Happy Australia Day 2014

The weather could not be more perfect for our national day of celebration. It's a warm 24degrees, blue skies, a slight breeze and bbqs are sizzling all over the country. Heaven!

And then there's me, doing what every obsessed papercrafter does on a public holiday...CRAFT! lol.
Well not just craft but also re-arrange  my studio and stash and order more supplies from my fave store, SSS. Which brings me to the true reason for updating my blog after 8 months mia.

I've signed up for another online card class which allows students a discount at several online stores. With the Aussie dollar dropping like a fly any discount is most welcome. If the shipping doesn't get you the exchange rate will, but hey, it's all worth it when you're opening that box of goodies.

This time the class focuses on STENCILS.
I must admit that many of mine rarely see the light of day but that's all about to change, thanks to this informative class. My poor old Silhouette has been working overtime cutting stencils so as I can experiment  with mist, paints, inks and embossing pastes. I'm having soooo much fun! I've even started an art journal thanks to stencils. I just love the dimension they add to a page. The photos below show 4 of my latest journaling papes, a card which features a stenciled firework design, lots of stickles, stella and glitter on that one, and finally a damask stencil I inked on the background behind the birdcage. Sorry it's hard to see.

I must head outside now and get some rays, vitamin D is good for the bones you know! Where's that BBQ?

Have a good one.

WHAT...Two posts in one day!!

Yes, I've been busy in the craft room after being inspired by a challenge over on A Blog Named Hero.
The challenge requires anything glittery, shiny, blingy...you get the idea, lol, so here is my entry.
I gold embossed the HA Classic Floral Design background stamp on red cardstock, added a gold embossed sentiment, gold border stickers and pearls. I was a little heavy handed with the glossy accents when attaching the pearls...those babies are going NOWHERE! Lol!

Gone craft crazy!

I don't know what's in the water at present but it sure has my creative juices flowing, lol.

I've neglected so much housework lately, preferring to spend all day, and night, in the craft room!
So I thought I would share a few of my creations here.

Firstly, I've been tossing up wether or not to buy a set of Gelatos to add to the stash but they are just a little expensive for the amount of times I would use them. PROBLEM SOLVED. I found a pack of 8 Mont Marte Pastel Gliders at my local craft store for $5.99! SCORE!! They are soooo creamy smooth and blend beautifully.
Here is a card and tag I created using the Gliders.

 

 

Next I used vellum, white embossing and copic colouring to make a card for my mother inlaw for Mothers' Day.

 

 

Finally, a simple thank you card using Hero Arts Lotus background and Thanks stamps, washi tape and a glossy accents covered heart.

 



His & Hers Online Card Class

It's day 5 of class and I have been so inspired by all the wonderful cards created by the very talented teachers. After spending a lovely afternoon in the studio I managed to create a few cards of my own.
Here is my take on an anniversary card for Him, with owls and for Her, with a butterfly.

Lots of white embossing and broken china distress inking on both cards, along with Silhouette die cuts.

OOPS! Where did May & June go?

I cannot believe it's July already!

So where are we up to with the house you ask. Well I'm happy to say that TODAY bedrooms 2 and 3 are complete, only curtains to be hung and carpet to be laid. I hope to paint bedroom 1 and the hallway tomorrow. I've been totally slack at taking photos lately so nothing to show, sorry but I'll try to have some for the next post.

I've decided to take another Online Card Class. I enjoyed the previous one so much and hope to learn a few more tricks of the trade in this class that concentrates on Stretching your Stamps! Should be a hoot!

Just to get in the mood I created a few cards prior to taking the class. Here they are.

I'll be back next week with an update on both the house and class. Have a great weekend!

House and Tags

Sorry for the long delay in posting but as you can see from the photo below I have been a little busy, lol.
Bricking was finished yesterday and plastering is almost complete. Hopefully the renderer will be starting this week, so before we know it the exterior will be done. YEAH!

I love the garage door. Just hope any future tenants don't reverse their car into it as has happened previously.

I have had few moments here and there to do a little crafting and below is what makes me happy, lots of distress inking. LOVE 'EM

I find it interesting that I began crafting 12x12 scrapbook pages, then switched to 8.5x11 layouts, later moving on to card making and now I'm loving TAGS! What next, inchies?

Till next time.

Happy anniversary to me and my man!

No, it's not our wedding anniversary but a day that is just as important to us. Thirty four years ago today we went on our very first date! My memory has faded, or completely gone of so many events over those 34 years, but standing on the clay bank at Carrick speedway on St Patricks Day 1978 is as clear as crystal. What a ride it has been and continues to be, and one that I wouldn't change for the world. Here's to another 34!

The house is slowly progressing. The windows were delayed by the manufacturer and only arrived on site yesterday. The bricklayer has also been delayed by one week so everything should start to move again next week.

Here's a few recent photos.

Fitting the roof

 No windows yet but the entrance doors are in.

See you next time.