Scrapbook Trends freebie!

Scrapbook Trends magazine is now available online!!!

As a special offer to my blog readers, Scrapbook Trends is offering you a free issue of their "Mini Albums" magazine!! Just click on the link below.

I've subscribed to the All Access Pass, which means I can view Scrapbook Trends, Cards, Bead Trends and Simply Handmade magazines, as well as their specialty issues like Mini Albums, for only $9.95US a month. What a bargain! I accessed my first copies the other day, and I was so impressed with the quality. All the usual gorgeous layouts in the mag, right there on my screen. It even has a function where you can bookmark your favourite layouts and make notes right there in the file so you can remember why you bookmarked them. I've printed out a few favs for later too and the print quality was fab. As much as I love the physical mag, I'm loving the online issues just as much! Check out the free issue and let me know what you think!

Cheers, Lis.

CCG #124

This week's combo has just been released at Color Combos Galore and I just love those neutrals with a punch of red!

butter yellow - red roses - white linen - kraft

Lately I keep forgetting that Eme is only 3.5. Some of the things she comes out with are way beyond her years, and because of that, I guess I expect too much of her sometimes. Occasionally she'll break into baby talk or she'll have a tantrum and it brings me back to reality. She's such a mature little chicken, and beautiful too! (not that I'm biaised...lol)

This layout also features Scrapware's new clock and hands. I've treated the clock to a little glimmermist lovin' and the hands have been left raw. Scrapware is having a "mini" giveaway at the moment...check it out here, and don't forget, there's a DT call too.

Seth's birthday

This year, we celebrated Seth's 6th birthday with a trip to the local bowling alley with family and a few of his friends from school. I always let the kids decided what they'd like for their cake and Seth requested a cake in the shape of a bowling ball and pins...here's what I came up with. Thanks again to Betty Crocker frosting and Kenny St Fruit & Deli for the cake base! I just don't have time to bake, but I can always decorate. The outline is licorice and I found some red sour straps for the star. I swear the requests are getting more elaborate each year. Pity help them if I have to buy a decorated cake one year. lol. Here's a few snapshots from the day. Thanks to all of the parents for allowing me to share them with you.I didn't actually know that they made bowling shoes that small (lol) and they were velcro! I want a pair!! Seth managed a couple of spares, but the winner of the kids was Liam with 100!

I ended up having to bowl for Miss Eme; her little arms just couldn't lift those bowling balls. We tried using the thing where you put the ball on top and just push it off, but Eme bashed her mouth on it and made it bleed...game over. Here's our gorgeous little chicken pre bowling injury.

We had a blast and were all exhausted by the time we got home. Seth unwrapped his pressies, then indulged in a little Ben 10 Alien Force and Meet The Robinsons. Seth was spoilt rotten by his family and friends! He has a little birthday money to spend now and he's adamant he wants a really bouncy ball and a figure for his omnitrix. So, that's Seth's birthday wrapped up for another year.

Cheers, Lis.

CCG #123

Color Combos Galore No. 123 has just been revealed! These aren't colours that I would normally combine, so it was a fun challenge.

green grass - crisp linen - kiwifruit - cool grape

Here's my take...

It just so happened that Emeline made me a framed poem for Mother's Day that coordinated perfectly with this combo! Talk about great timing. I've decided I'm going to start showcasing the children's homemade gifts into my scrapbooking so they don't get lost in a drawer somewhere. Look how proud Eme is of herself! I really want to cherish those memories. I've used some yummy Jillibean Soup paper, as well as some old Wiggles paper. lol. The journaling spot is made from the Jillibean Soup packaging.

Today is party day...time to go make a cake! See you later alligators.

Inspired Blueprints - Sketch 22

Sketch 22 has been revealed at Inspired Blueprints and the gorgeous Christy came up with this one. It uses 3 standard sized prints and there are so many ways you can use this sketch. Check out Inspired Blueprints for more examples from our Inspiration Team. Here's my take. I converted the sketch to an 8.5x11 format by using smaller photos.

These pics are of Eme after her friend Jazzie's birthday party. She just loved looking like a beautiful butterfly!

In other news, Andrew will be working overtime this weekend due to the flooding in Northern NSW, and inbetween night shifts, he'll be squeezing in his duties as water runner for Seth's footy team and Seth's birthday party Saturday afternoon. I think I'll have to take the kids out on Sunday so he can sleep! I've picked out the design for Seth's cake and its going to look awesome!! I just have to buy all the fixin's. I hope it looks as good as my plan...watch this space for pics.

Yesterday, Seth handed out all of his lolly bags, including his teacher and the school principal and they were all very impressed. The principal made a beeline for Andrew yesterday afternoon to thank him especially! lol. That was all Seth's doing - we are definitely not crawlers! lol. Seth's teacher gave him a special birthday certificate and he couldn't wait to show us last night. He also chose his special birthday dinner...KFC! Erk...not something I would have picked for my birthday dinner, but what can you do (it all just looks and tastes the same!).

In the meantime, Eme is still recovering from her asthmatic episode earlier this week, and I have tonsillitis, so we're having a fun time in our house...not. I hope you're all keeping well and have a great weekend. Lis.

Today...

Our little boy turns 6!!Last night, Seth asked me if I was sad that he was turning 6. Well, yes and no...yes because he's not my little little boy anymore, and no because he's developing into such a delightfully fun and intelligent boy's boy iykwim.

He climbed into our bed and opened his pressies - thankfully he loved everything! We gave him a real Eels jersey, which he popped on straight away, as well as an Eels teddy bear, a couple of dvd's, a couple of meccano sets and magnext kit. I forgot he wanted a Bakkugan ball, and thankfully he forgot he'd asked me! lol. We're having a bowling party on the weekend with a few of his friends and I'll be making him a cake - this year's request is a bowling ball and pins! eek...watch this space. Eme was funny this morning...she kept giving Seth cuddles and telling him he was her birthday boy! lol.

Andrew spoilt him with French Toast for breakfast and a lunch order for school today. I also made lolly bags for his classmates and he asked me to make extra ones for his teacher and the principal...awhhhh. I forgot to take a photo of them but they're in the shape of Sunnyboy iceblocks. Each one only uses a 6x4 sheet of patterned paper, so very economical to make. Seth picked out all different green scraps and I tied the tops with green ribbon...I might make some more for his birthday party.

Happy Birthday little guy!

layouts to share...

The new Crate Paper "Orbit" Collection just landed at Scrapbooking Delights and it is gorgeous! I had to play with it instantly. The patterns and colours are so much fun and they coordinate perfectly with my new friend "Curly" from Scrapware. lol. (NB. This isn't one of my designs, but I wish it was!)
This layout is the outtakes from some photos I took on Mother's Day. As usual, the children decided not to cooperate, but the photos were fun nonetheless. For instructions to recreate this one, check out the Scrapbooking Delights blog.

I also just got my hands on the new Pebbles Inc "Linnie Bell" collection. Wow, I just love those colours together! So warm and inspiring. Here's the "keepers" from my Mother's Day photos this year using the Linne Bell papers and Elle's Studio tags.

This weekend was really quiet. I went to the Friday night crop at Scrapbooking Delights and got home way too late as usual. Seth played rugby league first thing Saturday morning, so I was a bit of a zombie. A bacon and egg roll from the canteen fixed that right up! lol. Seth played so well...he made some excellent breaks and tackles and supported his team mates. He was tackled so hard and I thought for sure he'd be done for the day, but he got up and brushed himself off and kept playing. All of his team mates and the opposing team cheered for him! Seth was awarded the Encouragement Award for his efforts and he was so proud of himself, as were we!! Way to go buddy!

Eme was her usual self...full of energy and spunk. On Saturday night she woke up screaming and when Andrew went to investigate, he discovered her eye was glued shut. The poor little thing was so frightened, but Andrew fixed her up. I was so worried that she'd contracted conjunctivitis, but thankfully it hasn't developed into anything...doesn't stop me rubbing my own eyes in sympathy though! lol.

I hope you've all had a fabulous weekend. Thanks for stopping by...drop me a comment.

Cheers, Lis.

CCG #122

How gorgeous is this colour combination?!! Debbi put these colours together this week for Color Combos Galore and named the colours after Prince songs...what a crack up, and inspiring nonetheless.

raspberry beret - i think "olive" her - diamonds and pearls - blue light

You know, I had this totally rockin' post right here...and then blogger failed on me...so here's what I remember (lol).

I realised recently that I don't have many photos of the kids with their grandparents. My own grandparents passed away when I was only 5, and I've always wished that I had more time with them and more photos to remember them. My kids will never wonder about their grandparents. So, you will see a few more family layouts coming up. This one features Seth with his Granny, Annette. Granny and Papa pick Seth up from school nearly everyday and care for him until we get home from work. Papa even takes him to footy training. Andrew and I are forever grateful that they are able to help us out. They've just retired and bought a caravan, so here's hoping they won't disappear over the horizon for too long!

So, there's two lessons in this post...take more photos of the kids with the grandparents, and embrace colour! I hope you're all enjoying the colour combos, and its inspiring you to put together some colours you normally wouldn't. Cheers, Lis.

oh, the shameless plug...that gorgeous flourish is new by Scrapware! Did you know they're having a DT call?? Check it out in the post below.

Scrapware DT call

Designers Call for Scrapware (6 month term)

Is chipboard your thing? Then Scrapware may be the design team for you.

Scrapware is an Australian manufacturer of laser cut chipboard and wooden embellishments and off the page items. We are looking to add 4 talented designers to our team for a 6 month term which may be extended to 12 months.

The Responsibilities

- Create three layouts, or equivalent, each new product release. Layouts may be substituted with cards, artist trading cards or an off the page item depending on what products are released.

- Contribute one entry to the Scrapware blog each month on a rostered basis.

- Prepare one step-by-step Project Sheet each new product release detailing how to complete one of the projects you have created.

- You may be requested to assist by producing more samples close to trade shows or other events.

- You will need to be exclusive to Scrapware as a chipboard manufacturer. You may be on other design teams but not for a competing manufacturer or distributor to Scrapware.

The Perks

- The opportunity to play with a generous range of brand new Scrapware products prior to their release.

- Promoted as a Scrapware design team member on the Scrapware blog and website.

- Opportunity to design products for Scrapware.

- A reimbursement scheme for Scrapware design team members. Further details will be provided to the successful applicants.

How to Apply

- Provide:

o Two scrapbook layouts (either 8.5 x 11 or 12 x 12) with at least one being a new and original design for the Scrapware design team application. Both layouts should use chipboard and you should include an explanation of what techniques were used on the chipboard.

o One off the page item (not a card or artist trading card). It would be beneficial if the otp item was chipboard or mdf.

o Chipboard used in the submitted items does not have to be Scrapware.

- Please also include in your application:

o Name

o Address

o Email address

o Link to your Blog or Online Gallery

o List of DTs you are currently on

Send your application to submissions@scrapware.com.au no later than 10 June 2009. Please put "Design Team Call" as your email subject and ensure that the total message size is no larger than 500KB.

Call open to Australian scrapbookers only at this time.

DT Call - Inspired Blueprints

*** NEWS JUST IN ***

Are you passionate about scrapping? Do you love using sketches? We'd love to have you on our team!

Inspired Blueprints is an awesome sketch inspiration blog and we're looking to add to our team of talented designers. The period of commitment is from July through December 2009. We are looking to add 3 layout designers (12x12 LOs), 1 layout designer (8.5x11 LOs), 2 card designers and 1 digital scraper.

The Responsibilities
- Create one layout every 2 weeks based on the sketch provided. For card designers, you are required to submit 2 cards for every sketch provided. On average, we have 2 new sketches every month.
- Meet deadlines for submitting layouts.
- Participate ACTIVELY and REGULARLY in our online community by commenting on layouts and welcoming new members.
- You will also have the opportunity to provide prototype layouts for new sketches, however this is not an essential requirement.

The Perks
- The opportunity to be part of the newest, upcoming sketch blog. We do, however, ask that you are and will not apply to be on any other sketch blog during your term with Inspired Blueprints.
- There is no designer remuneration but you may get to work with sponsor products from time to time.

How to Apply
Create a new layout (12x12 or 8.5x11) or card (depending on which spot you are applying for) based on this sketch:
Please also include in your application:
- Name
- Spot you're applying for (12x12 designer, 8.5x11 designer or card designer)
- Address
- Email address
- link to your Blog or Online Gallery
- list of DTs you are currently on

Send your application to inspiredblueprints@gmail.com no later than 5 June, 2009. Please put "DESIGNER CALL" as your email subject. New designers will be notified by 20 June 2009.

Scrapware inspiration

I have just updated the Scrapware blog with a few layouts, and thought I'd share them here too. I just love the "bird" trend at the moment, owls, sparrows, and now peacocks and feathers! So much so, that as you would have read before, I designed some of my own.

This layout features my new feathers. They come in a pack of three, in small and large. I have used a large feather on this layout and have created a "feathered" look on the raw chipboard by dabbing lines of white ink along the spine of the feather. I have also used Scrapware's new funky bird, clock hand and "Impact" lettering. The bird and lettering have been "double" inked, first with khaki, then gold.Scrapware's chipboard looks fabulous in the raw...the natural colour adds a great neutral embellishment on the page. Once again, I have used the funky bird, but have perched him on my "Emeline" flourish. Last, but not least, here's my peacock in use. I have inked and glittered the bird, then raised the wing and heart tips on foam tape. The saying "proud as a peacock" sprung to mind when I first saw this photo (by Janine), so I decided to incorporate that into my title and embellish the page with a peacock.

There are some many plays on titles you can use with birds...light as a feather, birds of a feather, proud as a peacock....watch this space for more feathered friends in the future.

Happy Mother's Day!!

These two little ratbags call me mum...and I love it!! They make the everyday an adventure.and if it wasn't for my mum... and Andrew's mum...
they would never have been born. Gotta love a happy ending.

CCG #121

I almost missed sharing this week's colour combo..knock me out orange - invigorate me teal - calm me down peach - tantalize me pink

I love this photo of Seth and his Papa and it was about time I scrapped it. Although this combo seemed a little girlie, I really like the soft feel it gave to my layout. I've used one of Scrapware's new flourishes and embellished it with flowers, brads, crepe paper and beads.
Seth looks very much like my Dad, however looking at this photo, I can see a lot of Andrew's Dad in him too!

I survived my week away for work, learned a lot, was challenged and had a good time with my co-workers who I don't get to catch up with very often. I have a few assessments to do, but I have a couple of months, so no pressure (just yet!). A bit of excitement this morning though...we were just about to go for breakfast when my co-worker announced that her waters broke!!! She's due to have her bub on the 23rd, but bub has other ideas! We were all so excited and as I type, she's in labour. Can't wait to find out how she went...looks like she'll qualify for Mother's Day afterall. lol.

Have a great weekend everyone, and be good to your mums.

how cute is this!

Surfing along, I popped by the Pebbles Inc blog to see this sneak peek! I'm a sucker for little characters and boy colours, so I can't wait to see the full release! Pebbles Inc are having a giveaway too! Click on the pic above to take you there.

Inspired Blueprints - Sketch #21

Sketch #21 by Kim has been released at Inspired Blueprints! Love that oversized photo!
Here's my take...I created a mirror image of the sketch. For more ideas, check out the IB blog.
On occasion I have to travel into the city for work and it takes me 2 hours on the train each way! I really hate being cooped up in a train for that long, but you've got to do what you've got to do. This particular day, I finally brought my ipod along and it made it go that much quicker. I had my camera handy, so snapped a few shots along the way, including the not so flattering self portrait! lol. You can see how tired I am. I don't often talk about what I do for work here, so that's just a little insight...the scrapping side of my life is so much more exciting! lol. I'll be away for work next week, so not sure if I'll have a chance to update my blog. Keep scrapping everyone and make sure you play along...this month's prize is excellent!

Better go...Eme wants me to turn the tv over because there's a "stinky boy show" on! lol.

Savvy May challenges...

This month at Savvy, I have taken over the sketch challenge! Here's the sketch for May courtesy of PageMaps. Enter your layouts by 30 May 2009 to go into the draw for a $25 store voucher. Here's my take. These photos were taken at Kim's son's birthday party last weekend. Kim hired the most talented face painter! All of the kids looked just fabulous - and he was so quick!

There are three other challenges running this month; Mel's Savvy Scraplift; Kerryn's Ad Challenge and Renee's Random challenge (which is ATC's this month!). I'll be having a go at all three at some stage during the month.

NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY

To celebrate National Scrapbook Day, I have set a challenge at Scrapbook Savvy. The winner will receive a goodie bag of products from Scrapbook Savvy.

LAYOUT THEME: I create because...

CHALLENGE CRITERIA:

1. You can only use one full sheet of patterned paper or cardstock.

2. All other papers must be from your scrap stash and should be no bigger than 3"x4".

3. Your title must be made up of different letters - try getting creative and turn one letter into another; you don't need to open a new packet if you're out of "e's".

4. You must include a photo of yourself.

5. You must journal on your layout and include your own handwriting!

6. You can add additional photos if you choose.

Here's my layout...it was scraplifted from a layout by Ali Edwards in her book "Life Artist".

Layouts are due in the Savvy gallery by 30 May 2009 and its open to everyone. Can't wait to see what you create!

Lis.