I am here to {L}IVE OUT {L}OUD !!!

SCRAPBOOKING at last ....

2011-10-16T20:03:00.000+02:00

As promised, here are some layouts from Le Shabby Cafe's October Kit ...

My favourite ....

Left-hand side ...

Right-hand side ...

Close up of embellishment cluster ....

Every Day ...

Left-hand side ....

Right-hand side ....

Those were the days ....

Left-hand side ....

Right-hand side ...

Embellishment cluster close-up ...

Thanks for looking - I hope I have inspired somebody in even a teensy-tiny way today ....

BTW, we only have 3 kits left so please order our our website asap if you wold like a kit ...

Love,

HELLLLLOOOOOOOO .... (am hearing echoes ....)

2011-10-16T19:24:00.000+02:00

SURPRISED TO SEE ME HERE??? No more surprised than I am to be here .... tee hee ...

Gosh, it HAS been a while ... I have missed you, Dear Blog (and dear blog Readers) ...

Well, what can I say ....

1. Bryce is 15 ... YIKES!!! I do NOT feel old enough to be the mother of a 15-year old ....
2. I am working for Greg {almost} full-time .... mostly good but sometimes GRRRRRRRR ....
3. I haven't scrapped in about a gazillion years ...
4. I haven't taken any photographs for quite some time until about a week ago ...
5. I have a new little niece, Kelsi - she is adorable - I now have 4 nieces and 7 nephews - WOW - how blessed am I ....
6. I am decorating at home ... just simple stuff like painting, upholstering and putting up frames, etc - loving it - not the mess in between but looking for fabric etc is awesome ...
7. I miss my brother and sister .... ALOT!!! ...
8. My mom is not well ... sigh ... wish I could wish her pain away ...
9. I LOVE my Greggie more than EVER ....
10. I dealt with some nastiness in the scrapbooking industry .... why, people, why???? ... I just want World Peace ....
11. I am planning a "I-am-turning-another-decade-older" party .... eeeeek .... eeeeeeeeeeeek .... (at first I thought I'd sleep for say 3 days and wake up after my birthday had passed but then I figured I'd rather dance all night and listen to ALL my favourite songs through the decades (eeeeek - I've been alive for DECADES ....) and spend some quality time with my friends) ...
12. I scrapped today - well, I finished some projects that are waaay overdue for Le Shabby Cafe - will load them in a separate post ...
13. I have had some horrid emotional dips over the last few months but am happy to say that for today at least I FEEL GOOOOOOD ....
14. I am blessed beyond measure - way beyond measure ....
15. I cried like a baby on Saturday evening when a young boy knocked at my door and told me that he needed money to bury his 13-year old brother ...
16. I adore my cats ...
17. I am planning a Christmas Breakfast ...
18. I helped my BFF, Sophia with Chole's Birthday Party invitations on Saturday - they are soooo cute - I am going to wear Fairy Wings to her party for sure ....
19. I need to work on my relationship with my mom ...
20. I need to get my A into G to do everything that needs to be done .... sigh ...
21. I am "pinning" too much .... grrrr ...

Pop in and tell me what you've been doing ...

Love,

"LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK AND YOU COULD WIN SOME SCRAPPY GOODIES ...

2011-07-08T23:55:00.000+02:00

LE SHABBY CAFE is giving away some Blog Candy ... all you have to do is LIKE our Facebook Page then tell us on a post that you like us (**wink**). Then go spread the word that we are looking for attention and tell ALL your friends (and foes - we like just about EVERYBODY). Your friends will then need to LIKE our page and tell us on a post that they LIKE us and that you referred them to us. Once we have reached 200 Followers we will tabulate all the referrals and choose our WINNER ....

YAY!!

So EASY!!

We LIKE you ... (** wink wink**).

Love,

LE SHABBY CAFE JULY 2011 KIT

2011-07-08T23:40:00.002+02:00

It seems like ages since I last visited my own Blog - just life, girls .... just LIFE ...

Le Shabby Cafe has released it's July 2011 Kit and our sales have started off with a BANG!!! - THANK YOU to all the ladies who support us and voted our Kit Club best in SA ... WOOHOO!!!

This month we are privileged to present you with a kit full to the brim with "It's the Little Things" from Fancy Pants - such an awesome kit loaded with heaps of product .... here are some sneaks just for you ...

And of course, we picked another awesome designer to show you what you can do with your kit ... This month we had the pleasure of hosting Jowilna Nolte on our Blog ... Her projects are A-MAZING .... This is my favourite of her Gallery Projects at Le Shabby Cafe ...

I am certainly going to C.A.S.E. on this page - will post mine here soon ...

So, whatchya waiting for??? Go to Le Shabby Cafe NOW and order your kit - there are only a few left (while you're at it, browse our previous kits and pick up one of the few remaining kits from a past month).

Love,

COME VISIT US ...

2011-06-03T09:31:00.002+02:00

Hello Strangers ... (well, I am the strange one and I HAVE been MIA - life .... you know .... )

Le Shabby Cafe will be at the

this Saturday (4th June 2011) - Please pop in and say "HI" - it would be awesome to see you there ...

Ingrid from Wrap For You will be there - we will be piggy-backing a little piece of her table ... Ingrid has awesome wrapping ideas so leave the hard work to her and come and get your gifts wrapped professionally ...

Love,

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK VIRTUAL CROP ...

2011-05-13T20:00:00.002+02:00

Wanna know what I'm doing now??

Some awesome challenges to get the OLD mojo operating ...

Love,

LE SHABBY CAFE MAY 2011 KIT

2011-05-01T19:36:00.000+02:00

"JOIE DE VIVRE"is available NOW .... go here to take a look ..

The very fab Tracie Hudson is our Guest Designer this month ... she is so awesomely talented - just loooove her work, which is always bright and elegant and she pays the most amazing attention to detail ...

Here are my projects using the "Joie de Vivre" Kit ...

FAMILY RULES - This page was inspired by this "Family Rules" poster, which I saved to one of my Pinterest Boards - OH Mother Louis, like I need another addiction - BEWARE PINTEREST - that is all I can say about that ..... The 7 black mats are for photos and my journaling will be written on the red mat on the RHS page

close up 1 - the flowers on the edge of the mat are not stuck down completely so that I can just place my photo underneath when I am ready ... I am also quite enjoying curling the edges of some of my embellishments and so do not always stick them down completely ...

close up 2

close up 3 - I adhered rub-ons to a cloud journaling tag ...

BRIGHT EYES - this is one of the few pictures we have of my mom as a young girl ... I can still see her "older" self in this young girl and I see intelligence in her eyes ...

close up 1

OUR DAY - I intend using a wedding photograph for this LO - when I find my wedding photographs that is ... The black mat to the left of the frame will be used for journaling ...

close up 1

close up 2 - I wove a thin strip of spotted paper through the floral paper to break the colour in this LO ....

close up 3

I say this every month and I really mean it every month .... this was such a fun Collection to work with and I was totally inspired - in fact, I'll let you in on a secret - I even finished these pages before deadline - what??? YEAH BABY!!!

There are only a limited number of kits available this month so PLEASE get your orders in fast - you truly don't want to miss out on this one ...

Love,

IN MEMORY OF ...

2011-04-04T20:03:00.000+02:00

GILLIAN AND CONNOR BELL ...

I will always remember your bubbly laugh and sunny smile, Gill ...

Love,

SCRAPSTREET.COM MAGAZINE ...

2011-03-10T17:25:00.000+02:00

What a nice surprise ... This page of mine was featured on Page 11 of the March 2011 issue of Scrapstreet.com Magazine ... YIPPEE!!! I always get really excited when my work is recognised, particularly because I'm so self-critical of my work and I don't often "put it out there" ...

Thank you Scrapstreet.com Magazine ... oxox

Thank YOU for looking ...

Love,

ON REDEMPTION ISLAND at TALLYSCRAPPER ...

2011-03-09T13:30:00.000+02:00

You may recall my post here when I mentioned that I am playing Survivor over at TallyScrapper ... Let me tell you a little more about the Game ...

Survivor : Redemption Island is currently being aired on CBS in the United States with the usual two tribes competing against each other to avoid Tribal Council every week. This Season has called for a change in the way that the members who are voted off are dealt with ... When someone is voted out of their Tribe and thus off the Island, they are sent to Redemption Island. Here they stay alone until the next person is voted out of their Tribe. This person then joins them on Redemption Island and the two compete to remain on the Island. So basically, you now have a game within a game ... intriguing .... I am following the Episodes online here ...

Survivor at TallyScrapper is a little different in that we are not being "voted" off the Island or out of any Tribes ... There are hidden Immunity Idols which allow you to "skip" a week's challenge. There are two Tribes, Team Boston Rob (I am a member of Team Boston Rob at this stage ...) and Team Russell (I see Russell was voted off the Island in the 3rd Episode of Survivor - HA! HA! HA!). There is also a Redemption Island ... (play JAWS music here ...)

This was my contribution to the Challenge for Week 2 ...

We had to use the words "that just happened" on our LO as well as scrap in a straight line, vertically or horizontally, AND use the colours ORANGE, YELLOW, OLIVE GREEN and BURGUNDY ...

Whilst minding my own business (ie. not causing any waves in my tribe - I plan to remain "low key" for now - tee hee), I noted that I had been banished to Redemption Island for the 3rd Week. 5 Members from each Team were sent to the Island where we had a different Challenge to the other Teams for Week 3 ... our challenge was: -

You must use one of these three words in your title...

Outwit

Outplay

Outlast

In honor of the island....you must use Blue/or water somewhere on your page...

Because Team Russell has the purple buffs...you must use purple as the dominant color for your page...

And because there are 5 of you sent to Redemption Island from Team Russell...you must 5, AND ONLY 5 of the same embellishment on your page...

Redemption Island is pretty cool - HOT Cabana Boys and cool drinks on the Beach - excepting I heard that the Cabana Boys were carrying sand fleas (allegedly planted by Team Boston Rob to irritate Team Russell????) so I'm hoping to get off the Island asap - you know how I feel about fleas - read my story here and here.

Here is my take on the 3rd Challenge ... (please bear in mind that my mojo has been missing for, like forever, and I am hanging onto a tiny thread of creativity so I am keeping it simple ... tee hee ...)

I used all 3 words and an orange button. My 5 embellishments were the layered star - I layered 5 different sized stars one on top of the other ...

I am now patiently awaiting the results of Redemption Island - I may be selected to "cross over to the other side" which I am not looking forward to - will keep you updated ...

Love,

TODAY'S SENTIMENT ....

2011-03-09T08:06:00.000+02:00

source

MARCH 2011 KIT at LE SHABBY CAFE

2011-03-01T18:13:00.000+02:00

YES!! You heard right!!! The March 2011 Kit from Le Shabby Cafe is now selling .... It's filled with goodies from Pink Paislee's Parisian Anthology Collection ... simply out of this world gorgeous!!!

Here's a peek ...

Go here to reserve your kit - they are flying ....

Love,

SURVIVOR ...

2011-02-24T10:05:00.000+02:00

I am playing Survivor over at TallyScrapper - having sooo much fun!!! This was the LO I created for last week's challenge ...

I have sooo many "old" photos and decided at the beginning of the year to use them up (no matter how "nasty" they are) - they are after all, MEMORIES I want to document ...

The Challenge was :-

1. The LO must have "white" or "negative" space;
2. It must have at least one photo with more than 2 people in the photo;
3. Must contain the colours tan/brown and blue;
4. Must use at least 2 staples and a piece of recycled scrapbooking packaging.

This week's challenge is waaay more challenging ... (tee hee) ...

1. Scrap in a straight line (either vertically up the page or horizonally across the page (not diagonally ...);
2. Use the colour combo orange, yellow, olive green and burgundy; (THIS IS WHERE I AM STUMPED ...);
3. Use this one-liner from Ricky Bobby - "That just happened".

EEEEEk .... and if that's not enough of a challenge, then a twist has been added to the Plot ...

"Finish your challenge this week then quick!! 5 members from TEAM ROB and 5 members from TEAM RUSSELL will be whisked away to REDEMPTION ISLAND!

You will find a group for it and you wont be a part of your team anymore!!

You will have a completely seperate challenge and group.

For week 3 whomever WINS the Redemption Island challenge will CHOOSE where the remaining 9 members end up....5 for Team Rob and 5 for TEAM Russell!!

At least 2 members must be on opposite teams though. :)"

Ok, so I'm off to scrap (well, to try and find something in the colour combo to match the Challenge - so not seeing the combo as working in my head - wish me luck ... chat later ...

Love,

CHILDREN SAY THE FUNNIEST THINGS ....

2011-02-23T20:28:00.000+02:00

On our way home from school yesterday afternoon I was lamenting about my grey hair and how I wished I could just pull them all out ...

A quick comment from next to me (my teenage son, Bryce) - "but then mom, you'd have no hair left ...."

Ha Ha Ha (I laughed sarcastically but inside I was smiling a real smile - that was quick and probably very accurate ...)

So, off to the Salon today and "I washed that grey right out of my hair" ... I feel MUCH better now ...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-14T10:31:00.000+02:00

to my Greggie and my Brycie-boy ...

you both soooo much!!!!

SOME MORE GALLERY LOVE AT Le Shabby Cafe ...

2011-02-14T10:22:00.000+02:00

I have added a few more images to the Le Shabby Cafe Gallery ...

Here is a Layout I did - these Paper Trunk papers are so awesome to work with - I was a little worried that I would be restricted by the Black/Kraft colouring but I have discovered that the possibilities are actually endless ...

I cut Flag Pennants from Chipboard and then covered them with pattered paper, threaded tulle through the holes I punched at the top and added Bling. The flower was created by layering a punched flower and adding Platinum Stickles to the centre of the flower. I also used Irridescent Gold Glimmer Mist on the black cardstock background just for a bit of fun!!!

To get the glittery "FAMILY" Title I applied Platinum Stickles to the letters

I cut out three hearts (2 from patterned papers and one from cardstock) and then stitched them (down the centre) to the Postcard. I adhered this Postcard to a cardstock base to create a Card.

I created this heart "just for fun" since it is the month of LOOOVE. The wings were cut out of black cardstock and then I used Platinum Stickles to create detail on the wings - first, I "drew" the detail in with the Stickles and let that dry. Then I "dotted" Stickles all over the wings and rubbed the Stickles all over the cardstock. So very easy and yet so effective ...

Thanks for looking.

Love,

TODAY'S SENTIMENT ....

2011-02-11T10:38:00.001+02:00

I have discovered pinterest - oh my shattered nerves!!!

This is how I feel today ...

P.S. not sure who to credit for this image but you can find it on pinterest ...

IDEAS FOR SCRAPBOOKERS ... FEATURED ARTIST ...

2011-01-28T18:16:00.000+02:00

Please pop on over to the Ideas for Scrapbookers Blog where I am being featured as the Artist for today ... how exciting is this??? ....

Here is the Layout that I shared with Pam's readers ...

If you would like me to e-mail you the comprehensive, step-by-step Tutorial, please send your request to my e-mail at gardinert at telkomsa dot net ...

As a bonus, if you become a FOLLOWER and leave me some love on the Ideas for Scrapbookers Blog as well as here at my Blog, I will send you step-by-step instructions and pictures of a single page LO, using the offcuts from the papers and embellishments used in my double page LO above ... you can of course use any papers and embellishments you have on hand. Please don't forget to leave your e-mail addy in your comment so that I can send the single-page Layout to you without delay ...

Here are a few peeks at the single page LO ...

Thanks for popping in ....

Love,

MAYA ROAD has some NEW SNEAKS ...

2011-01-23T12:15:00.000+02:00

OKAY, so I am addicted to MAYA ROAD - it's no secret really - I can't get enough of their product ... I order on pre-order, PEOPLE ... loads because I MUST ... tee hee ...

Anyway, here's a sneak at their latest product ... (p.s. if you notice any drool slipping off the edges of this post, please mop up and move along ... thanks ...)

White Ledger Transparencies ... sigh ..

Organza Flower Trim ... drooooool ....

OH MY SHATTERED NERVES ... Button Jewels .... yummmmmmy

Ok, so go here now for a chance to win some of the new products ... GOOD LUCK ... secretly I hope I win ... all's fair in love and MAYA ROAD, girlies ... wink ...

LE SHABBY CAFE DEBUT PROJECTS ...

2011-01-23T12:08:00.000+02:00

Sooo, Le Shabby Cafe is now up and running and Sophs and I were stunned by the speed at which our first kits have SOLD OUT ... SOLD OUT ... SOLD OUT ... Man alive, it feels good to say that!!!

Here are some of my projects, using our first kit (February 2011), "Shabby Vintage Charm" ...

Card No. 1

Card No. 2

Stitched Heart Banner (I will be posting a Tutorial on this Banner on the Le Shabby Cafe Blog on Friday of next week so make sure you "tune" in then ...)

Thanks for looking - hope your weekend has been awesome ...

I am preparing for another SHOW HOUSE today so ... bleh ...ick ... nasty ... grrrr ...

Love,

COMING SOON ...

2011-01-11T21:23:00.000+02:00

Keep your eyes on this space (esp.South African girls).

First kit launches 20th January 2011 ...

Don't miss out!!

2010-12-31T17:56:00.000+02:00

Think of the New Year as a CREDIT in the Universal Bank of our Heavenly Father - 365 blessings of love, faith and happiness are deposited for 2011 - EMBRACE each day and be grateful for the Blessings of EVERY SINGLE day. If you count your blessings every single day (and kneel in prayer in gratitude of those blessings) instead of focusing on the negative, you will see that the good far outweighs the not-so-good.

My wish for you for 2011 is that you see the good in people and that you think before you utter unkind words. Try and focus on positive reinforcement instead of negative and see the changes in your life. Others may not change, but you WILL and it will be a GOOD 2011 for YOU ...

Thank you so much to all my Blog-buddies for hanging in there with me and keep in touch for much more creative inspiration in 2011 ...

Lots of love to my family and my friends - 2011 WILL ROCK for ALL OF US!!!

Love ,

HAVE YOURSELVES A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS ...

2010-12-25T00:01:00.006+02:00

May the Spirit of Christmas remain with you and your families long after Christmas is gone ...

Lots of love,

Call me BOND - TRACY BOND

2010-12-14T09:37:00.000+02:00

I AM TOTALLY HEAD-OVER-HEELS BESOTTED with my new i-Bond Tool from Imaginisce .... this Baby ROCKS - like seriously ...

It is soooo easy to use - it's CORDLESS, people - CORDLESS - heats up really quickly and works like a DREAM. It also uses standard glue sticks, which are available everywhere so you will NEVER run our of glue ... They are not available here in South Africa just yet BUT ask your LSS to get them in - by the DOZEN - they are going to FLY off the shelves ...

I will be demonstrating this Tool in the New Year so keep your eyes peeled for more information on my blog ...

Love,

12 days of CHRISTMAS with IMAGINISCE ...

2010-12-07T06:00:00.001+02:00

**** scroll down for the Imaginisce December Sketch Challenge ***

The Imaginisce 12 Days of Christmas Hop has started. Together with Tomomi Hiramaru, I am hosting the Blog today so pop on over to Imaginisce and say "hi" to us there. Remember that there are AWESOME prizes being given away everyday until the 13th December so leave comments wherever you can (on each of the hosting Designer's Blogs as well as the Imaginisce every day of the Hop to stand a chance of winning) - as always Imaginisce is extremely generous ....

This is an Advent I created for my son, Bryce. I wanted him to be mindful of what this Season is all about - not just gifting and eating and decorating tress - but the REAL meaning behind the festivities, so I wrote out a Scripture on the back of each Tag ...

Requirements: -

Wooden Heart

White Lace

Cottage Christmas Swirly Snowflakes patterned paper

Cottage Christmas Countdown patterned paper

Cottage Christmas Snow Flowers - Holly

Cottage Christmas Shiny and Bright Glass Stickers

Cottage Christmas Holiday Wishes Chipboard Stickers

Cottage Christmas Icon Rub-ons

i-Rock Crystal and Multi-compact Hot Rocks

Small and Medium Brad Daddies

Assorted brads and bling

12 Kraft Tags

12 wooden pegs

White Paint Dauber

String

i-Rock Tool

i-Bond Glue Gun

i-Top Tool

Assembly: -

1. Paint the back and sides of the wooden heart with white acrylic paint.

2. Paint the wooden pegs with white acrylic paint.

3. Cover the Heart with the Swirly Snowflakes paper.

4. Using the i-Bond Glue Gun adhere the white lace to the back of the wooden heart creating a "frame" around the heart.

5. Adhere Chipboard Stickers to the bottom end of the Heart;

6. Cut out the numbers 1-12 from the Countdown paper.

7. Adhere the numbers 1-12 to the kraft tags as shown below.

8. Decorate each wooden peg with a Hot Rock, using your i-Rock Tool, and alternating, clear, red and green;

9. Add Hot Rocks to each number (eg. see no.'s 3-4);

10. Decorate every alternate peg with a Glass Sticker as showns on numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12;

11. I added rub-ons to flat, large brads and used these at the top of some of my tags;

12. Decorate the edges of some of the tags with flowers and a brad. Using your i-Top Tool, cover a small/medium brad with cardstock and then use Stickles to completely cover the cardstock making it glittery.

SIMPLE PIMPLE!!!

Thanks for stopping by ...

Love,

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS with IMAGINISCE starts TODAY ....

2010-12-02T11:49:00.000+02:00

*** scroll down for the IMAGINISCE DECEMBER SKETCH CHALLENGE ***

Don't forget to check in with the Imaginisce Blog everyday from now (2nd December) until, and including, the 13th December for awesome Christmas ideas using the new Cottage Christmas Collection from Imaginisce ...

UPDATED - IMAGINISCE DECEMBER SKETCH CHALLENGE

2010-12-01T16:51:00.005+02:00

**** Alrighty then - I had to delete the photos I took of my LO, re-photograph them then re-import then to my PC - corrupt image files - what DOES THAT EVEN MEAN??? ****

This month the awesome Liz Qualman provided the sketch for the Imaginisce December Challenge ...

I pretty much used the sketch as it was - it is soooo perfect and so very easy to work with ... I created a banner using snowflake and bling brads as well as mini paper doilies - I used lots of Shimmer Mist as well as Stickles (you can't really see either in my photo but it looks so "blingy" irl ...). The white lines are for journaling - I will get there someday, girls .... - don't follow my example - journal NOW!!! tee hee ....

You have until December 25th to have your entries uploaded onto the Imaginisce blog to be in the running for a wonderful prize of either the complete I-top package or $75US Imaginisce products.

HOP ON OVER to the following Design Team blogs to see what they did with the sketch. Remember, leave one comment on as many of the blogs as you like and you'll have multiple chances to win a prize package of Imaginisce goodies. We'll announce the winner on DECEMBER 6th. Enjoy!

Aida Haron
Aikiko Kuroki
Cari Locken
Cindy Stevens
Cristal Hobbs
Erin Bassett
Heather Carpenter
Kim Holmes
Melinda Spinks
Penny Smith
Renata Moni
Robyn Schaub
Samantha Hauzer
Shemaine Smith
Tammy Wark
Tomomi Hiramara
Tracy Gardiner (that's me)

Post your sketch on your blog or online gallery AND then go back to this link and list your link via the new inLinkz below. Since this new LINK service shows a picture, please make sure you link to the post with your layout and not just your blog. We will select a winner to be featured on the blog at the end of the month. And of course, that means you could win your choice of the i-top Tool package, i-rock package or a $75 prize Collection package!

GOOD LUCK and looking forward to seeing your awesome versions of this sketch ...

Love,

***EDITED*** - Ok, for some strange reason, I keep getting bombed out of Blogger and FaceBook when I try to upload images - am going to bed shortly before I throw this computer out of the window - will try again in the morning so please please please CHECK BACK tomorrow ...***

*** PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER - I AM HAVING A PROBLEM UPLOADING IMAGES TO BLOGGER - grrrr ....*** (I changed to Google Chrome - not sure if that could be the reason why - even my siggy has disappeared???? - will have to speak with my techie-guru-friend, Sophs ... tee hee)

SCRAPVILLE ....

2010-11-26T11:28:00.000+02:00

Pop on over here for a chance to win this awesome range of papers ...

Imaginisce Does it Again!!!

2010-11-09T19:26:00.000+02:00

Imaginisce just introduced 2 new tools to the public and I KNOW that you will be excited about both of them!

Here's a look.

i-bond Cordless Glue Gun

The new i-bond is the perfect crafting tool for all sorts of projects. We especially like them with our new Roly Rosies and Pop-up Posies.

- Cordless- Uses 4 AA Batteries
- Lighted Nozzle for Easy Application
- Ergonomic Design
- Uses Standard Mini Glue Sticks
- Comes with 3 Glue Sticks

MSRP $15.99
Shipping December 2010

d-stress Creative Paper Edger
The new d-stress is a handheld sanding tool that is perfect for paper and wood projects alike. The tips are the right size for fitting in those small spaces on chipboard alphabets and so much more! You can also engrave with this new tool!

- Cordless
- Uses 2 AA Batteries
- Comes with 3 different crafting tips
- Portable
- Ergonomic Design

MSRP $15.99
Shipping January 2011

For more info check out the Imaginisce blog and website.

NOVEMBER SKETCH CHALLENGE for IMAGINISCE ...

2010-11-01T15:40:00.000+02:00

YIKES ... only about 8 weeks until Christmas - scarrrryyyy ..... and time for another Sketch Challenge from Imaginisce.

This month the sketch comes from the amazingly talented Farm Girl, Melinda Spinks ...

Like most of the other Design Team Members I chose to use Imaginisce's new Enchanted line - it is sooo beautiful ... Think Castles and Princesses and Crowns and the cutest little Dragon EVER ...

Here is my take on the sketch ...

with a couple of close-up shots ...

My journaling reads as follows: -

"MY CARRIAGE AWAITS - This wasn't part of my Cinderella Fantasy!! Forget that DAH-LING little Mini Cooper or Crossfire I've had my eye on - it seems my future "carriage" is a Tractor with Trailer and Plough - mmmm - I wonder how many crystals it will take to bling it up??"

As usual there is a chance to win with Imaginisce ... Just HOP ON OVER to this link and then visit all the Design Team blogs to see what they did with the sketch. Remember, leave one comment on as many of the blogs as you like and you'll have multiple chances to win a prize package of Imaginisce goodies.

Then try out the sketch for yourself and you could win $75.00+ worth of product (tools and/or paper). Create a card or layout using 75% IMAGINSCE PRODUCTS and Melinda's November Sketch for inspiration before NOVEMBER 25th.

Thanks for popping in ... and GOOD LUCK!!!

Love,

CRICUT CIRCLE SWARM at IMAGINISCE ...

2010-10-12T07:58:00.000+02:00

and the giveaways just keep coming .... take a look here for a chance to win a Cricut Gypsy ... Please hurry on over there - I don't think you have much time left - not sure of the time conversions ... ***blush** so move your bottoms ...

GOOD LUCK!!

Love,

imaginisce + 2peas = STASH for free ...

2010-10-11T18:22:00.000+02:00

Hop on over to 2Peas and enter their Vendor Challenge to win some Imaginisce yumminess ...

Love,

IMAGINISCE OCTOBER SKETCH CHALLENGE ...

2010-10-04T18:14:00.000+02:00

YIKES!!! Where is the time going??? Yet the beginning of another month ... SLOW DOWN .... I'm not even nearly ready for Christmas .... eeekkk ...

Anyway, a new month means a new sketch Challenge from Imaginisce. This month the sketch comes from Cindy Stevens ...

It's a very simple sketch yet I found it quite a challenge (???? - maybe I was over-analysing???) - Anyway, here's my take on Cindy's sketch - I used a portrait photo instead of a landscape photo and I added my Title to the bottom of the photo with the journaling strips above it ...

Would you like to win a bunch of Imaginisce products? Try out the sketch for yourself and you could win $75.00+ worth of product (tools and/or paper). Create a card or layout using 75% IMAGINSCE PRODUCTS and Cindy's October Sketch for inspiration before OCTOBER 25th.

Post your sketch on your blog or online gallery AND then go to this post on the Imaginisce Blog and list your link via Mr. Linky. (Please make sure you link to the post with your layout and not just your blog). Imaginisce will select a winner to be featured on their blog at the end of the month. And of course, that means you could win your choice of the i-top Tool package, i-rock package or a $75 prize Collection package!

GOOD LUCK and have FUN!!

Love,

AMAZING NEW CHALLENGE SITE ...

2010-09-28T15:59:00.000+02:00

I have long admired Tanya Tahir's work - I think she is an amazing scrapper - so I was very excited to see that she has co-created a Challange site called Get Picky with Nikki Antonello.

To celebrate the beginning of their new venture, they are giving away this awesome RAK

Visit Get Picky to find out what you have to do to win ...

ewwww .... (MAY BE OFFENSIVE TO VEGANS)

2010-09-16T10:55:00.000+02:00

Listen up, girls .... I LOOOOVE Lady Gaga's music, but this is truly GROSS .... ewww ... what was (or wasn't) she thinking??? Silly girl ... Doesn't she get enough attention without the meat??? ewwww .....

SOME SCRAPPY YUMMINESS TO SHARE ...

2010-09-16T09:41:00.000+02:00

Just thought I'd share a few Cards/LO's I've been working on using my awesome Imaginisce products ...

The little tag cover a pocket for "cash" ...

This is an LO using the latest Dino-Roar collection - go here to see the entire line - awesome for little boys ...

This is the new Cottage Christmas Collection - so, so gorgeous ...

Hope I've left you with a little inspiration .... will be back with more tomorrow ...

Love,

SINCE SUMMER IS ON IT'S WAY ....

2010-09-05T07:58:00.000+02:00

*** SCROLL DOWN FOR THE IMAGINISCE SEPTEMBER SKETCH CHALLENGE ***

I thought I would share a Summer-themed LO with you today ...

This is an LO showing Bryce learning to surf ... he is soooo good - he must get that from his Dad - I am both technically- and balance-challenged .... tee hee ...

I used Tim Holtz Distress inks on Bazill Cardstock to create the "bricks". Although it was quite time-consuming I enjoyed the process - stress-free for sure ....

Hope you ENJOY what I create and that this leaves you with a little inspiration of your own ....

Love,

IMAGINISCE SEPTEMBER SKETCH CHALLENGE ...

2010-09-01T18:38:00.000+02:00

WOW!!! Time certainly flies when you're having fun ... I cannot believe we are already on the official 1st day of Spring here in South Africa ... but I must confess that I am thrilled beyond belief to be feeling the heat again ... I soooo don't do Winter ...

Anyway, since it's the beginning of a new month that means the beginning of a new Sketch Challenge at Imaginisce. This month the very talented Aida Haron brings you this sketch ...

Here is my version of this month's sketch ...

Remember ... all you have to do to win a prize is HOP ON OVER to my fellow Design Team Member's Blogs to see what they did with the sketch. Leave one comment on as many of the blogs (and mine) as well as on the Imaginisce Blog, as you like and you'll have multiple chances to win a prize package of Imaginisce goodies. The winner will be announced on the Imaginisce blog on the 7th September 2010.

Aida Haron
Sarah de Guzman
Cari Locken
Kim Holmes
Aphra Bolyer
Tomomi Hiramaru
Erin Bassett
Melinda Spinks
Renata Moni
Pinky Hobbs
Samantha Hauzer
Cindy Stevens
Lisa Day
Heather Carpenter
Penny Smith

If you want another chance to win a bunch of Imaginisce products? Try out the sketch for yourself and you could win $75.00+ worth of product (tools and/or paper). Create a card or layout using 75% IMAGINSCE PRODUCTS and Aida's August Sketch for inspiration before September 25th. Post your sketch on your blog or online gallery AND then go along to the Imaginisce Blog and list your link via Mr. Linky. (Please make sure you link to the post with your layout and not just your blog).

GOOD LUCK!!

Love,

CALLING ALL SCRAPPERS (WELL ... from KZN anyway ...) ....

2010-08-20T18:39:00.000+02:00

Venessa Matthews and Tracy Schimper have put together an awesome day of scrapping in aid of a brilliant cause ....

So, contact them NOW - I'll see you there!!! P.S. Their pages and kits are NEVER disappointing and always FUN guaranteed ...

Love,

ROCK CHICK!

2010-08-08T09:28:00.000+02:00

Well, you know I'm a little bit of a blingy rock chick at heart so how perfect is this Giveaway from Imaginisce ...

You must know, when scrapbooking, rock and bling is combined, it's gotta be GOOOOD!!!

This is what you can win ... so go play ... GOOD LUCK ...

Love,

THE WINNER of the BIRTHDAY BASH COLLECTION is ...

2010-08-04T08:55:00.000+02:00

Misty (Me, myself and I) ... I put all of your names in a box and Misty was the lucky one ...

Congratulations, Misty ... Please e-mail me your postal addy so I can send you your prize - you will LOVE it - so EASY to work with and easily adaptable for any occasion really ...

Thank YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH to all who visited my blog and posted such lovely comments - it was a HUUUUGE boost to my creative ego and I really appreciate it - THANK YOU .... wish I could send all of you a prize ...

Love,

It's the beginning of a new month and that means ... EDITED

2010-08-02T16:29:00.003+02:00

..... another Imaginisce Sketch Challenge is up ....

Here is my LO based on the sketch - I basically extended the photo and two blocks next to it across my page and made my circle smaller ...

a close-up of the jounraling tag book (my journaling reads as follows: - I bet we all have an uncle just like my uncle, Owen! The life of the party with plenty of good cheer - he drinks like a fish and makes us laugh until our sides hurt and then he makes us laugh some more! He is almost always still "egg-nogged" from the night before (hence the dark glasses) but he happily dons the cloak of responsibility (aka the Santa Suit) and hands out gifts from Santa to all the eager children - awesome family memories indeed!

and a close-up of the reindeer embellishment ...

I used the new Cottage Christmas collection and boy is it awesome ... soooo cute and very, very easy to work with ... In fact, I have been inspired beyond belief by this collection ... and, of course, I "i-rocked" this page to death too ... Go here to take a look at the amazing i-rock tool - I can't stop using mine - it's almost attached to me at the hip already ... tee hee ...

So, the drill is the same as every month .... Pop on over to the Imaginisce Blog where you will find the sketch as well as links to the Designer's blogs. Leave a comment on each of the blogs, including mine, and create a card/LO/alterable project with the sketch, using 75% of Imgainisce products. Submit it to Imaginisce using MR LINKY (very important, girls - if we cannot find your project on Mr Linky, we can't judge a winner ....) and you could win $75 worth of product from Imaginisce - seriously, girls ... that's alot of product ....

Come back on Friday for some more inspiration ... I am going to upload a few of my recent LO's ....

P.S. I may have loaded this a little early, so keep popping back to Imaginisce to leave your comment under the August Sketch post ....

Love,

I am GUEST-POSTING at IMAGINISCE today and a GIVEAWAY ...

2010-07-30T18:39:00.000+02:00

Ok, so today has FINALLY arrived for me ... I am guest-posting at the Imaginisce BLOG and I am soooo excited ...

Please pop along and say hi at Imaginisce and then come back here and leave a comment telling me you just visited me there and I will put your name into a draw for this YUMMY pack of Birthday Bash goodies ....

Here are some older projects I created using Imaginisce papers and emebllishments ...

Thanks for looking ... Remember to check back next Wednesday when I announce the winner of the giveaway ...

Love,

IT'S BEEN A WHILE ....

2010-07-23T10:48:00.000+02:00

I haven't shared anything majorly significant in quite a while ... ok, scrapbooking is significant to me ... I'm not obsessed or addicted or anything ... ok, I am ... but that is not all I do with my time ... Heaven forbid ... Greg would not be happy - it's enough that it clutters the house completely ... it hides in every corner for real .... but I think my scrapping ALL THE TIME would drive him mental ....

Anyway, what can I tell you about life ...

It's good!! for just about the most part .... I have been battling a sore back for about a month and a half ... it's kind of a recurring thing - OLD AGE??? I dare not admit to that!!! I will not give in ... tee hee ... But boy have I been sore ... it's debilitating I tell you ... I can't stand for too long ... I can't sit for too long (like more than 10 minutes at a time) ... I can't walk too far ... I can lie down for a while and rest my back, which helps tremendously BUT I cannot lie down ALL DAY ... hell no!!! I'm going CRAZY ... I have only recently started taking anti-inflammatories and painkillers (I resisted for too long ...) and they do help a bit ... I also went for some physio - I know I need more but to get there ... sigh ... BUT I am healthy otherwise (brainwise too for a change ... tee hee ...) and I have so very much to be grateful for ...

We are in the process (it's a loooong process I tell you) of selling our home ... I'm sad about this ... but bigger and better is on it's way (or so Greg keeps reminding me) ... We have put in an offer to purchase a Farm ... um .... yess .... you heard right ... A FARM ... I will be a Farmgirl ... I will not "farm" anything but I will be living there and I WILL BE HAPPY ... I WILL ... I WILL ... No, seriously, a small part of me is looking forward to it - it's a change and maybe a needed one at that ... Greg is really serious about this and he really wants it so I will move mountains (well, at least from the City into the Country) for him ... But selling is a mission ... grrrr ... I say no more .... except another grrrrrrr .... Another "good" thing is coming out of it ... I am de-cluttering and tidying and that soothes my soul like you can't believe ...

Bryce is playing rugby for Collegians Club (they call themselves the "Colts") and he is loving it - he has his first match this Sunday so hopefully loads of pics and loads of FUN!! I think he loves the whole vibe at Collegians too because it is the Sharks training ground and he often sees a "celeb" or two ... he is crazy about this sport and, although I am very nervous when he is on the field (the injuries .... my NERVES - last weekend at Glenwood, one boy broke his collarbone and another snapped his ankle ... hectic ...) I love that he is passionate about this sport ... We are trying to keep him fit so that the injuries are less .... - I don't know ... less something I hope ...

Greg and Bryce have started gym ... Greg had a consult with a Gym instructor and they weighed and measured and whatevered him and the result was that he has 22% body fat .... WHAT??? Come on ... CRAZY ... he is a sleek racing snake ... tee hee (I need points GF's - I need some more scrappy stuff ... tee hee ...). He is horrified but all I can say is that if he has 22% I am like "doomed" ...

I plan to start walking soon - well, as soon as my back is ok ... I reckon that is all the exercise I want to do ... I am NOT a sleek racing snake - more like a cuddly (I was going to say Grizzly ... tee hee) Teddy Bear ... and sometimes ... when my curly hair is frizzy ... I am a well-worn teddy bear ... tee hee ...

I am really immensely proud of Greg - he has taken a small electrical business and made it a force to be reckoned with (with his partner, of course) - they are doing so well and I am so happy for him ... he works so hard and deserves success ... He deserves the early retirement he wants (as for me, when he retires I will go back to work ... enough said ...). He needs to be busy all the time so an early retirement will be interesting to say the least. Maybe we can retire in luxury ... like with a chef ... that is all I ask of this glorious life - A CHEF - I can't bear everyday cooking ... sigh ...

Bryce is enjoying his first year of high school and is coping well ... he is LAZY but I hope I have lit a little fire beneath his butt for the last two terms (a little monetary incentive works wonders .... or so "they" tell me ... tee hee ...). He is so tall - my baby is almost all grown up (sob). I think he is as tall as Greg (6"2') and still growing a little I think - he is only 13 so I am sure he will grow a little more ... He has facial hair - he is so too young to shave ... my BABY ... so I take him for a wax every so often - poor kid ... the first time he had a wax he told me his eyeballs were connected to his facial hairs ... welcome to the real world, BABY ... tee hee ...

He is such an amazing kid ... so sweet - still holds my hands in a shopping centre - aaaahhh ... and still tells me he loves me everyday ... OH YES, he has att-ti-tude and mood swings like nobody's business, too .... but for the most part, he is a JOY and the light of my everyday .... And one of the best parts is that he soooo much like Greg - how can I not love him??? Even the stubbornness ... I live with it ... pray for me, girls .... (tee hee) ... He has learnt to respect and take care of women from his daddy, who has shown him by awesome example ... I LOVE THESE BOYS ... how lucky am I???

I am working on a few business plans - scrappy and decor-related of course ... I'll tell you about that soon ...

I want to learn how to crochet ...

I have been in a slump scrappy-wise - I think my teenaged-son stole my mojo as revenge for the punishment he had for being cheeky to me ... but I seem to be coming out of it ... It's soooo frustrating because I have so many deadlines and projects due and not enough time and not enough mojo ...

One deadline is especially exciting for me as I will be hosting the Imaginisce blog on the 30th July ... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pop in then and say hi to me at Imaginisce ... I have some awesome inspiration for you too ...

I am loving my kitties even more than ever ... some of you may know that I have never been a "CAT" person but after having gotten my two little babies, I am a cat-lover for sure .... they are mischievous and their litter boxes drive me crazy .... but they are gorgeous and affectionate (mostly) and responsive and ... oh, I love them ... will post pics soon ...

Oh, and before I go, I also have a "secret" related to the Scrapbooking Convention in September - I am sooo excited for this ...

Ok, will try and blog more often but I think this is information overload for y'all so I'll say goodbye for now - chat soon!!

Love,

BLOG CANDY ...

2010-07-21T09:24:00.000+02:00

I came across this awesome blog Candy this morning ...

Go here to enter ... YUMMYYY ...

IT'S PARTY TIME ...

2010-07-06T23:14:00.000+02:00

at Imaginisce ...

Imaginisce are releasing their Birthday Bash Collection this week and I have to say it is one of the most gorgeous Birthday lines I have seen ... it's unsual ... browns with funky red, yellow and teal ... but WOW! It certainly has impact ...

Here are some of my favourite papers from Birthday Bash ... (ok, I'm juist going to post them all because I seriously love them all ...)

Then there are the paper candles ... what an awesome idea ...

And then we have the Ribbons ...

Then, of course, rub-ons galore ...

Then we have clear acrylic stamps ....

And as if that weren't enough, there are glass stickers ...

and sticker stackers ...

Chipboard Stickers ...

And Springing Stickers (you heard right ... these are springy little stickers - the cutest EVER) ...

Oooh, I can't wait to receive my product so that I can PLAY! PLAY! PLAY! Keep checking back here because as soon as I get my eager little paws on this Collection, I am going to give some of it away ...

Now, head over to the Imaginisce Blog and play there for a while - they are giving away some of this CUTE! CUTE! CUTE! product ....

Love,

JULY SKETCH FOR IMAGINISCE ...

2010-07-01T08:34:00.000+02:00

It's that time again ... time for another GIVEAWAY at Imaginisce ... YIKES, this Company sure does give away loads of product (ask my friend Sophia - she recently won a whole collection of paper and and i-Top tool ...)

Here is my take on the July Sketch ...

I decided to create a single-page LO rather than a card - I have some awesome ideas for the card but I didn't get to them (be sure to check back here tomorrow because I will upload another project - CUTE! CUTE! CUTE!) ...

Pop on over to the Imaginisce Blog where you will find the sketch as well as links to the Designer's blogs. Leave a comment on each of the blogs, including mine, and create a card/LO/alterable project with the sketch, using 75% of Imgainisce products. Submit it to Imaginisce using MR LINKY (very important, girls - if we cannot find your project on Mr Linky, we can't judge a winner ....) and you could win $75 worth of product from Imaginisce - so easy it is ... tee hee ...

Shoo! Shoo! Move along - nothing more to see here ... tee hee ... go CREATE!!

P.S. I may have posted this Challenge a little early so keep popping back to Imaginisce to check out their post about the July Sketch .... or even better, add them to your Google Reader so that you never miss another post again ....

Love,

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST ... well kind of ...

2010-06-30T22:02:00.000+02:00

ScrapAttack Scrapbooking online store is now the sole and exclusive online Retailer of Paper Trunk papers, etc. ...

I have recently come across this Company and I am in love with their papers .... Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Here are some of my favourites ...

Maybe Baby Collection

Batik Collection

Gigi Collection

1974 Collection

So do yourself a favour and pop over to ScrapAttack Scrapbooking's online store to check out Paper Trunk's latest designs ...

Love,

FROSTED DESIGNS HAS A COOL CHALLENGE - due 1st JULY ...

2010-06-27T20:00:00.000+02:00

Pop into this blog to check out their latest Challenge and you could win some awesome yumminess ...

The challenge was to use the colours orange, turquoise, yellow and green on a LO and this is what I submitted ...

Go and play along ... it's always fun to get some inspiration from others ...

Love,

I'M OFF TO CAMP ...

2010-06-04T23:44:00.000+02:00

CAMP ROCK at SCRAPBOOK DEALS 4 U ...

Come join me here ...

Love,

IMGINISCE'S JUNE SKETCH CHALLENGE IS HERE ...

2010-06-01T07:54:00.000+02:00

It's time for another Sketch Challenge over at Imaginisce ...

Here is the sketch created by the fab Kim Holmes ...

And here is my take on it ...

I used mainly that delicious core'dinations paper that was sent to us in our last box and I adore it ... it is so easy to work with and the colours are awesome ... my faves are the black paper with the colour core ...

I also got to play with my new i-rock - well, hello, BABY ... It was so much fun and so easy - I am always a little intimidated by new scrapbooking tools - I have just about scrapbooking tool created and I usually only use them months after I have bought them .... just something about finding the time to try something new (I am usually so behind on projects that I just use what I have ariound me and create - no time to try new things .... sad, but true ... am working on this, girls ....), but this little BABY was so quick and easy ... I have been blinging just about everything since ... tee hee ...

And then I added a little faux stitching with my white marker and some of the To Love and Cherish papers and embelishments and it was complete ... It came together pretty quickly and I am pleased with the LO especially since I adapted the sketch to suit me ...

SOOOOO ... now it's up to you - DO YOU WANT TO WIN $75 of IMAGINISCE PRODUCT of your choice? Well then, tarry no more ... leave me a comment, pop along to the Imaginisce Blog to see which Designer's are taking part this month, visit them all, leaving some love along the way. Now go back to Imaginisce confirming that you have visited all the blogs and sucked up all the creative energy along the way, submit an entry using the SKETCH and the next winner could be you ... it's easy girls ... and you have an entire month too ...

Can't wait to see what you come up with ...

Love,

SPLASHING GOOD FUN ...

2010-05-24T09:04:00.001+02:00

Imaginisce recently launched their new SPLASH DANCE collection and I have to tell you I had such fun with it ... the colours are just gorgeous and perfect for kids/Easter/Water/Beach pics ...

This collection was launched in the States this last week so we should be getting it here in South Africa within the next few weeks ... ask your LSS to ask their Wholesalers to bring it in ... it is worth every penny you outlay for this range ...

Ok, so here are a couple of LO's I created with SPLASH DANCE ...

with a couple of close-ups ...

And another LO ...

and some detail ...

I am battling with taking pics of my LO's at the moment so please bear with the blurry-ish pictures ...

Thanks for looking ...

Love,

FEELING POSITIVE TODAY ...

2010-05-24T08:10:00.000+02:00

I won't even begin to tell you what the last few weeks (perhaps as many as 6-8 weeks) have been like for me ... suffice to say I am pulling through and am feeling much better today ...

Found this quote - amazing how Maya Angelou always says JUST the right thing ...

You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” -Maya Angelou

Hope you have an awesome day ...

Love,

SOME YUMMY CANDY AVAILABLE HERE ...

2010-05-12T09:21:00.000+02:00

http://justlovescrappin.blogspot.com/2010/05/imaginisce-to-love-and-cherish-huge.html

Sam is one of my Imaginisce Sista's and is very generously giving away the entire To Love and Cherish Collection .... WOW!!!!

You never know - you've got to be in it to win it ...

Love,

i-rock ...

2010-05-10T10:50:00.000+02:00

YES, I do ... tee hee ... well, I love ROCK MUSIC - surely that counts ...

The i-rock from Imaginisce is making it's way to me even as we speak .... the first off the production line so that I can play with it and hopefully give you some inspiration ...

For those of you who know me ... I'm a little BLING BARBIE ... I would even bling Greg if he sat still long enough ... tee hee ... OH BOY, would he be mad??? tee hee ...

Pop back soon for a little i-rock inspiration ...

HOPE YOU HAVE AN AWESOME DAY ...

Love,

BLOG CANDY ANYONE?

2010-05-08T22:14:00.000+02:00

**** SCROLL DOWN FOR THE IMAGINISCE MAY SKETCH CHALLENGE ****

Go along to Melissa's blog to win this awesome candy ...

Love,

BLOWING MY OWN TRUMPET IS NOT ...

2010-05-02T09:54:00.000+02:00

something I do very often, more especially because there are so many more worthwhile causes out there that need more attention than my little mark on the Scrapbooking world (like hungry children - so glad to see American Idol giving back ...) I digress, of course ... I am just so darn excited - I am out-of-my-mind mental with delirious happiness (tee hee) ....

I was published in Scrap Street Magazine ... yup - an online Mag that costs you nothing to get inspiration every month - Mother Louis - I like this type of mag ....

So please go along here (I'm on page 42 .. tee hee ... not quite covergirl YET but I am working on improving my scrapping to the point where I grace the cover ... tee hee) to check out my project for Mother's Day - this was in fact a mini album I made for my mom a couple of years ago and I loved making it using my fave Basic Grey papers at the time ... and the best part was that my mom loved it too ...

Thank you ScrapStreet for including me in your May issue - I am humbled ...

Love,

IMAGINISCE MAY CHALLENGE ...

2010-05-01T07:40:00.002+02:00

It's time for a new Sketch Challenge over at Imaginisce ...

Here is the sketch created by the fabulous Robyn Schaub ...

And this is my take on the sketch ... (please excuse the pic - it's a little blurry - I will try and upload another one when I get back from teaching this morning ...)

By now I assume you know the drill ...

1. Create a card OR layout based on the sketch and post it to either the Imaginisce Facebook gallery or post a link to it on your own blog and list it here or on FB and Imaginisce will select a winner to be featured on their blog at the end of the month.

and/or

2. Hop along to the Imaginisce Blog (their post will go live 10.00 am MST) and follow the links to the other Designer's blogs where you will find awesome ideas for this sketch. Leave a comment on each blog, including mine and the Imaginisce Blog, and you could be the lucky winner of some delightful Imaginisce goodies.

Thanks for looking ....

Love,

A LITTLE INSPIRATION ....

2010-04-16T14:28:00.000+02:00

I created this page using Imaginisce's Lucy Bird collection and since it is Earth Day on the 22nd April 2010, I thought this tree was pretty appropriate ...

Here are a couple of close-ups of the tree ...

and the house ...

Thanks for looking ...

Love,

SOME MAINTENANCE ...

2010-04-13T07:29:00.000+02:00

No, not on me, sillies ... no plastic surgery required just yet ... tee hee ...

on your i-Top ...

There are some amazing tips on the Imaginisce Blog so grab your Tool, some Brads, Buttons and Magnets, throw in an Allen Wrench and get to it ...

Love,

"CHEEKY" SCRAPBOOKING BOY UNDERPANTS ...

2010-04-12T09:32:00.000+02:00

These are soooo cute ... cheeky boy underpants for GIRLS ...

These are available from {Sas}sy Scrapbooking ... go here to order yours now ...

mmm ... now I wonder if buying these means I get a tight little butt with it ... a girl can dream ... ok ... off to workout ... ummmm ... NOT .... tee hee ...

BTW, if you go here, you stand a chance of winning a $20 giftcard to their store ... Gosh, they have so much I could order ... a FLIPVIDEO ... uh huh ... or a ceramic travel mug (gotta have a coffee-on-the-go mug) ... or even a pet bowl ...

Go check it out, girls!!! FUN! FUN! FUN!

Love,

MORE CANDY ...

2010-04-12T09:22:00.000+02:00

Pop on over to Melissa's blog for a chance to win some yummy scrapbooking stash ...

Love,

SOME BLOG CANDY FOR YOU ...

2010-04-12T07:31:00.000+02:00

This sweet lady is celebrating her first year as a Blogger and wants to reach 100 Followers ... (I see she has already achieved this - well done!!) so please pop on over to her blog and leave a comment for a chance to win ...

Love,

OKAY ... so I can't resist ....

2010-04-01T10:24:00.000+02:00

*** SCROLL DOWN ONE POST FOR THE IMAGINISCE APRIL SKETCH CHALLENGE ***

I am back computering (sigh ....) and I have chosen a winner from the comments to my take on the March Imaginsce Sketch Challenge ....

And the winner is ..... SUSANA (from Mexico) .... Pop along to her blog to congratulate her and get to know her a little better ... WELL DONE, Susy ...

Please e-mail me your addy - gardinert at telkomsa dot net ...

Love,

APRIL SKETCH CHALLENGE with IMAGINISCE ...

2010-04-01T09:52:00.000+02:00

Can you believe that it's the 1st April 2010??? (BTW .... Happy "April Fool's Day!!! .... tee hee ...). A sign of the times for sure ....

Anyway, here is Imaginisce's sketch for April ...

And here is my take using the new "LIVE LOUD" collection ...

This is the cutest collection ... funky little robots listening to music and jamming on drums and guitars ... sooo cute ....

By now I assume you know the drill ...

1. Create a card OR layout based on the sketch and post it to either the Imaginisce Facebook gallery or post a link to it on your own blog and list it here or on FB and Imaginisce will select a winner to be featured on their blog at the end of the month.

and/or

2. Pop along to Imaginisce Blog (their post will go live 10.00 am MST) and follow the links to the other Designer's blogs where you will find awesome ideas for this sketch. Leave a comment on each blog, including mine and the Imaginisce Blog, and you could be the lucky winner of some delightful Iamginisce goodies (just ask my BFF, Sophia, who won the March challenge ....)

I will draw the winner of the March follower to my blog next week as I am enjoying the Easter weekend with Family and am not "computering" all weekend ... sigh ... shock ... whatever ... tee hee ...

Love,

TOMBOW ADHESIVES ...

2010-03-24T08:56:00.000+02:00

When the little Fed-Ex guy arrived with my box of Imaginisce goodies this last time, I was super, extra-excited as Tombow sent us a bunch of their awesome adhesives to play with ...

Now I never leave for a crop without my trusty little Green and White bottle of Tombo Mono Multi Liquid Glue - I use it for just about everything. After test-driving the other Tombow Adhesives, I'm going to have to get a bigger crop bag (or 2) so that I can take along all of my new "ADHESIVE TOYS" ....

These are my favourites: -

This one has dual-tip applicators for fine or thicker application. It also dries clear AND ... wait for it .... if you let it become tacky before adhering your project, it wll be re-positionable for a while ... WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR IN AN ADHESIVE?

This baby is easy to handle - fits comfortably in your hand - is permanent and refillable ...

I am not much of a fan of vellum/transparency adhesives - they almost always seem to show up on my projects but this "disappears" almost every time ... love it!!!

We also received a Dual-brush pen set - the colours are gorgeous and the tips divine ... can't wait to work play with mine on stamps ...

Love,

I'm a bit of a ROCK CHICK at heart ...

2010-03-23T13:07:00.000+02:00

This LO was for a Challenge over at Journaling Junkie .... a little out of the ordinary for me - pretty busy and bold ... but I love how it turned out and I had loads of fun playing with pink and black paper, silver wings and skulls ... tee hee ... (please excuse the bad lighting ...)

And a couple of close-ups ...

Hope this inspires you to "jump"out of your comfort zone a little this week ...

Love,

JUNG TYPOLOGY TEST ...

2010-03-05T10:42:00.001+02:00

***** PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR THE IMAGINISCE MARCH SKETCH CALLENGE *****

Oh WOW ... I see this very interesting test is making it's way around my fellow SA-bloggers' blogs (that's a mouthfull ... tee hee ...) - thanks, Stef, Sophs, Jax and Mands ...

Here are my results ...

Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging by Joe Butt
Profile: ENFJ
Revision: 3.0
Date of Revision: 23 Feb 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENFJs are the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity. They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes. Many ENFJs have tremendous power to manipulate others with their phenomenal interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship. But it's usually not meant as manipulation -- ENFJs generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are.

ENFJs are global learners. They see the big picture. The ENFJs focus is expansive. Some can juggle an amazing number of responsibilities or projects simultaneously. Many ENFJs have tremendous entrepreneurial ability.

ENFJs are, by definition, Js, with whom we associate organization and decisiveness. But they don't resemble the SJs or even the NTJs in organization of the environment nor occasional recalcitrance. ENFJs are organized in the arena of interpersonal affairs. Their offices may or may not be cluttered, but their conclusions (reached through feelings) about people and motives are drawn much more quickly and are more resilient than those of their NFP counterparts.

ENFJs know and appreciate people. Like most NFs, (and Feelers in general), they are apt to neglect themselves and their own needs for the needs of others. They have thinner psychological boundaries than most, and are at risk for being hurt or even abused by less sensitive people. ENFJs often take on more of the burdens of others than they can bear.

TRADEMARK: "The first shall be last"

This refers to the open-door policy of ENFJs. One ENFJ colleague always welcomes me into his office regardless of his own circumstances. If another person comes to the door, he allows them to interrupt our conversation with their need. While discussing that need, the phone rings and he stops to answer it. Others drop in with a 'quick question.' I finally get up, go to my office and use the call waiting feature on the telephone. When he hangs up, I have his undivided attention!

Functional Analysis:

Extraverted Feeling

Extraverted Feeling rules the ENFJ's psyche. In the sway of this rational function, these folks are predisposed to closure in matters pertaining to people, and especially on behalf of their beloved. As extraverts, their contacts are wide ranging. Face-to-face relationships are intense, personable and warm, though they may be so infrequently achieved that intimate friendships are rare.

Introverted iNtuition

Like their INFJ cousins, ENFJs are blessed through introverted intuition with clarity of perception in the inner, unconscious world. Dominant Feeling prefers to find the silver lining in even the most beggarly perceptions of those in their expanding circle of friends and, of course, in themselves. In less balanced individuals, such mitigation of the unseemly eventually undermines the ENFJ's integrity and frequently their good name. In healthier individuals, deft use of this awareness of the inner needs and desires of others enables this astute type to win friends, influence people, and avoid compromising entanglements.

The dynamic nature of their intuition moves ENFJs from one project to another with the assurance that the next one will be perfect, or much more nearly so than the last. ENFJs are continually looking for newer and better solutions to benefit their extensive family, staff, or organization.

Extraverted Sensing

Sensing is extraverted. ENFJs can manage details, particularly those necessary to implement the prevailing vision. These data have, however, a magical flexible quality. Something to be bought can be had for a song; the same something is invaluable when it's time to sell. (We are not certain, but we suspect that such is the influence of the primary function.) This wavering of sensory perception is made possible by the weaker and less mature status with which the tertiary is endowed.

Introverted Thinking

Introverted Thinking is least apparent and most enigmatic in this type. In fact, it often appears only when summoned by Feeling. At times only in jest, but in earnest if need be, Thinking entertains as logical only those conclusions which support Feeling's values. Other scenarios can be shown invalid or at best significantly inferior. Such "Thinking in the service of Feeling" has the appearance of logic, but somehow it never quite adds up.

Introverted Thinking is frequently the focus of the spiritual quest of ENFJs. David's lengthiest psalm, 119, pays it homage. "Law," "precept," "commandment," "statute:" these essences of inner thinking are the mysteries of Deity for which this great Feeler's soul searched.

Famous ENFJs:

David, King of Israel

U.S. Presidents:
Abraham Lincoln
Ronald Reagan
Barack Obama

William Cullen Bryant, poet
Abraham Maslow, psychologist and proponent of self-actualization
Ross Perot
Sean Connery
Elizabeth Dole
Francois Mitterand
Dick Van Dyke
Andy Griffith
James Garner
William Aramony, former president of United Way
Gene Hackman (Superman, Antz)
Dennis Hopper (Speed)
Brenda Vaccaro
Craig T. Nelson (Coach)
Diane Sawyer (Good Morning America)
Randy Quaid (Bye Bye, Love; Independence Day)
Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive)
Kirstie Alley ("Cheers," Look Who's Talking movies)
Michael Jordan, NBA basketball player
Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Oprah Winfrey
Bob Saget America's Funniest Home Videos, Full House
Julia Louis-Dreyfus ("Seinfeld")
Ben Stiller (The Royal Tenenbaums)
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Matthew McConaughey (The Wedding Planner)
Pete Sampras, Tennis Champion
Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls")
Ben Affleck (The Sum Of All Fears)
John Cusack (High Fidelity)

Fictional ENFJs:

Joe Hackett, Wings

AND I AM AN IDEALIST TEACHER ...

Overview The Guardians The Idealists The Artisans The Rationals

All Idealists (NFs) share the following core characteristics:

Idealists are enthusiastic, they trust their intuition, yearn for romance, seek their true self, prize meaningful relationships, and dream of attaining wisdom.

Idealists pride themselves on being loving, kindhearted, and authentic.

Idealists tend to be giving, trusting, spiritual, and they are focused on personal journeys and human potentials.

Idealists make intense mates, nurturing parents, and inspirational leaders.

Idealists, as a temperament, are passionately concerned with personal growth and development. Idealists strive to discover who they are and how they can become their best possible self -- always this quest for self-knowledge and self-improvement drives their imagination. And they want to help others make the journey. Idealists are naturally drawn to working with people, and whether in education or counseling, in social services or personnel work, in journalism or the ministry, they are gifted at helping others find their way in life, often inspiring them to grow as individuals and to fulfill their potentials.

Idealists are sure that friendly cooperation is the best way for people to achieve their goals. Conflict and confrontation upset them because they seem to put up angry barriers between people. Idealists dream of creating harmonious, even caring personal relations, and they have a unique talent for helping people get along with each other and work together for the good of all. Such interpersonal harmony might be a romantic ideal, but then Idealists are incurable romantics who prefer to focus on what might be, rather than what is. The real, practical world is only a starting place for Idealists; they believe that life is filled with possibilities waiting to be realized, rich with meanings calling out to be understood. This idea of a mystical or spiritual dimension to life, the "not visible" or the "not yet" that can only be known through intuition or by a leap of faith, is far more important to Idealists than the world of material things.

Highly ethical in their actions, Idealists hold themselves to a strict standard of personal integrity. They must be true to themselves and to others, and they can be quite hard on themselves when they are dishonest, or when they are false or insincere. More often, however, Idealists are the very soul of kindness. Particularly in their personal relationships, Idealists are without question filled with love and good will. They believe in giving of themselves to help others; they cherish a few warm, sensitive friendships; they strive for a special rapport with their children; and in marriage they wish to find a "soulmate," someone with whom they can bond emotionally and spiritually, sharing their deepest feelings and their complex inner worlds.

Idealists are relatively rare, making up no more than 15 to 20 percent of the population. But their ability to inspire people with their enthusiasm and their idealism has given them influence far beyond their numbers.

Princess Diana, Joan Baez, Albert Schweitzer, Bill Moyers, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mohandas Gandhi, Mikhael Gorbachev, and Oprah Winfrey are examples of Idealists.

Interesting to say the least ... and pretty accurate for the most part ...

I think (um, I know) I LIKE ME ... that's a good thing, right???

Love,

JOURNALING JUNKIE ...

2010-03-01T08:26:00.001+02:00

**** SCROLL DOWN FOR THE IMAGINISCE MARCH SKETCH ****

Here is a recent LO posted on Journaling Junkie's blog for Challenge No. 74 .....

“I ONLY HAVE A KITCHEN BECAUSE IT CAME WITH THE HOUSE

I would consider myself a pretty talented person (I can cook, scrap, knit, embroider, sew, create a Balance Sheet and a Budget, operate a drill – with fear and difficulty mind you – understand complicated law and psychology, etc. etc. etc). Maybe I should rather say that I am a pretty capable person – show me how to do something once and I can usually pretty much get on with it right away.

Now, I usually enjoy being creative in some form or other and I consider cooking and baking to be a creative talent … BUT somewhere along the line, I have a mental block when it comes to providing a meal for my family. Don’t get me wrong, I CAN cook – pretty well in fact – I can make basics from scratch, like white/cheese/pepper/mushroom sauces, gravies, stocks, etc. I have dozens of Cookery Books, which I have read from cover to cover. I watch the cooking Channel on BBC Food AND I have attended very “fancy” cooking lessons. And guess what? I can even throw a pretty impressive and yummy Dinner Party … I just don’t enjoy everyday cooking and I don’t like shopping for food, not only because it is like a big black hole in our hard-earned finances, but because it’s boooooring. Okay, so I know I sound like my teenager here … tee hee … but you cook, you clean, you shop, you cook, you clean, you shop … and so the cycle goes …. Booooring ….

On top of all of this, my boys are so darn fussy … they don’t eat veggies, so no stir-fries or anything veggie-related. They don’t like mince, so there goes Lasagne, Cottage Pie and Spaghetti Bolognaise. They don’t even like rice, or stews or anything that even resembles a stew or casserole … It’s sooo frustrating and almost impossible .. sigh … BUT I do what I have to …

As for baking … well, I’ve tried on numerous occasions with very little success … It’s kind of a joke in our home because once a year (on Bryce’s Birthday) I get all geared up to bake for him – after all, I have to send cake to school, then we have family over for cake and tea and then he usually has a Birthday Party with his mates … that’s at least 3 Cakes and other baked goods. So, I get organised early (ahem … usually the day before …) – I check the recipes, buy all the ingredients and get to work, but somehow, it always flops (even those supposedly “flop-proof” recipes I get from well-meaning family and friends …). Okay, so sometimes it burns even though I have pre-heated the oven at the correct temperature and checked cooking times, etc. Sometimes Greg even has to go to a 24-hour Garage store at like 11pm to buy more eggs, or milk or something … sigh …

Alright, so we’ve established that I can’t bake and I don’t like to cook BUT my boys are fit and healthy and they love me, despite my lack of culinary talent … and that’s all that really matters, isn’t it?

February 2010”

Go here for JJ's latest Challenge (No. 75) ...

Love,

IMAGINISCE MARCH SKETCH CHALLENGE

2010-03-01T08:05:00.001+02:00

It's time for the next sketch from Imaginisce ...

Here is my take on the sketch (I rotated it 90 deg to the right) ...

Remember that the drill is the same as last month ... Go along to the Imaginisce blog and "BLOG HOP" to each of the Designer's blogs. Leave a comment on each blog, mine included, and stand a chance to win some Imaginisce goodies ...

AND IF YOU WANT A SECOND CHANCE TO WIN ... simply create a card OR layout based on the sketch and post it to either the Imaginisce Facebook gallery or post a link to it on your own blog and list it here or on FB and Imaginisce will select a winner to be featured on their blog at the end of the month.

AND for an EXTRA CHANCE to win, if you follow my blog whilst visiting me and put a link to this post onto your blog, I will also draw a winner for a small RAK (Scooter's Vacation Rub-ons and Ribbon - cute cute cute ...). Place a link in your comment here so that I can check up on you ... tee hee ....

Thanks for looking ...

Love,

ANOTHER CHANCE to WIN with IMAGINISCE ...

2010-02-20T17:53:00.000+02:00

Imaginisce is having a weekend Challenge ... simply post a picture on their Facebook Wall of yourself holding your i-Top Tool and you could win a stash of product from them. If you don't have an i-Top yet, simply photoshop one onto a pic with you ... Go check out the entries so far ... tooo funny ....

Love,

I'VE BEEN VERY PRODUCTIVE LATELY ...

2010-02-14T11:17:00.009+02:00

and I'm loving what I'm doing ... I reckon if I love it, it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks ... not so?? (tee hee - that's my nice way of saying don't knock what I do ...) ... so here's some stuff I created for Imaginisce using the awesome Scooter's Vacation collection ...

This year, as one of my goals, I decided to create cards for the many birthdays I have on my Birthday Calendar ... and I am going to try and get them posted on time ... so far ... not so great ... but I NEVER give up completely ... so I started with these ...

And then I decided to work on a Mini Album for my father-in-law ... Greg and Trevor went on a little road trip through Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and Trevor documented each step of the way with photos and a journal - he is intending to create an album of memories and I decided this was the perfect gift for him - A ROAD TRIP ALBUM with place for loads of photos and journaling ...

This little Puppy with Scooters has been one of my all-time favourite collections EVER from Imaginisce and I have just loved working with it ...

Thanks for looking and I hope I can be of some {creative} inspiration for you today ..

Love,

SOME LOVE TO SHARE ...

2010-02-14T10:53:00.000+02:00

I recently created this LO for the current Journaling Junkie Challenge and it fits in perfectly with my feelings for my boys on this Day of Love ... seriously ... I am so not the soppy Romantic type BUT I do show my feelings - very openly to say the least (one look at my face and you will surely know what's going on inside my head ... tee hee ... good and not-so-good ...). Anyway, I love to express my LOVE (both verbally and in the things I do for them) for the two most important people in my life so I created this LO especially for them (and for the JJ DT Challenge ... of course ....)

This is what I had to say ...

“To my boys … Where do I start? Words cannot even begin to let you know how very grateful I am to have you in my life – YOU COMLETE ME!! I don’t even like to think about what my life would be like without the two of you in it – I get scared just thinking about it! If I think back, I cannot really remember my life without you in it! Greg, you have been there during the best and the worst of me – we are truly soulmates! I cannot think of anybody else I would want to be with forever, other than you – I love you so much and I am so grateful for you – you are the BEST husband and the BEST dad and my BEST friend! Brycie-boy, you filled a gap deep within me – you are so much more than I ever could have asked for or imagined – you are the best of dad and me – you are our BEST FRIEND! Both of you make me want to be a better person – a better wife and a better mother. You allow me to be me – even the ugly parts, which I work on everyday so that you get the very best of me. You get me and for this I am truly blessed. Thank you, Brycie, for choosing me to be your mom, and thank you, Greg, for who you are and for who I am when I am with you! I love you both … MORE … than I ever thought possible … MORE … than I could ever show or tell you … MORE … everyday!! JAN 2010”

Go on, express your love for those closest to you ... it's important NOW ... TODAY ...

Love,

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY ...

2010-02-14T10:33:00.001+02:00

my special boys ... I LOVE YOU GUYS the mostest ... THANK YOU .... well, for everything that you are ...

OH WOW!!! THANK YOU ...

2010-02-03T07:06:00.000+02:00

**** SCROLL DOWN FOR MY TAKE ON THE SKETCH AND TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR THE RAK ****

It has been absolutely awesome "meeting" all of my new visitors for the Imaginisce Sketch Hop ... Thank you sooooo very much for taking the time to stop by and comment ... I will post the winner here as soon as Imaginisce let's us know who won ...

In the meantime, please don't stop visiting and feel free to share links to your blogs so that I can visit you too ...

There were a few questions amongst the comments ...

"Did you machine stitch around the circle?"   No. I used a white marker and it is amazingly effective, even in real life ... you've gotta love your markers - takes the hassle out of setting up the machine ... although, if it is set up, the sewing possibilities are endless ....

"Did you use the i-rock for all that bling?"   Sadly, no - the i-rock hasn't been released yet ... sigh ... pant ... pant ... I am just as eager as the rest of you to get my blingy paws on this baby!!!

Just a comment for Lynette C - the spot is actually paper from the Lucy Bird collection ... at a glance it sure does look like fabric that has been stitched onto the background ...

So, what are you all doing on my blog????   Go get that LO done for the RAK of either the i-Top Tool or $75 of goodies .... off you go ... BUT do come back here real soon .... PLEASE .... tee hee ...

Love,

SKETCH CHALLENGE at IMAGINISCE ...

2010-02-01T19:20:00.000+02:00

Do the Blog Hop ... YEAH ... Do the Blog Hop ... to win an Imagnisce prize package valued at over $50, simply comment on each of the Designer's Blogs, including mine, (only 1 comment per blog please) ... Go here for more information and for links to all the Designer's involved ...

Here is the sketch ...

And here is my Layout using the Lucy Bird Range from Imaginisce ....

AND IF YOU WANT A CHANCE TO WIN an i-Top Tool Package or Product to the value of $75 ... simply create a card OR layout based on the sketch and post it to either the Imaginisce Facebook gallery or post a link to it on your own blog and list it here or on FB and Imaginisce will select a winner to be featured on their blog at the end of the month. You have until the 25th February to get your entries in ...

GOOD LUCK ...

Love,

u-rock the i-rock IMAGINISCE ...

2010-01-27T07:24:00.000+02:00

OH MY SHATTERED NERVES ...

Have you seen this new tool from Imaginisce (I think due for release mid-year???) .....

It blings!! For real ... it blings!!!! No more messy glue and fidgety fingers ... this tool is the answer to our blingy prayers, girls .... can't wait to get my greedy little "blingy" paws on this baby ...

Love,

TIM HOLTZ DOES IT AGAIN ...

2010-01-22T08:13:00.000+02:00

The awesomely talented Mr Tim Holtz (or Timmy as he is very affectionately referred to in our little scrapping circle here in Durban, SA) has outdone himself yet again ...

In this video he has used the coolest sticky-back canvas from Ranger with the awesome Imaginisce i-Top Tool - what a brilliant combination ... but don't take my word for it ... go see for yourself ... tee hee ...

Love,

SNEAK PEEKS OF IMAGINISCE'S NEW LINES at CHA ...

2010-01-15T16:33:00.000+02:00

I see that Imaginisce has just released peeks of their new lines debuting at CHA ... WOOOHOOOO ... they are gorgeous and here they are ...

Badge Daddies to be used with the i-Top Tool ... imagine Badges on School Bags and Pencil Cases and Jackets .... endless possibilities ...

Button Daddies also for use with the i-Top Tool ... make Buttons for the middle of flowers or to stitch on clothing ... GORGEOUS!!!

Live Loud Collection

Splash Dance Collection

To Love and Cherish Collection

A SECRET NEW TOOL - not even the DT knows about this one but sure looks AWESOME ...

Hope you've enjoyed the Sneak Peeks ...

Love,

BLOG HOP - QUICK ... LAST DAY ...

2010-01-15T10:13:00.000+02:00

Come and join me in a Blog Hop at Scrapbook Nook (start at Leah's blog) ... they have the most awesome kits too ... (go on ... let me enable you .... tee hee ...)

Love,

SHIMMERZ PEARLZ are here ...

2010-01-14T06:58:00.000+02:00

WOW!! Have you seen what Shimmerz Paints and Teresa Collins have been up to?? They have released the most awesome Pearlz. There is a video on their blog so go take a look ... and enter their giveaway while you're at it!!

I can't wait to receive some of these little beauties ...

Love,

IF YOU LIKE CANDY ...

2010-01-10T22:36:00.000+02:00

BLOG CANDY that is ....

head on over to Melissa's blog for a chance to win this Basic Grey Calendar Kit ...

Love,

WANT TO WIN AN i-TOP??

2010-01-06T08:27:00.000+02:00

The Story Matters is giving away one of these awesome tools ...

GO NOW ....

Love,

POST-CHRISTMAS CREATIVE CHEER ...

2010-01-05T11:10:00.000+02:00

I was hectically busy leading up to Christmas with all kinds of Christmassy-stuff ... I created some tags ...

I made some "Bless this Home" signs as Gifts this year ...

I made some Reindeer sweet packet toppers ...

I sent out a Secret Santa card and parcel (late ... but just before Christmas at least ... tee hee ...) ...

Oh man, I love to CREATE ...

Hope you get a little inspiration out of this post ...

Love,

BRING IT ON 2010 ...

2010-01-02T10:45:00.001+02:00

To my family and friends ... (that includes ya'll out in cyberspace) .... I hope that 2010 brings with it amazing happiness and love, good health, enough wealth and loads of scrapping MOJO ...

I am sooo ready for you, 2010 .... this is MY YEAR ... For the first time in a very long time I feel ready to make some commitments to myself (you may call them Resolutions ...). I feel ready and able to achieve them ...

Love,

MERRY CHRISTMAS ...

2009-12-25T09:43:00.000+02:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY

Hope your day is filled with laughter, love and loads of happiness and that the Spirit of Christmas remains in your heart all through the year ...

Love, Greg, Tracy and Bryce

xoxoxox

YESTERDAY WAS not A GOOD DAY ...

2009-12-23T18:32:00.000+02:00

I am battling a cold - a horrid, horrid cold and yesterday I think it peaked and was at it's worst and so ... I was at my very worst ... I screamed and shouted like a crazy woman and burst into tears (try breathing when you're crying and you have a cold ... not a pretty sight ....) ... I ranted and raved and cried some more ...

Anyway, I felt like the Grinch - I wanted Christmas to disappear and I wanted everybody around me to disappear too ...

Every Who Down in Whoville Liked Christmas a lot…

But the Grinch, Who lived just north of Whoville, Did NOT!

The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season!

Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason.

It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right.

It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.

But I think that the most likely reason of all,

May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.

Whatever the reason, His heart or his shoes,

He stood there on Christmas Eve, hating the Whos,

Staring down from his cave with a sour, Grinchy frown,

At the warm lighted windows below in their town.

For he knew every Who down in Whoville beneath,

Was busy now, hanging a mistletoe wreath.

“And they’re hanging their stockings!” he snarled with a sneer,

“Tomorrow is Christmas! It’s practically here!”

Then he growled, with his Grinch fingers nervously drumming,

“I MUST find some way to stop Christmas from coming!”

For Tomorrow, he knew, all the Who girls and boys,

Would wake bright and early. They’d rush for their toys!

And then! Oh, the noise! Oh, the Noise!

Noise! Noise! Noise!

That’s one thing he hated! The NOISE!

NOISE! NOISE! NOISE!

Then the Whos, young and old, would sit down to a feast.

And they’d feast! And they’d feast! And they’d FEAST!

FEAST! FEAST! FEAST!

They would feast on Who-pudding, and rare Who-roast beast.

Which was something the Grinch couldn’t stand in the least!

And THEN They’d do something He liked least of all!

Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,

Would stand close together, with Christmas bells ringing.

They’d stand hand-in-hand. And the Whos would start singing!

They’d sing! And they’d sing! And they’d SING!

SING! SING! SING!

And the more the Grinch thought of this Who Christmas Sing,

The more the Grinch thought, “I must stop this whole thing!”

“Why, for fifty-three years I’ve put up with it now!”

“I MUST stop this Christmas from coming! But HOW?”

Then he got an idea! An awful idea!

THE GRINCH GOT A WONDERFUL, AWFUL IDEA!

“I know just what to do!” The Grinch laughed in his throat.

And he made a quick Santy Claus hat and a coat.

And he chuckled, and clucked, “What a great Grinchy trick!”

“With this coat and this hat, I look just like Saint Nick!”

“All I need is a reindeer…” The Grinch looked around.

But, since reindeer are scarce, there was none to be found.

Did that stop the old Grinch? No! The Grinch simply said,

“If I can’t find a reindeer, I’ll make one instead!”

So he called his dog, Max. Then he took some red thread,

And he tied a big horn on the top of his head.

THEN He loaded some bags And some old empty sacks,

On a ramshackle sleigh And he hitched up old Max.

Then the Grinch said, “Giddap!” And the sleigh started down,

Toward the homes where the Whos Lay asnooze in their town.

All their windows were dark. Quiet snow filled the air.

All the Whos were all dreaming sweet dreams without care.

When he came to the first little house on the square.

“This is stop number one,” the old Grinchy Claus hissed,

And he climbed to the roof, empty bags in his fist.

Then he slid down the chimney. A rather tight pinch.

But, if Santa could do it, then so could the Grinch.

He got stuck only once, for a moment or two.

Then he stuck his head out of the fireplace flue.

Where the little Who stockings all hung in a row.

“These stockings,” he grinned, “are the first things to go!”

Then he slithered and slunk, with a smile most unpleasant,

Around the whole room, and he took every present!

Pop guns! And bicycles! Roller skates! Drums!

Checkerboards! Tricycles! Popcorn! And plums!

And he stuffed them in bags. Then the Grinch, very nimbly,

Stuffed all the bags, one by one, up the chimney!

Then he slunk to the icebox. He took the Whos’ feast!

He took the Who-pudding! He took the roast beast!

He cleaned out that icebox as quick as a flash.

Why, that Grinch even took their last can of Who-hash!

Then he stuffed all the food up the chimney with glee.

“And NOW!” grinned the Grinch, “I will stuff up the tree!”

And the Grinch grabbed the tree, and he started to shove,

When he heard a small sound like the coo of a dove.

He turned around fast, and he saw a small Who!

Little Cindy-Lou Who, who was not more than two.

The Grinch had been caught by this tiny Who daughter,

Who’d got out of bed for a cup of cold water.

She stared at the Grinch and said, “Santy Claus, why,”

“Why are you taking our Christmas tree? WHY?”

But, you know, that old Grinch was so smart and so slick,

He thought up a lie, and he thought it up quick!

“Why, my sweet little tot,” the fake Santy Claus lied,

“There’s a light on this tree that won’t light on one side.”

“So I’m taking it home to my workshop, my dear.”

“I’ll fix it up there. Then I’ll bring it back here.”

And his fib fooled the child. Then he patted her head,

And he got her a drink and he sent her to bed.

And when Cindy-Lou Who went to bed with her cup,

HE went to the chimney and stuffed the tree up!

Then the last thing he took Was the log for their fire!

Then he went up the chimney, himself, the old liar.

On their walls he left nothing but hooks and some wire.

And the one speck of food That he left in the house,

Was a crumb that was even too small for a mouse.

Then He did the same thing To the other Whos’ houses

Leaving crumbs Much too small For the other Whos’ mouses!

It was quarter past dawn… All the Whos, still a-bed,

All the Whos, still asnooze When he packed up his sled,

Packed it up with their presents! The ribbons! The wrappings!

The tags! And the tinsel! The trimmings! The trappings!

Three thousand feet up! Up the side of Mt. Crumpit,

He rode with his load to the tiptop to dump it!

“PoohPooh to the Whos!” he was grinchishly humming.

“They’re finding out now that no Christmas is coming!”

“They’re just waking up! I know just what they’ll do!”

“Their mouths will hang open a minute or two,

Then the Whos down in Whoville will all cry BooHoo!”

“That’s a noise,” grinned the Grinch, “That I simply MUST hear!”

So he paused. And the Grinch put his hand to his ear.

And he did hear a sound rising over the snow.

It started in low. Then it started to grow.

But the sound wasn’t sad! Why, this sound sounded merry!

It couldn’t be so! But it WAS merry! VERY!

He stared down at Whoville! The Grinch popped his eyes!

Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise!

Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,

Was singing! Without any presents at all!

He HADN’T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME!

Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,

Stood puzzling and puzzling: “How could it be so?”

“It came with out ribbons! It came without tags!”

“It came without packages, boxes or bags!”

And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.”

“Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”

And what happened then? Well…in Whoville they say,

That the Grinch’s small heart Grew three sizes that day!

And the minute his heart didn’t feel quite so tight,

He whizzed with his load through the bright morning light,

And he brought back the toys! And the food for the feast!

And he, HE HIMSELF! The Grinch carved the roast beast!

TODAY IS A MUCH BETTER DAY ...

Hope your day has been great!!

Love,

WACKY WEDNESDAY will officially be moved to FRIDAY ...

2009-12-18T17:40:00.000+02:00

Take a look at this beautiful Advent Calendar I found here on the 7 Gypsies Journal Blog ...

WOW!!! Paula Cheney you are indeed a creative genius ... WOW!!!

Hope you find some inspiration from these Tags ...

Love,

i-TOP REVIEW ...

2009-12-18T17:26:00.000+02:00

As part of my first shipment from Imaginisce, I was incredibly thrilled to receive the i-Top Tool - essentially, it's a Brad Maker ... YES, you heard right ... a BRAD MAKER ... you can make your very own Brads ... FOR REAL!!!!

I have to admit to not really having had the time to play with my new little toy BUT I took it to a crop recently and it took me all of 2 minutes to make my very first brad - even after reading instructions as I went along ... it took me longer to decide which piece of paper I was going to use than it did to make the actual brad ... tee hee ... The instructions on the packaging are very easy to follow and very comprehensive - what looks like a complicated Tool is in fact a simple

ScrapJazz has an amazing review on this product ... not only has Andrea explained the Tool itself but she has also experimented with various topper ideas and has also suggested using the following unusual items to top your Brads ...

candy wrappers

denim

corduroy

fleece

notebook paper

receipts

tickets

clothing labels

stamped images on paper

gems, rub-ons, stickers or glitter

I am certainly going to try the Candy Wrappers and the Clothing Labels ...

Here is one of my favourite projects from the Imaginice Idea Gallery ...

I'm off to do some MORE Christmas shopping ... sigh ... Hope you have an awesome weekend ...

Love,

WACKY WEDNESDAY becomes FRIDAY ...

2009-12-11T18:15:00.000+02:00

I meant to post something cute on Wednesday but ... well ... whatever ...

Go take a look at this gorgeous little matchbook

created by Tammy Wark for Imaginisce ... Tammy has generously provided full instructions here ...

ENJOY!!

Love,

I am here to {L}IVE OUT {L}OUD !!!

SCRAPBOOKING at last ....

HELLLLLOOOOOOOO .... (am hearing echoes ....)

"LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK AND YOU COULD WIN SOME SCRAPPY GOODIES ...

LE SHABBY CAFE JULY 2011 KIT

COME VISIT US ...

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK VIRTUAL CROP ...

LE SHABBY CAFE MAY 2011 KIT

IN MEMORY OF ...

SCRAPSTREET.COM MAGAZINE ...

ON REDEMPTION ISLAND at TALLYSCRAPPER ...

TODAY'S SENTIMENT ....

MARCH 2011 KIT at LE SHABBY CAFE

SURVIVOR ...

CHILDREN SAY THE FUNNIEST THINGS ....

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

SOME MORE GALLERY LOVE AT Le Shabby Cafe ...

TODAY'S SENTIMENT ....

IDEAS FOR SCRAPBOOKERS ... FEATURED ARTIST ...

MAYA ROAD has some NEW SNEAKS ...

LE SHABBY CAFE DEBUT PROJECTS ...

COMING SOON ...

HAVE YOURSELVES A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS ...

Call me BOND - TRACY BOND

12 days of CHRISTMAS with IMAGINISCE ...

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS with IMAGINISCE starts TODAY ....

UPDATED - IMAGINISCE DECEMBER SKETCH CHALLENGE

SCRAPVILLE ....

Imaginisce Does it Again!!!

NOVEMBER SKETCH CHALLENGE for IMAGINISCE ...

CRICUT CIRCLE SWARM at IMAGINISCE ...

imaginisce + 2peas = STASH for free ...

IMAGINISCE OCTOBER SKETCH CHALLENGE ...

AMAZING NEW CHALLENGE SITE ...

ewwww .... (MAY BE OFFENSIVE TO VEGANS)

SOME SCRAPPY YUMMINESS TO SHARE ...

SINCE SUMMER IS ON IT'S WAY ....

IMAGINISCE SEPTEMBER SKETCH CHALLENGE ...

CALLING ALL SCRAPPERS (WELL ... from KZN anyway ...) ....

ROCK CHICK!

THE WINNER of the BIRTHDAY BASH COLLECTION is ...

It's the beginning of a new month and that means ... ** EDITED**

I am GUEST-POSTING at IMAGINISCE today and a GIVEAWAY ...

IT'S BEEN A WHILE ....

BLOG CANDY ...

IT'S PARTY TIME ...

JULY SKETCH FOR IMAGINISCE ...

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST ... well kind of ...

FROSTED DESIGNS HAS A COOL CHALLENGE - due 1st JULY ...

I'M OFF TO CAMP ...

IMGINISCE'S JUNE SKETCH CHALLENGE IS HERE ...

SPLASHING GOOD FUN ...

FEELING POSITIVE TODAY ...

SOME YUMMY CANDY AVAILABLE HERE ...

i-rock ...

BLOG CANDY ANYONE?

BLOWING MY OWN TRUMPET IS NOT ...

IMAGINISCE MAY CHALLENGE ...

A LITTLE INSPIRATION ....

SOME MAINTENANCE ...

"CHEEKY" SCRAPBOOKING BOY UNDERPANTS ...

MORE CANDY ...

SOME BLOG CANDY FOR YOU ...

OKAY ... so I can't resist ....

APRIL SKETCH CHALLENGE with IMAGINISCE ...

TOMBOW ADHESIVES ...

I'm a bit of a ROCK CHICK at heart ...

JUNG TYPOLOGY TEST ...

JOURNALING JUNKIE ...

IMAGINISCE MARCH SKETCH CHALLENGE

ANOTHER CHANCE to WIN with IMAGINISCE ...

I'VE BEEN VERY PRODUCTIVE LATELY ...

SOME LOVE TO SHARE ...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY ...

OH WOW!!! THANK YOU ...

SKETCH CHALLENGE at IMAGINISCE ...

u-rock the i-rock IMAGINISCE ...

TIM HOLTZ DOES IT AGAIN ...

SNEAK PEEKS OF IMAGINISCE'S NEW LINES at CHA ...

BLOG HOP - QUICK ... LAST DAY ...

It's the beginning of a new month and that means ... EDITED