SCKC - Southern Cross Kids Camps 2009

It is that time of the year again. I got involved with this last year through Fiskars and helped to contribute 150 layouts for this amzing cause. When the call was put out last time how could I not help. I am already in the process of going through my stash of scraps etc now to get a start on some of these again.

Here's is the details for those of you that wish to help out this amazing cause:

Last year with the incredible generosity of many scrappers we were able to create the best ever memory books, the kids were delighted....See their response here and here from the 2008 camp....It was an enormous task and a huge ask of the 30 odd buddies who were definitely out of their comfort zone when confronted with a table full of scrapbooking supplies......... I hoped that our wonderful scrapping community could get together and we could all contribute to these needy little children by scrapping at home or getting together at one or two Friday Crops and creating the simplest, most basic 6" x 6" background LO's. The buddies have very limited time to spend on their books as they are with the children 24/7....being such an amazingly important emotional anchor, your assistance would help to ensure each and every child has a memory book worthy of their memories.

Now to get you up to date........Last week I attended the Annual SCKC Directors summit and presented samples of the SEI albums complete with the pages you contributed late last year, they ALL loved the concept and placed immediate orders for the camps that will be held in 2009. How amazing is that!!! We cant do it without you though!

I know Nic and Trina are keen to get behind this wonderful cause again and now all we need is your incredible support to ensure that these poor little, at risk, yet ever so deserving children once again are gifted with a gorgeous memory book of their week at camp. Many of you who helped SCKC to achieve this during 2009, are aware of the amazing impact that these crafted albums have on the children's self worth, helping to sustain the feeling of hope and unconditional love they felt at camp each year.

Our aim for 2009 is to produce 6300 base scrap pages, that will cover the needs of all 9 camps held in Australia & NZ, great news already is that the New Zealand camp has had it's quota filled and the pages are being sent down in preparation right now!

We do however need to appeal to you urgently as the first three in Australia are being held in early January! I know that sounds daunting but I was amazed daily at the incredible numbers of LO's that poured in ever so quickly last year. They don't need to be detailed, simple basic designs work best.

We are also happily accepting your old scrap stash so that we can send product out to each camp to help them create beautiful covers on the albums too......old left over alphas, ribbons, flowers, epoxy embellishments, buttons, stickers,etc, anything you can spare will help!

Once again, Thanks so very much and be assured that the scrapbooking assistance you offer is invaluable and makes a huge difference, be it a little or a lot, it will all go toward putting huge smiles on the faces of some very sad little kids.

We couldn't do it without you!

Jules x

If you want to know more follow the link in my side bar under SCKC. Why not help out and help out an amazing cause.

Cheers M x

Fiskars "Family Fun Day" Crop here in South Australia

Hello fellow Scrapbookers and Cardmakers.

Let's start 2009 off with a bang.

We are excited to open the bookings

for our next Fiskars Crop here in Adelaide, South Australia.

Are you looking to get some new ideas for family gifts and cards?

Do you enjoy getting together with others to have fun ?

Then this is the day for you !

The day will be filled with fun and laughter as usual.

The details are:

FISKARS “FAMILY FUN DAY” CROP

Date : 31st January 2009

Time: 10 till 5 pm

Venue Address: Sheidow Park

All kits will be provided for the workshop

Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided

Places are now limited so you will need to book early to avoid disappointment.

**Due to my 4th child being due at the end of December,

bookings for this crop will be closing early so that kits can be prepared in advance

(you all know I I like to be super organised.LOL).

Look forward to seeing you there...

Email me at: mlwallace@internode.on.net for further details.

Michelle Wallace

Fiskars SA Ambassador

Wallace Paper Art Designs.

The final Taste of India Challenge

Wow... it is hard to believe that this four week challenge at D2U Scrapbooking is coming to an end. I have had so much fun playing around with the last few challenges for this.

Here is my take on the challenges so far:

Challenge 1 - Korma
Smile


I ended up doing two for this challenge as I had so much patterned paper left over and couldn't decide on the photos to use for this challenge. So here's the second layout:

Socks are Fun



Challenge 2 - Chicken Tikka
Puzzle Fun



Challenge 3 - Rogan Josh
The Couch


So here is this weeks spicy treat from Kerryn at D2U Scrapbooking, I can't wait to go and play around with this one. Certainly going to be a great challenge:

The final challenge is Vindaloo!!!

A blend of red chilli, tamarind and other spices. Usually the hottest (or one of the hottest) curries available.

In honour of the vindaloo, create a layout using red, orange & brown. You will also need to use at least 2 patterned papers, bling, 2 or more photos and journalling! Spicy enough for you !

Upload your completed layout to the gallery by midnight Sunday 23 November to be in the draw for a RAK (picture to follow soon).

Remember, if you complete all 4 challenges you will also be in the draw for one of two store vouchers.

Sample layout will be in the gallery today (it may not appear straight away though) but it will also be on Kerryn's blog.

Better get some work done before the day runs away from me.

Till later, M x

Taste of India - Challenge 3 - Some more fun !

Boy oh Boy ! another exciting challenge from Kerryn over at D2U Scrapbooking. The Taste of India challenge is certainly starting to hot up for sure.

Congrats to Kathyrn also who won Challenge 1. She did an awesome layout, which was well deserving of winning the challenge.

So here's the next challenge for this week:

Rogan Josh is an aromatic curry dish. Rogan meaning “clarified butter”, Josh meaning “hot or passionate”.

In honour of the Rogan Josh, use the colour combo of yellow, white and red. The yellow and white to represent the clarified butter and the red for hot and passionate.

Upload your layout into the gallery by midnight Sunday 16/11/08 to go in the draw to receive a random RAK.

This weeks prize has been supplied once again by Kirsty.

Kerryn's example layout is in the gallery now.

Why not give it I go. I know that I will be.

Better head off and get started on this and finish off Challenge 2. You can still be in it to win the vouchers at the end of the 4 week challenge.. even if you start the challenges now.

Cheers and happy scrapping, M x

Weekend Catchup - Crop Report

Good Morning all.

I trust you had as good a weekend as we did here in Adelaide, South Australia. It was a very busy weekend here and the weather looked to put a dampener on the day though the sun shone through in the end.

Unfortunately we had a few last minute cancellations, due to illness with the ever changing weather here in Adelaide at the moment it is to be expected. We had to put the heater on to keep us all warm for the day and yet today I have closed up the house to keep it cool due to a warm day heading our way !

This weekend just past was the last crop weekend here in Adelaide for 2008. We certainly did the day in style, with everyone getting into the festive spirit by dressing for the occasion.

The theme for our last crop was last minute Christmas ideas. I wanted to show everyone how quick and inexpensive it can be to create gifts for friends and family at the last minute with supplies from your stash. We were lucky enough to be able to play around with some of the Heidi Grace and Cloud 9 Clear stamps too, which made the job even easier.

Once again everyone enjoyed filling there tummies with some fine food and their heads with wonderful ideas of how to use the products/tools that Fiskars have on the market. I was also able to show everyone the new Christmas Shape template that is due out, along with the new Cloud 9 Christmas kit that I am sure everyone will be heading to the shops to buy.

So with everyone leaving here with their goodie bags full of amazing Fiskars products hey had made, their heads full of ideas and their sopping list for Christmas all filled in with Fiskars tools I think the day was a huge success once again.

Planning has been started for the next crop here in January 2009 here in Adelaide already. I teased everyone here with the project ideas I have planned for that crop along with the crops I am hoping to go ahead with next year. People were already asking to save places for the next crop and I haven't even finalised the details yet...lol..lol. I do promise to get the details for the next crop off in the next week so people can start making plans.

Many thanks also especially to the following people who have made the crops here in Adelaide, South Australia possible without their help and support now if would have been possible:
My family - for the help and relocation you have endured without any complaints
My parents - for kindly baking goodies and and looking after my children
Lyn Dwyer - the one I badger with emails.. your support has been endless
Trea - for all you hard work getting the supplies we need and all your amazing help
Fiskars HO - for all your support and kindness in getting these crops to happen here in Adelaide

So.. will leave you with a few pictures of the day that were taken by my darling husband, who I must thank heaps for setting up my trestles, keeping the milk filled, topping up the urnie for us, turning on the oven for the lunch run and helping me pack up at the end of the day. MWAH !! thanks heaps Darl. Note to self though.. must teach DH how to use camera in the new year !..lol..lol..

Enjoy and here's to 2009 Fiskars Crops in here in Adelaide. Let's hope they are even more successful as 2008 !

Cheers M x

Bear with Me !!

Just a quick post to let everyone know that I am in the middle of an blog overhaul and have decided to update a few things here.

So if things look a bit funny for a little bit.. I do know about it and am working on it at the moment.

Stay posted for a new exciting looking blog....lol... I hope !

Cheers M x

Just Couldn't Resist Tempting You !

Couldn't resist sharing with you all a sneak peek of the fun things we will be making at our Fiskars "Last Minute Xmas Ideas" Crop this Saturday here in South Australia.

Bookings for this have closed and confirmation emails have all been sent out to those who got in quick with their bookings. All the seats filled very quickly. The kits are all made up and food all ready to go. It is going to be another fun filled day with some exciting Fiskars goodies to be given away too.

Thanks again for all the wonderful support for these events to the Lead Ambassadors and Fiskars HO. Without their help the day wouldn't be quite as special.

So here is some of the things we will be creating on the day:

Pretty pastels showcasing a mini album for those you love


All peachy showcasing a mini album for those you love


A quick cute little box of note cards


Water colour decorated note cards made easy


Something to keep all those notes in a safe place


Quick and easy gift pouches


Quick Xmas tags so your all ready to go


Okay better go and finish setting up the room for the crop... Only 4 sleeps to go before we hit the grind stone all ready for Xmas here in Adelaide.

Don't forget details will go out soon for our next crop here in Adelaide in January.. so keep your eyes peeled for the details soon.

Happy Scrapping, M x

The next exciting "Taste of India" Challenge

It's up online at Direct 2 U Scrapbooking.. can't wait to play with this one it sounds like fun once again.

So here it is for you all:

Challenge Two : Chicken Tikka

The literal meaning of tikka is “bits & pieces”.

In honour of the Tikka, your “bits & pieces” are buttons & brads, patterned paper & cardstock, alphas & ribbon.

You are not to use anything extra but all of the bits and pieces must be present on your layout (you are of course allowed to add photo/s LOL). Note : You can use ink, stitching or paint but keep it a minimal part of your layout.

Upload your layout to the folder “A Taste of India” in the gallery by midnight Sunday 9/11/08 to go in the draw to receive a random RAK.

Off to play and see what I can come up with for this challenge... Why not give it a go yourself.

Cheers M x

October Punches Challenge - We have a winner !

Well, congratulations to those of you who entered the October challenge on the Fiskars ANZ Blog that I hosted this month.

We have had some amazing entries for this challenge and it was extremely hard to pick a winner.

I've enjoyed looking through all the entries ... and I am sure you have all provided us with some truly inspiring work, plus a few new ideas on how to get those punches to work for you.

I really wish I could give out a prize to everyone who entered but unfortunately there can only be one winner.

So with a little bit of help to pick the winner, as I just couldn't pick one myself, I got a bit of help from Random.org.

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

3

Timestamp: 2008-11-02 22:45:27 UTC


So the Winner of the October Monthly Challenge is:

Jenifer_Cowles



Congratulations! This is a great way to use those heart punches. I love the colours and the composition works really well. Plus the subject... well what more can an Fiskars Ambassador that has only 58 days left of her pregnancy say... it's enough to make anyone get clucky.

So well done Jenifer ... please claim your prize by e-mailing us with your details(fiskarscraft@yahoo.com.au) with October Challenge in the subject line.

And of course the challenges go on ... this month challenge is being hosted by the amazing Annette from sunny Cairns.

Here's what she has in store for us this month:

So, your challenge for this month is to use either a kit or gather a few supplies together to form your own kit and show us what you can do to make as many cards for different occasions and different genders that you can. Now if cards aren't your thing, then you can do it with layouts as well.

You have the whole month, and we would love to see what you come up with. So email your entries to fiskarscraft@yahoo.com.au so the girls can upload them into the online gallery, and be in the running to win a Fiskars prize!!

Look forward to seeing what you come up with!!

Annette :0

So... why not gather up some bit and pieces and give this a go. You have to be in it to win it as they say. Plus you could also get a head start on those cards you need for upcoming family and friends birthdays too.

Cheers and Happy scrapping, Michelle :)

A Taste of India Challenge

Well the first of the Tastes of India Challenge at D2U Scrapbooking is ending this evening at 12pm Midnight. It was such an inspiring challenge that I managed to get two layouts done for this challenge. As this was a layout to be done with pastels I didn't want to stick with the traditional "baby" theme. I wanted to show that you can use pastels for any layout now matter what the theme or subject.

So here's what I managed to come up with for this.

Layout 1 - Smile


Layout 2 - Socks are Fun


I can't wait to see what the next challenge is for Taste of India.. what exciting "curry" can it be this time...mmmmmm.... better check out the D2U site tomorrow to find out.

Cheers M x

November D2U Scrapbooking DT Work

So here's what I have to share this month using the amazing stuff sent in my DT kit from Direct 2 U scrapbooking.

Layout 1 - Blanket = layout made using the DT kit for this month and my own stash. Had fun cutting the flowers out of this patterned paper for this one.

Products used: DT kit - PP - K&Co = Wild Saffron - Wildflowers
From my stash: Versamark Ink, Chipboard Scrap, Clear Scroll Stamp, Stazon Ink - Metallic Blue , Bazzill Cardstock, Cardstock Scrap, Dimensional Magic, Cloud 9 Rain dots Journalling Pen.

Layout 2 - Little Engines = layout made using the DT kit for this month and my own stash. The pizza box worked really well for the tyre prints and even played with some tiny glass beads too.. very messy to work with but fun.

Products used: DT kit - PP - Basic Grey = Lollipop shoppe Key Lime Pie, Pizza Box, HS Rub On Alphas.
From my stash: PP - Basic Grey - Oh Baby! Boy, Versamark Ink, MM Alpha Stickers, Kaiser Clear Journal Stamp, Stazon Ink - Black , Cardstock, Permanent Marker, Clear and Silver Glass Beads, Acetate,Journalling Pen.

Layout 3 - All Aboard = layout made using the DT kit for this month and my own stash. Finally used up some of the ticket stubs that have been crying ou to be used. The colours in the photo were perfect for the paper too.

Products used: DT kit - HS rubon alphas, PP - Basic Grey = Recess, Wooly Cat Swing Tag.
From my stash: PP - Basic Grey - Colour Me Silly - Learn, Versamark Ink, HS Chipboard Alphas, Rubber Train Stamps, Stazon Ink - Timber , Bazzill Cardstock ,Permanent Marker, Ticket Stubs, Journalling Pen.

Layout 4 - Daddy's Girl = layout made using the DT kit for this month and my own stash. Had fun doing this one. Love the photo of my two sweeties.

Products used: DT kit - Core'dinations cardstock - Forest, Striped Organza Ribbon, Lemon Organza Ribbon, Wooly Cat Swing Tag, Heidi Grace Heart Fastner, Orange/Red Flower Petals, Green Button, Floss.
From my stash: PP - Basic Grey - Aged and Confused - Pistachio, Versamark Ink, Book Page, MM Noteworthy Note Page, Thickers Chipboard Alphas, Kaiser Clear Seal Stamp, Stazon Ink - Black , Journalling Pen.

Layout 5 - Budding Beauty = layout made using the DT kit for this month and my own stash. Felt..MMMM Loved playing with this layout. So loved doing it with minimal PP.

Products used: DT kit - Cardstock - Kraft, Felt, Heidi Grace Pre bradded Flowers, Orange Flower Organza Ribbon, Floss.
From my stash: PP - Kaleidoscope - Dots/Orange, Ric Rac, Heidi Swapp Chipboard Alpha, Stazon Ink - White , AC Rubon Alphas, Permanent Paint Marker, Kindy Glitz, Felt, Journalling Pen.

Layout 6 - Fun Is = layout made using the DT kit for this month and my own stash. Gotta love the Core'dinations CS. Played around with some circle punches and ripped paper for the embellishments to keep it minimal for this one.

Products used: DT kit - Core'dinations cardstock - French Roast, Lace, PP - K&Co = Wild Saffron - Petite Strip
From my stash: PP - Basic Grey - Oh Baby! Buttercup, Versamark Ink, Tsukineko Walnut and Terracotta Ink, Heidi Grace Alpha Stickers, Heidi Grace Clear Stamp, Stazon Ink - White, Permanent Marker, Kindy Glitz, Journalling Pen, MM Noteworthy Journal Page, Cloud 9 Raindots.

TFL... Till later... M x

Projects Share from me from Fiskars ANZ "Girls Nite In"

Thought I would share with you some projects that I did for the Fiskars ANZ Girls Nite In.

Thank You Card



Tools:
· Fiskars® Rotary Trimmer
· Fiskars® Craft Mat
· Fiskars® Tool Taxi
- Tweezers
- Paper piercer

Materials:
· Cloud 9 Design Rain dots
· Heidi Grace “Cherrywood Lane”
- Décor Stripe
- Flocked Flowers and Brads
· Pre-scored C6 White Card Base
· Heidi Grace Clear Stamps
-Tags and Words
· Ink
· Adhesive of your choice

Instructions:
1. Fold pre-scored card base and ink around all edges.
2. Cut out the following from the patterned paper
- 1 @ 5 ½” x 3 ¾” (using patterned décor stripe side)
- 1 @ 5 ½” x 1 ¼” (using plain side)
3. Ink edges of pieces you have just cut.
4. Adhere the smaller piece to the top of the larger piece of décor stripe as shown in photo.
5. Attach flocked flower to the join lines of the two patterned papers with brad on the left hand side.
6. Using your Heidi Grace stamp, stamp a greeting to the top right hand side of the card as shown.
7. Adhere to the front of the card base.
8. Finish off with adding Rain dots to the strip at the bottom of the card with the circles

Flower Card



Tools:
· Fiskars® Rotary Trimmer
· Fiskars® Craft Mat
· Fiskars® Round and Round Squeeze Punch XL
· Fiskars® Round and Round Squeeze Punch L
· Fiskars® Micro tip Scissors

Materials:
· Heidi Grace “Cherrywood Lane”
- Embossed Words
- Décor Stripe
- Embossed Floral
· Pre-scored C6 White Card Base
· Fiskars® Clear Stamps
-Baby (Cute as button)
· Ink
· Adhesive of your choice

Instructions:
1. Fold pre-scored card base and ink around all edges.
2. Cut out the following from the patterned paper:
- 1 @ 5 ½” x 3 ¾” Embossed Words
- 1 @ ¼” x 12” Embossed Floral
3. Using your Round and Round Punches, Punch out the following:
- 1 @ 2” Circle Décor Stripe
- 1 @ 1 ½” Circle Décor Stripe (using plain side)
4. Ink edges of the embossed papers. Adhere Words Embossed Paper to front of card base.
5. Cut small triangular wedges from the larger 2” Circle as shown in photo to create “petals”. Ink edges.
6. Ink edges of the small 1 ½” Circle and adhere on top of larger circle as shown.
7. Using your clear stamp, add the button part to the top left hand of circles as shown.
8. Ink the edges of the long strip of embossed paper. Tie a loose knot down one end leaving a small 1” tail to create a “leaf”. Trim other end to create a “leaf” on the other side.
9. Cut remaining piece of paper strip to create the “stem” of the flower off at 4” and adhere to left hand side of card.
10. Assemble “flower” as shown in photo and your all finished.

Pink "Wish" Layout



Tools:
· Fiskars® Rotary Trimmer
· Fiskars® Craft Mat
· Fiskars® Threading Water Border Punch
· Fiskars® Tool Taxi
- Paper Piercer
· Fiskars® Micro tip Scissors
· Fiskars® Stamp Press
· Fiskars® Shape Template – Circles
· Fine Paint Brush
· Flower Template to trace

Materials:
· 1 4”x6” landscape photo
· Cloud 9 – Wild Honey
-Pink Sky at Night Paper
· White cardstock
· Clear Stamps
- Stitching and Journal Spot
· Ink
· Water Colour Pencils
· Ric Rac Grosgrain Ribbon
· Embroidery Floss
· Gemstones
· Small Flowers and Brads
· Raw Chipboard Alphas
· Adhesive of your choice

Instructions:
1. Ink edges of cardstock.
2. Cut out the following from the patterned paper:
- 1 @ 5” x 2”
- 1 @ 7” x 2”
3. Using your Threading Water Punch cut one side of the two pieces of patterned paper that you have just cut.
4. Using your pink watercolour pencil, blend colour from the scalloped edge to the centre. Repeat on the straight side. With your paintbrush and water, blend so it ends up lighter in the centre. Leave to dry completely.
5. With your pink watercolour pencil and flower template, trace 3 flowers in the positions as shown in photo. Colour the flower in using watercolour pencil. Blend using paintbrush and water as you had with the paper strips. Allow to dry completely.
6. Using your paper piecer make evenly spaced holes for stitching to outline the flowers. Using your floss and embroidery thread, stitch to the outline of the flower to highlight. (I have used iridescent floss).
7. Adhere your photo to the cardstock base 3” down from the top and 2 ¾” in from the right hand side of the layout.
8. Layer the two scalloped paper strips onto the layout as shown on the photo.
9. Add ribbon and ric rac to the layout as shown. Adhere chipboard title to layout as shown. Colour chipboard with watercolour pencils. Blend to highlight.
10. Using your stamp press and clear stamps, add in the journaling and stitching stamp as shown.
11. Finally, use your Circle template to set gemstones and flowers in a 4” circle around the chipboard title.