Create-4 a Cause

Craft and Quilt Fair

2010-10-20T19:10:00.002+10:00

I went to the Craft and Qulit Fair today....and there is usually some lovely quilts to see.

This year there were so many innovative and truely stunning or beautiful quilts it was awe inspiring! There were many I would have happily taken home.

I LOVE quilting fabrics - much like the way I LOVE scrapbooking papers. I often wish many of the quilting materials were paper.

Some companies are cross selling their designs in scrapbooking paper and quilting fabrics. Fantastic!! I see many designs I'd love to have to play with.

Off to Stamp Art Studio tomorrow night and I'm at Arnold's all day Saturday so I will see quite a few of you soon. Hope you are in the mood for some fun and creativity!!

Happy scrapping,

Jane

How messy are you?

2010-10-12T17:59:00.005+10:00

In my case, the answer to "How messy are you?" is VERY.

This is a temporary work space while I am housesitting. My friend Sharon came over to be creative with me - this is after I neatened up a bit.

One of the best things about craft is that we can all just be however we are and scrap however we like - there is no right or wrong, the aim is enjoyment. I am messy, chaotic and think perfection is overrated. I LOVE craft. You might be my opposite and still LOVE craft. Great isn't it?!

Be happy,

Jane

Flat out!

2010-10-10T16:56:00.006+10:00

Wow, it's been so long since I blogged, it's a wonder I remember how :)

All I can say is I have been flat out with teaching at Stamp Art Studio and Arnold's Scrapbook and Craft Warehouse, teaching card classes and catering too.

Plus I have been working on making lots of new samples for class and cards for a project for birthdays and Christmas.

I did manage to fit in 2 days of cropping with my girlfriend Sharon too! Yesterday we spent the day being crafty and getting layouts and cards made. I can't believe how many cards Sharon has made...I think its 170 ish!

Get creative everyone,

Jane

Classes, layouts and cards!

2010-09-14T18:24:00.006+10:00

Wow! It's been a really busy time lately with classes at Arnold's and Stamp Art Studio PLUS my continuing card classes hosted by the Burpengary Library.

We have also had a bit of catering to do and I am onto my second housesitting job in a row. If fact the cute dog I'm minding is sitting on my feet as I type this very entry.

So I hope you have all been well and getting creative as usual. I am planning on a big scrapbooking fest this weekend! Yay!

I include a card I made for my cousin's birthday and a photo of the lovely ladies who came to the library for a laugh and to make some quick and easy cards.

Now I must go feed the dog as its his dinner time!

Be happy,

Jane

September card class!

2010-09-03T19:54:00.004+10:00

Birds and dragonflies....beauty takes flight.

Book yourself in to make these 3 beautiful cards. with their embossed backgrounds, scallops, ribbon and soft pretty colours. Lovely!

I will be teaching a card class "Beauty Takes Flight" at my home workshop on Friday 10th September from 10am to 11.30am with a cuppa and chat to follow.

Price is $12 and covers all materials. Please bring a bone scorer, scissors, glue, double sided tape and foam tape or foam dots.

Booking is essential so contact me at liveoutloud43@y7mail.com

Cheers all,
Jane

Spring is here!

2010-09-03T19:39:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone - can you believe it's spring already?

Halloween and Christmas papers are flowing into stores near you. Don't mention the guy in the red suit, ok? Some people have already started or even MADE their cards! Who are these people? Superwomen I'm thinking :))

I'm still working away at Arnold's and Stamp Art Studio and enjoying all the creativity we share. Thanks to you all.

Ho ho ho,
Jane (just smile, it's the best alternative)

Sydney and back

2010-08-18T14:40:00.007+10:00

I have been to Sydney for a week and am back!

I saw some amazing photography at both the Powerhouse Museum and The Art Gallery of NSW.

The Powerhouse had fashion photography by Bruno Benini (wow!) http://powerhousemuseum.com/benini/ ...

and a display of winners from a photo competition which was held on Flickr whose theme was Trainspotting http://powerhousemuseum.com/photocompetition/

Lucky me, I also saw an exhibition at the NSW Art Gallery of Alfred Steglitz (1864-1946) who was among the first to recognise the artistic potential of photography. His photos are rarely displayed and it is only the third time some of his 150 photographs have been shown to the public throughout the whole world. http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/current/stieglitz

And then there was all the other stuff I saw... but I'll tell you another time :-)

Inspired again,

Jane

Oh I Forgot!

2010-08-03T12:01:00.005+10:00

Forgot to add that I have been sorting out all my layouts...YES, all 7 years worth.

And choosing the 6 best designed double page layouts. Not easy I assure you. I got it down to 30, then to 15. I am calling in helpers for opinions....

Here's some of the pages laid out on the floor of the garage. Scary isn't it.

Right, now I am finished LOL

Cheers,

Jane

Happy Birthday Lindy!

2010-08-03T11:45:00.006+10:00

Today is Lindy's birthday -Happy Birthday girlfriend!

If you click on the title of this blog post it will take you to Lindy's blog - and it's jam packed with goodies to look at :)

Meanwhile back at the ranch, I have made a birthday card for her from the Born to Shop range of stamps. It is a from this month's Do Crafts magazine Creativity. I had great fun colouring it in with Copic markers and highlighting it with a Spica pen. Both Arnold's and Stamp Art Studio carry these pens.

The other card is one I made as part of a stash. Lindy loves green. As she is out and about today and then we are having morning tea Thursday for her birthday.

I like being able to personalise birthdays with gifts we make because we are creative people. And who better to give them to than other creative people? They understand the effort and appreciate the creativity!

Hope the cold westerlies of August aren't rattling you too much and creeping under the door.

Have a great day everyone,

Jane

This time last year...

2010-07-27T19:14:00.003+10:00

Do you remember what you were doing this time last year?

I make a note on the back of my layouts with the date they were made...so this time last year I was creating this "Love U" page with Amelie. She hadn't started having her growth spurt yet. At 2 and a half she is very tall at 1 metre and the size of a four year old.

She won't be a shorty like her Aunty Jane!

I was also housesitting and dog minding for a friend this time last year...and this year I have just finished housesitting and dog minding for another friend.

What were you up to in winter last year??

Be happy,

Jane

Monday already...

2010-07-19T09:44:00.008+10:00

The weeks are flying by...and I always think "AHHHHHHHHHH!" when those pesky Christmas in July classes start being advertised. The momentum will start picking up now, so get creative!

In this photo left to right: Margaret, Alison, Lorraine and Glenda.

I promised photos of the ladies at my Saturday class and here are 8 of them, sorry Diane and Anna. I forgot to take more photos to capture you all. Not as funny as my other mistake though...

In this photo left to right: Tanya, Lorraine, Sharon and Lesley.

Margaret informs me early on that there is a mistake in the handout for the first class. I think, "Darn, not again!" She encourages me to look at it...and I find that instead of three separate drawings there are 3 drawings but 2 are of the same layout. LOL

So I drew a quick copy of the 'missing layout' and copied it for them all. Remember girls, if you want the 'proper' drawing just email me at liveoutloud43@y7mail.com

Well I had the giggles after that and we had a great day where I got them all working very hard and laughing our way through the day. I came home with a stack of new papers from Stamp Art Studio too.

But I have to add one more thing - it's my birthday Wednesday and I finally got my Cricut Expressions machine off layby because everyone is chipping in for my gift! Yay! Tracy at Arnold's was very happy for me. Thanks :) I will be 44. I think that's quadruple trouble.

Be happy,

Jane

What a day!

2010-07-17T19:35:00.004+10:00

Wow! What a great day...

I am pretty tired after working with 10 lovely ladies today at Stamp Art Studio. Thanks to Lesley, Sharon, Tanya, Lorraine, Glenda, Lorraine K, Alison, Margaret, Diane and Anna.

You all rock! Will add your photos soon, so look out!

Happy Saturday!

Jane

Pretty, oh so pretty!

2010-07-13T11:27:00.005+10:00

I have two of the songs from West Side Story singing through my brain this morning! A friend is going to see the stage musical in Sydney and now I can't get the words out of my head...oh well, may as well go with it.

"I feel pretty, oh so pretty,

I feel pretty and witty and bright,

and I pity any girl who isn't me tonight!"

Which is partly why I have added this photo of Gay's birthday card to my post this morning. I hope you had a great day sweetie! This card is in the Jane Balke tradition - simple, colourful with ribbon and bling added!

You can never have enough ribbon or jewels. :-)

The sun is shining today - yay!

Jane

Burning up the hours

2010-07-12T19:41:00.006+10:00

I am sure there is a syndrome related to scrapbooking or cardmaking for hours on end!

Think about it...

Do you have a sore neck and an aching back after hours of creativity?

Do you forget to drink water and eat food?

Are your eyes a little weary?

Do you ignore everyone and everything else?

If you answered "YES!" to at least 2 of these, then you are on the way to a syndrome I am going to call OMAN aka 'Oh my aching neck!" LOL

But hey! I got heaps of work done....now where's the menthol rub and a heat wheat pillow?

Happy Monday,

Jane

Celebration

2010-07-10T18:51:00.004+10:00

What a great day!

I am a very tired, happy and satisfied woman tonight. Some friends and I got together to celebrate our friendship, our creativity and our friend Gay's birthday (a little early).

Gay was thrilled with part one of her birthday present which was a stash of handcrafted cards. I include a photo of one of the cards here.

We had white chocolate fairy cakes each with their own candle. So cute! More importantly they taste fabulous according to the girls :-)

Time to put my feet up,

Jane

Card fun...with Jane

2010-07-09T22:00:00.006+10:00

Did you read Dick and Dora at primary school? I always remember the book being called Fun With Dick and Dora. I remember they had pets: Nip the dog and Fluff the kitten.

No, I haven't regressed to childhood, the Card Fun with Jane made me think of it. I do have a double page layout about my love of reading and the books I loved as a child. I wasn't a dolly girl, I wanted books! I loved The Famous Five and the Secret Seven, Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon and even the Hardy Boys.

Anyway, my point, and I do have one (;-) is that today's class was fun and many thanks to Gwen, Jan, Karen and Dawn. Pat on the back to the ladies who had last minute problems and couldn't come. Rest assured girls, we ate your cake too.

The last card is one we made today and I promised to highlight on this blog how you can simply change something to make it look different.

Tomorrow is a crop with friends...oh the joys of creativity, girlfriends, laughter and cake!

Have a great weekend everyone,

Jane

Fixing up the workshop

2010-07-07T19:22:00.004+10:00

WOW! How much scrapbooking and craft stuff do I own?

Storage and organisation are not my strong points. I am more a 'work-in-chaos' kinda gal.

But I have been working on it and with the help of my sister Belinda yesterday after 4 hours of back breaking slog, we have got it 90% sorted.

I am imagining many of you have your own organising dramas...and let's face it, the magazines all have plenty of ideas about storage, but in the long run, it has to be what works for you!

And now I am off for a cuppa and a slice of chocolate cake because I deserve it!

Cheers all,

Jane

Scrap For A Cure

2010-07-05T18:11:00.003+10:00

Hey, why don't you get involved with this? It sounds good...and another great cause.

I won't be there as I am working at Stamp Art Studio, but Arnold's Scrapbook and Craft supplies will be. :)

If you wish to know more try http://www.ovariancancer.net.au/events/supporter-activities/scrap-cure

Scrap for A Cure

July 17, 2010 - 10:00am - 10:00pm

Scrap For a Cure
Raising vital funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia

Where: Strathpine Community Hall, Cnr Gympie Road & Mecklem Street, Strathpine.
When: 17th July 2010 at 10am until 10pm (You may leave beforehand)
Cost: $40.00 per head. This includes a light lunch and BBQ dinner. Snacks and drinks will also be up for sale at the event.

Scrap for A Cure is a 12-hour long scrapbooking day. Great for everyone from beginners to advanced. Many stalls will be available for all those great bargains, great raffles, make and take classes and so much more. A great day to be had by all. All for a great charity: Ovarian Cancer Australia.

If you would like to buy a ticket or reserve a seat, please call Michelle Moore on 0458 437 440 or email at scrapforacure@gmail.com

Do not miss out, only 200 tickets for sale!!

Happy scrapbooking!

Cheers,

Jane

Keeping an eye on me

2010-07-04T17:08:00.004+10:00

The cat has been keeping an eye on me....and complaining loudly that i am working too much and NOT paying him enough attention. Sorry Elliott.

I got all the kits ready for the card class Friday and finished off some birthday and congratulation cards too.

Elliott even followed me out when I went to take some photos of them in the dying afternoon light. Here he is peeking around the letterbox which served as a display shelf.

We had morning tea together with the family and Amelie managed to polish off her little scone, an apple juice, some baby cino, a bit of my cup of tea and chocolate cake too. I forgot to take photos - I was having such a nice time. :)

Hope you had a nice weekend,

Jane

Lots of layouts

2010-07-03T18:49:00.004+10:00

Yes! New pages have been made...I worked my butt off today :-) I need to get lots of layouts underway for upcoming classes AND get some new ideas together for the card kit classes.

It took ages for me to select the photos I might use next...there's always so many to choose from! I don't have a system, I just dip in anywhere and grab something that appeals to me at that moment.

The photo is a favourite layout from this time of year in 2008! I still have Great Ocean Road photos left to scrap (trip-Jan 2008)...

Colours I've been working with are pink (surprise!), green, brown and even orange today - and not all on the one page I might add.

My subjects have been me, a friend, dusk and a lovely old heritage photo featuring my maternal grandmother when she was only 21.

A good day, but I am tired and my neck feels a little sore. Scrapper's neck is a new syndrome right? Many of you have it too.

Stay warm at the scrap table,

Jane

Happy Scrappy Feeling

2010-06-26T19:59:00.005+10:00

We had a great afternoon at Arnold's Scrapbook and Craft Supplies http://scrapbooking.arnolds.net.au/ at a class designed for every level of scrapbooker.

I run a class where you bring any photo or photos you like and I help you turn them into lovely layouts! What could be easier? Of course, having taught scrapbooking and craft for 7 years I have heaps to share - including layouts, sketches and help choosing paper, card and accents.

Leisl, Debbie and Cath were great company and very enthusiastic women. We enjoyed the class and made some fantastic pages. Robyn kindly took this photo of us! (That's the rather shy Leisl hiding behind some layouts.)

I bought a few more Copic pens (a new addiction) and plan on getting some time to colour in - um, I mean time to work hard at creating things to share. Yes, that sounds more like it :)

Hope your Saturday was as nice as mine and see you soon at Arnold's, Stamp Art Studio or the Burpengary Library. Oh and don't forget the card class at my workshop too! Details are in the right hand column.

Make Sunday your day,

Jane

Thursday night creativity

2010-06-25T19:34:00.008+10:00

Well it was a full house at Stamp Art Studio again last night...

and thanks to the lovely ladies who came to learn something about colour Jane-style. Thanks especially to Maureen who asked great questions, something I thrive on.

I think quite a few of us get stuck in a rut of using our favourite colours over and over and hardly ever push outside our comfort zone. And just to prove my point the layout above is orange and yellow - 2 colours I hardly ever use. I am always happy to get you looking at colour differently.

I love it when students say, "I would never have thought of using those colours but it looks fantastic!" That is a great reward for me.

Thanks again to Alison, Margaret, Lesley, Glenda, Tanya, Mia, Maureen and Wendy. I had lots of fun.

Rosemary, the lovely owner of Stamp Art Studio, tells me there aren't too many spots left for my July classes, so contact Stamp Art Studio soon if you want to grab the last spaces!

Tomorrow I will be teaching at Arnold's again so I will see some of you there.

Have a great weekend,

Jane

Saturday fun at Stamp Art Studio

2010-06-21T12:56:00.009+10:00

What a great day at Stamp Art Studio... (click the title of this post to go to Stamp Art Studio!)

This page is one I used during class of the lovely flowers at Floriade in Canberra. Lots of fabulous interpretations of my sketch and ideas gals - well done!

We scrapped all day and made 3 single pages and 2 double page spreads! Lots of photos are now in new layouts. It's so easy in a class, especially if you would like a hand selecting paper and card.

As you know, I provide the sketches and a sample of my interpretation of that sketch. It makes it a usre thing that you will get variety and NOT get stuck in a rut doing the same old same old.

Hi to all the ladies who attended class, and these are photos taken during the Multiphoto Magic class. Thanks to Margaret, Alison, Jo, Glenda, Tanya, Belinda, Lorraine and Sharon who posed for the photos good naturedly.

See some of you Thursday night for the Colour My World class too! Oh you know I love colour so i bet I get a 'bit' enthusiastic!

Smiling at the winter sunshine,

Jane

16th birthday card

2010-06-18T14:30:00.008+10:00

Just finished this card for Rachael's 16th Birthday...

My niece is quite an arty, creative young lady :-) I used an ribbon, a Chinese charm and 2 jump rings, an old Asian theme stamp, Memento black ink, the new Copic pens (yay!) and some Bazzill card.

If you want to see more about Copic markers go to http://copicmarker.com.au/ or visit your local art and craft store. Arnold's sells a large range of them and has classes on technique.

I wanted to make something a bit more special for such an important birthday.

Teaching 2 classes at Stamp Art Studio at Aspley tomorrow and the classes are full, so I will see some of you fabulous creative people tomorrow...

Enjoy your art,

Jane

Inspiration and new things!

2010-06-17T07:11:00.006+10:00

Hi everyone. Hope you had a great long weekend...

As usual I saw many wonderful things at the Papercraft Expo and can't wait to play with my new purchases. needless to say I bought stamps from Heaven Scent http://www.heavenscentcrafts.com.au/ where I worked all weekend.

Debbie and Cheryl were lovely and carry some fabulous and unusual ranges of stamps. One of each would have been very nice!

Soon I intend sitting down and creating some lovely cards... meanwhile this morning I am teaching at Arnold's Scrapbooking and Stamp Art Studio all day Saturday. I hope to see you there!

Have a happy day,

Jane

Hello crafty gals!

2010-06-13T19:10:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone!

It was great seeing some of you at the craft show the first 2 days. I look forward to seeing more of you tomorrow.

I will take some photos tomorrow and show you Heaven Scent crafts stall. It's pretty nice meeting and talking to people who love craft...and we all know how shy I am. :)

Cheers,

Jane

Flower Power!

2010-06-11T17:08:00.004+10:00

Thanks to the lovely ladies in my card class at Burpengary library today: Amanda, Kerryn, Shirley, Jan, Gwen, Joan, Jeanette, Dawn and Robyn.

I'm not sure why I enjoy it so much, but I do. We all made 3 cards with a floral theme.

Apparently I gave them some ideas they say they never thought of....thanks girls! I look forward to the next one.

Speaking of crafty, its the Scrapbook and Papercraft expo at the Brisbane Convention Centre at Southbank this long weekend. No doubt heaps of you will be going in for a look and a little retail therapy. Come say hi, I will be at the Heaven Scent stand (No 71) helping out all weekend.

If you want to know more click here http://www.scrapbookexpo.com.au/Brisbane2010/

I hope to get a look at some of the fabulous things on offer...don't you love being creative? So much to play with :-)

Happy weekend all,

Jane

Wow Sydney!

2010-06-09T18:13:00.006+10:00

Amazing!

My trip to Sydney was truly inspiring. I did not want to come home because I was having such a great time.

And I didn't even get to see everything because I just ran out of time. Darn!

I did learn some great stuff about using my camera for night shooting and photographing lights. Thank you Martin :-)

I include just 2 photos from the whole trip...St Mary's Cathedral illuminated for the Vivid Festival which finishes on June 20. Wish I could have seen even more of it.

Expect some more projects from me as soon as I get some time. Hope you are all taking advantage of the season and getting creative.

Keep warm,

Jane

Sydney tomorrow!

2010-06-02T19:45:00.005+10:00

Tomorrow I am flying to Sydney to catch up with friends and see the sights! My camera will be out and busy.

Got my act together today and made a friend's birthday card, but I won't pop it on here until she gets it in the mail!

Don't want to be leaving you without any visuals though so here's another vintage card some ladies made in my class..and a page(half the layout) from an upcoming scrapbooking class.

More photos will be coming!

Jane

More cards!

2010-05-31T23:11:00.007+10:00

I seem to be on a roll with cards lately...

Here's some of the girls making cards...and some of the cards.

Working on more designs for classes too.

Get crafty!

Jane

Cards and crops

2010-05-26T17:58:00.003+10:00

Another day of getting creative for upcoming classes...

The card uses a tulip stamp and I have only inked the stem and leaf with Chalk ink in Tea Leaves. The paper flower was pale blue and I added 2 shades of aqua or teal also in chalk inks.

I added the tiny butterfly with a foam pop dot and 2 more inside with the sentiment. Yes, that is a tiny aqua gem on the dot of the 'j' in "just".

The sentiment "Just because..." continues inside with "I miss you".

The card below uses the same stamp and idea in another way.

Off to give a class at Arnold's Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies at Rothwell tomorrow, then giving a card class Friday and finally on Saturday a day spent with my friend Sharon playing with our new Copic pens, stamps, and Sharon's Cricut and Big Shot.

Yes, it's hard work, but someone's got to do it!

Loving yellow at the moment! What are you in to??

See the colours around you,

Jane

Who Messed Up My Workshop?

2010-05-24T13:49:00.005+10:00

So I would like to know who messed up my workshop?

I can't have been me surely? I haven't even been in there very much lately!

But seeing as no one else has been either I must conclude it was the pixies, or the cat....Darn it Elliott, stop working on projects and not tidying up after!

If you don't hear from me this week send in a rescue team please!

The card is a simple but cute one I made for Tracy's birthday and I had to include this super cute one of Amelie. Hasn't she grown? She's 2 and a half years old now. Those pigtails are SOOO cute. Must scrap it soon. But have to be able to get into the workshop....oh well, back to the cleaning up.

Whatever you do, do it with a smile,

Jane

Beginning the Joy

2010-05-21T11:31:00.005+10:00

How many of us remember when we first started doing paper crafts??

Do you remember how much fun it was to leap into something new and creative? Some are very nervous of making a 'mistake' or not being 'good enough'. Some just take a flying leap and go for it.

Whatever your approach it's nice to know many are still discovering their creative side through paper arts, and finding joy through self expression. I can only encourage you to share this side of yourself with others!

I have to say I truly enjoy that moment when a beginner's eyes light up and they smile when they see just what they can do with a little guided help. That is the reward.

So tomorrow I have a class for beginners at Arnold's Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies, but really it's for anyone who wants to learn a bit more or wants a helping hand. And do you know I am really looking forward to it? I always do! It means more scrapbookers and paper crafts lovers join us and that can only be a good thing!

Have a lovely weekend all,
Jane

Bribie days...

2010-05-17T19:19:00.004+10:00

I am up at Bribie Island at the moment pet minding and house sitting.

Unfortunately the weather has been cold and wet and grey...so the photography is pretty much a no go zone. However, I did see a lovely sunset Saturday night after classes.

Tomorrow night I'm back at Stamp Art Studio with a new class idea...get ready my little guinea pigs. Smile gals! The class is booked out so someone tape QI for me...lol

Cheers all,

Jane

Happy heritage scrappers!

2010-05-14T14:04:00.008+10:00

Hi all!

Last night was heritage and vintage night at Stamp Art Studio for 8 happy scrappers and me too.

Thanks to all the girls - Jo, Lesley, Maxine, Dot, Glenda, Margaret, Alison and Mandy. It was Mandy's first night at Stamp Art Studio and she tells me she will be back to play again.

We certainly used lots of gorgeous stuff from Basic Grey, Websters Pages and Prima. Rosemary, the lovely owner of Stamp Art Studio, was busy ordering more as some of the new papers have already disappeared after last night's fun. Sorry everyone... :)

Anyway I'll be back there all day Saturday with a quick sketch style class and a travel theme class, and then back Tuesday night too. Maybe I should set up a camp bed???

Looking forward to seeing my regulars and a few newbies too!

Have a great weekend,

Jane

Croakier than a frog!

2010-05-11T17:45:00.003+10:00

I'm not sure that "croakier" is a word, but I like it... :)

I now have a very deep husky voice and can hardly speak at all. Yes, I know! The sky is falling!

If I have any claim to fame at all, it's my ability to chat. I find myself laughing out loud - and I guess many friends are shaking their heads at the sudden quiet of me without a voice.

The photo is of a little card I made to say thanks. Super simple, but kinda cute! Too easy, even for a scrapbooker. I am actually going to do one of Robyn's lovely card classes at Arnold's Scrapbooking and Craft tomorrow. How nice to be on the other side for a change!

Keep well,

Jane

More Cards!

2010-05-07T07:43:00.004+10:00

Lately I have been having fun making cards.

I think all that enthusiasm from the wonderful card makers I know has been rubbing off! Thanks Gay, Gwenyth, Lindy and Sharon.

Tomorrow I'm spending the day at Arnold's Scrapbooking and Craft just to have more creative time. Just think 7 hours of uninterrupted play time during their Crop. Fantastic!

The weekend is almost here. Not a long one this time, so make the most of it!

Get arty,

Jane

Happy 50th Shirley!

2010-05-05T17:09:00.003+10:00

I am very happy to report that my Aunty loved her mini memory album...

So much so that she got a tear, then cried, then howled. Job well done. She is thrilled.

I find the easiest and quickest way is to buy all matching paper and card, accents, flowers and ribbon at the beginning. AND stick to a basic format or idea. It's easier to mix and match and takes less flam flamming around (very technical term there).

Off to Arnold's tomorrow for class - more time for creativity!

Fingers itching for new project,

Jane

300 More Photos

2010-05-04T08:39:00.002+10:00

You go somewhere you take photos, right?

Well, I only took a few photos all weekend, but when I downloaded them, here was over 300. How did that happen? I don't remember that!

More to play with....

I did get some cards made so I am feeling pretty happy about that. Will add them here soon. Have a great Tuesday everyone! Off to gym to torture myself...

So many photos, so little time,

Jane

Camera at the ready!

2010-04-30T19:00:00.003+10:00

I hope everyone has something creative planned for the long weekend. Go on, indulge yourself!

This weekend I am staying on Bribie Island and plan on taking the camera out to get a few shots, soak up some sunshine, and have a long leisurely walk by the sea. This photo is a late afternoon shot from March earlier in the year.

I haven't scrapped them yet...but I plan on making cards this weekend, not layouts!

Enjoy the long weekend,

Jane

Mini Album in a hurry!

2010-04-29T07:28:00.003+10:00

Will have to get my brain into gear today as I will be making most of an album to celebrate my Aunty's 50th birthday.

I am getting the whole family involved. They are providing their favourite memories or a story and that is going in along with lots of photos, a title page and a special birthday wishes page.

The hardest part will be getting the words from my family! The rest is just TIME.

By the way, I have to get it finished tomorrow. LOL I started last night for half an hour...wish me well!

Get creative today!

Jane

Card workshop

2010-04-26T07:55:00.003+10:00

Morning all,

In response to all the lovely ladies who love my workshops at Burpengary I will be holding a card kit workshop on Friday 28 May at 10am - 11.30am. More details soon. Places will be limited!

Cheers,

Jane

Happy Day

2010-04-25T08:17:00.005+10:00

Hello all you lovely creative people!

Friday was card workshop day at Burpengary library. What a great time we all had. Can't wait to do it all again! Many thanks to all the ladies who took part. Here's a photo of you all with some of your efforts.

Then Friday night I had a great time at the movies with Lauren and Meeghan... he he he. Laughed so much it is probably illegal.

Saturday I spent the day in creative play with Lindy, Sharon, Gwenyth and Gay with a wonderful visit from Carole. We are planning the next big day already.

Have a great day,

Jane

Hi from the Busy one!

2010-02-11T17:50:00.005+10:00

Slacker!

That's me...well not really...life has been very interesting lately as you may have guessed from my quiet...Those of you who know me will know I'm not quiet! I have included a photo of the hummer that was the wedding car for my cousin's wedding! Small isn't it? lol The other photo is me just turning to see as mum called me.

Big cheers to my girlfriend Sharon who is doing chemo...you will kick its butt Shazzy because we have lots more to do in this world yet.

And I have started dating again....goodness , it's been 2 years! Lots of stories all suitable for a chick flick! Laughing at it all and trying to enjoy the dating...it makes great stories over coffee.

I'm still working up a storm at my stores and you can catch me there....having a creative blast in class lately.

I also ran a card making workshop at Burpengary as part of my commitment to free library access to all to encourage the community into the library! Get to your local library, it's a great place...

The workshop was heaps of fun and I will be doing another in April. I didn't even get packed up before I was in the office being asked for another one! Thanks to the staff for their help.

And who dobbed me in to the local paper? They took our photo and interviewed me. I will find out! So be warned...

Be happy,
Jane

Hi from Melbourne!

2010-01-13T17:32:00.004+10:00

Hi one and all,

about time I said greetings...

...hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year. Get ready for the best year ever...this year you will get creative beyond your dreams.

The last entry was about shoes. I wore them to my cousin Chase's wedding and it was a blast. I am here now with my cousin Blair and we will share a photo of the big day with you.

Won't be long before I'm back in Brissy ready to see you all in class, so get ready and print those photos today!

Cheers,

Jane

Those shoes!

2009-11-19T09:45:00.003+10:00

Oh, I'm absolutely awe-inspired by my new shoes!

They are silver & covered in bling. What more could you want? They deserve their own page!!! I've scrapped handbags & teapots & Mum's thimbles, but never shoes before.

I bought them to wear to Chase's wedding. I've even got my dress - it's red. That won't surprise many of you!

And now I have to find a silver evening bag that speaks to me, and it has to say, "Oh mamma!"

Grinning from ear to ear,

Jane

Too hot to handle!

2009-11-17T15:15:00.010+10:00

It may have come to your notice that summer has arrived? Some love it, some hate it.

I'm not fond of the heat. I like cool weather best. Give me May & September for perfect days & cool nights.

It influences where we go for holidays. Some love a tropical beach, with warm sultry breezes...

I like a holiday to see or do something - out in nature, cultural or something like that. As long as it's not too hot! That's me at Miami beach. camera in hand. Nice photo Lindy. Thanks.

This leads me to ideas for scrapbooking pages -

1. Where do you normally spend y0ur holidays? At Christmas? At Easter?

2. What is your dream destination for holidays? And why?

3. What does summer mean to you? (swimming, b-b-ques, hibiscus or conditioning, melted make up, sunburn)

4. If you could like anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Got some summer photos that need a focus?? Think beyond the square to give it a twist!

Happy hot Tuesday all,

Jane

Classes here & there!

2009-11-16T11:08:00.007+10:00

Went to my first Christmas party of the season Friday night! Yes, it's already starting. Here I am with friends Maria & Maria. We all volunteer our time and skills to the Friends of the Library in the Caboolture region.

It was lots of fun and the dinner and entertainment was great. Sugar, a 3-woman singing and dancing act, sang songs from the 40s right through to the 80s. I loved the 70s & 80s bit best!

Thanks to Glenda who told me how useful it is for her to look up where & when I'm teaching so she can plan in advance.

That's better organised than me at the moment I can tell you! Will be trying very hard today to update the class dates. I've included some pics of some of the lovely ladies (some are off grabbing paper & card) from Saturday's class at Stamp Art Studio. We got heaps done!

Hope to see you in class sometime too!

Have a great week,

Jane

Cakes & orchids

2009-11-08T20:46:00.008+10:00

Here's a photo of the wedding cake my Mum made for my cousin Kimberley & her new hubby Michael. Elegant isn't it?

We had a busy time of it hunting ribbon sites for that shade of ribbon and that width, I can tell you. We now have several metres left! Thinking caps on...

Dad's had plenty of orchids flowering and won some awards at their last Orchid show. These were for a lovely friend who passed away.

Got busy today and worked on new pages. Here's a detail or two.

Hope your weekend worked out nicely,

Jane

Christmas decision time

2009-11-07T11:14:00.004+10:00

Right! Christmas isn't far away. No whinging or whining. I have a few suggestions...

If you hate the mad noisy rush in December (I hate it), avoid it as much as possible by shopping all year for gifts. How?

Step 1 - Ok, have a list of who you want to buy for and their likes, hobbies, etc and as you shop during the year BE A HUNTER. If you see something that suits someone on the list buy it then and there. Tick them off the list.

Step 2 - Make full use of shopping catalogues to search for bargains and gifts. Map out your shopping like a mission (almost impossible, but NOT) so you don't have to backtrack.

Step 3 - Stop for food and drinks. You need them & it will make you less grumpy.

Tips...

1. Spreading out your shopping means it costs less in December and less credit use.

2. Make full use of internet searches, magazine subscriptions, Ebay & gift vouchers especially for cranky teens and grumpy old men.

3. If you are a scrapper or cardie you may want to make a special gift for someone, but can't find the time. Join a class or go to a crop to get the time. You deserve it.

4. The BEST idea I ever received was to start a Christmas savings account. It's fab. I can't access it until November so it covers things I have to get at the last month and any leftover money goes to the January sales to get Christmas cards and wrap for next year.

More ideas to come,
Jane

Sicko!

2009-11-06T17:56:00.002+10:00

Hey all, I haven't forgotten you! I've been really sick, but hope to improve soon. Just a little hello via the laptop because I'm still in bed "feeling poorly".

Positive side to this? Had time to read quite a few books, pat the cat & saved heaps of petrol money because I haven't been anywhere. Always look on the bright side of life - as Monty Python say!

Have a nice weekend,
Jane

Scrappin' Good Time

2009-10-17T10:15:00.008+10:00

Had a great time last night with some lovely creative women.

There were some fabulous pages made, some laughs and lots of creative juices flowing. I like it!

Thanks to you all.

One of the pages was titled Griffith Island. Turns out Michelle has an ancestor the Island (featured in my layout) was named for. Small world.

Amazing how much you can get done in a 2 hour class isn't it?

Have a lovely Saturday everyone,
Jane

Finally back!

2009-10-16T09:46:00.009+10:00

Floriade was wonderful! Hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do.

Only thing was the cold, dark wet weather. Brrr! The light was so poor many of the photos were just not good enough (for me!).

I was exhausted when we got back and am still tired, but there's been so much happening. I started at Arnold's and that was great fun. Here's a photo of the great gals in my first class: You Make My Heart Happy. Their pages looked fab. That's Jan's page (the birthday gal).

I'm also working furiously on my cousin's wedding invitations. That's taking up HOURS. Note to self: check how many inviations you have to make before saying yes!

PLUS I've been making pages for classes, drawing sketches and making handouts and kits. Sorry to all my mates who must be feeling woefully neglected. ..kinda like this blog. :-))

Well, cheers everyone! See some of you at class at Arnold's tonight. What a hoot!

Just ONE more photo...

Jane

Floriade!

2009-10-04T17:04:00.001+10:00

Greetings from Lindy & Jane in freezing cold wet Canberra.

Pretty awful weather last couple of days freezing our butts and other assorted body parts.

Flowers were still beautiful if a little damp! Tomorrow we are off to Tulip Top Farm & we are praying for better waether. Back to Floriade Tuesday to finish off seeing all the displays. It's bigger than ever!

Surprise thing we have seen - fire across the road - 3 fire crews, hazmat team, fire investigators and building evacuation! Never a dull moment with us...

No photos to show yet...
Jane

Layouts galore!

2009-10-01T09:30:00.008+10:00

Hi everyone...I've made heaps of new layouts for Arnolds and Stamp Art Studio.

In fact I've even got ahead with some for November. What next?!!! A lotto win?

I've included a few details of pages from Arnold's Scrapbook & Craft Supplies ( http://scrapbooking.arnolds.net.au/) so you can get a hint of what I've been up to. Lots of fab Bo Bunny papers.

I picked up some of the new Kaiser paper range yesterday too, so look out! I grabbed the purple and green floral paper and the new travel range because tomorrow I'm off to Floriade. Yay!

I loved the vintage Christmas paper and had to get a few sheets to play with there. I see some visits to Christmas past in those pages.

Can't wait to be snapping a few 100 or 1000 photos of tulips and flowers Saturday morning. It's supposed to be cold & raining. Ha! Lindy & I have a brolly and will not be deterred (too much). Top of 15 degrees celcius forecast for that day. Oh well...

Have a great week and I'll be back from tulip heaven soon,

Jane

Getting creative at Arnold's

2009-09-15T09:35:00.009+10:00

The accordion fold book my sister Bin & I made for our cousin Chase’s birthday was a huge success! She loved it.

Titled “10 Things We Share” we filled it with bright colours, flowers, bling and photos from childhood to now. Lots of laughs coming up with the 10 things....I’m so glad it’s made and sent. We started it last year! Well, life has a way of giving you other distractions, doesn’t it?

I’ve been working very hard on my teaching samples for Arnold’s Scrapbook & Craft Supplies and getting very inspired.

My first class is Saturday 10 October at 10am-12pm and titled “You Make My Heart Happy”.
It's fun and funky, lots of hot pink and lime. It combines colour pizzazz, pattern, swirls, ribbon, flowers and bling, of course! Check out Arnold's site at http://scrapbooking.arnolds.net.au/

Here's a detail from another I'm working on using My Mind's Eye paper. I've gone rich tones of steel blue, olive and sandstone for my photos of Bell's Beach along the Great Ocean Road.

Check out the Arnold's box in the sidebar for more...

Please read the post after this one if you haven't read about the fraud email pretending to be from me... Remember to email me with your email details at liveoutloud43@y7mail.com

Now...back to the workshop,

Jane

Jane suffers fraud attack

2009-09-12T10:23:00.005+10:00

My email has been hijacked. Please do not respond to any emails from livelovelife42@y7mail.com - especially ones asking for money!

My new email address is liveoutloud43@y7mail.com

Please send me an email as all of my contacts have been wiped out! I cannot update any of you or contact you.

What a pity that all the wonderful people who have been part of the Create-4 a Cause and scrapbooking have been touched by this money-hungry fraudulent hacker.

Please email me!
Jane

Look out Arnold's Scrapbook store!

2009-09-07T18:23:00.008+10:00

Danger everyone!

I start teaching at Arnold's Scrapbook & Craft Supplies in October! Yay!

So for all of those out there that wished I was teaching near Caboolture again - I am, in Rothwell! It's a store with a lovely friendly atmosphere and excellent prices. Owner Karen is down to earth and very helpful. She doesn't mind a chat or a cuppa either - yes, we get on quite well therefore!

More details soon, but I had to give you all a heads up....

Still working on Chase's invitations here's some more photos of the latest batch.

Anyway, I'm working on a whole bunch of new stuff for Karen & feeling very inspired. See you soon at Arnold's!

Getting creative,
Jane

Invitations again!

2009-09-04T09:49:00.008+10:00

I didn't get up to too much this week because of a persistent migraine. First I've had in ages. Rotten things.

I did get the computer and the camera fixed however, yay! I am missing a limb without a camera.

Here's another couple of invitations for Chase to view all based around her rough ideas. The first one is pink paper with white spots and white paper with pink spots. The second is pink with white spots then pink shimmer. That bit of ribbon is getting mighty frayed with me pulling it off and popping it on to the next trial each time!

Hope you're all getting some creative time.

Happy birthday to Sharon for tomorrow! May the day & year ahead be as special as you are!

Have a great weekend,

Jane

Spring tomorrow - officially!

2009-08-31T19:20:00.004+10:00

Forget the weird weather because tomorrow it is officially Spring!

Welcome flowers, sunshine, and hay fever.

Not long until Floriade! Yay!

Got the computer 'doctored' today so cross fingers all will be well...

I wish you could barter services more. I'd love to swap baking for computer services or massages or waxing, haircuts etc etc Or I can do hair foils, tutor english, geography or junior maths, or make a layout, housesit...jack of many that's me!

Look at gardens tomorrow!
Jane

Missing the Great Ocean Road

2009-08-27T20:00:00.008+10:00

I'm missing the fabulous travels and photography of the Great Ocean Road trip we did in January 2008! Lucky we're off to Floriade in Canberra in October for a few days...

So, I'm going to have to get out all the photos I haven't scrapped from that trip - and there are hundreds! Here is a pic of a layout I've already done and the original sketch. It works really well with lots of different styles so give it a go!

Had a great couple of days staying over with my sister Bin & niece Amelie. All girls together. Love how Amelie calls me "Aunty Daney" now. And I had a great afternoon with the gals at our cuppa catch up. It was fully dark when we left!

Hope you're all NOT having computer problems like me!

Happy technology,

Jane

Wedding count down

2009-08-21T09:19:00.006+10:00

Weddings! No, not me...my cousin, in January 2010.

Have been to so many stores to find the papers etc that Chase wants for her wedding invitations - you know how that can be. It's made harder by the fact that she is in Melbourne & had no specific idea of what she wanted.

So here's a rough trial based on her email pictures...this is not to be it though. I have a few more suggestions from her.

Mum on the other hand has been making someone's wedding cake and they are popping fresh purple irises on top. It's very delicate and sweet.

Another cousin is getting married in a couple of weeks time and mum's making that cake too. Ivory roses for that one.

Meanwhile I've had NO CHANCE of being creative since I returned home. Too busy with visitors, Amelie and getting ready for work tomorrow. I'll be creative then!

Happy weekend,

Jane

Goodbye Newmarket

2009-08-18T13:48:00.004+10:00

Had a great time at my girlfriend's 40th - yes, got the book done, whew! Took photos and then my camera 'seized up'is how I'll put it. Now I can't get anything off the memory, even in another camera.

It's been a fantastic camera, it takes great pix too. So...no photos for this post! (Was going to add photos of the mini book.)

It's my last full day housesitting, I'm back home tomorrrow. Goodbye Newmarket. I enjoyed you. It flew so quickly. Where did the last 8 weeks go?

It feels like winter is over and spring is here already. I can't believe how hot some of the days have been. Winter has been short changed! Bring it back for a few weeks please!

Jumper still out hoping for cool change,
Jane

Turkey time

2009-08-13T18:58:00.004+10:00

Scrub turkeys drive the inhabitants of this home a bit crazy, but i've enjoyed seeing them around. They are messy, there's no doubt about that. This bird dragged every single one of those leaves from the very far corner of the yard.

I've been trying to get a mini book done start to finish today in between appointments. It's for a friend's 40th. I can finish it off tomorrow at home because I need my crop-o-dile punch! I made a little card to go with it and the scan is awful sorry. The colours match in reality.

No more work today, my scrapper's neck is just not up to it!

Enjoy the birds,

Jane

A little birdy on my page

2009-08-12T20:17:00.004+10:00

Well, I'm just loving the new A2Z Scraplet of a little bird. Added it to my page today & it finished it off perfectly.

I haven't decided if the page is for class so this is just a bit of a look. I'm still scrapping photos from our Roma Street Parkland photo shoot. Now THAT was a great inspiration!

Can't believe how fast this week is disappearing! My housesitting job is nearly over. Will have to hunt up another one!

Be happy,

Jane

Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince

2009-08-11T09:57:00.004+10:00

Spent time with my sister Bin and Harry Potter yesterday. Yay! Finally got to see the movie. Enjoyed it very much, but it is annoying when they change films from the book.

Yes, I know they can't show EVERYTHING, but changing things is different. That's why books are better than the film usually. Bet you have a favourite book made into a movie that drives you nuts..

We saw a preview for New Moon, the next film in the Twilight series and they have definitely made some changes. Grrrr. I really enjoyed the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. her books have been in the Top 10 for over 2 years now. That must be very satisfying.

Back to Harry...people are complaining it's very dark in mood - well, hello people! If the dark lord is trying to take over the world and kills anyone in his way, there's not too much giggling in that. There are lighter moments. At least it stays true to the book in many ways.

On another note Bin reminded me that the last time we went to the movies together it was to see Mamma Mia. What a pair of slackers! Now THAT was a fun movie.

Popcorn anyone?

Jane

The weekend that was

2009-08-10T16:12:00.003+10:00

Friday the power shorted out in the older style home I'm housesitting.

10 minutes checking appliances in house.
10 minutes finding the fuse box.
5 minutes feeling woefully inadequate as a modern woman (what the hell was I looking for?).
2 minutes brain burning thought...
3 minutes crossing to neighbour where fence being built and conning to male builders into coming over and checking the fuse box out for me. (Cheeky hey?) How could they resist with my opening line,"Could I be really sexist please -because I'm a woman, you're a man, and I need you to look at my fuse box please?"
10 minutes discussion & checking fuses, switches, etc
Finally success! Yes!
Thanks to the guys.
THAT"S problem solving...

Saturday off early to the Cherish Your Friends crop at Burpengary, a 14 hour crop raising money for cancer research. Made 4 single, 1 double page and started another double page layouts. Talked, laughed, ate, etc

Got to sleep after midnight, woke 6.30am Sunday.
Visited with family, extended family popped in for a visit, went to visit a friend and had a cuppa.
Grabbed a few essentials at the shop & travelled back to housesit. Unpacked mountains of stuff and dragged it back upstairs.

Opened freezer (under the house) for something for lunch.
Disaster!
Found the appliance that caused the power short.
5 minutes getting big bin around front of house through gates, doors and under house.
15 minutes emptying freezer full of rotting, wet meat, seafood, bread etc.
Over 1 hour cleaning freezer, drawers & floor with periodic stops to go outside for fresh air.
5 minutes removing bin to original spot.
4 mintes showering off stink.
5 minutes popping clothes, etc into washing machine.
3 minutes hanging out washing.
2 minutes to trudge back upstairs & collapse.

Had apple for lunch. A baked potato for tea.

What I learnt -
whatever life throws at you, cope 1 moment at a time.
When it's over, laugh at it & turn it into a story....

Sharing my story,
Jane

A Visit to the Met

2009-08-05T17:06:00.006+10:00

Lindy & I popped over to the Queensland Art Gallery today to see the American Impressionism & Realism exhibition. It closes the 20 September & I hate to miss these things...

Normally I'd say, "When will I ever beat the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York?", but I have actually been there! (Name dropper, travel bragger, etc) That was over 10 years ago.

We had a lovely time viewing the paintings, themes and ideas and couldn't resist a few photos around the immediate area of the gallery, bridge and wheel. Next on the list is Da Vinci's drawings at Southbank. Must check when that closes before I miss it.

My newly dyed hair really stands out in this photo! Good candid photo Lindy!

With head awash with art,

Jane

Sounds of heavy machinery

2009-08-03T12:44:00.006+10:00

The house behind here is doing some major renos with a grader EARLY. I'm not fond of early UNLESS I have somewhere fab to go.

I took this morning to make another layout to the lilting sounds of constant heavy machinery. It is loosely inspired by a Prima sketch. Check them out at http://prima.typepad.com/prima/2009/06/julys-build-a-page-is-here.html

The colours of the photo were bit of a shocker, but who could resist such 'messy' photos? I chose the orange & yellow to bring out the sauce and because I get tired of scrapping in pink!

Very rare for me to scrap in yellow or orange so it made a nice change. I'm planning some 'green' pages next. However this afternoon's photos of peach blossom mean another pink page is only a step away!

Happy scrapping all,
Jane

Creativity is messy

2009-08-01T17:29:00.006+10:00

A successful day.

A messy day, and therefore...

...for me, very creative!

Got this layout completed and a double page multi photo layout almost completed. Lindy liked her birthday gifts, the cake and lunch was yummy AND we had a lovely time.

What more can you ask for?

Hope your Saturday was good for you,

Jane

New Look

2009-07-31T11:03:00.012+10:00

Every now and then you get bored and need a new look right? Well, here we are trying one out for the blog. It may change yet...just like my hair, always varying every couple of months!

Been busy and made 3 pages in one day. My neck is killing me. Here's the last quick one I whipped up last night. Amelie is soooo cute - says her biased aunty. I used the Lemonade papers from Basic Grey.

Lindy & my trip to the Roma Street Parkland was fabulous! What a lovely space and so pleasant to wander around. We spent almost 5 hours snapping away, having a cuppa & lunch...

Between us we took 833 photos. Over 5 hours that's 1 every 20 seconds. Hmm. Well, I've winnowed them down with a very mean hand & I want to print 298 of them. Oh well, more to scrap. Lindy all ready has scrapped some! Amazing. Check it out at http://wwwjustanotherday.blogspot.com/2009/07/challange-at-sweetie-sketches.html

Hope you have something nice planned for the weekend. I'm having a creative day with friends tomorrow to celebrate Lindy's birthday. I have taken over the whole kitchen table so I must make room for the gals to scrap & stamp too.

Find some time for fun,
Jane

Cameras at the ready!

2009-07-28T09:21:00.005+10:00

Look out Brisbane! Lindy & I are planning a trip to the Roma Street Parklands this morning. I've never been. Of course we are taking our cameras...

The weather looks fab, I have space on the memory for 600 large photos and I packed my walking shoes. I have also picked great company! I enjoy taking off, wandering and looking at nature. The photo below is a fave from Pickering Point, Warnambool from a stroll we gals took on our Great Ocean Road trip in 2008. Gotta love that twilight in Victoria - this is 8pm.

Many of you will know I love gardens and flowers, photography and friends, so I am feeling a pleasant vibe looking forward to the morning. I think that would be a good title for a page "Flowers, friends and fotos" for me. Hmm...

Lindy's picking me up soon so must go finish getting ready - my camera and senses await!

In anticipation,

Jane

Card play

2009-07-26T16:59:00.007+10:00

Spent today playing with ink & stamps at Blossie's Stamping & Scrapbooking. I actually got something done!

That is a good thing about going to Stamp Club - the other is borrowing from all Annette's (Blossies) stamps. It's a great option for a scrapbooker to play with a range of stamps.

Here's a sample of my efforts...

I was in a very blue & green mood today. I even wore a green shirt!

I'm hoping to get a few pages scrapped this week so cross your fingers for me...

Enjoy the winter sun,

Jane

''D'' Day

2009-07-23T15:49:00.011+10:00

No not the end of WW2, something much lighter...

Today was DIVA Day. I received 2, count 'em, 2, gift cards to spend at Diva. I love gift cards and I love jewellry & you guessed it, I lo-oove Diva. It's such fun.

So this morning I got up and took the bus into the city to go visit the Diva warehouse (near Coles) and the Diva store in the Myer centre. I enjoyed myself thoroughly - and thanks to the great gals working there who enjoyed helping me spend my money: Bailey, Dominique & Kat.

It's been AGES since I visited the city so I thought I'd go for total indulgence and head off to Borders to browse my other idea of heaven (BIG bookstore full of books). Got quite a surprise when I saw it wasn't Borders any longer, but discount books & gifts. Apparently the change took place just 3 weeks ago. My timing is pretty poor!

What do you love getting as a gift? What are your passions? I've already scrapped pages about books I love, favourite childhood books, plus my teapot collection, Christmas baubles and many handbags. I also have a page title "Accessorize yourself" with a photo with jewels, handbags etc all in purple and me with a big grin.

Take some photos of your fave stuff and scrap it. It's great to show something about yourself as an expression of your personality. I must scan some of these pages and post them for you all to take a squiz.

Blinged & beautiful,

Jane

Beads Beads Beads

2009-07-22T21:20:00.009+10:00

Had a great day celebrating my 43rd birthday yesterday (Tuesday 21st) Jane-style.

Lindy, my sister Bin & I took off down to the Gold Coast Harbour Town - not to shop, but to bead!

We all played making bracelets with lots of help from Michelle who owns Beadworx (Go to http://www.beadworx.net.au/ or just click on the title of this blog entry) and is very helpful and just lovely. I love her shop because it's so well set out, there's lots of great kits, walls of colour co-ordinated beads and heaps of charms and Pandora-style beads too. Quite frankly, what's not to like???? Just wait until you see the jewellry we made!

Of course we stopped for a delicious lunch to fortify the inner woman before we got down & dirty bead-wise. I learnt heaps of great tricks and tips and came away with a 95% completed bracelet. It's in funky shades of pink and silver. Yeah!

That night we had a family dinner - roast beef, vege & gravy followed by orange almond cake with a luscious orange sauce (and cream for those who can handle it). Thanks Mum.

It was a pretty special birthday with pressies, good wishes, phone calls, creativity and good food. Now I just have to scrap it!

Happy birthday to all Cancerians everywhere,

Jane

Out & Shake it All About

2009-07-14T10:44:00.005+10:00

Ok, ages since I last blogged.

I've been housesitting, babysitting, cooking, working, drawing sketches, planning, typing up handouts, baking cakes and bread, spending a creative day with my sister, celebrating a friend's birthday, researching a new notebook computer, organising a loan, getting a tattoo (fake), looking after a friend's dog & giving my pets a little time, taking photos, reading, sleeping and eating. I even managed to watch a little tv.

Just the usual mostly!

Work Saturday was such fun. We were so busy that I was exhausted after & looking forward to doing nothing. HA! See you all for August's classes gals! The pages are made & I want to start on September's.

So anyway I have a page floating around in my mind about seasons. How do you show winter in sunny SE Queensland?? All we do is put a cardy on & ta dah, you are covered for winter. There's no snow and you're flat out finding autumn leaves. Maybe a photo of a thermometer showing a brisk 15 degrees Celcius? Maybe a fire or heater glowing brightly??

This tree at a friend's home seemed to fit the bill so a quick snap later I think it says "winter". I cover spring frequently because of my love of spring flowers...I'll have to consider summer. That would be airconditioners and sunburn!

Hope you get a little seasonal inspiration!

Jane

Housesitting without a camera

2009-07-01T12:17:00.004+10:00

Yesterday, my sister Bin, niece Amelie & I went to visit friends. I took my camera of course. When we went off to lunch I locked my camera in Bin's car and left it there.

I am here without a camera. That might not sound terrible to you, but I feel like I'm missing an arm. Seriously. I can get it back Friday night. Arghhhhhhhhh.

Hope no aliens land in the yard. You never know.

See some of you Friday at class at Stamp Art Studio, Aspley. Don't forget your black & white photos! I'm working on July's stuff now and have plenty of photos to choose from. What's new pussycat?

Have a great day,
Jane

Coffee with the Gals

2009-06-25T18:38:00.006+10:00

The last Thursday of each month is coffee with the gals - we all met through scrapbooking & card making! When we can we get together and crop/create, but coffee is a set date. Whoever can make it comes along.

I always look forward to it. It's great to catch up, laugh & share. We enjoy it when someone brings "show and tell" - photos, layouts, cards, craft shopping, etc - all is good.

Because I've been so productive this week I brought a heap of layouts to share. Sharing of a different kind tomorrow as I'm teaching class at Stamp Art Studio at Aspley.

I'm off housesitting from Monday for 8 weeks while a friend goes on a round Australia trip with her family. Have a fab time Shaz. Can't wait to see the photos! I'll be blogging & scrapping in another postcode. Ahh, the beauty of technology!

Happy June-July hols,
Jane

Scrapping good time

2009-06-23T11:33:00.004+10:00

Well, I have completed 3 pages over the last week and a half. Yay!

I also printed off a heap of photos to scrap when I get the chance. This is a detail from a class I'm teaching Friday (26 June 09) at Stamp Art Studio called Ribbon Wrap Up. I really love the new K&Co papers Madeline series. Yummy. Yes, I did some cutting out! I must have had a brain burn of some kind.

I've been working on the Happiness Is... wooden album for the next Create For A Cause day too. So far we have fancy journalling blocks & words, quotes and pattern papers. A friend is cutting the album sheets in his "spare" time which means before work when it's still dark. Thanks Geoff. Keep your eyes on that cutting blade!

Hi to Jonelle & Yvonne who ran into my sister Belinda in Burpengary recently. I feel like we are all part of a special club after that fantastic fundraising effort. We sure had fun!

Happy scrapping,
Jane

Scrap challenge

2009-06-20T10:46:00.006+10:00

Glad to hear you all enjoyed the scrap challenge - whether you were part of it or just voting for your fave on the day.

Amazing variety in our wonderful entries. I was glad I wasn't the judge! Too hard to choose.

Chris Smith won 1st place and Karen O'Brien was the runner up.

I'm always thrilled to see the variety that comes from just a simple sketch and sample. After teaching for over 6 years I'm still excited by this process. My students are too and it's always great to see everyone's interpretation of my ideas. Thank you for sharing your creativity with me.

Happy creating,

Jane

Vintage resources anyone?

2009-06-19T08:53:00.007+10:00

Hi all,

just pop over to Scrap With Jane at Real Life Scrapbooking for an update on a website for vinatge resources,

http://reallifescrapbooking.blogspot.com/

Cheers,

Jane

A few more photos...

2009-06-17T13:44:00.005+10:00

Hi everyone!

Here's a few more photos of the big day. Glad you all enjoyed the food so much. Blossie's cakes were a big hit. I'm already thinking about what to cook for next year's lunch & dinner!

Vicki did really well outbidding everyone in the pamper pack auction. I look forward to hearing how the massages, facials and photography session went! Has anyone besides Kelley used their facial gift voucher yet?

I did mess up pretty darn well on the Scrap Bingo though. Yes, the idea is ONE person is supposed to get Bingo at a time - not like the six we had! Still Kelley won that and all bingo winners got a prize. I WILL NOT be coming to a bingo hall near you soon. I promise...

More soon,

Jane

Photos for fun!

2009-06-14T17:52:00.004+10:00

Participants of the charity crop have received a link for all the photos of the fun day through email, but here’s a few for you to see!

We are still sending out thank you letters and certificates of appreciation to businesses who so generously donated...chasing up postal addresses is slowing things down! Yes, we are snail mailing things so there’s a real piece of paper for each of them.

Cheers,

Jane

Thanks from the RBWH Foundation

2009-06-10T19:12:00.006+10:00

Today we handed over the cheque to Carol & Nina from the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital Foundation. That's Carol in the photo with me.

These lovely women visited us for morning tea (you know I HAVE to feed people - it's a Jane imperative!) Thanks to Val for baking the famous orange cranberry scones. They brought a gift for Amelie and a thank you certificate for Create For A Cause. How nice is that??

They said it sounded like we had a great time. Even though they're not scrapbookers they felt like they wanted to come to the next event to join in the fun!

I've got photos of the big day in now and will get them onto this site next week so you can all see yourselves looking very industrious.

Plans are coming along for the next event in September. We are trying to chase down a bigger hall at the right price. One quote was $50 an hour! I want a hot rock body massage thrown in for that kind of money!!! Um, that sounds good...

Cheers,

Jane

for the team

Pumpkin Soup recipe

2009-06-08T13:30:00.004+10:00

A few of you asked for the Pumkin Soup recipe from the charity crop day.

I include it here, but also a smaller version follows!

Charity Crop Pumpin Soup

(Feeds 40 hungry creative women)

Ingredients

6kg peeled and diced pumpkin

2.5kg of peeled and finely diced onion

2.5kg peeled and diced carrot

2 litres of vegetable stock for vegetarians or 2 litres of good chicken stock for meat eaters

1 litre of water

1 teaspoon nutmeg

2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Method

1. Gently sweat (fry very, very gently without browning) the onions in olive oil in a 12ltre stock pot. Stir onions frequently.

2. When onion is clear add vegetables and stir thoroughly.

3. Pour in stock. If veges aren't covered by stock add up to 1 litre of water until they are covered by liquid. Add half a teaspoon of nutmeg to pot.

4. Bring pot to a simmer. Stir well occasionally. Cook for 1-2 hours or until vegetables are very well cooked. Add other half teaspoon of nutmeg.

5. Blend pot mix with Bamix or similar tool. Batches can also be blended in a food processor if you lack a bamix.

Pumpkin soup for 4

500g pumpkin

2 large onions
1 carrot
3½ cups good chicken stock
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
salt, pepper to your taste

Method as above

Optional
Serve with a spoonful of sour cream and chopped chives.

Enjoy!

Jane

New Event coming

2009-06-02T10:50:00.002+10:00

Thank you for your wonderful feedback.

Such is the overwhelming response that I can't leave you to wait for another year before we do something else, so...let's do something new!

We're thinking 2 classes with a kit -

Class 1 - Happiness Is Album
Make a 15x15cm wooden off the page album using a happy red, blue and green theme using paint, paper, card, flowers, buttons, brads, etc (all supplied in your kit). A handout includes details of the project to guide you.

Class 2 – Butterfly Layout
Create a 12”x12” layout using paper, card, flowers, brads, (all supplied in your kit) and a range of techniques to inspire your imagination. The kit includes a handout with a layout sketch and a picture of the project to guide you.

A light lunch is included in the price of the day including tea and coffee plus a share & unwind session after the classes.

The ticket price will include your kit, class, teaching, food and tea & coffee. The day will most likely run from 10am to 4pm and be held in September.

More details as I work it out...

Sound good??

Happy creating,
Jane

Fundraising success!

2009-06-01T13:52:00.005+10:00

Wow! The charity crop was a huge success. We raised $1536.25!

What a fantastic time we had Saturday... Everyone had a great time and many of the participants wanted to book in already for next year. Phew! Let us get over this one first...

We wish to thank all our donors again for your thoughtful involvement in the day’s success. Your contribution added to the quality of

· the goodie bags for each participant
· the lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and dessert
· the free tea, coffee and Milo and hand massages

· the sales, lucky dips, raffle prizes, prizes for bingo, lucky door, and the scrapbooking and card making challenges

I just want to share one response with you:

" Hope you have recovered from your "big day out". It really was a fun day. Thanks so much for a great day & also to all your helpers. We can't wait for the next one! Everything was spot on, great company, food & prizes & it all ran as smooth as clockwork. Thanks once again Jane for a great day & all the hard work you all put into it." Gwen Knowles

Thanks Gwen.

Watch this space for info, reports, photos and more about the big day...

Keep smiling,

Jane, Lindy & Sharon

Neonatal Ward visit

2009-05-26T08:24:00.004+10:00

Yesterday we delivered a lovely donation from a friend (name not included) of Virginia & Richard at Scrapbooking Supplies - a beautiful blanket and 2 pair of booties. They were thrilled to accept as these are beautiful work and all donations are accepted with gratitude.

We talked over old times. Quite a few people remembered Amelie and they were thrilled to hear how well she is doing. Lisa was volunteered to be our photographic subject. Thanks Lisa!

You can always help out by donating handmade cards to the unit too. They love to give birthday and every occasion cards to parents whose child is in there during these occassions to help lift mum or dad's spirits.

Caron Gamble and Julie Richardson both sent us cards all the way from Tassie to be part of our day and I hope they think this is a great destination for their craft. Their cards will be going to help support the spirit of a premmie or seriously ill baby's parent. What a nice way to help someone else!

If you'd like to help out too send cards to the Grantley Neonatal Ward at the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital.

See you Saturday,

Jane, Lindy & Sharon

Word from the Commandos

2009-05-24T10:30:00.007+10:00

This report just in...

Operation "Pack Goodie Bags" a success.

No casualties reported.

Minor skirmish over scones, jam & cream which overwhelmed our forces due to yumminess.

All ready for duty 11am Saturday 30 May at Old Bay Road Communtiy Arts Hall, Corner of Old Bay and Maitland Roads.

See entry at http://reallifescrapbooking.blogspot.com/2009/05/command-centre-mode.html if this communication bewildering!

Jane, Lindy & Sharon

One week - that's only 7 days!

2009-05-22T09:42:00.003+10:00

It's a big weekend for Lindy, Sharon and me plus my sister Belinda (Amelie's mum). We are packing your goodie bags and sorting out all the wonderful prizes and sale items for the big day.

Maybe this weekend you can think about getting your self prepared too? I hope that last blog entry & email spurred you into thinking about a bit of organising yourself for the creativity & fun.

We have guidelines for the day -

Relax, smile & have fun
Enjoy the supportive atmosphere
Be part of the spirit of the day
Know you are contributing to a wonderful cause

Hope you can cope with those! See you very soon...

Jane

2 weeks to go!

2009-05-15T11:38:00.004+10:00

The charity crop day is so close you can almost touch it! We've added the following info to make your day the best it can be so please read it carefully.

Amazing Sale 50-70% off!

Great news! We will have a sale table on the day.

There will be heaps of fab stuff at half price or less such as
· Brads
· 12” albums
· Flowers
· Pattern Paper

Due to our generous donors there will also be a few
· kids craft and sewing items at 50 -70% off.

Plus to make your life easier there will be a small supply of
· tape and tabs
· Bazzill cardstock ($1 each)

First in first served!

The Raffle

First prize in the raffle is
A Bind It Machine and 2 coil sets worth $120!
Second prize is
A $50 voucher to spend on craft supplies!
Third Prize is
A Scrapbooking and cardmaking supply pack worth $30!

Anyone can buy tickets, not just those participants on the day!

Please read carefully!

Checklist...I have the following packed & ready to roll!

¨ Change & small notes for raffle, buying fantastic sale items, drinks, etc.
We do not have any credit facilities.

¨ Craft supplies, tools and mat
¨ Pen and/or pencil
¨ Photos for the scrapbooking challenge. (You can enter both the scrap & card challenge)

You need 2 horizontal/landscape 10x15cm/4x6” photos.

If they’re black & white you might be able to use the paper in your goodie bag, otherwise bring 2 colour horizontal/landscape 10x15cm/4x6” photos and 1 sheet of pattern paper & 2 sheets of card to match.

¨ Stamps, ink, pattern paper etc for the card challenge. The goodie bag has white, brown & blue card. Heat tool if wanted & extension power cord. (You can enter both the scrap & card challenge)

¨ Drinks other than tea, coffee & water. There will be soft drink for sale ($1) on the day to raise money. Please bring change.

¨ My album, a layout or card samples to share with others.

¨ A cushion for a chair – 11 hours is a long time! The hall has wheelie access if needed.

A suggestion...

Think about what projects you’d like to play with on the day BEFORE THE DAY.
Maybe put the ideas, photos, papers and card together that might work. Take some of your fave embellishments eg.flowers, ribbon etc

Remember there is no big shop just some emergency items so being prepared makes your day easier and possibly more productive if that is important to you.

Lastly...on the day
Please introduce yourself. We are looking forward to meeting you!
If you have a question on the day ask Jane, Sharon, Lindy or Belinda. We’ll have name tags.

We’ve provided time, food and opportunity for you to relax in a creative & supportive atmosphere. Please come to enjoy yourself & meet other like-minded people.
Cheers,
Jane, Lindy & Sharon

Missing in Action

2009-05-12T09:18:00.003+10:00

I had to tell you that Julie Cottrell at A2Z Scraplets sent us a boxful of goodies. The first box went walkabout. Somewhere someone is opening a box and thinking "yay!" if they are crafty and "what?!" if they aren't.

Julie and we gals were very disappointed about this, but bless her generous heart Julie decided to remake her donations for us, gifting each of us with a special corner scraplet and accent plus sending over a dozen things for prizes. Take THAT you thief!

I think the A2Z blog is a great place to look at ideas for using the scraplets and it also has a list of suppliers who carry this range www.a2zscraplets.typepad.com/. I have included a photo of some of the donations. The corner words and flower is yours on the day!

Not long now!
Jane, Lindy & Sharon

Thanks to our donors...

2009-05-07T08:26:00.003+10:00

Thank you so much to all those people and companies that have so kindly donated to our charity event. We truly appreciate your kindness.

SPAR Deception Bay, Gloria Jean's Coffee Burpengary (gift) and Phelan's Bakery are the only food businesses that have said yes to our request for help.

Yes, food is a big part of the day so we will continue to ask for support. All items donated help raise the money we can give for research and equipment for premmies and seriously ill babies. If you know a business that might donate food stuffs please let us know by contacting Jane at livelovelife42@y7mail.com or on 0424278273.

Here's an updated picture of a sample of the lovely donations...

It's going to be a great day!
Jane, Lindy & Sharon

In the paper!

2009-04-15T12:10:00.003+10:00

We are in this week's Caboolture Shire Herald promoting the charity day AND the good work of the Perinatal Research Centre.

Register now for a fantastic day!

2009-04-05T10:52:00.006+10:00

Calling all scrapbookers, cardmakers and creative people!

What? 11 hour charity crop

When? Saturday 30 May 2009 from 11am to 10pm

Where? Old Bay Road Community Arts Hall, Cnr Old Bay & Maitland Road, Burpengary

Includes Light lunch, afternoon tea, dinner & dessert, a scrapbooking or cardmaking challenge, a goodiebag and a demo by an experienced paper artist/teacher.

There will be games, prizes & a raffle on the day so bring change!

Cost? $35 per person (profits to the Perinatal Research Centre)

Contact Bookings are a must and registration closes 1 May 2009.

Phone Jane 0242278273 or email livelovelife42@y7mail.com

Have you already booked in??

Things You Need to Know!

Thanks for your interest in the Create for a Cause Charity Crop. It will be a fantastic day!

Your place will be confirmed once your fee for the day has arrived. A receipt will be sent to you. Please send a postal note for $35 to Jane Balke, 121 Fleet St, Burpengary, Qld, 4505

You will need your craft supplies, tools and mat for the day

Any drinks other than tea, coffee & water. There will be soft drink for sale ($1) on the day to raise money.

Please bring a photo for the Scrapbooking challenge pack – we suggest 2 horizontal/landscape 10x15cm/4x6” black and white photos would suit best. The card challenge pack has a white, brown & blue theme.

We’d like to encourage you to bring your album or card samples to share with others.
You may like to bring a cushion for your chair – 11 hours is a long time! The hall has wheelie access if needed.

If you’d like to donate new scrapbooking and card making supplies, food (non-perishible treats) or women’s indulgence products toward the prizes we’d love to hear from you (call Jane 0424278273 or livelovelife42@y7mail.com

Please return this information via email to Jane at livelovelife42@y7mail.com

Create for a Cause Participant Info

Name:
Contact number:
Email:
Address (for sending receipt):

Do you have any food allergies or major intolerances that need to be catered for?

Would you like your free challenge pack to be for Scrapbooking OR card making?

Thanks for your help. We look forward to seeing you on the day. Please call 0424278273 or email livelovelife42@y7mail (Jane) if you have any questions!

Cheers!
Jane Balke, Lindy Gillespie & Sharon Kane
We hope to see you on the day!
Jane, Lindy & Sharon