200th Post

Can't believe this is my 200th post on my blog. When I started it I thought it was very cool but honestly didn't realise how addictive it would become. Anyhow fitting that on this post I have a photo of my latest layout. It features my niece Sam, and I took these photos of her in January 2006. It makes me sad to think that it's that long since she came and stayed with us but life and work has gotten in the way sadly. Anyway I love these photos of her and just between you and me I'm pretty chuffed with this layout. It's for the Scrapboxnz. July sketch challenge, and I got to play with the Cricut, flowers, bling and pink, black and white so I'm pretty happy about it. :)

So many ideas....

So many ideas so little time it seems. Have found heaps of new inspiring blogs lately and keep seeing so many things I want to try, unfortunately same old story so busy looking, there's no time to do LOL. Might just make myself start something tonight though, should make the most of the extra time I've got (working mornings at the moment).
I have been taking my scrap book to work and it's surprising how interested a couple of the young ones are, they are very keen to try, so always one to spread the fun I took some printed instructions for Exploding albums with me this morning so I'm keen to see what they come up with.
Been trying to come up with ideas for wedding invites for a young friend of mine and all the ideas I have would be quite time consuming and since there would be about 45 to make I have to think ( minimal) which is, I must admit, hard for me.. :)
Had this mad idea to cut heaps of flowers in black and whit on the Cricut and put them in a black vase on the reception desk at work next week, cos of course we are inundated with All Black supporters, I saw the idea in the Cricut newsletter but kinda feel it could be one of those things that you start and then wish you hadn't., ya know what I mean?
Just heard them forecast snow to sea level for the weekend...yah not!
Anyway must go and get that little Gus boy inside and close the door it's getting decidedly cold.
LTR.

Waiting to go to Work.

Isn't it crazy when you are waiting to go somewhere and you know you've got time to do something but you're scared to start unless you forget the time? That's where I'm at right now, don't go to work till 5 today and since I came back from taking the girls to work I feel like I'm filling in time, really want to get back to that Exploding Box album I'm working on but scared I'll forget the time. However I've updated my Blog List to the new wizz bang version that Blogger have come with, it shows when blogs I visit have been updated so it's kinda cool.
Anyway the other thing that's really cool is that I've discovered that you can "re- sticky" you're Cricut mats, ah yes that's right it really works. Spray your tired mat with a good quality re-position-able adhesive, let it dry and voila you've got a brand new mat. I tried it over the weekend and it really works. The last pack of mats I bought hardly stuck at all causing much frustration but now they hold real good.
Also played in Design Studio ( yes it's working again) and Faye designed a butterfly border using the butterfly from Indie Art, it turned out gorgeous so keen to try some more, funny how you don't really appreciate something until it won't work eh?
I used the Butterfly border on the cover of the book I'm doing on just every day moments that are special, trying to do a page a day but that's not working so it might be a page a week. LOL.
Anyway did this page on Monday after planting a rose in a pot on the deck, really excited about having my deck garden again.
But now it's time to run.... new I'd forget the time....outta here.

It's Cold!

OMG! Winter is definitely here, it snowed last night and boy is it cold. The park was white this morning when I opened the curtains, seems like only yesterday I was looking at the same scene, but wait no that was last year, time sure does fly.
It's so quiet at work now, last night was so dead, feel like taking some scrapping to do, kinda wish I had a laptop (mmmm) I could do some digital or check out ideas.LOL. Maybe I should wait until I've been there a bit longer before I do any of this, but boy oh boy it's tempting. I haven't had much time to scrap this week and I've got heaps of ideas running around my brain, hopefully tomorrow. I so want to play with the Cricut cart Indie Art, after making that guitar I just want to try some other things, never mind it'll happen, but right now must go and get lunch.
Ltr.

Yah for the "no work" weekend!

Thought it was time to add some more pages to my calender I started way back in February. I turned over to June this morning and realised that it was the last one. I found this gorgeous picture of Miss Jemima the other day and just new I had to scrap it, so it became "July". The papers are Basic Grey, Periphery and Archaic, these two stories go well together I think, the flowers are Petaloo and the leaves and scrolls I cut on the Cricut Expression. The leaves embossed with the Cuttlebug and rubbed with copper ink, then just gently folded in the centre. Really pleased with how they turned out cos they look like really dry leaves.
I really have had a ball this weekend scrapping, no work since Friday and I've just played. Big day tomorrow though starting at 6.30 am till 10.30 am then going back at 2.45 till 10.45m, but never mind it's extra pay being a public holiday. Yes I like this job!
Really tempted to start another layout, mmmm!

This I'm totally blown away by, we got the new Indie Art cart for the Cricut yesterday and I couldn't wait to play. So I cut it out and had such an awesome time playing with it. This new cartridge is fantastic and when you cut all the bits out it really is Tole Art, so much fun to put together. I stamped the flowers and rubbed the cream back with a metallic rub (black) and the arm in a brown cream. Drew the strings on and added some white dot. Just had so much fun with this, there is definitely going to be lots of "rock star" layouts on the way. The whole cartridge is awesome, I have been waiting on this one for ages and when I saw it I had to have it, can't wait to play today, and even better I have today off.
Been working heaps at the hotel and still loving every minute of it, (don't anyone wake me and tell me I'm dreaming please), I know it's bazarre but I love this job.
Anyway off to get dressed it's too cold to scrap in my jim jams today.

Ciao.

Been Scrappin'

I have been making the most of my last few days before I start my new job on Monday, and having been scrapping, quite easily I might add, no "scrappers block" just going for it.
Been back into that suitcase of old family photos and when I first found them I felt kinda strange about scrapping them but now I have started to feel really excited about them, they are bringing back lots of memories of stories I heard as a child and I get the "warm fuzzies" when I start working with them......ah yes that does mean that Gus sits on my table, but the mushy kind of warm fuzzies as well.

The first one is for my 8x8 album I started with photos "from the suitcase" ( actually I should call it that eh?", anyway back in 1954 when this photo was taken it was usual for photographers to be on the main street and take photos, which people could buy if they wished. Of course this was back when you had to wait a week or so for them to be developed, so they would give you a card and if you wished you would go along to their premises and order the ones you wanted.
It seems my family were quite into this cos this is where a lot of these photos seemed to have come from.
I love the little basket I'm carrying, Mum had one the same and this was the "kiddie " version.
I know it was 1954 and the photo was taken in the centre of Dunedin, known then and now as the Octagon.

The paper is IOD for Prima, flowers Prima, stamps, Autumn Leaves Flourishes, and the letters, brackets etc Cricut.

Stop the Rollercoaster!

Wow what a week it was last week, boy oh boy. Applied for a new job, had two interviews, got a new job, went nuts with excitement. I feel like last week was so full on I hardly had time to think, let alone play.
The sad news was though that we had to say goodbye to Yodi, our adopted cat. He was getting quite frail but on Thursday he was having trouble breathing and when I got to the vet, he said there was no real alternative but to "say goodbye". It was sad cos he's had a rough life until we adopted him, and he really loved being treated like a pet. I hope he's now in a happy place feeling better.
Gus misses him, cos they were good mates, but we are not making any decisions in the "adding to the family" box quite yet. We'll see how things go.
On the scrapping front, I did make an exploding album over the weekend for one of the guys at work. I baby sat his cats last weekend and took some pics for it. I was chuffed cos he loved it. It's always cool to share something that you love doing with other people.
Apart from that, I have been playing in a programme that allows you to cut True Type fonts on your Cricut! Naughty I know but it's pretty cool.
Anyway works-a-calling, so better go.
LTR

So Excited

Just had an email from my sister, telling me how much she loved my cards I put on Trade Me. This is high praise indeed cos she makes the most gorgeous cards, so I'm buzzin'.
I can't wait to finish the Birthday card folder I'm working on, it's looking pretty good so far, so tomorrow I should finish it.
Just sharing another card in the "Prima Ayumi paper series. Had fun with this one, used my Maya Rd Sukura stamps under the "Best Wishes" and stamped and cut out the butterfly, the ricrac was cut on the Cricut and the scallop circle with the Nestabilities and the pink paper was embossed on the Cuttlebug.
Thanks for looking.

Friend

Well have Fancy Pants papers will scrap!
Just couldn't wait to get them out of the box this morning and new that whatever I did it would involve Fancy Pants papers. I have scrapped this gorgeous saying because it is so about my best friend, she makes me smile all the time and trust me sometimes that's not always easy lol.
Just love these papers they are so funky and easy to work with they are the Botanical range from Fancy Pants. The stamp is a wee C D' mini. Cut the flowers on the Cuttlebug, stamped a couple of "Mindy's Flowers" and cut them out, the scallop circle is Nestabilities , Cricut Monogram and scallop.
Right maybe some lunck I think.

Calico Corner

I have to be honest I'm very excited about this layout. For the first time I scrapped something very close to my heart, (well other than Sam, my niece and Gus), but something that I guess I've shut out of my mind because the emotions are pretty raw. My best friend and I had this awesome little craft business that took us to all the craft markets around, gave us so many challenges and yet so much happiness and we miss it terribly. But unfortunately life got in the way and we had to let it go. Yesterday I was brave enough to scrap a couple of photos and journal my thoughts.....I FELT LIKE A REAL SCRAPBOOKER. When I showed it to Faye the tears rolled down her face and then mine started but I feel I've opened a gate. I now feel that I can start "keepin' it real" with my scrap projects, it's ok if it hurts it's good for the soul right?
Anyway I cut the white frame on the Cricut Exptession and punched the holes around the scallops, DCWV cardstock and some random gingham paper that was lurking in the draw, cut the chipboard hearts and the flowers with Accent Essentials on the Cricut.
So now that the gates are open I've got a couple of other projects in mind to celebrate that amazing little business that was Calico Corner.
Really quiet at work so have taken a couple of extra nights off so wahoo scrap table here I come. LOL

Happy New Year

I'm sitting here totally amazed that it's New Year's Eve....again! Where has this year gone? So much has happened but right now I can't think of anything! It's nuts but the year has gone so fast it's all been a bit of a blur. Note to Self : Must list important stuff of 2007. MMM that would make a cool scrap page.
Anyway had a play with Cricut Design Studio this morning and made this card, it's just joined with a little strip which I folded but it is progress I actually have started playing with DS. Until now I haven't been able to get past the Cricut.
The spotted paper is Anna Griffin, the cardstock Bazzill, pink paper is from K&co's Christmas pad, stamps are Mindy's flowers from Autumn Leaves. Very happy with the little flower I cut out and attached onto the pink strip, went over it with a white pen and added some lines and dots....can do a lot with a white pen. Lol.
Scallop circle - Marvy punch and went around it with a piercing tool. Really enjoyed making this one can't wait to do more.
But right now must get to the supermarket, it won't be a Happy New Year around here if Gus runs out of food and right on cue he's jumped onto to the key board.
See ya next year.

It's Back!

Ah yeah I feel better today, had fun yesterday my Mojo came back. Made a prototype "roster holder" ( a purse size book for the girls to keep their roster in), now just need to make another four. Faye and I had an awesome time last night making three cards for her sister's best friends children, now that was fun. Should have been sleeping but that damn earthquake would have woken me anyway LOL. Hate earthquakes but have had a few in the last few months and I've amazed myself how calm I've been. I think I definitely swore last night though, felt like a truck had hit the wall behind me wowee. Am definitely realising how cool the Cricut is now that the initial madness is subsiding and I'm looking at it calmly. I can see it's going to be a long and happy friendship.
Anyway back to the cards.... The first one "Santa's Car" is not original I saw something similar on Cricut.com the other day and I knew straight away I had to do one, the Santa dragging the tree is for a 9yr.oldboy and I think he'll see the humour in it. Going to have to do more of these they were fun. Thanks so much Carol for the lend of the carts etc. it's been cool fun.
Anyway the sun's out better get the washing out before it changes it's mind and rains for another two days.
LTR.

Got the Blues

So hacked off! Been waiting all week for today so I could play and all my inspiration has left me...gone...finito. So I have the Cricut sitting here, the Design Studio, new stamps, papers etc etc....and will anything go right???? NO WAY! I get halfway through something and my Mojo leaves out the window. Probably too tired, been a huge week at the restaurant this week. So busy so many late nights but today I thought I could play damn it.
Keep telling myself I have to do something Christmassy but I guess I don't, I still have cards to make but I do still have some time, should just play and see where it leads me.
Anyway maybe a coffee and some chocolate will help...mmmm.
Later

Christms Layout

I know I should be in bed, it's been a huge night in the restaurant and tomorrow is promising to be a shocker but I just had to upload this layout I did for a "Wall of Fame" competition in a local scrapbook shop. Of course it's Gus and I used the Cricut Expression and the Design studio to create the Merry Christmas and the star corner. The stitching was done using the new Bazzill templates. Papers are Basic Grey. Just nuts about it and what's more it was so quick to do.
Now that said it's Night Night from me.

Cricut Cricut Cricut!

Wow! What a busy time of year to get the Cricut to play with. Was so deetermined to not start making cards until it arrived and now every time I settle to polish off the card list ...LIFE GETS IN THE WAY LOL! To start with the restaurant has gotten so busy the nights are very late which means that I can't just dive out of bed in the morning early, my brother's been in hospital so he's needing attention, which of course I don't mind but ooh that table gets moving away from me... However have had time to find out that the Cricut is awesome then they go and release the Design Studio. After downloading the trial on Sunday and trying all day Monday to make it work..(must have DPI at normal 96 setting) we finally managed to have a play and cut some bits. This is truly amazing, beyond fantastic. Then yesterday morning Elena rang and said she had the software in stock.... so yes now we have that to play with as well. Yes I really feel there is a Santa Claus. Now just need to wiggle my nose and find some extra hours and all will be cool.
As I'm sitting here writing this I'm compiling a list of what I need to do today and mmmm might get some sneaky "create time".
How does every one else cope with their creative urges at this time of year when I'm sure there are less hours in the day.
Anyway have included a couple of cards I made one using the Design studio and both using the Expression.Oh and the "sleigh one" I have Cuttlebugged the background paper.
Hope everyone is enjoying the rush and bustle but still having time to create.
Cheers

Engagement Card

Well been having so much fun with our new Cricut have hardly been near the computer but just had to upload this card I made for one of the girls at work who got engaged last week while on a holiday in Rarotonga...how romantic that?
Been having so much fun getting to know the Cricut now I must seriously start Christmas cards, but I want to do so much cos it can do so much tee hee. Anyway the card, the background is Cuttlebugged, the hearts and the tag are Cricut, the butterfly is a die cut I've had for a while.
I have made a tag book in a little handbag (Cricut of course), and done a canvas. Will post pics of those later, but right now have to do regular stuff ...like breakfast.
LTR.

Cricut

Just love our new Cricut Expression. Been playing all morning and no matter what you want there it is just waiting to cut it for you. I"m in Looooove! Christmas cards are going to be so much fun this year, with the Cricut and the Cuttlebug sitting there... and no I'm not a promo person for provo craft just crazy about toys.LOL.

Whoa! It's December...

Can't believe that it's the 3rd of December. Where oh where has the year gone? So crazy. My Mum always used to say that time flew when you got older.....another thing you've been right about Mum.
Well our Cricut Expression arrived on Friday, and I was actually working at my friends Scrapbook shop when the courier arrived, she should have been wearing a Santa hat cos I couldn't have been more excited.
Had only a short time to play cos of work etc but yesterday I had a ball. Can't believe what it can do and I know I've only scratched the surface. Cut some fairly strong chipboard tags yesterday without a moments hassle, just so excited.
Was at a scrap day on Saturday and it was so much fun, it really is true that scrappers are a great bunch cos the fun is in the helping and sharing and joy of seeing everyone create their ideas, and seeing their pleasure in finishing a project.
Work is getting busier but not as busy as past years, I really do think people have let Christmas sneak up on them this year...bit scared about the next few weeks could get crazy LOL.
I haven't even thought of presents yet but then I love the hustle and bustle of the last minute rush.
Anyway "Buggy" is sitting in the corner looking lonely so I must go and play.
LTR.

Sorting the Chaos

Well it's been a very busy week, and the above chaos no longer exists...thank heavens. My scrap space in the living room had gotten totally out of control and I'd way out grown it and so chaos had become the norm, but we couldn't stand it any longer. So the front lounge has became "Craft HQ" and the living room is back to being tidy, organised and ready for that new couch we have our little girlie hearts set on....mmm! But enough dreaming for now, now the unpacking, reorganising and setting up of the craft room reigns supreme. Very happy with it all so far. heaps of room, storage and plenty of room to spread out. Wahoo! Now I just want to play but still a bit to do first.
Have been really keen to make cards cos I have found some stamps I'd forgotten about and of course those old family photos are just screaming at me to start my heritage album, but I want to be sorted first....so maybe one more day.
Have ordered some very cool new stamps from America so when they come there will be no stopping me I'm afraid it will be all on.
And of course in the next couple of weeks our Cricut should arrive so......I'l be ready!Lol.
Anyway enough rambling must go and make a start.