December Stamp of the Month

While everyone is unwinding after the Christmas celebrations and getting ready to welcome in a New Year, I thought it was a good time to remind you that there is only 5 days left to purchase the December Stamp of the Month from Close To My Heart. If you are paper crafting over the holiday break you might want this stamp set?! - it can only be ordered this month and won't be available again!!....place your order today in my online shop - you won't want to miss out!

I have seen some gorgeous projects made with this stamp set....tags for gift boxes of luxury soaps, cute scrapbook pages with children enjoying delicious little treats and cards expressing love and thinking of you sentiments. It is such a versatile stamp set with options for lots of different themes...and as such I decided to use the sentiments for some Get Well cards that I hope will put a smile on the face of the recipients!

The cute Nurse images were coloured in with my Copic Markers - the first card uses "Nurse Nora" from C.C.Designs and the second is "Sparkle Nurse" by Saturated Canary - I love how well my Sparkle & Shine Paper Pack co-ordinated with the coloured image it certainly proves you should never limit the use of any product to the theme it was intended for!! If you have favourite papers in the Close To My Heart product collection be sure to check out the Retiring Items listed in my Online Store. Many will no longer be available in the coming weeks and I certainly would not like you disappointed to find your "favourites" end up sold out!

There is also only a few days left to leave a comment on my blog post from the 3rd December or send your friends to "like" my Facebook page to be in the running for some fun stamping prizes.

I hope you continue to enjoy the Festive Season and I look forward to sharing more paper craft projects with you in 2014!
 

Playing with Pinwheels

 

How cute is that little Miss "Stitched with Love" ???.....she arrived in my order yesterday and I couldn't wait to stamp her up and colour her in. She is from Founder & CEO of Close To My Heart Jeanette Lynton's archive of hand drawn images  - it is a stamp that just makes smile :) I coloured her with a handful of Copic Markers E000, E00, E11, R21, R22, R24, B91, B93 & B95 and co-ordinated these colours with a blend of Close To My Heart's Exclusive Ink Markers - the best thing about the exclusive markers is they are a perfect match for the Close To My Heart paper range and as you can see in this card - I used a mixture of papers from the For Always, Chantilly and Tommy My Reflections range. I have been playing with pinwheels this week too. This month's Stamp of the Month is a fabulous set of 10 stamps featuring pinwheel shapes as well as great sentiments and you can add this to you collection for only $5 with a purchase of $75 or more from my Online Shop. I decided to use one of the smaller pinwheels and the "You make my World go 'round" sentiment on the card with my little Miss. The wonderful thing about clear stamps & blocks is that you can easily line images up and mix and match different sets together. My little Miss actually looks like she is holding onto the pinwheel stick all because I could see through the block and could line my stamped image up perfectly with her hand.

 

The other great thing about My Acrylix stamps is how flexible they are. I was particularly thrilled with the result when I stamped over my layered paper border in the "Let's Celebrate" card below... no smudging or bleeding at all and my ink even stamped up beautifully on top of the Red Shimmer Trim (it was cut with the Scallop Border Punch). I added some other fun embellishments to this card too - some Crème Brule Bakers Twine, Ruby Buttons and I coloured some clear Sparkles in with my Cranberry Exclusive Marker - be sure to check out the wonderful range of Close To My Heart embellishments here in my online shop - you will find all sorts of goodies there to add sparkle and shine to your projects.

I continued my pinwheel playtime with a deviation from my usual square shaped cards and tried my hand at a rectangle shape. I was rather pleased with the result maybe I should experiment a bit more with different shape cards??

 

I hope you have been enjoying my weekly posts and they inspire you to try your hand at stamping or even help you decide on what goodies you need to add to your craft room collection. Don't forget I would love to hear your feedback on the projects I share - let me know if there is something you really liked or if you would like to learn more about the techniques and products used. I am more than happy to schedule time with you and your friends to show you the Close To My Heart product range. For those that are attending my "Come Create with Chris" events throughout Australia feel free to leave comments and suggestions on what you would like to see when I attend an event in your area... be sure to check back next week when I share my latest home décor creations ;) 

 

Friendship and Happiness

 

Recently I was asked the question - What is it about paper craft playtime that you love so much! My answer was simply two words "Friendship" and "Happiness". According to the academics ..."play is often described as a time when we feel most alive, yet we often take it for granted and may completely forget about it. But play isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Play is as important to our physical and mental health as getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. It supercharges learning, helps us relieve stress, and connects us to others and the world around us. Play can also make work more productive and pleasurable". and truly, that is exactly how I feel about the "time-out" I take to play with paper. It is my stress release, it's fun, pleasurable... and I have met and fostered life long friendships with so many others who also share a passion for this craft. It is what I love most about my Close To My Heart business the sharing, joy, laughter, and fun we have at our playtime gatherings and workshops. Along with meeting new people - these events promote bonding and certainly strengthen the sense of community. My closest friends are those that are in my "Crafty Chicks" team and we would love to welcome "new" friends into our little community....if you are feeling a bit lonely and need to nourish your heart with happiness then becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant may be just what you are looking for - click here to find out more....and if you check out the photos below, you can see the results of my latest playtime and moments of happiness.

 

I really enjoyed revisiting the world of Paper Dolls playing with this stamp set. It made me very nostalgic and took me back to my childhood where a lot of my creative play time was spent colouring in and making Paper Dolls....such fond memories!

 

I did colour my little doll in with a combination of Copic Markers and Close To My Heart Exclusive Ink Makers - I love how they complimented each other so well.

Copics Used:
Skin - E11, E01, E00, E000, R20, BV000
Jeans - B91, B93, B95,
Dress - R81, R83, R85

The other card I made was pieced together using the little scraps of cardstock left-over from my Paper Doll card. It was easy to make and I was so pleased with how it turned out. I also LOVE the sentiment on this card it speaks volumes and reinforces my feelings on friendship. I can see myself using the "You Are My Happy" stamp set trio on so many of my upcoming projects - if you would like a preview of what this stamp set offers check out this video and contact me if you would like to add one to your stamp collection.



If you would like to see what some of the "Crafty Chicks" in my team have been making in their playtime click on these blog links - JLou and ScrappyVee. These ladies have become very dear friends and their creativity inspires me every day...be sure to leave them some love when you visit their blogs.

 



Back with a Freebie

I don't think it is too late to wish you a Happy New Year and I do hope 2013 has started off well for you. I have been enjoying the holiday season with my family and planning my crafty activities for the next 12 months...with all I have planned I know it is going to be an exciting year ahead. We are suffering a bit of a heat wave in our area with temperatures around 42oC ( 108oF ) so I have been spending my time under the AC on my computer doing a little digi scrapping.....the perfect place to be! I have been reworking some of my original sketches and coming up with some new multi-photo sketches to share with you. This is the latest in my Formula Sketch Series.

 

and this is the layout I created using the sketch/template - ah yes! - I hear you say, it is pink again!! I really am very predicitable aren't I??

 



 

I have been receiving a number of requests to create digital templates from my sketches and with the help and encouragement of my digi scrapping friends I have created my very first template....and to thank you for all your support during my Idea Extravaganza events and for the lovely followers I have here and on Facebook I am offering it as a little GIFT for you. My plan is to create a series of templates for both my Scrapbooking and Card Making friends so stay tuned for more info coming soon! If you do download and use the template I would appreciate you crediting it to me with a link back to my Blog or Facebook Page click here for the download link - have fun with it....and I will look forward to seeing your creative interpretation of it!

 

....and for those of you who may be interested in my card making exploits??....I have  been colouring up a bit of a storm with my Copics too!! - I have coloured up a lot of images but with my recent Digi Mojo making it's appearance, I haven't had time to make them up into cards.... as yet. but I promise I will soon.

 

Enjoy the template!

Done, Posted and Received!

Yay Me!! - I did it! I am 100% super organised for Christmas in just a few short days I completed all my Christmas shopping - wrapped my gifts and placed them under the tree, wrote a Christmas letter for my far away friends & relatives, made Christmas cards and sent them ( I did resort to some store purchased cards too - sorry! ) baked mountains of Christmas treats - Rocky Road, Toffee Truffles, Rum Balls, Apricot Cookies and Gingerbread Men ( to name a few LOL! ) - just some last minute Christmas lunch things to do and we are all ready to celebrate the festive season.

 

Although I felt I had left my card making until the last minute, I am pleased with what I was able to achieve and as those that follow my designs and ideas know, I am a great believer in formula work.....it was why I was able to produce my Christmas cards so quickly. I used the same little elf image for all my cards and even a few gift cards too - his name is Spritz, he  was designed by Krista Smith - Saturated Canary and you can purchase him here. I then kept to the same colour scheme and design formula for each card - the sentiment I varied depending on the card - whether it was being sent to a family or an individual, the font I used is called "Hooteroll" - currently my default font for everything! 

 

Copic Used:

Skin: E11, E01, E00, E000 - Cheeks/Lips - RV2

Wings/Pants: W1, W3, W5 - with some crystalina Kindy Glitz over the top

Hat & Boots: G46, G24, G21 R24, R22, R21

 

 


I do have one more card to share with you, but I will leave that until Christmas Day where I will be posting it in the Mad for Markers Challenge Blog - while the online store Mad for Markers store has closed, the blogs will remain active and they will be a great place to find Copic inspiration.... so be sure to check out what the Design Team post on these blogs to share with you... and my other Christmas Card creation. :)

Wishing my Blogland Friends near and far a wonderful Festive Season - hoping 2013 brings you health, happiness and lots of crafty goodness.

Procrastination Time

Remember in my last post I mentioned I am yet to make my Christmas cards? Well nothing much has changed....I've found myself being distracted during the week by  all sorts of other crafty goodness - yes, I have been doing something from which I derive enjoyment, and thus putting off my priority tasks to later time - I have been "procrastinating" big time!! However, I did manage to finish my Christmas shopping, wrapped it all and now have it placed nicely under the Christmas Tree - that is certainly a first for me. One of my distractions this week was "pinterest" so I have plenty of inspiring ideas for those Christmas cards when I eventually make them LOL!! and I also got distracted creating a little something for Challenge #32 over at the Saturated Canary Challenge Blog - the theme is Chocolate and Marshmallows - I was wanting an excuse to colour up little Miss Latte a generous freebie from Krista during her 12 Days of Christmas posts and she was simply perfect for this treat box project.

Copics Used:
Skin: E11, E01, E00, E000 - Cheeks - RV42
Hair: E29, E27, E25, E21
Clothes: Y21, Y23, Y26, RV91, RV93, RV95

I did a little experimenting with my snowflake embellishments and I was pleased with the result. I punched out the shapes from some blending card - then I coloured them using my Copics ( RV91, RV93, RV95 ). Next I mixed a concoction of Polar White Flower Soft and Diamond Sprinkle Embossing Powder with some Glossy Accents and painted this over the top - it was very messy, but lots of fun.....and  making snowflakes in our hot Summer temperatures also felt a little surreal LOL!

Today happens to be my 95th blog post and it made me think about what I should do to honour my 100th post...seeing it is fast approaching....what do you think of some "blog candy"? I know my followers come from many different papercraft fields - scrapbooking, card making, smash booking, ATC creators, just to name a few, so I thought I would like to offer something suitable for all these mediums. I will put my thinking cap on and search ( and shop - I LOVE shopping ) for some suitable candy and in the meantime you might like to invite your friends to follow my blog while you, yourself, keep an eye out for that magic 100th post.

I think searching and shopping for blog candy is another form of procrastination LOL! - I really must lock myself in my "happy room" and make those elusive Christmas cards!

I will be back when they are done!

Sharing Saturday

I know it is that time of the year where I should be colouring up my Christmas images and getting all my Christmas cards made and sent off in the mail...but it is not happening! - as always, I keep getting distracted with other 'crafty' things to do and December is also a busy birthday month in my extended family so there are cards to be made for these occasions too! I thought I should share two of them with you today, they both use the same image but coloured up with a variety of different coloured Copic Markers. I have used a Little Darlings Stamp by Saturated Canary called "Party Hardy" this stamp is from the NEW release of Saturated Canary rubber stamps and available NOW at Mad for Markers for pre-orders :) Yipee!! You can pre-order your "Party Hardy" stamp here There are 14 stamps in this NEW release and if you are anything like me? - you will have to have them all!! - yes, I am a huge fan of the art work of Krista Smith and I suspect you already knew that, hey?

 

  

Copics Used:

Skin: E11, E01, E00, E000

Hair: E27, E25, E21

Clothing: B95, B93, B91, G43, G24, G21, RV95, RV93, RV91 

 

 

Copics Used:

Skin: E11, E01, E00, E000

Hair: E27, E25, E21

Clothing: R81, R83, R85, V12, V15, V17, B28, B24, B21

 

It is another very "HOT" Summer's day here today, I have settled in under the air-con for the afternoon and intend on colouring up some more images - I might even surprise myself and start on those Christmas cards I keep ignoring! Whatever I ended up playing with or creating today - I promise I will give you a little preview here... so stay tuned and keep cool.

Sketch Challenges

It goes without saying I love creating and using sketch ideas for both my scrapbooking and cardmaking. They are an ideal foundation to begin building your project from....you can use the sketch as your base and from there, just add your own creative flair.

I've spent most of this weekend colouring up lots of different images with my Copics and by lots I mean about a dozen LOL! - my colouring skills have become a little rusty so I need lots of practise!! My Dad called in for a quick visit - he wanted a Thank You card for a friend - "it's for a lady he said and I am sure she would love one of those sweet girlie cards you make" - well I did have the images coloured up, all I really needed to do was turn them into cards...and of course I went to my favourite challenge blogs for inspiration and what did I find?? card sketches - yay me! I used the sketches to create two cards for Dad to choose from and then another for my nieces birthday.

The current challenge at the Saturated Canary Challenge Blog is a sketch designed by Lou and I used the cute little image Thank You to create my card.

Copics Used:
Skin: E11, E01, E000 - Cheeks R20
Hair: E27, E25, E21
Clothing: R81, R83, R85, B93, B95, B97, V12, V15, V17

This sketch was so quick and easy that I reproduced it a second time for a Birthday Card for my niece - the image is another one by Krista Smith/Saturated Canary - it is the original Harley and Haley - it always colours up at treat

Copics Used:
Skin: E11, E01, E00 E000 - Cheeks R21
Hair: E35, E33, Y21, Y23
Dress: R81, R83, R85, BG11, BG13, BG15

I used my Spica Pens (Blossom & Clear) to add some glitter along with a little bit of crystalina kindy glintz - my niece is a girly girly, she loves any thing that glitters and shines!

The other card I made up for my Dad to choose from was one using an image from my collection of Magnolia stamps - this is Tilda with Tulip and the card is based on the current Sketch Challenge at Magnolia Downunder - I love how you can follow a sketch exactly, rotate it or even add your own elaborate design elements and still end up with a perfect project.

Copics Used:
Skin: E11, E01, E00 E000 - Cheeks R22
Hair: E27, E25, E21
Clothing: R81, R83, R85, BG93, BG96, BG99
Socks/Tag: E53, E51, E50

The little tag sentiment uses the font Hooteroll - I have only just discovered it and it is already becoming a favourite - and while on the subject of favourites I have to thank Sammi from Mad for Markers for her prompt online service I now have my Pink Ink refills - not sure I could survive without my R81, R83, R85 - you are a life saver Sammi!!

....and while I am sharing Sketches and passing out a Thank you or two :) I have now completed all my Creative Memories Idea Extravaganza events for 2012 - it was great fun travelling around the country and meeting and sharing ideas with so many wonderful and enthusiastic consultants and as promised here are the last three formula sketches I created for you to share with your friends - enjoy!

I will be adding to my collection of Sketch Formulas in 2013 and as of next weekend you will once again see me sharing ideas on the Mad for Markers store blog....I look forward to "seeing" you there.

Spare Time Creations

.....what is "spare time" you ask? I am not sure I truly know what it means, but I think I found a little of it this past week! ....maybe not "spare" but enough time to dust off my Copic Markers and colour up some images for a little card creating.

I have to be honest, I can't remember when I last coloured just for fun....and I don't know why, I left it so long, it really is therapeutic and good for the soul. So much so, that I am still colouring up a storm and loving every minute of it.

I spent that "spare-time" I found, colouring some of the super gorgeous digital images by Krista Smith - check out her Saturated Canary Shop - I am sure you will love it! If you prefer a little ink and rubber you can also purchase some of Krista's stamps from my friend Sammi's store at Mad for Markers.

It is difficult for me to choose a favourite image from my collection of Digital Stamps but Violet Vintage is certainly one that is at the top of my favourites list - if I was to have one LOL!

Copics Used:
Skin - E000, E01, E11 - Cheeks - R20
Hair/Shoes - E71, E74, E79
Clothing - R81, R83, R85, Y21, Y23, B91, B95,BG93, BG96

This next card I created in readiness for my nieces 21st Birthday in the New Year - it is from the Princess Collection - her name is Rose Red. Challenge #30 at the Saturated Canary Challenge Blog  is all about Fairytales and Princesses and I thought I might enter this simple little creation in that challenge.

and of course she was coloured in pink - my favourite Copic Pinks are R81, R83 and R85 and I have finally had to order refills! - you will notice that these pink colours made an appearance in all the cards I am sharing with you today LOL!!

This little sweetie is called Washi Girl and she was perfect for this card I made for a very special friend. My friend has supported me through "thick and thin" this year....and I am so appreciative on all that she has done. She hears me talking about Washi Tape all the time but I am not particulary sure she knows what it is.....which makes this card very appropriate. I wanted this card to be really simple so little Miss Washi became the focus.

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E00, E01, E11 - Cheeks - RV42

Hair/Shoes - E21, E25, E27, E29

Top - R81, R83, R85

Pants - B91, B95, B97

My white border was created with the Creative Memories - Border Maker System and I do have to say, that is most definitely my favourite all time tool!!!

The last card I am sharing is called Tourist - I love her hair - I am very envious, I always wanted long hair like that - I so enjoyed colouring it up!

Copics Used:

Skin - E000, E01, E11 - Cheeks - R20

Hair - E21, E27, E29 - and my Dark Sepia - Polychromo Pencil

Top - R81, R83, R85

Skirt - B91, B93, B97

I have coloured up another four Saturated Canary Images already but I probably won't have anymore of that precious "spare-time" until next week to turn them into card creations.

If you are lucky enough to discover "spare-time" over the next few days - I hope you spend it doing something you enjoy and is good for your soul.

Cheers





Gorgeous Girls in Green!

....Yes! I know this is my first post for April, but please don't think I have been resting LOL!! I have just been a little behind in some design deadlines - (sadly, for confidentiality reasons I cannot share with you here)....but last week this is the list of everything I completed... 12 Scrapbook Layouts, 4 Cards, 2 Tags, 2 Off the Page Projects and 2 Paper Page Embellishments and this week, the count so far.. is 2  Gorgeous Girl in  Green Cards LOL!!

Both cards use one of my favourite colours - Green - but I seldom use it for anything other than, grass and leaves (when colouring my images). However, one of my "Scrappy Friends" suggested I try using it to colour clothing - I was  very inspired by one of her card creations... so I took her up on the challenge and here are the results.

The stamp is called "Waiting" and is from the Simply Gorjuss range - she was stamped ontoX-Press IT Blending Card  (available from Mad for Markers ) and coloured with the following:
Copics Used:
Skin: - E000, E01, E11 - Cheeks: - RV10
Hair: - E21, E25, E27, E49
Clothing: - Dress: BG93, BG96, BG99 - Jacket:YG93, YG95, YG97 - Tie: Y21, Y23,Y26
Boots: - E25, E27, E29

This card was made using a Saturated Canary Digi Image by Krista Smith - called "Blanche". I used the same colour combination to colour the image and create the card as my previous one of the Gorjuss "Waiting" girl - isn't it amazing how the same design sketch, same colours, same paper can look so different?

Copics Used:
Skin: - E000, E01, E11 - Cheeks/Lips: - RV10 - Eyeshadow: - YG93
Hair: - E13, E15, E17
Eyes: E33, E35
Clothing: - Dress:YG93, YG95, YG97 - Tie: Y21, Y23,Y26
Boots: - E25, E27, E29

I also wanted to share with you, a special little gift that arrived in my mail box this week. My BFF Judy and I, had been discussing the best way to remember all the Digital Images we had been purchasing - when she came up with the idea of creating a little book to catalogue them in.... and that could also be used  as a Copic journal.

This is the little book she made just for me! and of course it is Pink! - if you want to have a little peek at her book  and other journals she has created - check out her newly revamped blog - you will find it here....the books were made using a Bind-It-All and if you want to find out more about them, our friend Karen at scrap2relax will be happy to oblige! ;-) - I am now adding one to my collection of toys! Here is little look inside the pages of my journal....I love the black pages.

I hope you have enjoyed the little catch-up... on my "Creative Capers" and I will try not to leave it too long between posts, from now on :-)

Hugs to All


Love me some Canary Art

...I think I have fallen hugely in love with Krista Smith's Saturated Canary Images - I have been colouring up a storm these past few days and I'm still going LOL!

I completed this Easter project using the very cute Murray - love all the detail in her little stocking legs....the basket was fun to make too! I thought bigger was better when it came to filling it with chocolate... and before next weekend I plan to make few more.

Copics Used:

Skin: - E000, E51, E11 Cheeks RV10

Hair: - E21, E25, E29, E17

Shoes: - Y00, Y08, Y15

Clothing: - R81, R83, R85, B91, B93, B95, Y00, Y08, Y15, YG00, YG11, YG17

Chicken: - E50, Y00, Y17

Grass: - YG00, YG11, YG17, YG45

I did a little experimenting with the grass in this image. At my Intermediate Copic Certification, our instructor, Mandi demonstrated a few different ways to do backgrounds and give our images depth. The "dotting" technique really appealed to me, even though I usually like my card creations clean and simple.

I got a little more adventurous when creating the background to accompany this next card... I used a new image called Blanche....she is a sassy little movie star number. I chose 3 colours from my colouring and "dotted" the whole background....I rather like the outcome and thought it would be a great way to make patterned paper to co-ordinate with my creations - so that is next on my agenda....making my own decorative paper with Copics! and X-Press IT Blending Card (available at Mad for Markers).

Copics Used:

Skin: - E000, E01, E11, Cheeks -  RV42, Eyeshadow - B91, Lips - R24
Hair: - E21, E25, E29
Dress: - R22, R24, R27, W1, W3, W5
Eyes: - E31, E35
Background: - R24, B91, W3

...just a teeny tiny bit of "dotting" on this image, back to my clean and simple format for the heavily pregnant Mrs Ice-Cream and Pickles ....she was such a joy to colour and I kept my card very gender neutral in shades of both pink and blue....I have also entered this card in the Thinking of You Challenge #14 at the Saturated Canary Challenge Blog - I thought it fitted the theme beautifully.

Copics Used:

Skin: - E000, E51, E11, Cheeks/Lips- RV10, Eyes - B91, B93

Hair: - E21, E25, E29

Clothing: - R81, R83, R85, B91, B93, B95

Ice-Cream: - E71, E74, E77, Rv00, RV10, RV21, E50, E51, E53

Cone: -  E31, E35 and brown fine tip pen

Pickle: - YG91, YG95, YG97 - and a few little dots were placed on top ;-)

Cherry: - R22, R24, R27

Here is a little close up pic of both my cards - so you can see the colours a little easier... and don't forget, if you want to add any of the Copic colours, I have used in these projects to your collection, be sure to drop by the Mad for Markers online store.

I created all my own sentiments for these three projects and the font I used was called "Whackadoo" - what a cool name - I love it!

I am off to catchup with my "Scrappy Friends" this weekend - we will be trading our Feb & March ATC's, Copic Colouring, Shopping and generally just having a creatively good time!!

Hope your weekend is fun and full of creative adventure too.

The "H' Party

We have had a fun and very enjoyable weekend, celebrating my nephew's 21st Birthday - it was a dress-up themed event. We were all asked to come dressed in something beginning with "H". Wow! - everyone got into the spirit of the night, and there were some amazing costumes we had Hercules, Hannah Montana, Humpty Dumpty, Highland & Hip Hop Dancers, Helicopter Pilots, Housewives and the list goes on. I have a few photos to share with you - wish I could show you them all... but once again I took 100's LOL!... and it really is impossible to post them all!

This is my family and I - the Hawaiian Tourist, Hockey Player, Hostess and Hippy! - long hair and chockers are not the most flattering accessories for me!!

 ....and from left to right:  my nephew the Hotdog with his mate the Hedgehog, My sister the Hairdresser and her Hooker daughter! and family friends Hannibal Lector and Henry the Octopus - cool costumes aren't they??

and here are some more family friends .... dressed as a Hobo couple and with their very cute duaghter the  Hawaiian Princesss. 

The most popular costume of the night appeared to be all the different variations of  Hippies, closely followed with an array of Hawaiian dressed guests - as I mentioned before, it was a lot of fun and we giggled at ourselves and our silly costumes all night.

The dressup theme also inspired my card creation today - I rushed this card a little but I really needed a little R & R in my "happy room" today, after such a hectic weekend. This is Mod Marci from the La La Land Crafts Stamp range - I thought she had a little bit of a "hippy chick" look to her - she is seated on another La La Land image the Garden Bench....both available at Mad for Markers.

Copics Used:

Skin: E000, BV000, E01, E11, Lips: RV42, Cheeks: R20

Hair: E31, E35, E29

Hat/Boots: V12, V15, V17

Vest: R81, R83, R85

Top: YR00, YR12, YR18

Pants: Grey -  W1, W3, W5

Guitar: Y21, Y23, Y26, YR12, YR18

Garden Bench: YG91, YG95, YG97, E51, E53 E55, E57

I have added some white highlights to my colouring using a Size 0 brush and my new pot of Copic Opaque White.... watch out for white highlights all over my upcoming projects LOL! and while on the subject of upcoming projects...stay tuned....while tidying up my "happy room" today I found a few "treasures" -  a big bundle of stamps I have purchased over the past 12 months and forgot about - they have never used - sad but true!!

Hope you have a wondeful day and I will be back soon to show you my new found treasures!

Birthday Blog Hop

Welcome to the Mad for Markers Birthday Blog Hop.....this month the store has been busy celebrating it's 2nd Anniversary with lots of giveaways, the release of exclusive digital images and some wonderful inspiration on the store blogs.... it's been great to have you along for the "party". Today's Blog Hop ends the festivities - the hop is all about sharing birthday celebrations and you will discover some wonderful inspiration for your own Copic Creations...if you arrived here from Kate's Blog , then you are right on track...if not, please go over to the Mad for Markers Challenge Blog and start at the beginning - you won't want to miss a thing!!!

I created two Copic Card Creations for today's Blog Hop - using different images but the same colour palette, both stamps can be found in the Mad for Markers store along with an array of other fantastic stamps featuring birthday themes.

This card was created using a La La Land Crafts Stamp called  Birthday Marci she is super cute with her ribboned pigtails and little panda friend....very appropriate for today's theme.

Copics Used:

Hair - E21, E25, E27

Skin - E00, E51, E11, - Cheeks - RV42

Dress/Shoes - R22, R24, R27

Gift - G00, G03, G07, - Ribbon - B00, B12, B14

Panda - C1, C3, C5, BV000

... this is a "close-up view" of my colouring... you will notice that I have added some thin stripes to Miss Marci's dress - I used a fine-tip felt pen (that I have had in my craft stash for years) and I really like the effect....I think you may see more of this felt pen appearing in my future creations LOL!...I also used my B14 and the very tip of the marker brush to add a dotted pattern to the gift.

my second card was created using a Some Odd Girl image called -  Balloon Kaylee she always colours up a treat - I decided to keep the card design very simple so that Miss Kaylee was the star of the show.

Copics Used:

Skin - E00, E11, E15 - Cheeks - E93
Eyes - B00, B01
Hair - E21, E25, E27
Balloon/Top - G00, G03, G07
Shoes/Skirt - R22, R24, R27
Jacket/Socks - B01, B12, B14

There will be "hidden" prizes for those of you who "hop-along" and visit each of the blogs today - so be sure to leave a comment as you follow each blog for a chance to win a prize or two!!

Now head on over to Alyce's Blog to continue your Blog Hop Journey - enjoy the trip :-)

Life is Busy - but FUN!

Wow! - 2 weeks of March have almost passed and this is the first chance I have had, to update my blog...my apologies if you have been waiting on the next installment. Life has just been busy... every day this month has just been a whirlwind - and I wouldn't have it any other way! It started with a wonderful opportunity to be a wedding photographer's assistant - not taking any photos, only observing and carrying equipment ;-).... it was a wonderful experience. The day was pouring with rain and even from the venue we could see the river rising - our whole region had been put on flood watch. However, the photographer was very calm - he handled the conditions very well and had a wonderful rapport with the couple, this all made the day go very smoothly and I know the photos will be beautiful! I took a photography class with Ben back in January - I love his work, it is very natural and spontaneous and it has certainly changed the way I use my camera. Here are a few photos I took of my youngest daughter, on the weekend trying to put some of those new skills to use.



Next on my busy schedule was a focus on "Creative Memories" - firstly, a worskhop event sharing my latest design work, then preparing for a presentation of my new ideas... to present next month (in Queensland ) followed up, by putting the finishing touches to a Design Team assignment - can't wait to share that one with you!.. a mixture of traditional and digital layouts showcasing some gorgeous new products - yes, watch this space!! Yesterday, I attended a photographic exhibition by a local photographer that I also admire - she has been working on a project that gives a voice to women suffering from abuse - if you are in my local area please check it out - it is truly amazing, all photographed in Black & White and such powerful images...you can find more information here. I thought today, I should take some time-out and do something a little more relaxing - that of course meant reaching for those beloved Copics and doing a little bit of colouring. This year my nephew and my daughter both turn 21, as do many of their friends and birthday cards are high on my list of requests. Therefore, I thought I should simplify the card making process and it started, by limiting myself to the colours used...Copic Markers, Printed Papers and Embellishments. I waste a lot of time on decision making, but I have to admit, I found having a smaller selection of items to choose from, was just as tough.

This is Nevaeh a digital image from Krista at Saturated Canary - she is simply gorgeous!

Copics Used:

Skin- E000, E01, E11 - Cheeks/Lips R20/R42
Hair - E27, E25, E21
Dress/Shoes - R21, R22, R24
Stockings - W1, W3, W5
Sash/Petticoat - B91, B93, B95

I added some clear kindy glitz to the dress, but for some reason it photographed a bit like a gold speckle - see my photography skills have much to improve on LOL! I kept the embellishments to a minimum too, a few flowers & rhinestones, a lace doily and a computer generated sentiment. I thought I would enter it in the current challenge at Saturated Canary - there are some beautiful cards being shared over there.. using doilies as embellishments...very inspiring work.

The other card I completed today was using one of the new Mad for Markers Digital Images - this one is simply called Birthday Girl #1 - aren't her striped stockings adorable? I used the same colour combination and decorative product to make this card and despite my initial hesitation with limited choices - I am happy with the outcome - head on over to the Mad for Markers Blog for more information on this creation and the 2nd Birthday celebrations of the online store. You might also want to check out the Mad for Markers Challenge Blog - this month's challenge is all about colour limitation too...with lots of Monochromatic Fun.



If you have managed to read right to the end of this blog post I applaud you LOL!! ...and what comes next on my busy life agenda you may ask? - well stay tuned, I am off to Melbourne on Sunday to participate in the Copic Intermediate Certification. I am looking forward to learning some new techniques to share with you soon.

Birthday Celebrations

Today's post is a "shout out" to the wonderful Sammi at Mad for Markers who is celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of her online store...it was about this same time, that I "rediscovered" my passion for colouring and started adding to my collection of Copic Markers. I met Sammi at a Papercraft show in Melbourne and her enthusiasm for Copic colouring was contagious and I was thrilled to learn that she could supply all my Copic needs by mail - a huge bonus for someone living in the country! - and her customer service is simply WONDERFUL!  Since then, I am the proud owner of many new Copic colours. I joined her online, at Facebook and the Mad for Markers Blog... and have learnt so many fantastic techniques and made great new friends...and now, I am honoured to be a member of her Design Team.

To celebrate the 2nd Birthday of Mad for Markers, Sammi will be hosting a month of celebrations - commencing today with lots of giveaways on the Mad for Markers Facebook Page and Blog - It will end in the release of the 3rd Volume of  - Copicendium - a mini ideas book of inspiration....and a huge DT Blog Hop - you are very welcome to join in the FUN - and we would love to have you at the PARTY :)

...and.. as a tribute to the occasion, I thought a card creation would be very appropriate.

This Sweet Miss is called Copica and was designed by the very talented Krista Smith of Saturated Canary, this is a digi image printed up on X-Press IT Blending Card - and with her pocket full of Copic Makers...she looks very much like Sammi, the first time I met her :)

Copics Used:

Skin - E00, E01, E11 - Cheeks R20

Lips - RV42 - Eyes - B12

Hair - E27, E25, E21

Dress - R81, R83, R85

Apron - V12, V15, V17

Striped Top - Y38, YR23, YR21

Stockings - W1, W3, W5

Copic Markers - W1, W3, W5 - and a combination of my favourite colours

Looking forward to "seeing" you at the "party"

Some Tropical Playtime

...this week... I have been looking through the photos, my daughter and her friends have been sharing.. from their Fijian Adventure - Wow! what an amazing trip they had...living in a traditional village for a few days and experiencing island life in 3 different backpacker resorts...I have really enjoyed the pictorial journey, they have taken me on ...and it has inspired my latest card projects. On the last day in the village the villagers said goodbye in a traditional Fijian ceremony - all the volunteer participants were adorned in a necklace, made from tropical flowers and then had their faces covered in talcum powder and in some instances, paint (the significance of this, I am unsure of ??).

I love the lush green foliage of the tropics and the bright pinks, yellows and oranges of tropical flowers, they just "ooze" happiness. Therefore, they were the colours I reached for in my Copic Collection when it came to creating these cards.

The images are both digital stamps from Mo Manning - "Pineapple Girl" and "Kalei"....an adorable tropical feel to these island cuties!

Copics Used: Pineapple Girl

Skin: E000, E01, E11, Cheeks: RV42
Hair: E25, E27, E21
Dress: Y38, Y26, Y21,YG11, YG13, YG17Lei: RV55, RV02, RV10, Y38 - Blossom Spica Pen
Pineapple: Y38, Y26, Y21, YG11, YG13, YG17 - Buttermilk Spica Pen/White Gel Pen

Copics Used: Kalei

Skin: E33, E35, E37, Cheeks RV42
Grass Skirt: YG97, YG95, YG91
Hair: Black, E04, E77, E79
Top:Y38, Y26, Y21
Lei: RV55, RV02, RV10,

It was fun to use the same combination of colours on both these cards - and end up with different results. I also experimented with different skin tones (very new for me). I even added "rosier" cheeks by using RV42 instead of my favoured R20 - actually, I reached for a whole new colour combination of pink for these cards - I felt my usual combination of R81, R83 and R85 was not vivid enough for a tropical theme. If you are looking for new pink combinations yourself, be sure to pay a visit to the Mad for Markers Challenge Blog the DT have been sharing some gorgeous creations using R or RV Copic Makers - don't be afraid to join in too :)

The sentiment on both cards were created using "A Little Pot" font - I like to use my computer to generate my sentiments as it means I can create the perfect sentiment for my theme.... these were inspired by the greetings of the Fijian and Hawaiian people...and I thought they were perfect for the current challenge at Mo's Challenge Blog :)

One of the most famous expressions in Fiji is “Bula” (pronounced boolah). It is the Fijian word for “hello”. “Ni sa bula vinaka” is the full correct greeting- meaning “a warm hello,” but ‘Bula’ is more commonly used, especially for visitors to Fiji as it is quick and easy to learn and understand. 'Bula’ is as significant in Fiji as “Aloha” is to Hawaii - 'Bula 'represents more than just ‘hello’, it also means happiness and health.

The formal way  to say goodbye in Fijian is 'ni sa moce', pronounced 'nee-sah-moh-thay', though it is mostly and simply said as just 'moce'. It is also the word for goodnight. 

- until next time... "moce - my friends"