A vintage layout and a special card ....

Hello, remember me? I know it's been a while so thanks for hanging in there. April is birthday month in our house, with all 4 of our birthdays in 22 days. Add in work and some school holidays and it's been a hive of activity around here.

We have had a quiet easter though, and I am looking forward to a quieter few months ahead. I am not sure how much creating I will get done though as I have been having some problems with my eyesight and need some eye surgery, which will probably happen in June. It's worse when I am tired at the end of the day which is usually when I create. I will do my best though as we have the Stampin' Up! convention coming up here in Melbourne and there are also a few challenges I would like to have a go at again soon.

I have managed to do some creating over easter as we are having a quiet family easter at home, so I have spent some time during the day creating. Josh's birthday on Friday made me reflect again on his birth, and I finally scrapped this precious photo of he and I together a few days after he was born. The soft colours in Stampin' Up!'s Elegant Soiree DSP were perfect for this baby boy layout.

 

The journalling reads:

I can't believe that nine years on, I have only just scrapbooked this precious photo. I think I was waiting for the the right way to scrapbook it or the right paper to come to me, but in the end it's the photo and the words that are the precious part. This photo was taken one or two days after you were born. Despite the tiredness of labour and all that comes with being a new Mum, I just couldn't believe I was finally a mother. I couldn't stop looking at you and holding you. I wanted to take in every second of finally meeting you after those three and a half long years of trying to get pregnant and nine months of pregnancy. You were perfect and you were ours. Motherhood is the most precious gift, and nine years and a brother for you along the way, I can honestly say I am grateful for you everyday. Love you Josh xx

Here are a few more close ups. I used lots of machine stitching on this layout.

 

 

 

I also made this special card for my lovely sister Deb in WA. She has just had major surgery on her back which we hope will permanently relieve the awful pain she has been in. Love you Deb xx

 

Again I have use lots of stitching, both around the frame and around the edge of the newsprint paper. I have use the sponge dauber on the Stampin' Up! Upsy Daisy stamp, and used some Crystal Effects for dimension on the daisys. The frame was cut using my digital craft cutter and the greeting using my Stampin' Up! punches and the Teeny Tiny Sentiments stamp set. Here's a close up:

 

and here's the inside:

 

Hope you enjoy these creations and you are enjoying a happy easter and Anzac Day. Paul is at the Anzac Day football match today, and the boys and I are watching the lead up to the game and the stories of the ANZACs. Lest we forget.

Claire xx

The New Autumn Winter Mini Catalogue is here!

 

 

 

There's lots of fabulous new products in this brand new mini catalogue. New stamp sets, 3 new DSPs, 2 new punches (must haves in my opinion) with matching stamp sets, new embellishments and more. If you don't have a copy, you can download it here or email me and I will send you out a hard copy. You can also click on the catalogue cover in the left hand side to view the catalogue online.

Here's another sample for you using the gorgeous new Cupcake Punch and matching stamp set.

 

 

You will also notice I have used the gorgeous new Decorative Label Punch which is a perfect size to mat the wide oval punch, or to use by itself as I have done in my previous post.

If you would like to place an order and have these items delivered to your door anywhere in Australia, just email me or give me a call and I'll put your order straight in for you.

I hope you enjoy these faulous new products from Stampin' Up!

Claire xx

 

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show ....

I spent yesterday by myself wandering around the lovely Carlton Gardens in Melbourne, feasting my senses at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. For those doing OLW, this was my 'one little thing' to get done in March. I wanted to make it this year as it is so easy to put yourself last and not do the things you want to. It was hard this year too. Sam's birthday had been the day before and with the excitement of his birthday and party with his school friends, he was overtired and didn't sleep well, and then we woke to some very sad news in the morning as well. But I picked myself up and kept my promise to myself. Parked at my office and caught the tram into the city so it was very relaxing and then wandered around in the glorious autumn day among the garden and floral displays. It was fabulous. Lots of WOW displays, and lots of doable inspiration too. Got some great advice, and some new ideas.  I hope you enjoy these pics of my day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and finally here's where I sat mid afternoon eating my late lunch and resting my weary feet!

 

 

So now I have the fun of putting some of the ideas into action and planting my rather large collection of bulbs I bought! Can't wait!

Claire xx