In Your Heart - Jigsaw Exchange

In September, I revisited the friendship theme for Shaz.  She has a lot of love in her heart and really loves and cares for those around her.  She's a faithful prayer warrior and a faithful friend!  She's also a pretty fantastic education assistant!

This first piece was inspired by her love she had for her darling dog, who sadly passed away this year.      

What a faithful friends can be found in the furry world!

The special bond and friendship of mother and daughter, when good, is like no other. 

And the friendship of girlfriends are to be treasured!

Happy New Year!

Happy, happy, HAPPY New Year!!!  

I'm excited to see what new challenges and blessings this year will bring.  How about you?

I've been happily playing 'catch-up' on some postcards that should have been made for an exchange last year.  By the end of the year I was only two months behind!  Now I'm all up-to-date and that is a wonderful feeling!!!

The theme for October's postcard was 'paper dolls' and ARTchix Studios have such wonderful paper doll images to use - I made some very minor alterations to them when I put this card together.  These dolls represent each member of the postcard swap group.  I wonder if you know which doll is mine?

It's lovely to be back and I've got some exciting news to share with you soon.

Every Inchie Monday - Ruin

Ruin is the theme of the week for Every Inchie Monday... this is my little twist on the theme... 'sin' can 'ruin' many a thing.  I seem to becoming more and more aware of my sinful, selfish nature, but also more and more aware of God's amazing grace.  I'm so thankful for Him and for His loving, gracious and forgiving nature!

The image is by ARTchix, there's a tinsy bit of stamping and a scrap or two of fabric to add a little texture.

I'm back at school and finding it very difficult to stick to having a daily playful time in my studio, so I'm trying to be more playful in the classroom!  I've had a wonderful start to the school year, but it's been hard to shake the cobwebs from my poor brain after having a seven month break from it all!  I'm just looking at doing my best one day at a time!  

I hope be back and blogging more regularly very soon!

Every Inchie Monday - Hut

Wouldn't it be lovely to have a little hut right on the beach?  

This is my take on Every Inchie Monday's current theme, 'hut'.  Once again, I've used some love ARTchix Studio collage image goodness to create my whimsical beach hut!

Oh how I'd love to go for an early morning swim today, but alas it's off to work for me.  My lovely, long holiday is over!

Beaded Bliss! - CJS16

Anna Björklund left us with fun and fiddly challenges at Creative Jumpstart No. 16.  I now have seed beads everywhere and I've needed to develop my fine-motor skills (or I really do need glasses) to complete this tutorial - just in time for my return to school!

Time and a calm/relaxed state of mind was needed whilst working on these techniques, oh and good lighting too!  I had to improvise a little with this first piece, but was pleased with the end result.  The lovely vintage image is from October Afternoon.

I really love the effect of the strung out beads here.  The gorgeous image is from ARTchix Studio.  The words in both tags are from Collections.

This technique caused me a few problems, but I had a lesson to learn here - patience!  The vintage image is by Collections.

I totally love the end results of each of the techniques.  Thanks so much Anna for helping me to slow down and practice patience!  

Every Inchie Monday - Girl

'Girl' is the theme over at Every Inchie Monday this week.  All images/words are from ARTchix Studio.  This is a very simple composition, with a dash of pearl white paint.  Oh, and there's the tinsiest bit of stamping on here too!  This girl has green thumbs, unlike me!  I'm ashamed to admit that I am a lazy gardener, unlike my parents who worked jolly hard in the garden, with beautiful results!

Every Inchie Monday - Star

I'm going to try to participate in Every Inchie Monday for the entire year of 2013... so we'll see how I go.  If I manage it, I will have a lovely little collection of inches by the time we get to December.  I figure if I can't find time to complete an inchie a week, something is wrong!

They are a fun and fiddly challenge (what with a scale of 1" x 1" they're incy!), so trying to find images and stamps small enough to fit can be a frustration at times!  I often surprise myself in the end with how much you can actually put onto an inchie!  ARTchix has a lovely assortment of vintage and collage images and I'm going to be aiming to create an inchie collection that has a touch of ARTchix wherever possible.

This week's theme is 'Star' and this pretty lady is letting her little star, shine!

Peace On Earth

We all dream of this... peace on earth, yet it seems an impossible dream this side of heaven.  However, my prayer for you this Christmas is this, that there may be peace in you home and peace in your heart.

I've been playing in my 'studio' since the wee hours... first I made the Father Christmas inchie (as I thought I'd do something quick and easy!).  Well inchies can be rather addictive, as they usually come together in a relatively short amount of time.  Four inchies later and a torn up envelope for the background and I've made myself a lovely little Christmas hanging.  I'm keeping this one, it's my first Christmas with my beloved and this is a little keepsake in celebration of such a God-especially-blessed year!  I'm really excited to not be waking up to Christmas Day all on my own and having someone so dear to me to share it with.

All the sweet images are by ARTchix Studios and the background stamps are from Stampington.  The gorgeously, stunning laces were purchased on my recent trip to Melbourne... I just love them!!!

Peace

With only two days left 'til Christmas, it could be easy to find yourself in a state of panic over everything that is still left to do!  I procrastinated for most of the day and still haven't got to the gift wrapping, tag making (the list could go on and on)... but I did manage to make this little moo tonight (papers & stamps are by Kaiser Craft; sentiment is ARTchix) and as I reflect on the message it brings, 'peace'... I'm reminded what Christmas is all about - Jesus, the Saviour.  He brings peace that is beyond all understanding!

Peace be with you!

Frosty The Snowman

My Dad has always wanted to experience a white Christmas, just once in his life time and hopefully his dream will come true!  Dad tells me that my Mum thought he was crazy, having herself lived in Ireland during her childhood and experiencing the freezing cold, slushy winters, she never wanted to experience another white Christmas - ever.

The closest we can get to a white Christmas in our part of the world is to go down to a white sandy beach and cool down from the heat of summer in the icy cold ocean!  Sadly though, it's near impossible to build a snowman in those conditions, so I too would love to experience a white Christmas one day too!

'Frosty' isn't a new creation, I made him last year for a postcard swap, but I thought I'd share him with you here today, as I've yet to create anything new today.  Instead I've wrapped the first of the Christmas presents, done some more Christmas shopping and had the most delightful time catching up with some precious family and friends.

Moo-Mania - Christmas

I've been attempting to create off and on all day and I have to tell you it was a struggle.  Nothing was coming together.  I went off and had a little nap and when I came back to the 'studio' I remembered that I had stumbled upon a challenge site today, Moo- Mania.  I checked out their latest theme, which is 'Christmas' and had a little play (I'm on a time limit as we're heading out for dinner shortly).  I haven't made a 'moo' for quite some time - it was so much fun!  They're pretty small (1 1/8" x 2 3/4"), so generally they come together quickly!

How do you overcome artist block?  Any great tips would be greatly appreciated!

Joy to the World...

the Lord has come, let earth receive her King!

Inspiration Emporium's challenge for December is 'Joyful Creations'.  When I saw this, I just knew I had to join in on the fun.  (Did you know that my middle name is Joy?)  I've been hoping to create a few handmade ornaments for my friends this Christmas, so this challenge has got me heading in the right direction.

I can't help but reflect the joy Mary must have felt at the birth of Jesus... in our family we are currently experiencing the double joy of twins, identical twins... our nieces Macy and Keely bring much joy to us all.  Here's a snapshot of my Joel, with one of our beloved nieces and she's experiencing the joy of opening presents!  Think she thought that the paper was the best bit - a girl after my own heart!

The lovely 'Mother & Child' image is from ARTchix Studio.

May you have a joy-filled Christmas!

Shades of White - Collage Obsession

'Shades of White' is the challenge over at Collage Obsession this week.  I've spent quite a chunk of the day sorting through the studio and then I had a couple of appointments during the day... time was rapidly disappearing for a little creativity... 'Shades of White' was just the prompt to get me focused and since I've done absolutely no decorating, no creating, no gift wrapping for Christmas, I thought it might be time to start exploring some ideas!

A number of embellishments on this piece come from my recent travels to Melbourne and Tasmania.  The stamped images are all by Stampington and the words are ARTchix.  The beautiful beaded tulle are from some left over pieces from my wedding gown!

As we draw closer to the day, when we celebrate the birth of the Saviour, I can't help but reflect upon how much we need Peace on Earth, true peace, that only He can bring.

Studio Snapshot: 'Proof'

I'm an early bird, my husband not so much... he sleeps even now as I write!  

I'm endeavouring to organise the 'studio' aka spare bedroom (though there is no room for a bed).  It's a big job and I'm tackling it bit by bit... I do some sorting and then I let myself do something creative.  That's the plan for the past few days at least... I've made a little progress, but there's so much more to go!  It will be so worth the disciplined effort in the end, when I can lay my hands on most anything because I know that I own it and I know where it is!

I was up at 4.30am this morning - I've done some sorting - I've done some playing and have in the midst of it designed a 'Friendship' ATC for December for my ATC swap group.  It's been a delightful start to the day and I've really enjoyed playing with the Darkroom Door's Photography stamp set from the Essentials 3 Collection - it is a very versatile set.  The gorgeous photo booth images are from ARTchix Studio.

Right, well back to it then!  More sorting or playing?  Perhaps a little of both!

Christmas Joy

'Joy'

Yes, I'm either a little late or way to early to wish you joy and happiness for Christmas, but nevertheless I will and you can take it now or leave it for later in the year!

My little catch cry for 2011 was 'fighting for joy' and so it's quite fitting that my final postcard for 2011 (for my postcard swap group) is called 'Joy'.  Early in January I wrote this.  Meeting Joy... I'm looking forward to getting home and reading what I hid behind her almost a year ago!

But for now, the joy in this day is having crafty time with most of the postcard swap group!  Shelley we wish you were here!

New Year Bliss

'New Year Bliss'

And a VERY Happy and Blessed New Year to you! 

I had a wonderful night seeing in this new year with friends (usually I pike out and go to bed instead, but this time I was determined to stay up way past my bedtime and see this new year in).  What more could a girl want than great food, wonderful company and a good laugh playing a Wii game or two - I have sore muscles to prove it!!!  There was bubbly, sparklers and fireworks too!   

I have some very special things that I am looking forward to this year... new additions to the family, long service leave, travel and a newer car are big blessings I am really thankful and excited about.  I'm sure you'll hear more about all of these as the year progresses.

My New Year Bliss today was being able to start playing around with these gorgeous stamps from Paperbag Studios latest rubber stamp plate, 'Shine'.  I've been itching to try these out and they have been quite inspirational for me today! 

I'm hopeless at consistently keeping a journal and get a bit frustrated by them.  This year I thought I'd try a different approach.  I've collaged this work on a really big envelope and added a journal entry for today on an index card.  I'm planning to add thoughts and ideas to this envelope as the year progresses... shall see how it goes!

The envelope contained a really sweet and thoughtful card from my Dad and on the back of the envelope is printed 'For Arts Sake'... I found that by accident when I'd almost completed the collage - it just added to the bliss!

I've had an absolutely wonderful first day to the year... creative time, chats to some friends and a surprise visit from my adorable nephew, who requested a visit with me.  We watched Dumbo together and shared pizza with his family.  What a perfect, blissful, wonderful day!  So thankful for God's blessings for me this day!!!

Stage Fright - Inkurable Stampers

'Stage Fright' ATC

Have you ever had a sudden onset of 'stage fright'?  Was it a one off experience or is it an ongoing/forever kind of thing like it still is for me?  Aparently, when I was in Year One, I suffered from such a severe case of 'stage fright' that I never did manage to get up on the stage  that night.  My mum told me the story, a very long time ago and I don't remember much of the details... I think I may have been an angel in a Christmas play... it's times like these I wish mum was here to ask!  I have no conscious memory of this event... the blurred memory of mum's story causes me to think that she tried all manner of things to get me up there on the night and nothing worked!  As a teacher of Year One's now, I find myself in a similar position to mum... convincing some kids that they really can get up there and do it, just the way we practised.  Most manage it and occasionally it's too much for some... but hopefully they will learn to be brave and conquer the fear enough to get up on the stage and perform.

Orange, Purple and Green is currently the challenging theme at Inkurable Stampers.  I struggled to get started with this piece until I found this ARTchix collage picture, she was my starting point and I enjoyed setting the scene with Oxford Impressions new plate 'Vintage Circus'.

Secret Garden

'Secret Garden' ATC

I've been struggling to get this ATC together for months and my co-swapee has been waiting VERY patiently for this... I just didn't know where to start.  Originally I wanted to do layers and layers of flowers/foliage, but  didn't quite know how to begin.  For some reason today felt like the day to just get on and do it.  There are a number of layers in this, starting with some hand written text (the contents of which will remain 'secret').  The bird and flowers were originally deep pink felt, so it was fun altering that!  The ARTchix image and key were never in my plan, but prior to adding them, it just looked like I'd designed a background.  The word is by Collections.

It feels good to complete this piece and it's taken hours to manage it, but I have learned a few new things in the process and that is always a bonus!

My holidays are nearly at an end and I would love to hide out a little while longer in this 'secret garden'!  Instead, I'm off to pick up a painting I purchased two weeks ago during the 'Great Southern Art Trail' and then spend time with an amazing friend before we sing our little hearts out at a singing rehersal.  Now isn't that a pretty wonderful way to end a holiday?!

Angelic Wings

'Angelic Wings' Postcard for Jan

Gosh it feels so good to get back here... it's been too long since I last posted... so many things have happened... Sean's 4th birthday, Fathers Day, two trips to Perth and a lovely creative weekend away with two very special friends, art swaps... hopefully some memories will be posted here very soon!

In the meantime, I've managed to catch up on some postcard making for a swap group.  The theme for August (yes August!) was Trees.  I dived into my wonderful collection of Paperbag Studios stamp images - some of my all time favourites actually!  Once I made the background I knew that this piece needed a little forest fairy - she is a transparency from ARTchix Studios - words are by Collections.  It was so nice to put my sewing machine to work to add some finishing touches.  There is a twig hand stitched near the top too!

Totally feel like going for a little meander through the bush to look for evidence of forest fairies and perhaps I will do just that, if I can get over my fear of coming face to face with a snake!

Sing Out

'Sing Out'

So there's a little story behind this ATC...  My friend Amanda challenged me to make a card using this small piece of wood (that had somehow attached itself to my scarf) and her gum wrapper (that I rescued just before she tossed it in the bin)!  I was awake in the wee hours this morning and put this piece together just for her!  Not sure if she'll like it, but hopefully she'll be a little impressed with what you can do with 'junk'!