every year i want to do something different with my Christmas cards. So this year i decided to make some fun postcard style cards - they had to be quick and easy but also feature real postage stamps, some stamping with ink and some texture. what better way to achieve all three than to grab for my cuttlebug and some of my other favourite goodies from The Wholesaler. this little postcard project is featured in the new scrapping & kie magazine.

i used some Teresa Collins Christmas patterned papers for my base as well as for the embossed baubles. i love how a large embossed image can be trimmed down into an accent.

to add texture to my photograph i used a Christmas tree embossing folder turned on it's side to represent a swirl at the top of my photo. i lightly sanded the raised surface so that the texture would be more visible.

some of my favourite rubber stamps...

and more rubber stamped images on top of real postage stamps...

the cuttlebug is truly a versatile machine. and if you don't own one by now...you still have time to add it to your wish list for Santa to deliver.

photograph credit: 

Barbs du Plessis and Alistair du Plessis

I am so not ready for Christmas to be here again. every year it comes around *no surprise there - but it just seems like it is here too quickly each and every year. i have been busy with Christmas projects and articles since July so i am sort of done right now. all i want for Christmas is peace on earth, for people to stop gossiping, stop making fun of others, stop with all the pettiness going on and just do something nice for someone who doesn't owe you anything. i am trying to do my part and just do something nice for someone who doesn't deserve it - the quote that constantly plays on my mind...."because everyone is fighting their own battle". it doesn't make their battle more or less important than yours - it just means that you actually don't know what the next person you meet is going through so why add to the agony of life. lets be nice again!let God shine through  us again!

I had the privelage of doing some simple Christmas crafts for The Christmas Magazine this year. a publication dedicated to shopping ideas, gifts, recipes and crafts to keep the kids busy. it is available from most outlets so why not take a look - you may be inspired.

and then as we wind down towards December, with 2 class sessions behind us for Scrapbookex and 1 left in Cape Town on December 8th - i can't wait to share the projects with you. i simply loved working with the beautiful product and meeting up with some wonderful and familiar faces. i am always so happy to see so many dedicated scrappers still loving the craft and still loving what i do, learning some small techniques that have a BIG impact. i still love teaching! i am also toying with the idea of another December Daily album and am hoping to get some product this week, which puts me behind schedule already - and i can't decide if i should clear my work table first from months and months of project stuff or just work around and in between the mess and dust? mmmm priorities.

i discovered a new online community called let's scrap. a fabulous bunch of girls. and this is where i uploaded this layout and was featured as inspiration of the week - i am honored! it's always nice to get recognition for your work 'cause let's face it there as such talented ladies out there! i used some stunning photos of my nephew for this layout. i am just loving him at this age (3) - really coming into his own and full of personality. so hop on over to let's scrap for some serious inspiration.

some diamante to create a bit of a corner around some of the photos.

pleated ribbon used as a fun accent and to add some colour. i love how this ribbon just picks up on the colours in the photo (his shirt and shorts) for a nice unexpected twist.

this is exciting times! this baby below has landed in South Africa and is now
on sale
it is my latest book on scrapbooking techniques using products you have in and around the home already. On the cover is a layout about my niece featuring paper doilies and recycled postage stamps. I also used a lot of my favorite products on the layouts and give some handy tips and alternative ideas on how you can utilize your scrapping supplies. There is definitely a bit of everything for anyone in the book with a lot of different scrapping styles. Some talented friends also helped me on my journey in putting the layouts together and I am so thankful for them - Melani de Groot, Barbs du Plessis and Cariena Basson.

to get hold of the book for your shop or for personal use you can contact
Lapa Books directly or visit their website www.lapa.co.za
it is also available through Leisure Books and soon in your favorite book shop and craft store.
it will also make a great Christmas gift for someone just starting scrapbooking and even for the seasoned scrappers in your group. Let us know if you have trouble finding the book and we will make a plan for you!

can't wait to get my hands on this baby...i believe i have some more cards published in it!
i love the take ten magazine. it really falls perfectly into my creative motto -
don't sweat the small stuff, make it quick and easy!
why...because our lives are so short and so hectic and before you know it -
you forgot to stop and smell the roses.
so if you are in need of some carding inspiration why not try and get your hands on a copy of the Take Ten magazine - it really is worth it!

for some serious inspiration check out this book the next time you find yourself in a book store. Iets uit Niets by Renate Zipfel is published by Lapa Books. It show you how to turn your "trash" (said lightly) into wonderful works of art. You can find some of my work in there as well...The book retails for R135.00 and can be ordered directly from Lapa. visit them on www.lapa.co.za

I have been blessed with some of my cards being published in the latest issue of Take Ten magazine. I am yet to receive my copy and will then post some pictures of the cards...as I took none of the actual projects and didn't give it much thought to be honest.

Take Ten magazine publishes quick cards that can be made in ten minutes or less. So these are really easy and quick cards but with loads of inspiration. My cards have a baby theme but could so easily be adapted to boys, girls, men or women.

Thanks so much to the staff at Stampers' sampler for picking my work - it is always a great honour to be acknowledged by the best in the industry!

I am spring cleaning and hoping to finish off some layouts with titles, journaling and stuff to post later this week. Have a great day!