Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Better late than never...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I want to say a (late) greeting to you all. To those of you who I know, THANK YOU for being my friends throughout the year - new and old - I have enjoyed getting to know you, spending time with you and being inspired by you. To those of you who I don't know (yet) Thank You for visiting my blog - I hope I get to meet some of you someday. I wish you all a very special holiday season spending time with loved ones and making more incredible memories together.
I had a wonderful Christmas day spent with my family and my husbands family, eating lots of good food and celebrating. I took far to many photos but what the heck - I have a license to - I'm a scrapbooker! Only trouble I'll have is picking which ones to scrap. Boxing day has been very relaxing spending time at the beach and enjoying more good food. I love food by the way. I think I'll have to start walking every morning to keep the kg's off.
I apologise for the late greeting. Getting ready to go away and then only having one day in civilisation to get Christmas shopping, food shopping and paying the month end bills was a bit of a challenge that left no time for me to get within ten feet of a computer. I hope to keep in touch each day now as I'm officially on holidays and supposed to be putting my feet up. I'm hoping to scrap of course but cant upload photos to my blog until I get home later on.
I gave my brother his (unfinished) album for Christmas that I have been working on for the last few months and he LOVED it. I was a little worried because he's an arty person and a bit of a perfectionist, but he was very impressed and said he'd give me lots more photos to put in his album plus the stories to go with them. A compliment I think. So i have lots more work to do - but I'm looking forward to it.
I hope to post again soon before New Year, but have a great week anyway.

Friday, December 21, 2007

As promised

As promised I'll share a layout from my brothers album. With these photos, I never knew they exsisted until my Mum showed them to me the other day. The photos were printed from slides that have been stored for more than 30 years. This is an incentive to get your slides printed to photos I reckon, they are priceless. So here's the layout.




Also, I got time to do a quick layout using the photos of my kids playing in puddles - in keeping with the "scrap it straight away so it doesnt get forgotten" philosophy of mine. I used the Basic Grey - Mellow - range of papers, die-cut shapes, chipboard shapes and die-cut letters. These are all fantastic products. I love how the chipboard shapes push out easily and they are self adhesive and stick well. I couldnt believe how well these photos worked with these papers, the colours are perfect. I'd like to use more of these papers when I find the right photos.


I did manage to get some packing done and I've got all day today to finish. Might sneak out to the studio if I get a chance.

Later.

Not much scrappin' going on around here...

It's true, I'm sad to say, but even though harvest is over and I'm not cooking for 7 anymore I have less time to scrap. I also find it difficult to update my blog as the kids play up when I sit down to the computer. And then there's the fact that I'd love to show a layout every time I post but I cant because the commissioned family heritage layout I was working on is finished and delivered and you know what? I forgot to take photos of the whole project! So unfortunately I cannot show you what I've done and that was my first heritage project and I was quite happy with it. Sorry!

The next project I'm working on is an album of my brothers life to give to him for Christmas. This is no small job but I discovered a whole lot of photos of him at my Mums and decided it would make a great present as he's one of those people who's hard to buy for. So far I've done about 10 pages and probably got 30 to go, but I'm just going to do as much as I can before Christmas and add to the album later on - might even get some input from him once I give it to him. Journaling is the biggest challenge when doing an album about someone else. With the heritage album I had a family history booklet to work with so it was easy - I just journaled paragraphs straight from the book and added little journal blocks to photos with name, date, place. My brothers album is a bit more challenging. I know him well but can I remember what year it was when he started racing motocross? No and neither can Mum. So I'll ask him afterwards and add the dates later - no harm. It's a reminder to me with my own photos to write information on the back of the photo or write it on a piece of paper and store with the photo or even better still - scrap the photos straight away while the memory is fresh in my mind!

Lately the kids have been a bit stir-crazy - too much time without their father around and a busy mum. When Matt was home on a rare occasion and he was minding the kids, he came and got me and said "Come see this but don't get mad!" I walked around the corner of the house and discovered this...



...how could I get mad? They were squealing and laughing... so I ran and got the camera. Thank God for summer showers that make puddles and happy kids. So precious.

A little more stock has trickled in. This Making Memories desktop organiser is a ripper...think I might have to have one for myself to organise the desktop pig-sty I get when I'm consumed in a project.



I've been checking out some other blog spots lately for inspiration and I found one by Janelle Wind. She's a design team member for Scrapboxx and I've always liked her layouts but lately I'm loving them. She has a knack with mixing random papers and products - clever girl, and she can sew!

Well, today I have to pack for Christmas so hopefully somewhere in there I'll find time to scrap and I think I'm safe to show you layouts from my brothers album - just don't tell him if you know him! So I'll take some photos to show and tell.

Later.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Christmas gifts

I'd like to show you a couple of products I have in stock in case you're thinking of dropping a hint to your hubbie or family about what you want for Christmas. If you would not normally buy these things for yourself then maybe someone else could? One lucky lady's hints have paid off as I have had a Dear Husband ring and order pressies - not telling though!

Firstly there's the Clip It Up sticker storage unit. It's a home storage solution rather than a portable one but I think its a revolution. I've always had trouble with sticker storage and having them visible so you use them has been the issue. This clever invention solves the problem - the stickers are safely stored and easy to access and see. You can buy a base unit, then add a top tier and even purchase a cover to go over the whole unit when your not using it to keep it safe from dust. The base unit is $121, the top tier is $77 and the cover is $35.


The next product I want to show you is a storage solution also. The Around The Block storage containers are flat packed and are easy to assemble. There are 6 boxes, all different sizes and colours that are great for storing all your supplies. The set of six is only $29 and very good value at that.

One more item is the Making Memories Runaway (don't you feel like doing that sometimes!) Tote in PINK! This is a fine product. It's made of leather and extremely sturdy. This comes in other colours and have been on the market for a couple of years but this is the first time I've taken the plunge to stock one. It is a ripper. It retails for $259.


I am offering free postage on any items from now until Christmas for anyone who needs some goodies.

Enough sales pitching...I'm working on some commissioned pieces at the moment which I cannot share but will hopefully have something to show soon.

Hope you all have a great day. Thanks for visiting my blog.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Oh Christmas tree...

The kids and I decorated our Christmas tree on the 2nd of December with the help of my Dad, and Mum took photos. Tonight I was looking at the tree from outside and thought it looked very magical so took a photo. I cant wait to get to Esperance where we will be spending Christmas and New Year so we can drive the kids around looking at all the Christmas lights - it is something I've always wanted to do with my kids so this is the year.


My Christmas party went well on Tuesday. An awesome bunch of ladies attended and we scrapped, ate and shared Christmas cheer. I decided after realising how busy everyone is at this time of year that in 2008 I'm going to hold a Christmas in July party at my studio and get everyone making Christmas cards 6 months early - hopefully more gals will be able to make it. It is sad that it is my last official day for the year but I am looking forward to some time with my family. My ideas for next year are flowing already so I'm looking forward to what 2008 has to bring.

I must mention that even though Tuesday was my last official day for the year, I am still open by appointment for those of you who need supplies for the holidays or last minute Christmas presents. I can do gift vouchers and offer free mail order for any supplies you require. Email me at karendsmith@bordernet.com.au or phone (08) 98751021. I'll also be around in January and plan on working on a 2008 scrap calendar. Let me know if you'd like to join in. I'm disappointed that a lot of new stock arrived today and there's no chance for me to take it out there and show you all. Here are some photos although they do not do justice of course.

Some of the 'Been There Done That' Australian range of papers and rub-ons...


The KI Memories Love Elsie 'Noel' range...




The KI Memories Pop Culture range...




Prima 'Say It In Crystals' bling flourishes range...




SEI pet dog range...



As usual I don't have the full collection of each range but will be getting more eventually.

Over the next couple of weeks before the year ends I will go through what was hot in 2007 in the scrapbook 'fashion' industry. One thing that has stood out to me is crowns. Mostly produced by Heidi Swapp for Advantus, these crowns add a bit of a DIVA touch to your layouts. Just new in today are these crown clear stamps and journaling spots - cant wait to have a play...


That's it for another day. Feeding 7 adults is a challenge so I need some beauty sleep. By the way, Lis Cassey had her baby today. Not sure of any details yet. Congratulations Lis, Ben and Evangeline!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Another layout...

Wow - 2 days in a row with a layout to show - I'm getting back into the swing of things!
It's been an incredibly busy day. I've now got 7 adults to feed plus the kids - tiring and difficult thinking "what will I make today?" but the end is in sight. My idea of the perfect holiday is eating out for almost every meal because it's something I cant do at Varley. The boys are happy though and feel like Kings with all the food they've been getting. Getting back to my layout, its very predictable so don't get too hopeful, but I'm happy because it's another page done - another memory recorded - after all that's what it's all about. I do wish I had time to sit down and do 'rocket science' layouts. Maybe I'll get time after Christmas. I used Making Memories papers in the Cheeky range which are outdated now but I thought they suited the school theme and I reckon I'm pretty lucky with the school uniform colours that they aren't too frustrating to work with. I'll probably hate red and blue in a few years the same way I hated the mission brown and red that I wore for 7 years of Primary school. I can remember crying day after day all the way to school because I had to wear brown corduroy slacks, a white skivvy and a brown cardigan. I used to think my mum was so cruel making me wear these things and swore if I had a choice I would never wear brown again. I did though later in my early adult years and still do. I can remember saying to my mum in a fit of anger " I wont wear brown when I'm older and I wont have brown bridesmaids!" Incidentally, I did, although I called it chocolate - it was 1999 and chocolate was in. I still like those dresses - but hate that uniform with a passion. I do think it was very kind of the Lake King Primary to choose blue and red and even more so - that they picked shorts and polo shirts instead of silly little dresses that you have to iron - getting a bit carried away aren't I? Sorry - off on another tangent again, back to the layout...here it is...

I've been sorting the studio again - not sure how many to expect tomorrow for the wind-up lunch but it's worth the effort to have everything so neat and tidy.

Must go and vacuum then fall into bed. Toodle pip!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

A layout to share...

I've been a busy little bee cleaning up and rearranging in my studio for the Christmas lunch this week so havent done alot of scrapping yet. I managed to finish the layout I started using the new Making Memories Noteworthy range. I've loved using pastels for a change - it suits the bedtime theme, and love the diecut edges on the papers - this one has a postage stamp edge. I was inspired by a layout on Scrapboxx by Nic to do this layout with buttons and brads. I've scrapped this photo before for Phoebe's album and this page is for Jetts Album. I find it best to scrap the photos they are both in around the same time so they dont get left out. It's fun doing different layouts using the same photos - one in boyish colours and one in girly colours.






Here's some of the Noteworthy range - looks beautiful in real life.



I've road tested the Making Memories paper trimmer this week. I've been using Fiskars paper trimmers for the last 3 years and have noticed they dont always cut straight. I've tried a few other paper trimmers too and had the same problem. The MM paper trimmer is large (and bulky) because it has a 12" x 12" board to cut and measure on. It also has a magnetic ruler so is handy for measuring. It does fold in half which is the good news. The bad news is that it retails for around $110 so you'd be pretty fussy about straight edges to pay that much but I've been surprised how many girls I've seen who have bought them.



Thats it for today. I'm working on a layout of Phoebes Orientation Day at the moment. Hope you've had a great weekend.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Slacker!

I promise I'm not being a slacker! I really miss scrapping and blogging so hang in there...I will be back in full swing asap. I've been on another shopping trip (food) because the boys are still harvesting - not sure how long to go but still going - maybe a week or two. I'm having withdrawals because I haven't been in my studio for the last few days. I did get some stock in on Wednesday - some Making Memories Noteworthy papers and glitter embellishments. They are to die for in my opinion. I've always loved office stationery and this range is exactly what it reminds me of but its even yummier and I had to start a layout straight away which I'll show when I'm finished.

I'm currently setting up a new computer I bought yesterday. I'm quite illiterate when it comes to these things but I'll figure it out eventually and it will make posting on my blog and other things so much easier. My dinosaur (old computer) has a constant hum which has got louder of late and the screen is fading. It's as slow as dial-up even with satellite internet and full of crap which I don't know how to clean off - so it was time for a newy. I wont know myself when I've changed over fully!

I'm expecting the men home tomorrow (they've been on another farm for 2 weeks) so I'm preparing for an onslaught of hunger and the endless cooking to come. I think I'll sign off and have a slack night...be back tomorrow with photos of new stock and a layout - hopefully!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Announcing...

Christmas Wind-up Lunch
@
Scrappin' Outback
Henderson Rd, Varley
on
Tuesday 11th December
from
9:30 am onwards
Bring a shared Lunch
Drinks provided
Christmas projects on offer
All Welcome

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Still here...

I am still here in the land of the living...only just. My kids are sick and need lots of Mummy time so havent been able to do anything for days.

I did go to Ravensthorpe of Saturday for the day. It was such a great day. I was pleasantly surprised to have 13 ladies attend what was the first of many more visits to Ravy. I had only expected about 6 to attend so obviously stoked with the turn-out. The ladies were all so enthusiastic and their hospitality was second to none! A lovely lady, Terri, organised the venue and rounded everyone up - so thanks Terri, your help is much appreciated. I'll be back in Ravy in February next year.

I've got local ladies coming this morning to scrap so got to get organised but will post again later today hopefully. My mind is buzzing with so many ideas for next year so when I finally get the time I intend to sit done and put my thoughts into action - cant wait!