Just Add Ink #383 - Just Add Cake

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Happy Friday friends ~

We have a delicious challenge from Chloe kicking off today over at Just Add Ink. We're adding cake!

My three tiered cake is a PTI set that I purchased many months ago & hadn't taken out of the packaging - Paper Clippings: Birthday. It's inked in Pink Pirouette & Berry Burst. I made it into a shaker card with lots of pretties - pearls, various sized sequins, seed beads....

Come visit us at the JAI blog for some inspiration & to join the challenge fun this week.

Sorry so short & sweet today, it's been a busy week...& I'm all out of chat. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Patrice x

Just Add Ink #285 - Just Add a Colour Combo

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Happy Friday morning ~

Running behind again.....Nikki has given us a lovely colour combo as our new challenge over at Just Add Ink today. We're using Mint Macaron, Smoky Slate, Blushing Bride and Night of Navy.

Please excuse the poor photo quality, combined with being a busy mum this week we've had really overcast and wet weather here in Canberra.  I was hoping to take another but time got away on me....

I've stamped my leaves in MM ink on the same coloured cardstock, and heat embossing my flowers with white ep on BB.  The sentiment is called Swoosh from PTI.

If you'd like to join the challenge fun pop over to JAI and check out the inspiration the design team has provided for you.  We love to see your creations.

Sorry so short and sweet.  Have a great weekend.

Just Add Ink #278 - Just Add Inspiration

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I do love a Friday morning ~

We have a brand new inspiration challenge over at Just Add Ink for you today.  Nikki chose this one for us, and it's perfectly timed with Spring starting this week.  I love Spring.

I'm a bit rusty as it's been a good six weeks since I played in my craft room (packing and moving house and all that).  What I had in my head didn't really come out on paper the same way.

I white heat embossed a bunch of PTI flowers and coloured them with my Zig Clean Colour Real Brush Markers. The colours were really vibrant and bright whilst wet.  Unfortunately once dry they had toned down quite a bit. Still pretty but not as bright as I'd planned.  A little sponging, some spritzing and a few sequins and blingy bits....

It's been pouring rain here again the past couple of days, not complaining as I put a few tomato plants in the garden yesterday.  I'm thinking it's going to be a good day to play with some of my new goodies from the Holiday Catalogue. Have you seen it yet?  If you go to the right hand sidebar you'll find a link.

If you'd like to join the JAI challenge this week, here is the inspiration pic for you.  Need a little direction?  Pop over to look at the design team inspiration and let your imagination run wild.

We're off to a mad hatter/steam punk themed 40th birthday party tomorrow night.  Good grief!  Yep I had to google the latter...obviously I don't get out much because steam punk seems to be quite popular, and I really had no clue. More on the party next post :)

Have a great weekend!

Just Add Ink #264 - Just Add a Sketch

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Happy Friday friends ~

If you read this post you'll know we were off to a house auction last Saturday morning.  I'm very pleased to say we won the auction!  Woohoo!  The next two months are going to be busy busy with putting our current house on the market, packing and sorting...the logistics of a move can be quite daunting.  I'm already having sleepless nights because my mind is churning with all that needs to be done.  Sigh.

Over at Just Add Ink this week Kim has given us a lovely sketch challenge to work with.

I've used a Blackberry Bliss base - love this rich colour.  The softer, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla toned dsp is an old SU paper from my stash.  The Sweet Life roses are inked with Wisteria Wonder, Rich Razzleberry and Blackberry Bliss.

This card went all the way across to Western Australia for a lovely birthday lady - hope your special day was wonderful yesterday Chantell.

If you'd like to give this sketch a whirl head over to JAI for the details, and lots of design team inspiration.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Just Add Ink #258 - Just Add a Colour Combo

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Good Friday morning ~

Well it's sure been a cool week here in Canberra, you can feel snow in the air and it's still only Autumn :o(  it doesn't help that we lost daylight savings last weekend - boo.  The afternoons are getting darker so much earlier.  Brrrrr.

There's a new challenge over at Just Add Ink and this week Rochelle has given us a lovely colour combination of  'Blackberry Bliss, Smokey Slate and Melon Mambo'.  You can make so many pretties with these colours.

Lots of Whisper White layers here, with a nice splash of colour don't you think?  I used one of the double stitched circle dies from Simon Says Stamp to inlay one of my favourite designer papers from the Park Lane series.  The little double bow is made with the Cotton Ribbon.  Sentiment is from Clearly Besotted.

Pop over to JAI and check out all the gorgeous design team projects provided for your inspiration. Hope you find time to get inky over the weekend.

I've been busily working on some swap cards for the upcoming Convention 2015 being held on the Gold Coast at the end of this month.  I just can't wait to meet up with lots of my blog friends from across Australia and New Zealand, and particularly spend five fabulous days with many of the JAI girls - we always have so much fun together.  Late nights chatting and laughing, lots of good food and of course crafty time together.  It really is a highlight for me!

Thanks for stopping by today.  Have an awesome weekend!

Just Add Ink #232 - Just Add Inspiration

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Happy wonderful Friday ~

Why so wonderful?  Well my beautiful BFF is now on maternity leave and we're getting online to craft together today!  We haven't done it in so long and I'm really looking forward to it.

It's also time for a brand new challenge at Just Add Ink.  This week Kim has given us a gorgeous inspiration pic to use.  Perfect timing for Spring since we've just started the new season here in Australia and New Zealand.  Here it is.

Here's what I put together a few weeks ago.

I played around with various inks for ages, trying to get the right pink/apricot colour as shown in the pic.  I ended up using Blushing Bride, Pumpkin Pie with a touch of retired Regal Rose (both stamped off) and Strawberry Slush.  You'll see I went with the blue leaves too - it's kind of nice to use something other than green on foliage.  I used Night of Navy and Marina Mist.

The stamp set is Beautiful Brushstrokes from PTI, along with the matching dies.

Head over to JAI to check out the design team inspiration.  I'm really looking forward to seeing all your gorgeous interpretations of this sketch, and particularly the ink colours you choose.  

I've got a special blog post going live next Monday 22 September, so be sure to stop back and check it out.  Have a fabulous weekend.

It's been a very long time...

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...between posts.

Hello, hello, is anybody out there?  A friend reminded me today just how long it's been since I've been here and posted, so here I am with a card I put together some months ago now!

I've had a whirlwind couple of months, life has been extremely hectic, and good at the same time.  I haven't had time for crafting or reading books, or doing a lot of the things I used to.  I'm going to try and remedy that in the coming weeks and months and MAKE some time.

The sad news is that I had to make the decision to step down from the two design teams I was on.  I felt I was over committed personally, and I really didn't want to let any of the lovely girls on each of the teams down.  I had an awesome time with the Just Add Ink girls over the past few years, and they really are like family to me.  I'm fortunate enough to have met most of them in person and I know they're all just a text or email away should I ever need them.  I'll see you all soon I'm sure.

Kylie over at Addicted to CAS has become a friend, and lucky for me she has her own family in Canberra so gets down (from sunny Qld) to visit from time to time so I know I'll be seeing more of her.  I'll miss each of the lovely ladies from around the world that became friends too - although I'll get back to blog hopping soon enough and visit you that way ;)

Other news is that I spent a four day weekend up in Brisbane last week.  Beautiful BFF Trishie married her prince.  It was a lovely garden wedding, small and very intimate with just family and close friends.  Gorgeous Kid had a wonderful time dancing with all the ladies - I was so impressed with his confidence.  He was well and truly in his element and the life of the dance floor until I took him home to bed!  Sadly believe it or not I did not take any photos.  There were a ton of cameras snapping away though so I'm sure there will be piccies galore when Trishie returns from her honeymoon.  Must also share...there wasn't a dry eye that afternoon.

That's it for this evening.  I really do hope to be back again soon with something to share.

JAI#154 - Just Add Pop-Up Cards

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TGIF ~

I had a rather rotten start to my week.  I managed to pick up a vicious tummy bug and spent two days sprawled on my bathroom floor.  Just as I started to recover Gorgeous Kid got a dose.  Needless to say food is still a dirty word in our house.

Delys chose our challenge over at Just Add Ink this week and it's pop-up cards! Because I was not at all prepared to lose a few days I had to make my card while I was still recovering.  As such it's fairly CAS (which is what I tend to do more these days anyway).

I made a spiral for the inside and attached some butterflies.

 

Sorry it's not more exciting.  You can see I was feeling pretty crud and it was so hard to get inspired and come up with something totally cool and awesome.  I'll do better next challenge for sure.

The Royal Canberra Show is on this weekend so I'm thinking I might take GK and show him a fun time after our yukky sick days.  Plus we've got a very special first birthday party to go to for twins - double the fun!!!  It's going to be a good weekend.  Hope yours is too.

Thanks for stopping in, lovely that you did.

Fab Friday Birthday

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Happy Friday, yay for the weekend ~

I made this card on Wednesday but I'm pretty slack when it comes to taking photos - half the stuff I put together in my craft room doesn't make it to blogland.  Since this is for the Fab Friday 11 sketch I thought I'd better get a wriggle on and upload it.  There is a lot of lovely inspiration on their blog so be sure to head over and check it out.  It's fast becoming one of my faves.

 

I imagine many of you are groaning at my use of the Sweet Life stamps agaaaain.  I can't get enough, just love 'em.  The colour combo I've used this time is Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose and Real Red.  I'm trying to increase my stash of birthday cards so they're the sentiments you'll be seeing plenty of in coming weeks.

Other news - Gorgeous Kid has completed his first week at high school and absolutely LOVES it.  So grateful.  Phew.  I hope he continues to love it.  Funny thing...last year he was happy to have one sandwich (or similar) and a fun bun from our local bakery included in his lunch.  This year, however, he's a big boy and has asked me to drop the fun bun and include two sandwiches.  He makes me smile.

Sweet Life Sympathy

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Good Monday morning friends ~

I'm back to work tomorrow after a lovely long Christmas break.  I'm making the most of today by spending much of it in my craft room.  There are plenty of outdoor garden jobs I could be doing ... have had to put those off because it's been far too hot over recent weeks to leave the comfort of air conditioning.  Today there is a lovely breeze but I don't want to waste my last day of hols ... sound familiar?

While I was away in NZ last week attending my Gran's funeral, the mum of two very dear friends of mine passed away suddenly.  Quite a shock to come home to.  I made cards for each of the sisters.

 

My photographs aren't good enough to show that I've used the two sides of PTI's Linen Impression Plate, one on each card.  There is also a little shimmer to the flowers - I'm so loving this gorgeous stamp set.

If you have any questions about these cards feel free to shoot me an email.  Enjoy your day ... even if you're already back at work.

Yellow Roses

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Hello lovely friends ~

I'm on my way to New Zealand today.  I'm looking forward to taking a trip down memory lane as I haven't been back to the north island for many years.  I have a number of stops on my list and hope to share some piccies with you when I return.

Here is another card I made recently.  It doesn't show well in the photo but I've used the PTI linen impression plate for a little texture on my CAS card.  Love the splash of colour the roses give.

Although it's never nice to attend a funeral, particularly of someone very dear like my gran, I am looking forward to seeing a number of my relatives.  Many of us are scattered about the world these days and so don't have the opportunity to get together often.  Always the way...weddings and funerals.

Lovely of you to stop by today, thanks as always for your support and generous comments.

Happy New Year & all that...

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Hello hello ~

Bet you thought I wasn't coming back!  It's been ages I know...and I've been having a lovely time holidaying and enjoying the festivities of Christmas and New Year.  I hope you and your families have enjoyed this time also.

My physio suggested I get back into my crafting hobby to help my wrist along and so I've spent a little bit of time lately (not a lot, don't want to overdo it lol) playing.  This card is for a friend who has her birthday in the early weeks of January and I'm quite confident she doesn't look at my blog so I'm sharing here before I post it off.

One of my grandmother's passed away on the first day of the new year.  Although sad, it's a blessing as she has suffered dementia the past couple of years and her quality of life was greatly reduced.  I like to think she's in a better place now.  I'll be heading off to New Zealand this weekend for a few days to attend her funeral.

Thanks for stopping by today.

JAI#108...Just Add a Colour Challenge

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Good Friday morning ~

So glad it's the weekend, and as it's Canberra Day on Monday we have a longer one than usual. I love Public Holidays! The weather has been pretty miserable too so hopefully I'll get a bit of extra crafting time.

Over at Just Add Ink this week Nikki has given us a Colour Challenge. Initially I thought masculine, because let's face it, most of us struggle with cards for the men in our lives. I'm not sure mine actually ended up being very manly because I filled my space with a felt butterfly and some pearls lol.

No matter, I'm sure I'll find a good use for it. I've white embossed my die cut label and popped it up on the Early Espresso Satin ribbon. My little felt butterfly is actually layered on an acetate butterfly to give a bit of height, however, it's hard to see in the pic. If you have any questions please feel free to shoot me an email.

Pop over to JAI and check out our Challenge this week, you'll find lots of lovely inspiration from the other girls. Hope you find the time to join in.

Enjoy your weekend!

Hope Your Day is Fabulous!

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Happy Saturday lovely friends ~

Yay it's the weekend. We've had a busy week, with part of it spent at the hospital following a sporting injury Gorgeous Kid had at school on Tuesday. Turns out no fracture, just a sprain with some pretty coloured bruising and lots of swelling.

I managed a little time in my craft room last night - not because I have any mojo happening at all, but because I WANTED to make something! I'm hoping it might get me in the mood to create a bit more over the coming days.

I've used the Stampin' Royalty #112 Colour Challenge. The colours are Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight and Lucky Limeade. I've layered my designer papers on a base of Naturals Ivory. I couldn't decide whether I liked a portrait or landscape orientation so I did one of each. Which do you prefer?

I hope your weekend is off to a good start. Nice and sunny and warm here in Canberra so it's going to be a good day!

Happy New Year!

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Hello!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year! I've been having a bit of a blog holiday ... actually a completely craft free, laze around doing nothing kind of holiday. Yesterday I decided it was high time I get back into a routine of sorts as I'm back at work on Tuesday ... soooooooo I hit my craft room, a pretty good place to start don't you think?

I needed to make a birthday card for the 12th ... I am always behind during January and I've decided that this year I'm going to try to change that. Having not crafted for so long I just couldn't get a decent start, although I did know I was going to use reds (a fave colour of the birthday girl), so I had a little look around blogland and found this CAS card over at Lea's Cupcakes & Sunshine and off I went. It came together really quickly.

What do you think? Simple but I kinda like it. If you'd like a supply list please feel free to give a shout & I'll happily oblige.

I hope you're all enjoying the new year so far. Like a lot of others I didn't mind seeing the back of 2011 and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this year unfolds and embracing what 2012 brings.

Big hugs

A Thai Birthday

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Happy Monday ~

I just realised this is my first post for the month of October ... time has been moving quickly. I haven't really been crafting much lately so I'll share a couple of projects that kept me busy back in August.

A dear friend chose to celebrate her 40th in Thailand! She had about 30 family and friends joining her over there and wanted to present them each with a gift of thanks. She needed boxes so I made them for her ... they travelled flat and she put the sides together over there.

Unfortunately my only photograph was a little hurried. Half of the boxes were for the ladies and a little taller than those for the men. I did see a pic of them all put together and grouped and they looked pretty good.

This is the birthday card I made for her ... a telescopic fold, just for a little something special.

Gorgeous Kid and I have been trying to find the perfect day to visit Floriade. Canberra has been experiencing really odd weather this past couple of weeks and it's been quite wet so I'm not keen to go trudging through mud while looking at all the Spring Delights Floriade is showing. Typically today was lovely and sunny and we'd made other plans! Hope your October is going well so far!

My weekend plans & an assortment of cards

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Happy Wednesday evening ~

Thought I'd best do a quick post and let you all know I'm heading up to Brisbane tomorrow to spend an extra long weekend with BFF and help celebrate her birthday - she's having a party! Trishie is much more disciplined with her camera than I am so no doubt she'll have lots of piccies to share on her blog next week. I'm hopeless and forget to take mine anywhere!

Will leave you with a few cards I've made at some stage and not shared here yet.

A 43rd b'day card for a friend earlier this month, using Cherry Cobbler

3x3 Note Card using the new Pool Party c/s - pre release date

3x3 Note Card using the new Island Indigo c/s - pre release date

A CASE of a card I'd stashed in my 'to do' file, yet not noted down the original creator

Have a fabulous weekend everyone, I certainly hope to.

Clean & Simple Sketch

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Good Monday evening ~

I didn't think I was going to find time to write this blog post tonight, but decided if I make it short and sweet then it's one more tick off my 'to do' list.

If you read BFF's blog then you'll know we managed to fit in a little cyber crafting a few days ago. You'll also know that I finally got myself a SU! Colour Coach - can't believe I waited so long, loving it. So many gorgeous colour combos I'd never dream up on my own...now to work my way through them all...

As we were a little time poor we went straight for the sketch over at Clean & Simple. Here is my FTL#146, using a colour combo straight from the Colour Coach.

Not so easy to see in my over exposed pic that I've white embossed my flowers, and paper pierced above and below the centre panel.

I've used: Pink Pirouette, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze and a little touch of bling.

JAI#70...Just Add a Sketch

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Good Friday morning ~

I'm so glad it's nearly the weekend! I have a few fun social activities happening this weekend and I'm really looking forward to it.

Over at Just Add Ink this week we've got a cute little sketch challenge from Bron. Initially I was going to do a Christmas card - can you believe we're halfway there already? Anyway not sure what changed my mind but this is what I ended up with instead.


I've gone with a Rose Red colour combo, daubing the edges of my Scallop Circle which is popped up on dimensionals, cutting away pieces of the doily to make it more flower like and adding some gorgeous little Kaiser flowers. Kathy will be disappointed to know I didn't actually make these myself. They were a gift a little while back from BFF - she has access to waaay more cool craft stores up in Brisbane than I do here in Canberra.

Pop over to the JAI blog for lots more inspiration from the design team, and our two June guest designers. Hope you'll join us this week for some sketch fun!

Enjoy your Friday.

The Forgotten Ones

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Happy Sunday ~

Gorgeous Kid and I are off at the fruit and vege markets today. We're also shopping for a new desk for his room. He found the chair first and I refused to purchase it prior to getting the 'right' desk.

I found these few cards in a folder and realised I hadn't shared them on here. Nothing too exciting, but it's a post and something for you to check out :o)


I found the fabric flowers on the card at top when I visited the Canberra Quilt & Craft Fair last August. I coloured them with my Cameo Coral marker and I have to tell you they coloured so easily.

That's it from me, I'll be back again in the next few days with some more of what I've been up to lately.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!