Living in Sunny South Africa!

Frosted Designs Challenge Blog

2012-01-28T09:11:00.005+02:00

I discovered a new challenge blog in the last day or two , and decided I would love to play along!! Frosted Designs has 3 challenges running at a time, go and check it out here!

I decided to play along with the latest scrapbooking sketch challenge, cause I had just the right photos for the sketch!

Here's my page:

These photos were taken at the Chelmsford Challenge 2 weeks ago, we couldn't get over how Jamie tucked into his wors roll, it really was something to witness!!

Here is the sketch from Frosted Designs that I based my layout on:

It's a nice one don't you think?!?

I used a lot of older product on this page. The Donut Punch (now my firm favourite border punch), and the journaling square were both from my last purchase from Scrapbook Studio! I received another parcel of goodies from there today, lucky me!!

My Project Life kit also arrived today, I am such a happy girl I tell you, so I am now going to spend some time setting my album up!! :)

Enjoy your weekend everyone :)

Go and check it out!!!!

2012-01-28T05:34:00.002+02:00

Just a quick post to let you know that my friend Cariena has been having a week of give-aways on her blog, I strongly urge you to go and check it out!!

Cariena really is the sweetest gal around, and her shop offers a great range of products, and the service is EXCELLENT!!!

For my fellow South African bloggers, please can you put this blinkie on your blog to help spread the word about Scrapbook Studio!!

Enjoy your weekend :)

A new South African challenge site

2012-01-24T16:04:00.006+02:00

I was SO pleased to discover a new site today, it's called Scrap Africa and is a site to help showcase South African talent (scrappers from other countries can also take part though!). I am so pleased that someone has taken the initiative and established such a site!!

Their first challenge is to create a layout based on a sketch, here is my layout!!

The gorgeous little gal featured in my layout is my sweet niece Jenna who turns 1 on the 26th of this month. Isn't she just too cute for words!!!

Here is the sketch that my layout is based on:

I also wanted to share some other info with you!!

The product I used on my page is from a range called Generations by Simple Stories. I purchased these items and a load of other stuff from Scrapbook Studio, a store owned by my friend Cariena. They give great service and have a lovely range of products, so for my fellow South African scapppers, "check it out!" Cariena is also hosting some amazing give-aways on her blog, I urge you to drop by and give her a visit!!

I need to be off now, time to start with supper!! See you soon :)

Project Life Week 16/1- 22/1

2012-01-23T04:49:00.003+02:00

I hope you all had a great weekend, boy they really do fly past way quicker than they should!!! Here are my photos from last week. Enjoy!!! :)

If you have any questions about any of my photos please feel free to ask!! :)

I hope you have a great week ahead!

Sketch #67 is up at Sketches in Thyme!!

2012-01-20T04:53:00.003+02:00

The latest sketch is up at Sketches in Thyme, and this time it's a double pager, perfect for lots of photos!!! This is the last sketch for the month, so I hope you find the time to craft this weekend :)

Here is what I came up with:

These photos are of us enjoying a round of family putt-putt in February of last year when we went to Drakensville for Ray's birthday!

Here is the sketch that my layout is based on:

So...... do you want to play along?? You bet you do!!!! When you have created your layout based on this sketch, link it to the Sketches in Thyme blog. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Yay yay, it's Friday. Hope you have a lovely weekend, where ever you are in the world!! :)

Project Life Week 9/1- 15/1

2012-01-17T04:50:00.007+02:00

Here are my Project Life photos from last week!!

I am linking my photos here!!

I hope you have enjoyed your time here. Thanks so much to those that take the time to leave a comment, I really do appreciate it!

A Creative Scrappers Sketch

2012-01-15T12:18:00.005+02:00

I received my parcel from Scrapbook Studio yesterday, and of course having new goodies to play with, put me in the mood to scrap!!!

I confess, I have got a bit behind with my photos this year, so I really should be scrapping older photos than ones that I took last month, but when I saw Sketch #190 over at Creative Scrappers, I knew I had to use this gorgeous photo. Check it out:

This is my Mom and all her "little" grandbabies, I LOVE this photo, and am so happy I got it scrapped!

Two of the products that I received in my parcel from Scrapbook Studio are the stamp, it's by Ali Edwards (I have been wanting to buy some of her stamp sets for the longest time!!!) and the gorgeous EK Success Donut Chain border punch. I also ADORE this punch, and see I am going to use it loads!!! For you South African scrappers out there, check out the Scrapbook Studio, they have loads of awesome products, and they give great service!!

So, moving on, here is the Creative Scrappers sketch I based my layout on:

It's a nice one don't you think?!?

I am also entering this layout in a misting challenge over at 2Peas in a Bucket!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, I would really love for you to say "hi" while you are here :)

Sketch #66 is up at Sketches in Thyme!!

2012-01-12T18:52:00.004+02:00

It really was a great sketch to work with this week, luckily the scrapping bug hit me at just the right time so I had loads of fun putting my page together. Check out my sweet boy in this layout!!

Here are some of the product I used on my page:

~ P.P. - The boyfriend range from Cosmo Cricket
~ Orange Houndstooth Butterfly - Making Memories
~ 10m Letters - Thickers by AC
~ Badge letters - Authentique Paper
~ Stars - Making Memories
~ Sew Easy Fancy Floss by We R Memory Keepers
~ Butterfly stamp - Jenni Bowlin (I LOVE this stamp!)

And so..... here is the fun sketch!!!

We would LOVE LOVE for you to play along with us at Sketches in Thyme, you have until the end of the month to create your layout, and then link it HERE. We can't wait to see your wonderful creations.

See you soon :)

Project Life Week 2/1- 8/1

2012-01-11T04:32:00.006+02:00

Hope you are having a wonderful week so far. The boys are back to school today. One part of me is happy about it, and all the other parts, not so much!! They are starting to bicker with each other quite a lot, so for them it's going to be good to get back to their friends and to be busy. Me... I am not too excited about the busy part!!

Anyway, onward and upward!

Here are my Project Life photos from last week:

I hope all the KZN Mom's manage to get back into routine this morning. Have a great day back at school today my boys. Caide is in Grade 7 this year, his final year in Primary School. Very scary for me! :)

Mystery Sock KAL

2012-01-09T16:13:00.003+02:00

This is what is keeping my hands busy at the moment. I am taking part in the Mystery Sock KAL over at the Sock Knitters Anonymous Group over at Ravelry.

Once a week you get a new section of the pattern. So far we have been given the cuff, and yesterday the leg portion of the pattern went live.

This is my progress:

It's a stunning pattern don't you think?!? HERE is the link to the group on Ravelry where you can get your hands on this pattern.

Shew, it's been stinking hot here today, 35 Degrees Celsius to be exact. I had a stunning, long & fun swim with Jamie this afternoon :)

Project Life Week 26/12-1/01

2012-01-07T09:08:00.004+02:00

Here are my Project Life photos from last week!!

Thanks for stopping by today, hope you have a lovely weekend :)

Happy New Year, and a few changes around here!

2012-01-05T15:12:00.003+02:00

Hi all. I haven't been around here for a while, I have actually really enjoyed the break!! A belated "Happy New Year" to you, I hope the year holds lots of love and happiness for each and every one of you.

While I have been on holiday I have been thinking a lot about my blog, and where I might be going with it. I admit, I have been feeling a bit jaded about the whole thing, and have been considering shutting it down. Upon more reflection, I have decided not to shut it down, but just change my perspective and focus of my blog, these are the changes I have made, and would like to make:

1. First of all I resigned my DT post over at Crafting for All Seasons. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, and made lots of new friends, but my heart is just not in cards anymore!! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be on your team Dawn! I have tried (without success) to find somewhere to sell my cards, and have been rather deflated by the reactions received by recipients of my cards. My time is precious to me, and unfortunately I feel this hobby (at this stage of my life), is a bit of a waste of time. So.... I am afraid you will probably not be seeing too many cards here on my blog!

2. I am going to continue with my DT position over at Sketches in Thyme. Scrapbooking has always been my first love, and I feel it's VERY important to capture my families memories. So I will be posting scrapbook layouts here!!

3. I am doing Project Life again this year, so I may post family photos here from time to time (maybe my Mom will even start supporting my blog this year!)

4. I am going to focus more on family, exercise, my veggie patch, friends, knitting, baking, and generally just trying to live a better life for myself, my kids and of course my husband. I don't want my blog to be a pressure point anymore, and will post when I feel like it, and about a range of different aspects of my life. Hopefully most of you will still stick around and support me (I hope you will)!

I finished my December Daily album a few days ago, here are just a few of my favourite pages:

Isn't our December so different from that of those living in the Northern Hemisphere?!?!

So.... I hope to see you around soon. I am still blog hopping like a crazy woman, and gaining inspiration from the many talented ladies out there. This is a wonderful community to be a part of!! :)

Day 11 - December Daily Album & latest Sketches in Thyme challenge!!

2011-12-16T05:05:00.005+02:00

The latest sketch is up at Sketches in Thyme, and it's a fun one that can be used for an every day layout or a Christmas one as I have done. I was quite flexible with the sketch this week because I wanted to adapt it to one of my December Daily pages!!

Here is my page:

This is another photo of my sis Lauren,Geoff and the boys, and the smaller photo is hubby and his new toy!!

Here is the sketch I based my page on:

Check out the Sketches in Thyme blog for all the details of this challenge as well as the others running for the month of December, we can't wait to see what you come up with.

It's a public holiday here in South Africa today, so to my South African readers, have a fab day off!!! :)

P.S. I am having a problem linking my text to the Sketches in Thyme blog (blogger problems again!!!!), please, if you do not have the address for the blog just Google it! Thanks :)

Day 10 - December Daily Album

2011-12-15T16:33:00.003+02:00

My sister Lauren and her fiance Geoff came to visit for the weekend, it was lovely to spend time with them. My boys are quite lacking in strong male figures in our family so they were instantly drawn to Geoff, we are all looking forward to him officially becoming a member of our family in February!!

We have had a wonderful 1st day of our holiday today, it has been lovely weather so we spent the morning by the pool. This afternoon we have just chilled. I am off to make a cup of tea, grab my knitting and go and watch SA play some cricket. I will be back tomorrow with the latest "Sketches in Thyme" sketch, see you then!! :)

Challenge #16 - Christmas cards and projects

2011-12-14T18:41:00.003+02:00

Hello all. So sorry I am late with getting this post up. Hubby and I closed our business for our annual holiday, so I had loads of stuff to finish up with before we could close!!

So as my title would indicate, the latest challenge at Crafting for All Seasons is Christmas cards and projects, here is what I came up with for this fun challenge!!

Isn't this image too cute!!! It makes me really want a cup of cocoa, pity its so hot here in South Africa. I dream of experiencing a cold snowy Christmas one day!! Anyway, this image is called "Christmas Cocoa" and is by Meljen Designs who is one of the lovely sponsors for this challenge, check out all the details on the Crafting for All Seasons Challenge Blog. The sentiment stamp is by AnnaBelle Stamps.

We can't wait to see all your lovely Christmasy creations!!

Day 9 - December Daily Album

2011-12-13T07:59:00.002+02:00

Words cannot express how proud I am of our middle son Bryce, he has had an amazing year, and I am so happy for him that his hard work has paid off, on the sporting field and academically!! Love you my special boy!!

Thanks for looking!

Day 8 - December Daily Album

2011-12-12T15:08:00.001+02:00

My sweet sweet Jamie!!

Happy Monday to you!! :)

Day 7 - December Daily Album

2011-12-12T07:23:00.003+02:00

Having had visitors this weekend, I have gotten a bit behind with my December Daily Album. I have still been taking photos, but I need to catch up on putting my pages together and posting them here. Guess what I am doing this afternoon!!

Thanks for stopping by today :)

I knit a hat for me!!!

2011-12-09T14:39:00.003+02:00

Hello. I am writing this from a wet and cold Dundee. It's a pleasant change from the 35 Degrees Celcius weather we had on Wednesday. The boys broke up for their December holiday yesterday, and I am so happy about it. A month of chillaxing!!

So anyway, I wanted to share with you a knitted item that I finished about half an hour ago. I got my son Caide to take some photos for me!

The pattern is called Nantes Hat and is from the latest copy of Interweave Knits. I have been wanting to knit myself a hat for the longest time, and when I saw this in the mag I knew I wanted to knit it. It's full of lovely cables (which I love to knit!). I knit it with Sublime Cashmere Merino and used one and a half 50g balls.

I am linking this post to my friend Linda's Creative Friday which she hosts every Friday. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. My sister Lauren is coming to visit. I hope to do lots of knitting and chatting with her, she is the only other member of my family that knits!!

Day 6 - December Daily Album

2011-12-08T07:12:00.002+02:00

Caide and Bryce had their fun gala today, as you can gather, they had a ball!!

Day 5 - December Daily Album

2011-12-07T06:07:00.003+02:00

After seeing a number of ladies mention that they have a collection of books that they read to their kids in December, I decided to start collecting a few for my boys too!!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I really do appreciate those that time to comment, it really does make my day :)

Day 4 - December Daily Album

2011-12-06T08:01:00.002+02:00

We all put up the Christmas tree and decorations on Sunday!!

A lot of the product I used was bought from the Scrapbook Studio, check out their website HERE, they give great service!!

Day 3 - December Daily Album

2011-12-05T05:04:00.001+02:00

We went down to Pietermaritzburg to get my Christmas present (which I am sooooooo excited about!!), and finish the last of our shopping. It was a lovely day out!

Day 2 - December Daily Album

2011-12-04T17:29:00.001+02:00

Here is Day 2!! My 4 year old son Jamie had his fun gala and he also got his 10m badge, so proud of him!!

Thanks for stopping by :)

Day 1 - December Daily Album

2011-12-02T07:20:00.001+02:00

Here is my first page!!

If you have any questions about product used, please feel free to ask!! :)

White on White Challenge @ Crafting for All Seasons

2011-11-30T17:20:00.003+02:00

Hi all. Sorry, my blog has been sadly neglected over the last few weeks. It has been end of term for both my boys, so lots of exams and tests, and we have had people here putting in our new pool for the last 3 weeks, so busy busy busy!!

So..... the latest challenge at Crafting for All Seasons is "White on White", I thought I might battle a bit with this one, but I added a touch of color to my image, and I LOVE the end result!!

Here is my card:

So if you have been visiting my blog for a while you will know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE Some Odd Girl digi's, so when I heard Kristy was sponsoring this challenge I was excited!!! You really can't go wrong when making a card with a Some Odd Girl digi!! I used "Bright Lights Kaylee" for my card, you can buy her HERE!

So, for more details and inspiration, check out the Crafting for All Seasons Blog, we really would love for you to play along with us for this challenge, it's the perfect theme to get some Christmas cards done!!!

Can't wait to see what you come up with :)

Challenge # 60 is up at Sketches in Thyme

2011-11-18T04:54:00.005+02:00

Hello there!! Today I am sharing my first layout as a DT member over at Sketches in Thyme!! Super exciting don't you think?!

The latest sketch is awesome, and when I saw it, I knew straight away what I wanted to do with it!!

Here is the sketch:

And here is my layout with some close-up shots!!

So.... I hope you have been inspired to scrap a page based on this sketch!!! When you do so, please link your layout at the Sketches in Thyme blog, we can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

Challenge #14 at Crafting for All Seasons

2011-11-16T13:04:00.005+02:00

Hello all, hope you are having a great week so far. Ours has been super busy, but good!!

So the latest challenge is up at Crafting for all Seasons, and this challenge is THANKSGIVING!! As the DT we were given the option of creating a Thanksgiving card, or a "thank-you" card, because we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in South Africa I chose to do the "thank-you" card instead!

HERE it is:

For my card I used a lovely image sponsored by BUGABOO STAMPS, isn't it too cute for words!! The sentiment is by ANNABELLE STAMPS.

For this card I used the latest sketch from LET'S SCRAP, here it is:

Please hop on over to Let's Scrap to see the lovely prize you could win for creating a card based on this sketch!!

So.... you have 2 weeks to created your card for our challenge over at Crafting for All Seasons, please check out the blog for more inspiration as well as details of the lovely prizes to be won. We can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

Anita Be Stampin Blog Hop

2011-11-11T15:00:00.001+02:00

Scroll down for The Stamping Boutique Blog Hop!!

It’s Anita Be Stampin Digi Release and Blog Hop day…so exciting!!! All of the new digi images are available NOW at Anita Be Stampin, and we are celebrating by having a blog hop filled with inspiration. Be sure to visit all of the stops on the blog hop today, because one lucky winner who comments on EVERY blog along the way will win the entire digi release. Gotta love that, it's an awesome prize!! :) So.... if you came from Lelia's blog, you are in the right place!! :)

Here are the samples I made for this fun blog hop!!

FOR THIS CARD I USED THE ADORABLE "SNOW PEEPS" IMAGE.

I LOVE THE WAY THIS ONE TURNED OUT!!! I USED THE GORGEOUS "SANDY CLAUS" DIGI ON THIS ONE. SHE REALLY IS A MUST HAVE!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! The next stop on the hop is Tracy. Remember to leave a comment on every blog on the hop by Sunday, Nov. 13th at 12:01 am CST for your chance to win all of the ABS digi images released today. Here is the list of all of the stops on the hop today, just in case you get lost along the way:

ABS Challenge Blog

Anita

Brenda

Dee

Lelia

Rene’ - THAT'S ME!!!

Tracy

ABS Challenge Blog

Happy hopping!

The Stamping Boutique Freestyle Blog Hop

2011-11-11T11:13:00.007+02:00

This hop starts today, November 11th (12:01 am CST) and will run all weekend ending on Sunday, November 13th (11:59 pm CST) to allow you plenty of time to hop. Now with any hop there has to be some prizes along the way right? Well this hop is no exception!! You will want to make sure to visit each design team member's blog and leave a comment as each one will be giving away one TSB image!

If that isn't enough to entice you to hop with us, well maybe this will- 1 random person (who comments on all DT blogs and leaves a final comment on this blog) will be selected to win the entire set of our newest line of images called the Smoochies.HOLY MOLY, now that is a great prize as there are 11 images in the line currently!!! You can see the Smoochies HERE!

If you are just joining us now, you will want to head over to Christy's blog to start. If you've been hopping along, you'll have come from the lovely Ali's blog. She really is creative don't you think?!?!

Here is a card I have created with a The Stamping Boutique image:

They really do have the most gorgeous digi's in the shoppe don't you think?

So, you now need to head off to Jerusha's blog. I have known Jerusha for a long time, and she really is the sweetest gal around!!

Have fun hopping with us this weekend! :)

It's Let's Scrap sketch time!!

2011-11-09T13:10:00.004+02:00

The latest sketch is up at Let's Scrap, and I can't tell you how much fun I had with this one!!

When I first looked at it, I thought it might be a bit finicky for me, but I was wrong, my page came together so quickly!! I am so pleased with the way this one turned out!!

I used lots of scraps on this page!! The alphabet letters are by Basic Grey and the circle journaling spot is by Heidi Swapp. I did the journaling on an old typewriter I bought on auction 2 weeks ago for R60.00, I love it!!

Here is the lovely double page sketch, I used the right hand side!

So.... don't delay, go and become a member over at Let's Scrap, it really is a fun, inspiring and friendly place to be!!!

I got great news!!!!!

2011-11-08T16:02:00.003+02:00

I got a message today to tell me that I had been chosen as a new DT member over at Sketches in Thyme!!! I am so so happy, and am excited to be a part of this team.

You can see the announcement HERE!

Thanks for stopping by today. It is a SCORCHING hot day here in Dundee, South Africa, 37 Degrees Celsius, I feel like I might just melt!

See you back here tomorrow with the latest Let's Scrap sketch and my layout based on it!! :)

2 Recent Layouts

2011-11-05T11:49:00.005+02:00

Hello. Just wanted to share 2 recent layouts I created for my older boys albums. Both pages are based on their recent athletics day, and their wonderful achievements!!

Here they are:

Words cannot express how proud I was of both my boys.

Both pages are based on a Let's Scrap sketch, here it is:

Thanks for stopping by today, hope you are having a wonderful weekend :)

"Anything Goes" challenge with Anita Be Stampin

2011-11-01T14:00:00.000+02:00

Hi All.

Just a quick post to tell you about the latest challenge over at Anita Be Stampin!! The challenge for this week is "Anything Goes"!!

Here is the card I came up with for this challenge:

I used the lovely "Willa" digi image for my card, she is available for purchase HERE.

So PLEASE play along with us. You just need to create a card with an Anita Be Stampin image, and you stand in-line for a great prize. For all the details visit the Anita Be Stampin Blog.

We can't wait to see what you create!!

P.S.!!!!! Anita Be Stampin are looking for a few more designers, check out the details HERE.

Anita Be Stampin's Challenges are Back!!!

2011-10-25T14:00:00.001+02:00

And even better news than that, is that I am back on their DT!! I am so happy to be creating with Anita's gorgeous images again!!

Here is some info from Anita:

Happy Tuesday peeps! I hope you are all having a fabulous week! We are back from taking a break from challenges, and now we are beyond ready to start seeing your fabulous creations again. I missed you all!

Please note that there have been some slight changes to our challenge rules. Starting today, an Anita Be Stampin rubber stamp or digi image must be used as the focal point of your card if you’d like to participate in the challenge.

Our lovely design team members are featuring some our favorite Anita Be Stampin Halloween themed images today:

Broomhilda (available as a rubber stamp set and just released today as a digi image)
Frankenbride (available as a rubber stamp set and just released today as a digi image)
Tabitha (available as a digi image)
That’s right...two of our most popular images, Broomhilda and Frankenbride are now available in digi format. Woot woot! HERE is the link to the Anita Be Stampin Shoppe!

Sooooo…are you finally ready for Anita Be Stampin Challenge #25!?! I sure hope so, because we are ready to see your...

Spooky Halloween Themed Projects!

This week we are offering a bigger thank usual prize to one lucky participant, to celebrate that our challenges are starting back up and also to thank you for your patience during our break. So tell me, who would like to play along for a chance to win a…

$25 Anita Be Stampin Gift Certificate!?!

Gift certificates awarded as prizes are eligible for use towards the purchase of ABS rubber stamps or digi images only, and winners are selected randomly. For your chance to win create a new project using any Anita Be Stampin image (rubber or digi) based on the challenge, and provide a direct link to your entry below.

Don’t have any ABS images yet, but you want a chance to win? No worries! You can always join the Anita Be Stampin Papercraft Planet group where members have access to a free digi image.

Also, for a very limited time you can snag the Batty digi image absolutely FREE here. This cute bat image is perfect for this week’s challenge! ;)

SO..... DOES THAT GIVE YOU ALL THE INFO YOU NEED??? I AM SURE IT DOES!!

Here is the card I created for this challenge:

I used the adorable TABITHA image for my card, I loved coloring her, it was great fun!!

So, you have until Monday, Oct. 31st at 8 pm CST (Halloween) to enter your card for this challenge. When you have completed your creation, link it up at the Anita Be Stampin Challenge Blog! We really hope you will play along with us!! Why don't you also become a Follower of the Challenge Blog, and tell your friends about us!! :)

See you soon :)

Halloween or colors (purple, lime green, orange, and black)

2011-10-19T15:00:00.000+02:00

Hi all. Hope you are having a great week so far!! I am back with the latest Crafting for All Seasons challenge. As my blog post title would indicate, the challenge is : Halloween or colors (purple, lime green, orange, and black)

This was a bit of a difficult one for me, because we don't really do Halloween here in South Africa, but luckily I had been given some Halloween paper, so at least had some goodies to work with, and the cute image I got to play with made the job even easier.

Here it is!!

I kept my card quite simple, and just let the paper and cute digi speak for themselves!!

The sponsors for this challenge are PINK CAT STUDIO (I got my image from them), and JUST SOME LINES.

We really hope you will play along with us, we have had some gorgeous entries for our last few challenges!! Why not check out the CRAFTING FOR ALL SEASONS BLOG for more details, and once there check out the rest of our DT girls stunning creations!! You have 2 weeks to create your card, can't wait to see what you come up with.

Keep well!!

To the letter Monograms Challenge @ Anything Goes

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000+02:00

Today I am posting my last card as GD for Anything Goes Challenge Blog!!

As the title of my post would indicate, the challenge for the next 2 weeks is "TO THE LETTER MONOGRAMS", here is the card I created for this challenge:

The Magnolia stamp I used on my card is called "Cool Edwin". Isn't he gorgeous.

The Craft Den stocks an extensive range of Magnolia stamps, as well as loads of other goodies, check it out HERE.

So, are you up to this challenge??? Of course you are!! When you have created your card link it up at the Anything Goes Challenge Blog, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

It was so much fun being a GD for Anything Goes!! I will be back tomorrow with my new card for the latest Crafting for All Seasons challenge, see you then!! :)

Someone Special Challenge at the Stamping Boutique

2011-10-14T05:13:00.005+02:00

Wow, it has been a week of note!! I have been trying to help my sister to relocate to Dundee, so have been busy dropping off her c.v., finding accomodation for her, and a school for her 2 daughters. It was also Bryce's 10th birthday on Tuesday, parent's evening last night and his party after school today. Busy, busy, busy!!

So as a result I am a bit late in getting this card up. The challenge went live on Wednesday! The challenge is : we all have special people in our lives that we just don't tell often enough just how special they are so this is your opportunity....make a crafty project, scrap page, or card in honor of them! Easy enough don't you think?!?

Here is the card I created for this challenge:

I used the lovely "Audry with Hearts" image from the Stamping Boutique, which can be purchased HERE.

I created this card for my dear Gran, who had a bad fall about 2 months ago, she just hasn't been the same since. I LOVE you so much my Gran!!!

So.... you have 10 days left to play along with this challenge. Please link your creation up at the Stamping Boutique Challenge Blog HERE.

PLEASE NOTE!!!!!!
THE STAMPING BOUTIQUE IS RUNNING AN AWESOME OFFER, 35% OFF ALL HALLOWEEN IMAGES UNTIL OCTOBER 31st. GO AND GET YOURSELF SOME LOVELY SPOOKY IMAGES :)

Speak to you soon xx

P.S. My card is inspired by a lovely one by Jodi Collins, from Stamping A Latte, I love her work so much!

Sketches in Thyme DT Call

2011-10-08T12:41:00.003+02:00

Sketches In Thyme are having a DT call, and I have created this layout as my entry! I am nearly done with my term at Let's Scrap, and I am excited about looking for a new challenge team to become a part of. Hold thumbs for me on this one, please :)

I am so happy with the way this one turned out!! I made it early this morning while watching some rugby, while Ray and the kids were still in bed. Bliss!!

I used a bit of Basic Grey on my page, my Slice machine and Home Sweet Home Design Card for the word "Pepper". I also used my "Think Pink" card to cut out the scrolly thing in the right hand corner, and used it as a mask. I used some Dazzles by Enmarc to spritz my page with.

Here is the lovely sketch my page is based on, it was a fun one to work with!!!

If you are looking for more info on the DT call, check it out HERE.

I am looking forward to the SA vs Australia rugby game tomorrow, I REALLY hope we can win it!!!

Thanks for stopping by, and a very special "thank-you" to those that take the time to leave me a comment, it really does make it much more worth-while!! :)

The latest Let's Scrap Sketch is up

2011-10-07T04:50:00.003+02:00

Hi all. Sorry, I am a bit late in getting this up. The boy's have been on a week's holiday, so I haven't been spending too much time on the computer. My internet is FINALLY fixed, I am over the moon happy about it, you don't realise how much you depend on it, until it's not there!!

Anyway, here is the layout I created based on the latest Let's Scrap sketch:

Here is the fun sketch we got to play with:

Some of the product I used on my page:
~ Patterned paper, chipboard and shapes - "hello luscious" by Basic Grey
~ Brown alphabets - Thickers by AC
~ Butterfly stamp - Jenny Bowlin (I LOVE this stamp)
~ Border stamp (top left of page) - AnnaBelle Stamps
~ Border punch - EK Success

Let's Scrap are also having a DT call, so if you want to work with an amazing team, check it out!!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, lot's of rugby is on the cards for me :)

Fall Flowers / Pumpkin Challenge at Crafting for All Seasons

2011-10-05T15:00:00.000+02:00

It's Wednesday, and that means the latest challenge at Crafting for All Seasons is up. Yahoo!!! I am really enjoying being on this team. It is wonderful to discover new companies every second week, and our sponsor for this challenge is no exception, we got GORGEOUS images to work with, but more on that a little later in my post.

Here is the card I put together for this challenge:

Isn't that the most gorgeous digi!?!? I so enjoyed colouring it!! Here are the Copic colours I used:

The sentiment I used on my card is by AnnaBelle Stamps, (they do have the most gorgeous range of stamps, I urge you to check it out), the patterned paper is by Basic Grey and the ribbon was sent to me by my dear friend Sharon. Thanks Sharon :)

So... the sponsor for this challenge is Fred She Said designs, they really do have the most stunning range of digi images, go and check it out!!!!

Before you get going with your card, go and check out the rest of the DT girls lovely creations over at the Crafting for All Seasons Blog (that is where you must link your card), for some inspiration. You won't be sorry!! We had an awesome number of entries for our last challenge, it's just wonderful!!

My internet at home is still down. URGHHHHH!!!! Hopefully it will be sorted in the next day for two!!!

Speak soon :)

I am the GD at Anything Goes Challenge Blog this month!!!

2011-10-04T08:00:00.001+02:00

I am so excited to be the Guest Designer over at the Anything Goes Challenge Blog!! This is one of my favourite places to play along, so to be Guest Designing for them is just wonderful!!!

The first challenge for the month of October is "Die Cuts/Punches or Both". What a fun and easy challenge, I am sure LOADS of you will be able to play along with us for this one!! I used Both on my card!! Here it is:

Here are the Copic colours I used:

I really enjoyed putting this card together, here are some of the product I used:
Border Punch & Butterfly Punch - Martha Stewart
Die Cut - Spellbinders
Background Stamp & Sentiment Stamp - Hero Arts
Main Image - Magnolia
Distress Ink - Tim Holtz

While you are visiting the Anything Goes Challenge Blog, why not also stop by THE CRAFT DEN, they stock a wonderful range of goodies!!!!

I really hope you will play along with this challenge, it runs for 2 weeks!!! Once you have created your master piece, link it HERE!

I can't wait to see what you come up with :) Thanks for stopping by!!!

Changing of the Seasons Challenge @ The Stamping Boutique

2011-09-28T09:09:00.004+02:00

Man oh man I have been pulling my hair out with my Internet this week. Telkom (our service provider here in South Africa) apparently did maintenance over the weekend, and since then my Internet access has been SHOCKING!! One minute it works, and then the next it doesn't, and when it does work it is as slow as a snail. So I am a bit late in posting this challenge, I am having to do it from work this morning!

So as the heading of my post would indicate the latest challenge at THE STAMPING BOUTIQUE is Changing of the Seasons!! Here is the card I created for this challenge:

Isn't this image too cute!!! It's called Autumn Fashion Boots and can be purchased HERE! The sentiment I used is by AnnaBelle Stamps and the patterned paper I used on my card is all Basic Grey! The image is of course coloured with my gorgeous Copics!

You have 2 weeks to create your card or other item, and when done link it up to The Stamping Boutique Blog. While you are there, why don't you become a Follower, once a week they give away a free image, and sign up for the Newsletter, you get a free image with each issue too!!! Win win I say!!!

I can't wait to see what you come up with!! :)

Some Odd Girl New Release Blog Hop

2011-09-23T15:00:00.000+02:00

Welcome to a very special hop that features the Monday Digi Release at Some Odd Girl! In August the first Get Odd Guest Challenge was held on Face Book and there were SO many fabulous entries that made the Top 10 that Kristy (owner of Some Odd Girl) couldn't help but want to work with such amazing talent! So with the massive 14 image release starting on Monday what better fun can we have than a hop peeking at some of these digis? For my part, I am so happy to be a part of this release!!

The Blog Hop begins at the Some Odd Girl Blog, so if you have arrived here first head off to the beginning. If you have come here from Camilla's blog, you are on the right track!!

Some Odd Girl Blog
Carley
Brenda
Sally
Linda H
Camilla
Rene' <------- You are HERE!
Corrine
Linda A
Leah
Kristy

This release features images that are great for fall, Halloween, Winter and Christmas, everything you need for the coming season. Monday we'll start reveals and a fun sale!

Check out my card and the GORGEOUS Christmas image I got to play with!!!

I hope you are enjoying Hopping along with us, I for one, know I am going to have a ball taking part in this great event. Your next stop on the hop is Corinne, head off there now!!!

Thanks so much to those that take the time to leave a comment, it really does make my day. Have a great weekend everyone!!!

A new card sketch @ Let's Scrap

2011-09-22T05:51:00.002+02:00

Morning all.

Just a very quick post to let you know that it's the 3rd week of the month, so that means it's a card sketch for you at Let's Scrap. Here is Debby's lovely sketch:

And here is my card!!

No colouring on my card this time, but I like the way it turned out!!

Image = Hero Arts F4899 Bird in Cage
Sentiment = AnnaBelle Stamps
Die = Spellbinders
Border Punch = Martha Stewart

So head off to Let's Scrap, become a member and get crafting!! Enmarc crafts is sponsoring an awesome prize for this challenge. LOOK!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

PLEASE stop by again tomorrow, I am so so excited. Recently Some Odd Girl had a competition over on Facebook. The Top 9 are hosting a Blog Hop to give you a sneak peak of the new digi images being released on Monday. The image I got to work with is just gorgeous!!! See you then :)

Sunset/Fall Colors Challenge @ Crafting for all Seasons

2011-09-21T15:00:00.003+02:00

Hi ladies, sorry I have been a bit quiet on the blog front, I am afraid life has just been getting in the way!! The new challenge is up at Crafting for all Seasons, and it is challenge #10 and is Sunset/Fall Colors!! These just happen to be my favourite colors, so I was a very happy camper for this challenge. To top it all off, we got the most gorgeous images to play with!!!

So do you wanna see my card??

As I was saying, isn't this image just GORGEOUS!! It is called "Nose to Nose" and is available from Whimsy Stamps.

Here are the Copics I used:

So the prize for one randomly selected person who takes part in this challenge is:

Awesome prize don't you think?!?!?!

So we would LOVE to see your Sunset/Fall Color creations, when you have completed your project link it to the Crafting for all Seasons blog HERE. I can't wait to see what you come up with! :)

I am a new DT member at The Stamping Boutique!!!!

2011-09-16T16:35:00.006+02:00

I recently got the good news that I have been chosen as a new member of The Stamping Boutique DT, I am so excited about this new adventure!!! I am featured on their blog today, check it out HERE!!

They have an awesome range of digi stamps, designed by Tracey Malnofski, and each and every one is gorgeous, check out The Stamping Boutique shop HERE.

Here is the first card I have created as part of my DT commitments, the image is called Tulips and can be purchased HERE!!

I used the following Copics:
V91, V93, V95 - Tulips
YG11, YG13, YG91 - Leaves
W1, W3 - Watering Can
C1 - Shadow

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you have a fabby weekend!!!! :)

A new sketch at Let's Scrap

2011-09-14T14:53:00.001+02:00

The newest sketch is up at Let's Scrap.

I love the way my layout turned out, it is a very special page to me. As you can see it's of the very special day I got to experience the wonder of snow with my kids. It is super rare to get snow in our parts, so it really was amazing!!!

Here is Cheri's stunning sketch that my layout is based on: I used the right hand side!

PRODUCT I USED ON MY PAGE:

~ Paper - Various
~ Letter stickers - Basic Grey
~ Blue Thickers - AC
~ Rub-ons - Hambly Screen Prints
~ Snowflakes - Cuttlebug Die
~ Smooch Spritz
~ Sewing Machine

Why not check out what Let's Scrap has to offer, it's an awesome site!!!

Please pop back tomorrow, I have some news to share :)

A Stitching Challenge at Some Odd Girl!!

2011-09-13T12:16:00.006+02:00

Sorry, I have slipped off the radar slightly. I had a lot going on last week, made me re-look various aspects of my life!!! As a result my creativity went missing, it happens I suppose!!

Anyway, after seeing all the cards for the first new Some Odd Girl clear stamp release I was inspired!! As I have said before, I L-O-V-E these stamps SO SO much, they are my kind of stamps. I decided to play along with their latest challenge which is to use sewing on your card. Easy challenge for me, I sew on my cards ALL the time!!

The Some Odd Girl digi image I used on my card is called "Love Letter Kaylee" and she is available HERE. The recipe card digi image I used as a background stamp is from The Stamping Boutique, I love what it added to my card, and I can see I am going to use this loads, on cards and scrapbook pages!! I won it last week, so that was a bonus!! The sentiment was stamped for me by a dear crafting friend!!

I AM ENTERING MY CARD IN THE FOLLOWING CHALLENGES:

~ Some Odd Girl - Stitching
~ Pink (Ink) Sketch - Sketch
~ Allsorts Challenge Blog - Flowers & Swirls (the swirls were cut with my MM Slice)
~ Anything Goes Challenge Blog - Vintage/shabby

Thanks so much for dropping by today, I hope you have all been keeping well!!!

Birthday Challenge at Crafting for All Seasons

2011-09-07T15:00:00.000+02:00

Welcome back to my blog. Today I am posting my card for the latest challenge over at Crafting For All Seasons, which is a BIRTHDAY CHALLENGE!! So we want to see all your birthday related projects please. The challenge runs for two weeks.

Here is the card I created:

For my card I used the lovely BIRTHDAY CUP MOUSE image, and the sentiment is by AnnaBelle Stamps.

For this challenge our sponsor is:

Meljen's Designs is a lovely stamp company owned and illustrated by Melissa Jenkins. She illustrates whimsical rubber and digital images inspired by her kids and family. Meljen's Designs has new releases along with a new challenge every Thursday, freebies every Monday and a Guest Designer each month at the Meljen's Designs Blog. Please visit the Meljen's Designs line of stamps at the WHIMSY STAMPS STORE to browse and enjoy Melissa's wonderful images!

The prize for this challenge is 4 digital images. What a great prize, Meljen images are just gorgeous!!!

So please play along with us, link your creation HERE :) You are sure to get a comment or two at least from our lovely DT!!

Stamping Boutique Birthday Card

2011-09-05T05:21:00.003+02:00

I did a bit of crafting over the weekend. It was nice!!

The Stamping Boutique is having a Labour Day Weekend special on their digi images (35% off)so I bought two. The image I have used on my card today is one of them! Isn't she too cute :)

I am entering this card in a number of challenges:

The Stamping Boutique - Birthday Celebrations
Moving along with the Times - Handmade Flowers (I crocheted the brown flower!)
Cute Card Thursday - Use one punch
Craft your Days Away - Handmade Flowers (I crocheted the brown flower!)
Saturday Challenge - Autumn Colors (my favourite)
Sketch Saturday - Sketch

So it's Monday, another week has begun. Hope yours is good to you. Thanks so much if you take the time to leave me a comment :)

I am hosting Challenge 111 @ Let's Scrap

2011-09-02T14:09:00.003+02:00

TGIF!!!!

Welcome back to my blog today:) I am hosting the latest challenge over at Let's Scrap!! The last challenge I set was a bit of a difficult one for some, so this time around I decided to make it a bit easier!!

It's a recipe challenge, and I would like to see the following elements on your page:
~ 1 LARGE photo!
~ At least 5 shapes, circles, squares etc etc. You can use a punch, use die cut shapes as I have done here, stickers, or any other big shape (no buttons or brads please!)
~ Use string or twine on your layout.

You do not need to use a Let's Scrap sketch for this challenge!!

Here is my take on the challenge:

I need to tell you the story behind this photo!! Last week Friday was one of the proudest days of my life!! Caide and Bryce had their athletics day, and they BOTH acheived SO well. Bryce was awarded a trophy for the most points earned in track events and was also awarded the Junior Victor Ludorum, and Caide was awarded a trophy for most points acheived in field events and the Senior Victor Ludorum. My heart wanted to burst I tell ya!!

So, anyway, I would love for you to play along with my challenge, you have a week to do so. Check out the details on the main page at Let's Scrap!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend. We are doing the Uelzen 8km cycle ride tomorrow, it should be fun :)

I am Guest Designing at Paper Crafting Journey!!

2011-09-01T09:00:00.001+02:00

Hello!! Today I have the honour of being the GD over at Paper Crafting Journey!! I am so happy to have been given this opportunity. PCJ is a great challenge blog, and I play there often.

The challenge they have running for this week is a sketch challenge. I must say I was slightly out of my comfort zone with this one, I don't often do this shape card!!

Here is what I came up:

The image I used on my card is by Hero Arts, and the sentiment is by AnnaBelle Stamps

Thanks so much for visiting me again today. Why not go and check out this fun challenge over at Paper Crafting Journey, I can't wait to see what you come up with!! :)

Color Combo's Galore, Challenge 110 & Latest Sketch @ Let's Scrap

2011-08-31T16:39:00.007+02:00

This is going to be a long post, so I hope you stick around until the end!! :)

I am going to be sharing 2 layouts with you today. The first one is one I created with the latest color palette from Colour Combos Galore. I am combining it with the latest challenge at Let's Scrap, which is to create a layout with a woven background. Here is my layout:

Here is the latest color palette and challenge at Color Combo's Galore.

Next up is the latest sketch at Let's Scrap, it's another goodie!!!

And here is my layout based on the sketch, this is my oldest son Caide who celebrated his 12th birthday in June.

Product I used on this layout:

~ Paper, chipboard embellies, "hello" stickers - Basic Grey
~ "twelve" letters - AC Thickers
~ Martha Stewart border punch
~ Hero Arts zigzag stamp
~ Twine
~ Paper Frills by Doodlebug Design
~ Dazzles by Enmarc

Thanks so much for taking the time to drop by today. I hope you are having a good one. Thanks so much to those that leave a comment, they really make my day :)

A Card for a Few Challenges!!

2011-08-29T19:55:00.004+02:00

Just a quick post tonight. I am trying to help Caide with his project that is due on Friday. He has quite a lot on this week, and Bryce is leaving to go on tour on Wednesday. I created this card for a couple of challenges, I wasn't too sure about it initially, but it really has grown on me!!!

I am entering it in the following challenges:

~ WILLOW SKETCHIE - Sketch (My friend Pauline is on the DT here!!)
~ PAPER CRAFTING JOURNEY - Anything Goes
~ PAPER SUNDAES - Show us your Magnolia's
~ SIMPLY MAGNOLIA - Love is in the Air (My friend Sharon is on the DT here!!)
~ MAGNOLIA DOWN UNDER - Texture
~ JUST MAGNOLIA - Bingo (I chose Buttons, Flowers, Charms)

Thanks so much for dropping by today, hope you have had a good Monday, and that my readers from the US are safe and sound. Thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment, it really does make my day!!!! :)

A textured Shawl for Creative Friday

2011-08-26T05:27:00.006+02:00

Hi All.

It's been AGES since I shared a FO with you here on my blog. So today I would like to show you the Textured Shawl I completed recently. I am going to link this post up to my friend Linda's Creative Friday.

This shawl pattern is available for free on Ravelry HERE.

I am so happy with the way this one turned out!! I have been loving having something warm to wrap around my neck this winter!!

The yarn was the gorgeous yarn from the last Nuturing Fibres Club and is called Autumn Mosaic, isn't it stunning!?! Carle really does produce the most stunning yarn. I am a huge fan!!!

And just another quick share, this is the project I am currently working on. I am supposed to be knitting it with my sister, but she is streaks ahead!!

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you have a lovely weekend, whatever you are doing!! :)

Bingo Challenge at Crafting for all Seasons

2011-08-24T15:02:00.005+02:00

Hi all. I am back with my 2nd card since being a DT member over at Crafting for All Seasons. I am enjoying it thoroughly. Our challenge for the next 2 weeks is a Bingo Challenge.

Here is my card for the challenge:

I was lucky enough to be sponsored the lovely "daisies" image by

My card is inspired by the lovely Dawn from Thinking Inking, and I am so happy with the way it turned out!! The sentiment and ribbon I used on my card are from AnnaBelle Stamps.

Here is the BINGO BOARD you will work from

For my card I used the TAG-STITCHING-RIBBONS line.

We really would love for you to play along with us this week. We are an active DT, and you are sure to get lots of lovely comments from us. Check out this challenge HERE, while you are visiting, why don't you become a Follower!! :)

We can't wait to see what you come up with!!! :)

I really need your help!!!

2011-08-23T13:33:00.005+02:00

I am hoping some of you will please be able to help me. I have entered the Guest Designer challenge over at Some Odd Girl. I have been lucky enough to have my tag chosen in the Top 10, but now the Guest Designer is going to be chosen on votes. Please can you help me to get some votes. You will only be able to help me if you have a FACEBOOK profile. This is what you will need to do:

~ In Facebook type in the Search Bar (white bar with magnifying glass) - Some Odd Girl Digital Stamps
~ LIKE this group
~ Click on the heading AUGUST GET ODD GUEST CHALLENGE blue heading
~ Click on my tag which I have included a picture of here. Write that you vote for my tag.

Here are some more photos of my tag:

Here are the Copics I used on my tag!

I really would appreciate your help with this please, it is a dream of mine to design for this team. I tried out for their recent DT call but didn't make the cut, so this is the next best thing.

Thanking you in advance,
Rene'

P.S. If you have any questions on how to do this, please send me a message and I will try and explain it better.

Color Combos Galore Layout - CCG #205

2011-08-20T13:31:00.008+02:00

I decided to play along with the latest Color Combos Galore challenge, it is a lovely girly palette, and I don't often get to do this type of page! The photo I have scrapped was taken using the self timer on my camera, when Ray and I went away for the night for our anniversary in May. It was just lovely and such a treat for us!!

Here is the Inspiration Board for this challenge:

I am also entering this layout in the latest sketch challenge at ONCE UPON A SKETCH, my page is based on their lovely sketch!! An added challenge to the sketch is this: Journaling Criteria: Write AT LEAST 2 sentences from the lyrics of your favourite song.

I added the words from our wedding song - Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion to my page, it really does capture the way I feel about my amazing hubby!!

A lot of the product I used on my page is from the latest Noel Mignon kit, I really adore Noel's kits because they are always jam packed with gorgeous goodies. Why don't you check it out!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope you are having a lovely weekend so far. I am feeling pooped after spending a solid 3 hours in my veggie patch this morning!! Speak to you soon

EDITED TO ADD - My layout was chosen as Gallery Fave today (22-8-11). I am over the moon!!!

Color Combo #205

AnnaBelle Stamps is celebrating it's 2nd Birthday!!!

2011-08-20T06:56:00.004+02:00

So as some of you may know I was on the DT for AnnaBelle Stamps for quite some time, I really enjoyed my time as part of the team and was really sad when my term came to an end. AnnaBelle Stamps will be celebrating it's 2nd birthday shortly, and as part of the celebrations has some awesome prizes up for grabs.

Check out what you need to do in order to be in line for the lovely prizes!!

- Copy and paste the code and add it to your sidebar.
- Include the blinkie in a post with a link back to the AnnaBelle blog letting everyone know about their Birthday Celebrations, and where they can pick up their very own blinkie.
- Go back to the AnnaBelle birthday post and add a link to your post in the Inlinkz box.
- On the 7th September they will select a random winner just before their party begins!

Click HERE for the link to the post where you can get your own blinkie!!!

I will be back later today with a layout, hope you will stop by again then :)

I am the Guest Designer at Do You Stack Up!!!

2011-08-18T12:29:00.006+02:00

I am so excited to be the GUEST DESIGNER over at Do You Stack Up today!!!!

I got a gorgeous image to play with, and this is the card I came up with:

The latest challenge is Challenge #33, and is "Thank-You", why don't you go and check it out and play along this week. DYSU really is a great challenge site, and I am honored to be playing along with them this week!!!!

For any new viewers of my blog, WELCOME, I am so happy that you stopped by :) I hope you have enjoyed your time here.

Love,

P.S. If you need any details on the products I used on my card, just drop me an e-mail, my e-mail address is in the side-bar.

The latest card sketch is up at Let's Scrap

2011-08-17T12:52:00.009+02:00

The latest card sketch is up at Let's Scrap and it was another fabby one to work with, Debby really does know how to put a card sketch together I tell ya.

Check it out!!

For my card I decided I HAD to use one of the Magnolia stamps I got for my birthday, she is gorgeous, and I think is called Tilda with Straw Hat. I love her to bits. The patterned paper I used on my card was a gift from my very special on-line friend Sharon :)

Here is my card -

I was super pleased with the way this one turned out :)

THE REST OF THE PRODUCT I USED:
~ Nestablilities dies by Spellbinders
~ Martha Stewart Border Punch
~ Fancy Floss by WeRMemory Keepers
~ Sentiment - Hero Arts
~ Flowers - Prima and others
~ Lace
~ COPICS (LOVE!!!!)

So why don't you hop on over to Let's Scrap, become a member, and create a card based on the fun sketch!! One randomly selected participant will win this gorgeous prize!!!

I am entering my card in the following challenges:

~Magnolia Stamp Lovers - Flowers
~ Just Magnolia - Holiday Fun
~ Stamp Something - Dog Days of Summer Somethings

Thanks so much for stopping by again today, and thank-you for taking the time to leave a comment, it REALLY makes my day!!! :)

Color Combos Galore Layout

2011-08-15T15:26:00.005+02:00

It's another freezing cold day here in Dundee, apparently there is snow in surrounding towns again. I don't ever remember getting snow twice in a season before!!

Anyway, moving on!! I have been a member at Color Combos Galore for quite some time, but I have yet to do a layout based on one of their lovely palettes. My fellow scrapper Helen Tilbury is on the DT at Color Combos, and I have seen some of her lovely layouts, and have been inspired. Here is this weeks inspiration board, gorgeous hey!?!

And here is what I came up with:

(Sorry about the quality of my photos, it's a very dull day today!)

I used an older sketch from Let's Scrap for my page, it's # 4-14-10.

PRODUCT LIST:
~ P.P. - Prima 6 x 6 Paper Pad - Reflections
~ Chipboard stickers & RC letter stickers- BG
~ "Cars" cut with my Slice using the Home Sweet Home Design Card
~ Martha Stewart deep edge punch
~ Nestablities Dies by Spellbinder
~ Clear tickets came with my Noel Mignon kit
~ Fiskars border punch

I must also mention that I finally made it to 200 Followers!!! I am really happy about this and wanted to say "thanks" and "hi" to my new Followers, I am so glad you added your name to my list.

Speak to you soon,

Month Long Challenge @ Let's Scrap

2011-08-12T16:13:00.006+02:00

As well as the weekly sketch challenges, and weekly DT challenges, there is also a monthly challenge that runs at Let's Scrap. This month's challenge is to create a layout based on this lovely Becky Fleck sketch.

There is also an awesome prize up for grabs, sponsored by the South African company Enmarc, look at this!!!

So... for the first time since being a member of Let's Scrap, I am entering for the August challenge, here is my layout:

This is my beautiful Mom (as the title of the page would indicate) on her wedding day last year. I love the way this page turned out too.

Product I used on my page:

~ A lot of the product, including - the butterfly stamp, p.p., most of the flowers, border stickers, word sticker and embossing powder used on the stamp came with the latest kit from Noel Mignon. I love these kits, and Noel gives GREAT service!!
~ Alphabet Stamps, and border stamp - Hero Arts
~ Orange letters - AC Thickers
~ Hot Tomato Dazzles by ENMARC!!
~ Pearls

Hope you have enjoyed your time here. Thanks so much to those that take the time to comment, you really do make my day when you do so!!

Challenge 107 @ Let's Scrap

2011-08-11T05:11:00.004+02:00

Another quick post this morning!!

I don't often get the chance to play along with the extra challenges that are held at Let's Scrap, but Lynn is such a sweetie, so I had to play along with her challenge!!

Her challenge is to create a page with "peek a boo" journaling, and this is exactly what I did!!

I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this photo!!! It was taken at my Mom's wedding last year, and is of Jamie and his 2 adorable cousins. I can't believe it took me this long to scrap it!

Products I used are:

~ All the p.p and butterflies - Making Memories
~ "too" letter stickers - Doodlebug
~ "sweet" letter stickers - AC Thickers
~ Journaling block - BG
~ Twine (LOVE this so much!!)
~ Fiskars border punch
~ Pearls
~ Sewing machine

Why not drop by Let's Scrap and see what's going on, it really is an AWESOME site, it is the most friendly and encouraging group I have ever belonged to. There are also wonderful prizes up for grabs (bonus!!).

See you soon xxx

I got onto the Crafting for all Seasons DT!

2011-08-10T14:42:00.008+02:00

Hello, welcome back to my blog for my 2nd post of the day!! :)

The day I got home from Pennington I got the good news that I have been chosen as a new DT member over at "Crafting for all Seasons". I am so excited to be on a cardmaking DT again, and since joining have had so much fun, all the gals over there are super friendly and helpful, especially Dawn!!

The latest challenge is Challenge #7 and the challenge is to create a TAG. The sponsor for this challenge is Tiddly Inks, and Christy gave each of us a cute image to play with, I chose the adorable Lilli Claire image!

Here is my tag:

I am so happy with the way this turned out, I had so much fun putting it together!! I am really pleased to have my first project under my belt.

Some of the products I used on my tag are:

~ Main image - Lilli Claire by Tiddly Inks
~ Background script stamp - Hero Arts
~ P.P. - Basic Grey
~ Lace bought from a habby shop in Scottburgh
~ Flowers - Various
~ Big Hugs sentiment - Stamped for me by a special friend
~ Copics

So why not check out this challenge over at Crafting for all Seasons, you have 2 weeks to create your project. I can't wait to see what you come up with!!

I am entering this tag in the Anything Goes Challenge - Happy Birthday (I have also tried out for their DT!:)).

Thanks so much for stopping by today, welcome to any new visitors, I hope you have enjoyed your time here :)

The Latest Sketch is up nice and early at Let's Scrap!!!

2011-08-10T05:57:00.008+02:00

Morning all. To those living in SA, hope you enjoyed the long weekend, didn't it just whizz by. It is going to be odd starting the week on a Wednesday, hey!?!

So the latest Let's Scrap sketch is up nice and early this morning, so I am trying to do my post early before I need to leave, I have an 8am appointment with the dentist, URGH!!

Here is the fabby sketch we got to work with:

For my page I used the left-hand side of the sketch.

I love the way this page turned out, I don't usually do such big bold titles, but I was pushed to do so by the sketch, and I now LOVE the effect!! This is little Jamie jumping on the trampoline being a daredevil!!

Some of the products I used on my page are:

~ P.P & Frog chipboard embellies - K&Company
~ Green alphabet stickers - AC Thickers
~ Brown alphabet stickers - Doodlebug Design
~ Large alphabet - cut with my Slice and new "Home Sweet Home" Design Card
~ Green twine (I am in LOVE with twine!!) - My Minds Eye
~ Travel tag - Came with my Noel Mignon kit which I bought with birthday money
~ Limolicious Smooch Spritz
~ Sewing machine

Thanks so much for taking the time to drop by today. I would love for you to visit again later. I made a new DT, and will be posting my 1st project for them this afternoon!!

See you then x

Project Life 1/8 - 7/8

2011-08-09T13:27:00.006+02:00

I missed posting PL last week because I was down in Pennington. I hope you enjoy the little peak into my life, this week was spent looking after my Gran.

MONDAY: The one big bonus about coming down to Pennington this week is that I will get to spend time with my Sis and her girls!!! I love her so very very much, and the girls mean the world to me!!

TUESDAY: We were sitting around the dining room table after supper when I realised I hadn't taken a photo yet, so I asked Gran, Mom & Jamie to smile for me. Gran had a really somber face on, but I finally got her to laugh. Check out her purple fingers!!

WEDNESDAY: Trevor has been SO good with Jamie this week. He has become such a good "grandfather" to him. He bought some little glider aeroplanes for them to play with, and here he is trying to assemble it.

THURSDAY: Allan & Pam bought the girls over for a visit this afternoon, it was lovely for Jamie to have someone to play with. Here Allan is fooling around with the kids!! The gorgeous bird is called a Hornbill, there was big flock of them flying around and landing on the veranda to eat Mom's succulents!

FRIDAY: Today we had to take Gran to Kingsway Hospital to have her cast checked out so Kimmy took Jamie to school with her for the morning. He had a lovely time with her!! Here he is in the Media Centre playing on the computer, in his element!

I DIDN'T TAKE A PHOTO ON SATURDAY!

SUNDAY: When it's cold Socks loves to climb on top of whoever is on the couch. Today it was Bryce's turn.

Thanks so much for visiting today. How are you going with your Project Life? Keeping up with it? I can't believe they are already talking about the next kit!! This time I am going to pre-order, so I don't only get my kit in March!!

Summer Rain Tilda Card

2011-08-07T11:40:00.005+02:00

Sorry my blog has been so quiet. I only got back from Pennington yesterday. My gran is thankfully on the mend, and taking one day at a time. Thanks so much for all the well wishes, they meant SO much to me. Welcome to all my new Followers, I so happy to see your faces on my blog!!!!

I did do a tiny bit of crafting while I was away, here is the card I worked on:

I am entering my card in the following challenges:

~ Just Magnolia - Anything Goes
~ Magnolia Down Under - Sketch
~ Anything Goes Challenge Blog - Pick of the Bunch
~ Some Odd Girl - Thank-You

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog again today, I am always so happy to have you here :)

Post for Crafting for all Seasons DT Call

2011-07-31T17:29:00.005+02:00

I am creating this post in order to showcase a few favourite cards for the DT call being held over at Crafting for all Seasons.

Here are the cards I have picked:

I would really love to be on this team!! :)

I also just wanted to let you know I will be away for this blog for a week or so. My dear dear 81 year old Gran has had a bad fall and broken her wrist. Me and my youngest son Jamie are heading down to Pennington to help my Mom and Gran.

I will speak to you when I get back :)

An Anita Be Stampin Card

2011-07-29T14:25:00.005+02:00

Yay, yay it's Friday!! It's another very chilly day here today, perfect for tucking in and crafting. I have the kettle on and am about to myself a big cup of hot chocolate!! Yummy!

I wanted to craft again yesterday (I love it when I am in this frame of mind), so decided to play with this digi image from Anita Be Stampin. I hadn't used her before, and I thought she would be perfect for a few challenges I wanted to take part in! This cute little image can be purchased HERE, as well as the sentiment which is from the "Rosie's Sweets" stamp set.

I used the following Copic colours on my card:

I have decided to enter this card in the following challenges:

~ CRAFTY SENTIMENTS - Polka Dots
~ DO YOU STACK UP - Orange, Yellow & Brown
~ SIMON SAYS - Shaped Card
~ PINK (INK) SKETCH CHALLENGE - Sketch
~ ANYTHING GOES CHALLENGE BLOG - Pick of the Bunch

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I love reading your comments, so a HUGE "thank-you" if you leave one :)

Beach Baby Kaylee Card

2011-07-28T13:13:00.005+02:00

I was over the moon when I saw that I was the winner of the latest challenge over at Some Odd Girl, you can read about it HERE. As my prize I got 2 new adorable digi images, and the card I am showing you today uses one of them, Beach Baby Kaylee, she is too cute for words I tell ya!!

I put this card together last night while Skyping with Sharon & Paola. So much fun!! The sentiment I used on my card is by Hero Arts. I also added some Glossy Accents to her sun-glasses but unfortunately it doesn't show up in the photos. I used the following Copics colours on Kaylee:

I am entering my card for a number of challenges:
~ Paper Sundaes - Beachy/Summer
~ Papercraft Star - Anything Goes
~ Little Darlings - Girly Girl
~ Crafting for all Seasons - Beach/Ocean
~ Paper Playtime - Summer (Digi)
~ Sketch & Stash - Sketch
~ Bunny Zoes - Fun in the Sun

I hope you enjoyed the time at my blog. A big "thank-you" to those that take the time to comment, you really make my day!! :)

Latest Sketch @ Let's Scrap

2011-07-28T05:25:00.004+02:00

The latest sketch is up at Let's Scrap, and I had the perfect photos to work with this layout. Here is Cheri's sketch:

The photos I used on my page where taken at the first ever off-road car rally that was held just out of town. Ray took the bigger boys and they went out with Brent and his 2 boys and had a blast!!

I used a few different products on this page:
~ Thickers Stickers by AC
~ Small alphabet stickers & Office Tab - Basic Grey
~ Chipboard from my stash - I have had it for ages!!
~ Pearls
~ Dazzles Spray by Enmarc (SA company) - Burnt Orange
~ P.P. - Also been in my stash for ages
~ Border Punch - Martha Stewart

Look at the awesome prize up for grabs for one randomly selected person who creates a page based on this sketch:

So what are you waiting for. Head off to Let's Scrap, become a member, and get scrapping!!!! :)

A new Magnolia Card

2011-07-27T15:11:00.004+02:00

It's another very chilly day here in Dundee today, the boys got to stay at home again because the road to their school was impassable!

I just wanted to share a card with you that I just finished. This gorgeous Tilda was stamped for me by a special crafty friend, and she was so much fun to colour! I also got to use some of the yummy twine I got for my birthday, I have been dying to get my hands on some this stuff for ages, and I am certainly not disappointed!!

Here is my card:

The sentiment I used on my card is by AnnaBelle Stamps.

I am entering my card in the following challenges:

~ Paper Sundaes - Beachy or Summer
~ Magnolia Stamp Lovers - Summer Colours
~ Official Magnolia Challenge Blog - Stitching
~ Papertake Weekly - Sketch
~ Papercraft Star - Anything Goes
~ Little Darlings - Girly Girl

I am on the look-out for a new DT to apply for. If anyone out there has any suggestions for me, I would be so grateful. Can't wait to hear from you!!

Hugs,

Project Life Weeks 11/7 - 17/7 and 18/7 - 24/7

2011-07-27T05:29:00.009+02:00

I missed last week's project life post and am a bit late in getting this one up too! I had a root canal in the morning yesterday, and then we had our first ever snow day!! It is quite rare for us to get snow here in Dundee, and even more rare for the school to close. We had loads of fun in the snow and it was very special for us!! I will have pics next week!

MONDAY: The boys decided to get working on their puzzles quite late in the holiday. It brings back happy memories because Poppy and I used to spend many special hours doing puzzles together on this same table!

TUESDAY: It's a good thing our chickens lay loads of eggs because Caide and Bryce LOVE eating them. Caide has learnt how to make hard boiled eggs and this is what they were having for lunch today.

WEDNESDAY: After months of not using the trampoline, the 3 boys rediscovered their love of jumping on it. Jamie has learnt to jump and spin in the air. Lots of fun for me to watch!

THURSDAY: Isn't technology awesome! Tonight I did a 3-way Skype with my two crafting friends, Paola and Sharon. Paola lives in Joburg and Sharon in the Cape. We crafted and chatted together and I only got to bed and 11pm. It was loads of fun!

FRIDAY: Jamie and Caide were jumping together when I took this photo. I was looking forward to a quiet afternoon of crafting today, but my house was full of kids, in and out all afternoon :)

SATURDAY: We needed a few odds and ends so we decided to go to Newcastle to do a bit of shopping. I got a new camera with built in mike for Skyping, and we finally got Jamie a booster seat, and of course...MacDonalds!!

SUNDAY: I picked my first broccoli today. I am super happy with how it's grown, can't wait to eat it!!

MONDAY: I LOVE this photo. I was busy cooking when Jamie came and sat at the kitchen table and started paging through a book Kimmy gave him last year. Bryce sat down next to him and helped him find all the various characters in each story!

TUESDAY: Another photo that makes me smile this week. When Jamie got home from school he had to take off this shoes!! He said to me "Mom, my feet are all greeny and sandy". I had to laugh, what's greeny?!? I figured it out it was the fluff from the socks that was sticking to his sweaty little feet!!

WEDNESDAY: Today was my teasing day according to the boys. This photo also had me chuckling. On the way back from school Bryce asked me if he could use my lip ice. Of course!! When I looked in the rear-view mirror all I saw was Bryce with these bright red lips. I use Cherry coloured Lobella, and he had put layer and layer on, and this was the result!!!

THURSDAY: I had a lovely birthday today, and got spoilt rotten with lots of crafty goodies!! I had the day off work, so spent the morning playing with all my lovely new stuff. In the afternoon the boys and I sat on the trampoline and had cake which Ray had bought home for me. Debbie and Glen came around for pizza later. It was a good day!

FRIDAY: We left Dundee at 11am to head down to Pennington for our weekend at Selbourne. The house Mom had organised for us was stunning and just perfect for us. Caide has begun to realise how he is growing and developing and is now trying to assert his strength. Here is arm wrestling with his Gran!

SATURDAY: This is the gorgeous house we got to stay in for the weekend. It had 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a gorgeous open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. Such a treat!! The little ones found a lovely spot behind the couch to play, you can just see them in this photo!

SUNDAY: We were all in the kitchen getting breakfast ready here. I asked Bryce to take some photos. We had yummy scrambled egg on toast for breakfast, and then the men (and Lauren)all went up to the range to hit a few golf balls.

Thanks so much for spending some time reading my long post today!!! I will be back later with the latest Let's Scrap sketch.

Another gorgeous Some Odd Girl!!

2011-07-22T09:09:00.004+02:00

It was my birthday yesterday and I got so spoilt with lots of yummy crafting goodies, so of course I HAD to play last night. I even treated myself to a new Odd Girl, "Garden Mae", I am in love with these digi stamps!! You can purchase this and many other gorgeous stamps HERE.

This is just a super quick post because we are on our way down the coast for the weekend so spend time with my family. It is going to be lovely!!!

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Getting Cute
Paper Crafting Journey - Sketch and Go Girly
Charisma Cardz - Sunshine Colours (I think my card qualifies LOL)
Bunny Zoes - Fun in the Sun (they are also having a Guest DT member call, I am going to apply, I wander if they have had a South African Guest Gal before?!?)

Hope you all have a lovely weekend. See you on Monday!! :)

The new card sketch at Let's Scrap

2011-07-20T15:36:00.004+02:00

Hi everyone.

I start this post with the absolutely fantastic news that I made the DT for the next term over at Let's Scrap!!!!! I have been so inspired since being on the team there. It is an exceptionally well run site, and everyone is so friendly, I LOVE IT!!!

So it's the 3rd Wednesday of the month, so that means the sketch this week is for a card. Debby did an outstanding job with this sketch, don't you think!?!?

HERE IS MY CARD:

It's a little different to my usual cards, but I still had fun putting it together, and I still got to use my beloved Copics.

The banner stamp is a favourite of mine and is by Hero Arts and the sentiment is by AnnaBelle Stamps.

It's my birthday tomorrow and I am getting so excited, I ordered loads of yummy crafting "stuff" for myself which hubby wrapped for me last night. I have also taken the day of work, so I get to stay at home and PLAY. Can't wait!!

Another layout, I LOVE this one :)

2011-07-19T14:43:00.004+02:00

So when I am on a roll, I am on a roll, and I go with it. I put together another page for Marie's sewing challenge over at Let's Scrap!!

These photos are of Jamie (my youngest) and his two cousins Kayla and Amy, or "the big one' and the tiny one" as he calls them. He absolutely adores them both, and when they come to visit he is in his element, and they just play and play and play!

I based my page on this sketch from last year:

I also challenged myself NOT to use any Basic Grey on my page!!

The products I used are:
~ Patterned Paper - We R Memory Keepers
~ Labels - Elle's Studio
~ Green alphabet stickers - Sassafras
~ Prima Flowers
~ Brads & "happiness" embellie - Making Memories
~ Border punch - Fiskars

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by my blog today. Hope you enjoyed your time here :)

Challenge 104 at Let's Scrap

2011-07-18T12:37:00.004+02:00

As well as having a weekly sketch challenge at Let's Scrap, there is also a separate weekly challenge, and I decided to play along with Marie's challenge which is to sew on your layout. As any of you who visit my blog on a regular basis would know, I sew on my cards and layouts all the time, so this was an easy peasy challenge for me!!

I had these gorgeous photos of my 3 boys that I took last month that were just waiting to be scrapped and I threw this page together last night. I used a sketch from 2010 which is just gorgeous. Look at how easy it made it for me to create my layout.

HERE IS MY PAGE:

Basically all the product I used on my page is from the Oliver collection by BASIC GREY. Could you tell I am a huge fan?!?!

If you are looking for some scrappy inspiration why not stop by LET'S SCRAP and become a member, you won't be sorry. I have made so many new friends since being on the team over there!!

Another Lift an Odd Girl Card

2011-07-16T18:50:00.006+02:00

O.K, so I have become a bit obsessed with these gorgeous Odd Girl Stamps, they just appeal to my sense of style in cardmaking, and I am loving colouring these little beauties....so as a result I have decided to make ANOTHER card for their latest challenge.

For this card I decided to lift a card created by DT girl Robin. Here is her card:

AND HERE IS MINE:

These are the Copics I used for my card. I have recently labeled my Ciao's, and I am loving how nice they look, and how easy it is to find the one's I am needing now!

I used the adorable "Roller Mae" on my card, she can be purchased HERE. The sentiment is by Hero Arts.

I am once again entering this card in the following challenges:

~ Some Odd Girl - Lift an Odd Girl
~ DYSU Challenge Blog - Sewing
~ Moving Along with the Times - Favourite Things (Copics, Making Memories & Some Odd Girl Stamps!)
~ Totally PaperCrafts Challenge - Girly Girl
~ wee Memories - CAS

I am off to watch the Sharks rugby game, enjoy the rest of your evening :)

Lift an Odd Girl Challenge

2011-07-15T12:41:00.005+02:00

The latest challenge is up at Some Odd Girl stamps, and the challenge is to lift one of the Odd Girl DT girls!! DT gal Robin lifted a card by Kristy, and I have lifted that same card. I loved this design, and my card came together SO easily.

Here is Kristy's card:

The image Kristy used on her card is called Beachy Tia, isn't she cute!

AND HERE IS MY CARD:

I tried to challenge myself by using different colours to what I usually do, and this Basic Grey paper made my job so easy :) I used the gorgeous Dancin Kaylee image on my card, and she was just a joy to colour!!! These 2 adorable images can be purchased HERE, alongside loads of other cuties. I think I may have to purchase one or two more myself!!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

~ Some Odd Girl - Lift and Odd Girl
~ DYSU Challenge Blog - Sewing
~ Moving Along with the Times - Favourite Things (Copics, Basic Grey & Some Odd Girl Stamps!)
~ Totally PaperCrafts Challenge - Girly Girl

I am so pleased it is Friday, weekend is here. Hope you have a great one!!! :)

A Magnolia Card

2011-07-14T14:07:00.005+02:00

Hi all. As my friend Sharon said on her blog post today, she is so happy it's Thursday, because the weekend is in sight, I agree!!!

I had my first 3-way Skyping session with Sharon and Paola last night and boy was it fun, we chatted and crafted together, and it was so nice to get to know them both better. Thanks girls!!

So today the card I am showing you is the one I worked on last night. I am submitting it for a number of challenges which I will list below.

The stamp is by Magnolia and the sentiment by AnnaBelle Stamps.

The challenges I am entering my card for are:

~ Simon Says - Anything Goes
~ 7 Kids College Fund - Red, White & Blue
~ Magnolia-Licious - Red, White & Blue
~ Totally Tilda - Distressing
~ Magnolia Stamp Lovers - Summer Flowers

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog, and an even bigger "thank-you" to the ladies who leave comments :)

A new sketch at Let's Scrap

2011-07-13T17:11:00.004+02:00

Hope you are all having a great week so far.

It's Wednesday, so that means its time for a new sketch at Let's Scrap. It's another goodie (would you expect anything else I ask!?!)

And here is my page. These photos are of a baking session Jamie and I shared together. The bigger boys and Ray had gone to watch a car rally, and Jamie and I were home alone. We decided to bake together which he loves to do!!

Let's Scrap is having a DT call which ends on the 15th, so if you are interested you better get a move on!! Find all the details on the main page HERE!

Enjoy the rest of your week :)

Project Life: Week 04/07-10/07

2011-07-12T05:51:00.006+02:00

I can't believe how quickly the time is passing by, only 1 week left of school holiday!! :(

MONDAY: Brycie left for a week long holiday down in Uvongo with Nadia and her family. I really hope you have a wonderful time my special boy, it is going to be a wonderful experience for you. Also hope you don't get too homesick! You have never been away from home so long before, and I know we are going to miss you loads!!

TUESDAY: Unfortunately this photo doesn't quite capture the beauty of the sunrise this morning, the sun was a beautiful firey reddy/pink colour. A stunning way for us to start the day!!

WEDNESDAY: Jamie asked me to build him a Lego house. He was helping me to get the blocks I needed. I asked Caide to take a photo for us, but he was too busy rushing out the door to go and cruise with his friends, so I set up the camera on the couch and used the self-timer. Easy peasy, I must do this more often!!

THURSDAY: I got the nicest surprise today!!! My on-line friend Sharon sent me a parcel for my birthday. It still amazes me that someone I have never "met" before could be so kind and thoughtful. Look at all the lovely cardmaking goodies I received, so spoilt!!

FRIDAY: Ray's new RC arrived today, and he is over the moon with it. It really is the most wonderful looking plane!! He has decided that he will only fly it when he is finished with flying his Wing Dragon and is confident in his flying ability. He will need to use a buddy cord with Shane first though, cause it will be heartbreaking if this one crashes!

SATURDAY: In the morning we did our first monthly grocery shop in nearly a year, I have been doing weekly which has been a pain!! At just after 11 we picked up Glen (my FIL) and headed out for the Biltong Fees out at Battlefields. It was well supported and it was nice to get out for a few hours! We ate some yummy food :)

SUNDAY: We are so happy to have Brycie home safe and sound. None more so than Jamie!!! He hasn't left his brother's side all day, and it has been so special to witness. I am so comforted to now have all my children at home for the last week of holiday!

Hope you are having a lovely week so far. See you soon :)

Anita Be Stampin's Amberlee

2011-07-10T10:51:00.006+02:00

I have been spending a LOT of time at my craft desk and I am LOVING it!!! I have fallen in love with my Copics all over again and am loving experimenting with them. I wish I could go on one of those Copic Certification classes!! I printed out a new colour chart this morning and have been colouring in all my colours so I have a nice clean & clear chart to match up papers with :)

Anyway, last night I wanted to colour, so I chose one of Anita Be Stampin's new digi images called Amberlee, she is just gorgeous!! She can be purchased HERE, and there are also some lovely sentiments that work so well with her!

I had the most wonderful surprise last week, my on-line friend SHARON sent me a surprise birthday parcel, I was so touched that she thought of me, and sent me a load of nice goodies (I have taken a photo, and it will be one of my Project Life photos which I will post on Tuesday). The lovely papers and trim I used on my card were from Sharon. Thanks so very very much for your kindness Sharon, it means the world to me!!! :)

I AM ENTERING MY CARD IN THE FOLLOWING CHALLENGES:
~ Cute Card Thursday - Lace
~ Wags 'n Whiskers - Birthday
~ Stamp Something - Bugs or Butterflies
~ Allsorts Challenge Blog - Free & Easy
~ Pink(Ink) this is a new challenge blog - Sketch
~ Anita Be Stampin - 3 PP, 1 Flower, 1 Trim

Here is the sketch I followed from Pink(Ink)Sketch Challenge blog, it is their first challenge!!

Hope you have had a lovely weekend, can't believe the boys only have one week of holiday left :(

Check out Hip Kody!!

2011-07-07T14:53:00.006+02:00

Had to make a card with another one of my new Some Odd Girl stamps that I bought on their sale. This one is called Hip Kody, and he is going to be perfect for the boy birthday cards that I make. Having 3 sons I will use him loads I think. The sale at Some Odd Girl is going on until the 11th of July, and their stamps are 25% off! Check it out HERE.

I AM ENTERING THIS CARD IN THE FOLLOWING CHALLENGES:

~ Some Odd Girl - Bright And Blinding
~ Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
~ Spoonfull of Sugar - Sewing
~ 7 Kids College Fund - Red, White & Blue
~ Simon Says Stamps - A stitch in Time

Thanks for dropping by today. Thanks so much to those that take the time to comment, it makes my day!! :)

Latest Sketch @ Let's Scrap

2011-07-06T13:38:00.004+02:00

The latest sketch is up at Let's Scrap, and once again Cheri did an outstanding job with this one!!!

I love that sizes are given for each photo, it makes the process so easy and fun.

For the first time since being a DT member of the Let's Scrap, I did a double pager. I had loads of Easter photos I wanted to scrap!!

(Who knew it was so difficult to photograph a double page layout!!)

I USED THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS ON MY PAGE:

~ Patterned Paper - Basic Grey (just for a change LOL)
~ Border and butterfly Punch - Martha Stewart
~ Title cut with my Slice - Spring Design Card
~ Dot border stamp - AnnaBelle Stamps
~ Journaling spot stamp - Hero Arts
~ Flowers - Prima

There is an AWESOME prize up for grabs for one randomly selected member who creates a layout based on this wonderful sketch, check out all the details on the Main Page at Let's Scrap, you REALLY won't be sorry!!!!

Another Bright & Blinding Card

2011-07-06T07:22:00.003+02:00

O.K, so I couldn't help myself, I had to make another Some Odd Girl card, I had such fun with my previous one! Added to that they are having a great sale on at the moment, so I bought 2 more digis. They are each 25% off, so it works out to be about R15.00 an image, quite a bargain I think!! Check out the sale HERE.

I used the adorable Summer Mae for this card, isn't she super trendy?!?

The products I used on my card are:
~Patterned Paper and Journaling Block - My Project Life 2011 kit
~Spellbinders die
~Flower/Sun - Making Memories
~Sentiment by AnnaBelle Stamps
~Copics!!!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Some Odd Girl - Bright and Blinding
wee Memories - Summertime
Wags 'n Whiskers - Summertime Creations
Moving along with the Times - Here comes the Summer Sun

Thanks for stopping by again today, I will be back later with the latest Let's Scrap sketch and layout :)

Project Life 27/6 - 3/7

2011-07-05T14:08:00.004+02:00

Thanks for stopping in again today, I am so glad you are here :)

MONDAY: Jamie and I spent a quiet afternoon in the top lounge today. I was knitting and he was playing with his Hot Wheel cars and track. He made volcanoes out of the cushions and spent ages ramping his cars. He is such a boy!!

TUESDAY: Jamie climbed back into bed with Brycie this morning, and both were playing on their hand-held games. It was too cold to be out of bed! Love you two and the fact that you are getting on so well.

WEDNESDAY: I left home early in the dark this morning to get down to Hilton in time to watch Caide's first game at 8:50am. The trip went well and I made it just in time. Mom, Lauren & Geoff also came to watch. The games were tough for Caide and his team, but good experience was gained. After the games were finished I went down to Hillcrest to spend the night with Noon and Geoff.

THURSDAY: Caide got back at about 2:30 today after his 4 day tour, he was exhausted!! I told him to unpack his bags, and this is the sight that greeted me, when I walked into the lounge to check on his progress!

FRIDAY: Caide went to Vryheid with Debbie today. He had gotten a bee in his bonnet that he wanted to get earphones for his cell phone like Blessing (their assistant coach from the tour). After dropping him off Bee popped in for a quick visit!

SATURDAY: I spent some time at my scrap desk scrapping a page for Bryce's album. I am also sending this in as my application to try and get on the DT at Let's Scrap for the next term, I am loving being a part of the team there!

SUNDAY: Ray spent some time playing Age of Empires against Bryce today. Bryce played on my computer and Ray on his. It is quiet amazing that they can do this, and both had loads of fun. Bryce was a bit down in the mouth when his Dad beat him.

Hope you have a great week further :)

Bright and Blinding Challenge

2011-07-04T14:33:00.003+02:00

I have recently discovered Some Odd Girl stamps, and I am telling you, these images are just GORGEOUS!! They have both clear stamps and digi images, a whole bunch of them!! I ordered 2 digi's this morning, and I was able to download them in minutes. Check out the whole range of stamps HERE.

I am entering this card for the latest Some Odd Girl challenge which is BRIGHT AND BLINDING, I think my card qualifies, LOL!!

This image is called "Flower Kaylee", isn't she too cute for words!!

I used a whole BUNCH of different Copic colours on this card, if anyone is interested I can let you know which colours. The patterned paper is by Basic Grey, and the sentiment by AnnaBelle Stamps.

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
~ Wee Memories(a great challenge blog!) - Summertime
~ Wags & Whiskers - Summertime Creations
~ The Secret Crafter Challenge Blog - Here Comes Summer
~ Moving along with the Times - Here comes the Summer Sun

Thanks for dropping by my blog today. I really enjoyed making this card this morning, it really warmed me up, cause it's Winter here in South Africa, and it's flippin' freezing today!!!

P.S. To all those in the U.S., Happy Independence Day!!!! :)

Challenge #24 at Anita Be Stampin

2011-07-03T13:27:00.004+02:00

Hi all. Hope you are having a good weekend, I can't believe how quickly it's whizzing by!!!

So I spent a bit of time at my craft desk bright and early this morning. The rest of the family slept in, so I had a good few hours of quiet time to myself, bliss!!

I was lucky enough to be the winner of a $5 gift voucher to the Anita Be Stamping Shoppe with my shaped card. SO lucky me got a new Anita Be Stampin digi image to play with. Her name is ARIANA, and isn't she just adorable!!

(I did battle to photograph my card a bit today, sorry about the darkness of some of the photos!!)

The super sweet sentiment is also by Anita Be Stampin and both the image and sentiment can be purchased HERE!!

The latest challenge at ANITA BE STAMPIN is a recipe challenge, you need to use the following elements on your card:
~ 3 DESIGNER PAPERS
~ 1 FLOWER
~ 1 TRIM easy peasy don't you think?!?

Check out the Anita Be Stampin Challenge Blog where you can link your creation!!

I am also entering my card in the following challenges:
STAMP SOMETHING - Use a digi image
ALLSORTS CHALLENGE BLOG - Free & Easy
ONE STOP CRAFT CHALLENGE - Use a tag
CATCH THE BUG CHALLENGE BLOG- Anything goes

Thanks so much for visiting me today. Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and for you ladies in the US, enjoy the long weekend you lucky fishes!! :)

I'm late with the Let's Sketch again this week!!!

2011-07-02T05:23:00.006+02:00

Once again life got in the way, and I am a few days late with posting my latest Let's Scrap layout.

I left early on Wednesday morning (5:45am) to travel down to Hilton to watch Caide play hockey. He made the Northern Natal u12 hockey side, and we are so proud of him for his achievement! It really was a wonderful experience for him, and he learned so much. His little team battled against all the bigger, more polished teams, but considering their preparation, did really well. My Mom, sister Lauren and Geoff also came to watch, and after the games finished I went down to Hillcrest with them to spend the night with Lauren and Geoff at their place. It was so nice to see where my lil sis lives and the lovely life she has created for herself. I am also so proud of her!! I came home on Thursday, and then yesterday was month end at work, so 2 days of work to catch up on and then piles of statements!!!

So before I bore you to death, let me show you the next really fun sketch we got to play with!!

Didn't Cheri once again outdo herself with this sketch!!!

Here is my layout. I used 3 photos that I took in December of Jamie with his 2 cousins, while they were helping me to feed the chickens. I absolutely adore these photos, and am so happy I got to scrap them!!

THE PRODUCTS I USED ON MY LAYOUT ARE:

~ Patterned Paper - Life of the Party range by Basic Grey
~ Precious - Cut with my Slice using Design Card - Spring
~ Just - Sassafras letter stickers
~ Owl & Heart buttons - AC
~ Happiness sticker - Making Memories
~ Heart Punch - Martha Stewart
~ Border Punch - Martha Stewart
~ Bling - Rhinestones by Kaiser

Thanks for dropping by again today. For those that take the time to leave a comment "THANK-YOU SO MUCH". Please do yourself a favour and drop by LET'S SCRAP, it really is an inspirational place to be!!!!

Look at this gorgeous card I received!!!

2011-07-01T12:53:00.003+02:00

I had a lovely post day yesterday, I received an early birthday card from Paola, and boy did it make my day!!!! Check it out:

The attention to detail, and colouring on this card are exquisite!! One day when I grow up I want to colour like Paola.

Thanks so much for the lovely card Paola, it is truly inspiring!!

Project Life: Week 20/06-26/06

2011-06-28T05:26:00.006+02:00

So glad you have taken the time to visit me here today. Hope you enjoy your time with my family and I!!

MONDAY: The 3 cousins are having an absolute ball together. Jamie in particular is enjoying having kids his own age to play with. Since Kimmy has been here I have not seen hide or hair of him, because he has been busy playing and playing and playing. It is something so special to witness!

TUESDAY: Jenna really is the most adorable baby, and having her around has made me very broody!! There is nothing like a baby in the house to make a happy atmosphere. She smells so good, and it is just the most wonderful feeling to cuddle her. LOVE you sweet Jenna. I am loving getting to know you better!

WEDNESDAY: Today Kayla practised all she has learnt at ballet class for me, it was totally adorable, and made me a little sad not having a girl! She did all the steps and pranced around like a little fairy. My favourite part was the toe exercises, super cute, and as you know I have a bit of a thing for baby and kid feet!!

THURSDAY: LOVE LOVE LOVE this photo!!! Here Amy is helping me take Jamie's temperature. She was being his little nurse, too cute for words. Isn't that face just adorable. Amy's personality is just me, if I had had a girl, I picture her being just like Amy!!!

FRIDAY: Alan came to pick up the girls today. Here they are outside waiting for him. It was a chilly windy day today, and there was a fire around somewhere making it very hazy!! I am going to miss you 4 so very very much, it has been such a special visit. I love you lots xx

SATURDAY: The kids were very fascinated when we woke up this morning and discovered the water in our new birdbath had iced up completely. Must have been quite cold last night. At least the days here are lovely, especially when the sun shines!

SUNDAY: Jamie helped me pick some spinach from our veggie garden today to add to our potato bake, he was o.k with helping me, expect I kept adding more leaves to his little arms, and then his enthusiasm wained. Then to add insult to injury his Mom rushed off to get her camera and took loads of photos!!

I hope you enjoyed another little peak into my life, hope you will drop by again next week :)

I'm a bit late with the latest Let's Scrap Sketch

2011-06-25T06:50:00.005+02:00

Morning everyone. Wow, it was a full busy week, but a GREAT one!!! I had my sister and her 3 adorable daughters staying with me, and it was wonderful to spend quality time with each one of them. Kimmy, I love you so very much, and I will miss you, Kayla, Amy and Jenna so much. My house is very quiet this morning :)

As a result I am a bit behind with posting my latest Let's Scrap layout, sorry about that!!

Here is the fun sketch we got to work with:

Once again I used the left hand side of the sketch. I LOVE how my page turned out, for me it is a very fun and happy page!!!

The PRODUCTS I used on my layout are:
~ LOTS of Sassafras products, including the banner stickers
~ "wheel" letters - Making Memories rub-ons
~ "barrow" letters - Cut with my Slice & Spring Design Card
~ Shape punches - Martha Stewart
~ Metal numbers - Making Memories
~ Smooch Spritz Spray
~ Blue gems - Sprinkles by AnnaBelle Stamps
~ Felt star - Making Memories

Thanks for taking the time to stop by here again!! Please do yourself a favour and become a member of Let's Scrap, you will be surprised and delighted by the warm and welcoming vibe within the group!!! There is also a wonderful weekly prize for those that create a layout based on the weekly sketch, so go and check it out! :)

Project Life: Week 13/06-19/06

2011-06-21T16:37:00.004+02:00

Welcome back to my blog today!!

MONDAY: Debbie (my SIL), and Glen (my FIL), bought me these gorgeous flowers yesterday. I have never had any of these before, they have brightened up my kitchen beautifully!!

TUESDAY: With all that has been going on we have been slightly out of routine, as a result we didn't check for eggs for a day or two. Look at the wonderful bounty that was waiting for us when we check this afternoon!!

WEDNESDAY: The lunar eclipse was beautiful last night, really something to behold!!

THURSDAY: It was a public holiday here for us today. We decided to go to Glencoe dam for the morning so the boys could ride their RC cars in a different place. I had never been there before, and it really is a lovely spot! I can see us spending some more time here in Summer!!!

FRIDAY: I had Dawn Kremer come in and do a bit of a feature for us outside our back door. When I got home from Mom's Group is was all finished, and it was so nice to drive in and see the end result, I am SO happy with it!!

SATURDAY: We are over the moon, Kimmy and the girls have come up for a "on the spur of the moment" visit. We are so happy to have them spending time here with us in Dundee. Of course Jamie is in his element, and plays non-stop with his cuzzies!!

SUNDAY: I am so happy to be able to bond with gorgeous little Jenna. Up until this visit I had only just held her once, so it really was over due!! She is just the cutest thing around!!! :)

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by today!! xx

A new Anita Be Stampin card for a few Challenges

2011-06-16T15:58:00.003+02:00

Here in South Africa it's a public holiday, Youth Day, so that meant a bit of crafting time for me this afternoon. LOVELY to be tucked up inside because it's horribly windy and dusty outside!!

For my card I used an adorable Anita Be Stampin image from the lovely Cherry Sweet set. It includes this adorable image, a cherry image and 5 lovely sentiments. Have a look at my card, you can buy this set and other images HERE.

THE INGREDIENTS I USED ON MY CARD ARE:
IMAGE & SENTIMENT- Anita Be Stampin
CUTTLEBUG EMBOSSING FOLDER
PRIMA FLOWERS & OTHERS
BRADS - Making Memories
SMOOCH SPRITZ - Sea Kiss
RIBBON - From my stash
COPICS!!!

I AM ENTERING MY CARD FOR THE FOLLOWING CHALLENGES:
Anita Be Stampin - Shaped card
Simon Says - Bingo (Flowers, Brads, Sentiment)
Cute Card Thursday - Colour of your birthstone, my birthday is next month, so my colour is RUBY
7 Kids College Fund - Create a Summery Card

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by my blog today, for those that take the time to leave a comment, a HUGE "thanks", it means so much to me :)

New Card Sketch @ Let's Scrap

2011-06-15T18:08:00.004+02:00

The latest card sketch is up at Let's Scrap, and Debby did another fab job with this one. I am so enjoying that as part of my DT requirements I get to make one card a month. This one is a little different to those that I usually make, because there was no colouring done on this one!!

And here is my card:

THE INGREDIENTS I USED ON MY CARD ARE:
Stamps - Hero Arts
P.P - Sassafras
Leaves cut with a Cuttlebug Die
Flowers - Prima
Pearls - Kaisercraft
Sentiment - AnnaBelle Stamps
Twine & Ribbon
Smooch Spritz in the colour Limolicious

Let's Scrap has now reached 3000 members and it really is an awesome site, friendly, welcoming and inspiring. Why don't you check it out HERE!!!

Sketch 6-8-11 is up at Let's Scrap

2011-06-08T14:17:00.005+02:00

It's Wednesday, so that means the newest sketch is up at Let's Scrap, and it's another FAB one to work with!! I don't know how Cheri produces such fun and easy sketches, week in and week out. I have yet to come across a sketch I don't LOVE!!

My layout is based on the left hand side of the sketch, which I rotated to accommodate my horizontal photos.

The products I used on my page are:
Checked pattern paper - October Afternoon
Blue letter stickers - Thickers by AC
Green alphabet letters - Basic Grey
Red strip - Laser cut paper doilies - Basic Grey
Chipboard embellies - Basic Grey
"have faith" letter sticker - Making Memories
Spray - Dazzles by Enmark (a South African company)

There is a wonderful prize up for grabs for a randomly drawn winner who takes part in this sketch challenge, check it out!!!

So what are you waiting for, hop on over to LET'S SCRAP, become a member, and start being inspired, you won't be sorry!!!

Anita Be Stampin Card

2011-06-08T05:35:00.004+02:00

Thanks for stopping by again today. As you can see I am on a huge cardmaking kick at the moment and I am LOVING it!!

The card I have created qualifies for a number of challenges, but the main one I wanted to make this one for is for the latest challenge over at Anita Be Stampin. I used to be on this DT, and what a wonderful team it was!! I resigned from the team because I was battling to keep up with my DT commitments at the time, and I was committed to another site that I had been on for ages, only to be told shortly thereafter that my time was up with them. So that didn't work out too well for me, did it!! Anyway Anita Be Stampin really do produce the most gorgeous stamps, rubber and digi. This is one of their digi images, and isn't she cute!! Go and check out their challenge blog HERE. Their latest challenge is to LAYER IT!! You can't see it too well, but the brown square is popped up, as well as the image on my card :)

Products I used on this card:
Brown patterned paper - Basic Grey
Green & white patterned paper - ?????
Paper flowers from a local shop - I went on a bit of a shopping spree yesterday :)
Embossing folder - Cuttlebug
Font used on sentiment - Ali's Hand
Copics!! :)

The challenges I am entering my card for are:
Anita Be Stampin - Layer it
Bunny Zoe's - Lace
Stamp Something - Use a digi image
Sketch 'n Stash - Latest sketch (It's fab don't you think?!?)
AnnaBelle Stamps - Use the colours Olive, Lemon & Chocolate

Thanks for popping in, hope you enjoyed your little visit :)