Date Night

'Date Night'

I'm away from home and you never know, tonight might be a 'date night'!!!!

What is your ideal 'date night'? 

Dinner?  Movie?  A romantic stoll along the beach?

All these awesome stamped images are by Paperbag Studios - love them!!!

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!

Head In The Clouds

'Head In The Clouds'

Sometimes it's safer that way, keeping your head in the clouds.  Sure it isn't realistic and it surely won't help you solve any problem at hand, but it's quite a pleasant escape... floating on air, flying around in your dreams and forgetting about your troubles.

The start of this new year has been an idylic one for me... perhaps a little too idylic and I wonder if I'll come crashing down from the clouds with an almighty thump.  But for now, I'll keep my head up there in the fluffy fairly floss until I see a storm cloud coming!

Can you tell I'm on holidays and presently don't have a care in the world?  So blessed!  So thankful!

And very grateful for creative time to play with Paperbag Studios rubber :)

Shine

'Shine'

'There's a time for every star to shine'... and this 'lil princess is shining bright today.  She's received her crown, is dressed in all her glory and is ready to fly.  She's making a wish, is ready to soar to great heights and 'shine'!

I'm really enjoying the challenge of using these wonderful Paperbag Studios stamps in new and creative ways.  My starting point for this piece were the assorted orange and turquoise trims... when I saw these I knew this little princess was going to have turquoise hair!  She wears it very well, don't you think?!

Wish... Fly... Shine... perhaps it really is possible - especially with turquoise hair!!!

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!!!

The Stampers' Sampler Cover Girl!!!

This was in the mail yesterday... that's my card on the front cover.  What a thrill!!!

and a two page spread inside!

I have so much news to share from the past month or so, and I'm nearly on holidays, so I shall catch you up on what's been happening in my little world really soon! 

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'.

Technology - Holding It Still

'Holding It Still' Postcard

It's postcard swap time again and I'm pretty pleased that mine is completed well in time (for a change).  November's theme is technology. And my, how the technology for photography has developed over the years!  I got my first camera when I was about 11 or 12.  My parents bought it for me so I could take photos whilst on a school camp - I still remember the precious excitement of having my own camera.  I'm pretty sure I still have those first photos tucked away in a safe place and I know when I look at them again many good memories will come flooding back. 

Today, I totally love having a digital camera!  It's so nice to not have to worry about the expense of film and to just keep snapping away until you get a more than decent shot!  The only thing to worry about now is my computer crashing before I've backed up all of my photos, because it's pretty rare for me to print them.  Earlier this year I thought I'd lost all my photos on my computer... yes, I had a very big melt down, but thankfully my techno-wise friend came to my rescue and nothing was lost!  Hopefully I have learned my lesson to back them up!

The camera is a Kaisercraft rub on and pretty much else is from Dark Room Door (the photobooth photos and great range of photography themed stamps).  The film strip is pretty old... I have a LOT of it... one of my friends cleaned out her garage before she left the country and found tins of filmstrips from her earlier teaching days.  I was totally thrilled when Trish handed over two tins of it to me!!!

A Piece of Jarrah

So this pretty little dressform piece was originally just a lump of wood, a piece of jarrah, an offcut from my friend, Amanda's new-ish decking.  She generously handed over a box of jarrah offcuts to me, thinking that they might come in handy one day... and about a year or so later, I pulled out a piece and played around with it over the weekend.

I'm not overly confident working with paint, but I want to be, so I used the slap it on and see what happens approach!  At the same time I painted the wood, I also slapped on the same colours on an old playing card - not thinking I'd use them together.  But in the end they worked so beautifully together and I'm not sure I would have known what to do with a painted piece of wood without the playing card.

Now I can't wait to have some more time to play some with more lumps of wood!

All these gorgeous stamped images are from Oxford Impressions Dress Forms and Corsetry rubber plate.

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 and Family

'Art House'

It was a purely playful day in my 'art house' yesterday!  I've recently taken to calling my abode the 'art house' because my friend, Julie once commented to me that she often wonders what I'm up to in the 'art house' when she sees my car at home!  It's kinda stuck... and it's kinda true.  There isn't a designated 'art/craft space' at home and my supplies/creating do tend to creep into all corners of the place.  Okay, let's face it, they've taken over the house really!

I guess it doesn't matter too much, I live at home alone, except for the occasional spider that has to pretend to be interested in what I'm saying, if it wants to continue to stay where it is!  I mostly come unstuck on a Wednesday evening, when I've only got a couple of hours to make things look a little respectable for the Home Group ladies!!!  Yes, I whizz around trying to find places for everything and at least have somewhere for everyone to sit (oh and a pathway to walk to the couch)!  Nobody seems to be too bothered and they keep coming back, so I'm thankful they are a very understanding bunch, who are more interested in relationship building, rather than perfect housekeeping. 

'Cherish Your Family'

I grew up with fairytale dreams, like most young women at the time, naively thinking that I'd meet the man of my dreams in my mid twenties, get married, have children (I wanted at least 5 kids) and live happily ever after... well, that's not quite the plan God had for my life (and I often need to remind myself - His will, not mine).  It's been an extraordinary struggle for me over the years to not have this dream come true!  I still have my moments when I wallow in self pity, but I am also reminded that I am extraordinarily blessed.  My immediate family, next of kin are a great source of joy and love, as too are members of my extended family - Aunts/Uncles and cousins I love to spend time with.  And then there is the blessing of God's family... too many brothers and sisters in Christ to count... what a family tree I have been woven into.

Family, cherish them!  (Yes, even when they drive you crazy.)

On Turning Four...

Last month, my nephew Sean, celebrated his fourth birthday!  When asked what kind of cake he would like for his birthday, his simple request was that it would be green!  He had green cupcakes to share with his friend at the first party, but it was green and a few other colours for the family one.  A scrumptious, colourful Fredo Frog icecream cake.

The only problem to overcome with an icecream cake is in fact, 'brain freeze'!

I had a fun time shopping for the birthday boy and it was all things'Toy Story' from me.

Right down to the costuming...

and rocket... 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0....... Blast Off!!!!

Sean (or should I say 'Woody') took Buzz on all kinds of adventures that day!

I 'Love' To Play

'I Love To Play'

I love to play... well actually it would be more accurate to say that I'm learning to love play.  I nearly gave up on this piece and had to keep reminding myself that if it came to nothing it didn't matter... it seems I put too much pressure on myself to produce something even when my intention is to simply 'play to my hearts content'.  How do I get to the point of just enjoying creating for the fun of it???  Any suggestions???  Hmmmm, thinking about this, I think I could get some great advice from the 6 & 7 year olds I work with everyday.  I think I'd better ask them about my dilemma tomorrow!

See I can't help myself... I seem to need to find purpose in what I've made.  The piece I showed you a few days ago (which scanned way brighter than it is in real life back then), has become the cover of a creative journal I'm currently using.  It's kinda nice to have it on the cover because it's reminding me to approach my creative time in a new, fresh way.... well at least that's what I'm attempting to do!

I wonder how long it will take for me to find something to do with my newest piece, 'I love to play'?  Only time will tell I suppose.

Are you taking time to play?  If so, let me know what you've been up to, as I'd love to know what you've been experimenting with!

On a very exciting note, today I had an email from Stampington and I am going to be a cover girl in a couple of months!  So happy :)

New Beginnings

'New Beginning'

Today begins with a new school term (without the students mind you!).  But I don't think that's what this piece is all about?!  Recently I've been reminded how important it is to play.  I was at a conference for early childhood teachers last month and they were emphasising the importance of play for children... which of course was nothing new to me... but isn't it important for all of us?  I know when it comes to creative time at home, I almost always have an agenda, a deadline and challenge that I want to complete. Usually there is a list of things 'to do'... never is there time to just play, experiment, explore... 

Well yesterday, being the last day of holidays, I thought it was time to give play a go!  I worked on this piece alongside making Secret Garden, whilst a layer was drying there, I'd mess around with this... no agenda, no plan, no purpose... just pure PLAY and let me tell you, it was PURE joy!!!!  I was even courageous enough to try free motion stitching without practicing, just did it (because there was nothing to lose).  That was a lesson in itself... but I'm pretty pleased with how that word 'begin' worked out!  It's a bit rough and in the middle of stitching it, I did wonder if it would legible...  I've learned some new things in this process of play and that is always a wonderful thing!

May I encourage you to PLAY to your Hearts Content today :)

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?!

Being There

'Being There' Postcard

September's theme for the postcard swap group was 'Home'.  As I was making this postcard for my friend Trish, I was influenced by thoughts of her recent move to a new country with her husband.  I know it's been a great adventure for them... culture shock, language barriers and a new home that isn't quite like their old one... new jobs, new friends, new discoveries.  It's been a challenge as they've adjusted to many changes.  I've loved seeing photos sharing how they are turning their new house into a home.  I'm especially glad, that as a couple, they truly know how to 'be there' for one another.

There's lots of gorgeous Paperbag Studios rubber stamp imagery here, a collections clock and I experimented a little with my new bottle of picket fence distress stain.    

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!

Happy Fathers Day, Dad!

'Dearest Dad' as seen in Cardmaking Stamping & Papercraft Vol 17 No 6

I'm about to head out to the airport to meet Dad.  He's been in the big smoke this week to have an op.  He's recovering really well and is looking forward to being with the family today.  We're heading out to the farm to have lunch with my brother and his family.  I'm looking forward to catching up with my nephew too.  He's turning four in two weeks and wants a green birthday cake!



Here's a different stylised photo taken by CS&P team... I loved seeing this photo too.  In the end the first photo made the cut!

'The Lazy Susans' Exhibit

'The Lazy Susans'

A collection of paper arts pieces made by my artful friend Susan and myself.

We have a sign 'The Lazy Susans' that went up after this photo was taken and I'll add a photo of that later if possible.

Unfortunately, I have no expertise in taking night time/flash photos, so they are not as clear as I would like, but this photo gives you an overall picture of how it looks.

I totally love Susan's Christmas tree.  I wonder if she would notice if it went missing?!

I accidently left my shabby chic door outside at home the day we were setting up and wondered if that might have gone missing before I got back home to rescue it!

I'm so glad I did buy these dusty old fly wire screens for $1 each last year, although at the time I did wonder what I needed them for.

Susan's gorgeous bunting was the perfect finishing touch for our exhibit!

It was really lovely to visit other exhibitors work last night and enjoy and wonder in the creative abilities of other members in my church. God has blessed many with amazing gifts and talents indeed!

Oh, and the concert was a fantastic experience too!  Once again wonderful gifts and talents were shared.  I particularly loved seeing my neice singing a solo, at the ripe old age of 12!  Such a joyful experience!  I was suitably nervous about performing and finally managed to relax and really enjoy singing with my band by the fourth song!