Layouts galore!

This is pretty Bella, one of Jayme's neices or close enough, using Basic Grey papers.

OHHH and whos this handsome fella?? tis Jayme and I. Or - Him and me even. Using old(er) Basic Grey Marrakesh papers and VERY straight edges, nto sure I love this layout, but I do adore this photo of us, mainly because I will always remember him being so hung over but I made him come with me on a tiki tour up the coast as we had planned BEFORE he got drunk the night before, I'm a bit mean hehehehe :D

Surprise!!!!!!!!!! its Amelia, of course theres a layout of Miggles here, and interestingly, I used scraps of my all time fave papers (prima) that I also used on Amelia's birthday invites. Oh yeah, the reasoning behind this layout was that I had just received my new Prima stamp from Scrappin Patch.. had to use it on SOMETHING.

Niecey poo Nikita up a tree, the photo wasnt fantastic, but I like that using that frame makes it work ok without cropping the hell out of the photo, used Basic Grey papers and a bit of felt stuffs.

Thanks Tess! This is based on a sketch from Little Shop of Sketches and I love this layout, I also love that scraps of my fave Prima was used again too!:D

Holy Smoke! i did a layout!!

with thanks to the other 2 piggies that did the menu with me, i did this layout, admittedly not my finest work, but damn it- i DID A LAYOUT!

Ahh the menu goes like this:
everyone choose their food from the menu, then someone else givest he "scrapbook" version of their menu, we nearly lost this but clever Tracy kept a copy so I figure ill post it so it remains somewhere anyway!

Appetizer
Bruchetta
Bread and Butter
French Onion Soup
Shrimp Cocktail
Hot Wings

Salad
Caesar Salad
Greek Salad
Tomato and Mozzarella
Cobb Salad

Main Entrée
Fettuccini Alfredo
Steak and Lobster
Vegetarian Stir Fry
Fried Chicken
Baked Salmon

Side Dish
Baked Potato
Green Bean Almondine
Mac & Cheese
Rice Pilaf
Glazed Carrots

Dessert
Tiramisu
Cheesecake
Sherbet
Hot Fudge Sundae
Red Velvet Cupcake

Appetizer
Bruchetta –create your own journal spot
Bread and Butter - create a tag for your page
French Onion Soup – distress your paper
Shrimp Cocktail - 6x12
Hot Wings – scallops

Salad
Caesar Salad - flower
Greek Salad - felt piece
Tomato and Mozzarella - chipboard
Cobb Salad - bling

Main Entrée
Fettuccini Alfredo – brown, turquoise, white, gold/yellow
Steak and Lobster – red, blue, white, grey
Vegetarian Stir Fry – orange, white, black, green
Fried Chicken – black, pink, kraft, white
Baked Salmon – orange, purple, white

Side Dish
Baked Potato – 3 or more buttons
Green Bean Almondine - 2 rub ons
Mac & Cheese - stamp
Rice Pilaf - 2 ribbons
Glazed Carrots - brads

Dessert
Tiramisu – use creative type/alphas
Cheesecake - 2 pieces pp (that don't match)
Sherbet – pattern paper background
Hot Fudge Sundae - cardstock only
Red Velvet Cupcake - 3 pieces pp

So other news.
Take too long to explain, but lets just say im flying off to Christchurch tomorrow at 5 bloody am.
fun stuff tho - spending the day with nic and then catching the afternoon shuttle to Greymouth, where i will recharge and enjoy the quiet.
perhaps there might be some news when i get home on Thursday- but nahhh im just teasing :D

Some latest layouts

using the new Fancypants Delight range, havent put a title on it as such... my sis will kill me if i put what i really want :D so best left blank for the moment!
and this layout Princess (Idiot)- I love, its gorgeous and i was so surprised it came together so easily, used the prima outside border then heidi swapp scraps - these four little photos are a bit special because i had them printed small, then the HDD crashed so I lost the originals so its the only proof! and I cant wait for Anna to be 21 - and these photos to be shown- she was dancing in front of the turned off tv - cos she likes watching herself .. so cute and so spazzy! with thanks to nic and tracy for title suggestions!

Apologies!

I know, its been AGES. but I didn't feel like blogging.
So a catch up post. Where to start!?? Ok, firstly, I've been sick, started as a cold and ended up as flu, much better now, just a little weak after exercise.
This morning I went to the Elizabeth Arden sale - I Adore her stuff, and its my preferred brand of make up and skin care products, and it just so happens that I have run out of moisturiser, and running low on foundation, so it comes at a perfect time! I got some moisturiser, cleanser/toner/primer for $30!! saved me about $120 but unfortunately no foundation so I'll have to cough up and pay full price but I dont feel so bad doing so when I have the moisturiser cheap!
scrap stuff:
Im still doing a bunch of ATC's but slacking off cos I have some due err yesterday and I havent done them- I am totally stumped on what to do!
layouts, well Ive been doing them every week for Crafty Tart, cant remember the last one I showed so Ill show all of them:This one was for Up2Scrap's May challenge (non square shapes)

This one for Prima's may sketch of the monthThis one is home made embellishments for Crafty Tarts weekly challenge- I cut the birds then used cuttlebug to emboss then heat embossed the raised bits, then i stuck a bunch of basic stuff to create a home made cluster - except for the leaves! and I also made the title frame and made the flourishy bit from felt backing paper.This one is paper scrolls - I was running out of time so yeah, cant say its my favourite layout ever.
and this one is for another Crafty Tart challenge- again a non square layout.
And yes I'm using up all the wedding photos of friends because I dont have many other photos- I havent even USED my camera for a month or so at least!

For someone who is finally scrapping again

I don't have much to show! As is normally the case, I get back into scrapping after a spell of not doing it by entering challenges, and only 1 has come up for viewing so there are another couple on my easel ready for show n tell when the comps open up, this challenge was for the Crafty Tart NZ's Top Trend Scrapper the deal was to use a page - I had a book called "My lurid past" ... and I have been meaning to scrap this pic for years, and its got hidden journalling behind the page which I'm not going to share, but Its probably the most journalling I have ever done.

But to amuse you all, I've got a special "feel good" treat for you!!!!! Photos of my scrap space.
Nic was proud of herself and cleaned up her desk... I asked her to come do mine, but she reckoned mine was going to be realllly bad - hers just had alot of empty cans on it.. can anyone say Jim!?? (hahahaha shes gonna KILL me for that)
But anyway, I took photos right now, boots n all. and yea, thats a lo im working on - hanging half off the keyboard slidey bench thing - I really do scrap like that now! weird thing is, I don't miss my old scrap room at all! I think for me I have realised, so long as I have SOMEWHERE to scrap, I don't care how bad it is, so please - have a giggle on me!

Latest LO

Not the most exciting, I've happened to use the same paper as the LAST lo I did, and um, well, It's certainly not my favourite paper ever (Basic Grey Marakeech), but it does the job.

Due to popular request....

I was gonna post a picture of something reallllly gross, but its hard for me to bring myself to do it.
let me think about it. and meanwhile talk about happy things!
I havent been home that much, finding the outdoors pretty interesting, and no my dearest Beth - it wasnt in a garage, I'm over mechanics - they charge too damn much for too little work!
I didn't bother with easter eggs this year, bought a bag of hershey caramel kisses instead :D much better value. Also accidently fell into the scrapbook shop in Albany thats closing down so having a 50% off sale.... some prima stuff accidently fell into my basket, thanks for pointing out the felt thingies Trina! or not...?
So anyways I got some new stuff! (cue that catchy new tune "new shoes on") so I might be able to scrap seeing as I am now house bound... ohhh yeah the gross thing, well : AND NO, ITS NOT MY BOOB!!!!!!!
that is like a volcano on my jawline.... its THAT swollen. and with much thanks to nurse mason, I am petrified of it taking over my head :( I must say that when I uploaded these photos I actually felt a bit better, cos in my mind this thing is HUGE and it takes up half my face and I'm sure everyone is staring at it etc etc, so in reality - its not actually that bad. (if any of you mean cows say it IS that bad, ima gonna come kick your arses .)
But in happier moments, this is Kim's still untitled layout, I was going to be a smart cow and use a title from the bible, and Kim and Tracey will likely know what i mean considering they know this boy childs name...and considering the story behind the pic too... but I restrained myself!!!!
This page was done using part of the Sketchbook kit with BG Marrakech papers

This one time at Scrap Camp..

I got home early early this morning from the Sketchbook Retreat, had a great time, and by god, I was successful! I DID A LAYOUT. yes, one whole layout! Don't worry about anyone else who did lots.. . *I* did one.
And that wasn't cos i had to put it aside and do the classes ... oh no, because even tho Faye did a lovely multi pager and the very cool Rachel Tucker did a stunner with prima transparencies, I kept plodding away on mine.
So other highlights.. Oh Huge thanks to Crafty Tart, and I really cannot recommend these guys more, I don't "endorse" too many shops other than those which I have personal fantastic experience of, and I have to sasy Crafty Tart is most definately one of these. They have up to the minute product, FANTASTIC prices and brilliant service, we are so lucky that they come to Sketchbook Retreat cos there would be some unhappy campers if they werent there!
and and and I got a Tim Holtz swirly mask !!!!!!

I honestly didn't think we would see these for ever, and there they were - and SO cheap! $7.20! These are going to fly out the door so if you want one - check out the site, OH and also, I've been searching high and low for the Tim Holtz ink blender foam pads, and have had no luck, but again, Crafty Tart has them too ! and this is to say nothing of the papers and pretties.This is my first use of the mask, using both the inner and outer stencils.

I was a totally organised camper too (if you don't look at the previous post) and I had a cool costume for the fancy dress theme which was "what do you want to be when you grow up" I wore the same dress as last time (last time was Halloween you might recall) so was a prom dress with a "gash" and blood all over it, there were many many things I couldve been - including "cheap" which is pretty accurate I guess.. then I couldve been the Corpse Bride, or the unfaithful bride, etc etc it was funny anyway , the others i was with went as brides and mummies - but nice normal ones, with original tiara's and veils!
There was the ABBA group and the Spice Girls (they as normal had such cool shoes!) and the winners of the night were "The Blokes" absolutely hilarious, particularly when they bumped into the Spice Girls.. good lord I didn't know that darling group of mature ladies knew such language and gestures!
I didnt get any photos but no doubt they will filter through in the next week or so!
To wrap it all up, I nicked off with one of Kim's photos (thank you!) and am just sorting out the finishing touches so really that means I will have done TWO layouts! not bad considering the drought thats been happening!

Staying up VERY early has its benefits..

I cleared the desk of all the ATC's and did a layout for ME. Only took me til 4am too!
Now to remind you all of my picture issues, remember when my HDD died? well, I have done nothing about it.. yet. maybe tonight.
So I have no digital copies of any photos. But luckily I did do a big print run when hardly normal was having a sale, of course I *should* scan them and build some back up discs.. you would think that right? but no. I grabbed the photos and started cropping away merrily. In my defense I had already cut most before I realised they were "originals" and by that stage, well what the hell!
I reckon this is the most photos I have ever put on one layout - EIGHT! and I started off playing with the new My Minds Eye Natural range (stunning!!!) but its ALL glittered, and by the time I found enough co-ordinating plain paper I had already decided to use this Kaiser stuff...... that I was saving to use the OTHER side of, I am getting sick of doublesided papers again, I now buy two sheets of pattered paper... but now I want to use the plain sides too. So now I have to buy two of everything doublesided... how is there a recession on in the Scrapbooking Industry if we all have to keep buying more cos they keep coming out with really cool stuff!!!!???
So it ended up being Kaiser with a neat calender journalling tag from MME.
Oh and as for journalling, my printer is poked. (needs ink and again I'm lazy) and I need to print it off and then I can put writing on it, I'm doing a double as well so not sure what page is having the main title, don't want to rush into these things! (another bloody good excuse not to journal aye!?? I just hope Kathleen doesn't read this!!!!)

WOOT! very happy I am!

I had a great day, work was fine, we made plans to replant the vege garden tomorrow..its a little weird I know, but we work out of two very old houses in Kingsland that abutts up to apartments on three sides but we have a little back yard where edible stuff was planted, so thats tomorrow's plan, also planning on seeing Tracy, and then spending time with Derek for NYE... no idea doing what I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

and then I spent agggges with Ann and Wendy and Michelle at NZ Scrapbook- do enjoy spending time and I love that shop!!!!

Then I came home and finished this layout, its not so visible in the picture, but you guys can have fun checking out how much stuff from Beth's present I used in this one layout (the answer is HEAPS!!!) My brother and his fiance were kind enough to give me a bunch of their photos from when they visited Columbia (her original home country) last year, these photos of Machu Picchu were just Stunning, and I have heaps more to go too!!

NZ Dare #58 **Edited**

ok, I did the journalling, and used some Stephanie's Ink stickers (the silver scrolls say Rock and Roll and Super Star)

Couldn't do the hidden journalling i planned so just popped the basics on.

NZ Dare #58

I saw the new dare tonight... and fell in love with it, I have finally "decided" I know my style now, its clustered flowers.. I love doing it and I do it on all my fave layouts! and I like pink too.. so anyway I did this layout:As per usual, can't rush these things and haven't done the journalling, which will be hidden anyway.

I thought I best post something

Just to let everyone know I'm still alive!

I was officially made redundant yesterday and it's a strange feeling, especially when there was no farewell lunch, no see ya laters to other staff, its like we all got quietly showed the door and that was it!

However, all good things must come to an end and thats that.

I have been for a couple of other interviews, one is really cool but in Ellerslie, and the other is also really cool, but its full time! so we will see how far I get with both positions before I start being eager.

So I went through my layouts and for your viewing pleasure:

I did both of these layouts at the retreat last weekend, I'm trying to finish all the photos from USA and they all happen to be green.. various shades of green but green. I do adore lime green but I'm not the most imaginative when it comes to doing "matching" layouts.. in fact I suck at doubles, and layouts with more than one photo seem to be too much for me! but however, I am persevering and enjoying the challenge.

oops I forgot to post my layout

This is my creation from the menu given for Bossy Scrapper this week, we had to choose our "menu" and each food related to something here is my lot:

Bruchetta –create your own journal spot

Cobb Salad - blingSteak and Lobster – red, pale (powder) blue, white, grey Mac & Cheese - stamp

Cheesecake - 2 pieces pp (that don't match)

And I completed this lo pretty quickly although I'm not 100% sure I love it, but was a fantastic idea of Meeks indeed!

I am well aware I havent had my bruchetta yet, but thats kind of difficult when the subjects in question are the closest friends of mine! this is another of Tess's beautiful wedding photos which tend to make any layout look great!

NZ Dares #54

I couldn't quite figure out Flickr so here is my layout:

I have to draw attention to the white peelcraft little letters under the big photo..... and ive made the shark pop out of the layout with foam dots too.

Layouts

Well. I have been doing stuff, true! Saturday was fantastic meeeting lots of Sketchbook girls, loved seeing the layouts come together too, amazing how fast some ladies can create masterpeices!!! of course I managed to fly through the whole half a layout that I haven't touched again yet..... So I thought I might post some layouts I have half arsed done recently.... half arsed because I haven't done titles, I dont know what to call it but I do think I'll use some hidden journalling on one.

These two layouts are done using the Birdsong range of Kaiser papers.. LOVE this range and as per normal I was thinking I would use one particular side, and ended up using the other side! the Scavenger Hunt is for the Sketchbook Olympics.. and outdoor adventure.

I'm noticing its getting closer to SENZ... all I can say is YAY! I don't have to pack much scrap stuff, just my tools and clothes and thats it! So no concern over how much my bags will weigh either!

Tuesday's are reveal days

For the Sketchbook Olympics... so now I can post the cutesy thing I did for a friends wee baby, I did the layout then stuck it on canvas so she can hang it on the wall.

The challenge was water themed...and if you look in the gallery, its a sea of blue (excuse the pun) with my pinkie bits sticking out like a sore thumb :D for those that know my work, this is my fave style, lots of flowers, distressed edges and PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!PS. I took the clear tape away from the a in the frame so you cant see it, and I added some Heidi Grace heart pins to the top flower to stick out that side too, I just forgot to take a picture tho cos I'm good like that.

Next weeks challenge is umm dare I say it BORING! its an outdoor adventure/outing.... how original, and I sound cynical cos I don't like doing challenges about WHAT to scrap, I like challenges saying what techniques or products I need to use. Not gonna stop me doing it I suppose but still, doubtful it will be exciting

NZ Dares challenge 51

I got my USA photos reprinted the other week when Hardly Normal did the .10c photo deal ( you know the 6am-8am one- when it was Pouring down with rain and hail, a morning MUCH better suited to staying warm and snuggly in bed!)

so anyway, I reprinted (cos I *ahem* misplaced the last lot) all the photos from my trip - unfortunately not that many cos I only had the camera on the second trip, which was the shorter trip of 2 months so yeah not too many pics, but I still have enough to remember some great times!

Anyway, heres my take on the challenge- to use a repeated pattern, i stamped triangles along the end of the ribbon border - enjoy!

******* EDITED to add- holy heck, I did this other layout too (so now its a double!!!!!!!!!!!)

and I did this other one in less than 30 minutes- fastest layout I've ever done.... ok ok not the most creative but it kinda matches !!!!!!! Yeahh umm the scanning and cropping wasnt so great, but I'm not a miracle worker!!!

Tonights efforts (so far)

I went to NZ Scrapbooks BG preview tonight, lovely new papers and fun things to do!


after the layout make session (Which I actually DID! and finished when I got home - see further down for the pic as proof cos I know you will think I'm telling porkies) I was shopping downstairs, and Sharon took this pic of me- I look totally confusseled prolly cos I'm wondering just WHAT to buy! however I restrained myself, and only purchased a black glaze pen (YAY!!!! theyre in stock again!) and also some velvet paper in a rich cerise colour, I have plans for that extremely expensive but oh so yummy piece of paper.
SEE!!! I actually finished a layout - that looks close to the original as seen here.

noooooo dont rush anywhere!

Cos then you will see masses of awesome stuff and mine might pale in comparison! But seeing as its up on the Gallery at Scrapbook studio (aka scrapbookingbydesign.co.nz) I can post it here :
The beads are Ann's idea, I think ive used the idea on like the last 4 layouts ive done - i do think its clever!