Scrapware | Doily frames

One of the hottest chipboard items to hit the market is Scrapware's new doily frames!  This doily frame stretches the full width of a 12x12 page, and will make an impressive statement on any layout.

I just love this photo my sister took of Eme a few months ago. She totally looks like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth (we all know this to be untrue. lol).  This layout came together quite organically. I had the doily frame and the Fancy Pants diecut paper, and found they fit together perfectly!  The layout just grew from there. I love the colours. They have a really retro 70s vibe. The crochet flowers are new by Kaiser.

To colour the doily two different shades, I scored the chipboard with a craft knife first to define the areas. That way, I knew I wouldn't stuff up and colour the wrong area! lol.

Scrapware chipboard looks great raw too. After I coated this Marilyn bloom in clear paper tole glaze, I curled up the petals to add further dimension, then added a fun flower centre to finish.

The same treatment was given to the foliage. I scored the centre of each leaf, then bent it upwards.  The orange Marilyn bloom has been embossed using the end of a WeRMemory Keepers brad setter.

Scrapware products used:
new! Doily frame No. 3 (large)
CH464 Foliage (large)
LB27 Marilyn Blooms
AZ08 Antique lowercase alphas

Scrapware's Doily frames will be hitting the markets soon! Ask your lss to get them in for you. There's three different designs to choose from, and this particular one comes in small, medium and large!

Cheers, Lis,

Discover | Feeling better about myself...

The last few months, I have been slowly working towards a better me. Just minor changes. Slow and steady.  For years I have been staring at this quote beside my computer. The "She" book by Kobi Yamada is always uplifting and inspirational, and this quote has always spoken to me.

It takes effort to remind myself that there is more to me than the size of my clothes or the number displayed on my bathroom scales.  So much in fact, that I don't weigh myself very often at all. I just want to FEEL better. I can feel within myself when I've put on weight or when my clothes feel a bit looser.

In the last 8 months, I have weighed myself three times. In January, I weighed the same as I did in June 2010, which was great news...1. because I didn't put any weight on over Christmas; and 2. because it meant I had finally stopped putting on weight full stop.

This morning, I weighed myself again and I have managed to lose 3.5kg. Boy that felt good!  I am not dieting at all. I am just adjusting the way I eat little by little. The first thing to go was McDonalds or any other food that you can pick up through a drive thru window. The last time I had McDonalds was November last year. Andrew and I made the decision that it just wasn't worth it. Its expensive, its full of fat and it tastes disgusting. We were eating it at least 1-2 times a week. No more. Excellent positive step. Yay me!

The other thing I've eliminated from my daily intake is diet coke. Evil evil diet coke with all of its yummy, addictive chemicals! Last Saturday was my last glass. I ended up with a mild headache from the caffeine withdrawals, but have been feeling pretty good ever since. I'm not really missing it, and I know swapping diet coke for good ol' water is going to have major health benefits.

As I said, slow positive steps towards a better me. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet...and I'm certainly not rushing to get to my "goal weight" by xxx date. It took me a good few YEARS to put this amount of weight on, and I know its not going to come off in a matter of months.

The upside too is that I finally feel like I'm lifting my head above the depression fog. Good days are by far outnumbering the bad ones.

The moral of the story? Slow and steady wins the race.

Cheers, Lis.

Mum stuff | Menu planning

I have been following blogs for a while that discuss menu planning, but had never really tried it myself. Honestly, it just smacked of effort.  This week, I had no choice. My hubby has been away for work and I had to get organised. With two children and working full time, I just didn't have time to think about what to cook every day.  On Sunday, the kids went to the movies with their grandparents, and while they were gone I sat down and wrote out a menu plan that incorporated items I already had in the pantry and freezer. Then I hit the shops, and shopped to my menu, not a shopping list. OMG! The total bill was only $85! I was amazed. I new exactly what I wanted, so my shopping time was cut in half too.  For that $85, I have been able to plan tasty and variety packed breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for 2 adults and 2 children. Yes, there was fresh meat and fruit and vege in my trolley. I don't expect my shopping bill to be that low every time, but its a start. I'll let you know how I go next week.  I've placed a copy of the menu on our fridge so we know exactly what the plan is and there's less chance of deviation.

Notes on shopping:

• I incorporated the kids favourite foods into the menu. Eme would happily eat pasta every day of her life if I let her! The pasta sauce is loaded with veges too, so the daily requirements are met. Seth loves pizza. Pepperoni pizza to be exact. I purchased 8 slices of pepperoni from the deli, which cost only $0.25. If you buy it prepacked, its usually about $4. Huge saving!
• I made enough zucchini slice and risotto to do more than one meal.  I've containerised (is that a word?) it up and put it in the fridge for leftover lunch. Love leftovers! It always tastes better the next day. When I make the bolognaise tomorrow, there will be leftovers from that too.
• I purchased the chicken wings from the deli instead of prepacked, and saved myself $6 a kilo! You could marinate them, but the kids like them plain. No spices for their little tongues. Eme thinks tomato sauce is spicy sometimes...lord help me.
• I made cheese and vegemite scrolls. I normally pick one up for the kids from Bakers Delight. For the same price as one, I was able to bake 12 using ingredients I already had in the pantry. Make time to bake because you will save a fortune! Not only that, I know exactly what's in it.

• Coles now sells 2L of milk for $2. I'm sorry Dairy Farmers, you just can't compete with that price!
• I no longer buy into the "3 for $xx" mentality. If I don't need 3, I don't buy 3. Its false economy people. My only exception is a great deal on bread. We go through a couple of loaves a week, so I buy 2 and stick one in the freezer. Then I don't have to go back to the shops during the week.
• I am willing to try alternative brands. Some items are less than half the price of the big name brands. If the product sucks, at least I've tried it. However, I haven't been disappointed yet.

Enough ranting...I'll leave you with a recipe...

Recipe | Lisa's Zucchini Slice
This is a meal that my mum used to make us occasionally as a departure from the usual meat and three veg. Mum's recipe called for a cup of vegetable oil, but I've eliminated that completely. The eggs make the slice moist enough without the oil.

You will need:
3 zucchini grated
3 carrots grated
1 medium onion finely diced
250g diced bacon or ham
1 cup grated cheese
5 eggs
1 cup self raising flour
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 180C.
2. Add all ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.
3. Pour mixture into a large baking tray, making sure mixture is spread evenly across tray
4. Pop it into the oven for approximately 40 minutes.
5. Serve hot or cold. Great with a side salad or by itself.

NB. If your kids don't like zucchini, tell them its cheesy bacon pie and they will gobble it up!

Cheers, Lis.

Scrapware | Card Keepers

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...I love Scrapware!  Ange has done it again with her new collection and lucky me got to play with some. This week on the Scrapware blog, the design team are showcasing Card Keepers. What's a card keeper, you might ask. Its a lifesaver, that's what! lol. For years I have been collecting greeting cards. Cards from Christmas, birthdays, babies, Mother's Days...you name it. The problem has always been...what do I do with them?  Enter, the Scrapware Card Keeper.

Card Keepers measure 6"x8", so are big enough to hold most cards. They consist of a front and back piece of laser cut chipboard.  The cards are held in place using a ring or ribbon, or whatever you choose. The bigger the fastener, the more cards your Card Keeper will hold.  I created this one for the Scrapware blog. It houses all of my wedding cards (that have been sitting in a shoe box for nearly 10 years!). I now feel they've been given the respect they deserve.  I think it might have to go on display. Its too pretty now to shove back in a box!  I reread all of the cards as I was threading them onto the keeper too. Some of them were from people that have since passed away.  I absolutely cherish the special words written by them and will keep their cards forever.

Here's the back. I wanted to keep it simple and relatively flat. I have used one of Scrapware's new Doily Frames to give the ribbon a bit more stability.

Scrapware's new Doily Frames come in two pieces...the frame, and a chipboard circle inner.  I detached the frame, coloured it with markers and added a little glaze.

I then created a spiral rose using the inner circle, so there was no waste!  Scrapware's chipboard can easily be cut with scissors and rolled. The end result is a lot sturdier, which is great when using it for an off the page project. I then adhered the spiral rose to the centre of one of Scrapware's Marilyn Blooms. The petals of the flower have been turned up to give even more dimension. Also featured on the front of the Card Keeper is Scrapware's new Foliage shapes (there are four to a sheet!).

At the bottom of the Card Keeper, I have used Scrapware's new Iron Gates. They are super cute and intricate, and they fit perfectly across each of the windows on the front.

Products used:
CK03 Card Keeper - Arch Window
CH450 Iron Gate No. 1 (small)
CH464 Foliage (large)
CH463 Doily Frame No. 3 (small)
LB27 Marilyn Blooms
CH82 Keys

Also available in Scrapware's Card Keeper collection are one window (CK01) and three window (CK02) card keepers.

Now, I know what to do with all of my cards...time to tackle Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Days...the list is endless!

These new products and much much more, will be available on the Scrapware website soon! Ask your LSS to get them in for you.

Cheers, Lis.

Inspired Blueprints | Design team call...

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 April 2011 through September 2011, with the possibility of extension.

We are looking for:

• Five 12x12 layout designers
• Two 8.5x11 layout designers
• Two digital layout designers

The Responsibilities:

• Create one layout every two weeks based on the sketch provided. On average, we have two new sketches every month.
• Meet deadlines for submitting layouts.
• Participate ACTIVELY and REGULARLY in our online community by giving positive comments 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 our inspiring and growing sketch blog and community.
• There is no designer remuneration but you may get to work with sponsor products from time to time. 

Please note:

• If successful, we ask that you will not design for, or apply to be on, any other sketch blog during your term with Inspired Blueprints.

How to apply
Create a new layout based on this sketch...

Please also include in your application

• Your Name
• Address
• Email address
• The position you are applying for
• Link to your Blog or Online Gallery
• List of current design teams

International applicants welcome.  The Inspired Blueprints design team covers all four corners of the world.

Send your application to inspiredblueprints@gmail.com no later than 15 March 2011. Please put "DESIGNER CALL" as your email subject. New designers will be notified by email on 20 March 2011.

Good luck!

Inspired Blueprints | Sketch #66

Sketch #66 has just been revealed on the Inspired Blueprints blog!  I love this sketch. I know I say it every time, but it is so versatile! I have swapped the 6x8 photo for two 6x4 photos, then added a freehand cut tree in place of the floral flourish.

These photos were taken at Eme's graduation from preschool. Eme absolutely adored Nicky and Alex, her carers, and she misses them terribly. A few evenings ago, the poor little chicken couldn't go to sleep because she misses all of her daycare friends. We might have to pop over one afternoon to catch up to set her mind at ease. Such a huge adjustment going to big school. Of the 26 kids that graduated from preschool, only 4 of them are going to Eme's school.

Here's the sketch if you want to play along!

Are you a member of the Inspired Blueprints community? We love seeing everyone's takes on the sketches. You can upload your takes to the Inspired Blueprints gallery here.

Cheers, Lis.

Mum stuff | Its okay to lose...

Today, Sethy-boy competed in his first school swimming carnival. To say I was worried was an understatement. Seth has regularly been attending swimming lessons for years, but he's never swum more than 14m straight. Last night, Andrew consulted his swim coach to see if she thought he was up to swimming 25m, to which she said..."put him in the 50m! ...and if they're doing back stroke, put him in that too!". We were still not convinced, and left the choice up to him.

The time came. Seth lined up at the end of the pool to swim in the 25m freestyle race...and off they went. Andrew tells me that he did really well until the end. There were Year 6 boys at the other end waiting for them in case they got into trouble, and the boy in Seth's lane swam out to get him which slowed him down.  After he got out of the pool, they called me...

me: "How did you go mate?"
Seth: "I came last." You could hear in his voice that he was really disappointed.
me: "That's okay. Did you make it to the end?"
Seth: "Yes, but it was very tiring, and I came last."
me: "But did you have fun?"
Seth: "Yes I did." You could hear his attitude picking up.
me: "That's great buddy! I'm so proud of you!"
Seth: "Thanks mum. It was great being in the pool!"

I'm so proud that Seth had a go, and tried his hardest. I'm a firm believer that it doesn't matter where you place, as long as you do your best. I'm not one of those mothers that thinks every child should get a trophy. Its excellent character building to feel defeat occasionally. How else do you learn to try harder?

Seth has always had a great attitude when it comes to sport. During rugby league season, he's a little dynamo and can tackle kids literally more than a foot taller than him. He's fast, he's enthusiastic and always gives his best. He's the team mate who cheers up the other boys if they lose, and the first one to congratulate someone if they score a try. Love that.

Now Seth knows he can swim 25m, and he'll do it again.  Next year, maybe he'll tackle the 50!

Cheers, Lis.

Tuesday | Tunes

Playing on my ipod at the moment...

Katy Perry - Firework
The first time I heard this one, I thought Katy Perry was scraping the bottom of the barrel for ideas, but its grown on me! Its actually a really uplifting and inspiring song. hmmm...

Guy Sebastian - Who's That Girl?
The 'fro is looking hot! What happened to the dude who won Australian Idol?!  Amazing what a few tatts, a haircut and a great song can do for a career. Love it.

Taylor Swift - Back to December
She's so saccrine sweet, so glad my baby girl loves listening to Taylor Swift. Everytime this one comes on, Eme sings along...too cute. Not too many wholesome options for a young girl to listen to...and there's no way Eme's listening to Ke$ha.  The word "brat" comes to mind.

Cee Lo Green - Forget You
Great song...completely catchy...but how can I listen to it now without picturing this in my head!! lol. What's up with the gorilla/spartan/turkey combo...and the muppets...and Gwyneth? Got to love the Grammys.

Heart - Alone
A definite retro favourite. There's only one volume one can listen to this one...LOUD! Those girls certainly know how to wail! 

The Wonder Pets - Save the Penguin!
lol. I downloaded this one ages ago for the kids to listen to, and it keeps comping up in my playlist. Even now, the kids still love it. We crank it up loud and sing...a baby penguin, he's caught on an iceberg...what's a penguin? What's an iceberg? hehehehe.

What tunes are banging out of your ipod at the moment?

Cheers, Lis.

Happy Valentine's Day

After 15 years together, I still love Andrew as much as I did when we first got together. We don't normally celebrate Valentine's, but some things shouldn't go unnoticed. Here's five random things I love about my hubby this Valentine's Day...

1. He makes the most amazing poached eggs on the face of the Earth. Honestly. I've never tasted anything so delicious. The whites are perfectly set, and the yolks are nice and runny...just perfect for dipping toast in. 

2. He's indulges my love of taking photos of the kids. This morning I wasn't able to capture the kids with their crazy hair for school, so he took some on his iphone and  emailed them to me at work. Sweet.

3. He always makes sure the kids are sound asleep before he heads off to bed himself. Last night, Eme was having trouble going to sleep because she was upset about not seeing her daycare friends anymore.  We talked it out (at 10.30pm!) and she went off to sleep soundly...until she climbed in our bed at 5am this morning.

4. He's arranged a day off work to watch Seth at his first swimming carnival. I love that he doesn't want to miss these events. I'm feeling so anxious about Seth swimming, but having Andrew there to protect our boy makes me feel so much more at ease.

5. He loves me and he tells me everyday. Without fail. I'm a lucky girl.

Hugs to all this Valentine's Day. Cheers, Lis.

Storyboard Kits | Retreat 2012

Join Storyboard Kits for our first annual scrapbook retreat!

Friday 16 March - Sunday 18 March 2012

Cost: $240 per person

Retreat commences: Friday, 16 March 2012 from 6pm
Retreat closes: Sunday, 18 March 2012 at 3pm

Includes:

• Accommodation for two nights
• All meals (excluding Friday night dinner)
• Exclusive Storyboard1 Kit (unavailable for sale)
• Ample scrapping space
• Access to creative tools such as sewing machine, cuttlebug, punches etc.
• Challenges and prizes across the weekend
• Free wi-fi!
• Valet to take all your scrapbooking gear to and from your car!
• Fun, fun, fun!

Extras:

• Classes will be available at an extra cost. Details available closer to the date. You will love who I've lined up to teach!
• Further scrapbooking products will be available for purchase at the retreat.

The Details:

• Please email Lisa at storyboardkits@gmail.com to register.
• A non-refundable deposit of $40 is required to secure your spot.
• The balance of payments will be scheduled monthly via paypal.
• Book by March 2011 and your monthly payment will be as low as $20.00!

The Venue:

The Tops Conference Centre is located 1 hour south of Sydney. Offering a peaceful environment and magnificent views, The Tops is situated on 200 acres of pristine bushland overlooking Illawarra's northern coastline.  We'll be staying in the Boronia House, which has ocean views, ample space, excellent air-conditioning and complete privacy. Just gorgeous!  The bedrooms are spacious and will accommodate 2-4 people...no one has to sleep on a top bunk!

NB. This retreat does not conflict with school holidays or public holidays.

Hope you can come along!  Email me at storyboardkits@gmail.com to secure your space!

Cheers, Lis.

ps. I'm super excited!! (can you tell...)

Scrapware | Butterflies

This week on the Scrapware blog, the design team are showcasing projects using critters and monsters. I'm not scheduled to post this week, but thought I'd share this project that was published a few months ago in Scrapbook Creations. I was asked to create a Home Decor project for the Top Ten feature in Issue 82, and this is what I came up with.  I created a keepsake box for all of my daughter's treasures..think hairclips, bangles, and other pretty things. A balsa wood box from Riot Art & Craft was the perfect base.

Before covering, I removed the little gold lock so that I'd get a nice clean finish. The outside has been covered in Pebbles Inc "Twitterpated", and the edges inked in Umber.  The top of the box features Scrapware's 3D butterfly.  I have embossed the base of the butterfly, then painted it pink. I then cut up a Prima flourish and added it to the butterfly. Between the wings and base is one of Pebbles Inc's "stackers", which are transparent, coloured flowers...very cute. A doily trimmed in half forms the leaves, and the big yellow flower was found at a haberdashery store.

Scrapware product used: CH310 3D Butterfly (small)

...and btw...Eme loves it, so mission accomplished.

Check out the Scrapware blog to see what the rest of the dt have been creating.

Cheers, Lis.

Wednesday | Whip around

What's inspiring you right now?

Here's what's made the short list this week.

sources: tassels, cushions, poster

plates, hands, jewellery

tie, beanie, paper owl

paper hearts, doilies, burlap hearts

I am absolutely obsessed with the colour duck egg blue! We're about to repaint our lounge, dining, kitchen etc and it is going to be in a shade called Antarctica Lake (1/4 strength) which is a very pale shade of duck egg blue. Love it! Can't wait to share some pictures with you.

After seeing Stephanie Howell's post recently showcasing Jenni Bowlin's new silhouette rubons and how she used them on her vintage plates, I've decided something along these lines is a must have in my house! Obviously it would have to be a boy and a girl silhouette, and I'm sure I have some blue plates somewhere in my cupboards just waiting to be repurposed. Watch this space...

My friend Sandra's owl obsession is starting to rub off! Every time I see an owl, I think of her. How super cute is the owl made from an old tie and vintage buttons!

Lastly, bunting. There's something wonderfully whimsical about bunting. It just makes me want to celebrate something. I love that you can make it out of anything! Paper strips, doilies, burlap...you name it! I would love to have a doily banner hanging around my house all year long. Wonder if I can convince Andrew this is a good idea? hmmm....

Happy hump day to all!
Cheers, Lis.

Mum stuff | Being flexible, and letting go...

We have a fairly set routine in our house. Time is so tight in the mornings, there's not a whole lot of room for flexibility. Andrew and I work as a team. He makes breakfast and the lunches, and I get the kids dressed for school, making sure I do Eme's hair. Andrew's hands are a bit too big to be dealing with fairy floss little girl hair. I leave for work early so that I can be home in time to pick up the kids from school. Andrew's in charge of the drop-off, and comes home a couple of hours after us. It works.

Since school started back, this nice little routine has somewhat fallen in the toilet.  Last week, Eme finished at 11.30am each day (as kinder kids do), which threw a spanner in the works. Andrew scheduled a week's holidays so that he could be there to greet her each day at home time. Seth then finishes at 2.40pm, so Andrew went back up to school each day to collect him too. Seriously, Andrew is my rock!

This week, the routine changes again. This week its all up to me, as Andrew is in north QLD helping with the relief effort after devastating Cyclone Yasi.  Now, I've never professed to be a domestic goddess, but I did try to plan. I ironed the uniforms for the week on Sunday night so I didn't have to worry about it, the swimming gear was all together, everyone had undies and socks.  I did however forget to buy bread for school lunches. oops. Thankfully, there were some bread rolls in the freezer. Crisis averted.  So I've sorted out the morning stuff. Next to the afternoon stuff. I honestly don't know how single mums do it. You ought to be applauded! Its damn hard work if you're not organised!

For the last three years, Seth has been asking if he can catch the bus home from school, and this week I finally relented. Not because I want him to, but out of necessity. I'm trying to squeeze more time in the office, and the bus buys me an extra half hour.  Yesterday, I met the kids at the school and made sure they got into the correct line at the bus stop. I then drove home and parked at the bus stop to make sure they got off (thinking...is that umbilical cord stretchy enough??). When the bus came over the hill, they were sitting together in the front seat. My heart was pounding so hard, I nearly cried with relief! Once they got off the bus, I got back in the car and drove home. The kids walked home from the bus stop with our neighbours. So relieved. So very very relieved.

I needn't have worried. They loved it! They love the freedom. They love hanging with their friends on the bus. Its just one more little piece of freedom for them...and one less piece of mummy they need. Makes me sad, but how can you argue with those happy little faces. One bonus...when they saw me waiting, they both ran at me full speed! Looks like I'm not redundant yet. I'm still good for cuddles, and I'll take them whenever I can. I can't wait to greet them at the bus stop tomorrow.

Hugs to all the mums out there, Lis.

ps. I was so tired after yesterday's effort, I fell asleep on the lounge and we missed swimming lessons! dóh.

Storyboard Kits | Hudson

Popping by again to share another couple of layouts I've created using this month's Storyboard Kit "Hudson". So this is layout 3 and 4, and I still have another two to share. Talk about great value!

I took this photo of Eme not long after her birthday at the end of September last year. She absolutely loves that bike and couldn't wait to go for a ride! Not even for Andrew to mow the lawn first. lol. She whizzes around the backyard, under the swing set, around the back, down the side of the house and back again. Lots of safe practice before she hits the roads. Love that she matches her outfit to the bike! hehehe.

This next one features a photo of Seth and his cousin George. Seth has declared that they are "criends"...that's cousins and friends for the uninitiated!  There is only 3 months age difference between the boys and they love playing together. Such a shame we don't get to catch up very often. Mind you, five minutes together and its like they've never been apart!

Looking forward to sharing the next two layouts with you. Just need to put the finishing touches on them. You know how it feels when you look at a layout and it just needs something. That's how I feel about the other two. Oh well, back to it...

Interested in subscribing to Storyboard Kits?  Drop me an email at storyboardkits@gmail.com. The next kit will be released on 1 March 2011.

Cheers, Lis.

Scrapware | Baby shower card

I love making cards. They are always so much more personal than the shop bought variety.  Often I scour the card stand at the newsagency looking for the perfect one, then go home and make it instead! lol. This weekend was my cousin Michelle's baby shower, and I wanted to make her something special to celebrate her day.  Lately, I have ended up with a load of packaging left over from the kits I make for Storyboard Kits. I've put those cardboard backing sheets to good use as cards! They're nice and sturdy...great for adding heavy embellies to the front.  For this card, I glued a doily to the front and added a paper flower to the centre/top.  I had some pretty fabric in my stash, so I tore a strip off and tied a big whimsical bow around the top. The chipboard lettering and date are by Scrapware.  I coloured the chippies in colours that coordinated with the fabric, then attached them to the front. Simple and pretty.

Scrapware products used: AZ06 Retro lowercase alphas and JB02 Journal Bits - Date set

My sister Beth took the photos at the baby shower. Here's a few pics from the day. Eme made a card too with some flowers and buttons from my stash.  Beth managed to capture the moment Michelle opened Eme's card. She was so proud of her little flower card, and Michelle loved it.

We can't wait to meet Michelle and David's bubba! Only a few more weeks.  Our family just keeps growing and growing (but no more from me...lol).

Cheers, Lis.

btw - Have I mentioned yet that my sister has launched her own photography business? Beth is based in the Sutherland Shire and specialises in candid portraiture at very affordable prices. Maternity, newborns, babies, children (of all ages), families, special occasions and weddings. You can view her work at Beth Tahiri Photography.

Storyboard Kits | Hudson

This month sees the release of "Hudson" in the Storyboard Kits store...and there's only 2 left already SOLD OUT!  Hudson is full to the brim of lovey dovey goodness and includes brand new releases from Sassafras Lass and WeR Memory Keepers.  There's also gorgeous tags from Shabby Chic Crafts, and gorgeous red thickers! Plenty of product to get you creating...so far I've created five layouts with this kit, which I'll share over the next few days.

For this layout, I have used Sassafras Lass for the base. Love that frame on the paper! These photos were taken by my sister and I love how cheeky they were being for her. Definitely unconditional love here. lol.

This one features pics of Eme and her baby cousin Cameron. She absolutely adores him and smothers him in kisses and cuddles whenever they are together. On this particular day, she covered him in toys to play with...even though he was too young to move around and grab them at the time. Sweet girl. lol.

Head on over to the Storyboard Kits store and pick up "Hudson" for yourself! Be quick though...those remaining two won't last long!

Cheers, Lis.

White With 1 | February challenge

This month's challenge on the White with 1 blog is to create a layout using white as the predominant colour, combining it with brown and vintage elements.

I never knew I had so much brown in my stash! Its amazing what you find when you dig. lol. This pic of Eme and Seth was taken at Eme's graduation from daycare last year.

Recently, my friends Alex and Georgina came to visit, and as a thank you pressie, they gave me a set of "Here and Now" Ippity stamps...which I love!!  Alex is an Ippity consultant, so if you like what you see here, pop on over to her blog and buy a set for yourself! I have used the ticket stamp and heart stamp on my layout above. I love the clarity of the images these stamps produce, and what's more, they are cling mounted. Fantastic.

Want to play along with this month's White With 1 challenge? There's loads of great prizes to win. All you need to do is link your WW1 February entries to this post. Make sure you link direct to the post on your blog that your layout is in.  You can also link to an online gallery, photobucket or facebook.  Don't forget to add your name to the details! Looking forward to see what you create.

Cheers, Lis.

Scrapware | All things love...

This week on the Scrapware blog, the design team is sharing ideas for Valentine's Day.  Here's a couple of projects that I've posted.

First up...a card for my sweetie.  I just love Scrapware's Ollie Owls, and I've been busting to create something with them. The love heart body sold me and looks super cute popped up on foam tape.  I've coloured the owl with markers and added further definition by adding doodled feathers to his wings.  The clouds have been coloured, then sprayed lightly with white mist.  Doodling around the edge of the clouds adds a little whimsy. Not sure if I'm going to give it to Andrew yet...its too cute to write in! lol.

Scrapware products used: CH375 Ollie Owl, KD02 KDD - Clouds, AZ10 Mini Antique lowercase alphas.

Next up, a layout about my baby girl...whose not such a baby now that she's in school! sob. sob. My sister took this photo of Eme recently and I just love how she captured those beautiful eyes! Once again I've used my "go to" technique of colouring chipboard.  It so easy to do and the results are fab! I could have easily misted, inked or painted the frame, but I think adding two different colours gives it a bit more character.

Scrapware products used: CH383 Natalie Frame medium, AZ08 Antique Lowercase alphas, CH202 I {heart} you shapesheet (heart only).

For the first time in ages, I added some handstitching. Back in the day, I used to stitch on nearly every layout, but I got really lazy. Thank goodness for WeRMemory Keepers bring out the "Sew Easy" stitch piercer. Made the chore of stitching into a joy!

The large flower on the layout was made by Sandra Staples, and they are available at Scrapbooking Delights.

Thanks for popping by! I hope I've inspired you to have a go at customising raw chipboard for your next project! Head on over to the Scrapware blog to view more projects by the dt.

Cheers, Lis.

Inspired Blueprints | Sketch #65

Sketch #65 at Inspired Blueprints was revealed yesterday, and the possibilities are endless! The design team have created some beautiful takes, and I love the variations on how to incorporate the doily element in the sketch.  For my layout, I misted over the top of a doily to add a little contrast.  I also misted the Pink Paislee artisan frame. This sketch called for two 3x4" photos, so I swapped it out for one 6x4, then repeated the same photo lower.  This selfie was taken at Murrumbateman recently when Andrew and I enjoyed a weekend away. I've used the same pic in my blog header above. Seriously love that man!

All products used on this layout were from the "Giselle" kit from Storyboard Kits.  The kit had a piece of cream felt included, so I ran it through the cuttlebug using a Tim Holtz die to cut out the flower shape. If you think this kit looked yummy, you should see "Hudson", which has just gone on sale!

Here's the sketch if you want to play along too!

Upload your takes to the Inspired Blueprints gallery to enter the February prize draw. Entries close midnight 28 February 2011.

Thanks for popping by!
Cheers, Lis.

Mum stuff | The first day of school...

I love the first day of school. Tidy kids, polished shoes, fresh backpacks and all the new stationery. Yesterday, my baby girl started Kindergarten, and my son went into Year 3!!  Where on earth have the years gone?  For weeks, Eme has been counting down the sleeps until school started and having practise runs with her uniform...and since she finished attending daycare in mid December, it has been a loooooooonnnng time coming. Don't they look adorable! Once again I took the obligatory photo in front of the garage door before heading off to school. lol.

We were fortunate to receive some hand me down tunics for school, so didn't need to buy any for Eme.  I've also handed down Seth's sports uniform to her as the boys and girls wear the same. Score! Eme picked out her new school shoes. She had her heart set on Mary Jane's, but as soon as she saw the flower detail on the front of these ones, she was sold! Seth opted for velcro this year. He was constantly running around with untied laces last year and I guess he was over it. lol. This is the first time I've had to get a new uniform for Seth too. He was so tiny when he started kindy, it took him 3 years to outgrow his old uniform!

Both kids love their new teachers. Eme has the same teacher Seth had in Kindy, which is fab. You should have seen Eme...so confident. She didn't need us there to hold her hand at all.  After morning assembly, the kids were led into their new classroom where they had to put their bags away, find their name tags and take a seat on the mat. She waited patiently for her name to be called on the roll...and having a surname starting with "W" meant she was lucky last. lol. Then she went to do some colouring in, keeping neatly in the lines (until Andrew bumped her, for which he got in trouble). We're so happy she settled in quickly and quietly. There were a few children crying and clinging to their parents. Eme was just happy to make eye contact with us from across the room.

When we picked her up, she said she loves school and wants to go back tomorrow. phew. To celebrate her first day, Andrew and I took her out for lunch...her choice...Subway. lol.  Wonder how long I'll be able to get away with that?  Next, I wanted to buy a little "starting school" pressie. We found this book at BigW and it was perfect!  It even came with a matching library bag.  We've read it four times already!

The "things I love" series of books by Trace Moroney are great. Every page we read/looked at, Eme was pointing and saying "we've got that in our classroom" or "we did that today!".  The books are relatable, easy to read and beautifully illustrated. I can't wait until Eme can read it to me. I highly recommend this series.

Seth had an equally fab first day. This year, they've gone from four classes to three, so there's different children to get to know. I asked him how his first day was, and he loved it. Ask him what he actually did during the day, and I got the usual response..."I can't remember". argh!!  I think he's going to have a great year.

Hope you all had a great first day back at school. Bring on the books to cover with contact paper!!

Cheers, Lis.