Finally Back....

Hello I'm back ...it's been nearly two months since my last post and I can't believe how fast the weeks have gone by. Back in May I had a pretty painful shoulder, neck and back injury and slowly with lots of treatment (plus alot of laughs at the Physio) it's getting better...I still have a couple of months to go before I'm 100% but my recovery has been going well. I was fortunate enough to have alot of class layouts and projects completed prior to my injury...and only over the past week have a been able to slowly get back into scrapping (if only for short spaces of time).

So without further ado..I'm back to my regular Sunday night posts with four layouts to share with you all...Thanks for the lovely emails and support that I have received over the last two months.It's good to be back. Hugs Nic

As I mentioned in my last post I had the pleasure of teaching a 7Gypsies layout with Paula and Deb (7Gypsies Designers) in attendance...they loved the idea of how I used the 7G tape (the black flower on the side). The Chipboard letters were especially made for the class...which I inked and embossed with T.H. distress powder (love the effect it leaves).

A Few Close-Up Pictures

When Basic Greys Cappella first came out I jumped on it straight away....I loved the beautiful tones each sheet had and what a versitle range it was (I have a few other layouts that I will be able to share with you soon). Here are My Gorgeous Munchkins at play (they had actually both bumped into eachother coming down the slide before I took these photos...with alot of giggles to be had). All the chipboard elements were painted in a soft blue and then had crackle glossy appled to the top...Love how they turned out.

A Few Close-Up Pictures

My Super Cute Little Niece is such a Girlie Girl and getting her to stand for a photo is super easy...as she can see her pics straight away on the camera...Here I have used the October Afternoon papers keeping to my style of scrapping...at first I thought it would be difficult to get a layout completed but when I started I actually finished it in record time (that is compared to my other designs LOL)..I made some scrunchy paper flowers then added the Green Tara blossoms in the middles...and the laser cut corners were painted cream, inked in black and dimensional Magic over the top.

A Few Close-Up Pictures

Beautiful Prima...they always come up with so many gorgeous Paper Lines and Flowers. My BF's Daughter "A" smelling her Nana's flowers. With this layout I added alot of depth (which can't really be seen in the picture)....and in the top corner I bladed out the corner, placed a clear transperency underneath then attached the blossoms in the middle.Then to finish off little blue pearls on the velevt and through out the layout.

A Few Close-Up Pictures


Thanks again for dropping by.
Hugs Nicole

Timeless, Laugh Loud and Happiness

What in incredible week and a half it has been. I'm completely snowed under with my full time job, my clients are driving me crazy but in saying that they also make me laugh, which makes each and everyday so truly unique. Since my last post one of my best friends celebrated her birthday and my god-daughter had her 18th...Hugs to you both "H" & "E". Last Wednesday night I had the pleasure of meeting 7Gypsies Designers Paula & Deb, and  using their new range "Avignon" nervously taught a layout while they watched on. I will be sharing the layout with you all in my next post as I have just got the layout back from the store. Also I had a layout of mine published in Scrapbook Creations, a feature on Mastering the Art of Blading (I wasn't even aware of it until Sue from Scraploot showed me)....So after all that chaos, a wonderful relaxing weekend away down the South Coast.

As I usually post on a Sunday night ...and obviously I ran out of time...here are three layouts ...Hope you enjoy them.

Whenever I finish a layout for a class I often wish I could share it here straight away...but from the time of designing, scheduling for classes, teaching and posting two months have flown by. I fell in love with the new goodies from Prima ( I have another two layouts still to come)...The richness of the colours are amazing. This layout was for Mothers Day, so here is my Mum with her grandchildren (its going to be placed in a lovely wooden shadow box for her home). Using co-ordinating material I frayed the edges placed it behind the photo then pleated the RHS using lace ties to hold it in place. The left over strips were also frayed then gathered to make  flowers. The chipboard title was painted a soft green, tipped in places with burgundy ink then covered in glossy accents. To finish the layout a gorgeous flower spray also from Prima. 

A Few Close-Up Photos.

 

Here I have used "Vintage Valentine" from Bo Bunny. I saw the strip idea on a lovely layout on the Prima blog, and just had to incorporate it on this layout. Lots of little elements here, layered stamping, punched flowers, metal embellishment, crystals, felt ribbon  and a poise of tiny flowers. My Gorgeous little niece on her new scooter.

A Few Close-Up Pictures

Love Love Love Websters Papers....Soft tones, unique elements and just simply candy for the eyes. The photo of the layout doesn't really show the depth of the layers of papers, but yes alot of magic mount (adhesive foam) was used here, as well as glossy accents to highlight the flowers and butterflies. Little "A" and myself down by the water at my brothers home.

A Few Close-Up Pictures

Happy Mothers Day and a Few Layouts

What a Fabulous jam packed weekend...Lots of laughs watching 5 years olds playing soccer, a Birthday celebration for my dear Friend "R", a Mothers Day Dinner  and a day trip to the Blue Mountains . My mum had a blast throughout the weekend, but  her highlight was definately revisiting some memories of her past. During her early twenties she worked at The Carrington Hotel situated in Katoomba (the heart of the Blue Mountains)...after 35 years she stepped through the doors of this majestic historical hotel again, and watching her face as she walked around...it was wonderful. I hope You had a Fantastic Day Mum...Love You Lots.

A Few Layouts from Classes this week.

My Nephew and I down by the water after playing in the backyard...the latest silly face is the one with the tongue poking out.Here I have used one of Kaisers newest ranges "Gypsy Sisters" papers and rubons. 

A Few Close-up Photos

When I saw this super cute range of papers from "Best Creations" I knew exactly which photo a wanted to use...The difficulty was what to do with the papers...they were all so beautiful. The title was painted white and then I applied White German Glass Glitter...which is a stunning product to use and the result ... just perfect.

A Few Close-Up Pictures

A Gift for Mum

The week has been hectic and also alittle scary...my gorgeous dog Mishka, who most of you know is now very old and blind, got entangled in some wire that had fallen onto the ground....A quick dash to the vets, an overnight stay and 15 stitches later....the little man is back home happy and healthy. The cut was from his ear down to his neck....with the area around his entire neck shaved he now looks like a miniture lion ( he is a very furry dog)....But the man thing is his OK....but what a scare it was.

With Mothers Day next weekend...I thought I would share these two Off the Page Projects that I have made for my Mother...I taught the Wooden Book as a class yesterday and all the ladies did so well. Also both of these projects were part of my submission for the Graphic 45 Design team submission (I made the first round and was thrilled to be apart of the Top 10 Internationals).

Whenever I complete an O.T.P project, I always sit back with a sigh of relief....mainly because they take me forever to complete, as I love paying attention to all the little details. With this project I wanted to add alot of elegant softness, from intricate laces, to a cream tassel, tiny little seed pearls and the velvety softness of the rose. 

I've put together alot more photos this time to show close-ups of not only the outside but the inside of the book as well. 

Along with the  above Wooden book I've put together a Mini Book with pictures of my Mother throughout the years, us kids and her beloved grandchildren....this actually sits within the above project. Again I have used Graphic 45 Papers and lots of varied embellishments. 

A Few Close-Up pictures  of the pages within the Book.

"Truly Madly Deeply" and "Your Birthday"

As promised yesterday, here are two very different themed layouts. The first features Bellas "Ever After" range and the other Websters "Lullaby" Range. Both layouts were for classes at Scraploot.

Alot of the ladies that I teach have now been with me for a couple of years...and they have wanted me to replicate a personal layout that I did awhile ago...so when this gorgeous Wedding range came out  from Bella ...it was time to get my Original out, brush off the cobwebs and work out how I put the whole thing together LOL. As you can see, a lovely photo adorns the front but scroll down and you will see that I have placed 23 photos within the inside layers.

As you can see there are two layers...the first photo on the LHS shows the first opening and the second on the RHS reveals the rest of the photos.

A Few Close-Up Pictures.

I love when Beautiful Baby Ranges hit the shelves...and this one from Websters was no exception. I left it fairly simple but there is alot of depth on the layout with various PP's at differing heights.  The gold edged tulle ribbon was gathered to create 2 flowers and the pearl strings was gently placed around the sides. I tend to do most of my journalling after posting...as I will with this layouts....Oh by the way the Picture is of my handsome little nephew....who is now 5yrs old.

A Few Close-Up Pictures

Happy Birthday Princess

Well My Gorgeous Little Niece turned 4 today...and what a Beautiful Girl she is. Today was jam packed, celebrating her Special day. A Fabulous BBQ lunch, a play down by the water, running around in the backyard and of course blowing the candles on  the cake as well as opening all the lovely presents she recieved. We all had a great day, good company, yummy food and lots of laughs.
Happy Birthday "K"

Normally I post some layouts each Sunday...but today is dedicated to my niece ( plus Im absolutely exhausted from all the fun we had)...so pop back tomorrow for two different themed layouts...

"Reflection" and "US"

With the Titles of the following layouts being "Reflection" and "US"..it made me think of memories of the past...those times that brought a smile to my face or  tears to my eyes. Each experience that we encounter in our lives whether small or large, makes a mark in our lives...sometimes they are distant memories that come to the forefront when something else jogs our brains....yet other moments are always there...each experience makes us the people we are today...We experience, we learn and we remember.

My nephew and I last year on my Birthday. I loved working on this layout using Graphic 45 papers...it just evolved as I went along. There are so many differnt techniques some that I haven't done for a long time. The chipboard swirl was inked and then had crakle glossy accents applied and letters were covered the  in the PP to tone it in with the rest of the layout. I made a little journalling pocket that I sealed off with a waxed stamp from 7Gypsies. Tearing, scrunching, inking and ribbon twists its all here.  

A Few Close-Up Pictures 

This is my all time favourite photo of my father when he was in his mid twenties...he looks like a model on a photo shoot. The Gentleman range from G45 was perfect for this photo. Yes there was alot of blading  but I wanted the PP to frame the picture without over powering it. The chipboard here was inked in a few different tones and then a applied T.H distress stickles....I love the rustic effect that it created. To finish off the layout I added some T.H and 7G metal embellishments.

A few Close-up Pictures

Relaxation and a Little Boy

Relaxation: (n) 1. The act of relaxing or the state of being relaxed. 2. Refreshment of body or mind;

3.A form of rest or recreation. 4. A feeling of refreshing tranquility and an absence of tension or worry.

Well thats the definition and thats how I feel...having a little mini holiday has been great...going out, friends, family, a little pampering and definantly alot of time out....I even got to read a book from cover to cover...YEH.

My Little Nephew had his first official soccer game yesterday..It is so cute and really funny watching all the little boys running around. We were in stitches while we all watched, I'm not sure if my nephew will be the next Ronaldo or Beckham ( he liked chatting away on the field) but he had lots of fun...the score 6-6 draw...Great effort. 

This layout is way over due by 8 months, I completed this mid last year but only got it back recently. Another layout that is alittle girlie but at the time I needed a picture on the layout before I taught the class and this one matched the layout perfectly. Featuring "Prima" papers and flower spray...I wanted to do something alittle different.I have used a Hambly graph transpency and adhered it to the back of the papers after blading a circle out...A little window of sorts...Around the window I have added some beautiful brocade lace and finished it off with crystals. No inking on the layout LOL..All the edges of the papers were torn, scalloped two different border edges and finished it with a length of crystal beads.

A few close-up pictures

Something a little different...when this range of papers come out from"Best Creations" they were ideal for these pictures of my nephew on his tricycle that I bought him awhile ago...he loves it still...his just getting alittle big for it now (although he would disagree)...Very simple in design, with some cutting and blading, the only other elements that I added was some brads, string and ribbon, as well as painted chipboard letters.

A few Close-Up Pictures

Girlie Girl with A Bit of Everything

Just a quick post tonight, I hope everyone had a great Easter, I know I did...still recovering from Chocolate poisoning ( only joking  but I definately overdosed on all the chocolates I did receive)...I'm enjoying my mini holiday and the batteries are definately getting re-charged.

The following layout is a combination of different paper ranges and was inspired by a lovely layout I saw over at Prima awhile ago (especially the tearing technique along the bottom of the page...sorry I can't recall who the designer was). A very Girlie layout using lots of Crystals and Pearls, a variety of differing flowers and some other cute little embellishments.

My Gorgeous Little niece, 9 months old and sitting up all on her own.

A Few Close-Up Pictures.

Kaiser Double or Is it a Single?

With Easter nearly here and a Big Easter Egg Hunt planned tomorrow, I thought I would share some layouts that I really should have posted a couple of days ago (sorry about that). Unfortunately I have been ill this week...today is the first day that I have been up and about. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I am on holidays for a week yeeehhhhh....and I'm totally looking forward to relaxing, catching up with friends and a few day trips.....oh and sleep ins LOL.

I can't wait to get some scrapping done (itchy fingers)...sitting in my Scrap room is a large stash of new Prima products which I'm absolutely loving, each range each more beautiful than the other. The following two layouts feature "Offshore" and "Peachy Keen" ...both ranges by Kaiser.

The girls I teach  asked me if I could design a double layout for all their Summer holiday snaps...not being a huge fan of doubles, I twisted the concept , so this looks like a single but hey presto...it opens up to a double. All the holiday snaps are of my Brother and S.I.L's holiday up in Queensland.

With the pages open, lots more photos are revealed. Para-sailing, water fun and relaxing by the pool.The colours/design throughout this range really depict the true essence of an Aussie Summer...it was great to work with.

Whenever Kaiser brings out a range they co-ordinate everything so well, from the papers, rubons, brads and embellishments...It's always so easy designing with any of their ranges.Here is the new  "Peachy Keen" , with the theme being friendship and all that it entails. My great friends and I this past Christmas.

A few close up Pictures

A Butterfly and a Box for Cards

Here in Australia we are now nearly at the end of our first month of Autumn, meaning colder weather etc....NOT HERE, it's ridiculous, we are still getting 30 degree days...I'm over the hot weather....Bring on Winter. Ok with that of my chest, had a great (busy) weekend. Easter is thankfully a week away, and I'm so looking forward to the mini holiday...just have to get through the next four days.

My best friends daughter celebrated her 6th Birthday today, so in true Aussie style, BBQ, Pool fun and great company (with alot of laughs)...Oh and the food was deliciously endless. Each year I have made Alana a Little Mini Album, so this years was in the shape of a Butterfly, with photos that I took of her two weeks ago.

"Happy Birthday Gorgeous Girl" 

I have used Basic Greys "Nook and Pantry" range, Tim Holtz Distress Stickles, Prima Crystal Swirls and Flowers, as well as a range of different ribbons and laces.

Inside Pages of the Mini Album.




















With teaching twice a week my stash of scraps is increasing at a rapid pace. Recently I have gotten myself into the habit of making quick simple cards with my leftovers after I finish each project.. A little idea popped into my head....I covered this wooden stationary holder with a lovely range from "Delish", placed my cards and envelops within and took them to work...It's been great, all the cards are selling, each week I add more, I'm getting  cash for what I considered scraps, and I have more room in my Scrap Room. This picture is of the box filled with cards .















Here I have taken the picture without any cards so you can see the lovely papers and the liitle money box that I made ( the handle lifts up)...cute hey...Wooden swirls from Kaiser,Chipboard Letters inked then sprayed with Glimmer mist and a little sign post which I use to place the cost for the cards...all add up to a very useful Stationary Box.

A few close-up Pictures.


I hope you have enjoyed my two Off the Page Projects, pop back in a couple of days as I will be sharing some layouts completed recently.