she's got issues

Moving!!!

2011-07-27T14:33:00.001+10:00

to here......

www.giovannascott.com

everything in the one place and nice and ORGANISED (just the way I like it .... LOL)

Come on over and say "G'Day!!"

Guest Designer at......

2011-07-18T14:31:00.000+10:00

THE CREATIVE TYPE!!!!

The theme this month is **MY NEST**.
So anyhoooo, began with some cardboard for the base, stripped it back to reveal the corrugation and panited it with loads of BRIGHT acrylics. Then layed some 7Gypsies tissue paper on the top. Another light dry-brushing of white acrylic just to highlight the corrugated cardboard.

Had this cardboard embellishment of a NEST -believe it or not- in a kit from Storyboard Kits. Just roughed it up with some sandpaper; making it perfect for this theme.

Hmmm, more layering, this time a cute little Maya Road chipboard bird, some fabric from a kit, some hessian and the buttons from hubby's shirt from THIS POST.

The way I like to approach the challenges at THE CREATIVE TYPE, is to concentrate on my handwriting and experiment with different fonts. Above you can see the handwriting on the photo which I had to alter to suit the space and the size of the nib. The title is written with a big black paint pen available from newsagents. I did not plan or pencil in anything; I use this as a great opportunity to "let loose". I coloured the MY word inside with Unbleached Titanium (Jo Sonja) and wiped it back to reveal the corrugation underneath.

Not sure what I did with the photo?
Here's a little tutorial showing how easy it is with a spray bottle of water, some sandpaper and baby wipes.
Enjoy!!!

ahhh
renewed.......

New Studio!

2011-07-17T18:26:00.000+10:00

Hiya!!
The boys are back at school {finally} which has given me time to get House in order. Mind you, I had to mop the floors THREE times before the water was clear.....blerk!
A little change in Rainer's habits has meant I could move my Art Stuff back into the Sleep Out and move his TV and DVD player out.....sooooooo - one whole Sleep Out becomes my Studio !!!! Yeeeessssirreeeeee....

The Sleep Out is separated from the Lounge Room with this gorgeous sliding door { that was the selling point for me when we inspected LOL}

This is the view from the Lounge Room to where I will be working. I arranged it so I can work and still see what's going on with the family.

My main work desk in the foreground with all my supplies behind me. As you can see, there are windows EVERYWHERE which is good and bad....nowhere to hang things *sigh* I have plans to alter the plain pine drawers...stay tuned.

I really hate these curtains, but until I can afford to rip the carpet up and replace the curtains with blinds, I will be shortening them to the bottom window ledge. When the breeze comes through, the curtains knock everything over.

This buffet was one of the first pieces Michael and I bought as a couple, so I reckon it's 15+ years old. Big plans to revamp that too!! I'll be repainting the walls my fave Aqua colour and taking the colour scheme a little into the Lounge Room.

I still think I have the best view in the world......no neighbours' rooves, just treetops, powerlines *snort* and the ranges....ahhh.

I will be blogging more too. I have had 4 big occasions in a row - Mackinley's birthday, our Anniversary, Michael's birthday and today Rainer's birthday, not to mention the school holidays in amongst all that - so since about mid-May I've been in full-Mummy/Family-Mode. Time to give a little to myself again until the end of the year.

BIG RENEWAL!!!
XX
gigi

The best four-letter words.....

2011-07-10T18:09:00.000+10:00

SOLD - yep, the old house is finally someone else's!!

JACK - gorgeous Spoodle we looked after for 2 nights.

BEST MATE - these boys absolutely adore each other and his Mum and I just cry when we see the love!

REDS - Super Rugby Champions!!!! The adrenalin in slowly wearing off.

Things have been busy while school holidays are on. Boys are back at school on Tuesday.....normal transmission will resume thereafter!!!

I can hear my table of supplies calling my name and whimpering to me....LOL.

Holiday fun and creative goodness!!

2011-07-02T15:16:00.001+10:00

It was Day 3 and it began with an early start and Rainer into another fresh batch of SCD Frozen Yoghurt *sigh*. He just loves that stuff.

...and he spends most of the time at the freezer hoping to sneak in some while I'm not looking....yeh, right!!

I decided to capitalise on the kids' wonderful mood and began constructing the CAVE OF STARS that I got from the Play At Home Mom blog and I love it.

It is a HUGE string of fairy lights but was perfect for the size of the box.

Hubby took advantage of the sales and bought some new business shirts so before he threw them in the rag pile, I asked him to take the buttons off. I completely love how the stitching is still on there. Nice one Hubby!!

and buttons were a perfect addition to this secret project!
(all will be revealed next week)

123 for July is up.
The criteria is courtesy of Gina Rodgers:
colour=aqua/teal (FYI, my colour is Jo Sonja's AQUA)
word="thing"
technique=layering to make a scene

Since I downloaded the Sue Pelletier DVD from ClothPaperScissors, I've been dying to try out some paper clay....which I might add....is totally freakin' awesome!!!! This stuff is called Magic Clay and I got it from The Art Shed. You don't need water or glue; just shape it and plonk it on. How easy!!!

AND those flowers are from Kaisercraft. They are conveniently on wire stems so I just trimmed the wire, dipped the end in Gel Medium and poked it in the heart. Leave to dry and those suckers won't go anywhere!!!
Another trick to make this background is to turn all your expensive die-cuts into stencils and masks. This is a beauty from Sizzix and Tim Holtz. Find acetate that will go through your machine (I have a Cuttlebug) and crank away. I've made stencils and masks from all my die-cuts now and I love the variety I get from having both a stencil and mask in one!

The title is cut from a larger piece that I really didn't like as a whole. I just cut all the words from the corner frame thingy and presto......new life from old chippies!!

AND everything looks better with a light coat of Jo Sonja's Opal Dust. But you could use KindyGlitz in Crystallina instead.

All those ideas should keep you busy for a while!!

And I had a day off today.
I stayed up till 2am this morning doing canvases and mucking around in my art journal and just basically enjoying the serenity LOL.
Slept in until about 9am, showered and went to the Finder's Keepers Markets at the Old Museum. Picked up some bargains (well I thought so) saw Ngaire and LJ and George and just enjoyed having my hands free.

Thanks for dropping by xx
More soon....of course if Blogger behaves LOL
xx
gigi

School Holidays are here!!

2011-06-25T10:36:00.002+10:00

I don't know about you, but with 2 boys and one with special needs ..and let's be honest here.... some very socially unacceptable behaviours, looking for things to do IN PUBLIC sends me into a tizz!!!

But this year I've made a conscious decision to be more BRAVE and take them out to interesting places but place some realistic time limits on Rainer's ability to cope with all the new sights, sounds and smells he might encounter.

I subscribe to The Organised Housewife newsletter and this week, Katrina gave some cracking links to holiday ideas. I've already copied a heap of activities for us to try out....and some will even fulfill Rainer's sensory requirements - added bonus.

Here is the link to The Organised Housewife
THE ORGANISED HOUSEWIFE

and tell Katrina I sent you.

Here's one project Rainer brought home from school that your kids will do these holidays

BUSH WEAVING

Firstly attach 4 twigs with twine, then wrap the frame in a zig-zag pattern. Collect all manner of greenery from the garden and just start weaving.

Pretty cool, right?
Looks super cool at the end of our hall on a stark white wall.
No doubt it will dry up and bits will begin to fall on the floor, but it's a great feature while it lasts.

Enjoy your break from routine everyone!!!
I will remember to enjoy the break and fill my days with boy-time and play-dates.....and just R-E-L-A-X.........

XX
GIGI

Fair Weekend + a new fundraiser class!!

2011-06-23T13:38:00.002+10:00

Last weekend was Mackinley's school Fair and we decided to "brave" the whole day with Rainer in tow. Luckily, there was a ride that he absolutely loved and the lady running the ride was happy for him to stay on after she called "time", and for me to just keep handing her tickets!!!

I just love people with understanding and common-sense xx

You can see why he loved this bouncy slide.

Still feel like the luckiest Mum on Earth some days xx

On another exciting note...as you all know I participated in Christy Tomlinson's ever-so-popular "She Art" workshop and am still on a "high" afterwards. So I was so happy with the canvases I produced during the classes that I donated this one to the School's Fair Auction

"She knew she could conquer the world"

8x10inch canvas

I was really nervous because on the day I saw that another local mixed media artist had donated a much bigger and bolder canvas (not a "SheArt" type subject) and my heart sank. So the auction began with me outside the hall with Rainer chatting away....and I'm noticing that all the Lots before mine (No.7) were going for well below the value price listed on the sheet.
So the Auctioneer starts bids for my canvas and I'm thinking....."Here we go again. It'll go for about $20 coz no-one understands mixed media...." (can you hear the violins playing?? LOL)

Then the bidding heats up.....$30......$40.........$50 (my secret reserve)........$60 OMG.........$80 OOOOMG.......$100 NOW I'M ALMOST STANDING..........

$110.......FINAL CALL......SOLD!!!!!

So now I'm happier and the violins have stopped playing.....100% of that $110 goes to the School and I get a creative-ego boost.

WIN-WIN

Yes, even the most capable-looking people get pangs of self-doubt. I just needed someone who had no idea who I am and what it all meant to just simply LOVE IT!

So, if this looks like something you'd like to give a try, I'm holding another fundraising online class. But this time, instead of a scrapbooking layout, a lot of people have requested a mixed media canvas.

I'm happy to oblige.
Here's a sneak of what we'll be creating......

All you need to do is become a Follower over at my other blog
Gist Creative
and I'll post more details as they become available.

Spread the word and I hope to see you over there.
xx
gigi

Keeping Busy....

2011-06-21T20:18:00.000+10:00

I've been having an absolute ball putting some canvases together the last few weeks.
Granted, it's been slow-going as life with my kids is non-stop, but I always manage to surprise myself with what I can achieve in a limited amount of time.

My Mum comes to help out every Thursday, and it really helps when she remarks that perhaps the artisitic gene in the family skipped a generation and that my artwork reminds her of her Father's (whose name was Giovanni, strangely enough). And as I created these canvases she told me stories of her childhood in Italy and of how when the Winter was over and the wall behind the stove was cleaned, her Father would not only clean and repaint, but also once drew the most amazing butterfly.....just because.

I may endeavour to include more butterflies in my artwork.

This one has a freakishly cool colour combo and will be available for sale soon.

I imagine this one will have a night-time theme to it...

And the next is a commissioned piece with an underwater theme....

I've been continuing my Design Diva commitments over at Scrapbook Creations magazine and was in love with this project.

And just so I don't forget that I'm a Mother, my children "ordered" a batch of home-made frozen yoghurt (with banana and peach) and for good measure, I threw together some blueberry sauce.
I can tell you now that 2 litres of the frozen yoghurt lasts about 2 days here....and with the current price of bananas - well, at least someone's eating well!!!

I am looking forward to the next few days of freedom before the boys begin their 2 weeks of holidays. It will give me a chance to get things ready for another online class to be run very shortly.

Details coming soon!!

Three Hearts....an art journal in progress

2011-06-13T15:39:00.030+10:00

Well, Christy Tomlinson has done it again! The art journal workshop "She Had 3 Hearts" is in it's final stages and I've re-discovered my love of the small format.

And I'm not just "doing" it, but also making it a Working Journal of Techniques. I took an Art Journal class many years ago with the delightful Vivian Bonder and forgot to take notes (duh!!), so forgot all the details about what makes a page/layout/canvas stand out from the rest.

This time.....
I'm taking notes on one side, and DOING on the other. Then I make more notes about what products I substituted and how they were treated (or mistreated LOL).

I love tearing up magazines and including them in my art journals. You've probably noticed this on a lot of my pages for 123 Challenge this year. I'll continue to do that.....the ultimate in recycling!!!

And don't forget to pop over to 123 Challenge. Another fab-o mixed media artist Angela Churchill is in the spotlight this month and her canvas is GORRRRR-GEOUS!!

Make haste!!
I'll have more exciting news in a few days.
A new venture and a new long-term outlook.....just a wee bit exciting over here!!
Darn-it, this family needs to slow down so I can breathe!!! LOL
xx
gigi

Happy June 123...

2011-06-02T11:16:00.020+10:00

Here is the criteria for 123 Challenge in June

COLOUR=BROWN
WORD=CREATE
TECHNIQUE=TAPE

I covered the chipboard crown in Pink Paislee tape by layering it in all different directions, then carefully trimmed it. Underneath the photo is a little mix of 7Gypsies tape, the same Pink Paislee tape and plain ol' masking tape.

This is such a tender photo of hubby and Rainer, it really needed a softer treatment and I love the result.

Don't forget to go to 123 Challenge and check out the rest of the Creative Team's entries this month. There is a style for every scrap-artist to be inspired by.

And remember -- it doesn't have to be a standard scrapbooking layout......let your imagination run wild.

More soon.......

cReaTivE tYPe + ART journal

2011-05-26T10:19:00.038+10:00

My good friend Charmane Koch has a great forum called Chat with Charm. It's a one-stop-shop for just about every Blog/Manufacturer Challenge in Australia and overseas, including DT/CT Calls. Gotta love that!!!

Last week she ran a CyberCrop which gets you motivated to do some challenges and try new ones too.

Here are my picks from the CC.......

The lastest challenge over at The Creative Type is to use a word not from your native tongue. I cheated a little, coz my parents were born in Italy, but you know what.......it's not MY lingua franca.

I used The Polkadot Place kit that the beautiful Bridgette Hatton puts together each month.

WARNING....PROFANITY AHEAD!!
I love the challenges over at A Year in The Life of An Art Journal but rarely get around to them. Happy to report Idid this one and managed to get a whole lotta yuck off my chest.

I guess no-one takes abandonment very well. I generally try to empathise with the other person when they do things I find really really stoopid. This time though, I really didn't see it coming, and haven't spoken to her since. Time to let that pigeon fly away, never to return.

I hope you're enjoying this creative spurt as much as I am. I'll have some exciting news to share with you soon, and some canvases. Whheeeeee-heeeeeeee!!

Don't forget you can follow my blog via Google or FaceBook. Unlike some, I will share on both media continually. That's my new promise for 2011.

xx
gigi

Challenge Time!! Scrap the Boys + WW1

2011-05-25T13:25:00.008+10:00

Scrap the Boys is all about Collections this month. Last year the Scouts held their first ever Cuboree and Makcinley was soooo motivated to qualify we literally had a "roster system" for getting the badges he needed.
Psychotic, I know. But he made it ... and then Cuboreee got flooded out LOL. A bit of love was lost after that. He still loves going though.

Some very cutesy clouds from Echo Park.

And I love the cat paper from an old "frankie" magazine.

White With One is ORANGE! omg...HOW MUCH DO i LOVE ORANGE???
Thankfully had these photos of Mackinley at Fingal last Summer.

A super-duper old K&Co alpha in Orange (thank you scrap gods)

The background PP is actually a Basic Grey doiley sheet that already was a bit orange, but misted the whole thing again with Harvest Orange Glimmer Mist to make it more juicy! Some left over Hambly screenprints and a delicate addition of Prima.

Well, believe it or not, there is MORE to share .... later.
State of Origin Game 1 is on tonight and we're hosting. Off to defrost pies and make the house Maroon!!

GO QUEENSLANDER!!!

Back on the {scrap}Wagon

2011-05-24T14:14:00.007+10:00

Here's a quickie using the Storyboard Kit I won via FaceBook.
LOVE IT
LOVE IT
LOVE IT

The cute little frame is perfect for standard 4x6 photos. Couldn't resist this one of the boys' first day of school this year.
Handsome, aren't they?
I am the luckiest Mum on Earth!

More soon
Stay Tuned!!!
xx
gigi

Testing.....testing >>>

2011-05-10T16:00:00.026+10:00

Do you feel sometimes that you are being tested beyond your limits?

Do you feel like the proverbial bird is constantly overhead, shitting on everything you think and feel and attempt to get off the ground?

Welcome!!!

I did imagine that when we moved house and they boys were both in full-time schooling, that things would finally FINALLY start to fall into place.

It was imaginary.

And while Rainer and Mackinley have both settled beautifully into school this year, I feel like my plans and life are being thrown into the tumble dryer of chaos.

Since the car accident, Mummy hasn't been at her best. Constantly in pain and fear that something terrible would happen (I think that paranoia was from the meds) turned me into a walking zombie and I really wasn't the best company.

Fast forward 4 weeks and I can't feel at peace. One thing I HAVE realised is that I can't "wait" for things to happen. If I really want something, I need to be courageous, take the first step and don't look back.
So, I've looked at many online courses run by creative people I admire; who had that lingering fear to take a bold step but when they finally did...it was MAGICAL. I have dusted off Kelly Rae Roberts' book "Taking Flight" (which I bought way back in 2008) and am meticulously working through my WHISPERS and journaling like a mad woman (and once again stalking her blog).

Perhaps a clue will reveal itself.
Perhaps nothing will come of it.
Perhaps I will end up with a lot of pages of the rantings of a crazed lunatic.
Perhaps I will learn who I am supposed to be.

Until then, there is not much creative work happening but I am getting out and reconnecting with people in my life which is awesome.

Until then, you will just have to keep looking for me in upcoming issues of Scrapbook Creations.

Until then, I will share bits of my life on Facebook (the instant gratification is too addictive LOL).

I am not going away....just resting from the testing; finding my self; finding my purpose; listening to whispers; reconnecting with my friends; nurturing my family.

xx giovanna

Other peeps who I am revisiting are:
Karen Michel
Corey Moortgart
Claudine Hellmuth
just to begin with LOL

Somerset Memories YAY

2011-04-16T13:05:00.000+10:00

I have to admit this is most definitely the highlight of my year! To see one of my layouts in an overseas mag of this calibre is just so unreal.

And I get 2 mentions in the DETAILS (Creative Touches & Techniques) section!

I am in some inspiring company - including the Aus girls - Louise Nelson, Chantal Vandenberg, Nicole Pomeroy, Kathie Link and Kathleen Glossop.

Just so so so happy today.

some Therapy required

2011-04-13T17:17:00.000+10:00

Someone else has gone through some changes!
Scrap Therapy has a new forum and DT and so I decided to jump in.

Here is the Inspiration Room Challenge by the lovely Mandy Dodd.

Megan Leslie is an even lovelier person and I was delighted to finally meet her in real life last October.

So if you're looking for RENEWAL and some dead-set inspiration, have a looksie at Scrap Therapy. Totally lovin' this month.

EXCEPT FOR....
the major car accident I was involved in on Monday. Thank goodness I'd just dropped Rainer off at school. Can't imagine how freaked out he would've been.

I was stopped at traffic lights and another car comes close to full speed and hits me which makes me hit the car in front, then the momentum kicked in and I got hit from behind again!!
I've been in sooo much pain the last few days and coz me + nurofen = disaster, I've been managing it with Panadol and daily Physio (I love my Physio).
The repairs are worth more than the car so we'll be paid-out by insurance and so begins the car shopping (blerk). And school holidays start Friday.

Whatever happened to my drama-free, incident-free, uncomplicated 2011??!!!

Clearly, someone up on high has other plans for me this year.
Oh well, as Woody Guthrie said,
"Take it easy, but take it."and so I shall ride this wave of riduculousness until it loses momentum.

I'm excited....

2011-04-10T14:52:00.000+10:00

coz I need to expand my dull stash of embellies and find something that inspires me.....

and this fits all the criteria

I have to admit that I've been secretly eyeing their shop for a couple of months. Lots of excitement surroundingt his joint, and a sale this Friday.
Super-duper whammy of goodness!!!

Ummm, what else???
Lots of Secret Squirel Stuff, so can't share sorry (oh, the pain!!). Can't even show you a sneak peek, coz that will definitely spoil it and the magazine will get cranky LOL.

Rest assured, I am creating this weekend after a very busy/stressful week.

Very exciting post coming this week.

STAY TUNED!!!

April is for AUTUMN....

2011-04-04T13:50:00.000+10:00

This time of year is when Brisbane really feels the coolth (yes, that IS a word) of the change of seasons. I even wore jeans the other day!!

The first of the month also means new challenges. On Saturday I had 2 friends over for an afternoon/evening scrap-time and I finished FOUR layouts!! It certainly broke the mojo-drought I'd been experiencing lately, so thanks to Crystal and Sara for all your encouragement and laughs.

Here goes!!

SCRAP THE BOYS
woohooo, they're back with great prompts!!
use your boys' clothing as the colour inspiration

WHITE WITH ONE
olive green + twine

KRAFT IT UP
A 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 challenge

STUCK?! Sketches
April #1

And the ONLY difficulty in moving house is trying to find that perfect spot to photograph all your stuff!! aaaarrrrrghhh!!!!!!!!

There's a new girl in town...

2011-03-30T14:26:00.000+10:00

Technically, it's a new, exciting place to chat, and it's called

CHAT WITH CHARM
Charmane Koch (one of the brains trust behind 123 Challenge) has decided we need a place to chat and share CHALLENGE SITES -- sketches, colours, tools, stash-busters, art journalling -- you get the idea!!

BUT NO SHOPS ADVERTISING PLEASE (including shops running challenges)
Charm wants it all neutral and quite frankly so do I.

She's been running less than a month and there are already over 100 of us registered!!

And ....

OH
MY
GOODNESS

Do you really know how many challenges there are around Australia and the world???????
A whole lot more than I realised (having not quite crawled out from under my safe rock LOL)
Why not get registered too. Lots of great minds on the forum eager to be picked.

If you are a challenge site that is not connected to a retail store and is not yet on the forum, contact Charm and add your challenge site to her ever-growing list.

She'll love it.

she's a cuuuutieeee!!!

2011-03-28T14:07:00.000+10:00

The adorable 8x8 canvas was a labour of love. Did not think she would make it, but I persevered!!

The background began as too dark for my liking, then I thought if the objective was to try out a long crinkly skirt and a felt hat, then the only time you wear that gear in Brisbane is at night and then only for about 6 weeks a year LOL!!!

An ethereal moon dusted with silver glitter.

The quote was perrrrrfect!!!

I opted for an injection of colour midway down the skirt. I have sooo many other skirt design options - side gathers, tucked and pinned with a rosette.....sooo many.

And everything looks better with a coat of Opal Dust. You seriously should see how gorgeous this looks at night.

Here is a shot of the work area at my glorious retreat to Byron Bay.

It must have been drinkies time, coz there is hardly anyone sitting and working!!

Busy week ahead.....
RENEWED....more canvas time for me!!!

more canvas lovin'

2011-03-24T13:04:00.000+10:00

This wee lass has already found a new home xoxo

And I know someone has been eyeing this girl off since the weekend xoxo

I am okay for my girls to find new homes. It's been a labour of love and I wanted to hold onto them forever. But like all good parents, there comes a time when I need....to....let.....go.....

Just contact me via email at
gi68@optusnet.com.au

I am renewed after an impromptu retreat to Byron Bay last weekend. A small group of ladies who love a good belly laugh.
Thank you Lovelies!!!

She Art + GiveAway!!!

2011-03-14T12:44:00.001+10:00

Firstly though, want to thank you all - from the bottom of my heart - for your wonderful comments from the last post. It's never easy for me to reveal the absolute truth about what happens here, and I try not to, because I don't like to LOL. Truly though, if this had happened to one of your children, I believe you would drop everything and devote nearly all of yourself to your angel. (Some part of you needs to remain "you")

So back to the fun stuff.......

Rather belated, but here are my first 2 canvases from the extraordinary class by Christy Tomlinson.

and that's not even half of what we are completing!!!

I can't tell you how MUCH FUN this workshop is!!
Christy is GIVING AWAY one cyber seat in her next workshop, so quick sticks to her **BLOG** for the details.

Had a massive weekend so off for a nanna-nap. Details and photos of that shortly.

........

.................

Why are you still reading this????
Have you visited Christy's blog yet???? Go on..................

It's a Fair Question....

2011-03-11T10:32:00.000+10:00

I'm often asked, "What exactly do you do all day?"
Both boys are now in full-time schooling, the intensity of the day has scaled back a little and I don't seem to be as exhausted as I used to be.

So, I thought I'd share with you exactly what I did yesterday.

Firstly, I made breakfast. We don't eat cereal in our house. It isn't satisying enough for our family. Rainer can't eat anything processed or from the supermarket. Everything he puts in his mouth has been made by me or carefully supervised by me to ensure no grains, no sugar and no lactose and definitely no additives/preservatives/chemicals.

Mum & Dad - Merlo coffee (Riviera blend) in stovetop caffetiera. I have a "zabaglione" which I thank my Nonna for introducing me to. One egg yolk, 2 tsp sugar stirred with a teaspoon until light, then pour hot espresso over. Dad just has sugar in his coffee. White sugar; always white sugar. He leaves around 7-7.15am,

Boy 1 - bacon & egg muffin - 2 eggs, 1 rash bacon, english muffin. Sometimes I make another for Dad.
Boy 2 - banana pancakes - mashed banana, one egg, almond meal to bind - cooked in ghee (home made clarified butter). I pull apart his medicine and sprinkle it on the pancakes then drip his Strawberry-flavoured Cod Liver Oil over it to dissolve the meds.

Then I cook Rainer's lunch and pack lunchboxes.
Lunch - chicken strips coated in a mixture of almond meal and home made pumpkin seed meal, salt, herbs. Mum helps me make a 2kg batch of this which is kept frozen.

After I drop Rainer off, it's either shopping or come home and do Housey Stuff. Don't need to bore you with that LOL. But it usually involves your run-o'the-mill domestic goddess jobs, phone calls, deliveries, internet research (mostly for Rainer stuff) and the distraction of forums or Facebook.

Yesterday I cooked this -

L-R: Ghee (only used 500g butter today) , home made yoghurt from 2litres of raw jersey cow milk (which is now fermenting for 24hrs in the dehydrator) and at the end are my beetroots which I didn't get around to preparing for chips. Need to satisfy Boy 2's need for CRUNCH! (See my beautiful shiney caffetiera? She's a gorgeous 6-cupper. We also have a 3-cupper....mmmmm)

Today, I'll put my gloves on and make some Beetroot Chips. Also today, some crackers, biscuits and if I get time, watermelon and raspberry ice-blocks.

Then I remembered that Rainer did a lot of sweating last night and had to wash the pyjamas, sheets, etc and re-make his bed.

Yesterday was also Swimming Carnival Day for Boy 1. It pays to school/play locally. Can fly in and out with ease!! First place in 25m Backstroke. Legend!!!! (just like his Mama)

Then I did the glorious pick up and cooked afternoon tea.

Rainer gets mighty clingy in the afternoon, so I spend most of the time before dinner just sitting with him while he does his preferred activity. Sometimes I join in but mostly I just watch. I'm not allowed to even read a magazine LOL...he's very particular. At some point he'll want some deep pressure activity so we'll have a wrestle or I'll give him a massage. Then we can swim or jump on the trampoline.

Mackinley does his homework. He's pretty good with self-monitoring. He'll wrestle Rainer if I need to start dinner.

Yesterday I managed to convince Mackinley that Magnetic Poetry was a fun activity...

and now he's hooked (just like his Mama)!
At some point I start dinner. It was a bit of a pain yesterday because the boys wanted different things. I think they were tired.

Rainer - lamb cutlets with sea salt and mixed herbs cooked in Australian olive oil. He went through one tray (that's 12..and a new record).
Mackinley - 3 sausages and veges. Today was carrot, cauliflower and corn (CCC) and I try to have 3 different coloured veges to give him all the vitamins and minerals needed.

A note on the sausages: I get them made in bulk (5kg+) from the organic butcher. They contain pork mince, pork fat, liver; I provide the almond meal, sea salt, sage (or whatever herbs I feel like for that batch). He orders in special skins just for Rainer. They even separate the snags for me. I get them home fresh and re-bag them into packs of 5 and into the freezer.

Then the night-time routine begins. We all have them LOL. Once again, have to sit by the bath while Rainer plays. Most times he splashes me. It's a game we have. Not so much fun in Winter :(

Hubby called from work, blessing me with the news we were going to have our local Thai for dinner. I put our stuff back into the fridge for another day...woohooooo. He got home just after 8pm and we ate around 8.30pm once the boys were settled (finally).

At the risk of getting all "preachy" at this point (rotfl), I'll just say that this works for us at this time.
Just putting it out there......
and if you've made it this far.......

Hello friend!!!! LOL

I have canvases to show next post. Yipeee!!

123 + She Art

2011-03-09T20:40:00.000+10:00

Howdy March!! Life has been very busy, so just a quick visual squint on what I've been doing (or lack of...)

MARCH 123 CHALLENGE

The Colour is BLUE (light or medium)

The Technique is using DOILEYS. Here I've scraped some blue paint through a paper doiley onto her dress (oh the stain!!)

And your word for March is TOO/TO/TWO.

My page reads:
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing......too much...and you just look like a wanker." Julia Zemiro shared this kernel of truth during an episode of RockWiz...pmsl so hard I nearly choked!!! I finally had the opportunity to use it.

SHE-ARTINESS
I'm enjoying this workshop sooooo much. Christy also shares some magic quotable moments on video. If she runs this again, it's worth it, soooo worth it.

I have been delayed with my efforts from Week 1. I had a little interruption on my craft table.....

And as Mothers, you know to pick your battles. I wasn't going there last week *snigger*. As you can see, Rolley was showing off to Mater and McQueen. Like I was going to break that up!!

But I finally managed to do the 3 backgrounds.

And I'm pleased as punch with them! I've got Girl No.1 completed so I'll upload her soonest. Hopefully that will encourage someone to dive into the scary world of Mixed Media. It's fun and gets you out of your scrapping funk.

Today was a tough day, but I feel more RENEWED after sharing these!
Enjoy!!!

Last for the Month!!

2011-02-28T13:37:00.000+10:00

It's a Pencil Lines sketch coz this month, I've been feeling a little sketchy!!

I love the little girlies below - from the paper you get in Frankie magazine -- super duper weirdo sisters.

Yes, peoples....that IS pink all over this layout. I needed a dead-set lie down afterwards. Soooo much PINK and softness and girliness.

And there you have it for February. I'm sitting here in my togs. It's 33C outside and I'm wondering if I should have another dip in the pool, or start dinner........

gosh decisions.......decisions.......decisions.......splash!!!
(steak & salad it is then!!)

ahhhh, RENEWED
(and refreshed)

I did it.....

2011-02-21T19:57:00.000+10:00

I bought my Cyber Seat at Christy Tomlinson's workshop!!!!!
I adore her style and I am sooo excited.

Stay tuned!
(and sign up and join me...we can exchange ideas too)

Ah,
RENEWED!!!

Scrapping again at last!!

2011-02-19T15:38:00.000+10:00

"OxSay" the monthly sketch challenge at Bon's -

we had to use a made-up word for the title along with the meaning....be warned LOL -

some K&Co butterflies and dragonflies too -

"wrestle mania" the cybercrop sketch challenge at Bon's -

had to use some girlie colours for a boy layout (& visa versa)..I chose some pink and purple -

had to use the gorgeous eyelets from this month's boy kit....awesome boyness -

Thanks for dropping by. It's been too long between layouts. Off to find my Art Journal in the dozen or so boxes of scrap stuff waiting to be unpacked.
xoxo

123 February is on...

2011-02-07T17:10:00.000+10:00

This month we have the colour CREAM

the word "ABOUT"

the technique is "UPCYCLING"

Not sure what Upcycling is???

It's using something that is intented for another purpose and giving it new life. Kinda like REcycling....but way classier and artistic.

On this sewing/lace/fabric sample, I've upcycled some lace from an old bra and from a bridesmaid's dress from my sister's wedding (don't worry, the lace was left over...the dress is too cute to cut up).

You simply MUST go to the 123 Challenge blog to see/read the good news. We have some new CT members to play along!!!! So very excited. Make sure you drop by their blogs too and say hello.

Still moving house.... s-l-o-w-l-y.
Moving van arrives Tuesday (that's tomorrow) so with some luck the scrap supplies will be out in a week or so.

THANK GOODNESS!!!!

something to celebrate....

2011-01-25T11:22:00.000+10:00

making a coffee and pastry a little bit spesh...

I deserve to be smiling that my boys are going to be just fine this year....

having a laugh at the unexpected.....

putting my feet up and being spoilt by my Mum's home-made Tiramisu.....

being excited about doing something a little different....

having the confidence to try something new and then tossing it....

I have so many dreams and plans for 2011. Reading my old journals really has awakened something within me; an enthusiasm I thought I'd lost; an optimism that had nearly vanished....

and I feel RENEWED!!!!

4 journals....2 years

2011-01-23T13:54:00.000+10:00

This is what packing your house does to you. When you need to get into the nitty-gritty dark, dank, musty, cobwebbed corners of your house, you find little treasures.
These 4 volumes chart my life from somewhere in 1991 to somewhere in 1993 - between 2 of the most influential relationships in my life; a 6 month solo overseas adventure; a lot of good times and a lot of sad times.

One thing I do know is that I'm still the same!

Still highly charged
Still emotional
Still passionate
Still love being in love
Still creative
Still have itchy feet
Still searching

I forgot a lot of dreams I had at this time:

Dreaming of a career in Art History and Journalism
Dreaming of my Knight in Shining Armour
Dreaming of living and working overseas
Dreaming of a lot of children

It has taken me a good couple of days' reading, but I've poured over every word, cried with my 22 year old self, laughed with some of the antics I got up to (boy, there were a lot of those!!!), re-lived all the wonderful sights I've seen, people I've met, friends I've made and hearts I've broken (and vise-versa).

I was going to burn them!!
But now I see the value of them, even though no-one else will read them. I can imagine my 62 year old self finding these treasures once again, perhaps as Michael and I are down-sizing, and reading every single word again and being transported to a world of that carefree yet intense spirit.

They were good times!! Times in your 20s that you can never reclaim because when you're in your 40s you just should be doing that shit!! LOL

It filled in a lot of detail of days that until now have only been "events". I now understand why I feel a particular way towards a person...it sounds weird, right? It's the same way a smell evokes a really intense emotion. These journals have given meaning to those feelings and it's great.

It's also played the role of MythBuster!! A lot of things I thought were true were just the embellishment of a nostalgic girl-come-woman. And that was refreshing!!

Anyhooo, off to do more packing. We can begin moving from this Friday.
Exciting and fearful all at once.

Things to be Excited About...

2011-01-09T15:40:00.000+10:00

Sherry is doing a fab job enticing all talented types to come to Australia and teach us a thing or two.
Go here to learn more and sign up so you don't miss out.

Anyone who does colour like Julie is worthy of a couple of hundred groupies. If you can spare 10 minutes a day doing something that makes you happy, then go here, sign up (or just cyber-stalk her blog) and play along.

I'll be uploading my art journal pics on the weekend. It's been a struggle because it just HASN'T STOPPED RAINING in Brisbane for months!!! Everything that used to take minutes to dry is taking aaaaa-g-e-s!!!

FRUSTRATING!!!!!!!!!!!

No matter.
Just breathe, keep calm and carry on!!
Stiff upper lip and all that, what-what!

Back to the packing!!

Renew in 2011

2011-01-02T14:03:00.000+10:00

Howdy to 2011

I, for one, am pleased that 2010 is o-v-e-r!!

To celebrate, here is the criteria for 123 Challenge for January :)
colour = PURPLE
word = BEAUTIFUL
technique = PUNCHES

I layered the art journal page with torn up purple tissue paper, coz the original colour was a bit dodgy

Have a closer looksy at the background...>>>

I squished some Modeling Paste through a Crafters Workshop stencil (but you could use any stencil) then painted/inked it. Came out too dull for my liking so will know better for next time!

and I don't own any punches, so used my trusty Cuttlebug and some awesome dies I had on hand

the crackle on the wings were created using Jo Sonja's Decor Crackle which I reckon is the b-o-m-b....

and chopped the butterfly's antennae to replace with some wire work and purple beads.

and the butterfly's crackle was created (thanks to Claudine Hellmuth) using canvas paper, Helmar Acid-Free glue (Claudine used Elmer's Glue-All) and acrylic paint....totally different effect, right?

DIVA-LICIOUS NEWS
January's issue of Scrapbook Creations will begin to feature us fabulous Design Divas, so I've popped links to how you can see the Divas' work in the side bar in anticippppppppppation.

in other breaking news......
We are moving house!!!!
FINALLY!
So, I will be a bit quiet here until next month. And there won't be much other scrapping going on but I'll be packing my supplies up at the very LAST MOMENT....haha.

Add the move to the boys starting back at school, and Rainer at a new school, on 24th January....wweeeelllllll, should be interesting. Let's see if my nerves hold out.

Did I mention we are packing the wine fridge at the last moment as well??? *snort*

Oh and I turned forty-{cough} last week LOL. Celebrated Christmas with the out-laws in Cairns and somehow managed to avoid the massive floods and cyclones. It's a pretty special time of year for me to chill out, so no photos or details worth sharing. Just chilling out and relaxing and sleeping lots.

Hope you all had a wild one though.
xoxo
GiGi

oh the joys....

2010-12-14T20:21:00.000+10:00

...the joys of Christmas!
Normally I don't get too excited about Christmas. Traditionally it's been a time of hard labour followed by the awesomeness of an extended holiday on the beach.
Now I'm a grown-up, married with children (yep, finally updated my FaceBook status ROTFL), and I'm trying to do things differently for my children...but it's not easy.
I dread having both the boys all day, every day; literally putting out fires and separating them, or freaking out so much that I do everything I can to avoid them interacting so as to avoid the inevitable stoush!!

This year it's differnt.
I decided to make these as thank you gifts. (You will need to subscribe to ClothPaperScissors magazine to find out how (I just renewed my sub!))

They will hang from some neighbours trees and they have been given to Rainer's dedicated ABA Therapists.

I'm a little excited too, because it's something I can do each and every year.

They're so much more fun than cards and look a whole lot better too.

My wire and beading work still needs attention, but gosh, it was just fun putting all the differnt combos together.

I look forward to next Christmas and my new November/December 2011 issue of CPS to discover what new decoration I can create and share.

And so it's Summer in Australia. In Brisbane we are really going to have a wet season...for the first time in a looong time. And it feels good.

Next year is going to be a huge year for change. There is a lot going on behind our daggy, half-painted lattice doors and I can't wait to share it all with you very soon.

And I've already chosen my "word" for 2011

RENEW

(well, that should give you a clue!!)
xoxo

Banner-ism

2010-12-09T12:24:00.000+10:00

Last one for the year!!!

and that paper??? Kikki-K of course. It's the design on their Christmas shopping bag.

these Sass Lass alphas were the only ones in my stash with 3 "e"s left, phew!

and I simply love these really really old Rhonna Farrer rubons.

I've enjoyed completing Charmane's challenge for the monthly banners. There are some from 2010 that I don't like so they will get a face-lift for Christmas!!

Have some cute decorations on the production line....sooo exciting!!!

123 + else other

2010-12-08T19:09:00.000+10:00

Your 123 Challenge for December is.....
colour >>> PINK
word >>> "oh"
technique >>> tissue paper

couldn't wait to get my Art Journal Junkie apron on!!

Also Charmane is looking for new members to create monthly goodness!!!!
woohooooooo
go HERE for full details

This layout was for Bon's Scraps CC Sketch challenge.

the old high school chums (lah-di-dah) back together again

and with the gorgeous Sarah for Bon's CC colour challenge

and Bon's monthly Write Now challenge

Sometimes you just have to NOT scrap your children LOL!!!
and I really need a December Banner......
back soon-ish!

Not soooo Shabby!

2010-11-21T18:23:00.001+10:00

I am a day late with this layout for Let's Get Shabby challenge. My primitive urge for sleep overtook all else.
Love it all the same.

This is one of the sewing box elements. A pack of press studs which initially I was going to use the front. When I turned it over I saw that Mum had written Dad's sister's name and some family members' numbers in Italy on the reverse. Really got a chill up my spine then, and decided that would be perfect.

Now that I'm a hopeless tragic with the alcohol inks, I altered a daggy Coles brand measuring tape with them to suit the layout colours.

Love my little pin cluster. Looks like a branch of wattle. Hand-coloured the $2 Shop doiley, again to suit the colour scheme.

Layered an Italian novel page and an Italian tag (from Stampington). So appropriate!! (I'm quite clever sometimes LOL)

And I had a request for what I used to alter the back of the photo in the DREAM layout. This is what I call Punchinella, but you probably call it something entirely different.

And THIS photo is huge. Why???

When you see the world differently, you also physically position yourself to view it all. Rainer's way was to get at eye level, usually on the floor, or side on, on a table/chair, so that he could control the input level.

This photo tells me that things are getting better. This week, he grabbed the chair and wanted to SIT and play. Might not seem much to the average bear, but to me it was a moment to finally see the fruits of such extreme labour and effort.

Time to open some more champers, me-thinks!!
Have one for me too this evening.

p.s. WINNERS from my online class "Sure Thing Mum" will be up later tonight on the class blog!! Congrats ladies.
Already cooking up ideas for the next class in 2011.

mixed media and layout frenzy ahead.......

2010-11-19T20:24:00.001+10:00

Visual orgy ahead LOL.
It's been a while since I did any regular updating, so here goes.....

Mixed Media Monday Monthly
theme: BOX - use one somewhere, somehow
I've had this canvas on my shelf for ages, and finally had a great excuse to finish it.

I trimmed the photo to sit inside the box coz the chunky wings needed the joining knot to be covered somehow LOL

Are you a Gutsy Girl???
If you didn't think you were, I think you think you know you are now!!!
Did some creative accounting to get to this class last weekend. Lots of laughs (as per usual), food, inks, fumes, heatguns.....fun had by all.

The Creative Type
Use a quote from a movie in your title or journaling.
And raise your hand if you (not-so-secretly) love "The Adventures of SharkBoy and LavaGirl" ????

Very much in the "NeverEnding Story" genre, but we love it here.
I love altering photos by hand....

Bon's Scraps Room of The Month.
This one had a million versions before I ended with this...

me looking very shabby (fringe pulled back, no make-up) but I really don't care!! REally!! LOL

And my Roomie for the retreat, Raquel, gave me the lovely pp which was called GREAT SCOTT...had to laugh out VERY loud when I noticed it. Thanks Roomie.

And speaking of the Bon's Scraps Retreat....here are the layouts, finally!!

Photos swap time, Kel Roberts does a pic of Gigi & a different Kelly LOL

Charm's class (made some cute clay buttons...kewl)

This one's already framed...lurve it (and super cheap to make LOL)

Dannii Best decided at one point to step away from her sewing machine and get her hands "scrap dirty" again. I know she struggles with boy pages, but I just love this so far. A few more bits to add, but I love it!! Thanks sweetness.

And Sandie Mallon also stepped away from her poxy card making attempts to come back to what she does so so so very well.... stealing people's photos and supplies....you rawk missy!!

and BREATHE!!!

I still have more to share, just not photographed. And I had 2 sick boys today so I missed my Friday Creative time....boohoooo - woe is me - blah blah blah.

FUNDRAISING CLASS
Time's up girls unfortunately {insert sad face}
Thanks to everyone who purchased a class and to the wonderful layouts I've received that are all now in the "Galleria" on the class blog.
I also have an original Jilly G-G canvas to add to the prize pool **shriek** not sure I want to part with it though!
LUCKY LUCKY GIRLS!!!
Winners announced next week.....super duper excitement plus over here.

xoxo

banner time + more mixed media

2010-11-14T15:05:00.000+10:00

I spied this napkin at Coles during the week and couldn't wait to use it.
It's on the November Banner....

....added some watercolours, rubons and paint

And just couldn't help myself using it on another piece of 4"x2". This piece had a great gap in it which worked really well with the mirror image of the design and the twig.

The heart is made from squishing modeling paste through a stencil then colouring with metallic rubons (remember those???)

and of course, the text from an old novel.

Not sure who should get this one. I might just wait until someone gushes with admiration and surprise them with it.

Spent a glorious day yesterday with the Gutsy Girls making a gorgeous mixed media canvas. Not quite finished but will share soon, promise.

123 November + mixed media goodness

2010-11-04T11:23:00.001+10:00

This month's 123 Challenge is really skewed to male projects!!
colour - BLUE
word - LIVE
technique - DOODLING

Head on over to look at some more Creative Team goodness!!

Here is the mixed media timber collage piece I donated to the Carter-Murray family's fundraising Trivia Night.

I received an email yesterday from the lucky recipient. Her friend had bid on this auction piece as she knew she liked it. She was going to surprise her for her 50th birthday but caved and handed it straight to her!!

What a fantastic and beautiful story, don't you think??

I'm over the moon to have received such a wonderful, heartfelt email. Someone who takes the time to tell me how much they appreciate my work, is a treasure indeed.

Just the encouragement I need to make some more!!!!

Retreat goodness to follow soon!!!
(along with November's banner LOL)

on track to fly away!!!!

2010-10-27T15:12:00.000+10:00

I find the process of "creating" really interesting. Sometimes I do my best work when I'm really angry, and other times when I'm totally relaxed. A lot of my work comes from the kind of energy inside....whether good/calm or bad/explosive. Funny that when I look back on my work this year, I can't tell if I was happy or sad or angry.....well, there goes Brett Whitely's theory LOL

Only sneaks today unfortunately. I have been busy with preparations for my annual Getaway. Once again to Melbourne and the Dandenong Ranges for Bon's Scraps Retreat. I will be sooo relieved to get on that plane with Crystal, I might firstly weep for 30 minutes.

123 Challenge!! STill time to get your October challenge in. You know, my fantastic HAND DRAWN & HAND CUT TITLE??????
of course you do!!!!!!!!

Here's a sneak peek of November's layout. Yay!!

Peta MacBeth of Scrapbooking from Scratch, asked me to do a layout from a sketch for her retreat family. How could I resist???? I hope I help some of you who are "sketch-phobes" to put your personal stamp on each sketch.
Have fun!!!

And so will I this weekend. Some friends I've not seen for about 10 years will be joining me for dinner on Thursday night. I can not wait!!!!

There will be an explosion of photos and layouts/projects in the coming weeks. Looking forward to sharing and documenting a very special break.

A special mention to my gorgeously hard-working husband, who will be taking over from me. It will be hard to go to work and then manage the family, but he's no shirker - he'll be awesome!!
xoxox
GiGi

Privilege....

2010-10-22T12:14:00.000+10:00

There are moments when I feel very special and lucky. There are moments I want to retreat to a corner, assume the foetal position and sob uncontrollably.

And it's at these times I feel very PRIVILEGED....

Why?????

Because I have TIME to do all these things. I am home, I am in my private domain and I can cycle through the Stages of Grief without an audience, and equally I can be very proud of myself for a job well done, again, without an audience.

This week, our family has had to deal with very confronting issues and instead of having to return to an office, present the "work face", I could come home and DEAL WITH SHIT....privately.

I can let calls go to voicemail (possibly the best invention .... EVER!), I can let the door bell ring and not answer, I can consume a block of chocolate without criticism. I don't have a "face" at home.

And I feel PRIVILEGED.

I was on the treadmill earlier in the week. It was time to move to a new challenge, but this was not a week I could endure another failure. But I was alone. If I didn't make it, it didn't matter. Never being one for the foot race (swimming was always my bag), I began the 1km walk/1km jog x 2 programme with a whole lot of fear.

I had my beloved Triple J on the radio because the music selection always surprises....and off I went. Half way through the jog I was beginning to wonder if I'd taken on too much, but finished it.

The following 1km walk was a struggle because the negative self-talk kicked in.....

"You'll never do the second jog...
just take it easy and walk another km.
You have a lot of crap to deal with when you finish here....
do it EASY!"

Not only am I great at ignoring others, I am equally great at ignoring myself LOL.

And with 200m to go in the final jog, Triple J plays "Breathe" by The Prodigy. I can hear the groans of disapproval already...."not that band", but it took me to a whole different level. The energy in the music and lyrics just gave me that extra push, and all music profoundly effects me....

But read this.....

Breathe the pressure,
Come play my game I'll test ya.
[...]
Come play my game.
Inhale, inhale, [...]
Come play my game.
Exhale, exhale, exhale.

And there's the challenge.....
Come play my game
BREATHE
I'll test you
INHALE
Breathe the pressure
EXHALE

And that fires me up!!

And I smiled a real smile
A "job-well-done" smile
An "I'm-so-freakin'-proud-of-myself" smile

And I BREATHED in, and EXHALED slowly, to face the PRESSURE.

class ~ reunion ~ lady p

2010-10-19T13:21:00.001+10:00

First 2 layouts from last night's class are already in the gallery!!! xoxo
And they're very awesome. If you've paid for your class, you'll have access to the gallery, so go have a looksie and get creating!
I can't wait to see how you all put your individual spin on my class.
Remember: you can pay and join anytime. Deadline for prizes is 18th November 2010.

Not much other creative stuff to share. Have been busy making plans for Rainer's schooling next year. It seems the poop hits the fan during Term 3 and I spend a good part of the remainder of the year putting out fires and starting new ones.

I did, however attend my 25 Year High School Reunion which was suprisingly awesome!!!!

One thing I will say, is that I talked way too much and didn't take enough photos. I cannot wait to see these guys again. I forgot how much I adore them.

Blogger is being a bugger and won't let me upload any more pics from my brother-in-law's fancy dress 40th. You'll have to wait another time. I went as Lady Penelope from the Thunderbirds. Classic!!!

Thanks to all who have made me smile the last couple of weeks. It's certainly dragged me through a very difficult time.
xoxo

Online Class UPDATE

2010-10-15T13:33:00.000+10:00

Invitations have been emailed to all peeps who have paid
WOOHOOOOOO!!

If the email you used for the PayPal payment is not the one you wish to use for access to the class, please pretty please email me as soon as you can at
gi68@optusnet.com.au
and I will change it for you.

The Materials List is on there and some info about how the class is organised.

REMEMBER.....
just because the class opens on the 18th October, does not mean you have to be at the blog on that date.
You can make payment at anytime.
If you want to be eligible for a prize, you need to have the layout finished and emailed to me by 19th November.
If you don't make it by 19th November, I would still LURVE to see what you've created, as would your classmates.

HOW EXCITING!!!!
I surely can't wait.

I have a superbusy weekend ahead too
Saturday night is my 25 year high school reunion. YIKES. Now I feel really really old.

Sunday, I will be peddling my wares at the Payne Road State School Car Boot Sale. It runs from 7am till 12.30pm at Payne Road, The Gap, Brisbane. Come say hello and bring me a coffee please!!!!
I'll have embroidered towels, crocheted hand towels, handmade cards, and my faux screen prints for SALE.
Time (and weather) permitting, the chunky mixed media pieces will be there too!!!

Thanks again to all who have re-posted the class on their Blogs and FaceBook. Your effort makes my heart *sing*

More to share....

2010-10-10T16:51:00.000+10:00

Almost down to using scraps for layouts now. Which fiscally is a good thing *wink*

on yer bike - some freaky misting with a Prima branch (don't worry I misted the underside)

and some splatters too because Mr Glimmermist decided to take a blockage!!

Mackinley need to approve the Prima flower...bahahaaaaa - such a boy's boy!!

The sun came out long enough for me to take these photos. *sigh* and more rain is forecast. Mighty frustrating with 2 very energetic boys in a small house.

Thanks to all who have purchased their "seat" for my online class. If it were at a store, I'd be pretty chuffed right now. Can't thank you girls enough. And I appreciate all the work you're doing spreading the word within your own friendship groups. Just speechless and overwhelmed.

Thank You!

Still more "seats" available (LOL).
xoxo

ONLINE CLASS!!!!

2010-10-09T12:01:00.003+10:00

I'm very excited to announce that I will be running my first online class on Monday 18th October.

This class is to raise money so that our family can continue with Rainer's medical intervention and behavioural therapy. Currently, our Early Intervention funding through the Federal Government expires on 18th October. While this has been extremely beneficial, we would like the opportunity to continue along the path this funding has placed us on.

When Rainer was finally diagnosed in 2006, we made a decision as a family that I would "retire" from Secondary Teaching and become his full-time carer. It was more important to devote my time, energy and mental health to my own children, rather than others'. We dropped a wage, and our costs tripled as we searched for answers for a very misunderstood and poorly resourced condition.

I went through 4 General Practitioners, 2 Kinesiologists, 2 Speech Therapists, 2 Occupational Therapists, 1 Psychologist and 1 Dietician before things began to finally take shape with Rainer's recovery. There have been many mistakes made and promises broken in these 4 years, but I have no doubt there'll be many more!

Rainer has additional medical issues which exacerbate his condition. Most prominent are his Sensory Issues and gut health. These have a great effect on his behaviour which makes his attendance at school difficult. Hence, we have home-based behavioural therapy 4 afternoons per week following his morning sessions at our local regular school.

So, I am very excited to be able to put together what I think is a fab-o class for you!!!! Hopefully, the first of many.
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of the funds will go towards Rainer's therapy and intervention. I think you all know me by now to guess I won't go out and buy the new Monaro LOL

And we have some fab-o sponsors for this class
Firstly, my dear friend, mentor and just down-right hilariously creative girl...Ngaire Bartlam

Has donated a super cute canvas which I have been ogling for a wee while now.

Another beautiful soul, Krissy Christie of Wicked Princesses

is donating a special little pack of goodies.

Lisa Warren of Storyboard Kits and my fellow Scrapbook Creations Diva

is also donating a wonderful little pack of goodness from her new store.

And my dear old friend Melissa Arnold; Creative Memories Unit Leader extraordinnaire, has offered a great new embellie pack for one participant.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO......
Click on the PayPal button on the sidebar to purchase your class entry ticket.
**Once you click the REVIEW ORDER & CONTINUE button, there will be a link under the description of the class. Click on this link to nominate an email address to access the class.**
Google and Blogger accounts will have unlimited access to the class.
Those without these accounts, and who sign is as a Guest, will have access for one month from 18th October.

On the 19th November, I will close registration for PRIZES only. You can upload, etc after that date, but you will not be eligible for a prize....you'll just have my undying gratitude for participating!!! (almost priceless, don't you think? teehee)

Lots of cool little techniques to learn, some mad random machine stitching and loads of fun!!
Will post a full materials list closer to the date *wink*

Hope you can join me.

SPREAD THE WORD!!

Scrap the Boys

2010-10-08T12:23:00.002+10:00

for October
go HERE for the "Trick" or "Treat" criteria.

This is Rainer's favourite thing to do. He gets all my chip and die-cut alphas and punches the whole lot out!!!

It keeps him occupied so I can read emails or get some other work done.

Used Bon's September kit and I just loved undoing the cool rope and making flowers once again.

A very summery page using Bon's Sept Girl kit (yeah, me and girl kits LOL)

I had some left over Buzz & Bloom chipboard so used it for a stamp instead

then pop rubons over the paint

some freakish layering and machine stitching

and Master Mackinley is pleased!!

Have been wanting to scrap these photos for a while. Our house is very small and the boys not only share a room, but Mackinley has to do his homework on the dining table. Unfortunately, it's also the spot Rainer sets up an array of train tracks and crash zones.

Amongst all this chaos, Mackinley still manages to get his work done and on time (most of the time)

and he does a fine job too.

You could say this is a "life skill". Nothing "precious" about my boy...well, not at the moment anyway.

More layouts in varying stages on the table. Need to use these kits before October's Kit arrives!!!!

xoxo

Banner Time

2010-10-05T12:36:00.000+10:00

used Bon's Girl kit from September.
Can't wait to get this month's kit which you'll find in her shop HERE.

Having a lovely ME day. Rainer begins swimming lessons at school this term, so I don't have to collect him until 2.15pm. I'm so relaxed, I might cry.
I've already been for a run on the treadmill, put a load of washing on the line, done my Pilates exercises, and my banner.
Another layout is in progress and some glue is drying on a flower.

Today = happy.

So grateful....

2010-10-04T19:37:00.000+10:00

That my fabulous Mum gave me a subscription to ClothPaperScissors Magazine this year. It allows me to find these fab workshops and have a go and actually LIKE it :)
This is Faux Silkscreening in the Sep/Oct issue. It's like a super-easy combo of lino cutting and screen printing. I made a whole series. Sooo exciting.

Grateful for 2 hours to scrap a layout. I'm amazed that at 9pm I can still grind one out...with machine stitching and painting....A-mazing.

And very grateful to be able to create a layout that will help Rainer continue his therapy and medical intervention. Yes, another teaser.

All my PayPal stuff should be finalised by the end of this week. When that happens, I'll be able to give you all a date for the fundraising class.

Till then,

123 Challenge for October

2010-10-01T15:54:00.000+10:00

WELCOME to another month!! And I'm sure that in Brisbane, the sunshine is just around the corner....{rolls eyes}

123 October
Here are your criteria
WORD = GO
COLOUR = GREEN
TECHNIQUE = HAND CUT TITLE

Head on over to the 123 Challenge Blog for my step-by-step and special fool-proof tips on how to make a title by hand.

I am really enjoying opening up my Art Journal and finishing these smaller scale pieces of JOY!

September was a very busy month and a wee bit challenging. Lots of emotional energy spent on both boys, but I am pleased to say that the last 2 days have been wonderful. To watch them play TOGETHER so beautifully makes all the hard core Mothering worthwhile.

Sometimes I need to put my scrapArt time aside to concentrate on family, to ensure future memorable photographic moments.
DON'T YOU THINK?

layout + sneak

2010-09-17T20:29:00.000+10:00

Finally diving into Bon's September Boy Kit. Awesome papers this month.
"better" - Write Now Challenge (excuse the lighting...nearly bed time LOL)

it IS a journalling challenge, so....

and there's the other criteria.....

VERY EXCITED
to show you another sneak (first went up on FaceBook last night) of the class I'll be teaching online soon.

We are about to launch into school holidays for 2 weeks, so in that time, I'll fine tune everything in those rare spare moments.

I'm very excited that I now have 4 amazing prizes from FOUR AMAZING WOMEN for those who participate in the online class.

If you would like to donate a prize/voucher/service please contact me and I'll happily plug your business and do some shameless promos for you LOL.

I'm so so SO VERY EXCITED!!!

xoxo

been creating....

2010-09-15T10:27:00.001+10:00

but can only share sneaks now (yes, I'm a tease!!)

You'll have to come back 1st October to see the whole shebang!!

On a more serious note....the government's Helping Children with Autism Early Intervention package funding cuts out for us middle of October.

Unfortunately, Rainer still requires a lot of therapy and assistance in the classroom which is not covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance. Neither is his medication. We pay for it all, no rebates. And it's going to start to pinch.

I'm in the process of creating a layout class and getting something like PayPal organised.
If you would like to help out, pass this date claimer on and express your interest here.
I will set up a separate blog for the online classes, which is password protected.
AND I HAVE SOME PRIZES ALREADY!!!

Your support means the world to me xoxo

Hellooooo Spring!!

2010-09-06T19:56:00.002+10:00

And it's arrived in Brisbane with a BANG!!
Hot, wet, RiverFire, 91% humidity the other night....I love it.

New Banner for September. I got my Loretta Grayson groove on for this one.

Here is the 123 Challenge for September
WORD: BLOOM
COLOUR: ORANGE
TECHNIQUE: HAND MADE FLOWER

Click HERE to see what the other Creative Team members have done this month.
Don't forget - it's a real treat to push yourself to do something out of your comfort zone!!

The Colour Room Challenge Palette #22

Used Bon's Girl Kit from last month for this one.

It's actually a "His Room" but thought, while I'm on a roll with all things "pink" and "feminine".....

I spy a cutie Craft Queen button in there!!!

Anyhoo, I'm sure we are all chock full of challenges again this month - both for scrapping and family LOL.
I'm off to try and create 2 layouts that DON'T look alike *sigh*

colour + sketch + lift

2010-08-29T15:51:00.000+10:00

"together" - this is the colour challenge for Bon's CyberCrop. BLACK, WHITE, PINK... (Aren't they just the cutest couple??? If they're lucky I might just hand it over to them LOL)

{a very scrummy paper napkin}

must use this quote and a word repetitively...

it's a secret where I got that lace. I could tell you but then...well, you know what'll happen ... bwahahahaaa

"happy" - Stuck?! sketch #1 for August. Well I had to get this done with the boss of Stuck?! looking over my shoulder!!!

and lastly
"naughty corner" - the scraplift challenge at Bon's CyberCrop. We're lifting Tara Scobie who is always a delight to see in the gallery!

Thanks to Crystal and Sara for a lovely night of scrapping. I really miss company while crafting, it was such a great escape.
Buggered now....off to nap.

sketch + award + inspiration

2010-08-28T14:50:00.000+10:00

I had fun with this.....
"my friend dylan" - Nic's CyberCrop Sketch challenge at Bon's Scraps

incorporated the title in the not-so-random letters...

and the last bit of the title here.

That white mess is my handmade flower LOL.
Cut the knot off a string bag and heated it up...perhaps a little too much. But everything is fixed with Prima :)

Thanks to Nicole the CRAFT QUEEN for this beautiful award.

Now I have to nominate 10 blogs I LOVE
Corey Moortgat
Claudine Hellmuth
Vivian Bonder
Seth Apter
Alisa Burke
Kerry Murray
Lara
Altered Book Lover
123 Challenge
Linda B
I hope there is some new inspiration for you in that list.

PLUS....mention 10 THINGS ABOUT, well, "me"
1. I am short.
2. I have long hair.
3. I drive a daggy but awesome Nissan Pulsar aka "speed machine"
4. I like to have my hair washed by someone else.
5. I like my meals to be cooked by someone else. (see a pattern emerging here???)
6. I enjoy being alone, but love the company of others.
7. Colour on fingernails - maybe, colour on toenails - yes!
8. I can wear any colour at all...white is sometimes a problem, but most any other colour is fine.
9. I share maybe 10% of what really goes on in my life...what's the point of the other 90%??
10. I love Triple J. (yes, even at my age - pmsl)

I've joined The Brave Girls Club. I have to say, each day's emails have me howling at my keyboard which I guess is a good thing (see point #9 above). It's run by Melody Ross and her website has a mantra which I found really really good for a number of reasons.
Thought I'd share it....

Not only are the words pretty cool, but visually, it's got me thinking as well.
Hmmmm, what could I mean?
You'll need to stay tuned until 1st September **wink wink**

A special Lady

2010-08-27T18:35:00.001+10:00

Here's the mixed media project for the school Dinner Dance auction tomorrow night. I tells ya....my eyes are buggin' outta my head!! I'm exhausted but glad she's finished.

Originally, this was inspired by the Let's Get Shabby challenge site, then it kinda got put aside and slowly morphed into this project for the school. Loads of inspiration from my favourite people.....Kelly Rae Roberts...

Corey Moortgat....

and Claudine Hellmuth.....

and just about every woman who has lent me their wings when mine were in need of repair....you are all fab ladies who really give me such a boost each and every day.
AND I've made cutesy little calling cards to sit next to it ****shriek****
I wonder how much my little Lady will raise?
Stay Tuned Peeps....

A Pirate-y Layout

2010-08-26T19:40:00.000+10:00

Arrrrrr.
There's nothing like a little Pirate action to get me scrapping!!
"that face" - the monthly sketch challenge over at Bon's

some layered rub-ons (great for really old ones that aren't in their prime)

punches...I only have the classic hole punch and a swag of dies for my Cuttlebug. These are denim flowers using Tim Holtz Alterations "Tattered Flowers" die.....noice!!

and everyone asks about the barbed wire...it's from Dusty Attic.
Did you know that if you sprayed the chipboard with water, you can bend it really easily???

That's my tip for today.
Off you go now and bend some chipboard.

Scrap the Boys + my hubby

2010-08-22T15:55:00.000+10:00

I seem to have found Miss Mojo **squeal**.

beach sports - August Scrap the Boys...focus this month is on flowers.

Putting flowers on a layout is way too easy. Kinda like doing GIRL LAYOUTS **snort**...just want to do boy stuff on a boy challenge site (sigh).

I bought these Tim Holtz stamps yesterday (naughty naughty) but they go perfectly with everything!! Golden Beach is not your "yellow sand/blue water" kinda beach so needed to find different papers and embellies.

And some of my fave Fancy Pants stamps also. I stamped the frame on the photo, then again on acetate and lay it over the photo....noice!

Here's a funny story.
This next layout began life as Challenge #20 at The Color Room. But then wanted to add different colours, so adjusted it to suit the sketch challenge at Bon's Scraps. Then found the criteria didn't suit what I wanted this layout to be. And so.......

a "no-challenge-no-sketch-no-nothing" layout....A-MAZING!!
just alone -

How much fun was this...layering rubons and clear stickers from Pink Paislee...

Gosh, picked these gorgeous Prima blooms from my shopping spree yesterday.

On a roll, so will pop in again soon. Have another layout drying on my table .....

Write Now....

2010-08-21T17:19:00.000+10:00

I am scrapping...
feel - Bon's Write Now challenge was to use a head shot, minimal patterned paper, focus and journal about one word

If you like your scrapping to be all "butterflies and daisies", do NOT read the journalling LOL...

..yes, at times I behave like an Emotional Cripple and refuse to acknowledge others around me and quite frankly, become a narky cow. This is what the journalling is all about....my capacity to FEEL ... or not!

I cut up a gorgeous bit of Twiddleybits chipboard, and even used another as a stamp.

And if you want to know how I did this to my photo....

I actually made a video of it!!!
Once I work out how to edit and post it...I will share! I do some horrible things to my photos thanks to people like Karen Michel, Corey Moortgat and Vivian Bonder who show me it's okay to embrace a precious memory, rather than the photo itself being precious.
Go
Create....

A Little Jack

2010-08-20T22:38:00.000+10:00

I decided since I was being Jacked this month, that I would have a go at jacking someone else....and I like it!!

this is my jack of Tracey St Johnwood

the quote is from William Shakespeare's sonnet (sorry, can't remember which one) but reads
...and then, in dreaming,
The clouds methought would open, and show riches
Ready to drop upon me, that when I waked
I cried to dream again.

with huge doses of influence by Corey Moortgat and her book "The Art of Personal Imagery"

It was made on a scrap piece of timber (30x10cm) and collaged, painted, dripped, stamped, pinned and there's a photo on there too, along with an earring.

I'm in a bit of a creative funk right now....so really struggling to manifest these ideas. I'm also happy with my 123 Challenge layout, but that's for September, so you'll have to wait...LOL.

Off to "fix" the other layouts on my desk {{rolls eyes dramatically}}

Remembering the Past

2010-08-11T19:18:00.001+10:00

These last few weeks had me thinking about my loved ones I miss.

You are my reason - The Color Room challenge #17

REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION

SEE ME SOON IN

SCRAPBOOKING MEMORIES!!

My Nonna hasn't been with us for a long time now, but I still reckon she's close by, keeping an eye on me. I feel her presence almost every day.

These Technique Tuesday stamps are awesome. Use them straight....

....or make them bend to your will.

Also, on 28th July, Dad would have turned 80. Amazing that he's been gone nearly 3 years.
We cut some wattle from our garden and took the family for a visit.

A very emotional few weeks. And it's Mum & Dad's Wedding Anniversary today. They would have been married 45 years!
I don't have a copy of their Wedding Photo, but this is them with Rita on her Christening Day the year after.

It's all good

2010-08-06T20:00:00.000+10:00

Yes, I think it is when you can scrap your In-Laws in a positive light
bahahahaaaa
I think I've developed an aversion to cardstock - really!

When you're short and all your jeans need altering, good idea to ask for the cut-off bits to be returned so you can wack them through the Cuttlebug!

some paint, rubons, felt heart...and they're all happy!

Let's not forget the 123 Challenge for August
the word = SUNSHINE
the colour = YELLOW
the technique = MISTING
(and, I'm pretty sure I'm the first to make Iced-Tea sexy *snort*)

Okay, the trick is to lay everything down before you mist.
Do all your painting with the bubblewrap or corrugated cardboard, pop your photo on, do more painting on the photo (gasp) and then lay down your alphas.
Make a mask for your photo so you don't lose the poor thing, then mist lightly, on an angle so it doesn't look like a huge blob.

Carefully, remove the alphas (mine were old Kaisercraft wooden alphas) and when dry, outline with a white paint pen (from the newsagent).
You may have to do this a few times to get a solid outline...in between glasses of iced-tea!!

Finally, add more bubble wrap to soften the edges of your misting, add some token flowers (coz it's eeeeasy) and a cute butterfly.
It also helps if you have a gorgeous background patterned paper to begin with. This was from Bon's Scraps shop. It's been restocked so no excuses now!!!

Monthly Challenges are going off everywhere!! A good time to stop and drink it all in...with some iced-tea perhaps????
Happy creating.
It's been an "eventful" week...glad it's almost over!!
xoxo

And then there was August....

2010-08-03T18:13:00.000+10:00

and it goes by sooo quickly

cut the vine from packaging from new moisturiser...looks like cherry blossoms, doesn't it??

Studio Calico fabric rips CAN take rub-ons.... 'mazing!! and 7Gypsies ones at that!!

and the rub-ons from Rhonna Farrer that everyone complained about.....except me! They still rub ON.

and OH MY GOSH....
I've been JACKED!!!!!
http://aussiescrapjack.blogspot.com/
What a huge honour. I've never been "legally" jacked before so I'm over the moon. Thanks to Lou and the Jacking Team for choosing me this month...go over and have a go this month!!!

and the scrapping...
last minute layout for the Scraplift challenge at Bon's Scraps' CyberCrop.
Boy layouts don't need bunting...they need barbed wire!!!!

don't you just love Target tags, Prima flowers and some Chelly Bean Designs buttons???

and something "random"...coz the devil is in the detail!!

More soon. So much has happened so many updates this month.
Stay tuned....
go SEEK
go on
right now
don't stare at this blog
bugger off
and tell me what you find!!!

Whatcha doin????

2010-07-26T13:11:00.000+10:00

Here's what I've been doin'....
Bon's Colour Challenge for the July CC. Still time to upload. Closes midnight Tuesday.
don't call me baby - colours BLACK, WHITE, RED, CREAM;

this quote;

finger painting...the background pp (Graphic45) originally had cream flowers that I smeared with red paint, then wiped off with a baby wipe;

and this detail, just coz I was feeling clever *snort*.

and then you turned 9 - charm's CC sketch challenge; had to scrap in a size you don't normally do (hence 8.5x11); an ampersand in the title; using a tab and circles or spots, but not polka dots.

I won an award...from the delightful Paula Perry.
Thank you Paula.

Here is the rules that go with this award...
1. Put the Swap Sisters Bonny Blog Award on my blog.
2. Share 5 thing about myself.
3. Pass the award onto 5 other Bonny Blogs.
4. Add links to my 5 chosen Bonny Blog winners.
5. Let them know they have been chosen to win the Swap Sisters Bonny Blog Award by leaving a comment on their blog.

Okay, 5 things:
1. I have an Open SCUBA Dive Licence. Probably expired now but wish I could do it more often (damn you children!!)
2. I failed my Collage Unit in Year 12 Art (bahahahaaaa!!)
3. I much prefer public transport or walking than using a car. Better still, a horse will give you something back that you can use in the garden.
4. I adored studying Theology and Religious History/STudies at Uni. An even bigger challenge as a teacher was getting teenagers excited about their faith...yar, big challenge!!!
5. No matter what, family first....no wait - to preserve thine own sanity!!!

Now to nominate ONLY 5 chikkies....
1. Renee Dowling
2. Kerry Murray
3. Raquel Pert
and the 2 freshies who are just awesome fun....
4. Catie Unger
5. Chantal Vandenberg (even though she does girlie layouts LOL)

and another award to YOU, dear reader, for making it to the end of another mammoth post xoxo

Hold on....

2010-07-23T16:38:00.000+10:00

....have been doing some major scrapping!
enough - with Bon's Boy Kit

so very lucky - with the Boy Kit

watch me grow - another with the Boy Kit

which came first - some left over kits combined

sweet january - another with left overs

ponderland - the July Sketch challenge at Bon's Scraps (courtesy of Nic Pomeroy)

for yourself - some girls' paperie pp from Bon's shop. The cut out frame inspired by Ngaire Bartlam's class the other week.

and that would be all for now.
I have a couple more here but I think I need a lie down LOL.
Would love to know which you love and why *wink*
YOu never know, I might be inspired to run another online class, but I need to know what you like!!!
Till next time...xoxo

Happy 7th Birthday Rainer!

2010-07-19T12:35:00.001+10:00

Here's my baby...all grown up and blowing out his candles *shriek*

And there was no birthday cake this year. Instead I made a HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOX so all the presents were inside. I pushed the candles into a piece of styrofoam, then placed it on top and hoped it wouldn't fall and set the whole thing on fire!!!!

Rainer got a whole NEW set of Bob the Builder toys, plus Buzz and Woody. We still cannot find a new Spud, who has sadly lost a leg in an unfortunate accident with an esky {insert sad face}.

And of course, the traditional post lunch cricket match. Rainer is a much better bowler than batter.

So what does turning 7 mean??
It means we've been on this journey to healing for just over 4 years now. To say you've progressed is an understatement.
What most parents take for granted,
I take
and CELEBRATE.
You are more aware of the world around you;
you want to be involved in life;
you enjoy playdates;
you discriminate by choosing toys to play with, by setting up your environment for your scenarios, by selecting a few toys from each box and creating a world, rather than simply recreating a DVD scenario.
When you saw us struggling to unwrap the Bob toys from their packaging, you ran inside and brough the kitchen scissors to us --- WOW!!

I still cry each day, but more from sheer RELIEF than grief.
And to think, if I'd been satisfied with what some doctors had said all those years ago, you would not be the beautiful, energetic, delightful boy you are today, and are still yet to become.
I see your potential and I'll bloody well fight for it!!!

Happy Birthday my sweet Prince Rainer. xoxo

Post-Apocalyptic Mojo-ness

2010-07-16T22:07:00.001+10:00

Sometimes I don't know what's worse....school holidays, or the post-holiday-trauma-in-my-house days!! Yay verilly, we survived and achieved a whole lotta "firsts".

But first, to the Mojo that arrived these last few days (thank goodness)
Just the FACTS {ma'am} - the July challenge at Scrap The Boys

Couldn't decide which boy to do, so bung them both on a layout....Mumma can't play favourites ;)

Wanted to mix some real soft elements with more edgier ones. Think it worked. Me likey likey.

Mackinley's stats..........

Rainer's stats..............

M.W.A.H. (Mother Warriors Are Here) - for Bon's Write Now challenge, thanks to Skye xoxo

The crux of this journalling challenge was to write in a Fairytale style.....and I obliged in true epic proportions.

Am sick to death of my crappy white StazOn ink pad, so I've switched to acrylic paint....bahahahaaa

I'm pretty sure I saw this groovy rolling technique on the Prima blog. Needed to steal that one!!!!

Finally,
TEAS-day - Charmane's online class page at Bon's Scraps

She shared loads of very cool techniques. Glad I joined in. Every Tuesday, since earlier this year, is now a TEA ONLY day. I found these teas already blended at one of my Organic Grocers and picked one up for Mackinley as well. He no longer has night terrors and is a little nicer in the morning.
Me? Well, I've been sick twice in one week and have bounced back quickly (like a 20-something chikkie-babe LOL).....so I'll credit the tea drinking for that one.

And some boring family bits....
Rainer made it through 2 "first" appointments - the Chiropractor and the Dentist without incident...woohoooo!!
Mackinley made it through the holidays without being suspended from all electronic privileges *snort*
Hubby and I went to the wedding of Rainer's God-Father last Sunday.

Had a lovely relaxing time, but was as sick as a dog much later that night. Have no idea why. Everyone says "stress", I say "der!!!" but was coping well by Monday afternoon. So nice to be out with my Man.

Happy July!!

2010-07-02T22:15:00.000+10:00

Yes, it is a happy month, already!!
Happy I have a new banner this early in the month....

Happy that the 123 Challenge for July is up...
RED
PASSION
GRUNGE

Happy there are new challenges posted at Bon's Scraps.....

Happy that Scrap the Boys are BACK!!!

Happy that the first week of school holidays are ooooo-ver ... only one more week to go!!

Happy,
so
so
soooooooooooooo happy
I am now a
SCRAPBOOK CREATIONS **DESIGN DIVA**

congrats also to the following who are with me for the next 12 months...
Natalie Perks
Angella Peardon
Lisa Warren
Suzanne Tonga
Gillian Lester
Naomi Cox (yipeeeee)
Renee Iveson
Jodi Dolbel
Renee Dowling (yipeeee)
Kim Arnold
Geraldine Pasinati
Louise Williams

I'm reinvigorated and ready to begin another awesomely fine chapter in my creative life (oh so corny, but oh so true). I've turned a monumental corner, and it began with submitting my Design Diva application.

The Expo, The Tree, The Scarf, The Sneak

2010-06-29T15:31:00.000+10:00

The Scrapbooking Expo a couple of weekends ago was great. Got to meet up with these 2 goooorrrrr-geous ladies for dinner on Sunday night. No need to go on here about how much they mean to me. They absolutely know already xoxo

and then met up with these 2 goooorrrrr-geous girls to wander through the expo on Monday.

Meanwhile, back at RealityVille, the much-cursed Tulip Tree you see below, has finally been removed....woohooooo!!!! We were hoping and praying that it would fall over in a big heap during that lovely (not) microburst storm in 2008, but alas not.

Working on my ridiculous stress levels means I've changed a few things in my life lately (yeah, just lately LOL). Mum decided I should knit again. So I did every night for about a week until I couldn't remember how to cast off!!!! Thankfully, one of the cardmakers at Inkredible was on hand to give me a demo. Now I have something PINK.

Only 2 more sleeps until the 123 Challenge for June is due. Luckily you get the opportunity to see a wee little sneak peek at my example for July's challenge. I tells ya, it's excitement....woohoooo!!

And lastly my youngest boy.

Ya kinda forget some days.
BUT NOT TODAY.
Wee laddy has been coughing since 3am and he's finally asleep at 3pm. Imagine having to deal with a coughing child and not being able to reach for an over-the-counter preparation....kinda puts my crazy shit into perspective, doesn't it???

Just like ChildBirth..

2010-06-23T16:49:00.000+10:00

I call this layout, my full birthing experience.
"Oh Baby" - the Write Now challenge at Bon's Scraps.

I sang to it, did a little work on it, then left it alone. Came and worked a little more, got my hands dirty. Walked away.....okay, I'll stop the metaphor, you get the idea.

Nic Pomeroy is the newest DT member at Bon's and this is her first monthly challenge for us. We have to find an old photo of ourselves (hence my nutty uploading on FaceBook) and write some pertinent information for your younger self.
Here's what it began as....

a big mish-mash collage of papers from the Boy Kit. Lots of gesso, gel medium, mists, unbleached titanium white (my new favourite colour), lots of scraping with a baby comb and clear gesso to seal the lot.

Then you try and make it look perty LOL.

And this layout, I call False Labour.

I had everything out but it didn't really happen for me. I like it, just know it needed more.

And then there's the layout I can't show you which is for Scrapbook Creations Top Ten feature -- you'll have to wait...teeheee!!

A week or so ago, I spent a morning with this lovely lady with whom I share an interesting history.

She married a guy I went to school with and in the meantime we discovered we are born on the same day and in the same hospital. Needless to say, although I haven't spoken to her in a very long time, thanks to FaceBook, it was like yesterday!!

I made her get down and dirty.......SCRAPPING GiGi STYLE!!!

I really enjoyed our morning and it made me like to create and teach others to create. Thanks Meliss....

MUCH MORE TO COME....FROM THE EXPO TOO !!!

I have scrapped..oh the joys!

2010-06-11T19:22:00.000+10:00

After spending an indulgent morning with friends, I raced home in the hour I had left before collecting Rainer, and whipped this beauty up.

Bon's Sketch for July, using mostly bits from her June Boy Kit.

finding this next bit of type, was an absolute fluke...yeah, very arsy LOL

and Rainer has lost his third tooth. For a kid with lots of sensory issues, I can tell you Monday was NOT a happy day. He fretted over it for a very long time, but he's all good now (as you can see by the photo).

Up for a big one this weekend!!! Who's coming????

Happy June!!

2010-06-10T16:16:00.001+10:00

With a new header!!

Inspired by the May/June issue of Cloth Paper Scissors;
thanks to serena wilson stubson for the workshop. I feel more of these collaged beauties will be happening soon *sigh* I'm really getting into this mag, it's sooo comforting!

And that's all I have to share right now.

There has been much going on at home that requires my undivided attention. Some of it regular stuff and some emotionally confronting and challenging. No points for guessing which child is bringing this upon me....{{snigger}}

Also I can't wait for the Scrapbooking Expo this long weekend at the Convention Centre. Hubby has even given me EXTRA time off, so it looks like I'll be there briefly on Sunday as well as all day Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to SEEK out all my cyberfriends <3

123 Challenge re-launch!!

2010-06-01T19:11:00.000+10:00

Happy to announce the re-launch of 123 Challenge this month. Karlene and Charmane have asked me to stay on the Creative Team, which I was more than happy to do. Thanks girls.

A change in format....still three criteria:
A WORD
A COLOUR
A TECHNIQUE
can be submitted in any format...yipeee!!

June's criteria are:
NEW
WHITE
PAINT SMEARING
and I decided to do an art journal page (surprise, surprise). It's approximately A5 size.

Here's an example of the type of paint smearing I began with....

then with masking tape, I made a stip pattern one way and painted with gesso, then wiped off the excess and put the tape the other way, painted again, wiped excess....

I embossed the chip frame with white embossing powder...twice LOL....

made myself a wee blossom with tulle and a gorge K&Co brad....

before all the elements went on, I glued some plain napkin with gel medium and made it nice and textured. There's a tiny rubover of light blue pastel...

Well, I hope everyone will enjoy the new format as much as I will!!
Go to the blog at 123 Challenge to look at the other CT members' gorgeous inspiration.

xx

Happy Birthday Mackinley

2010-05-29T18:43:00.001+10:00

Just bursting with pride at how you are growing into a fully functioning human being.

Soccer was cancelled today, due to rain, but this was him in action about 2 weeks ago. Actually going for the ball, not the man, this time!!!

You know, he's been through a lot the last 4 or so years. He bears the scars of living with a difficult brother, both physically and emotionally. I count myself lucky that Mackinley is strong and intelligent enough to understand what's going on. He doesn't have to like it, but he gets it.

I caught him being super nice to Rainer the other day...LOL. I won't ever tell him, but I heard it. And I heard him telling one of his mates off...."No, you have to do this if you want Rainer to play with you!!" so edifying as a parent to hear all the GOOD stuff being repeated by your children; or maybe he was enjoying bossing his mate around.

I'm getting all my medical paperwork ready for end of financial year....what ho, what fun!!

No other news as yet. Will have much to share in the next week or so. And I'm just sooooo excited....

but first you must go here and become a "follower".

Just trying to stay rested and healthy. Damn this cool, dry weather!!! Give me hot and humid any day.
xx

Special Project Time....

2010-05-23T18:58:00.001+10:00

Here are 3 layouts for some special, beautiful "little people" in my life. These are going to their parents to frame and hang as they wish. Love these kids, like I love my own.
When they coined the phrase "crazy beautiful" I think they had these 3 in mind LOL.

Beautiful Soul began as Sandie's Online Class and just morphed (which is unprecedented ...NOT)

SEEK to share your craft with those you love xxx

The Room, The Mother, The Mag & The Numbers

2010-05-18T11:52:00.000+10:00

The Room -- now called The Little Rainbow Room
your very generous hearts have purchased this equipment

In the following pic, Rainer's holding parts of the fibre optic lamp...yeah, he's already broken it!!!

The following hanging chair is still waiting for funding approval from the P&C and the school to get builders in to hang it from the ceiling. We had it, then lost it to replace some bench seating in the playground. Ah well. We wait.....looks cool though, doesn't it???

Not sure how many times I can say 'THANK YOU' before I sound too wanky.
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
I'll be holding another online class shortly. This will be to send the aide staff on professional development and just general upkeep of equipment and resources. Hope you can join me????

The Mother
For mine

I purchased that little beauty without all the stamping, etc from a gorgeous vintage store in Devenr, Colorado, called Cali & Mo. OMG, could have spent a fortune in there..but restrained myself LOL.

And for me....

a gorgeous herb garden, a token for breakfast in bed, and other class-made goodies.

The Mag
So fortunate to be published in Scrapbook Creations issue 78
In the Top Ten feature for All That Shimmers. Thank you Ree.

And in the Buttons & Brads gallery. Thank you Kim.

The Numbers
123 Challenge is coming back!!!!!!
Click on this spot to catch all the mystery and intrigue that will be the NEW AND IMPROVED and OH, SO EXCITING new format for 123 Challenge.

Time to SEEK new directions and 123 Challenge is a perfect example.
off you go....CLICK!!
xx

More to Share

2010-05-15T17:30:00.000+10:00

Looks like a lot, but not really.

Have been flat out as usual but it's all positive and that's the main thing.

Sew Magnificent - Bon's Monthly Sketch by Charmane. Had soooo much fun funking this little gem UP!!

using a recycled rose from Alisa Burke's tutorial

another handmade flower using Tim Holtz die cut for Sizzix...this is for Tamara at Inkredible!!!!!

lots of groovy layering ...

had to used a funky font for the journaling. Got mine from Urban Fonts, it's called Folkard....

all these elements from Bon's May Boy Kit (excpet the string bag).....

Stay A While - Bon's Room of the Month challenge. This challenge is my all-time fave. So many different elements to choose from and the interpretations are awesome.

felt birdie from Michelle Jamieson's ChelleyBean Designs.....

all this from Bon's April Boy Kit.....

Once again, I want to thank my anonymous Bon's Scraps Boy Kit Subscription Benefactor. I hope I've done you proud so far and the CyberCrop is still to come!!!
Well, that's all folks.
Don't forget to click onto Bon's Scraps link in the sidebar to catch more of the inspiration in the gallery and the CC starts on Tuesday!! Woohoooo.

SEEK
to love yourself before all others
{just for this week}

Mega Catch-Up.....

2010-05-04T11:56:00.006+10:00

Says she, who will not be pressured into doing ANYTHING!!

Ah, the foibles of human existence. One minute you're up and flying, the next...well, you know how it goes.
Hence the lack of blogginess-ness.

The highlight of the last few weeks was, of course
THE SPANDAU BALLET + TEARS FOR FEARS concert!!

Oh MY GOSH!!
How fantastic and if you didn't get there, you missed out. No tragedies of the Whitney Houston kind, just superb, unadulterated energy and poise. Still 2 class acts and I'm so glad I went {I have forgiven myself for not going to see Jeff Buckley when I had the chance :( }. Next time I fork out the extra $50 to sit on the floor.

On the scrappy front, well, a little thin-on-the-ground there too unfortunately.
Safely Home - using Bon's Paper of the Month and some of the Boy Kit

A Special Moment - using Bon's Boy Kit and other bits and pieces for her Colour Challenge at the Cyber Crop

and possibly my favourite so far....
I Absolutely will not move from this Chair - Bon's Write Now challenge.

I am annoyed that Officeworks print their photos on a laminated paper which makes hand altering these buggers almost impossible....grrrrr {can you see the warping??}. NEVER AGAIN. Snapfish I love you!!!

And Louise Nelson is GUEST DESIGNER over at Bon's in May. I'm starting a book on how many layouts Lou can do with one Boy Kit!! LOL I can't wait.

SEEK
ENJOY
RECAPTURE
CONTENT
GROW

woops....

2010-04-17T17:19:00.004+10:00

Not much to share with you today. Have been riding the see-saw of good and bad news this week, and quite frankly....just knackered!

Here's what I've managed.....(shame-faced boohoo-ness)

So Much (to think about) for the Paper of the Month Challenge at Bon's Scraps also Pencil Lines Sketch #181

I am loving these recycled roses. I posted a little while back about Alisa Burke's blog and how much she inspires me and just gets the ol' mojo pumping again.
All the girls at Bon's are just crazy for these flowers, so you might see them popping up at a few challenge blog/ning sites next month!!

Well, seriously that's it!!
I know
bit of a let down...pmsl

I will ask for prayers for my friend T who has just been diagnosed with cancer (at 38), already has secondaries and this just shouldn't happen to her! I feel like I should say more {about how horrible bitches should get cancer, but never do} but that would be nasty....oh beeehaave!!!!
We're staying positive because she is an extremely healthy, positive soul.

Thanks for dropping by xx mwah

Happy Easter!!

2010-04-10T13:46:00.000+10:00

Autumn has arrived in Brisbane!! It's now dark at 6am and 6pm...ahhh!
Easter hols were spent at Sunshine Beach on the Sunshine Coast. The place was on the cliff side so there was a killer walk to the flagged area. My calves are the size of watermelons LOL.
We never eat dinner out when we're on hols, but as we were with my sister's family, we ate out TWO nights. Needless to say I didn't relax but I'm slowly learning.

I tried to do some journaling while away, but was dog-tired so haven't done ANYTHING....until last night!!! woohooooo

The monthly banner-see above (sorry, bad camera, bad lighting, bad to blame everything ex. my bad cameramanship)

Firstly, what I did before the Easter hols......
You're a Star - a cyber crop challenge at Bon's before Easter. Used Bon's Boy Kit for March and absolutely lurve the result. Took a while to collage all the bits, but worth the effort!...and it's Sandie for pete's sake!!

Where do I fit in Mum? - Write Now Challenge for March at Bon's. Another win for me!! Thanks girls.

"Q" - Bon's Cyber Crop Colour Challenge. Ummm, red, red, red, red (LOL) with some orange and B & W.

And what I did last night and this morning.....
Taking Time Out - April sketch at Bon's. Pic taken at Golden Beach last November. Used yummy Rouge de Garance pp, lots of paint and inking through a doiley.

{not quite the deadliest} Catch - Bon's February Kit Comp. While Bon was in Perth on hols, we were given a task of putting our own kit together and making a layout. Well, I managed to get the kit together and, as usual, life took over.

CARDS
Yes, you heard right!!

Last month, someone challenged the DT to use toilet rolls in their layouts. I remember seeing this used on another blog (can't remember, sorry) a while ago and thought it was super cool!!!

The ABA Therapy is going swimmingly. Rainer isn't enjoying it which is a good sign for this early stage.
Mackinley had Rugby League Camp for 2 days this week, which he loved, and began Soccer Training.
Another busy year, but that's life.

CC + ROTM

2010-03-23T13:24:00.001+10:00

I'm looking out my window, watching the rain come down and remembering back to 8am when Mackinley asked if he should take an umbrella today and I replied "OF COURSE NOT! The sun is pounding down."
Shoulda known better.

Whatcha doing tonight?

(image courtesy of Miss Fliss!!)
If you've never been to a CyberCrop, well tonight might just be the night. Just get over there and register to join in. Remember, it's still Daylight Savings for all the poor southerners who need sunlight to be "saved" (*snort*)

Here is the ROOM OF THE MONTH challenge at Bon's Scraps, featuring the Boss Lady herself.
(p.s. I downloaded a new version of Blogger, and now it's not auto resizing the photos...grrrrr - sorry - bloody computers)

Last year, this lady was my lifesaver! It was like she just knew when I was struggling, and it was wonderful seeing the msn chat window pop up with all her "pink-ness". I think I shorted-out my keyboard a few times with all the bawling, but you saved my bacon Bon and let me vent and feel sorry for myself without judging me. Thanks!!!!

I know what you're all thinking....."What's with all the PINK and the FLOWERS!!!!"
Truth is, I'm venturing into unchartered territory and trying my hand at more feminine styles. And I have a few girlie photos laying around.

We have begun Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) Therapy with Rainer. Four afternoons per week of intensive one-on-one therapy at home. The hardest part was finding 3 therapists to work for me! There's no up-to-date central register, so it's been an "interesting" process.

WISH US LUCK!!!

Now it's PELTING down and the thunder has kicked in.....yay, pick up time for Rainer.......ugh!!

Pencil Lines + Prima =

2010-03-21T14:26:00.000+10:00

= Lurvely!!!

And there's some Jenni Bowlin and other RAKing goodness!!
I can't remember the last time I did a Pencil Lines sketch, but glad I did as these photos have been craving attention for some time now.

Mackinley swam his heart out the other week.

I don't know about your kids, but he always moans about going, and then Mr Competitive emerges!! He got 2nd in Butterfly and 3rd in Freestyle (25m). Can't tell you how proud I was of him. Also want to record that his Freestyle motion is PERFECT....jaw-droppingly perfect. All the Mums were impressed.

Also went shopping for the SENSORY ROOM/LITTLE RAINBOW ROOM at IKEA.

This next one is a wish list item. Just have to make sure we can screw into the ceiling first.

And I've been a very bad girl at Inkredible. Bought these 2 Tim Holtz dies. Great value (5 pieces in the Heart die and 4 in the flowers) and I've already given them a whirl on the Cuttlebug....which has survived!!

LASTLY, a very generous, beautiful, priceless soul at Bon's Scraps has bought me a SIX MONTH Boy Kit Subscription. When Bon told me I was just about to race out the door to collect Rainer and was bawling and typing on msn. Turned up at the school all puffy, but smiling!!

THANK YOU MY LITTLE GUARIDAN ANGEL. I'll be working very hard to do lots of scapping this year.

Ummmm, on the home run for Easter Holidays. It's a mixed blessing in our house that one child dislikes chocolate and the other loves it, but isn't allowed! Makes us focus on more important reasons for this time of year.....like store sales, and having a break from the boys because hubby is home LOL.

love to share...

2010-03-13T15:36:00.004+10:00

These 2 projects today.....

first a napkin swap with Sandie Downey

When Marelle sent me the link I couldn't believe what the napkin was!!!! How freakish. Hope I did the napkin justice Sandie. I'm thinking of what to do with the other image...lmao, it's a beauty! You'll have to wait for that one...heehee.

And the sketch at Bon's. Felicity wanted us to do some groovy paint swirls but got too impatient with drying time and smooshed it with a card, then stamped it with a tube. And we had to have "Mr" or "Mrs" in the title, but employed some poetic licence with that too -- see! can't tell me what to do !!!! LOL

Charm really wanted me to scrap these photos, so here you are sweetness xx

Just waiting for other stuff to dry......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

seek ~ do ~ shop

2010-03-12T11:42:00.002+10:00

Howdy
Have finally made it to the computer after a very busy week (of non-scrapping activities....boohoo!!)
Which has meant I've had some time to look at the blogs I'm following....SEEK...

These 2 lovely ladies who I adore ADORE coz they are freakishly creative have posted a couple of projects I'm going to attempt this month......DO.....
ALISA BURKE'S PILLOW
ALTERED BOOK LOVER'S HANDMADE FLOWERS
I know some of you have caught the sewing-bug, so I expect the pillows will be done first (heehee). The flowers will hopefully be turning up in some RAKs for the lucky Bon's girls (yippeeee).

SHOP
No secret that I love to shop (more than I love to DO at time LOL) and the super-generous Luise at Blue Bazaar is offering my blog readers something special!!

*BLUE BAZAAR is offering readers of my blog a 10% discount on your next order over $40.00. To receive the discount include the following code in the comments field of your order: MARBLOGGS
Note discounts do not apply to items already discounted, on sale or subscriptions. The code is valid for this month until the 31st March 2010.

Loads to catch up on; they are still on my TO DO list!
So I'm off to do all the things that make me happy (including shopping)!! Hubby is home tonight after a week away...another thing that's making me happy.

Welcome March!

2010-03-07T10:51:00.007+10:00

Another month has begun and with it some much-needed rain....but now, after 2 weeks of constant drizzle and humidity, I think we've all had enough now!!

However, it did give us a chance to plant some Sunflower seeds!!

And we watched Michael paddle in the aeiou fundraiser PADDLE FOR KIDS.

It rained a little but it was a good morning on the Brisbane River.
Now he's in training for the Bridge to Brisbane run to raise money for Autism Queensland. We have a good crew for Rainer's Runners, so if you're in Brisbane and want to join us (we have t-shirts!!), just drop me an email {big smile} or you can just run on your own. Either way, it's always a great day out!!!
AND NOW THE CREATIVE....
This "was" for the write now challenge at Bon's but forgot to do heaps of journalling (duh!!).

I'm still in love with Rouge de Garance and am sooo glad that Inkredible have loads of their papers!!!
And 2 more for the SCRAP YOUR YEAR challenge for the In-Laws.

The phrase "Better late than never" springs to mind LOL. Only one more month to go...yipee!
And one more for Bon's Room of the Month Challenge (which is my fave of the month) which I won a voucher for...yay!!!

Today is CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA Day. The boys are down at the creek with Mackinley's Cub Scout Group which gives me a chance to clean this pig sty up a little with MY music blaring out the stereo!!

I absolutely love these pj's for the kidlets
RUBE AND HARRI
Perfect for Brisbane's climate!!!!

More soon!!!!!

Fundraiser...raised the roof!!

2010-02-26T20:09:00.003+10:00

Howdy!
Miss me????
Have been catching up on some well-deserved sleep after the fantastic day last Sunday.

These were taken very late (hence the cardies!!LOL) when most had gone home.

It was a lovely, relaxed day and just about everyone left with something new. A prize, a friendship, a tip or technique....

....lots of lovely laughter (especially from the Naughty Corner) and some well-deserved quality scrapping time for most.

Thanks to all the 20+ ladies who turned up, braved the morning rain, my layout class and a really {bad} game of Heads and Tails.

We raised $500.
I'm speechless and overwhelmingly grateful to Kathleen and Tamara, the owners of Inkredible, who continually open their hearts, and this time their store, whenever I call out.

Sorry there aren't more photos. I should delegate that responsibility next time.

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS....indeed...
The Jilly G-G canvas - Maria (yay...give, and ye shall receive!!)
The AVON goody bag - Margaret
The Stampin' Up goody bag - Dina
$60 voucher to Inkredible - Helen
$50 cold, hard cash courtesy of Pandemonium Cafe - Angela
Bottle of Moet - Christine

There were so many Lucky Door Prizes, we had to run 2 lots.

Once again, thanks to the many prize donors and people who made some yummy sweets to sustain our creative juices for 12 hours.

My next job is to go shopping at these fine establishments:
IKEA (believe it or not)
SenseAbilities
Sensory Tools

I have raised $1 000 with your help, and I am humbled by the overwhelming and instant response I received from this community that I was initially very reluctant to open my life to.

But look what happened!!!!
THANK YOU!

I'll be back with specific items that will hopefully be en-route when I next post.

Stay tuned....
After Easter hols, I will run that online class for those that missed the first one last year.

....SEEK and make a difference, learn something new and feel good about yourself
xx

Running With Scissors

2010-02-20T16:15:00.002+10:00

All seats are taken!!!
OMG
omg
OMG
OMG
Thanks everyone.

If you still want to visit and buy some amazing cards, embroidered towels and the hanging kind with all the crocheting on top (love those), I would love to see you there.

DON'T FORGET
I'm planning another online class somewhere, somehow, perhaps in Term 2, after Easter. I have a NING site but need some help tarting it up. {{smiles sweetly}}

As a family, we have loads going on - soccer, home-based therapy, super ugly blood tests, travelling hubby, possibly the house being built (ah, yes, that's been in the pipeline for 15 years LOL). My family and friends are SICK TO DEATH of hearing about the house!!!! I am too which is why it's this year - or else LOL!!! "else" haha

Thanks for stopping by and I will be back with heaps of pics and hopefully a final tally and that shopping list.....woohoo!!!!