Me Time

Blog Change

2011-06-03T21:59:00.002+10:00

Hello Everyone,

I have moved my blog to....melfield.posterous.com.

Please head over there and don't forget to change your bookmark/RSS to my new site.

Have a great weekend,

Melxx

Far Too Long :0)

2011-06-01T22:31:00.008+10:00

It has been far too long between posts! There has been so much happening here.....renovations, a school fundraiser, report writing and many other things have been consuming our everyday. As I speak my hubby is out in the back room putting on the last coat of paint on the renovations. Well, fingers crossed it is the last......it seems to have been going on forever!!!!!!

Well, here I am and I have a few little bits and pieces to share with you.....as you can imagine the opportunity of sitting and scrapping has been very minimal.

Here is another one for Brayden's 'School' album. I used one of the Get Picky sketches (obviously I am too late to enter the challenge - especially after the fact that it has been at least 2 months since they posted the sketch).

These were some photos taken of Brayden on his first day of Prep last year! When I created these layouts I sanded the cardstock and sprayed them with Glimmer Mist. It is hard to see on the photo BUT looks great in "real life."

And some close ups!

Scrapbookit's May Challenge is still open for you to enter. Pop on over to Scrapbookit's Blog or the Online Shop to check out the challenge. Better still why not pop in and see Jo at the shop.

Here are my projects for this month's challenge.

Part of the challenge is to use products starting with M;

I used Mist on the doily, Memento Ink on the edges of the layout, Material for the Handmade flowers and a Mini stamp - the flourish bird.

Fabric Thickers, Doily, Pink Paislee - House of Three - Daily Junque: Tickets and Junque, White Bazzill Cardstock, My Minds Eye Paper Pad, Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angels) - Brick, Crystalina Kindy Glitz, Copic Markers, Memento - Rich Cocoa Ink, Kaiser Mini Stamp - Flourish Bird, Kelly Panacci - Clear Stamp - Swirls, Material, Buttons, White Pearls.

Here is the close up of my handmade flowers......

And here is my card for the challenge.

How gorgeous are the Pink Paislee papers??? I really wasn't so sure when I received my pack from Jo BUT was so glad to push myself out of my comfort zone.

Thanks for looking!

Melxx

Together Again

2011-04-20T13:04:00.002+10:00

Happy Easter!

I know I am a touch early but we are heading off tomorrow camping for the weekend! Should be fun.....especially now that the rain is falling here! :}

I am still going on the Kaisercraft 'Class of '87' range. I figured whilst I had it out I would get the most from it and try and get the first year of Brayden's school album finished.

For the first time in a long time I completed a layout in no longer than a couple of hours. I was heading off to my first Copic class and had a short amount of time.....I literally threw the papers on to the cardstock and this is how they landed!!!!

Coredinations - Cardinal; Bella! Scholl Days Paperz, Kaiser 'Class of '87' Range - papers and paper pad, We R Memory Keepers - Telling Time Embossed Diecut, Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type Alpha Stickers, American Crafts Thickers - Letter Man Flocked Stickers - Emerald, Jo Sonja's Paint - Pine Green

Thanks again to Jo from Scrapbookit for the pack that never stops giving! Why don't you hop on over to Scrapbookit and get yourself some of these yummy products to play with?

Hope the Easter Bunny finds you over the weekend and leaves you some yummies!

Melxx

Scrapbookit April/May Challenge

2011-04-18T08:00:00.000+10:00

Hey Everyone......hope your weekend was a great one:)

The new sketch and card challenge have started over at Scrapbookit.

Here are some sneak peeks of my layout and card.

Hop on over to the Scrapbookit blog and check them out. The other DT girls will also be posting over the next few days so keep your eye out for their gorgeous creations.....not to mention Liz's - she posted yesterday!!

Melxx

Scrap That Poetry - Challenge #38

2011-04-15T15:19:00.003+10:00

Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day

by Delmore Schwartz

Here is my take on the first of two poems for Scrap That Poetry this month.

Click here for the poem

I chose the line "What will become of you and me"

This photo was taken of my son and god-daughter on Easter holiday back in 2007 in Echuca, Victoria.

I just love this photo and I often do wonder what will become of the two of them....what will the future hold?

I used papers from the Echo Park Playground Collection that Jo sent me from Scrapbookit.

Echo Park - Playground Collection: Monkey Bars, Capture the Flag, Heads Up Seven Up, Double Dutch; Bazzill Cardstock-white; Kaisercraft - Mini Alpha Stickers; Making Memories - Jigsaw Alphabets; ribbon; Kaisercraft Rhinestones; Versamark Ink - Royal Blue; Pure Blue Zig Writer; unknown chipboard embellishment; Alison Ellis - Sparkle n Soft - Sapphire Silk.

I have got so much use out of this pack - it is so versatile and suits girls and boys.....what more could you ask for? My challenge this time around was the flocking powder. I had never used it before. I used it on the chipboard letters and embellishments and I just LOVE the effect it gives.....but.....BOY is it MESSY to use.....lots of fun though! It reminds me of glittering kids work at school!!!!

There are two poems this month over at Scrap That Poetry - choose to play along using one or both poems.

We all look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Melxx

School Bus

2011-04-13T00:17:00.009+10:00

Back in February Jo from Scrapbookit sent me an absolutely amazing pack as part of my Design Team challenge. In this pack was the Kaisercraft OTP - Bus Album. I was SO excited as I had been eyeing it off and wanting to complete one for my little fella. Well, after a very successful weekend of scrapping with my friends I am happy to say it is DONE!

Please excuse the photo quality ~ it has been raining and very overcast here so it was the best I could do with what I had to work with:)

As you can see I used the Class of '87 collection by Kaisercraft. I decided to focus on Brayden's First Day in Prep last year. I had some photos printed that came with a line across them...sometimes across faces! I was able to use these photos for the little bus windows as Brayden's face was not effected!

The emotions showing on his face in all of these photos tell enough of a story - from nervousness, excitement to confidence and cheek! I decided to laminate the letters for the cover of the album.....hopefully they will last longer!

I decided to focus on journalling about the day rather than just having the photos! Here are these pages as a close up!

I used an A2Z Scraplet of a School Boy here. I had attempted to use it in several ways.....nothing resulted in satisfaction! As I do....I took the challenge of paper piecing a little boy over the chipboard.....I LOVE how it turned out. Actually as a matter of fact I LOVE how the whole album turned out!

Here is a close up of the A2Z Scraplet - paper pieced.

I hope you have enjoyed looking......let me know what you think!

Melxx

Giveaway

2011-04-11T22:25:00.005+10:00

Well, the past few weeks have been so crazy. We are now on school holidays...yay!!! I was very spoilt to be able to spend the past weekend with 4 beautiful friends scrapping. We had an awesome weekend and I was actually quite productive.

Most of what I created I can't share at this point in time but will be able to next week. Tomorrow, I will share with you a project I have been working on with Kaisercraft products for Scrapbookit. So pop back in then and check it out!

Speaking of Scrapbookit......the NEW website has been launched and in celebration we are having a giveaway. You have a chance to win an awesome Sassafras kit 'Ellie's Tale.'

All you need to do is pop on over to the new website and check it out. Then:

1. Share this giveaway on your blog/facebook page

2. Become a follower of the Scrapbookit Blog

3. Leave a comment about the new site on the blog.

Thanks for stopping by,

Melxx

Spring Pools

2011-03-23T09:12:00.005+11:00

The current poem across at Scrap That Poetry is Robert Frost's "Spring Pools"

For me this was a real challenge.

Here is my interpretation.....

I ended up using two parts of this poem. The title "Spring Pools" and the line "snow that melted only yesterday." I decided to journal "Our Spring Pools are not from snow that melted only yesterday."

This photo was taken in September last year - the first of many floods and as I said not from melting snow.

I used Kraft cardstock; Kaisercraft - Clear Stamp - Flourishes; Versa Mark Watermark Ink; Bella! Chipboard Alphas; Bazzill Ocean Blue Ribbed cardstock; Stampin' Up Stampin' Write - Close to Cocoa pen; quilling tool; Kaisercraft Mini Alphas - cream; Paper - My Minds Eye - Signature Life - by Jen Wilson - Everyday 'Cherished' - Cherished Flowers.

Once again, some more paper rolling......obviously my fascination at the moment!!! I have also traced and cut out by hand the lettering for spring pools. A great idea if you have a nice chipboard set that you want to hold onto.....a hoarder I know!!!

Have a great end to your week, thanks for stopping by and looking.

Don't forget to leave me a comment to let me know what you think of this layout.

Melxx

And so it begins....

2011-03-21T16:04:00.005+11:00

.....he is 6 and in business already!!!! On Saturday Jason and Brayden purchased 25 chicks for the new business......Brayden's Eggcellent Adventure. From the very beginning of life for Brayden, Jason has always said that he would teach Brayden some of the lessons in the business world through an egg selling business......and so the foundations were laid on Saturday.

Unfortunately, one little one didn't survive the first night but so far so good with the rest of them. A quote of Brayden's today was, "Mum, I'm going outside (pen and paper in hand) to study my chicks!"

Whilst they were being entrepreneurs, I zipped around did all of the housework and sat and did some scrapping.

I started with the March card sketch from Scrapbookit. Head on over and check it out....

I have used the We R Memory Keepers - Be My Valentine papers; Core'dinations cardstock (Grassroots and Heartfelt); Cuttlebug Embossing Template - Birds and Swirls ; Green Brad; Kaisercraft Rhinestones (hot pink); Kaisercraft Flowers (pink); Fiskars Border punch; white material roses; Adorn-It letters.

I just adore Melinda Spinks' work and in particular at the moment....paper rolling!

I am heading off now to complete the other project I worked on....hopefully will be back later on today to share it with you!

Mel xx

Scrapbookit - March Sketch

2011-03-16T23:01:00.002+11:00

How nice was it to have a long weekend. Work and life in general has been full on lately and it was nice to have an extra 'free' day in the weekend.

I spent my weekend creating for the current Scrapbookit sketch challenge. Click here to go to the Scrapbookit Blog and check out the sketch

Here is the layout I have created using the March sketch...

I have used the We R Memory Keepers - Be My Valentine (Sweethearts and Together) papers; Core'dinations cardstock (Snowflake and Heartfelt); White cardstock; Pearl Glimmermist; Thickers - Sunny - Glitter Foam Letter Stickers; Organza Ribbon, Flower punches; Kaisercraft Rhinestones (pink); Kaisercraft Flower (pink); Petal Pink Versa Mark ink; quiling tool and paper and an unknown chipboard frame.

Here is a close up of the paper rolling, flowers, frame and paper tearing.

And another of the side details.

Here are those gorgeous glitter Thicker stickers. I just love them.....very easy to work with and a good number of repeated letters. I used the Kaisercraft flower to make the wings of my butterfly isn't she just gorgeous. It is such a shame that the photography doesn't show up the Glimmer Mist.....it just looks so pretty!

Thank you Jo for pushing me out of my comfort zone......pink really isn't all that bad!!!!

Have a great week everyone!

Mel xx

A Blog Award!!!

2011-03-10T00:11:00.006+11:00

How exciting.......the gorgeous Tiff from Breakfast at Tiffany's has kindly awarded me a blog award. Tiff is such a gorgeous friend whom I have met in the blogging world but also as we have been DT members of Scrap That Poetry. Thank you so much Tiff......I am so thrilled that you felt I was worthy.

1.Creating a post where I blog about the Liebster award and reveal my 3-5 blog picks

2.Let them know they've been chosen

3.Copy and paste the blog award on my blog

4.Have faith that my followers will rally and show their crafty love back out to those I awarded

5.Have fun!

I have chosen a few of my favourites below.....be sure to stop by and check out their gorgeous work!

1-Scraps of Me

2-My World of Scrap

3- A Scrapper's Journey

4-Me and The Little Rascals

5- Stampin with Pauline

First DT project for Scrapbookit!

2011-03-07T21:04:00.003+11:00

At the moment Scrapbookit has a sketch challenge running. I was so excited when Jo sent me my first parcel full of really yummy products to work with. The funniest thing was I had the idea for this layout prior to receiving my parcel. Once opening my parcel I was able to use the products to complete my layout. A little spooky...but very exciting!!!!

I have used the February sketch to create this part of the layout.....it is a double layout!!! So you will have to pop over to the Scrapbookit blog to see the other half. I love the second half.....a great layout for the keeping of school days memorabilia. Find out how on the Scrapbookit blog! There are also some brief instructions on how to complete the same technique featured on the second half of the layout.

Even more exciting.....I received my next pack from Jo today! A challenge for me and I will be stepping out of my comfort zone........but really looking forward to creating with the products. Pop back soon to see my creations!

Enjoy your week,

Melxx

P.S. Don't forget the DT Call for Scrapbookit......you only have a few days left!!!!

Twiddleybitz Life Book

2011-02-28T20:38:00.013+11:00

Well, I said I would be back at the end of last week........sorry I am a little late!

Before I start......don't forget that Scrapbookit have a design team call out at the moment. Head on over to the Scrapbookit blog by clicking Scrapbookit above or by clicking the link in the right column to find out how to apply. You have until March 14th!

In September last year my sister had her second little girl. She was born in Virginia Beach, USA. Last weekend was my first time meeting my new little niece.......she is just divine!! As I have done with my other nieces/nephews I have made them something when they are born.

I chose to make a Twiddleybitz Life Book. I apologise for the photos.....I didn't have any luck snapping good shots!

I used a variety of photos from her birth in the hospital to some of the first photos of her smiling.

I only completed the first section of the book and have since handed the rest over to my sister to add her own touches to the book.

I best be off.......I am heading to Canberra on a Grade 5/6 camp with 115 children tomorrow.....I need all the sleep I can get :)

Melxx

P.S. Don't forget the DT Call for Scrapbookit!

Come Along - We Would Love YOU to Join Us!!

2011-02-20T23:07:00.008+11:00

Back to School has definitely hit our household and we have hit the ground running! Besides going back to school we have celebrated the little fellas 6th Birthday, had my sister and her family visit from America and celebrated my nieces birthday whilst she was here......alongside another celebration for the big 6 year old.

Sadly, scrapbooking has taken a back seat as I have been preparing birthday cakes!!!

My boy had a pool party with a few of his friends from school the day after his birthday. I made this swimming pool cake.....probably not my most outstanding however he loved it and so did all of his little friends:)

This weekend, just gone, we had yet another birthday celebration with the family. It was such a lovely day. My sister, her hubby and my two gorgeous nieces were here from America for the weekend - my boy and my eldest niece and goddaughter celebrated their birthdays together. Boy did they have fun! I made the 6 and my sister did the castle cake - so clever!

So now I may have more of a chance to get back into the world of scrapbooking!!

WHY DON'T YOU COME AND JOIN US? You are probably wondering what I am on about. Joanne from Scrapbookit has put a Design Team Call out. How exciting! I would be so excited if you joined in with me. Joanne just recently sent me my first pack and I can't begin to tell you how exciting it is.......I am itching to get going! So if you would like to apply......go on - you should.....then pop on over to the Scrapbookit Blog....click on the 'Scrapbookit' link in the right hand column of my blog to find out what you need to do to submit an application.

Speaking of Scrapbookit......the gift voucher giveaway is still running on Scrap That Poetry. Joanne has kindly offered a RAK this month......a gift voucher for the store. All you need to do is submit a layout to have a chance of winning.......how good is that!!

The most recent poem for STP is the poem Children by Khalil Gibran

This was such a beautiful poem and I could have really used it all. However, I chose to use the lines below.

And here is the whole layout.

I have used some gorgeous papers 'Rough and Tough by Lili' - Fancy Pants Designs: Far Out, A Boy's Story, All Star, Rough and Tough Strips, Get Dirty; Kaisercraft Mini Alpha Stickers - Black and White; Making Memries Puffy Alphas - black; cream rik rak, black cardstock, black staples.

Please remember to pop on over to Scrapbookit and submit an entry for the Design Team Call and then pop on over to Scrap That Poetry and enter the challenge for your chance to win a gift voucher to spend at Scrapbookit.

I will be back later in the week to share my Twiddleybitz gift for my sister.

Melxx

My Exciting News!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-09T21:43:00.003+11:00

How exciting is this....Joanne from 'Scrapbookit' has asked me to be her very first Design Team Member and I have accepted!!!!
Check out the intro on the Scrapbookit blog!
Thanks Jo for the great intro and I really look forward to working alongside you:)

I have been sooo busy at work that my creative side has taken a little bit of a back seat! I have however completed my latest challenge for Scrap That Poetry which will be revealed later in the month! Don't forget to pop over to Scrap That Poetry and enter the current challenge for your chance to win a $25 gift voucher from Scrapbookit.
I have also been madly working on my little gift (not so little!!!) for my beautiful niece Victoria who I get to meet next week.....very very exciting!!!
Will pop back soon with some inspiration.....
Melxx

May You Always Be Loved

2011-02-03T21:20:00.004+11:00

Here is my layout for Scrap That Poetry

Make sure you pop on over to see the Design Team's inspiration.....the projects are just gorgeous, the girls have done such a lovely job with this poem.

This is a photo of my two gorgeous nieces. I just adore this photo of them!

Now it is your turn....pop on over to Scrap That Poetry and check out the poem 'May you always be loved' Submit your take on the layout and you may just win a Scrapbookit voucher for your efforts and the opportunity to be our next guest designer.

Sorry for the short post but I am up to my eye balls in school work...ahhhh the life of a teacher!

Melxx

A Yummy Giveaway from Purple Pumpkin:)

2011-01-26T22:07:00.003+11:00

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY AUSSIES!!!

Check out this really yummy blog candy that Purple Pumpkin has as a giveaway at the moment. Click here to head over to their blog to find out how you can get your hands on it.....well, unless of course I do!! Hehehe!

As for me, this week has been a good scrapping week for me! I had a few days without my little man so that made it all that much easier:)

However, what I am working on I have to hold onto for the moment....only because I know that my beautiful sister will read my blog from America and she can't see what I have been up to! Sorry....it won't be long though, I promise, they head out to Australia for a visit early-mid February.

I have also completed my DT challenge for Scrap That Poetry but you will also have to wait for a little bit to see that.

Speaking of Scrap That Poetry.....there are only a few days to get your entries in for the latest challenge "New Year" by Katharine Lee Bates.

Make sure you get those entries in.

Only a short post tonight....be sure to check in again for my latest projects - forgive me though if it seems like forever between posts......I go back to work on Tuesday - a new job too!!!!

Melxx

Another Giveaway

2011-01-22T22:13:00.003+11:00

Keeping It Simple has a fantastic giveaway at the moment.

A Silhouette electronic cutting machine. If you would like to check out this giveaway and all of the amazing things you can do with the Silhouette pop on over to Keeping It Simple to register your interest.

Hurry the giveaway is about to close.

Scrap That Poetry Challenge #33

2011-01-18T09:46:00.005+11:00

Currently I am sitting in my caravan having a break away in Canberra, ACT. We have done some great things with Brayden but the best thing has been relaxing!

Scrap That Poetry has a new poem up. It is called 'New Year' by Katharine Lee Bates. It looks at a new year being a white year and focus' on snow. However, snow here in the New Year is not common!! After 2010 being a year we really wanted to see the back of for many reasons I decided to look towards the New Year with optimism.

From this poem I started by using the words 'New Year' for my inspiration. I decided to record my scrapbooking resolutions for 2011. Rather than put them onto a layout and into an album never to look at them again I decided to create something that can sit in my scrapbooking room to remind me of my resolutions for the year! I decided to create a 'Tree of Time.'

I have left my list of materials at home so hopefully I will remember to post them when I get home. However, I used some paper that I received years ago in a mag (have no idea of what mag or what paper company?) to make the flowers. I used my Imaginisce iTop to create the brads, a wooden spoon for the trunk and I recycled a container from a Christmas present for the base.

I have paper clipped the ribbon and Kaisercraft Wooden Embellishments to the tree so that I can change them in the future! My beautiful friend Liz also suggested scrapping them with evidence when they are completed....here is a close up of my resolutions...

It is a long story but the top of tree isn't exactly how it is supposed to look hence why the brads came into the project.....I am not disappointed with how it has turned out in the end.

Now the test is to follow through with my resolutions:)

I'm off for some more relaxation and maybe a trip to Parliament House and of course a few of the scrapbooking shops here (shhhhh....don't tell Jason!)!!!!

Melxx

Sneak Peak

2011-01-12T23:21:00.004+11:00

I would like to start by saying 'My thoughts and prayers are with all of those in Queensland, Australia. I hope that the rain stops and the water subsides sooner rather than later. You are in our thoughts and prayers.'

I have been busy completing my latest project for Scrap That Poetry. It will be uploaded to the Scrap That Poetry site on the 15th January. I thought you may like a sneak peak before then.

Pop over to Scrap That Poetry on the 15th to check out my project and the rest of the DTs projects.

We are heading off on a little break over the next few days.

Looking forward to it.

Melxx

We Have a Winner!

2011-01-10T07:00:00.000+11:00

I would like to start by saying thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway here at 'Me Time.' I am sooo excited that you have chosen my blog to follow and I hope that you might find something along the way that inspires you to create.

Well, the time has come to announce the winner of the 'Kaisercraft - 'Tis the Season Collection Pack.'

And the winner is.......

Molly Jones

Congratulations Molly! Could you please email me your details (melfield30@gmail.com) so that I can get your pack out to you.

No scrapping has happened for me this weekend as I went to Melbourne to see "Mary Poppins the Musical" However, over the last week I have been working on my next project for Scrap That Poetry. As always I have taken the challenging road......not the simple. Pop back later this week to see what I have been up to!

Which reminds me....you only have until the 14th of January to get your entries in for either of the Christmas poems for Scrap That Poetry. Go to Scrap That Poetry to check them out and link your entry.

Hopefully some scrapping will get done this week as it is supposed to rain. My thoughts go out to all of those affected by the flooding in Queensland. Hopefully there will be some relief soon.

Melxx

Check out this giveaway!

2011-01-09T22:00:00.003+11:00

Check out this fantastic RAK!

Pop on over to Embrace Life 2011 by clicking here to find out how to enter.

The winner for my giveaway will be announced in the morning so don't forget to head back here then.

Melxx

Follow Me

2011-01-04T23:48:00.002+11:00

Unfortunately, the response to my giveaway has been extremely lacking :( Therefore I will be extending it until the end of the week.

A big thanks to Julianne from Jules Scrap Haven for helping me put this together.

All you need to do to enter is:
*Become a follower of my blog here
as well as
the Scrap That Poetry blog
. If you have a blog make a quick blog post about it....the more the merrier!
For an extra entry into the draw:
* Leave me a comment sharing with me what your favourite Christmas range of papers is.

Enter here by leaving a comment (let me know you have completed the requirements and an entry or two will be added for you). You have until midnight 8/1/11 AEDST. A winner will be announced on the 10th of January!

And don't forget about the giveaway on Artful Delight(scroll down to check it out)!
Until next time....happy scrapping,
Melxx

Another Giveaway

2011-01-01T08:19:00.003+11:00

Happy New Year to everyone!!

Scraptastic Mel has a great giveaway running at the moment......Check out these photos. The giveaway has just been extended.

You can win either of these prizes by popping on over to her blog. Click here!

Don't forget about my giveaway - see below and the Zap! Heat Gun too!

Have a great New Year's Day.....swimming is on the agenda here!

Melxx

I Did It!

2010-12-29T08:32:00.007+11:00

Well my Scrapbooking room is set.......not only have I cleaned it up from head to toe but I have also removed any scrapbooking materials from the linen cupboard (overflow) and I have sorted out all of my scraps (Brayden is going to have a ball!)

I am in a bit of a clean up frame of mind (it always feels good once it is done:)) so today's tasks will be the study, linen cupboard and bathroom........then maybe I can do some creating once all done!

The new poems, yes poems (x2) not poem, have started along at Scrap That Poetry. It is very exciting because not only are there two poems for inspiration but you have until the 14th of January to enter!

Do you have great Christmas photos you need to scrap? Then hop on over to Scrap That Poetry as the poems are perfect inspiration. Also check out what great projects the design team have created for you.

The first poem is written by: Marinela Reka "A Shiny Little Star"

My inspiration was based on several words in this poem the first being Christmas. I used joy and love and then my own word to interpret the poem hope! These three words sum up Christmas for me. It is always nice for Christmas to arrive and for many happy memories to be made during the Christmas season. It is a busy time but there is nothing better than decorating the house and spending time with friends and family! I had started this wreath last Christmas by applying some paint to the edges and never got back to it (sad I know!) so decided to use it for this poem. It was nice that the wreath is made of stars "shiny little stars."

Kaiser Star Wreath, Bella Christmas Paper Range, Kaiser Alpha Stickers - Cream, Kaiser Mini Alpha Stickers - Cream, Burgundy Versa Mark, Dimensional Magic, Scrap FX Wordlet - Christmas, Bella Ribbonz, Making Memories Paint, misc. ribbons (recycled from gifts), Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Brick.

The second poem is written by: Walter de la Mare "Mistletoe - A Christmas Poem"

I thoroughly enjoyed doing this layout for this poem. I took my inspiration from the words "Someone came and kissed me there." This photo was taken of my hubby and I at our engagement party, many years ago. We were young and in love......still are (in love that is!).

I used the Kaiser wooden flourish as the mistletoe! This was my first experiment with Glimmer Mist on a layout and I would have to say that I love it.....just need more colours now:) I also put my journalling as hidden journalling under the photo.....I didn't want it to take away from the photo and that kiss - no kissing like that anymore....I'm lucky if there is anymore than a peck...hehehehe!

White and Burgundy Bazzill Cardstock; Papers - Kaiser 'Tis the Season Collection; Quilling Tool - berries on the holly, swirls and ends of paper; Imaginisce i-Top Tool and large brad; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Brick; Lettering - Basic Grey Blush Letters; Kaiser Wooden Flourish

Now just to make this all a little bit more fun and help you out with your entry I have a very Christmassy RAK to give away......it is so easy to enter! If you are the winner of this RAK you will receive a Kaiser Christmas pack....
A big thanks to Julianne from Jules Scrap Haven for helping me put this together.

All you need to do to enter is:
*Become a follower of my blog here
as well as
the Scrap That Poetry blog
. If you have a blog make a quick blog post about it....the more the merrier!
For an extra entry into the draw:
* Leave me a comment sharing with me what your favourite Christmas range of papers is.

Enter here by leaving a comment (let me know you have completed the requirements and an entry or two will be added for you). You have until midnight 4/1/11 AEDST. A winner will be announced on the 5th of January!

And don't forget about the giveaway on Artful Delight (scroll down to check it out)!
Until next time....happy scrapping,
Melxx

Gotta Love Giveaways!!

2010-12-28T10:28:00.005+11:00

Hi Everyone......Just a quick post today....I hope you all had a safe, relaxing family Christmas. We had a lovely couple of days and it has been nice to have my hubby home for the two public holidays as well!

I am only going to be quick because I am on a mission to have my scrap room sorted out and cleaned up today! After that Chrissy rush things just got put wherever!

Anyway, I am here to let you know about the great giveaway over at Artful Delight Leanne is giving away an American Crafts Zap! Heat Gun. All you have to do is hop on over and check all of the beautiful creations and become a follower of her blog to go in the draw to win.

Anyway....hop on over and enter the draw!

Wish me luck with my scrapping room and I will be back with you tomorrow to share my recent Scrap That Poetry projects.....a long time coming...I know!

Melxx

FOR ALL OF MY BLOG FRIENDS AND FAMILY

2010-12-20T23:30:00.000+11:00

..... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Is Here.......

2010-12-20T23:11:00.000+11:00

and boy don't I know that!!! The last few weeks have been really full on.....from school reports and general end of year stuff, to Christmas Concerts, Graduation Nights and trying to pack up and move my things on to my new school. From blog hops to poetry and general Christmas gifts.........there has been no time for Christmas shopping that's for sure:)

Here are a few of the little gifts I made for the teachers at St Joseph's. I put a small Chrissy decoration and some chocolates in each of them.........except our male teacher.....he got fishing hooks instead of the decoration!! Can you guess which of the boxes I gave to him?? It was a great way to use up some scraps:)

Below I did a similar gift for Brayden's teacher.

The other gift for her was a post it note holder. When I saw these on Kimberley Crawford's Blog 'For the Love of Paper' I thought they were really cute! Click here to be linked to the tutorial.

I have also done a few items for Scrap That Poetry and will post these later in the week!

I really need to do some shopping..............ahhhhhhh!

Until next time

Melxx

2010-12-11T08:36:00.003+11:00

Sadly, the Scrap That Poetry Ho Ho Ho Hop has been cancelled. I was so looking forward to it. Many thanks to Julianne from Jules Scrap Haven who helped me put together a RAK. I will use that RAK in another way this week so keep your eyes peeled.

I have a really busy weekend and we are heading into the last week of school. Looking forward to heaps of creating over the holidays.

Have a great weekend,

Melxx

The Tables Turned

2010-12-01T22:44:00.002+11:00

a poem by William Wordsworth

This is the new poem for the Scrap That Poetry challenge. Click on the link here to get the poem.

I found this poem quite a challenge. I would have to say that this possibly wasn't the poem or anyone else's problem. There is just so much happening at the moment.....reports, parent interviews, my hubby being away and our trip last weekend to Sydney for a wedding......not at all conducive to scrapping.....and boy am I missing it.

Anyway, the thing that I took from this poem was that you can learn as much from nature and being outside than you can from books. So I decided to use these photos. Brayden was about 2 and a half when I took these photos. He was so intently focussed on the flowers (what us adults know as weeds).......he really loves nature and being outside.

I have used Kraft cardstock, patterned papers, tissue paper to make the flowers and some acetate to make other clear flower buttons. I doodled around the flowers.

Anyway, you have until the 14th to get your layouts, cards, gifts etc in for the chance to win. Click here to visit the Scrap That Poetry blog.

Now back to work.......I will be promoting the STP blog hop that is coming up in the next little bit.

Have a great rest of the working week.

Melxx

Scrap That Poetry Challenge #29

2010-11-17T15:46:00.003+11:00

The new poem for Scrap That Poetry's challenge is up!

Such a beautiful poem.....Prayer for the Great Family by Gary Snyder - Turtle Island.

Here in Australia we are so blessed with a beautiful country. At the moment here in the North East of Victoria we are dealing with floods.....we had one in September, one in October and just this last weekend we have had another! Great for water storage areas and this photo is of Lake Hume at Wymah. The dam is at 100% (the first time in several years) and it just looks so beautiful. Something we are all really grateful for.

This is the first time I have completed a 81/2 x 11in layout. I have to say that I really enjoyed it and the new challenges that it brings.

Don't forget to pop over to Scrap That Poetry and have a go at this challenge - you have until November 30....Goodluck!

Melxx

Another Week Gone!

2010-11-09T16:22:00.004+11:00

I can't believe that the weeks are flying by.....only 5 1/2 weeks left of school until the Christmas break (where has Brayden's Prep year gone:( ), which means 6 1/2 weeks until Christmas......not one Christmas present bought yet!!!!!

The past week has been rather busy, however I was able to squish in a scrap evening at Liz's. It was nice to catch up with the girls. So much so that they are popping in on Saturday for the day!! I have been working on my next project for Scrap That Poetry but you will have to wait for the 15th to see it!

The new online challenge came up and was run by Liz this time around. Liz, Cheryl and I have an absolute ball with the other ladies from The Scrapbooking Hut doing these layouts. Here is my take on Liz's challenge this month.

I have used basically cardstock but my snowflakes are using the Marrakech Collection by Kaiser. Yes I did make the larger snowflakes....can you remember being taught how to do this at school? It is amazing what comes in handy later in life:)

The other project I have completed this week is a wedding card for friends of ours, Geoff and Chrissie. They are getting married on the 27th of November.

I have kept the card quite simple and hopefully elegant. The 'g' and 'c' obviously stand for Geoff and Chrissie. I have painted them, stamped them and used Dimensional Magic on them. The patterned paper and tag are from the Chantilly page of the Argentella range by Kaisercraft.

I was able to use my brand new Imaginisce iTop tool - what a great addition to my tool collection! Just love it!

Until next time,

Melxx

A Red, Red Rose

2010-11-03T21:47:00.003+11:00

Scrap That Poetry's new challenge poem is up. The poem is "A Red, Red Rose" by Robert Burns. Check out the poem here.

I based my interpretation on the colour 'red' and the line....'So deep in luve am I.'

This photo of Jas and I was taken earlier in the year using my iPhone. The quality of the photo is not fantastic but I just love this photo and the series of photos that are associated with it. I hope to use them all on a layout sometime. It was only a few weeks ago that I had the ultimate complaint from my hubby...."Why don't you scrap anything about us (I think he meant....why don't I scrap anything of him!!!)? You always scrap Brayden stuff." Well, of course, I got an attack of the guilts....thank goodness for the latest poem!!!! Saved!!!

I hand drew the heart outline and used a technique I learnt whilst scrapping a few years ago at 'Whadda Load of Scrap'....my local store that is no more:(

I just love scrapping in red, black and white....I just don't get the chance often enough. I used Versa Mark's Watermark ink to stamp the word love all over the background using Kaisercraft's 'Love' wooden stamp.

I can't wait to check out what you enter in the challenge....you have until the 14th of Nov to submit your creation. Check out Scrap That Poetry blog here.

Thanks for stopping by:)

Melxx

Monthly Challenge for The Hut

2010-10-28T12:57:00.003+11:00

I'm not sure what is happening but in the last week I have completed not 1, not 2 but 3 layouts. I think the due dates had something little to do with them!!!

I am so proud of myself.....I have actually made "regular" ME time each week and I have scheduled it into the diary!!! Not only that, I have been attempting to do my work during work hours ONLY and not bring heaps home.......for those of you who know me this is a great achievement!! Saying that this doesn't mean I have been sleeping any more...still burning the candle at both ends, but hey at least I'm having fun doing it!!!!

Anyway, the October Monthly Challenge for The Scrapbooking Hut is to create a single page layout using a song title or line as your inspiration.

For a very long time I have wanted to scrap a layout using the song "Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)" by the Dixie Chicks as my inspiration. I just adore this song and used to regularly play it when Brayden was a baby. It reminds me of those beautiful memories of my baby boy (who is so grown up now) when I hear it today!

I just love this paper from Adornit. I have had it for a while....you know saving it for that 'special' layout!!!! I have raised a lot of the stars using foam tape and used Kindy Glitz or Dimensional Magic on some of them.

Why not join The Scrapbooking Hut ning and enter a layout in the Monthly Challenge??? It is lots of fun!

One of the other layouts I created this week was for Get Picky......see Man From the Land below.

Finally the other layout I created was for Scrap That Poetry and you will just have to pop back and check it out next week.

To all of those having a LONG Melbourne Cup weekend.....enjoy and to those placing bets....may the best horse win!!!

Melxx

Sketch 1 from Get Picky

2010-10-27T08:26:00.006+11:00

Get Picky have their first challenge sketch on their blog and I have had a go. Using multiple photos on a layout has not been something I have done and I must say I really enjoyed the challenge.

These photos were taken for the Rutherglen Street Parade in September this year. We were celebrating the anniversary of 150 years since gold discovery in the area. The children were asked to dress as people from that era. What a cute gold digger I say!

Thanks to Tanya and Nikki for putting up this great challenge....I had heaps of fun!

Melxx

Samantha's Unbelievable Giveaway

2010-10-19T23:00:00.003+11:00

Oh my goodness!! Samantha Hauzer has the most amazing giveaway happening at the moment. All you need to do is blog about it on your blog and become a follower of her blog and the Imaginisce blog. Hop on over to Samantha's blog to enter.

Scrap That Poetry Challenge #26

2010-10-16T17:16:00.004+11:00

Happy Saturday Everyone!

We are very glad here to see Friday gone....not just because of the end of the working week but yesterday the North East of Victoria was hit yet again by HEAPS of rain and flooding! This time we were amongst the stress and excitement having the SES out to the house to sand bag and the creek becoming the new section of the Murray River (yet again!)

I am happy to say that all is OK here but the weather has returned to winter again and the clouds have started to roll in filled with rain......fingers crossed. Our thoughts go out to all of those affected by the floods.

On a much more exciting note......my very first layout as Design Team Member has been revealed on the Scrap That Poetry blog. The poem for this challenge is 'There Is Another Sky.' It is a beautiful poem.

As soon as I read this poem, especially from 'Here is a brighter garden,' I thought of my Pop's garden. Sadly, in March this year my Pop passed away. He lived in the Hunter Valley and loved his garden. He had a beautiful garden with every sort of flower you could think of. Hence the photo taken in my Pop's garden.

I have only ever created a layout of a photo with no people as the subjects once before so I really enjoyed using a landscape as my inspiration.

I have been a bit addicted to making my own paper flowers at the moment. Although it was fiddly, I am so happy with the end result. I wanted to use lots of different flowers to represent Pop having such a variety in his garden.

Make sure you pop on over to the Scrap That Poetry blog and check out all of the great inspiration from the other design team members and why not put together an entry yourself to upload!!

Have a lovely rest of the weekend,

Melxx

Nikki's Giveaway

2010-10-11T19:50:00.002+11:00

My beautiful friend Nikki is giving away a set of Cuttlebug Daisy Quilling Plates over at her blog.....Scraps of Me. Check them out.....

They are valued at $38.00 and donated by Philippa at Lime Tart.

If you would like a chance to win this great set (just like me) pop over to Nikki's blog by clicking here and find out how to enter!

The Scrapbooking Hut October Online Challenge

2010-10-08T00:42:00.004+11:00

How organised am I? I must have my mojo back.....usually for the Online Challenges I don't stick down my LO until the weekend!!! This time round I needed to have this finished before the night was over! And I did! What is going on?

I just love doing the Online Challenges with The Scrapbooking Hut. This time around it was Cheryl's turn to organise it. It is always a lot of fun and great to catch up (online) with the girls.

Here is my take on Cheryl's LO.....

I am rather happy with the result.....I really didn't put much thought just followed Cheryl's very precise instructions.

Here are a few close ups:

I have also been working on my first project for Scrap That Poetry but can't show you just yet...pop back in next week for a sneak peak!!!

Enjoy your weekend,

Melxx

Scrap That Poetry

2010-10-05T20:18:00.005+11:00

A few days ago I received an extremely exciting email!

After applying to be part of the Scrap That Poetry Design Team, the lovely Jennifer Campbell emailed me to say that I had been accepted!! I am just so thrilled to be a member of such a wonderful blog and with a group of such talented ladies.

For those of you who don't know Scrap That Poetry I recommend that you pop on over and have a look. STP provide two challenges each month that require you to use the poem to inspire your scrapbooking.....it is lots of fun!

Currently, the poem is The Rock Cries out to Us by Maya Angelou and works are to be submitted by October 14th at 10am.

I am currently working on my first project as a design team member and this will be found on the STP site on October 15!

Have a good rest of the week,

Melxx

Recipes

2010-10-03T20:55:00.004+11:00

Well, routine begins again tomorrow morning......holidays are over and it is back to work and school. The weather has been gorgeous and the time we have spent doing not much at all has been extremely enjoyable. We are now on the countdown to Christmas holidays!! Hehehe.....I know "Teachers!" always after holidays. I just want to spend time with my gorgeous little man!

Anyway something that I have finished off this week is this recipe box. I had it as one of my unfinished projects. Finally I have got around to it. Now I just need to go through the recipes and transfer them to index cards to put in the box! Ahhhh.....that sounds bigger than Ben Hur!!!!!!

Have a great week everyone!

Melxx

A2Z Scraplets Challenge

2010-09-29T13:03:00.003+10:00

I decided to have a go at this month's A2ZScraplets Challenge Sketch. Such a nice little sketch and I am very pleased with my take on it.

Have a great day,

Melxx

Where have the holidays gone!

2010-09-27T10:07:00.004+10:00

I can't believe how quickly the first week of the school holidays have gone! The weather has been beautiful and we have had lots of fun doing not much at all.

I have, however, completed a few projects. My nephew, Harrison, was born in August 2009 and his dad took a photo of him as a new bub. As soon as I saw this photo I knew that I wanted to scrap it. I knew exactly what paper range I wanted to use. It has taken me far too long to get to the final result but this week I pulled this layout together quite quickly. I work so much quicker when the plan has been in my head for a while! I have used the Kaisercraft Peek A Boo collection. I love this baby range!

The other project I have had in my mind for a while is this one of my Aunty and my Pop (her Dad). Aunty Liz if you are reading this.........close your eyes now or move away from the computer!!!! In March my Pop passed away. Afterwards my Uncle sent a disc filled with lots of photos from his life. This photo was one of them. I have no idea where or when it was taken but hopefully when I give it to my Aunty she will be able to enlighten me.

I have used a Twiddleybitz Shadow Box, how easy are their products to use, and have built the layout inside that. I used the Kaisercraft Tudor Collection and made my own roses using this paper. The little fence and the scroll at the top is from Twiddleybitz. Here is a close up of the roses.

I loved creating this project. It took me the whole weekend away in Beechworth with some beautiful friends and then some to complete it......well worth the time and I hope that my Aunty loves it!

Anyway I best be going....we are heading off to Ten Pin Bowling. It will be interesting.....Brayden has only ever bowled on the Wii......just a touch different!!

Oh yes, by the way........I am going to be published in Scrapbook Creations......I am so thrilled! Keep your eye out for my layout in the next little bit!

Until next time,

Melxx

Get Picky

2010-09-25T21:39:00.004+10:00

The newest, most adorable blog site run by my gorgeous friend Nikki Antonello and the lovely Tanya Tahir is up and running. For a fantastic kick start to the blog the girls are giving away a great RAK. Hop on over to Get Picky become a follower, add the blinkie to your blog and add a post on your blog with a link back to Get Picky and leave a comment for your chance to win!!!!!

Then, count down the days until October 15 when the girls will release their first challenge. Very exciting and Well Done Nikki and Tanya!

Scrap That Poetry

2010-09-21T22:22:00.007+10:00

Scrap That Poetry is a great site for inspiration. Use the poem posted to give you inspiration for a project.....how easy is that!

This challenge is based on the poem 'First Day of School' by Eddie Garcia. In memory of my little man's first day of Prep I had created this layout. So I am submitting it to the challenge.How cute is he.......too easy to scrap really!!!!

Pop on over to the Scrap that Poetry blog to check out the design team entries and the other layouts some of the ladies have entered....they are gorgeous! How about you link your own entry and join in the fun!!

That is all for now but pop back in later this week to check out some of the things I have been working on recently.'

Have a great week,

Melxx

The Scrapbooking Hut

2010-09-14T21:05:00.003+10:00

I was lucky enough a couple of months ago to win the 'Online Monthly Challenge' for The Scrapbooking Hut. This then meant that I needed to design and provide directions for this month's online challenge.
Last Wednesday night all of the lovely ladies and I met on the online forum with materials ready to make the layout I had created. I thought it was hard to interpret someone else's instructions......try giving the instructions, remembering that the ladies are not to see my layout........I suppose a blind crop!
Well, this is my layout of my gorgeous nephew, Harrison.

Pop over to The Scrapbooking Hut, become a member and check out the other ladies layouts......they are gorgeous! Once you are a member you are entitled to place a vote......voting closes tomorrow (Wednesday) so be quick!

Until next time,

Melxx

September Already!!!

2010-09-05T23:18:00.009+10:00

Happy Father's Day to all of the Dad's in the world......especially my beautiful Dad (love you Dad!), step dad and father in law. We have had the most exciting weekend with Jason's birthday and Father's Day. Brayden made this tie for Jason. It was stated that it must be worn all day....and it was!!!! How cute. Thanks for being a super Dad Ja!

It has been a very busy few weeks....... this weekend we have survived all of the rain. Our thoughts go to those in the flooded regions here in Victoria. We've had a heap of rain and our creek that hasn't had very much water in 5 years is looking a little like "The Murray River." Needless to say all of our dams and tanks are full.....that is nothing to complain about!!

Anyway, I have done quite a bit of scrapbooking over the last little bit. My beautiful friends Liz and Cheryl and I have had a night together....I made some last minute cards......already been given so sorry no photos!

Probably the most exciting weekend though was last weekend. My "awesome" girlfriend Nikki (you may know her from the last Kaiser Design Team) and I went to Melbourne for a girlie road trip......with NO kids or husbands......we did miss them though! We visited the Kaiser Warehouse.......Wow!!! How "awesome" was it to be in the one room with so much Kaiser product. We spent the rest of Saturday scrapping and then attended 'Paperific' on the Sunday morning. Such a fun, inspiring weekend filled with many laughs and lots of scrapping. Here are some of the layouts and cards I did whilst away.....

This layout 'Fun in the Sun' had been sitting in my folder unfinished for quite some time. I started it at 'Whadda Load of Scrap' in a bleaching class. The shells and the sun have been created with bleach. I am so happy how it turned out......much better than expected!!!

Autumn.....I just adore this photo of my boy! This layout came together really well and quite easily....so much so I said to Nikki "What is wrong with it???" This was the first time that I used 'Kraft' and I have fallen in love!!!!!

These were two of the four cards I made last weekend. The other two have been given away. These two were part of a die cut card page.....very easy and simple.....I loved the idea!

This was a layout I did about 2 months ago and I considered submitting it to a mag but changed my mind. It is not common for me to work with pinks however I really enjoyed it and look forward to my next 'girlie' layout.

Anyway catch up soon.

Until next time,

Mel

Online Challenge

2010-08-05T19:29:00.008+10:00

Last Wednesday night I participated in an 'Online Challenge' with the ladies from 'The Scrapbooking Hut' Shelley presented the list of materials and then the instructions for the challenge and we all followed along online. We had an absolute ball. If you have neverparticipated in an online challenge I highly recommend you do. Not only do you complete a layout but meet some great people.....all from the comfort of your own home (at this time of year, in this part of the world this is highly important!)

I created this layout of Charlotte my niece "Just You Wait"

I was very surprised tonight to find out that I was the winner of the challenge! How exciting!

Scrap the Boys - "Just the Facts" Challenge

2010-07-20T22:58:00.007+10:00

Well, I have finally added my entry to the Scrap the Boys - "Just the Facts" Challenge. I am not quite sure how I found this blog but boy I am glad I did!

It is funny you know...the photo I have used I have had sitting with the papers for a few months. Not only due to the busy life I lead but also the fact that this photo didn't really have a story meant that I was a little stumped as to how to use it.

As soon as I saw this challenge I knew that I had found a use for the photo and the papers and I think they go just so perfectly together.

This layout has been removed for publishing.

You @ 5 - Kaiser Paper Range - K-Bots; Bazzill Cardstock; Kaiser Mini Alpha Stickers - Chocolate & White; Kaiser Rhinestones; Dimensional Magic; Kaiser Chipboard Letters; Basic Grey Chipboard Elements; ribbon

It is funny how quickly some things come together for me sometimes and other times I spend forever flipping and changing. This layout came together quite quickly, the hardest part was choosing some words to describe my boys vital statistics. I came up with......style, attitude +, handsome, funny, lovable, independent, imaginative, confident, love routine, know it all!

I finished off the layout with a current quote from my boy that often is said at bedtime. "But Mum I can't sleep without a story." Mind you this is usually stated when it is far too late for a story!!!!

Until next time,

Melxx

Christmas In July

2010-07-20T20:47:00.000+10:00

I don't know whether the thought of Christmas in July got me inspired to complete this project, that really should have been done before last Christmas, but hey it is better late than never!

I just love the Kaiser wooden off the page projects.....this is the Advent Calendar.

I used the beautiful Kaiser Countdown range of papers....some paint, Mod Podge, Kaiser Christmas Rub ons, some Dimensional Magic and what Chrissy project is complete without some Kindy Glitz. Check it out...I'm really happy with the results!

The Christmas Tree ~ I used the technique that my beautiful friend Nikki has used once before. I used strips of paper, some crinkle cut scissors and layered them up the tree. It gives the tree a little bit of dimension to it!!!

Until next time,

Melxx

SAHM (Stay At Home Mum)

2010-07-15T23:16:00.004+10:00

I have been having an absolute ball......I don't know whether you would call it a 'Stay At Home Mum'......after Jason commented on one of my days recently. "Hmmmm!" he said. "Coffee in town with your girlfriend until noon, a quick sweep of the floor, collect the firewood and scrapbooking......not sure that equates to a SAHM!!!" Full of cheek I think.....
Anyway, I have been scrapping to my hearts content. I have even finished off some of those unfinished projects!!
The first layout is one that I did towards the end of last year for a challenge at Whadda Load of Scrap. When Jaine packed up she took my layout with her without knowing...she has recently found it and sent it down! The challenge was to use the paper provided, the journalling tag etc. To make the challenge, more of a challenge we were given a letter of the alphabet, in this case D. We needed to have our title starting with that letter (hence 'delectable'), use a product starting with that letter (diamante) and use a scrapbooking technique starting with D (doodling).

The next layout celebrates my boys first day of Prep. I have just too many gorgeous photos of him on this day. He was filled with so much excitement. Therefore, I chose to do a double layout! I thought it would be nice for Brayden to do something for this layout. I got him to draw a picture of the best bit about going to school.....the bus was the highlight! I also wrote some little quotes of his!

The next layout is one of my unfinished projects! It is from our Thailand trip. The tiles are chipboard pieces that we cut, painted and stamped using a mask.

The next two little layouts I have done for my gorgeous friend, Liz. She is making a Nursery Rhyme book for her gorgeous grand daughter, Isbabelle. I did Hickory, Dickory Dock and Little Miss Muffett. And yes the mouse does run up and down the clock!

Keep your eye out for the next installment for the next two projects that I have been completing!
Have a great weekend,
Mel
xx

Disney On Ice

2010-07-12T22:46:00.000+10:00

We took Brayden to see Disney On Ice over the holidays at the Rod Laver Arena.
He had a ball, as you can see, and the show was fantastic! Mickey Mouse was the overall favourite but The Incredibles also got a bit of a look in!

2010-06-16T22:49:00.004+10:00

For those that are thinking I have gone missing.....no I haven't. Work has been so busy that my blog and scrapbooking has been pushed aside a little. I am craving the time to sit and scrap, even if it is just for 1/2 and hour.
I am happy to say that in just over a weeks time I will begin holidays and I won't just have the two weeks of school holidays but I am also taking long service leave for 2 weeks. Imagine how many scrapping days I will have!!!Over the long weekend we went to Sydney to say good bye to my sister, brother in law and niece (and bub on the way) as they are moving to Virginia for two years. I can't wait to receive my first 'American' scrap pack from her!!!!!!
Anyway keep popping in to visit....there will be many more updates, especially while I am on holidays!! Here are some pics of my beautiful niece who is heading to Virginia on Monday.......

How Exciting!!!

2010-05-02T21:46:00.002+10:00

After entering the giveaway on Samantha Hauzer's blog I didn't hold out much hope to take out the prize......I never appear to have much luck with winning. But....low and behold I logged on yesterday to Samantha's blog to find out that I was the winner!!
A big thank you to Samantha for the opportunity - I am so stoked to have won! I can't wait to receive my prize pack in the post!
Today we have also had a fantastic day with our little man playing his very first game of Auskick. Not only did he make us proud by volunteering to play the first half for the opposition (they didn't have enough players) but he also had a lot of fun! Not to mention getting the Black Dog Bakery Award. We were so proud of him......he was our little star! I'm looking forward to recording this story on a layout.....once work is a little less busy (oh yeah....In my dreams!).

Imaginisce Giveaway

2010-04-25T19:20:00.000+10:00

I have just found another amazing giveaway. Melinda Spinks has gathered up some of her beautiful Imaginisce products to give to one lucky follower of her blog. Just click the link to her blog and check out what you need to do to enter..........make sure you also check out her beautiful layouts - she is a very clever lady.

Productive Weekend

2010-04-19T23:23:00.002+10:00

I took some time out this weekend from making Memorial cards for my late Pop to do a couple of layouts that have been in my mind for several weeks.

Too Cute
Whilst I am extremely happy with the end result of this layout I can't take any credit for it at all. Melinda Spinks "The Scrap Farm" (click this link to her blog to check her gorgeous work) created this layout for a blind night at Scrapville. I just adore her LO and hence have recreated it with one of my favourite photos of my gorgeous son and nephew. I love how simple and effective this LO is...besides the fact that it prompted me to get out the sewing machine to sew on my LO. Many thanks to Melinda for a great LO and for being a great source of inspiration. Keep an eye on Melinda's blog.......she always has such beautiful layouts and projects.

Cherish - the time spent together
After the recent passing of my Pop I felt the need to scrap some photos of him. I really am very unsure of where this photo was taken and what the occasion was........I have a feeling that it was Pop's 80th birthday but I can't be sure. All I knew was that I needed to scrap this photo so that when my boy grows up he remembers his Great Nanna and Poppy.
I have used the Kaiser Duchess range for this LO and I absolutely loved working with these papers. Around the photo I have doodled a border rather than sewing around the photo. I have also done the same around the outer border of the LO. This will definitely take pride of place in my home in memory of Pop.

A huge thank you to my beautiful friends Liz and Cheryl for scrapping with me and giving their suggestions towards this LO.........there is nothing better than having someone to bounce your ideas off. Thanks ladies I value the input you have given for this LO.

Well, it is back to the Memorial cards for Pop.
Until next time,
Mel

Check out Samantha's Giveaway.......

2010-04-09T00:25:00.005+10:00

Samantha Hauzer - Design Team Member for Kaisercraft and Imaginisce has a fantastic giveaway at the moment. Hop on over to her blog to check it out.

Some exciting news for me.....I was chosen for the gift voucher from Scrapbookit for the March Sketch Challenge. I was very excited!!!
Have been flat out making Memorial Cards after my Pop passed away.....will post some of my own scrapbooking real soon.
We had a wonderful Easter and I hope you did too! Check out my boy on Easter morning.....yes the egg was BEFORE breakfast....

Scrapbookit Sketch Challenge

2010-03-31T00:51:00.003+11:00

There is nothing like entering a competition right at the last minute! I feel like I am back at school sitting up to all hours getting an essay finished to hand in in the morning......but........this is so much more fun!
I have just completed my interpretation of the March Sketch from the Scrapbookit Blog
I am not totally sure about working with sketches however I believe you interpret and create the layout bearing some resemblance to the sketch. I could be totally wrong and there may be heaps of unwritten rules but I have had a go anyway. Hey.....I have completed yet another layout for the album and I like it....I think that is the most important. Check out my entry......(if you want to compare it to the sketch head over to the Scrapbookit Blog).

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think about my layout.
Until next time,
Mel

Tanya's Amazing Giveaway - Check it out!!!!

2010-03-24T22:11:00.005+11:00

Tanya Tahir - Design Team Member for
My Scrapbook Nook
Creative Scrappers
Kaisercraft
The Scrapbook Establishment
is giving away an amazing Kaisercraft pack on her blog - 'Sweet About Me' - Click on the link to check it out.

Photographed here is exactly what you will receive.

Package contains:

12 x patterned papers (two of each design)
Alpha Stickers
Die Cut Elements
Coloured Rubons
Black and White Rubons
Embroidered Badges
6" Paper Pad (containing 24 sheets of designed paper including glitter, flocking, spot varnish and foil)!
Wood Flourishes

It is really easy to get entries into this giveaway.
Winners will be chosen 31st March so hop over to Tanya's blog to find out how to enter!
Until next time,
Mel

2010-03-18T00:02:00.004+11:00

Nearly one month........since I last posted something here. I am so slack. The last post Feb 22 was seriously the last lot of scrapbooking I had done until last Friday night. Two gorgeous ladies, Liz and Cheryl, and I got together for a wonderful night of fun and plenty of scrapping (that was once we caught up on the gossip in each others lives!)
I was very keen to complete a layout for Anna's Craft Cupboard Sketch of the Month competition. To my amazement, I actually got it complete.....well just the Kindy Glitz had to go on at home.
Very excitedly I uploaded it to the gallery and now wait and see if I am the random winner. Fingers crossed!

The layout is of my gorgeous friend, Nikki and I at the Scrapbookit 2008 Retreat. Nikki is really a true inspiration to me. Not only does she inspire me in the scrapping world but as a Mum too! Check out her new blog "Scraps of Me" - she is amazing!
Just before I head off.....keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Last week I lost my Poppy. Am heading off to the funeral, in the Hunter Valley. A great life at the age of nearly 90 but it is never easy to accept. Love you heaps Pop!
Until next time,
Mel

2010-02-22T20:42:00.005+11:00

Life has been.....lets say a "little hectic" for want of better words. Between starting back to work after holidays, my little man starting school in Prep, a very piratey 5th birthday and the general day to day life of a working Mum we have been flat out. Needless to say I have been dying to sit down and scrapbook.
Well, the weekend came and I was looking forward to having some scrapping time. You would never believe it but I was sick!! Anyway, I still persisted......I couldn't go another weekend without my fix! Below are my creations.........some more from my unfinished pile!!!

Friends
This photo was taken Easter 2009. The kids are actually second cousins and we spend every Easter weekend together. They really do get along so well. I made the pinwheels as part of a class last year with Jaine at Whadda Load of Scrap. I just love the Marakesh range from Kaiser.

Precious Little Man
Quite a while back I did a class with Alanna Adrien at Whadda Load of Scrap using templates on layouts. It has taken me this long to decide what I wanted to do with this layout. The arrowed pattern on the left side and bottom of this layout have been drawn using a template and the cut and folded to create the effect. I am happy with how this layout has turned out.

Take care,
Mel

2010-02-01T21:31:00.004+11:00

Can I start by saying Congratulations to all of those gorgeous little ones that have started "big school" this week. A special congrats to all of the mums and dads who have kept it together!! We have had such an emotional week here. Our little man has started school! Although there were a few tears from us......he really wasn't phased by the whole experience just totally and utterly beside himself with absolute excitement!!!
Just before he started school I was completing this layout of him the day we brought him home..........my where has the time gone!!!!

I used the paper in the background, folded, to create a louvre style window effect. I started this layout at one of Jaine's classes and now have finally finished. The louvre effect is great for slipping photos or journalling into without using adhesive. Saying that I still did use a small amount of double sided tape to hold my photos exactly where I wanted them.

The other layout that I have created this week is 'Spoilt Rotten.' This layout came about because I got to spend my birthday morning relaxing at the Spa@Beechworth with a full body massage, facial and manicure. Now you are probably thinking what a wonderful husband I have.....which I do, but the most beautiful group of families whose children I taught last year gave me a gift voucher in appreciation. I know, it brings tears to my eyes everytime I think about it. I created this layout to thank those families but also so I could remember the relaxing and luxurious morning I had at the spa. Obviously taking photos of me was a little tricky....so I have used parts of the brochure from the Spa@Beechworth.

The paper I used in the centre of the layout was wrapped around the voucher box and the gift label was attached to the box with that beautiful, thick string.
The bookmark was a gift from the Spa.
Until next time,
Mel

2010-01-18T23:24:00.006+11:00

Where has that week just gone!!! I can't believe that in only 9 days time I will be sending my little man off to school. I can't believe that it is time for my influence in his life to slowly start to decrease........his Prep teacher will very quickly take my place.......

KAISER BLOG PARTY
Last week, much to Jason's disgust, I attended the Q3 Kaiser Blog Party. It was lots of fun chatting to all of the lovely ladies on the live chat. I lost connection but still enjoyed looking at the blog and entering all of the competitions. Not to mention checking out the Q3 collections and the beautiful work all of the very talented ladies had done.
I was very excited today to receive in the mail a prize pack from Kaiser. I won a small collection of embellishments and the new mag for answering one of the questions. I was so thrilled......it is not often that you get something for nothing. So a HUGE thank you to all of the wonderful team at Kaiser ~ you made my day!!!

STAR ALBUM
I have FINALLY completed my Star Album. I am not even going to mention how long it has been in UFO pile......I have altered it a little to my original plans (probably because I couldn't really remember them..hehehehe).
In my scrapbooking time I have rarely created a piece about my two best friends and most extraordinary sisters who I love dearly. Finally I have completed something and it brought back so many beautiful memories and has created so much conversation in our household.

CANVAS'
About 6 months ago, my hubby renovated his offices. As beautiful as he is and as supportive as he is of my love for scrapbooking he requested that I make some canvas' to hang in his office. So we rushed out to buy some 12x12 canvas' and in my normal form..........they sat in my UFO pile. Does that surprise you?????
Anyway, a gorgeous friend of mine, Liz popped in for a day of scrapping last Friday. We had a fantastic day. Whilst Liz was here I got one canvas completed.........this did inspire me to complete the other two THAT NIGHT!!!!!
The first layout I created was very simple. The papers I used were trying to capture the Asian culture.......seeing the clothes we were wearing were made in Thailand. I used the 'Ballad of Mulan Collection' of papers by PiggyTales.
The second layout I created was also using the same papers to try and keep the same theme on one wall in the office. This photo was taken at our hotel - Karon Beach, Phuket. It is one of Jason's favourite photos from our trip.
The last layout I have created is of our 'little man.' Again I have used the same range of papers to try and keep the theme running on the one wall. At the bottom of the layout I have identified the date of the photos using cardstock and my own handwriting......I love making my own very simple embellishments....I think it just adds that personal touch!
When Jason took the canvas' to work today he decided to hang them.....when I asked him how he put them on the wall......he replied with "Oh there is one on each of the three walls!" Hmmmmm, glad I used the same papers so that they sat well together on one wall! He now claims that I will have to do more for the other walls..........that is something I won't disagree with!!!

Anyway, I have had a busy, creative week this week!! Please feel free to let me know what you think of these canvas - I value any comments at all.
Have a great week,
Mel

2010-01-11T22:11:00.013+11:00

I am sitting here reflecting on the last week in my life and what a week it has been. My Dad has spent the week with us....actually it has been more than one week......we are not complaining because we hardly get to see him and wish it was more often. He heads home in the morning and we will all be very sad to say good-bye. The next time we see him will be May....seems such a long time away! We have had a lovely week.
Most of the week we have spent surviving the heat and doing things around the house. My girlfriend Nikki has been talking about her word for the year being 'Change'.........I have been clearing out cupboards and things that haven't been touched for years. Even Jason has attacked 'The Shed' (shock horror).
Dad and I took Brayden to see Alvin and the Chipmunks on Wednesday.......he loved it and laughed at the appropriate times......for a little man I thought that was pretty good! We all enjoyed the laughs it gave us.

On Friday......my beautiful sister, Jenn, her hubby, Ted and my beautiful little niece Charlotte arrived. It was wonderful to spend some time with them. The most special memory is of Charlotte and Brayden running around together giggling and having great fun.......Charlotte loves 'Brady' and he loves her!!
Yesterday we made the trip to Melbourne. Charlotte was christened at St Paul's Cathedral. It was a beautiful ceremony and Jason and I, along with Ted's brother, Michael, were privileged enough to become Charlotte's Godparents.
There is a bit of a tradition in the family......we decorate a candle as a memento of the very special occasion. I made Charlotte's Christening Candle.......

As far as scrapbooking goes.....hmmmmmm.......Charlotte's Christening Gifts have been my focus. I scrapped the Kaiser Handbag and the Small Daisy Mirror. Charlotte was very impressed! I found I really had to push myself outside the square with these two items purely due to the fact that they were girl's items. I am so used to completing boy's pages and OTP that I felt a little out of my comfort zone. Mind you once I had a vision........bling, glitter, flowers, butterflies.......it just came naturally!!

Other than these......I did pull my Star Album out of my TBC pile (or should I say 'mountain') and have made a start (AGAIN!) on completing it.......I am keen to get it done!!!

Take Care - Have a great week,
Mel

Change

2010-01-04T16:22:00.001+11:00

Please bear with me while I fiddle around with my blog. You may have notice that I have had a few changes recently. I am happy with this one that I received from Leelou Blogs. Thanks Leelou!

New Addition

2009-12-30T22:31:00.002+11:00

Check out my newest completed project.
This Kaiser Desktop Calendar is for my Dad for Christmas. I used the beautiful Kaiser Cafe Culture Papers, which I just can't get enough of. I have left the calendar rather plain and simple......so that it wasn't too over the top feminine for my Dad.
The three gorgeous kids are his three grandchildren whom he loves very much. He doesn't get to see the two boys often so I thought this might be a daily reminder for him of how lucky he is to have three gorgeous grandchildren (not that he doesn't know that already!!!!) I am going to give it to him tomorrow when he arrives for his visit for a couple of weeks. We are really looking forward to spending sometime with him.
I am currently in the process of cleaning, reorganising and sorting my scrap space.........oh my, oh my I really didn't realise how much stuff I had! Fingers crossed it will inspire me!
Take care!

Christmas

2009-12-28T16:13:00.003+11:00

I hope that this post finds you all very well and full of lots of Christmas cheer.
We had a wonderful Christmas with that jolly old fellow Santa bringing a trampoline to our household. Brayden was greatly excited and we have a great video of him finding the tramp.
We spent the day at my sister's house, as it was Harry's first Christmas. We had a beautiful day and got a lot of joy watching the kids open their gifts. It was disappointing that the whole family wasn't there..........this couldn't be helped though. Here is a photo of the two gorgeous boys together.....one of my favourites......can't wait to create a great layout with it......

Boxing Day saw us head to Jason's parents for another lovely family day of fun and joy giving gifts and receiving the odd one or two! I just love the Christmas season once all of the silly shopping and mad rush is over.

There is not a lot of scrapping happening at the moment.....I seem to have lost my mojo. Would love to get some cleaning out done first.
Take care and Happy New Year.

Christmas is almost here!!!

2009-12-23T23:02:00.006+11:00

I can't believe that Christmas Eve is tomorrow!!! There is a lot of excitement in our house with the arrival of Santa very soon! Brayden is beside himself with pure excitement.........so much so that he is bursting with good manners, happiness and he is going out of his way to be extremely obedient ~ please Santa can you visit again next week, I say!!!!!

I have been very slack with my blog.......I couldn't believe that my gorgeous friend Nikki awarded it one of her Blog Awards. I thank her very sincerely for the faith she has in me!! She is an absolute inspiration in more ways than one......check out her Blog at http://scrapbookit.typepad.com/nikkiantonello/ You will find some amazing ideas, techniques and some very gorgeous layouts!
So, I probably should be a little more 'routined' with my posts. I think that maybe my New Year's resolution is to blog more and put my work out there.

My scrapbooking world has turned upside down a little in the last month. Besides work being so ridiculously busy........my beautiful friend and owner of WhaddaLoadofScrap had to close her doors. She has moved interstate with her family. There was a group of us that would always attend the Thursday night class......most of them have moved too!!! I miss them all terribly!!! My scrapbooking is suffering ~ I am just not getting any done!!!!

What I have done is made some gifts for people. The first one is the Kaiser Train Tidy for my beautiful nephew's Christening. I used the Fun Fair paper range from Kaiser. I loved this OTP project.......and I think it turned out a treat.
The other project I have worked on over the last few weeks is 15 little gift bags for the carers and teachers that have looked after Brayden at Day Care and Kinder. These ladies are absolutely amazing and I believed they deserved the individual thanks. So, I made them all one of these and Brayden's teachers got a decorated notebook too!!! I tried to make these as simple as possible but effective. I think I succeeded here......I loved making them!!!!

Blogging Again At Last!

2009-10-25T16:24:00.005+11:00

It has been over a month since my last blog!!!! Hasn't that time gone so quickly.
Have been extremely busy at work.....no excuses really.
I have also completed some layouts recently.

'BOYOBOY'
I started this layout at one of Jaine's classes. The class was a swirl layout class. We used foam tape to lift up the swirl that we hand drew.
This photo of my boy was taken two years ago at Day Care. I am a little biased but he is so spunky!
I used stamp and ink for the dots on the circles and lettering and then used Dimensional Magic to raise them.

First Day At Kinder
I created this layout for the Kids Class - Book of Me - First Day At......
I wanted to show the kids that you don't always have to cut paper. I loved how these beautiful Kaiser papers fitted with the colours of Brayden's uniform.

Friends
This page was created by four beautiful ladies as a progressive page. The owners of the page chose the photo and papers. When we passed the pages around each person had a chance to do one thing to each page. This is my finished layout. I used the photo of all my friends at the WALS Retreat.

Have a great week,
Mel

Our own driver!

2009-09-23T19:12:00.002+10:00

Today we hired our own car and driver for the day. It only cost us about $50 for the whole day and he waited for us everywhere we went!!!!!

We went to Phuket Zoo - had our photo with the same Tiger as the one from The Amazing Race. Saw a great elephant show and a scary crocodile show.

Brayden even got one of the paintings that the elephant painted!

We had lunch at a beautiful seafood restaurant...the waiter entertained Brayden...as all of the Thai people do. Jason and I had Tom Yum Lobster-very yummy! We also had Tamarind Prawns.

We went to a Cashew Orchard - saw how they shell cashews, one by one!! Tried some yummy cashews with all different flavours.

Went to a jeweller.....some beautiful pieces of jewellery....I didn't end up with anything!!

A great day!

Khai Island

2009-09-23T19:03:00.002+10:00

We spent the day at Khai Island. A wonderful day!!!

We got on a speed boat and headed out to the island about 25mins offshore. Picture perfect island with the most beautiful sand and water.

We swam with the fish.....went snorkelling and saw beautiful fish and coral and Brayden loved feeding the fish.

Brayden took very easily to snorkelling and just wanted to do it all day.

The speedboat ride back to Phuket Marina was a little rough on the way back.......to say the least!

A very relaxing day.

Phuket Fantasea

2009-09-23T18:43:00.004+10:00

We had a wonderful night at Phuket Fantasea. We had dinner at the world's largest buffet - food was yummy and every type of food, from every country.......there were about 100 staff just to welcome you!!

The lights were beautiful and Brayden got to play some games at the carnival.

We saw some 'he-she' dancers.....very interesting!!! We saw a white tiger and finally when it was 2100 we got to go and see the show.

The show was a music, dance, drama, lighting spectaular telling the story of the beginnings of Thailand (I think-not much English). Brayden loved the elephants and all of the animals in the show - there were even trained chooks.....don't think we could train our chooks like that!!!

Can you believe that before you enter the foyer of the theatre you had to surrender any recording devices - cameras/phones.....we got them back at the end and they were very well looked after!!!!

A fantastic night!

Jason and Brayden The Theatre!

Sunday in Phuket!

2009-09-20T17:15:00.005+10:00

We are all well. We have had some quiet and relaxing days here.

A Phuket Sunset from our room!

It is currently 2:15pm and I have left Jason and Brayden in the room to have a sleep as we are going to Fantasea tonight - it doesn't start until 9pm so it will be a late night!!!

Brayden had his face painted as Batman today whilst he was at the kids club. He also made the most beautiful aquarium candle. We are finding it very hard to drag him away from the kids club. He loves it so much........at least he isn't complaining as we walk around shop after shop, market after market finding the best deals. It is not me that has the shopping addiction it is Ja......he just wants to shop all of the time!

Batman!!! Aquarium Candle!!

Have been to a tailor and are having a suit made for Jason and I am getting a dress. Will show you when we get home unless you will be going to Kayla and Scott's wedding - you will hve to wait till then!!!!

Love to you all

SIAM SAFARI

2009-09-18T18:09:00.003+10:00

We have the most exciting day today.

We left at about 8:30am this morning on a "Safari Truck" as Brayden called it. We felt as though we should be in our army attire!

We went on a safari tour for half the day in the jungle. We saw how coconut milk and oil was made, rode in a cart pulled by a water buffalo and Jason sat bare back on the buffalo. We were entertained by a gorgeous and cheeky monkey that demonstrated how they collect coconut from the trees. We had a Thai cooking demonstration and saw a rubber tapping demo. They tapped the trees for rubber (it stunk!!)

Then we went to the Baby Elephant Training Centre. We watched the very clever baby elephants.....they were soooo cute!!!! One of them brought over a soccer ball for Brayden to take. He was very unsure. Some people received elephant kisses.

We got photos with the elephants and Brayden got to feed them fruit. He loved it!!!

After that we went on an elephant safari.......a ride on an elephant. Brayden loved it so much that he wanted to go again but of course only one ride was included.

We then went on a junk ride (boat) and enjoyed a beautiful Thai meal. Brayden made a little friend Lara from the Gold Coast.

We are now relaxing by the pool, ready for happy hour - buy one cocktail get one free!!!!!

Love to you all.......

P.S. For those of you who want to leave a comment on the blog you must be a member of google (have a google account) It is Free. To do that search for igoogle - sign up. Then when you leave a comment select Google from list "Comment As" If this is far too confusing (Mum!!!) just email us your comments!!!

Hello from Phuket

2009-09-17T14:21:00.003+10:00

Well yesterday we left the beautiful city of Singapore and made our way to Thailand - Phuket Airport. The first thing we noticed was the difference in living standards to Singapore/Australia. We are beginning to appreciate just how lucky we are in our beautiful country.
It took us 50 mins to arrive at our resort....we were greeted and treated like kings and queens (and a prince - handsome boy!)
Of course once settled into our room we explored the resort. Brayden -of course- went straight to the pool. We went straight for a Movenpick coffee and cake combo!!! Can you believe they don't have low fat milk........
To satisfy the handsome boys needs we went to the pool for a swim. Brayden has been down the waterslide 1 million times already!!!!!! We are yet to drink at the in pool bar (how does that work)!!!!
Dinner was complimentary....entree, main, dessert, cocktails but NO wine - not because they don't have it but because a bottle of Rutherglen Estates costs 2850THB (AUD $105.50). Beer and Cocktails are as cheap as chips though.
Breakfast this morning was amazing.......I need to stop eating!!!! Brayden is charming all of the Thai ladies and even the Thai men grab his cheeks and say how cute he is!!!!
Just booked Safari and some tours - will keep you updated on those.
Love to you all

SINGAPORE

2009-09-15T12:22:00.002+10:00

Hello Everyone,
We are having an absolute ball here in Singapore. Obviously we got here OK and are safe and well.
All flights and details have gone very smoothly - Libby has done a wonderful job!!!
Motel here is exquisite - Swissotel The Stamford.
Have had a Trishaw tour of town - have seen Little India and had dinner last night in Chinatown. Some of the menus were rather different i.e.bullfrog, intestines etc but we chose very carefully and subsequently ended with a beautiful meal.
Been to Raffles Hotel - will return for a Singapore Sling. Lots of very expensive items to purchase........not for us!!!
Weather is very hot here...nearly died when we arrived in our jeans!!!! Spent the afternoon either lazing around by the pool in banana lounges yesterday OR sleeping (we were all exhausted after the flight!) Had lunch by the pool and a cocktail.
The shopping is unbelievable.......we might keep our spending for Phuket but walking around the centres is amazing.......Jason spotted a new watch for $250,000 consequently he has just brought one for $4.00.
Brayden is well and loving the attention "handsome boy" Enjoyed his 'coco pops' for breakfast and toast with honey (straight from the honey comb). He is looking forward to going to Sentosa today and on the Singapore Flyer......of course, wants to swim again!!!!
The most successful thing so far ..........Mel found a scrapbooking shop in less than 2 hours of being here which I perused whilst the boys did icecream (chocolate with choc bits, marshmallows and caramel)......not quite a movenpick yet!!!
Love to you all - until the next post.......maybe with photos....
Jason, Mel and Brayden

WAITING WAITING WAITING

2009-09-13T21:37:00.004+10:00

We are finally through customs and the security check in and are waiting to board-----in another 2 hours.
Brayden is tired and just can't wait to get onto the plane. He doesn't understand that we have to wait. It is boring for us let alone a 4 year old.
So....our next post will be from overseas.
Love to you all

Only Three Weeks To Go!

2009-08-24T21:32:00.002+10:00

We have started the SERIOUS countdown now!!! There are only just under 3 weeks to go before my boys and I head overseas to Malaysia and Thailand. We are sooo excited. We have begun packing (well at least thinking about it) and are starting to organise some other bits and pieces. This time in 3 weeks I will be shopping in Singapore......WOW! It is so hard to believe that we are actually going.
I don't have any pics to share with you as yet but I had the best weekend. On Saturday morning I headed up to Whadda-Load-Of-Scrap for our annual Crop, Paper, Scissors Mini Retreat. Jason could not believe all of the stuff I was taking........it may have been easier to hire a trailer!!!!!!
Our day began at 10:30am and we went on until 10:30pm. When we arrived we found a goodie bag filled with all the products from the Bella 'Ruby Rock-It' range. It was soooo exciting - I just love the papers!!!!!!! We also had special coffee mugs that were painted with 'Crop Paper Scissors 2009' and our names (a beautiful keepsake).
Throughout the day we played a game of Scrapbook Bingo to sort out the winners of the Lucky Door Prizes. Kirsty won 3rd Prize, some Chalk Zig Pens; I won 2nd Prize, three EK Success Stitch Punches and Kate won 1st Prize, a Bind-It Machine and accessories. It was a very competitive game and a heap of fun......winning a prize was pretty good too!!
We completed one Off the Page workshop where we all made a beautiful KaiserCraft Ribbon Box (when I embellish mine I will post it). After this we had hours and hours of scrap time. The only time we stopped was for food (really yummy food!!) or if Jaine announced store specials and offers or if it was our turn for the Progressive Page!!!
The day was just an awesome day. Many thanks to my beautiful friend Jaine for organising such a top day and for all of those little bits and pieces that made the day very special. We were definetely spoilt rotten. Thanks to the chef deluxe, Brett, who not only looked after his and Jaine's twins, Kobi and Darcy but for also cooking our delicious dinner and constructing our ribbon boxes - you are a legend! Also, big thanks to Denise for making yummy soup for lunch and to Cheryl for her beautiful dessert.
What more could you ask for..........fun, laughter, scrapbooking, giveaways, goodie bags, good food and most importantly WONDERFUL friends to spend your day with.
I hope your weekend has been as good as mine.
Mel

What a Week!!!!

2009-08-16T21:28:00.005+10:00

We have had such a big week here.
It all started with the hype and excitement of the impending arrival of our new niece or nephew. Monday came and went with no news, Tuesday was the day that my sister was induced.......and we waited. Wednesday we were still waiting...........until FINALLY my sister had a beautiful baby boy Harrison James. He is the most gorgeous little man and we are so lucky to have him in our lives. My poor sister......well he definitely rocked her world for more than 28hours. To make matters just a little more painful he was 10lb 6oz.....I know, any lady who has given birth has just crossed her legs and said 'Ouch!' Shel did a brilliant job and we are all so very proud of her. Here are some pics of our new little nephew.

So, our week was huge. We went through a variety of emotions but in the end we are just so happy for Shel and Jono.
Now that little (or should I say big) Harrison has arrived I can show you the paint tin, album and card I made for a newborn gift. May I say that Shel and Jono really loved their gifts and thought they were very special.

I haven't done a lot of scrapbooking this week as you can imagine. I taught two classes (1 adult and 1 kids). I am really looking forward to my Thursday night scrapping session at Jaine's. We are making a Recipe Stand. Then, Saturday is just so exciting..........our day retreat (12hours) has finally arrived. I'm really looking forward to spending the day scrapbooking and having fun with the Whadda Load of Scrap girlies.
I hope you all have a great week.
Mel

Welcome to my blog!

2009-08-09T18:49:00.003+10:00

Welcome everyone to my blog.
At this stage I am hoping to eventually get all of my scrapbooking layouts and OTP projects up on this blog (well at least those you may be interested in)!

We have had a very busy week in our household this week. I did spend last weekend completing the little projects I have made for my sisters new bub. She was due on the 4th August, but nothing has happened yet! Hopefully, "Ickle Pickle" (as he/she is fondly named) will grace us with his/her presence real soon. I won't post these projects until I have given them to them.
The project that I am posting today is the Family Tree I made for my Nan's 80th Birthday. She absolutely adored it. This tree is a Kaiser OTP product and I thoroughly enjoyed making it. Happy Birthday Nan!
Have a great week,
Mel