mel's creations

Twisted Sketches Cards # 84

2011-11-09T15:46:00.003+08:00

Hello friends, sharing a card with you today. I have been lacking inspiration and motivation lately so I had a look around for some sketch ideas and came across Twisted Sketches. I have played along with them before, great when your lacking mojo and I love that they always have a twist. This weeks is Buttons.

I made this card for my nephews 16th b'day. I went with a slightly grunge type feel to the card to make it suitable for a teenage boy. This is so different to my usual style but it was fun to create.

I had my Kaiser paint out to paint the chipboard guitar so used the paint brush to go around the edges too, and added white gel pen to create a border. I have used Echo Park 'Happy Day' papers.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Get Picky Sketch #13 and Blog Hop

2011-10-26T16:10:00.006+08:00

I'm here with a sketch challenge I did for Get Picky. I don't often get time for these but I like supporting this challenge site and they are celebrating their first birthday with a blog hop. Both past and present designers have shared their beautiful creations to help celebrate Get Picky's first year and you still have 2 days to participate. So here's the sketch. Love this one.

And here's my take on it

A close up

I had lots of fun with this one and got to scrap these photos of my son slip sliding down a waterslide when he was 2 and a half. He's now 5, so I am a little behind with my scrapbooking. I used the gorgeous Echo Park 'Splash' papers and stickers. Love the brightness of them. So fun and perfect for summer pics. I didn't want to journal on this page but used the sticker words to tell the story of the moment.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000+08:00

Happy Monday dear friends! I have seriously been thinking about Christmas...scary I know!! BUT it's not that far away and I always make my cards and have to seriously start thinking about making them. I sit back and wonder where this year has gone. It's like someone snapped their fingers and we have gone from January to October. It's crazy how quickly the year goes.

Okay enough babbling I hear you say and get on with the post.

Here's a lovely feminine card I created for my SIL. Something a bit different from my usual style I think.

I have used Crate Paper 'Farmhouse' collection. Again using the 6x6 pad and chipboard. I find myself purchasing these more and more as they are so great for cardmaking. The only time I buy 12x12 sheets now is when I need them for my layouts. Otherwise I find I buy heaps of paper in loads of different patterns and never use it.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Mel xxx

Male Birthday Card

2011-10-07T08:00:00.000+08:00

Yay, It's Friday I hear you all say!! Nearly weekend time again, time to relax a little and chill, catch up with friends or go to the park. Oh I adore weekends.

Here'a a card I made for my Dad's birthday. This time going against the traditional sailing theme I often do on his cards.

I have made this one using the new 'Happy Days' range by Echo Park. It has a good variety of papers suitable for both male and female cards. I specifically bought it for my card making so only bought the 6x6 paper pad and element sticker sheet but I am really happy with the versatility of the range.

I am sure you will see more cards from me using these papers.

Take care and have a fab weekend.

Mel xxx

Honk Honk!! Little Boy's Card.

2011-10-06T09:02:00.000+08:00

Happy Thursday. It's getting close to the weekend. By now we will be enjoying the hot, warmth of the sun in Parabadoo...where you say!!. In the Pilbara, red dirt country of WA, an hour from the beautiful Karajini National Park.

We are so long overdue for a family holiday so I have been longing for this trip.

I will share photos when we get back at the end of next week.

But for now here is a bright, cheerful card I made for a friends little boy who turned one recently.

This one uses Echo Park 'Little Boy' papers and Sticker sheet.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000+08:00

Happy Wednesday friends!! Hope you are all well and enjoying life.

Today I have a couple of cards to share. Both using October Afternoon 'Seaside' papers.

I have had these in my stash for quite a while and never used them. I never had the right photos to use them on a LO but thought I should not waste them so here they are on cards. They worked perfectly for my Dad's father's day card.

I loved the banner paper so used them on both cards. I fussy cut them out and stuck them on and then rolled them up slightly to give a 3D effect.

The stamped image on the first card is another TGF image called 'Blush Bonnie' and on the Father's Day card above I used the yacht and waves from the Sticker Shape sheet to create a mini scene. My dad loves sailing so I try to incorporate this in his cards as much as I can.

Thanks heaps for looking.

Love

Mel xxx

Teacher Graduation Card

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hello wonderful bloggers!! I hope you are all having a great start to the week.

I made this special card for my dear friend who recently graduated from University with her teaching degree. It has taken her 9 years part time to complete, so it is an amazing accomplishment.

I created this card using Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe papers and chipboard specifically using the children playing and hopscotch as my friend is working in Early Childhood with Kindy and Pre-primary students. There are a few Kaiser Pearls too, to bring in some more blue, her favourite colour.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Blast From The Past

2011-10-01T09:05:00.000+08:00

Happy, happy weekend to you all. Where ever you are I hope the sun is shining for you and you can delight in Spring.

I made this birthday card recently using some scraps I had left over from Crate Papers Restoration collection. So good to use up little bits and pieces.

I have used Blush Babette here again from The Greeting Farm. She is so beautiful and love practising colouring her hair.

Enjoy your weekend and take care.

Love

Mel xxx

60th Birthday Card

2011-09-30T08:00:00.000+08:00

Happy Friday friends!! How exciting the weekend is just about here.

I think we are supposed to be having a lovely warm, sunny weekend which will be wonderful. Love, love, love, spending time outdoors, especially after a wet, stormy week.

Here's a card a friend asked me to create for her Mum. Being it was her mum's 60th birthday she wanted a special, handmade card, using her favourite colours of reds and creams.

I used the gorgeous Emma's Shoppe papers and chipboard embellishments by Crate Paper, a Prima flower, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch and American Crafts fabric Thickers. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up. Lots of distessing and inking which I love.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Mel xxx

Playing Catch Up

2011-09-29T08:00:00.001+08:00

Hello sweet friends. I am playing catch up at the moment with a number of cards that I have made over the last two months. So there will be plenty of inspiration for you card makers out there and even one or two layouts for you scrapbookers over the next week.

For both of these cards I have used MME Stella and Rose 'Gertie' 6x6 paper pad and TGF stamps.

This first card has the gorgeous Blush Babette coloured with copics.

The TGF here is Cheeky Chat.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Happy Day - Get Picky September Sketch Challenge

2011-09-28T13:17:00.007+08:00

Happy Wednesday to you all. Not only is "Happy Day" the title of the LO below but it is a "Happy Day" as I got to sit down and actually scrap book. It has been a long time and it felt really good to get back into it again.

I did this for Get Picky's latest sketch challenge which finishes tonight. Just scraping in there.

Here is the sketch

and my interpretation

I only found these photos the other week and thought I had to scrapbook them as these little ones are still friends (and they are 5 now). It is so nice to have these photos for Dillon to look back on later.

I have used a mixture of Echo park papers and sticker embellishments from 'Summertime' and 'A Walk In The Park'.

Here are some close ups:

Thanks for looking.

Take care.

Mel xxx

2011-08-24T19:24:00.003+08:00

Hello there long lost friends. I know it has been a while since I have seen 'Blog Land', and it took a while to get the courage up to get back on as I know I have missed out on so much of your wonderful creations and have way too much to read. So I have decided to start over and read all your new posts. Sorry about that. But it was either that or just give up blogging altogether.

I have been busy just like I am sure you all have been too. I had my 40th birthday at the end of July and also managed to strain muscles in my neck and arm leaving my left thumb numb. Don't even ask me how I managed to do that as I have no clue. But after three weeks of being on painkillers and a couple of Physio appointments, my neck is slowly recovering and this is the first week I have not needed to take the anti inflammatories and pain medication. Can I just say, I am very excited about that.

So here is a new post sharing some of the creations I have been busy making over the last month and a half. Ooops, it has been a while!!

It's that time of year when most of my son's friends have birthdays and as you can probably tell, they are all turning five. I have used Echo Park 'Little Boy' papers and The Greeting Farm stamps on both of these cards. I have started practising texture on the hair. Slowly getting there.

I will share more soon and will get around to reading your blog posts too. Sorry I haven't been a very good blogging friend of late but I am getting back into the swing of it again.

Thanks for any lovely comments.

Mel xxx

TGF Mystery Monday

2011-07-19T07:00:00.000+08:00

I created these cards two weeks ago, inspired by The Greeting Farm Mystery Monday Challenge.

I added this photo so you can see the dimension a bit more.

I made these cards for two little boys turning four. Their parties were on the same day so I decided to make the same card and just change the papers around. I used Echo Park 'Little Boy' papers and the image is O&A'For You'. Such a sweet stamp.

I got my cuttlebug out for this card to cut the circle and to emboss the orange paper.

I do love how these cards came out, very boyish and bright.

Oh and I used my new lightbox that my wonderful hubby surprised me with to photograph them.

I still need to play with where to place the lights and so on, but for my first go I think the cards came out well, and I think a lot better than photographing them with the light from the window (my usual way of photographing my cards).

Thanks so much for looking and have a fabulous day.

Mel xxx

Fabric Flair??

2011-07-18T07:00:00.001+08:00

Well, I don't know about that but I did have lots of fun playing with metres of bright fabric.

I made this board for our Churches Kids Room to peg their work up and display.

It was originally a large canvas bought from the Reject Shop. I have covered it with some bright fabric in three different colours and patterns to make it a colourful and bright addition to the room. As I covered it I wanted to add texture and dimension so I pleated and puckered the material to give it more interest.

Sorry the photos are not the best.

I used my MFT Star Die-namic to create the felt stars and then added the ribbon so that the children's work can be pegged up.

We used it last week and it works marvellously. So much easier and nicer than having their work piled on the floor or desk.

It was also nice to do something crafty that was not paper related.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Hubby's Birthday Card

2011-07-17T13:42:00.004+08:00

Happy Sunday friends. Hope you have all had a wonderful weekend. I went out with the girls last night and had a ball. Lots of laughs, awesome friends and great food, makes for a fantastic night out and a late night at that. So I am very tired today and can barely keep my eyes open. I think it's going to be a very early one tonight.

Anyway here's a card I made back in May (just a little late with some of my posts,oops), for my amazing hubby.

I used lots of my scraps for this card from Crate Paper's Restoration collection and added some 7gypsies Curiousities rub-ons. I love these rub-ons, they are so perfect for male cards as they add that mechanical/science component to them.

That's it for today.

Take care.

Mel xxx

Birthday Cards with Kaiser

2011-07-15T14:02:00.008+08:00

Hello there friends, I am back with some birthday cards for the girls in my life.

Both of these were created using Kaisercraft's Chapter One Collection.

I love that this range has green and teal as it colours, and I am not a green person at all, but I really like this one. Two totally different looking cards using the same collection of papers makes for a lot of versatility.

I have added rhinestones to both cards and the gorgeous new Kaiser blooms in the top card (it's the one on the big flower). So stunning. I think I will be buying more of these.

That's it for today.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, whether it's sunny or raining.

Enjoy and take care,

Mel xxx

40th Birthday Card

2011-07-04T09:00:00.000+08:00

Good Monday morning all. A quick post this morning sharing a masculine card with you.

I made this card way back in the beginning of May for a friends' husbands birthday. I have used Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe Collection papers and a mix of Crate Paper, Basic Grey and Bo Bunny for the embellishments.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Seaside Card

2011-07-02T09:30:00.001+08:00

Here's a card I made for my nephew who loves surfing, hence the 'sea' theme. I have used Kaisercraft's seaside papers with lots of layering. I love the little surf boards in this paper range too, perfect for the surfers in our lives or beach loving people. I look forward to using this range on some scrapbook layouts too.

Have a great weekend.

Mel xxx

Back With Birthday Pics

2011-07-01T09:00:00.002+08:00

It has been such a long time since I have posted anything on my blog. Sorry to all my wonderful friends who follow. Life has been so busy and on top of that I have been away visiting a friend up north. I did intend on scheduling some posts for while I was away but totally ran out of time. Anyway I am back and rearing to go. To start, here are some photos of my daughter's 2nd birthday. I can't believe she is two already. My baby girl is growing up way too fast :(

Happy Birthday Banner.

Tissue Paper Flowers.

Dessert Table.

Cake Banner.

The Pink Rainbow Birthday Cake. YUM!!

The Birthday Girl, Twirling.

I used Echo Park's Springtime papers to make the banners. I love the colours in this range. The gorgeous tissue paper flowers were made following the Martha Stewart tutorial here.

I really enjoyed making the decorations and sweets for Renee's birthday. It was so nice to have the time to make her birthday all girly and pretty.

I have more posts coming and I will get back in to the swing of commenting on all your wonderful blogs too.

Mel xxx

Showing Your Cheeky Side Layout.

2011-05-12T14:38:00.000+08:00

Good afternoon all. Hope you are all having a wonderful day. We are having the most glorious weather in Perth at the moment. So I have been out and about with the kids enjoying the sunshine. Here's a layout I did for the latest monthly challenges over at Challenge Heaven. This one is for the Word challenge where you had to use the word cheeky in your title and the extra criteria was to use a patterned paper base.

I thought this photo would be perfect with my DS doing his typical "Butt" pose. He thinks it's hilarious. We did manage to get some nice shots of his first day of school too, thank goodness.

I have used Kaisercraft Class of '87 papers and paper pad. So perfect with the colours of his school uniform. The gorgeous twine is from my lovely friend Marcia. Stay tuned for details as she will be selling twine and other hand-made goodies soon.

Thanks for looking and enjoy the rest of your day.

We are off to the park soon for a bit more sunshine.

Mel xxx

Crate Paper Anniversary Card

2011-05-10T13:59:00.003+08:00

Good afternoon friends. Here's another card creation using once again, Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe both papers and chipboard accents. The sentiment was done on the computer and printed on the DP then cut using my circle nesties. The flowers are done with my MFT Die-namics Rolled Rose.

I am loving the chipboard elements in this collection. Crate paper used every bit of space so you have some really tiny accents as well as the large ones shown here.

Thanks for looking and enjoy the rest of your day.

Mel xxx

Mother's Day Cards

2011-05-09T19:36:00.004+08:00

Happy Mother's Day for yesterday friends. Sorry I didn't get to post these yesterday but very busy day (weekend). I made two cards this year, one for a friend and one for my mum. Both in the same style to make it easier, and both using Crate Paper's collection Emma's Shoppe. Loving these papers. The one below was given to my mum. A little bit softer and in mums favourite colours.

This one was for my friend whose hubby is away on business at the moment (very bad timing I say!) Anyway I wanted to do something special for her and let her know how wonderful a mum she is, so I gave her this card with a small present which included a mug, some chocolates and earl grey tea bags (her favourite). The sentiment is from Stampin Up and the flowers are beautiful Prima flowers that I received from my gorgeous friend Marcia.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Birthday Card and Altered Box

2011-05-05T13:59:00.009+08:00

Hello friends and happy Thursday. I can't believe it's nearly the weekend already. The weeks seem to go by so fast these days. I made this card and box set for a dear friend's birthday using gorgeous Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe papers and chipboard accents. The stamp is Fancy Anya from The Greeting Farm. Lots of distressing and inking on this one. I also glimmer-misted the flower which started out white and sponged some ink in the centre too. I am really into playing with twine at the moment both the natural and pretty mixed colour ones too.

Close up of flower and twine.

Altered Giftbox.

My friend loved that I had added the "B" which is the first initial of her name.

Very personal she said.

Thanks so much for looking. I will have some layouts to share with you soon and of course a Mother's Day card made especially for my beautiful Mum. Hope you all have a wonderful Friday tomorrow.

Mel xxx

Stuck Sketches

2011-04-30T11:23:00.005+08:00

Wow, three challenges in a week. Just scraping them in before the end of the month. I rarely have time to do any challenges so I am feeling rather satisfied this week. Anyways this layout, Oh My Goodness YES a LO, I know you rarely see these nowadays on my blog but here it is:

I did this one for April 1st Stuck Sketches. I have never done one of there sketches and it worked great with my DS's school photo's. It's great to finally be scrapping these. I used Kaisercraft Class Of '87 collection as the colours matched DS's school uniform perfectly with the red and blues. More first day photos to scrap so I better get to them.

Thanks for looking and if your in Perth enjoy the sunshine.

Mel xxx

Mad For Markers and Card Patterns Sketch 112 Challenges

2011-04-30T10:52:00.008+08:00

I am so excited to say that I have finally managed to do some challenges which have been on my 'to do' list for quite some time now, so I am delighted to participate this month. This card I have created for M4M monthly challenge and Card Patterns Sketch 112. I have coloured in one of the gorgeous MFT Pure Innocence stamps and used MME Stella and Rose Gertie 6x6 paper pad.

Copic colours used:

Coat, shoes and pot: BG 11, 13, 15

Dress: RV11, 13, 14

Flowers: YR04, 16

Hair: E35, 37, 39

Skin: E000, 00, 02, R20

Thanks for looking and enjoy your weekend.

It's a beautiful sunny day here.

Mel xxx

Slip Covers?

2011-04-28T07:00:00.001+08:00

Wow, three posts in one week. I better stop posting and start creating again to keep this effort up hey. Anyways, I made these slip covers (I don't know what else to call them) for some Lindt chocolate boxes which contained four small Easter Eggs for my son to give to his Kindy teachers. I don't know if you can tell but I made the cover and then decorated them in the same style as the pizza boxes I made not long ago, using different papers though. This time MME So Sophie papers, all scrap pieces too, which was great. Oh and can you tell, I am totally loving twine at the moment.

I don't know if this will help any of you but I sorted through all my papers about a month ago and have put my scrap pieces in with my 12x12 papers and in there brands, such as Crate Paper, Kaisercraft and so on. By doing this I find I am using up all my scraps, which is great as they used to sit in a tub and I always forgot to use them because they were out of sight, out of mind.

Do you keep your scraps and how do you store them?

Thanks for stopping by and leaving any lovely comments.

Mel xxx

Crate Paper & MFT Unite.

2011-04-26T07:00:00.001+08:00

Good morning, hope this finds you all well. Here's another card using Crate Papers' Emma's Shoppe. Not so girly this time. I created this card with a special friend in mind and I know she already has it in her hot little hands, so it's safe to post it here now.

This is the first time I have coloured up a My Favourite Things Pure Innocence Stamp and I just love them. They can be used for so many occasions and are so sweet. Look how cute she is!!

We are coming home today from our friends farm. The kids just love running around there. My DH and son are camping, just for one night. It will be the first time Dillon has slept in a tent overnight. It will be a nice father and son time for them too. Renee and I will be sleeping peacefully in the warmth of the house. I'll let you know how it all goes. Till then, have a fabulous day.

Thanks for any comments.

Mel xxx

Crate Paper Sweetness

2011-04-25T07:00:00.001+08:00

Good morning friends. I hope you have all had a wonderful Easter and not overdosed on chocolate like me. I think I have eaten enough brown goodness to satisfy me for the rest of the year.

Here's a card I made using Crate Papers' Emma's Shoppe Collection. I love the prettiness of these papers. So girly!

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Woohoo, Second Post In A Week.

2011-04-21T07:00:00.000+08:00

Good morning, I hope today finds you well and happy. I am so excited today with Good Friday being tomorrow. I love Easter not only for the chocolate but for what Easter is all about, Jesus dying for us, and quality time spent with our family and friends. Easter and Christmas have to be my favourite times of the year.

Anyway down to business. I have another card and pizza box to show you. These were made for my beautiful sister-in-law (can I just say I have the best In-Laws). I have used the gorgeous My Minds Eye (do you see a pattern here) I think I am in love with MME papers, especially this collection. The stunning Stella and Rose Gertie.

So there you go another post as promised. Oh and I have a couple more coming soon.

Have a wonderful Easter. Enjoy time with your loved ones and I'll be back next week with some more cards and maybe even a scrap LO.

Take care my friends,

Love Mel xxx

Back To Blogging With Some Cards.

2011-04-20T10:28:00.007+08:00

Hello to my wonderful blogger friends. Sorry it's been so long since my last post but "LIFE" just seems to get in the way. Sick kids, sick hubby then sick me. Don't you love it when they share...NOT!!

Anyway I am back and hoping to be a bit more regular with my posts. So here are some of my latest creations. I made this card and pizza box (tutorial here) for my dear friends 30th birthday. The card is a recessed window found at Splitcoast Stampers. Really easy to make and something a bit more special than your normal everyday card. Sorry a few pics to show you the details. Not fab photos either sorry, very overcast here today and my overhead light bulb decided to die too.

Recessed window

Inside of card

Pizza Box

Used my MFT Rolled Rose Dienamic to make the flowers. Love this die.

The papers are MME So Sophie range. Old papers but the perfect colours that my friend loves. Plus it is always good to clear out your paper stash right, leaves more room for new ones!!

Well that's it for today. More posts coming....I promise.

Thanks for any comments and have a wonderful day.

Mel xxx

Hectic weekend and Birthday surprise.

2011-03-20T19:28:00.009+08:00

Well it's been a hectic weekend to say the least with the youngest splitting her head open last night and having to be rushed to the after hours doctors surgery to see if she needed stitches. After two hours my husband and daughter came home and the doctor had glued the split together. The miracles of modern science.

In the meantime I was waiting at home with DS now running very late for my cousins 40th b'day party which is who I made these OTP items for. I eventually got there and DD is all fine. You would think nothing happened except she knows she has hurt her head and I'm sure she sported a pretty wicked headache after all that. Thank goodness her behaviour is normal and she has shown no bad side effects like vomiting or convulsions that we were told to watch out for.

It amazes me how resilient children are. A huge bump to the head and she is her normal happy self today.

Memo holder

Notebook

Birthday Card

Sorry about all the photos. Just wanted to show the details for you. I made a matching set which includes a birthday card (of course), a notebook she can put in her handbag and a memo holder (Tutorial here), she can have by the phone at home. I popped in a pen and pencil too.

I made these using the gorgeous MME Stella & Rose Gertie 6x6 papers. I am sooooo in LOVE with these papers. I am going to have to buy more, I love them so much. The stamp is TGF Cheeky Chat. She is my favourite from the cheeky collection. I have also been practising my hair colouring lately. You may notice each image is slightly different in the hair colouring. Just trying out different techniques and highlighting.

Thanks so much for looking and hope you all have a wonderful week.

Mel xxx

So Good To Be Scrapping: Get Picky Sketch Challenge #5

2011-02-23T10:08:00.006+08:00

Wow, it feels so good to be scrapping again. The last time I sat down to do a page was back in October 2010, the very first Get Picky sketch challenge. How bad is that. I must admit with such a long break it was really daunting to get back into it, but once I got into the swing of it I thoroughly enjoyed putting this layout together.

My interpretation. I flipped the sketch on it's side and changed a few things around, but the basis of the sketch is there.

The handmade banner my lovely friend Marcia made for me. I just added the flowers to it.

I loved this sketch and it was so much fun playing around with these Echo park 'Summertime' papers. I am such a fan of Echo Park. I also played with Glimmermist for the first time ever and had so much fun. I love the effect it gives and the beautiful shimmer it leaves. I'm sure you will see many more pages with Glimmermist on them.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful Wednesday.

Take care,

Mel xxx

Everything Baby

2011-02-19T07:00:00.000+08:00

Some baby cards I made last weekend scrapbooking with a couple of friends. These of course go with the prams I made recently. Though I have one more pram to make. All boy cards, so many boys at the moment.

This is my favourite

I love playing with twine at the moment.

I raised the plane with dimensionals and then used

glossy accent. (the photo doesn't show it though).

Thanks for looking and take care.

Hugs

Mel xxx

Baby Prams

2011-02-18T07:00:00.000+08:00

I've been very busy making these prams (tutorial here). So many friends are having babies at the moment. It's so lovely and I get to have lots of cuddles. I actually started these ones back in late November I think, but with Christmas and New Years, and just generally being busy with two little ones. It has taken me forever to finish them. So glad they are done now, one thing off my To Do list. Yay!!

Sorry, lots of photos. Just showing different angles and details for you. I really enjoy making these sweet little prams even though they take so much time to make. It's nice giving something hand-made. I don't know about you but I love hand-made goodies.

Thanks heaps for looking.

Take care.

Mel xxx

Keepsake Box

2011-02-17T16:50:00.010+08:00

I made this keepsake box (tutorial at Splitcoast Stampers),for a dear friend's little girl who turned one back in January. (I know, I haven't been very good posting lately). I thought she could use it as a memory box and place things like her first hair cut curl or hospital Id bracelet. All those keepsakes that we treasure. She could even use it for her daughters hair clips, jewellry and so on.

I chose purple as this is the colour of her bedroom. I love bling and decided to add lots of pearl and rhinestone flourishes to pretty the box up and make it very girly.

I made a card to match. This is a close up of the charms

I added - a little bear and heart.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day.

I have more to share and will post them later.

Hugs,

Mel xxx

Lollipop Ladies Challenge #14

2011-02-15T19:34:00.006+08:00

Happy Wednesday lovely friends. I can't believe how quickly the year is going, middle of Feb already. It's time for another Lollipop Ladies Challenge and this week we have colourful smarties with the added bonus of Hearts. Perfect when we have just celebrated valentines day.

Here is my card for the challenge

I originally thought of the colours of the smarties and then as I sat down to create this card I focused on the hearts and the idea of love. I love this Sarah Kay image. It's so sweet and innocent. I'm also slowly getting through my stash of old papers. Here I have used Sassafras Indie girl. You can't see it very clearly in the photos, but I have cut around part of the flowers and stuck the image under, as if he is standing among the flowers. They are glossy accented as are the punched hearts.

Check out the rest of the design teams creations here. They are amazing.

I want to say a big thank you to Marcia and Sammi for letting me be part of this wonderful team. I have loved working on the Lollipop Ladies Design Team and made some wonderful friends.

All the best to the new Candy Stripes. I look forward to seeing your creations each fortnight.

Thanks for looking and have a fabulous day.

Mel xxx

Lollipop Ladies Challenge #13 - Minty Fudge Goodness

2011-02-02T08:18:00.005+08:00

It's that time of the week again where we offer you some deliciously divine inspiration to sink your teeth into...literally!!

Today the Lollipop Ladies have these sweet morsels of Mint fudge and the extra challenge is Polkadots.

Here's my take on the challenge: focussing mainly on the

Polkadots and using some greens in the paper.

I have been wanting to make one of these backpack gift boxes ever since I first saw them on Splitcoast Stampers. They are so cute. The papers are MME Jack and Jill "Life is Good" collection. I love these papers so much (I had to get more from the lovely Marcia at The Stamp Spot. The twine is from her shop too.) I love polkadots and the colours, are so gorgeous. The ribbon, cardstock and buttons are Stampin Up.

We had some amazing entries for last fortnights Licorice Allsorts challenge. You guys are definitely rocking these challenges. Please pop past the Lollipop Ladies and check out the fabulous creations from the rest of the DT. They are awesome and so inspiring.

Thanks for checking us out.

We hope you are inspired.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Mel xxx

Lollipop Ladies Challenge #12: Licorice Allsorts

2011-01-19T09:18:00.007+08:00

Happy Wednesday to you all. It's that time again for another Lollipop Ladies challenge. Wow, these fortnights go so fast. As you can see from the above photo this time around we have Licorice Allsorts to inspire you. Remember you can create anything you like - layouts, cards, off the page.

I made this sweet little box which holds 3x3 notecards.

I was inspired to make this little box using the colours of the Licorice Allsorts. I chose to make a square box to make it look like a Licorice Allsort too, well kind of. I am so into making off the page items at the moment. I really enjoy creating them and giving them as gifts. I used this Basic Grey Phoebe paper I had as the circles reminded me of the round licorice pieces.

Pop on over to the Lollipop Ladies and check out the rest of the DT girls creations. They are awesome. I love seeing what we all come up with each fortnight.

Thanks to everyone who entered our Jubes challenge last week. It was great to see so many of you challenging yourself. I will get to everyone's blog over the next couple of days and finish writing comments to you all. It's wonderful to check out your fabulous creations and I look forward to seeing what you all create for this fortnights challenge.

Have a great day and take care.

Mel xxx

Personalised Wedding Card

2011-01-18T07:00:00.000+08:00

I was contracted to make this card for some friends of my DH. It is the third wedding card I have made for them and they always ask for a personal, special creation that includes interests and likes of the couple getting married.

This cards requirements was something to do with grapevines and solar cars. I had lots of problems trying to find papers with grapevines on them but found this awesome piece of chipboard by Dusty Attic. I added rhinestones to make some of the grape bunches and add some dimension to the card. I originally wanted to use pearls but could not get the colours I wanted, but I think the rhinestones work nicely and add some bling.

I made the card into an easel so that they can stand it up. Underneath the silver heart is a piece of solar panel that my DH cut out of a solar garden light for me. This is the little piece for the groom's interests. I added the couples names at the bottom using AC puffy thickers.

Thanks for looking and have a lovely day.

Mel xxx

Altered Notebooks

2011-01-17T09:35:00.007+08:00

Happy Monday friends. I know I haven't had too much on my blog lately but I have been busy creating. These little notebooks I altered for my SIL's for Christmas. I had heaps of fun making them. I chose colours to suit each SIL individually, that's why they are so different. The first one has the Cosmo Cricket Delovely range and the second notebook has Basic Grey Wisteria papers. I won these from Scraphappykat. Thanks Kathie. I weaved some ribbon through the crochet flower to create my own embellishment and added a Prima flower centre which I bought from Marcia at The Stamp Spot. Marcia is currently selling her business, so if you are passionate about your crafting, residing in Australia and interested in running a successful online store head over here.

I will have more to show you soon.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Love and hugs,

Mel xxx

Thank You Card

2011-01-06T16:37:00.007+08:00

Hand made rolled flowers with glitter.

Woah, it's been way too long since I have posted daily. I made this thank you card in early December and forgot to blog it. Oops!! I think I was so busy preparing for Christmas that blogging just went out the window. Anyway I am back into it now and will share some more creations with you soon, but back to the card above.

I used the yummy Summertime papers by Echo park which I bought from the lovely Marcia at The Stamp Spot. I wanted to make it quite simple and neutral as it was for a very special couple from our church who are like family to us, so it couldn't be too girly. These Echo park papers are perfect for fresh, fun cards. I hand made the rolled flowers and sprinkled lashings of glitter on them. The letters are American Crafts Chipboard glitter letters and the butterflies are from my favourite Martha Stewart punch. I sponged some blue on all the edges and added a couple of rhinestones. You can always do with more bling right!!

Well that's it for now.

I promise to be back soon.

Happy New Year (just a little belated), and I hope 2011 is a blessed and wonderful year for you.

Take care.

Mel xxx

Mmmm Sweet Jubes - Lollipop Ladies Challenge #11

2011-01-05T13:24:00.004+08:00

It's the New Year and time for another challenge from The Lollipop Ladies. This fortnight we have yummy sweet jubes with the added challenge of glitter/sparkle.

This is my take on the challenge.

A view from the top.

I made this with a special little girl in mind for her birthday which is not too far away now. I think it is so sweet and can be used for anything - jewellery, hair accessories or even notes with her wishes and dreams on them.

I found the tutorial here at Splitcoast Stampers. I used Basic Grey Phoebe papers, lots of Kaiser and Prima rhinestones and SU ribbon. The rub-ons are SU as well. I have had them in my stash for a couple of years so it was good to finally use some of them.

Pop on over to The Lollipop Ladies and see the yummy goodness the design team have done this fortnight. Hope you join us and have a play.

Lollipop Ladies Challenge #10: Choc Honeycomb

2010-12-08T07:42:00.008+08:00

It's time for another Lollipop Ladies Challenge and we have have this yummy treat of Choc honeycomb for you to be inspired. The bonus challenge this fortnight is something hidden.

Here is my creation. I am definitely in Christmas mode at the moment so made an Advent Calender for my kids to countdown to Christmas.

Close up

Close up with treats. Little choc Santas and chocolate coins.

The Santas don't hide so well but it's cute with their little heads sticking out.

It is so much more fun now that my eldest is four, he knows what Christmas is and gets excited. Makes Christmas all the more special. I was inspired by the choc honeycomb because as a child, mum always bought one of those choc advent calenders. I wanted to start the tradition with my kids and thought it would be nice to have a handmade one. I used Kaisercraft 'Tis The Season" papers. Perfect colours with the browns and caramel colours. If you want to make one yourself I got the idea here.

I have been wanting to make some handmade decorations for our home for a while now and finally this year I have got my behind into gear and started making some. The calender is my first one and I am going to make some decorations for the tree and around the house. I will post these when I have finished making them.

Enough babbling from me, please head over and check out the Design Teams wonderful creations here and give it a go yourself. There's a great prize to be won.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful Wednesday.

Mel xxx

Chocolate Cake and Swirls

2010-11-24T12:52:00.007+08:00

Mmmmmm...chocolate cake!! (enter drool here). This fortnight the Lollipop Ladies have these yummy chocolate cupcakes as inspiration and the added bonus is swirls.

Remember you can create anything your heart desires with these challenges. Scrapbook pages, cards, altered projects, off the page. There is no limit. It's wherever your imagination takes you.

Here's my take on those delicious cupcakes

I used Bazill card, Bo Bunny patterned paper and my cuttlebug got a workout with the divine swirls folder and fancy tags nestie. The cupcake is from Collage Press Sweet Shoppe die-cuts.

Pop past the Lollipop Ladies and check out the fabulous creations the design team have done and be inspired to enter your own.

Thanks for looking,
Mel xxx

Sorry for the underlining. I can't seem to work out how to get rid of these lines. I have obviously pressed something as I have been typing but have no clue what. If you know what I have done please let me know.

Lollipop Ladies Challenge #8

2010-11-09T16:56:00.005+08:00

Mmmmm...mmm... sugary sweet jellybeans!! Don't they look so yummy. I love the bright colours.

So as you can see the inspiration this fortnight is jellybeans with the added bonus challenge of gloss.

Here is my take on the above inspiration photo:

I love how the gloss came up on the jellybeans I made.

Makes them look good enough to eat.

For this fortnights challenge, I decided to go with the colours of yellow and pink mainly, as they are the ones that really stand out to me...oh and jellybeans of course.

The patterned paper is Cosmo Cricket DeLovely range and I added gloss onto the jellybeans which I just cut out of cardstock.

Head on over to The Lollipop Ladies and check out the rest of the design teams creations, they are amazing.

I look forward to seeing what you all create.

Take care and have a wonderful Wednesday.

Mel xxx

The Stamp Spot Sketch Challenge

2010-11-09T12:46:00.005+08:00

The Stamp Spot's new ning site has some November challenges up and I created these three cards for the sketch challenge. The first card with the gorgeous TGF Anya lounge stamp (which I love) is matched with Echo Park Life is good papers. I added Kaisercraft rhinestones for some girly bling. The second card was made using Bo Bunny PP and chipboard from their Block Party collection. Awesome boy papers, and the last card I used Basic Grey Oliver papers and stickers.

All available at The Stamp Spot online store.

If you want to be inspired or need to check out some challenges, The Stamp Spot has two up this month. The sketch challenge and a colour one too. Pop on over and take a look.

Thanks for looking.

Take care and enjoy your week.

Mel xxx

More Layouts To Share

2010-11-03T06:00:00.000+08:00

Another couple of layouts to share today.

These were also done for Challenge Heaven in October.

The first one is the sketch challenge. I have used Basic grey Olivia papers. The buttons are from Stampin' Up. This page was chosen for layout of the week. So I was very happy about that.

The second one was for the word challenge. You had to use the word "Smile" somewhere on your page. It's not the greatest photo as Renee was literally about 2cm from me. But I love it...the curious, cheeky look on her face. The papers and journalling tag are My Minds Eye So Sophie. I have used Kaisercraft red pearls and my Martha Stewart butterfly punch.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

A Couple Of Layouts

2010-11-02T13:38:00.003+08:00

A couple of layouts I have been doing this last week for the October challenges over at Challenge Heaven.

The first one "Beautiful " was for the number challenge. You could only use one of everything. I decided to keep this page quite simple. I misted some pink on the background and placed a Basic Grey transparency over the photo. Then finished it off with some sponging and doodling.

The second LO was for the colour challenge - blue, white and black. I love the effect of one colour and one black and white photo for this one. You had to have flowers on the page too so I made my own to match the papers. It's not girly either.

Thanks for looking.

I will have a couple more to show you tomorrow .

Mel xxx

You're A Cutie!

2010-10-28T13:11:00.003+08:00

Wow, finally some layouts to post. It feels like it has been ages since I blogged a scrapbook page. Anyways, I have created this one of my gorgeous Renee for the new challenge site Get Picky. Isn't she a cutie. Of course I am totally biased. I love pink and green together on this layout. I feel like it has really brought out the photos.

The papers are Little Yellow Bicycle Delightful Collection, MME Quite Contrary and Crate Paper Paper Doll Collection. The flowers are Prima and some I won from D-Lish scraps. The rhinestones are Bo Bunny buttons and bling from their Petal Pushers Collection and Kaisercraft.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

The Lollipop Ladies Challenge #7

2010-10-27T07:06:00.005+08:00

Mmmmmm....mmmmmmm, yummy donuts are the inspiration for this fortnights challenge over at The Lollipop Ladies. Don't they just look delicious and the bonus theme is chocolate.

Here is my interpretation using the circle and hole of the donut to design my card.

Miss Anya sitting pretty on the edge of my card. I loved making this window card. There is a tutorial for them over at The Stamp Spot blog here.

The patterned paper is Echo Park Life is Good and Collage Press Sweet Shoppe Die-Cut Rings.

Please pop past The Lollipop Ladies and check out the rest of the design teams fabulous creations.

I look forward to seeing how this challenge inspires you.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful Wednesday.

Mel xxx

Yay, Some News To Share

2010-10-20T07:53:00.003+08:00

Short and sweet today. I can finally share with you all that I am the new Design team member for The Stamp Spot.

I am so excited to be a part of this amazing team and cannot wait to get started.

I will be joining Marcia (the boss), Kirsti, Jessica and Sammi.

I am so honoured to be among this talented group of ladies.

That's it for today.

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Mel xxx

Perfect In Every Way

2010-10-19T16:14:00.007+08:00

Sorry, I have not had much on my blog lately, but I came down with a severe case of tonsilitis weekend before last and am still recovering. I cannot believe how much it has taken out of me and I still have days when I am extremely tired.

I have done this LO of my gorgeous daughter Renee for the Kaisercraft Saturday Sketch #2.

This is the first time I have participated in their sketch challenges but I had the Kaisercraft Hey Birdie 6x6 paper pad and thought I would give it a go.

I will have a couple more layouts to share tomorrow.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Lollipop Ladies Challenge #6

2010-10-13T06:50:00.001+08:00

Wow the fortnights go by so quickly. Time for another inspiring challenge from The Lollipop Ladies and this fortnight we have yummy strawberries and cream, with the bonus theme of layers.

Don't you just want to gobble that up.

Here is my take on this sweet inspiration:

I love strawberries and who could resist a yummy dollop of cream on top. Divine!!

Strawberries always remind me of summer so I went with a Summer theme card. I love the bright papers in the Echo Park Sweet Summertime range and thought they would be perfect for this card. Lots of layers of patterned paper which I scalloped and then layers on top of that too. I cut out those sweet little flowers and glossy accented them.

You guys are rockin' the challenges each fortnight. Please stop by The Lollipop Ladies and check out the rest of the design teams creations. They are amazing.

I look forward to seeing all your inspiring cards and layouts.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Big Boy Coat

2010-09-30T14:14:00.007+08:00

I have had these photos lying around for ages now so it was about time I put them on a scrapbook page. I used the September Kit from My Scrapbook Nook and had a go at their monthly sketch challenge. Dillon's coat goes perfectly with the colours in Crate paper's Restoration range.

I cut out pieces from the paper to make my own embellishment in the corner and used one of the Crate paper sew brads that came with the kit.

Again lots and lots of distressing and inking.

The journalling reads: You were at this stage where you loved trying on daddy's shirts and shoes. Aunty Paulette brought this coat over for you, that her boys had grown out of and straight away you put it on. Always wanting to be a big boy.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Loving The Pool

2010-09-29T10:40:00.005+08:00

I have been feeling a bit down about my scrapbooking layouts lately. I see so many absolutely amazing pages out there that I have begun to doubt myself and my creative abilites. I have to share this bit of insight with you though as my precious boy came to talk to me while I was sitting at my computer this morning and sees this LO and says... "Wow mummy this is great".

How precious is that and it made me think. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, I do this for me and to preserve my families most precious memories. So whenever you may be feeling like I was, remember why you do this art we call scrapbooking.

I created this LO for the September Sketch challenge over at Scraphappykat. The sketch is awesome. You still have time. The deadline is tomorrow.

Papers are some old Stampin Up ones I have in my stash, Lily Bee Hello Sunshine and I have stamped images from SU Life's a breeze.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Lollipop Ladies Challenge #5

2010-09-28T22:34:00.005+08:00

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!! Just kidding, but it is time for another challenge from The Lollipop Ladies. This fortnights inspiration we have these delightfully yummy candy canes and the bonus theme is Christmas. Hence the Christmas card.

This was one of those cards that just came together. I love it when that happens. Doesn't happen very often that's for sure. The paper is Stampin Up and the cute stockings are cut using a cricut machine. I added a thick layer of frosted lace stickles and hung them using some linen thread from SU. I'm sure you get it but the "M" is for Merry Christmas!! LOL.

Pop on past the Lollipop Ladies site and see the amazing creations the rest of the fabulous design team have done for your inspiration.

I look forward to seeing your creations. Last fortnights were wonderful. Keep up the great work.

Take care.

Mel xxx

Altered Items

2010-09-27T09:30:00.009+08:00

Treat box altered from a Prima flower plastic box

Side view of box with chocolates inside

Recipe Book altered from a mini brag book

Perfect pearls painted onto the flowers

Recipe cards to match

I made these for my sister-in-law's birthday and also for My Scrapbook Nook Advertising design class and Your Scrapbook Stash contest. I was intending to give her just the recipe book but decided to alter a prima flower box to match and put choccies in it.

The paper is Crate Paper Restoration. I love this range, so pretty and vintage.

The recipe book started out as a mini album. These are perfect because once you have written your recipes on the cards and put them in the plastic sleeves the recipes are protected while you are cooking. No spills or oil splatters on your recipes.

I did lots of distressing, inking and sanding on these. Even the recipe cards are slightly inked around the edges.

Thanks for looking and have a fabulous day.

For those in W.A. enjoy the public holiday.

Mel xxx

Get Picky Giveaway

2010-09-24T18:12:00.005+08:00

The lovely Tanya and Nikki have a special giveaway for helping them spread the word about their new challenge site Get Picky. Check out the details here.

I'm looking forward to their very first challenge on the 15th October.

A chance to get some multi-photo layouts done. Fabulous!!

Mel xxx

Finding Seaweed

2010-09-24T09:29:00.002+08:00

I had loads of fun with this page. I am not very confident with the art of doodling but this was the challenge for the the Art class over at My Scrapbook Nook, and yes it was definately a challenge. I think I have only ever doodled once before on a LO and that was one tiny part on some PP. LOL.

I went with lots of circles on this page for the idea of bubbles and water.

I think I still may add some journalling just with the date and where it was taken.

Papers are Lily Bee Hello Sunshine.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful weekend.

Mel xxx

Oahu

2010-09-24T09:11:00.003+08:00

I created this layout for the geography class at My Scrapbook Nook.

It was the push I needed to get back into scrapbooking our Hawaii holiday photos. I have not touched our holiday snaps for well over 12 months now. I only have about 30 photos left to scrapbook so I am motivated again to get these done.

Then it will be one scrapbook album complete.

I decided to use this gorgeous photo from our holiday, Honolulu at night. My DH took it from our hotel balcony. We had the most gorgeous view. I could have looked at it day and night.

I have used Kaisercraft Marrakech and Crate paper Restoration papers.

Lots and lots of fussy cutting, every embellishment has been cut out, except one.

It feels good to get back into these. One step closer to finishing an album.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Blessed Girl

2010-09-22T10:09:00.007+08:00

Renee was dedicated at our church back in February so the journalling challenge for the English Literature class at My Scrapbook Nook was a perfect chance to finally scrap this photo with it's story.

I pulled out the needle and thread for this page. Something I rarely do but am loving ruffling my ribbons at the moment and I sewed the beads onto the photo to try something different.

I wanted to make this a pretty page as Renee is all dressed up in her organza pink dress, so I added lots of bling with the beads, pearls and rhinestones on the butterflies and the ribbon buckle.

I had fun trying new techniques with this LO.

Thanks for looking and have a fabulous day.

Mel xxx

Lollipop Ladies Challenge #4

2010-09-14T14:17:00.007+08:00

Wow, I can't believe we are up to challenge number four already and how sweet do those icecreams look. I have to say I love icecream. Definately one of my favourite summertime treats.

I was going to make a card for this challenge but at the last minute decided to make a small treat box that could be used for a child's birthday party with a summer or icecream theme.

I found the idea's for the icecream and basket here. Rather than using the pink like I have, you could change that to green and it would be perfect for boy parties too.

I added ice stickles to the top layer of the icecream for a sprinkles effect and the cone is cut from Kraft cardstock. I drew a criss-cross pattern with SU creamy caramel marker and then sponged the cone with vintage photo distress ink. With the basket I added the ruffle ribbon and actually made this myself. I have loved seeing ruffles on many friends layouts and cards and decided it was about time I give it a go. So I took out my needle and thread and started. I am pleased with the end result. Now that I have been brave enough to try it and like the result you will be seeing a lot more ruffled ribbon on my blog. Sorry in advance, hehe.

Pop on past the Lollipop Ladies site and see the amazing creations the rest of the fabulous design team have done for your inspiration.

I look forward to seeing your creations. Last fortnights were wonderful. Keep up the great work.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Keepsake Pram

2010-09-14T13:05:00.007+08:00

I made this sweet little pram for a friend who had a baby boy on Saturday as a little keepsake.

I found the tutorial for it here. I used all pp though instead of plain cardstock and inked the edges of the cream pp. This was one sheet of double-sided 12x12 from Stampin Up. The pearls and pin are from the SU pretties kit.

I made the card which is only 2.5x3.5 to match the little blanket inside the pram.

I have a few friends having babies later this year so I am going to be busy making more little prams. I should be able to make them with my eyes closed by the end of it.

All boys too so I am going to need to buy more blue pp. Shame that!!

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

The Stamp Spot Birthday Celebrations

2010-09-13T15:32:00.003+08:00

The lovely Marcia is celebrating her shops 1st birthday and has some great presents up for grabs. Check out The Stamp Spot Blog for all the details.

Mel xxx

Water Boy

2010-09-10T07:00:00.000+08:00

I have seen this sun rays effect done with cardstock and misting among other techniques and thought these photos would be perfect to give it a go. I took a piece of Lily Bee Hello Sunshine paper and with a ruler and pencil I marked out rectangles that become skinnier at one end. I cut out six for this LO. I love the effect especially against the white background.

The chipboard elements are Bo Bunny Block Party and the alphas are Basic Grey Oh Baby Boy which I have had in my stash for years that I outlined with Stampin Up Close to Cocoa marker to make them stand out.

Thanks for looking and have a fabulous weekend.

Mel xxx

Your Very First Ferry Ride

2010-09-09T19:27:00.003+08:00

These photos were taken back in February this year when Phil took Dillon out for the day to ride the ferry from South Perth to the city. He also had his first bus ride that day too so I will do a similar LO for those photos eventually. As you can see it has taken me a while to get to these ones.

Anyway details for you are: My Minds Eye So Sophie papers and Basic Grey Oliver paper ribbon.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Little Red Riding Hood

2010-09-08T07:00:00.001+08:00

Short and sweet today.

I completed this layout last week for last months number challenge over at Challenge Heaven.

The challenge was three photos, three PP, three different cardstock and three circles. I think that's everything.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Happy Fathers Day

2010-09-07T11:27:00.005+08:00

A bit late, but for all the dad's out there in Australia, I hope you had a wonderful Fathers Day on Sunday.

My hubby was spoilt with a cooked breakfast in bed and then a yummy BBQ lunch at my parents place.

Here's the card I made for my DH using the Stamping Bella Fixafella. I used Basic Grey Oliver paper and the sentiment is from Stampin Up.

Thanks for looking. Hope you're having a great week.

Mel xxx

August Challenge Pack

2010-09-03T14:00:00.000+08:00

This layout was another Challenge Pack from Scraphappykat. When I first looked at the papers I had no clue what to do with them. As most of you know I love to fussy cut so I cut out the swirls from the PP and put the black cardstock underneath to highlight the swirls. Dillon's name is done with black alphas and I have gone around the letters with white pen to make them stand out more. I love red, black and white together. So striking.

Thanks for looking and have a fabulous weekend.

Mel xxx

A challenge from July

2010-09-02T19:05:00.004+08:00

I did this LO back in July as part of the July challenge pack for Scraphappykat and I totally forgot to post it. We had to use only what was in the pack except of course photo and adhesive. I cut out all the flowers and leaves from PP that was in the pack and layered them. This was a fun challenge and I enjoyed only having to use the materials given.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Lollipop Ladies Challenge #3

2010-08-31T13:32:00.008+08:00

It's time for another yummy challenge from The Lollipop Ladies, and what is it we have for you this week, Lollipops!! With the bonus challenge of cellophane/acetate.

Here's my take on this fortnights challenge

I have to say I found this one rather challenging myself.

I used Cosmo Cricket DeLovely paper. For the lollipop I cut strips of paper, folded them in half lengthways and started rolling. Took about 6 strips to get to this size.

I wanted to keep the rest of the card quite simple so that the focus was the lollipop. That's a real lollipop stick (lucky my son had gone to a party that morning and had lollipops in his treat bag). The cellophane also came from a lolly wrapper from the same treat bag. Talk about recycling!

That's it from me. Please head on over to The Lollipop Ladies challenge site and see what amazing creations the design team have done to inspire you.

Look forward to seeing your creations.

Mel xxx

We are Family

2010-08-31T13:14:00.003+08:00

I have had this photo for a while now and when the song challenge over at Challenge Heaven was "We are family" I thought perfect, I have just the photo.

I have used My Minds Eye So Sophie papers which I received back in June in My Scrapbook Nook Kit. I have done so many layouts with this kit it's amazing and I still have papers and ribbon left for a few more.

The background paper was so pretty I just wanted to leave it instead of cutting it up. As you can tell from the photo above I have done lots of fussy cutting too. I love looking at papers and seeing what elements of it I can cut out, and I have added a few rhinestones too. Love adding bling.

That's it from me today. Nearly hump day, Yay!!

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

A Quick Card

2010-08-31T06:00:00.001+08:00

I needed a quick card for a friends birthday so I used the same design from one I did two weeks ago for Mojo Monday. I have used papers from the same range, Indie Girl from Sassafras but added more embellishments and changed the background colours from green to blue.

Thanks for looking and take care.

Mel xxx

One Fine Day

2010-08-30T06:00:00.000+08:00

This was a sketch challenge for the CC at Challenge Heaven. I just had to do this one. As soon as I saw the sketch I fell in love.

I have used Lily Bee Hello Sunshine papers, Martha Stewart punch and 7gypsies rubons.

Short and sweet today.

Thanks for looking and have a great week.

Mel xxx

Peek A Boo

2010-08-29T07:00:00.000+08:00

I adore this photo of Renee. She was exploring her surroundings and happened to be partly under the bench seat we were near. I took the photo from the other side of the bench, literally lying down on the ground and love that she looked directly at the camera. So cute but then I am very biased.

The papers are the ever so gorgeous Indie Girl from Sassafras. I love these papers. So versatile.

We had to use something from the outdoors on our page for this challenge. Yes, another LO for the CC over at Challenge Heaven. I decided to use the owl chipboard from Memory Maze as Renee's top has an owl on it. I coloured it as close as I could to match the papers and then added Glossy accent for a bit of shine.

Thanks for looking.

One more post to share with you tomorrow from the Cyber Crop.

Mel xxx

Aren't you just the tweetest!

2010-08-28T07:00:00.000+08:00

Another layout from last weekends Cyber Crop over at Challenge Heaven.

I have used Cosmo Cricket DeLovely papers and chipboard embellishments.

This is such a gorgeous range of papers. I love the bright patterns and the cute animals that you get with the chipboard.

Thanks for looking.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mel xxx

Curious Girl

2010-08-27T15:25:00.003+08:00

I know I have not posted anything for a week, but I assure you I have been busy creating, I just have not had the time to put them on my blog.

So here is one of the layouts I completed last weekend.

I created this one for the Challenge Heaven Cyber Crop held last Friday/Saturday night.

This was a blind scrap which I always find challenging as I am more of a visual person. Also the first time I did one of these I was not happy with the outcome. Mainly because of the papers I had chosen. So I made sure I went for brighter papers and pretty embellishments.

Okay enough babbling.... papers are Basic Grey Phoebe and the embellishments are Crate paper Sparkle Chip from their Paper Doll Collection, Prima flower and button from my stash. The velvet ribbon is from Stampin Up originals collection Flirty.

I will have more posts tomorrow.

Bye for now and thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

The Color Room Palette #19

2010-08-19T08:10:00.008+08:00

Beautiful palette to work with this week. I love these colours together.

Here is my layout using them.

I have had these photos printed for a while now so it was nice to scrapbook them yesterday. I have mainly used plain paper for this and added Basic Grey Rubons and butterflies using my Martha Stewart punch. The chipboard embellishments are Making Memories Jigsaw, frames and flourishes pack. The photos below show more detail and layering I have done on this page.

Thanks for looking and enjoy your day. We actually have some sun shining today. Just hope it warms up too.

Mel xxx

The Lollipop Ladies Challenge #2

2010-08-17T20:08:00.014+08:00

It's time for another sweet challenge over at The Lollipop Ladies and this fortnight we have this deliciously yummy cupcake with lots of icing for you to be inspired to create anything you like. The bonus challenge is ruffles.

Here's my take on this weeks challenge for The Lollipop Ladies.

You're probably wondering how on earth did I come up with this from that gorgeous cupcake, and I did not even use any pink which is my favourite colour. Well, the cupcake got me thinking about cooking as I love to bake and so made this recipe folder to hold all my favourite recipes. I altered a brag book so that the recipe cards can be slotted inside the plastic sleeves and be protected while you are cooking.

I used We R Memory Keepers Comstock Collection. They were perfect for this and have that old fashioned kitchen/vintage feel to them. The chipboard elements are from the same set which is what sold me to use them. I love the 'sugar and spice sprinkled with love' perfect for a recipe collection. I have used a Martha Stewart punch Modern Garland and ruffled ribbon for the bonus ruffle element of the challenge.

I distressed and inked the edges of the papers and made the recipe cards to match which fit inside the photo sleeves perfectly.

Please go on over to The Lollipop Ladies and check out the rest of the design teams fabulous creations.

It was great to see your sweet creations last fortnight and I look forward to your wonderful delights this week.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Daddy's Boots

2010-08-16T06:00:00.003+08:00

Like most kids, Dillon loved to try and walk in his Daddy's boots. So cute!

Here I have used Basic Grey Oliver paper and sticker embellishments.

Another page inspired by Challenge Heaven.

This one for the Sketch Challenge. Loved it!

Have a great day and thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Mojo Monday 151

2010-08-15T20:12:00.007+08:00

It was so good to have time this week to join in for this fab sketch over at Mojo Monday.

I had so much fun making this card. I finally got to use my Maya Road Laundry Day Chipboard and Sassafras Lass Indie Girl papers. Very exciting.

Other elements I used are textile embossing folder, Stampin Up punch, lace and Kaisercraft rhinestones. Have to have some bling.

Lots of layering and added dimension with foam dots under the olive panel and sentiment.

Take care and thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

The Two Of You - Challenge Heaven Word Challenge

2010-08-15T06:00:00.001+08:00

This photo is one of those precious moments when big brother gives little sister a hug.

I have used Basic Grey Olivia papers and October Afternoon Cherry Hill. I love the Olivia papers they are so cute. I have done a lot of fussy cutting for this LO, including the hearts for the banner.

Here's some close ups for you to show more of the detail.

This is a Kaisercraft wood flourish that I have covered with Frosted Lace Stickles.

I have used Glossy Accent on the berries and flowers.

I created this LO for one of the monthly challenges over at Challenge Heaven.

If you need some inspiration pop on over.

Thanks for looking.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Mel xxx

The Color Room Palette #18

2010-08-08T21:44:00.011+08:00

Woohoo! Two weeks in a row I have managed to participate in The Color Room challenge.

Here is this weeks palette:

Here is the layout I created. Papers I used are Bo Bunny Block Party and Crate Paper Zoom Collection (I have had the latter in my stash for at least three years now). I also used Block Party chipboard and Kaisercraft Little Man rubons.

Not sure if I am liking the background paper. It has made it a bit too bright. I maybe should have used the blue for the background and the orange to matt my photo. Oh well.

Here are some close ups. I distressed some of the papers.

Some of the rubons.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Mel xxx

"Cars" Theme Today

2010-08-08T15:22:00.004+08:00

My son's friend had a "Cars" theme birthday party today so I made this card for him. I had so much fun creating this card. I had some Cars paper already, which was handy. I cut Lightning McQueen out taped him on some blue card and cut that out then glossy accented the whole picture to give him more dimension and shine.

Other materials used are Lily Bee Hello Sunshine papers, Best Creation Inc Transportation paper and Carolee's Creations tiny alphas.

I love it when a card just comes together.

Thanks for looking and take care.

Mel xxx

The Color Room Palette #17

2010-08-06T09:43:00.000+08:00

Happy Friday!

I have been wanting to take on the weekly challenge over at The Color Room for a while now and have always run out of time. This week I managed to give it a go.

So here is the palette:

I must say it took me about four goes to achieve a layout I liked last night. This was definitely one tough challenge. In the end I am happy with the final result.

I used stamps and punches for this layout and one rub-on. I can't believe I didn't use any patterned paper on my page. Pretty much unheard of for me.

For a simple looking page it took me way longer to complete than I expected.

I must admit I find colour challenges much harder than sketch ones.

Have a fabulous Friday and thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

The Lollipop Ladies First Sweet Challenge

2010-08-04T05:00:00.004+08:00

Good morning all.

Today I have a wonderful treat for you.

The Lollipop Ladies is holding it's very first challenge and it is full of delicious morsels for you to be inspired. This week it's this deliciously, yummy banana split. This is the inspiration you have to work with. You can make anything you like for the challenge - cards, scrapbook layouts, off the page items. Wherever your imagination takes you.

Here is the card I made for today's sweet challenge. I was inspired by the colours as I especially love pink and brown together.

Pop on over for more details and be tempted by the yummy creations the Design Team have put together for you.

Hope you take on the challenge. I look forward to seeing your creations.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Mel xxx

Some Sweetness Coming Your Way.

2010-08-03T11:24:00.003+08:00

The Lollipop Ladies is bringing you it's very first sweet challenge tomorrow

Wednesday 4th August.

Come along and join the fun and try your hand at a deliciously, yummy challenge.

Have a great Tuesday.

Mel xxx

My Scrapbook Nook's Blog Hop

2010-08-03T09:00:00.000+08:00

I meant to put this up on my blog the other day but totally forgot to schedule the post.

There is still plenty of time to play along. This is an awesome blog hop and there are some amazingly talented people out there.

You need to start at the blog of Leah Killian and go from there, to make sure you don't miss out on a clue!

You will find out all the details there too.

Have fun and be inspired.

Mel xxx

The Greeting Farm Blog Hop.

2010-08-02T13:31:00.006+08:00

Today is The Greeting Farms second anniversary and to celebrate they are running a Bloghop.

There are heaps of fabulous prizes up for grabs. To participate make sure you start at the TGF blog and find out all the details.

You have until Monday 2nd August, 8pm CST.

Have fun and enjoy your day.

Mel xxx

Purple Pumpkin Giveaway.

2010-07-31T14:34:00.007+08:00

Samantha over at Purple Pumpkin is having a giveaway.

She makes the cutest embellishments you have ever laid your eyes on. Perfect for cards and scrapbooking layouts too. If you want to check them out and be in the running to win a pack click on the name above and be in awe.

Hurry, the competition ends today.

Hope you are having a terrific weekend.

Mel xxx

Always Together

2010-07-30T10:21:00.003+08:00

I love this photo of Dillon with his Daddy.

We were at a friends farm when this shot was taken so I just had to use the windmill I picked up a while back. I have used MME So Sophie papers for this LO and inked the edges up for a more earthy, natural feel.

I put this one together for the word challenge over at Challenge Heaven.

Have a fab Friday.

Mel xxx

Some Exciting News

2010-07-26T19:03:00.006+08:00

I am so excited that I can hardly contain myself. I have been accepted onto the Design Team for the new challenge blog, The Lollipop Ladies.

I am looking forward to working with Marcia and Sammi and the new DT ladies too - Chantelle, Tracey and Jasmine.

This is a wonderful new challenge site with sweet delights to tempt you challenge lovers out there. It all starts next week 4th August so write that date in your diaries. You don't want to miss all the fun.

Have a fabulous day.

Mel xxx

Hello Ian - Challenge Heaven Card Sketch

2010-07-26T06:30:00.001+08:00

I needed a card for a friends little boy who is turning four today.

So I thought I might as well use the card sketch from Challenge Heaven.

I have been so involved in my scrapbooking lately that it has been nice this week to spend time creating some cards and colouring again.

The image is TGF stamp Hello Ian which I adore. He is so cute and these gorgeous papers are Hello Sunshine from Lily Bee.

Thanks for looking and enjoy your weekend.

Mel xxx

2S4Y Kazan's Sketch 57

2010-07-23T07:55:00.004+08:00

This week over at 2 Sketches 4 You, Kazan has given a delightful sketch to get your creativity in full swing, which I have desperately needed as my mojo has been lost lately.

I bought this stamp from the lovely Marcia at The Stamp Spot recently and finally had time to sit down and colour. Isn't she beautiful. She is Charlotte Ketto from Stamping Bella.

As I don't have a huge range of Copics yet I coloured her using a mix of Copics and Stampin' write markers. The colours used are Hair: E57, Chocolate Chip; Face: E00, E51, R20; Dress & Handbag: RV17, Tempting Turquoise; Shoes: Chocolate Chip.

The PP is Cosmo Cricket DeLectable from their gorgeous DeLovely Range.

The flowers I cut from the same paper added glossy accent and mounted them using stampin' dimensionals.

I used my cuttlebug to create the texture on my turquoise cardstock and the bling are Kaisercraft Rhinestones.

Thanks for looking and have a fabulous day.

Mel xx

Twisted Sketches #016

2010-07-22T20:58:00.004+08:00

Just found this awesome challenge site "Twisted Sketches". They have a card and scrapbooking sketch every week. Wicked!!

And... they have a twist with each one too.

This week I have tried my hand at the card sketch and the twist is "Metal".

I was inspired to make this card using Cosmo Cricket DeLovely Range.

Perth has had the most beautiful days this week and sitting in the warm sun has reminded me of summer. This paper is perfect with it's bright colours and patterns. Very Lovely.

Thanks for looking and take care.

It's nearly the weekend - Woohoo!!

Mel xxx

2 Sketches 4 You Challenge - Laura's Sketch 56

2010-07-17T09:10:00.000+08:00

I have been looking at challenge sites this week and came across 2 sketches 4 you and was instantly inspired by their card sketch below. I have been so focussed on scrapbooking lately it was nice to sit down and create this card.

I wanted to do something different but also elegant, as I will give this card to a friend for her birthday. I have had a pad of these Christina Re papers for a while and thought they would be perfect. I added the pearls to create the circle on the sketch rather than having my flowers on a paper one.

I grabbed a few tools I have not used in a while too. I paper pierced the burgandy strip of paper and scallop edged the printed paper. The flowers have all been cut out and the large one I have used several of the same flower to add layers and dimension.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful weekend.

Mel xxx

Pure Boy

2010-07-16T06:00:00.001+08:00

This layout was created for the Sketch challenge over at Challenge Heaven.

I punched out the circles and taped them onto the blue paper to bring in some of the blues in Dillon's cap. I also coloured in the chipboard title and used glossy accent to add some shine. The colour came out different because of the chipboard I think. So I am a bit disappointed with that, but I will know for next time.

The papers are Kaisercraft Marrakech, Best Creation Inc Transportation and Sassafras Robotics Cardstock Stickers.

Thanks for looking.

Mel xxx

Sight Seeing in Sydney

2010-07-15T06:00:00.000+08:00

Our few days in Sydney signalled the end of our holidays.

It was awesome seeing the Harbour Bridge and Opera House among many other sights we did in the three days we had there.

I have used MME So Sophie papers here. When I first received this in My Scrapbook Nook kit I must say I didn't know how I was going to use them. However I am loving the colours and patterns in these ones.

I must say too, that this was done for the Theme Challenge over at Challenge Heaven. If you need some inspiration pop on over.

Thanks for looking and take care.

Mel xxx

Water Fun

2010-07-14T06:00:00.002+08:00

I love this photo of Dillon having fun in his bucket of water. His favourite thing to do last summer besides going to the beach. I swear anything to do with water and he is happy.

The papers are MME So Sophie. I cut the leaves from Basic Grey Green at Heart paper and the challenge came from Challenge Heaven.

Thanks for looking. Hope your week is going well.

Mel xxx

Precious Blessing

2010-07-13T06:00:00.000+08:00

For ages I have been wondering why on earth did I ever buy these Winnie the Pooh papers.

I was about to give them away when I came across this photo of Dillon in his Winnie the Pooh outfit. Perfect photo to use these papers. Yay!!

So hard to remember him this small. They grow way too fast. Thank goodness we have photos to remind us how small and perfect they once were.

This was another Cyber Crop challenge from Challenge Heaven. The criteria was to use layers and have the person in winter clothes.