chipboard Arrow: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Button: Basic Grey | Border Punch: EK Success | Decorative Edge Scissors: Fiskars | Circle Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities Circles.

And finally my friend Beth's hubby, Stuart celebrated his birthday earlier this month as well:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments) | Ink: VersaColor (Pinecone) | Star Die: Papertrey Ink | Frame Die: Papertrey Ink | Chipboard Arrow: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Button | Border Punch: Fiskars (Uppercrest) | Corner Rounder Punch: Woodware Designs | Twine: B*Inspired.

Hope this has inspired to make some boy cards yourself, they sure come in handy at times. Have a great day and thank you for stopping by and your lovely comments. It's nice to know you're still there.

Let's Blog!

I can't believe that it's been more than six weeks since I last blogged here. I've been meaning to blog more than once, but somehow I never did. During my absence, my dad and his wife visited us Down Under for three weeks. While they were here we headed on a road trip to Sydney during our Spring break. This was our first outing in Australia since we moved back in January. I felt real good.

Since my last post I haven't been very crafty, but I've still got quite a few cards to show you which I created over the last couple of months. Here's a few...

My Belgian friend, Karolien asked me to create a card with hearts for her sister:

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon | Ric Rac: Maya Road | Heart Punches: Martha Stewart | Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown); Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Label Die: Papertrey Ink | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink | Ribbon: Paperchase | Buckle | Doily | Corner Rounder Punch: Woodware Designs

This one I sent to our little niece Amelia in England:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Echo Park | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink | Border Punch: Martha Stewart | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) | Button: Basic Grey | Ric Rac + Ticket Die: Papertrey Ink | Brad

And finally this one I sent to my dear friend Claire for her birthday back in August (I might be very late posting them here, but I did sent them on time in the mail):

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon + Making Memories | Vellum | Stamps: Papertrey Ink | Bling: Prima Marketing + KaiserCraft  | Lace: Spotlight | Brad: Basic Grey | Tag: Newsagent | Ink: VersaColor | Tag Die: Papertrey Ink | Corner Rounder Punch: Woodware Designs | Flower: Silhouette Digital Craft Cutter

Let's see if I can get back into the swing of things, as I've got some more things to show you. One of which is my first publication in Paper Crafts Magazine's latest issue, which turned up on my doorstep last Monday. Hope you're all still there, and thank you stopping by. Have a great weekend!

A Layout

It almost feels I've got to put the word layout in capitals, as it's been such a long time since I've made one. I've been intending and even started several layouts, but for some reason none actually came to fruition. I had all these great ideas in my head, but when I started actually creating it took a totally different direction. One I wasn't satisfied with, so I gave up.

To make sure I wasn't stranding on this one again I decided to use a sketch from Pagemaps to give me the groundworks. I intended to use all Echo Park papers, but somehow ended up with none. Enough said, this is how it turned out:

I used a Maya Road envelope to hide the journaling inside. Hopefully you'll be able to read the text below (click on the picture to enlarge it, if you're having trouble reading it):

It felt pretty good to actually finish a layout again. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time!


Supplies 'One Dozen'
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper |Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Amy Butler, KI Memories, Creative Imaginations | Envelope: Maya Road, Doilies: Martha Stewart |Border Punch + Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts | Journaling label: Jillibean Soup + October Afternoon | Felt: Papertrey Ink | Buttons: Basic Grey, SEI | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Embellishments) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Pretty in Pink) | Scallop Circle Punch: Marvy Uchida | Corner Rounder: Zutter | Dies: Papertrey Ink

Happy Aussie Father's Day!

Today it's Father's Day in Australia. After having had Mother's Day in March (UK for my mother-in-law) and May (Holland for my mum and myself), followed by Father's Day in June (Holland for my dad) this is the last for 2010. Not sure if I can ever get used to having four rather than two occasions a year...

You would think being in the Southern Hemisphere, that we would be having nice weather. In fact the last three months have been extremely wet and cold (extremely only applied for wet, as I can't really call 15 degrees Celsius cold). Last night we also had a bad storm, which kept both David and I up for most of the night.

Despite all that the kids couldn't wait to give David his presents. We bought him new crocs and a casual shirt. I also made him three picture frames with profile images of the children. It's nice to see their how they are and aren't alike.

Of course I made him a card too:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Belle Blvd (Man of the House) | Die Cuts: Papertrey Ink (Mat Stack 1 + Fillable Frames 4) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 4) | Twine (B*Inspired) | Buttons | Border Punch: EK Success | Ink: Stampin'Up (Chocolate Chip)

Thank you for the lovely comments and emails I've been receiving lately. It's great to see who lurks and visits my blog frequently. Enjoy your Sunday!

Happy Birthday Bro!

Today marks the last day of Winter in Australia. I'm ready for Spring, because the last three months have been way too wet. We've been struggling with lots and lots of colds. We need some warmer weather to eradicate it all.

Besides it being the last day of Winter, it's also my brother's birthday. Hartelijk gefeliciteerd, Eric. I've already spoken to him briefly on Skype this evening (morning for him) to congratulate him, since we live 10,000 Miles apart.

I hope the card I made for him made it on time, as I kept forgetting to post it...

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (Kraft) | Patterned Paper: The Girl's Paperie (On Holiday) | Buttons: Basic Grey | Rhinestones: Me and My Big Ideas | Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown), Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Twine: B*Inspired | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 4, Birthday Bash Sentiments) 

And believe it or not, I actually made a layout this evening. My first one since February I think. I'll post it soon. Thank you for your visit.

One Dozen

Quite a milestone today... as Rebecca turned 12! She was not in the mood for any pictures today, and at the time I tried to take some the sun was really too bright and impossible to keep her eyes open. Instead I shot a few with her eyes closed and not looking directly at the camera.

It's been quite busy over the past couple of weeks and as usual things are happening in my head, but are being left to be executed right at the last minute. Can you believe it I made her birthday card last night? Definitely not my best work.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Echo Park | Pearls: Prima Marketing + KaiserCraft | Butterfly punch: Martha Stewart | Clear Stamp: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise) | Corner Rounder: Woodware Designs | Border Punch: Martha Stewart.

We also took a lot of time deciding on what kind of party to have for Rebecca. Finally two weeks ago David and her found chocolate workshop party at a shop nearby. Last Thursday I made these invitations for the 5 friends she wanted to invite. Of course I had to make a spare one for the archives.

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink + Bazzill Basics Paper | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fancy Flourishes, Friendship Jar, Just the Ticket) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise) | Tools: Silhouette Digital Cutter | Brad : K&Company | Border Punch: EK Success | Software: Photoshop CS | Fonts: Avenir + Sweetheart Script.

Then this week the task was also to create some party boxes. I always enjoy making them. I decided on one of the designs from Lauren Meader which she created for Papertrey Ink. The original design was just a little bit to small to fit in the little notebooks which we bought at Smiggle. I needed to make some adjustments to make them fit. They are gorgeous boxes, but I underestimated the time it needed to assemble them. Nonetheless I finished them today. I made two different colour combinations.

Blue with green ones:

And pink with green ones:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Echo Park | Box Design: Papertrey Ink (Keeping Tabs) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 5, Butterfly Dreams) | Pearls: Martha Stewart | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise), Staz'On (Timber Brown) | Ribbon: B*Inspired.

The party will be tomorrow afternoon. This should be a nice opportunity for some great pictures with her friends.

Birthday Cards

Last night and today I've been a little crafty again and made a couple of cards. The process seems to be a bit slow at the moment, but at least I'm getting finished. I thought I needed to create a bit of a stash of birthday cards for the upcoming months, but instead I sold both of them today to one of the mums at school. I guess I'll have to create some more.

This one I made last night:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper + Labels: October Afternoon (The Thrift Shop) | Ribbon: MemrieMare on Etsy + Making Memories | Scalloped Circle Punch: Marvy Uchida | Pearl Buckle: Fimpres.com.au | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments + Fancy Flourishes) | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) + Papertrey Ink (Pure Poppy) | Border Punch: EK Success

The next card I made today on which I used the Martha Stewart Lace Die Tags, which arrived in the post this morning. I love happy post.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon (Fly a Kite) | Lace Die Tag: Martha Stewart | Felt: Arts & Crafts | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments + Fancy Flourishes + Fillable Frames 5) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise) + Staz'On (Timber Brown) + Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Dies: Papertrey Ink (Flower + Leaf + Medium Scallop) | Ribbon: American Crafts.

I'm really in the mood for crafting at the moment, but I'm gearing myself up for make either a layout or a mini album, but something is stopping me and I'm not quite sure what. I think I just need to take the plunge and do it. What do you think?

Embellish Ric Rac Color Challenge

Earlier this week I made a card for the latest Embellish Ric Rac Color Challenge. You can view the colour combination on the Embellish Magazine blog.

After I made the card I sent it to another one of my dear Nike friends, as she is celebrating her birthday today. Congratulations, Tineke! In case you haven't received the card yet, this is what to look forward too.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft) | Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee | Clear Stamps: W9Plus (Mehndi Medaillons) + Papertrey Ink (Enjoy the Ride) | Ink: VersaMark + Staz'On (Timber Brown) | Glitter: Martha Stewart (Turquoise) | Pearls: KaiserCraft | Ric Rac: Maya Road | Butterfly Punch: Martha Stewart | Die: Papertrey Ink (Eyelet Lace Border) | Felt: Spotlight | Corner Rounder: Woodware Designs

I hope she likes it. That's all from me today. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Submitted Cards + Happy Birthday + Giveaway Winner!

Neither of my two cards I submitted to Paper Crafts Magazine got chosen this time. One was a very last minute impromptu decision anyway, so I'm not too worried about it. This obviously means I can show them to you here now:

The first one I made for the colour challenge. I handmade the flower with tissue paper using only punched heart shapes:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: American Crafts | Ric Race | Ribbon: MemrieMarie on Etsy | Button: Basic Grey | Rub-on: American Crafts | Chipboard Frame: Tattered Angels | Dies: Papertrey Ink (Medium Scallop and Leaf) | Tissue Paper (pink) | Rhinestones: KaiserCraft | Glitter: Stampin'Up| Heart Punch: Fiskars

The second card is the anniversary card I made for David:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Music Sheet: second hand bookstore | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Damask Designs + Heart Prints + A Little Argyle) | Ink: Papertrey Ink (Pure Poppy + Vintage Cream) | Rhinestones: My Mind's Eye + Me and My Big Ideas | Ribbon: B*Inspired | Border Punch: Martha Stewart | Label: Maya Road

Today, Jessica, one of my dear Nike friends is celebrating her 40th birthday. Congratulations, Jess... I hope you have a fantastic day.








Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics | Patterned Paper: Girls Paperie + Jillibean Soup | Ribbon: Webster's | Die: Papertrey Ink (Large Scallop) | Corner Rounder: EK Success | Clear Stamp: Prima Marketing + Papertrey Ink (Enjoy the Ride + Flutterby Friend) | Rhinestones: Prima Marketing | Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown) + VersaColor + Rangers Distress (Antique Linen)


It was lovely to read all your comments on where you find inspiration and it's amazing to see how important the blog world is nowadays. I heavily depend on them to for inspiration and less and less on magazines. It's funny that we all still would like to be picked to be published though.

Finally all that remains to do is announce the winner of the Papertrey Limited 2010 Edition Stamp set. The winner is:

Congratulations Jolanda, please email me your address at lisettegibbons at hotmail dot com.

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Anniversary Too! + Giveaway

Today David and I are celebrating our anniversary. It was 13 years ago since we said 'I Do'. I would normally show you my anniversary card now, but I submitted it to Paper Crafts Magazine this morning. I won't find out until next week whether or not it is going to be picked for publication. In case it doesn't I'll post it at later date.

However, I do have some masterpieces to show you... On Saturday we, the children, David and I all created our anniversary cards. The children are always very excited to show us what they've made, as they try and do it as independently as possible (albeit with a little help). Are you ready?

This is David's creation (Rebecca told him less is more :D):

Here's Rebecca's card:

This is what Ruben made:

See the little Fenix sign on the card? That's where we'll be having dinner tonight. Afterwards we'll be going to see Knight and Day.

And finally Renee's card:

Since we are celebrating today,  I would like to give a little something to one of you... 

It's the 3rd anniversary limited edition stamp set from Papertrey Ink. For some reason I received two sets, and I obviously only need one. This giveaway is open to everyone (including overseas readers). All you have to do is leave a comment on this blogpost telling me when you start a project, and you are looking for inspiration where would you go to find it. Is it someone's blog, a website, maybe a magazine? I'm intrigued to know. Sounds simple enough, don't you think?

update: deadline for the giveaway is end of day Friday, July 23rd .

Thank you for stopping by.