My Little World

Photo a Day

2012-01-28T20:42:00.000+10:00

Here's this week's Photo a Day challenge pics snapped on my iPhone this week...

Day 22/Jan 22 - Your Shoes: Love my red flats...so comfy!

Day 23/Jan 23 - Something Old: My camera collection ranging from 1930's to 1980's.

Day 24/Jan 24 - Guilty Pleasure: Mmmmm...chocolate...

Day 25/Jan 25 - Something You Made: Little sewing machine pin cushions I stitched a while ago.

Day 26/Jan 26 - Colour: My fabric stash

Day 27/Jan 27 - Lunch: Cheese and tomato on toast...and yes that might be a coke zero up in the corner there...

Day 28/Jan 28 - Light: My beside lamp

That's this week's pics up to date! Thanks so much for dropping by!

Sheree xx

Friday Favourites

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000+10:00

Just sharing my fave family iPhone pics snapped this week!

Monday saw the start of the new school year...which meant Madi started her first year! She's a proud and very excited little Prep girl now and loving every minute! The boys weren't so keen on starting school again (enjoying holidays too much) but were happy to be seeing all their friends.

Here are Madi, Ayden and Riley ready to go on their first day...

Madi in the classroom the first morning of Prep just before I left her for the day. Love that happy face! So glad and relieved she was so excited about starting school. :)

We celebrated the first day with smoothies and thickshakes on the way home. Yum!

Day 2 of school saw the rain set in here on the Gold Coast ...and it hasn't stopped since!

Umbrellas everywhere and it was a very soggy walk into school.

Other things we got up to since my last photo update were...

A trip to the dentist for checkups for all three kids...

We saw The Muppets at the movies...so fun!

And the boys' bowling league started back this week too!

Mostly we've just been trying to stay dry and out of the rain this week. Looking forward to a little sunshine...whenever it decides to make an appearance!

Hope you've had a great week!

Sheree xx

Thrifty Thursday

2012-01-26T06:30:00.000+10:00

I found a couple of new (to me) op shops this past week and came home with a few little things...

I finally found some beautiful vintage sheets! These will be perfect for my vintage square quilt and backing...just the sort of thing I was looking for. Yay!

Also couldn't resist these beaded necklaces...

And then I found this really cute bag for Madi for only $2! She loves it. :)

Have you had any thrifty finds this week?

Sheree xx

ps. Happy Australia Day!

WIP Wednesday

2012-01-25T21:52:00.000+10:00

One of my 'work in progress' projects is my Moda Ruby jelly roll quilt. Mel and I each sewed one together early last year and it's been sitting there waiting for some binding ever since! Ooops...a bit slack I know.

Anyway I recently came across some really cute binding in an Etsy store called Blondesbackyard so I ordered some...

Cute huh!? Now I've got no excuse for not finishing my quilt! Only problem is I can't decide which one to use. LOL

So which one do you think? (Please excuse all the crumpled fabric...this quilt has been all folded up for a while now!)

I think I'll be adding some more pretty bias binding to my stash very soon...love it!

Sheree xx

A Scrapz Daily Challenge

2012-01-25T21:06:00.002+10:00

The Daily Challenge are back this week over at Scrapz.Biz! Today I've set the Scrap Write Now challenge...details can be found HERE.

Here's a little peek at my page sample...

You can also check out the Daily Challenges set by the other Design Team girls HERE. We'd love for you to come and join in the fun!

Sheree xx

Photo a Day - Week 3

2012-01-21T20:01:00.000+10:00

I'm still playing along with the Photo a Day challenge. Here are this week's pics...

Day 15/Jan 15 - Happiness: Makes me so happy to see how close these two are! They're not just brothers but best mates too. :)

Day 16/Jan 16 - Morning: I woke up to this happy little face peeking around my bedroom door!

Day 17/Jan 17 - Water: There was lots of rain around on the coast today! Nice to have a little wet weather.

Day 18/Jan 18 - Something You Bought: Some goodies I picked up at my fave shop Typo this week.

Day 19/Jan 19 - Sweet: I found Madi playing UNO with her dollies....super sweet!

Day 20/Jan 20 - Someone You Love: Hubby of course! How did I get so lucky?

Day 21/Jan 21 - Reflection: I quite often find Madi dancing in front of her mirror in the bedroom. So cute!

That's this week's photoaday roundup!

Sheree xx

Friday Favourites

2012-01-20T06:30:00.000+10:00

These school holidays have gone SO fast! The kids will be back to school on Monday (with Madi starting Prep too!) so we've been enjoying this last week just hanging out together doing this and that. Here are a few of our fave things that we've done this week...

Ayden went to a sleepover and had a blast with his friends...

He also went to a birthday party a couple of days later. This was us dropping him off...and yes they were wearing long sleeves! The weather here was quite cool that day! LOL

The party was at one of those indoor games centres and Riley and Madi couldn't resist playing on the motorbikes before we left...

The remote control toys got a work out this week too. Here's Ayden with his R2D2...

We used up the left over candy canes by making some Peppermint Bark. YUM!!! It didn't last long. :)

The kids loved scraping the bowl!

They also did some dinosaur excavation chipping away until they found the dinosaur in the egg. They had so much fun with this!

They spent their pocket money at the shops. This was Madi's purchase... some cute LPS goodies.

There was more hanging out together playing the old Playstation 2...

Paul bought a pack of UNO cards and we've been having lots of fun playing together...

And our little scientist was back into the experiments...this time making super balls with Paul using another science kit he got for Christmas. They really do bounce too!

We also hit the shops again today buying shoes and getting hair cuts ready for Monday. We still have to cover the school books yet....eeek! That's one job I'm not looking forward too!

I hope you and your family have had a great week!

Sheree xx

Thrifty Thursday

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000+10:00

Paul spent all of last week working up in Toowoomba and while he was there he offered to check out some of the op shops for me before he left there since he knows I'm collecting vintage fabrics and sheets at the moment. What a hubby huh!?

He ended up going to 6 different op shops (!) and brought home a few bags of different fabrics, pillowcases and sheets. He felt a little weird being a guy checking out fabrics but he did such a great job!! Here's some of what he brought home...

Lots of pretty fabrics in there!

Here's some more...

And my most favourite of his finds was this vintage sheet...so pretty! I love it!!! Just what I was looking for!

I'm still blown away that he even thought about offering to op shop for me...and so impressed by his vintage fabric shopping skills! Feeling pretty lucky to have such a thoughtful hubby. Love him! :)

Sheree xx

WIP Wednesday

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000+10:00

My craft room floor looks like this at the moment...

Ok..so that's just a small section of the mess on my floor right now. I really should be tidying it up or working on one of those projects...but instead I've been working on these little crocheted Blythe hats. :)

These will be going into my Etsy store which I hope to have up and running VERY soon. Just need to make a few more things and I'll be ready to go. Stay tuned! ;)

Sheree xx

Just need to vent...

2012-01-17T12:32:00.001+10:00

Those of you who know me or read my blog would know that I'm not one to usually have a whinge or gripe about things...especially on my blog. But yesterday something happened that's been bugging me ever since...

Yesterday the kids and I headed to a local shopping centre for the morning. I had to drop Ayden at a birthday party which he was so excited about (and had a great time at too!). Once we'd dropped him off Riley, Madi and I had a little browse in our favourite shops. I visited my fave shop Typo (and bought a couple of lovely things), Madi wanted to look at the puppies (she'd so love one!) in the pet shop...and Riley's favourite shop is the Australian Geographic Shop. He LOVES going in there!

Anyway...it's no secret that Riley is our little Scientist. He loves all things Science which is why he loves this shop so much.

We decided to buy a little Dinosaur excavation kit for the kids to have a bit of fun with at home so we went to the counter to pay. We said hello to the cashier and Riley proudly said to her "I love Science!" to which she replied "Well you're a weird kid then aren't you!" WHAT??? Did she really just say that to him? I mean we were in the Australian Geographic shop who specialises in selling all sorts of scientific things!

Now I know that she probably didn't mean it the way it came out...but to a little boy who's only just discovered his love of Science a comment like that can really discourage him and have a negative impact. He responded by just saying "Yeah" and told her he got a rotating space gallery for Christmas (from that shop). I think she realised what she had said and tried to save the conversation...but too late...she'd already told him he's weird! Why don't people think before they speak to kids that way...especially in a store like that?!

Shouldn't we be encouraging kids to love Science and school...or whatever it is they love to do? Not tell them they're weird for doing it! Am I just being an oversensitive Mum?

Ok...that's my rant over. Thanks for listening!

Sheree xx

Photo A Day - Week 2

2012-01-14T12:14:00.001+10:00

It's time to share this week's group of photos for the photo a day challenge. You can see my first lot of photos HERE. I'm really enjoying this challenge so far!

Day 8/Jan 8 - Your Sky: Bright sunny day here on the Gold Coast!

Day 9/Jan 9 - Daily Routine: Every morning I grab a cup of tea and check emails, twitter and my google reader. :)

Day 10/Jan 10 - Childhood: I've had this cute cup since I was a little girl. It's dated 1976 so I've had it quite a while!

Day 11/Jan 11 - Where You Sleep

Day 12/Jan 12 - Close up: Pretty pins on my pin cushion

Day 13/Jan 13 - In Your Handbag

Day 14/Jan 14 - Something You're Reading: I was given this gorgeous book by my beautiful friend Mel for Christmas. I love it! There are so many cute projects in there!

So that's my daily photos for this week! :)

Sheree xx
ps. Thank you for the lovely comments left on my recent posts!! So nice to hear from you!

Friday Favourites...

2012-01-13T18:49:00.001+10:00

Today I'm sharing some of my favourite instagram pics from our school holiday activities this week. Paul's been busy working so I've been hanging out with the kids at home. It's been kinda nice not having anything on and to just spend time together and relax. The kids have been playing and doing all sorts of things to fill in their days. These were some of the things they got up to...

Ayden and Paul did some science experiments with a kit that Ayden got for Christmas. They grew crystals which he thought was pretty cool.

Madi and Ayden had a sea battle in the lounge room...

They all had quiet time in the air conditioning during the heat wave this week playing their DS's and the Wii...

There was lots of lego building!

Ice blocks helped us cool down in the heat. It got to 37 degrees in our house two days this week...and that was with our air con going! This is a really hot house...

We headed to the shops where the kids spent their pocket money. This was when we stopped for a drink...

There was lots of bubble fun in the backyard...

Ayden's lovin' his new Aussie umbrella hat! LOL He thinks it's really cool and now he's ready for Australia Day! :D

They've also done a bit of reading too. Here's Riley reading his new Nintendo magazine...

There's only one more week left before school starts up again here in Queensland so we'll be making the most of it. I guess we need to think about covering their school books! Eeek!

Sheree xx

Op Shop Finds

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000+10:00

While we were at the beach last week I happened to see an op shop across the road when I went to buy some drinks for the kids...so of course I had to pop in for a little look!

I was hoping to find some vintage sheets...no luck there...but I did find these...

A cute (almost brand new) little bag with pretty beaded flowers and lovely red gingham on the inside for Madi. She loves it and has already used it!

Some pretty floral fabric and this gorgeous blue apron (still in it's packaging). I love the vibrant colours on the apron!

So fun to browse around op shops. You never know what you might find!

Sheree xx

WIP Wednesday

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000+10:00

Since I've got a few works in progress projects left over from last year (and no doubt I'll start a few more this year) I thought I might blog about them each Wednesday to share how I'm going with each of them. It might just motivate me that little bit more to keep going and finish them off too!

Back in November my lovely friend Mardi put out the call for a vintage fabric swap. She had found the most amazing vintage square quilt in an op shop earlier in the year...so perfect for her and looks beautiful in her bedroom...and she thought everyone should have their very own. Well...lots of us eagerly put our hands up, cut up loads of squares from vintage fabrics we had in our stash and sent them off to her. She then had the enormous job of sorting the thousands of squares that arrived in her letterbox before sending us back a lovely pile of mixed vintage squares each. (You can see Mardi's blog posts about the swap HERE and read about what a mammoth task it was for her HERE. Thanks again Mardi for all your hard work!)

I was so excited when my pile of vintage fabric goodness arrived on my doorstep!

I've since added a few more squares to my pile from my own stash and I've been searching our local op shops for more vintage fabrics or vintage sheets but they're SO hard to find here! I'll keep searching...

Yesterday I laid them all out and shuffled them about to see how my vintage quilt is going to look.

There are so many beautiful old fabrics in there! I love that these squares come from crafty friends all over Australia and from overseas! Don't they look so lovely all mixed in together?

I haven't had time to start sewing yet but here's my pile all sorted into their row bundles. I might just add a few more squares yet (if I can find some more vintage fabric) to make it a little bigger. ;)

So that's where I'm at with my vintage square quilt. I hope to get to my sewing machine soon!

Sheree xx

ps. Were you involved in Mardi's swap? If so I'd love to see your fabrics or quilt so far!

New Bike...

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000+10:00

Back in October I posted this sneaky peek of my sample page for the Scrap It Blind Challenge for that week.

While the full page has long been revealed in the forum I realised I haven't shared it on my blog yet. Ooops!

This was Ayden proudly riding his new bike for the first time. His face says it all!

Here's a few closeups...

I made a banner using lots of different bits and pieces...

The journaling is written on the tag tucked in behind this photo here...

I hope you're having a great week so far!

Sheree xx

Cardmaking Stamping & Papercraft Vol17 No11

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000+10:00

A while ago I was sent some lovely "Make It Crafty" stamps from Cardmaking Stamping & Papercraft magazine and was asked to make some paper pieced cards for the Stamper's Challenge with them. There were three stamps altogether - a palm tree, a mermaid and a clam shell...cute! The cards were published in last month's issue so I thought I'd share...

First up is this card using the Palm Trees stamp...

And here is my mermaid card...

I had so much fun creating these little scenes!

This rocket card of mine appeared in the "Cards for Kids" pages in the same issue...

I was also asked to take part in the Cardmaker's Profile 20 Questions section. That was kinda fun! I'm hoping my answers sounded ok. LOL It was lovely to see some of previously published card sets featured on the pages too.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Sheree xx

Etzcetera Magazine - Issue 4

2012-01-08T08:00:00.000+10:00

Have you bought your copy yet? As always it's packed full of fabulous articles and gorgeous inspiration. Just look at that cover!!

You can purchase your copy of this beautiful online magazine HERE and back issues too if you've missed any!

Sheree xx

Photo a Day Challenge

2012-01-07T13:15:00.000+10:00

On the 1 January I joined in the 'Photo A Day Challenge" set by Aussie blogger Chantelle over on her blog. So far it's been a lot of fun! There are thousands of people all over the world joining in too and sharing their photos on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. (You might have seen them with the hashtag #JANphotoaday attached to them.)

The idea is you share a photo a day using the following list as a guide to the theme of your photos each day...

If you'd like to join in too you can find all the details HERE. It's not too late to start!

I've been sharing my pics on Instagram and Twitter but I thought it'd be fun to post them here on my blog each week too.

Day 1/Jan 1: You

Day 2/Jan 2 Breakfast: This is what I have most mornings.

Day 3/Jan 3 Something You Adore: I love these little faces...can't get enough of them!

Day 4/Jan 4 Letterbox

Day 5/Jan 5 Something You Wore: My fave new necklace!

Day 6/Jan 6 Makes You Smile: My lovely little pile of vintage fabrics. :)

Day 7/Jan 7 Favourite: My fave colour at the moment....red!

That's my photos so far. I'm also popping them into a handy app on my iPhone called "Project 365". I hope to keep it going and snap a photo a day all year so I love that I can see them all in one place...

Are you playing along too? I'd love to see your photos! I'll be back again next week to share my next lot of pics. :)

Sheree xx

Scrapz.Biggest Loser 2012

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000+10:00

It that time of year again....time for our Scrapz.Biggest Loser Competition! It's the perfect way to tidy up and clean out your stash. I know my scraproom needs it. This is one of our most popular comps of the year...so we'd love you to join in the fun!

This year's comp will start tomorrow January 8 and will run until January 21.

The rules:

1. There are 14 missions in all. Every day we will post hints on how to organize your supplies and give you a challenge to use up some of your stash.

2. You can complete only a few selected or all of the challenges, however, you must complete and upload at least 3 challenges to go into the draw to win the major prize.

3. There are three vouchers (valued at $20, $15 and $10) to be won. Every completed entry will receive a ticket in this random draw. Complete three challenges and receive 3 tickets, etc

4. Everyone who has completed a minimum of three challenges by midnight January 29, 2012 will go into the random draw for the major prize - a gorgeous Bohemian BlueTote Shoulder Bag and tool caddy valued at RRP $90.

You can find all the details HERE in the forum. Hope to see you there!

Sheree xx

School holiday fun...

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000+10:00

I love the school holidays! I love not having to leap out of bed each morning, I love not having to do school lunches and the school run...and I love having the kids home and seeing them play together and doing their thing. We chose not to go away anywhere these holidays and it's been so relaxing to just hang out together at home. We have been doing little day trips here and there though. We've been to bbq's with family, trips to the park, we've flown kites, fed the ducks, there's been train tracks built all through the house, lots of lego building, water pistol fights in the backyard, etc...it's been fun so far!

I thought I'd share a few pics I've snapped on my iPhone. I'm loving Instagram at the moment...it makes it so easy to snap a quick pic wherever you are!

Here we are about to watch The Adventures of Tin Tin in 3D. It was a GREAT movie...even Madi enjoyed it which was a surprise! Definitely worth seeing!

Thomas the Tank Engine tracks have been winding all through the house. He hasn't been played with in a looooong time! So good to see the kids having so much fun with it!

Lots of exercise at the park chasing the kite around!

Yesterday we headed to Burleigh Beach. It was beautiful down there...the weather was just so lovely with a nice breeze coming off the water...

Ayden and Madi built lots of sandcastles...

We couldn't get Riley out of the water. He was in there from the moment we hit the sand until it was time to go home. He loves the surf!

So good for Paul to have some time off to relax...

We saw this awesome sand sculpture down there too!

They're just a few of the things we've been up to so far. We'll be making the most of the next two and a half weeks that we've got left before school starts again!

Sheree xx

Scrapz.Biz Daily Challenges...

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000+10:00

If you're like me you haven't been near your scrap desk at all over the Christmas break. I just haven't had the time! Now that Christmas and New Year has been and gone I think it's about time to dive right back into all that papery goodness. ;)

If you check out the Daily Challenges section of the forum over at Scrapz.Biz there are already lots of fun challenges going on to get you back into scrapping mode and you've got until the end of the month to enter. Check them all out HERE.

I've got two challenges running so far. The first one I've set is a Fetch a Sketch challenge with the theme "I'm dreaming of..".

This is my sketch...

And here's my page sample...

I used a mix of Crate Paper (Peppermint) and Echo Park (Season's Greetings and Holly Jolly) goodies on this one.

I wanted to record what was on each of the kids' Christmas wish lists for 2011...

so I got each of them to write their lists on a tag which I tucked in behind their photos. I love that we can look back at these in years to come and see their handwriting too.

If you'd like to have a go at this challenge you don't need to go with a Christmas theme. It could be anything that you're dreaming of! You'll find all the details HERE.

The other challenge I have running at the moment is a What's Cooking challenge with the theme "Deck the Halls". Why not get some of those Christmas photos printed and get them scrapped? The criteria for this challenge is to scrap a page with the theme in mind using the following criteria...

- at least two different sized photos
- your photos must be Christmas themed (eg your tree, fave decorations, etc)
- at least 2 stickers
- buttons
- twine
This Christmas was Madi's turn to put the star on top of the tree. She was so excited!!

I've used the beautiful Crate Paper Peppermint range on this page with a little Echo Park thrown in too.

Details of this challenge can be found HERE if you'd like to join in the fun!

Sheree xx

Scrappy Catchup Part 2...

2012-01-04T12:00:00.000+10:00

I have one more Scrapz.Biz November challenge layout to share today. This one was for our Scrap Write Now Daily Challenge with the theme "Wild About".

Riley is our little Scientist. Last year he declared that he's going to be a Scientist when he grows up! He even asked for a rotating space gallery and experiments for Christmas. He has already read his new Solar System book from cover to cover and has memorised so much information it's scary. LOL We're so proud of him and we love that he has such a passion for it!

Anyway...for my "Wild About" page i really wanted to get his love of science down on paper...

I used the Crate Paper range "School Spirit". This range is so perfect for boy pages as well as school themed pages!

Since our Scrap Write Now challenges have a focus on telling the story...the criteria for this week was to use at least 40 words for your journalling.

It'll be interesting to see if Riley's interest in science continues throughout this year. I hope so!

Ok...that's my November challenge shares all caught up. Yay! Thanks for stopping by!

Sheree xx

Scrappy Catchup part 1...

2012-01-03T22:50:00.000+10:00

These pages were from Daily Challenges that I set back in November over at Scrapz.Biz. With school holidays, Christmas and my bloggy break I realised I haven't shared them here yet...ooops!

The first was a Base Jump challenge with the theme "Pretty Wild". We started with this layout base...

And this was my finished sample page. I used these fun pics of the boys on Crazy Hair Day...a fundraiser day at school. That hair was pretty wild!!! LOL

Some closeups....

This page was was my sample page for the Scrap It Blind challenge. The theme for this one was "Encounters With The Wild". These photos were from our visit to Australia Zoo. It was the first time we'd ever been and we had so much fun. The kids loved it...and so did Paul and I.

I've used lots of American Crafts Amy Tangerine goodies on this one.

I'll be back soon with more! :)

Sheree xx

UFP's....I've got 3!

2012-01-02T14:24:00.001+10:00

One of the things I'm determined to do sooner rather than later is to finish those unfinished projects I've got left over from last year...

I've got a quilt to bind, a granny square blanket to finish and a vintage square quilt to sew. Just need to decide on which one to do first! I think I'll start with the binding...

Do you have unfinished projects that you need to work on?

Sheree xx

Hello 2012!

2012-01-01T13:54:00.000+10:00

Well...here we are at the start of a brand new year. It's kinda hard to believe that it's 2012 already!

I usually try not to make new year resolutions...'cause when I do I find they don't last long. LOL But this year is different. This year Madi starts her prep year...which means all three of our kids will be at school! I'm a little sad that I'm not going to have a little person keeping me company every day...but at the same time Madi is so excited to finally be going to school which is great to see. I know she's going to love it. After 9 years of having someone here with me each day I think it's going to be a shock to the system!

So...this year there are a few things I'd like to focus on...

getting fit and eating healthier. Boring I know but I really need to!
spending more quality time with Paul. It'll be so nice to have lunch together, catch a movie, etc with just the two of us!
being more active with the kids. With them all at school I want to make the most of weekends when we're all home together.
crafting more often. I've got quite a list of things I'd like to make but haven't had time to do.
spending less. We really don't need any more stuff in this house!
taking more photos. The everyday stuff is important too!
staying connected with dear friends and making new ones! I've just signed up to Twitter and already it's a lot of fun!
completing my unfinished projects. I've got three left over from 2011.
opening my own etsy store
giving my blog a new look (long overdue!)
being more organised...

I'm sure I'll think of a few more things to add to the list over the next few days but it's a start...and I think everything on the list is achievable. I'm feeling hopeful and ready to embrace a new me...and I'm hoping this year is going to be a great one...for our family and yours!

Have you made any resolutions for this year?

Sheree xx

Happy New Year!!!

2011-12-31T18:17:00.001+10:00

I had big plans of doing lots of bloggy catch up posts this week but instead we've been enjoying some family time, playing with new Christmas toys, reorganising the kids' rooms (so we could fit all those new goodies in there), plus my computer has had a much needed overhaul....

Sooo....since I have family visiting today for New Years' Eve (and can't sit at the computer for long) I just wanted to pop in quickly to wish you all a Happy New Year!!! I hope 2012 is going to be a great one for each and every one of you and your families. Thankyou so much for your support, visiting me on my blog and brightening my days by leaving me lovely comments throughout this year...thankyou so much!!!! I really appreciate it.

See you again next year!!! I hope 2012 is everything you want it to be! :D

Sheree xx

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

2011-12-23T21:37:00.000+10:00

Well I knew I hadn't updated my blog in a while...but I didn't realise it had been so long! Things have been busy, busy here over the last few weeks with all the end of kindy and school activities, scrapping commitments, Christmas events, Christmas shopping and preparations, etc. I've thought about sitting down to do a blog update many times but just never seemed to find the time. I'm sure you've been super busy too...I guess it's the same for everyone at this time of the year! I didn't even find the time to make my Christmas cards this year! (Yikes! Please tell me I'm not the only one!)
Anyway...the presents are all finally wrapped and ready to go, the food is all bought and just needs a little bit of preparation. We can't wait for Christmas morning!

I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!! I hope you all have the most wonderful day and get to spend some fun, quality time with your family and friends. I hope Santa leaves a lovely little something under your tree too!

I'll be back after Christmas with a big bloggy catchup! See you then! :D

Sheree xx

On the COVER!!!

2011-11-24T16:08:00.001+10:00

The other day I thought I'd wander in to the newsagent to check out which magazines were on the shelves. Imagine my complete surprise and excitement when I saw this!!!

There was my three smiling cuties in the cover of the latest Scrapbook Creations magazine (Issue 90)!!!!!!! Ayden, Riley and Madi think it's the coolest thing!! Madi has already taken it to kindy for show and tell. Hee hee...so cute!

I was lucky enough to have a few projects in this issue....so here are my pics of the projects you'll see inside starting off with the cover page! :)

Somehow they changed 2010 to 2011 for the cover shot! LOL

I also took part in the sketch challenge this issue. Here's my sample...

This card was made using the same sketch...

These cards are in there too...

You'll find all the supplies lists in the magazine. ;) Wow I don't think I've ever had that many projects in the one issue before!!

I'm still over the moon to see those smiling faces all together on the cover. What a fun early Christmas present!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Sheree xx

A Handmade Christmas...

2011-11-23T15:54:00.000+10:00

It wouldn't be Christmas without the Handmade Christmas online workshop!

It's the MOST popular workshop of the year over at the Make Yourself @Home website...and my fave workshop of the year too! There's loads of beautiful projects and gift ideas as well as some beautiful Christmas and home decorating projects too!

You can read more about it HERE and book your place. It all officially kicks off on Friday 25 November with multiple daily projects uploaded through until 1 December PLUS some bonus ideas too.

I hope to see you there! :)

Sheree xx

Catching Starfish...

2011-11-15T20:06:00.001+10:00

On our recent holiday down south we spent lots of time going on walks and exploring rock pools along the beach. The kids loved it!! They collected loads of shells and rocks for skimming...and saw lots of starfish! They weren't scared to get in there and touch them...even Madison which was a surprise!

I scrapped some of the photos we took for last week's Scrap a Rainbow challenge over at Scrapz.Biz...(details of the challenge including the colour combo and inspiration pic can be found HERE.)

Now I need to scrap the photos of the boys with their starfish finds too! I've used the beautiful Pink Paislee Nantucket range for this page along with a few other goodies thrown in. (There's a full product list of what I've used HERE.)

Today I've posted a new Scrap It Blind challenge. (Details can be found HERE.) I can't reveal the full page until the end of the month but here's a little peek...

Thanks so much for dropping by! I'll be back soon with more scrappy shares. ;)

Sheree xx

Scrapz.Biz Daily Challenges...

2011-11-10T22:07:00.001+10:00

Life has been pretty hectic lately and I've fallen a little behind on my scrappy shares...so today I'm doing a little catchup!

This card was my sample for a recent Noteworthy challenge over at Scrap.Biz. I LOVE the new October Afternoon Sidewalks collection...it may even be my face OA range yet!

Our November challenges have been a lot of fun so far. We have a new challenge called 'Base Jump' where we provide the base design of a page and you build on it and make it your own. Details and the base design can be found HERE. My finished page won't be revealed until the end of the month but here's a little sneaky peek...

This week I've set the Scrap-a-Rainbow challenge. The inspiration pic, colour combo and my page sample can be found HERE. Here's a peek of my page...

If you enter any of our November challenges you'll go into the random draw to win a voucher to spend in store...and the more challenges you enter the more chances you have to win! Check out all the Daily Challenges HERE. :D

Sheree xx

Etzcetera Magazine Issue 3

2011-11-01T22:05:00.001+10:00

The bumper Christmas issue of Etzcetera magazine is out now!!!

It's such a beautiful issue too packed full of fabulous projects, inspiration, delicious recipes and more! Head on over HERE to buy your own copy for only $4.50 or grab yourself a 12 month subscription. You'll love it!

While you're there make sure you check out the Etzcetera blog. If you purchase Issue 3 or a 12 month subscription you'll go into the draw to win this gorgeous polarity locket by Cat Irvins of Olive Bites Studio...

Gorgeous!! You've gotta be in it to win it! Check out the details HERE. ;)

Sheree xx

Scrapz Daily Challenges

2011-10-24T20:48:00.000+10:00

On our recent holiday down south we spent a lot of time on the beach. It wasn't quite warm enough to go swimming but the kids had so much fun exploring the rock pools finding star fish, playing in the sand and collecting shells.. Anyway...last week's Scrapz.Biz daily challenge theme "Footsteps" was the perfect excuse to scrap some of the pics we took. I've set the Fetch a Sketch challenge and all the details can be found HERE.

First up here's the sketch...

And here's my page...

I've used the Pink Paislee Nantucket range...such a beautiful collection for beachy pages.

I've also set this week's Noteworthy (card) challenge. The theme is 'Up In The Sky' and you can find my sample card and all the challenge details HERE.

Here's a little sneaky peek...

I've used the gorgeous new October Afternoon Sidewalks goodies on this card. I think it's my fave OA range yet!

If you'd like to join in any of this month's daily challenges you've got until 31 October 2011 to get your entries in. You could win a voucher to spend in store! All daily challenges can be found HERE. :D

Sheree xx

Page Reveal and Blog Hop RAK Winner...

2011-10-18T07:00:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone! Thankyou so much to all of you lovely ladies who stopped by and left a comment on my blog hop post during this past week! It was so fun hearing from you!

Remember the sneak peek in my last post? Here's the full version...

I've used new Crate Paper Random and Farmhouse papers plus some K & Company & Studio Calico Alphas. A couple of closeups...

So...I guess you're all waiting to hear who the winner of my RAK giveaway is? Well alrighty then! :) The lucky winner is......................................

Hilary!!!!!!!!!

Congrats Hilary! Please email me at shereeforcier@tpg.com.au with your address and I'll pop those goodies in the post to you asap.

Thanks again everybody for playing along with our very first Scrapz.Biz blog hop! Be sure to head on over to see if you're a winner on...

Natalie's blog
Aga's blog
Shell's blog
Chloe's blog

And don't forget to check the Scrapz.Biz facebook page to see if you're the lucky winner of the $20 voucher! ;)

Good luck! :D

Sheree xx

Scrapz.Biz Blog Hop!

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone and welcome to our first ever Scrapz.Biz Blog Hop! You should have arrived here from Natalie's blog yesterday...but if you haven't been there yet make sure you hop on over to say hello. :)

If you're a regular visitor to my blog you'll probably know I've been on the Scrapz.Biz Design Team for quite a while now...since it first opened just over 2 years ago in fact! I have to say I really love being a part of Scrapz.Biz, working with Heike (best boss ever...seriously!) and I'm so excited to have our super talented new girls Natalie, Aga, Shell and Chloe on the team!

If you've a scrapper or cardmaker and have never heard of Scrapz.Biz or had time to pop over for a visit then why not check us out today? You'll find all the latest products at very competitive prices and shipping is a flat rate of only $5.95. Love working with kits? Well you'll love our monthly Ticklez Kit! It's full of beautiful papers plus a fantastic assortment of embellishments and is great value for money at only $29.95. Make sure you check out the gallery too where you'll find loads of inspiration! The forum is a lot of fun and everyone is supportive and very friendly plus you'll find new challenges to keep you crafting every day of the week! Enter our daily challenges and you'll go into the random draw at the end of the month to win a voucher to spend in store. The more challenges you enter the more chances you have to win!

To find out more about the daily challenges, and to see the rest of this month's challenges come and join us in the forum.

The challenge I've set this week is our Scrap a Rainbow challenge! Our theme this week is "Driving Force" and I've provided you with an inspiration photo and colour combination to work with to complete your layout. Here's a little sneaky peek of my page...

You'll find my full layout plus all the details of this challenge and how to enter HERE.

Now onto the details for your chance to win just for joining us on our blog hop. All you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post as well as the other blogs along the way. You'll also need to leave a comment on our Facebook page. We don't want to tire you out so we'll just be hopping along one stop a day to correspond with this week's daily challenges. Here's the schedule in case you get lost...

Monday 10th Natalie's blog with her "What's Cooking" challenge
Tuesday 11th Sheree's blog and my "Scrap a Rainbow" challenge - you're here!
Wednesday 12th Aga's blog with her "Fetch a Sketch" challenge
Thursday 13th Shell's blog and her "Scrap Write Now" challenge
Friday 14th Chloe's blog and her "Noteworthy" challenge

Once you've finished the blog hop and left a comment on each blog stop along the way, make sure you go over and 'Like' us on Facebook and leave a comment there telling us what you thought of the journey. Then you'll automatically be entered into the draw to win a $20 voucher to the store.

Also..... if you become a follower of my blog (or you already are a follower) please leave a comment here to let me know and I'll enter you into a seperate draw to win this little bundle of blog candy! :)

Tomorrow you'll be off to Aga's blog to see a peek of her "Fetch a Sketch" challenge. The blog hop closes on Monday 17th October 2011 so don't forget to come back to see if you're a winner! Happy blog hopping! Hope to see you again soon! :D

Sheree xx

Scrapz.Biz Blog Hop

2011-10-10T12:49:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone! Just letting you know that our first ever Scrapz.Biz blog hop has begun today! There's going to be lots of goodies up for grabs throughout the week and a voucher for one lucky winner as well so head on over to Natalie's blog right now for all the details and instructions. I'll see you back here tomorrow for a chance to win my blog candy!! ;)

Sheree xx

On Your Bike!

2011-10-07T10:50:00.000+10:00

That's the theme of our weekly challenges this week over at Scrapz.Biz! :) I've sent the Scrap It Blind challenge this time around so I can only share a little peek for now...

If you've never tried this type of challenge before you should give it a go! You create a layout by following instructions only so there's so visual guide. It's really fun to see how differently each page turns out! You can find all the details HERE. You've got until the end of the month to enter and you'll go into the random draw to win a voucher to spend in store. ;) You can see all of this months' challenges HERE.

Sheree xx

A scrappy catchup...

2011-10-01T22:13:00.001+10:00

We just got home last night after a lovely 10 days or so down south visiting Paul's parent. Lots of fishing, beach walks, exploring rock pools, park visits and spending time with family...SO nice!!! We're still unpacking...so I haven't even thought about downloading pics from my camera yet so I'll come back with some holiday pics soon.

In the meantime I need to catch up on some scrappy posts! Last week I ran the Inspiration challenge over at Scrapz.Biz. I chose a pic from one of my fave magazines at the moment...Mollie Makes!

There were loads of pictures amongst the pages I could've picked (this mag is fully loaded with inspiration!) but in the end I went with this totally gorgeous pic...so pretty!

Here's my page...

The Sassafras Lass Sweetly Smitten papers fitted perfectly!

Another closeup...

So that was last week. :) This week we're celebrating World Cardmaking Day 2011 with some fun card challenges! All the details can be found HERE.

Here's my sample card for Challenge #1 - my What's Cooking challenge...

I love these fun October Afternoon Rocket Age goodies...so perfect for little boy projects!

You'll find all the details of this challenge (#1) HERE.

My other challenge (challenge #3) is to create a Christmas Card. After all it's really not that far off! Eeek! (Details HERE.)

I stamped my background and chalked it a little to add a little extra green shading. I then cut the baubles from some Echo Park paper, added some rhinestones and bakers' twine and finished it off with some stitching and a sentiment. :)

There are some great prizes up for grabs!!! Why not come and join us and add a few cards to your stash!? Visit HERE for our challenge timetable and prize details.

Today we also announced our fabulous new Design Team girls!!! A HUGE welcome to Aga, Nati, Chloe and Shell. (I'm thrilled to have you all on the team and I just know it's going to be so much fun working with you all!) With our new team we're shaking things up a little with some fresh new challenges and a new format...and there'll be a new challenge each weekday! It's going to be a lot of fun!

Ok...I think I've covered everything for now. I'll be back soon with some holiday pics! :) Thanks for dropping by!

Sheree xx

Swell Sculpture Festival

2011-09-20T23:05:00.003+10:00

On Sunday we headed to the beach to check out the Swell Sculpture Festival...a fantastic display of 50 sculptures along the beach at Currumbin. We never got there last year so this year we didn't want to miss it. It was such a beautiful day for heading to the beach too!

We started our walk with ice cream...yum!

You can see lots of pics of the sculptures on the official website but here are a few of our faves that we photographed...

This whale sculpture was so cool! You could only see the whale shape from a certain angle...from the side it just looks like a bunch of wavy poles sticking up out of the sand.

This pic doesn't do this sculpture justice. It was gorgeous on the sand!

The kids loved this shark...

And this big metal bull with wheels! LOL

Paul's fave was this one. The colours were just so beautiful...but again the pics doesn't do it justice.

We really enjoyed wandering through and around each one and it was so interesting! I think we'll head there again next year!

Sheree xx

Happy 2nd Birthday Scrapz.Biz!

2011-09-17T17:05:00.002+10:00

It seems to be the week for birthdays! LOL We're celebrating our 2nd birthday over at Scrapz.Biz with lots of fun challenges going on. (You can see all the challenges HERE. There are some great prizes up for grabs if you'd like to join in!)

My challenge is to create one of these Birthday Card Storage Mini Albums. (All the details HERE.) If you're like me you've kept cards from special occasions like the kids' first birthdays, your wedding, perhaps even Christmas? Well this is such a great way to get them out of the box in the cupboard and make them into a treasured keepsake.

I've used lots of Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe on this with a splash of American Crafts Dear Lizzy...two of my all time fave collections. ;)

It's quick and easy as all you need to do is create the front and back cover...and the pages are already done! Simply punch holes in each card and slip them onto the rings. I've also included an envelope inside the front cover for a special letter to Madi that I wrote on her first birthday.

I love that Madi can now flip through the cards and (when she learns how to read) she can see all the beautiful handwritten messages that have been sent from those who love her. We have already lost a couple of family members who sent some of these cards which now makes them all the more special.

I think I'll be making more of these for the boys now too for their keepsake box. ;) If you make one yourself I'd love to see it!

Thanks so much for dropping by! I hope you're enjoy the same beautiful spring weather that we've got here today...I love September!

Sheree xx

Happy Birthday Riley!!!

2011-09-16T16:42:00.000+10:00

Riley turned 7 this week! Where on earth did those seven years go? Looking at these pics of our cheeky little man he looks so grown up now...

He got some really 'cool' presents this year including some DS games, a football, a basketball & basketball ring!

He's been having so much fun out there with it...

He did go to school that day but lucky for him his class went on an excursion to the wildlife park. What a great, fun way to spend your birthday!!! He declared it to be the 'best birthday EVER'!! LOL

Sheree xx

Thrifty Thursday

2011-09-15T21:19:00.000+10:00

I thought I'd join Janelle and Mardi with a "Thrify Thursday" post this week for a bit of fun! Madi and I dropped into one of our local op shops the other day and came home with these...

A pair of vintage pillow cases and a wooden handled quick unpick (or seam ripper...whatever you prefer to call it! I love it!!!)

This pretty table runner. I love the yellow flowers!

Some glass plates. These will really come in handy at Christmas!

Then as we were heading to the checkout I spied this super cute Holly Hobbie mirror! I HAD to buy it for Madi's room. I had loads of Holly Hobbie when I was little. Madi loves it too and told me "I'm going to look after it forever Mummy since you've lost yours from when you were little!" Hee hee...What a little sweetie. :)

So they were our finds this week. Did you find any treasures op shopping this week?

Sheree xx

The final Location Location week...

2011-09-13T21:19:00.000+10:00

We've reached our last round of Location Location challenges over at Scrapz.Biz...and to finish off the comp we're delving into our junk drawers. LOL EEEK!! (Details can be found HERE.)

I've scrapped about my bedside drawer. It looks like a heap of paper and junk in there...but it's where I keep all the super cute drawings, cards, notes and little gifts that the kids write or make for me. I treasure each and every item in there!

Here's my sample page...

We had to include the word 'junk' somewhere on the page. I've used it in my journaling...

The second criteria was to include something found in the drawer. I used a pearl topped pin as a flower centre from a little sewing kit that Riley gave me for Mothers' Day.

The last criteria was to have something that 'pulled out'. I wrote some journaling on a tag which pulls out from behind the photo. (Excuse the messy handwriting!)

I'm kinda sorry to see this comp coming to an end. It's been so much fun scrapping about things I normally wouldn't think to scrap and it's also been a lot of fun to see all the entries popping into the gallery too.

There's always something going on at Scrapz though. This Thursday night we're celebrating our 2nd birthday with a virtual crop class run by our very talented Kerryn Lawson. It's going to be a great night!

The virtual class begins around 7pm. More details can be found HERE.

There'll be lots of giveaways other challenges to take part in too. I've made this journal cover as part of the main prize featuring a little Scrapz birdie from our logo. (The journal cover itself was made using THIS fabulous pattern by Janelle.)

I hope whoever wins enjoys it! :) Hope to see you there Thursday night! :D

Sheree xx

Cute crochet...

2011-09-09T23:52:00.000+10:00

I whipped up this cute little bag for Madison the other day after coming across this fantastic free pattern HERE.

She loves it! It's the perfect size for her Nintendo DS, or whatever else she feels like putting in there...and it was so quick and easy to make!

Sheree xx

Location Location Wk 7...and Happy Fathers' Day!

2011-09-04T20:42:00.000+10:00

I really hit the jackpot all those years ago when I met this man! I do often wonder how I got so lucky. :)

He's had a great day of spoiling from three of his number one fans for Fathers' Day today. Lots of super cute handmade cards, fun presents, brekkie in bed, a bit of playtime and loads of cuddles!

We got to spend some time with my Dad today too when we headed to Mum and Dad's place for a lovely family lunch together. What better way to spend the day?! Happy Fathers' Day to all the Dad's out there!

Ok..now for a little scrappy share. :)

It's Week 7 of our Location Location comp over at Scrapz.Biz. This time we're venturing into our scrap spaces. (All the details can be found HERE if you'd like to join in.)

We had to use this sketch:

Here's my sample page:

We also had to use a scrap product that was at least 12 months old so I reached for my American Crafts Dear Lizzy stash...still a huge fave of mine!

The third criteria was to use something found on our desk. These butterflies were already cut out in a bowl on my desk. I just added some pretty centres. :)

I had this banner on my desk already cut out too after not using it on a previous layout. Yay!

Just a reminder too about our Design Team Call...it's on right now! It's such a great team to be a part of...and Heike is a fabulous boss to work for...seriously!!! If you're interested you can find all the details and how to apply HERE in one of my previous posts. Applications close 18 September 2011.

Ok...that's it from me today. I'm off to put the kettle on. :)

Sheree xx
ps... a HUGE thankyou for all the beautiful comments you left about my table runner. It really means a lot...thankyou so much!!! :)

Ta-daaaaaaa!!!!!

2011-08-31T12:00:00.027+10:00

It's all done! My version of Janelle's beautiful "Orange Blossom" table runner pattern. :) Yay!!!

So here it is...

(Sorry about the quality of the photos. We've had lots of overcast and drizzly weather here so these are the best of the bunch.)

I had SO much fun putting this together...I really did!

The pattern was so well written and easy to follow. Loved it!

A couple of closeups of some of the appliques and hand stitching...

This is what the back looks like. I love that it's reversible...although I do prefer the other side. ;)

So there you have it! I'm really happy with how it turned out and now it's looking lovely on our dining room table. It really adds some much needed colour to the room I think!

If you'd like to grab your own copy of the pattern check out Janelle's blog for a list of stockists. ;) If you do make one too I'd love to see it!

Sheree xx

Location Location Week 6..

2011-08-30T21:46:00.000+10:00

Our 6th week of Location Location is underway and this week's challenge is "On My Screen". I decided to scrap how I like to spend my winter nights in front of the tv curled up on the couch with a hot cuppa, some chocolate, my iPad...and hubby of course!! :)

Here's my sample page...

One of the criteria this week was we had to use a tv program or part thereof...so I took a page from TV Week and painted over it with watered down white paint to dull down the colour...

We also had to include a clock so I stamped randomly over a tag, then added some of my fave shows. I think it'll be fun to look back on down the track...

The last criteria was to include a screen and I happened to find this cute October Afternoon Modern Homemaker tv sticker in my stash...perfect!

It's not too late if you'd like to join in. All the details can be found HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Sheree xx

Design Team Call at Scrapz.Biz!!!

2011-08-29T20:36:00.000+10:00

Scrapz.Biz is seeking new designers to be part of our creative team.

Scrapz.biz is an Australian online scrapbooking and card making store which is based in Toowoomba, Queensland.
We are an active site which offers a wide range of weekly as well as monthly challenges and competitions.

We are looking for designers who have the ability to:
- create fun, creative and innovative weekly and monthly challenges
- create on-line tutorials
- participate in Virtual Crops
- chat and interact with members in the gallery and forum
- work to tight deadlines
- take clear photos of their work
- prepare samples for competitions

We offer our designers:
- a monthly allowance of $50 to purchase materials from the store to prepare samples
- a generous 40% discount on any other materials from the shop for your personal usage
- a fun team of girls to work with
- promotion of your work through our site

If you think that you are the person we are looking for, please e-mail us a link to your blog and any galleries which feature your work and answer the following questions:

- How long have you been scrapping for?
- What is your favourite product line?
- How would you describe your style?
- Do you scrap mainly 12x12 or other sizes?
- Do you enjoy cardmaking?
- Have you held previous DT positions ?
- Have you been published before? When? Where?
- Which on-line forums are you currently active on?

Why do we want YOU on our DT?

We look forward to hearing from you.

All applications to admin@scrapz.biz

APPLICATIONS CLOSE September 18, 2011

Rainy Day Sewing...

2011-08-23T21:37:00.000+10:00

It's been miserable weather here the last couple of days...so windy and rainy! Today Madi and I decided it was the perfect day to do a little Blythe sewing. She really 'needed' some new dresses for her girls apparently! LOL So we delved into my fabric stash, picked out some cute materials and then, with Madi on official pin duty, we got started. :)

I'd been meaning to try these cute free patterns found HERE for ages. First up we made this little a-line dress...

Since it was a little chilly today we thought we'd better pop her cardi on too... ;)

Then we made these cute little Empire Dresses...

Ok...don't look too closely now! They were a little fiddly but came together really well...and the girls seem to really like their new clothes! ;)

It's supposed to be raining again tomorrow. We haven't had much rain for a while so it's kinda nice watching the rain while we're cosy and warm inside. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by!!!

Sheree xx
ps. I'll be back soon to share some pics of the table runner I've been working on...it's all finished! YAY!!!

Location Location Round 5

2011-08-21T15:52:00.000+10:00

The week 5 Location Location challenge is up and this time the topic is "Inside My Handbag". I don't know about you but I seem to have everything but the kitchen sink in mine! You just never know when you'll need to whip out a camera or wipe a messy face! ;)

Here's my page sample:

My journaling...

We also had to include something we found in our handbag and something shiny. I found this little ball chain in my bag and used it to hand a little charm similar to what I have on my keyring.

We also had to include a credit card, gift card or similar. I didn't have an old card that I could use but I found this flash card in my October Afternoon stash so tucked it under my pic.

If you'd like to join in you can find all the details HERE. There are some great prizes on offer!

Sheree xx

Location Location & stitching progress...

2011-08-16T12:20:00.000+10:00

We're into round 4 of our Location Location comp over at Scrapz.Biz this week and the topic for this challenge is "Inside My Car". (More details can be found HERE.)

Here's my sample...

I took these photos on our trip down south last Christmas of the kids in the back of the car with their fave travel buddies.

The criteria for this challenge included using at least two photos, a map or part thereof (I've used map paper for the "O" in HOME in my title) and we had to have a car on there somewhere too.

A closeup of my journalling tags...

You can see Kerryn's and Belinda's DT samples HERE too. Gorgeous!

I'm still stitching away on Janelle's Orange Blossom pattern. I've finished all the appliques now and I've almost finished hand stitching all the circles into place. Yay!

Don't look too closely...I'm fairly new to applique and some of these embroidery stitches! LOL

I'm really happy with how it's all coming together so far. Soon I'll be able to get the sewing machine out and start putting it all together. ;) Do you like the colours I've chosen?

Sheree xx

A new stitching project...

2011-08-12T10:41:00.001+10:00

I'm working on this... :D

Last night I started the applique designs from one of Janelle's beautiful table runner patterns called "Orange Blossom". I'm so excited to be stitching again...it's been too long!

You can see Janelle's totally gorgeous version of her pattern in this post HERE and if you love the pattern as much as I do and would like to give it a go too you can purchase it HERE or check out the list of stockists on Janelle's blog.

I'll share more progress pics soon!

Sheree xx
ps. Thanks so much for the lovely comments about my knitted Blythe clothes in the last post...you all really made my day!! xx

The Knitting Bug...

2011-08-09T16:26:00.000+10:00

Yep...we've caught the knitting bug at our place! Madi had been asking me for weeks to teach her how to knit. Being only four I thought she'd be a bit too little to learn the usual style of knitting so I bought one of these for her to start on instead...

When the boys came home and saw it they wanted to learn too! So I went and bought two more Pea Pods and all three of them have been busily knitting scarves for their fave teddies. LOL They've been having so much fun watching their work grow in length!

As for me...well I've been busily knitting for our little Blythe family.

I've been making things like this little top and beret...

And this sweet little top with a crochet flower...

And this dress...

And this little sweetheart top too...

I've also been knitting cardigans, hats and crocheting some hats too. However, even though I've made quite a few of these for us and for friends I haven't taken photos of them before sending them off...silly really.

Most patterns I've found on Ravelry but there are some great patterns to be found just by googling on the web too! Madi is loving all these new clothes for her girls that's for sure and I'm having lots of fun making them. ;)

Have you been knitting or crocheting lately? I'd love to hear about!

Sheree xx

Lunch Date...

2011-08-08T13:23:00.032+10:00

The new Location Location challenge is up over at Scrapz.Biz...and this week's topic is "On My Plate". I love that these challenges get you scrapping the everyday stuff. :D

I chose to scrap about lunch dates with Paul. This year with both the boys at school and Madi going to kindy 2-3 days a week we've been able to start going out for lunch together once in a while...with just the two of us. It's been SO nice just to relax and enjoy some time out together. We used to do this all the time before we had the kids...but that was over 8 years ago! We try and go somewhere different each time but this particular day we were checking out the new Nando's restaurant nearby...

The criteria for this challenge was that you had to have a photo of your plate, recycled packaging for your title...

at least one eating utensil on the page (luckily I found this sticker in my stash)...

and at least 30 words of journalling.

I mainly used the American Crafts Abode collection of goodies with a little Hambly Washi Tape and Echo Park paper thrown in too...

If you'd like to join in the fun you can find all the details HERE. ;)

I'd better get started on next week's page!
Sheree xx

Location Location

2011-08-04T12:53:00.000+10:00

We've got a new comp happening right now over at Scrapz.Biz...and it's called Location Location!

It's been a lot of fun so far! I love that this comp is getting us to scrap things we wouldn't normally scrap. (More info can be found HERE.)

Last week the challenge was "In My Shopping Trolley"...and the hardest (most embarrassing ) part about this one was snapping a pic of your trolley or basket in the supermarket! Thank goodness for mobile phones though...I snapped my pic on that while noone was watching. LOL

Does anyone else go through what seems like truckload of milk each week? We go through a LOT of milk at our place...

We also had to include a shopping docket (I photocopied mine and used it behind my photo)...

a tag (I used a few of those!)...

and we needed to use the word basket or trolley on the page (mine's in my journaling).

This week's challenge is "In My Wardrobe". (Details can be found HERE is you'd like to join in.) Here's my sample page...

Yep...I'm one of those people who organises their clothes by colour! LOL Must be the scrapbooker in me or something. Now come on...surely I'm not the only one? :D

The criteria for this week is to include a pic of your wardrobe...

some felt or fabric (under my flower and at the top of the tag above), a button and a coathanger or peg (I found these cute coathanger paper clips at Kikki K...love that store!)..

and stitching (had that one covered too!).

I love seeing what the girls are coming up with for their entries! Lots of fun!

I'll be back soon with more...
Sheree xx

Scrapz.Biz July Ticklez Kit

2011-07-26T21:10:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone! I'm very happy to say I'm back up and running with my brand new laptop screen thanks to my very clever hubby. Yay! He saved us so much money by replacing it himself and it's as good as new thank goodness!

This month I've been the lucky girl who got to play and create samples for the Scrapz.Biz July Ticklez Kit. It's full of fun, bright colour...perfect for birthday pages but also really versatile and suitable for a wide range of themes.

You'll find a full description of what's included in the kit HERE...and you can find it HERE in the store for purchase. These kits are fantastic value at only $29.95!

Ok....here are my projects...

I adore this pic of Madi with her best friend Livvy. It was taken on their last playday together before she moved away. She really misses her as they always had so much fun together!

I've used the Basic Grey Wheels and Pink Paislee tissue paper to create the flowers on this. The only things I added that weren't in the kit were the cardstock, twine and the Thickers.

I had to do at least one birthday page as those banners were too cute to resist! This is Riley on his 6th birthday last year.

I've added the cardstock and some alphas but the rest is from the kit!

I thought the Basic Grey Wheels suited the Twirler theme of this page really well...

I dusted off my dymo labeller for this one...hadn't used it in ages!

There's a sheet of super cute Penny Black stickers in the kit so I made a little set of cards too...

And finally there was this page with some older pics of Paul and Madi...

She looks so little in these photos!

I made my own flower out of the Pink Paislee tissue paper...

Well...that's about it I think! Hope I haven't overloaded you with photos? LOL

I've got more to share but I'll come back with another post. There's more scrapping plus I've been busily knitting little Blythe doll clothes and helping Madi set up her very own dollhouse for her Blythes...so fun! :D

Hope you're having a great week!
Sheree xx

My poor laptop...

2011-07-14T12:40:00.000+10:00

The new weekly challenges are up over at Scrapz.Biz. When I first saw the theme for this week was 'Oh No!' I wasn't quite sure what I was going to scrap...and then this happened... :(

EEEEEKKK!!!!! Ayden accidently tripped Madison over...who ended up with her bottom on my laptop screen!!! Completely laid it out flat and did a good job cracking it too! Thankfully Madi was ok....but just look at my poor computer!!!! *sigh* Let me just say I was NOT happy. Anyway we've got a replacement screen on the way and Paul will be able to replace it for me...but in the meantime we've borrowed an old stand-alone screen so I can still function. I'd be lost otherwise!!!

So....for this week's colour combo challenge over at Scrapz I came up with this combo...

Kinda bright huh? LOL (Challenge details can be found HERE if you'd like to play along.)

Here's my page...

I've used some of the new Basic Grey Out of Print papers and added a bit of Echo Park and Crate paper scraps too...

I hope you're all having a great week...and managing to stay warm!!! It's been so cold hasn't it? See you all again soon...and thanks so much for dropping by!

Sheree xx

Catching up...

2011-07-13T12:01:00.031+10:00

Ooops...didn't realise I'd left my poor little blog for so long! We've been enjoying the school holidays over the past couple of weeks...and now we're back into the school/kindy routine again.
We stayed home for this lot of holidays but still had fun. We went to the movies and saw Kung Fu Panda 2 (it was great) and I took Ayden to see Transformers 3 (awesome!), we visited family, trips to the park, shopping, lots of just hanging out...and we went fishing. The kids LOVE fishing!!! This particular day was so beautiful...such a lovely sunny winter's day and all three of the kids caught their own fish!

We did have to throw them all back as they were too small...but the kids didn't mind one bit...they still had a really fun day!

This week they're back at school and kindy. The boys weren't so keen to be going back but Madi was super excited to be going to kindy!! Now we'll be counting down to the next school holidays! LOL

Now for a little scrapping catch up...this was my sample page for last week's Scrap It Blind challenge over at Scrapz.Biz...

The theme was "Hard Yakka"...so I decided to scrap my first attempt at making little pyjamas for Madi's Blythe Doll Emily...boy it WAS hard work! LOL I did get there in the end and Madi is over the moon with her girl's new pjs. ;)

I'll be back tomorrow with some more scrappy shares!

Sheree xx

A sketch challenge...

2011-06-30T20:16:00.019+10:00

The new weekly challenges are up again over Scrapz.Biz. Our theme for the week is "white" but instead of focusing on the colour white I thought I'd go with "white space" instead and came up with this sketch...

Usually I scrap a page and then do up the sketch but this time I did it the other way around. Here's my sample page using some of my fave Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe goodies...

Some closeups...

If you'd like to play along you can find all the details HERE. :D

Thanks for dropping by!
Sheree xx

Scrappy shares...

2011-06-23T22:53:00.000+10:00

We had so much fun at our first ever Scrapz Virtual Class on Friday night and I've loved seeing all the class layouts popping into the gallery ever since. :D Here's my page that the class was based on...

I made some journal covers to add to the prizes for the class and gave one away on the night (congrats Lorraine!) and drew the winner of the other one this morning now that all the entries are in (congrats to you too Fiona!). Hope you enjoy them girls!

Thankyou so much to all of you who came along! We're already planning our next virtual crop...details coming soon. ;)

This week's challenges have now gone up. (You can find them HERE.) I've organised the 'Noteworthy' card challenge (details HERE). Here's my sample card using some very cool October Afternoon Rocket Age goodies...

Oh how I adore this range! I'll be playing with this collection some more very soon. ;)

Hope you're having a great week! :D
Sheree xx

Scrapz.Biz "Life is a Patchwork" Vitual Crop

2011-06-16T19:54:00.000+10:00

Today marks the beginning of the first ever Scrapz.Biz Vitual Crop! All challenges are up now. Do some of the challenges or do them all ... each challenge entered will earn you automatic points and you have until midnight Sunday, June 19, 2011 to upload. Head on over HERE for all the details and HERE to see the challenges that the DT girls have set. :) There will be a random prize for each challenge and a Scrapz guest DT spot for July to be won!

I've set the "What's Cooking" challenge for the crop. (Details HERE.) Here's my sample...

I've used Echo Park Playground goodies for my page...so lovely and bright!

I hand stitched part of my title on the tag for something a little different. :)

Also as part of the crop I'll be running a free online class tomorrow night. I'd love you to join me! We'll be kicking off at 7.30pm and there'll be random giveaways throughout the night during the class. Here's a little sneaky peek of the layout we'll be scrapping...

You'll find details and a list of all the supplies you need HERE. It's going to be lots of fun...hope to see you there! :D

Sheree xx

Rosey cheeks, pink noses and a ladybug...

2011-06-09T20:37:00.000+10:00

Lately I've been reaching for some of my older photos to scrap. It's so much fun to look back at the kids and how much they've changed!

This page was my sample for the Scrap It Blind challenge last week over at Scrapz Biz. (Details HERE.) This was the first time any of our kids had been to the snow and they had SO much fun. I've scrapped other photos from that trip ages ago but I still had these ones sitting in my photo box. :)

This week (also at Scrapz.Biz) I've set the Paint a Rainbow colour combo challenge. (Details are HERE.)

Here's the combo I've chosen...

And here's my sample page...

I just love these photos of Madi (2 years ago now!) of her first encounter with a ladybug. She sat there for AGES totally fascinated with it crawling all over her hands and arms until she finally set it down onto a leaf...so cute!

It's starting to get very chilly here! Brrrrr.... Definitely time to go and put the kettle on. Thanks so much for dropping by!

Sheree xx

On the cover!

2011-05-30T21:18:00.000+10:00

This is the current issue of Australian Cardmaking Stamping & Papercraft magazine (Vol 17 No 4). Do you see that little baby pram card in the bottom right corner?

It's mine!!! Oh my gosh what a fantastic surprise so see another one of my cards on the cover! :))))) Thankyou CS&P mag!!! Oh and they've photographed my card set SO beautifully too on the inside of the magazine...I should've taken a pic of that page to show you also. Oh well...at least I can share my own pics of the full card set ...

All three cards feature paper pieced shapes and lots of stitching...

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Sheree xx

A Fantastic New Online Magazine!!!

2011-05-23T19:08:00.005+10:00

Kim has just made the exciting announcement over on her blog about her gorgeous new online bi-monthly magazine. It will launch 1 July 2011...and I can't wait!!! Here's some of what Kim had to say about it on her blog...

I would like to introduce to you all,

Etzcetera Magazine

....An online bi-monthly crafty lifestyle magazine.

Visit our website here. Sign up for our newsletter so you can keep up with our happenings as well as be one of the first to know when we have launched.

Tomorrow the media kit will be ready for potential advertisers and our Facebook page will be set up.

Ahhhh.

It's good to get the secret out there..

I hope you will help me spread the news.

Oh my...isn't that cover gorgeous?!!! So what are you waiting for? Head on over and sign up HERE!!! This magazine is going to be amazing and an inspiring breath of fresh air! :)

Sheree xx

One about us...

2011-05-18T22:11:00.001+10:00

Since the theme this week over at Scrap.Biz is 'How I Met Your Father', I finally got around to scrapping this pic of Paul and I celebrating 20 years together last year. (This page is my sample for the What's Cooking challenge that I've set this week...details can be found HERE.)

We met at high school all those years ago and have been together ever since. Without getting too soppy...I still feel incredibly lucky that he's all mine. :) He really is the best!

I've used mainly Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe goodies on this one, with a splash of October Afternoon, MME and some AC Thickers. I LOVE these colours together...

If you feel like joining in on a challenge or two why not pop over and see what the other DT girls have created this week too? Just take a look HERE. ;) You could win one of the weekly prizes on offer!

Sheree xx

Mmmmm...cinnamon scrolls!

2011-05-16T22:17:00.000+10:00

I baked! (Don't fall off your chair Mum! LOL) Those of you who know me know that baking or any kind of cooking is really not my 'thing'. Don't get me wrong...I do cook...but only because I have to. ;) I'd much prefer to be doing other things... but when I saw this recipe over on Mel Goodsell's blog (in this post HERE) it looked so easy and delicious I couldn't resist!

Here's the cinnamon scrolls that Madi and I whipped up this morning....YUM!!!

Madi had the first taste...

A big thumbs up!!! Once Paul and the boys got home they all disappeared pretty quickly...now I've got requests for more! ;)

Sheree xx

Mothers' Day and some scrappin'...

2011-05-11T22:04:00.001+10:00

Mothers Day was a little different for my Mum this year. It was the first year ever that Dad wasn't home for Mothers Day. He was in hospital for a week getting a hand injury seen to...so we headed up there on Saturday afternoon, visited Dad in hospital and then spent the night with Mum at her place. It was lovely to be there with Mum for breakfast on Mothers' Day! Paul made pancakes (yum!) and the kids gave me the sweetest little handmade cards, a handmade necklace by Riley, some fluffy warm slippers, a photo tree, a Bruno Mars CD and a gorgeous ceramic owl. I felt so spoiled! Paul did lunch for us all and it was nice hanging out together! We did take the camera with us but none of us thought to take any photos! Silly...oh well...it was still a great day. :)

Ok...time for a couple of scrappy shares! Remember that sneak from my last post? Here it is...my sample for last week's Scrap It Blind challenge over at Scrapz.Biz.

Poor Ayden. This is how he spent his 8th birthday...sick on the couch! :( We're hoping to make up for it this year.

This week I've set the colour combo (Paint a Rainbow) challenge. (Details can be found HERE.)

Our theme for this week is 'Desperate Housewives'. LOL I decided to scrap a day...to make a record of the sort of things I get up to on a typical day.

The photos I chose are a just a sampling of the day but I also made a pocket behind my page to hold a more detailed list too.

Ok...I'm outta here. Got a nice hot cuppa calling my name! Hope you're having a great week so far. See you again soon! :)

Sheree xx

Pickin' Oranges...

2011-05-06T21:57:00.000+10:00

On one of our visits to Mallacoota last year the kids had a chance to pick oranges off of Nanna V's big orange tree. They've never had the opportunity to pick their own fruit before and they got a real kick out of it! LOL They ended up with a lovely big pile of oranges which we later made into deliciously fresh juice...SO good!

I've had these photos and papers sitting on my desk for a few months now waiting to be scrapped...and I finally sat down and put it together...

I love those happy little faces! :)

My other scrappy share today is only a sneaky peek I'm afraid! I've set the Scrap It Blind challenge over at Scrapz.Biz this week so can't share the full page just yet...

I have to say these Scrap It Blind challenges have become a favourite with the girls and I really love seeing the different entries coming in each week...so fun!

I hope you've got a lovely Mothers' Day weekend planned! I'm looking forward to spending the day with Paul and the kids...and I'll be up to visit my Mum too. :) Happy Mothers' Day!!

Sheree xx

Our long weekend mini-break...

2011-05-04T20:55:00.001+10:00

We made the most of the long weekend and headed off on a mini-break to the Sunshine Coast. So beautiful to be greeted by this view each morning...

We had the most gorgeous weather while we were there...so lucky after all the rain we've had lately! We took long walks, the kids had a ball in the pool, we relaxed on the balcony overlooking the ocean, and took the kids to Underwater World and then Australia Zoo.

We'd never been to Australia Zoo! Pretty sad really when it's only a couple of hours away. We were so impressed by how beautiful and clean the grounds and the enclosures were...it really is a fantastic place to spend the day. Madi loved feeding the goats and sheep in the kids zoo and then patting the koalas and kangaroos. The boys loved the tigers and elephants...and of course the crocodiles! We took loads of photos...too many to share here...but here are just a couple of my faves...

It was so nice just to get away for a few days together. We're going to have to plan another little mini-break soon!

Sheree xx

Reminiscing...

2011-04-28T22:00:00.000+10:00

I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend! We did. :) We had a quiet day with family and the kids had so much fun with their egg hunt. It was chocolate for breakfast...as usual for Easter Sunday...and by the end of the day we were all chocolated out! I'm afraid I don't have any pics downloaded to share...plus we got video footage of most of the day...but it was a great weekend!

Ok...onto some scrappy shares. :) I can finally reveal my sample for last week's 'Scrap it Blind' challenge over at Scrapz.Biz.

Lately I've been reaching for some of my older photos to scrap. I love these sweet pics of Madi and my Dad. Madi was only about 19 months old...still had her dummy then... I'm really happy to finally get them down on paper.

I've used a mix of Crate Paper and The Girls Paperie on this...love these pretty papers!

This week I've set the Paint a Rainbow (colour combo) challenge. (Details can be found HERE.) This is my sample page...

I had so much fun looking back for a baby photo of Ayden to go on this page. He was the sweetest, cutest little bubba!

He's growing up to be the sweetest, cutest little man!

I've reached for some Crate Paper goodies again for this one (LOVE Crate) and some of the new Studio Calico tags too...along with a few other bits and pieces off my desk.

Hope you've been having a great week! Thanks so much for dropping by. :D

Sheree xx

Daily Junque and a sneaky peek...

2011-04-21T20:33:00.001+10:00

I picked up some new Pink Paislee Daily Junque papers at my LSS the other day and found a little time so scrap this photo of Madi that I've been hanging onto forever. I know it's a little blurry and the colours aren't quite right but there's something about this pic that I adore...

I used up some bits and pieces I had sitting on my desk and it all came together so easily...love it when that happens!

It was so fun to scrap a page just because. :)

This week I've set the Scrap It Blind challenge over at Scrapz.Biz. I love seeing the entries come in for this challenge...so interesting to see how differently people interpret the instructions. (You can find all the details HERE.) Here's a sneaky peek at my page...

I'll share a full pic next week once everyone's had a chance to get their entries in. ;)

Before I sign off I just wanted to wish you all a lovely Easter! I hope you all have a wonderful time with your family and friends this weekend. :) Stay safe!

Sheree xx

Easter hats and dummy love...

2011-04-15T21:12:00.002+10:00

Yay for school holidays! It was so nice to get up this morning and not have to rush off on the school run and the boys had a ball doing their own thing today. :)

We finished off the school term with the boys' Easter Hat Parade yesterday. So fun! At our school the kids make their own hats in class and it's so great to see them all proudly wearing their works of art! Ayden's class (Yr 3) made paper mache' hats this year and he went for an Indiana Jones kinda look...while Riley's class (yr 1) made theirs out of cardboard and decorated them with all sorts of bits and pieces.

That's a little chick in a basket hanging off the front of Ayden's hat... LOL... and Riley's very much the minimalist with his creation! :D

Madi has her last day of kindy for the term today and they had a surprise visit from the Easter bunny! They had an egg hunt and made hot cross buns to bring home too. She had SO much fun!

The hot cross buns disappeared in a flash and I love the little Easter basket she made...very cute!

Now for a little scrapping. I've set the Fetch a Sketch challenge over at Scrapz.Biz this week. (Details can be found HERE.) This is my sketch...

And here's my sample page...

I came across this adorable pic of Madi the other day and couldn't believe I hadn't scrapped it already. Doesn't she look so little? I've used the Crate Paper Neighbourhood range of goodies on this one...

I did a little basket weaving for my journaling pocket for something a little different. Haven't done that in a looong time!

If you do have a go at the sketch please let me know...I'd love to see your pages!

See you again soon! I'm off to watch the rest of SYTYCD. ;)

Sheree xx

Some scrappy shares...

2011-04-07T20:57:00.001+10:00

Ooooh the new Crate Paper goodies are just SO lovely aren't they? I just love all four of their new lines...I really do!

I've used their Toy Box collection for this week's What's Cooking challenge sample over at Scrapz.Biz. (You can find all the details of the challenge HERE.)

This is Ayden riding his zippy little scooter. He loves it!!! (Let me just say though that he usually does wear his helmet...not sure why he wasn't wearing it this day?)

I recently saw some balsa wood used through a die cut machine so thought I'd give it a go. I picked up some 1.5mm balsa as my local Riot craft store and it went though my Cuttlebug so easily. I'll be using it again for sure!

I cut some balsa tags for underneath my title and misted them with some Studio Calico mist...

I also cut some stars and misted them too...

I really like how they turned out and it was fun to try out something new. :D

I've also got this page to share. I was going through some papers the other day and came across a bag of Pink Paislee Cupid scraps. Instead of tossing them out I threw this layout together. I really love this photo of Mum and Dad!

I used up some other bits and pieces that were scattered on my desk too...

You know...I think this is the first page I've ever done on my parents on their own. Sure...they've appeared on my pages before but usually they're in photos with the kids. I really need to take more photos of the two of them together and scrap them some more...

Thanks so much for dropping by! :)

Sheree xx

A new card challenge...

2011-03-31T06:00:00.038+10:00

The new weekly challenges are up over at Scrapz.Biz and this week I've set the Noteworthy challenge. It feels like ages since I made a card!

With our theme this week being 'melancholy' I thought these stamps from Papertrey Ink would fit perfectly.

I've used the beautiful new Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe papers which you can find HERE in the shop.

If you'd like to join in, the details of this challenge can be found HERE and you'll find all the other challenges listed HERE. :)

Sheree xx

Dudley and Grace

2011-03-30T20:52:00.000+10:00

Check out this little cutie....her name is Delilah! :)

She's currently winging her way to my place! (I think Madison will be trying to claim her when she arrives...she LOVES owls. LOL) My gorgeous friend Mardi has just opened her Etsy store called 'Dudley and Grace' where she's selling these very cute owls and beautiful journal covers! I just love Mardi's quirky style!!

If you'd like to get your hands on some of Mardi's handmade goodies yourself just head on over to check out her store...and be quick as both her owls and her journal covers are selling fast! Also be sure to check out Mardi's blog where she's got a giveaway on offer to celebrate the launch of her 'Dudley and Grace'. :D

Sheree xx

Scrapz.Biz Weekly Challenges...

2011-03-28T06:00:00.056+10:00

This week's challenges are up and running over at Scrapz.Biz. (You can find all four of the challenges HERE.) I've set this week's sketch challenge and there's already some great entries popping into the gallery!

Here's my sketch...

(Feeling rather clever as this is the first sketch I've done by myself in Photoshop! LOL Usually I scribble one out on paper and make Paul do it. :P )

Here's my sample page using some Little Yellow Bicycle Twig Collection goodies available HERE at Scrapz. Biz...

I guess the title says it all. Riley's always climbing trees...even this scrawny tree in our backyard. It's lucky the little branches hold his weight!

If you'd like to join in you can find all the details of this challenge HERE. :)

Oh yeah...before I go this one was last week's sample reveal for my Scrap It Blind challenge. I've used the new American Crafts Hello Sunshine goodies on this one.

Thanks so much for dropping by! :D

Sheree xx

Off to the footy...

2011-03-27T22:33:00.000+10:00

Paul and I went to our first ever live footy match on Friday night to see Titans v Broncos.

We were lucky enough to be invited to watch from one of the corporate boxes by Paul's boss. SO much fun...although it would've been even better if the Titans had won! LOL

I think we'll take the kids sometime this year. Ayden's right into watching it on tv this season and he'd LOVE to see it at the stadium!

Sheree xx

On the Cover!!!

2011-03-16T22:29:00.001+10:00

Do you see that yellow card on the left of the cover of the current issue of Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft? That's my card!!! Yep...just a little bit excited here! :D

(This is Vol 17 No 1)

A couple of months back I was lucky enough to be asked to take part in a Stampin' Up Stamper's Challenge using their "Inspired by Nature" stamp set and these are the cards I came up with.

This is the one that appears on the cover. I love this grass stamp and I just know I'll be using it again. I used a few other Stampin' Up products on these cards too like the Top Note label die, the embosslits beautiful wings butterfly die, ink and the flower punch.

This was my second card using both the grass and the flower stamps in the set.

I really had fun creating these cards!

I also realised today that I didn't share this set that was published back in December. I think all the Christmas preparations got in the way...but these ones appeared in the Cardmaking, Stamping & Papercraft Vol 16 No 10

And look...I was lucky enough to have another card on the cover of that issue too! It's the one with the sewing machine on it. :)

I created this set of cards using the Lawn Fawn Sew Lovely set of stamps. Oh how I adore these stamps!!!

Aren't they the cutest stamps?

Before I go I just wanted to thank you for your encouraging comments about my crochet project. My little pile of squares is growing slowly but surely! I'll keep working on it. :)

Take care!

Sheree xx

Stickers for Emma

2011-03-15T06:52:00.002+10:00

This is Emma...a beautiful, courageous and very brave little girl. The bravest girl I know!

She's been going through quite an ordeal recently and has had to endure more than any little girl should. I was so happy to see this post about 'Stickers for Emma' over on Melissa Goodsell's blog and thought I'd try to help spread the word...

Emma is eleven years old and loves Blythe dolls, stickers, cooking, writing to her penpals, collecting stickers and everything else that little girls love to do. She has also recently started undergoing chemotherapy for a growing tumour in her face/neck/head.

Would you be able to send Emma a get well card (or postcard) and be able to include a sheet of stickers inside for her sticker collection? Or even just some stickers in an envelope? Could you do that for Emma, to brighten her day?

Here are Emma's details:
Miss Emma Love
PO Box 2849
Burleigh Waters, QLD, 4220
Australia

You can read more about 'Stickers for Emma' and about her story HERE.

It would be wonderful if we can fill her mailbox to the brim with stickers don't you think? If you can help spread the word by telling your friends or blogging about it too that would be great. :) Please join in if you can!

Sheree xx

A new crochet project...

2011-03-13T12:15:00.000+10:00

This week I got all inspired by the beautiful crochet blanket in the header of this blog. (It's worth checking out...such a gorgeous blog!) I've had loads of wool in similar colours sitting around since last winter so pulled out my crochet hook and got to work last night. Here are the colours I've started with...

So far I've done 5 squares (stayed up way too late last night doing them *yawn*).

I'm not totally loving them yet but I'm hoping the more I do the better they'll look all together...what do you think?

Sheree xx

Scrapz.Biz Weekly Challenges are back!

2011-03-10T13:37:00.000+10:00

Before I get to that though...I really just wanted to thank you all SO much for your thoughtful, kind words about my hexie cushion!!! I really do have the most wonderful blog readers....THANKYOU!!! I'm so happy that you like it. :D

Ok...now for some scrapping! Scrapz.Uni is coming to an end....which is a little sad as it's been an amazing success! It's great to hear how everyone enjoyed the challenges so much. Anyway...now that it's finishing up our weekly challenges are back!

Today I've set the Paint a Rainbow (colour combo) challenges. (Details of this challenge can be found HERE if you'd like to play along.) We're also having a new theme each week for the challenges too...this week it's 'Golden'.

Here's my sample page using some of the new My Minds Eye Stella and Rose goodies...

This was the day we got Madi's hair cut for the first time EVER! It was a big day...and once it was done we were wondering why we hadn't done it sooner! LOL

Journaling is on the tag tucked in behind.

If you'd like to see the other challenges set by the DT this week you'll find them HERE.

Thanks for dropping by!

Sheree xx

A New @Home Workshop!

2011-03-08T22:37:00.000+10:00

Have you been wondering what to do with all those left over alphas you've got sitting there in your stash? Well...Kim has come up with a fantastic class that you're going to love!

It's for anyone who:
•likes using up their stash
•likes to get messy with paint AND
•has a heap of old chipboard letters that they just don't know what to do with.

This is another class in the series of online MAKE IT workshops...

Alphabet It!

Here's a little peek at my class sample. :)

You can read more about it here and here. Registration is open now and if you book before 10 March you'll get a special early bird price! Hope to see you there! :)

Sheree xx

TA-DAAAAA!!!!! My new hexagon cushion!

2011-03-03T18:54:00.001+10:00

Yep...I'm addicted to hexagons. (Mel Goodsell's hex-along got me started...you can see her posts HERE, HERE and HERE on her blog.) I finished my cushion this week and I'm so happy with how it's turned out! All that handstitching was worth it...and yes it was a LOT of handstitching! LOL

Enough rambling...here are some pics!

These hexies...

Became this...

Which then became my hexagon cushion!

Here's what I did on the back...

I haven't decided where to use it yet...but I does look great with the red cushions on our couch! :D

So there you have it..my first hexagon cushion. I'm already making plans for another one. Those little hexies are addictive! :)

Sheree xx

Last week of Scrapz.Uni...and more hexagons...

2011-02-27T11:22:00.011+10:00

We've entered our final round (Week 5) of electives over at Scrapz.University. It's been so fun to see all entries popping into the gallery so far...great to see people scrapping things they wouldn't have thought to scrap or haven't got around to getting down on paper before!

After having last week off, my elective this week is 'Medicine'. (You can find all the details of this challenge HERE if you'd like to join in.)

I finally scrapped about Riley's big scary asthma attack that landed him in paediatric ICU last year. (You may remember it from this post HERE.) It was how we found out that he suffers with asthma.

He's been great ever since that episode so hopefully the medication will keep it at bay...fingers crossed! :)

I've typed up the story of that day and it's in the envelope for safe keeping. (Papers, chipboard, etc is Crate Paper School Spirit.)

You can read all about the rules and prizes for Scrapz.University 2011 HERE.

I've been stitching hexagons again over the past few days...working on a cushion cover. I thought I'd share a little peek of how it's looking so far...

Each hexagon is a different fabric so I know it won't be everyone's cup of tea. I'm using blues, greens, pinks and reds...and hoping it's going to look great when I'm done! LOL Still lots of handstitching to go before i can start making it into a cushion. I'll share more progess pics as it grows. ;)

Back soon!
Sheree xx

Some scrappy fun...

2011-02-16T19:46:00.015+10:00

I've got a couple of pages to share today.

It's week 3 of Scrapz University and this week my elective is 'Speech Pathology'. LOL... So fun! (You can find all the details of the challenge HERE.)

Here's my sample...

Riley has been doing his hair like this in the mornings lately...brushing it all forward. LOL (I usually have to redo his hair before we head out for the day!) Anyway...this is what he came out with the other morning about his 'do'. :)

I've used the Echo Park Little Boy range...I love the colours in this collection!

If you'd like to see what the other DT girls came up with for their electives this week...you can check them out HERE. It's worth the look! ;)

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Also this week over at Kim's @Home blog, Lisa has set us all a colour challenge.

Check out the gorgeous summery colour story that she's got us working with...my kinda colours!

Here's my sample page...

I've used the super cute Crate Paper Seasons goodies for this one (plus a couple of other little things)...even pulled out my old typewriter since my printer ran out of ink today! (grrrrr....so frustrating!)

Oh how I love these 3 happy little faces!

If you'd like to join in the challenge for your chance to win a $10 voucher to the @Home site simply email your entry to Janelle (nell2@westnet.com.au) by midnight Saturday 19 February 2011. You can check out all the details and see some gorgeous samples by the other ST girls HERE.

Ok that's about it for now. Before I go I just wanted to thank you all SO much for the lovely comments you've left me about my hexagon flower journal on my last post. I loved reading each and every one...THANKYOU!!!

See you again soon! :)
Sheree xx

A hexagon flower...

2011-02-13T09:59:00.006+10:00

After seeing this post on Mel Goodsell's blog and seeing the great little tutorial that her clever daughter Bella did there, I had the urge to have a go at sewing some hexagons. I sat down last night, cut my fabric out of some scraps I had sitting on my desk and it wasn't too long before I'd finished my very first hexagon flower! :)

I decided to pop it onto a journal cover. I've made heaps of journal covers (using Janelle's journal cover pattern as a base) but have given each one away as gifts...so this one I've decided to keep just for me. I really love how it turned out!

I'm all inspired now to make a cushion out of hexagons...especially after seeing the pics Melissa had included in her post. I'll get started on that soon. :)

Thanks for dropping by!
Sheree xx

An @Home Sketch Challenge!

2011-02-09T22:14:00.008+10:00

While Kim is taking a little break for some much needed rest, the ST girls have come up with a challenge or two over at the @Home blog.

This week Mardi has come up with a fun sketch for us to scrap and you can play along too! All you need to do is scrap a page using Mardi's sketch and email it through to Janelle at nell2@westnet.com.au by midnight Saturday Feb 12, 2011. You'll then go into the draw to win a $10 voucher to Kim's site! You can read all about it HERE. :)

Here's Mardi's sketch...I had so much fun creating a sample for this one. Mardi's sketch made it all come together so easily!

Some closeups...

I converted mine to a 12 x 12 layout, rounding both left side corners. I added a paper doily behind my photos, a bit of pink bakers twine, button and a ticket, then layered some butterflies to embellish.

Head on over to the @Home blog to see the gorgeous samples that the other ST girls have come up with so far! Hope you'll join in the fun!

Sheree xx

Flowers for Nanna V...

2011-02-08T21:14:00.006+10:00

We've entered week 2 of Scrapz.University. This week my elective is Horticulture....time to get out into the garden! (You can find all the challenge details HERE.)

Here's my sample page...

I've used the Crate Paper Restoration collection for this one. To make the vase for the flowers I used the base of the lamp die cut that comes in the collection pack, then layered diecut and chipboard flowers on top.

Love this sweet pic...

I added some hidden journalling behind the main photo...

If you'd like to join in the comp it's not too late and there are some great prizes up for grabs! You can read all about it HERE. I'd love to see you there! :)

Sheree xx