Our First Fan Favourite!

Congratulations Teresa on being voted in as our very first Fan Favourite!

Teresa's mashup idea is...

1. Create a project using the colors: Turquoise, Red & Black.
2. Create a project using Hand Made Flowers.
3. or "Mash it Up!" and create a project using Handmade Flowers with Turquoise, Red and Black!
   

I went a little overboard with my hand made flowers! Not sure that it works by throwing the red satin ribbon roses in with the punched white and turquoise flowers, but what the heck....lol

I stamped Bella Toile in Tenpting Turquoise on Whisper White then following some flower making tutorials from Valita using the Blossom Punch, I punched out the petals and created these flowers.  I made the ribbon roses using a tutorial I came across.  

I've used the double rectangle punch to punch a strip of holes along the black cardstock and then threadded red satin ribbon weaving its way along the punched holes.  I've also used the scalloped edge punch to put an edge around the black spritzed oval backing for the sentiment then topped that off with a red satin bow and a turquoise rhinestone.

I think it's just a tad overdone!  But I had fun making it.  

Stop press:  Sorry to those of you who are seeing my posts on Google Reader.  I've had to delete the first one because I forgot to schedule it and published it instead on the 5th July instead of scheduling it to the 29th.  


Take Care, 
Cheers,

~ in Oz

Challenge Time!

It feels pretty good to be back participating in challenges aside from my DT work for the Friday Mashup.  Here is a creation that I really struggled with, why? you might well ask, but me and CAS designs don't go well together at all!  It's all anguish and resisting the urge to embellish more!

This card is for the following challenges

SU Only  - Get Well

Less is More - Buttons and Bows

Picture Perfect Creations - # 66 - Night of Navy, Crumb Cake and Whipser White

Ohhh an Award! Thank you

Thank you Michele, what a lovely surprise to recieve this award from you.  I love butterflies.

The rules of this award are simple, to pass it on to FIVE blogging friends, and to share FIVE things about yourself. 

1.  I LOVE Butterflies and Bling!

2.  I no longer dye my hair, I'm going gray gracefully.

3.  My music collection goes from classical to heavy rock!
4.  I grew up living on tropical Magnetic Island!
5.  I love burning essential oils while I work, so soothing. Yes I'm an aging hippy!

Now I'd LOVE to give this award to 5 Fabulous blogs that I visit frequently.  I hope you will stop by all of their blogs for a visit.  Their creations are amazing and inspiring.


Bron ~ Bron's Creations
Monique ~ Stamping with Monique
Lynne ~ Cards from Lynne's Loft
Ashlee ~ Ashlee's Creations
Jules ~ Always with a Heart 

 

Waiting for Fairies!

I've been a member of The Colour Room for a while now and every now and then when I get my email I'm inspired to create using their colour combo or sketch, this time I actually used both and created a new scrapbook page, I haven't done that for ages! So thank you Colour Room for your inspiration.

Waiting for Fairies has been waiting for a while to be created, I have had these photos printed out for ages and I'm so happy with this page using the colours. 

 My mother had a bushy plant at the side of the garden path and Danielle loved to sit in it, almost hiding, she said she was 'Waiting for Fairies' and would sit very still and close her eyes hoping the fairies would show up.

I used Grunge Paper for the first time, it's amazing stuff, I LOVE it.  Is it just me or does it smell like leather?  I've cut the grunge paper with the Sizzix Tim Holtz Tattered Florals to make the flowers, cut them from grunge paper and then sponged SUs Melon Mambo lightly on the large one, then darker on the other one.  The two other flowers in the big stacks are sponged with a mix of Champagne Shimmer Mist and Sahara Sand, both SU products.

The photos are backed with Soft Suede of course it's been sprayed with shimmer paint, I've stamped a script text in Soft Suede and then spritzed it with markers in Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede and Sahara Sand then a random spritz of shimmer paint.  I'm really happy with the effect.

Ocean Adventure

Can you believe it?  This project also won at the City Crafters Challenge Blog!  Thanks you for selecting my project, I'm very proud of it and when I gave it to my daughter today she was blown away by it.

Thank you Hand Stamped Sentiments for chosing my project among the Artist Picks winners for your challenge #76  

I found a small Tim Holtz configurations box at the local craft shop and just had to grab it.  All sorts of ideas were racing around in my head and I finally settled on an Ocean theme and decided to make it for my beautiful daughter.  She lives at the beach and loves shells, fishing & camping and all that stuff.  It also happens that this fits a couple of themes for challenges as well so I'm entering this project into those.  I have been inspired to make a project like this from the moment I first saw the amazing Encouragement Emporium over at Neelz Expressions.  So here is my first effort at one of these wonderous creations.

I warn you though, this is a long post so grab a cuppa and settle back in for a long scroll.

 This pic was taken without the window sheet in, to prevent reflection in the photo.  

 This is the configurations box without the lid, you can clearly see all the little boxes inside now.

The next pics are all closeups of each of the boxes so you can see them in more detail.

All the boxes are lined with some ocean themed papers I found on holiday in Cairns months ago,  I inked the shell paper with Antique Linen distress ink and the edges of the box have been inked as well.  Included in the back is a little glass bottle filled with gold leaf, (sorry about the glare in the photo)  Next is a resin treasure chest and star fish and a of couse the obligatory gold dubloon...OK not a real one.  I aslo added a stamped shell image from a SU retired Stippled shells set behind the treasure chest.  The netting in the top of this box is a deep brown with gold highlights and seemed to suit the whole theme so I added some.

This one is lined with a beautiful foil paper is inked with faded jeans distress ink and the whole box is loaded up with charms laid on a bed of gold and champagne micro beads from my stash. ( I wondered when I'd get round to using them)  I couldn't really make the amazing books that Neil created so just made up some covers...Moby Dick and a whale stamped on the cover!

Compartment number 3 has some gold netting an anchor and a series of fish, tyres and whatnot caught with a home made fishing rod....a cut down toothpick and a gold safety pin!  Loved making that one.

Compartment number 4 is the largest at about 7cm square, the note in the bottle says HELP!.  more microbeads and a coiled rope and a starfish charm along with the large silver starfish and the gold net this one has a picture of my granddaughter and my daughter on the beach and a copy of Treasure Island.

Compartment 5 has a double sailors knot tied out of glittery elastic and adhered to the side wall of the box, again some charms and this time some antique copper buttons and a pretty little dragonfly.  This box was inked in Weathered Wood distress ink.

More microbeads, this time in a little glass bottle in compartment 6.  There is a silver dragonfly on the wall and three mini photos of family on the beach. on the other side wall and this time a copy of Robinson Crusoe.

 

I love compartment 7 because I've used two buttons to make the fishing reel and yes it has actual fishing line on it!  I've wrapped some jute around the glass bottle, hoping for it to look like some rum....maybe I should have put some strong tea in it...LOL.  Silver charms were added to this box.

Now we come to the wrecked pirate ship and the treasure map which of couse would lead you to the treasure chest up in box one if you're clever enough to follow the clues!  Oh don't you just love the skull and crossbones button?  More microbeads and an anchor and starfish complete this little box.

Finally, my own little pirate....this is a photo of my grandson at about 5 or 6 years old riding his Hardly Davidson motor bike on the beach.  More microbeads and some netting,  I had to add this amazing glitzy blue card on the base of this box, it is just gorgeous.

I hope you've enjoyed viewing my little Configurations Ocean Adventure as much as I enjoyed making it.  Congratulations if you've made it this far!

I am entering this project into the following challenges.

City Crafter Challenge Blog ~ It's a Shore Thing

Hand Stamped Sentiments ~ Summer Theme

Birthday wishes

It's Kim's birthday and to celebrate over at the Friday Mashup we're having a birthday party for Kim so make up your fabulous birthday projects if you want you can use Kim's colour challenge as well and post your entries to be in the running for Rock Star and Glamette picks.

I've done a shameless CASE of a card I saw that the lovely Chrissy had done called Shades of Blue, I loved it so much that I just had to copy it, I make a few changes though to add my style to her beautiful idea.  I've made it a bit more vintage as that's the way it seemed to go for me.

Head on over to the Friday Mashup blog to see what other fabulous creations are awaiting your viewing pleasure!

Cheers,

 ~ in Oz

Friday Mashup # 15!

Where does the time go?  We are at challenge number 15 already!  Welcome along to another great Friday Mashup Challenge.

I have to say this colour combo is just off the scale for me, I really struggled to fit all these in, for me there is something wrong about putting pink and red together in the same project they just don't work well together... then added to that.... I'm not a big fan of putting red and green together either, it's ok for Christmas cards as they are traditional Christmas colours but I really struggle with them.

Anyway in the spirit of challenges and making myself step outside the square, I worked with Lesley's choice of colours the best way I could.  Not entirely happy with the end result, but I am pleased that I managed to fit them all in so....here it is...This is my take on Lesley's sketch and colour combo challenge.

I chose to make the medallion card front open at the edge to reveal the Early Expresso DSP which has been stamped with the medallion in Early Expresso.  I inked up the stamp in Expresso and Olive for a mottled appearance.  Here's a little shot of the inside of the card.

Hop on over to the Friday Mashup Challenge Blog and check out what the DT has made for your inspiration.  I'm curious to see what you create using this challenge.

Just a note.  Please forgive me if I don't get to comment on your entries this week.  I'm moving house and that means no internet while the lines are transferred over to the new address.  As soon as I'm back on line, I'll stop by to check all the entries out and leave some comments.

Cheers,

~ in Oz

Vintage Flowers!

Oh this is such a wonderful Friday Mashup challenge this week, thank you so much Kathy, it's right up my alley using two of my favourite things Vintage and Flowers!  Oh and isn't the inspiration photo just divine?

So for me I started out using my newly accquired distressing kit and inked, distressed, tore, sanded and then inked some more.  Then I got out a stash of flowers that well, aren't SU but I just couldn't resist using them here.  I sponged Cherry Cobbler onto some lightly and then more heavily to give several shades of Red on the finished flowers.  I'm really happy with the end result.

There was also the urge to use some retired hodgepodge hardware, this is aged copper and the ribbon just seemed to call out for this design, yes I know I'm loosing it!  But you do know what I mean, sometimes things just fall into place.

The colours I've used here are Sahara Sand, Early Expresso and Cherry Cobbler, with Vanilla satin ribbon and more aged copper brads and buckle over the Early Expresso DSP which has also been inked and distressed.

Hope this card inspires you to get vintage and floral, head on over to the Friday Mashup Challenge blog and check out what the DT girls have made for you.


Cheers,

~ in Oz

Patriotic and/or Red White and Blue

Well it just so happens that the flag colours for several countries happen to be Red White and Blue --- Australia, New Zealand, England and USA to name the first four that come to mind.  So it fits in quite nicely with the Patriotic theme, of course it's the 4th July celebrations for the US players, however we don't celebrate that date here in Australia, patriotism here seems to be a bit more understated except when it comes to sport!  I've actually not mashed up my card this week and done just the colour combo.

This card is actually an A4 sheet folded in half, my manager is moving on to a new role and we are having a farewell for her, she's one of the best managers I've had the pleasure and priviledge to work to and I've learnt so much from her.  Still, nothing stays the same and we all need to move on to grow.  

 My inside flowers pictured above were helped out a little by the micro beads I found amongst my stash, perfect colour for this project and it adds just the bling I was looking for, dimension and shine but not too much sparkle.

Lisa is a bright and vibrant woman so the rich red of Cherry Cobbler complimented by the Navy and White was perfect for her.  I know I am among the many who will miss her smiling face around the office, but as she's still working for the same organisation, we will get to catch up from time to time.

Here is an inside shot of my card, I've used the Greenhouse Garden stamp set on the front of the card along with the shooting star from the SaB set  So Happy for You.

So I hope you have been inspried by my creation and if patriotism is more your thing, head on over to the Friday Mashup blog and check out what the other DT members have created for your viewing pleasure.  Can't wait to see what you all come up with.

Cheers,

Kasey ~ in Oz

Play Date Cafe Challenge

Hi again, this colour combo over at the Play Date Cafe got my mojo working.  I've seen quite a lot of twisted easel cards and decided to give it a shot.  I've CASE'd myself here using an old Mojo Monday sketch entry. 

Of course who could pass up the opportunity to win those fabulous Stampendous Fran~tage stamps?  So, here's my entry!

The Play Date Cafe - Barn Red, Slate Blue and Gray

My turn again! Here's a sketch and colour combo for you.

Hello Mashup followers and newbies alike, welcome to a new Friday Mashup Challenge.  Gosh it seems like my turn has rolled around again so quickly, I have to say this is such fun, thinking up challenge ideas and providing inspiration cards along with the other Design Team members.

This time I decided to go with a sketch and a rich colour combo to challenge your creativity.  I love all those regal tones and they were the first colour family I collected.

Here's how it works...

This week for the Mashup Challenge, you are welcome to:

     1. Create a project using the Colors "More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler & Vanilla".

   2. Create a project using the above Sketch.

   3. Or "Mash it Up!" and create a project using the Sketch & Color Combo.

For my inspiration card, I've chosen to mash it up but also went square with the sketch.  I dragged out my woven paper background for this as well, I love the effect it gives and I haven't used it for a while.  I've stamped up a number of different images onto very vanilla, more mustard and cherry cobbler card then cut them into strips and wove them into a backing mat.  I've used Strength and Hope for the main images which have been rock n rolled in More Mustard and Cherry Cobbler then coated with a light spray of Gold shimmer.

Did you know Stampin' Up! is donating $2 from the sale of each and every Strength and Hope stamp set?  How amazing is that, the set is gorgeous so you get a beautiful set of stamps and assist our Australian and New Zealand scientists to find a cure for breast cancer.  This set is available from the current Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue.

I Can't wait to see all the fabulous entries using this sketch and/or colour combo.  Check out the inspiration from the DT plus our Fabulous Guest Designer!  Enjoy and have fun creating.

PS Thank God that I made this card early and scheduled the post.  The dreaded flu is back with a vengence and I'm laid low with it, fever, headache, aches and pains and sniffles...OH and a burning throat.  I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy....(not sure who that is, but I dont' wish it on them!)  Hope you all stay healthy and happy.

Cheers,


Kasey ~ in Oz

Wedding Bliss

Hello everyone....finally my mojo has shown up!  No explanation of where its been though.   I thought it was prudent to just let it drop and not put it through the third degree just in case it high tailed it back out the door!  LOL

I was inspired to meet a few challenges with this card and hopefully I'll get a few more done before the week ends.

Cardstock:  Early Expresso; Sahara Sand; Marina Mist

Stamps:  Bliss

Inks:  Early Expresso; Sahara Sand; Marina Mist; versamark

Accessories:  Stampin Dimensionals; clear embossing powder; Pearls; beautiful wings embosslit; Top Note die; Glue

Challenges...

Hand Stamped Sentiments:~ Wedding Theme

SU Only: ~ Wedding Theme

Stamp - a - Holics:~  Early Expresso; Sahara Sand; Marina Mist

Sweet Stampin':~  Things with Wings

Stamp Scrap - Doodle:~  Photo inspiration - I chose brown and blue from the photo.

Friday Mashup # 11 ~ Summer Theme with polka dots

Hi everyone, welcome to a new Friday Mashup Challenge.  This weeks challenge is a little out of season for me as it's winter here in Oz.  But hopefully for those who are feeling the cold, this will warm you all up a little bit.

This week for the Mashup Challenge, you are welcome to:

       1. Create a Summer Theme Project 

       2. Create a project using Polka Dots. 

       3. Or "Mash it Up!" and create a Summer Themed Project using Polka Dots!

 

I've gone with the Polka Dot theme and my card has lovely flowers on it which could count for the Summer part of the challenge.  My card was inspired by my lovely blog friend Sara. She has made some incridble flowers and I've used her tutorial to make these.

I've used some of that paper I made ages ago using the Shaving Creme technique, I thought they would make lovely flower petals.

Hop on over to the Friday Mashup Challenge Blog and see what other summer delights the Design Team have whipped up for your inspiration.

  While you're there, have a look at our Fan Favourites post, that's where YOU get to share your ideas for a mashup challenge, we will be running this event a few times per year to give you all the opportunity to be part of our cretaive team. 

Twelve Months...that's ONE year! Woooo Hoooo!

I'm just wanting to share with you that I am so proud of myself. Today marks a momentous occasion. Twelve Months (one year) ago I finally gave up smoking,  I had been smoking for more than 35 years!  

I never thought I could do it, most of the time I didn't want to.  Something made me decide to go ahead and try, knowing how little 'won't power' I have, I knew I needed help.  I took the medicated option here and won out over an almost life long addiction.

I made the decision a few months before the give up date and then took steps to break my habits, I delayed that first smoke in the morning, stopped smoking in the car, made myself busy and delayed each cigarette by about 30 - 60 mins. I cut down to under 9 cigarettes a day.  All these steps worked for me to change the habits I had created over so many years.

I hope I don't come across here as one of those evangelistic reformed smokers, I'm not about telling others that they need to give up. Everyone has to make their own choices.  However, if sharing how I managed to beat this demon helps just one person make their own decision and they use some of my tricks to help them, then that's fantastic.

Mind you, I have put on a few kilos, I have to deal with the flab demon now, but having kicked the nicotine demon to hell and back, I think I can put this one in it's place as well.  I mentioned earlier about the 'won't power' at least that's what I call it, cause I used to say I will have that cigarette, so finding will power wasn't a problem, for me it was the 'won't power' I needed to harness!

I have to say, it's not all that easy, and there are many times that I could have lit up over the past year, but those cravings are fairly easy to get past and are over in a few minutes, and the effort was well and truly worth it.  

I'm feeling fitter and breathe much more easily.  The medicos reckon you add years to your life by giving up smoking.....So by my dodgy maths I reckon if I'm chronologically 50 now.....then I've knocked at least 5 years off that by not smoking....loosing a few kilos will knock another 5 off so I can be 40 all over again!!  

What ever your challenges are, I hope you find your 'Won't Power' and succeed.


Cheers,


Kasey ~ in Oz

Little Hippie Chick Fairy

Hi all, still recovering from sinus and flu.....struggling to make it through the day and I'm due back at work tomorrow.  I'm sure that work will have been piling up on my desk while I took Friday off to go to the Palm Creek Folk Festival, I came home early due to feeling so ill, I have today off as a recovery day and I need it!  but, on my return home, a parcel had been delivered on Friday after I'd left for the festival and in it was some stamps and flowers that I'd ordered.  FABULOUS!

This little hippie chick fairy was among the stamps and in keeping with the folk festival, I just had to colour her up first. 

I've gone overboard with the batik flowers and bright papers, plus a little bit of bling, but I quite like the end result.  Hope you do too.

As you can see there are waayyyy too many colours on this image, so I won't list them all here.  If anyone wants to know colours used please ask in a comment and I can provide them.
 

Brown hair is E31;33;35;37  (yes, desipite the classes, I need to practice hair more!)

She's being entered into the following challenges...

Mad For Markers - Brown Hair

Make It Monday - Linky Party 

Totally Paper Crafts - Summer

Cheers,

Kasey ~ in Oz