My Therapy room

a new month at challenge heaven

2012-02-03T06:41:00.000+10:00

Good morning!

I love the start of the month, because that means new challenges! I love blog hopping and seeing what new challenges are around to kick start the mojo.
This month brings my first monthly challenge at Challenge Heaven. With Valentine's day this month, Bek has chosen the theme of 'Make Ups and Break Up's'

I have chosen to use a photo of my two adorable teenage girls and scrap about their relationship. They are either best of friends or enemies. As I am sure is the case for most siblings LOL!

I have used the quote 'I am smiling because you're my sister, I'm laughing because there is nothing you can do about it'

You don't have to use this particular quote, but I would like to see something along the same lines. Easy hey?

Also its the last day of the CC at Challenge Heaven today. You have until 5pm to get your layouts in the gallery.

Thanks for dropping by and I hope to see you over at Challenge Heaven soon

D xxx

2nd february

2012-02-02T11:17:00.001+10:00

Today's prompt for the February Photo a Day was 'words'

I am currently looking for part time work to get me out of the house and back into the adult world. So, when I saw this in today's paper, I thought that this was perfect for todays photo!

So please cross all of your fingers and toes for me...

D xxx

february scrap the girls

2012-02-02T07:16:00.000+10:00

Sorry that we are a day late with this, blogger was doing it's usual temperamental self yesterday and didn't put the scheduled post up on the Scrap the Girls Blog.

This months challenge was created by our guest designer, Agnieszka Bellaidea.

LOVE in the TITLE

TURQUOISE as the DOMINANT COLOUR and

CHIPBOARD

and here is my sample

Isn't she beautiful? And no I'm not biased at all LOL

Thanks for dropping by and I can't wait to see your layouts linked up on the STG blog
D xxx

february photo a day challenge

2012-02-01T14:46:00.000+10:00

I am a shocker at getting behind the camera often enough. I always seem to miss the everyday things that happen in our lives. I had downloaded the Project 365 day app on my iphone and ipad with every intention of doing it. It was no problem taking them when we were on holidays but as soon as we got home I had completely forgotten about it. That was until yesterday when I was blog hopping and came across Fat Mum Slim's blog and saw the prompts for the February Photo a Day Challenge

So today is the first (you didn't know that did you LOL!) so I have spent most of the morning in my scraproom.. so this is my view for today

Are you going to play along with me?

I will be back later today to show you my sample for this months Scrap The Girls Comp :-)

Thanks for dropping by
D xx

it's cyber crop time at challenge heaven!

2012-01-30T10:28:00.000+10:00

Friday night kicked off our first cyber crop challenge for the year at Challenge Heaven. It was great to see so many scrappers join us on line to check out the challenges that the amazing new Design Team had to kick start the mojo.We had a game of bingo on Friday nights too... which I managed to win bahahahahaha... and NO it wasn't rigged hee hee. I can't wait to get my gorgeous flowers that Heather donated for the prize this month :-)

The theme for this months CC is 'New Beginnings'. I decided to do a puzzle challenge for my first one.

For sample I've used a photo of my Nephew and his wife on their wedding day.

Are you going to pop over and join us? You have until 5pm Melbourne time to get your challenges loaded in the gallery.

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

challenge heaven cyber crop starts tomorrow night!

2012-01-26T12:17:00.000+10:00

That's right our first cyber crop at Challenge Heaven for the year! And our first cyber crop with our new team.

I hope you can join us

D xxx

I am very excited to announce

2012-01-01T12:45:00.001+10:00

That I am on the Design Team for SCRAP THE GIRLS!!! *SQUEAL!*

Boy I have had an exciting month with lots of happy scrappy news. I was so excited when Malinda told me that I had made the team... what a great bunch of girls she has chosen. I am going to be working with Malinda Gardner, Crystal Goulding ,Michelle Jamieson, Leonie Dawson, Paula Perry, Kerry Murray, Kerryn lawson, M

arelize Frisby and M

arisa Page. YAY! I am looking forward to working with these girls for the next 6 months.

This months challenge is 'Monocramatic' I love this photo of my Nephews new baby girl. And what other colour would I use but Pink???

I hope that you can join us this month!

I hope you all have had a fantastic New Year's celebration and there isn't too many sore heads today. I am currently in Vietnam holidaying with my family (I scheduled this post so I could share my fantastic news lol) We are heading to Cambodia next and then on to Thailand for 5 days for a bit more shopping and relaxing... I am sure that we are having a fantastic time hee hee!

'see' you all when I get home

D xx

happy new year to you!

2011-12-31T23:00:00.001+10:00

Wishing you all a Happy New Year

Love Donna, Craig, Kirsten and Amanda xxx

squeal

2011-12-28T07:28:00.001+10:00

Well today is the day.... we are off on our first overseas holiday! Craig has been overseas numerous times but this is the first time that the girls and I have been out of the country... to say we are excited is a little bit understated LOL!

We are going on a Family Adventure with Intrepid Travel to Vietnam and Cambodia. We have a six hour stop over in Singapore on the way, which will be a nice break in the trip to stretch our legs and then we are off again and landing in Hanoi, Vietnam. The tour goes for 15 days and we finish up at Siem Reap in Cambodia. Then we head to Koh Samui in Thailand for 5 days before we head home just in time for Craig to go back to work and the girls to start back at school.

see you when we get home!

to you and yours

2011-12-25T06:34:00.001+10:00

october afternoon 'farmhouse'

2011-12-24T07:18:00.000+10:00

Are you ready for the fat man in red suit to arrive tonight? I think this has been the most stress free Christmas that we have ever had. We are going to my parents for Lunch and then Craig's parents for dinner. Every year all of us girls rotate to do a different course for Christmas Dinner... it's always a traditional Christmas Feast. This year I am baking the ham.... easy peasy! I have the glaze all ready to go and all I have left to do is score the ham and I am good to go. My friend Katrina has a boutique patty cake business in town called Katty Cakes and this year she decided to do some gingerbread houses, I couldn't resist as my FIL is a HUGE fan of ginger.

Cute hey?

Now for some scrappy shares. I couldn't wait for this range to arrive in the Savvy store... I think that October Afternoon has certainly become my favourite scrapbooking line at the moment.. I am loving the muted colours and there is always a fantastic range of embellishments to go with each range that can also be used with other ranges as well.

This layout is of Alicia and I at Longpoint Retreat in June when the girls and I drove down for a surprise visit.

I have done a couple more layouts with this range but blogger seems to have a mind of it's own this morning and is loaded all my images sideways. So I will have to share them with you another day.

Merry Christmas to you and yours

D xx

I {heart} you

2011-12-23T06:28:00.000+10:00

Kirsten is my first born, my baby. She will be turning 15 in a few short months and she is growing up to be a beautiful young lady both inside and out. I love this photo that I stole off her laptop... it isn't the clearest, but it has captured her personality beautifully.

I have used some Jillybean Soup 'Hearty Barley Soup and some Huey's mist and a Crafters Workshop Template.... I am loving the browns, pink and white of this range.

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

some merry savvy kit shares

2011-12-21T14:53:00.000+10:00

I am not usually a Christmas scrapper... I try to avoid it at all costs. But after receiving this months
Merry Savvy kits I went digging through my photos until I found one of the girls.

Amanda wasn't too happy that I scrapped this photo... but it's a memory! right??

In my usual style I have used a savvy kit for not is designed for LOL I loved the muted tones of this kit so I decided to do a layout about Kirsten. I wanted to document things about her at the age of 14. Boy they do grow up far too quickly :-(

I want to thank you all for the congratulations that I have received on the last couple of blog posts... I am so excited to be a part of these magnificent Design Teams.

thanks for dropping by

D xx

Soooooooo!

2011-12-20T20:30:00.000+10:00

I can finally tell you all some news that I have been trying to keep secret for the last couple of weeks. I have been chosen to be on The Challenge Heaven Design Team... I am soooo excited to be joining some fantastic girls in beginning this new adventure.
Thank you again Becky for the opportunity xxx

some scrapbook savvy shares

2011-12-19T06:15:00.000+10:00

I have absolutely smashed this months She's Savvy kit. Yep, there is nothing left but a few embellies and the alpha! I just loved the colours in this one... bright and girly.. Just perfect for my girls. There is still a couple in the shop if you would like to get your hands on one of them.
The photo that I have used for this layout is of Amanda's last performance in the Senior Choir at Primary School. I am hoping that she joins the choir next year in high school as she loves singing.

The next layout is for Kerryn's Manufacturer Challenge... it was for Lilly Bee Designs and lots of layering on your layout... I have most of their paper ranges (are you surprised???? LOL!) so this was an easy challenge for me to do.

I love this photo of the girls... Amanda is nearly 2 and Kirst is nearly 4... we always had our summer holidays at the Gold Coast and spent 3 weeks in our tent or caravan, this made it affordable to take the girls to a theme park every year... Seaworld was definately their favourite. Not that you can tell by the look on Kirsten's face bahhahahahaha!

Today I am off on a road trip with Sarah and all of our kids out to Lauren's farm for a scrappy sleepover, and I haven't packed a thing. Which is soooo not like me at all...... I am always super organised... I think these new meds are working wonders as I am soooo laid back and casual now.. I would have been running around like a chook with its head cut off before lol. I'm kinda liking the new me :-))

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

my minds eye 'funday'

2011-12-18T10:53:00.000+10:00

Sar from Scrapbook Savvy asked me to use the gorgeous new MME Funday range for my GDT spot for this month... WOW it is so easy to work with! I thought I would have to add lots of bits and pieces to it, but with all the embellies that come with the range, all I have added is some black cardstock. The papers are quite thick, which I love... Not a big fan of flimsy ones as they bend and warp when you add mists to them, but in this case they didn't!

As you can see they can be used for a variety of different photos. The middle one is a gift for Kirsten's best friend Katie... I hope she loves it as much as I do :-}

Thank you for leaving such lovely comments on my blog, Its nice to know that someone out there is popping by.

D xx

ps. I'm still on 75 likers... I wonder if I am going to get to 80 by Christmas???

A nice Suprise

2011-12-15T17:37:00.000+10:00

Most of you know that I am a Scrapbook Savvy fan. I love the friendly forum, where I have made many life long friendships. And without the love and support from these girls I wouldn't have got through some pretty dark times in the last couple of years. They are always there to support me when I need them the most... even if they are thousands of kilometres away .

One of my favourite parts of the shop is the monthly kits. I started off with just getting the She's Savvy, but that didn't last long lol. I had to get them all!

So, it was a lovely surprise today when Sar asked me to be a guest design team member for December! Yay! of course I said yes! You might have already seen some of these layouts that I have used for last months kits. I have absolutely nothing left of the She's Savvy Kit and enough left of the He's Savvy and We're Savvy Kits to do a couple of more pages which I will try and get done over the next couple of days.

We're Savvy

She's Savvy

He's Savvy

She's Savvy

Sar still has some of these kits available in the shop if you are quick!

I will be back soon to share some layouts from the new MME Kraft 'Happy Days' that Sar has given me for this months DT kit.

Thanks for dropping by

D xx

Getting the 'Gist' of it

2011-12-15T06:23:00.000+10:00

Of my new iphone 4s that is! I was a bit excited on Monday when I received a call from my local Telstra shop to say that my new iPhone had arrived after a very long 6 week wait. I didn't care what colour I got, I just wanted one! LOL

And what made it even more exciting is the new cover that I had ordered (and had received last week) do you want to see??

(Sorry about the photo being on it side, damn blogger won't upload it any other way)

My gorgeous Friend Giovanna Scott is a mixed media artist and have been very busy making canvases to sell, and oh boy is she selling them. She has expanded her business into selling Iphone cases that you can order here and prints of her canvases that you can buy through her blog here.

I was lucky enough a few weeks ago when Gi came out to my retreat to receive one of these prints as a gift.

Isn't she clever??? I love it! Now I just have to find the right frame and hang it on my wall, I even have the right spot picked out :-)

Gi is having a birthday soon so she has decided to have a sale on her blog. I wonder how old she is going to be??? LOL

Oh, my followers has reached 75! I think we might just make the 80 by Christmas!

I will be back soon to share some layouts with you

Thanks for dropping by

Dxxx

A Lauren Bell Creation

2011-12-14T08:50:00.000+10:00

Lauren arrived in town early for my retreat, so after doing the grocery shopping we came home and waited for everyone to arrive. Lauren's car was in getting a service, which was only going to take a couple of hours, so she left all of her scrap supplies in the car. Well.....the car took longer than we thought, and we were getting itchy fingers so I gave Lauren some paper to scrap a layout that she could add a photo too later... but, she wanted to do it for me. She chose a photo of my bestie and I at my birthday party earlier this year. I love it!

After my post yesterday about my followers it has grown to 73! Do you think we will make it to 80?

thanks for dropping by
D xxx

Are you a follower?

2011-12-13T18:04:00.000+10:00

Are you a follower on my blog or do you subscribe through a reader? I have just noticed that my followers has grown to 71! Wow! that is amazing! I wonder if I could make it to 80 before Christmas? I am planning on sending a RAK (picked randomly) if I can make it to that magic number :-)

I am going to share a layout that I did at my retreat a couple of weeks ago using the He's Savvy Kit that you can get here .As usual I have used it on a girl layout, I love how adaptable these kits are.

I have also used one of my flowers that I have made from patty cake papers and a doiley that I have cut out of Kraft cardtock with my cuttlebug.

Everytime Lisa and I get together we seem to forget to go to bed... this photo was taken at a retreat that we went to a few years ago on the Gold Coast... from memory it was about 4am lol

Don't forget to become a 'liker' here on my blog to go into the draw for a RAK from me

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

Stuck?!

2011-12-12T07:46:00.000+10:00

I must admit that the sketch this month at Stuck?! scared me just a little.. all those banners...aarrrrggghhh... and then I had a think and decided that I didnt need to put the banners on it... I could just put something else in its place... so out come a mask and some glimmermist. I love this photo that my daughter Amanda had taken off Lisa's daughter Tahlea when they were out here for my Whitehouse retreat. Isn't she beautiful? I really think that Manda needs to do something with her photography... she always take such amazing photos.

here is this months sketch

and here is my layout

I have heaps of layouts to share from my scrappy day/night that I had on Saturday... I will share just as soon as I can find where I put the memory card :-/

Thanks for dropping by

D xx

Another Scrappy Weekend

2011-12-11T16:48:00.001+10:00

This weekend Craig was away for work, so I invited some of the girls over to scrap the night away. And that is what I did... I was still scrapping when the sun came up. The other girls didn't stay that long though LOL. I crawled out of bed around 10 and moved all my stash back into my scrap room, and have pretty much stayed on the couch all day. But that's ok hey?

I want to share a layout that I did last week with Echo Park 'Country Road' I have used a photo of our 'retreat kids' They had such a great time that weekend :)

I will have more layouts to share soon... once I find my memory card... Damn Kids grrrrr!

thanks for dropping by

D xx

She Makes me Smile on the Inside

2011-12-07T18:10:00.000+10:00

I love this photo that Lisa's husband took of us when they came to visit in August. I am so lucky to have her as a friend. I remember nervously pulling up to her house nearly 3 years ago to join her and a few other girls for a crop. I had 'met' most of them online but this was the first time 'in real life' and since then she has become one of my bestest friends..... It doesn't matter how I am feeling, she always makes me feel better....she makes me smile on the inside! I know that she is always available if I need to chat and get things out when I am feeling down. Our families also mesh well together, we love having them come to visit us.I just wish that they lived close so we could get together more often.

I have used this months She's Savvy kit for this page. I love it when a layout comes together on paper just as you imagine it would. I have also uploaded it to the Savvy gallery hoping for a chance to win Sar's Random kit challenge.... this gives you an opportunity to win one of next months kits as well as being the guest designer for the month.... Well worth throwing my hat in the ring don't you think??

Thanks for all your lovely comments and well wishes from my post earlier today... it helps get my through the day knowing that you all care

Thanks for dropping by

D xx

Challenge Heaven

2011-12-07T05:03:00.001+10:00

Challenge Heaven a new owner! And Becky has big things planned for the new year, including some new DT members. I haven't played along with their challenges for a while so I thought I would pop in and see what this months challenges were. I have managed to do Becci's sketch challenge

I have used a photo that my gorgeous friend Sandie Mallon took of me in late October and a SFS kit, which sadly, Peta doesnt have any left

On more of a personal note, I am starting to feel more like myself again. I had a visit to a psychiatrist last week and he has added a mood stabiliser to the meds that I was already taking. He has cut down on the Advanza that I was taking at night time to make me sleep as well.. I am finding that I am waking up in the early morning again... but I can get through the day without too much tiredness. I actually want to get up off the couch and do 'stuff' now.

And I have been creating lots,YAY! and spent a lovely day with two beautiful friends yesterday and we scrapped the day away...... three o'clock came all too quick. We are going to have another day later in the week before school breaks up on Friday.

Thank you all for your beautiful comments... I love reading them

thanks for popping by

D xx

Rainbow Splendour Pretties

2011-12-06T07:39:00.001+10:00

Good morning!

The latest trend in scrapbooking at the moment is beautiful handmade embellies. I have several friends that have created some lovely goodies and have been selling them through their blog. My gorgeous friend Chloe has been busy creating for her end of Year Christmas sale at Rainbow Splendour.

I was lucky enough recently to win some of these beautiful embellies at a give away on the Rainbow Splendour Facebook Page

I have used one of Chloe's felt pinwheels on this layout of my girls.. It went perfectly with the October Afternoon " Sidewalks" range. Oh I miss the age of innocence in this photo *sigh*

I hope you pop over and check these out for Chloe's sale... I know I will be

Thanks for dropping by

D xx

December Show us Your Stuff

2011-12-05T19:00:00.003+10:00

The weekend just gone I finished my HUGE clean up of my scraproom. I cant believe the amount of scrappy things that I have hordered over the last 8 years or so... but it is all organised now :))

When I had finished I decided to scrap as Craig was away on the motorbike with his 'Mates' for the weekend. I did a bit of challenge blog surfing and thought I would play along with 'Show us your Stuff' They had a great sketch to work with and I found this photo of Kirst and Manda from when Kirst's preschool had a photography company come and do portraits for one of their fundraisers. One of the joys to me of scrapbooking is living those memories again while I am creating my page..... aren't they cute??

I have used a handmade purple flower and a music paper covered button.

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

Friends

2011-12-05T09:49:00.000+10:00

I was lucky enough last weekend to have 13 amazing friends come for far and wide to spend the weekend with me for my first Whitehouse Retreat. Lots of laughs, chocolate and the odd drop of alcohol was had as well. It was certainly what I needed!
Here is some happy snaps from the weekend

our group shot :)

I told the girls that I wanted this wall full by the end of the weekend... we had it done by Saturday afternoon!

I told you there was chocolate!

double trouble!

we were entertained by Gioanna on Sunday morning LOL!

We were also joined by some of our kids for the weekend... they had a great time down at the dam catching Yabbies and swimming

Thankyou girls for making it a great weekend. Love you all to bits xxxooo

December Scrap the Girls

2011-12-04T16:51:00.000+10:00

I couldn't believe the criteria for this months Scrap The Girls challenge... BABIES! I don't have many of the girls baby photos left that I hadn't already scrapped but I did this one last Sunday that fitted the criteria perfectly! Boy Amanda looks so much like my husband in this photo!

I have used some of the new Jillybean Soup 'Hearty Barley Soup" I{heart} the pink and chocolate together. I have used some Hueys Mist(suprise suprise!) and a Cosmo Cricket Mask

Are you going to join in with Scrap the Girls this month?

Thanks for dropping by

D xx

it's retreat time!

2011-11-25T06:11:00.000+10:00

Yay! Friday has finally arrived and I am (im)patiently waiting for the girls to arrive at 3 o'clock this afternoon. I have moved all the furniture and the tables are set up ready to go. I have to do the grocery shopping this morning when Lauren arrives and then we are DONE. Can you tell I am just a wee bit excited! I can't wait to spend the weekend scrapping, laughing, eating and drinking. I think this is just what I need :)

And whats a blog post without some layout shares? I still have heaps to show you from when I was at the SFS retreat and the week after at Sar's. I will get there eventually :)

I have used some Studio Calico with this layout and of course a Crafters Workshop Mask with some OA sprinklers. Sar took this photo of me with her phone... awesome camera, agree?

I looooove this little girl so much! This photo of Bronte shows just how much she wants to be like her big sister Georgia.

I am going to leave you with a quote that I found on Pinterest this week. I am going to print this one and stick it to my fridge, I think we all need to be reminded of this occasionally. (if you need an invite to pinterest let me know and I will send one through to you)

thanks for dropping by

D xx

Some EP times and seasons

2011-11-21T11:27:00.000+10:00

The new Echo Park 'Times and Seasons' range is a bit different from their usual releases... I am loving the vintage colours of this range. I have managed 4 layouts from my order and I have heaps of papers and embellies left over for more layouts. As you can see I have used some Hughies Mist and another of the Crafters workshop templates in my stash.. Oh I {heart} these!

This first layout is of Craig and I at my 40th birthday party... my birthday is always special to us as Craig asked me out for our first date on my 16th Birthday and we got engaged at my 21st.... somedays it feels like yesterday and others it feels like a life time ago!

The next one is of Lauren and I at my party... I love this girl and I am so blessed to have her in my life.. love you honey mwah!

I don't have many photos of my grandad, and I dont even know how I came about this one, it is quite pixilated but I wanted to scrap it anyway.

I also thought this range was quite fitting for a photo that I took when we were in Mackay for a trade show last year... oh to be sitting on that beach right now *sigh*

I have a busy week ahead of me as I have approximately 12 ladies coming to stay on the weekend for my first Whitehouse Retreat... I think they are all as excited as me! I cant wait to spend the weekend having lots of laughs (and drinks of course) and to scrap, scrap, scrap! I am planning on have a couple of these a year, very laid back and casual... if you live nearby and want to join us dont hesitate to let me know!

I am about to head into my scraproom to tidy it up so I can at least get in there to find my stash ready for the weekend... at least I dont have to pack lol

thanks for dropping by

D xx

show us your stuff!

2011-11-15T14:51:00.000+10:00

With using homemade 'stuff' being so popular at the moment I thought I would join in at Show us your Stuff for this months challenge... The sketch was created by my gorgeous friend Sara.

My homemade embellishment is the Rosette and I have fussy cut the owl from a matching piece of paper.

They also have a TRY THIS challenge for an extra prize..... this months is to use to use blanket stitch somewhere on your layout.. so I did lol

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

A New Design Team Member means a Whole New Monthly Challenge at Scrapbook Savvy

2011-11-15T07:14:00.001+10:00

Last month Renee sadly resigned from the Design Team at Scrapbook Savvy so Sar put out a DT call to look for a new member... From what I have heard she got lots of applications from some very talented scrappers. But she sadly could only pick one.. and it is the gorgeous Tara Scobie.... I have been a fan of her work for quite a while.. the way that girl works paint on a layout is amazing!
Ok, back to the reason for this post lol. Tara gives us a quote every month for us to draw inspiration from. This month she has set no other criteria to use...... but has warned us that 'we might not be so luck be so lucky next time' lol
Here is the quote for this month

At the Savvy Delights retreat we were given challenges to do and one of them was to use a Transparency sheet that Lisa had designed...I had used a part of it on a layout earlier and it was sitting on my desk ~~because I am hopeless at tidying up after I complete a layout lol~~ and when I was trying to work out how I was going to use the quote as the title... There is was!

I have used the left over class kit from Wendy's class at the Savvy Delights retreat ~~because that is another thing that i am hopeless at.. finishing classes off when I get home~~ (I think San might still have some of these left at Scrapbooking Delights??) and some Scrapware Corrugated Alphas that I bought at the Papercraft Convention in Brisbane earlier this year...... I haven't come across them since... I love them!

I hope you add this one to your list of challenges to do this month

thanks for dropping by

D xx

A Stuck?! sketch and a Scapbook Savvy Kit

2011-11-14T14:23:00.000+10:00

Are you a subscriber to a Kit Club?? Every month I receive 3 Kits from Scrapbook Savvy... the He's Savvy, the She's Savvy and the We're Savvy. I never use them all as soon as I get them (short attention span lol) but I love going back through them when I find that perfect photo to match the paper ranges. For this months first sketch at Stuck?! sketch challenge I wanted to use a photo of Craig in his Monaro at the drags at Willowbank, and it was suited perfectly to the June He's Savvy Kit!

I have used a large WOW cog ( I love these for boys pages) and the Boys and their Toys chippy from Scrap FX...(I cant remember where I bought this from, but I HAD to have it for Craig's album)

Thanks for dropping by
D xx

October Afternoon 'Sidewalks'

2011-11-14T07:52:00.000+10:00

oh I {heart} this range... it is so pretty and girly and just perfect for little girl photos. Anyone that knows me knows that I just HAVE to have the whole range of papers plus embellies, so when Sar posted on the Scrapbook Savvy forum that she was doing a pre order of the range... I just said 'the usual please' bahahahahaha. I have done 3 layouts from this range already and I still have lots of the range left to do many more :)

isn't it pretty???? And of course October Afternoon has fed another one of my addictions... they have brought out mists to match the range.. I am going to need a room just to hold my mists and paints shortly :-O

I have also used some new thickers that I bought at the SFS retreat... love love love them... I hope they bring some more out in different colours.

This first layout is of Leesh's daughter Charlotte at our house in April. She knows how to 'work it' lol. I have also used some A lil' somethin embellishment packs that the girls had done up for Peta for the SFS retreat

Sar's daughter's always have a little disageement over who's Mandy she is.... and of course Mandy loves it. This photo was taken in Wollongong when we went down to visit after Christmas last year.

This last one is of Mandy with the bmx bike that she got for her 12th Birthday... sometimes I am sure that she should have been a boy lol

I have used another Crafters workshop template and the OA sprinklers on the last two pages. As you can see I have used it as a template for the last one and as a stamp for the 2nd one... loving this technique.

I am planning on scrapping the day away again today as it is going to be tooooo hot to do anything but stay indoors ( well, that is my excuse lol) so I should have some more shares for you soon

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

November Scrap the Girls

2011-11-13T13:10:00.001+10:00

Do you play along with Scrap the Girls every month?

The challenge is pretty self explanatory.... NO boys allowed! Which I find pretty easy as I am a mother of two teenage girls lol.

Talking about them, they are both in town today 'hanging' out with their friends and Craig left early this morning in the truck heading to Melbourne... so... I thought I would spend the day scrapping. While I was blog hopping this morning while I was eating my breakfast I came across the Scrap the Girls challenge... so that was first on my list :) The criteria for this month is:

PINK AS THE DOMINANT COLOUR

MULTIPLE PICS

POLKA DOTS

I have used the Authenitque 'uncommon' kit that I won from Aussie Scrap Source a few months ago...love love love the 'girlyness' of this range.

I have used another Crafters Workshop template on this layout.. I love the black Hueys mist on the pink cardstock.

thanks for dropping by

D xx

November Scrapbook Savvy Challenges

2011-11-11T14:56:00.000+10:00

The design team at Scrapbook Savvy have some fantastic challenges again this month! So far I have managed to do two of them.

Sara's Wordy Challenge is to use the name of the person in the photo in your title. Easy as! I have used a photo of my Aunty Maggie and I on New Years Eve... she is more of a big sister to me than an Aunty, as she is only 9 years older than me. I can remember her cleaning out her wardrobe and giving me her old handbags, make up etc... mum used to hate it lol Can you see the resemblance?

This next one is Anthea's sketch challenge with a twist... this month she used one of Wendy's layouts that she had done for last months cyber crop.

I have used a photo that Craig had taken of his booth at the National Manufaturing Week in Sydney last year..Part of his role in our business is being the Salesman (I am sure he was a used car salesman in his last life.. he could sell ice to an eskimo!) and he does all of the big trade shows to drum up more business... please dont ask me what we make... I just know that he makes metal ~~stuff~~ parts from scrap steel lol

I have used another of the crafters workshop templates, but this time I used it as a stamp... I initially sprayed the tempate onto another peice of cardstock, and I thought I should use the paint instead of washing it down the drain... I thought this page was more fitting to the layout than the original one :)

I am hoping to get the other challenges done over the weekend.

Thanks for dropping by
D xxx

a Lil Somethin' and a SFS Kit

2011-11-11T10:53:00.000+10:00

Two weeks ago I was lucky enough to go the SFS Retreat that Peta has at her house every year. One of the kits that really stood out for me was the Bella Bvd "Making the team" I knew that I wouldn't have too much trouble using this kit over and over again, especially with Manda being so sporty. Also, A lil Something had made up some special embellie kits that went perfectly with the range.

I have used this range to do a layout on Manda's touch football team that recently competed in the All Schools South West Queensland Competition In Chinchilla and the All Schools Queensland Competition last weekend at Cleveland. I am so proud of her and her team mates on the way that they gave it all it got... even in the hot conditions on both weekends.

You wont find many of my layouts of late that don't have Mist and masking on them... I think I nearly have all the Crafting Workshops 12 x 12 masks now... are you suprised ??? bahahahahaha... You can get them here at Scrapbook Savvy :-)

I have also used this range and embellies to do a layout of Craig and I at the Willowbank Drags.... of course I had to have my first race up against him... and he beat me! But in my defence it was my first time at the 'proper' drags using the lights. (and I did leave the line before the green light sshhhhh!)

I have heaps of more layouts to share with you from my time away, but they can wait for another day :-)

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

November Out of the Hat

2011-11-10T12:37:00.002+10:00

Do you sometimes scrap a page that doesn't have a photo? I very rarely do, but I decided last night to scrap the tickets from my recent trip to the Hunter Valley, Wollongong and Sydney. It was such an amazing time catching up with friends and family...just what the doctor ordered :-}

This months criteria for Out of the Hat is to use 2 different border punches, use spotty and or stripes (I have used both) and to have a hand made flower. Easy hey?

I have used the Echo Park 'Happy Days' range from Scrapbook Savvy. This range is so versatile, can can be used for either boy or girl layouts.

Are you going to pop this months Challenge on your list?

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

Are you sitting down????

2011-11-02T21:22:00.001+10:00

At the moment I am down in Wollongong staying with my Cousin Sar (again lol) Last weekend we were at the SFS Retreat at Branxton, in the Hunter Valley. What a fantastic bunch of girls to spend a scrappy weekend with. I had the best time, just what the doctor ordered ;)
While I was there I was lucky enough to meet the gorgeous Sandie Mallon and she was doing photographic sessions with anyone who wanted too..... And boy am I glad I did! That girl is soooooo talented behind the camera, when I saw some of the photos that she took of me I nearly cried! She made me look so beautiful..... Thank you my friend, you are truly amazing!

I look pretty hot hey lol.

Today some of the savvy girls came over for a crop day, it was fantastic to catch up with the girls, most if them I hadn't seen since Craig, the girls and I were down after Christmas. I even managed to a double, I pulled out a heap of photos that I took of our town when it was in flood early this year and I couldn't decide which ones to scrap, so I scrapped the lot!

I can't remember the last time that I did a double layout, I usually have trouble scrapping more than one photo at a time :-0

Tomorrow Sar and I are off to Scrapbooking Delights to spend the day scrapping with San and Nat, I can't wait! I have visited the shop (and purchased) lots of times but I have never been to a crop there :)

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

Sandie's Class @ the SFS Retreat

2011-10-28T14:50:00.002+10:00

We were lucky enough this afternoon to be taught a class by the gorgeous Sandie Mallon using the New Lost and Found Range. I have used this range before, but it is always good to learn new ways to use product :)

Thanks for dropping by

D xxx

Kerryn's Cybercrop Challenge

2011-10-24T10:36:00.000+10:00

I finished Kerryn's challenge last night. It was to do a scrap lift of one of the gorgeous layouts in the gallery... I chose this one of Wendy's :)

Since I have had my big clean out of my scraproom I have been using heaps of old paper ranges and loving the results.... just making room for some new ones lol

thanks for dropping by
D xx

Scrapbook Savvy Cyber Crop

2011-10-23T16:40:00.000+10:00

This weekend at Scrapbook Savvy Sar and the girls are holding their monthly cybercrop.. I have managed to get four of the five done already...
The first one is Sara's sketch challenge. The extra criteria was to use patterned paper as your base... easy peasy!

This one is from Anthea's Challege. We could scrap anything we liked... no theme.. but we had to use this criteria Misting/Paint Distressing and Layering. I don't distress very often.. but I always love the end result :)

The first challenge that I had completed was Renee's Challenge... we had to go a bit dotty! I had a page started when the criteria went up.. and you guessed it.... I had used dotty paper!

I have not long finished Sar's blind scrap that she did last night, I wasnt around to do it live as I was a wee bit busy at the drag strip :) I can show you the full layout until Wednesday but here is a little sneak for you :))

I am really enjoying scrapping old pre-digi photos at the moment... it's bringing back lots of lovely memories of when my girls were babies.... it seems like soooooo long ago now :((

Are you going to pop over to Savvy and have a go at the challenges???

Thanks for popping by
D xx

Lime Tree Creations

2011-10-21T14:15:00.000+10:00

Have you popped over and seen the beautiful handmade embellies that my friend Becci makes over at Lime Tree Creations? Her October sale starts tonight at 7.30 ESDST!

Aren't they just gorgeous???

Thanks for dropping by

D xx

Another Scrapbook Savvy Competiton

2011-10-21T09:50:00.000+10:00

This months Criteria for Sar's Random Kit Challege is.... there is NO CRITERIA... how easy is that! you just have to use on of their fabulous kits.

Here is my take:

I have added a few bits and peices to the kit.. as I had used most of it already... and I had a major disaster with a bottle of glimmermist last time I tried to scrap this photo using the kit hee hee

Are you going to give the challege a go??

thanks for dropping

D xxx

October Scrap the Girls

2011-10-21T08:05:00.000+10:00

This months Scrap the girls criteria is to use distressing and the word 'love' in the title, I had already started the layout when I checked out the blog... perfect!

I have used some new Glitz Design papers for this layout... I fell in love with the soft pastels in this range

Thanks for dropping by

D xx

Some Just Because Shares

2011-10-20T10:18:00.000+10:00

This first layout is about Sar and Daniel helping me celebrate my 40th Birthday earlier this year... I soooo loved that dress!!

I have recently started documenting things about my life... and this one ^^ is a huge part of it... I love nothing better than being with friends enjoying a nice cold beverage and sharing a cheese platter :)

This one is about about another huge part of my life... scrapbooking!! I {heart} this craft that has given me many hours of enjoyment.

Thanks for dropping by

D xx

Some Scrapbook Savvy Competition Layouts

2011-10-19T12:22:00.000+10:00

This month I finally got around to doing some of the Scrapbook Savvy Competitions (and I even uploaded them :O)
The first one is for Sara's Wordy challenge... can you guess what the word is for this month??

Kerryn's Manufacture's challenge this month was Crate paper... I didn't have to dig far in my kits to find some as this months kit was full of it :) I have used a photo of Sar's daughter Georgie all dressed for her concert last year...I{heart} this photo!

Renee chose a Wiggles song for her Music Clip Challenge. If you have had little ones over the years I am sure you can work out what song it was LOL

I have scrapped this photo before, but thought it was quite fitting for this challenge... what do you think???

I have also done Anthea's sketch with a twist challenge.. here is the sketch taken from a Layout that Monique uploaded to the gallery last month. Here is the sketch:

I shared the layout that I took from this sketch in a blog post that I did yesterday.... you can find it here

All I have left to do is Sar's Random Kit Challenge which I am planning on doing this afternoon while I am waiting for the washing to dry.

I want to thank you all for your comments on my recent posts... I am purely blessed to have such wonderful and caring friends that I have met through this wonderful craft

thanks for dropping by
D xx

Some More Savvy Delights Retreat Share

2011-10-19T06:11:00.001+10:00

Boy, I have been slack sharing these layouts from the retreat *blush*

Thanks for dropping by :)

D xx

My Dream for Me

2011-10-18T09:24:00.001+10:00

My last blog post was about my start to my weight loss journey. But it is really the 'start of getting to were I want to be' journey.

You may remember a while ago that I did a post about my depression. Recently the Big Black Dog came back and bit me on the arse HARD! And I am slowly crawling my way out of it! When I am feeling my lowest I retreat into myself, I hide away from the world. I know that I am the only person that can get myself out of there. I hide from everyone because I don't want to drag people down with me.

If you are my Facebook friend you might have noticed that I have been sharing lots of inspirational quotes lately, I find these help me stay positive and to move onwards and upwards..... I recently received a PM from one of my beautiful friends thanking me for posting them because it was helping her as well.

I have learnt through my journey that negativity and blame within yourself and others doesn't help you. You just have to let it all go, and concentrate on the good things in your life. Onwards and Upwards!

I have been on medication for this illness for 10 years, I have been through lots of different ones trying to find the right ones for me. I know one if the side affects is weight gain, and as I said to my husband last week 'I would rather be fat and happy then skinny and miserable' but I also know that exercise only enhances those happy endorphins. So off to the gym for me :-)

And what's a blog post without a scrappy share? I have used another photo that my friend Tanya from TMK photography took of me last month.

Thanks for Dropping By

D xxx

The start of my NEW LIFE!!!

2011-10-13T13:43:00.001+10:00

This month I had a layout published in the Scrapbooking Memories Magazine. It was a layout about how I was committing to be fit.... I took a photo of my new runners that I bought in preparation of getting off the couch and to the gym.... Well.......... These shoes look exactly the same... Worn half a dozen times... And not for what they were intended to be used for :/ after seeing that layout published I got a huge kick up the butt... And from some gentle prodding from some of my gorgeous friends, I started going to the gym again. I am leaving shortly to go to my first ever PT session.... And I am scared shitless!!! I know it is going to be hard.... BUT I HAVE JUST GOT TO FUCKING DO IT, in the words of the very inspirational Michelle Bridges ;)

I am going to share a very embarrassing photo of me, all 70.4 kilos of me :(

Wish me luck on this hard and long journey xxx

October Out of the Hat

2011-10-04T04:40:00.001+10:00

I love the criteria for this months OOTH! We had two use 2 complimentary colours (I used blue and yellow), paper tearing and some felt.

I was looking through my material box looking for some felt to match my papers when I remembered some pre cut felt sheets that I had bought soooo long ago and hadn't even used yet :/ they were perfect for this challenge.

Thanks for dropping by, I love reading your comments xxxx

A Wendy Smith Creation

2011-10-01T18:18:00.001+10:00

I thought I would share with you the gorgeous layout that Wendy Smith did for me at the Savvy Delights Retreat a couple of weeks ago. I was lucky enough to get Wendy for Snap for the second year in a row:)

Mini photography session

2011-09-30T12:38:00.001+10:00

I was lucky enough at the Savvy Delights Retreat to have a mini phot shoot with the very talented Tanya Kember from TMK Photography from Wollongong (sorry I can't seem to link from my iPad, so if you want her contact details just let me know ;)) Omg this girl can work some magic with her camera! I {heart} all the photos that I got on my disc from her.

I wasn't home long from the retreat when I went and got them all printed. I have scrapped 4 of them so far....

Some Savvy Delights Retreat Shares

2011-09-28T16:21:00.001+10:00

A few weeks ago I flew down to the Savvy Delights Retreat at Tahmoor. What a fabulous bunch of girls to scrap the weekend away with!!!

It was great to catch up with some old friends and make many more. I managed to get 15 layouts done plus a couple more on the Sunday night at Sar's before I flew home at lunch time on Sunday (and that's story for another day lol)

Here's some of my favorites

My other love!!!

2011-09-11T07:14:00.001+10:00

I am spending this weekend doing another one of my passions... Racing my car at Queensland Raceway. Crazy hey? I love the feel of the power of my V8 engine! And of course the feeling of beating the boys at their own game bahaha! The look on their faces when they are beaten by a 'chick' is priceless! Well I am off to line up in the staging lanes!
See you at the finish line!!!

Aaahhhhhh..... The serenity!

2011-09-01T08:06:00.001+10:00

Have you missed me????
I am currently holidaying on the Gold coast with some of my girlfriends. Lots of laughs, heaps of shopping and a few glasses of vino. It has been fantastic! Just what the doctor ordered :-)
But I must say, I have been missing playing with glue and paper. Especially with my new Savvy kits waiting for me when I get home..
thanks for dropping by
Donna xx

A scrappy weekend

2011-08-25T09:59:00.000+10:00

As some of you know, I had a few girls over to scrap for the weekend... A Whitehouse scrappy retreat :)
Lauren and Lisa brought their families with them too... we had a house full! 6 adults and 9 kids... am I mad you say??? No way, it was the best weekend! All the kids got of fabulously and the men did too... they didnt shut up lol. They spent most of the time down at our dam or at a friends property searching for 'yabbies'. They managed to catch enough for a couple of meals.. (yuck!) On Saturday my gorgeous Friend Sarah joined us as well. We also had a quick visit from Josie and Nadine, no scrapping from them but quite a few laughs!

here is a couple of shares from the weekend!

I am loving the new lines filtering in from CHA!

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

Meeting Great Nana 08.03.1997

2011-08-18T11:19:00.000+10:00

Over the last week or so My Grandmother has been in hospital with heart failure and a few other issues. And when I found this photo of Kirsten and her the day after she was born I just had to scrap that memory.

I have used a sketch from the gorgeous Wendy at Anna's Craft cupboard.

With my own twist of course lol

My grandmother is home from hospital now, but we arent really sure how long she will be there for.

Thanks for dropping by and also a big thankyou for all your beautiful comments

Donna xxx

Inspired Blueprints sketch number 78

2011-08-17T22:12:00.000+10:00

I am really enjoying doing sketch challenges this month... Maybe that is where the mojo has come from??? With this layout for Inspired Blueprints I decided to sew my bunting instead of using paper... and boy did some choice words used lol.

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xx

The Scrappiest Number 132

2011-08-17T17:12:00.000+10:00

I have spent the afternoon scrapping again today, what else can you do when you have all the housework up to date??? hee hee

I loved this sketch from The Scrappiest

Yesterday we had a new addition to our family. My Nephew Chris and his wife Sara had this beautiful little girl. Baby Annalise, born at 3.20pm weighing 7lb 1 1/4 oz. Isnt she beautiful???

She is the second grandchild of my sister, Donna. Yep, that is correct! Her name is Donna lol. When my mother was young she had a baby and had her adopted. Her adoptive parents changed her name to Donna...talk about freaking us both out when we found out we had the same name lol. We found her a couple of years ago and I finally got to meet her in January when we were in Sydney. On the last school holidays, on our way home from Wollongong, we stayed with Donna and her husband for a few nights and got to meet her three kids and her grandson. The boys say that they take after me with our shared passion of drag racing lol. I have kept in contact with them all through facebook and texting. So I was really excited when I heard that Annalise had arrived yesterday... a good excuse to go pink shopping!

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

Equal Numbers

2011-08-16T07:35:00.000+10:00

Do your children keep count of how many layouts that you do for each member of your family? Recently Kirst made a comment that I seem to be just scrapping old photos of Amanda and not her, so I had a quick look at the ones that I had done recently and she was right lol... so I went digging for some older photos of her.

I have used a denim and lace butterfly from Lovelybugs Bits and Bobs in this layout... isnt it gorgeous?

Do you think that will keep her happy? lol

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

Friends

2011-08-15T17:39:00.001+10:00

"True friends are never apart, maybe in distance, but not in heart"

I have been lucky enough to have made lots of amazing friends through scrapbooking. Some of them live close by and some live afar. Earlier this year I made the road trip to Brisbane to go to the Scrapbook Convention with Crystal, Gigi and Lauren. It was fantastic to catch up with old friends and to make some new ones.

Lauren managed to get this photo of Crystal and I while we were being inspired in the Master's Gallery.

I have used Inspired Blueprints sketch number 178 for this Layout

I have used some more of the Authenique 'Uncommon' range with some American Crafts thickers, Lilly Bee Design Alphas, Prima Flowers, Kaiser Pear Flourish and a button from Lovelybug Bits and Bobs.

I hope you like it Crystal xx

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

Manda's Pumpkin Face :-)

2011-08-14T10:08:00.000+10:00

I found this photo of Manda last week and I instantly thought of the layout that Lauren Bell had done of her daughter Darcy eating pumpkin soup. I just had to lift that title from her.

do you think that she enjoyed it???

thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

Authentique Uncommom

2011-08-12T16:49:00.000+10:00

When I saw this paper range when I was released at CHA last month I knew that I just had to have some of it when it arrived in Australia. Peta at Scrapbooking from Scratch had the kit listed as a pre order and there was no way that I was going to miss out! And the added bonus was that there were some A Lil' somethin' ebellies that Wendy and Susan had made just for the kits!

Aren't they just gorgeous! so perfect for little girls layouts???

All that I have added to the kit is a Maya Road Kraft doiley ( omg I love these!) a Kaiser flower and a Kaiser Pearl Flourish.

The photo is of Kirsten and I on her first visit to the hospital to meet her new baby sister... she wasnt intersted in the screaming bundle all she wanted was mummy cuddles :-)

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xx

A Wicked Princesses Sketch

2011-08-12T10:34:00.000+10:00

Wow I have had a great start to this month with scrapping! I have managed to get 14 layouts done already :-O I wont tell you what my house looks like lol

When I saw this sketch at Wicked Princesses I thought I would give it a go.

I have used a photo that I found of our first home that Craig and I bought together in 1992 (seems like a lifetime ago!)

I have used some Sassafrass Lass Papers from Scrapbook Savvy ,some Prima flowers and a charm from D-lish Scraps. And yes! I did do some hand sewing on this page :-O

Thanks for dropping by
Donna xxx

Another Girls Paperie Share

2011-08-09T09:19:00.000+10:00

Just a quick share this morning... I know I have said it before but I love this paper range for photos of my girls when they were little.

I found this sketch over a Pencil Lines... I have always added their sketches to my large file of sketches on my computer, I really loved this one when I saw it, so I decided to use it straight away.

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

Are you playing along??

2011-08-08T13:11:00.000+10:00

I know it is a bit early but the gallery at Out of the Hat is looking a bit bare ladies and I would love you all to add this months challenge to you Must Do List :-)

One of our regular sponsors are Amanda from D-Lish Scraps whose store has a large variety of Embellishments. I placed an order with Amanda not long ago and this is what I received in the mail today

I cant wait to break open the packets and start using them on my layouts

thanks for dropping by
Donna xxx

It's Birthday Month!

2011-08-07T08:40:00.000+10:00

This month is birthday month over at stuck?! sketches. And we are the ones that get the presents! That's right, Stuck?! is releasing 4 sketches this month not their usual 2, so lots of inspiration to be found!
This is the first bonus sketch

Another Layout of Amanda (must find some photos of Kirst before she gets cranky with me lol) I have used some Jillibean Soup papers for this one... from all different ranges.

Thanks for Dropping by

Donna xxx

Renee's Music Challenge

2011-08-06T22:26:00.000+10:00

Over at Scrapbook Savvy Renee challenge this month was to use the lyrics from this song, December 1963 (Oh What a Night)

I instantly thought of a photo that I found the other day of Craig and I on the dance floor doing our bridal waltz.. and boy was it a great night... (from what I can remember because it seems like a whole life time away ;))

I have used some My Minds Eye, Lost and Found - Portobello Road.............and boy did I have glitter everywhere!

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

I have been scrapping again!

2011-08-05T16:17:00.000+10:00

My gorgeous friend Kerryn is on the design team for the blog sketch site The Scrappiest. I have never given one of the sketches a go so today I thought I would.

I have used another baby photo of Amanda that I found.... she is only just home from hospital in this one.

I have used A girls paperie range and embellies again for this one..such soft beautiful colours... just perfect for baby girl photos.

Thanks for dropping by, I really love reading your comments.

Donna xxx

Mr Mojo has been to visit!

2011-08-04T10:06:00.000+10:00

I have had a great week of scrapping this week.. and one of those days I was in Brisbane!

With all the dramas of last month I didnt manage to get my OOTH sample done for last month (I am sooo sorry Star :( ) but I did get it done this week.

The criteria was

- a doiley
- negative space (less than 50% coverage of base paper)
- monochromatic colour scheme (black and white will be allowed with one other colour)

This photo was definatley calling out for some Pink!!!!!

I have used Echo Parks 'Dots and Stripes' for this layout of my god son's big sister. I have also used a purple pumkin button, a doiley and flower from 'The Chip Chop Shop' Etsy Store, a Kaiser flower, a Petaloo flower that I bought from Scrapbooking Delights and of course a handmade 'by Me' rolled flower. For the title I used some American Craft Thickers and some Sassafraslass letter stickers.

Thanks for dropping by
Donna xxx

Scapbook Savvy Monthly Challenges

2011-08-03T17:34:00.001+10:00

For the first time in a long time I have made the time to do some of the monthly challenges over at Scrapbook Savvy.

Amanda and I spent a couple of hours on the weekend going through some old photos that I have stored in boxes of when the girls were babies and I sorted through some and have started scrapping them.

For Sara's Wordy Challenge this month she has given us the word 'sweet'

I did this layout this afternoon with a baby photo of Manda when she was one day old. Anthea's sketch was just perfect for the photo.. I have used some Girls Paperie that I have had for a few months and havent had the right photo... that was up till now!

I received my first delivery from Lime Tree Creations today and I just couldnt resist using one of Becci's handmade doilies of this layout... Love love love!

isn't she beautiful?? Makes you bit clucky hey????

Are you going to have a go at some of this months Savvy challenges where you will get a chance to win some Savvy $$$$$$

Thanks for popping by

Donna xxx

I have signed up already!

2011-08-02T19:46:00.000+10:00

Have you seen this?????

These are the sneaks from Giovanna Scott's canvas class that she has ready to go on her blog!

you can find all the details here....

are you going to join me and get messy???

Out of the Hat Sample for August

2011-08-01T18:35:00.000+10:00

I had a lovely day scrapping today... I love the first of the month when all the new challenges come out.

I have did my sample for Out of the Hat. I loved this months criteria!

A square photo/s (this doesn't have to be all of them just at least one)

- Paint

- Strip journaling

I have a bit of a love affair at the moment with adding paint to my layouts so this one was right up my alley ;)

I managed to get 3 more layouts done today... I will hopefully show you on Wednesday as I have to take Craig back the surgeon in Brisbane tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a good report!

thanks for dropping by

Donna xxxx

Scrapbook Savvy July Cyber Crop

2011-07-30T10:25:00.000+10:00

Last weekend I played along with the Scrapbook Savvy Cyber Crop... I cant remember the last time I actually go to do the challenges, or even managed to load them to the gallery!

Kerryn gave us a puzzle challenge for this months criteria... we had to have an arrow, butterfly, flower, a frame and a flag on our layouts

This layout is for Renee's challenge, we had to use stitching on our layouts.. I have stitched the buttons on and used some rubon stitching as well.

This one is for Kirsten's school album and I used the sketch that Anthea used for her challenge

Thanks for dropping by
Donna xxx

Mixed Media Art

2011-07-27T18:03:00.000+10:00

My gorgeous friend GiGi has been doing mixed media canvases for quite a while now, long before it became the 'other craft' for scrapbookers. She has decided to open a Made It store to sell some of her canvases.

On her blog she is also going to have classes and tutorials, which I am really excited about... I know she has her first class nearly ready to go live and I cant wait to put my name down for that one! GiGi has also created a facebook page, make sure you go over a click on the 'like' button.

While I was browsing her blog today I came across this post where Gi had done an art journalling class by Christy Tomlinson.

Well, Christy is running this class again.... and I have signed up to do it too! And it starts today!!! It runs for three weeks, and because she has already done the class previously it ALL went up today, and will be available online for 3 months.. so no rush at all :)

I am off to town in the morning to gather up some supplies that I dont have here at home... which isnt many lol.. I love the fact that most of the things we need are what we would ordinarily use scrapbooking/cardmaking or recyle some things in our homes.

Thanks for dropping by, and dont forget to like Gi's facebook page and also subscribe to her blog feed so you dont miss out on her classes!

Donna xxx

Love yourself more

2011-07-26T12:20:00.000+10:00

I was blog hopping this morning when I came across this blog post from galadarling. The first thing I saw was this picture

The first few paragraphs go like this:

"Love yourself more,” we’re told. But what does that mean? What, exactly, does that look like? Does it mean spending the day in bed, or going out & getting some exercise? Does it mean eating a bowl of chocolate ice-cream, or eating a salad instead?

Well, it can be all of these things. The root of radical self love is in listening to your intuition, & learning to hear what your body is telling you it needs.

I am so glad that I came across this post...I feel that I am in a time of my life where I should start looking after "ME" and take a step back from trying to look after everyone else...... including friends and family and start looking for the real ME... not just a mother, wife, daughter and friend but 'ME -Donna'.

It is time to clean out that cupboard called my head and get rid of all the negative things that keep dragging me down and to move positively forward...

I love this... I am thinking of doing a canvas with this on it and hanging it where I will see it every day

Thank you, all my BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS

for dropping by xxx

amazed at how much one can change in 12 months!

2011-07-13T13:08:00.000+10:00

Not long ago Kirsten bought her school photos home and today I thought I would scrap one of them. When I was in Wollongong I bought the Simple Stories 'Life Documented' collection kit from Scrapbooking delights. I had seen this range on line but decided I didnt need it in my stash... that was until I saw IRL and thought it would be perfect for Kirsten's school photos.

While I was scrapping away I thought I would go and look for the Layout that I did of Kirst's last year school phtotos just to compare the changes. Well, lets just say I was totally blown away at how grown up she looks now..(dont know if that is a good thing or not lol) What do you think??

I am so proud of the beautiful teenager, both inside and out, that she has turned out to be....(fingers crossed it stays that way!)

So here is the layout that I did of her today

thanks for dropping by

Donna xxxxx

doing some layout clean up ;)

2011-07-07T12:49:00.001+10:00

I was having a bit of a clean up in my scrap room today (amazing I know pmsl!) And I found some layouts that I havent shared with you all yet.

This one is one that I did yesterday

And the rest that I have done over the last couple of months.

As you see, I have started scrapping those not so perfect photos that I have of my girls that I have taken before I bought my first digital camera... I just wish I was a scrapper when my girls were little, I am sure that I would have taken more care when taking photos to document their lives :(

Thanks for dropping by! And thankyou for all the comments you might leave.. they certainly make my day

Love Donna xxx

An amazing Purple Pumpkin give away!

2011-07-05T12:24:00.000+10:00

have you seen the awesome give away over at Purple Pumpkin?? you can find details here.

pretty nice hey!

Thanks for dropping by xxx

My suprise Trip to Wollongong :)

2011-06-28T17:20:00.000+10:00

Last Thursday morning about around 3.20am (OMG!) the girls and I left Dalby on our long road trip to Wollongong. Craig is away on a business trip and the girls are now on holidays so I decided to head down to Sar's and to suprise my friends with arriving at a retreat that they were all going to in Sydney...It was awesome (sorry Linda and Kindra lol) too see everyones faces when they walked in and seen my sitting at their table. I certainly felt loved (as I am wiping away my tears lol)

I didnt get many Layouts done, I was too busy chatting and the odd vodka lime and soda or red wine hee hee hee

so here at the ones that I did get done!

We havent really had a chance to do any scrapping again until today when the gorgeous Linda came over to scrap with me while Sar uploaded some new stock in the shop. I am sure I will have some orders to take back to Dalby with me lol.

I used this months He's savvy kit...it would nearly be my most favourite kit to date.. and sorry there isnt any left! as you can see why!

I also finished this one that I had started a few days before I left

I really enjoyed doing this layout.. Vintage is usually not my style but I think I rocked it lol

Thanks for dropping by xxx

Just a bit excited!

2011-06-20T15:35:00.000+10:00

OMG OMG OMG!

you all might remember earlier this year when I had my first Layout accepted my Scrapbooking Memories Magazine... well it has finally been published and I got the front page of the Gallery! OMG it is Huge!!!

Any My friend Leah has the cover this month as well! It certainly lookes like a great issue! I just cant wait until Wednesday morning so I can go and buy mine!

Thanks for dropping by!

Donna xxx

I am finally at home to do this!

2011-06-17T12:11:00.000+10:00

I know what I am going to be doing tonight?

A little bit of Vintage

2011-06-10T08:12:00.000+10:00

Do you like Vintage Papers? I have never seem to be able to make them work for me :s But my gorgeous friend Lisa knows exactly what to do!

In April the She's Savvy Kit (which Sar still has some left here and on Sale too!) was Vintage. So, I handed over my kit to Lisa and she scrapped some beautiful layouts for me using some photos from my birthday party.

Aren't they gorgeous!

Thanks Lisa... I will treasure these always xxx

yep, I am blogging again!!!

2011-06-08T15:57:00.000+10:00

wow, 3 posts in two days :) lol

Late last week I started this layout of my gorgeous godson Tyler. Is'nt he just a cutie???

The photo matched October Afternoon's "5 & dime" perfectly. I am loving the muted colours in this range. And if you be quick you can get some from Scrapbook Savvy... there are still some left!

Are you going to the Stamping and Papercraft Expo in Brisbane this weekend? I am! I havent been for quite a few years, so I am really looking forward to it! And it will be great to catch up with some friends and meet some IRL for the first time. And I am staying at Gigi's so I am sure that there will be some drinkies had!

thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

Wicked Princesses Retreat Layouts

2011-06-07T20:00:00.000+10:00

Are you ready for an layout overload... nah... its not that many. I had a great time at the
Wicked Princesses retreat. It was great to finally meet some of my online friends IRL for the first time. And OMG Princess Krissy is absolutely gorgeous! Here is a group photo of us on the Saturday. I love all the pink and black!

I only managed 8 Layouts for the weekend.. I should have really got more done since I stayed up really (or early) every night.

The first four layouts are of Sar and Leesh's kids when they came to visit for my birthday... I somehow forgot to get a photo printed on Bronte :( The photos were taken by my girls when they were having a photo shoot are they had been shopping in big Dalby Town lol

one of the challenges for the weekend was to scrap without patterned paper....OMG it took forever to get that rub on onto the page.. this one is of Craig's Mum and Mandy on her first birthday.

This layout is of two of my friends that arrived at my party in bright green suits.. the dress was Cocktail wear and they told me that they were going to come in green suits... I should have believed them!

oh dear lol

I have some more Layouts to share that my gorgeous friend Lisa K did for me at the retreat... I will be back with them soon

Thanks for dropping by! And please leave a comment. I love reading them

Donna xxxxx

White with 1 for June

2011-06-07T14:19:00.000+10:00

I havent played along with many challenges in the last month or so but when I see the criteria for this months white with 1 I could resist!

WHITE + RED + CIRCLES OR POLKA DOTS
and anyone who knows me knows that red is my favourite colour :)

I have used a photo that Krissy took of Tam and I at the Wicked Princesses retreat at the end of last month. We all had a great time, and it is no suprise that next years retreat is all booked out already!

Thanks for dropping by!

Out of the Hat Sample for June

2011-06-03T13:53:00.000+10:00

wow, havent I been a naughty blogger :/

BUT I do have something to share with you today! It is my Design Team Sample for this months Out of the Hat Challenge. I loved the criteria for this month.

Use kraft as your base with bright colours

6 buttons

Use a bird/s somewhere on your page

Are you going to have join in the fun this month???

thanks for dropping by and leaving your comments.. it makes my heart happy xxx

The start of a New Month!

2011-06-01T13:49:00.000+10:00

And we all know what that means!

NEW CHALLENGES!

Have you seen this months challenge over at Out of The Hat

I love this months criteria!

Use kraft as your base with bright colours

6 buttons

Use a bird/s somewhere on your page

I cant wait to see your creations in the gallery xxx

thanks for dropping by

Donna

2011-04-10T19:20:00.000+10:00

Have you seen the give away over at Lil' Red Rocket

I hope I win!

Today I'm ..............

2011-04-04T11:21:00.000+10:00

I have been doing a bit of blog surfing this morning and seen this on Jane's Blog and thought I would share with you as well :)

Today I'm ....

listening - to the sound of the dryer
feeling - a bit blah after a huge weekend with some fantastic friends
creating - nothing on the go and the moment.

wanting - to get this ironing done so that I can get creating :)
needing - to get off here and finish this ironing!
thinking - far to MUCH!

enjoying - catching up on my shows while doing the dreaded ironing!
wondering - if I will get into any sort of routine around here :(

There... that is me for the day
I also have this poster to share with you.... I really need to use this mantra more often!

credit - Ali Edwards

Thanks for dropping in
Donna xxx

April Out of the Hat Challenge

2011-04-03T18:52:00.000+10:00

Have you been over and had a look at this months Out of the Hat Challenge??? This months Criteria is

- Handmade flowers

- Use 3 different stamps

- Kindy glitz (or similar medium)

Here is my sample :)

Thanks for dropping by, I love to read all of your comments mwah!

Have you voted yet?

2011-03-31T08:01:00.000+10:00

Have you voted on this months Out of The Hat Challenge?? Voting closes at midnight tonight!

So Excited!

2011-03-23T16:54:00.000+10:00

I received a message yesterday from a friend in our Car Club to tell me that there was a photo of me at Sydney Powercruise doing the off street drags! OMG I was so excited! He had received his sub in the mail yesterday. I quickly got online to see when it was on Sale... and it was available today.. so I was at the newsagency bright and early this morning to get my copy. Of course I had to take it out to Craig and show him too.

And that just topped my already great day! I had spent the day scrapping some some friends and I had received an email from Scrapbooking Memories accepting another one of my layouts and then this!

talk about covering all bases PMSL!

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

White With 1 for March

2011-03-22T16:16:00.001+10:00

The challenge for this month at White with 1 was to create a layout using WHITE - BRIGHT PINK - ARTISAN SHAPES/ARTISAN PRODUCTS... I thought I would try something a different and try some crackle paint and some glimmermist on some chipboard and use some dimention. totally inspired by Kerryn Fry.

Thanks for dropping by
Donna xxx

The last of the catch up

2011-03-22T14:04:00.000+10:00

I cant remember if I have told you that I am doing an 8.5 x 11 size albumn for all of my photos of when I was a little girl??? I have found this size a pleasant change, especially as the photos are alot smaller than what we use now :)

This next Layout is a photo of my grandparents 25th Wedding anniversary. I still have to ask mum what year it was and finish the journalling.

The next one is of my and my teddy bear... and I still have him!
I am in love with these MME Stella and Rose Doiley Stamps <3

And here are some 'just because' of Kirsten

And the next two are of my neices to add to the White Family Album

Thanks for dropping By!

I am sure that I will have some more for you tomorrow as Josie is coming over to scrap today. yeah!

Donna xxx

March Scrapbook Savvy Kits!

2011-03-22T05:58:00.000+10:00

Were you lucky enough to get your hands on some Scrapbook Savvy Kits this month??? I know that the We're Savvy kit is sold out, but there are some She's and He's Savvy kits left! pop on over and have a look!

As I mentioned in my last post, I have started scrapping some old photos. Both of me and the kids... i have shoe boxes full of them! it should keep me scrapping for years (I hope lol)

So here are some layouts that I have done with my kits this month

I did this one for Sar's random kit Challenge at Savvy for this month... we had to use staples, 2 of the journalling stickers and some fussy cutting

This one was for the Scrapbooking from Scratch monthly sketch challenge

This one is of my brother and I ALONG TIME AGO lol

I have some more on the go as well, but will have to wait until I finish them before I can share them with you

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

BAD BAD BAD BLOGGER!

2011-03-21T19:35:00.000+10:00

Yep, I am! I havent blogged for ages :( I have been too busy scrapping lol!

I have played along with Scrap The Girls this month.. you can find them here.

We had to use some SHE quotes by Kobi Yamada as the title & inspiration for our LO.

I chose this quote:

She just has this way of brightening the day.

OMG this is a photo of my eldest Daughter Kirsten taken 11 years ago... how cute is she!

I wish that I was a scrapbooker when my girls were little.. I have looked at some of my photos and shuddered... but I have decided that I am going to scrap them, they are part of them, and I want to document all of their lives... right from the start.

I will be back tomorrow to share some more Layouts with you

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

It's about time!

2011-03-14T16:01:00.002+10:00

Well...... On Friday I bit the bullet and went and joined the new gym that has just opened up in town

The gym is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, so you can go when ever you like! not that I would go in the middle of the night lol. All the machines have their own tv and 15 channels for you to choose from!

Today I used every excuse possible to not go... but I kicked myself up the butt and went and did a work out... I only did 30 mins on the bike but holy cow the sweat was dripping off me... I havent done any form of exercise at all since Craig and I had the accident.... nearly 14 weeks ago.

While I was peddling away, I was surfing the channels to find something to watch.... I stumbled across Dr Oz and he was talking about your real age. I dont usually watch his show, but this one got me intrigued. It certainly made the time on the bike go faster!

After I fell of the bike (my legs were soooo wobbly lol) I drove home and then grabbed my laptop and googled the REAL LIFE TEST and decided I would do the test :O Most of you know that I turn 40 at the end of next month.... well, my real age came up as 45. I nearly had a heart attack right there and then... I knew that I had put on weight and that I was unfit,and I thought I ate reasonably well (and drank too much too lol) but I wasnt prepared to see that answer :)

I am sooooo glad that I went to the gym today and saw that show. From now on in I determined that I am going to get my real age down to below what age that I actually am! I went into town again and went and bought this book

No, this is not just going to join all of the 100's of diet and recipe books that I have accumulated over the years.... I have read a few articles about this diet and I have also had a good look at it at the book store on several occasions. I really think that I can stick to this one as it actually contains all of the foods that I eat :)

So, it is 5 1/2 weeks until my birthday and I am hoping to loose at least 6 kilos in that time! And reward myself with a new dress and shoes (if this damn ankle will let me ggrrr) to celebrate!

Thanks for dropping by

Donna xxx

Are you looking for some Inspiration???

2011-03-10T20:28:00.000+10:00

Over at Scrapbook Savvy every month the girls run some fantastic challenges. So far this month I have completed Anthea's sketch challenge

I have also done Sandra's March ANTI 54321 Challenge... not many of us have been doing her 54321 challenge every month and I have been guilty of that :( so this month she thought she would mix it up a bit and give us criteria that WE WERNT ALLOWED TO FOLLOW

So this month, YOU CANNOT USE:

5 x different papers

4 x ribbons

3 x flowers

2 x photos

1 x cardstock

and there is NO WAY that we are allowed to sew on our layout...

and if you know San, she loves to hand sew on everything lol

Here is my take on her challenge :)

I hope you get to Savvy and try out these challenges!

Thanks for Dropping by!
Donna xxx

My Therapy room

a new month at challenge heaven

2nd february

february scrap the girls

february photo a day challenge

it's cyber crop time at challenge heaven!

challenge heaven cyber crop starts tomorrow night!

I am very excited to announce

happy new year to you!

*squeal*

to you and yours

october afternoon 'farmhouse'

I {heart} you

some merry savvy kit shares

Soooooooo!

some scrapbook savvy shares

my minds eye 'funday'

A nice Suprise

Getting the 'Gist' of it

A Lauren Bell Creation

Are you a follower?

Stuck?!

Another Scrappy Weekend

She Makes me Smile on the Inside

Challenge Heaven

Rainbow Splendour Pretties

December Show us Your Stuff

Friends

December Scrap the Girls

it's retreat time!

Some EP times and seasons

show us your stuff!

A New Design Team Member means a Whole New Monthly Challenge at Scrapbook Savvy

A Stuck?! sketch and a Scapbook Savvy Kit

October Afternoon 'Sidewalks'

November Scrap the Girls

November Scrapbook Savvy Challenges

a Lil Somethin' and a SFS Kit

November Out of the Hat

Are you sitting down????

Sandie's Class @ the SFS Retreat

Kerryn's Cybercrop Challenge

Scrapbook Savvy Cyber Crop

Lime Tree Creations

Another Scrapbook Savvy Competiton

October Scrap the Girls

Some Just Because Shares

Some Scrapbook Savvy Competition Layouts

Some More Savvy Delights Retreat Share

My Dream for Me

The start of my NEW LIFE!!!

October Out of the Hat

A Wendy Smith Creation

Mini photography session

Some Savvy Delights Retreat Shares

My other love!!!

Aaahhhhhh..... The serenity!

A scrappy weekend

Meeting Great Nana 08.03.1997

Inspired Blueprints sketch number 78

The Scrappiest Number 132

Equal Numbers

Friends

Manda's Pumpkin Face :-)

Authentique Uncommom

A Wicked Princesses Sketch

Another Girls Paperie Share

Are you playing along??

It's Birthday Month!

Renee's Music Challenge

I have been scrapping again!

Mr Mojo has been to visit!

Scapbook Savvy Monthly Challenges

I have signed up already!

Out of the Hat Sample for August

Scrapbook Savvy July Cyber Crop

Mixed Media Art

Love yourself more

amazed at how much one can change in 12 months!

doing some layout clean up ;)

squeal