This is weird

Today is my MIL's birthday. Congratulations, Barbara! I hope you'll have a lovely day. I was really excited to show you the card I made for her. I searched through my complete 2008 photo library, but couldn't find. Did I accidentally delete it? No, not in the trash. So, I must have forgotten to take a picture of it. It feels really weird, as this hasn't happened to me before, as I was convinced I did take a picture of it. I'm quite bummed, as I was quite proud of the end result. Anyway, I can't show you the actual card, but I drew a sketch in PS:



I used these digital papers for the sketch. For the actual card I used SEI, leftovers from Hayley's LO. For the sentiment I used Making Memories Mini Alpha stickers, like in this card. And as I do on most cards I embossed the background with Basic Grey clear stamps and psychedelic powder. The flowers and butterflies were handcut from the PP. Hopefully that way you can imagine what it looks like.

Today's picture is from this morning when the boys were playing soccer and the girls were in charge of putting up signs for our garage sale tomorrow morning. However, after we put up the signs lots of people already dropped by, which meant we already sold for a couple hundred Dollars today.

May 31st, Garage Sale:

More than One

Yesterday I received this award from Rozella:



Thank you so much Rozella, I feel very honoured. In case you haven't received one yet, and you are reading this, consider yourself one as well.

Today, I've only got to share my picture a day.... or actually four. As it was such a beautiful day today, I played a little and went out three times to take some pictures, and I just couldn't decide on one.

This picture of Renee I took walking home from Kinder. Renee looked really cute in her hoody, woolen cardigan, plaid skirt and boots today, that I had to record it. However, she wasn't in the mood to pose, so I snapped one of her from behind.



This second one is one of the few trees that has quite a few leaves left. The majority of the leaves have now dropped. With the sunshine on it the yellow is so intense. I actually don't know what tree this is.



No. #3 is a small Acer, which sits on the corner of our neighbours front garden. You can see it in this picture too.



And then finally I chose this one to be my picture of the day. I have no idea what plant/tree/shrub this is. If anyone knows, I'd like to find out. It grows over the fence of number 1, which is on the corner of our street walking towards Kinder. The flowers are small, but have an amazing intense colour. It wasn't easy getting a sharp image as it was quite windy.

May 30th - A Beautiful Day:

RAK Winner

Thank you Hanneke, Joke and Marsha for playing along with Make a Card. Swimming has been finished for quite a while, but Renee's just picked a winner.... And the winner is Hanneke. Hanneke email me your address please, and I will send the 7Gypsies Interchangeable stamps your way.

I'm starting to think we have a new photographer in the family. When we went out to run some errands, Renee had to take her bag and camera and again when we went to pick-up Ruben and Rebecca from school the bag and camera could not be left behind. When we were standing in the school's playground Renee said she wanted to take a picture. While she took a picture of me, I took a picture of her. Like mother, like daughter!

May 29th - Like Mother, Like Daughter:



Lastly, it's Mia's 6th birthday today. Happy birthday, girl! Here's the card I made for her:



Supplies: Bazzill cardstock, Crate Paper Sweet Brance Collection kit, Autumn Leaves clear stamps, VersaColor ink, Vandoros ribbon, Prima flower, KaiserCraft bling, fiskar edge scissors.

Wish

I said last week in my Make a Card that I would pick a random winner today. However, as Australia is further ahead in time, I'll draw a winner in the morning after swimming. So, in case you feel inspired and want to play along, you've got another 12 hours to create something.

For my picture today, I came across a Dandelion walking home from school. Renee calls them Wish. As I picked it, I needed someone or something to hold it for me. Renee was willing enough, even though it was very tempting to spin it around rather than holding it as still as possible. I played with some actions and love how it turned out. The green in the background is the grass and the blue is the handle bar of Renee's bike. And Renee's hand is covered in paint as she's been busy painting her plaster fridge magnets this afternoon.

May 28th - Wish:



Just to add something else regarding my 2007 Year in Review album... Tammy asked whether I printed them myself. I did. I printed the whole pages on 12x12 Epson scrapbooking paper, but I could have also used normal white cardstock. Then I printed the pictures again on photo paper (as I preferred the colour on photo paper) and used my square punch to cut them and stick them on top of the squares.

Enjoy your Wednesday, and thank you for all your lovely comments in the past week. It's nice to see some new names popping up.

2007 Year In Review

It was a very dark and grey sky this morning, but upstairs in Renee's room was enough light to take pictures of my finished 2007 Year in Review book. I'm so pleased with it, as it sums up in a nutshell what we've done in a year's time. And I'm amazed and very pleased to see how much we did. At least we leave Australia, knowing that we've used our time down here well and even though we've only seen a tiny bit, we've seen so many beautiful things. The album is also a good index of things/events I'd still like to scrap (but that will have to wait until we settle in the UK). Of course making this album was so easy, using Jessica Sprague's awesome album templates, which is featured in her second special issue Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking 2.

Oh, and I'm doing another 2 in 1 for my picture today...





May 27th - Year in Review Album:

















Mid-year I ran out of 'g' rub-ons, so I continued with a 'g' stamp. I considered changing the first ones, but decided that the 'perfectionist' in me just had to deal with it.














Supplies: cardstock - Bazzill, PPs Chatterbox, 'g' stamp Fontwerks, 'g' rub-ons American Crafts, McGill circle punch, corner rounder, '2007' stamp Hero Arts, scallop punches Marvy Uchida, metal tag rim Making Memories, Robin's Egg 12"x12" scalloped leather album Making Memories.


EDITED - The font Jessica used on her template is One Fell Swoop from www.dafont.com and the digital flourish is called Boho Flourish Brush Set by Michelle Coleman, www.littledreamerdesigns.com.

Five More Weeks

Last week I already finished my 2007 Year In Review, but haven't had the chance to take pictures yet. Hopefully I'll be able to post those tomorrow. Today I only have a picture. The kids didn't even realise I took this photo, but I was walking behind them walking home for school and thought to my self that they will only be wearing their Aussie school uniforms for another five weeks, before they will exchange it for a new one in England. Also, these might also be the last five weeks that school is only just round the corner. The girl in the middle is Rebecca's classmate.

May 26th - Five More Weeks:



Hopefully I'll see you again tomorrow.

Turning 40!

Not me... yet. My SIL who is on holiday in Orlando at the moment is celebrating her 40th birthday today. Congratulations, Karen. I know she'd already received the card, and this is what it looks like:



Supplies used: cardstock - Bazzill, PPs - ?, clear stamp - Heidi Swapp, glitter alpha - Making Memories, scallop journaling - Jenni Bowlin, ribbon - Vandoros, metal tag - Making Memories, rubber stamp - Stampin'Up, ink - Memories.

Today we went into city and while we were at Borders, Rebecca found the latest book of the Rainbow Magic Fairies, which she had to buy. Later while daddy was busy buying some new shirts she was quietly waiting for him to finish reading her new book.

May 24th - New Book:



Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Lavendula

During ANZAC weekend at the end of April, we went away for a couple of days to Daylesford. One of the days we went to the Italian Swiss Lavender farm. It is a gorgeous place, even though, due to Fall, there wasn't any lavender at the time. I considered making a mini book (might still do this as well), but thought the idea of a magazine spread would be nice too. I arranged the pictures in Photoshop and printed them all on one page (right side), I then adhered papers on top in the middle. Now that it's finished I feel it could have done with some more negative space, but I like how the pictures tell their own story.



Supplies: cardstock - Bazzill, PPs - Basic Grey and DaisyD's, chipboard letters - Basic Grey, metal tag - Making Memories, button - SEI, rub-on Basic Grey, chipboard leave - Cherry Arte, ribbon - Basic Grey, word stickers - 7Gypsies, stamp - Fontwerks & Hampton Art, letter 'g' sticker - Basic Grey, mini alpha stickers - Making Memories.

For today's picture I managed to get Ruben in the frame. Ruben woke-up yesterday morning with a bleeding nose around 5 a.m. and didn't go back to sleep. He got through the day okay yesterday. This morning he had soccer practice starting at 8.30 a.m. When he got back, the tiredness caught up with him. At lunch time, Renee and Ruben tried to stay warm under the quilt while eating their lunch.

May 24th - Keeping Warm:

Dressed for the Ride

It's already May 23rd and out of my 23 pictures a day for this month, I have 7 of Renee, 2 of myself, 1 of Rebecca, and none of Ruben and David. Something's wrong here. Not that I'm discriminating anyone, but with Ruben and Rebecca at school all day, I don't have as much opportunity to photograph them. And by the time they get home, it's almost dark already as we're one week away from Winter. I will try and make up for this on the weekend.

This morning it was cold (ok, cold for Australian terms). It was around 3 degrees and accessories were not a bad idea. I got an old set of hat, scarf and mittens that used to belong to Rebecca and put it on Renee this morning. She looked so adorable and was willing enough to pose.

May 23rd - Dressed for the Ride:



Today another Dutch 'Nike' friend is celebrating her anniversary. This is the card I made for her and her hubby:



I'm not sure if you can see but I stamped the top half of the card and embossed it.

Supplies: cardstock - Bazzill Basics, PPs - SEI, Scenic Route and Basic Grey, alpha mini stickers - Making Memories, ribbon - Stampin' Up, clear stamps - Basic Grey, ink - VersaMark and VersaColor, embossing powder - StampWorld.

And finally I was inspired by Ali scrapping a layout a day. Actually this week I did 8 layouts! Six of which are for my 2007 Year In Review, of which I've only shown you January. Meanwhile I've only got 3 months left, and I've decided not so show until it's done. Today I made a 8.5"x11" spread, which I have yet to photograph. But what I created yesterday, I can show you. I was also very inspired by Ali's words + photos week. It's nice to use all the latest and greatest products in the scrapbooking industry and to produce a work of art every time you produce a LO, but what is far more important is the stories behind the pictures. So, that might also be a reason why I don't create as much as I would like to as my creativity and desire to preserve memories seem to clash. Anyway, I hope I can overcome that predicament going forward and find the right balance. I feel I did achieve that with this LO:



Supplies: cardstock - Bazzill Basics, PPs - Scenic Route, Making Memories, metal charm & ribbon - Making Memories, buttons - MME, flowers - Doodlebug and Prima, stamp - 7Gypsies, paperfrill - Doodlebug, alpha stickers - American Crafts, date stamp - local newsagent, computer font Century Gothic, staples, black Staz'On ink, digital photo frame.

Not to forget it's Friday today, which means weekend. Enjoy!

Self Portrait

Since I'm doing Jessica's challenge of a picture a day in May, I thought at least I could include one self portrait. And once in a while it's nice to update your profile picture, right. The weather was gorgeous outside and I had a top notch photographer to help me, Renee! I sat up the tripod and adjusted the camera settings and than Renee was the one to push the button on the remote. It was quite funny, because even though I was in the shade, with the sun almost behind me, I struggled to keep my eyes open because of the light. To avoid squinting or frowning, I would close my eyes, count to 3 and then open them, and at the same time Renee would take the picture. It was quite funny. Thanks sweetie for helping me, you did a great job.


May 22nd - Self Portrait:

In Exchange

When Renee and I were walking back home from Kinder, she wanted a piggyback. I told her in exchange for a few pictures. While I was taking some shots, she told me what she did at Kinder this morning.


May 21st - In exchange:



P.S. Don't forget to make a card for the workshop and you'll have a chance to win those fantastic interchangeable stamps from 7Gypsies, (and it doesn't matter where you are geographically).

Forward Roll

Monday is always is slow start for me, but Tuesday's I get right into it as Renee has her gymnastics class at 9.15 a.m. at the local leisure centre. She loves going there and is starting to be quite good at forward rolls. I managed to snap a few pictures, before my battery died. I've got to look into that, because I think something's wrong with it.

May 20th - Forward Roll:



Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate all your comments you've been leaving.

Make a Card

This morning I started making a card and thought it would be fun to show you my work flow for making a card. How about you play along and see what you can make in 10 easy steps. The one thing I would definitely like to see on your card is a large 'initial'. I used a 'B' as this card is for my friend Beth. Leave a link in the comments to your creation by next Wednesday, May 28th and I'll select a random winner who will receive this.

Here's what you need:

Supplies:
1 piece of cardstock 6x8"
Ink
1 swirly stamp
psychedelic embossing powder
1 1x6" strip of patterned paper
1 2x6" strip of patterned paper
1 circle approx. 2" in diameter
1 ribbon (approx. 18")
1 felt border (or something similar)
1 mini tag
1 large approx. 3" letter
sentiment either on stamps or rub-ons
3 buttons
6" hemp cord (or something similar)
1 lace butterfly (if you haven't got one, a paper one is good alternative)

Tools:
corner rounder
embossing heat tool
ink daubers
adhesive



Step 1:
Fold your cardstock in half and round the corners. Next ink the edges. I used Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen), as this one is not too dark.



Step 2:
Stamp your swirly stamp with VersaMark and sprinkle in with embossing powder and heat. You'll get a nice suttle embossed image. If you haven't got embossing powder, you can also use a light colour ink (eg. pink) or completely omit the stamp.



Step 3:
I inked the edges of my PPs with VersaColor Pinecone ink. Adhere the two patterned paper strips. Start with the widest one and put it approx. 1.5" from the left hand side, adhere the smaller one overlapping approx. 0.5" from the left hand side. Trim the ends (if any).



Step 4:
Adhere the felt border in position, just under the top edge of your card along the full width of the card and trim the edges.



Step 5:
Cut through your card's fold line (if your card opens like a book), the width of your ribbon and put it through.



Step 6:
Knot your ribbon.



Step 7:
Adhere your circle. I used a die cut circle from Making Memories, but it can be any circle. Obviously the coloured, glittered scallop edge adds interest.



Step 8:
Adhere the butterfly to your letter. Stamp your tag and ink the edges and wrap around letter with hemp cord (or any other twine or floss). NB. After I finished the card I realised 'your special' should read 'you're special', but I haven't got those stamps, so I added 'day' at the end, but any sentiment (eg. happy birthday) will do. Attach your letter to your card.



Step 9:
Now adhere your buttons to the right top side of the circle.



Step 10:
And as a finishing touch and so everyone knows you made the card, stamp your personal stamp on the back.



And this is the end result. This picture is also my picture for today (How to kill two birds with one stone! lol). May 19th - Make a Card



Supplies: cardstock - Bazzill Basics, PPs Making Memories, ribbon - from local store, felt - Queen & Co., scallop die cut - Making Memories, 'b' Making Memories, tag from local newsagent, butterfly from Scarlet Lime kit, buttons - Autumn Leaves, Basic Grey, stamps - Stampin'Up, clear stamp - Heidi Swapp, ink VersaColor, Rangers, VersaMark, psychedelic embossing powder - StampWorld, hemp cord - Arts & Crafts.

I'm looking forward seeing your creations.

Sunday Treat

Late this morning we went out to buy a few items that we want to take back with us to England. One of which is a clothes line. Not at all very exciting, but it's one that can either be mounted on the wall or attached on post and can be fold down when not in use. This is probably wishful thinking from my side, as I've been drying all my washing outside for the past 20 months and totally expect to do the same in England. Something tells me that the weather might not be all that cooperative there as it's been here.

The other thing we bought is a gas BBQ. When we came to Australia we just had a traditional coals burning one and have hardly used it at all. In hindsight we should have bought one when we first came her, but at least now we will have a brand new one. Let's hope end of Summer will be mild enough for BBQs, as our shipment won't be arriving until end of August at the earliest. Otherwise we'll have to store it until next Spring.

After all that shopping we all worked up a good appetite, and as we've done so many times before we had lunch at Brambles Café on Maling Road. If you ever get a chance to visit Melbourne, this street is a must see. It has a lot of little boutique stores and lots of different places to eat.

May 18th - Sunday Treat



Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.