I Heart Your Blog Award

I received this award from Tracey Jackson,Thanks my Friend

Here are the rules
(1) The winner can put the "I :heart: your blog" logo on their blog.
(2) Link the person you received your award from.
(3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
(4) Put links of those on yours.
(5) Leave a message on the blogs of the girls or boys you’ve nominated.

So here are 7 peoples blogs that I enjoy visiting for inspiration and motivation

Spinnvid
Gabrielle. P
Susan Goetter
Irene (Scrapperlious)
Michelle Minnet
Sandra Gerdes
Carol Janson

Thanks again Tracey

Precious and Adorable

Life has been alittle caotic and busy. Busy at work with my clinets and caotic with family events and happenings. I cant belive I'm saying this but I'm actually looking forward to Summer ( Australian Summers can be ssoooo very Hot) but the cold weather has brought alot of friends and family down with illness, including myself. Our coldest winter for many years.I havent had much time for Personal scrapping but these layouts are from classes that I recently taught and can now share.

When this range of Papers came out from Basic Grey they were prefect for this photo that I took of my friends Children, "A" did such a great job holding her little Baby Brother. The inspiration came from an amazing talented scrapper,Spinnvild.I love the effect of the intertwined Velvet and lace, as well as the lace tied around the eyelets.

A Few Close Up Shots.



My Darling Little Niece and Myself caught Playing around in her Backyard. The range of papers from K&Company was so easy to work with. I made a frame from Chipboard and adhered the Paper to it. Next I cut another layer of the Leaf swirls and adhered it on with Magic Mount Foam to give it dimension against the rest of the layout. With various types of hand stitches I hand sewed around the cirlces and the swirls.

A Few Close Up Shots

White Album continues.....

Over the last year I have been teaching a series of classes ...The Theme is a White Layout each month with one colour only to be used...So far we have done: Green,Purple,Black (I'm currently teaching Red and Neutral...they will be uploaded at a later date).Some colours are a definate stuggle but all the girls have been happy with the results. Here are my takes on Yellow and Blue (the Blue is a dark Aqua...the girls said I cheated a little with this one LOL)

My Gorgeous Little Niece...in Yellow...A few photos of her from New Years Eve.The idea for the layout came from a Q-diggity mosaic sketch, I sectioned the panels with white cardstock so that the printed paper wouldn't flow into each other.The felt was cut up and the flowers had little buttons and brads added to them.

A few little close up shots.


My Darling Nephew...in Blue. These Photos were taken when a group of us celebrated a friends birthday, the backdrop Sydney Harbour...Ok a little bit of cheating here with the colour blue but it is from the same family.The Printed papers are from Crate Paper, Making Memories mini frames for the smaller photos and some shabby ribbon ricrac.

A few close up shots.

Scrap N' Art News

These are my two Layouts that were Published in Scrap n' Art News Magazine July/August Issue. My Nephew loved seeing himself but my poor little niece is yet to get her face up in lights ( Personally I think she may be just to beautiful to be Published hahahaha...My endeavour is to keep trying....Dont worry my little girl we will get there)

I used the Cosmo Criket range for this layout, as I love alot of height and depth in my Layouts I incorporated alot of chipboard elements which I covered with the Paper. The stitching around the frame was a nice finishing touch.

This range from Basic Grey was perfect for these photos. Quite a simple Layout where the Photos are the main Focus.

Tagged by Tracey Jackson...

I was tagged by Tracey Jackson,if you made it this far YOU are tagged also - GOTCHA !!!!!!!
Just copy and paste with your own answers in your blog and then tag all your buddies

Two names you go by: Nicky G and Nic.

Things you are wearing right now: My Black Ugg Boots, Red PJ Bottoms, Black Jersey Top and a Red Woollen Head Band (its winter here)

Two of your favorite things to do: Taking lots of Photos of my two little Munchkins and catching up with Family and Friends (that includes all my net friends)

Two things you want very badly at the moment: To win the Lottery and a Big Long Overseas Holiday.

Two Pets that you have or have had: Mishka (current doggy), Peppa (my cockateel)

Two things you did last night: Uploaded Layouts into my online gallery at scrapbook.com, watched the DVD "P.S I Love You"

Two things you did today: Started organising my Tax stuff yyuuuukkkk, caught up with my brother Martin and sister-in-law Linda.

Two things you ate today: Lots of Chocolates which gave me lots of sugar hits while combing through all my paperwork and Hot toast with Honey and Butter ( the best in winter)

Two people you last talked to: Martin and Linda about our plans for the week. Already discussing what we are up too next week end .

Two things you're doing tomorrow: Work (only because I have to), Scrapbooking (finishing Layouts for up coming classes)

Two memorable vacations: My First European Holiday that lasted 6 months...so many countries...so many terrific memories. Hopewood Day Spa ( Total Relaxation and Pampering)

Two favorite holidays: Christmas (with the kids around...its an absolute delight), New Years Eve(The Sydney Harbour Midnight Fireworks is the most amazing site and experience anyone could ever see...and Im lucky enough to be here each year for it).

Page 89....

Well after 6 months from first submitting and getting accepted till now, my first paper publication has hit the stands...Yes Page 89 in Scrapbooking Memories Volume 10Issue 4. I have been fortunate to have had alot of my Layouts accepted into the Basic Grey Gallery and I have been published in ScrapN Art....but in Australia it's been extremely hard to break in....So it's my first in Oz and I must admit I'm over the Moon.The Photo is of my Nephew giving me a Hug..I must admit there is nothing nicer or more special than the arms of a child hugging you.

On another note I have been re-organising some of my scrap stuff...I have 17 Unfinished Layouts, OMG I seriously have to find the time to get them done....although they are in a nice neat pile hahahaha....Yuk they should be finished, can't believe I have so many.

I'm just about to finish my next layouts for upcoming classes will post some sneak peaks...but I'm excited about my Off the Page Project which is coming along Beautifully, It's a Christening Book.. (Concertina Canvas Book) using the brand new range from Paper Inklings.

Double or Not?

I've often been asked about what I like doing most. I have to say that Off the Page Projects are definatly my favourite things to make,followed by Single Page Layouts. I struggle most with the Doubles, it must be the balancing act over the 2 Layouts. With the Classes that I teach especially the Monday night courses they are all Doubles...it gives the girls the opportunity to create a story with multiple photos if they choose to. So all the Doubles that I have uploaded are from courses that I have taught.The courses start with Basic ,Intermediate and now the Advanced.Monday nights have evolved to themed Coures, so far 2 Heritage Courses, Boys to Men, Girl Talk and currently the 'Me Album'.

Winter Woolies

Super Cold Mornings with a definate chill to the Air, Woollen Hats, Fleecy Tops and Good Old Fashion Gum Boots.A taste of the next couple of months.But fortunately on most days the Sun is shining to enjoy the Outdoors....These Photos were taken recently when My Niece and Nephew came to spend a weekend with Me. We had lots of Fun as we always do...and the great thing is now that they are alittle bit older (They are now 2 and 3), we have "Now Smile for Me and I will show you Your photo straight away like Magic" Camera times. To Me they are the most two Gorgeous Kids in the world....Luv You Both

Sneak Peak "Whatever" Course

After completing the Layouts for The "Whatever" Advanced Course at Scrapbook Dreams I thought I would share some Pictures of the 4 Layouts that I have completed...but only a sneak peak ( I will be sharing the full Layouts after the course has been run.The Course idea came form the girls wanting more challenging,Technique Based Single Layouts.
Monday nights is definately one of my Favourite nights of Teaching...Over the Last Year and a Half I have had the Pleasure of teaching an amazing group of talented Scrappers (and They Keep coming Back) hahahha...Our numbers have grown...new friends joining the group with each new course..We are now up to a staggering 18 people with a waiting list. I'm honoured to say they have all become wonderful friends of mine over that time.
I also have the pleasure of teaching the Monday night courses with my wonderful Friend and my source of Inspiration....Jeanette. We Laugh ,we stress but most of all we hope we can always deliver Layouts to Inspire, Challenge and Boost everyones Creativity...
So to all of you Girls that make my Monday nights so much Fun...Thankyou for your continued support (often Layouts unseen hahahahahahah), Friendship and Love.

Here and Now

I'm repeating myself since the last post and it's been such along time, but I thought with this layout that a recently completed ( Ive completed this for Scrapbooking and Beyond Magazine) would be my chance to write a few things.
Here and Now,half way through the year already.The months have flown by without even knowing where the time has gone.But as the saying goes, Time does not stand still for anyone. Since March I have had my Nieces 2nd Birthday,a Christening and other great events.Life has been a little caotic with work and scrapping but still Ive enjoyed it all.

But really Here and Now I'm:
Blessed with the Family I have.
Grateful for all my dear Friends.
Appreciative for what I have in my Life.
Excited with where I am with my Scrapping.
Hoping that the next stage in my Life is Full of Happiness.
Looking forward to what the Future holds for Me.


A few close up Photos of some of the elements on my Layout.I love working with dimension and texture, as well as all those little extra embellishments that you find in your stash.

I've Been Tagged for the First Time

Ive been Tagged by Sydney Sue ( From Scrapbook.com,This will be the first Tag for Me) Tag Request "I am tagging you friend! These are the rules.... each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves on their My Place Blog. People who are tagged need to blog 7 facts about themselves and post the rules as well. At the end of their blog list 7 people you are tagging. Let them know that they are tagged by leaving them a comment - have a great day!!"

7 Random Facts

1. I Love Love Love My Junk Food....just cant eat it as much as I would like to.
2. I have 52 First Cousins and 26 Second Cousins (Go Figure I come from a European background)
3. 2007 was the Worst Year in my Life...alot of Personal Issues and everything esle as well.
4. Im a bit of a Dare Devil ie: have done Bungy Jumping, Water Rafting,Canyoning etc.
5. I have always been accident prone...but thats really because I get up to alot of silly stupid stuff.
6.I have done nearly every craft imaginable...as well as full on house renovations (a few to many times)
7.I have never been game enough to change my Hair Colour..so I have always been Blonde...would Love to go Red or a Dark Brown.

So these are my Random Facts. I have tagged the following People: Calliecuitepie, Baywood, Elzte, Sabine, AmykinsRN, Crazycow.This entry is from the 19th March from my online Gallery. I'm hoping to have one central point for chatting so right now I'm moving some stuff around to have it in the one spot, Crazy I know.

My Munchkins

Its been ages since I have posted.But Life is cruising along well. This Darling photo is from the weekend when I took my niece and nephew to the Local Park.After Playing, having a Picnic ,visiting the Kangroos and Emus it was time to go home.

New Life,New Birthday and a New Direction

What a Week.
Mon 14th Back to work after the Christmas Holidays..
First Submission accepted and Posted.
Tues 15th Went to pick up "I" and "K" from PreSchool for the first time.
Wed 16th A Passage of a Year gone by.
Thur 17th Maria gave Birth to a Baby "N". Big Healthy Baby. 4.5kg
Fri 18th The Kids came over and "I" slept in a New Big Bed...and did so amazingly .
Sat 19th Martins 31st Birthday so we called him up sang Happy Birthday Stric...
which he Loved. Then we all went to Lollipops Playland...Kids had a Ball..
Slides, Jumping Castles and lots of Playing....Nap Time....
then off we went to Stric's Party..
Sun 20th Hopefully Rest Day

What a great Week (other than work).
Every mintue with my Precious two, I cherish,
until the next time we spend time together again.

A Moment in Time

I have Loved this Photo of My Beautiful Little Niece since I took it. The Day, her Mum's 30th Birthday (Sept 2007), we went for a walk to the Park and water( actually their backyard)..and this was the result.I have never done a Layout with such a large photo...after alot of deliberation and stress ..Im so Happy with the result.

Finally

I haven't written for awhile as I have been busy..enjoying Holidays spending time with family and scrapping..just relaxing. But have good news..after a few attempts I recieved an email from Scrapbook Memories and they have requested one of my Layouts for an upcoming Gallery...so excited as this will be my first..New Years Resolution No. 5 up and running. I did lots of Layouts over the break which was fantastic. Sunday the 13th Jan went to the Beach with Family. "I " loved the water after abit of convincing..to the point that he didn't want to get out,BLUE LIPS clear indication that we had to. Little "K" was so tied that she had a Lovely long nap. Great way to finish up the Holidays. First class for the New Year tonight..it was great catching up with some of the Customers.Another thing Ive been busy with is Scrapbook.com. New home for Layouts etc..what a great site..Ive had lots of lovely feedback..but the best part about it is that there are so many great scrappers there..Layouts are amazing... great source of inspiration

Love That Smile

Today marks a Big day, Both of My Munchkins went to Preschool.I called later in the evening, "K" had already gone to sleep and " I" was so very tied, he told me he didn't want to come home. My sister-in-law "N" said that they had had a great day, were really good and had enjoyed it. Wish they didn't have to grow up so fast.

Why Blog?

For ages I couldn't understand why People used the internet as an online diary...and I succumbed... butI'm glad I did... It will help me keep tabs on the products that Ive used...my friends and family will be able to view my Layouts here...So Blogging! Thats WHY..

Giggles

Basic Grey Toots ...and My First

Uploads, Photos and Layouts

Well after alot time spent organising my photos I chose which ones I wanted for some completed Layouts that I did when I went to Carols for the weekend. On her blog she started chatting about the differences in our scrapping. Funny enough we are both attracted to the same Layouts but everything deviates from there. I do layouts without photos, she can't. I love to have music or noise, she doesn't, I chat while Carol zones out. Carol can scrap/create with people around , I need to be on my own. My Layouts can take up to a day to complete where as she usually finishes in 2 hrs. Thats the start of our differences. I love her work, she has taught so much, and finally Carol is begining to realise what a talent she is.

I'm slowly navigating my way around the site, feel like a complete novice, but will get there eventually. Spent the day shoppimg with my two Munchkins, I and K. Love every minute I spend with them. New Years Resolutions....... Well ...... Contentment, Strength, Love, Faith, Patience, Hope, Joy, Fortitude, Creativity, Understanding, Health. I think that covers alot so if I get half way through the list I would have achieved something. Got alot of photos to organise... so here goes.

January 1st 2008

A New Year, A New Start and alot to look forward to.

“A Return to Love”
Our deepest fear,
Is not that we are inadequate
Our Deepest fear is that
we are Powerful beyond measure,
It is our light, not our darkness,
that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,
Gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are we NOT to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around YOU.
We are born to make manifest
the Glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just within some of us,
It’s in everyone!
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people
Permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others!

I saw this on a dear friends website
and felt empowered by it,
Thanks Sarah, You Rock.