Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Invigorated and Inspired....................

that's how I feel after seriously cleaning up/cleaning out my scrap space. I share a space in the laundry which consists of a double pantry cupboard and a kitchen buffet. To say I am a hoarder is a total understatement, but to day I purged. What started as a little tidy up became a major overhaul of my stash and how it's stored.

I threw out 3 bags of junk, alot of packaging in that, and decided to let go of items that I have had for a while (at least a couple of years) and either hadn't used or had used minimally and basically know I won't used them again. Got my act together last tonight and they are all listed here. So hopefully someone likes them and gets themself a bargain.

In other news we went back to my brothers last night for a get together with my sister and her family, who are home for the first time in 18 months (they are living in QLD), which I so totally don't get!! Just can't imagine not being home for Christmas Day. This adorable girl is my gorgeous niece, who sadly, I have come to the conclusion, I will never really know......
and this is her again with my newest third cousin "Klay". He's just 11 days old..........
have a great day and sensational New Year.

Cheers......................Leanne

All Over for Another Year

How quickly it goes ~ Christmas that is! Months of planning and anticipation, then in 12 hours it's all over. We had a lovely day which unexpectedly started at 5.45am. Riley usually has to be woken, even on Xmas morning, but not this year. He was thrilled with his gifts: an ipod and docking station from us, Powerwing, Lego, Hot Wheels set and cars, Remote control bug, DVDS, socks, choccies etc from Santa plus all the bits and pieces from the family.
We returned to normal programing this year with Grandma & Grandad, my brother and his family and Riley's dad all gathering at our house for the gifts in the morning. We then went to Riley's dads' house to see what Santa left there as well.

A few hours break to assemble the pavlova and potato salad ~ my lunch contributions, and then it was off to my cousin Kristys house for a huge Christmas lunch which includes extended family from both sides. Home for a sleep and then off to my brothers house for Christmas tea and a few wimes (they live close enough to walk home!!).

Riley had the best day, with what seemed like a never ending supply of gifts, and cousins to play with. All in all a good day for everyone. Hope you all had a great day!!

Really feeling in the holiday mood now, so going to settle in and enjoy!!

Cheers...................Leanne

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Happy, happy, happy MAIL....................

These arrived today ~ I didn't expect to get them until after Christmas, so I was very happy!!

I have been following Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas, and whilst i don't intend making the actual tags, I am planning to incorporate his techniques into my Christmas layouts.

I found all the Tim Holtz products online, including the new release Christmas stamps, at Kazmos Kreations. I can not recommend this shop highly enough ~ excellent prices, great communication, fabulous service and lightning fast despatch ~ 2 days from Victoria to country NSW ~ very, very happy with that. I am definitely determined to get lots of snaps tonight and tomorrow.

Been spending my day preparing for tomorrow ~ the pavlova is in the oven, an antipasto plate ready for tonight and after I get off here the final wrapping. Riley is with his Dad today, but he was here for a while yesterday while his Dad attended a work function, and he was like 'a cat on a hot tin roof'. He couldn't settlr to play with anything, he is so excited about Christmas. Thankfully I had some wrapping that he could help with, so that kept him busy for a while.

Tonight we are visiting with my closest friends, the Gills ~ nibbles, celebratory drinks, gifts and then off to look at some lights, then home to await the arrival of the jolly man in the red suit. That should keep Riley entertained!!
Okay, off to wrap the last of the gifts.

Cheers.........................Leanne

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Let's Scrap Layouts

Finally finished my November layouts for Let's Scrap, but forgot to upload. Absolutely loved these papers ~ so much so that I am going to purchase some to complete a couple more layouts with photos from the wedding featured in the Loving Life layout. I have scrapped this photo of Kezia before for my sister, but decided that I wanted a layout for myself as well.

Another casualty of my poor health has been my Journal Your Xmas. Unfortunately, I just haven't been able to get it started, so have decided to give it a miss this year, but am determined to do it again next year.

Cheers..........................Leanne

CONGRATULTIONS.......Scrap the Boys want you.......

that was my happy mail on Sunday ~ an invitation to join the Scrap the Boys challenge blog Creative Team. First challenge is due on 1st January, just waiting for the criteria, then I'll be on to it.

Cheers........................Leanne

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Done and Dusted.....................

for another year ~ the working year that is. Our Christmas break started on Friday and boy am I in need of this break. Healthwise, this is the worst year I can remember (nothing serious, but seemingly never ending illness) and I have finished the working year completely exhausted ~ this job definitely isn't getting easier the longer I do it!! I finally feel human again, and have answers regarding my health. It seems the constant infections I have been battling are thanks to my wisdom teeth that decided to make an appearance about eight months go and have been regularly going up and down! Have to 'bite the bullet' and have them removed next year, but when is the magic question ~ I am teaching two Year 12 classes next year and am escorting an excursion to Vietnam, so it looks like they will have to wait until fourth term.

On the scrapping front, I have completed my latest Love Scrappin' layouts. I couldn't believe how perfect these papers were for this photo of Kezia that I have been wanting to scrap
and then there are these three gorgeous girls: my neices

I have some good news, but can't tell just yet, so check back in a couple of days.

Cheers..........................Leanne

Monday, December 1, 2008

It's Beginning to Look alot Like Christmas................

my absolutely most favourite time of the year. Yesterday we turned our house into the "Christmas Cave" ~ a little later than usual due to my being crook. Up went the tree and out came the santas. Riley was so excited, he is as crazy about Christmas as I am and just loves all the decorations. This year he took charge of the placement and pretty much remembered where things went. To top off a very Christmassy day we watched The Polar Express which epitomises the true spirit of Christmas, something I want Riley to hold onto for as long as possible. A few pictures of our decorations:



And in keeping with the Christmas spirit I have joined in with Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas again this year.

This is a fabulous way to document Christmas. I didn't finish last year, but have all the photos and journaling for the days I missed, so am planning on working on these projects concurrently. Each day between Dec 1st and Jan 6th (the 12th day of Christmas) Shimelle provides a prompt for the day to generate thoughts and photos of the season. This year I am working on a smaller format album (maximum page size 6"x6")with a variety of different page materials in a range of sizes. The album that I am using as the base for my Journal is a Karen Day Designs MiniMy Mixed Textile Media album produced by Scrapware and available from Scrapboxx.
Cheers..................Leanne

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Time Flies.........................

when you're having fun ~ if only that was the case. I've been sick again, this time battling a nasty dose of tonsillitis for nearly three weeks and despite antibiotics I'm still suffering!! I have never had a year of what feels like constant sickness, so come the holidays I'm off to an Iridologist to walk the alternate path ~ it may not help but it sure won't hurt!!

Hence, very little scrapping this month. I have finished my LOVE SCRAPPIN' DT layouts ~ head on over to the gallery ~ some lovely eye candy appearing there.
November Love Scrappin' layouts:

Have also completeda couple of challenge blogs, but that's it.
Puzzle Sketches:

Stuck!

Black Magic

I also completed a sketch challenge over at Scrapbook Shelf:
Have a great Sunday. We're heading out for lunch and then visiting friends ~ should make for a most pleasant afternoon!!

Cheers....................Leanne

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Last Chance..........................

to pick up some cool items and maybe a bargain or two and have the chance to win over at Love Scrappin!!

The Buzz and Bloom comp finishes THURSDAY...
When customers spend over $30 they go into a draw to win $25 worth of Buzz and Bloom product..

but you have to be in it to win it!! So what are you waiting for and while you're there check out that gallery!!

Cheers...................Leanne



Sunday, November 2, 2008

Love Scrappin' DT Layouts

Just finished a day ago my Love Scrappin' DT layouts using the gorgeous Fancy Pants "All About a Boy" paper range ~ so me and so perfect for our recent holiday photos:

Cheers..............................Leanne

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Let's Scrap DT Layouts

My latest DT layouts for Let's Scrap using divine Christmas papers from 3Bugs in a Rug and Karen Foster labels.
There's also a new challenge on the homepage: the Double up challenge
2 x cardstock
2 x patterned paper
2 x photos
2 x types of stamping
Minimalist title
and here's my example:
Cheers.........................Leanne

ps Best wished to Mel (owner of Let's Scrap) who is expecting a new bundle of joy this week!!

Bad Blogger.......................

Ummmmmmmm not really sure where the last two weeks have gone, but it is November already and only 8 weeks to Christmas ~ I love Christmas. As with the blogging I am seriously behind in my Christmas schedule ~ usually the major decorations are out on the 1st of Oct, followed by smaller items on 1st November, but alas this year not a decoration to be sighted ~ think I will be rectifying that situation tomorrow!!
So, what else has been happening ~ well not alot. I'm back at work and the days are passing quickly ~ 7 weeks (or 35 working days) until holidays ~ a few inservices i that time, so that certainly will pass by quickly. My HSC paper for this year is over and my kids were very confident ~ hope they get good results. Our QLD holiday seems a distant memory, but our trip to Vietnam is coming up quickly (April 2009). Riley is nearly finished Infants school ~ eeeek where did that 3 years go?? And I have been scrapping ~ the first two are for sketch challenges at Creative Scrappers:

Thought I'd try out the grungey, distressed look that is so popular at the moment ~ really liked the result:
My entry over at Puzzle Sketches:and last but not least my sketch and recipe challenges for Scrapbook Shelf:

So that's it for now
Cheers......................Leanne

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

LOVE SCRAPPIN PROMO

The Love Scrappin OCT newsletter is out and in celebration if you spend over $30 you will go into a draw to win $25 retail worth of Buzz and Bloom products.
Finishes 13 th of November.

So what are you waiting for ~ head on over to Love Scrappin, grad some delightful products and go into the draw for your chance to win!!

Cheers............Leanne

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Love Scrappin' DT Layouts

My first DT layouts for Love Scrappin have been loaded into the gallery
I got to use the Making Memories Noteworthy II papers, plus jumbo brads and layered flowers, My Minds Eye journal blocks and Buzz and Bloom chipboard ~ just gorgeous products

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

An Update

Just an update regarding LetsScrap:
1. Design Team member search. See details here
2. New inspiration challenges have been launched ~ see here. I have designed a sketch and a challenge for the month of October, complete with sample layouts.
3. Latest DT layouts using gorgeous Bo Bunny papers, Scenic Route chipboard and Paper Inklings rubons:

Cheers........................Leanne

Home Again

Why is it that holidays go so fast???? Just not fair!! Aww well, no point dwelling ~ a good time was had and can't wait to go back to QLD in a couple of years. Current plans will see us holidaying overseas every second year, starting with Vietnam next year and probably QLD every other year until Riley out grows family holidays.

So a brief run down:

Saturday ~ travel to Tweed Heads, spend night with family.
Sunday ~ head up to Surfers Paradise, check into Surf Parade Resort ~ absolutely fantastic ~ top floor, ocean views ~ perfect. Head out to local cafe for delightful lunch ~ rest time spent at the resort pool.
Monday ~ rest day ~ beach, lunch in Surfers, beach, pool.
Tuesday ~ SEAWORLD ~ exausting but great day. Animals were fabulous, especially the polar bear who put on quite a display late in the afternoon.
Wednesday ~ was supposed to be an easy day but ended up heading to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary ~ SENSATIONAL. We went on the Behind the scenes tour ~ totally recommended. Riley got to have a kite come onto his gloved hand to feed and also swoop food from his outstretched hand and off the top of his hat ~ needless to say he was thrilled ~ as well as getting up close with a dingo and a variety of other animals. Of course we had the mandatory koala photo taken!! Dinner at a fabulous Thai restaurant in Broadbeach.
Thursday ~Shopping at Pacific Fair ~ need I say more??
Friday ~ Dreamworld ~ total disaster and disappointment. So much so that I actually made an official complaint, and despite their non refund policy, we ended up with a full refund. I thought that $180.00 was a bit rich for 4 rides for a 7 year old ~ we lined up for plenty of others but due to "technical difficulties" (aka breakdowns) we didn't actually ride :(. So very disappointing all round.
Saturday~ Lunch at the Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise in the revolving restaurant ~ superb. The food was excellent and the views breathetaking!! Following lunch we joined the 'AdventureDuck' tour (ps kids ride for free with paying adults on this one!!). Again an excellent activity ~ really enjoyed this one.
Sunday ~ back down to Tweed Heads for a family BBQ. Then on to Armidale for the night.
Monday~ home sweet home ~ I really appreciate home (and my bed and pilows). Had alovely time, but I do love home!!

Cheers ............................Leanne

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

SALE EXTENDED ................

That's right the grand opening sale over at Love Scrappin has been extended until next Monday ~ so hop on over and secure a bargain!!

and a quick update. We are currently enjoying a fabulous holiday on the Gold Coast. So far we have been to Seaworld and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Tomorrow we are heading to Pacific Fair for a spot of retail therapy and then Fridat will be spent at Dreamworld. More detail when I get home next week.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

It's Official......................

I am on the Design Team for Love Scrappin. I am particularly happy about this appointment as it was gained on merit via application, not a forum competition where I am certain the voting is often questionable ~ where forum members vote for their friends and not necessarily the scrapper that can provide real inspiration for the members.

I have been working on my first layouts over the weekend and they will be featured on the Love Scrappin website when it goes live (which shouldn't be too long now).

Below are some sneak peaks of my Scrapware GDT projects, I'll reveal in full when they are revealed on the Scrapware website:

Ok off to finish my layouts Have a great Sunday

Cheers.........................Leanne

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Happy Mail..........................

in the form of an email. Over the last week I have been working on my GDT projects for Scrapware ~ 3 layouts and 2 OTP. Sent them off yesterday and this morning awoke to an email from Ange saying she loved my projects and asking if I could do the instructions for one of the OTP so she could release it as a kit at Paperific, Melbourne in October ~woohoo. Well there was no decision to be made ~ of course!! I had a few additional ideas for my original project and Ange is now working on those extras.

In a completely different direction, I am seriously considering relaunching my artist mohair bears. In a former life I made and sold collectable teddy bears nationally and internationallyfor about 10 years. I think the time has come to get reaquainted with my little critters. I am planning to launch under a new name and to keep it purely low key ~ stay tuned.

Anyhow off to do some scrapping, need to work on my new DT layouts.

Cheers.......................Leanne

Monday, September 8, 2008

IT'S COMING........................

a whole new online scrapbook shopping experience

Love Scrappin'

is throwing open its cyberdoors and will begin trading shortly. In the meantime stock can be viewed and purchased via the Love Scrappin blog.

Go on, have a look ~ you know you want to!!

Cheers.....................Leanne

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Busy,busy,busy.....................

is the best way to describe the past week ~ really not sure where it has disappeared to!! Work is starting to hit a crazy time with Trail HSC exams to mark and reports to write. Only 3 more weeks of Year 12. Yesterday we spent a nice day having lunch over at Morpeth and then visiting the Gills and checking out the latest progress on the house.
have managed to do a bit of scrapping this week ~ completed 2 layouts for the Scrapbook Shelf FNF:
Challenge #2

Challenge #4

Definitely a colour scheme going on.
I have spent more time pondering my GDT projects for Scrapware and am finally happy with what I have decided to do and have dedicated most of this weekend to working on those projects. Stay tuned for the reveal in a few weeks.

Okay off to do some, marking

Cheers.........................Leanne

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Relax

is all I seem to have done this weekend. I've thought about scrapping, a lot really, but just haven't started as yet!! Probably has something to do with the amount of time I have spent at this computer ~ really liking the tidy up I've done on this little piece of my cyberspace!! But seriously, I have planned my FNF layouts for Scrapbook Shelf, even got all the bits and pieces out and organised and I have been thinking about the projects I am planning to do with the Scrapware goodies. Check these out:

Anyway off to think some more and maybe even cut and paste a few pieces of paper.

Cheers...................................Leanne

Friday, August 29, 2008

This week...............................

just keeps getting better!!

I have been invited to join the Design Team of a new online store (which I applied for via application) ~ this is still under wraps!!

Yesterday I arrived home to an Express parcel from Scrapware full of an amazing array of chipboard products and a Guest Designer spot for them. The parcel is truly amazing ~ will post a photo tomorrow!!

Today I have had another layout accepted for publication ~ YAY

And tonight I won 2nd place in the "Slice of Life" competition over at Scrapbook Shelf. A gorgeous AMM shoulder bag and a $50 voucher ~ woohoo!!

Off to get some sleep now

Cheers......................Leanne

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Today was...........................

a great day. I am continuing to feel more and more better each day and have noticed that I am laughing at work again and that feels good!! But that's not what made today great ~ I came home from work to a very pleasant email this afternoon, but I can't say anything yet. Needless to say I am very happy and excited and can't wait. Will reveal all as soon as I am given the OK!!

No photos today.

Cheers...................Leanne

Sunday, August 24, 2008

At last........................

I think my health may have taken a turn for the better ~ for the first time in months I have actually felt OK this weekend. Fingers crossed. Even felt well enough to search the net for a good accommodation deal for our upcoming trip to the Gold Coast ~ and booked us a place, so it's all systems go now and only 5 weeks away ~ yay!!

It has been a very quiet weekend with Riley spending the weekend with his Dad due to his relatives from that side visiting from Perth, but today was a really delightful day. Dear friend Liana celebrated her 4oth birthday several weeks ago and although we all went out for a gorgeous meal in the vineyards, the girls wanted to do something special and today was the day.Liana, Nyrie and myself spent the better part of the day at Peppers Country Guest House, Pokolbin, where we had the choice of a 1hr massage or facial followed by a 2 course lunch with wine in their award winning restaurant, Chez Pok. In a word ~ SENSATIONAL. I had the massage while the other girls opted for the facial ~ both fabulous!! The food was divine and the wine just perfect. All in all an awefully special way to spend a day with two gorgeous girls.

Last night was Cybercrop night at LetsScrap and the girls set some fabbo challenges once again. I was on sketch duty:
and my example layout
I'm still working on my attempts at the other challenges so will load them later in the week. I have also managed to finish my photo swap layout for Kate over at Scrapboutique. Was a really interesting concept scrapping someone else's photo:
I have also managed to finish my DT layouts for LetsScrap, but can't share them until the 1st of next month, so stay tuned.

That's all for now, off to watch a bit of the Olympics Closing Ceremony before some shut eye ready for another working week.

Cheers.....................Leanne