The Art Of Scrapbooking... Is the Art of Living!

MAS Kit 2 - Xmas Kit

2012-02-10T14:40:00.001+10:30

Had fun scrapping up a storm with my Mad about Scrapping DT kit this month.

The kit was full of Christmas fun and I loved playing around with the more traditional Christmas colours for a change.

I created 3 Christmas Layouts using the gorgeous Authentique Christmas Range.

Do you know what the best bit is....

The price !!!!! RRP $20 Mad about Scrapping Price >>> $14.00.

Better hurry though as there is ONLY 4 of these kits.

TFL, M x

SWV February Kit

2012-02-10T14:30:00.001+10:30

Looking for a girlie layout or two to create this month ??

Then head over the Scrap with V and grab my February Kit.

Had fun playing around with this yummy paper range that I ALMOST didn't want to cut it.

Here's the two layout I created.

Included In This Kit:

2 x cardstock; 3 x patterned paper (Scrapcake); Zva Creative rhinestone flourishes; Zva Creative rhinestone title; A2Z Scraplet title; Twiddleybitz chipboard border; Zva Creative rhinestone strip; Assorted ribbons/lace; assorted flowers; bella! chipboard pieces (key and padlcok); and assorted glittered and rhinestone brads. Instructions also included.

Additional Items Required:
Adhesive of choice; Kindy Glitz (or Stickles); white gel pen; brown ink; pink/coral paint or ink: paper trimmer; photos

TFL, M x

SWV February Challenge

2012-02-10T14:20:00.002+10:30

This month, Scrap with V's February sketch has been designed by design team member Amy Bender. It's a great fun sketch with that banner!

Here's my take on the sketch

Now, it's your turn.

Let's see how the sketch inspires you.

Please send your completed layout to scrapbookkitswithjules@gmail.com.

Entries close at midnight on February 29th (it is a leap year, isn't it?)

The lucky winner will be announced early March and will receive a bundle of scrapbooking goodies.

Check out the Blog to see how the skecth inspired the rest of the Design Team.

Give it a go.

TFL, Mx

Fiskars Adelaide Crops for 2012

2012-02-02T16:40:00.002+10:30

Hello Everyone.

Hoping that you all had a good Christmas and New Years.

Little late in getting this out this year as have been buried under a pile of study assignments!

So without further ado..

Places are limited and book out fast, so you need to book early to avoid disappointment.

The details are:

Dates: February 25th

March 31st

May 19th

July 28th

September 8th

November 10th

Venue: Sheidow Park

Time : 10:30 - 4pm

Cake, Biscuits, Tea, and Coffee provided.

If you wish to book in please let me know by email.

Remember also that cancellations MUST be made two weeks in advance

or you will be charged for the kit regardless of whether you are able to attend or not.

All kits come with full instructions and all that is needed to complete what we are making on the day. (except adhesives and ink if doing it at home).

Please bring a small plate of food to share for lunch (can heat food if needed).

Reminders and emails detailing tool lists for the day will be emailed out one week prior to each crop.

Places are limited and book out fast, so you need to book early to avoid disappointment.

Wallace Paper Art Designs

0414 271 083

Looking forward to getting scrappy with everyone this year!

Cheers and good wishes, Michelle xxx

Helmar January Challenge

2012-01-30T13:10:00.003+10:30

Let 2012 start off with a bang and lotsa Helmar loving!

January started with me playing around with some Helmar 450, Helmar Crackle Medium and making lotsa Helmar mess!

Helmar Designer Lydell Quin had another great sketch to inspire us to start this year out right!!

And here's my take on the sketch !

Keep your eyes peeled for what the Helmar Design Team has been up to for February!

Cannot wait to share!

TFL, M x

SWV January Kit

2012-01-30T13:00:00.003+10:30

I had a blast playing with my January kit from Scrapping with V.

It had been a while since I have played with anything majorly boy orientated.

There are so many goodies in the kit that I just HAD to dig in.

Here's what I created.

Included in this kit:

3 x cardstock; 3 x Studio Calico patterned paper; Bella! chipboard pieces; Studio Calico sticker sheet; Kaisercraft rub-ons; Sassafras alpha stickers; A2Z Scraplets chipboard border; plastic envelopes; Twiddleybitz chipboard pieces; buttons; Zva Creative pearls; brads; assorted ribbons; and assorted flowers. Instructions also included.

There are still some of the kits left in store for very low prices that you won't be disappointed.

Head over and check it out.

TFL, M x

SWV January Challenge

2012-01-30T12:30:00.001+10:30

Very late putting this up this month... but better late than never!

This was the sketch for January we had to play with at Scrappin with V designed by Jules the Bling Princess herself!

and here's my take on the sketch.

Check out what everyone else did here.

TFL, M x

Just had to share

2011-12-31T10:46:00.000+10:30

Found this while I was "studying" and just had to share....

Check out the rest of the amazing and really cute illustrations here at MelonHeadz...

Great freebies too !

Happy New Year Everyone !

TFL, M x

Last minute Helmar Xmas fun

2011-12-24T19:33:00.000+10:30

Hello all...

Michelle here in a sweltering hot Adelaide, South Australia.

Just a quick share as we set into the Christmas Cheer here.

We have been madly preparing everything for our Christmas get together here with some of our family.

The house has been scrubbed and buffed to a major shine and the Christmas table has been set up for our big Christmas lunch.

This year we have gone for a little different colour scheme for the table too. I wanted to use my big dinner set as we have quite a few of us here this year and then dinner set is very non traditional Christmas colours.. maroon, forest green, white and royal blue!

So to compliment it all I had to buy some maroon table clothes for the table....

and to tie it all together and personalise it a bit I had a little fun with some Helmar and made this little place cards.

and YES... all the holes in the white scalloped circle were individually punched out... bit of a glutton for punishment, but love the end result.

Job made super easy with a little help from my Helmar Tape Adhesive Runner

and a big dab of Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots!

Have to give a huge hug and kiss to my Darling Husband too..

He scrubbed up all the silver ware till it shined and then our two youngest girls dried it all for him!

We almost forgot about our Christmas table centre piece... was sitting in the shed wrapped up from last year. It lights up and makes the whole thing glow.

So myself and my family,

I would like to wish

My fellow Helmar Hotties, Tracy, Mark, Helmar

and

our Helmar followers

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.

I hope that everyone has a safe and happy festive season.

Looking forward to the new year and continuing to spread the Helmar cheer.

SEASON'S GREETINGS !

Stay safe!

TFL, M x

MAS November Kit

2011-12-14T08:00:00.002+10:30

Look what I got to play with from Mad about Scrappin....

Gorgeous Glitz Beautiful Dreamer Pattern Papers, Cardstock and Embellishments.

Was so much playing around with this kit... and there was so many goodies in it too that I could really mix it up.

Here's what I created

Whay not check it out here... there are four kits avaliable at $20 per kit.

WHAT A BARGAIN PRICE is all I can say!

Check it out.

TFL, M x

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas here

2011-12-13T08:00:00.002+10:30

Oh my golly gosh.... think I am all Christmas crafted out....

Created 55 of these babies !!!!

In the name of keeping it simple for most of our family friends, I had my own little production line happening here.

My job was made easier thanks to these Fiskars tools

Fiskars Self Inking Stamp Press

Fiskars Squeeze Punch - XL Circle

Fiskars Shape Cutter

and lastly

Fiskars Shape Templates

Now off to address all the envelope to go with all these cards!

TFL, M x

December Challenge "Happy Helmar Holidays!"

2011-12-12T09:30:00.003+10:30

WOW, it is December already!

2011 just flew by and we are excited for the Holiday's Helmar style!

Helmar Designer Lydell Quin has another great sketch to inspire you this Holiday month!:

Here's what I created from the very inspiring sketch....

I got down a dirty with an old piece of cardboard box, some Christmas napkins, Helmar Decoupage medium and LOTS of yummy Helmar Crackle medium to create my layout base.... all I can say is DON'T underestimate the humble cardboard box and Christmas napkins.. they can really create a very unique background.. I will definitely be trying this again as it was so much fun!
And we want to see those layouts about YOU! Pick up your favorite Helmar products and show us your Holidays........Helmar Style!!

What a great month December is going to be!

By taking our challenge and uploading a project you are automatically entered to win our random drawing for Helmar products!

Each month we pick a random winner to get some Helmar goodies!

What a fun way to play along! Ready, Set UPLOAD!

All you need to do to be eligible for the random draw is upload your project here!

We pick a random winner each month!

It is that easy to have a chance to win your favorite Helmar products!

Remember to take time for YOU in December and "Happy Helmar Holidays"!

TFL, M x

Getting crafting with the kids for Christmas

2011-12-12T08:00:00.002+10:30

This year making cards has been a huge task due to family commitments, Volleyball trip interstate and study commitments adding to the normal hum drum of family life.

I had several bucket loads of cards to get make and time wasn't on our side this year so I enlisted the help of my kids to get them all done. Plus the fact that it was nice for them to be able to tell their friends that they had actually helped make them.

Every year my son give a card to everyone in his class and makes gingerbread people to give them. We made the gingerbread people this weekend and hope to get their button "stuck" on with royal icing through the week.. that is the gingerbread people survive the week with Miss Tarryn on the prowl... she LOVE gingerbread and consumes it like no one I have ever seen!

So.. I order to get Nate's cards all done in record time we decided to keep it simple. Some simple punching and inking and then it would all be done.

While I had precut the main pieces I set Nate to one side with a couple of Fiskars punches (XL Scalloped Circle Punch and L Round and Round Punch), and told him we need 26 of each. He had a jolly old time punching his little heart out!

Now I can tell you will all the stamping that was involved (tree for circle and greeting inside the card) I WAS NOT going to do it all with my little stamp blocks.. the job was made a lot easier by my son Nate being able to use my Fiskars Stamp Factory.. no mess and he was able to do it all by himself as it was a breeze for him to use.

We added a little bit of kindy glitz to the cards and then they were all done in a couple of hours!

And for the Calisthenics girls we went all girlie. Lots of pink, purple and sparkle... what Cali girl doesn't like sparkles!

I had to do these one's myself as Kiah and Tarryn weren't able to help quite as much with these.... they did however choose the papers, add the trees (with a little help) and SUPERVISE... hehehehehehe.

Must say that thanks to Fiskars my card making this year was made a lot easier! Was a breeze to get all these cards made in one day and I am glad to be hanging up my Christmas card making hat for the year!

Happy Festive Season Crafting, M x

Getting your glue on !

2011-12-10T08:00:00.003+10:30

I love watermarking on card stock to create my very own background. I also love embossing on my card stock too.

The problem I have found though with watermarking on some card stocks is that it can be very hard to see.

Also the issues I have with embossing is that it ONLY embosses the area that has been inked.

Now that may not seem like much of a problem.. but on some of the darker card stock colours it can be very hard to see the fine detail in some stamped images.

Well... thanks to Helmar Acid Free Glue and a fine paint brush I have managed to solve this problem and create my own unique background.

I start by water marking the image onto my card stock base. Then I use my paint brush to "paint" my Helmar Acid Free Glue all over the stamped image (making sure to only paint the image stamped) I must say it was rather therapeutic!

Once the glue was dry I then highlighted the card stock base by rubbing the card stock with ink.

The glue areas resist water based inks and therefore have a glossy raised look almost like the embossed card stock you can buy.

Here's my finished layout with the glue "embossed" background

Close up of the glue "embossing"

I love this technique and thanks to Helmar Acid Free Glue it is such and easy thing to do.

Why not give it a try. Such a great technique to use when you have run out of embossing powder or for when you want that store bought embossed paper look.

Don't forget to head over to the Helmar Design Team Blog to see what everyone has been creating.
TFL, Mx

TSO December Technique Challenge

2011-12-07T08:00:00.002+10:30

This month I am lucky to be able to choose the Technique Challenge for The Scrappers Outlet.

Here's what I have chosen for the technique - Herringbone Technique
(might I say it was so much fun creating a sample card that I have also created a whole layout using this technique! Very fiddly but well worth it I think!)

Here's how you do it...

Step 1
Trim a piece of card stock to the desired size of your background. Run through Xyron® with a permanent adhesive cartridge.

Alternative:
If you don't have a Xyron, cover the card stock with any strong double-sided adhesive or glue.

Step 2
Cut three or more different patterned paper pieces into thin strips of equal widths - the pattern looks best with widths between 1/8" and 3/8".

Step 3
Pick one of the darker paper strips and adhere it to the cardstock base diagonally. It will divide the cardstock piece into two triangular sections

Step 4
Adhere another strip from the same patterned paper across one of the two sections, forming a T
Take a third strip from that paper and adhere it diagonally across the other section. You now have four triangular spaces on the card base.

Step 5
Roughly trim the paper strips. It will make the next steps a bit easier.

Step 6
Pick one section of the cardstock and start filling it in.
Take a different patterned paper strip and adhere it next to one of the main strips.
Take another strip from the same pattern and adhere to the opposite side of the triangle.
Step 7
Repeat Step 6 with strips of a different paper pattern.
Continue to add paper strip pairs until the first section is filled.

Step 8
Flip cardstock and trim paper strips. Don't trim all the way to the cardstock just yet.

Step 9
Fill in the second triangle with paper strips.
Fill in the the third section.
Trim the strips between each section. You can use the longer leftovers to fill in the next triangle.

Step 10
Fill in the last section.

Step 11
Burnish the background before cutting it to the size of your cardstock. This will prevent smaller strips from falling off.

Step 12
Use the finished background on project.

Here's the card I created using this technique.. such a great way to use up your scraps too!

Head over to The Scrappers Outlet to check out the other challenges for this month.

TFL, M x

TSO November Kit

2011-12-06T08:00:00.001+10:30

I received lots of bright and bubbly stuff to create with in last months kit from The Scrappers Outlet.

I had such a great time creating away and getting very messy in the process.

Here's the end results...

Can you spot the Fiskars Punches that got a work out for my first layout ... Yep.. my favourite punches.. Fiskars squeeze punches.. XL Tag Punch and L/ M Round and Round Punch!

TFL, M x

SWV December Sketch Challenge

2011-12-05T20:00:00.006+10:30

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Scrapping with V...

Seriously, only 20 days until Santa arrives.

For those of you who need a distraction from the Holiday Season craziness we present

"The December Sketch Challenge"!!!

Here's my take on this sketch

This competition closes at midnight 31st December 2011.

The winner will receive a kit from Scrapbook Kits with V store.

Please email your entries to scrapbookkitswithjules@gmail.com.

Winners will be announced early January 2012.

Helmar Holiday Hop

2011-12-03T18:30:00.012+10:30

It’s that time of year where we all start thinking of the holidays so what better way to get your Holiday spirit than a great Helmar Holiday Hop?

Filled with so much Holiday cheer and some amazing projects featuring all the different Helmar Adhesives.

Hello everyone and welcome to my stop on the Helmar Holiday Hop.

If you have been following along, you should have hopped here from L. Grace Lauer’s blog.

If not, you just have to stop at the Helmar Blog and start from the beginning.

There are goodies along the way and we don’t want you to miss a thing.

Getting ready for the festive season has been lots of fun in our household. With four children, everyone is eager to be involved and get busy creating for Christmas.

This year however there has been one change in our household in the countdown for Christmas. We have discovered that our youngest child is unable to eat chocolate (quite a hard thing when she lives in a house of Chocoholics... hehehehehe). Do you think I could find an advent calendar anywhere that doesn't have chocolate but still lets my kids satisfy their sweet tooth !!!!! NOPE !!!!

So this year, we I had to get creative with a little help from Helmar. I decided to make our own advent calendar that the kids can change around the days easily and have popped a bowl of jelly bean next to the calendar for the little sweet tooth's!

Was quite an easy task with a little help from a child's paint by numbers mini canvas and easel and some of my favourite Helmar adhesives

and here's my calendar

Make sure you leave a comment at every stop because the elves of Helmar will be giving away prizes to some lucky Helmar fans.

Now hop on over to Angie Blom's Blog to see another amazing Helmar Holiday project.

The Holiday Hop will be open for comments until 11:59P.S.T December 4th , so take a look and enjoy a little holiday spirit from all of us on the Helmar Team.

Thanks again for stopping by today and Happy Holidays.

TFL, M x

MAS November Challenge

2011-12-03T17:00:00.002+10:30

Better late than never.... haven't had a change to post this challnege form last month after having been flat out with placement for my course.

This was the challenge for last month at Mad about Scrappin....

We were challenged to create a layout using three stamps...

My stamps used were .. the paper lace created by stamping then handcut, flourishes stamped onto acetate and then lastly the flowers which I stamped several times onto water colour paper, water coloured then layers with Helmar Liquid Scrapdots.

Loved this challenge.. though the real challenge for me was trying to pick which THREE stamps to use... I may have just a few stamps... hehehehehe.

TFL, M x

TSO Teaser for December Kit

2011-12-03T16:40:00.002+10:30

Just a little to wet your taste buds....

If you want to see more you'll have to grab the kit...

Head over to The Scrappers Outlet to check it out!

Full instructions included too so that you can get creating just like me!

TFL, M x

Guess what is ALMOST here !!!!!!

2011-12-03T16:24:00.003+10:30

SWV November Challenge

2011-11-15T08:00:00.001+10:30

For November, Scrapping with V has a fun sketch for you to work with.

It has room for lots of photos, or for just one photo

November's sketch was designed by Jules The Bling Princess

Here's my sample using this fun sketch

Well, hope you like November's Sketch Challenge.

I would love to see how it inspires you, so please send your entries to scrapbookkitswithjules@gmail.com

Entries close at midnight 30th November 2011.

The winner will be announced shortly after,

and will receive a Limited Edition kit from the store.

Happy scrapping everyone!!!

TFL, M x

One of the many reasons I have been MIA

2011-11-14T13:39:00.001+10:30

Okay.. so we all know that this time of the year is a little buts for many reasons..

Well is this house hold it has been MANY things keeping me and my family busy.

October is a nightmare of a birthday month for us here, with two of my own children having birthdays in that month.

Add school holidays, family birthdays, scrap booking commitments AND this year I have been studying.

The studying aspect has kept me busy that is for sure and I have already completed one week of my on the job placement, with another week to come next week (HUGE MWAH to my parents for kindly looking after the tow littlies for us down at Victor while I have placement... without them placement would have been more of a nightmare)

To top everything off... this is another of the reasons we have been flat out in our free time...

Excited just a tad that you can see our star from the Hallett Cove Shops !!!!!!!!

We had our official turning on party on Saturday night with our neighbours and friends... never seen so many excited kids and adults... drew quite a crowd too all night!

Okay .. would first love to say thank you to my DH for all his hard work till ALL hours of the night and to our kidlets, stayed excited throughout the month long process of putting it all up.
Anyways, if your in the area ( 15 Captain Place, Sheidow Park) drop by and see the lights.

I may be bias, but I think it looks amazing.

Our lights will be on throughout December from dusk till late.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights our little Christmas Fairies will out the front collecting donations for Heart Kids Charity and giving out popcorn.

Why not stop by and get into the festive spirit!

TFL, M x

Last Fiskars Crop for 2011

2011-11-14T13:07:00.001+10:30

And so ends another year of Fiskars crops here in Adelaide.

A couple of weekends ago I had the last crop here for 2011. The weather was extremely toastie on that day and I was extremely grateful to have air conditioning.

I kept the girls on their toes this at this crop too... with us creating 10 4" x 4" Christmas cards.

And YES... as per normal... MOST of the cards were made using NON traditional paper... BUT we did us ALOT of Fiskars tools to jazz up these simple cards.

So without and further ADO.. here's the cards

Plus I spoilt the girls this year with getting in early with a little gift to thank them all for their support throughout the year.

A simple idea to jazz up a chocolate bar

top it off with a cute simple little card and your all set for the season of giving!

Hope everyone enjoyed this years Fiskars crop days... I have tried to keep everyone on their toes and keep their brains ticking.. know I have driven you a little potty with all the hand stitching and water colouring.. but think of it as cheap therapy... hehehehehehe..

Till next years crops!

Date coming soon!

TFL, M x

November Challenge "All about YOU and Helmar"!

2011-11-14T12:50:00.001+10:30

November we want to know about YOU our Helmar Fans!

Helmar are excited to ring in November with another great Sketch from Helmar Designer, Lydell Quin to inspire YOU!!

And we want to see those layouts about YOU!

Pick up your favorite Helmar products and glue away about YOU!

Here's my example.

Can't wait to see what you guys submit this month! All you need to do to be eligible for the random draw is upload your project here!

We pick a random winner each month!

It is that easy to have a chance to win your favorite Helmar products!

Remember to take time for YOU in November and share "All about YOU and Helmar"!

TFL, M x

Some Exciting News To Share !!!!!!!

2011-11-09T17:23:00.000+10:30

We are pleased to announce our 2011-2012 Helmar Design Team!

•Tracy Weinzapfel (Design Team Coordinator)
•Erika Taylor
•Jessica Diedrich
•Jen Erickson
•L. Grace Lauer
•Connie Mercer
•Carisa Zglobicki
•Angie Blom
•Karen Taylor
•Martha Richardson
•Cheryl Boglioli
•Trudy Sjolander
•Jennifer Evans
•Carolyn King
•Natasha Naranjo Aguirre
•Lydell Quin
•Beck Beattie
•Michelle Wallace
•Renee Aslette
•Rae Cooper
•Linda Baldock
Thank you to all who submitted. The selection process was a difficult one as there was such a great response wth so much amazing talent. We are beyond excited to see what you are doing with our products!

Congratulations to the new team and WELCOME. Stay tune for beautiful creations from the Helmar Design Team right here on our Blog!

TFL, M x

Card Challenge at TSO

2011-11-01T21:25:00.000+10:30

Okay.. this month I am setting the Card artistry Challenge at The Scrappers Outlet.

So I thought I would keep it simple.

With Christmas just around the corner, we all have a lot on our plates.

I find that I always seem to have a lot of cards to make and try and keep them simple and affordable to make.

So for this month I thought I would challenge you all to try hand stitch on your card. It doesn't have to be fancy stitch to accent a card either. It is a quick way to add a bit of dimension to a card and EXTREMELY affordable too.

Here's my example...

Close up

So... get scrapping.

TFL, M x

LOTW at The Scrappers Outlet

2011-10-24T21:08:00.000+10:30

I am lucky enough to be able to pick this weeks Layout of the Week for The Scrappers Outlet....

So this week I have chosen a super cute layout by Anita.

Such a gorgeous photo and love the flowers..

WTG, Anita.

TFL, M x

MAS October Challenge....

2011-10-24T21:01:00.000+10:30

Here's Mad about Scrappin's prize for this months competition.

Its the 12 x 12 Victoria Gardens ...Collection Kit from Echo Park.

All you have to do is complete the challenge for this month - Create a layout using 4 papers, 3 photos, 2 ribbons and a 1 word title.

Here's mine....

Layouts must be uploaded here by the 25th of this month!!

Good Luck!!

TFL, M x

"Out of the Box with Helmar" October Challenge

2011-10-21T14:00:00.001+10:30

Ok Helmar Fans........ There's still a few days left to get crafting up a Helmar storm...

It is time to think and create "Out of the Box with Helmar" in October!

Yep, we are digging deep and challenging you to Glue Outside the Box!

October is about Fall, Spooky Things and Halloween.

So what scares you creatively? Is there a Helmar adhesive or art medium you have not picked up and played with?

Time to challenge yourself! So this month dig out those Helmar products..........we have a ton for you to choose from:

So time to Scrap off the page and show us what you got.

Again, our amazing Design Team Member, Lydell Quin has a sketch to inspire you and get you to think outside the box!

My take on the sketch

Close up

I got creative with some Helmar Crackle Medium and a piece of heavy weight card.

Love the finally crackled effect it gave the boring background.

All you have to do is up-load your project (remember it is not limited to just a layout!) and you are automatically entered to win some Helmar Goodness.

We select a random winner each month so a great way to get Helmar products into your hot hands!

Head over to the Helmar Blog to check out all the other entries and get creative!

TFL, M x

THINK PINK !!!!

2011-10-21T13:49:00.000+10:30

Seeing October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Fiskars thought it would be fun to have a

" THINK PINK "

month their blog......to help raise Awareness of this horrible form of Cancer.......I'm sure we have all been effected by Cancer in some way.....through family or friends....

We would like our readers to do a few things for us this month.

1) Have a check up with your GP....book in for a Mammogram ladies
2) Reach out to those you know who are doing it tough at the moment
3)We challenge you to Create something PINK and share it with us on here ...it could be a Card,Sewing projects,Layout,Canvas,Painting.....just something crafty ...but you must use at least one Fiskars Tool.

Take a pic of your project and send it through to

fiskarscraft@yahoo.com.au by the end of October.......and you could win yourself some Fiskars Craft Tools.

We'll make sure that the NEW Fiskars Rotary Cutter as featured below is one of your prizes....share with us your favourite sewing OR papercraft tip

REMEMBER let's all THINK PINK during OCTOBER !!!!!
You have until October 31st to get those entries in.....good luck...can't wait to see what others come up with.

TFL, M x

Helmar Design Team Call - 2011/12

2011-10-21T13:31:00.000+10:30

Helmar USA, Inc, distributes Helmar Adhesives & Art Mediums. Have you had dreams at night that adhesives would land on your doorstep? Do you want to be a part of one of the most creative teams and work with products from the most amazing manufacturers? Well, that dream can come true…….Helmar USA, Inc. wants YOU to become a member of our Design Team!

We are looking for new Helmar Design Team Members!!! We are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated designers and paper crafters to serve a six-month term beginning November 1, 2011 (Continuation of the term will be determined by both parties at the end of six months.)
As a Design Team Member, you will receive:
*Advance releases of products!

*Adhesives!

*Endorsement fees for published layouts and projects!

*Payment for projects used for trade shows!

*The latest & greatest products from our Preferred Vendors (USA)!

Helmar Design Team Members are required to:

•Dedication to a minimum of (2) blog posts per month. More are LOVELY!

•Dedication to your personal blogs which means keeping them fresh and mentioning Helmar products (we will do our best to promote you personally as well which is a win-win for everyone). Keeping them fresh and new is important.

•Involvement with social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Facebook at minimum is required. This is the future for the industry and plays an even bigger part now than publications.

•Dedication to our preferred vendors. They treat us great! We work very hard to secure those relationships.

•Optional...Teaching experience. We are expanding our marketing efforts and the best way to do this is by demonstration and teaching.

•Another great plus is video tutorials.....and step-by-step projects or kits featuring Helmar products.

•Members are asked to submit their monthly Helmar projects for possible publication in crafting magazines and idea books.

•Members will also complete special projects as requested by Helmar to be used for trade shows, catalogs, promotional items, and various other venues.

Interested applicants should send the following in a single email:

1.Name, address, daytime & evening phone numbers, and email address (USA, Canadian, Australian & New Zealand applicants only, please due to shipping constraints). Current and prior Design Team Members welcome to apply!

2.Please indicate if you are applying to be a Design Team Member or Educator.

3.Short biography

4.Links to any on-line galleries and/or blog

5.Link to Facebook/Twitter Pages

6.List of other design teams in which you are currently or were previously a member. NOTE: Members are encouraged to be on other design teams (except for competing adhesive companies) and partner their products with Helmar Adhesives & Art Mediums.

7.A brief paragraph stating why you would like to be a member of our Design Team.

8.Three example projects (layouts, altered projects paper crafting projects, etc.) no larger than 150k each – Make sure to list any special adhesive techniques used and list the Helmar products. NOTE: You are not required to use Helmar adhesives for your application however, that is preferred so we see how creative you are with our products.

9.Anything else you want us to know about you…..what sets you apart from the rest? We want to see your enthusiasm!

10.Optional: Please provide Links to your YouTube or Ustream page including a link to a video showing your demonstration or teaching techniques. Please do not send the video in your email (only a link).

Please submit the above information to info@helmarusa.com by October 26, 2011. No late entries will be accepted. The new Design Team members will be announced on our website.

For additional information on our products, visit our design team blog. Feel free to EMAIL any questions to info@helmarusa.com

MAS October Kit

2011-10-13T08:00:00.001+10:30

Once again I have been scrapping up a storm for Mad about Scrappin.

This month like last month I was sent a great pack to work with.

Check out this range by Fancy Pants - It's the little things.

Here's this months kit and you had better be quick there is only 1 left !!!!

I was sent some of this range to play with along with some lace, string of pearls, trinket pin and some pebbles (which I must say I have never been game to work with but are really lots of fun !).

I had so much fun playing around with this kit as it really lends itself to may different types of styles and layouts as you will see by what I created.

Layout 1

Layout 2

Layout 3

Why not check out what everyone else created with this months kits here.

TFL, M x

SWV October Challenge

2011-10-12T08:00:00.000+10:30

Looking for a bit of inspiration this month...
Jules, at Scrapping with V, found this lovely picture on Pinterest (via Color Seeds) and just couldn't resist.

She decided it was perfect for the October Inspiration Challenge. Use it as your inspiration - you can take the colours, picture, design, or any aspect you want, to inspire your creativity

Here's my take on this inspiration.

Now, it's your turn. You have until the end of October to get your entry in.
Please send your layout to scrapbookkitswithjules@gmail

All challenge entries will be in with a chance to win a Limited Edition Kit from the store.

Don't forget to give it a go.

TFL, M x

SWV October Kit

2011-10-11T20:15:00.002+10:30

Looking for a few fun layouts to do up this month...

Then head over to Scrapping with V and check out my Design Team kits for this month.... there is only TWO kit left... selling like hot cakes...

Here's the layouts you can create with this months kit.

Layout 1 - Friends

Layout 2 - Home Sweet Home

Layout 3 - Just You

Included in kit:

2 sheets card stock, 3 sheets Graphic 45 papers, Twiddleybitz chipboard borders, Creative Imaginations Epoxy Rhinestone alphabet, mixed flowers, rhinestone brads, rhinestone buckle, Bo-Bunny trinkets, doily, lace and various ribbons. Instructions also included.

Additional Items Required:

Floral stamp, script stamp, inks (as desired), template for dress form and tree trunk, Glimmer mist (if desired), journalling spot stamp, mini alphas, scraps of Kraft card stock, small piece of white ribbon, journalling pen, adhesive of choice, photos

Why not head over the Scrapping with V and check it all out.

TFL, M xxx

Busy Birthday Month AGAIN !!!!!!

2011-10-02T08:00:00.004+10:30

All I seem to be doing lately is making birthday cards....

I decided to get on top of things and get October's birthday cards all done and dusted before they crept up on me and I forgot someone.

This year however, October is a little busier on the cards front more than usual, as we have new friends and work colleagues baby birthdays to add to the "to make" list.

So I decided to go with a keep it simple theme as creating all these cards quickly was my aim..

plus quite a few were for male friends too... that just don't do the whole scrap booking thing.. wink wink..

My son, Nate's birthday card.. nice and bright and 3D thanks to a few Helmar Zapdots on the journal spot

My niece, Chelsea's card...nice and quick and simple with a few Helmar Zapdots again on the journal spot

My Father in Law's card made with a little help from Helmar 450 to make the flower and Helmar Liquid Scrap dots to hold the flower and trinket pins nicely

My Brother in Law, Keven's card.. keep it masculine and simple with a little help from Helmar Zapdots

For a friend's son, Tom.. a teenage boy card is harder to make I find... but with a few stamps and a journal spot held together with Helmar Zapdots it was easy

Our friend, Ian's big one... turning 50 in style with a little help from Helmar Liquid Scrap dots on the metal embellishment and Helmar Zapdots on the journal spot

and

lucky last for the month

My husband's work colleagues son's 1st birthday.. unfortunately we will be away for the party but I still wanted to give him something for his special day. Super easy bird made 3D with a bit of help from Helmar Zapdots.

Okay..so I have a little challenge for everyone out there...

On behalf of Helmar and myself I would like you to get creative.

How would you like to win these Helmar goodies...

Helmar Premium Craft glue 4.23 fl. Oz
Helmar Acid Free Glue 4.23 fl oz
Helmar 450 4.23 fl oz
AND
Helmar Adhesive Runner!
Well it is simple....

Create a SIMPLE card/s using Helmar products.

Once your card is finished you must go to the Helmar Facebook page and

1. Post a photo of it telling us which Helmar product you have used

and

2. Mention that I have sent you.

It is that easy!

I will give you until the 16th of October to get creative and I will then draw a name.

Get scrapping!

TFL, M x

TSO October Ready Steady Scrap Challenge

2011-10-01T08:00:00.003+09:30

Looking to make a mess and have some fun this month ??

Well I am lucky to be able to set the Ready Steady Scrap Challenge this month at The Scrappers Outlet.

So... after all the talk about paint on the forum I thought I would use challenge everyone big time! hehehehehe...

So this month the Ready Steady Scrap Challenge is:

Use these ingredients:
Paint and lots of it !
Chipboard.. and get creative with it
and
a bird some where on your layout

Plus this month there is NO Sketch.. just my layout for placement ideas for your layout.

Here's the layout.

Don't forget to head over to the gallery to see what everyone gets up to.

TFL, M x

Lotsa Helmar loving ...

2011-09-30T19:58:00.000+09:30

hehehehehe....

Can only give you a sneak tonite of what I have been up to today...

Can say however that I am covered in Helmar Crackle medium and Walnut Ink....

Check the Helmar blog in a few days to see what I have been up to to make so much mess...

Off to wash off my Helmar hands! lol !

TFL, M x

A Fiskars Croppy Weekend

2011-09-24T08:00:00.002+09:30

Today in Adelaide we have a full house for this weekend's Fiskars crop.

The house will be full of old faces and some new faces of those who have come back to join us.

Looking forward to sharing with everyone some fun and exciting ways to use Fiskars tools.

Today's crop is not for the light hearted however as we will be making lots of mess, stitching up a storm, and stamping our little hearts out.

I can't wait !

Here's a full sample of the layouts we will be creating today.

Layout 1 -

Layout 2 -

Layout 3 -

Better go and get myself reading for a busy day of scrapping and lots of Fiskars fun.

Cheers M x

Just to tease you

2011-09-23T10:48:00.001+09:30

Tomorrow we have our next Fiskars crop here, so I thought I would tease you with a few sneak peeks of what we will be creating.

Have they got you wondering ??? Check back in tomorrow to see the full photos of what we made.

Don't forget the details for the crops next year..

If you wish to book in please let me know by email.

All kits come with full instructions and all that is needed to complete what we are making on the day. (except adhesives and ink if doing it at home).

Each kits contains either 1 Off The Page item or 3 Layouts

Places are limited and book out fast, so you need to book early to avoid disappointment.

The details of the last Fiskars crop for the year are:
Date: November 5th

Venue: Sheidow Park

Time : 10:30 - 4pm

Cake, Biscuits, Tea, and Coffee provided.

Please bring a small plate of food to share for lunch (can heat food if needed).

Wallace Paper Art Designs

0414 271 083

Looking forward to seeing you all.

TFL, M x

Splashing a bit of paint around !

2011-09-20T10:30:00.001+09:30

CHALLENGE TIME at Mad about Scrapping!!!!!!!!

Up for grabs is the Graphic 45 8 x 8 ABC Primer Paper Pad valued at $17!!

All you have to do is create a layout and splash a little paint around!! You have till the 25th of the month to upload your piccie here!!!

Here's my bit of splashing paint around

TFL, M x

The Scrappers Outlet September Challenges

2011-09-20T10:15:00.001+09:30

Looking for a last minute challenge for this month.

There is still time to get the challenges done from The Scrappers Outlet.

Here's the challenges.

Ready Steady Scrap Using these ingredients - Stickers, Acetate and Rubons
Plus this sketch

Inspiration Challenge

Card Challenge
Masking

Chocoholics Challenge
Use the colours Blue, Lime Green and of course Chocolate

My example

Don't forget to check out The Scrappers Outlet gallery to see what everyone has created.

TFL, M x

TSO Cyber Crop Challenges

2011-09-20T10:00:00.001+09:30

I joined in a few weeks ago with The Scrappers Outlet Cyber Crop.

It was a fun filled weekend of show related challenges.

I was rather busy that weekend with family commitments, but I did manage to get the card challenge completed.

Card Challenge - Was to use the colours Brown, Red and Yellow.

Here's the cards I created using this colour combo.

I also was lucky enough to set one of the challenges.

The challenge I set was to create a layout with NO photos and using a ride at the show as inspiration.

Here's my sample I created:

TFL, M x

"Stick with Helmar in September" - September Challenge!

2011-09-20T09:50:00.001+09:30

It is time to "Stick with Helmar in September!".

Helmar is excited for our September Challenge!

This month the featured sketch is again by Helmar Designer (and inspiration extraordinaire), Lydell Quin:

Here's my take on the sketch:

Remember this can be a layout, card, altered project or anything that comes to your creative mind!

In the USA they are Back to School and entering Fall, while in Australia Spring is approaching and Father's Day is in September.

We encourage you to share those masculine projects too!

You MUST use Helmar adhesives.

Remember, if you submit a project you are automatically entered for a chance to win a Helmar goodie prize pack!

Get Ready and show us your "STICK WITH HELMAR IN SEPTEMBER"!

TFL, M x

Mad About Scrapping - September Kit

2011-09-20T09:40:00.002+09:30

How excited do you think I was when I received my first Design team pack from Mad about Scrapping.....

I was beside myself when I opened the box to find this paper range sitting there waiting for me to play with..

Hehehehe... I laugh everytime I see it though as Leanne and I had this rather funny conversation on Facebook about the paper range a few days ago...

And YES!!! I have met my match again with ANOTHER fellow paper sniffer...lol..

What was that you say...

WELL.. have you ever sniffle you paper when you first open up your kits for the first time... REALLY good quality paper smells and feels SOOOOO nice!!!Okay so enough dribble about paper sniffing or I will have to have myself commited for this habit... lol.

When I finally pulled myslef away fro how nice the kit was I was able to get creative so easier with this really yummy kit.

Here's the three layouts I designed

Layout - 1

Layout 2 -

Layout 3 -

Make sure you head over to the Mad About Scrapping's Facebook Page to check out what else we have been up to !

Off to play with next months design team kit ;0)

M x

TSO September Kit

2011-09-02T15:15:00.001+09:30

September is here and this month while on The Scrappers Outlet Design Team I was sent this SUPER yummy kit to play with.

Thanks again Peta for the pack I LOVED it all and had so much fun creating.

Here's what I created.

Layout 1 sneak -

Layout 2 sneak -

Layout 3 -

Why not head over to The Scrappers Outlet to see what everyone has been busily working on for this month.

Cheers M x

If your heading to the Royal Adelaide Show...

2011-09-02T13:30:00.002+09:30

Don't forget to check out the scrap booking section at this years Royal Adelaide Show.

I can't wait to see all the entries.

Had a blast creating them all and am not fussed where they placed really.

Was more about the challenge for me this year.

Class 426 - Children

Entry 1 -

Entry 2 -

Class 427 - Travel
Entry 1 -

Entry 2 -

Class 428 - Wedding/Special Occasion
Entry 1 -

Entry 2 -

Class 429 - Heritage/History
Entry 1 -

Entry 2

Class 430 - Open Subject
Entry 1 -

Entry 2 -

Class 431 - Journalling Only
Entry 1 -

Entry 2 -

Class 432 Off The Page Projects
Entry 1 - Altered Lantern

Entry 2 - Altered Bird Cage

TFL, M x

Challenge Time at Mad about Scrapping !!!!

2011-09-02T11:45:00.004+09:30

CHALLENGE TIME!!!!!!!!

Up for grabs is the Graphc 45 8 x 8 ABC Primer Paper Pad valued at $17!!

All you have to do is create a layout and splash a little paint around !!

You have till the 25th of the month to upload your piccie here!!!

TFL, M x

Scrap with V - September Kit

2011-09-02T11:15:00.001+09:30

September Scrapbook Kits from Scrap with V are up on the web store now.

I am so excited to see the layout samples I made with the kit up on the site!

So much yummy stuff to play with in this kit.

Included in kit:
Harmonie papers, card stock, various mixed flowers, Creative Imaginations epoxy stickers, mixed ribbons, Bella! chipboard alphabet, Kaiser craft rhinestones and a paper doily.

Layout 1 -

Layout 2 -

Layout 3 -

Head over the the shop to see all the rest of the rest of the kits that are available now too! So many to choose from they suit every scrap booking style.

TFL, M x

Scrap with V - September Sketch Challenge

2011-09-02T11:00:00.003+09:30

Are you ready? September is finally here.

First up, we have the September Sketch Challenge.

Here's a fun little sketch that Julianne has designed.

You have until the end of the month to complete this challenge.

A winner will randomly be chosen, and will receive a RAK prize.

Please email your entry layouts to Julianne at scrapbookkitswithjules@gmail.com

There is also a great Inspiration Challenge up too. But you will have to check out the blog to get that one!

Don't forget to check out the blog to see what the rest of the design team has created this month.

TFL, M x

TSO September Chocoholics Challenge

2011-09-02T10:40:00.001+09:30

Okay everyone.

This month I got to set the colours for the Chocoholics Challenge at The Scrapper Outlet.

I decided to go with a very different colour range to play with.

After finding an old Basic Grey 6 x 6 paper pad in my stash in my clean out I felt inspired by the colours.

So without further ado...

The colours for this month will be: Blue, Lime Green and of course Chocolate.

Here's what I created using the colours

Why not give it a go this month.

Don't forget to check out the forum for the rest of this month's challenges.

TFL, M x

New DT News...

2011-08-29T15:00:00.001+09:30

Have been that flat out lately with scrap booking show commitments and the passing of Troy's grandfather that I haven't had the chance to share with everyone some news...

I have been accepted onto the Scrapping with V design team !

Such a great honour to be able to work with the amazing Jules and the team.

I am really looking forward to sharing my first design team kit with everyone.

I was sent some really yummy stuff to play with that I had so much fun creating.

Don't forget to check out the blog for the rest of the work created by the design team.

TFL, M x

TSO Cyber Crop Time !!!!

2011-08-29T13:30:00.001+09:30

Some exciting news !!!!

2011-08-29T13:15:00.001+09:30

Been waiting ages to be able to share this news with everyone...

But have had to keep "Mum" on it until it had been announced on the blog.

Check this out!

TFL, M x

August Challenge - "Adhere in August with Helmar!"

2011-08-29T13:05:00.001+09:30

August is almost over!

So our August Challenge is for you all to "Adhere in August with Helmar!"

This month our feature sketch is by Helmar Designer, Lydell Quin:

I "heart" her sketches and have started to save them all for future use.

Here's my take on the sketch

Check out the Helmar Blog for futher details.

TFL, M x

Couple more card shares

2011-08-29T12:54:00.001+09:30

Found these photos while cleaning up the desktop computer...

These are a couple of cards I was commissioned to make by my neighbour.

They were for work colleagues birthdays. Both she wanted with set themes, ages on them and had to be personalised with their names too.

card 1

close up

card 2

close up

TFL, M x

LOTW 15th August at The Scrapper's Outlet

2011-08-16T08:37:00.000+09:30

Morning all from wet Adelaide...

Just about to head up to my scrap room and was looking for a little inspiration this morning.

Have seen some amazing wrk in The Scrappers Outet gallery that I am truly inspired for sure.

I am lucky to be able to chose this weeks LOTW and I have chosen.

"Just Try and Stop Me" by Jordayla

WTG and thanks for the inspiration.

Don't forget to check out the gallery for more inspiration.

TFL, M x

Helmar fun in a different way for me !

2011-08-07T20:14:00.000+09:30

Hello everyone, Michelle here... waving madly.....

I am here I promise you....

Just buried under a pile of sequins....

What am I up to you may ask....

Well what do you think you get when you mix

- a bottle of Bacardi
- a bread and butter plate
(both of these where the perfect circle size..)
- lots of sequins, tulle and Lycra
- and LOTS of Helmar goodness...

To cut a long story short.. I was asked to create the headpieces for my niece's Calisthenics costume for their competition coming up this week.

I was sent this picture from High School Musical

as to use as inspiration as the will be performing a song from High School Musical called "Fabulous".

It was a fun process as my niece lives 8 hours drive away and needed the head pieces made up at only 3 weeks notice. So I got to work and created up a storm.

I was so lucky to have heaps of Helmar 450 on hand as it was the best thing for adhering the Lycra to the bases of the headpieces. Because it is quick drying I was able to get the bases all made up nice and quick. It was great too as I didn't have to sew the Lycra at all.

I then used my Helmar 450 to adhere all the elements to the head piece base. This mean very little sewing and a guarantee that they won't fall apart too!

My next hurdle was trying to work out how to attach the sequins to the spotty net and the tulle flower I made.

That job was made super easy with a little help from Helmar Gemstone Glue. No unsightly stitching, which is hard on tulle, and they stayed put nicely.

Because Helmar is so quick drying I was able to adhere all the sequins to 8 head pieces in under half an hour!

Thanks to my Darling Daughter 13, for modelling the hat for me... I know your sick of wearing it for me so I can check it...especially when I have been dragging you out of bed to check it again and again... hehehehe

Well better got them boxed off now.. they are being dropped off to my niece tomorrow who has arrived here in Adelaide from Port Lincoln for her competition this week. I can't wait to see them on stage with the rest of the costume.

Off to drink that bottle of Bacardi now to celebrate them being finished!!!!

TFL, Mx

TSO August Kit Sneak Peeks

2011-08-01T14:30:00.002+09:30

This month I was set some of the Bo Bunny Zoology range to play with.

This really got me thinking as I really didn't want to stick with the traditional thing of animal paper means animal layouts...

I can only share a few sneaks with you as to what I created with this really yummy range.

Here's the three layouts I created.

If you want to see more head over to The Scrappers Outlet.

TFL, M x

TSO July Challenges

2011-08-01T11:35:00.001+09:30

Last month I played along with the monthly challenges at The Scrappers Outlet.

Here's what I managed to play along with :

The colours for the July Chocoholics Challenge were

Green, Black and of course Chocolate!!

My take on the challenge

The Ready Steady Scrap Challenge for July was:

1. Paint - use as little or as much as you want
2. Handmade flower (at least 1)
3. Distressing - sanding, inking, tearing whatever your heart desires, go crazy!

My take on the challenge

Check out the gallery at The Scrappers Outlet for the rest of the work everyone did for last months challenges.

Cheers, M x

Nursery Rhyme Fun at The Scrappers Outlet

2011-08-01T11:30:00.001+09:30

Hello everyone.

I am lucky to be able to chose the Inspiration Challenge for August at The Scrappers Outlet.

I thought I would challenge everyone a little.

For this months challenge I am asking everyone to

Create a layout with a nursery rhyme as inspiration.

HOWEVER ... there is a catch.

You MUST use part of the nursery rhyme in your title!

Here's my example

As you can see I have used "Mary Mary Quite Contrary" as my title.

I will leave the choice of nursery rhyme up to you.

Don't forget to check out the gallery to see what everyone creates.

Have fun with this one and happy scrapping.

M x

Scrap with V - August Sketch Challenge

2011-08-01T10:46:00.000+09:30

Been busy scrapping my heart away.

My first challenge at Scrap with V was this months sketch challenge.

Here's the 1st August sketch challenge.

my take on this sketch

You have until midnight on the 31st August to get your entry in.

The winner (random drawing) will be announced early September, and a RAK full of goodies will be sent out to that person.

So now it's time for you to go and have some scrappy fun, and get those entries in.

Check out the blog for more amazing layouts from the rest of the design team.

TFL, M x

For a special little boy

2011-07-30T08:00:00.001+09:30

Just a quick card created for a good friend's sons birthday.

"Happy Birthday Hayden!"

Fiskars Tools Used:
- Fiskars Tool Taxi
- Fiskars Portable SureCut Portable Trimmer
- Fiskars Microtip Scissors

Adhesive's Used:
- Helmar Liquid Scrapdots
- Helmar Adhesive Tape Runner

TFL, M x

Butterfly Window Fun

2011-07-29T08:00:00.003+09:30

What do you get when you mix this Fiskars punch

and this Fiskars punch...

a card that looks like this....

and a close up of the window

Loving playing around with my Fiskars Everywhere Window Punches at the moment.

TFL, Michelle x

Quick and easy thank you

2011-07-28T08:00:00.001+09:30

Wanted to create a quick card to say thank you to Kiah's Calisthenics teacher.

Kiah's coach is leaving soon "sob sob" and moving up to Darwin to be with her fiance.

She has been an amazing coach and extremely tolerant with the girls. Kiah's team is made up of nine girls aged between two to four years of age!

They had their mid year revue this month and it was so cute to see all the hard work they had done up on stage finally.

Here's Miss Kiah all dressed in her Club tracksuit all ready to leave for the theatre performance.

Here's the card I have made for Miss Vashti

Fiskars Tools Used:
- Fiskars Tool Taxi
- Fiskars Portable SureCut Portable Trimmer
- Fiskars Microtip Scissors

Adhesive's Used:
- Helmar Liquid Scrapdots
- Helmar Adhesive Tape Runner

Now to get Kiah to do up a picture to add into the card and we are all done.

Happy Scrapping.

TFL, M x

Birthdays Galore

2011-07-25T08:00:00.003+09:30

Lots of birthdays happened here last month.. I think I created a lot more cards than layouts.. which is unusual.

Still had some of the Bella range leftover that I had been sent to play with thanks to Fiskars and Spotlight so thought I would play with some.

My son had a friends birthday party to go to so my first task what to create a masculine card.

Here's what I came up with.

close up of the window

This card was made so easy with a little help from my new favourite punch

Have you had a chance to play around with these Fiskars Everywhere Window punches... I warn you.. they are addictive!

TFL, M x

Bowling away with Helmar !

2011-07-24T11:58:00.002+09:30

Hello everyone.

It is a wet and rainy day here in Adelaide. Perfect weather to hide yourself away and scrap.

Just want to share with you a quick card I whipped up for a neighbours auntie. While cleaning my front porch on Friday my neighbour came over asking if it was possible to create a card for her to give to her bowling mad Auntie that was turning 90.

There was a catch though...
- it was needed by Sunday
- it had to have 90 on it
- it had to be personalised with her Auntie's name on it
and
- it HAD to be bowling themed as her Auntie is a mad keen bowler !

With all this in mind I set to work.

Here's the card I managed to create for her

I was able to create dimension to the front of the card using Helmar Zapdots under the journal spot.

Close up of elements on front of card

I then spent ages looking for a stopper for my trinket pin after I had added some decorative beads. In my mad dash to get the card finished do you think I could find one !!

After giving up I decided to add a small dot of Helmar 450 at the end of the last bead. It worked a treat! Dries clear and held nice and tight too.

Adhering the acrylic numbers inside the window was made easy with a dab of Helmar 450. They aren't coming off in a hurry that's for sure!

So with a little help from Helmar and a digi kit I was able to create this simple but effective card for my neighbour.

Off to get busy creating... I have more cards to create for my neighbour after she saw this one !

TFL, M x

For a little girl with a cheeky smile

2011-07-20T08:00:00.001+09:30

Had a very special card to make this month.

One of Miss Kiah's close friends, Adison, was turning four.

I have known Adison's Mum for six years now. We met through scrap booking and now there is four extra children in the mix between us.

This meant we had to create a VERY special card for a good friend.

I pulled out my Fiskars cupcake shape template to create this one.

Fiskars tools used -

- Fiskars Shape Template Cupcake and Circle

- Fiskars Ultra Shape Express

- Fiskars Tool Taxi

- Fiskars SureCut Portable Trimmer

Adhesives Used -

- Helmar 450

- Helmar Zapdots

- Helmar Adhesive Tape Runner

Off to create.

TFL, Michelle xx

Masculine Birthday Wishes

2011-07-17T08:00:00.001+09:30

Been playing around with my favourite Fiskars punches again.

Created this card for my husband boss, Tony.

Love creating a masculine card for a change.

Fiskars Tools Used:

- Fiskars Tool Taxi

- Fiskars Everywhere Window Punch

- Fiskars Squeeze Punch -Round and Round

- Fiskars Border Punch - Threading Water
Adhesive's Used:

- Helmar Liquid Scrapdots

- Helmar Adhesive Tape Runner

- Helmar 450

TFL, M x

LOTW - July 12th 2011

2011-07-12T08:56:00.000+09:30

Hello everyone, Michelle here

This week I have been checking out all the amazing work in the The Scrappers Outlet gallery..

Well done to everyone they all looks so good.

BUT that made it super hard to choose a layout for this week...think I would choose them all!!!

But I can't so.. my pick for layout of the week is...

Scraphappy's - Beautiful Soul...

Love it.. really brings out what the Inspiration Challenge for this month means.

Here's what was to inspire us..
BEAUTIFUL
I am beautiful
Not only because of the curve of my hips
Or the shape of my body
Not only because of the fullness of my lips
Or the curl of my eye lashes

I am beautiful because I want to be
I am beautiful because God made me that way
I am beautiful because in my eyes
There is no one more beautiful than me

I am beautiful because I have a heart
And that is a beautiful thing
I am beautiful because I have a brain
And that is a beautiful thing
I am beautiful because I give advice
And that is a beautiful thing

I am beautiful because I want to be
I am beautiful because God made me that way
I am beautiful because in my eyes
There is no one more beautiful than me

I am beautiful because I have confidence
I am beautiful because I have determination and wit
I am beautiful because I have goals and I plan to reach them
I am beautiful because I am always there to lend a helping hand

I am beautiful because I want to be
I am beautiful because God made me that way
I am beautiful because in my eyes
There is no one more beautiful than me

BY
Candice George

WTG.. M x

A Special Birthday Gift

2011-07-12T08:00:00.002+09:30

My daughter, Kiah, has a birthday party to attend for a little friend from Calisthenics.

Kiah is most excited about getting to go along and dress up as a fairy for the day to help her friend celebrate.

So being organised I started to think about what to give as a gift. This was a very hard process for me for a few reasons:
1. I don't know what the little girl already has
2. I don't like to give toys
3. The little girls isn't into reading so much that a book is out
So I was stuck as to what to give her.

That was until I found this really cute birthday 6x6 paper. It got me thinking.. I decided to make her up a little 6x6 album to pop her birthday photos into.

First I got to work decorating the album itself.
The cover of the album

Close up of the embellishments on the cover

The pages in the album

Here's a slide show of the 10 pages in the album I made up

Lots of bright colours, sparkles and bling.. just what every little girl likes!

Don't forget too that no birthday present is complete without a card.. so here's the card I made up to go with the album

Fiskars Tools Used -
- Fiskars SureCut Portable Trimmer
- Fiskars Fingertip Knife
- Fiskars Squeeze Punch (Round and Round)
- Fiskars Stamp Press and Blocks
- Fiskars Microtip Scissors
- Fiskars Tool Taxi
- Fiskars Everywhere Window Punch

Adhesive Used -
- Helmar Liquid Scrapdots
- Helmar Adhesive Tape Runner
- Helmar Decoupage Medium
- Helmar Zapdots
- Helmar Acid Free Glue
- Helmar 450
Now to get thinking about the costume she will be wearing for the day.

Better get busy.
TFL, M x

Something Feminine

2011-07-10T12:00:00.001+09:30

Hello everyone,

The weather here for the past week has been miserable and wet..perfect weather for ducks and scrapbookers!

Well.. the scrapbooker part is my opinion anyways..lol.. when it is wet and miserable I have a REAL excuse to stay home and scrap!

This month has been birthday madness for us here.

The first round of birthdays we had was for my husband's bosses.

So with a little help from Helmar, glimmer mist, some stamps and paper scraps that were laying on my scrap desk I got to work.

Here's what I came up with really quickly thanks to Helmar

Love the dimension I got from my Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots.

Sticking it down was made really quick and easy too with the help of my Helmar Adhesive Tape Runner.

My husband loved what I created for one of his bosses.

Now to get creating another card for the other bosses at my husbands work.

Get Crafting !

TFL, M xxx

July "Red, White & Glue" Challenge!

2011-07-06T14:50:00.001+09:30

Announcing Helmar's July "Red, White & Glue" Challenge!

We loved the June "Get Your Glue On" Challenge so much that we are so excited for the July challenge.

In the United States July is all about the Red, White and Blue, so Helmar invites you all to show us your "Red, White & Glue".

Helmar Designer and Sketch extraordinaire, Lydell Quinn has provided our July Sketch.

Now remember, this sketch is for a layout, card, altered project or anything that insires you!

You must use Helmar adhesives.

And we want to see your stars, gems, etc all glued with Helmar Gemstone Glue which is our feature Glue and perfect for this challenge:

Check out the Helmar blog for some examples from the Helmar Design Team.

Get creating!

M x

TSO July Kit

2011-07-04T11:41:00.001+09:30

This month while on The Scrappers Outlet Design Team I have been busily scrapping away.

Thanks again Peta for the pack I LOVED it all and had so much fun creating. I managed to get 3 LO's created and still have plenty left over that I am hoping to play around again with this range.

I was sent this to play with -
PP = Imaginisce - Live Loud
American Craft Ribbon
7 Gypsies 3 in 1 parentheses trio stamp
MME Magnolia Serene "Letters"
MM Alpha rubons

From my own stash -
Cardstock
Floss
Large Brads
Own Alphas
Marking Tape
Bling
Digital Ticket Stubs
Helmar Liquid Scrapdots
Kindy Glitz

Here's what I created.

Layout 1 - Line 'em Up

Loved the layering on this one.. plenty of Helmar Liquid Scrapdots used for this too (almost a WHOLE tub!)

Layout 2 - Big Blue Eyes

Lots of punching and stamping on this one..plus I played around with some masking tape too.. so much fun.

Layout 3 - Zoe

This would have to be my favourite.. loving working with cardboard at the moment.. it really worked with this paper too.

Why not head over to The Scrappers Outlet to see what everyone has been busily working on for this month.

Cheers M x

"Kissing" Fun at The Scrappers Outlet

2011-07-04T08:00:00.001+09:30

hehehehehe...

Bet the title of this blog post got you wondering WHAT I have been up to...hehehehehe.

Well.. this month I got to choose the Card Artistry Challenge at The Scrappers Outlet.

I had to put my thinking cap on for this one. I wanted to do something fun so I decided to use the technique of "kissing".

The kissing technique is a great way to get more use from your stamps. There are several different ways to use this technique:

- Take a background or textured stamp and ink it with a dark color. Place it face up on your work surface. Then ink a solid stamp with a lighter color. Press the solid stamp into the background stamp so that they “kiss” each other. The background stamp leaves a pattern into the solid stamp. Then take the kissed solid stamp and stamp onto card stock.

- As a variation, ink the two stamps in coordinating colors, rather than a lighter shade of the same color, and “kiss” them together. Then press the solid stamp onto card stock.

- Ink a solid stamp and “kiss” it with an un-inked pattern stamp. This removes ink in the shape of the pattern. Stamp the kissed solid stamp onto card stock.

Here's my take on the technique..

Here's a close up of the butterfly that I made using the "kissing technique"

As you can see I used to different colours for mine. I had so much fun playing around with my Marvvy Le Plume markers and Staz on ink.

Why not give it a go.

Head over to The Scrapper Outlet gallery to see what everyone else creates using this technique.

TFL, Michelle

June 30

2011-06-30T08:00:00.001+09:30

Hello everyone.

The month of Christmas organising has come to an end.

I hope that you have all enjoyed the little tips, instructions and what not that I have shared with you this month.

I hope that you find some inspiration in them for Christmas planning this year.

I thought I would finish the month on a traditional.

Here is my favourite Christmas poem of all time.

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Clement Clarke Moore
or Henry Livingston

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night"

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 28 and 29

2011-06-29T08:00:00.001+09:30

Hello everyone.

One last share with you some instructions for a cute embroidery hoop that I made with my crop class here last year.

Such a cute little thing to create for the person that has everything. Also a great way to use up those paper scraps.

If you want to instructions head over to the Fiskars blog.

TFL, Mx

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 26 and 27

2011-06-27T08:00:00.002+09:30

Hello Everyone.

Today I thought I would share with you some table setting and decorating ideas that I have found.

from Martha Stewart

from Modern Interior Design

from Martha Stewart

Happy Crafting.

TFL, M xx

Best Friends.. (well for now anyway!)

2011-06-26T00:00:00.002+09:30

Hello Everyone,

Michelle here.

I have been madly scrapping away over the past few weeks that my poor scrap room looked like a bomb had gone off in it. I have bottles of Helmar adhesive ALL over my desk at the moment.. I don't think I HAVEN'T used any of the products Helmar makes...lol..lol..

AND I had several layouts in various stages of completion all over it (about 7 at one time) and now that the back log of deadlines in coming to an end I have precut the next lot of layouts ready to go (another 8..lol..lol..) for next months deadlines. I like to stay on top of things with so much happening at the moment.

Anyway... all these layout required photos.. as some had been scrapped without the photo being printed but with on in mind... so I spent a whole day editing and playing around until I came across a photo of my younger two girls together.

Lately .. all I have heard from the two of them is that they are best friends.. yeah.. I hear you.. How cute hey!!! They putter around playing Mum and Daughter it is so funny to hear them chattering away.

So I just had to scrapbook about their relationship as it is now.. down the track I am sure they will probably want to pull each other hair out and go nuts at each other..

but this is one for now..

and a close up

I had so much fun playing around with an old cardboard box for this one. I have never .. yes.. I said NEVER.. tried that before.. But with a little help from my Helmar products everything is stuck so well.

By pulling some of the box apart it made a surface that was a little unstable to adhere things to.

However Helmar 450 came to the rescue. It meant that the card stock that I had embossed stuck without buckling and created a nice base to work on.

I love my Helmar Tape Runner for adhering layers of paper down. I am a bit of a more is more person when it comes to adhesives.. I tend to put LOTS of adhesive on everything so it will NEVER come off. However with the Helmar Tape Runner this isn't necessary.. once it is one it stays put nicely!

I was also able to create some great dimension using my favourite Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots too for the embellishment cluster. I so want shares in this products for sure.. I am guilty of having 10 of these tubes in my Helmar adhesive trolley... YES you heard me right.. 10.. I would HATE to run out when I need it.

Well.. better get back to the scrapping grind stone... my mojo is flowing Helmar so I had better get sticking.

TFL, M xx

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 24 and 25

2011-06-25T08:00:00.001+09:30

Hello everyone.

Today I thought I would give you a few ideas for cards

These are some of my favourite cards from previous years.

I particularly love using paper that isn't Christmas related. Great way to use up all those old paper ranges you have laying around.

What sort of paper do you like using for your cards ?

TFL, Michelle

TSO June Challenges

2011-06-24T15:31:00.001+09:30

Looking for a fun challenge this month ??

Why not head over to The Scrappers Outlet.

I managed to get a chance to get the challenges done that were set by my fellow design team members. I must say I had so much fun creating these layouts.

This were the colours chosen for the Chocoholics Challenge.

My take on this challenge

A close up

I promise you in real life it does look like the colours.. just for some reason I can't get the true colours showing up.. no matter where I take the photo.

My next challnge was the June Inspiration challenge.

This was what was chosen to inspire us.

My take on this challenge

A close up

Why not pop over and see what everyone else has created.

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 22 and 23

2011-06-22T08:00:00.001+09:30

Hello everyone.

Now is the perfect time to get planning for all those photos you take at Christmas.

How much time would you be able to save if you already had the layout all ready to go for this years photos if you had already scrapped the layout. I quite often scrap without the photo printed off with my layouts. This can be because I may have a certain paper range that I have to work with or that I haven't quite decide which photos to use. I then go ahead and scrapbook the layout I want to do and then add the photo later (I make up a photo size template and place where photo is to go with a little tape in the centre till I am ready to add the photo). That way too I can scrapbook using the paper I love and edit the photo to match.

Here's a few ideas for you for Christmas layouts

Why not get organised this year and get your Christmas layouts all planned out in advance!

TFL, M x

Crop Reminder

2011-06-21T09:29:00.004+09:30

Just thought I would send out a reminder of the crops for this year to everyone.

If you wish to book in please let me know by email.
Remember also that cancellations MUST be made two weeks in advance

All kits come with full instructions and all that is needed to complete what we are making on the day. (except adhesives and ink if doing it at home).
Each kits contains either 1 Off The Page item or 3 Layouts.
Places are limited and book out fast, so you need to book early to avoid disappointment.

The details are:

Dates:
June 25th
August 27th
September 24th
November 5th

Venue: Sheidow Park
Time : 10:30 - 4pm

Cake, Biscuits, Tea, and Coffee provided.

Please bring a small plate of food to share for lunch (can heat food if needed).

Reminders and emails detailing tool lists for the day will be emailed out one week prior to each crop.

Wallace Paper Art Designs
0414 271 083

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Cheers, M xxx

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 20 and 21

2011-06-21T08:00:00.001+09:30

Hello everyone.

This year we are looking at hosting Christmas at out house this year.

So I have started to look around for ideas for my Christmas table for this year.

While hunting around on the Fiskars website these are some great great table ideas I have come across.

Christmas Name Holders

Christmas Menu

These Fiskars tools were used to make the above projects.

For how to make them head to the Fiskars Blog to find out more.

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 18 and 19

2011-06-19T08:00:00.001+09:30

Hi everyone.

I have been hunting around for a few quick and easy recipes of goodies to make and thought I would share a few I have found:

Choc Cherry Lolly Pop Biscuits

Confetti Cookies

Gingerbread Bells

Don't know about you... but this makes me want to get baking.

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 16 and 17

2011-06-17T08:00:00.001+09:30

Hi everyone.

Quick one today.

Looking for a quick and easy way to give gift cards as a gift??

Why not snazz them up like this

Head to the Fiskars blog for the instructions.

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 14 and 15

2011-06-15T08:00:00.001+09:30

Hi everyone.

Looking for some great decorations for christmas this year.

Check these out from Fiskars

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 12 and 13

2011-06-13T08:00:00.003+09:30

Hello Everyone.

Today I have started going through some of the photos of the gifts I gave away over the past few years. (Yes.. I like to take photos of them as then in future years I know what works etc)

While looking through the photos I found these cute little baskets that I made a few years ago. They were quite simple, but looked great. My children gave them to their teachers as a little gift to say thankyou witha jar of homemade passionfruit butter.

Thought that we might make these again this year as my eldest daughter is a bit older and capable of making them herself.

If you would like the instructions, head over to the Fiskars blog.

3 x 3 Notecards and Basket

Remember Christmas gifts don't always have to feature just Christmas paper. They can be a great way of using up your scraps!

Happy organising.

TFL, M xx

With a little bit of Fiskars and Bella Loving...

2011-06-12T12:00:00.001+09:30

Hello Everyone,

I have been extremely busy lately scrapping my heart out.

Recently as part of being on board with Fiskars I received some tools and Bella products to play around with.

OMG!!!! how excited do you think I was when I received some of the Bella/Fynmark Wedded Range

AND

the NEW FISKARS ANYWHERE PUNCHES AND FISKARS LEVER CORNER PUNCH to play with...

You don't know how much fun I had playing with these babies

Here's what I managed to create using these amazing tools and products.

Card 1

Close up

Card 2

Close up

Card 3

Close up

Getting dimension on these cards was made so easy with a little help from my favourite Helmar products too!

AND ..

I am excited to say that they ARE all avaliable in SPOTLIGHT NOW!!!!

YEAH!!!!

I am also double excited as TWO of the three cards I submitted have been chosen by Spotlight to be used for instore education.

Will be spreading the Helmar love NATIONALLY around Australia soon with my projects instore.

Keep your eyes open for them!

Love being able to share my passion with others. Along with sharing how amazing Helmar and Fiskars tools/products are!

Off to play some more as they are VERY addictive!!

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 10 and 11

2011-06-11T08:00:00.002+09:30

Back today with another gift wrapping idea to get you organised for Christmas.

Chasing around on the Fiskars site again for gift wrapping ideas and came across this really cute idea.

Love how the ordinary brown paper bag can be made to look so good so easily with a little help from Fiskars.

These Fiskars tools were used to create such a great project.

Time to get creative. Head over to the Fiskars blog to find out more.

TFL, M xx

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 8 and 9

2011-06-09T12:45:00.001+09:30

Hello Everyone.

Today I want to firstly do a quick recap.

So far we have covered ideas for:

- various gift wrapping ideas
- quick party snack ideas
- christmas photo tips
- gift ideas
- stationery gift box instructions
- homemade gift list
- christmas card list ideas

So for today I would like to leave you with a few quick card instructions from two cards that I made for last years Christmas.

Joy

Blue Trees

Head over to the Fiskars Blog to grab the instructions.

Happy Organising.

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 6 and 7

2011-06-07T19:30:00.001+09:30

Hello again all.

Will all the goings on on the blog I thought I would leave the posting to cover two days till today.

Today I thought I would give you a little food for thought in regards to wrapping ideas.

Hand cut snowflakes on brown paper

from The Happy Home Blog

Beautiful paper holly leaves

from Marcella Treybig Photography

Some great homemade wrapping ideas for the kids to make

from The Kleenex Mums

Absolute must do gift bag

from Scrapbook.com

As you can see the possibilities are endless IF you give yourself enough time. This is one of the reasons I start now so there is now mad rush at the end of the year.

What ideas do you have for wrapping presents to give away to others as gifts?

TFL, M x

LOTW - June 6th 2011

2011-06-06T10:06:00.002+09:30

Good Morning Everyone.

Have been taking a look around The Scrappers Outlet gallery this morning over my morning coffee. There are so many yummy layout and card there to choose from for inspiration thats for sure.

This week however I have chosen a layout by Wendy to be the Layout of the week.

I love what she has done with the colours and the photo really is gorgeous.

I also love how she has clustered the embellishments too.

So Congratulations Wendy for being LOTW winner this week for your layout - A Sister's Kiss.
.

Happy Scrapping, Michelle xx

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 5

2011-06-05T13:18:00.001+09:30

Hello all.

Just a quick post today as Sunday IS suppose to be the day of relaxation (hahahaha.. not in this house for those that know me well enough...lol).

Today while preparing food for a school party that is coming up in a few days I started thinking. Every year my children's classes hold a small party for the kids for Christmas. It seems though that the parties are always planned for the last week of school, which is only a couple of weeks for Christmas.

As most you you know I do baking and what not for Christmas gifts, so this time of the year before school is out can be EXTREMELY busy for me (last year we had to make 60 gingerbread trees and 60 gingerbread stars and that was just for school gifts and that was only with 2 children at school!!!!).

This year we have already decided on a few gifts.. though after making these little cookies today I have made the decision that these would make a great little gift or party food when the Christmas parties start this year.

I must admit I cannot take the credit for the idea. But I can give the makers at White Wings a HUGE kiss!! Sometimes it really pays to read their packaging for fun things to make with their products.

They are just a packet of White Wings Home style Splits. You then break them into four squares add a dollop of melted chocolate on top and decorate with a smartie. NOTHING could be simpler. The kids love them and they look good too. PLUS the kids can do them themselves too to give to their friends. AND there is no excess baking in December when the weather warms up too.

What quick and easy ideas do you have that you do for Christmas parties?

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 4

2011-06-04T18:30:00.001+09:30

Hello again.

With the build up to Christmas being so busy taking family photos for the Christmas cards can be a nightmare.

For the past few years I have tried to get nice photos of the children all together to send off to all the family so they can see how much the kids have grown. Now this can be an absolute nightmare with four kids that's for sure. This year how ever I think I will try things a little differently. Rather that trying to get a photo of all the kids together (have you tried to get four kids looking the same way, let alone smiling!!), I thought I would just take my favourite photo of the kids throughout the year and then use that as the Christmas photo.

I find that sometimes the more natural and spare of the minute snap shot is so much nicer that trying so hard to get the perfect shot.

This is what I mean...

This was our Christmas photo from a few years ago.

It is unedited.. and it took a lot of editing in the end to get it to be usable.. however I just had to use it as firstly this was the third day we had tried to take it, secondly the kids were over it and lastly I had taken soooo many I was over it...lol.

Now these are photos I took on Christmas day last year.

I only found them about a month ago. They were all caught all on the hop. I am soooo happy with them and after seeing them made me rethink how I take the Christmas photos this year. Yes .. I will kinda plan the photo process but let the kids be kids and take it from there.

Do you take a family photo for Christmas ???

Have you got any tips you might want to share ??

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 3

2011-06-03T10:15:00.001+09:30

Good Morning Everyone...

Another day of fun filled Christmas ideas...

Last year I made some super cute gifts that I wanted to revisit this year. I found them so easy to make and my kids could get involved too which made the task super easy. Plus the cost of creating the gifts was extremely low.

This was what we created for my children's closest friends to give out as a small gift.

Goodie Boxes

The other gift I gave last year was actually for a friends wedding... however I loved making it so much and they were so easy that my eldest daughter has asked to make them this year for her best friends.

Simple Lollies Jar

To find out more head over to the Fiskars Blog.

Get organised now as Christmas is creeping up FAST!

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 2

2011-06-02T11:15:00.005+09:30

Hello everyone.

Back again today to share with you a little project today.

Ever year we like to give a little gift to my children teacher just to say thank you for all they have done throughout the year.

This year we have decided to make up little stationery boxes.

Close box

Gift Card

Gift Tag and Note Card

View of box all filled

If you looking for the instructions on how to make these head over to the Fiskars Blog for the full PDF.

Get Creating.

TFL, M x

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 1

2011-06-01T18:05:00.001+09:30

Sorry for the late post today everyone.

Long story but basically No desk top computer for two days. My desktop computer has some major issues at the moment (hopefully it comes back tonight, but will have to have EVERYTHING reinstalled before we can use it!)... the lovely world of the web has infected our computer causing us to loose some things and corrupt the whole computer. unfortunately the desk top computer is our main computer and has all my scrap booking photos and work on it !!!!

So anyways...with Christmas preparations all ready in my brain I thought I would share with you where I am at with my Christmas preparations for this year.

A couple of days a go I asked you to start planning by working out a list for your Christmas cards.

Today, I wanted to share with you another list that I start at this time of the year. The presents list. Or more specifically the homemade gift list!

We as a family love to be able to give gifts to friends and family that we have made. It seems more personal. Every year we have made something different. It usually involves a combination of craft and food. We have made a variety of things such as homemade jams/preserves from homegrown produce, gingerbread, chocolates, bath salts and homemade cookies in a jar mix all decorating in little gift tags and what not. It helps us to get into the festive spirit along with helping the children understand the importance of what gift giving is about.

So every year about this time we start a list of people we would like to be able to give homemade gifts to. This helps us to stay on track and prepare things in advance. Some things we make can be made well in advance and some things can only be given just before. We also have to keep in mind also that some gifts have to be given out way before Christmas arrives (these are the gifts given to school friends as school finished well before Christmas).

So our list looks something like this:

Thing being made:
- Passion fruit Butter

People being given to:
- John Citizen

Date needed:

Things needed to make item:
- Butter
- Passion fruit Pulp
- Lemon Juice
- White Sugar
- Eggs
- Small Jars
- Homemade gift tags

Total needed:

And the list goes on with other items that we look into making for the year. I like to keep it simple and have things that the kids can help make also. I tend to also make things that have multiple tasks that can be completed in stages by different children so that all can say they helped make it. By that I mean, My eldest daughter would help to make the Passion fruit butter, my son would help with making the gift tags, and my two younger children love the liking the bowl job !!

By doing it this way with the list it helps to work out about how much time we need to prepare everything food wise and how much craft time we need to set aside to get the craft side of things done. If I find that we wont have a lot of craft time then I can plan the craft side of things to be a bit simpler. Mind you with a little help of my favourite Fiskars Squeeze punches the gift tags take no time at all!

So if your planning on getting creative this year for Christmas, now would be the time to start planning realistic timeline for creating. That way you don't get too close to Christmas and wonder where all the time went!

Happy Creating, Mx

June Kit Preview

2011-06-01T09:00:00.001+09:30

This month I was luck to be able to create layouts for this months TSO kit at The Scrappers Outlet.
There were lots of yummy goodies to play with and they worked really well with quite a few different themes.

I can only provide you with a little sneak peek of what I created. If you want to see more and get the full kit INCLUDING instructions to complete the layouts I created head over to The Scrappers Outlet.

TFL, M x

Ready Steady Scrap Challenge

2011-06-01T08:00:00.004+09:30

Looking for something to do as winter sets in this month...

Why not head over to The Scrappers Outlet.

I have been given the opportunity to set the Ready Steady Scrap for the month of June.

The "ingredients" for this month recipe are:
Pinwheels
Embroidery Floss
Buttons

Plus using this sketch:

sketch from Page Maps

Here's my sample:

If you have never made pinwheels before here's some instructions.. beware they are super easy and addictive!

You'll need:

Tape
Thumb tacks
Scissors
Double Sided Paper

Method:

* Cut a 5 inch square piece of paper.

* Fold it into a triangle, unfold it and fold it into a triangle the other direction so that you have an "x" in fold lines through the center of your square.

* Start from one corner of your square and cut along the fold line towards the center of your square stopping about 1/4 inch from the center. Repeat this process for all four corners.

* Starting at the top left corner, work clockwise around the square folding in each corner (don't crease the folds). I recommend taping down the corners in the center to keep them from slipping. You can always cut the tape later.

* Then you can just put the brad through the center of your pinwheel and secure at the back you're all done!

Don't forget to head over to The Scrappers Outlet Gallery to see what everyone else creates this month,

TFL, Mx

The Art Of Scrapbooking... Is the Art of Living!

MAS Kit 2 - Xmas Kit

SWV February Kit

SWV February Challenge

***Fiskars Adelaide Crops for 2012***

Helmar January Challenge

SWV January Kit

SWV January Challenge

Just had to share

Last minute Helmar Xmas fun

MAS November Kit

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas here

December Challenge "Happy Helmar Holidays!"

Getting crafting with the kids for Christmas

Getting your glue on !

TSO December Technique Challenge

TSO November Kit

SWV December Sketch Challenge

Helmar Holiday Hop

MAS November Challenge

TSO Teaser for December Kit

Guess what is ALMOST here !!!!!!

SWV November Challenge

One of the many reasons I have been MIA

Last Fiskars Crop for 2011

November Challenge "All about YOU and Helmar"!

Some Exciting News To Share !!!!!!!

Card Challenge at TSO

LOTW at The Scrappers Outlet

MAS October Challenge....

"Out of the Box with Helmar" October Challenge

THINK PINK !!!!

Helmar Design Team Call - 2011/12

MAS October Kit

SWV October Challenge

SWV October Kit

Busy Birthday Month AGAIN !!!!!!

TSO October Ready Steady Scrap Challenge

Lotsa Helmar loving ...

A Fiskars Croppy Weekend

Just to tease you

Splashing a bit of paint around !

The Scrappers Outlet September Challenges

TSO Cyber Crop Challenges

"Stick with Helmar in September" - September Challenge!

Mad About Scrapping - September Kit

TSO September Kit

If your heading to the Royal Adelaide Show...

Challenge Time at Mad about Scrapping !!!!

Scrap with V - September Kit

Scrap with V - September Sketch Challenge

TSO September Chocoholics Challenge

New DT News...

TSO Cyber Crop Time !!!!

Some exciting news !!!!

August Challenge - "Adhere in August with Helmar!"

Couple more card shares

LOTW 15th August at The Scrapper's Outlet

Helmar fun in a different way for me !

TSO August Kit Sneak Peeks

TSO July Challenges

Nursery Rhyme Fun at The Scrappers Outlet

Scrap with V - August Sketch Challenge

For a special little boy

Butterfly Window Fun

Quick and easy thank you

Birthdays Galore

Bowling away with Helmar !

For a little girl with a cheeky smile

Masculine Birthday Wishes

LOTW - July 12th 2011

A Special Birthday Gift

Something Feminine

July "Red, White & Glue" Challenge!

TSO July Kit

"Kissing" Fun at The Scrappers Outlet

June 30

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 28 and 29

Getting Organised for Christmas - June 26 and 27

Best Friends.. (well for now anyway!)

Fiskars Adelaide Crops for 2012

Crop Reminder