There is a crack in everything

I had great plans for this page....it was going to be random and arty.  Everything was going swimmingly until, as usual, I went one step too far and wrecked the whole page.   Arrrghhhh!   I might have even used the fiddlesticks word!  Ironic really given the Stamp which sparked my ideas! This is not as free form and arty as the original, but the photo does have the effect I wanted.

CSI LINK

I hope you come on over and have a play - let your inner artist out  :)

I used some older My Mind's Eye papers

The flowers were fussy cut from old Crate paper Bliss collection, "Groovy"

They look a bit grey here, but IRL they are beige colour

The metal embellies are from Bo Bunny

The stamp is from Tim Holtz

EVIDENCE

Mixed media background

Newsprint

Heart (on the stamp)

Flower

Border punch

Stamp

TESTIMONY - What does my Art mean to me?   The journalling is on the back and it reads:-

Without trying to sound coy, I'm not sure that what I create can really be called ART.  I think that scrappers who's work I admire, are real artists and what I do, is more like a craft.  Reflecting on the question has been interesting; it made me ask myself why I think that way.  It could be a tendency to strive for perfection, rather than just enjoying the process.  Perhaps it highlights the main reason I scrap and that is to tell the story.  Writing helps me makes sense of my life and records the children's stories, but could that be Art?  At the head level, I'm willing to accept imperfection, but at the gut level, the remnants of a brutal education still linger and I want everything to be outrageously excellent.  Then I remind myself that this is for the children and that makes it all worth while....besides I have at least five years worth of stash to use!

Happy Bright

It's such fun to be on the Design Team at Color Stories Inspiration CSI.  Every week Debbi provides a colour challenge, a mood board, evidence and journalling prompts to stir the creative juices and inspire us to use colours we would not normally be drawn to.   I struggled a bit with the brights  until I altered an older photo of mine and I had a light bulb moment.

CSI LINK

The spotty paper is from Prima The optimist collection, "Perfect" 

The watercolour flowers are fussy cut from the same range, "Happy"

and the words from the reverse of "Happy"

Tim Holtz stencil and gelatos to make the harlequins

A Prima stencil to make the raindrops 

and the "Think Happy" brad is from Simple Stories

Love this quote

EVIDENCE

Flowers

Badge

Heart

Diamond shapes

Wet medium

Mini brads

Harlequin pattern

TESTIMONY

I used KNOW as my inspiration word. The journalling is on the back and it reads:-

There was a time in my past, when I trudged through each day in a grey fog. A muffled, distorted sound track accompanied the grainy film of my existence, as the listless weeks dragged by.  With the benefit of the retrospectoscope, it’s easy to identify some of the contributing factors.  But back then, society, church and family of origin, had imprinted a “stiff upper lip” approach to life.  “Don’t complain, don’t explain,”  “Least said, soonest mended.”  

What I didn’t know, was that grief, loss and anxiety can be buried and denied, but it eventually erupts in a purulent mess.  It can be cunningly disguised as major illness, headache and depression.   It was possible to function, to strive for perfection and to succeed, yet what was missing was the delight in achievement and the joy in everyday moments. The darkness of despair, lapped at the edges of each day, weakening the eggshell defence of my psyche.

Limping along with ever widening cracks, eventually I had to break down or break through.  A remarkable counsellor, tenderly unpacked the layers and scars, delicately exposing them to the nurturing sunlight of her wisdom. Through to a new knowledge of self and an acceptance of events which can not be changed.  I now know, that sometimes it’s O. K. to be sad; to speak of loss; to be the one in need.   I know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness and talking about things does help.  I've learned to identify and name the squirmy feelings in my gut, to expose them to the air and defuse their power.  

It was my good fortune to find some one when I needed her and the difference in my life is profound.    I don’t look back with regret.  I read somewhere that the greatest theft, is that which I perpetuate on myself; the waste of days given to me.   Each morning, I look forward to the potential in every new day and try to live in glorious technicolour.   

Love you more

This was a DT project created for a colour challenge at CSI.

The challenge is to use all the colours, at least two of the evidence prompts

 and at least one of the testimony prompts.
I'd love to see you come and play; you have until 26th January to join in.

CSI CHALLENGE SITE

At first I thought the colours looked a bit girly, 

but I wanted to use this photo of the boys  

and why shouldn't they have pretty colours?

The majority of the papers came from one sheet of American Craft paper,  

Dear Lizzy "This and that"

My favourite stamp from Kaisercraft and the number stencil by Tim Holtz

 The long coral strip is from My Mind's Eye, as is the ombre green strip

The yummy flair came from Scrap Friends - it's by "Hello dreams"

 The admit one ticket was a gift from a scrappy friend

The perfect peach coloured brad was in a RAK parcel from the very generous

Eila Sandberg

Do have a look at her blog, it's chock full of exquisite art

EVIDENCE

Ombre effect

Arrow (on flair)

Clouds

Grid design

Numbers

Circles

Stripes

White background

TESTIMONY  These twin brothers, aged 2 years and 10 months are best mates.   Their parents had recently been overseas to London and Paris and Utrecht.  They are used to the idea of family and friends flying all over the world in our global village. 

I chose to use the inspiration words good and bright to kick start my journalling.  The words are on the back and they read:-

Though battered and rickety this vintage tricycle is a firm favourite at Granny and Pa’s home.  Luckily, it has a driver’s seat and a navigator’s step, so there is plenty of room for two.  

“Where shall we go today ?”  

“I think maybe London.”  

“O.K. I can show you the way to London, then you show me the way to Paris.”  

“O.K. good idea.”  “Let’s go, Brmmm....Brmmmm.”   

“Are we at the aiport yet?  Brmmm....Brmmmm.”

“Yep, here’s the airport.” (screeching to a halt next to the orange tree.)

“Bye Granny and Pa, see you next week.” 

“Did you bring your backpack?” (from Mr Organiser?)

“Yep, here is is” (bright eyes brandishes the cloth from the chalkboard)

“Where is your ticket?” (Dotting i’s and crossing t’s)

“Oh dear, I forgot!” (looking sad)

“Don’t worry, here you go” (picks a leaf off the orange tree)

“That’s good, thank you” (perks up again)

“That’s O.K.” (looking happy to help)

“Bye Granny, bye Pa, don’t be sad, we’ll be back soon”

And so they were, with their bright little faces and their fertile minds, they fill our lives with joy and make it good to be alive.  Love Granny 

True Story

This is my first project as DT member at Scrap Africa
SCRAP APRICA

The prompt was to use something recycled on the layout
There are some innovative examples of recycling by the DT, why not come and have a look?

I had received a lovely bracelet made from recycled items, so it was a good place to start

I used an older range of Authentique Christmas papers

The background is "Foundations"

The strips are from "Surprise"

The music strip is from "Awe"

The ancient alphas are from a dollar shop

My recycled objects are the typewriter tag, from some stationery I bought, the ribbon bow, from a Christmas gift and the stars, which I cut and inked from a Christmas Bon Bon.  The photo shows a bracelet which is made from old typewriter keys and I photographed it on a table cloth made by my Mother when she was a young girl.   

That's not exactly recycling I know, but the cloth was happy to have a day out of the cupboard, as my Mother was the Queen of recycling long before it's latest revival. The journalling is tucked behind the photo and it reads:-

A few weeks before Christmas, we flew interstate to visit our youngest son and his partner.  One balmy afternoon, we wandered through a local craft market admiring the hand made jewellery.  Sarah and I stopped to admire some bracelets fashioned from old typewriter keys and I explained that I’d learned to type on an old “Underwood” typewriter with very similar keys.  We strolled on and when she was engrossed in something else, I ducked back and bought the bracelet for her Christmas gift.  On Christmas day, imagine my surprise to open my gift from her, which revealed a bracelet of typewriter keys from the same stall.  She had asked our Son to distract me, while she whizzed back and  bought one for me as well. Neither of us was aware of what the other one was doing. Needless to say, we both love our bracelets.  December 25th 2013

CSI Challenge 105 - Books

Here is the challenge this week at CSI

CLICK HERE

The sketch is created by talented Em Stafrace
I was inspired by the mood board to write about books
and also to use a long sub-title

I chose to scrap some photos of our oldest Grandson from about two years ago

The navy and yellow papers are by Authentique

American Crafts "Amy Tangerine" created the grey alphas 

The lucky day badge is by October afternoon "Five and Dime" collection

 Some cute little wooden stars from Studio Calico

Little Peter Rabbit diving into the watering can came from a $2.00 shop

EVIDENCE

Stars

Circles

Stripes

Stitching

Add something odd or unusual (the watering can)

TESTIMONY

I used the inspiration word escape to kick start my Journalling.  It reads:-

You have always been a curious child, asking about 500 questions a day. At three you were intrigued by the little marks on pages, like full stops, commas and question marks; wanting to know what they meant. However, when you went to E.L.C. (Early Learning centre) you found it hard to ask questions and retreated into your shell for a while.  At home you were exuberant and playful and at ELC, quiet and watchful. One thing you did enjoy, was story time.  You were able to escape the noise of the classroom and ease into your happy place; your imaginary world. Now, at six, you can read fluently but you still love to be read to. Sometimes we take turns and read alternate  pages, both engrossed in what might happen next.  Reading is a daily escape and source of wonder for me and I’m so happy that books are a passion for you as well. You love to water our pot plants and we love watering your mind, by taking you to the library and having a house full of children’s books.  Love Granny,  Journalling,  Jan 2014

Scrap Africa

I'm excited and honoured to be invited to join the talented artists at

SCRAP AFRICA

Thank you so much.

From the time I was about eight years old, I wanted to visit Africa 

and when I did it was all I had imagined it would be.  

Africa will always hold a special place in my heart.

Authors of the blog

Evgenia Petzer

Denise van Deventer 

Team members

Ada Nicholls

Billie-Jean Beveridge

Cathi O'Neill

Channa Suitella

Elena Smoktunova

Erica Houghton

Elizna Parsons

Jowilna Nolte

Kerryn Lawson

Lynette Jacobs

Marelize Frisby

Patricia Basson

Rene Sharp

Val Thorpe

Ingvilde Bolm - new products & a chance to win

Gorgeous new products released by Invild Bolm...visit her blog for a chance to win.

CSI Challenge 104 - Celebrate the little things

I loved the gorgeous girly colours this week and had fun scrapping
 this photo of DGD and her beloved Papa. 
The idea of the challenge is to use all the colours, at least 
two of the evidence promts and at least one of the testimony prompts.
Why not pop over and see the inspiration by the Design Team at CSI
You have until 12th December USA time to join in. 13th in Australia
CSI LINK

The background paper is My Mind's Eye, Flair "Forever" paper

The frames are made with Kaisercraft journal cards "Happy Days

A few closies

I used watercolour paper and gelatos for the heart die 

A Martha Stewart doily tucked into the corner

The scattered hearts are made with a Heidi Swap stencil (confetti)

EVIDENCE

Frames

Hearts

Silver metal

Quote/phrase

Doily

Ribbon

TESTIMONY

I chose to document something about sleeping and used the inspirations word smiles as part of the story.

The journalling reads:-

I love this photo when you’d just learned to give big sloppy kisses.  Lots of practice makes perfect and you had plenty of willing subjects to practice with.

You two always gravitate to each other with arms outstretched and beaming smiles; you are besotted with each other.

At two and a half you decided that Pa should be called Papa with a French accent and Papa happily responds to his new sobriquet.

You’ve always been a busy girl; anxious to keep moving lest your eyes happen to droop if you stay still for a second.   You sometimes still have a tiny nap in the afternoon, but are happy to party on, if there is anything fun happening.

You’ve changed so much since this photo was taken.  A good reminder to record precious moments.   Love Granny 2 Feb 2013

A Christmas Card for Meg's Garden

Whoops, I forgot to post this before Christmas. 

 It's a trifold card I made to hold Fringe tickets or money as a gift at Christmas time.

Meg’s Carden materials used:-

 “Tis Christmas Collection”, “Christmas Plaid” 

“Tis Christmas Collection”, Christmas Angels” P6366

Merry Christmas ribbon

German Scrap

Other Materials

Green and cream Cardstock

Pale green patterned paper, to line the inside

Spellbinder die - Fleur dis Lis Square

Kaisercraft - Gold paint

Dark Green chiffon ribbon