Pages

Pages

Monday, December 29, 2014

Application for Memory Maze DT

With great excitement and a bit of anxiousness, I'm applying to the Memory Maze DT for 2015..
I have always loved the MM chipboard and was really excited to have met owner Sally and her sister Jan at a crop in Rockhampton a few months ago.. I've kept in touch and updated on the blog and facebook pages since.. So when I saw the post go up for Applications for DT I knew straight away that this was something I wanted to take a giant leap towards..
No expectations of course, but hopeful! :)
 
The requirements have asked for me to share 6 of my favourite projects that I have used Chipboard to make.  I have chosen to share a few different style creations as I know that MM also have Stencils, blings and much more than just Chipboard..
 
First I'm actually going to show you two BRAND NEW makes only created today!
 1. This is untitled at the moment.. It features a MM Mannequin chipboard design.. The photo is of my Grandmother.. Dated 20th September 1961... This definitely has a "shabby chic" Mixed Media feel to it.. 
 

2. "Grandmother".. This features MM chipboard title word.. The photo is of my Mum and my oldest son at a wedding in 2009.. Some what a simple layout, but all of the embellishments pieced together with the pattern paper and chipboard make this an eye catching page.. The other chipboard is not a MM product, but does look simular to some of the goodies they manufacture. I actually cut this in half and separated the two parts.


3. Next is a Canvas I made featuring a large MM chipboard frame.. The photo is of my glamorous cousin Jackie.. I have not shared this project on my blog yet...   I kept the colours basic to match her dress.. The wire frame along with the flowers and butterflies definitely do this photo justice in my opinion!


4. This Beyond the Page isn't manufactured by MM, however it does have a MM chicken wire on it.. It also displays my use and LOVE for Beyond / Off the Page projects.. The photos are of my boys..

5. I've noticed that MM have been making quite a few Fairy goodies lately.. And of course, anyone who knows me, knows I'm obsessed with Fairies! I collect Fairies and have HUNDREDS! This is another Beyond the Page project.. A simple Shadow Box.. This isn't a MM manufactured product, but  hope it does show that I'm up to making any style project required..


6. The final layout is another page.. This features a MM chipboard frame in an unusual way.. It also showcasing the use of stencils and embellishments placed together to make the whole project pop...


Of course I could have shared these projects, but as Sally has already seen these in person I didn't want to include them in my 6.




Righto, well that's it for me.. I hope I've covered all that I was required to in this post. Please drop on by the Memory Maze blog to keep up to date on this awesome QUEENSLAND manufacturer!
It's hard for any Australian business to be to the standard of many International companies, but I can say I honestly believe this is one of the top Chipboard manufactures!
Even if I'm not chosen as a DT member, I will still happily buy and use their fantastic projects and proudly promote this local company.. :)





Monday, December 22, 2014

Scrappy Canary - December

Guess what... I've actually been able to squeeze in some crafting time for myself finally! YAY! lol..
 
I took the opportunity today while Lane had a friend over and Hunter was occupied playing with them to sit at my craft desk all by myself.. It was lovely.. haha..
 
I've been looking and relooking at the sketch for this month over at the Scrappy Canary blog.. I LOVE the sketch and knew I wanted to put something together for it..
 
 
I have used a couple of photos featuring my little HANDYMAN Hunter doing some woodwork..
I search through piles of my cardstock and pattern paper but just couldn't seem to find the right combo for this page.. UNTIL I found these.. As soon as I laid it out, it all seem to feel just right! :)  
 
 
 Here is a close up of some of the embellishments that the Scrappy Canary crew have asked us to place wherever we wish it to go..

I'm not really sure what the go is with his tongue... Maybe he has to hold it just in the right position.. lol..

 
In the sketch there are a couple of layers.. The layer on top of the main base but under the center base I have used some gesso for texture and a different effect than paper..

 


Crafty Hunter

With school holidays comes extra crafting time, well for my boys anyway.. Not so much me.. lol
 
So today, this post is showcasing Hunter's crafty happenings last week since he has been on holidays.. :)
 
Here he is very proudly showing off is paper boat.. :)
We found a YouTube video for the instructions on how to fold it..
Then he added a little box to the box to stick the straw in for the pole and washi for the flag.. He then put  large button on it too for a "seat"..
Next was ALOT of Glitter and KindyGlitz.. lol..
He wrote "H" on it for it's name and inked the top edges too.. (after photo was taken)
 
 
This is his flat paper plane.. He has cut the paper with the paper trimmer  / torn it..
Some glue and staples to keep it together..
Ink, bling and stamps for embellishments..

 
Lastly, he is making an awesome "tractor" out of a paper towel roll..
He has used ALOT of 3D tape (much to my horror!)..
About 10 buttons for the wheels.. lol
Glitter, Liquid Pearls and stamping for the embellishments..  

 
 
Thank you very much for stopping by today.. Hunter I'm sure would love any feedback that you leave him.. :)
 
Also, to keep up to date with not only my crafting but Hunters (and Lane's too) then please do LIKE my crafting page on Facebook ---
 

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Lasting Memories - # 222

It is with some bittersweet feelings that I bring you my last DT make for the Lasting Memories layout challenge blog.. (For now anyway.. lol)
 
I have been a member of the LM DT since September 2012, so it's been over two years since I was asked to join some of the most beautiful, talented and down to earth crafting ladies I've ever not-actually-meet... lol..
They were a support system to me during several moments of "LIFE" throughout this time and for that, I am and will forever be so very grateful..
 
At the DT Call recently I chose not to reapply.. It was a deep soul search that was both heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time.. I love the time that I have spent as part of the DT, but I am so excited to open my spot up to someone else to gain experience and feel the love like I have!
 
I very much DO intend on still linking up and joining in the challenges in the future and would love for them to know I'd love to be considered for a Guest DT position sometime too!
I know that I wont stay away from the LM challenges for too long and who knows, after a few terms off I might even reapply... But that wont be for a while, so for now I want to focus on this weeks challenge...
 
#222 - Anything Goes with a Holiday theme
 
 
This stunning photo is of one of the teachers at Lane's school.. She is a great soul, religion teacher, assistant principal, friend to students and parents..
This photo was on a special slide displayed at the 6 & 7 Graduation party just a few weeks ago.. I asked for permission to use it for a page and here is the first one.. I very much intend to make a special canvas out of this photo also..  

 
I have used a Kaiser pattern paper for the base.. I misted and pasted to add dimension and texture.. I love the look of a traditional soft distressed red, white and green... I think it has a classical feel to it.. I added the Poinciana's and the cute little tags too..
 
Well, I feel that's a lovely page to showcase as my last DT make for the Lasting Memories challenge blog for now.. Thanks again for joining me on my adventure.. This was the only DT that I was currently on, so I look forward to some time without pressures and to just focus on the school holidays with my boys and hopefully squeeze in some time for to enter other challenges as I've been trying to more lately.. Toni.. xoxo 


Thursday, December 18, 2014

Teachers Christmas Gifts

Have you made handmade gifts this year??
 
In this post, I would love to share with you the gifts that the boys and I made for their teachers this year....
 
First up are the gifts for Hunter's Kindy teachers.. These ladies have smashed our expectations of Hunter this year.. As he is the youngest possible age for the class, we didn't hold him to great expectations and were open minded incase he needed help or even if he would need to repeat the year.. However they pushed him along and have totally blown our minds and filled our hearts as we look at our little boy and know that he will be ok for Prep next year..
 
These are just normal 5x7 photo frames with note pad paper inside instead of a photo..
Hunter helped me glue on the flowers and bling.. While using a whiteboard marker, it turns the glass into a dry erase board for quick notes.. :)

 
These jars were packaged with a post-it note pad and a pen, plus a letter to explain that once the chocolate is gone that the jar can then be used as an "AWESOME 2015" keeper.. As the year goes on, they can write and store special happens from the year and at the end of the year it can be emptied and read to reflect on the awesome year that was.. :)
 
 
Next are the gifts for Lane's teachers..
 
Followers of my blog would have already seen this canvas.. We made this featuring the photo of Lane's teachers grandmother that past away in the September holidays.. We gave it to her as a Christmas gift, she was very emotional and thankful.. :)

Finally, this one is an electric candle in a glass jar surrounded by candy canes.. :)
Lane chose a scented battery operated candle instead of a traditional flame candle due to safety.. Which I thought was quite insightful for an 11year old.. lol..
 




Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Kids Christmas Art

I'd like to share some special makes with you today..
These are the art work that my boys have created at Kindy and at School in the final weeks..
 
First of all Hunter made this adorable Face painting on a canvas for his Kindy Christmas and Art show.
 
Next are Lane's creations for his schools Christmas Angels display..
 
 




 
He was also chosen as a special angle for a school photo shoot, which I am so truly proud of...
One child from each class was picked to be in a series of photos showcasing the beauty of Angels..
I'm sure some of those photos will be featured in my upcoming scrapbooking layouts some time.. :)
 

 

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Just Add Ink - 244

Just Add Ink have challenged their players to a Sketch this week..
Again, it's mostly directed towards a card makers sketch, but I love the rush of an extra challenge to create a layout page with it..
 
 
I have sat at my craft desk 4 times of the past few days since the challenge was released on Friday to try and get this page done.. But every time something happen and I didn't get around to it.. Mostly it was just Hunter wanted to get creative and that took up all the time.. lol.. But his creations were so awesome that I couldn't deny him the special crafty time.. :)
 
 
 
 
Righto, so now onto the layout that I actually did get around to..
Would you believe that it took me 4 different bases.. Yep, I made 4 different bases to finally get this one..
The photo here features my two boys have some water fun play in the yard of my Mum's property Agnes Water on Christmas day 2010.. There was quite a bit of flooding happening to say the least..
 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Lasting Memories - #221

Here Comes Santa Claus
Yep, that's right, we are almost down to single digits on the count down to Christmas..
So this week at the Lasting Memories challenge blog, we would love to see layouts featuring the fun of "Here Comes Santa Claus"
 
 
 
 
For this layout I chose to feature a special photo of my little man Hunter with Santa just a couple of weeks ago at his Kindy Christmas Art show..
This Santa was fantastic with the children and was doing a "thumbs up" with them for photos.. However Hunter can't quite figure out the "thumbs up" salute very well, but he loves doing "number 1" so Santa had a quick giggle and played along too! This was a very touching moment and I very much appreciated it..

I have used some 6x6 patterned paper for this page, 2 under the photo and one that was full of the present boxes.. I fussy cut them all out and tried my best to strategically place them... :)
 
 
The picture of the layout makes the photo seem dark, so I wanted to take a close up and share the beautiful photo properly..
 
Please remember that even though Lasting Memories release challenges every week, you infact have all month to link up your entries.. So if you get some down time to do some crafting over the Christmas break, then we would love for you to play along!


Thursday, December 11, 2014

Scrapbook Fantasies - week 48

Welcome back.. Finally a few days ago I was so happy to get another challenge done of the Scrapbook Fantasies weekly inspirations..
 
week 48 - Use Pink, Lemon & White
 


 
For this layout, I have used a photo featuring my cousin Amy.. It's a lovely yet simple Selfie..
 
The only colours that I added are the required challenge combo, however it is on a Kaiser Basecoat paper which has some dark grey on it.. So if that rules me out, then that's ok and I accept that..
 
I have journaled and dated the tag under the photo. It is actually quite private, but includes how proud I am of her over the last year or two, picking herself and finding her inner self. Building a person that she wants to be.. It's so amazing to watch her "shine" now..


Monday, December 1, 2014

Just Add Ink - #242

This week at the   Just Add Ink  challenge blog, they have a fun photo inspiration for their challenge #242..
 

JAI #242
 
 
 
A & A
 
 
After looking through some beautiful photos I choose a really nice B&W on of my cousin Amy and her bf Andrew..  This is another one I hunted down on FB.. lol..
 
 I think there must have been a slight shadow over the layout when I took a completed layout photo as the base is more white in real life that what it looks above..
 

 
I GOT MESSY!!
 
Yes, I have allsorts of fun playing with this one! lol..
First I started off the with mask and texture paste.. Then I added 2x Green mists, 1x Blue mist and a Yellow mist.. It wasn't quite how I wanted so added some Yellow paint in sploshes over the top..
Finally finished the base off with some white Gesso with a foam brush right in the middle to mat the photo and flowers.. 
Embellished with brads and blings..
 
Hunter actually saw the paint out and was like a Hawke.. lol.. He came and did some painting of his own while I finished off the layout.. So glad my 4yr old is happy to sit beside me and craft too! Even though he does take over the iPod music play list.. lol..
 


Lasting Memories - #219 & DT CALL

 
#219 - we want to see something that you do as a "tradition" at home..
 
 
This week my DT creation features a photo of Lane & Hunter playing in the Kiddie pool at my Mum's house.. Christmas Day, 2013.
 
 
In Australia is Summer, so Christmas is always very HOT!
So most Aussie's will spend majority of the day in water! lol..
Whether it's at the Beach, in a Pool, under a Sprinkler or a dip in the Dam or Lake..

 
I've decided to start this months DT makes off with this fairly simple layered layout..
 
Remember that we open a challenge every week, however you have until the end of the month to link up your creations!  So please do head on over the Lasting Memories Layout challenge blog for more info and be inspired by more DT makes..
 
 
 
Lasting Memories is also having a DT call for the new year...
If you're interested, SHOW US YOUR STYLE.. 
Good luck!
 


Sunday, November 30, 2014

Scrappy Canary - November

Welcome back.. Today I bring you my November challenge entry at the Scrappy Canary blog..
I've been a regular visitor of his blog for a while, but this is the first time that I've actually entered one of their challenges..
 
 
This month challenge is a Sketch, I fell in love with this design immediately..
So much so, that I decided to create TWO layouts..
 
Nanny's Girl
 
 
This layout features a photo of my Aunty and my Cousin's little girl.. So that is Nanny and Brooke.. :)
I actually did another layout featuring this photo just a couple of weeks ago, but I LOVE it so much that I decided to use it again.. At least now my Aunty can have a layout and I get to keep one!
Here are a couple of close up photos for the embellishments..  

 
 
 
at the races
 
 
 
The second layout I made features my Sister and her Husband.. Tiff & Curtis
This photo was taken just a few weeks ago at the Melbourne Cup..
As you can see that with this layout I expanded a little on the sketch and added some more elements and embellishments..  Now for a couple of close up pics..

 
Thanks very much for dropping by today.. I'm entering this as a little last minute thing, but that's only due the blog post.. I actually made these layouts during the week.. I've had guests over, swimming carnival, Christmas shopping, Kindy birthday party, School dinners and Kindy Art shows on ALL THIS PAST WEEK! So as I'm sure you can understand, this has restricted my time this week to getting this post up... Hope everyone else is enjoying the start to this fun and busy "silly" season..
Don't forget to drop by the Scrappy Canary blog too!
Thanks, Toni.. :)


Sunday, November 23, 2014

Lasting Memories - 218

Lasting Memories - # 218 - All About The Title
 
The photo I've used for this layout was taken probably about 8/9 years ago.. I still remember the evening well.. lol..
My bestie and I got tickets to see the " Sydney Hot Shots" preform here in our little coastal town.. They are a group of men that do sorta strip routines, Vegas style.. Lots of fun to watch! No touching though!! and they even stayed around afterwards and had a chat in the nightclub.. Very cool..


 
 
I also remember something about myself winning a dance off that night! haha...


 


This is the last challenge for the month, so please remember that you need to link up your entry by the weekend.. All challenges over the month of November are still open for link up until the end of the month! So if you missed one, there is still time to get it in! :)