2 + 3 = A Madhouse

Peter Peter ........

2011-11-23T07:16:00.003+10:00

Pop over to the Zest Blog for my latest post about Peter! Isn't he cute? And he has a twin - Fiona! I've created a little set with both of them. You'll need to click on the image to see them a little bigger, blogger didn't like my sizing LOL.

sharing...

2011-11-02T16:49:00.003+10:00

A quick share of some craftiness I've been dabbling in lately -
a matching pair using some papers and stamp from Lime Tart! Another set I made last weekend, I was crushing on the combo of yellow and grey/silver and raided my stash to see what I had - yep, enough for a set :)

Finally, a set of mini easles - made with some more Lime Tart goodies for this month. At least I have a few spares now for when kids birthdays pop up!

Finally - a blog button........yep keep an eye out for my name this month :)

a bit of a head start....

2011-10-25T16:17:00.004+10:00

Check out the Zest Blog for my post today. Its featuring some of the products from NEXT months kits :) Yep, I got stuck straight into them and so have them ready to show you early....

Pop on over to have a look (just click on the pic) !

Almost the end of October?

2011-10-22T11:44:00.004+10:00

Where has the time gone?
Today, hubby has travelled to the Gold Coast, for Indy. I'm off to a Pink night tonight, breast cancer awareness fundraiser with all the gals from work - over 30 of us!!

We have had the odd day or two of decent weather and last weekend had a picnic in our backyard. It was so nice - that if the weather is good tomorrow, we will be doing the same thing.

I've been trying to do something creative lately. This is a sneek of a Step by Step I've got coming up on the Zest blog.

And I've managed to do some sewing, finishing up another lap quilt. LOVE the colours of this one, lots of lime, red and teal. I have four now all packed up and ready to give away.

I'm also updating the swap block girls. All parcels were posted over a week ago now. Hopefully you will all have them in your hot little hands. I forgot to take photos of the blocks beforehand - so I have no idea who belongs to who and the task proved rather difficult to keep track of in the end. BUT it did mean people would have recieved lots of beautiful blocks to use. I still can't decide what to do with mine, so they are sitting in a drawer waiting for me to get inspiration - and for my machine to be fixed.

I had better go and throw a slice in the oven. I'm trying really hard to keep the kids lunches interesting. No doubt there will be a squabble over who can lick the bowl :)

a finish

2011-10-08T18:02:00.002+10:00

This quilt top has been a slow process... but now its finally finished. It measures 60" x 42", perfect for lounging around watching tv and keeping warm. I used a spinning block which was actually a lot smaller and used for a pincushion in the QFD Lets Stitch event several months ago.

Unfortunately the light is fading and so it was hard to capture the lovely colours of the fabric. I used a scrappy binding for finishing, seeing nothing I had was quite enough. Lots of lovely wonky lines of quilting and a soft fleece backing ... YUMMY!

I hope the person getting it will like it. Its not too girly do you think?

school holidays

2011-09-29T08:43:00.002+10:00

We've had a bit of a rough trot this holidays and have spent the entire time taking turns being sick. Hubbys parents called in for a short visit which the kids loved.
I've attempted some crafting but haven't gotten much done .
Here is some recent ones featured on the Zest Blog....
A layout of a recent 4WD off track trip we took, using Simple Stories papers.or A little treat box with window, which is also on the blog, including a downloadable PDF with the template for creating your own.

And lastly, the kids....all is well. Scott still needs to wear a patch for his eye each day but the good news from his review was that there was marginal improvement. I did manage to get a few photos of the kids before the weather turned bad....

Challenge!

2011-08-21T17:01:00.003+10:00

I've spent some time colouring and creating this weekend. This is a card created with what was on my desk - in an attempt to clean up LOL. Its actually a trifold card...

I'm entering her into the BUTTON UP challenge (TGF) and the STITCHING challenge (fab n funky).

And a little sneek at something else I did today but I'm saving it for another time :)

Kraftin Kimmie Challenge

2011-08-21T08:09:00.006+10:00

Another Kimmie Challenge is up on the blog... This time its spooky cards!

I know we aren't into Halloween much here in Oz but these cards sure are fun to create! Annie Rodrigue is such a talented artist....Isn't Charlotte a little 'mentally unstable' looking? I mean seriously, those dolls! LOL perfect for a spooky card without being too creepy!

I've used mainly digi paper for this one :) I found some old stickers and skull beads that we used last year for Alesias birthday party which was a Halloween theme.

I'm also subbing this one for the distress challenge over at Simply Create. I've scissor distressed the edge of the purple background and ink distressed around my stamped image.

sewing

2011-08-20T11:23:00.003+10:00

Well, a few weeks ago I was convinced by my little fabric loving babe to make a pillowcase.

So today, I was sorting out all my fabric, attempting to squeeze it all into my boxes (so it doesn't look like I have 'too much' lol) and I thought I would use up the rest of the animal fabric and make a little drawstring backpack for Scottie - to match the pillowcase and make a bit of a sleepover set. No fear, I kept a scrap for some trimming to some boxer shorts for another day.

I even popped a small zippered pocket on the front - matching it up to the pattern so it didn't look out of place (yes, a clever mummy thinks of everything!). Thumbs up from 'the kid'.

Lets Stitch Block Swap Update

2011-08-20T06:57:00.002+10:00

I've had a few emails flying around lately, and am updating on here to let everyone know about where we are up to on the block swap....

I have in my hot little hands blocks from Mhairi, Vanessa, Glenise, Tania, Kirsten, Florence, Jodie and myself.

So we are just waiting on 2 more lots to arrive. If they don't arrive in the next few days, I'll swap out what I have and send them back then post out the others later.

Thank you to everyone who has participated, swaps are lots of fun.

I know Mhairi is holding another swap for those participating in the CIJ event over at QFD Creative. Think about joining in - they are lots of fun!

Kraftin Kimmie Challenge

2011-08-14T10:21:00.004+10:00

I wasn't able to sleep in this morning, and so I ended up at my desk creating this card for the latest KK challenge. The challenge was a recipe - to use chipboard, ribbon and a flower as well as a KK image. Heres my take on the challenge.

Its been a long time since I have managed to do a challenge of any sort and I'm happy with the result. This will come in handy, there are a few birthdays coming up and I think this might be ideal for a certain teenager, from her family ;)

boys boys boys

2011-08-07T20:06:00.003+10:00

A little update from us. We have been busy... soccer is keeping us entertained on the weekends.
Scottie is doing well with his glasses. We are patching the weak eye daily and hopefully in a few more weeks will get a good result from the hard work. Time will tell. I do have to say, everyone comments on how cute he looks with them on (I'm biased, I think he looks handsome!)

Jack is of course never far when the camera comes out LOL. He has achieved a few more badges at Karate and is loving studying Fiji this term at school.

Finally, a pic of the pillow case that Scottie talked me into making this weekend - he chose the fabrics and told me what he wanted as far as a final look. He loves anything his mummy makes :)

And thats it for us lately. We have birthday season coming up. I need to be really organised this year, working fulltime.

Grab a cuppa...

2011-07-01T09:56:00.003+10:00

Its a bit of a catchup....

So its school holidays. I can't believe its Friday already. We are all struggling to get rid of the last of the flu.

So I've been doing some secret sewing....all for the QFD Christmas In July event - its the second year and its bound to be so much fun. Yes, they are sequins you see!!! A big surprise for me too.... Sarah emailed me today to say that she had given Kim Archer the go ahead to use one of my projects for her new magazine. Thank you Sarah! Thank you Kim! So here it is - my ballet bag is a featured CUTE tutorial !! This was my first project for the Creative Team at QFD and still one of my favourites.

And a recent snap of the kids. I can't remember if I updated the blog about Scotts eyes but as you can see, he is sporting glasses these days (and looking very cute in them too). He has extremely poor vision in his left eye and was by fluke that we discovered it at a optometrist appointment. They have their Prep screen this coming month at school, so we would have been 3 months behind on everything. I can't stress enough to everyone to have your childrens eyes tested before they go to Kindy or school. The earlier you catch problems, the better. Basically the vision in Scotts eye didn't develop from birth and so he never knew any different. And neither did we. This is a boy how is as rough and tumble as they come, has fabulous hand-eye coordination and a natural sporting child. So who knew! So anywho, we are going through the next 3 months, patching the 'good' eye for 4 hours a day to force the 'weak' eye to work and for the brain to get it to focus better. We go back to the opthamologist in August for a review. I'm hoping that there is an improvement. Boy the patches are expensive but have no fear, I've already made up a great little template and a system for making our own patches LOL. They have to be the adhesive type so he can't peek out.

And so, thats us in a nutshell. I have one more week off work. I've almost caught up on projects of the crafty nature. I plan to spend a day in the kitchen next week, making freezer meals to get me through the next term at school. My kids have another week off school and my parents are flying from Broome to be here with them. I'm excited to see them again. Oh and it looks like we will be having a hot Christmas this year, with plans to fly up for a week and stay with my parents. I am hoping I will get a day or two to catch up with all my friends who I miss sooooo much!

catching

2011-05-24T07:22:00.004+10:00

We've been busy lately....

Earning badges at Karate....With Scottie playing soccer! Making Pjs for little people....

Participating in the QFD Lets Stitch event.... Making some leftover projects from scraps.... Taking photos so we don't forget what they looked like LOL...

stitching

2011-05-14T10:13:00.003+10:00

I've finished off a disappearing 9 patch quilt/blanket and now have a flannel and microfleece combo to snuggle under.

In more stitching news, I've had 2 projects already featured in the Quilt Fabric Delights 'Lets Stitch' online event. Heres a sneek peek...

And another sneek at one of the other projects - a bag by Natalie Ross which I'm almost half way finished. Alesia is going to get this one (shhhh its a surprise) to take for school.

Finally, sports have started for us. We are about to head out to Soccer - this year its Scotts turn and he is having a blast. Jack officially starts Karate on Monday, i'll have to get some photos of him when he gets a uniform!

winter has started to settle in here and I've been stitching in a hurry to benefit me and only me. Very rare event!

ANZAC day

2011-04-25T11:30:00.000+10:00

We've watered our Rosemary and baked ANZAC cookies for morning tea. A reflective day in our house. A thank you to those past and present in our armed forces. We will remember them.

Lest We Forget

2011-04-19T08:07:00.002+10:00

If you were a part of the Christmas event last year then you will know what awesome value and terrific fun it is to participate in these...... I've actually shared a sneek on my facebook a little while ago and I'm off to finish off the final details today - can't wait to 'see' you there!!! A whole month of stitching goodness :)

a finish

2011-03-20T21:24:00.003+10:00

Baby shower gift for a teachers wife from my school - finished :)

Its a quilt top backed with fleece, quilted with straight lines and finished with a fine corduroy binding in pink!

Hubby had a birthday this weekend too. I made this card for him (yes, a love of motorbikes is present at our house!), which was for Lime Tart this month.

We popped into Hogs for lunch (love their steak!). Cake was yum, homemade buttercake, filled with homemade strawberry jam and whipped cream then smothered in buttercream. OMG so rich!

PS how many more weeks till school holidays? too many I think LOL

In love with Stamping Bella

2011-03-02T11:17:00.002+10:00

gotta admit, shes got a little bit of attitude and shes fab :)

New stamps from Stamping Bella are now in store at LIME TART.

Nice and comfy!!!

2011-02-25T19:27:00.003+10:00

Cinderberry Stitches pillow is all finished. The stitchery is a part of a whole pattern provided free by Natalie and Lecien Fabrics called Woodland Faeries. I love my new cushy pillow and hubby is happy because he finally gets his back LOL. Bring on cold nights on the couch!!!

a little stitching

2011-02-18T18:31:00.002+10:00

Natalie from Cinderberry Stitches has always created projects I've drooled over. I'm particularly in love with her stitchery patterns. Well guess what - shes released a new FREE pattern, in conjunction with Lecien.... You can find pictures etc HERE.

I've done something sneaky and only used one little faerie to stitch, using some variegated thread. I'm thinking maybe she will make it onto a small cushion or maybe a bag for my daughter.....

I should be working....

2011-02-05T18:50:00.003+10:00

I'm already behind on programming for the start of the year, its been a rough week and I'm tired. I have managed to get myself to sit at the inky table and the sewing machine this afternoon.

Meet Scraps the Owl. Now I've created Scraps using the Hootie Owl Tutorial HERE. My friend Mel also made a few, check them out on her blog.

But for now, Scraps will be a school pet, going home with the kids from my class for a week. He will take his journal with him and hopefully have lots of stories to tell by the end of the year ;)

Finally - don't tell Philippa, but here is a sneek of my February Kit at Lime Tart. Super fun!!! I love the half tart kits - great value!!!

chook chook chook

2011-01-22T15:07:00.003+10:00

3 new chooks in need of names. Any thoughts?

This meant a doubling of numbers who call our chookhouse home. SIX chooks will produce a lot of eggs but thats ok according to Alesia, it means she might be able to sell a few dozen and get some pocket money!!

with love (a card)

2011-01-17T17:03:00.000+10:00

Oh isn't she adorable? I couldn't help it, she wanted to join all the Valentine fun that happening all around the card world at the moment.

This card is for these challenges:
High hopes Challenge - anything goes
Fab n Funky Challenge - warm and toasty
The Sweetest Thing challenge - sketch
Creatalicious Challenges - ribbons and love

Whiff of Joy challenge

2011-01-17T09:29:00.001+10:00

I finally made a card with a doiley that doesn't look like its out of place! I've used a Christmas image from Whiff of Joy, I just wiped off the extra bits I didn't want on my card before stamping. I've also masked my little character (Ura and bird stamp) so I could stamp the Whiff Of Joy fence background too.
Oh and its all based on the current Whiff Of Joy sketch challenge.

And yay, I actually was able to get a sparkle photo - I love what glitter does to a card.

You are a Gr8 kid card

2011-01-17T09:22:00.001+10:00

I have a few boys stamps but not many and yet I'm always needing boy themed cards. I do love Ian from The Greeting Farm, I use him a lot! I've used him on this card for their latest challenge: Black, Turquoise and one other colour (Orange)

and a close up too..

Seeing this is a birthday card, I'm also entering it into the current Creative Inspirations challenge - celebrate.

bear hugs

2011-01-16T21:25:00.001+10:00

Wow I've had a lot of trouble uploading this today and to then find out that its got a colour cast on the photos. Oh well.
A card for Kraftin Kimmies Challenge - fancy florals and Bunny Zoe's Love is in the air Challenge

Love is in the air - For you card

2011-01-16T16:03:00.001+10:00

Now Christmas is over, Valentines ideas and challenges are popping up everywhere. So out comes the glitter, the pink papers and my favourite heart punch :)

Ok I don't know why blogger is putting my images on their side. Any ideas?

This card is for Club Anyas challenge (sketch and image), Cute Card Thursday challenge (monochrome) and Stampin B's challenge (diecuts).

Yes, another card!!

2011-01-14T10:38:00.003+10:00

Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge:

Time to Unwind - no ribbon, trim, string etc
I got the Charlotte stamp from Lime Tart HERE.

Flashback

2011-01-13T13:02:00.003+10:00

After seeing Philippa post THIS today, I just had to pull out my Motivet stamps and have a play. I've used pretty much all old supplies and boy it felt good. I think I've got enough scrap paper to last a lifetime.

and a close up on the cute Motivet image.

Motivet images are now back in stock at the Lime Tart Store - get in quick :)

mirror image cards

2011-01-12T18:29:00.003+10:00

I used up a lot of my mini flower stash today and yesterday. My favourites (and cheap too) are from Lime Tarts shop.

Here are my afternoons creations, using 2 sheets of 6x6 pattern paper and some really old stamps.

what else to do?

2011-01-12T13:40:00.003+10:00

well when it rains nonstop, you are stuck inside and can't go anywhere.... what do you do to keep the boredom at bay? Craft of course!

Yesterday I made cards.....

Today I sewed together an art smock for Scott who starts school for the first time in 2 weeks.

I'm of course glued to the tv at the same time. Its all very surreal. My fellow SE Qld'ers please stay safe. xxx

Lots of rain but we are ok

2011-01-11T18:38:00.003+10:00

Just letting everyone know we are fine :)
Thanks for the concern xxxx

We've been everywhere!!

2011-01-08T23:10:00.002+10:00

We've spent the last 3 weeks travelling through 3 states with a Jayco campertrailer behind us and boy was it fun! Heres some of the things we did manage to see and do....
*the Golden Guitar
*the Big Merino
*Canberra Mint
*Australian War Memorial
*Questacon
*Xmas with the family in Eastern Victoria
*overnight stay with my brother in Melbourne
*Melbourne trams and trains
*Melbourne aquarium
*lunch at Port Melbourne (YUM)
*A 3 day stop to my old home town on the South Coast of NSW where we did everything I did as a kid!! FUN!!
*3 chocca days full of fun in Sydney - you name it we did it LOL. Including a skywalk for hubby and DD at Centrepoint. We also did the red double decker bus - awesome way to see the place. Luna park was the kids fave.
* 2 days at Coffs where all it did was rain but we did make it to the Big Banana. Kids were happy to think they have now see all the BIG icons of Australia.
Phew, we are home, tonnes of washing still to do and a new Xbox to figure out ;)

Hope you enjoyed your xmas as much as us!!

PS kids are off on a plane for a week to see the inlaws, so it will be weird having some free time before going back to work this year.

creating again

2010-12-15T15:59:00.002+10:00

Ah... school holidays....

Another request - 2 aprons for 2 gals :) One pretty ,pink and girlie, one more modern with lots of skulls LOL. So thats what I've been doing today. I'll deliver them next week.

I did take a break to make playdough today. Kids made colourful snowmen with the help of their older sister. So proud. It kept them busy for ages and I think we didn't have a cross word for over an hour!! BLISS.

The gallery...for December

2010-12-14T14:06:00.001+10:00

Its that time again, the GALLERY is up over at Lime Tart.

Here is my favourite layout from this months kit that I got to play with - old photos of Scott a few Xmas Eve's ago.

looking back at xmas

2010-12-14T10:05:00.005+10:00

work has gotten in the way of many things this year including xmas creating. I've sewn one gift and one dress. THats it. Thats not much. I've done no baking (except with the kids at school) and pretty much feel like its not xmas at all. I've gone through my blog for inspiration and found all these photos - reminded me to get my act together and do this years obligatory pics.

This ones for Julie

2010-12-13T19:30:00.002+10:00

I've been at the machine all day today making a very special gift..... Yes, in BasicGrey!! Scottie was happy to play model for me (for a lollipop lol!)

Christmas Creating

2010-11-29T15:33:00.003+10:00

Finally having a day off from work has meant that I could pop over to the post office and grab my Lime Tart Kit for this month. I really got lucky with the FULL TART pictured below. Its stunning and full of embellishments and alpha which are my favourite part of any kit. I've managed to do a quick photo shoot of the boys and finish my first layout. I have lots of ideas for this kit including a little OTP and some cards.

I also got some more twine - the red and white sort - just for xmas gifts. Oh and you'll be seeing more flowers from me, already I've tried out my Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers Die - its sooooo worth having one!!! OOOO lots of new goodies, I need to go play..... Get in fast, there are a few kits left under the advanced subscription button on Lime Tart.

Wanna win?

2010-11-18T18:07:00.002+10:00

A mini stamp tote......in Cosmo Cricket Early Bird????

Pop over to Lime Tarts Zest Blog for details :)

I totally forgot....

2010-11-17T17:23:00.003+10:00

to let you all know that the gallery for this month has gone live.

My favourite project from this month was this card :
And wouldn't you know it, it was the fastest and easiest of them all to go together!

Pop over for some inspiration!!!

I couldn't resist...

2010-11-14T14:07:00.005+10:00

Did you see the post over at the Zest Blog?

Philippa posted a step by step tutorial on creating a stamped background for your images. Seriously inspiring!

So last night, while Die Hard 4 was on tv, I grabbed out my supplies and got to work. I churned out 3 matching cards, using older papers, my dies and lots of inky goodness. Not to mention my CC designs girls!

I've only got 3 sets of Nestabilities (but I've ordered more!) so I started with those. Then I used a mix of K&Co and Stampin Up papers. Finally I've masked and inked/stamped my backgrounds using large stamps.

how many sleeps?

2010-11-14T13:48:00.002+10:00

Its less than 50 sleeps to Xmas (notice I'm still in denial and not wanting to know exactly how many!!!)
Here is 2 quick and fairly simple cards I've made for Jacks teachers. I've bought some yummy chocolates to go with them too ;)

Cards made with:
Scenic Route Stickers (old stuff)
Basic Grey 6x6 paper pad (more old stuff)
Kaisercraft black pearls
Stamps available at Limetart.com (Uru and Bird , Wee and Christmas Tree)

I love the whimsy feel of them.

planning and organising...

2010-11-13T12:33:00.007+10:00

I've been busy this week, lots of cleaning up, organising some small surprises for friends and just a generally full on week.

I've finished up my kit for Lime Tart and am really happy with how I used it.

We've been working on our garden when we can, planting some mixed lettuce from seed which we are waiting to see if they come up and are successful. I hope so. I've popped in some more herbs too.

I've gotten my act together and have finally started back on track with the attempt/battle to stay a size 12. SIGH.

I worked 4 days this week, jumping at a day off! I managed to get organised and grab some new uniforms for the kids, including Scottie who starts Prep in only a few short months. He was so excited that he ran around in his uniform all afternoon. I took photos (of course!) and was really surprised when I found this one: A rare moment of affection between the boys who I'm often asked 'Are they twins' because of their closeness in size.

A new kit has arrived

2010-11-07T18:05:00.002+10:00

and I've spent time creating!!!

I got the Half Tart this month from Lime Tart, and boy is it yummy!!!

A sneek for you ....And yes, Blogger wants you to turn your head sideways!!!

Having a 'crate' weekend so far

2010-11-06T19:27:00.002+10:00

I have managed to get some gardening stuff done - lots of lettuce for me and the chookies.

I've also finished making a little zippered purse to hold hairties and a hairbrush set - all ready for a 5 year old birthday party gift tomorrow (oh and I snuck a Barbie into the gift for good measure LOL).

Finally, this afternoon I've been playing with stamps and paper.

This is the latest Saturday Sketch over at Club Anya.

Most of the products came from Lime Tart , but I've noticed a few things are already sold out from the shop - gee you have to be quick!!

Stamp: Skater Ian by the Greeting Farm
Paper: 6x6 pad by Crate Paper (School Spirit Collection)
Strip punch : Martha Stewart
Twine

new stamps

2010-10-29T17:23:00.001+10:00

Gotta admit, I LOVE these new images available at Lime Tart!!

around the house

2010-10-23T13:46:00.004+10:00

Hello!

We've been busy this week - lots of work stuff. I managed to complete a first aide course through work this week. YAY, another thing off the list of things to do. I've spent today doing a bit of sewing - I've made a table runner but I think I'll have to go outside to take pics of it. Meanwhile, the kids and I have been down to the veggie patch to pick the broccoli - 3 huge heads. My kids love the stuff. I've been using the lettuce and only picking what I need each day. Everything else is looking good - the strawberries and snow peas have started to flower! The photos are a bit out of order too - sorry.

chooks were especially pleased with the broccoli leftovers!

speaking of chooks, we had this egg the other day - almost twice the size of our normal ones. the egg carton can't close because of it LOL

Jack ever so proud of our haul - 2 our of the 3 heads we picked this morning.
Have a great weekend!!

a favourite...

2010-10-18T20:01:00.004+10:00

The Lime Tart gals have been creating again! The newest batch of inspiration is in the gallery - check it out here.....

And probably my favourite creation from my kit is a little card. This was the last thing I put together. You know, its one of those things that just came together so fast, so easily. Enjoy the gallery and be sure to pop over at the Zest blog and check out some of the gals latest entries, so much drool worthy posts!

step by step

2010-10-10T19:18:00.002+10:00

I've popped up my step by step contribution post for this month over at the Zest Blog. Pop over by clicking on the image and see how I created both the card and the crocheted flower :)

green acres....

2010-10-10T16:37:00.004+10:00

My mum jokes about our new place - Green Acres she has nicknamed it.... Do you remember that tv show?
Anyhoo. Some random photos of my hour outside today in between all the wind and rain.....

My new gummies - very me!

the broccoli is coming along well - we have new seedlings in so that we get continuous cropping for the next few months.

Carrots - now I don't like carrots but we have lots in. You can see one of the several rows of carrot seeds that have popped up almost overnight!

our tank and windmill....great to keep the garden green

grapes - yes we even have a grapevine and there are several of these little bud type things on it so I assume that they may form a bunch of grapes.

Beans...my dad went crazy and planted a bucketload of beans. Now we love them but sheesh, we are gonna have them coming out our ears.

Lots of other yummies in the garden including lettuce to pick already and 2 of the 3 mulberry trees full of fruit....8 jars of jam already made from ONE days worth of picking! I've also done a few crumbles with the mulberries and have made up a few and popped them in the freezer so we can enjoy the taste later in the year.

yum yum

2010-10-07T17:02:00.003+10:00

They look like icecream colours don't you think? Lime Tart Store now has all these delicious colours in stock - and who doesn't need more bakers twine in their collection? Get a multipack and save! HEREhttp://www.limetart.com/products/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=108_16_208&products_id=2361

new look

2010-10-04T13:53:00.003+10:00

I have to say that I've jumped on the bandwagon a little. I've used some free stuff from shabbyblogs to update my look - not sure what I've done wrong and why the edges don't go all the way to the top but anyway.........

So the bandwagon? Well most of the Lime Tart gals have awesome blogs, and a few of them have recently changed their looks also. Pop over and say hi to them all and be inspired:
Julie
Nicole (who needs to UPDATE!!!)
Nikki
Philippa
Renee
Tanya
Teresa

I'm so excited

2010-09-27T12:30:00.002+10:00

You know its been a long time since I've sat at my craft table with paper in front of me....and actually felt the desire to create. Sure I've been busy with work, moving and life in general but I think I was suffering from creative block or exhaustion.

BUT

I got my latest Lime Tart kit a few days ago in the mail and I've been itching to get stuck into it. I took photos yesterday afternoon of the boys in the backyard....and look what I achieved in just 4 hours this morning. 4 layouts! Whilst mum took the kids to see a movie, I worked like a trojan...

You'll have to wait for the gallery release mid October to see the whole pages but heres a little sneeky sneek for you!!!

OOOO Fabric Delight!

2010-09-23T15:13:00.003+10:00

I've finally got around to doing another tutorial for Quilt Fabric Delight Creative Team.... and it has a very 'educational' theme. Heres a sneek....

Oh and pop over to the store, there is new Sweetwater stuff arriving - isn't this sample a beauty! I love their stuff - both scrapbooking and fabric :)

new tarts!!!

2010-09-20T17:35:00.002+10:00

No I haven't been baking!

We have two wonderfully talented gals joining us for a while over at Lime Tart.

Welcome Renee and Nikki!

Soooo cute

2010-09-10T17:12:00.003+10:00

Have you seen the LT blog lately? Cute cards and lots of good ideas! Tanya and Philippa have both been creating butterfly cards. I really need one of these punches!!!!

hello out there

2010-08-16T13:16:00.002+10:00

just a quick hello.
We have been without internet whilst we moved house. Turned out that the place we were renting was wanted back by the owner :( But we are now on 1.5 acres, complete with lemons, limes, chooks, a huge raised veggie bed and lots of cows at the back fence. Kids love it. We are still in unpacking/cleaning mode ;)
Not much to report from me, I've been sick - a bout of strep and staf combined made for a sick little moi for a while - all better now. Although I seem to be getting every sniffle and sore throat that is going around. Work is super busy. I started my job last term with 3 kids in my Special Needs class, I'm now up to 10!!! I'm lucky to have some wonderful teacher aides to support me and the kidlets. Life at home has been crazy too with the move. My parents are still travelling but plan to visit during the next school holidays. Mr J is loving soccer. Miss A is still going to netball but I think she will be glad when its over - its cold here at nights, too cold for shorts and running around at 7pm.
Hope all is well in blog land.... I'm diving into some Lime Tart things soon - and I have a parcel coming from QFD as well.....better get my new craft room in some kind of order soon!

2010-07-08T18:13:00.001+10:00

OMG I'm acutally ahead of schedule - look, a sneek of my kits creations for Lime Tart this month using A La Tarte.... its de-lovely!!!

have you signed up yet?

2010-06-30T16:14:00.002+10:00

Xmas in July - Quilt Fabric Delights....

This is a sneek of my mini project - yes, I managed 2 projects.

Be sure to sign up so you can feast on all things Christmas. Its 6 more months till the big day, plenty of time to get things done :)

A general update from us.

2010-06-27T20:48:00.002+10:00

I just scrolled through my last several posts and I apologise, they all seem to be very plain and boring, pointing out creative tasks only.

I've been given an extension to my teaching contract till the end of the year. So officially I'm working 4 days minimum until December. At the moment, I'm enjoying a welcomed 2 weeks school holidays.

Hubby has been busy. He took a few days off to look after Scottie who came down with a bout of the runs. Poor little mite. Jack had Athletics Carnival on Friday. He did really well and their relay team came second.

We are moving - currently looking for another rental - the owners want their house back. What a pain! Fingers crossed we get the one we put in for this week - it has land, gardens, chook pen, veggie gardens and is across from the school the kids go to. I'm hoping we hear in the next few days so I can get some sleep.

And as for us in general, all is good. Kids enjoying holidays, I'm enjoying crafting without having to worry about programming or report cards. I've made surf and turf for dinner and just finished off frying about 8 dozen donut holes from the masterchef recipes :)

Hope this finds you all well in blog land xoxo

2010-06-26T18:42:00.002+10:00

Pop over to QFD blog and check out my June Project! HERE
Sarah and I chatted over email about me combining some mixed media type scrapbooking with my fabric for this month - and here is my little canvas on display in my (newly cleaned) craft area. Today I used the leftover fabric to create a cover for my machine - much prettier than a plain white eyesore of a cover!

Lime Tart Gallery is up for June!!!

2010-06-17T16:39:00.001+10:00

check it out HERE

(and a sneek of one of my projects)

Storage hanger

2010-06-10T16:13:00.002+10:00

My last QFD tutorial is up - I was running behind on this one. I love how it turned out, more importantly, my younger 2 love it too. I orginally was going to make this in fabric for ME, for MY stuff but it didn't happen LOL. Of course it could be used to hold all sorts of things....

Tutorial is HERE

2010-06-05T12:22:00.003+10:00

A small amount of sunshine meant I could grab one of our 'new' dining room table chairs for some indoor photos of the kids. I needed some more up to date portraits to have ready to give to my brother who will be visiting next weekend.

So here are my boys. Yay, they are smiling AND looking at the camera!

And one of the girls. She has a pimple - shhhhh we aren't allowed to talk about it LOL. Its rare she has her hair out these days, lucky I caught her before she went and put it up in a pony! Highschool is treating her well. A rude shock when homework floods in and you don't do it in time for when its due to be handed in LOL.

The obligatory silly photo...thanks Jack!!

A quiet weekend here. No soccer for Jack and hubby rang to say he is finally coming home - he has been working really hard, over 80 hours a week for the last few weeks and we haven't seen more than 10 mins of him each day so its nice to finally have him 'home' and life return to normal !

A very happy birthday to my dad :) He is currently flying back into Australia from Prague - with my mum of course LOL. We will chat to him tomorrow.

PS. lots of creating going on - I have fabric ready to dive into for the Christmas in July with QFD and a Lime Tart kit on its way home from the Post Office with hubby...yumm!!

hungry?

2010-06-02T22:13:00.002+10:00

go whet your appetite.... HERE

the tempting appetisers are up on Lime Tart for viewing....

Its beginning to look a lot like.....

2010-06-02T21:55:00.002+10:00

.,.Christmas!

Yes, Christmas in July is around the corner. Now that I live in a colder climate I can see the temptation to throw myself into the whole CIJ thing - I mean a big roast dinner, a fire to sit by and sing songs (ok so we don't have a fire in our rental LOL).... oh the fun it would be. And check it out: QFD Creative is leading the way with all the fun. Not only are the Creative Team in on this, there are also those wonderfully talented guest gals joining us (and secretly making me very nervous !!!) Be sure to sign up for lots of fun and great ideas to get into the Christmas spirit.

the machine is getting some action

2010-06-02T21:47:00.002+10:00

YAY, my machine is so happy, it got a work out over the weekend with a secret QFD project done, and yet another Heat Pack and cover finished for Jack. That makes all 3 kidlets warm and cosy for winter bedtimes.

Just a sneek of the back of my project...keep and eye on the blog for it to go up in the tutorials :)

this past week...

2010-05-22T11:38:00.003+10:00

has had its ups and downs. But on the whole, its been a good week.

Saturday is here, I'm onto washing load number three and have a beef and mushroom ragout in the SC for dinner. I've swept the floor and the kids were conned into cleaning up :) They are currently outside in the sun playing treasure hunting.

So whats new? Not much really. I've had no time to sub anything to mags, but I do have some stuff coming up soon in a few of them. I finished my Lime Tart kit, just need to throw some cards together and think of a step by step to post in a few weeks. Anything you want to see done? I'm open to suggestions :)

I think I'll take the camera outside shortly and get some pics of the kids. I need some new ones.

Hoping your weekend cruises by. I'm off to Soccer this arvo and heading for a birthday coffee with beautiful Heike tomorrow. Bliss!!!

I'll leave you with a pic of one of my layouts from the Lime Tart Gallery. Pop by and have a look at all the lovely things the gals did this month :)

I'm not complaining

2010-05-20T07:25:00.003+10:00

I'm so busy - I'm not complaining but it sure does make me realise that before being at work fulltime, I wasted a lot of hours at home!! Just don't tell my husband LOL. I had Monday off this week, got a fair amount of 'stuff' done. Of course since then the house has fallen apart and the washing has multiplied. I'll have to tackle it tomorrow - I've had wet beds to deal with a bit (joys of toilet training - yes, still!). Last night we had a spewed-in bed. SIGH. I'm already working next monday (which is my only day off this term, my contract is 4 days a week) but I'm not complaining because the money is handy to pay off credit cards etc LOL.

A quick sneek of my projects for Lime Tart for May.... I had the full kit, and it was beautiful. The gallery is a little late (oops, my fault!) but it will be worth the wait I'm sure, its due up in the next day or so.

2010-05-16T17:20:00.002+10:00

Because we were away last weekend, the kids had mothers day today. We went out for breakfast. Gifts were silver earrings and a red leather handbag (bought in Melbourne). ALso got perfume. Have spent a good part of the day cleaning the house ready for a house inspection tomorrow. Just chilling now with a wine :)

Ive been busy

2010-05-16T17:10:00.002+10:00

Last weekend, we got on a plane, left kids with family beforehand, headed to Melbourne. Went to the Australia v New Zealand NRL at the new stadium on Friday night. Awesome opening!
Popped to Gippsland to visit my grandparents - not bad for being 84 and 87.

Went back to AAMI stadium on Sunday for another match - Broco v Storm. Good to see it live.

Its April...well it was LOL

2010-05-01T16:25:00.003+10:00

Been such a busy month for me. So glad its May to be honest. I've had a cough the last week, caught it off one of the kids at school. It means lots of breathless moments and not much sleep but I've got through. I met up with 2 of my lovelies this morning for coffee at Myer. Thanks for the hour or two to escape reality and chat crafting :)

So what have I been up to craft wise? Lots of looking, dreaming and talking...but not much doing. I did get my April project for QFD Creative done. This month, as its becoming cooler, I decided to make a heat bag and cover to keep my littlies feet warm in bed in the winter months. Of course I had to do a boy and girl version to avoid any fights ;)

The tutorial is up on QFDCreative blog... and oooo my first link back from a crafty blog called Craft Gossip!!! Give me a yell if you happen to finish off any of my projects or you spot them out them on the web, I'm dying to see someone have a go :)

Quilt Fabric Delight-ful!!!

2010-04-26T20:59:00.001+10:00

Heres a sneek of my April tutorial. Perfect for winter :)

Life is busy

2010-04-14T17:56:00.003+10:00

The April Gallery is up at Lime Tart.

Starting next week, I'm working four days a week for the rest of the term. Both Alesia and Jack started sports this term too - so thats Netball on Tuesday nights, Soccer training on Friday nights and Soccer games on Saturday mornings nice and early in the cold. I'll definately be looking for some R&R come the June holidays :)

Lots more creating going on. Tonight I'm working on a challenge for Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft which is due back in a few days (eeek!!!). Then I'm expecting my fabric for this months Quilt Fabric Delight project... I can't wait to design this pattern!!!

Tonight its spag bol - BBQ went out the window when hubby rang to say he was still in Brisbane in a meeting at 5pm. So instead, its something easy for us and something he can reheat.

xoxo

hello?

2010-04-11T08:43:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone, I've been a little absent lately - so busy with the kids. My parents arrived the week before easter and left yesterday morning. Our days just disappeared.

The only news I have to share is that we finally have a front tooth!! Jack has been front-toothless for almost 9 months (probably more acutally) and 2 days ago, through a very swollen gum, a tooth began to break through! I'm so relieved. I actually think I see the second tooth trying to come through too. We've been considering having a bit of surgical work (ie.cutting) done on the gums seeing it was taking so long. Our dentist will be pleased :)

I've been away to the Gold Coast twice over the easter holidays - 4 nights and 3 nights. I'm keen to spend a week at home with the kids getting some crafting done :) Pics coming soon ....

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T08:49:00.004+10:00

Sending you all Easter Blessings covered in lots of chocolate!!!

We sure have had our fill of sweetness goodies already ....

35

2010-04-04T08:43:00.002+10:00

thanks to everyone for the well wishes. A very quiet affair was had by us ;) We finished the day with Thai takeaway and a homemade vanilla, cream and jam cake :)

The announcement is up

2010-03-25T09:35:00.003+10:00

I'm still gobsmacked. Many of you know that I dabble in sewing. I got a gentle push from some wonderful friends to apply to be a part of the Quilt Fabric Delights DT. Never in my dreams did I think I would make it the next round let alone get chosen to join the team. Thank you so much to Sarah for having the faith in me. I admit, the fabric choice really did throw me, I wouldn't have bought the selection if I saw it in store but I was really really pleased with the final project. I did complete 2 tests first, so I now have 3 very handy bags of my own. I look forward to working with such talented girls :)

Congrats Rachel, Lisa, Amanda, Cheryl and Melissa.

check out the announcement here!!!

ooooo

2010-03-24T20:11:00.001+10:00

oooooo
I've got news
big news for me
No, no babies LOL.
BUT come back tomorrow or the next day and I'll share a link ;)

The gallery is LIVE!!

2010-03-15T12:24:00.003+10:00

Lime Tart March gallery is up and ready to peek at :)

A sneek to get you going.... thanks to the lovely Teresa!!!

go here - - - --

3 cards, 1 sheet of 3 bugs in a rug

2010-03-11T14:31:00.003+10:00

...Little Chick by 3Bugs In a Rug.
Who said that easter paper has to be for easter stuff?
Available here

Sorry, we are off to publication, watch for us soon :)

2010-03-06T16:25:00.002+10:00

Its another cool wet day here. Lots of indoor time.

We've made bunny ears, had homemade chicken and sweetcorn soup for lunch, made ricotta fresh from some milk (as seen on Better Homes and Gardens last night) and just finished off a marathon game on the Wii. Tonight will be a big family Paella with chicken and prawns. Perfect for a cold night.

Hope you are having a good weekend :)

2010-03-04T17:54:00.002+10:00

Well its started.... The chickadee 2 weeks of ideas and challenges at Scraps has started. Today was an easter basket. I'm happy to say, I have one out of five or six teachers easter gifts all stitched up - or should I say packed into a basket with a cute little pink chicken :) Come join the fun!!!

The first project with this months LT kit

2010-03-01T14:39:00.001+10:00

This is a bit of a sneek. You'll have to pop over to the Lime Tart blog on Saturday to see it all !

Annabelle Stamp Blog challenge

2010-02-28T17:31:00.002+10:00

This was based on the sketch for the latest Annabelle Stamp Challenge over at their blog HERE.
Thanks to Teresa for pointing me in the right direction :)

Stamp is my new Motivet Hilda which is currently sold out at Lime Tart but there are heaps more images of Hilda and the other critters left.

2010-02-28T07:22:00.002+10:00

Easter is just around the corner

Can you believe it?

Hot x buns and eggs are already everywhere.

But this year I'm gonna be so organised and you know why?

come along and join me!!! just click on the picture !

sneeks

2010-02-27T16:15:00.000+10:00

Yummy tart goodness

2010-02-26T11:15:00.002+10:00

look what landed in my mailbox to play with....the upcoming full tart. Its full of yummo goodies.

keeping busy

2010-02-26T11:10:00.000+10:00

crocheting, baking, cleaning and creating...

motivet blog challenge

2010-02-25T12:00:00.003+10:00

YAY my new stamps from Lime Tart arrived last night. Included was Ballet Hilda, isn't she the cutest Motivet image? Here is my attempt at the blog challenge for this week. The challenge is here.

I'm on a roll this morning

2010-02-18T12:01:00.004+10:00

just popped over to check out this weeks challenges and guess what, I'm half way through them already :)

sewing

2010-02-18T11:45:00.003+10:00

I thought my internet was down yesterday - turns out it wasn't but I didn't know to reboot the modem LOL

anyways this is what I got up to - 4 matching ones for some very spesh gals!!!

chinese new year

2010-02-18T11:41:00.004+10:00

each year we have a bit of a chinese feast on chinese new year. Its a bit of a tradition for us. Just a bit of fun and a good way for the kids to learn a little about another culture.

our valentines day

2010-02-18T10:46:00.002+10:00

.........was spent playing tourist.

we had a day of apple picking, eating gourmet picnics by the river and having fresh berry icecreams.

FUN!

the gallery is up!!

2010-02-15T10:06:00.002+10:00

check it out here...

a bit of cosmo

2010-02-13T07:19:00.003+10:00

Its been a while since I've done anything 'just because I can'.

Pic of scott taken over a year ago now I think.

Motivet challenge

2010-02-13T07:15:00.001+10:00

3 more

2010-02-09T16:16:00.004+10:00

Sorry, they have been taken off to be published

another set of cards, this time using the new 3 bugs in a rug 'animal stackers' papers. Papers are available HERE

he calls it 'school'

2010-02-09T11:04:00.002+10:00

Since moving, Scott has been hounding me to go back to 'school'. Daycare, as we call it LOL, wasn't on the cards again until now, the beginning of the year and of course my return to work. Scotties toilet training is going along well. And after having yet another 6 months of not working, it was time for me to start trying to earn money again. So yesterday, the little man started at a new Day Care. Reports back say he had a brilliant day and it was like he had been there for years.