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!

Every Inchie Monday - Stone

Every Inchie Monday's theme for the week is 'stone'.  I'm always taken aback when I see an incredible sculpture carved from marble.  The amazing talent and skill of great sculptor's that enables them to create such beautiful three dimensional works of art from a lump of stone leaves me in a state of awe and wonder.

All collage images once again are by ARTchix with another dash of stamping.

Creative Correspondence - Island Dreaming

On Sunday I discovered Hels 'Sunday Stamper' challenge and the current theme is 'dream'.  For this guy, there was not a moment that passed where he wasn't, 'Island Dreaming'.  

I, myself, have been 'island dreaming' for many a year... dreaming of one day visiting the island of Tasmania!  And my dream finally came true in November last year!  

Here I am at Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, on my birthday, living my island dream!  A place full of awesome beauty and pretty chilly weather too.  There was a hint of snow on the mountain, a crispness to the air and  a little sprinkle of rain.  That's pretty much the perfect way to experience this amazing place!

Yes, there I was, at Cradle Mountain, practically right in the middle of Tasmania.  I was waiting outside this shelter for my friend Amanda, when someone said 'hello'!  It took me back a bit and a little while longer to comprehend that it was actually someone I knew and knew very well.  It was Neralie, a friend and colleague from school, also on long service leave and also travelling around Tasmania.  We both knew we were in the same part of the world, but didn't expect to bump into each other while we were travelling!  It was a lovely birthday blessing to spend time with her and her husband Craig - even if it was just for a short 15 minutes or so!

All rubber images are by Oxford Impressions (purchased in Tassie).

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!

Creative Correspondence - 'They Bounced'

'They Bounced' Postcard

Here's my playful start to a Sunday morning... I've been pondering how to approach this week's Play Date Cafe #164 Challenge for a few days...

First thing this morning, I wander around the house picking up supplies that fit with the colour palette for the week

Cadet Blue...Chartreuse...Leather

and played around with what I'd gathered.  The cartoon image is from an old Golden book that is beyond repair, well loved by it's previous owner and thrifted by me in recent times.  I settled on making a postcard as I'm attempting to send one piece of creative correspondence out into the world each week of the year.  I think this postcard might be well received by my nephew Sean, who absolutely loves to receive things in the post!

Today I hope to relax, enjoy the feeling of good health, perhaps play a little more in the studio, spend time with my beloved and then head to church for the evening service.  

Blessings to you!

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!

Fun With ATC's #78 - Something New

'Silk Design'

Fun With ATC's is a new challenge site for me and their current theme (#78) is, 'Something New'.

Here's a sweet little ATC I've put together using my brand NEW Crafty Individual stamps that I purchased recently when on holidays in Tasmania.  There's quite a bit of layering in the background - scrapbooking paper, paint, stamp and more paint.  I've combined two Crafty Individual stamp sets to make this ATC -   (CI306 and CI328) they are a wonderful collection of small stamps perfect for ATC's and other tiny artworks.

Moo-Mania - Key(s)/Lock(s)

'Love Never Fails'

I'm pleased to say that I'm really beginning to feel well again!  Finally!  Long may it last!

I've had a lovely creative morning working on a project that I hope to get published (sorry I can't share that one with you yet) and since I'm in 'the zone' I thought I'd stay put in the 'studio' and keep playing.  I find online challenges can help give me focus when I don't know what to do next, so I popped over to Moo-Mania and was pleased to see that their current theme is - Key(s)/Lock(s).  I have the perfect Darkroom Door stamp set for a theme like that!  It's called, 'Doors'.  The collage image is from Darkroom Door too!

I think one of the main 'keys' to living a happy and content life is 'love'.  If we can push away our selfishness and love one another, it seems to work wonders!  Maybe it's a simplistic view of life, but it's the one I'll try and stick to today!

Making a Moo can be a little challenging, what with the surface size only being 28mm x 70mm.  I find I need to get my fine motor-skills up and running to do the fiddly bits, which also helps me focus.  The great thing about Moos is that they are often completed in a relatively short amount of time.  If you've never made one, I'd recommend having-a-go... it just might help to blow out the cobwebs if you don't know what to do next!

SDC80: Out With The Old, In With The New

'Brave Girl'

Stampotique Designers current Challenge (#80) is Out With The Old, In With The New.  It's the last day of 2012 and I've been reflecting on this past year, so full of blessings and so full of struggles.  'Brave Girl' has been my catch-phrase for the year (yes, I most likely caught the phrase from Kelly Rae Roberts) and so I wanted to create a keepsake in celebration of doing just that, being brave and overcoming many of my fears.  This piece has been pretty much created from my collection of scraps.  The only things that are new are the white flowers in the bride's bouquet and the one in her hair.  I got a little 'brave' today and had a go at creating the two characters in this piece, the girl and the owl... drawing is a little out of my comfort zone, which is why I love stamps so much - especially this Stampotique tree!

Right at the start of this year I was in the midst of making one of the biggest decisions of my life, Joel had unexpectedly proposed in early December and I had yet to give him an answer (I made him wait about 5 weeks in the end)!  Yes, he can be quite a patient man!

I knew for me to say yes, I would need to be 'brave'... maybe it sounds funny to you, but being the age I was, having never married before, knowing that my life would never quite be the same, and not really having expected this possible change of marital status (I had pretty much resolved myself to the fact that I was going to remain single for the rest of my life) I was going to need to be 'brave' in trusting Joel and to be 'brave' enough to give myself to someone in a way I had never done before.  

Being a 'Brave Girl' kept ringing in my heart right the year through... I've had to face and deal with a number of huge fears this year... which to many would seem totally insignificant, but to me, they have been momentous.  I know that my faith in God, the encouragement of Joel and other close family/friends has enabled me to be brave and conquer fear, and for this I am very thankful!  What a blessing!

PDCC162 - Happy HAPPY New Year!

It's been so long since I've been able to have fun with everyone at The Play Date Cafe.  Challenge #162 is inspired by the picture below - the challenge was to create something using the following colours:  

Gold

Teal

Mint

 Lavender

As I didn't get to 'play' with this challenge until after Christmas, thoughts of the New Year were my inspiration and starting point.  The cute 'star of the show' is from Stampington and the words are a combination of Making Memories and Hero Arts.  I stitched and beaded some extra stars into the background and wanted to approach this piece in a playful way... playful may be my 'word' for 2013, especially with my creative work.  I can tend towards being too serious and I can find myself losing the sense of fun during the creative process.  So next year I'm going to aim to be more playful in the way I approach not just my art, but life in general.  

This piece is created on a seed packet, so there's a pocket to hide dreams/goals/secrets for the year too. Actually, I already have a big secret that I'm keeping and will be able to share it with you very soon!

Here's to a very Happy, HAPPY New Year to You!  Yes, I'm just a little early - makes a nice change, eh!

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.

Bloom - PDCC106

'Bloom' - a pink silk cuff

I've been happily at play this morning, experimenting with more free motion sewing... I still find it a real challenge to get my hands and machine in sync, but there is only one way to improve my skills, so I continue to practice when I have the oportunity and time.  I've been wanting to work with this gorgeous soft pink silk since I've purchased it and felt like doing a bit of beading today too!  The latest Play Date Colour Challenge #106 gave me a little more direction (adding yellow & grey), it grew like topsy and I taught myself how to make these sweet yellow flowers along the way! 

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'.

Life's Moment - PDCC105

'Life's Moment' ATC

Seeing this ATC, now complete, makes me want to sit with a lovely cup of tea (in a beautiful tea cup) and contemplate what is indeed 'Life's Moment'?  Is there one defining moment that surpasses all others?  We reflect upon many of life's special moments over a cuppa, don't we?  The special moments that have already occured and the ones we are looking forward to.  The moments that are life changing and impact upon us in significant ways...

The current colour challenge at The Play Date Cafe #105 has got me thinking...

Do you have a 'life defining moment'?  Or many?  One that stands out far above the rest?

Home For The Weekend - PDCC95

'Home For The Weekend'

Oh the bliss and sweet joy of a day spent at home on the weekend! 

This Saturday was a home day.  A stay in your pyjamas all day and play at home, kinda day.  So that meant I got to play along with the artists over at The Play Date Cafe Challenge #95.  See the inspirational photographs below.

It was a great feeling to finally put ink to this Stampington rubber that has been sitting on the shelf for a while.The Tim Holtz die was the starting point and then it grew like topsy.  I can hear my heart whispering (might even be shouting) to make sure I have time at home on the weekends!

Well I have yet to do my packing... and some of the planning I was talking about yesterday.  I now have a touch of European envy and am pondering if/when I may walk upon the streets of Paris?  I know my friend will have an amazing time and I can't wait to hear all about her travel adventures.

Anyway, I'm having myself a little adventure today.  I'm meeting up with a long time friend and her family - they have travelled right across the other side of the country to visit me.  We are all staying together in a accomodation unit near the beach.  I'm heading there straight after work today, which means I REALLY need to get packing!

Live In The Moment - Grungy Monday 20

'Live In The Moment'

It's a 'Distress Stickles Party' over at Grungy Monday Challenge 20.  It's pretty hard to pick up the effect the Black Soot Distress Stickles has left on the scan of this tag, but I can assure you there's a dab of it here and there on the flowers at the bottom of the tag and a large dollop of it on the bird.

And here are more words speaking to my heart today...  'Live in the Moment'!  I have a crazy, busy few weeks heading my way, filled with lots of special people and exciting events. I've got quite a bit of packing and planning to do (you know, the boring stuff) and because there are a number of things all happening at once, I need to take to care to 'live in the moment' and not be too caught up with concerning myself with what is coming up next, or it will all be such a whirl-wind that I won't remember any of the extra special moments.

So today's beautiful moments that are heading my way are... spending time with my adorable nephew, catching up with a friend (who is leaving soon for a holiday to Europe - so excited for her!) and a singing rehersal with some awesome muso's for a concert in a couple of weeks time.  Oh and packing for two trips away in this coming week!!!

I hope too, that today, you may be able 'Live in the moment and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering'.  I'll do the same and hang out the washing now, because that kind of moment isn't really worth remembering.

Let Your Heart Lead The Way

Inkurable Stampers has a new challenge out for this month - it's a sketch challenge.  I have had very little time to create in the past couple of weeks (and I'm getting twitchy), so I thought I'd start with a challenge this morning to get 'kick started' for the long list of creative 'to do's' that are needing some attention this weekend!  I thought this would be a quick way to start - well in the end, that wasn't the case, but it has lead me to really begin to ponder the sentiment I used for this card, which just might be a good thing!  I pretty much pulled this sentiment out, with very little thought, because I imagined it would fit on the label just perfectly.  Now I've finished this card, I'm actually thinking a bit deeper about it's meaning.  I do have a tendancy to be led by my head... looking at the pros and cons of a situation, weighing everything up - and taking an awfully long time to make a decision.  I think it's a protective thing... perhaps it's been born out of fear or the consequences of making a bad decision?  Anyway, I don't know that being led by your head, well my head at least, is always a good thing either.  It may well be time to 'Let My Heart Lead The Way' for a change!  So that is the challenge I have given myself for the immediate future, to allow my heart to lead the way a little more and I'm going to keep a record of how I'm going in this card.  Have you got a challenge or two like this that you're working on?  Is there some kind of fear or boundary that you need to overcome or break?  If you're brave enough, let me know what it is and how things are working out for you.

I've used Basic Grey papers from the 'Porcelain' paper pad collection, the label is by Spellbinders, heart punch by Carl - onto which I added a layer of black soot distress embossing powder and starlight silver brilliance ink.