Forever & Always Oct Cybercrop

Woo Hoo!! Lisa, Jo & I had fun joining in with the girls at Forever & Always last weekend in the October Cybercrop! They are always lots of fun, including bingo & great challenges. I wasn't really with it as I had the worst case of hayfever & my head was all over the place.

Surprise, surprise - I was talking to Jo this morning who told me my layout for challenge #2 had won the $25 prize pack!!!

http://www.foreveralways.com.au/2007.11newsletterNOVEMBER.pdf - here is the latest newsletter with all the details!

Hope to 'see' you on-line at the next one.

'til next time,

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy

I've been tagged!! "Picture Me" Meme

Lisa from Altered Cultery tagged me for the "Picture Me" MeMe.
Kate at Our Red House began this MeMe and said the following;

"The rules are simple: post a picture of yourself on your blog. As some may feel uncomfortable posting a current photo, a baby or childhood picture is fine. Post the picture, tell us the story behind it, copy the logo, and tag three others (without forgetting to tell them that they have been tagged!)"

The story behind the photo:

It is hard finding a photo of myself! I always seem to be on the other side of the camera ;) Here my dd is taking a photo of herself (as you do when you're 7!) with me in the background - definately not intentional!! We are at the top of Granite Island (Victor Harbor, SA), walking around looking at the huge waves crashing the rocks from the Southern Ocean. The sky was blue, but as you can see we are all rugged up! A beautiful winters day during the July school holidays this year.

I tag the following people:

Jo @ A Day in Our Lives
Pam @ Our Place

Janine @ A Creative Life

Happy Scrapping!

Mandy

Fun with Debbie & Paula from 7gypsies!!

Jo & I spent all day Tuesday with two very lovely ladies, Debbie & Paula, from 7gypsies & Michelle from Print Blocks. Print Blocks had arranged for them to fly out to Australia and do trade classes in the capital cities - which included Adelaide for the first time .... YEAH!!!!
We did three projects, all using 7gypsies products - just gorgeous! And yes, I have ordered some of the things we used ;)
Well, here are the cute creations all dressed and ready for photos. And yes, I am sure I will be able to fit them into the next newsletter workshop schedule!!! I am sure you will love making these as much as Jo & I did!
Til next time,
Happy Scrapping!

My Favourite "Scrapping" Things....

Jo & I are at it again! We are in the middle of a "circle journal" circle.

I was particularly pleased with this little page of my favourite scrapping things! The journaling has to be sung to the song, My Favourite Things, from the Sound of Music. You all know it!!!! I know you will all sing it to yourselves - don't deny it!!! Unlike me - who sung it out to the whole class as I was writing it!!!! Lucky they know me well and are used to my quirky humour! The hardest part was trying to remember everything and get it into the phrasing of the song. I was pleased, the class just laughed.....



Rubons on backgrounds and buttons on flowers;

Chipboard for titles and inking on edges;

Paperclips, brads, eyelets & bling;

These are a few of my favourite things.



Ribbons with staples and beads on wire;

Decorative scissors and punches, more punches;

Stamping for titles and backgrounds and more;

These are some more of my favourite things.



Then there's paint;

Sandpaper;

When I'm feeling sad;

I simply tear paper and distress it a bit;

and then I don't feel so bad!

Another Visit from the Tooth Fairy

Jennifer's lost another tooth!! Unfortunately, it fell out at school whilst she was playing on the oval, fell into the grass, never to be seen again! Needless to say, Jennifer was devasted....how would the tooth fairy collect her tooth?? To the rescue her lovely teacher, she wrote a gorgeous note to the Tooth Fairy explaining what had happened. Jennifer added a few more touches and under the pillow it went. I explained that the tooth fairy would know where to look to find her tooth once she received the note - all was well!!! How lovely that a teacher would write a note, to a mythical fantasy creature, to alleviate the despair of a child!

I opened my eyes with a start at 6:03 this morning, arghhhhh, the "tooth fairy" has forgotten to take the note and leave tooth money!!!! Tippy-toe, tippy-toe, ever so quietly into Jennifer's room, carefully slide out the note from under her pillow and replace with a coin. Tippy-toe, tippy-toe, ever so quietly, back to my room and back into bed, phew! Lay quietly and listen intently, has she woken??? Ahhhh, all is as it should be!

When Jennifer awoke and came out to the kitchen, the smile was dazzling, outstretched hand with the precious coin. "I told you the tooth fairy would come!" I said, "she always knows."

Let us just hope that Jennifer doesn't find her tooth on the oval today!!!!! But do not fear - I have Plan B ready...It will go something like this..... " it definitely must be another child's tooth, and we will put it in a glass of water for the tooth fairy to collect and she will leave the money for the child at their house, under their pillow - because the tooth fairy will know who the tooth came from".....won't she!!!!!

Long live the tooth fairy in us all!

City to Bay Fun Run/Walk

Bit hard to see - but that's me with my arms in the air (left side of photo, right under the finish line)!! Kim & I took 1 hour and two minutes to complete the 6km walk to the bay - we were very happy with ourselves. Last year our time was 1 hour 23 minutes - training does pay off!!! We had all the fast music on the ipod, a double adaptor for both headphones to plug in and we were off, like mad women possessed! The spa beckoned when we got back to my place, jets hammering the feet and legs, ahhhhhhh........ Did the trick though - neither of us were sore the next day.

So Slack!!

What can I say - I have been playing around with my web page so much, I haven't had much time left for much else!! But, I have got the beginnings of the shopping cart started - a long and tiresome task (no wonder most sane people pay others to do it!). I will keep on plodding away, at least in the mean time, you can order and pay through pay pal.

I have added more workshop times to the calendar, so you now can come on Wednesday mornings & evenings. Hopefully that will give you more timeslots to choose from to fit into your busy schedules! Just ring or email to book into classes.

Did you see the fantastic Blood Moon last Tuesday? The children had a wonderful time running outside every few minutes to check on it's progress, they even got the telescope out! Isn't nature truly amazing, such a beautiful display!

Holiday At Victor July 07

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

AUGUST, SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER WORKSHOPS

The next round of workshops are now listed on my web page, you will find the details for the workshops & calendar.

Looking forward to another quarter of fun classes!!

See you all soon,

Happy Scrapping!

Mandy

Loose Tooth No More!

How cute is this face.....? Why do kids faces always look 200% cuter when they are missing a tooth - especially a front one?!
Jennifer let Gavin pull out her very, very wobbly front tooth last night! It has been wobbling for weeks, but last night it nearly came out when brushing her teeth, so I convinced her to let daddy pull it out.
Of course the tooth fairy visited, took the tooth for her collection and left $2 for being very brave!

New Web Site!!

Hi everyone!
Well I have been busy putting together a web site and it's nearly ready! So even though I have been on the computer constantly, I haven't updated my blog. But .... it will all be worth it!
It has the calendar, workshops and eventually there will even be a shop.
For a sneak peek you can go here and check it out - I would appreciate the feedback.
Hope you are all scrapping madly, like myself!! I will be uploading the new classes to the gallery as soon as they are photographed.
Keep well and warm,
Happy Scrapping,
Mandy

GUESS WHAT I GOT FOR MY BIRTHDAY?!!!!!!

Guess what I got for my birthday?!!! Yep, you are looking at my new Canon 400D Digital SLR, the one that I have wanted for ages & ages - yay!! I have been out playing with the settings and the lenses - oh, so much fun!

Hubby had everything wrapped individually and it took 11 hours from the first strap until I received the whole thing! I was lead on a merry chase all day with notes and parcels hidden all over the place! The kids were in on it too and Gavin had given Daniel a list of when to give certain things and where they were, they had just as much fun as me, I think!

Lisa and Jo came over for afternoon tea and we enjoyed a hot chocolate and decadent cakes across the road at the Mill. mmmmm........chocolate.............

Went out to dinner with Julie & Noel on Wednesday evening, as they were going to be away on Saturday - down the road to the Carlisle, nice meal and we walked the calories off on the way home!

On Saturday night, went out again to the Seaton Hotel with everyone. It was packed, but a great meal. Took my new camera - of course!! Lisa and Kim had a go taking some photos - and wanted to put it in their bag to take home! Bought a scrumptious cake from Michele's for desert. A great night! Thanks for coming guys and helping me celebrate my birthday! I had a wonderful time - of course with family and friends around, how could I not?!

Garden Party with Alison Ellis Designs!!

Sorry I haven't written for soooo long...but I've been having a garden party with Alison!!!
I am the new SA Rep for Alison Ellis Designs and have been to nearly every scrap shop between Gawler and Hackam!! I have discovered suburbs I didn't know existed.
Ohhhhh and it was so tempting..... after the first day I didn't take any money or cards with me!! I am not to be trusted in a scrap shop - lol!!!
This weekend I am travelling to Victor Harbor to teach at Scrapbook Emporium's Retreat, representing AED and using the scrummy new papers of course! We will be completing the blue and green page.
The second pic is a 5x5 card using the leftovers from the double lo. Just love the flowers, they just scream to be cut out and used everywhere!!

For my Monday night regulars - we will be completing the single pink page. $10 for the workshop and materials. You will need black ink and a sharp craft knife. Photos - 2 4x6 landscape orientation or one 6x8. Black & white will be best.
Thursday ladies - we will be doing the blue & green double layout. $ 16 for the workshop & materials. You will need black ink, black brads, one large brad (I used blue) and your stapler. Photos - 4 4x6 photos, any orientation.

Must away and pack for tomorrow - long drive, but will be lots of fun!!
Happy Scrapping,
Mandy

More Cybercropping!!

It's just so addictive!! ...and loads of fun! Best thing is I am scrapping for me inbetween scrapping for workshops. It is nice to do some layouts that are just mine! (They are usually much quicker and less involved than my workshop layouts!)

This page of Daniel as a baby is the result of a sketch challenge - that had to be distressed - from Crafting In Style. Even got my chizel-it out .... and dusted of the cobwebs to distress the edges of the patterned paper.

busy weekend

Been busy this weekend!!! Another cybercrop at the Scrappers Hub and a Scrap'n'Salad night!!

May, June, July Workshops!

Hi everyone!
Well I have been working hard getting the next lot of workshops ready for you....so without further ado, ta-da, here they are!!
Class times are Monday nights 7pm ~ 9pm and Thursday mornings 9.30am ~ 11.30am.
Just ring or email me to book into the workshops and don't forget the booking fee of $3 per workshop or $6 for Scrap'n'Soup Nights.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

PAGE MAPS 1 "WISH ME LUCK"
THURSDAY 3 MAY & MONDAY 23 JULY $14
Just love using a layout sketch for stunning pages. This page will come together so easily, you will want to use it again & again with a different look each time! You will need 6 photos (these will all be cropped), ink pad, journal pen, brads, alphabet stickers or rub-ons and any other embellishments you may wish to use. I have used buttons, flowers, brads, charm & some ribbon.


BIRTHDAY BOOK TIN
MONDAY 7 MAY & THURSDAY 17 MAY $25
This gorgeous little cd tin hides an accordion album to keep track of all your birthdays...it’s sooooo cute!!! A beautiful gift for that someone special - or do what I did and keep it all for yourself! We will be using the Story Time paper range from Scrapbooking Australia, with a rich almost heritage feel. Along with your basic tool kit, you will need a couple of black /brown or antique brads, dark brown ink pad, journaling pen, stapler, foam mounting squares and of course a list of birthdays (mine is in June, by the way!!!)


GOOD FRIENDS
MONDAY 14 MAY & THURSDAY 24 MAY $17
This is a gorgeous layout with a heritage feel. Use a layering technique of patterned papers and cardstock for stunning effect. You will need one 5”x7” landscape orientation photo and another to fit inside a slide mount. Please bring with you ink pads, brads or buttons & alphabet stickers or alphabet rub-ons.

Apologies for no photo on this layout! Lisa and I just haven't managed to be in the same place, together with a camera!! There should be one by the workshop - I hope!









"BELLA BALLERINA"
MONDAY 21 MAY & THURSDAY 31 MAY $18
This cute layout uses strips of patterned papers overlapped to make a gorgeous mat for the photos to sit on. I have used b&w photos, but you don’t have to. Three photos, 1-5x7 portrait orientation, 2-4x6 either orientation. You will also need a small amount of ribbon, some brads, an ink pad (I used black on my layout) and any other embellishments you think might go well with your layout and photos.

STAR ALBUM
MONDAY 28 MAY $10
Seen these in the mags and thought - too hard? Well once I show you how it’s done, you will wonder why you haven’t done it sooner! A great mini album that ties open and looks like a star. Photos need to be able to be cropped down to about 2x3. You will need to bring an ink pad, embellishments, ribbon, paper scraps and a journaling pen. These make fantastic gifts - maybe you could get a start on those Christmas gifts!

"I CAN TIE MY LACES"

MONDAY 4 JUNE & THURSDAY 5 JULY $12
I have way too much material ~ surprise, surprise!! So, we are going to use them up on a layout - of course! I even got the pinking shears out to cut the material up and ...sit down… we are using the sewing machine to stitch it all onto the page - yes, I hear your groan!!! Think positive, it will be fun and the overall effect is fantastic.



PUT A SPOT OVER HERE!
THURSDAY 14 JUNE & MONDAY 25 JUNE $9
Lots of circles in this layout of all different sizes and patterns! If you have a circle cutter &/or circle punches, please bring them with you (will save waiting). You only need one 4x6”photo that can be cropped into a circle for this page and journaling pens - I used black and white pens. Also bring your scrap papers - you will use these for the smaller circles - about 3 to 4 different co-ordinating patterns, but if in doubt, bring them all!











ALISON ELLIS DESIGNS - NEW PAPERS
MONDAY 18 JUNE PRICE TBA


PAGE MAPS 2 "OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY"
THURSDAY 21 JUNE & MONDAY 30 JULY $14

Another great layout sketch to create a wonderful double page. You will need 6 photos (5 will be cropped down and one needs to be up to 8”x10” landscape orientation), ink pads, brads, alphabet stickers or rub-ons & anything else you may wish to embellish your page with. My example uses ink, paint, brads, ribbon & alphabet stickers.


DREAMY CIRCLES
MONDAY 2 JULY & THURSDAY 12 JULY $14
This cute page will have you wanting to float away on a cushion of bubbles - oh wouldn’t that be lovely! You will need to bring a journaling pen and two 4x6 photos (either orientation), you can see I used a photo in each orientation, the layout will work well with the photos either way, so don’t worry! Bring different sized circle punches if you have them (it will save having to wait).


TECHNIQUES REVISITED - STAMPING
MONDAY 9 JULY & THURSDAY 26 JULY $13

Flowers, flowers and more flowers!! Using flower stamps, we will reverse stamp and cut them all out to add layer upon layer of flowers to frame our photo. You will need 1 4x6 photo, either orientation, journaling pen, ink pads & brads.
















BLACK & WHITE & RED ALL OVER!
MONDAY 16 JULY & THURSDAY 26 JULY $17
This timeless colour combination always looks stunning be it fashion or on our scrap pages! Using the Black & White range from Scrapbooking Australia, we are going to have fun creating this stunning double layout. You will need 2 4x6 portrait orientation photos, a 1” circle punch (if you have one), stapler, brads or eyelets (not necessary, but will add dimension to your finished layout) and a black journaling pen.

CREATIVE CROP

THURSDAY 10 MAY & THURSDAY 7 JUNE $6

Bring your photos & tools then crop the time away! Great for finishing a layout from a previous workshop or making a dent in that every growing pile of photos. Come along crop, chat and laugh!

SCRAP'N'SOUP

SATURDAY 19 MAY, SATURDAY 30 JUNE & SATURDAY 28 JULY $12

Come along on a Saturday night for 6 hours of scrapping fun! Bring your photos & tools then crop the night away. Soup & hot bread will be served for dinner. Softies in the fridge and the kettle is always handy for a cuppa! There’s usually chocolate biscuits or some other wicked dessert lying around….always lollies on the table ...and yes - you might get some scrapping done!!! Cost includes dinner, drinks & nibbles - great deal!

NO CLASSES ARE SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY 11 JUNE & THURSDAY 19 JULY.

Happy Scrapping!!!
Mandy

Introducing.....

Mila! My gorgeous little new neice. My brother and partner look so happy - and why not? How wonderful!

Dad is going over next week to visit - oh how I wish I could be going to.... but such a long way to Hanoi and unfortunately not within our budget.

I have told Pete that he has to send loads of photos, I have already started an album for her!! Acutally, it is going over as part of her pressie pile from one very proud Auntie Mandy!!

Welcome to the world Mila. It is now a much nicer place now you're in it! Though you are very far away, you will never be far from our thoughts. Happy days and adventures await - enjoy!

Cybercrop Madness!!

Why did we do it??? Sign up for two cybercrops on the same weekend ~ utter madness!!
Lisa & I need our heads read!!
Anyway, managed to get all bar one challenge completed - here they are. I even went away one night and took stuff with me - what's that psych's number again!!!



This double layout was an on-line class with Angel Creations through the Scrappers Hub.

Surprise, Surprise!!!

Happy Birthday Lisa!!!! What a shame you had to work all day - but that's okay, because friends are for remembering regardless of what you are doing!!!

So.....I bought a little mini cake from Buddy across the road, stuffed as many candles I as I could in it, lit them and walked into Lisa's work singing "Happy Birthday"! Her workmate joined in and so did the customer!!!!

Hope you have had a great BD today.

Lots of love