Santa's Elf - Color Throwdown

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Happy Monday afternoon lovelies ~

Surprise surprise I'm popping in with a quick share...I had so much fun colouring the cute little Elf from MFT's Santa's Elves set for my design team project last week that I coloured another.

I used the colours from CTD421 and the sketch over at Just Add Ink - great sketch, Narelle!  I can't tell you the last time I entered a challenge other than JAI.  This was fun.

There's a lot of shadow on my pic because it's overcast here today & I just took a quick snap on my phone.  That or not get it up in time.

Anyway head over to both challenge sites & check them out for yourselves.  You may find some inspiration....

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #339 - Just Add a Sketch & a Graduation pic or two

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Hello & happy Friday friends ~

I've been unexpectedly absent for a couple of weeks.  Most would know of the earthquakes frequenting my homeland of New Zealand over recent years.  Unfortunately this time someone very dear to me, and my family, died while evacuating her home.  Jo-Anne left behind two beautiful (adult) daughters and a loving partner.  It was a real blow and I've just been really sad.

Crafting is a great distraction when time allows, and so for the new sketch challenge Narelle has given us at Just Add Ink this week I got out my Copics and coloured this cute little Elf.  How sweet is he?

I'm not entirely sure I got my light source right, but I enjoyed the colouring process so I guess that's the main thing, right?  He's more vibrant in real life but I had to brighten my pic a bit so lost that in favour of less shadow.  There's lots of shimmer on that subtle yellow background.

The design team have created some gorgeous cards this week so do pop over to JAI and check them out.  You can link your own creation up there too.  Here's the sketch.

Well the countdown is on to Christmas, eeeeeek.  We've been flat out with Gorgeous Kid's formal, the twins preschool concert, and just yesterday their daycare graduation....next week we have a preschool party, GK's awards presentation night and then his Year 10 graduation....it's all going on.

We did manage to get the tree up and decorated last night - whooop whooop that's kinda huge for me. I'm a bit bah humbug with all that stuff.  The Mister will have to decorate the house (yes we live in a street that is frequented A LOT at this time of year) next week as he's heading off camping with the kiddos this weekend - yay for me, I'm catching up with girlfriends, crafting, reading and generally just hanging out.  Soooo looking forward to it.

I really will be back with my roomie gifts from On Stage last month and one or two other shares as well.  Have an awesome weekend, and thanks for taking some time out of your day to visit me here.

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #336 - Just Add a Colour Combo

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Happy Friday crafty friends ~

On Stage Live has been and gone and I have to tell you that I had a wonderful time in Brisbane last week/end.  It's always great to catch up with old and new friends.  There was plenty of time to play with lots of exciting new craft items, socialise, eat and of course chat into the wee hours.  Trips like these are exhausting and as such I slept a full 13 hours straight when I got home late Sunday afternoon. Oh Em Gee that never happens.

I had some lovely time with my godson who I am going to call LC (Little Cutie) on my blog from now on - you'll need a pinned list of acronyms soon enough to follow my chatter.  We had some special time together over ice cream! Something his mummy and I always enjoy when we get together.

There is a new colour challenge starting today over at Just Add ink.  Nikki is asking us to add Mint Macaron, Blushing Bride, Night of Navy & Smoky Slate to our projects this week.

The centre panel of Navy & White is popped up on fun foam - love the even dimension it gives.   I matched my copics as best I could to the challenge colours, and used the sweet Christmas set Merry Mice. I used a mask and my airbrush for the soft background blue/grey colouring (mainly because I didn't trust myself to have a light enough hand).  The little splatters you see are actually where Stella has taken the ink away - a reasonably happy mistake I guess.  In real life this card is pretty and sparkly and I just love him - the inside greeting is Merry Christmouse!

Head over to JAI and check out the design team inspiration, and hopefully you'll find yourself wanting to play along with us.  I know there is a new stamp set (not yet available) used on one of the projects - this was written in a sing song voice that I just can't convey in text :(

Before I go here is a pic of some of my favourite people, taken last Thursday at the end of the first General Session. It was hard to get everyone together at the same time for pics.  We did have a number of present and past JAI team members together at dinner on Saturday night, however, those pics are on someone else's device.  Perhaps one of them has posted on their blog today.

From Left - me, Nikki, Kim, Narelle and Kelly

I'll be back in a few days to share my roomie gifts with you.  Right now I'm preparing for my dear friend Andy to arrive from New Zealand.  We're having a lovely long weekend together.  Enjoy yours!

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #335 - Just Add a Sketch

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Another Friday rolls around ~

Phew!  I know I've had a busy week, but I couldn't begin to recount it all....it's been a bit of a blur. I'm hoping it's not going to be this crazy right up until Christmas (eeeek the C word).  I am pleased to say that the weather has finally become Spring like here in Canberra.  Perhaps that's what inspired me to pull out this lovely Spring Wreath from MFT.

There's a new sketch challenge (from Tina) starting today at Just Add Ink.  If my pic was brighter you'd be able to see all the lovely shimmer, as it is I think the pink flowers show it the best (if you squint).  The wreath is popped up on dimensionals for a little interest/texture.

What do you think of my colour choices?  The wreath itself is Tip Top Taupe, while the flowers and leaves are a mix of Memento/Hero Arts colours.  Happy to list them if you're interested in specifics, just leave me a comment.

You're going to love the varied and gorgeous cards the design team have come up with this week. Pop over to JAI and get yourself some inspiration.  Here is the sketch for you.....we'd love you to play along.

I'm looking forward to heading up to sunny Brisbane next week for OnStage Live (basically the Stampin' Up! Convention re-named).  Super excited to be catching up with lots of my lovely JAI friends, and the biggest bonus of all is seeing my BFF and gorgeous little godson too!

Because many of the design team members will be interstate this current sketch challenge will run for two weeks.  So you have lots more time and opportunity to join the fun!  We'll be back with our next challenge on Friday 11 November.  Thanks for stopping by today, and a special thanks to those of you who take the time to leave a lovely comment.  They make my day - truly!

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #334 - Just Add Inspiration

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Happy Friday lovely craft friends ~

I'm really late popping in to share my Just Add Ink card today as I have friends visiting from New Zealand and we just can't stop chatting.  It's been many years since we caught up and so there is tons to talk about.  I'm sure a lot of you can relate *grin*.

Di gave us an inspiration pic this week (I'll post at bottom).  I've chosen to use the ampersand, and the black, white and red elements in the picture.  I've created a super CAS card using the Sophisticated Script stamps from Concord & 9th.  Th ribbon is Pure Poppy satin from PTI.  Once again my card has been given the 'shimmer' treatment but you can't see it in the pic, so hard to capture all that lovely sparkle and shine.

We'd love you to join our fun challenge this week.  Here is the inspiration for you to use, go forth, get inky, create and craft up a storm.  Pop over to JAI and check out the design team projects.

Happy birthday wishes to my love, Brian.  You're a fabulous partner and dad to our three kids and we love you lots. Looking forward to celebrating at dinner with our family and friends tonight.

I'm off to do the tourist thing around Canberra with our overseas friends.  Back with another share soon.  Enjoy your weekend, and thanks for stopping by today.

Patrice x

A sweet Twist and Pop

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Happy Monday lovely friends ~

I'm popping by to share a special card I made a couple of weeks ago.  This is a Twist and Pop card that was inspired by Chloe's card here.  I don't know where I've been but I hadn't seen one of these before. It was pretty simple to make once I'd had a quick look at a tutorial by Collette here.

This card was created for a young lady celebrating her 16th birthday.  Couldn't get sweeter than the Sweet Cupcake stamps and matching dies!  I used lots of glittery, shiny silver.  This first pic doesn't show the dimension of the front layers, or represent a true Melon Mambo colour unfortunately.  The icing had the full 'Stella' treatment so was very shimmery irl.

This image below shows the opening mechanism - kind of.

And here it is fully open....lol I just realised my nail polish is looking a lot like Melon Mambo too. Once in its envelope it was quite a thick and heavy card (costing a little extra to post) but it sure has a wow.  Definitely try making one of these for yourself.  Lots. Of. Fun!

Enjoy your day!

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #333 - Just Add G

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Happy Friday friends ~

I had a great day at Floriade with a friend yesterday.  The sun was shining, the crowds were busy at work and school and the flowers were blooming.  So much colour and prettiness in one place.  We enjoyed lots of laughs and some delicious treats along the way.

We have a new Just Add Ink challenge starting today, suggested by Tina.  We're adding anything 'G' to our projects. I've gone with green and gold using the Pretty Pines Thinlits from the Holiday Catalogue.

I was lucky to find a couple of tiny little gold bells in my stash - they're the same size as the (red & silver) bells in the Holiday Catalogue - and I tied them on my twine with some gold metallic thread. My centre panel is popped up on dimensionals - in my case fun foam because I love how sturdy it is for large mats/panels.

In this close up you can see the shimmer I added to my card.  Second Christmas card for 2016 made. Yay me.....but better get a wriggle on because this year is moving along A LOT quickly.

Well my Saturday is going to be spent at the preschool cupcake stand at the local voting poll tomorrow.  I'll be busily baking most of today and the four other parent committee members are popping over to mine this evening and we're going to be icing and decorating a good 400 odd cupcakes.  Hope you have something fun on your weekend agenda too.

Special birthday wishes to my beautiful godson on his second birthday today.  Mummy is passing on lots of smoochy kisses and cuddles from me (in addition to the skype session this morning where I got to watch him open his pressies).  Love him!

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #332 - Just Add a Colour Combo

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Happy Friday crafty friends ~

Today is the last official day of school holidays, and finally Canberra has shown us two days of spring weather.  Prior to that we've had blustery wind, bitter cold and very wet weather.  Most unpleasant. It's truly lovely to see Canberra so green though.  Our hills, parks and lawns are usually a burnt brown due to the extreme heat of summer.

We have a brand new challenge kicking off over at Just Add Ink today - and some awesome fun news to share as well.  I set the colour combo this week - Daffodil Delight, Blushing Bride, Pumpkin Pie & Basic Black.  What do you think of that?

I used a very cool technique that Jennifer McGuire shared some time back.  I created my own glitter paper and coloured it in with copic markers - so totally fun.  Even the black inlaid sentiment is glittered. You can imagine how glittery my craft room and I became lol.  The coloured panel is popped up on dimensionals.  I thoroughly enjoyed making this card and I encourage you to try it yourself.  With a few basic supplies you can have yourself a lovely glittery time.

So did you participate in any WCMD activities?  I got inky and creative and I've even photographed one of the cards I made - I know right? Shock horror!  Must blog that next week so you can have a look.

Please pop over to JAI and check out our news today.  Get some inspiration for the colour combo and join the challenge fun with us this week.  We love to see your take on our challenges.

Not a lot in the way of news from me at all this week.  No huge plans for the weekend except enjoying the lovely weather we're having.  I'm guessing there will be bike rides around the local pond and some park time with the kiddos....I so love this time of year.  Until next time....thanks for stopping by.

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #331 - Just Add Wings

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Hello crafty friends ~

Well school holidays week one is almost done and dusted.  We've had lovely sunny warm weather up until yesterday!  It's been pouring rain ever since.  Canberra always seems to get a cold snap in late September, just when we think the really warm weather is on its way.  It's meant a couple of lazy days in our household though.  Yay, I love the non routine - for a short while.  Lol.

It's time for a brand new challenge at Just Add Ink, and this week Nikki has asked us to add wings.  In my usual CAS (clean and simple) fashion I've got lots of white space with a little splash of colour - Flirty Flamingo actually.  I used the 'water colour swish' from the Sunshine Sayings stamp set, and the smallest butterfly from Papillon Potpourri, heat embossed on Vellum, fussy cut (because it's about the only punch I don't own) and finished with gold accents in the form of metallic thread and sequins. Voila, done!  There is quite a bit of shimmer too, you just can't see it here :(

The design team have come up with a few different 'wings' ideas for you so pop over to JAI and check them out.  We hope you'll join our challenge this week.  It's always so fun to see what you come up with.

I have a bit of time to myself this weekend (I'll never complain about that) so I'm planning on participating in some World Card Making Day (WCMD) activities and challenges.  I'd love to hear from others who are going to do the same.  Are you going to be joining the WCMD fun and frivolity?

Righto grocery shopping calls....groan.  Hope your day is a bit more exciting than the next hour or two of mine is going to be :)

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #330 - Just Add a Sketch

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Good morning lovely blog friends ~

And a good morning it will be.  I'm off to see my favourite rocker - Jimmy Barnes - at his book signing this morning. I'm excited.  Hoping there won't be a huge crowd as I don't have time to get to the second (signing) if the first is a bust.  

It's time for a new Just Add Ink challenge and today Kim has given us a sketch.  I'll add it at bottom for you.  I pulled out some non Stampin' Up! favourites for this one and played with pink ink and pretty sequins.  There is lots of shimmer too but it's been wet and overcast here in Canberra, unseasonably so, and super hard to photograph.

I've used Whisper White Thick c/s as my base and the fabulous new foam adhesive strips (pg 182) for my shaker components.  Soooo easy.

This close up shows off a bit of the shimmer I've added thanks to the Wink of Stella pen.  Love. That. Stuff!

The design team have created some lovely inspiration for you so pop over to JAI and whet your appetite, then join the challenge fun with us.  We do love to visit your blogs and see what you come up with.  Here's the sketch.

It's been slightly quieter at our house this week with Gorgeous Kid being in Melbourne for his Year 10 camp.  They are staying in nice accommodation in the CBD mind you.  Sure is different to when I went to school!  Anyway we're looking forward to having our big boy home later tonight.  The twins have been missing their big brother very much, counting down the sleeps until he's home.

It's a bittersweet weekend ahead for me with my beautiful BFF celebrating her birthday on Sunday. The 25th also marks the one year anniversary of my dear friend, Maria's passing.  I'm so sad for her family and wish I could be in New Zealand with all of them on this special occasion.  Can't leave on that sad note ... tonight we have a family birthday dinner at a local German Bistro.  They do the best pork knuckles ever!

Have a fabulous weekend all.  Thanks for your visit today.

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #328 - Just Add P

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Whooops, I'm a day out this week thanks to our super relaxing four night cruise last weekend.  Total bliss being waited on hand and foot - no preparing meals or cleaning up dishes, our beds were made each morning and turned down again in the evening.  There was no shortage of entertainment, with a fabulous line up of singing, dancing, magic, bands, games..... We indulged a little too much, but that's what a cruise is for is it not?  Gorgeous Kid and I had such a lovely time hanging out together. I haven't downloaded the photos from my phone yet and I've been chasing my tail since getting home on Tuesday night so hopefully I'll find a little quiet time over the weekend....In fact I need to spend some time blogging and sharing.  I keep saying I'll be back and it hasn't happened.  Sigh.

We have a brand new challenge over at Just Add Ink today.  Tina has suggested we add 'P' to our projects this week. Since I couldn't add me (lol) I went with pink, petals and polka dots - all my favourites!

Despite my pic being a little dull you can actually see all the Wink of Stella on my petals.  Woohoo.  I do love lots of shimmer.

Please consider joining our fun challenge, we love seeing all the different ideas you come up with. Pop over to JAI and get yourself some inspiration, check the rules and link up.

Other news GK got his braces off yesterday.  OMGoodness his teeth look gorgeous.  He couldn't wipe the smile off his face, and I noticed his tongue running across his gums A LOT!  Lol must feel so different.

Righto I'm off for a walk - I'm on a bit of a health kick needing to lose a few excess winter kilos.  My knees aren't up to running decent distances so I'm having to start slow again...Have a fabulous weekend, and I'll be back again soon! That's a promise!

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #326 - Just Add Project Life

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Happy Friday friends ~

There's a cool new challenge kicking off over at Just Add Ink today.  Rochelle has suggested we use Project Life this week!  Great idea, and thankfully it's super quick because I've been super short on time lately.

These two pages in my Espresso 6x8 album took about ten minutes from start to finish.  I printed my photos (I have a Canon Selphy), slipped them into the pocket pages I'd selected from the Variety Pack and added a couple of cards from the Hello Lovely Card Collection.  Sooooo simple.

 I had these large black sticky letters left over from the now retired Hello Life Simply Created Kit.

I obviously have a handicap when it comes to photographing my projects. You all know I struggle at the best of times, however, these pages were even harder because they're behind plastic!  Such a frustration.

If you're interested in Project Life grab a Stampin' Up! catalogue and go to page 162 for a bit more info and some fabulous products.  If you'd like to join the challenge fun with us this week then jump over to the JAI blog and check out the design team projects.  You'll see you don't have to create album pages....the PL cards are terrific for your greeting card projects as well.

Well Gorgeous Kid turned 16 last weekend, sniff sniff.  He chose San Churro for his celebrations so we all filled up on yummies.  Here's a pic of mine.  Under all that salted caramel deliciousness is a funnel cake!  Yep it tasted just as good as it looks.

That's all from me, busy day ahead - GK is currently visiting the orthodontist twice a week for various fittings in preparation of his braces coming off early next month.  Which reminds me....I haven't shared that GK and I are off on a four night cruise up to the Sunshine Coast next week.  We need some serious mum and son bonding time and it's something he's always wanted to do.  More on that later....

Have a great weekend.

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #325 - Just Add a Sketch

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Whoop whoop it's Friday ~

I'm doing the happy dance.  Had the greys (hair) taken care of last night, heading out to double birthday dinner celebrations with lovely friends tonight, last footy game tomorrow and Gorgeous Kid's birthday (16 can you believe it? where did that time go?) on Sunday so a little more celebrating.... I've got a pretty good weekend lined up.

Today I'm here to share a simple card I've made for the new Just Add Ink sketch challenge, from Tina.  I'll add the sketch at bottom for you.  I've used a new set called Seasonal Bells, from the upcoming Holiday Catalogue.  Once again quite a difficult card to photograph - it's all shimmery and pretty irl.

I heat embossed the bells in silver and added the adorable little bells, also new!  My mat layer and swirl (from Cupcake Cutouts Framelits) uses the lovely red foil we had last Christmas - I always keep a stash of the good stuff.

If you'd like to join the challenge fun pop over to JAI and grab yourself some inspiration.  The design team have a lovely variety of cards using the sketch.  You're sure to want to get inky!

Short and sweet from me today.  But guess what?  I've finally started sorting the New York piccies. It took me some time to actually download...well truthfully Brian did that, not me.  But I now have them on my computer too.  Slowly coming along with learning to navigate the iMac as well.  I'll have something for you next week for sure.  Until then....

.....enjoy your weekend, and thanks for stopping by today.

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #324 - Just Add Inspiration

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Hi lovelies, happy Friday ~

We have a new challenge at Just Add Ink this week, and Trish has given us a pretty inspiration pic to use. I'll post it at the bottom for you.

I took the opportunity to use my new Fall Florals stamp set and dies from MFT.  I chose the Kraft base to emulate the weathered fence or barn in the picture, and I've used subtle ink colours to capture the flowers - ordinarily I think this set screams bold and bright.  There is a fair bit of dimension in this card, and it's full of sparkle (which I couldn't 'grab' in the photograph due to the sun disappearing).

Please pop over to JAI and take a look at the design team inspiration.  We love to see your take on our inspiration challenges.  Here it is, go forth and create!

The twins have been very challenging of late.  Typical four year old behaviour, however, it's draining and it takes a lot of our attention.  Hence Gorgeous Kid has been missing out.  My mummy guilt came into play last week so I decided he and I needed a long weekend away bonding.  It's been a fair while since we've done it.  Sooooo I booked us on a 4 night cruise up to the Sunshine Coast where we'll have a shore day in Mooloolaba and perhaps visit Australia Zoo.  Just three weeks to wait. Between now and then GK turns 16 so we'll be having some birthday celebrations and he'll be feeling rather spoilt.

Only two more footy games of the season and I'll have some of my weekends back....in time for the twins to start Judo in 4th term.  Normally children don't start until they're 5 but the coach said he'd take them a little earlier because it's usually quiet coming into the summer months.  OMG roll on spring.

I took myself off to see Bad Moms at the movie theatre yesterday.  What a hoot.  Although don't go see it if you can't handle a fair bit of bad language.  I had lots of laughs and it was just what I needed as a two hour distraction.  I'm hoping to be back next week as I plan on doing a bit more crafting than has been happening over the past six weeks or so.  It makes me sad not to make the most of all my beautiful crafty bits and pieces.

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #322 - Just Add a Colour Combo

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Happy Friday lovelies ~

This post is coming to you live from my brand new Apple iMac!  Eeeeek still very much learning but so far loving it. I have a beautiful big 21" screen with fabulous clarity - hehe no need to wear my glasses!

I'm here to share a sweet birthday card today using the new challenge colour combo at Just Add Ink. Rochelle gave us these colours - Sweet Sugarplum, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla and Chocolate Chip.

In my effort to use the new In Colours more I chose a base of Sweet Sugarplum and the matching designer paper - I do love dots and spots.  I've been having a bit of fun with the new Sweet Cupcake stamp set as well.  I built my icing up using a Vanilla ink (non SU), Blushing Bride and Sweet Sugarplum.  It also got nicely 'winked' for some sparkle - not that you can see it here at all.  Both the cupcake panel (the icing too) and the sentiment are popped up on dimensionals.

The design team have come up with some great projects using this colour combo so head over to JAI and check them out.  We'd love you to join the challenge fun and show us your creations as well.

News for us this week has been a little on the sad side....we lost a friend following a very short and aggressive cancer.  Very sad for the young family he leaves behind.  Gorgeous Kid is totally looking forward to seeing his footy team play here in Canberra this weekend (he's a Richmond Tigers fan). The twins had their very first preschool excursion this week - the bus wash.  Oh my goodness talk about noisy! Three classes of very excited young children being encouraged to tell the driver which way to drive the bus.  Eeeeek.

I wish I could say I'd been crafting up a storm, however, I'm still not feeling super creative and each time I sit at my craft desk is a bit of a struggle.  Sad as that is.  Hope to get back to normal sometime very soon!  At least migrating all my documents and photos over to the new computer is keeping me busy.  I have a very steep learning curve ahead of me too.  Until next time.....have an awesome weekend, and thanks for stopping by my little part of blogland.

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #320 - Just Add a Sketch

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Good Friday morning lovely craft friends ~

There's a pretty new sketch over at Just Add Ink today.  I got to play with my new Jar of Love stamp set and framelits.  And I managed to use a couple of the new In Colours!  I've played with them a few times now - unsuccessfully, and it's all ended up in the bin.  I am having a hard time transitioning this year :o(

My base is the new Flirty Flamingo and I've used a combination of the same ink, Sweet Sugarplum, Peekaboo Peach, Pear Pizzazz and Pool Party.  Ooooh and some of the pretty new ruffled ribbon.  My flowers have been well and truly 'winked' but my pic isn't showing that here unfortunately.

Why don't you play along with the challenge this week?  Head over to JAI for some inspiration from the design team. Here's the sketch for you, courtesy of Tina.  Nice and clean, don't you agree?

It's been an unusually quieter week here for us.  Don't get me wrong, it's always crazy busy but this week didn't seem to have so much of the crazy.  Gorgeous Kid was away down the Coast with a couple of mates for a week and only returned yesterday afternoon.  It's nice to have him back.

We woke to snow in Canberra on Wednesday morning.  It was lovely to see the little flurries in the air but if I'm honest snow doesn't do it for me.  We stayed indoors anyway because it was super brisk all day - nice to have the sun shining here and there though.  The twins enjoyed some tv time....even the dog and bunny cuddled up inside most of the day lol.

I'm off to Sydney at lunch time to attend a Copic Certification course this weekend.  I hope it helps me learn to colour better.  I love colouring.  It's quite a relaxing therapy and there are oodles of gorgeous images begging for beautiful colour....so be warned, if I learn lots you may well be seeing everything coloured in Copics in the foreseeable future.  Too funny!

Righto time to get moving.  Have a fabbo weekend and as I've said numerous times over my last few posts I really will be back to show you some New York piccies - there are sooooo many to sort through.  No idea how I'm going to get them all into albums....hmmmm Project Life, that's how!

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #318 - Just Add S

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Hello, and happy Friday ~

There's a new challenge up over at Just Add Ink.  This week we're adding 'S' to our projects - so you're only limited by your imagination.  You could add spots, or stripes, or silver, or any number of S word stuff :o)

I have a super CAS (clean and simple) one layer card to share with you today.  This is the type of card that we don't usually feel like making when we actually need them so it's always good to have a few on hand. I like to keep my sympathy cards clean, with lots of white space.  It's not the occasion for fussing, and I've always been one for less is more.

I used some Clearly Besotted stamps, and inked them onto Shimmery White c/s - can you see the sparkle in the close up below?  I've used Watermelon Wonder and Mint Macaron and my card base uses the Thick Whisper White c/s - love that stuff!

What do you think?  Clean?  Simple?  If you'd like to join our challenge this week, hop over to JAI and check out the design team inspiration, have a quick scan of the rules and get busy in your craft space.  Don't forget to link up once your project is complete.  We really love looking at all your gorgeous creations.

This week Gorgeous Kid has been doing work experience at his favourite music store here in Canberra.  I think the 9 to 5 is knocking him around a little, but he's really enjoying hanging with the staff and being treated like a grown up.  They seem to be loving him too.  Grateful mum here!  Did I mention he's learning to drive as well?  Yep got his L plates a month ago and we've been taking him out twice a week for lessons.  So far he's doing really well.  He sure is growing up fast all of a sudden.

The twins are back to good health this week - thankfully!  All three start their school holidays next week.  Bring on the non routine.....I love it, for about two weeks.  Lol.

Hugely busy weekend for us - we have friends staying from interstate, a dinner, a 21st celebration - lunch and evening drinks, some fundraising to be done for the twins preschool and of course Australia has an election!  It's compulsory to vote here.  Not quite sure how it's all going to fit in but so long as things go according to MY plan and there are no hiccups I'm hopeful of making it all happen.  We shall see.

Enjoy your weekend, and thanks for stopping by today.

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #317 - Just Add a Colour Combo

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Hello lovely blog friends ~

It's time to share another Just Add Ink challenge card with you.  This week Kim has asked us to use the colours Flirty Flamingo, Rose Red, Crushed Curry and Pear Pizzazz.  Perfect colours for a cluster of flowers!

I used the sweet little Doodle Blooms from Altenew.  I stamped them on Watercolour paper and then coloured with an aqua painter, before fussy cutting.  I love the Crushed Curry base card - must remember to make coloured cards more often because they look great!

I 'winked' my flowers all over, and I'm hoping this pic shows just a little of that subtle shimmer.

Want to join the challenge fun?  Pop over to JAI, check out the design team inspiration, have a quick scan of the rules (super simple), get busy with your crafty goodies and link up.  Easy peasy.

We've had a busy week in our house.  I was lucky enough to have my lovely cousin and her family visit from New Zealand to stay a few days.  Unfortunately during their stay Master J (twin two) got a nasty vomiting bug that had been doing the rounds of preschool, which fortunately only lasted 24 hours.  However, at the end of that Miss C (twin one) got the same bug.  Little Miss doesn't like to suffer in silence and shared her distress ALL NIGHT LONG. We're all rather sleep deprived as a result, and I lost count of the washing loads - perhaps 15 over a two day period. Fingers crossed the bug doesn't spread further through the family....I've been using copious amounts of disinfectant to be on the safe side.

Last week I had the script of my reading glasses increased quite significantly.  Amazing how much more I can see. Although I have to say this ageing business is over rated.  The optometrist thinks I've got 12 months max. before I'm wearing glasses 24/7.  OMG I'm too vain for that.  Besides they're just not convenient....I put them down and forget to pick them up....I'll have to make room in my handbag....I'll find any excuse.  Anyway they're talking about multifocals because I'm not long or short sighted - typically!  Watch this space.

We don't have much arranged for this weekend, thankfully.  Hope you do!

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #316 - Just Add Stripes

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Happy Freezing Friday morning ~

Yes Jack Frost has been a regular visitor of late....but the days are blue skies and sunshine so I can't really complain.  You can see a little of said sky in the background of my card below.  I didn't have time to fuss about with finding a spot indoors where I was going to fight with brightness, and/or shadows.
Can you tell I've had no creativity in me since returning from holidays?  It's been a few weeks between posts - sorry!  Despite all the new stamps, papers, punches and pretty things I've been playing with I'm still feeling a lot rusty.

I have managed to put a little something together for the new Just Add Ink challenge kicking off today.  I set the challenge this week and I want you to add stripes to your projects.  How fun!

I used the super sweet, and very versatile new stamp set Foxy Friends along with the coordinating designer paper - all from the brand spanking new catalogue.  Paper and ink are Calypso Coral and Smoky Slate respectively.  A few little silver sequins and thread and I called it done.  Not thrilled with the finished product but hey, I have to submit something to a challenge I set lol.

I can't wait to see all the goodness you come up with.  The design team have created some really gorgeous cards this week!  Be sure to head over to JAI to check them out.

No time this morning to tell you all about my US holiday, however, I WILL be back soon to share some stories and piccies.  Let me tell you it was an AWESOME holiday!  Busy weekend ahead, but the highlight is my cousin (and her family) arriving from New Zealand to stay with us for a few days. So looking forward to that.

Thanks, as always for stopping by today.  Enjoy your weekend!

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #313 - Just Add B

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Hey there ~

We just arrived home from Hawaii last night so we're a bit pooped.  I'm soooo not ready for my holiday to be over. It's rather cold here in Canberra, when only a day or two ago we were swimming and enjoying the beach.  I don't want to have winter this year.  Anyhoo....

....I'm popping by to share a cutie little treat bag that contains a monetary gift.  That's right, there's a new challenge starting today over at Just Add Ink.  Tina suggested we add 'B' to our projects this week.  I went with Birthday - because I'm always in need of birthday cards and packaging.

The Shine On specialty designer paper I chose dictated my colour scheme.  Can you see the reverse/inside is Bermuda Bay?  I love that colour so added the matching candy dots, ribbon and twine.  I'm a bit sad to see the candy dots retire - not that I used mine often, but I have hoarded quite a few lol.

I love the B.Y.O.P stamp set.  SO versatile.  Can you see my happy accident on the inside?  I inked my stamp up with Smoky Slate rather than Bermuda Bay - had them both open in front of me.  I didn't want to start again so I just shadow stamped the sentiment with the correct colour.  Easy peasy when using photopolymer stamps.

Please join the challenge fun this week.  Head over to JAI and check out the design team inspiration, then choose your 'B' and get your craft on.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Just Add Ink #312 - Just Add a Colour Combo

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A happy hello from Hawaii ~

I started my day in New York, and now I'm on a Hawaiian Island enjoying the warmth.  How fun! There's a brand new challenge over at Just Add Ink today, and this time it's a colour combo from me! I'd like you to use Mint Macaron, Bermuda Bay, Marina Mist & Pacific Point (or similar colours) on your creations this week.  You can make a card, some gift packaging, a layout....whatever you choose.

Once again I've whipped out the gorgeous Botanical Builder Framelits and matching stamps.  I really can't believe I sat on the fence with these as long as I did.  They are my go to these days!  I used a sheet of the matching vellum (from the recent SAB promotion) and layered up some lovely foliage and blooms, adding a little strip of silver foil and a whole lot of Wink of Stella and finished with a few blingy bits.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all the gorgeous combinations of blue/green this week.  Pop over to JAI and get yourself some inspiration, then get busy creating and link up so we can all check it out. Just remember I'll be stopping by your blogs a little belatedly this month.

Enjoy your weekend, whatever you get up to.

Just Add Ink #311 - Just Add Masking

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Hello hello from the Big Apple ~

Well I am having the most awesome holiday ever. It's been all go & rather exhausting but I'm loving New York so so much! Talk about a city that never stops.... my whole eating & sleeping routine is out of whack & I've walked more than ever, giving myself matching blisters on each foot. Anyway I'll come back with some decent updates once the fun is over & normal life resumes.

It's time for the new Just Add Ink challenge - despite me posting late this week, eek.  Nikki has chosen a super fun one for us today - we're Masking!

I die cut my sentiment out of freezer paper, ironed it on to my watercolour paper then used my Zig Brush Markers to apply colour, adding some water to push it around and spread it out a little further. Once it was dry I carefully peeled my mask off.  Ta da, it was so much easier than getting a good photo on a bright day.

Hope you can join the challenge fun this week. Back again next!

Just Add Ink #310 - Just Add a Sketch

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Aloha ~

Popping in from Hawaii to share my card for the new challenge over at Just Add Ink today.  Tina gave us a sketch and I got a little lot carried away creating something quite unlike my usual CAS style.

I started with a cupcake shaped card (die from the Papertrey Ink Shape Up series) in Crumb Cake, added some vellum leaves, a bunch of flowers - crochet, fabric, paper - pearls, twine, seam binding....lots of little goodies.  I created this card with a certain friend in mind....she always adds lots of texture and ribbons, twines and pretty stuff to her cards.  I hope she loves it.

I really did enjoy layering up and finding pretty bits and pieces to go on my cupcake card, but it sure did take me a lot longer and I don't know that it actually looks worth the time that went into it lol.

Below is the sketch, why don't you use it and join the challenge fun this week?  Have a look over on the JAI blog at the design team inspiration and then link your own creation up.

Well that's it from me.  Thanks for stopping by and see you back here soon.

Just Add Ink #309 - Just Add Inspiration

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Happy last Friday before I head off on my holiday :o)

Only a few more days.....I'm finally starting to feel excited.  I've been thinking about what to pack, and how on earth I'm going to reduce to a decent amount of shoes.  Who goes away and can take any less than five pairs?  I'm serious....I need runners, flats, sandals, heels and a pair of boots. Send me all your tips please!

Over at Just Add Ink today we kick off a new challenge using an inspiration pic from Jodene.  I chose to use the colours in the pic....my chosen colours are Tempting Turquoise, Watermelon Wonder and Blushing Bride.  I softened the rather bold Turquoise with a layer of pretty vellum (one of the recent SAB freebies).

I added some silver Glimmer Paper foliage, and silver sequins too.  I do love me a bit of bling! Please join us this week and share your interpretation of the inspiration pic below.  The design team have created some really wonderful cards so pop over to JAI for some inspiration.

As you know I'm going to be away for most of May.  Although I'll still be sharing JAI cards here each Friday and doing a little blogging, I'm really not sure what sort of internet access I'll have - or more accurately how much time I'm going to spend accessing *wink*.  Hopefully I'll feel so inclined and add a few holiday piccies....but I probably won't be visiting your blogs and leaving comments.  I'll look forward to a huge catch up when I come home again.

Did I mention that I'm going to do some serious crafty goodness shopping while in the US? Hehehe I can't wait. They have SO much more than we do in Australia.  Let's hope I'm not paying excess baggage fees on the way home.