a lil' sweet discovery

One of Jorjy's mini books I made for her a while ago! It was in one of my old cropping bags! Dang...I seriously thought I'd lost it. It was so nice to go through it and talk to her about it again. This time being w/ her being a bit older (and me too LOL) she understood better all the lil' details I wrote in it. She has since slipped it into her backpack to show her nana tomorrow! Sweetie. But I did photograph some of the pages for you to see:-) This book is so bulky, the pages are chipboard...choc full of embellies. Isn't that just the way though. Giggle.

painted some chipboard thickers and added a handmade birdie tag to the front cover....

...Elsie c/board buttons + pp, polka fabric, MM trim + alpha and MM frame....

...handcut felt edge, Elsie alphas + c/board buttons, BG pp, white signo pen....

....Elsie pp, handmade felt flower, MM c/board alphas + frame, owlie button.

tfl:-)

P.S Something n e w instore today! Woot!

nice to G R E E T you!

here are three of the seven I've made for a lil' (but sweet) swap I'm having:-) Woot. I have to swap two each but I got so happy making cards (my first love) that I made seven! So, it could be these ones or one of the others! giggles...can never have enough handmade cards in case I'm thinkin'.

"Enjoy"....materials: AC cardstock, Pink Paislee alphas, old book paper, vintage button, ink, embroidery floss + cardboard. Love the cloud paper background too. From American Crafts of course:-)

"just because"...materials: AC patterned paper, AC rub-ons, Sassafras chipboard sticker, Kaisercraft pearls, scraps + clear button w/ bookpaper backing. Handmade manila folder envie. I love making my own envelopes! Its so fun:-)

"you are a star, forever shining"....materials: AC cardstock, felt star, emb. floss, Hero Arts basic lowercase stamps, AC rub-on phrase, Kawaii papers (from RK+P) and ink. Annnd of course a lil' kraft envie!

Hope these inspire ya!

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thanks for visiting sweet friends:-)

making things is always....

so much fun when you get time! This weekend I am going to make some more things, but here's what I finished off today...just relaxin' and listening to some tunes!

A lil canvas! this is only like 4"x6"...so its the size of a photograph! I used my spesh technique of stringing buttons and securing the buttons down! I love this idea:-) Also so C O O L on cards and the like!

{materials: canvas, teal paint, buttons, love Elsie ribbon, HG heart pin, Doodlebug rub-ons, puff paint, felt + some index prints}.

Annnnd this card-turned-art print/hanging! I began making it as part of this card swap that I'm in, and it began to look all wrong to me the more I kept adding on to it! Have you ever had one of those times when this happens? Surely, I'm not the only one LOL!! Anyways, I think it turned out okay...I really do love this paper range from American Crafts...actually I love everything AC..and their cardstock range! Y

The colours are delish and bright. A nice change.

{materials: American Craft accent thickers, alpha thickers, cardstock, patterned paper. Also, used embroidery floss + old book page}.

Yes, I love the distressed look...still!

happy weekend. Make some thing.

happy E A S T E R!

Its been ever so nice having a blog break! I have been around though, in the cyberworld checkin' out all your wonderful bloggy happiness!

ooI've been also busy b/c I've gone back to school! That's right, I've decided to upgrade my brain power and skills and do a course! I love it soooo much...I have the coolest peers in my class..and I'm so happy that I'm NOT the oldest, which I thought I might be (LOL)! Really, even though it is full time..it seems to go so fast! Yes, I really do enjoy it so.

99Anyhoo, hope you're all having/have had a relaxing Easter holiday too! And recovering from all that chocolate I know you've eaten:) Mmmmm, who's is this creme egg sitting here?

Oh, and here's a sneak from the shop! Paperie Kawaii is kit number nineteen! Love Kawaii stationery, so c u t e!!

ooooh, and stay tuned to The Creative Type! We'll be announcing a winner soon for prompt #14: using the @ symbol! And another fantastic prompt coming up too!! Yes, it is so fun being apart of a Creative Team.

the brighter the day...

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........the more you should be inspired by Amelie & scrapbook!

one little word...

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...the challenge blog that is! I have had this wonderful challenge site on my blog list for a g e s now, and thought it about time I do a layout!

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The word is R E A L...and you can check it out down the right side of my blog.

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My layout is basically about Jorja and how R E A L she is; everyday. Yes, sometimes it feels like she is a dream and we often ask ourselves in jest if she really is real...she's just so mega funny, creative and honest!! LOL...love that.

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There is time for you to join in too! What are ya waiting for? Be real. Scrapbook it.

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tfv + tfl:)

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What has everyone been watching on tele lately? I'm really digging American Idol (whats with the judges picking that chick back for a wild card! haha!) annnnd Brothers and Sisters. Its my fave, bubble bubble!

here comes the backlog...

....the backlog of layouts that is! Have had time to do lots...both for forum challenges, prompts annnd personal layouts!

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Seriously, I've learnt something.

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If I find myself to busy to do any scrapping I'm gonna stop and re-evaluate my day. Granted, most days are just to hectic to do a page, but I'm gonna make it a mission this year (yep, a whole year) to do more pages and tackle more photos in these here boxes...I don't need much inspo just time....although nothing inspires me more than to surf and see. There are sooo so many talented scrappers + artists out there. And whether we live in South Africa, US, Europe, or NZ we all share one philosophy...we love photographs and paper, and the chance to preserve our stories. Our thoughts, visions and beliefs.

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Now, I just have to keep reminding myself this! Haaaaha.

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Happy days my friends.

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Annnnd, if you are in for a challenge visit me and my creative team friends here!

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A pair of fatty feet

Found this fun shot from Jorja on our camera! LOL...she took the camera out whilst we were at the local pools. Don't cha just love when your kids use the cam. Seriously, you can now get two year olds that know how to use digital cameras. Last week, Jorja was showing her Nana all her shots. Review, back, click, show and tell, slide show! How's a Nana to keep up!?

Am missing the sunshine now...its been so windy all day...at least it isn't raining for more than a few minutes, as the wind just blows those dark clouds away.

Has anyone seen Slumdog Millionaire? We loved it!! It was actually really good and full of laughs and cries and happiness. Freida Pinto is such a beauty, and the kids are so adorably cute..especially the star! If you've seen it, you'll know who I mean. He is just such a lil' cutie pie!

Yes, seriously.

I know I need to scrapbook some new + improved photos of moi.....Eeek, I only have photo's with my hair up! I have a whole sequence of these photos which were taken last winter! HELLO! Hence the scarf! Hard to believe in this weather that there is such a thing as Winter!! Only now in the evening has it started to cool down...aaaah feel that breeze drifting in! Bliss :)

Happy Days my friends:):)

tfv.

Annnnd thanks for the comments on the pegs. Go, go polka go.

Polka Do or Dot?

I {heart} POLKA DOTS!

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Using some old style wooden pegs I wrapped a strip (16") of cotton PD fabric around it and tied it secure with packaging string and added a vintage flower stem to it. The embroidery floss on the top adds to the charm.

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So S W E E T!

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Do ya think they would look cute in the shop? I kinda like 'em just sitting on my desk (;

Sunday Monday Fundays

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Yesterday was a great day! Kraftbomb and hanging w/ my sissy is just an awesome mix! It was so nice to meet so many new artists and stalls. I have even more faves now:) And I love looking at all the ideas and tidbits for sale. Creative people are indeed the cleverest people in the world! Gigs.

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So, I felt inspired to whip up a page. Lil' miss 3 has no problems with me showing her pages...as for Master 7 and Miss soon-to-be 13...well, it just ain't cool no more mum! Hmmm, may have to do some sneaky ones...although they DO yes! Do read my blog. So, does that mean I'm somewhat cool?

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Kids are the funniest people in the world aren't they?! In everyday language they tell the truth, they tell ya how it is and when you look hurt they add: but you are cute! So, I have a fat butt BUT I look cute? Well, that's OK then!! LOL:):)

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Happy day!

Cuteness, Repurpose + a Giveaway

Eek! Quadruple eek for not blogging in over a week!! That is a record...not a good thing. Thank you to my friend who emailed me to hurry up! LOL, girl! You are supa funny:):)

Ok, so for a cuteness (read: need it) pic! This Japanese Kawaii fabric! Isn't it A. Dor. Able! I think it is the sweetest fabric I've seen in ages, and believe me, I've seen (and hoard) alot of fabric! Heehee....the sweet lil' dear is just too...well, dear! And my fave colour teal is featured too.

And a lil' repurposed greeting card! I wish I had time to throw several more together!

Kraftbomb tomorrow, so me and Bee will be there with bells on! Can't wait, I love my lil' sissy:):)

Also, I had posted a poll to the right side of the blog, asking about your fave dessert! ...but it didn't work! Sorry if you tried to vote, and thanks Jean for telling me:) So embarrassing!

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I have a giveaway! Yes, the first one for the year! I have some goodies to give away! All you have to do is nominate a friend that you know deserves a lil' Happy Mail! You + your friend will then both get HM!! I will post it to the winner to hand over:):) Wahoo.

Don't forget to mention their name and yours and I will randomly draw a pair of names next Sunday!

Happppy weekend my friends. I nominate you.

A lil' bit of happiness...

to brighten the day. Sweet lil' bowls of colourful beads.

On a very sad note though, the fires in Victoria in Australia are just devastating. I am joining in with my friends by making cards that are to be sent over to victims and families affected. It's not much, but it is something to try and bring a smile to some. Please feel free to join in too if you are able.

Butttons + Thread

I made up a new technique today...ok, maybe not made up as in "its never ever been done before", but! I haven't seen it out there before so I thought I would do a show + share:):)

Instead of sewing your buttons to the card, page, project etc etc...I glued them with the thread still attached! Ain't it fun lookin'. Gigs. Sooooo, I hearby declare that Y O U must now try it!! And if you do leave a link!

Finally....

...randomkitsandpieces will be open again:) How exciting! Lots of new fabrics & kits and real treasures! Whoo hoo. Soooo, stop on by, and have a looksie. The Jars of Goodness have been restocked, also I sourced some delicious fabrics from Fun to Kawaii cuteness! Also, tons of Vintage laces, pretty trims and ...well, you'll see.

Fat Quarters tied w/ vintage lace + geisha tag

Everything packaged for maximum cuteness!

(e.g: paperbag, cellophane or tissue paper tied with a tag! sssh, its a surprise)

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On another note! Who is excited about school starting! This is our eldest daughter's final year at primary school (year 8) before she heads of to high school next year! Wow, I fondly remember my first day at high school..hahahaha. I'll save you the drama. Our kids are sooo excited about their stationery packs. I adore new stationery!! I want a new math book..and felts! And nothing beats a brand new backpack and lunchwear! Oh, to be a school kid again..ok, maybe not! LOL:):) Hey, what was your fave thing about your first day at school for the year?

Perfect day for

.....scrapbooking! How I've missed it. I keep thinking about how our children will love them even more so when they have their own families and future generations. How special that it is that I took the time to make pages with love + details. How special they will be when they have their own albums to hand on. That's what so great about this hobby. Totally made with love.

I adore Jorjy's facials in this shot (taken two weeks after Christmas)....gigs, she just so cute + cheeky!

Soooo, I had to scrapbook it asap:):) Lil' Miss Whizzo. She's made her own Powerpoint presentations with her logo's and drawings. She's 3 going on 30 I tell ya.

Oh and aren't these cute badges? She got them from her lil friend (from pre-school) for Christmas. Soooo sweet huh! Adore the squirrels:)

Annnnnd, some sneak peaks are up in the store! Wahoo.

tfv always:):)

xN.

Why! Helllllo there sunshine!

Hi-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i!!!

Thought it about time to get back into a routine! Heehee. Crazy? Yes. Fun? Definately.

I trust you all had a fabulous + beautiful Christmas/New Years! It so fun having holidays, and the family being together and just being relaxed and free!

I have big plans this year. I can't wait. No time like the present...I will let you know as I go along. Twiddle dwiddle dee. Humming along. With my umbrella for the rain and my shades for the sun. Heehee.

Starting in Feb, RK+P will be opening up again, and we plan on having lots of fun stuff happening there. Not just a lil' store, but an ideas station as well. Things that have been made with the materials and kits. And maybe some Guest Designers too. We'd love everyone to jump in and create with our kits. New fabrics, new stuff + vintage finds. Randomgoodness.

Its so good to be getting back into blogging. I've missed it. Well, a lil' bit anyway. Gigs.

Annnnnd, some pics. I would love this book! It looks adorable. Handmade hellos. Oh, swoon!

Aren't these retro cool! Popcorn paperbags:):) Totally sweet-i-e!

Annnd, this gorgeous pic I spotted online. I can't remember where from...but its fab.

xx's.

Zzzzzzz.

Still asleep! LOL.

So,

this is a very short post! Sorry, so not paper related! (Apart from the book LOL). I'm enjoying the hols. You too huh? Well deserved! I'll get back to normal blogging (is there such a thing? LOL) later. But.....

Have you seen it? Its taken over the Entertainment world! A friend called it Twitlight. I couldn't help but laugh. Actually though, I liked it. Alot. But, it was at times funny! I laughed during some scenes...I can see why they are replacing the director for the sequel; New Moon. The way she directed the movie, it came out a tiny bit like a comedy! But the story line is good. And Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) is just so dam cute in the flick. Can see why teenage girls everywhere are going ga-ga! And I can't wait to bite (pun fun here!) into the book/s! Glad I have seen the flick first though. And, hello is it just me! But did you know that Ella (Kristen Stewart) is the lil' girl that played Jodie Foster's daughter in Panic Room! My, she's grown!

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Hope you are enjoying the holidays! We certainly are...no bedtimes, no stress about waking up! Doing whatever, whenever! Aaaaah. Holidays:):)

A lil' krafty lovin'

Bee + I had a wondrous day at Kraftbomb! Had fun selling, meeting and chatting away to everyone:) We like interaction!! LOL! A huge HUGGGE hi to Rachel from the sketchbooknz scrapbooking forum who said hi and purchased a Canvas Art! Woot, enjoy Rach! You are soooo fab-u-lous! So nice to meet ya and your sweet family. Annnd, a big hi to everyone who came over and chatted...and of course our fun + awesome customers. You guys are all so special. So, without further ado-do, here are some photos, thanks to Bee who brought her wicked camera!! Coolio sissy.

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Here we are. Of course we need no introduction! Ha.

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Our table laddened with wondrous lil' treasures. Lots of stocking fillers!

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Annnnd, my special felt project of the mo! Felt Rocket Badges!! plus here are the infamous (giggle) Felt Flower Brooches:):) ALL HANDSEWN OF COURSE!

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Canvas Art! These were popular. I really love making them...each one is an original mix of Collage + Mixed Media. Once they go, they go. Zoom zoom into a paperbag for you. Heehee.

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And the gorgeous Deb!! You need too check out her sweetness! Sock monkeys!

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Oh and these are too cute! Nat made these cute as gingerbread people! Cute huh. I adore her stall. Always such eye candy!! Can you spot the supa mega lil' ones?

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Wow, this gingerbread house was supa dupa! I could just eat that frosting. City makes the ever popular cupcakes at KB! They are always always a sell out!! And rightly so:)

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Have a great Christmas season! Enjoy your family, enjoy the sun (or snow - oh! lush!) and most of all, enjoy sharing + giving.

Your gifts, your time and your love.

Merry Christmas!!

Creative Chaos

Well, Kraftbomb is here again! Dude, the time flies so fast, where have all the months gone!! Here's to the last ever month of 2008! Roll on Christmas + familytime + holidays + pressies!! Another Christmas party (the last offical one) on Wednesday..then I will be busy with the last of the preps (packaging) for Sunday + then packing/posting any last orders for RK&P.

Yippee, my sissy + I adore KB, its the one time where all crafters get together and ooooh + aaaaah over everything!! Its gets crazy-good during midday, so here's too another full day!!

This was my main crafty desk last week! Eeek...I think its a bit (ok, more than a bit) wondrous! Hahahaha!! Annnnd, finally! Yesterday I managed to tidy it all up! Finally dude.

(I have photographed all my craft happenings that I have ready for the market, but will be posting it after Sunday...can't wait to share!)

Here's a shot from the last KB...credit to this insanely creative lady!! Nat is so uber sweet, and talented to boot! Head over to flickr..there is lots + lots of fun photos from all the Kraftbombs! Hoot.

In another news though, I can't wait to see, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button! Button...I love it! Dang:) Ok, I weally weally lurve something else about the movie though....need I say more. (read: giggling like a schoolgirl).

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Hey, and if you didn't know already Randomkitsandpieces is sponsoring TWO awesome, fun + uber inspiring NZ dare bloggies this month. Being such a busy month, there might not be too many peeps joining in, WHICH is grand for you, b/c you get more of a chance to win some coolio stuff!! See here, and here too. Check it. RK&P will be closed over the Christmas/New Year season, but will be back in Feb with some more lil' treasures for you to sink your teeth into.

Hey, what are you getting for Christmas from Santa? Do you know? I would love to know your Maybe's + Definately's!! LMK:):)

xx's.

Hello.

In between Christmas parties (read: too much food), end of year programmes for school, Christmas shopping, organising life + breathing, I've been creating some more Canvas Art! I really enjoy this sooo much! Creating a bit at a time is what makes me sane really! I don't like sitting still, except when its at my desk making stuff heehee, and even then, I can't stop getting up to pick and pack orders for RK&P!

Thought I'd show some sweet Art that I'd made previously for Kraftbomb. I have now sold ten pieces between the two KB's me + Bee have attended! Woot Dang!

These babies have gone already! Where ever you are my lil' craft happenings, I know you are sitting pretty somewhere! Perhaps waiting to be opened for Christmas! Sweet thoughts.

(I'll update with the *N E W* ones as soon as I have finished them.)

Oooooh! And head over here! Sweet Bev picked me to be jacked! I am honoured. Join in! I would love to see your take. I have something up my sleeve:):)

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Annnnd, THANKS dear dear Jane (aka Tilly), you do know how to make me smile sunbeams! I love my Christmas card:):) Thank you.

Re-purpose your Stash

We have been sooooo blessed with the fabulous weather! Oh its just so lush with the sun and the breeze; one just doesn't have enough time to be on-line!! And with the longer hours in the day and the s u n s h i n e, one can't blame one for not blogging..heehee!

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Kraftbomb was the bomb! it was so so SOOO fun, my sis + I enjoy it alot and will be there for the December one on the 21st, a lil' change from the usually date of the last Sunday of each month, but just JUST in time for Christmas! Handmade really is the best made! Whether that means scrapbooking, cardmaking, hand sewing etc etc...handmade goodies are always appreciated because, well its not generic hey. Gotta love handmade goodies:):)

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I have started creating (actually it never stops LOL) for the next KB, and have designed some felt goodness for the boys too. I will post up pics once I have finished the numbers I wish to complete! Sooo much fun:)

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Ok, so! I have also been making these sweet re-purposed greeting cards. They feature Glimmer Mist (oh joy, what fun!) and some MM diecut flower + leaves etc and a random word sticker and some masking tape/packaging tape. Supa easy, but so cool to make! Use up your scraps + make some TODAY!! I'm thinking of bundling these up in threes with a bit of string and having them at Kraftbomb..what do ya think?

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Annnnd these are just some seriously r a n d o m ATCs. No purpose. No reason. No theme. Just totally random. I just felt like taking a break from stitching + cutting felt and grabbed my ever present scrap basket! I **heart** scraps. I buy papers just to turn into scraps...LOL!!

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tfv:):)

Hope you're enjoying your days, where ever you are, what ever the weather! Isn't it exciting, SOOOOOO exciting that Christmas is upon us! Looking at our beautiful Christmas tree makes me really happy. I bet yours does too.