Lorna Blue Studio

Hero Arts Dies

2012-02-03T13:58:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I added some Hero Arts Dies that match up with the new Hero Arts stamps on my website.

I have to admit I don't mind cutting around stamped images but when you have the scalloped ones, or you want to do a number of them then to have a matching die or punch is really handy.

As the dollar is still good the new stock has come in lower than previously so that's great.

If you'd like to see any of these I'll be at the PCYC craft markets this Sunday between 8am and 12pm.

If you can't make it then contact me to arrange a time to come around.

Cleaning off the desk

2012-01-31T10:14:00.000+10:00

I spent a little time over the weekend actually finishing off some of the stamping that I had started and for one reason or the other had put aside.

Two reasons to do this occasionally.

1. It gives you a clean area to work in.

2. It also gives you some cards to add to your collection so you've got some to choose from when you need to.

I've been doing quite a few floral ones lately and mostly they're C&S, clean and simple.

New card & clearance stamps

2012-01-19T15:06:00.000+10:00

Its funny how to use a stamp quite a bit and then another one comes along and takes your fancy so the first one gets moved to the back of the drawer and forgotten.

When I was pricing the clearance stock to go to the markets I came across the Hero Arts Engraved Flower stamp (1 only left) and thought to myself, I haven't used mine for ages maybe I should get it out again.

And so I did. Here's the finished card:

I stamped and heat embossed the image in black and then using a black fine point marker (waterproof)extended the stem to the bottom of the card.

Then I used water colour pencils to colour the in flower and stem. If you find that the black gets lost as I did in the centre use your fine point marker again and go over the image.

I stamped the wording and using double sided tape attached the ribbon.

The remaining Hero Arts and Darkroom Door clearance stamps have been moved to the Bargain Bin so have a browse and see if there's any that you've been wanting.

New laser paper cuts have arrived as well and are priced at 60 cents each.

Five different designs to choose from.

Time to organise

2012-01-14T13:29:00.001+10:00

I don't know about you but I have a large (ok huge) pile of sheets of paper that I've ripped out of magazines or information sheets that are sitting in a heap in my craft room waiting for me to do something with them.

So after doing a bit of a tidy up in my craft room I decided that I had to go through that pile and first decide which ones I wanted to keep and then how to store them so that it would be easy to get to and therefore use.

The idea I came up was to first organise them into groups and these are the ones I've gone with.

1. Tips , Techniques and Product Information

2. Colour Combinations

3. People, Suppliers and Websites

4. Project Ideas (off the page)

5. Papercraft (things to make)

So now how to store them?

I could have bought some lidded storage containers but I didn't want to ruffle through them everytime looking for something.

Display books? Just slip the info into a sleeve. What about all the little bits of paper? They don't have that many pages.

Anyway what I did was go out and buy 5 Art Journals. If you look around with the Back to School catalogues you can pick them up cheaper than normal. The reason I chose art journals is that they have thicker pages so it will take gluing and inks etc if you want to work out colours in them.

The ones I bought have a plastic cover and I thought I would colour them up and maybe add some stamping. I've brushed on some gesso to give the paint/inks something to cling to and I'll show you what they turn out like. It may not work so they may end up with a decorated sheet of paper stuck to the front cover.

I was merrily gluing in some pages in the Tips-Techniques & Product Info when I came across 3 pages I had torn out of a magazine. Hmm they has information on both sides, what to do.

Front of art journal (looking pretty dull at the moment)

Trim up and glue in the first page (if it doesn't have info on the back).

Trim down your magazine page and slide into a plastic sleeve.

Cut off the top of the sleeve along the magazine edge and fold over the side with the holes to along the page edge and crease with your thumb nail or bone scorer.

I added two peices of wide double sided tape down the edge of the folded over side.

Take off the top layer on the tape and stick into the art journal. I made it so that the "holey" folded over side was next to the spiral as I think it will sit better but it mightn't make any difference.

Now you can open it out and see the other side of the page. I should have taken a photo of that sorry.

Oh and forgive the quality of the photos, I should have put it on a darker background.

Anyway I've been madly gluing things into my art journals/information books which has made me feel all organised and happy with myself. Plus I get to go through my magazines and any that only have a few ideas in them get to be torn apart and the excess thrown away.

I just need to keep it up and then use them as a resource book for when I hit a wall. You know what I mean, the curse of the blank piece of cardstock.

How do you store your bits of paper?

Hero Arts New stock

2012-01-13T09:51:00.001+10:00

I received in a parcel of new stamps from Hero Arts and have been busy photographing and adding them to the website. There's still more to come but this is a nice bundle to be drooling over.

To see the whole range visit the Look Whats New category on the Lorna Blue Studio website.

Don't forget when you sign in as a member you get a 10% discount.

Special Time $27

Members price $24.30

Congrats $27.00

Members $24.30

Greeting $22.00

Members $19.80

Dot Flower Pattern $22.00

Members $19.80

Journal De Voyage $22.00

Members $19.80

A card made using the Journal De Voyage stamp set.

Untitled Word Shadow $22.00

Members $19.80

A card made using the Untitled Word Shadow stamp set.

Some ideas from the Hero Arts catalogue for the Exotic Decor stamp set from last year.

Exotic Decor Now $15

I only have 1 left and its in the Bargain Bin on the website.

Hero Arts are having a Blog Hop this week and you get the chance to win some stamps as well as see their design team using the new range of stamps.

Go to the right hand column and click on the Hero Arts Blog and don't forget to leave a comment on each blog.

Bargain Bin updates

2012-01-11T09:56:00.002+10:00

Thanks to everyone who came along on Sunday to the markets and said Hi.

If that was your first time we usually have almost double the stalls that were there but the January school holidays and hot weather kept a few away.

Anyway I've now moved the clearance stamps into The Bargain Bin so if you didn't get a chance to have a look on the weekend whatever I have left is now listed there.

Engraved Flower - 1 in stock

Was $16.50 now $10

The words are from Messages 3 - 1 in stock

Was $19.95 Now $12.00

Large Flower - 1 in stock

Was $16.50 Now $10.00

Butterflies - 1 in stock

Was $19.95 Now $12.00

Stencil Art - 1 in stock

Was $31.90 Now $18.00

Huge discounts on stamps this weekend

2012-01-05T15:32:00.000+10:00

Well before you know it Christmas is over and the relaxing break is gone. Back to work.....

Darkroom Door have sent out an email saying that they are changing the packaging of their stamp sets. You know the ones in the tin?

In future they will come in a plastic DVD style case. A bit thinner to store and the name of the stamp set will be on the side as well so you don't have to go all the way through them to grab the one you want.

Oh that would be nice to have all new style packaging for my white Darkroom Door display box.

What to do with the old ones?

Get rid of them. Quickly.

Here's the deal.

I want them gone and I don't particularly want to go in and put everyone in The Bargain Bin on the website.

The PCYC markets are back this Sunday for the first one of the year.

I will be selling all the Darkroom Door tinned sets out at $15.

Yes I said $15.

Thats half price.

I hope you have some Christmas money left.

To make it even more interesting the Hero Arts catalogue is due this week (they promised me and they have one day left).

So I'm clearing the old Hero Arts stamp sets at..........yes you guessed it $15.

Some their cling stamps will be marked down as well.

I'll also add some other heavily discounted stock to the clearance table.

I won't have EFTPOS so its cash only sorry.

Most of these I only have 1 in stock so don't miss out.

Give yourself a New Year present.

Go on......you deserve it.

See you Sunday.

66th Australian Jazz Convention

2011-12-27T14:45:00.001+10:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, we certainly did.

Are you a music fan? Looking for something to do between now and New Year? Did you know we have the 66th Australian Jazz Convention happening in Bundaberg right now?

No? Thats the reaction I've had from a lot of people.

This afternoon there's a Sundown Family Concert in Alexandra Park for free. It starts at 4pm and goes until 5.30pm and I believe it will feature our local talent.

The rest of the week is jampacked as well so if you're interested head down to the Civic Centre and have a chat to the people on the registration table who will be able to explain whats on and how much it costs.

Or have a look at their website. Although I will say to get a breakdown of who is playing where you need the program which is at the Civic Centre.

Christmas Ornament Swap

2011-12-18T15:23:00.000+10:00

The last swap for the JAV group was in November and it was an ATC that you could hang on your Christmas tree and a Christmas card.

Anyway I drew my friend Vicky and I decided to paint her a Santa face on a round wooden ornament. Great theory.

However when you haven't picked up a paint brush in a while and you've developed a trigger thumb on your right hand it proves to be a little more difficult.

So I decided to use one of the Christmas stamps and make a fabric ATC/ornament. Here's how it finished up.

The photo is a bit dark as I finished it at night and wanted to wrap it up to send.

Bundy Pride

2011-12-14T11:20:00.002+10:00

Last Tuesday I attended the official launch of the Bundy Pride website at CQ University and heard some very inspiring guest speakers as well. On the very same day Bundy Pride was being showcased in India at a Food Expo.

What is Bundy Pride?

Bundy Pride is a collective group of manufacturers, processors, tourism operators, professionals, marketing group of growers, graziers, forestry and seafood businesses.

Bundy Pride is designed to promote quality products that are designed, developed and manufactured in the region. And also to promote quality fresh products grown and/or harvested in the region.

The Aim of "Bundaberg Made & Bundaberg Grown"

The “Bundaberg Made and Bundaberg Grown” initiative aims to showcase the Region’s competencies through the use of an innovative branding campaign and the development of a website and Regional marketing plans. The branding and logos have been designed to be highly visible. They can be used as stickers and labels which can be applied to packaging and products made and grown within our region, as well as incorporated on letterhead, email signature blocks and other stationery.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF THE REGIONAL BRANDING INITIATIVE:

Promote our Region’s businesses, producers and manufacturers at a local, national and global level

Highlight our Region’s capacity and capability

Engender pride in local businesses and encourage referrals to other local businesses

Attract and retain skilled workers

Position the Bundaberg Region as 'the home' of premium producers and manufacturers

Encourage customers and consumers of Bundaberg Made and Bundaberg Grown products to look at what else is available from the Region, creating a multiplier effect

Emphasise the Bundaberg Region as an attractive place to work, live and play .

The website can be seen here http://www.bundypride.com.au/

You can also follow them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bundy-Pride/133952363381930

This is a great initiative for Bundaberg so lets all get behind it, if only to "Like" them on Facebook.

Last PCYC craft market for the Year - Bargains to be had

2011-12-09T06:34:00.000+10:00

Just a quick reminder that this Sunday will be the last PCYC craft market for the year and I've be having a bit of a clean out.

So that means BARGAINS for you.

Some of the stock on sale will be selected HERO ARTS stamps down to $15. WOW!

Darkroom Door down to $24.95.

Assorted mini stamps down to .50c

Assorted flowers down to .50c

And more so don't miss out on the opportunity to grab a present for that crafty friend or yourself.

See you Sunday.

Original Artwork by Vicky

2011-12-08T11:08:00.003+10:00

Are you looking for something original and unique for a Christmas present?

A friend of mine who lives on a property in northern NSW (which is currently flooded) sent me a few items to put on my Lorna Blue website.

Vicky Phelps is a very accomplished folk art teacher that also paints in a range of different styles. She has had many of her pieces published in art magazines and has taught classes overseas in England, Ireland and New Zealand. Her blog Outback Folk can be viewed here.

Funky Girl 4"x4" Canvas

Arabian Nights 4"x4" Canvas

Arabian Nights Journal

Tuscany Journal

Cooktown Orchids 8"x8" Canvas

You can see these (and a few more) in person at the PCYC craft markets this weekend, don't forget it's the last one for the year.

I'll also be in Hinkler shopping centre on the 17th and 19th up near Kmart.

Card ideas

2011-11-29T10:46:00.000+10:00

As you know the craft group I belong to do a monthly card and embellishment swap and the theme for the last card swap was love/romance.

I decided to make a C&S (clean and simple) card using the new Enchanted stamp from Bo Bunny. The prices on these stamps have all come down with the dollar so its great value and I've priced down all the old stock to reflect the new price as well.

I inked up the Darkroom Door French Script Background stamp in grey pigment ink(you could use a Marvy Marker) and stamped the card, leave to dry or use a heat gun.

Then I swiped the card with a Stop Static Pillow. Ink up the Enchanted stamp with Versamark Embossing Ink (or similar) and stamp your image. Pour over Superfine Black Embossing Powder, tap off the excess.

I used a large acrylic block and placed the top border and cupid on it and stamped them at the same time (then the embossing powder) before stamping the corner flourishes (one at a time and do your embossing powder) and added the wording last.

Check for any stray bits of powder floating and remove with a small paint brush or cotton bud before using a heat gun to melt the embossing powder.

For this card I've used Darkoom Door Christmas Reindeer stamp set and their Dear Santa Wordstrip .

Start off with a red card as your base then cut some light green card to 140mm x 96mm and attach with double sided tape or adhesive. Then cut some dark green printed card to 133mm x 90mm, (you could use a plain piece of card and clear emboss a design onto it). Attach to the light green. Using a piece of red card and a punch make a decorative edge and attach.

Ink up one the Reindeer stamps with embossing ink and stamp on cream card and cover with Copper Pearl Embossing Powder, tap off excess and heat unitl the powder if melted. Cut around design and stick down using a glue pen. Add a bit of Xmas Red Stickles to the tip of his nose and if you like dot with a black pen to create the eye.

Cut words from the Dear Santa Wordstrip and attach with Magic Mount to give it some height.

These three are on a similar base but I've used images cut from a Christmas 12x12 sheet that I stock (sorry not available on the website), the Darkroom Door Christmas Wordstrips, Magic Mount and Stickles.

12x12 cardstock, double sided, good quality and value at $1.80 and you get quite a few cards from these.

27-11-11 PCYC craft markets on

2011-11-26T17:12:00.000+10:00

Hi, just a reminder that we're having a second market this month at PCYC so come along tomorrow and have some breakfast or a coffee and a shop around. It's open between 8am and 12pm and if you come and see us in the hall we're air-conditioned.

I'll be having some sale items tomorrow as I know we all like a bargain especially at this time of year. There will also be a few gift lines available, some are mine and some are from a painter friend.

A girlfriend of mine is having a pre-loved stall outside and I've given her some of my books to sell so if you're a Christine Feehan fan you'll find some of those there and assorted others.

See you there.

Willy Wag Tail

2011-11-24T09:37:00.000+10:00

A Willy Wag Tail has built a nest in the trees in our back garden and they have such a beautiful tune that they sing. It's a clever design for the nest because it blends right in with the branch but it does look a bit small.

We try and stay away from that area as she gets a bit worried and agitated so I had to stand a fair way back to try and take my photos.

I'm in Hinkler Shopping Centre tomorrow

2011-11-18T17:08:00.000+10:00

Just a quick reminder that I'll have a table in the centre aisle near Boost Juice tomorrow along with Christine from Adele Collections (she sells handbags and jewellery).

I'll have limited space so I've packed the stamps, 12 x 12 Scrapbook paper, Christmas Photochips and a few other things.

Hope to see you there.

Hero Arts Christmas cards

2011-11-16T10:25:00.000+10:00

I took some photos of the card examples in the Hero Arts Christmas catalogue just to show you how they use some of the stamp sets. Forgive the poor photography I was in a rush.

Classic Holly stamp

Seasons Greetings Stamp Set

Enjoy the Seasons

Christmas Reindeer Stamp Set

Merry Christmas Trees Stamp Set

Christmas, Christmas

2011-11-15T11:14:00.002+10:00

Well I've uploaded more Christmas Stamps to my website if you're looking for a new stamp set to do your Christmas cards with.

There's some lovely designs out there and it's always hard to decide which ones to stock and naturally I find it difficult to resist wanting all of them for myself.

One of the sets I ordered for myself is the Hero Arts Christmas Tag and I've made a few tags from the birdy design and love them. When I do some from the other two I'll post a photo.

If you like any of the Christmas stamps please be aware that I only carry in stock 1 or 2 of each so if you want them quickly if might be an idea to grab them. I do re-order when I sell down but as most of these are from overseas it can take a little time to get here.

For anyone local you know that I carry a small range of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper and I now have 3 Christmas designs in that you might like. They are all double sided so that's a great way to co-ordinate your scrapbook pages or cards and at $1.80 a sheet good value and quality.

This Saturday I'll be in Hinkler shopping centre sharing a site in the middle aisle (we're not sure if we'll be in the food court end or the Kmart end yet) and I'll be on one table so I'll be taking limited stock. The stamps and 12x12 paper will be on there but if there's anything you want to look at in particular let me know by Friday afternoon.

We also have a second market this month at PCYC on the 27th and there's some great stalls (including me :)

If you're looking for a pudding or cake for Christmas we tried some lovely samples last Sunday.

Christmas Cards

2011-11-01T11:05:00.000+10:00

If you're like me you've been watching the Christmas decorations go up in the shops and muttering under your breath "you've got to be kidding me...already".

However now it's the 1st of November and I've been receiving in christmas stamps etc I think a gremlin (or an elf) must have whispered in my ear because I found myself making christmas cards from the Darkroom Door Santa Photochips and it was easy and fun.

For this one I started with a green card base then cut a piece of red card a little smaller which I stamped with the Darkroom Door Star Background Stamp and Versamark Embossing Ink just to give a subtle

background. I then attached it to the green card with double sided tape.

Then I cut a piece of cream cardstock long enough to fit the Santa Photochip in the middle and punched out the star design either end (It's a Martha Stewart paper punch) before attaching the photochip to the cardstock with double sided tape and then attaching it onto the red card.

The words were cut from the Darkroom Door Dear Santa Wordstrip and attached with Mini Magic Mount.

This one is a similar idea except I left the red card blank and attached it to the green card.

I then punched the star design in the cream cardstock and inked it up around the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink using the Tim Holtz Blending Tool.

Then I attched the Dear Santa Photochip onto the cream card with double sided tape and stamped the Christmas greeting.

Then attach the cream card onto the red one and you're done.

Stampendous stamp ideas

2011-10-31T15:52:00.001+10:00

You know how it is when you're sitting at the computer supposedly working but the need to browse crafty web sites takes over and you end up frittering away an hour (sometimes two!)?

I guess I can justify it by saying that I was looking for ideas on how to use some of their stamps that I stock.

Anyway I found a few that I thought you mght want to see and if you go to the Stampendous website you can see a lot more.

I've also added the links to the stamps on my website, just click on the names under each card.

Childers Craft Bazaar

2011-10-24T11:25:00.000+10:00

I've had a few outings for Lorna Blue in the last couple of weeks.

First of all was PCYC Craft Markets on the 9th. It was a little quieter than normal but I think with so much going on for the CRUSH festival people are having to choose what they attend. After I had packed up I went down to have a look at the BRAG markets that were on until around 3pm and it was great to see local artists and crafts people set up in the gallery. Last year they held it on a different weekend than the PCYC and I had a stall which was really fun.

Next was the Bargara Home & Life Expo on teh 15th. It was a shame the weather was a bit iffy, we had showers in the morning which put off a few stall holders and some customers but overall it was a good day. It's such a shame the council can't make some more accessable parking out there because the centre itself is lovely.

Lastly I went down to Childers on the 18th for the Craft Bazaar. As always this was a great day with lots of people coming through. I had a lady next to me that makes flowers and gold fish out of coloured stockings. They are beautiful. My Aunty used to do that when I was little and I haven't seen then since. My in-laws came down and they had lunch with some friends at the Hotel next door and they were all very impressed with the quality of the meal.

I've also been receiving in some new lines so it's worth a peek at the website. Of course we're all starting to think of Christmas so more stamps will be arriving so keep an eye out for those.

Coral Coast Home & Life Expo on tomorrow

2011-10-14T09:28:00.000+10:00

This is where I'll be tomorrow along with a lot of other stall holders. It's a great location and last year was the first year it was held so this year it will be even better.

By the way it starts at 9am not 10am as the poster states. Just in case you want to make sure you get a gift bag.

Where to find me this weekend.

2011-10-06T16:51:00.000+10:00

This weekend I'll be out and about both Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday I'll be in Hinkler shopping centre near Boost Juice along with Christine from Adele Collections (she has jewellery and handbags). We'll be there from 9am and we'll start packing up around 3pm.

On Sunday I'll be in my regular spot in the hall at the PCYC craft markets.

If you haven't had a chance to see any of the new lines that have come in recently this is your chance to see them "in the flesh".

Stampendous Loopy Blooms $26.95

Bird Post $11.50

Carte Postale $11.25

Girl in Pink Dress wooden embellishment $1.60

Skateboard Boy wooden embellishment $1.60

Chicken Wooden Embellishment .90 cents

September ATC's

2011-10-05T15:28:00.000+10:00

Remember the three mysterious parcels that arrived packed with goodies to make ATC's? I thought I would show you the results.

This parcel was named Vivid.

This parcel was named Antique.

This parcel was named Jovial.

Ranunculus Card

2011-09-15T14:50:00.000+10:00

Hi,

I said I would explain how I made the card I used for the flower card swap so here is a quick explanation.

Start off by cutting a piece of cream cardstock 9cm wide and 13.5cm high.

As you can see I'm working on a craft sheet (which gets a bit of a beating but still survives).

Next use a Hero Arts Friends Definition stamp (or any background you would like).

Make sure with the larger stamps that they are "attached" to the acrylic block well, I put them on and then turn them over and standing up apply pressure by pushing on the acrylic block.

Turn it over and ink up your stamp with Archival Sepia Ink. I deliberately inked it in a random fashion as I it wasn't going to be the focal image.

Stamp it off lightly on to a scrap piece of paper.

Stamp it on to your cream cardstock. When I use the larger stamps I always stand up to stamp them as you have a better grip and balance.

Ink up the Ranunculus Field stamp with Archival Sepia Ink and stamp it over the top of the Friends Definition. Also stamp your greeting at this time eg Happy Birthday.

Next I've used Distress Ink in Antique Linen (sorry just realised it's not there I'll fix that soon) with the Blending Tool.

Start off with a scrap piece of cream cardstock to make sure it's the colour you want and that the card will take the ink nicely (some of them don't so it may not be your technique at fault).

If you don't have a craft sheet try a piece of baking paper or a scrap piece of paper underneath your cardstock.

Start by tapping the blending tool onto the ink pad and then place it on to the craft sheet a little away from the cardstock (about 2 or 3cm) and start swirling it in a circular motion and move it slowly towards and onto the cardstock. I tend to do a side then turn my cardstock, as you can see I'm inking up the edges and leaving a lighter section in the middle. You can always go back and add colour so start lightly.

At this point once you're happy with the inking can either leave the flowers as is or add a touch of colour with Marvy Markers as I did for some of them. I know I used Pale Orange for the flowers and I think it was a watery version of Jungle green for the foliage. You don't want to colour too heavily or too much, let some of the background stay.

Next cut two pieces of ribbon. One approx 13cm and another approx 10cm.With the smaller one tie in a knot in the middle of the longer one and trim off the excess.

Attach to your card with a good Double Sided Tape. Always give yourself enough ribbon to fold under properly and use a good tape so that it doesn't lift off.

Attach to your card and your done. I have stamped some of the image on to the matching envelope. I hope you can follow this and that it's been useful to you.

PCYC craft markets on tomorrow

2011-09-10T16:10:00.000+10:00

Just a quick reminder that the PCYC craft markets are on tomorrow from 8am to 12pm if you would like to come and have a look at the range of stock I carry.

Now I'm off to the Bargara State School Ladies night.

So cute!

2011-08-30T10:45:00.001+10:00

The parable is worth sharing…. But have you ever seen a baby porcupine?!

Fable of the porcupine

It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions. After awhile, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the warmth that came from the others. This way they were able to survive. Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.

Bargara State School Ladies Night

2011-08-24T14:16:00.000+10:00

Renee has been busy organising a great fundraiser night and I'll be out there with a stall so if you're looking for a fun night pick up the phone and book a ticket.

Simply Crafty swaps

2011-08-24T08:50:00.000+10:00

These are the cards that I received in the swap from Sunday. The photo I took of the denim embellishments was too blurry so I won't post it.

Have you been over to Lorna Blue Studio website lately? I've had some new lines in that have been added to the Look Whats New category. Here are a few of them.

Hero Arts Poly Clear Stamp set.

Beautiful laser cut paper butterfly.

Hero Arts Cling Stamp.

Archival Ink in new colours and packaging.

BoBunny clear stamp set, perfect for the cooks in the family.

6x6 co-ordinating paper sheets.

Embellishment and card swap.

2011-08-22T09:42:00.000+10:00

I belong to the Simply Crafty group which is a scrapbooking - papercraft club that meets once a month at the Neighbourhood Centre. We pay $6.00 to attend (and the air-conditioning in summer makes that money well spent) and we bring along a plate to share for afternoon tea and whatever you want to work on. It's a great group, very friendly and everyone is very supportive of each other.

We have been doing a few swap lately. It started off with embellishments and now we've had a few card swaps as well.

The embellishment theme this month was denim and after mucking around with a few things I decided on flowers as most of the group did. I went to Spotlight and bought a small piece of denim, added interfacing to the back of it and stamped a flower in Adirondack Snowcap white ink and then cut them out, doing two for each person as we had 10 in the swap. I'll post the group photos soon.

We had 6 people put their hand up for the card swap and the theme was a female birthday card. I decided to do a sort of "tone on tone" style. I'll do a tutorial for this one shortly as it seemed to be popular. You'll notice I used three different colours in my cardstock as I couldn't decide which one I liked the best. I also stamped a little of the design on the envelope just to co-ordinate it.

New stock

2011-08-17T13:44:00.002+10:00

I've just added the new look Archival ink pads to my website, only 6 at this point as some of them are out of stock. Anyway they look great as they have their colour on the lid although I don't think the Sepia is quite right, a little too dark. With the dollar being so high against the American they've come in quite a bit cheaper than originally so they'll sell for $8.75 now.

A couple of new stamps.

And some 6x6 Bo Bunny co-ordinating paper pages.

PCYC craft markets on Sunday 14-08-11

2011-08-12T16:54:00.000+10:00

Wow that month went fast. This Sunday the PCYC craft markets are on again so if you need some papercraft supplies and maybe a bargain or two come along any time between 8am and 12pm. I'll be in my usual spot in the hall down on the back wall.

The Archival ink range has been re-done with new packaging (new stock should be in next week) so I'm marking down all the old stock by 40% to clear. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, still a fantastic product.

I'm also going to take 50% off all BRADS and FLOWERS. We all know how handy they are so why not stock up while they're on sale.

See you Sunday.

Airport Survey

2011-08-09T15:23:00.001+10:00

Please fill in the on-line survey, we really need more choice and cheaper flights from our airport.

Bundaberg Regional Airport Travellers Survey

Bundaberg Regional Council is committed to ensuring the region's local airport is meeting the needs of all its customers, and is growing in line with community and business expections.
In order to achieve this, Council conduct regular catchment area and passenger satisfaction surveys and would now like to measure your views regarding the Bundaberg Regional Airport in 2011, including:

•Satisfaction with current airline and terminal services

•Additional airline services that would be beneficial to the local community, and

•Recommendations for improving airport facilites to better meet expections

Council would appreciate your assistance in answering the following questions to help guide the future growth and direction of Bundaberg Regional Airport. The survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Click on the link to go to the survey it will only take 5 minutes.
http://bundaberg.qld.gov.au/airport/travellers_survey

How to Stay Young

2011-08-08T12:04:00.000+10:00

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

You need to read this one over and over until it becomes part of who you are !

1. Try everything twice. On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph: "Tried everything twice. Loved it both times!"

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

3. Keep learning:Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever...Never let the brain get idle.'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

6.. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever..Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it.If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips..Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county,to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

A surprise parcel

2011-08-06T15:26:00.000+10:00

I'm a member of an ATC swap group called JAV and we mostly have swaps once a month where one of the organisers sets a theme and then you add your name to the list if you want to participate.

Lately we've had a couple of open themed Frenzy swaps where everyone makes however many cards they want to and they are put up on the blog then on a certain day you go in and email around your requests.

However this month Annette sent out an email asking us which medium we prefer to work in eg paints, stamps, mixed media, fabric, papercraft etc and said this month we would be getting a surprise. I replied saying that I worked mostly in papers, stamping, inks etc but have tried all types so I was happy to go with whatever. We all thought she would then just set the theme from the answers she received.

However in the mail this week I received a "surprise" parcel with three little packages named Jovial, Antique and Vivid in it along with a list of three members and the instruction that I was to make 3 ATC's and send them off to the people listed by the 1st September. We can add paint, inks, stamps etc as well.

Don't you love a collection of goodies?

The surprise packages.

Jovial

Antique

Vivid.

Stay tuned to see how they turn out.

Relay for Life

2011-07-28T14:37:00.000+10:00

Last Saturday night Relay for Life was held here in the showgrounds starting in the late afternoon and going right through to the next morning.

At the last minute one of my friends joined a team and asked if I wanted to as well. I signed up but said I could only stay until midnight.

Relay for Life is a fundraiser for the Cancer Council and I have to say it was fantastic and very well organised. Each team is asked to raise money prior to the event and you can do things there to boost your final amount. Lots of teams were selling chocolates, raffle tickets etc and it was a real party atmosphere.

The other main part of it is that someone from your team has to be out on the walking track at all times going around and around. The Police team had far too much energy and they were running laps.

We also took part in the candle lighting ceremony which is held just on dusk and everyone get a Hope bag. It's a paper bag that you write a message on. It could be to a loved one that you've lost or is fighting a battle with cancer or just a general message for the universe. You then put some sand in the bottom of it and put a tealight candle in it which is lit and they're placed around the track.

The Daffodil Dolls was the name of the team.

Two Dolls and 1 Ken Doll :)

Walking up to the main stage for the candle lighting ceremony.

The Hope for a cure sign lighting up the night and some of the Hope bags around the track.

It was fantastic to see so many people participating and getting behind the event. After all most of us have been touched by someone we know getting cancer.

Oh and yes it was freezing and they're moving it to a later month next year. See you there.

The Pyjama Foundation fundraiser

2011-07-19T09:02:00.001+10:00

I just received this email and thought it sounded like a fantastic event to support.

This is the Wide Bay Pyjama Foundation major function for the year. Tickets to attend are on sale now $40.00 per person includes a smorgasbord lunch, fashion parade by Vovo Modelle, fashion, beauty and homewares displays, raffles and auction.

The Pyjama Foundation needs to sell 100 tickets – you are invited and please encourage friends and family to attend also. You can purchase tickets from me – Cressida on 0417761593 or by emailing me at cressida@thepyjamafoundation.com or at Nathans Boutique at 23 Targo St Bundaberg. I have also attached a poster for those who maybe able to print it and put it up in your workplace or on a noticeboard nearby in the aim to attract as many as possible.

Prizes – if anyone is able to donate a prize or knows of someone (including businesses) that I can approach for a donation for the auction please let me know ASAP.

Raffle - "Gift of Angels"
This painting ("Gift of Angels") is by local 14 year old Chern'ee Sutton and it reflects the great work The Pyjama Angels do for our young people. The raffle will be drawn at the Charity Fashion Parade. Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. You can purchase raffle tickets from me – Cressida on 0417761593 or by emailing me at cressida@thepyjamafoundation.com or at Nathans Boutique at 23 Targo St Bundaberg.

Gift of Angels
This painting is called “Gift of angels” and is dedicated to all the members of the “pyjama foundation”.

In my painting the hands and large balls represent the “Gift of Angels” which is given by you, the smaller orange and yellow dots represent the children you help. The gift you give does not only spread through them to others it is electrifying, passing again and again from every person it comes into contact with.

Now put on the glasses and see the elevated stance and outlook the children have on life, thanks to you.

I have just started to learn this new 3D technique from a local well known indigenous artist and elder, I hope you like my painting as this is the first 3D of many in an ever lengthening journey.

By Chern’ee Sutton
Age – 14 years.
Selling Price – Donated to the Pyjama Foundation June 2011.
Size – 50cm wide X 50cm high
Medium – 3D Acrylic and textured acrylic on canvas.

Saturday

2011-07-19T08:47:00.001+10:00

Saturday was the Isis Kindy Ladies Afternoon Out fundraiser. It was held in the Cultural Centre in Childers which is right in the main street. The weather wasn't too promising with light showers all the way down there and it was a little cool plus a car accident just as you get into town which slowed the traffic down to a stop.

Charlene and I had decided to treat it as a day out and a chance to catch up as well as trying to sell some products and let people know about my website. So we had left early to have a coffee and go for a stroll but when the traffic stopped we parked as soon as we could and headed into the Drunk Bean for the best scones you've ever tasted.

At least most of my stock is in plastic containers so it didn't get wet while we were unloading it. The organizers did a fantastic job to get a range of stalls and the fashion parade was great with lots of clothes I wanted to buy. They had two entry prices and the $25 included 3 beauty treatments which was fantastic value. Lots of yummy food, tea & cofee and an open bar. I only took a few photos before the start.

The Lorna Blue stall

My sidekick Charlene

Sue and Christine - Adele Collections

Tables set up for people to watch the fashion parade and have a bite to eat.

More stalls being set up.

9-07-11 PCYC Markets tomorrow

2011-07-09T16:08:00.000+10:00

Just a little reminder that the PCYC markets are on tomorrow between 8am and 12pm and I know the wind was a little cold this morning but I'm in the hall so it's cosy.

If you like the look of the Wild Rose Stamps here is a card I made with Faye with Flower, they really do come up very nice.

16-07-11 Ladies Afternoon Out Fundraiser

2011-07-08T08:52:00.002+10:00

Next Saturday afternoon the Isis Community Kindergarten & Preschool are having a fundraiser and it looks to be a fun time so if you're free why not come along.

I'm going to be there with a stall and I thought I would go down a little early and have a wander down the beautiful main street of Childers, look at their art gallery, have lunch and then set up. Hope to see you there.

3 more atc's

2011-07-07T09:42:00.000+10:00

I've finished 3 more atc's for our frenzy swap.

Fabulous

Little Foxes

Contemplation

ATC's

2011-07-05T16:14:00.000+10:00

We're having another trading frenzy with our ATC group and I've been very slow in getting some done but here's two that have been finished.

New cards

2011-06-24T14:08:00.000+10:00

I've been doing a few cards and thought I would show you. One of the stamp sets I put aside for me is the Stampendous Daisy Thanks clear stamp set. It's gorgeous and it really doesn't need a lot adding to it to make a very nice card.

I started off with a cream coloured card and stamped the Darkroom Door Flourish background stamp with embossing ink onto it. Sprinkle on gold embossing powder and heat it with a heat gun until it melts.

Ink up the Daisy from the Stampendous Daisy Thanks with Archival Jet Black ink pad (it won't run if you use watercolour pens or pencils) and stamp onto either watercolour paper or thick cardstock.

Using Marvy Markers colour in the flowers in whatever shades you like. Stamp the saying in a black ink. I've used a gold leaf pen to go around the edges but you could use a gold ink pad. Attach with double sided tape to the base card.

These two cards were done using a Hero Art stamp that they've taken off the range recently which is such a shame as I've had it sitting in my stash for months and I've only just starting using it and realizing what a lovely stamp it is. Oh well I'll wait and see which of the new ones I have to have.

I've also done a couple of cards using the Wild Rose stamps but that's for next time.

Brisbane Papercraft Show

2011-06-22T16:46:00.000+10:00

This year I managed to get down to the Papercraft Show & Textile Expo held at the Convention Centre in Brisbane (sorry to anyone who went to the PCYC markets only to find I was missing).

It's funny when I downloaded my photos I had taken hardly any and yet it felt like I had taken lots. Anyway its a great way to lose 2 days and learn new things. I only did one class and that was booked on the day and funnily enough it was to make a "can can" scarf, when it gets a bit longer I'll show you (you can't get much done in 1 hour).

They had lots of fantastic displays and the scrapbooking I saw was almost 3D. They also had free half hour talks that you could sit in on which I did a couple of times.

A talk on art journals.

A competition piece for designing a sewing machine cover. Amazing to see up close.

From the textile expo - these were designed and made to fit in with a circus theme.

Birthday Cards

2011-06-09T10:51:00.000+10:00

Just a couple of birthday cards I made using scrapbook paper and a little stamping.

Sorry the photos are so bad I wanted to get them in the mail.

Marvy Le Plume Markers

2011-05-18T10:47:00.000+10:00

Doing a little surfing around the internet looking for product demonstrations.

I use my Marvy Le Plume Markers a lot, I love them especially for colouring directly onto a stamp and then stamping it onto cardstock.

In this video Rachel from Darkroom Door shows you how to colour photochips using the markers. You can also use them to tint your black & white photos.

Distress Ink Tutorial

2011-05-18T10:17:00.000+10:00

Just a quick post.

Have you been over to the Penny Black Blog lately?

Are you interested in Tim Holtz Distress Inks?

Pop over to the Penny Black blog and watch the tutorial they have.

Only 2 more sleeps until Sew What's Crafty.

Sew What's Crafty

2011-05-12T17:31:00.000+10:00

Only a week to go until the Sew What's Crafty Expo being held here in Bundaberg at the Civic Cente. This is the third year I'll be having a stall and it gets better every year.

Wild Rose Studio Stamps

2011-05-03T14:04:00.002+10:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, a family medical situation resulted in me taking a very quick unexpected flight down south but things seem to have settled down again now. At least enough so that I can think of catching up.

Have you seen the new range of Wild Rose Studio stamps in the Looks Whats New category of my website? The dragons are so cute and the boy stamps are great for the males in your life. Of course we all like a bargain and this range is very well priced.

Hop over to the Wild Rose Studio blog for some great ideas on how to use these stamps.

Crafty Cruising

2011-05-03T10:18:00.000+10:00

Rachel from Darkroom Door sent me this brochure for a crafting cruise that she's teaching at next year and I thought you might be interested. The company does all sorts of crafts according to their website.

PCYC markets & new cards

2011-04-08T10:26:00.000+10:00

I will go back and add a few more names to the blog awards below later but I have to get off this computer soon and I just wanted to do a quick reminder about the PCYC markets on sunday if you're after a nice morning out.

I have three new cards for you. The dinosaur stamp I bought down the coast (see point 6 below) and I liked them so much I've placed an order for them and a few others with the company.

Both coloured with Marvy markers

For this one I used Darkroom Door's Wildflowers stamps for the flowers & butterfly and used the "colour direct to stamp technique" with Marvy Markers.

Blog Award

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

A big thank you to Ann over at Raggedyann's Playground for giving me the Versatile Blogger award. I'm supposed to tell you seven things about me and also send the award on to 15 other friends/bloggers (not sure I'll get that many).

1. I love to read.
2. I love Italian food.
3. I love to "do coffee".
4. I love to travel.
5. I'm a blood donor.
6. I spend too much money on stamps :)
7. Occasionally I make bread.

The award goes to:

1. Rachel

2. Shandell

3. Helen

4. Lorelle

5. Vicky

6. Annette

3 ATC's

2011-04-06T23:25:00.001+10:00

Three more ATC's for the trading frenzy that is on this Saturday.

For the crowns I mixed a little gold Perfect Pearls with water to get a thick liquid and then painted them with a small paint brush. The background was done with Distress inks swiped onto a craft mat and watered down then applied with a brush.

For this one I stamped the heart part of the stamp onto cardstock and cut it out then "opaled" (thick embossing powder) the heart in red and pressed a stamp into it while still warm then dusted the heart with gold Perfect Pearls. Then I carefully cut around the two hands, applied glue to the base heart and slid the opaled heart in place and added a dab of glue to the back of the hands and pressed them on top of the opaled heart. the flowers are rub-ons that I've had for a while.

A bit fiddly but I really like the way it turned out.

Fruits of the garden

2011-04-06T23:20:00.000+10:00

We have some fruit trees in our backyard and at the moment we are picking limes, paw paws & passionfruit. It's great to have your own grown produce.

On a different subject I was reading Petrina's blog (it might have been facebook) recently and she mentioned that the Quilters Shack has moved and she went in to have a look.

This afternoon I thought I would go along and have a browse myself. I have to admit the street they're in doesn't strike me as somewhere to have a craft shop and the outside of the building is black which is a bit off putting. However when you get inside they have a huge amount of room and the back part is especially nice where the patchwork fabrics are.

I have to say that I was browsing for a good 15 minutes until someone approached me with "are you right". It's not a phrase I would have thought someone other than a teenager would use in a retail situation but obviously I'm wrong. They do have a small range of Kaisercraft and I'm told they're expanding the scrapbook stock.

New Stampendous stamps

2011-03-30T09:29:00.000+10:00

Have you looked in the Look Whats New category of my website lately? I received some new Stampendous stamps that are gorgeous.

In the new catalogue they have a range of Jumbo Stamps that are fantastic, so much you could use them for scrapbook pages, cards, fabric & wooden projects. And the Daisy stamp sets are lovely, next order I'm getting one for me.

Jumbo Rose stamp

Jumbo Hydrangea stamp

All the projects were done by Stampendous design team and I've photographed them from their catalogue.

To all the ladies off on the Scrapbook Retreat have a fabulous time.

ATC's and new cards

2011-03-27T10:49:00.000+10:00

Well the closing date for the Trading Frenzy for our JAV ATC group is almost here and I've done two more to add to my cards.

I posted the instructions for how I've done this style a little while ago if you would like to see it.

You know how you buy items and bring them home really pleased with yourself and then they hang around for a little while as you think about how you'll use them. Then one day you're cleaning up your craft area and you decide to put them in a drawer with all the other similar products you have of that type.....lets say flowers and they languish there all but forgotten?

Do I do that? Of course I do! Anyway after fishing around in the "flower drawer" (plastic drawer not cupboard drawer) looking for something else I found a packet of three leather flowers that I bought .....ooh a long time ago and thougt to myself "this is the day you do something with these". So I made some cards.

I started off with a craft card then used the Darkroom Door Flourish stamp inked in white for the background. I cut a strip of white cardstock and stamped & embossed the saying from the

Hero Arts Messages stamp set. I put a gem brad in the middle of the flower and attached it to the cardstock and then used double sided tape to attach it to the card.

A very similar card. I've just changed the saying and added a strip of self adhesive Paper Lace.

I've used Archival Jet Black ink to stamp the Flourish background and then stamped and embossed my saying and backed it with some black cardstock. I cut a strip of black cardstock for my stem and two leaves and added a gem brad to the middle of the flower then glued them to my card. I stamped a flower pot in white ink and cut it out and used Magic Mount to give it some height.

For this card I've used a lavender card and attached a piece of embossed white cardstock on top. Then I've stamped and embossed the saying from Hero Arts Messages stamp set and cut around it closely before attaching it.

The butterflies are from the Darkroom Door Butterflies stamp set and I've stamped them in Archival Jet Black ink and used Marvy Markers to colour them before cutting them out and attaching them.

For this one I've used a plum coloured card then silver on that then a pink card that has a Friends Definition stamped on it in Plum ink. From the Heart (one of the little $2 stamps that I sell at the markets) was also done in plum ink on pink card and backed by silver.

The lady is stamped on white cardstock then again on printed paper (you just want the dress part) and coloured in with Marvy Markers. Cut out the dress from the printed paper and glue over the original image. Glue down on the card and coat the balloons with Glossy Accents. The saying is raised by Magic Mount.

New Bo Bunny stamps & Ink pads

2011-03-24T11:10:00.000+10:00

I'm just adding some new lines to my website and thought you might be interested. Three new Bo Bunny stamps, great value and easy to use and some new ink pads.

Mount Perry

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

Saturday was a really good day out at Mt Perry for the Travelling Arts workshops. It's a great hall, large and well maintained so everyone had plenty of room. We were even treated to freshly made scomes for morning tea, a saucage sizzle for lunch and cake for afternoon tea.

They have a little art gallery next to it and I managed to have a quick look. Around lunch time a storm came over and it was quite black for a while but by the time we were packing up it had stopped raining.

It was a lovely social day and I chatted to a lot of people who all do some kind of art/craft work.

1920's Chic

2011-03-10T10:07:00.000+10:00

Darkroom Door have realeased a few more stamp sets but for the moment this is the only one I've ordered.

If you go to the Stamping Mathilda blog you'll see she's made a really nice card using these stamps.

This Sunday is the PCYC craft markets so if you would like to see them up close call in between 8am and 12pm where you'll find me on the back wall in the hall.

Saturday 5th March in Hinkler

2011-03-04T15:44:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow I'll be joining Christine from "Adelle collections to have a stand in Hinkler in the centre aisle near Boost Juice.

I'll only have one table so it will be a small range of the products I stock.

Hope to see you there.

ATC swap

2011-02-25T17:46:00.000+10:00

We're doing something a little different for this JAV atc swap coming up. Normally a theme is announced and you put your name down for it and you send to the person who lists after you.

This time we've got until the end of March to make as many atc's as we want, in any style and they will be listed on the JAV blog and on a certain day you have to go in and ask for the atc that you want and if that person is willing to swap you for it. It's called a frenzy.

These are a few that I've made so far.

For these two I started out by using an A4 piece of white cardstock and using 3 colours in the Tim Holtz Distress Inks (pink, blue & green) and the Ink Blending Tool smooched them around until I was happy. Then I put a little Perfect Pearls into a Mini Mister with water and spritzed the page to blend it a bit more and give it a lustre. Once that was dry I cut out my ATC sized cards.

Using one of the original Distress Inks I then stamped the circular background using a Stampendous Stamp.

Then I cut out the ladies from a piece of patchwork fabric that was designed for the cancer survivors and attached them using a xyron for the dessert lady and the Zig 2Way Glue Pen for the other. Both worked perfectly.

I tapped some of the Distress Inks onto the Craft Sheet and added a little water with a paint brush and coloured in some of the circles.

I used a Marvy Marker to write the words, added some bling and coated the lips, shoes and middle of the bow with Glossy Accents.

For the fairy ATC's I the Fairyland Fairy Stamp and a flower stamp.

The flower I used Marvy Markers on as well as the background and the words.

The edges were done with a gold leaf pen.

These flowers are from the Darkroom Door Friendship Flowers set.

I used the Black & White Butterfly Rub-ons for the flowers and coloured them with Marvy Markers.

Cute Canvas Owls

2011-02-09T10:27:00.001+10:00

I just received in these cute canvas owls and couldn't wait to create something.

So here is what I've done so far.

Use a buff tag as a base, cut out some patterned paper in a smaller size and attach. Stamp your saying with embossing ink and emboss in red. Put the owl through a XYRON to make it into a sticker or use a good quality glue and attach. Put an eyelet in and add a string or ribbon.

Use a craft card as a base and choose 2 co-ordinating papers. I used a border punch to do the scalloped edges and then glued it to the card. Cut a thin strip of the green cardstock and place over the join. Dot along the green strip with a white pen and then go over that with diamond stickles. I had two green branches that I had saved from a previous project and I attached them and then the owl on top. Stamp your saying. Punch out 3 small hearts and attach, then put a clear gem in the middle.

Again a craft card as a base. I started off with cream cardstock and I wanted a watermark swirl pattern in the background so I stamped the Darkroom Door Flourish stamp in embossing ink. I then stamped the branch in green pigment ink and embossed it in clear embossing powder.

Now evidently I didn't leave the background long enough to dry because when I went to sprinkle the embossing powder over the branch it clung to the flourishs as well so I just put it over all of the card and heated it.

Again I put the owl through the XYRON and stuck him on top of the branch. I used rub-ons for the owl and stamped the saying underneath.

Because I was stamping on top of an embossed pattern it lost a bit of the F so I decided I would use a marker to finish it off and I don't like the outcome so I'll probably go back and stamp the saying on a new piece of cardstock and then mount it with some of the green cardstock and attach it over the top of the words.

Mount it on some dark green cardstock and attach to the card.

Again a craft card and co-ordinating papers mounted on dark brown cardstock. A velvet ribbon along the join line. Stamp and emboss your saying. Attach your owl on top.

Diary cover

2011-02-02T09:50:00.000+10:00

I was looking for a diary and decided that I would buy a cheap one (they have the same pages in there) and just decorate the cover.

First I started out with a sheet of Claudine Hellmuths Sticky Back Canvas. Cut off a big enough piece to go over the front and stick onto the inside cover (I cut it to close but it's not lifting off).

Peel off the backing and stick to a Craft Sheet, if you don't have one try glad bake.....you want something non-stick.

Choose a couple of colours of Tim Holtz Distress Inks and apply with the Blending Tool.

Using Archival ink stamp your message in the middle.

Stamp your Darkroom Door Butterflies in Embossing Ink and cover with White Embossing Powder, shake off excess and heat.

Tap a little of the Distress Ink onto the craft sheet or acrylic block and using a damp paintbrush or waterbrush colour in the wings of the butterflies.

Use a few little filler stamps and stamp in the spaces with the Distress Ink.

Peel off your craft sheet and stick to your diary. I've added a sticker along the edge.

Quick cards

2011-01-23T15:28:00.000+10:00

I was tidying my craft desk last week and came across some of the images from the Viva La Flora montage sheet from Darkroom Door and thought I would quickly make them up into cards rather than just relocate them off the desk.

Black and white are a classic combination and the floral photos from Rachel are gorgeous. I've teamed them up with the Full Bloom wordstrips also from Darkroom Door.

A delightful daisy gift card. Use a border punch to get the decorated edge.

A rose gift card in the same way.

A card to say Hello. Use one of the images and words and mount it on black cardstock, add some bling then attach it to the front of a white card.

Cut two of the smaller images in a strip and attach to white cardstock. Add some stamped words and

some rub-ons and there you have it.

This was also on the table and it's a stamped image from Viva La Flora 2 stamp set. I've used

Archival Jet Black ink stamped on Gloss paper then attached it to a black gift card along with words from the Full Bloom wordstrips and a gem.

A bit of patterned paper can be turned into a card just as quickly. Attach the paper to a card and add

pearl gem stones to the middle of the flowers and a touch of Diamond Stickles to the birds tails.

Stamp Hero Arts Messages in Embossing Ink and use an embossing powder to match in with your paper.

Mount it onto co-ordinating cardstock and attach with Magic Mount.

High Tide Heels

2011-01-14T08:04:00.000+10:00

Maybe this is what we need to start wearing just in case you get caught out in the rain.

Home again

2011-01-07T15:02:00.000+10:00

Well that couple of weeks went by in a woosh.

How was your Christmas? We had a fantastic time down south visiting family and friends, catching up, relaxing, eating. You know, the usual things.

Unfortunately back here, the town (and other parts of Qld) was experiencing a rather major flood. The second worst ever I've been told. Lucky for us our part of town was safe, just a little water logged.

Yesterday I managed to get a little of the washing dry before a downpour in the afternoon. Naturally the ground here is saturated so it formed a little river along the back yard, down the side and out to the street. Today started off nice and sunny, again did some more washing and now it's a bit overcast so we'll see if it turns into rain.

For those of you who were going to the PCYC markets on Sunday, they've been cancelled. If you need anything remember you can ring me to arrange a pick up or order it on the website and I'll send it out.

The PCYC has been turned into a flood information & operation centre for the time being.

This was what our yard looked like around 4.30pm yesterday.

Tim Holtz stamps

2010-12-17T10:49:00.001+10:00

I had some Tim Holtz Christmas stamps on pre-order and would you believe they have only just arrived so I kept some for myself and the rest I've listed over in the Christmas Stamps category.

If you're like me you'll still be putting together a few cards because just when you think you've got everyone covered up pops someone else.

I've marked down all of the Christmas stamps by 30% so do have a look to see what you can't live without. Remember there's always next year and some of the stamps are able to be used in other ways. These stamps have only 1 or 2 of each in stock so be quick to order the ones you want.

Lorna Blue Studio will be closing for a break over Christmas so the last orders we will be processing are on Tuesday 21st anything that comes in after that won't be sent out until the 10th of January.

For the angel cards I've used the Stampendous Angel stamps. Sorry about the colour it's not very good. The wings have Diamond Stickles on them so thats why they are shining.

Just on a side note I have a magpie sitting on the fence outsdie singing away having a lovely time.

Last PCYC market for the year tomorrow

2010-12-11T09:28:00.001+10:00

Thanks to those people who did pop down to Woongarra St to visit our little Christmas Shop. Unfortunately it was generally quiet and so we've decided not to repeat it next week.

However a few of the ladies, including myself are at the PCYC craft markets and thats where we'll be tomorrow. Now this is the last market of the year so be sure to make a little time to come and have a wander and you can even have a cooked breakfast and a coffee.

I'll be doing some specials so it's a great chance to pick up a bargain for yourself or for a gift.

I'll show you some tags I made and a little later I'll put up some cards I'm made using the Stampendous Christmas Angels. When I scanned them the colour was washed out so I'll have to take a photo and post it from them but until then.

I've used the Penny Black 12 days of Christmas stamps for these and one of the angels from Stampendous.

Christmas Craft Shop

2010-12-09T17:43:00.001+10:00

Thursday and Friday this week you'll find me in Woongarra St along with 6 other crafty ladies showcasing our crafts and supplies.

And on Sunday I'm at the PCYC markets - it's the last of the year. Evidently rain has been predicted but I'm in the hall so we'll be dry in there, we can only hope it stays away until at least the afternoon.

Reindeer Christmas card

2010-12-03T14:01:00.000+10:00

We received some new lines in last week and I decided I would have a play and also get a move on with my Christmas cards. So here's what I did.

Using the ATC Sticky Back Canvas in white I wiped it over with an Stop Static Pillow then stamped the reindeer from the Darkroom Door Christmas Reindeer set with Watermark Resist Embossing Ink and poured White Embossing Powder over it. Shake off the excess (put back in your container) remove the paper backing from the Canvas ATC and stick it onto your Non-stick Craft Sheet. Heat with a heat gun until the powder melts.

Ink up a Ink Blending Tool with Shabby Shutters Distress Ink and starting off the canvas swirl the tool over your canvas until you get the depth of colour you want. Wipe over the embossed image with a baby wipe to remove the ink. Then using the Ink Blending Tool and a new foam piece ink it up with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and ink around the edges.

Remove the Canvas from the Craft Sheet and pull a few threads off each side to fray it a little. Mount it on a piece of burgundy cardstock. Put a little bit of Diamond Stickles on the stars and White Enamel Accents dots on the reindeers nose and antlers.

Cut two pieces of co-ordinating paper and to tie it in to your reindeer place it on your craft sheet and lightly swirl over some Vintage Photo Distress Ink remembering to start off your paper as it will grab if you don't.
Adhere the paper to a piece of burgundy cardstock and then that onto a white card.

Cut out the words from the Darkroom Door Christmas word strip and stick on the card using magic mount.

The finished card.

Darkroom Door Christmas Reindeer Stamp set

The ATC Sticky Back Canvas on the Craft Sheet and the two Distress Inks I used.

Another card make the same way and using the tree stamp from a Bo Bunny set from last year and the words from the Darkroom Door Christmas Reindeer stamp set.

New stamps & more at the PCYC markets tomorrow.

2010-11-27T20:53:00.002+10:00

Are you still looking for a new Christmas stamp or stamps to make your cards with? Well I've got a few new ones for you to look at and because we're getting close to December once I start to sell out of these I may not re-order so if you see something you like it might be best to grab it.

I'm still uploading the new lines so if you're around Bundaberg tomorrow and you'd like to see them call in to the PCYC craft markets between 8am and 12pm.

Sorry about the glare on the photos I was trying to get them done this afternoon.

Darkroom Door Photo stamps

2010-11-19T12:07:00.001+10:00

Darkroom Door have just released some new photo and background stamps which are fantastic.

The photo stamps come up really well when you ink them up with Ranger Archival Ink and stamp them onto glossy cardstock. You can also then colour them with Marvy Markers if you want to, I find the pale colours work best on the glossy cardstock but it never hurts to experiment.

With the background stamps you can use any inks but I have been really happy with the Distress Inks and they also look great embossed.

Girls Night In tomorrow night

2010-11-19T11:52:00.000+10:00

Just a reminder that the Girls Night In is on tomorrow night and you'll need to organize your tickets.

PCYC markets tomorrow

2010-11-13T19:41:00.000+10:00

Just a quick reminder that if you're local and you would like to shop in person then I'll be at the PCYC markets tomorrow. We open at 8am and close at 12pm and they do have a cafe that does a good hot breakfast and light morning teas.

Some of the new lines in are:

There's more of course so you can visit the website or come see me at the markets.

Girls Night In Fundraiser

2010-11-07T10:20:00.000+10:00

We had a good day yesterday at the Home & Life EXPO and I'm sure the 100 people that were given a goody bag were very happy. I had a peek in one and they got chocolate and hair products and snack food and other goodies.

The event was organised by Citicoast Church and they did it as a fundraiser for Global Care which I have to admit until I signed up to attend I hadn't heard of. I guess that's a good thing because from what I understand it's a food bank where those who are struggling (it works on a referal system) can purchase food at cheaper prices to help them get through.

The organizers did a fantastic job and the volunteers were all so friendly and helpful, even to the point of delivering our coffee. Very fresh and yummy food was available and they had lucky shopper spots. As with any event it had a few things that can be reviewed, the timing needs to be changed I think as it was just after the Crush and on the same weekend as Bundy Thunder but overall I think it was a success.

Now on to the next fundraiser. Lorelle is organising a Girls Night In and as we all know this is in aid of cancer research. It will be a fun night as any of the previous attendees will tell you and the $15 tickets are available now from Scrap Addiction or directly from Lorelle on 0401192765.

EXPO specials for tomorrow

2010-11-05T17:04:00.000+10:00

Just as a little add on to the last post, no I didn't win. Anita (Ambiance Soy Candles) won with some cute footwear that had real horse shoes and rossettes on them.

For those of you heading out to the Home & Life Expo tomorrow I've decided to have a pre-christmas sale.

So I'll be taking 30% off all the regular priced stamps excluding the Christmas stamps and the $2 stamps. Please remember that most of the stamps I only keep 1 or 2 of so first in best dressed.

Also 30% off the flower range and 30% off the regular price of any chipboard I have in stock.

I was out there this morning so I could leave my tables and see where I was and in talking to the organisers I really think it's going to be a fun day. They have a giant slide and activities for the kids plus food and coffee for the adults and of course lets not forget the chance to shop for Christmas or just a present for yourself.

Tomorrow from 10am - 4pm at the Bargara Cultural Centre on Hughes Rd Bargara.

Funky Footwear

2010-11-04T16:32:00.000+10:00

I'm a member of the Bundaberg Business Womens Network and we have a breakfast meeting on the 1st Tuesday of the month so naturally we always make it a little special in November to celebrate the Melbourne Cup.

Normally we have a "nicer" breakfast, a sweep and a competition for the best hat and the best outfit.

This year the committee decided to change the competition to The Funkiest Footwear. First prze for the best and another prize for the ugliest. Now I had been tossing things around in my head for a few weeks as to what I was going to do in the footwear department and as sometimes happens before you know it it's the night before the event and I still hadn't put anything together. So before dinner I went through my wardrobe and decided that a pair of silver slingbacks with a bit of bling on them would do. Sorted.

The next thing I know it's 8pm at night and I'm looking through cardstock when I come across a piece of pink glittered card and a matching green one and I'm thinking "I could run this through the bigshot" to make flowers and butterflies and attach them to some shoes. Off I go to the wardrobe to find a pair that could have something doen to them and I wouldn't particularly care if they got marked. I found a pair of navy slingbacks and decided that if I attached the flowers to bobby pins I could just slide them in around the edges. So thats what I did.

I had three sizes in the flowers, the two largest I punched out a snowflake to make the centre and then added brads while the smallest just had a gem added to it. The butterflies have pink gems attached to them and I stuck some ribbon to the back so I could tie them to the straps and front bar. Overall I think they came up pretty well.

Home & Life EXPO 6-11-10

2010-11-01T19:59:00.000+10:00

Get ready for a fantastic day on Saturday at the Coral Coast Home & Life EXPO.

It's being held at the Bargara Community Centre on Hughes Rd from 10am til 4pm and here's the exciting part......

THE FIRST 100 PEOPLE THROUGH THE DOOR WILL RECEIVE A GIFT BAG

There will be a huge amount of specialty stores to shop from and get advise from so make a note on the calender and head on out.

Shalom markets tomorrow

2010-10-30T12:14:00.000+10:00

A friend asked me if I'd like to share a stall at the Shalom markets tomorrow so I said yes. You'll find us in the undercover area near the food. Considering that we're supposed to be there at 5.15am (holy cow) to set up it's a good thing cause I won't be having breakfast before I leave home.

As we're sharing I'll have a table and a half so I'll be taking limited stock. The stamps will be coming and the 3D stickers and probably the inks pads and a few other bits & bobs.

Hope to see you there, although not at 5.30am.

Unless you bring coffee.....then you're very welcome.

JAV October ATC swap

2010-10-29T09:25:00.000+10:00

The theme for the October ATC swap was 2 so we had to do two cards and you could choose from a list of things to use such as two colours, two embellishments, two words etc. Here are my two cards.

The title of this one is "2 Hearts". I've made it by using Distress Inks blended on the cardstock then spritzed it with Perfect Pearls in a mini mister, that gives you that shimmery look. Then I inked one heart with green and the other with red and when that was dry went over it with a gold leaf pen. I glued the hearts in place with Glossy Accents and added a pearl and then added the rub-on words and scrolls. The edges are done with a gold leaf pen as well.

The inside has the same background and then I stamped the words in Adirondack Sepia ink and the couple as well making sure I didn't press very hard as I wanted it to be soft. Lastly I masked off the couple and the sides and stamped a music sheet in behind them.

The second one is "2 Tutu's".

I used a Martha Stewart punch on the top of the card then stamped two of the hedgehogs from Penny Black 12 days of Christmas stamps (I don't normally stock them but I can get them if anyone would like a set). I've coloured them in using Marvy Markers and then added a little pearl to the neckline of the tutu. The ruffle of the tutu has a little sparkle added to it by Diamond Stickles. The grass and sky are done with Marvy Markers and then I added the words (they are rub-on letters). Lastly I stamped the music sheet on a atc size piece of card and glued it to the back.

Morning tea fundraiser & new Stampendous stamps

2010-10-28T16:55:00.000+10:00

Tuesday morning I spent a few hours at the Bundaberg Base hospital helping out the nurses in the Day Therapy Unit with the McGrath Foundation morning tea fundraiser that they had organised. I took along my folding table and they set me up in the foyer of the hospital where they were hoping for a lot of hungry & charitable people to participate. The table looked fantastic with pink paper and balloons and what we thought was quite a lot of food. Big thanks to Indulge coffee shop and Targo St Bakery for donating yummy food and to the ladies who baked.

We learnt two things that day. Next year double the food and make a specific sign that says a $2 donation per item. I had expected to be there until 11am but within an hour the table was wiped out so I'm sorry for the people who didn't get a break until 10am.

It always amazes me that people see a sign saying gold coin donation and think that putting a $1 coin into the jar entitles them to take 4 or 5 cakes. But on the flip side we had some people that just donated money or put in $5.00 and had a slice.

Bigger and better next year.

Yesterday some new stamps from Stampendous arrived, sadly not all my order but hopefully it won't take long for the rest to appear. More Christmas stamps to keep you occupied. If you go to the
"Look whats new" category in the Lorna Blue Studio website you can see the rest of them.

This card is in the Stampendous catalogue.

This card is in the Stampendous Catalogue.

Dashing Gents cards

2010-10-26T11:35:00.000+10:00

I've been making a few more cards lately for the markets etc that I've attended and thought you might want to see the mens cards that I made from the Dashing Gents stamp set from Darkroom Door. They do a really good quality stamp and it comes with a metal storage tin that has the images on the front so it's really easy to see whats inside.....thats if you're not like me and decide put a whole lot in the one tin and take it with you to demo.

This last card is one that I have taken from somewhere and I'm sorry but I don't remember where. It could have been from Darkroom Door or one of their team. Either way its a great card for a male.

Tea cups

2010-10-20T11:42:00.000+10:00

Just to go back to Sunday at the BRAG Art Gallery market I thought I would show you a few of the things I made to go on my stand. Oh and by the way thank you to the Newsmail (the local paper) for covering the event and putting my photo in the paper on Monday although I would have appreciated my business name as well considering that you wrote it down, but that I'm grateful for any publicity for Lorna Blue. Actually it was sort of two as the photo of the two ladies looking at artwork were in front of my stand and if you turn your head you can read my sign.

Sorry the photos aren't very good but I was taking them at night after I finished them.

Childers Craft Bazaar tomorrow

2010-10-18T13:42:00.000+10:00

I had a great day at the BRAG Art Gallery Markets yesterday and the organizers said we had 1300 people through the door which was fantastic.

Tomorrow I'll be at the Childers Craft Bazaar at the Cultural Centre right in the middle of town. It's been going for over twenty years and it's a lovely day out. Lots of stalls with arty crafty items for sale and you can also have a cuppa and light lunch there as well. If you're interested it's open from 8.30am until 2pm.

New stamps at Lorna Blue Studio

2010-10-14T09:54:00.002+10:00

Just wanted to let you know I've been stocking up on a new range of stamps lately.

Do you love the fairies of Cicely Mary Barker? Then you'll love these stamps, I only have three fairies at the moment but if they prove popular I'll increase the range. The packaging is very good and it gives you the colours they have used and on the inside sheet a few ideas on how to make them into cards etc.

I also have in stock the Popcorn the Bear range which is so cute and really good value as well.

And of course Christmas stamps are starting to arrive so if you feel the need for a few new stamps this year have a browse through the range and I'm sure you'll find something to suit you.

BRAG Art Gallery Markets this Sunday

2010-10-14T09:20:00.000+10:00

Have you heard about the BRAG (Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery) Sunday Art Markets happening on the 17th October, that would be this Sunday coming?

It's part of the Crush festival which is a month long celebration of all things arty held every October here in Bundaberg. The local paper has been publishing a list of whats on but you can also pick up brochures from the council. A few friends and I have been discussing this lately and we believe that you have to support local initiatives like these. If we want to have interesting and creative events to attend then you go along with a good attitude and support them otherwise they will disappear.

Anyway back to the Sunday Art Market. This is an annual Art Market that the gallery hosts and the last time I heard they have approx 50 stalls of local artists and crafts people showing (and selling) their wares of which I will be one. It's held in the Art Gallery itself on both levels and also in the park next door where they will have food & drinks available as well. Lots of interesting arty crafty things to look at and purchase (don't forget we're getting closer to Christmas - buy now and miss the last minute stress of searching for gifts) and it will be open from 10am until 3pm. I'll be in the downstairs gallery if you're looking for me.

Don't know where the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery is? It's very easy to find and the parking will be good considering its a Sunday. On the corner of Quay & Barolin Sts - as a landmark it's just down from the town Post Office (go towards the river).

See you there.

More of Armidale

2010-10-12T17:07:00.000+10:00

Sorry about the pause.......I got a little distracted. Anyway it was a fantastic weekend at Armidale for one of my nieces birthday. We all managed to get there as in Dad and my two sisters and brother and their kids which is quite a feat in itself. It was cold and I was so glad I bought a long woollen coat a couple of years ago because I pretty much lived in it. The party was held in the BBQ area of the Bowling Club and it was mostly enclosed which was good. It was self catered and the food was very tasty and plentiful and as we started at around 5pm by 9.30pm as the night got a little chilly we all made our way into the Bowling Club where they had a DJ. Yes there was even some dancing happening. Don't you love it when the nieces and nephews will actually get up and have a dance with you? We had group dancing going on and the interesting part of it was that a lot of the music was disco so it was from before they were born, it didn't matter......lots of fun.

And here are two of my great nephews. It looks like he doesn't appreciate his brothers playing!

ATC swaps

2010-10-02T17:03:00.000+10:00

I thought I would quickly show you the last two atc swap.

The first one the theme is birds and we had to do three cards. For the backgrounds I've used Tim Holtz Distress Ink and used the Ink Blending Tool to apply it. Then I've done some stamping and coloured the chipboard birds and the black one I coated it with two lots of the clear Opals thick Embossing powder.

The next swap was butterflies and we had to do four cards that could be displyed together or individually. I used Adirondack Alcohol ink on glossy cardstock for the background then I applied some white rub-ons over that. Then I added the butterflies and bugs from the 3D border stickers and some gems and finally added a few dots from the white enamel.

Next post I'll get back to our trip to Armidale.

Happy Birthday Tania

2010-09-22T17:25:00.000+10:00

Last week we left on a little bit of a journey to attend a party for one of my niece's who lives in Armidale NSW (I think there's one in Victoria as well). Thursday saw us leaving all packed up with whatever warm clothes we had (the weather forecast was quite a lot different to the 29 degrees we had) and meandering down the highway to Toowoomba where we stayed the night. We were lucky to get a room as the Carnival of Flowers was on and we had a quick walk down town before heading back to the room where it was nice and warm and the restaurant served up a lovely meal. Just out of Toowoomba is a lovely little place called Highfields and it has a great village feel and a lot of little craft shops that are fantastic to browse. At one spot called the Village Green they have a grouping of shops and a great cafe that looks out over the side of the hill with outdoor tables on the grassed area. It also has the best patchwork shop and a scrapbbok shop that has a good range of papers.

And if you like beading just before you get to Highfields there's a shop called The Danish Flower Art studio (or something close to that) where they have a huge amount of all different beads and some giftware as well, definitely stop there. All of these shops are on the main road so you don't even have to detour just pull in.

I'm running out of time today so I'll continue tomorrow but I'll leave a photo of the birthday girl.

$2 stamps at the PCYC Markets tomorrow

2010-09-11T14:25:00.000+10:00

I've added a couple of more products to the Look Whats New page and I thought I would do a quick reminder of the PCYC markets that are on tomorrw. I've also received in more of the cute $2 wood mounted stamps that are so popular so they will available,. Sorry to everyone who doesn't live here as I find it too hard to list them all individually on the website as they come in assorted packs and they sell out quite fast.

Lots of events happening in Bundaberg this weekend. We have the Bundy in Bloom parade tomorrow starting at 11am in the main street. For those people out of the area we have a month long celebration of all things spring like so there's garden competitions, parades, fetes, the Mayors Ball and lots, lots more.

$2 stamps

When buying a card is a good thing

2010-09-11T12:23:00.000+10:00

Ok I confess.....this year I bought Fathers Day cards. There, I've said it. No need to comment I felt guilty enough as it was. We really do make a rod for our own backs sometimes don't we?

Now.....you notice I've used past tense, as in felt, because now I'm really happy that I did because I won the Hallmark competition at the newsagent. A message was left on the answering machine that I had won and to come down and collect my prize. I have to admit I really didn't even look at the prize when I filled in the form, much too shameful to be buying cards let alone hanging around filling in competition forms. So I was expecting something small when out from the office they carried a largeish box and handed it over.

Is this for me? Yes. Inside is a MP3 player, headphones and docking station. How cool is that? No I don't have one but now I can be one of those people out walking with ear phones. Of course that means I have to figure out how to use it.

Teenager to the rescue.....I've been told by my godson that he'll come around and help me set it up and show me how to use it as he had to do his mothers when she got one. Gotta love em don't ya?

My prize.

Thinking of Christmas cards?

2010-09-09T17:23:00.000+10:00

If you've started to think about making your Christmas cards then pop over to the Look Whats New category on the website. We've received a few in from Stamp It and I have a few from Hero Arts that arrived today (I'll be adding them to the website as soon as I can). I'm also waiting for my order from Stampendous and I'm sure they'll be more arriving in the next month.

Don't forget the PCYC markets are on this weekend so if you want to see them up close (or anything else) come on over between 8am and 12pm.

Thank You Hero Arts Cling Stamp card ideas

2010-09-02T11:11:00.000+10:00

I was flicking through an old card making magazine last night and came across a stampers challenge that they had done using the Thank You Hero Arts cling stamp and thought I would share it with you. They've created ten cards using the same stamp but altering the paper, card stock and embellishments to get totally different looks. So here they are:

Thanks & vote for Shandell

2010-08-29T16:54:00.000+10:00

Thanks to everyone who came along to the Girls Night Out. They had about 90 ladies attend so thats fantastic and the organizers are already talking about next year.

As with any event every time its held more things are worked out and the better it gets, as this is only the second year please support it again when you get the opportunity as its such a worthy cause. Yes the venue was a little short on chairs and the food wasn't quite what they expected but overall it was a fun night.

Now have you been over to Shandell's blog lately? This clever lady has made it through to the 2nd round of Scrapbook Apprentice and deservedly so. Pop over and have a look at what she's been creating and then go to HERE and cast your vote.

Girls Night In 20-08-2010

2010-08-12T14:21:00.000+10:00

Some of you may remember that last year I helped organize a Girls Night In as a fundraiser for EDON Place the Women's Domestic Violence Service. Well it's on again and I want to encourage you to come along because last year we had a great time and it's for a fantastic cause.

Avante will be doing the fashion parade again and there will be raffles, the opportunity to shop, supper, lots of fun and yes the bar will be open.

It's being held on Friday 20-08-10 upstairs at The Old Bundy Tavern at 7pm .Tickets are $18 and are available at either Avante Collections Shop 14 Westside Fair Heidki St or Etre Boutique 20 Barolin St so gather some friends and I'll see you there.

Bargains at the PCYC markets tomorrow

2010-08-07T14:28:00.000+10:00

Just a late reminder that the PCYC markets are on tomorrow from 8am until 12pm on the corner of Walker & Maryborough Sts.

As usual I'll be in the hall near the back wall and I'm working on some specials for you right now.

Definitely one of the stamps range will be 30% off - I haven't decided which one yet. And the flowers as well and some more bargains that you'll have to show up to find out what they are. It's a surprise.

Hope to see you there.

More ATC's and Calender pages

2010-08-06T11:08:00.000+10:00

I was a bit late in finishing my last ATC swap (I know your shocked at that revelation) so now the next one is due. The theme is a 3 card swap using neutrals and you can add some black and white. I may have gone a little too far with the black on the last one, hopefully not.

Here are two more months from my calender as well.

ATC swap

2010-07-31T22:44:00.000+10:00

The last ATC swap that I participated in had a theme of treasure chests, coins and something else (it was a while ago). It was a three card swap and one of the conditions was that something had to continue across two of the ATC's. So I went with a pirate theme and here's what I finished with.

Colouring with Marvy Markers on Darkroom Door Filmstrips

2010-07-18T12:14:00.000+10:00

One of the techniques that Rachel showed us was how to colour their photochips and filmstrips using Marvy Markers. I absolutely love this effect. The photochips and filmstrips are a really good quality card and they take the colour so easily that the end finish looks great. You can colour the whole card or just parts of it. We only used the pale colours but I'll try the darker Marvy Markers soon and see what that looks like.

I coloured the tag using Distress Inks and a Blending Tool then inked up the Plaid Background stamp with Distress Ink (I think spun sugar - sorry I forgot to write the colours down) and sprinkled Clear Embossing Powder over then heating it. Then I used the pale colours in the Marvy Markers to "colour" in the Photochip. What do you think?

You can see I've just done a little bit of the bear to show you the difference.

Darkroom Door workshop

2010-07-18T11:52:00.000+10:00

I thought I would show you a few photos of the cards and examples that Rachel from Darkrrom Door had set up for the workshop. You'll have to forgive some of the glare as the tables were next to a window that had lots of sunlight coming in. If I had of thought of it I would have gone back in the afternoon to take some more shots but by that stage I was just trying to keep up with the class.