It's been one of those days...

Beaches, running and fundraising

It’s been nearly 3 years since good friend Shauna died – this time of year I start to miss her more than ever.  This weekend is a culmination of a few things for me.  Firstly, we are off to Hahei, we had to cancel our annual January family holiday because I will be in California, so we are taking 4 days now.  House sitters are here with strict instructions on how to feed the fish and water the zinnias.  Rum is packed, assignments have been tidied up and we are off.

Funny that this weekend will coincide with the 3rd anniversary of Shauna leaving us, and that I am going to where I always feel closest to her.  I can’t wait to run the Cathedral Cove track down to this spot, it’s somewhere amazing.

(Picture taken days after Shauna died, down at Cathedral Cove in Hahei where the Pacific Ocean meats the shoreline.  I couldn’t make Shauna’s funeral so I had my own little goodbyes here… writing her name and xoxo in the sand for the waves to carry over to her side of the Pacific.  We always said there was only an ocean separating us, this was the best way for me to say goodbye).

I’ve done something else though, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.  I’ve joined up for the Relay for Life here in Franklin, March 9/10 2013.  It’s a 18 hour relay around the track to fundraise for the Cancer Society here in NZ.  I have a whole lot of amazing ladies to relay with me, all from MotivateMeNZ (a very cool motivational/supportive/informative healthy eating and fitness resource/forum – really worth a look).  We have put together a team and we’ll run/walk/laugh/cry our way around the track, fundraising as much as we can in the hopes of supporting Cancer research in New Zealand.

My fundraising page is here.  If you can donate anything, even a dollar, please do so – every single dollar counts.  It’s easy to donate and I can see your support. 

I’m packing my bags and off to Hahei, can’t wait to run the track, in support of being fitter and healtheir, to feel close to Shauna, and to train for an important event in March.  Laters.

GlimmerMist Organisation

I love GlimmerMist, it's my favourite Tattered Angels product. I have dozens of bottles in varying colours and I generally keep them in a few large baskets. Every now and then Abby groups them in colours for me, but generally they are a jumbled group of organised chaos. Kind of like my scraproom.

Whilst my tip today isn't about how to organise your bottles of GlimmerMist, it's even better, it's how to remember your favourite combos of colours. You knew you could combine them, right?

This photo is of two of my favourite colours, Tuscan Sun and SWAK. Look what happens when these two colours mix, they become even more amazing.

Because I constantly create mixed media pieces where I mix and match my favourite GlimmerMist colours, I really want to remember my favourite combos, so I create little swatch cards as I discover them. 

 

I have a stash of small white cardstock cards (made from scraps as I get them). As I decide I love a combo, I spray one end with one colour, then the other end of the card with the other colour, and let them mix in the middle and leave to dry.

It's a fabulous way to get a visual on how the colours mix and because the colours are at opposite ends of the card, you can get a range of possibilities in front of you... I have repeated this with all my favourite colours, which reminds me, this post wouldn't be complete without showing my favourite teal card, now would it?

laters

A whole lot of creativity circling New Zealand...

It's no secret I love creative stuff and I love it even more when it's in the form of something that can be shared.  What's even cooler is when this creative stuff just keeps getting added to.  And added to.   Like a book travelling the country with each person it stops with adding even more creativity.  How cool would that be? 

The Prima Life Journals are popping up all over the world and I've worked with Prima to create one that will be making it's way around New Zealand soon - more news about that soon, but first I'd love to share a little more about how it works. 

Do you remember the old 'circle journals'?  Books that were passed between an organised group of people, and they all completed a page until the book finally found it's way back to it's owner?  This is a similar concept, but a little more relaxed.  There is no organisation about where the book goes.  There is no plan, just pass the book between scrapbookers (cardmakers, mixed media artists, anyone that wants to create!) to complete one page each until it's full, then it gets sent back to Prima to be admired forever more!  There is only one major rule - and that is that the book has to be passed from person to person by hand, no sending in the mail.

I started with one of Prima's gorgeous albums.  It's already amazing but I wanted to personalise it, make it uniquely something we could call ours, so I got to altering it. 

I added white crackle paint around the edges of the album, took off the handle and covered the front and back with some of my favourite Tea Thyme paper.  I loved the antique-old-worlde feel of the paper with the leather and brass fittings. The handle was super easy to get on and off too, handy, since I was imagining all sorts of ways of placing the paper around the handle until I figured out it just unscrews.

Then it was time to get in there with texture paste and my often-used 7x7 mask.  (Love this one, use it all the time!)

After that I added scraps of papers, some older Prima vines and just started adding leftover Prima flowers in various colours... it's a GREAT way to use bits and pieces.  I finished with some canvas pieces, gems, alphas and a whole lot of Tattered Angels GlimmerMists, and it was done.

This journal is ready to go.  It's ready to have it's first page completed (that might be my next creative venture I think) and then it'll be looking for someone to be passed to.  If you are in New Zealand and you think this looks fun, be sure to keep an eye out at crops, retreats and watch facebook to see when it might be circling near you.  You don't need to sign up to be involved, just watch for it to be in your part of the country.  

If you aren't in New Zealand but think this looks fun, you won't miss out!  There are many of these journals circling the world, keep an eye out for when one might be near you, cool idea, huh?

Laters

Supplies:

• 560996 Flowers Mini Album
• 844691 Tea Thyme Marcella Paper
• 560898 7x7 Mask
• 552473 Avon Rose Northern Country flowers
• 561383 Interlude White flowers
• 560997 Banners and Tickets Canvas Pieces
• 548841 Corine Flowers
• 555498 FairyBelle Button Vine
• 550073 Alphas
• 560522 Gems
• 891565 Rusty Typo Zippers
• Other:
  Tattered Angels GlimmerMist (Black Gold, Black Cherry, SWAK, Tuscan Sun, Tattered Leather)

Catching up

In an after-the-party get together yesterday, my older brother declared he had a time machine.  What he was really trying to say was “Tyre machine” but in the spirit of, well, lots of spirits, it came out “Time machine”.  I liked that better.  It was way better conversation than a stinky old tyre machine.

Anyway, I’m trying to slide into a conversation about time really easily here, but I admit I’m still a little jaded after the weekend. 
It’s hard work hitting these milestones.  

Some might have thought I was crazy attacking this milestone head on.   I decided a while ago I was going to make it a huge celebration, there was no use getting depressed about it, and so celebrate I did.

I owe so much in the way of a thank you to so many people.  There were the cards, so many cards sitting on my side table reminding me each time I walk past that people care.

There were the gifts.   I wrote on the invite to my celebration on the Saturday night that no presents were needed… still I was spoiled.

I’m an incredibly lucky girl.  From the cupcake and candle lighting ceremony at the salon where 5 very special girls and myself hung out for a few hours on Saturday, to the sparkly ‘40’ glitter all over my driveway, the texts, calls, emails, letters and cards. 

From those that set up, took down, put wet weather plans in action, vacuumed, cleaned, cooked and helped me drink.    From the volunteers that ran the busiest bar they have seen in a long time, to those that did all the dishes and acted as doctor when there were a few dancing injuries. 

From the dancing, hugs, laughter and the most talented glass stacking I have EVER seen…

The special people – some of which came home especially in time to make the celebrations (this is my brother Vaughan, home after 13 years living in London – home for good with his gorgeous wifey, yay!)

Look at my studious son doing his homework in the background – awesome work!

I’m a very, very lucky girl.  I know this.

Anyway… I have lots more to tell.  I have more pics to show.   I wanted to fully celebrate the day, and realising I should have appreciated myself more at a younger age and that it’s not getting better than this… I invited friend and super amazing photographer Andrea from SweetP photography to come along and take some shots…

Here’s a little tease of what she did – more to come.

(This one is before the torrential rain, 13 degrees, make up sliding off my face, hair being plastered to my head and dodging of trains…)

 

Happy days. Thank you everyone for making it so freakin awesome.
I might be getting older and older and gaining more and more wrinkles, but I still love being spoiled.
Laters.

Inspired by...

Inspiration is everywhere, we are so lucky to live in an age where Facebook, blogs and galleries make it easy to enjoy inspiration from other scrapbookers and I admit spending as much time as the next scrapbooker enjoying online inspiration.  

Every now and again I come across an artist that really gets my mind working, one that makes me look and look again, one that I really to be like when I grow up. While I've always loved Louise Nelson's work, I was lucky enough to see how she works the GlimmerMist magic this past weekend, and I couldn't wait to get home to give it a try.

To me Louise's pages are always a mix of a fabulous handmade background and subtle embellishing that always contributes to the message in the layout.  Her pages are gorgeous in the most simple way.

So I got working with some GlimmerMists and sprays, some embellishing and a smaller photo, another trademark of Louise's work.

I adored the creative aspect of this layout, and while my background isn't perfect, it was fun trying! Supplies used: Chipboard background & Feather by Imaginarium, White cardstock by Bazzill, Alpha by Prima, little heart and tag by 7Gypsies, floral vines, gesso, cotton, staples, star by Jenni Bowlin, GlimmerMists used: Pumpkin Pie, English Ivy, Jingle Bells and Black Magic.

While I've always loved GlimmerMist, this is one of the first times I'd used it as the sole focus for the background, it was such fun to play in such a big space! Thanks Louise for your inspiration!

Laters

Art*Venture Giveaway!

Art Venture Give Away!!

Who wants a chance to win a package to the Prima Art*Venture Retreat in January? I’ll give you details soon but before I do you need to know that ALL of the talented ladies teaching at this retreat will be giving you a chance to win a package, I’ll link you up, all you have to do is hop over to a few other blogs for more chances!

You can win a package worth $265, your choice of which one of these packages you would like:

Primrose package
3 Workshops, Afternoon Snack and Make and Takes on Saturday

OR

Daisy package
3 Workshops, Afternoon Snack and Make and Takes on Sunday

Also, the winner will have the opportunity to upgrade to a larger package if they would like. They will just need to pay the difference between the $265 and whatever package they upgrade to.

Please also note that all travel/accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the winner, BUT this prize is transferable, so if you win but are not able to attend you can give/sell it to a friend.(What a GIFT!)

Here is the link for more details for Art-Venture

So for your chance to win this package here is what I would like you to do!!

Please share the link to this blog post on facebook or your own blog with a little excitement about the giveaway.  Include the picture if you can!  Then leave a comment with your blog or FB link for me here! I will then do a random pick from all those who have left a comment with the appropriate linking on Tuesday 13th November. 

To increase your chances drop over to the other teachers blogs for more chances to win from their blogs as well!! Each teacher will be giving away a package so that is 6 packages that can be won!!

Ania Dabrowska (Finnabair)

Janine Koczwara

Marion Smith

Julie Nutting

Heidi Swapp

Good luck everyone!!

Kits for sale…

Kits for sale as follows…

• Leftover from Spring Edition in October (apart from Pretty Pages which is new). 
• Some are my kits, some are created by Paula Cheney or Natalie May
• Please read the details beside each one. 
• Very limited amounts of each kit, first in, first served. 
• Postage $7.50 NZ-wide, $14.00 to Australia and this can be combined. 
• Email me with the list of your wishlist and I’ll let you know what is still available.
• Don’t forget to check out my trinkets too, which can be put in the same package for combined postage.

Thanks!

Class 1: Sweet Afternoon... Layout Class by Nic Howard $45.00

Pretty colours, pretty page, and pretty layers – this class is for the girls! Join Nic as she takes the newly released “Sweet Afternoon” collection from Teresa Collins designs and turns it into something gorgeous. Teresa Collins Designs is well known for its pretty papers and amazing matching elements. This class will have you mixing and matching to create a fun girlie page with design elements perfect to use on your pages or minibooks in projects to come!

Class 4: True Direction Tryptic..... Mixed Media Tryptic class by Paula Cheney $45.00  (kit not so impressive by itself but includes great instructions for a gorgeous project, it’s not til the project is done that you stand back and go YEA awesome!)

Inspiring art piece to display, or inspiration to give away? Construct a 3 panel mixed media piece as a reminder to always “Follow Your Heart”. This piece includes a whimsical silhouette of a young girl, an inspiring phrase and tiny glass apothecary bottles in a niche. We’ll construct it all in class, while learning valuable techniques along the way. Walk away from class with a project perfect for a craft or work space, or even a little girl’s room.

Class 5: Distress Magic .....Technique/Folder class by Paula Cheney.
(This class needs 3-4 different distress stains to complete it –the kit is unimpressive by itself but it has great instructions and makes the most amazing project) $39.00

Come and get just a little inky in this class full of experimentation. We’ll use many different colors of Distress Stains from Ranger to create watercolor cards, aged ribbon, and a special wood button closure. We’ll gather all of the pieces to create a beautiful folio full of pockets, flip-ups & secret hiding places for notes and pictures. Not only will you walk away with a gorgeous folio, you’ll learn multiple techniques that can be used in so many future pages, projects or art journals. This class is all about the techniques – it might be a good idea to bring an apron!

Class 7: On the Bright Side ... Layout class by Nat May $45.00
Are you hesitant to do something a little bright? Want to make your page pop?
This class will be bright and summery and we will focus on adding a little colour to your album.
Create a double page that flows with fun and will be suitable for the little terror or the little drama queen in your life! We'll use simple design elements but keep the focus on the photos and create a page to hold some of your great summertime memories!

* NEW* 'Pretty Pages' Class kits by Nic Howard
as taught in Sydney Nov 2012$45.00

Join Nic in this newly designed layout class perfectly suited for those that like simply elegant pages. Nic is well known for her dimensional charm and building multi layered pages with subtle techniques and this class is no exception. She’ll use a variety of products including texture paste, chipboard, coloured sprays and floral embellishments – your class kit will be filled with gorgeous products from Prima Marketing Inc. You’ll receive enough products to complete two detailed layouts, both of which will be shown in the full colour step by step instructions included in the kit. Any leftovers will be easily used with the inspiration and techniques you learn in this creative class suited for beginner and seasoned scrappers alike.
Kit includes: 10 papers, 2 cardstock, alpha, a variety of Prima flowers, leaves, resin & other bits and pieces.
Full colour step-by step instructions are also included.
You will need: White paint, gesso or texture paste. Corrugated cardboard. Water to distress. Inks.
Optional: Coloured spray in teal (not necessary)



Ahhhh Sydney... good times, good times...

Back from a weekend teaching in Sydney.   It's my last event until early January, where I am planning the most incredible hangover ever, that's an event, right? Kidding... I go to California in January, but for now I am done. 

And I had fun.

I taught a new Prima class - Pretty Pages. 
I bought more washi.  Because I didn't have enough already.  Who could resist.

I reminisced.  In more ways than one.   I stayed in this same venue/hotel about 7 years ago when attending the ISC event where I attended for For Keeps magazine.  I arrived with Evana Willis to find a Krispy Kreme shop in front of the hotel... we had a pic taken with of scrappy friends... (anyone remember that?)  .. I discovered the Krispy Kreme store is still there.  I didn't go in this time but one just the same dragged me in, in Sydney airport.  It just had to be done.

I also enjoyed the 'year on the can' thing they have in Aussie.  We are clearly a little behind the times here in NZ, because Aussie is waaaay past that, that's sooo early 2012, now it's the year you get.  What happened in 1997?   I was 25.  It'd be easy to say I don't remember much of it.

It was a whirlwind trip.  It was full of  sun, warmth, good people, amazing friendships, laughs, a couple of sneaky vodkas in the Penrith Panthers bar, sorry boys - I had no choice, it's where I was staying, I promise to remain a Warriors fan, and a super mega amount of fantastic creations in class. 

As I was leaving Sydney Airport I was happy to reflect on good times and great friendships made - miss you already, Sydney!

Laters