Lissy's Flourish

2011-11-07T20:51:00.002+08:00

eye candy catch-up.........

2011-08-31T18:17:00.006+08:00

Just catching up on the work i haven't shown you all this year so far. xxxxx

The times they are are a changing.........

2011-08-30T10:07:00.006+08:00

So there is something in the air about change, and big changes this year isnt there? or is it just me?

I have had a job change, changed scrap store DT teams, we are sub dividing our block, we got a new kitten, i had my hair cut off, i am in the middle of a massive de-stash in my craft room.

Both my Brother and Sister in-law have split with their long time partners.

What elese will be changing soon? who knows.

So as you all know i have been working full time since February this year, and have been struggling with all my extra curricular activites for sometime now. There just isnt enough time in the day, and i just can not stay awake longer than i am hahahahaha.......................................... so i have had to drop a few of my commitments.

Very sadly i have had to resign from my position on the Twiddleybitz Design Team. I have loved being apart of the team and had such great adventures with them over the last year or so. Please continue to follow them and there great product. You can join their ning site and be apart of the fun there, plus show everyone what you have made using their product. Ning Site.

This is a Laout i have recently done using there new Baby themed chippy bits. Its such a wonderful line.

Also I have recently made these cards using the coffe cups from the Angie Delaire range of products. Her paper embellishments are so bright and fun to use. These are one of my favorite designs.

The challenge for September is to you the Baby onsie embellishments whichan be found here and ribbon to create something. Check back here to see what i create and you can also see the work of the rest of the DT at the site.

I have been teaching classe at Tomorrows Memorie's for a good few months now, and im just loving my time there. There are some very very exciting classes coming up so pop over to the website to have a look at the calendar and the samples. Just gorgeous work to come and make.

Mel

Re-Define............

2011-08-05T20:20:00.004+08:00

so i think lot of you know Ali Edwards and her one little word concept right? i have chosen a word probably every year only to forget it within a week or so. this year was, is, different. i chose myself a word. i photographed that word, i thought about that word, and how it related to me in the world, and how i related to it. my word re-define has been lingering in my head and around my being all year. i think this could be it.

i'm tired, im restless, im drained, im feeling very very stale and just can't seem to pull myself out of this creative rut i'm in. i am creating, don't get me wrong. you all see the work i produce on a fairly regular basis, but it just isn't doing it for me anymore like it used to. am i in a creative groove that i can't get out of? am i just stale? am i trying to find meaning in something that doesn't really need any. i feel like i haven't created just for the sheer joy of it in sometime. not that i don't have fun doing what i'm doing, but i just don't get that high, that buzz that makes you work through the night to meet deadlines that are nigh on impossible to make anymore. am i just growing old and the stamina i once had is eluding me? is the lure of a warm comfy bed just far to tempting during winter? is it just sheer laziness? i'm not sure of any of these answers. and i'm really not sure what to do about it. i feel like running away to a whole other country, to experience something new again something that might spark that passion, that love, that excitement in my soul again.

Do i need to just stop. breathe, let the sun shine on my face, although that would be pretty hard right now. do i need to think back to how i used to play creatively, even without producing anything, just to play, to make marks, to play with colour, to see again? do i need to re-define?

how i create, why i create, re-define the reason i create? or re-define my creating to meet my reason?

is it just that old adage of the creative person struggling with who they want to be against who they have to be in this world?

i do think it's time. time to re-define all of it really.

wish me luck.

xxx

Wow, long time between posts!.....

2011-07-16T08:12:00.004+08:00

I think as has everyone else, I have been busy busy, busy! Simply haven't had time to sit down and blog.

I have been working away behind the scenes and can finally put up a bunch of work you may not have already seen yet. xx So let show and tell begin.

Gabrielle's Angel printers tray.........

2011-06-29T13:55:00.006+08:00

Why not spend this Saturday at Tomorrows Memories and do an amazing class with none other than Jenny Burns.

Using the gorgeous Gabrielle paper range and Dusty Attic printers tray, this is aclass not to be missed. Call TM's on 9279-2183.

While your there check out the mazing Create at Home kit that has been designed by Mistra Hoolahan.

Love

Mel xxxx

Brisbane Craft Expo this weekend..........

2011-06-06T19:03:00.002+08:00

So if you are in the Brisbane area and are looking for something to do this long weekend, Twiddleybitz is going to be at the Scrapbook and Papercraft Expo at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention centre. We are stand #60 so come along to get your hands on some of the very lastest release Twiddleybitz items, as well as being able to see work form all your favourite Twiddleybitz designers in the flesh!. And seriously just when you thought it couldn't be any better i have to let you know that 4 of our extremely talented team will be there all weekend long for you to meet and maybe hit them up for their favourite scrapbook secrets. So come on down to meet Melanie Forbes, Tiff Sawyer, Jennifer Hodges and Lisa Kamphius!!!!

June 11 - 13, 2011
June Long Weekend
Open 9am – 5pm daily
Brisbane Convention &
Exhibition Centre, South Bank

EXPO
TICKET
PRICES

Adults $14
Seniors, aged and disability pensioner $12
Children (5–16yrs) $7
Children under 5yrs free

TICKETS ALSO INCLUDE ENTRY
TO THE TEXTILE ART FESTIVAL!

Free Shipping at Angie Delarie's Etsy!!!!......

2011-06-05T15:58:00.005+08:00

Get yourselves over to the Angie Delarie shop for free shipping on all her yummy goodies. You'll need to use the code: musictomyears. Its worth a look as she has some awesome stamps and embellishments for you create bright and fun scrapbook layouts.

Mel

So much happening..........

2011-05-11T19:06:00.003+08:00

Where to start?........................ from today i think.

Twiddleybitz has had a bit of a makeover on the Ning! it looks so fresh and clean, it's just lovely! While your there stop by the forum and sign up for the card swap that is being run. It looks so much fun and I'm just about to head over and sign up myself. Also, there is a super awesome sketch challenge this month! such a great sketch, and i am totally playing along with this one!

What else?........... Tomorrows Memories is hosting a Biggest Morning Tea this Saturday to raise money for the Cancer Council. All the details can be found at the website. There is an Auction planned for the morning with both work, from people like Donna Salazar, and packs of new release product from all your favourite papercrafting companies all up for grabs. All the money from the Auction goes straight to the cancer council, so be sure to come along and join in the fun.

I think that is it for now, busy creating loads of new stuff to look at, so come back soon to see what i've been up too.

Mel

Where oh where have i been?......

2011-05-01T10:35:00.006+08:00

Well its been a few months since i have checked in hasn't it. Sorry for neglecting you little blog, but i have been so amazingly busy. What have I been doing you might ask???

Well i spent a good month or so job hunting. Applying for soooooo many jobs but im glad to say i am working again now. It took me a good few weeks to get used to the early starts and the full time hours and getting my head around all the procedures and computer packages, but im up and running now and having a fairly good time where i am. I have an amazing manager, he's just a pleasure to work with. Here's the view from my office window.

What else has happened in my life of late???? Well i have joined the team at Tomorrows Memories. I'll be teaching there from June and Im also a member of their Design Team. Its such a gorgeous shop and you should come check us out sometime. Vicki, Jo and Clori the owners are amazing, and the design team is to die for. So if your struggling for inspiration pop by and just take in the amazing work on display in store.

What else??? Well Twiddleybitz have released some more amazing chippy items. You should stop by the Ning site and see what all the amazing Design Team girls have been up too. I have had the pleasure of being able to play with these over the last month or so as well. So much happening isn't there! its keeping me busy and out of trouble! hahahaha. Here's some of the things i have been creating with the new chipboard.

So i have mor to share but i don't want to over load you today! come back soon for some more inspiration. I have been playing along with the "She art girls" series, and will show you my finished canvas's so far! xxx

Mel

Some Angie Delarie product love......

2011-03-19T17:00:00.004+08:00

Stop by the Angie Delarie Blog to see what the amazingly creative design team had been up to with her cool scrapbooking goodies.

I have had some fun playing with her Baby Jumpsuit Paper Embellishments. They are soooo very cute and could be used in so many ways! xxx

I have also been playing with one of her cute little stamps. This little guy is fast becoming one of may favourites. Firstly i used a simple stamped image on a layout, and then i stamped a whole bunch of these guys onto shrink plastic and made charms to create a charm bracelet.

Mel

Twiddleybitz Showcase at Aussie Scrap Source......

2011-03-11T12:08:00.002+08:00

Oh there is some yummy yummy Twiddleybitz inspiration over on the Aussie Scrap Source blog today.

Stop by and check it out, delish projects to drool over. xxx

a sad goodbye......

2011-02-21T20:51:00.000+08:00

Hiya Everyone. Just letting you all know that I have resigned from my job at Scraptivate today. It is time for me to move on and do something new.

I feel so completely privileged to have make some amazing and awesome friendships directly from my time at Scraptivate and also generally from within the amazing scrapbooking community. Thank you to everyone who has made me smile, offered their friendship and support and especially to those lovely customers who gave myself and all the staff at Scraptivate such lovely gifts and treats at Christmas.

I would like to thank Natalie Wolfe for giving a relative unknown Scrapbooker the opportunity a little over 4 years ago the chance to work and grow within the scrapbooking industry. It has changed my life.

Don’t despair though ladies, I am never to far away. I am here on face book far to often and my little blog is still ticking away so you’ll always know what I am up to.

Thank you. xxxxxxx

So much for two posts in one day! ..........

2011-02-14T21:48:00.008+08:00

hahahahaha sorry girls, i seemed to have gotten distracted for....... oh um seems like nearly two weeks.

I will say i have been very very busy sorting and packing all your donations for the QLD flood ladies and have just re-surfaced after a bit of a rest. If you would like to see how all this is going check it out on the special blog Jenny set up for this. here

Now i am getting straight down to it. I have been meaning to share exciting news for over a month now and just never get to it so I am doing that first up tonight.

First exciting news..... Im excited to announce that i have been chosen to join the Angie Delarie DT here in Perth. Im so excited, she makes the funkiest stamps and paper embellishments you have every seen. Go check them out here and whilst your there check out all the DT action.

Second big news...... Twiddleybitz has been picked up by a distributor in the USA!!! Yay twiddleybitz. thats only part of the big news. the other part is the DT was asked to do some very special work to go across as samples for the amazing chipboard they make at CHA!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!! i was sooooo excited. Just knowing my work was there was incredible. almost as good as being there but it could be the closest i get i think! hahaha here's what i did to send across to show the americans how clever our Aussie scrappers are.......

Ok next up. I have a Layout class coming up next week at Scraptivate. If you would like to come do a class with me just call the store to book your self in. Loads of fun distress techniques to grunge up your layout but while still keeping it pretty in a Mel kinda glitter and bling way.

Mel

xxx

Very long update......

2011-02-03T11:58:00.004+08:00

Prepare yourselves ladies........ I am updating my blog and i have lots to share!

First up Jenny and I would like to thank everyone for their generosity in donating craft goods to the collection that Michelle Jamison has spearheaded. Jenny and I have just been doing the co-ordinating for the Perth leg of this amazing appeal. For more details on where to donate un-need craft goods for all the ladies of Qld who have lost everything pop on over to the little blog Jenny created to keep all the info in one place here at Scrap Supply Donations. Don''t fret ladies there is still a little time if you want to drop stuff off to the stores for collection otherwise we could always give you a forwarding address to send your stash straight to Michelle if you'd like.

I'm sure when we first put out the call Jenny and i thought we might get enough items to fill a few boxes and we were happy to just post it all on. We have such an out pouring of goodwill from all you WA girls that we have sooooo much stuff to send to QLD that we had to look for alternative methods of sending all your donations. Thanks to Jenny's amazing working relationship with transport company Rand, we are pleased to announce that this generous company has offered to transport your donations for us for free.

As we truly appreciate their help we would like to give them a plug for their spirit in helping us help others. If at any time you need to use a transport company for various reason, in the future please check Rand out to see if they might meet your needs. Thanks so much to Rand we really really appreciate this.

Rand

Also Ladies if you would rather create finished layouts for Sharryn Thomson who is co-ordinating an album drive for the ladies who have lost there scrapbooks in the floods and now the cyclone, check out her appeal Rising Waters Flood Appeal.

As Sharryn Says We can make a difference. Get on board these great appeals to help out the crafters in our community that have lost everything in recent months.

Thanks ladies.

Mel

I will be back with installment two of today's update shortly.

Easy Money ........

2011-01-24T22:46:00.003+08:00

Would you like to win a $50 gift voucher to spend at Scraptivate?

Well you can, pop over to our facebook page for all the details. Its really simple you just need to become a member of our Ning forum, and like our facebook page to be in the running.

Mel xxx

January Guest Designer at Angie Delarie Products.......

2011-01-20T08:34:00.004+08:00

I am very excited to say that the Lovely Angie Delarie asked me to be the guest designer for Angie Delarie Products for the month of January. I was so excited to be able to work with one of her newest stamp, Panda Twinkle-lite. How adorable is he? This stamp was so easy to work with and has so many options of style it is insane. So heres a few things i have done so far. Im going to be incorporating him into a scrapbook layout also in the future. If you get a moment stop by Angie's etsy store and blog as she has some super fun products that are both great for scrapbooking or cardmaking.

Love

Mel xxxx

Poor little blog......

2011-01-18T22:44:00.006+08:00

My poor little blog has really been neglected. But im sure you were all just as busy in the weeks leading up to christmas as i was. I wont re-hash my christmas with you all and bore you all to tears, but it was brilliant, the best and very very fun. Since christmas i have been feverishly working away behind the scenes doing very exciting and very cool things. Sadly it will be a few more weeks before i can say anything about my very exciting news. xxx sorry.

I have been doing a bit of work i can share how ever so here goes in no particular order!

DT Call at the Polka Dot Place.......

2011-01-10T00:17:00.001+08:00

Well it’s time to start looking for a few design team member’s to help compliment The Polkadot Place ,so if you would like to join my team and work with LIL old me in promoting my kit club adventure I would like to see your work

Please email me three pages and one off the page, this could be anything such as a card, a mini album etc its up to you
You need to have a blog, be confident in your self to set challenges on the blog, if you have an idea as to how to put a sketch together that would be an added bonus but is not essential, as i may call on you to provide a few sketches.

Your pieces need to showcase your best work, I am looking for techniques, the way you coordinate your colours together and also placement and design of your LO’s
Please provide your postage address, your blog address and a bit of information about yourself, such as how long you have been scrapping what got you started, what gets you motivated to scrap, your family life and who else you design for? Please do not apply if you are already a design team member for another kit club
My email address is
enquiries@thepolkadotplace.com.au

Closing date is 20th January

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way.......

2010-12-11T13:00:00.001+08:00

Hohoho and welcome to my leg of the Twiddleybitz christmas Blog Hop. I hope your all well on your way to having everything organised for the big day. With only two weeks to go, i thought i had better get my Christmas cards done ready to go out with my gifts. I wanted to do some quick simple cards, but alas that just didn't happen.

This first card is really really growing on me. I have used one of the new release Twiddleybitz chipboard angels and gotten out my smooch inks and cotton buds and gone to town on this gorgeous angel.

For my second card I wanted to use one of the Twiddleybitz Hanging frames so I could use the mirror pieces that Mr and Mrs Twiddley made to fit inside. I just love these, and had to use a Merry Christmas rub-on on it.

Thanks for stopping by to have a look at what Ive done for the Hop. Hope you like them.

I would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe and warm in the love of your families and we will see you all again next year.

Merry Christmas xxxx

New Release Twiddleybitz!.....

2010-12-07T10:39:00.004+08:00

I have had the pleasure of playing with some new release Twiddleybitz chipboard shapes and kits. I have to say ladies they are just delightful. There is a whole high Tea and Fairy range which is so very cute and just perfect for all your party needs. Below is the single cupcake stand, which i turned into a candle plinth! hehee

This is the new Chest kit which is amazing and is really really quick to put together.

I have used some of the swirls from the new basic swirls pack. Trust me these are really fabbo and have so many uses.

And again on this layout i have used some High Tea chippy shapes (teapot, cups and flowers) and a fairy from the fairy collection. these are amazing also, so cute and make such pretty embellishments for your pages. xxx

Mel

xxx

Scrapbook Apprentice time again.....

2010-12-01T07:51:00.003+08:00

Its time to stop by the Printblocks website and cast your vote for your Fave Scrapbook Apprentice. Here are the three Layouts i did for this round.

Thanks for your support everyone, now go vote!

Mel

Creative Overload.....

2010-11-06T21:40:00.006+08:00

I have to say that my mojo is back and it is here in a big big way. I have been working like crazy over the past few weeks doing work for both Scraptivate and Twiddleybitz to take with them to the Penrith Papercraft festival. I won't waffle on and just show you what i have been up to. There is more, but i have to wait for the pretty things to come back next week to photograph them for you.

Wow, when you put it up little that it does seem like a lot. Let me know what you like the best from my lastest batch of creations?

Mel

Ready for Christmas yet?......

2010-10-18T09:33:00.002+08:00

Why not get ready for Christmas by getting your Christmas cards done early this year. Come along and i will show you how to make 8 quick simple cards that you can quickly and easily reproduce to get out to all you over seas, and interstate family early this year.

Scrap Room Bonanza....

2010-10-16T22:28:00.003+08:00

So over at the Twiddleybitz Ning we have a Scrap Room Bonanza Giveaway. All you have to do is blog your scraproom or creative space for everyone to see, post a link in the thread on the ning and visit everyone else's blog and leave a comment and you can win yourself a whole bunch of yummy chipboard. Now if your sitting there thinking OMG!!!!! my room is: to messy, to small, to empty, to boring don't be shy. Cos seriously take a gander at mine! OMG is right.......... chaotic crazy mess you say, damn straight, but you know what it's mine, it makes me happy (except when i can't find that one thing i know is in there somewhere) and it's where all my creations out from. Take the challenge, share your space and have a look at where everyone else creates.

Mel

xxx

Time to vote for your favourite Scrapbook Apprentice again......

2010-10-04T10:37:00.003+08:00

So ladies it is that time again, stop by the Print Blocks website to check out all the Scrapbook Apprentice action and vote for your favourite Scrapbooker. Here's my submission for this rounds challenge, had a fun time interpreting the "inspiration" theme. My inspiration was my fave photos from my trip to New Zealand, and how they were the first of many amazing shots as my photography improves.

Here is a sampling of some of the other contestants work.... don't forget to vote!!!

Mel xxxx

Im making my way back...........

2010-10-03T14:24:00.004+08:00

Hello Bloggers. Sorry i have been missing for some time now, but as we all know and experience in our creative lives, sometimes the magic just leaves. It packs up and goes on an extended holiday. Im hoping my creative urge is making its way home, but until then i shall struggle to get anything much done. Despite my affliction i have managed to do a few pieces of work in the last 1-2 months, heres the highlights........

Mel xxx

Awesome classes at Scraptivate this week.........

2010-09-07T08:48:00.001+08:00

Are you looking for something creative to do this weekend? Why not book yourself into a class at Scraptivate? Keep reading for some great special offers on our classes this week ....

First up this Thursday is Kelsey's ATC class "Soot Technique" ....
limited space left in this class so be quick!

Before you know it Christmas will be here - what better gift idea then a mini album? Mel is teaching a tabbed mini album class this Thursday afternoon ....

We have Natalie's regular Tile Collage Class this Saturday morning. This fortnight's technique is working with Clear Resin - learn how to create fantastic embellishments with Resin that can be used on all of your papercraft and scrapbooking projects.

Then on Saturday afternoon we have an awesome cardmaking class for you taught by the lovely Jenny Burns. In this class you'll learn all about the wonders of Twinkling H2O's ...

And last but not least for this week Megan has an awesome class teaching the magic of Shrink Plastic. If you want to learn how to make some awesome embellishments this class is a must!

Now for our special offer!

Book any one of the above classes and save $5 off the class cost when you mention this blog post!

CALL US ON 9444 6626 TO BOOK NOW!

Some new work to share......

2010-08-28T21:00:00.003+08:00

Firstly I had the privilege of working with the Twiddleybitz Living Book. Its a fantastic project that is perfect for documenting the life of someone, in this case it's going to be for documenting the life of my kitty Olive. I was very lucky to be asked to do this project to be taken over to Paperific and showcased there in the Twiddleybitz booth.

Secondly below is my August DT project for Scraptivate. I got to work with Basic Grey Green at Heart range of papers and a bunch of yummy yummy embellishment including the Starburst German Scrap Borders. I had a lot of fun turning these bright colours into a wintery layout. Stop by the Scraptivate Ning to see what the rest of the team has been playing with this month.

Let me know what you think of my latest creations?

Mel

xxx

Twiddleybitz Blog hop RAK winner.....

2010-08-23T12:10:00.003+08:00

And the winner is...........

Jules.

send me an email at lissyk@iprimus.com.au and I shall get your box of goodies in the mail as soon as i can.

Sorry for the delay on the drawing of the winner ladies, but it has been a very eventfully few weeks in the Connell/Yukich household. It involves a broken collarbone and looking after a 36 year old babyman. hehehe. xxxxx

Mel

xxx

Hip Hop, and don't stop........

2010-08-07T17:32:00.005+08:00

Hi Everyone, thanks for stopping by my blog..... the last hop on toady's fun. Firstly i would like to welcome you all, have a look around, i'll be be hanging out on the Twiddleybitz Ning if you want to chat. I'm so excited as this is my very very first Blog Hop. I was definitely at the movies the day the memo came around about this kinda fun, but here we are.

Now I don't know about you, but I have had both sizes in the twiddleybitz Winged Heart Shadow box in my stash for little while and have wanted to do something with them really really badly. So I took this opportunity to do so. Now the first thing you will notice is that they no longer have their wings. I wanted to drop these into a canvas ( a technique shown to me by the wonderful Mel Forbes) and the wings just didn't look right, so i took to them with my Stanley knife and cut them off

I added lots of Twiddleybits leaves and fern which are just divine to work with, a bit of bling, and some cute little flowers. Photos of my little family into the shadow boxes, connected them with some chain and added the mandatory ribbon and bow.

For anyone who knows me, I love a good bit of ribbon and I usually tie a big bow in it. heheh

Don't forget ladies to leave a comment and tell me what you thing about my little creation. If you leave a comment, you will go in to a little draw to receive a bunch of Twiddleybitz goodies from me.

Next up on the Twiddleybitz blog hop will be Tracy Wyldman at 10 am tomorrow morning (eastern Standard Time). Don't forget to come back and see what the rest of the Twiddleybitz team has in store for you tomorrow.

Thanks for visiting,

Mel

Jewellery class with Christine Atkins......

2010-08-05T13:43:00.002+08:00

A few weeks back i had the amazing pleasure of taking a class with Christine Atkins, artist extraordinaire. Her work is amazingly beautiful and so incredibly inspiring. We were shown how to make our own keepsake birdcage necklace. the class was incredible, and i learnt so much on the day, things I've always wanted to learn, and now i know. I was so pleased with my finished product, so so so very happy with. Let me know what you think of it too! xxx

Now dont forget everyone, we have the Twiddleybits Blog Hop this weekend. If you want to join in the fun, hopping from blog to blog seeing new work, being inspired and for the chance to win a few prizes, meet at the Twiddleybitz Ning site at 6:30pm Fri 6th Aug. (thats tomorrow night!). its all explained there and you'll have heaps of fun. xxxx

Mel

Voting still open......

2010-08-04T21:39:00.001+08:00

Visit the Printblocks blog and leave a post voting for me. xxxxx

MY newest DT project for Scraptivate.....

2010-08-03T13:52:00.003+08:00

I was given a really awesome collection of things from Natalie this past month to creat something with. The biggest part of the project was a Kaiser clock, and then a bunch of goodies like scrapware trees, tim holtz paper and printed transparency, brand new german scrap. This is what I came up with......

Can you tell I love snow? Yeah i don't think so... hehehehehe.

Mel

xxx

Twiddleybitz Blog hop this weekend.......

2010-08-03T13:50:00.001+08:00

Join us this weekend for our first ever Twiddleybitz blog hop. There's a weekend of inspiration from our talented designers, chatting and some fabulous RAK'S and prizes to be won. And don't worry, if you have never done a blog hop before, all you need to do is check out the Ning forum at 6.30pm AEST this Friday, Aug 6th for all the details. Hope to see you there for some fun and happy hopping :):):)

Mel

Twiddleybitz at the Claremont Craft Show.....

2010-07-27T20:24:00.001+08:00

http://www.trueblue-exhibitions.com.au/craft2010/index.html

Who's going to be stopping by to say hello, and see all the new goodies that Twiddleybitz has to offer?

Hope some of you get the chance to come on down.

Mel

Its time to vote for your Favorite Scrapbook Apprentice.....

2010-07-27T13:53:00.004+08:00

Visit the Printblocks blog and leave a post voting for me. xxxxx

Who is going to give this a go?......

2010-07-06T10:39:00.000+08:00

2010-07-04T00:52:00.000+08:00

Some more Twiddleybitz gallery love.....

2010-06-21T08:58:00.002+08:00

I had a huge creative burst over the weekend and managed to get a few more projects finished for Twiddleybitz, stop by the gallery and see what all the other girls are doing also, so much amazing work being posted there.

Mel

Newest Design Team Lo........

2010-06-18T20:34:00.003+08:00

So this month, Natalie gave me some awesome Twiddleybits chipboards to play with along with some Fusible film. This stuff is awesome! I must confess though that i have had some fusible film for some time now and not really known what to do with it. It wasn't until a few weeks ago, when the amazing Linda Baldock was here that i was privy to her knowledge on using the film. I have to say, Im totally hooked! I just want to put it on every project now. Now thing is, you can play with it too! we just got in a whole bunch of fab colours to be had. Look here for your faves.

Let me know what you think about this current lo I have done, I love to hear what you have to share.

Mel xxx

Im a Twiddler!.......

2010-06-16T21:24:00.004+08:00

I am very happy to let you all know that I have been chosen to join the Twiddleybitz Design Team. I am sooo super excited. It may surprise you but this is my first DT position outside of Scraptivate, so im just a little pleased with myself. hehehehe. If you would like to have a look see at the gallery go to the Twiddleybitz Ning and have a squizz.

I just wanted also to thank everyone who has been to the Print blocks Website to vote to keep me in the scrapbook Apprentice comp, I truly appreciate it and have loved reading all your comments. Now we hold our breath and cross our fingers.

Mel

Crown/Wing Plaque......

2010-06-14T14:00:00.002+08:00

So Yesterday I had the privilege of teach a group of 8 amazing women how to put together the Collections 3d crown and wings to create this little plaque. A massive thank you goes out you all, Caroline, Denise, Elli, Tanya, Brenda, Karen, Lisa and Mandy! xxx Thanks for making it an absolutely wonderful afternoon. I was so excited and charged after the class I was awake until about 2am creating! so thank you for that also. xxx You all did a fabulous job and as you can see they were all gorgeous and so very different with each of the girls personal styles!

Also, I have spent the day playing around to give my blog a bit of a make over. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think?

Mel

3D crown class.......

2010-06-10T21:41:00.001+08:00

Time to vote for your Scrapbook Apprentice!.....

2010-06-08T14:39:00.003+08:00

Ok ladies, I need you to all go over to here and vote to keep me in the Scrapbook Apprentice comp.

I received second place with the Judges vote, and now I need your help to stay in the comp. If you would like to see me go through to the next round, please stop by and leave a comment saying you like my work!

Cheers, thanks girls, I really appreciate it!

Mel

xxx

Scraptivate is having a massive sale!.....

2010-06-04T20:08:00.001+08:00

Just One More Sleep ......

Until our GIANT END OF FINANCIAL YEAR SALE ...

We are still at the shop marking a massive amount of stock down and thought we would take a break to share some of the bargains ....

Cricut Cartridges were $159.95 Now $86.00!!!!
Images Sheets from just 50 cents!
Stickers from just 99 cents!
Hambly Rub ons from $2
Selected Prima Stamps BELOW COST!
Grungeboard Numbers Reduced from $25.95 to $6.48 THAT'S CRAZY!!
Maya Road ribbons 50 cents per metre
Stamps from $2.00
Already reduced Clearance Papers reduced a further 30%!

The craziness continues ....

7 Gypsies Ribbon Packs $2.50
Prima Stitched Paper $3.50

ALL GERMAN SCRAP a massive 30% OFF
ALL STAMPS a massive 25% OFF
ALMOST ALL Patterned Papers 30% OFF
CUTTLEBUG DIES AND EMBOSSING FOLDERS 25% OFF
SPELLBINDERS 25% OFF
SIZZIX Dies and Embossing Folders (ex. Tim Holtz) 35% off

AND SO MUCH MORE IT IS JUST COMPLETLEY CRAZY!!!!!!!!

So before you do anything else this weekend - come and take a look at Scraptivate and pick up a bargain .... it will definitely be worth the trip!

2010-06-01T18:14:00.000+08:00

ROUND ONE

Projects from our Australian Scrapbook Apprentices are in! This round's challenge was:

Create at least 1 Layout, 1 Card & 1 Off the Page project using the products enclosed. You may use plain card/paperstock as well as florals and limited effects (embossing, inking etc.). Your theme for this round is "Christmas in July"

To see all of our apprentices' work and the judges' thoughts you will need to pick up
issue 21 of docrafts Creativity! Magazine (find your local stockist here).
Here are our winners and notable entries for round one!

* When voting, please note: the judges want to know your opinions on the projects submitted, not just who you think is awesome (though we certainly know why you think so)! Only thoughtful, constructive and applicable comments will be considered when judges convene and also to decide our "peoples choice" for round one, so tell us which projects you liked, which you loved and which you thought needed a little bit of something extra (and what you think they needed).

Finally she scraps.......

2010-05-24T21:37:00.003+08:00

So its been a few weeks since I have actually created anything remotely scrapbooky, but the dam has finally been broken and today I scrapped. Yay, not my best, but its cute, its got the ball rolling and hopefully there is lots more to come.

I actually did this for a challenge over at the colour room challenge site. Pop by and have a go sometime, really great colour themes and great sketches to get your creativity flowing. Let me know what you think of this latest creation people, i really need the feedback.

Mel xxxxx

Mel's butterfly canvas descends on Perth......

2010-05-19T10:39:00.004+08:00

So ladies i know we all love butterflies, who couldn't, so when Julie Van Oosten from Collections Elements asked me to make some samples for her for her booth at SIA recently, one of the first things i fell in love with was her new printed butterfly prints. The first thing i made her was a very simple very cute little butterfly specimen canvas.

The pictures above are of the second version i made of this gorgeous canvas. I had the pleasure of teaching this canvas to a group of amazing ladies at Scraptivate this last Sunday just pasted. They all had a really great time as they created their own little butterfly Masterpieces.

Seems this canvas was a fave of so many people that my humble little canvas was taught all over this fair city this weekend just past. It also happened to be taught to a rather large group of ladies at WA Create over that weekend as well. It is such a lovely feeling to know that people out there really appreciate the work I do, and there is no better compliment than that of others wanting to re-create it for themselves. Its really lovely to know something i created, and that people loved some much, is hanging in homes across or wonderful city.

New Collections Goodies.

2010-05-04T15:02:00.004+08:00

I have been working away behind the scenes again this year creating new work using all the new Collection goodies that are released at SIA today. All the goodies are available at Scraptivate as we speak, so get down there and grab some of these gorgeous things. Here are some of the new chipboard goodies that are available.

Mel xxx

2010-04-26T21:13:00.000+08:00

How the voting will work for Scrapbook Apprentice.....

2010-04-16T22:00:00.002+08:00

So you will be able to vote for you fave scrapper in the Scrapbook Apprentice competition here.

At the moment, they are doing a poll for your initial thoughts from the sample LO's from Issue 19, but voting for the first official round will Commence once Issue 20 has hit the stands. I shall keep you updated with when you can pop over and vote for your Fave scrapper (hopefully thats me :) ) I think this competition is going to be close, so don't stand back and watch your fave scrapper voted out.

Mel

My little Secret Revealed......

2010-04-01T22:15:00.004+08:00

I am so glad that I can finally tell you all about my little piece of exciting news. I have been chosen as one of the 12 finalists in the Printblocks Do Craft Scrapbook Apprentice Competition. Yay me. I am eagerly awaiting my first pack of goodies so I can get my first challenge under way. Stay tuned here for all the info you will need to follow this competition along and to get behind your fave scrapper, (hopefully thats me, but you never know).

It is a knock out challenge over the next year. The finalist get to scrap something for you all to vote on and then one person is voted out and the others continue on until just one is left! There can be only one (had to get a Highlander quote in there! hehehe).

If you haven't seen the Creativity Magazine or some of the great products that Do-Craft have check them out here. The Mag is only $4.99 and you get something free with it every month. This month free is a set of clear stamps. Awesome value.

I think this is going to be a great competition, so lets get behind it girls!

Mel

xxxxxx

A scrappy Update.....

2010-03-08T09:03:00.002+08:00

Do you ever feel like your are always busy, but never getting anything done. Mmmmm might need to look at a time management course! xxx

Anyhoo, what do you all think of my latest scrapping triumphs?

Mel

xxxx

Ballet and Kittens......

2010-03-06T22:21:00.003+08:00

So was lucky enough to be given a ticket to the Western Australian Ballet Quarry season for Christmas last year. Such an amazing gift. I was so excited about going with my sister in law Sarah. We packed an amazing picnic dinner complete with Rose water cake and sat in the cool afternoon breeze and waited for the Ballet to start. It had been in incredibly hot and humid day in Perth, and unfortunately all that moisture has to go somewhere and I think it all landed on the stage at the Ballet. So the ballet had to be cancelled as the floor was far too slippery for the dancers to even contemplate going on, but the head of the Company did bring the dancers out to give us all a little story about the dance careers. Lets just say Ballet dancers with no stage like to have a little fun, so two of the male ballet dancers decided to entertain us with there version of Beyonce's All the single ladies. It was sooooo fabulous, both guys did a fantastic job and it let us in stitches and ended with and applause to bring down the house.

Needless to say where invited back another night to see the Ballet which was wonderful. Honestly if you get the chance treat your self to a night at the Quarry to watch the West Australian Ballet company. Truly inspirational.

So we have had a birthday in our house....... my baby Olive is now One years old....... boohooohooo. No more baby kitten. But despite her age she is still so full of fun and life, never a dull moment and she is so so so cute and adorable. I do how ever constantly have to remind her that she is too big for the vase these day, but every now and then she just checks to make sure. I managed to snap these pics a few weeks ago. she tried desperately to get in. Sorry honey, you just don't fit anymore! xxx

Happy First Birthday Dear Olive ! xxxx So compare her now to her in the vase about 9 months ago. Hahaha I can't believed she fit and that it was her fave hang out.

Mel

xxx

Looking for something to do this weekend?

2010-03-04T01:36:00.001+11:00

Why not come and do a class with me?

Prima has a give away! .....

2010-03-04T01:28:00.004+11:00

That's Right! Prima is giving away two more AMAZING prize packages in conjunction with our BIG SECRET!

We want EVERYONE to have a chance to win so we are changing the rules a bit.

Please copy this write-up and link us on your blog, Facebook, or any other site that you frequent (please follow their TOU).
Then post here with a link to your blog, Facebook or site post for your chance to win BIG with Prima!
One US and one International winner will be chosen on Thursday, March 4th, 2010.

And we are getting closer and closer to revealing our secret-it won't be long now!

Just a couple more days of suspense!

Just got to here and do the same thing as I have!

I am finally back in the land of technology...

2009-12-31T20:28:00.006+11:00

I'm back! Yay, i cant believe how much one can miss their computer until it is gone!

So i have a new putey, plenty of hard drive for my pics and there is no stopping me now.

So how is everyone, keeping well i hope. I have got a whole lotta things going on around me at the moment, so I'm here to update you all.

First of all Scraptivate has now got its very own forum! Hallelujah. I can't tell you how much i have want one of our very own. so pop over an join up and join in the fun here.

Also, I have start a little photo challenge site here. So pop on over to Shutter also and sign up and join in the fun there too! We are setting a prompt every two weeks, so there is plenty of time to get out into the world and capture it. You can have as many pictures for each prompt as you like, and i know the address is shuttergirls, but it is for boys to! I be willing send a little something special to the first guy to sign up!

Ok a scrapbook up date. I have been working heaps but as I haven't had puter access since Sept I have been really slack as to taking pics of my work, but i took a couple today for you to see. Tell me what you think!

And an Olive update...... She's just about all grown up. She's totally cute and is so much fun. Even though she did knock over the Christmas tree and manage to break a few glass ornaments.

It's amazing how much has happened in the past three months and because you can't tell your stories then and there you forget some of them I am sure. Other random things that have happened......

This is Jen and me on our Big girls night out to see..............

New Moon.

We had dinner out and saw the movie. We had both been hanging out to see this since we'd been to see that last one!

I have had a wonderful Christmas break with all of my families and I'm looking forward to a grown up New Years eve Party tonight! go Jen! xxx

Well that's me till another day, stop by leave me a message, and please pop by Shutter and say hello also! Would love to see you there!

Mel

xxxx

Lost......

2009-12-15T00:01:00.002+11:00

Yep, I have been lost in action. But hopefully from here I can get back o the blogging wagon. Just a quick post let you all know I am still alive, scrapping and being my usual busy self.

I am having trouble with my puter, hard drive is full, so i can't upload any new photos at the moment and my camera is getting very full. Hopefully we will decided on a new exteranl hard drive and ill be back in action.

Just going to leave you with a picture of myself, my Mum and my Brother from our trip to Sydney in Sept. That's how slack i have been, It's taken me three months to post a picture! hehe

Mel xxxx

Up coming class at Scraptivate...

2009-11-11T12:57:00.003+11:00

If you would love to come along and create this gorgeous LO with me simply call Scraptivate to book in. Its a fabulous page for the more formal moment like weddings of school balls. I'll be showing you some stamping, layering and how to use Perfect Pearls on your layouts

Up coming class's at Scraptivate...

2009-10-06T11:05:00.004+08:00

Just a quick ad for my next upcoming class's at Scraptivate.

First we have a beautiful shadow box. Ideal for one of those very special photo's and it would also make a fantastic gift for someone as we get closer to christmas.

And then I am also teaching a Scrapbooking Lo class all about making your own embellishments from scratch. Come along a learn how to make your own faux resin embellishments, make your own flowers and much more.

Massive Update....

2009-09-18T18:45:00.004+08:00

So I have been home a week, managed to catch a cold, have worked heaps, got a few goodies finished for classes that I will sneek peak here when I have had a little photo shoot, and Generally had a great time.

Last thursday was my birthday, went to the movies in the day and then went to dinner with Lawley and his family, and back for cake. It wasn't just a cake, it was an amazing creation that I have been eating for a week now..........Lawley made me a peanut butter pie! I love peanut butter, but no one else in the family does, so it was all mine. There is no photo eveidence, because as Im sure it is the same for all your scrapbookers out there, if your not taking the photo's there is never either any unblurry ones, or they are just so not flattering.

Im teaching a christmas card class next week at Scraptivate so if you'd like to come along and join in the fun, and get your christmas card making under way call the shop and book yourself in.

Also I have managed to take a few pics of some work that I have done resently........I have been so bad at this of late. Let me know what you think. The first is a canvas I did as apart of the Embellished Idol comp. It's a photo of my Grandma. I've been a bit nostalgic with her of late. Things are moving on for her, Im watching her fall in to dementia, having to move to her a home for the elderly, and her just not being herself. It's hard to watch, and it is hard to cope with. But Im remembering her......... the real her, and that's why I think I need to do this canvas. Scrapbooking is really great therapy isn't it?

The second is a Kaiser mirror I did for a DT project a few months back at Scraptivate.

I'll Hopefully be back over the weekend to have a little picture update of my trip.

Mel xxx

And the winner is......

2009-09-10T16:52:00.003+08:00

I got my trusty little helper Olive to help me choose......and without suspence, the winner is FI!!!!

Congrats........send me your post details to lissyk@iprimus.com.au and I shall get the box out to you in the next week.

I have had such a good birthday, and am in such a fantastic mood, I have decided to add more stuff to the RAK box and I am also giving a small something to the second name drawn out by my Partner Lawley.

That Person is Dorothy C!!! Yeah. Email me your post details also to address above and a little something is on its way to you.

Have a great afternoon, and I shall be back soon with some pics from my trip.

Mel

xxx

Rak.....

2009-08-28T18:45:00.003+08:00

So as I am not going to be here for a few weeks, I thought I shall leave a RAK post. Now Im doing this for a few reasons...... 1. it's my birthday soon and I love to give presents on my birthday, 2. Im coming up to having 10 thousand visitors to my blog which is so amazing. I love that. and 3. it wll give you all something to do on my blog while I am away.

So here's the deal....... you need to leave me a post, tell me the last time you were truly surprised.

You have until the 9th Sept to leave your post, and I shall draw a winner on the 10th Sept.

What do you get....... well I have made up a very large box full of all kinds of crafty stuff. I would post a pic, but someone left her camera at a friends last weekend, and I still haven't been able to pick it up. But trust me it will be worth the post. Any one can enter, no matter where in the world you live.

So that's it for now, create, have fun, and leave me post while I am gone, and see you all on the 10th Sept!

Mel

Honestly it's a really big vase.....

2009-08-28T18:33:00.002+08:00

I have had a few concerned emails regarding Olive in the vase. It's a really big vase, plenty of space for her to roll around in and she gets in and out very easily. She even stopped to have a bit of a bath at one point. hehe...... she's so cute. She gets in and out of everything...... it's her thing. Leave a bag or a box around and she claims it and gets in. So she's fine, all well and just having much kitty fun.

Mel

A new day....

2009-08-24T13:59:00.003+08:00

Before I forget again, I didn't add a link to Kayla's blog, pop on over and check it out, she is very talented and such a beautiful person.

So.......... how do I start??? Lets just say that I haven't been in a good place for most of this year. I have felt gloomy, dark and overcast. But I have been feeling the stirrings of a new beginning coming. I need to throw open the curtains and let the light rain in, get out into the wind and blow the stink off so to speak. My creativity and my creativeness has suffered terribly I feel, and I need to get a whole new outlook on it.

I think I am going to set my self little tasks, to help crawl my way out of this hole. I really haven't been taking any photo's really much this year, and I need to just get out into the world and start taking pictures. So that is what I am going to do for the next few weeks, take heaps of photos! I think that's a good start!

I have been taking part in Embellished Idol for that past few weeks which has been great. It's getting me to think outside my comfort zone and I think the gates of creativity are starting to open again. Here's the first three weeks LO's I have done for the comp, let me know what you think?

Week one

Week two

Week three

So there is a week four, but I haven't yet got a photo to blog, but I will sometime this week.

I am off on a small holiday this weekend with my Mum and Brother. We are off to Sydney on a family holiday which we haven't done since I was about 10 I think, so Im really looking forward to just hanging out with them and having some fun.

Have fun yourself!

Mel

Sunday Randomness....

2009-08-23T17:32:00.002+08:00

I saw this on Kayla's blog, so thought I'd give it a go:

Outside my window...... Sun setting in an over cast sky.

I am thinking..... That I need to cull my creative stash. It's starting to slide of my bench.

I am thankful for....... Love.

I am wearing.... Jeans, and a really bad over sized, but so warm wooly jumper.

I am going..... to keep cleaning tonight, done the floors in the dinning/kitchen, now to vacumn the carpet.

I am hoping..... that tomorrow will be sunny!

I am hearing...... the sounds of the street, a bird chirping, and a kitten purring.

Around the house....... football being watched, chocolate macaroons baking, and the tapping of keyboard keys.

One of my favourite things....... potato. I did say it was random sunday! hehe

A few plans for the rest of the week..... bit more cleaning, a bit of work, a bit of creating, and then packing for my trip to Sydney next Sunday.

A picture to share.....Inside the vase is clearly the best place to be! xx

A quick Olive update.....

2009-08-18T08:59:00.003+08:00

She is getting so big. I can't believe she is almost a grown up cat. It's only a few weeks now and we have to take her of to be sterilized. Oh...shed a tear, as my baby kitten is almost gone. On the bright side though, she is such a character. Still loves her boxes and plastic bags. Here's a little collection of pic of her over the last month or so.

sigh....... she still heaps cute and super fun. She pretty much keeps me entertained. I have been doing quite a bit of creative work over that last few weeks, so I shall be back soon with a bunch of pics of my work. Till then have fun.

Mel

August Scraptivate Design Team Project....

2009-08-13T15:13:00.003+08:00

Here are two layouts I have done this month with my Design Team pack from Scraptivate. I was fortunate enough to get the Limited Edition Great Escape range from Making Memories. It's a gorgeous range with stunning papers and transparencies, bamboo wood letter, boxes of paper flowers and buttons....the list goes on really.

My first Layout is of a photo I took as we were approaching Lake Tekapo in New Zealand. This range was perfect for this photo, especially the Destination transparancy. I have also used one of the new Martha Stewert border and corner punches, a crafty lady mould which I filled with melted UTEE from my Ranger Melt Pot. I gessoed and painted then rub and Buffed it. I think think it came out amazing, but then I am a little bit bias.

My second layout using the same Great Escape travel range, I wanted to use this photo of my friend Heather at her birthday, the range had the best colour pallet to go with it, but I have been able to alter a few items to make them less tropical and more suited for a birthday. The first thing I did was crackle paint the hibiscus flowers with Tim Holtz copper crackle paint. This made them more just like large metallic flowers. I also loved the edge of the postage stamp/map paper, but I covered up the centre map part with this bright floral piece of paper from the same range. I also stamped on the plain blue colour paper with embossing ink and used perfect pearls to add a pattern to the plain sheet.

Let me know what you think?

Mel

She's a good watch cat! ....

2009-07-01T23:29:00.001+08:00

What more can I say?...... she keeps watching TV even when I fall asleep.

A little bit of new work....

2009-07-01T23:22:00.002+08:00

This is sneak peek at a class that I will will be teaching soon. If you would like to come along and join in the fun, pop on over to here, and give us a call.

It's a gorgeous quote canvas with a delightful tree, butterflies, bling, pearls and topped off with a huge bow. What more could you ask for. Come on into the store to see the canvas in it's entirety and let me know what you think.

Just a LO I have completed in the last week.

Where's the best place to sleep on a cold winters night..........?

2009-06-28T19:28:00.001+08:00

Right here, in her mummy's jacket.

Craftroom Kitty.....

2009-06-23T10:10:00.003+08:00

So someone is making herself very much at home in my craft room. It's lovely, she follows me in, scopes out the best possy and watches........ for a min, and then everything is far to exciting and she wants to help. On top of the Cuttlebug basket is her fave spot if I'm in the room, (she goes in and plays with things when I'm not home, find ribbon and brads on the floor sometimes) and the window sill is fast becoming the spot to sleep.

Poor Olive is nursing a bruised ego this morning though. She comes everywhere with me. Literally, she sits on the side of the shower and waits for me (getting wet the whole time), sleeps with me, come to the toilet with me........ and this was her down fall today. She is usually very careful, wants to check everything out, but this morning got a little too cocky and before I had a change to put the toilet lid down, Olive jumped up....... and this was priceless, as she is starting to come down I can see she is going "wholly crap where's the lid" and subsequently ended up in the bath. It frightened her, poor little thing, but the most traumatic part was I had to give her a bit of a bath to clean her up. She didn't love it and is a bit grumpy and not really talking to me now.

Oh wait, she's just jumped into my lap....... must have gotten over it already.

Mel

Standing on my LO's......?

Creative at last!!!!!

2009-06-18T16:55:00.004+08:00

I had a day of free flowing creativity yesterday! Finally, something to show, something that I am proud of.

Pop on over and check out what everyone else did the for the latest challenge at Aussie dares.

Here it is, my Rub-ons dare......

Let me know what you think?

Mel

MIA.....

2009-06-16T22:07:00.005+08:00

So I know I have been missing for quite a while....... but for some reason I have just not wanted to do anything. Literally....... so i went with it. So the other day, I was finally over come with drive, so I got myself outside and photographed the few things I have managed to do over the past few months (which isn't a lot at all) and here's a few. Now I not that thrilled with a few of them, I have a had an incredible dry creative patch, and most of the time I'm sure my mojo was on holiday in Paris or something, cos it certainly wasn't with me. It's starting to come good now, touch wood, hopefully, thank goodness! Got few things up my sleeve and shall be posting some more images of them and some up coming class sneak peaks very soon.

Mel xx

To Funny.....

2009-05-30T19:50:00.002+08:00

She's growing up so fast.....

2009-05-06T22:43:00.005+08:00

Just a quick picture update of Olive! She already seems sooooo much bigger and grown up to when I brought he home two weeks ago! Boohoo. She is so sweet, I just love her little kitty kisses, and she is so excited to see me when I come home! aaaooohhh.......... much kitten sweetness.

Oh don't her ears just kill you? they do me, they are just so cute!!!! Now I promise I will be back very soon with some pics of some creating I have been doing! Finally, I have gotten some done!

Mel

Five days to go......

2009-04-21T07:27:00.003+08:00

There is only five days to go until Olive comes home to stay! Now I have been so excited, and I think everyone around me is soooooo over it. I kind of reminds me of how excited you used to get as a child waiting for Christmas morning. You know it is coming, but it just seems to be taking forever! Now I promise I wont harp on about her too much, but here's a few pics to update you all. She is soooo darn cute! I took her to the vet last week to get her vaccination, and we had a quick 20 min home visit just to play a little bit! I just love her folded ears, such an adorable trait. It's cool though, the vet said she has no problems hearing and it won't ever be a problem in the future. Oh.................five more days...............I'm having a week at home next week with her. It's the least I could do after ripping her away from her Mother and brothers and sisters. I'm hoping to spend the week playing with her, and scrapping, so hopefully I will have a bunch of new layouts to show next week.

Have fun

Mel xxx

What a weekend........

2009-04-13T21:37:00.003+08:00

I don't think I have been this socially busy since Christmas, so I am exhausted after this Easter weekend. Friday was spent making hotcross buns and playing games with Lawley's family (love this time with them). Saturday I did work, and it was an extremely bust day, lots of people coming to purchase supplies so they could scrapbook there weekend away (what a way to spend it I might add, i was only slightly jealous). I had a movie night on Saturday night with Emma and Kaylee which was great, I had a fantastic time, but i did end up crawling into bead at around 2 am. Normally this would have been fine, but I had the Family egg hunt at 9:30 in the morning. I have to admit my late night did hamper my hunting skills, and i missed a lot of hidden eggs. (wasn't really much of a problem, I really didn't need them). Sunday afternoon I spent on the river foreshore with my family which was just great, so relaxed, and so nice as I hadn't seen most of them since September last year ( I missed Christmas, so I didn't get to catch up then). So Sunday night I had a massive scrap session with Megan, Jen and Sharon. Awesome time, lots of talking about rubbish, a few sing alongs, much amazing scrap booking and to top it off.....Pizza! What a great night. But I haven't finished........i crawled into bed at 3:30 on Monday morning, exhausted but really happy with my weekend, looking forward to sleeping in on Monday and reading my book. Well I woke up at 9:20 to a few rough shakes. I was asked....are you coming to the picnic today?..........hat the, I had totally forgotten the picnic at Kings Park with Lawley's extended family. So there I am, completely asleep, and needing to be ready in 10 mins. I did it in 20, and were on our way. It was a lovely day, so many people in the park, and it was great until it rained, sending us all scampering for the cars. I was kinda glad, I was so tired, and fell straight into bed as soon as we got home again. So, busy, So much fun, Such a fantastic weekend.

My gorgeous baby cousins....

Moroccan Easter eggs....

Home made Hot Cross Buns....

The egg hunt action.....

The most recent LO of Olive.....

I hope you and your family had a excellent and safe Easter weekend.

Mel

Oh how the time has flown....

2009-04-04T19:22:00.005+08:00

Hello everyone, I am still here, still around, just been a little distracted, a little busy, an little sick, and a little bit lazy. Not a good enough reason I hear you all say. Please accept my most humble apologies, and i shan't neglect my blog so disgracefully again (i hope, hehe).

What's news I hear you say..... well the biggest news in my world is that I have decided to get a kitten. Now most of you know that I lost my beloved cat Kassie to tumours just before Christmas, it totally rocked my world, she was my baby to say the least. I had just recently begun to feel the gaping hole in my life, and thought I needed a new friend. So the wonderful Kelsey found me a brand new born batch of kitty's, and I am lucky enough to be the proud new mum to one.

Introducing Olive.....

Now I still have to wait three weeks for her to come home, which is proving to be quite difficult I must say, but i am consoling myself by preparing in great length for her arrival. She already has a basket full of toys, the most sparkly rhinestone collar I could find, a brand spanking new cat run (still under construction), and the cutest little food and water bowls ever made. Anybody got any suggestions on how i can further distract myself to make the next few weeks fly by????

Also, I have been hard at work for Julie Van Oosten of Collections Elements. I had the great privilege of creating some layouts using her new release chipboard shapes to be show cased at SIA just this last week. What an incredible release, I just love it all. I can not simply pin down one favorite item. I just love it all. Here's a look at the layouts i created using this amazing product.

I have a few others that I will post later in the week ( i have to spread the love, you can't get it all at once). Pop on over to Julies blog, Audrey's blog or Maxine's blog to check out the updates from SIA and see heaps of other amazing creation put together by these talented ladies. All items are available from Scraptivate if you love it and just gotta have it. I am looking forward to my days off from work this week, have the need to create just because, and am sooooo looking forward to it I must say. I have had very little chance in the last week, and really just need a bit of therapy. Well i do believe the sand man is here to pick me up for my date with a mattress, sleep tight, have lovely dreams, and see you all soon.

Love Mel

Where have I been?.....

2009-02-24T20:16:00.002+08:00

No where actually......I am going to be totally honest and say I have just been acting very much like a sloth the last couple of weeks. I have gotten an awful lot of TV watching done...... an amazing amount of reading done....... I have been going to work....... oh and no house work at all done. You'll be glad to know I have rectified the last situation. It only took the addition of a very large TV that is being delivered tomorrow for me to snap into spring (or would it be Autumn) cleaning mode. Dust, polish, move, rearrange, sort, delete and give away. That's what I've been doing the last few days. It feels good I have to say. I got into such momentum, i continued my cleaning/organising frenzy in the bedroom. All those clothes that have been hanging in the wardrobe waiting for me to amazingly one day wake up and be a size 14 again, all went in a bag and on their merry way. That felt good too!!!!

A few weeks back I had the amazing fortune of going along to the Leonard Cohen concert. What a truly amazing experience that was. What a tremendous singer and showman. I could only hope to be as energetic as he is at 75.

I captured this image whilst there, one of my new favourites. I just love lights. Any lights, some thing about them just makes me warm and fuzzy inside.

On the 9th Of February my Man Lawley turned 35. We had breakfast out, which was fantastic and set out on an adventure to find the perfect TV table for the new addition to our house.

We visited loads of store, just having a good time together looking and dreaming about where we could fit all the amazing furniture out there. We like to daydream together.

It's amazing what you can find. In Empire they have a small cafe for you to recover in when you have shopped yourself silly. I found the best birthday cupcakes you have ever seen!!!!! Check them out, to much fun.

So I think that's where I am up too. I have two days off work ahead of me, not sure what to do with my time??? do you? Me thinks I should do some creating so I have something to show you all next time. Till then, have fun!

Mel xxx

Tuesday Night Randomness.....

2009-02-03T20:51:00.002+08:00

I just love little surprises..... just about every time I upload my pictures off my camera, my partner Lawley has taken a picture or a set of pictures from his day. I found this little guys journey through our backyard the other day and it really made me smile. Love the random images!!!!......

Mel

Shutter blog....

2009-01-30T21:06:00.002+08:00

So I was apart of a group of people who carried out a 52 week photo challenge last year. I had so much fun doing this that I wanted to do it again. So a small group of friends and I have started out this year again with a cool new photo blog called Shutter. Stop by sometime and see what we are up to. We also have a play along challenge that is open to anyone. So come on over and have a look see, and maybe if the mood so strikes you, take a great photo yourself and send it in to play along with us.

Mel

I forgot to show you......

2009-01-26T13:40:00.004+08:00

It dawned on me yesterday that in the craziness that was the end of 2008, I forgot to post pictures of my Masters 2009 entries for you to see. I am pretty proud of the work I did, I have to say, I feel it was some of the best I did all year! Let me know what you think?

Mel

My Keepsake: a tribute to my gardening grandfather.

Single LO of my baby Kassie.

My 2009 calendar: filled with photo's of very special moments from my 2008.

And my double LO: a tribute the amazing man in my life.

Heidi Swapp ........ need I say more?.......

2009-01-08T23:16:00.003+08:00

What can I say really??? What a great day I had! Cool projects, fun company, and Heidi in the house to boot!!!! She is so cute, and so tiny, and so sweet, and just so nice. What a trooper, she stood and had pictures taken with anyone who wanted to (which was just about everyone in the place), I know a few of my friends give me a bit of stick for loving the Heidi Swapp products so much, but honestly, i am even more of a groupie now after having meet her. What a truly stunning person she is. Human, full of emotion, she was sick on the day with a cold, but still a shiny stunning person. Thanks also to Sonja for the great company on the day!!! Perth represented at the Melbourne installment, we even put in our request for an event like this to be held in Perth!!!! (fingers crossed ladies). I shall post a pic of my projects, once I have finished them, had to wait a little while for them to arrive home, my suitcase was so heavy from the Heidi day and all the other Melbourne shopping I did, that I had to post my stuff home, now I have to sit down and complete them. I don't know if you will notice (well you will now I told you), I am pulling a bit of a silly face in my picture with Heidi.....I always do this, I had a dumb look on my face also when I had my photo taken with Emily Falconbridge last year also???? What the......I just get o nervous. Not sure why, they are really nice, what's to be nervous of? It's truly a Melissa moment! hehe.........

Mel

xxxxxx

Not great light, but you get the idea!

Mel and Sonja - Perth Contingent!

She's so tiny.....

Warning!!!!...seriously long holiday post.......

2009-01-07T11:10:00.010+08:00

So here's a bunch of photos from my recent trip to Melbourne. Can I say, we had a fantastic time while we were there. It's taken me a little while to feel like posting anything, or doing anything really as I have had a strange fog about me since my Kassie died, but I seem to be coming out the other side and wanted to share some of these with you. Come back tomorrow for my Heidi Swapp photos and stories, that's the reason we went across really, for me to attend the Heidi day in Melbourne. Also, stop by on Saturday for the Melbourne food tour installment of our trip. We love food, and we went to some amazing places to eat while we were there. I hope everyone has had a wonderful and safe Christmas/New Year holiday period?..... look forward to visiting your blogs to see how you all celebrated.

I was just feeling pretty cute this day, thought I'd take a pic to remind myself of this day.

Random hotel photo shot, was channelling Heidi on this day, those who went will know what I mean.

Shadow Portrait on ACDC lane.

St Kilda Pier.

Could he look any grumpier to be at Luna Park??? he wasn't really, he just forgot to smile...

Our tram to St Kilda above, and us waiting for it below.

The Twelve Apostles.... what can a I say, the most amazing and stunning place and thing I have seen in Australia thus far!!! We had terrible weather the two days we were travelling the Great Ocean road. It did dampen (hehe) our spirits in any way, the place is breath taking!! I can just imaging how much more stunning it is in good weather. The twelve Apostles was funny, we had near on 200km winds buffeting us, I had to hold my hat on, and but the time we got back to the car, I was soaked. Funny story here, I just though December in Australia really would get that cold, so I took one small cardi with me, man was I silly, it was cold and raining 80% of the time we were there. Oh well, I'll know for next time.

So much fog on the road to the Apostles, we thought we might not be able to se them at all.

Big storm over night, trees down on the Great Ocean Road....

Our view of Apollo Bay from our YHA......?? Where's the ocean again?

If your ever in Apollo Bay and need somewhere to stay, try the Eco Beach YHA, the best YHA I have ever stayed at.

Although it rained non stop, it didn't take away the amazing views

The Great Ocean Road.

The around the twist Lighthouse.

Stunning ocean views from everywhere we stopped.

David Jones Christmas window display.... I think there was about 6 windows full of amazing little scenes, I just particularly liked the teddy bear conveyor belt.

Skilled Stadium. Now we are Dockers fans, but we stopped for a friend.

View of Melbourne from the War Memorial.

Melbourne Botanic Gardens. So, so beautiful....

Cool bridge, I forget what's it was called. It's in the Docklands.

A bit of Park Sculpture.

The shot tower..... this is amazing. I visited Melbourne for a weekend when I was 18, and this is the only thing I really remember.

So much cool Graffiti art....

Lawley looking at Melbourne from 73 storeys up.

Giant Bee Sculpture on the buildings..... so cute.

The mighty Yarra River....

Cute little bids inside McDonalds. We stopped for a toilet break, and was so taken with these friendly little guys.

First day in Melbourne, first great Chai in Melbourne, Mel looking not so hot after not sleeping for nearly 30 hours.

Mel xxx

Saying Goodbye to Kassie........

2008-12-19T12:48:00.000+08:00

I love you..............

Scrapping Frenzy............

2008-10-06T18:35:00.003+08:00

So last week I was home sick a fair bit with a really bad cold. I had some time on my hands a basicaly went into a low down and dirty scrapping frenzy. My partner was away for the week and I literally set up a scraproom in the lounge on the couch infront of the DVD player. I watche movies abd scrapped a huge portion of the week away. it's a good thing, it forced me to rest, just sitting around and scrapping. I had a great week! Here is some of the results of the week. a couple are ones I had done before but had never posted. Let me know what you think.

Mel xxxx

First Dare..........

2008-10-06T18:09:00.003+08:00

So a few weeks back, I was lucky enough to be chosen as a Creative Team Member over at Aussie Dares. Our first dare was Glue/Adhesives, and boy what a challenge. This is what I came up with, a small cute canvas. Pop over to the site to check out what the rest of the creative team produced.

Mel xxxx

Here it is.....

2008-09-13T01:08:00.003+08:00

Sorry girls, I have been at work all day, so here is a picture of my birthday present to myself. I bought myself a snowflake pendant from Tiffany's. I just love it and it is so me. I have been sporting around my neck for two days now, along with my snowflake earrings. (can you see a pattern forming???) I so live in the wrong country!!!! hehe

Anyhoo, have a fantastic weekend, have many birthday events to go to this weekend, so have a lovely time, I will, see you all soon!

Mel

A little excursion......

2008-09-11T14:11:00.003+08:00

I took myself on a little birthday excursion to the city to visit Tiffany's. I wanted to get myself something to celebrate, and looked around for ages. Let me say ladies, there are some extremely nice pieces there, but just a little bit more than I had imagined. I'm not naive in thinking they would be cheap or anything (I mean they want to attract a certain clientele), but I am surprised to say that you cannot get yourself anything for under $100. I did come away with a little something for myself, and I really mean a little something, but I love it, it is so very me. I shall take a bit of the item in question once I have found it something to hang on. Until then here a teaser.....

Don't you just love that duck egg blue and white????

Mel

Surprise...

2008-09-10T15:33:00.005+08:00

Do I have the best man ever or what. Today is my birthday, and as always, I sleep later than he does, he kissed me goodbye his morning and wished me a Happy Birthday. When I finally got up I wandered into the kitchen to find this..........

Not only had he made me a cake, he'd done it without me even knowing about it, and had hand cut a stencil to write Happy Birthday Mel on top of the cake in icing sugar. He's so sweet. I am truly so blessed to have him in my life. Without a doubt.

Have a fantastic Wednesday!

Mel

Sigh............

2008-09-06T23:59:00.002+08:00

This is what I was doing one year ago!!! Aaaahhh the memories.........

Mel

Aussie Dares........

2008-09-05T07:17:00.002+08:00

So my other exciting news is that I earned a position as a part of the creative team over at Aussie Dares. Don't for get to stop by and check out the challenges each month and maybe even have a go yourself sometime!

Have a wonderful Friday and a fabulous weekend.

Mel

Lissy's Flourish

eye candy catch-up.........

The times they are are a changing.........

Re-Define............

Wow, long time between posts!.....

Gabrielle's Angel printers tray.........

Brisbane Craft Expo this weekend..........

June 11 - 13, 2011June Long WeekendOpen 9am – 5pm dailyBrisbane Convention &Exhibition Centre, South Bank

EXPOTICKETPRICES

TICKETS ALSO INCLUDE ENTRYTO THE TEXTILE ART FESTIVAL!

Free Shipping at Angie Delarie's Etsy!!!!......

So much happening..........

Where oh where have i been?......

Some Angie Delarie product love......

Twiddleybitz Showcase at Aussie Scrap Source......

a sad goodbye......

So much for two posts in one day! ..........

Very long update......

Easy Money ........

January Guest Designer at Angie Delarie Products.......

Poor little blog......

DT Call at the Polka Dot Place.......

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way.......

New Release Twiddleybitz!.....

Scrapbook Apprentice time again.....

Creative Overload.....

Ready for Christmas yet?......

Scrap Room Bonanza....

Time to vote for your favourite Scrapbook Apprentice again......

Im making my way back...........

Awesome classes at Scraptivate this week.........

Some new work to share......

Twiddleybitz Blog hop RAK winner.....

Hip Hop, and don't stop........

Jewellery class with Christine Atkins......

Voting still open......

MY newest DT project for Scraptivate.....

Twiddleybitz Blog hop this weekend.......

Twiddleybitz at the Claremont Craft Show.....

Its time to vote for your Favorite Scrapbook Apprentice.....

Who is going to give this a go?......

Some more Twiddleybitz gallery love.....

Newest Design Team Lo........

Im a Twiddler!.......

Crown/Wing Plaque......

3D crown class.......

Time to vote for your Scrapbook Apprentice!.....

Scraptivate is having a massive sale!.....

Just One More Sleep ......

ROUND ONE

Finally she scraps.......

Mel's butterfly canvas descends on Perth......

New Collections Goodies.

How the voting will work for Scrapbook Apprentice.....

My little Secret Revealed......

A scrappy Update.....

Ballet and Kittens......

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Prima has a give away! .....

I am finally back in the land of technology...

Lost......

Up coming class at Scraptivate...

Up coming class's at Scraptivate...

Massive Update....

And the winner is......

Rak.....

Honestly it's a really big vase.....

A new day....

Sunday Randomness....

A quick Olive update.....

August Scraptivate Design Team Project....

She's a good watch cat! ....

A little bit of new work....

Where's the best place to sleep on a cold winters night..........?

Craftroom Kitty.....

Creative at last!!!!!

MIA.....

To Funny.....

She's growing up so fast.....

Five days to go......

June 11 - 13, 2011
June Long Weekend
Open 9am – 5pm daily
Brisbane Convention &
Exhibition Centre, South Bank

EXPO
TICKET
PRICES

TICKETS ALSO INCLUDE ENTRY
TO THE TEXTILE ART FESTIVAL!