Bella Blvd | Paper Crowns...

Hey Friends!! Today I am sharing my step by step process for creating the paper crowns I made using the new Bella Blvd Popsicles and Pandas Collection.

It was a really simple process of folding paper squares from your favourite patterned paper collection.

Start by gathering your supplies and tools.

Supplies | Popsicles & Pandas: Paper: Picnic, Daily Details, Oh Summer!, Popsicle Party, Paper Pieces; IF Enamel Hearts: Hey Sugar Sugar; Enamel Dots: Punch. 

Tools |  metal dies: flower and leaf; hot glue gun; bone folder/scorer.

Cut out several flower shapes from metal dies or electronic die cutting machine. I have combined two shapes to make one flower. Roll the flower shapes to form the flower and secure carefully with hot glue.

For the smaller pink crown, trim patterned paper into 1" squares. The larger crown is made from 2" squares.  Cut/trim enough squares to fit the circumference of your head.

Fold each square neatly on the diagonal to form triangles. Use the scorer for a crisp edge. Link each triangle together by applying hot glue (carefully) to the edge of the inside fold and then slide a second triangle between. Complete the crown by securing the first triangle to the last. Allow the crown to dry.

Add your die cut flowers and any other embellishments.

Complete your gift by wearing it yourself or ceremoniously passing it along to a special mother for Mother's Day! Let's face it mums. We deserve to wear a crown on Mother's Day!! *grin*

Thanks for visiting..x

Sassy Scrapper | Project Life Week 18...

Hey there friends! Up on the Sassy blog today I am sharing my Project Life weekly spread.

 

 

I hope you come on over for a visit..x

 



Sassy Scrapper | Project Life...

Hello Friends!  I am back today to let you know that my Project Life | Week 19 is up on the Sassy Scrapper blog.  AND...... I've been playing with the gorgeous new June Kit!!

 

 I hope you will come on over for a visit and check out the details...x  See you there!
 

Bella Blvd | What's New Wednesday...

 

 

Hello Friends!  Ummm. Please ignore the above pic! LOL!  Happy Friday!  But I do have a Bella Blvd layout to share and it was inspired by my first ever, Mother's Day gift.  My beautiful daughter.

 

"My Gift"

 

products used: cs - Kaisercraft; pp - Bella Blvd: Molly, Family Forever; alpha - Bella Blvd; other - Bella Blvd: crochet hearts, blossoms, ciao chipboard, candid cards; embroidery thread; tools - typewriter, machine stitching.

My daughter was born one week before Mother's Day and she was indeed my very first Mother's Day gift. I wanted to document this simple fact (*ahem, 14 years later) even though I am well aware of when she celebrates her special day! *grin*

To create the hand stitched heart, I simply traced around the large heart-shape die cut from the Molly Paper Pieces in pencil, pierced even holes along the line and then used yellow embroidery floss. The hand stitching is then highlighted with fussy cut flowers from Sparkle & Shine.

I finished off my layout with three of the 2" squares found in the Molly Candid Cards pack. They each have a white back ground to soften the busy Peace patterned paper and have been placed in a visual triangle to help draw the eye across the page.

I hope all the Mothers "out there" have a gorgeous day on Sunday.  Especially if you are surrounded by your loved ones!  I can't wait to see what special plans my children have arranged for me this year!  Thanks for visiting...x

 

Hampton Arts | card tutorial...

Hello Friends.  I know I am a little late in sharing this "Mother's Day" card, but it has only recently come up on the Hampton Arts blog.  *grin*

 

"Happy Mother's Day"

 

products used :  

stamps: Graphic 45 | French Country (IC0215); ink: Close To My Heart (chocolate), VersaColor (charcoal); Stampin' Up | Stampin' Write pens (old olive, crumb cake); cardstock: bazzill (black, white, yellow); embellishments: Jillibean Soup | Bean Stalks, Tattered Angels Glimmermist (sunflower); tools - silhouette portrait.

I've put together a tutorial on how to create this card over on the Hampton Arts blog.  Head on over if you are interested in achieving the same stamping look - just scroll down the blog post a little bit until you see the card.  :)  Thanks for visiting..x

 

The Scrapbook Store | ...

Happy Monday Friends.  Today I am sharing another layout created from my The Scrapbook Store DT kit.  Lots of lovely Pink Paislee Cottage Farms goodness!

 

"adventure"

products used: cs - Kaisercraft; pp - Pink Paislee Cottage Farms; alpha - BasicGrey; other - Pink Paislee: ephemera pack, Jillibean Soup twine, glimmermist, shimmerz, toothpick; tools - silhouette portrait.

This layout is an homage to the many family day trips we take together.  We love to explore our local area.  Especially the nearby National Parks.  I have included my journaling, hidden on the lined patterned paper.  And since we are still in the month of May (and Mother's Day!) I have found a rare photo that has me in it!  LOL!! Cam and I are actually playing in a beautiful, clear mountain stream, and let me tell you!!! It was freezing!  LOL!

 

The Pink Paislee paper ephemera pack is quite gorgeous with all of the bits and pieces!  I love that they are so versatile.  All those extra bits from my kit will be making their way into my PL spreads!  *grin*  If you would like to see more of this collection before it is all sold out, please visit The Scrapbook Store here.  Thanks for visiting..x



Jillibean Soup | Cards...

Hi Everyone!  I just wanted to pop in quickly and share these cards I created for Jillibean Soup. The first is a simple little card created and used for Mother's Day.  :)  I took the time to create an extra layer of texture with the diagonal machine stitching, but the diecuts and cardstock stickers are the real stars of the show.

 

 

products used: cs - Kaisercraft, Kraft; pp - Jillibean Soup (chilled cucumber soup + coconut lime soup); alpha - Jillibean Soup cardstock sticker alphas; other - Jillibean Soup die cuts, cardstock stickers. 



My second card has been created from Kimber's May Card Sketch...

Instead of going straight to my Jillibean Soup circle elements, I thought I might like to try something a little left of field! *grin*  So I grabbed my heart punch and created a banner instead.  The sketch is still there.. although bits and pieces have been moved around! LOL!

 

products used: cs - Kaisercraft; pp - Jillibean Soup; other - Jillibean Soup: beanstalks (pink twine), cardstock sticker banner bites; tools - heart punch, corner rounder.

 

 

That's it for today.  I hope you are having a wonderful day.  Thanks for visiting...x



The Scrapbook Store | You + Me...

Hello Friends!  I'm back today to share with you another layout I created for my Mother's Day tribute this month.  I was thrilled when I saw this gorgeous DT kit from The Scrapbook Store, made up of the beautiful Pink Paislee Cottage Farms collection.  And even though I LOVE the pink, I did feel daunted by the task ahead of me... These patterned papers were not necessarily what I would have immediately chosen for myself! *grin*  However, I am so glad I got to play with them.

 



"You + Me"

 

products used: cs - bazzill, Kaisercraft; pp - Pink Paislee; alpha - BasicGrey; other - Pink Paislee burlap flower, ephemera pack; Amy Tan clear stamps, Green Tara mini roses, Greatest View chalk board badge/flair & sequins, textured paste, mist, ink; tools - Jo Sonja paints, machine stitching, black pen, small circle punch, The Crafter's Workshop circle template.



This layout is a general reflection on how I feel about being a mother to these four children.  *grin*  I am so thankful for the opportunity because motherhood wasn't anything I initially aspired to.  They have taught me a lot over the years.

Something a little bit different for me.  And I think I fell in love with these stunning Burlap flowers!!  *swoon*  (you will see more of them on other upcoming projects!) So if you like the look of these patterned papers or even the gorgeous flowers, head on over to The Scrapbook Store and check out what they have in stock.  Be warned however, they are disappearing fast! Thanks for visiting..x

 

Jillibean Soup | Mother to Boys...

Hi Everyone.  With Mother's Day coming up in less than two weeks, I wanted to create and share a layout about being a mother to my boys. One of my goals this month is to create a series of layouts reflecting my connection to motherhood.  This is what I scrapped for Jillibean Soup.  AND.... It actually has a photo of me in it.  *grin*  Granted, I am hidden behind my three boys and a rather large pirate book, but I am still there!

"Mother to Boys"

products used: cs - Kaisercraft; pp - Jillibean Soup; alphas - Jillibean Soup Alphabeans; other - Jillibean Soup: pea pod parts, bean stalks (twine), kraft tag, banner stickers, soup labels, clear stamps, vellum bag; paper clip, OA sprinklers (token); tools - date stamp, machine stitching.

I found a colour combo that I quite like (and have used regularly!!!) and added a dash of pink to my page! Ahem.. yes I know that this layout features my BOYS, but I wanted to have a feminine touch in the mix. 

I am also loving the new Pea Pod Parts (die cuts) that Jillibean Soup are creating now.  No longer are we pulling apart tabbed sheets of pre-cut dies.  The job has been completed for you and packaged.  Not that it was hard to do before, but I love the smooth look of the new dies - especially around the edges.  *grin*

My journaling has been semi hidden in a vellum bag.  Obscured would be a better word but I love the see-through texture it creates, allowing snippets of the journaling to peek through. 

Journaling says:

"they climb on the furniture & there's mud on the walls.. gangnum style & shuffling moves on the dance floor.. I go camping & play back yard cricket.. we build forts & have sword fights.. I read books on pirates and how to make slime.. & have daily chats about Ninjago, Pokémon & StarWars.. I will find Lego underfoot & toy cars between the couch cushions.. and don't even get me started on their bedroom floor!  I am a Mother to boys & I adore each & every moment."

These boys (and my girl!) are the constant joy in my life.  I certainly wouldn't trade them in for anything.  Even on those testing and most frustrating of days.  *grin - I must remember this!!!!* And I can't wait to share these type of layouts with them when they are older.  Thanks so much for visiting...x

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the Mother's out there who has someone chatting your ear off or asking you to get them a drink or is waiting for you to change the TV channel or is giving you a chance to hear their ingenious plan... etc, etc... I hope your day has been full of surprises, loving cuddles and smoochy kisses!

To all the mummies who have had breakfast in bed, shared said pieces of vegemite toast,  and have been waited on today by doting slaves sorry... gorgeous children... :)  I hope you have made special memories.

To all the Mums, Grandmas, Nannys & Great Grandmas who received phone calls from eager little voices wanting to say "helwoo" and desperately wanted to give kisses and cuddles via the phone... I hope the voices touched your hearts even if they could not touch your hand.

And to  my Mum, Mother-in-law, Nana & Grandmother-in-law... Happy Mother's Day.  We love you & hope that you had a wonderful day today...x

Happy Mother's Day...

This morning, as I was lying in bed, pretending to be asleep, and listened to the rattle and crashes from the kids and Mark, being busy in the kitchen, I waited to see the eager little faces of my four wonderful children...

I waited in anticipation of the warm squishy hugs (and occasional knee in the ribs as they climb all over the bed!), their shy smiles as they handed over their hand drawn Mother's Day cards and the piece of toast that gets shared five ways!

And I thought... This is what it is all about. Love these moments....

Happy Mother's Day...x

Happy Mother's Day...

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mums out there who are doing their best to let their kids spoil them rotten this morning, opening up hand-made cards and drinking spilt cups of tea or coffee! Hee hee!

Happy Mum's day to those who are dodging the rush of small hands coming to share the breakfast their children lovingly made for them and...Happy Mother's Day to all the Mum's who now get face the chore of cleaning up after the said children making the breakfast-in-bed treat!! LOL!

And here's a special shout out to my own Mum, who through thick and thin has always been there for me and my own growing family. Thanks Mum for all the unconditional love and support you have given us.....xx

And thank-you to my wonderful Mother-In-Law. We have a wonderful relationship and I am very lucky to recognise and treasure this!! Thanks for your understanding and being on my side! hee hee!

I hope you both have a wonderful day.

Mum's The Word...

OMGosh!! Have you seen this!

Over at Kim Archer's @Home site you can find one of MY projects!!! It's featured in this photo - top, middle. Hee hee! I am so excited to be a part of this fun class. Go and check it out... There's lots of easy and creative projects to make for Mum this Mother's Day.

**EDIT** And I have some MORE exciting news! .....Coming Soon!.....

Happy Mother's Day 2009...

A very Happy Mother's Day to all those special and deserving Mums out there today. I hope you have a wonderful day with enjoyable and lasting memories to hold onto!

Thanks for visiting.

My Mother's Day...

Happy Mother's Day to all Mums reading this blog. I know I'm a day late but I had such a good time yesterday with my kids, hubby and extended family, that I was savouring every last moment!

I had a wonderful breakfast in bed at the third wake up call! My first mum's day greeting came at 4am!!! Ethan had decided he wanted to go to the toilet. (Just quietly, that's a great sign of progress with the toilet training :D ). He had taken off his pj bottoms, his undies and then his nappy as he travelled down the hallway to visit me. I'm not sure if he made a pit stop to the toilet first. He woke me up wanting a cuddle and then promptly told me his bottom was cold! I was a bit confused until I picked him up! Anyway, I should have elbowed Mark, it was Mother's Day after all, but left him in bed to sort Ethan out and put him back in bed.

The second wake up call was at 6am. Apparently Mark had told the kids it was okay for them to wake me at this time! How often do I legitimately get to stay in bed without feeling guilty! NOT THAT OFTEN!!! So I asked them very sweetly if they would mind letting Mummy have an extra half an hour in bed. After conferring among themselves it was decided that my request would be granted! Thanks guys!

So third time lucky and I probably wasn't going to get any more chances to rest! The kids brought me a swagful of hand made gifts that they had secretly done at school! Got to love that! One notable gift was one from Liam. It read :

MY GREAT MUM

My Mummy is 200 years old.
She weighs 0kg and is 123cm tall.
Her hair is blonde and her eyes are blue.
My Mum loves to relax by lay (sic) down and she likes to wear skirts.


She loves to cook scrambled eggs and toast.
Her favourite household chore is laundry.
Her favourite TV show is "Biggest Loser" and her favourite song is - she doesn't like any songs, she has a headache.


Mummy always tells me - she never says anything to me except, "Liam, it's breakfast time".
It makes her happy when I help her.
When my Mum shops she loves to buy groceries.
If she could go on a trip, she would go to a hotel and take us kids.


I really love it when my Mum helps me.
The best thing about my Mum is that I love her.
She's the best! I love you Mum!


Liam.

What can I say... No still I have nothing... I can only laugh at his ridiculous sense of humour!!!

After a yummy breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup we started to get ready for our lunchtime picnic in the park! There we played on the swings, climbed the play equipment and even climbed a few trees!

It was nice just having quality time with the kids and watching their antics. Liam got stuck in a yellow bucket type, spinning playground toy, Ethan was happy to just wander around aimlessly and Tahlia left her new shoes all over the place and had to keep running back to where she last saw them *sigh*.

Mum, Great-Grandma and Auntie Fara were all wished Happy Mother's Day and we sat down to our picnic.

We came home around mid afternoon and Mark prepared a lovely roast dinner. And the best part about that was, I didn't have to do the dishes!!!