Sneak Peak

Now who doesn't like surprises? Here's a good one - wait till you see the full layout and card set when it is released on the Scrapapple website soon.

Till then .......

April Scrappit Pack

Here's a sneak peak on the upcoming April Scrappit Pack. I was thrilled to use some great Scenic Route papers I have had my eye on for some time.

Stay tuned to see my full layout.

We Dare You Challenge

This week the Scrappit DT were required to come up with a theme on 'Regrets'. Umm now what to be regretful about. Fortunately I suppose I don't have many if any regrets. Until, I remembered having grown up without my numerous relatives including my Maternal Grandparents. My memory of them only comes from two visits with them, one when they came to Australia to visit back in the 70's and the other when Mum, Dad and I went to surprise them in England on their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Nan would give you these warm and extremely bosom squeezing hugs. Grandad would recite miles upon miles of his journaling over the years. He even came to Australia to give me away on my Wedding Day as my own father had passed away.

I do envy anyone who is exposed to extended family through Cousins, Aunts and Uncles and more importantly Grandparents. No one loves you quite like a Grandparent.

We Dare You Challenge

This week with Scrappit we had to create a layout based on 'Fights'. Now where would be as Mothers if we weren't able to scrap darling siblings doing what they do best. Both DS#2 and DD are in the same star sign which leaves us with some interesting times. Both of them are so alike and yet so argumentative together.

This layout was actually published in Scrapbooking Memories magazine under a similar call up from memory.

Till next time.

Scrappit Now Kit - March

March Scrappit Now Kits http://www.scrappit.com.au/ have just been released. Here's a couple of Layouts and Travel Logs I completed using these great kits.

See the March Scrappit Now Newsletter for further details. http://www.scrappit.com.au/www/25/1001127/displayproductcategory/scrappit-now-newsletter--2101344.html

Till Next Time

Remember When Blog

I was so privileged to be asked to blog for RW http://www.rememberwhen.com.au/ over the last couple of weeks. One of the blogs was particularly close to home with the passing of my FIL last August. I wanted to let everyone know how writing some inner thoughts and feelings down as soon as possible actually helped me deal with our loss. In reflection of the recent devisation with the Victorian bushfires and the floods in North Queensland, it only serves a reminder that a little piece of journaling can relieve some of the inner stress. Here's what I wrote -

I am, along with millions of other individuals, astounded about the recent tragedies in Northern Queensland and Victoria over the last couple of weeks. This is certainly a country of extreme challenges and changes in our climate but I don’t think anyone could imagine a flood and fire devastation that could be affecting two of our states at the same time. With the loss of life and destruction of property my heart is overwhelmed with sorry for all families concerned.

In late 2008 I was distressed to lose my father in law after a recent illness. As tragic as this was, within one day I had journalled my feelings and completed a mini album to express my sorrow of losing someone so dear to my heart. Without my passion for scrapbooking I wouldn’t have been able to record those memories he shared with me and my family. I know my DH and DS#1 were brought to tears as they read my journal. With this, I’d like to share how something as simple as documenting your emotions during a time of grief can be somewhat liberating in the end.

So this is what I wrote:
(So what do I see when I look at these photos of you – how can I begin to describe the sorrow to the family that you are no longer with us. An older generation of a family man with certain beliefs but not adverse to dedicate his thoughts to his wife and three boys. You may not have been there to do general housework or read your children bed time stories but you know what, that isn’t everything. By your sheer presence you held this family in the highest regard. Pat may have done all those menial jobs that ‘that generation’ did, but you were always there.
A working career as a doctor and provider, someone who loved to play golf and was known as the No #1 Senior Member of Brisbane Golf Club and even when your health deteriorated you continued to play but needed a Motorised Golf Buggy to assist with the 18 holes.
Someone who delayed his retirement until you reached the tender age of 70 before you began to enjoy your just rewards. Very strange for Pat to have you home so much but I know it didn’t take long for her to adjust to your presence. Daily walks around Highgate Hill until this became too difficult to manage.

I can’t believe that the first photo in this album was taken as late as Christmas Day 2007. How, in such a short time your declining health from Emphysema drained the life from your weakening body. Very difficult for you to come to terms with especially when the mind is still strong but the body couldn’t manage. Your dependence on Pat was worsening her health but there was nobody to deter her from her dedication to you. To see you in hospital only days before you passed away will remain with me always.

With Peter and Christopher seeing you only two days before you left us with another of many humorous comments you were still making…..as your mind was wondering you mentioned that ‘the nurses take so long to come sometimes after I call them that when they finally arrive I can’t remember what I called them for’. You never lost your sense of humour right to the end.
I’ve completed this album within one day of your passing in an effort to help me come to terms with your death. Although my own father passed away nearly 30years ago I still compare any death to his. Perhaps because I lost him so early in life and you became my new father figure your death has hit me harder still. I thank you for the moments you have shared with me and my children. You will always be in my heart and thoughts. May you play all those wonderful golf courses in heaven and drop a ‘hole in one’ for me.
Tears will be shed from time to time and lots of laughter with those memories you have left us with. Peace be with you Roley and may you find comfort and tranquillity in your spiritual place.
You shared your life with all of us from 18th March 1922 to 29th August 2008 – passing at the tender age of 86.)

The layout below demonstrates how a simple case of documenting your emotions and grief for a loved one can, at times, bring that little bit of peace to a distressing time.

Till next time

Scrappit Now Kit - March

It's a new month and what better way to celebrate than to create with a new Scrappit Now Kit. http://www.scrappit.com.au/www/25/1001127/displayproductcategory/pre-orders--1497929.html.

This month we got to play with the Cosmo Cricket range of papers.

Here's a sneak peak before they are released next week.

Till next time

March Scrappit Pack

I think Basic Grey would have to be my all time favourite patterned paper. March Scrappit Pack http://www.scrappit.com.au/www/25/1001127/displayproductcategory/scrappit-packs-new--1005004.html is another opportunity for me to use the BG Bittersweet range. This is my second layout using this great kit.

Don't be afraid to use patterned paper differently. In this layout I chose to put my ledger paper on it's side giving it a vertical stripe. Although, my heart is sideways, it kind of suits my quirky daughter.

After adhering the felt parenthesis I placed a thin line of double sided tape to it's inner edge. I then placed a strand of pearl beads over the adhesive.

After machine stitching a row around the outer edge of the background paper, I took to my scissors to add a bit of tearing and ripping.

A touch of teal to a pink and chocolate colour theme also worked in well.

Till next time

Scrapapple February Project

My first project for Scrapapple http://www.scrapapple.com.au/ and I was given a Crate Paper Memory Tin to decorate in the lovely Baby Bee Collection.

When my DD was born some 12 years ago I decided to start collecting a series of charms to go on a charm bracelet for her 21st Birthday. These couldn't be just any charms but ones that related in some way of her life in the past year. For example, one year I purchased a Moon to resemble the struggle she had with the dark, another year was a Teddy Bear to relate to the numerous DB's she has had over the years. So with this in mind I decided to make the most of my opportunity and create this Memory Tin for her 21st gift.

I began by measuring the pattered paper for the cylinder. It's best to work on this before it is adhered to the cylinder. NB you will have to take into account the curves of the tin ie flat items will want to bend once this is adhered.

The flowers were cut using a Sizzix die cut on my Cuttlebug. I chose to duplicate some of the patterned paper flower die cuts with black card stock. This, when placed behind the flowers gives the impression of silhouetting. I centred some of the flowers with the buttons and some with groups of pearls. To ensure these 'stayed put' I used Glossy Accents between the pearls.

I used a Daisy Bucket rub on over a Maya Road Sheer Collection tag. I actually made a bit of a mess on one edge of the rub on, however to cover this I added more flower rub ons to the tag. Although I ran the tag through my Xyron machine before adhering I knew this wasn't going to be strong enough to hold so I added a few brads on either side for extra strength.

I decided to type my journaling on different coloured paper to explain the details of what is in the tin and what the items I have been collecting actually represent. To complete the design of the tin after adhering the paper block, I added glitter alphas, stamped leaves and a self made scalloped edge to the bottom of the tin. A little ribbon details compliments this edge.

With a little detail on the top of the tin using a 7 Gypsies knob and my Memory Tin is complete. Here's hoping my DD will enjoy opening her gift on her 21st Birthday and remember that this gift started the day she was born.

Here's till next time.

March Scrappit Pack

Hello


I was the lucky DT member to receive more of the Basic Grey Bittersweet Collection for the Scrappit Pack for March. http://www.scrappit.com.au/www/25/1001127/displayproduct/bittersweet--3590162_scrappit-packs-new--1005004_.html





I added a few extra embellishments like the chipboard branch from Maya and a gorgeous felt bird from Autumn Leaves. By using a couple of Sizzix dies in my Cuttlebug Machine I created a few of the flourishes to highlight the top right of my LO. To complete my design I stitched a sequence of 2 and 3 backstitches around the paper block and ended by placing a few heart brads between the stitches. By cutting your background block into even quarters it can break up a busy pattern and compliment the design.

Thanks for looking.

DS#@ 21st

Saturday 28th Feb saw us all enjoy DS 21st BBQ lunch. Although a little under the weather from just a few celebratory drinks the night before and pulling an all nighter, I do believe he quite enjoyed himself. It was so lovely to see his friends support him on the day and we had a few hours of really getting to know them before DH and I fell exhausted on the lounge around 9.00pm.


The weather was tremendous, a little muggy, but really lovely just the same. Unfortunately a few relations couldn't make it but I think we did well in spite. I know DS friends quite enjoyed the Photobook, Scrapbook Album and collection of photos and reports from his school years. I'm still astounded to believe this little chubby kid in one of the school photos is of his best friend. Apart from the eyes I just couldn't tell.


All in all we had a great day and with two children now over 21 (urgh) we only have the Cherub of the family left to go.


Happy 21st Birthday again DS - all our love

And, yes that is 21 x $10 notes meticulously taped together in a roll from DS Aunty P.

Till Next Time

February Scrappit Now Kit

Hi Everyone



I thought I'd share a couple more layouts using the February Scrappit Now Kit which contained the new Basic Grey Bittersweet collection.






This layout utilises a sketch I have used many times. If you would like to see more please use the link attached or visit the Scrappit Website http://www.scrappit.com.au/www/25/1001127/displayarticle/learning-centre--1001165.html to view more of these ideas.




My DD has decided to regress to loving Pooh Bear again after all these years. This puffy Pooh was sitting in my stash for some years and was finally happy to put him to some good use.


Thanks for looking.