Mistra Hoolahan

CSI - Case Study #4

2012-01-29T14:14:00.000+08:00

Week 4 of the CSI Challenges, and the last for us Dusty Girls as sponsors... but it won't be the last for me, I loved playing along and will continue to challenge myself with them!

This weeks palette was ME, love love love these colours!

Here is my layout... our little kitty cat again!

The lovely Dusty Attic Vine Swirl was just the piece for this LO, long and elegant! I've painted this one with a creamy toned paint and then sprayed them with Smooch Spritz and dried them off, once dried it was touched with crackle accents. The crackle seals the colours in, and if spread very thinly dries with the finest little cracks, love it!!

Pretty flowers... I don't have very many Prima ones left anymore {because I have the most wonderful selection of Green Tara ones, so I'm a bit spoiled flower wise}, but I love that I had just the perfect colour in my stash!

Do you like those Calla Lillies from Green Tara, aren't they sweet!? It's refreshing to have something a bit different and the shape was just what i needed for this little cluster.

Mmmm I haven't used German Scrap for ages, I found this piece below when I had my big clean out, such a gorgeous shape!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Chipboard:
Dusty Attic Swirl Vine #2

Flowers:
Green Tara Calla Lillies - Ivory with Brown Stamens
Green Tara Maple Leaves
Assorted Prima Flowers
Kaiser Blooms

Paper:
Core'dinations Cardstock
Prima Printery
BoBunny Enchanted
Fancy Pants Oct 31st

Other:
BoBunny Enchanted Noteworthy
German Scrap
American Crafts Thickers
Kay's Kreative Butterflies
Melissa Frances Vintage Resin
Kaiser Rhinestones
K&Co Brads
Maya Road Pins
Trinkets from Tomorrow's Memories

Tools:
Ingvild Bolme Distress Tool by Prima
Artisan Template
Martha Stewart Punch - Cherish

Mediums:
Jo Sonya Acrylic Paint - Titanium White
Clearsnap Smooch Spritz - River Mossy {for Donna Salazar} & Ice Rink
Inkssentials Crackle Accents

Dustettes

2012-01-29T12:07:00.000+08:00

Last year Jen asked if we could make layouts of the 2011 Dusty Attic Design Team all together, just for fun... I'm a bit slow but I finally did mine... it was such fun with the girlie colours!!

The "Dustettes" word was cut ages ago by Jen for me, we had a photo with the "Perth Girls' but I wanted to save it to use for us all. The chippy was painted white then dabbed with Tim Holtz Stains {Victorian Velvet, Dusty Concorde and Spun Sugar}, sprayed with water and then dried off, lastly finished with Crackle Accents and some with Fairy Dust Glitter. How beautiful are these silk flowers from Green Tara, they have Swarovski crystals as the flower centres, mmmm bling!!

The little coat hangers are so cute! I have used them to hold some of the subtitles.

The background uses Pink Paislee Mistables, I love resist papers, love that we can change them to suit just what we are working with. On this one I used a mix of Chiffon and Truffle Mix'd Media Inx refills, it's so easy! Just place a few drips here and there and then using a baby wipe just blend it in!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Chipboard:
Dusty Attic Decorative Trim Set
Dusty Attic Wire Dress Form
Dusty Attic Mini Words
Dusty Attic Mini Coat Hangers
Dusty Attic Custom Cut

Flowers:

Green Tara 3cm Silk Flowers with Swarovski Crystals
Green Tara 2cm Silk Flowers with Swarovski Crystals
Green Tara Silver Stem, 7 Leaves

Papers:
Donna Salazar Designs 8x8 Paper Pad Spring In Bloom for GCD Studios

Pink Paislee Mist.a.bles
Pion Design Fairytales of Spring "Violet"
Pion Design Studio of Memories "Cut Out Sheet"

Other:
Carolee's Tiny Alpha Stickers
Embroidered/Sequined Tulle & Lace Trim {from Fabulous Fabrics, Perth}

Tools:
Martha Stewart Punch "Cherish"
Donna Salazar Creative Page Tabs Die by Spellbinders

Mediums:
Donna Salazar Mix'd Media Inx Refill by Clearsnap - Chiffon, Truffle

Jo Sonya Acrylic Paint - Titanium White
Tim Holtz Distress Stains - Victorian Velvet, Dusty Concorde, Spun Sugar
Donna Salazar Fairy Dust Glitter by Clearsnap - Mixed Berries

Inkssentials Crackle Accents

Exquisite - Creative Scrappers #192

2012-01-26T22:06:00.002+08:00

Today is Australia Day, a day to celebrate being fabulously Australian... due to the 42 C heat, we chose to stay indoors! Kel played on the computer {when he eventually woke up}, Darren and I watched Series 1 of The Walking Dead and then I scrapped!!

I've been having fun with the CSI challenges and decided to have a go at a sketch challenge, I haven't done one for ages! My beautiful friend Natasha is on the team at Creative Scrappers, I had seen this sketch come through on her blog feed, so thought I'd play along with it, and then Natasha challenges me to use 'yellow and cream and kraft', thinking she was being smart - turns out it was just right!

So here's the latest CS Sketch, pretty cool don't you think!

And here is my creation...

I used some left over Dusty Attic Cherry Blossom, the Scroll Border #2 and "Exquisite" from Mini Words #3.

The Scroll Border #2 was very simply touched with ink on the edges to add an iddy bit of contrast.

The Cherry Blossom and "Exquisite" were first dabbed with white acrylic paint and while still wet sprayed with Smooch Spritz in Candle Glow and Wood Stain, then covered lightly with crackle accents and dusted with Fairy Dust Glitter in Pralines and Cream.

Lovely Green Tara Roses... and I've also used some crinkled satin edged organza trim popped in under the Dusty Scroll.

The large flowers were handmade using Spellbinders Rose Creation Die by Donna Salazar. I have used Donna Salazar's Crafty Chronicle and some Green Tara Banana Fibre papers for the flower layers.

Crafty Chronicle is awesome for flowers, especially my smooshed paper ones as the paper is thinner than usual patterned paper, so it scrunches {aka smooshes} up easily. And my new favourite 'go to' product, the Banana Fibre paper, cuts easily in the Spellbinders die and creates such gorgeous soft texture, I am LOVING these papers... do you remember having a stash of them years ago, I know I did and ditched them, I'm kicking myself now as they are just so versatile, especially if you are a texture lover like myself!

I've popped in some Websters Pages Sparklers, Postcards and Diecut Sheets, and used some of Kay's beautiful butterflies {check out her Etsy store HERE, soooo nice}, she always has just the right colours, I so love her butterflies.

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Products used:

Dusty Attic Cherry Blossom

Dusty Attic Scroll Border #2
Dusty Attic Mini Words #3
Green Tara Banana Fibre Paper

Green Tara 3cm Roses
Green Tara 2cm Roses
Green Tara 1.5cm Roses
Green Tara 38mm Crinkle Satin Edged Organza

BoBunny Et Cetera Patterned Papers
7 Gypsies Patterned Paper
Authentique Word Stickers

Websters Pages Postcards, Diecut Sheets & Sparklers
Glitz Design Diecut Card
Pink Paislee Acrylic Element
Pink Paislee Mist.a.ble Journal Card
K&Co "Clearly Yours" Epoxy
Kay's Kreative Butterflies
Crocheted Trim
DMC Thread

Mediums used:
Jo Sonya Acrylic Paint {Titanium White}

Clearsnap Smooch Spritz {Candle Glow & Wood Stain}
Inkssentials Crackle Accents
Fairy Dust Glitter by Donna Salazar {Pralines and Cream}
Ingvild Bolme Chalk Ink {Olive Vine & Dark Bark}

Tools used:
Spellbinders Rose Creations Die by Donna Salazar
Distress Tool

[Sweet as] Sugar

2012-01-25T16:05:00.001+08:00

Our bubby girl... well Kellan's bubby girl, but we all adore her!

I have created this for Green Tara... all the trims and flowers and even some paper on here are from Greet Tara, lots of wonderful natural coloured tones, perfect for our Sugar!!

Some delicate fringed ribbon meandering across the page... banana leaf paper was scrunched up and placed under the photo matt to create a soft layer...

a cluster of Green Tara Roses, one of the 1cm ones was sprayed with SmoochSpritz to change the colour...

the Coloured Jute Ribbon ties into a bow beautifully, soft enough to get just the right shape, but firm enough to hold its shape once there...

the centre flower above was made from 5 of the white petals, sprayed with water, touched with stains and then scrunched up, unraveled and the layers glued together to form a full flower...

the fabulous Dusty Attic Fish Net Panel was trimmed to sit under the photo matt, helping frame the photo and add interest...

my new Dusty Attic favourite... the grass border #1, was painted with white paint, sprayed with SmoochSpritz and dabbed while still all wet, finally touched with crackle accents... one of Kay's Kreative butterflies finishes it beautifully.

Green Tara Products used:
15mm Gingham Frill - Light Brown/White RB317LBW
15mm Fringe Ribbon - Cream RB1575C
25mm Coloured Jute - Ivory RB407Iv
35mm Lace Ribbon - Cream RB6740C35
Banana Fibre Paper - Natural 1212BNat
Rubber Tree Leaves - Natural RT1510
2cm Rose - Brown FDR009Br
2cm Rose - White FDR006Wh
2cm Rose - Ivory FDR006Iv
1cm Rose - White FDR001Wh
Cherry Blossoms - Cream FLC22C
Cherry Blossoms - White FLC22Wh
5.5cm Petals - White PFLP12

Other Products:
Dusty Attic Grass Border #1
Dusty Attic Fish Net Panel
Kaiser Sweet Nothings PP
Kaiser Resin Flower
AC Thickers
Zutter Corrugated Card
Kays Kreative Butterflies
Muslin/Gauze
Bazzil Cardstock
Hemp Thread

Mediums Used:
Colorbox Mix'd Media Inx by Donna Salazar - White
Clearsnap Smooch Spritz by Donna Salazar - Caramel Latte, Green Olive
Inkssentials Crackle Accents
Jo Sonya Titanium White Acrylic Paint

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Product Links:

InLinkz.com

CSI Case Study #3

2012-01-22T15:04:00.000+08:00

Loving these colour challenges... I didn't get mine done in time for the reveal this week, but am enjoying these so much I still wanted to play!!

This weeks colours were soft and delicious... I adored them!

So I scrapped myself and E... isn't she just gorgeous, inside and out.

I used Donna Salazar's Spring in Bloom and Antiquities papers for this palette, they were perfect, but I only have some 8x8 pads left so needed a background. While trying to find the 'right' background I decided to create one using some resist Bazzill... but I didn't have the right mists to create such a soft colour palette, however I found something that I feel works even better - Mix'd Media Inx Refillers. It's a pigment ink so dries slow and doesn't sink right in straight away... which means it gives plenty of time to blend and smoosh them all together to get everything just the way you want them. I LOVE them!

I finally used Dusty's Lacing Tash, how sweet is this piece?

It was painted white and then I used Mix'd Media Inx again to get that wonderful colour. It was sealed with a fine coat of Crackle Accents... nice and simple finish.

Another shot of the Lacing Tash... the gingham ribbon was so sweet and I liked the look of it draped down, so left it that way!

Products used:

Dusty Attic Lacing Tash
Dusty Attic Typewriter Font Alphabet Set
Donna Salazar Spring in Bloom 8x8 Paper Pad for GCD Studios
Donna Salazar Antiquities 8x8 Paper Pad for GCD Studios
Bazzill Resist
Paper Doily
7 Gypsies Tags
Prima Flowers, Paper RosesBrass Charms from Lindy's Stamp Gang
Gingham Ribbon
DMC Thread

Mediums used:
Donna Salazar Mix'd Media Inx Re-Inkers {Denim, Honey, Chiffon} for Clearsnap
Inkssentials Crackle Accents
Jo Sonya Acrylic Paint {Titanium White}

Tools used:
Donna Salazar Shadow Flowers Die for Spellbinders
Martha Stewart Punches

Thanks for visiting, take care and

CSI Case Study #2

2012-01-18T22:34:00.000+08:00

Here is our scene from CSI this week... such bright fresh colours!

and my layout... which I have to admit having fun with. Not my usual colours, but that's the point of the challenge... to push, to grow! I love the happiness these colours portrayed.

and some yummy details...

a sheer butterfly from Kay's Kreative flittering around the flowers...

Dusty Attic gates and fence... simply treated with white paint, Tim Holtz Stains and Fairy Dust Glitter

Green Tara Flowers, Kaiser Resin, Prima Resin Birdhouse and yummy hand made flowers using Donna Salazar Spring in Bloom PP and Donna Salazar's Rose Creations Die

another flittering butterfly... and a yummy hand crocheted doily from Michelle.

Products used:
Dusty Attic Wrought Iron Fence Border
Dusty Attic Ornate Gates, Mini
Green Tara 6.5cm Aster Batik - Sunset FDS029BatSS4
Greet Tara 4cm Aster Batik - Sunset FDS026BatSS4
Green Tara 2cm Roses - White FDR006Wh
Green Tara 1cm Roses - White FDR001Wh
GCD Studios Donna Salazar Spring in Bloom 8x8 Paper Pad

White Cardstock
Prima Flower
Stencil from Rouge de Garance Diecut PP
Rouge de Garance PP
Bo Bunny Diecuts
AC Thickers
Kaiser Transparent Diecuts
Maya Road Trim
Buttons
Hand Crocheted Doily
Tim Holtz Tissue Tape
DMC Thread

Mediums used:

Clearsnap Donna Salazar Fairy Dust Glitter - Mixed Berries
Clearsnap Glue Gloss
Jo Sonya Acrylic Paint - Titanium White
Tim Holtz Stains
Tattered Angels Glimmermist - Mallard, Sky Blue

Tools used:
Spellbinders Donna Salazar Rose Creations Die
Martha Stewart Punch - Cherish

Thanks for visiting, take care and

CSI Case Study #1

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000+08:00

There's a new colour challenge site in town and it's pretty cool! It's CSI - Colour, Stories, Inspiration - and the whole idea is fabulous! There is the "Scene" which is the colour palette... with 5 colours! Then there is "Evidence" which are a list of items to include on your layout and finally the "Testimony" which is the journaling base/ideas to go with it all!!

This is the Scene for Case Study #1: chartreuse green / dark moss green / goldish-yellow / red / greenish-gray

And here is my layout - I got to play Guest Designer!!
{yeah, in the CSI Frame because I think it's pretty cool}

Now what's better than a new Colour Challenge site... the fact that Dusty Attic is sponsoring them for their first month and there will be a yummy Dusty Prize Pack up for grabs, so go check them out, have a play and join in and you could get Dusty with us!!

So some closeups:

One of my new faves from Dusty, the Corner Flourish #1... here I have trimmed it to fit the flower cluster. It was painted cream, then dabbed with LSG Starburst Stain {Cajun Carnelian Red}, dried and them embossed randomly with LSG Terracotta Rust, Ranger Liquid Platinum & Tarnished Gold, and then sprinkled with Metal Skin Glitter by Alison Ellis.

A mix of flowers here with some Green Tara Roses finishing them all off perfectly {they always have just the right sizes to make a cluster 'work'}

Some Prima Bling... and also a Resin Flower from Handmade Halo, the grey/green of it was PERFECT for this colour palette!

And lastly a sweet PinkPaislee Butterfly flittering away around some die-cut Shadow Flowers by Donna Salazar for Spellbinders.

Products used:

Dusty Attic Corner Flourish #1

Green Tara Roses, 3cm, 2cm & 1.5cm

K&Co Ancestry Papers

7 Gypsies Gypsy Market, Moe

DCWV Mariposa PP

Basic Grey Designer Cardstock

Handmade Halo Resin Flowers

Prima Flower, Trinkets, Trim, Pebble & Bling

Kaiser Flower, Tag & Card

Maya Road Hat Pin

Tim Holtz Tag

7 Gypsies Label

Vintage Lace

Pink Paislee Butterfly Garden Butterfly

Hemp Thread

Mediums used:

Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Stain {Cajun Carnelian Red}

Lindy's Stamp Gang TwoToned Embossing Powder {Terracotta Rust}

Ranger Embossing Powder {Liquid Platinum & Tarnished Gold}

Alison Ellis Glitter {Metal Skin}

Tools used:

Spellbinders Die by Donna Salazar, Shadow Flowers

Martha Stewart Punch, Doily Border

Thanks for visiting, take care and

I made the final 8!!

2012-01-04T07:53:00.001+08:00

So so so excited for this chance to be on the team at Donna Salazar Designs! I have been hanging for the call for a year, ever since I fell in love {lust} with the Antiquities line... so now I get some goodies to play with and hope I make the very final cut!!

From Donna's Blog:

I'm VERY excited to announce the Amazing designers who have made it to the Finalist round for the DSD 2012 Design Team Call! But first, I want to thank EVERYONE who applied for the team. We had some really beautiful applications sent in and we had a really hard time choosing the Final 8.

Everyone on the list below will either be 1) a Guest Design Team Member for one month in 2012 or 2) a full time Design Team Member for the entire year. These 8 finalists will be getting a sampling of Donna Salazar Designs product from Spellbinders Paper Arts, Clearsnap, Inc., GCD Studios, Zutter and Want2Scrap to use for their projects during this final round. We will be announcing the new Design Team Members and who will be returning from our current Design Team in February.

So without Further Ado... Here are the

8 Finalists

in Alphabetical order:

(Click on their names to check out their blogs)

Amy Lynn Lassiter - USA

Ksenia Romantshenko - Ireland

Lisa Blastick - USA

Mandy Harrell - USA

Michelle Grant - Australia

Mistra Hoolahan - Australia

Solange Marques - Brazil

Suzanne Austin - USA

CONGRATULATIONS LADIES!

We are excited to see what you create with the Donna Salazar Designs products!

Thanks for stopping by! Smooches ~D~

I'm also RAPT that Michelle and Mandy are there as well, HOW very cool!!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Stay true...

2012-01-02T14:05:00.000+08:00

I started this before Christmas... and then Christmas came, and moving my scrap room {still in progress} and then New Years and Kel's 15th b'day, so it sat there looking sad and unloved for over a week. But last night after a nice long nanna nap in the arvo I stayed up and played and then it was finished! And it was FUN!

So this is a pic of me taken at Evana's 40th back in October. Michelle had straightened my hair and did my makeup and made me all beautiful!

The Dusty Attic Corner Flourish was painted with cream acrylic paint, then inked and blended, then sprayed with smooch spritz and finally given a glaze of crackle accents and sprinkled with Fairy Dusty Glitter!

Handmade flower using a Spellbinders Die by Donna Salazar... I used to love making my 'dodgy' flowers, but these dies make it so much easier!! They were inked with some mix'd media inx and then touched with glue gloss and sprinkled with fairy dust glitter.

Hand stitching... loving this now as well.

Products used:
Dusty Attic Corner Flourish #1
Authentique PP
Creative Imaginations PP
Kaiser Sweet Nothings PP
Prima Printery PP
Pion Design PP {Butterfly CutOut}
Creative Imaginations Paper Frames
Green Tara Roses
Prima Flowers, Trinkets, Buttons & Trim

Pink Paislee Tickets

Tattered Angels Mistables Canvas Shapes
Tim Holtz Key
Melissa Frances Resin

Mediums used:
Jo Sonya Acrylic Paint - Titanium Buff
Colorbox Mix'd Media Inx by Donna Salazar - Peridot & Leather
Colorbox Mix'd Media Inx Refill by Donna Salazar - Peridot & Honey
Ranger Inkssentials Crackle Accents
Fairy Dust Glitter by Donna Salazar - Pralines and Cream
Clearsnap Glue Gloss
Tattered Leather Glimmermist

Tools used:
Spellbinders Die by Donna Salazar - Rose Creations

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Dusty Attic Design Team 2012

2012-01-01T10:47:00.002+08:00

I am so excited to be with The Dusty Attic for another year... I love the girls who are the team, love our illustrious leader Jen with her quirky sense of humour and her amazing sense of design, and naturally I love the product, live and breathe it, for me this is what being an ambassador for a company is all about... you've got to LOVE it totally!!

All the 2011 team is back again... you know you have the best of the best when you can't bear to lose anyone, and we've added a few more fresh faces who are amazing and will inspire you no end!!

2012 Design Team:

Belinda Spencer - SA, Australia
Emeline Seet - Singapore
Evana Willis - WA, Australia
Gabrielle Pollacco - Canada
Helena Johansson - Sweden
Ingrid Gooyer - Netherlands
Irene Tan – Malaysia
Iris Babao Uy – Philippines
Jen Burns WA, Australia
Julie Winks - QLD, Australia
Maiko Kosugi - Tokyo, Japan
Mandy Harrell - USA
Michelle Grant - QLD, Australia
Mistra Hoolahan - WA, Australia
Nancy Winter - WA, Australia
Natasha Naranjo Aguirre - USA
Tina Rutledge - Florida, USA

2012 Sponsored Designers:
Anna Dabrowska-Pekocka (Finnabair) - Poland
Bev Rochester - England
Ingvild Bolme – Norway
Karola Witzak - Poland

And Dusty also have a new blog to go with it all! HERE is the link, pop over and become a follower to receive all the updates! There are also links to all the DT Blogs there now, saves me adding them all into this post!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Farewell 2011...

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000+08:00

So, I was asked about my Top 10 for 2011... Top 10 what? Layouts, projects it seems, how hard is it to choose from your own work! But I am going to give it a whirl!

Clicking on the pics will take you to the original posts {with luck}.

Starting at the beginning of the year, this is a fave... of my beautiful Nancy. Well I know she's not all mine, but she's 'my Nancy' when I think of her. I adore her and I adore this LO that I created for Red Earth Scrapping, not only because she's on it, but I sewed!!

This one... because, hello - Twilight, does it need anything more LOL! I love my Twilight themed layouts, but this one with the grey, black and red, love it!

Yes... another Twilight one, but I love this for a different reason. A few actually. It was the first time I tried something different, I had Michelle 'holding my hand' via Whatsapp while I did it and it was published... but mostly it was trying something very new to me, that spraying of a perfectly good Layout was a hard step, and it set me free!!

This one is of my niece Lily, quiet for once! I love the soft prettiness of this one... and the memories of the day... a girls day out just myself, my sister and my niece. Was fun!!

This one is an old photo of Darren and I, way way back... just before we were married, it was so nice to scrap it with such beautiful products!

Penelope my Art Doll I created for a swap... she now lives in England. I was so proud of her, really need to create another just for me, but it's not the same!!

I love my Shadow Boxes I have created... this is my favourite of them all! It took me ages, just waiting for the right elements to come along, it was the toadstools and fairies that just finished it off!

My hubby... yep he gets in there as well. I love the calmness to this one, the photo, the colours and the simple uncluttered style.

More OTP... I adore this, mum has in now, she claimed it before it had even finished drying! But it suits her house more than mine, so I must have made it for her!

My boy... love this kid so much! He's just turned 15 and I still can't believe I have a 15 yo!! I love all his photos, and I love this LO... the textures and depth, and the fun I had creating it!

And this one... 2 beautiful people I have in my life right now! Memories of the fun we had while away, the time I got to spend with Michelle, the hours I poured into making this one... and again, the fun I had while creating!!

OK... so that's them, I could add another 15 more I am sure, and I think that's 11 there anyway {was never great at maths}.

Looking back, I need more photos of my hubby and son, but I also notice that a lot of my faves also are created 'with' someone, be it at a crop or at home with friends chatting via some social network.

Thanks to my girlfriends, I treasure the time you have shared with me. Time is precious for us all and with a heavy weekday workload and loving my family time as well as my creative time it's not always easy to be the social butterfly I used to be, I do miss that - all the crops and late nights out, but I feel more balanced now... much more balanced actually. Thanks to Whatsapp and my iPhone, I'm only a message/video/audio away and can keep in contact with whoever is up for a natter! To all my friends, thanks for being 'there' for me in some shape or form. Some through some rough times, always inspiring me and supporting me, others just to say "Hi, how are you?". It's been a good year in all, even with some grey months thrown in there... I'm flat out busy, or I'm comatose on the couch, but all in all, it's been ok... hoping 2012 is GREAT though, I think it will be - I think there a more than a few of us who deserve it to be!!

Oh... BTW - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000+08:00

I hope everyone has a beautiful Christmas Day... we are looking forward to having my family here for Christmas Lunch and all the wonderful chaos that comes with it! Kids giggling, grownups talking over one another, hugs, laughter and a wonderful meal shared together... all that good stuff!!

Here is our newest family member, Kel's kitten "Sugar", isn't she the most beautiful creature! She's sweet as sugar too... a sweet little white and ginger tabby with the most gorgeous little face. She has given us hours and hours of entertainment in the short time she has been with us, definitely one of the family already!

May the good times and treasures of today become the golden memories of tomorrow. Wishing you lots of love, joy and happiness this Christmas!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

More Cards...

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000+08:00

Yep, more cards... and yes Natasha, they were FUN! Although I think these 2 took at long as a whole layout to create. But I can say I am definitely over the "I don't do cards" thing!

Handmade flowers using Spellbinders Rose Creations Die by Donna Salazar...

Snippets of lovely Green Tara Lace...

Perfect accents from Dusty Attic...

And this card too:

More handmade flowers with layers of vintage mosquito net {thanks Mich}...

Crochet trim poking through...

Delicious GCD Antiquities Papers by Donna Salazar...

Products used:

Dusty Attic Skeleton Clock Face

Dusty Attic Baroque Corners

Dusty Attic Mini Wire Dress Form

Green Tara Lace L2850W

GCD Antiquities Papers by Donna Salazar

Prima Trinkets and Resin Corner

Handmade Halo Charms

Hand Crocheted Doilies

ZVA Crystal Flourish

Crochet Trim Offcuts

Vintage Mosquito Net

Kaiser Sparklets

DMC Thread

Mediums used:

Jo Sonya Unbleached Titanium Acrylic Paint

Jo Sonya Titanium White Acrylic Paint

Tim Holtz Stains, Vintage Photo and Dusty Concorde

Stickles, Tiara

Tools used:

Spellbinders Rose Creations Die by Donna Salazar

Martha Stewart Punches

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Product Links:

InLinkz.com

Tissue Box

2011-12-21T11:00:00.000+08:00

I bought this at Tomorrow's Memories a month or so ago, they've got all sorts of cool things to alter in there... anyways, it sat around and I knew it wanted to become something one day, but wasn't sure quite what!

While scrapping with Natasha one day I started playing... and whalla, finished tissue box!!

Layers of paper and tissue, then smooshed with gesso...

Lace added and them Impasto here and there...

Stamped image into the Impasto, dried and then sprayed with loads of mists and once dried touched with more gesso to bring out all the texture.

Then dressed with Dusty chippie, handmade flowers, roses & bling.

I have such fun creating pieces like this, getting messy and playing! I truly relax, enjoy the process and let it become what it wants.

There was initially loads of paper layers under this, but I got a bit carried away with the Impasto LOL!!

Products used:

Tissue Box

Dusty Attic Vine Border

Dusty Attic Baroque Corners

Donna Salazar for GCD Antiquities Paper

Collections Tissue

Paper Roses

ZVA Crystal Flourish

Tools used:

Rose Creations Spellbinder Die by Donna Salazar

Making Memories Foam Stamp

Mediums used:

Ranger Glue'n'Seal

Mont Marte Impasto
Lindy's Stamp Gang Color Shots

Glimmermists - Tattered Leather, Mallard

White Gesso
Colorbox Mix'd Media Inx by Donna Salazar

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Product Links:

InLinkz.com

Christmas Cards

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000+08:00

I'd not really class myself as a card maker, but Green Tara make such gorgeous Christmas ribbons and flowers it makes it all so easy... and I'm going to admit out loud {LOL, well type out loud}, this card making stuff is FUN!!!

I've used lots of green and gold here, with touches of white lace and a splash of red.

I love these little bows, I couldn't tie them that little myself so having them done for you makes it easy to add these sweet touches.

The Dusty Attic Snowflakes are perfect for cards, just the right size to pop in under flowers and leaves!

Products used:
Green Tara White Poinsettias Green Centres, Medium - Code PFPWhMG
Green Tara Red Poinsettias Green Centres, Medium - Code PFPRMG
Green Tara White Holly Leaves, Small - Code LAHSWh
Green Tara Green Holly Leaves, Small - Code LAHSGr
Green Tara Gold Holly Leaves - Code LAHGo
Green Tara Xmas Bouquet, Gold 10cm - Code TBX032
Green Tara 7.5cm Skeleton Leaves, Gold - Code RTB2G
Green Tara 38mm Mesh, Green/Gold - Code RB6734GG
Green Tara 5cm Lace - Code L2864W
Green Tara 1cm Lace - Code L2897OW
Green Tara 3cm Bows, Olive - Code BowOl3
Dusty Attic Snowflakes
Pink Paislee PP

Mediums used:
Adirondack Gold & Silver Paint Dabbers

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Smile

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000+08:00

I know I've scrapped this one already... but I like it, my gorgeous boy Kel, who helped me move half the house around on the weekend and then progressed to clean the kitchen, he's a good kid!!

Loved all the elements on this, this is one of those layouts that just created itself within an hour, really love it when that happens!!

Dusty Attic Grasses and Cogs... love boy stuff and these new grasses just go anywhere!!

Layers of denim, papers, corrugated card, chipboard...

Donna Salazar Designs Shadow Flowers and Sprockets just add that bit extra.

It's always fun to play with flowers and girly things, but with all these cool things out there for boys now, the cogs, the sprockets and cogs, denim fabric and masculine toned papers, I really didn't feel I was missing out creating this!!

Products used:

Dusty Attic Grass Cluster #1

Dusty Attic Cogs 1

Donna Salazar for GCD Antiquities PP

Donna Salazar for GCD Spring in Bloom PP

Zutter Corrugated Board

Denim Offcuts

Tim Holtz Glassine

Tim Holtz Brads

Mediums used:

Unbleached Titanium Paint

Clearsnap SmoochSpritz

Donna Salazar Mix'd Media Inx

Tools used:

Donna Salazar for Spellbinders - Shadow Flowers Die

Donna Salazar for Spellbinders - Sprightly Sprockets

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Timeless Memories

2011-12-18T10:00:00.000+08:00

JennyB and I at Hyden, just another of those perfect snapshots - I'm so thankful for everyone's cameras!!

This one is my latest I created for the Green Tara blog, not only do I love their flowers, but I adore all their trims and laces, my work never feels complete without some of it somewhere on a page!
Here I wanted lots and lots of layers, paper, trim, tickets, flowers, loads of layers!! I have created flower clusters using Roses, Petals and Silver Sprays over top of ruffles of trim, and have tucked in little bits of lace here and there, the white trim and lace helps soften the papers and create a soft grungy effect.

Green Tara Products used:
Mixed Petal Pack, White - Code P22Wh
3cm Roses, Ivory - Code FDR024Iv
3cm Roses, Black - Code FDR024BL
2cm Roses, Brown - Code FDR009Br
2cm Roses, Black - Code FDR006Bl
1cm Roses, White - Code FDR001Wh
4.5cm Maple Leaves, White - Code LA7Wh
5cm Lace - Code L2864W
2.5cm Lace - Code L2850W
1cm Lace - Code L2897OW
38mm Crinkle Satin Edged Organza, White - Code RBCrWh
15mm Mini Tassel Ribbon, Sage - Code RB456Sa
Silver/Acrylic Teardrop Spray, Green - Code XB30526G
Silver Stem, 7 Leaves - Code XB28558

Also:
Dusty Attic Garden Frame
Prima Printery PP
Authentique PP
Kaiser PP
Prima Trinkets
Kaiser Sparklets
SEI Tickets
TCR Studios Button

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Favourite Moments

2011-12-17T19:16:00.000+08:00

Michelle and I giggling away at Wave Rock in Hyden... I think that's all us group of girls did most of the weekend, laugh, no better medicine for the soul!!

Yummy Pion Papers... I only have a few so they are being saved for 'special'! Love them!

Dusty Attic Leafy Stems, perfect anywhere!

These were painted in Unbleached Titanium Paint, inked with Ingvild for Prima Chalk Inks & Donna Salazar's Mix'd Media Inx and then sprayed with some Lindy's Stamp Gang Mica mixed in water. I allowed the inks to blend and pool and dried them off for this mottled effect.

All the yummy bits, layers of papers, trims and muslin.

The Butterflies were cut from one of the Pion papers, so beautiful!

Another handmade flower, made using Donna Salazar's Grand Peony Die by Spellbinders and a page from her Crafty Chronicle and sprayed with SmoochSpritz IceRink to bring some of the aqua tones into the flower.

Products used:

Dusty Attic Leafy Stems #3

Green Tara Roses

Pion Design Paper Studio of Memories, BirdSong / Forget Me Not, Precious and Eternal Moments

Donna Salazar Designs Crafty Chronicle

Coredinations Cardstock

Kaiser Pearl Flourish & Kaiser Resin Flower

Generic Paper Roses

Hand Crocheted Doily

Muslin & Crochet Trim

German Scrap

Prima Trim & Pebble

Jenni Bowlin Pin

Pink Paislee Artisan Shapes

Tools used:

Donna Salazar Designs for Spellbinders Peony Creations Die

Donna Salazar Designs for Spellbinders Shadow Flowers Die

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Angels

2011-12-17T18:32:00.000+08:00

I love that quote: "Friends are kisses blown to us by Angels", just right for these two gorgeous girls, Michelle and Evana, who have warmed my heart, bring me laughter and who inspire me every day!

This layout was such fun to create, yummy new Dusty, gorgeous papers by Donna Salazar and Pion Design, hand made flowers, hand stitching, lace, denim... all those good things!!

The large paper flower was hand made using the Spellbinders Rose Creations Die by Donna Salazar using some Antiquities and Spring in Bloom offcuts and then smooched with SmoochSpritz Caramel Latte. The little fabric one was an altered Prima one I pulled apart and added some denim and a rhinestone brad... because I could LOL!

A closeup of one of the hand made flowers, ala Mis style {aka Dodgy}! I sprinkled these with some Fairy Dust Glitter which you can just see in the photo... LOVE this glitter, I was covered in it for days, so was Coco!!

Mmmm new Dusty Attic Chipboard, this one of my newest faves - Corner Flourish #2

This was painted in Unbleached Titanium paint then sprayed with SmoochSpritz {yes, I am LOVING these mists} and then inked with some Mix'd Media Inx, yummy! Oh I so love these flowing Dusty Corners... they are perfect!!

You can just see in the background there one of the Shadow Flowers, this is another one of Donna Salazar Designs dies, it's fabulous! In the packaging it doesn't look terribly exciting, but it's one of the those shapes that is a perfect background design, nice and subtle, soft and flowing, it's a fave already. I'm so glad I bought it!!

Products used:

Dusty Attic Corner Flourish #2

Green Tara Lace 2.5cm L2850W

Donna Salazar for GCD Studios - Antiquities and Spring In Bloom 8x8 Paper Pads
Pion Design - Studio of Memories PP, Small Leaves

Coredinations Cardstock

ZVA Creative Bling Leaf Flourish & Pearl Flourish

Prima Flowers

Kay's Creative Butterfly

German Scrap

Websters Sparkler

Delish Designs Brad

Various Trinkets, Denim and Lace Offcuts, Floss

Mediums used:
Clearsnap SmoochSpritz by Donna Salazar - Caramel Latte
Clearsnap SmoochSpritz by Donna Salazar - Tea Party
Clearsnap Mix'd Media Inx by Donna Salazar - Chiffon

Tools used:
Donna Salazar for Spellbinders - Rose Creations Die
Donna Salazar for Spellbinders - Shadow Flowers Die
Martha Stewart Punch - Doily Border Trim
Martha Stewart Punch -

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Divine Diva Canvas

2011-12-11T15:57:00.001+08:00

"Jen, could I one day have a dress forme, with wings, chippie"... "sure Mis"!

Lookie here, isn't she beautiful! I love that Jen makes our chippie dreams come true, what a woman!

I had loads of fun with this, I love creating a mess! Layers of tissue paper and lace, then impasto and loads of mists. I love using Impasto with lace, it squishes in holding it to the project, without losing all the wonderful texture.

Her beautiful wings were saturated with water until the layers were easily lifted, all those feathers are etched into the chipboard and lift and fluff so easily once you've soaked them with water.

She was glittered and sealed, and then dressed in lace and muslin... and now she keeps me company as I scrap away!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Joy

2011-12-08T19:39:00.001+08:00

I have to admit, I'm a little bit proud of this LO... I struggle with all things Christmas, not sure why because I ADORE Christmas itself, but all the hoo haa prior to it just does me in... and scrapping it, I really need to be in the right mood. This one took me all day to get my head around it... I had all these cool embies to use, and only these old Basic Grey papers appealed, but they didn't 'match'... so I made them match LOL!!

I set the glittery swirls into some impasto and added some alcohol inks and mists once it was dried, melding it into the background paper... LOVE Impasto, it's my new favourite friend!!

I am thinking I might be over the Christmas Phobia now... because this was FUN!!

For all the info and GT stash I used pop over to my post on the Green Tara Blog HERE.

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Today...

2011-12-08T19:09:00.001+08:00

Today I have some work I have done for Green Tara to share with you... I can't believe after patiently waiting for them to go live on the GT Blog, that I forgot to share them here!! Duh Mis!

For all the info and GT stash I used pop over to my post on the Green Tara Blog HERE.

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Dusty Day at Tomorrow's Memories

2011-12-08T07:58:00.001+08:00

On WEDNESAY 28TH DECEMBER Tomorrow's Memories will be having a “Dusty Attic Day” There will be amazing Dusty Attic offers on the day along with demos. We will be joined by members of the talented Design Team Members; Mistra {that's me}, Evana and Jenny!!! You will not want to miss this amazing day!!

Plus – Here is a very special offer. Spend $40 or more in store on Wednesday 28th December, present this coupon and you will receive $10 off that purchase!! This is valid for one day only and there is only one voucher per person. This voucher can be used for class bookings too!

… and now for the really amazing part

They are running a competition from Saturday 3rd December to Thursday 22nd December and all you need to do to be involved is “spend $20 to receive a ticket in the draw” to be in the running for the following amazing prize.

What would be your ultimate Scrapbooking “Dream Date”?
Well 2 lucky winners of this competition will receive a place for you and 4 friends to attend the “DUSTY ATTIC DREAM DATE” on Wednesday 28th December 2011!!!!

You and 4 friends will receive an exclusive class at Tomorrow’s Memories on Wednesday 28th December.

The class will be designed by the fabulous Dusty Attic Design Team Member MISTRA HOOLAHAN {me again!!} and will be designed exclusively for the two prize winning groups. The class will feature fabulous Dusty Attic chipboard and some of the stunning techniques that Mistra is best known for!!

Your Dusty Attic Dream Date will include a fabulous exclusive class for you and 4 of your friends, (including the class kit) and a wonderful morning tea.
Plus you will receive an amazing ‘goody bag’ full of amazing Dusty Attic products.

Does that sound like your SCRAPBOOKING DREAM DATE!!??

The draw for the 1st winner will take place at the Christmas Moonlight on Friday 9th December. The 2nd draw will take place on Thursday 22nd December. The earlier you come in, the more chances you have to win!! Remember, for every $20 you spend you get a ticket in the draw!!!

On Wednesday 28th there will be demos, competitions and specials on Dusty Attic products too. So make sure you pop in and take advantage of the bargains and exciting atmosphere too!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

14

2011-12-06T15:30:00.001+08:00

Kel being Kel, still love his smile even when he's trying to pull a goofy one. They always warm my heart - I imagine being his mum they always will!

Loads of boyish grunge here... blacks and greys with rusty tones. Kel loves it!

Metallic elements really help build a masculine page, charms coming in handy here!

Dusty Attic Chipboard Cogs... perfect, always!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Our Kel

2011-12-06T05:15:00.001+08:00

So fun to scrap baby photos with 'new' stuff! This is Kel about 14 years ago, wow, they grow so fast!!

I have held onto this Basic Grey paper forever, loved it and have been waiting for just the right photo, which happened to be and old one!

I am so pleased that I managed to leave so much SPACE on here, unheard of for me, but it's all it needed!

I have used:
Dusty Attic Clouds
Dusty Attic Typewriter Font
Green Tara Silver Spray
Prima and Kaiser Flowers
Prima Trim
Authentique Word Stickers
Antique Netting {from Michelle}
Prima Stamps

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Product Links:

InLinkz.com

A Little Dusty in Hyden

2011-12-04T08:08:00.001+08:00

The Dusty Girls... well some of us!

I love this LO... the way Wave Rock in the background matches the DSD Antiquities paper so perfectly, the new Dusty Attic Cherry Blossom chippy blends perfectly with the printed, the flowers were just right... everything just happened and flowed like it was all meant to be! Don't you love that new alpha font from Dusty Attic as well, just the right size!

The chippy here was painted white, dabbed with some stains and blended with more white paint, then smooched for a subtle colour on the cherry blossoms, and then some definition drawn in with sepia ink.

The handmade flower was cut using a Spellbinders Die, Grand Peony by Donna Salazar - these dies make flower making far too easy! Mine still don't have that 'perfect' look, but I guess that's just me...

And I have popped on some Green Tara cherry blossoms, to match with the cherry blossom chippy!

I have used:
Dusty Attic Cherry Blossom
Dusty Attic Typewriter Font
Green Tara Cherry Blossoms
Green Tara Bows
Donna Salazar Designs Antiquities Let's Ride PP by GCD
ZVA Creative Crystal Swirls
Handmade Halo Leaf Charms
Handmade Halo Resin Bird
Prima & Kaiser Flowers
Prima Trim
Handmade Hat Pin by Tina
Carolee's Creations Alpha Stickers

Tools:
Donna Salazar Grand Peony Die by Spellbinders
Ingvild Bolme Distress Tool by Prima
DMC Thread

Mediums:
White Acrylic Paint
Tim Holtz Distress Stains
Glimmermist {Nougat}
Smooches by Clearsnap
Sepia PITT Artist Pen

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Product Links:

InLinkz.com

Moments

2011-12-03T09:29:00.001+08:00

A special moment captured while away with the girls at the Scrappin'Outback Retreat in Hyden!

I have used:
Dusty Attic Baroque Frame Set, Square
Dusty Attic Mini Ornate Frame
Green Tara 2cm Bows
Glitz Design PP
Sassafras Lass PP
Kaiser & Prima Flowers
Prima Metal Treasures
Prima Border, Lace/Pearls and Crystals
Prima Trinkets
Jenni Bowlin Pin
Webster's Pages Sparkler
Carolee's Alpha Stickers
Paper Doily
Lace Trim

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Product Links:

InLinkz.com

More Webster's...

2011-12-02T20:05:00.001+08:00

Another layout for Dusty's Webster's Pages Product Swap, really have had fun with this swap!!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Product Links:

InLinkz.com

Dusty Attic & Webster's Pages

2011-11-30T18:47:00.001+08:00

This week at The Dusty Attic we have teamed up with none other than Webster's Pages, what a wonderful match!!

Here is my first layout for the product swap, using the beautiful All About Me range.

I loved the tones of brown, green and blue and knew they would be perfect for this photo and also just perfect with the new Dusty Attic Grass Cluster & Swirl Vine 2!

I have also used Webster's Pages Bloomers, Buttons, Dazzle-me Gems, Sparklers and Designer Threads.

To see what the rest of the Dusty Team is creating pop on over to our Ning site to see HERE.

You should also see what Webster's talented team have been creating with Dusty Attic chipboard on their Blog and Ning sites.

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Product Links:

InLinkz.com

Friends

2011-11-29T19:55:00.001+08:00

A treasured photo Michelle and I when she was here visiting, thank goodness for Whatsapp or I'd be desperately missing this girl right now!!

I adore this layout... it was made for the Tattered Angels call so is covered in fabulous mists! I've got some of my fave Dusty pieces in there, some yummy Green Tara, Sprays, Flowers and Lace, Pink Paislee Mistable paper., Timmy Buttons, Websters Pages Sparklers, Prima Trim, Kaiser Blooms & Rhinestones... all my favourite things for a favourite person!!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Product Links:

InLinkz.com

The Color Room & Dusty Attic

2011-11-04T07:47:00.001+08:00

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Red Earth November Challenges

2011-11-02T00:15:00.000+08:00

The November challenges are starting to go up at Red Earth Scrapping, here is my challenge sample, my dad... he's always a joker, love this guy!

This was for a memorial ride with his club... still not too sure what that hat is all about, they all had goofy ones on!!

I have used some fabulous BoBunny Et Cetera Range goodies here... all now available at Red Earth!

If you want to see what my challenge was all about... click HERE to go to the forum and see!!

I have used:
BoBunny Et Cetera PP, Stamped
BoBunny Et Cetera Noteworthy Diecut Journal Pages
BoBunny Et Cetera Just Be You Stickers
BoBunny Et Cetera Elements Stickers
Studio Calico Diecut Label Stickers, Cream
Rebecca Sower Nostalgiques Stickers
Basic Grey Alpha Stickers
Dusty Attic Mini Leaves #1
Dusty Attic Foliage
Green Tara Maple Leaf
Green Tara Skeleton Leaves

Mini Leaves #1	Foliage	Maple Leaves Copper 4.5cm
Natural Jute Ribbon 15mm	Skeleton Leaves 7.5cm Natural

InLinkz.com

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Handsome

2011-10-31T09:51:00.001+08:00

Finally another of Kel, he's going into silly mode again lately and trying to get a 'normal' shot is few and far between!

Love this child of mine!

Boys layouts are fun when you have the right embies... cogs and barbed wire, clocks, cool trims... all these little bits replace my 'need' for flowers!! Love that cute little button I got ages ago from L'il Red Rocket, it was perfect with the Kaiser Transparency Cuts.

I have used:
7 Gypsies Off The Wall Collection Paper
Dusty Attic Cogs #1
Dusty Attic Barb Wire
Dusty Attic Mini Word
Green Tara Mesh, Coffee & Sand
Green Tara Medium Green Leaf, 5cm
Green Tara Suede Leaf, Olive
Collections Ticket
SEI Tickets
Kaiser Transparency Overlays, 13th Hour
Handmade Halo Pebble
Authentique Word Stickers
Tim Holtz Muse Token
Lil Red Rocket Button

Dusty Attic Barb Wire	Dusty Attic Cogs 1	Green Tara Suede Leaf, Olive
Green Tara Medium Green Leaves, 5cm	Green Tara Mesh 38mm, Coffee	Green Tara Mesh 38mm, Sand

InLinkz.com

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Little Mis

2011-10-31T08:51:00.000+08:00

This is ME when I was a toddler... love this pic of me sitting on dad's little Datsun with our beautiful cat Laius, he was with us right into my very late teens!

My beautiful friend Natasha will be proud with all that stitching I did... I am loving the look of it!

Loving that new Prima Crystals with Trim, most impressed with this new design from them.

Mmmmm look at that finish on the Dusty Attic - this had so many layers of mediums, was fun to create!

Cute little Ingvild Bolme Resin Treasure Birdhouse for Prima... love these!! I also made a cute boofy flower using flat Green Tara Flowers.

All topped of with beautiful Green Tara Flowers!!

I have used:

Dusty Attic Decorative Frame #1 DA0207

Green Tara Cherry Blossoms,

Green Tara Roses

Green Tara 2cm Bow, Brown

Prima Shabby Chic Treasure by Ingvild Bolme

Prima Crystal & Trim Border

Prima Pebble

Pink Paislee Artisan Elements

Melissa Frances Resin Frame

Maya Road & Jenni Bowlin Pins

Flower:

Green Tara

Martha Stewart Cherish Punch

Donna Salazar Mix'd Media Inx {Peridot} by Clearsnap

Tattered Angels Glimmermists {Mallard & Nougat}

Chipboard:

Jo Sonya Unbleached Titanium Acrylic Paint

Adirondack Paint Dabber, Gold

Lindy's Stamp Gang Two Toned Embossing Powder, Angel Wings Peacock

Ranger Antiquities Embossing Powder, Verdigris

UTEE

Chipboard Techniques:

Paint with the Unbleached Titanium {Buff colour}, dab with some Gold Paint randomly, dry and then emobss with UTEE. While UTEE is still hot sprinkle on the other embossing powders randomly and emboss again, adding another coat of UTEE once all cool.

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Wish...

2011-10-30T23:01:00.003+08:00

Another of our god-daughter this time using the ever so beautiful papers from Swedish manufacturer Pion Design who create the most lovely paper imaginable!

Gorgeous Green Tara Flowers and Silver/Acrylic Sprays.

This sweet little bird is available from Handmade Halo!

Mmmm yummy Dusty Attic Decorative Trim, another of my fave Dusty items!

I have used:

Pion Design Papers

Dusty Attic Decorative Trim Set DA0435

Dusty Attic Mini Word

Green Tara Cherry Blossoms, Cream & Blue

Green Tara Gardenia, White

Green Tara Silver/Acrylic Spray, Flowers and Leaves

Green Tara Cobweb Trim, Teal

Green Tara Bows 2cm, Cream

Green Tara Maple Leaves, White

Zva Pearl Flourish

Handmade Halo Resin Bird

Websters Sparklers and Cameo Pin, Butterfly Pin

Pink Paislee Anthology Ticket

Pink Paislee Artisan Elements

Glitz Design WhatNot

Authentic Word Stickers

Paper Doily

Donna Salazar Mix'd Media Inx {Peridot}
Martha Stewart Punches
Martha Stewart Micro Beads
GlimmerMist {Mallard, Nougat and Pearl}
Gel Medium
White Acrylic Paint

Techniques:

The chipboard was painted white and then inked with Donna Salazar's Mix'd Media Inx {Peridot}, sprayed with Glimmermist {Mallard, Nougat and Pearl}, coated with gel medium and then sprinkled with some Martha Stewart micro beads {Feldspar}.

The Green Tara Flowers were given a spray of Pearl Glimmermist to add some shimmer!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Red Earth's Pink Weekend - 21st>24th October

2011-10-16T17:57:00.000+08:00

It's a Pink Weekend coming up 21st>24th October and here's just a teaser of one of the upcoming challenges... but you'll have to wait and see to find out what the challenge is!! Pop over to Red Earth next weekend to see what's happening or check out their Facebook Page where there will be a live chat!!

The beautiful and timeless Audrey Hepburn... I have had these postcards for ages, and this was the perfect opportunity to scrap one of them!

Here I have used some of the new Authentique Uncommon 6x6 Papers to create some packground matts and a handmade rose {using Donna Salazar's Rose Creations Die by Spellbinders}, they are simply divine!

Also used:
Dusty Attic Arch Window Set #1
Dusty Attic Nameplate #4

ZVA Creative Rhinestone Swirls & Rhinestone Strip
Pink Paislee Mistable PP
Glitz Beautiful Dreamer PP
Glitz Beautiful Dream Title
Kaiser Sparklets
Green Tara Paper Roses
Prima Roses
Hat Pin by Tina
DMC Embroidery Thread

Donna Salazar Rose Creations Die, by Spellbinders

Martha Stewart Punches

White & Pearl Adirondack Paint Dabbers

Glimmermist & GlimmerGlaze

Stickles - Platinum

Chipboard Technique:

The chipboard was painted with the white and pearl colours, then sprayed with glimmermist {I mixed my own colour this time to get the right shade}, allowing it to pool and dry with a heat gun. Once dried it was painted with Icicle GlimmerGlaze and then heated until it bubbled... love the bubbles!!

Donna Salazar Rose Creation:

This was my first attempt with this die... love Donna's flower dies! I cut 3 each of the 1st, 2nd & 3rd sizes and just 2 of the 4th one. Sprayed them with Pearl Glimmermist until wet through, lightly scrunched them and then layered them, offsetting the petals, holding them together with a brad. The brad head was covered by glueing down the first petals and then the whole flower was dried with a heat gun and touched with some Stickles once dry! Next time I won't use so much water to soften the papers... I lost a few petals... oops!!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Beautiful

2011-10-15T20:50:00.001+08:00

We recently had our god-daughter stay for a week... she's a beautiful girl, but a little lost right now. However we understand she's also a teenager and a some of us need to go through these stages on our journey through the teen years. She shattered us with her choices, but they are hers to make, we realise we have no right to have a say in her life... but we hope one day she will realise we love her like our own, and always will, and we'll be there for her if/when she is ready to make some changes.

I stitched a la Natasha! Took me longer than the LO took to create, but it's so pretty!!

I have used:

Dusty Attic Doily #2 DA0480

Green Tara 3cm White Rose FDR024Wh

Green Tara 2cm Dusty Pink Rose FDR009DP

Green Tara 1.5cm Pale Pink Rose FDR003PP

Green Tara Silver/Acrylic Teardrop Spray, Pink XB30526P

Green Tara Maple Leaves White LA7Wh

Glitz Beautiful Dreamer Papers, Peekaboo and Whatnot

Handmade Halo Cameo

Websters Sparkler

Lace Motiff

Kaiser Rhinestones

Technique:

The chipboard on here was painted with warm white paint and then sprayed with ink and stains, misted to blend and then dabbed with more warm white paint until I had the lovely soft colouring I desired... the edges were finally inked with pumice stone distress ink to give some more definition.

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Happy

2011-10-15T20:48:00.000+08:00

If I ever need to cheer my hubby up, all we need is afternoon tea at the Chocolate Factory, he's like a kid in a candy store there!! It always costs a small fortune... but sometimes it's worth it, and seriously, the hot chocolate there is heaven in a mug!!

I have used:
Dusty Attic Cogs 2 DA0002
Dusty Attic Skeleton Clock Faces DA0430
Donna Salazar Antiquities Papers

BoBunny Et Cetera Jounal Sheet

Pink Paislee Mistable Tag

Tim Holtz Film Strip Ribbon

Handmade Halo Pebbles

Techniques:

The chipboard was stained with Tim Holtz inks, dabbed with warm white acrylic paint and then misted. The misting with water {or glimmermist etc} helps bring the stains up through from underneath, creating a lovely subtle colouring effect. The cogs were then coated with a thin coat of crackle accents, this helps intensify the colours.

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Red Earth Scrapping - October Challenge

2011-10-02T10:24:00.000+08:00

It's October... seriously how did that happen!! But I am SO excited it has because there is SO much happening this month, starting with my beautiful soul sister Michelle arriving from QLD to visit!!

Anyways... beginning of the month brings CHALLENGES!! The first of mine is up at Red Earth now:

My hubby and I, our god-daughter took this pic yesterday! I like having more pics of us two... will try and make it happen more often!

This LO has Graphic 45 ABC Primer Papers, Dusty Attic Chipboard and Green Tara Flowers and Trims!

Green Tara Apple Blossom, Cherry Blossoms and Roses.

Dusty Attic October Month Word & Nameplate #4.

Hero Arts "Timely Bird" Stamp

Mmmm more Green Tara goodness with a cute Dusty Attic Branch tucked in.

I have used:
Graphic 45 ABC Primer - Happy Go Lucky & The Three R's
BoBunny Et Cetera - Watermark
Green Tara Apple Blossom, Roses & Cherry Blossoms - Peach/White
Green Tara Lace Trim & Cobweb Trim
Dusty Attic Chipboard - October, Branch & Nameplate #4
Muslin
Hero Arts Timely Bird Stamp
KaiserCraft 13th Hour Stamps
Stazon Ink - Timber Brown
Martha Stewart Cherish Border Punch
Tim Holtz Distress Stains - Weathered Wood, Vintage Photo & Broken China
White Acrylic Paint
Pearl GlimmerMist
Icicle GlimmerGlam

Technique Tip:

The Peach/White Cherry Blossoms were touched with the Distress Stains and then sprayed with Pearl GlimmerMist so the stains ran and changed the colours of the blossoms to suit my layout. You could create the same with the distress ink pads, just swipe the pads over the tips of the flower petals and spray with either water or glimmermist!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Mixed Media Background - Tutorial

2011-09-26T20:24:00.002+08:00

As promised... here is a step by step tutorial to create a mixed media background, similar to what I have created for "Where Thou Art".

You will need to download it as a PDF by clicking either of these links:

Onscreen View 1.4mb
Printable 6.8mb

I'd love the chance to see what you create, so don't forget to leave a comment with a link to your work so I can have a see also!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Where Thou Art

2011-09-25T16:59:00.003+08:00

Another Mixed Media Canvas... this was such messy icky fun, I had paint, gesso and impasto everywhere!

There are many layers on the canvas, Donna Salazar Antiquities PP, Dress Pattern Tissue and; 7 Gypsies Tissue as a background, layered with vintage doilies, paint, impasto and many sprays! All topped off with delicious Dusty Attic and always so pretty Green Tara Roses!!

The cogs were painted with Adirondack Copper and Terracotta Paints, dabbed with TH Distress Stain Walnut and then spritzed with Pearl Mist. This was heated until the copper paint bubbled to create texture.

The Wrought Iron Decorative Trim was painted in warm white and then spritzed with Moonshadow Pirate's Plunder Gold.

The dress form was painted in Golden's Titan Buff and Raw Umber, misted with Moonshadow Pirate's Plunder Gold and then dressed in Green Tara lace and muslin.

I am creating a step by step tutorial for the background on this one if you are interested, so check back soon, it should be up by the end of the month. It's surprisingly easy and uses a minimal amount of 'fancy' art mediums, most you already likely will have in your stash!

Products used:

Dusty Attic

    Wrought Iron Trim Set DA0547
   Dress Form #2 DA0390
   Jumbo Cogs DA0232
   Cogs 2 DA0002

Green Tara

Lace L2864W

Roses 1cm Ivory FDR001Iv

Roses 2cm Red FDR006R

Roses 2cm White FDR006Wh

Antiquities by Donna Salazar PP - Vintage Gears
7 Gypsies Tissue
Dress Pattern Tissue

Vintage Crochet Doily
Buttons

Mediums:
Derivan Impasto
Jo Sonya, Adirondack & Golden Paints
Claudia Helmuth Gesso
Glue & Seal, Mod Podge & Helmar Tiger Grip
Lindys Stamp Gang Moonshadow & Starburst Stains

Thanks for visiting, take care and

All things are possible...

2011-09-24T18:25:00.000+08:00

...in the land of Faerie!

I love this Dusty Attic Garden Fairy DA0278... last night I wanted to play with something but had no photos that were working for me, but she called to me to be created!

I have to admit, before I went to bed last night she looked like a dodgy fairy, but there must have been some magic in the air last night because this morning she was gorgeous... and so a canvas needed to be created!

The Canvas background is mixed media, using paper offcuts and tissue paper, all glued down and then tinted with paints and mists... then a little impasto to create texture, gesso and then more mists. I have used Glimmermists as well as Starburst Stains on this one. The Starburst Stains have that amazing glimmer!!

These Dusty Attic Leafy Stems #3 DA0580 above and Russian Alphabet DA0522 below were both painted white, dabbed with aqua paint, spritzed with Moonshadow Pirate's Plunder Gold and then coated with dimensional magic and sprinkled with mica flakes!

The gorgeous Dusty Attic Garden Fairy was painted white first and then with Golden Titan Buff for the skin tones, Golden Raw Umber for the hair {and left thick for texture}, and with Moonglow Glitz Spritz Desert Moon Horny Toad Teal {how's that for a name}, it gave her freckles! Her wings were 'smooched' with Smooch {by Clearnsnap} Ocean Soul, Frosted Aqua & a little Habby Pink, and lastly were backed with Textiva Fusible Film. She was then dressed in lovely soft muslin and draped in ZVA Bling!

The canvas was trimmed with some delicious Green Tara Lace L2898OW and was coloured with the same mists used over the canvas... love this lace!!

She will look beautiful on the wall in my new scrap room {if it ever gets finished}... she's for me, all mine!!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Cute

2011-09-23T15:51:00.001+08:00

It doesn't take much to make my day, today this cute little bottle had me clapping my hands with glee!!

Is it not the sweetest thing!

These are brand new to Dusty Attic, just perfect to make your own colour washes and spritz mixes! They are only 85mm tall so they fit perfectly snug in your hand, making them perfect for great spray control!

They'll be in the Dusty Attic shop very soon, so if you want to get some pretty spray bottles, have a talk with your fave Dusty retailer and ask them to get some in!!

Green Tara Design Team

2011-09-22T07:49:00.000+08:00

I have the best most exciting news to share!!

We would like to congratulate and welcome to the Green Tara Design team the following very talented people,

Amanda Kitchen - Australia

Geraldine Pasinati - Australia

Mistra Hoolahan - Australia

Tina Dalton - Australia

JJ Sobey -Canada

Vicky Alberto - Canada

I have been asked to join the Green Tara Design Team! It's one of my dreams come true... all those fabulous flowers and trims and lace and metal embies and and and...

Click on the image to check out their yummies!! Green Tara are wholesale suppliers of one of the largest ranges of mulberry paper products. They supply paper petals, paper string, paper flowers {I so so so love the paper roses} and leaves, handmade craft papers, ribbons, lace {mmm lace} and other gorgeous trims! All those yummy bits!!!

It's also exciting that my friend Tina made the team, and the gorgeous Vicky Alberto ! Very much looking forward to getting the know the rest of the team!!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Handmade Halo

2011-09-19T17:02:00.001+08:00

Yesterday I found the most delightful site of handmade goodies... and have to share {although really, maybe I should just keep them all for myself}!!

Handmade Halo is an online Australian store... which I found via Natasha's Blog {and Natasha lives in the US... goes to show how small our internet world is}, I had a little too much fun ordering last night... and have been yabbering to the gorgeous Corinne via email since!

If you like trinkets and bits like I do, pop into Corinne Harrison's Store Handmade Halo - it's a treasure trove of delights!! I can't wait for my goodies to arrive, it will be like Christmas!!

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Change

2011-09-19T08:02:00.000+08:00

"If you put in the effort you will see change". One of the many motivational posters I have pinned lately on Pinterest. I've been putting in the effort, and finally am seeing some change!! So time to celebrate with a Layout!

And what better way than to celebrate with some of my very favourite papers... Antiquities by Donna Salazar for GCD. Still loving the soft girly grunge of these!

All my favourite things as well... ZVA Bling, Dodgy Flowers, Green Tara Roses and Sprays, Crochet Lace Trim and as always, Dusty Attic Chipboard!

Techniques: The chipboard was painted in warm white acrylic paint, then dabbed with some Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Stain and blended with a nappy wipe. Next it was dunked into LSG Cotton Candy Pink Color Shot, dried off and dabbed with LSG Cajun Carnelian Red. White still wet it was spritzed with a shimmer spritz and dried. The spritz over the top activates all the colours and they blend and pool together, love this look!

Products used:
Dusty Attic Foliage DA0506
Antiquities by Donna Salazar Papers - Harmony & Let's Ride
ZVA Bling Flourish
Prima Crochet Trim
Green Tara Roses & Silver Sprays
Kaiser Blooms
Basic Grey Life of the Party Micro Mono Stickers
Carolee's Adorn It Alpha Stickers, Burlap Rust

Finishes:

Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Color Shots {Cotton Candy Pink, Cajun Carnelian Red}
Tim Holtz Distress Stain {Vintage Photo}
Tsukineko Sheer Shimmer Spritz {Sparkle}
Jo Sonya Warm White Acrylic Paint

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Remember

2011-09-18T14:53:00.000+08:00

I found this pic I snapped of Darren last weekend, I know it's only been a week but I had forgotten I took it so was a nice surprise to find it sitting on my camera! He was talking to his Aunty on speaker phone with his dad, his aunt at 86 is one quick witted woman, funny as! Was good to see Darren smirking away as he was talking with her. She'll be over visiting in October {hopefully} so will be great to see her again... will make sure I get some special photos of them!

I am really liking this 11x8.5" format, think I'll stick with it for a while!! It's a simple one {liking simple atm}, using some Dusty Attic Hinges.

Techniques: The chipboard Hinges were painted in warm white acrylic paint and then layered with about 5 embossing powders! Umm yeah, a little overboard but it was fun and look... it was effective!!

1st they were painted {just dabbed on lightly} and then dried of quickly with a heat gun, then stamped with EmbossIt and sprinkled with a mix of embossing colours, heated, cooled, painted again {just light dabs} and then Embossed with UTEE and the Verdigris Embossing powder. The UTEE helps the other embossing powders all blend up through the paint, creating this wonderful motley look.

Products Used:
Dusty Attic Hinges DA0509
BoBunny Et Cetera PP
Prima Printery PP
Kaiser Hunt & Gather Cards
Collections Transparency
TPC Button, Pink Paislee Ticket
Martha Stewart "Cherish" Punch

Embossing Powders

Ranger Antiquities Rust & Verdigris
Ranger Ancient Gold Tarnished Gold
Lindy's Stamp Gang TerraCotta Rust & Desert Moon Copper Teal
UTEE

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Beauty

2011-09-17T12:40:00.001+08:00

Just trying some new things... I think this might be about my 2nd or 3rd 8.5"x11" LO - I like... I know I certainly LOVED the papers!!

This is a photo I took of one of our climbing roses and edited in Photoshop, would be amazing to have a turquoise sky IRL!!

The Sweet Pea Border is just so delicate and lovely! I have painted it white and inked it with versacube inks {those cute little square ones} and then covered it with Tiara Stickles.

I have used:
Sweet Pea Border DA0593, My Minds Eye Lost and Found2 Papers, Paper Doily, Hand Crocheted Doilys {from Michelle and Heather}, Prima and Green Tara Roses, Websters & Jenni Bowlin Stick Pins and a gorgeous Melissa Frances Resin piece.

Thanks for visiting, take care and

Sparkle

2011-09-17T12:32:00.000+08:00

This is for my beautiful fabulous friend Nancy... of her delighful daughter the Princess Sophie and her little friend {who doesn't have a blurry face IRL, just blurred for a public viewing}! Thank you again Nancy for letting me play with your photos and getting that girly fix in!!

I love these shells, they were such fun to decorate! I first painted these white, then smooched them! Smooches are PERFECT for detailed & blending work on chippy. After the ink was dried the shells were given a lick of Tim Holtz Rock Candy Crackle to seal them.

I have used:
Dusty Attic Shells 6pk DA0048, Authentique Journey PP "Stroll", Anna Griffin Diecut Paper, Doily, AC Thickers, Kaiser Pearls, Crochet Trim, Green Tara Roses & Mermaid/Broken China Stickles.

Thanks for visiting... take care and

I love my weekends...

2011-09-12T13:14:00.000+08:00

I really do... 2 whole days to do whatever I want {most times}! This weekend was a stunner... beautiful warm days with bright blue skies, nice and snuggly chilly at night... perfect!

Friday night {because that's when my weekend starts, 5pm Friday} I worked the Moonlight Crop at Tomorrow's Memories. It's always such a lovely night, the people who attend are lovely women, and we all know I love the staff... just a night of giggles, it's hardly working! Mel was there scrapping away and Tina even popped in... was a happy start to the weekend!

Saturday I had the whole day to myself! I went up the shop to get Kel some cereal for treat day, had a little wander around in the bush chasing butterflies, darn things wouldn't stop for me though so I had to settle taking photos of bees and flowers, big brave me getting close to bees!! Then my nephew Talis wanted to come stay overnight... so the quiet weekend was gone, but it's nice to have him stay, revs Kel up LOL! We went up to Midland Gate for a little shopping, grabbed a late lunch then just relaxed at home watching movies, baking sausage rolls "mum why did you have to make so many" says Kel - darn teens are never happy!

Sunday I went to mum's to give her and her friends a little 'class', it was so cute! I keep passing mum all this chipboard and mediums etc, but she wasn't sure what to do with them, so I showed her some of my techniques and she was off and running!

I am thankful I had such a lovely weekend... I've had a rough couple of weeks on the emotional side, well months actually but I have never felt so flat in my life as I did this last week especially {missed some medication and whooeeee it stuffed me around, I've made mistakes at work and even forgot Fathers Day... I don't do that so I was really not with it}, but I am feeling so much better now and am thankful I have a dad who forgives me anything {poor guy doesn't expect much from me and I forget to call him for Fathers Day, I still feel so so bad}, am thankful I have an understanding workplace and am thankful I have a few great girlfriends I can be open with and tell them when I'm having a really crap day! Not such a bad world after all is it when you have that much understanding and support around you.

So today I have levelled out and was able to get out of bed... get to work without feeling dread... get through my day so far without stress... it's a good day!! Now to introduce slowly all the other things I've neglected for a while, just a bit at a time... baby steps and all!!

I can see...

2011-09-10T17:04:00.001+08:00

clearly now! Because after many years I have glasses again, now the world looks 3D again LOL!

This LO is a lift of the beautiful Gabrielle Pollacco's layout: The Perfect Pumpkin, I have done it for the Inspired By challenge that runs at Dusty Attic each fortnight. I find the best way to learn a new style that you're having trouble with is to lift one of the layouts. But Gabrielle's style just has that special 'something' and I struggled!! But I am happy with what I created... and determined to try again to achieve that softness Gabrielle has!

So other than the overall design of Gabrielle's I tried to find things that were 'her' in there. She sews, so I have hand sewing; she uses {most times} gentle feminine papers, so I found about the most feminine I had at the time; and her chipboard often has that soft shabby chic look so I tried to replicate that also, simple white paint with soft inked edges... so pretty, I think I got that part just right!

Dusty Attic Baroque Corner DA0543

The papers I have used are stunning IOD ones, I really love the gentle shabby designs to their paper ranges, such lovely designs. There's also Prima flowers and Green Tara Roses, Pink Paislee Pebble Button thingy's, BoBunny Trinkets, Prima Pebbles, Prima Lace Trim.

Delish...

2011-09-10T16:20:00.000+08:00

Kel and I are watching what we eat, we've changed our lifestyle... one day a week we have a day off, to have a treat... sometimes a couple, we're finding having this day to have something we've been wanting really works for us!!

This Saturday out we had ice-cream, it was the BEST ice-cream ever - but Kel and I couldn't eat the whole thing!

Look at those dimples... and they are more noticeable now he's lost a little more weight, so cute!

I have used the large part of the Garden Frame Set DA0606 from Dusty Attic on this, it's a gorgeous design, one of those ones that's perfect for almost any layout!

The frame has layers of paint, Lindys Starburst Stains, Glimmermist and Tim Holtz Stains, sealed with Tim Hotlz Rock Candy Crackle Paint. I used the same treatment on the Tim Holtz Metal Label Holder as well, love that you can paint the metal!

I have used little bits and pieces to create a cluster - buttons, metal cogs, string, tickets etc. The background paper is by Prima and the rumpled matt paper is Kaiser.

Create @ Home Kit #4

2011-09-06T22:23:00.000+08:00

Designer - Mel Connell

Ifyou are looking for something a little different, then you will love Tomorrow's Memories Kit#4"Whimsical Collection". Inspired by the "Collections Elements" range of products, thiskit offers something a little different by introducing a 12x12 Canvas panelwith an inspirational quote... a stunning piece of art for your home oroffice.

Theprojects in this kit incorporate some of "Collections Elements"latest releases including the Vintage Rose 6x6 papers, Victorian tissue paperand small printed tickets.

A simply inspirational kitwhich will have you creating many more projects using these wonderful products!

Here's a direct link to the online store... yep, these wonderful kits are available online and can be shipped internationally! Tomorrow's Memories

Mis and Maia

2011-09-04T12:11:00.000+08:00

This is me when I was a toddler, and I loved cats back then {not sure Maia was too impressed with me though}! Mum unearthed another little photo album so I have lots of cool pics from us back in Dec 1970.

I have tried some more hand stitching here... I do straight lines well, the flourishes need more work though!!

This is one of the new Nameplates {Nameplates #4 DA0585} from Dusty Attic, sweet hey!

And this one is a new Scroll {Scroll #7 DA0589}, it's so delicate and elegant!

Both pieces of chipboard were painted white, then inked with Bundled Sage and Pumice Stone Distress Inks by Tim Holtz, dried off and then given a quick glaze of GlimmerGlam HayRide.

Prima Resistant Canvas Leaves... inked with Pumice Stone and Bundled Sage. Kaiser Blooms and Green Tara Paper Roses.

This here shows one of the Stick Pins my friend Tina is making... isn't it gorgeous! They are well made too, tightly fitted so they aren't falling down the pin, using quality beads, it just shows that she put a lot of effort and love into making them. I just love them! They are available to buy at Tomorrow's Memories.

Papers used here are the beautiful BoBunny Gabrielle, this range calls out to me! There is also Kaiser Blooms, Green Tara Roses & Rosebuds, Mulberry Leaves, Apple Blossom Flowers, Lace Trim and a Silver Stem, Prima Trim and some beaded trim I got from Tomorrow's Memories, BoBunny Gabrielle Trinkets & Stickers, Websters Pages Sparklers and Kaiser Mini Alpha Stickers and a paper doily.

Take care of you.

True Beauty

2011-09-04T11:48:00.001+08:00

These are the original photos of the ones I edited earlier... how stunning is that little Blue Wren!

It's a simple style LO, I wanted those photos to shine!

I used Dusty Attic barb wire {Barb Wire DA0154} to match the wire in the images. This was painted white and then swiped with Tim Holtz Rusty Hinge Distress ink, sprayed with Pearl Glimmermist to blend the paint and ink.

Love these new clouds {Clouds #2 DA0601} from Dusty Attic. I love the trend of the puffy clouds, but that 'cartooney' style doesn't match my style... these wispy ones are just perfect for me!! They were painted white then swiped with Tim Holtz Pumice Stone and Tumbled Glass Distress Inks, sprayed to blend and then dried, and inked again to build up the tones.

These leaves here are a cool new product from Prima - Resistant Canvas. I love all things that resist and these are fabulous! I swiped them with Tim Holtz Bundled Sage and Pumice Stone Distress Inks and then sprayed them with Pearl Glimmermist to blend the ink and let the resist show through. The only thing with them is... they are adhesive, but the adhesive doesn't let go so much on these. I played some more later and just left the backing on, saves all sorts of dramas, however the frayed edges look great for this LO, so I figure it was meant to be. Knowing my luck they actually aren't supposed to be self adhesive and the carrier sheet is meant to be permanent LOL!

Papers used here are My Minds Eye and Sassafrass Lass - both are the reverse images. I have also used Kaiser Posies, Collections Tags & Words, Prima Alpha Stickers, a Websters Pin and some vintage shell buttons.

Take care of you.

Scrappin Outback Class Sneaks

2011-09-03T18:00:00.000+08:00

Just a couple of little teasers for my upcoming classes at Scrappin Outback... can't wait to do these!

1 girly grunge... 1 rustic {with some Dusty Attic Chipboard designed especially for this class!!}. Both have plenty of room for 1 large, 2 normal or loads of small photos... and both have different techniques that are simple once you know how, and so effective and versatile!!

Take care of you.

Kiss

2011-09-03T11:36:00.004+08:00

The monthly challenges are back up and running after our fabulous Road Trip at Red Earth Scrapping!

Mine has just been loaded and here is my sample:

I have used some Kaiser Paper, Prima Flowers, Bloomers, Buttons, French Paper Doily, Collections Transparency, WRM Fancy Floss, Prima Botanicals Note Sheet, Thickers, and beautiful Dusty Attic Mini Potion Bottles, NamePlate #3 and Ornate Corner 10.

Click on the images for full sized views.

The chipboard was painted and dabbed with white, aqua and silver paints as well as Tim Holtz Distress Stains in Weathered Wood and Broken China. Once dried it was coated with Tim Holtz Distress Crackle in Rock Candy and once that was dried was swiped with Black StazOn ink to add some definition.

Pop on over to Red Earth Scrapping to check out the challenge, why not join in the fun and play... you could win a shopping voucher!!

Take care of you.

Scrappin' Outback in October

2011-08-28T20:14:00.000+08:00

After many years of saying I'm going to the Scrappin' Outback Retreat in Hyden, I finally am... and with the most wonderful group of girls!! AND, I'll be teaching as well, kind of a lot excited about that!!

Registrations have already opened but there may still be places available!

I'm so excited that a lot of my friends will be there: Michelle, Evana, Tina, Jen, Mel, Jennifer, Nancy {hopefully!}, Sharon... and also Toni who I have not seen for years and years will be there as well! How exciting!!

So October is going to be great! I have a class at Tomorrow's the week before this retreat {so love my classes there}, then Michelle arrives all the way from woop woop QLD, then we run off to the retreat, come back... then another class {Friday night one, LOVE Friday night classes}... and then... the big one... INGVILD BOLME is coming to sleepy WA to teach and she'll be at Tomorrow's Memories, ahhhh bliss!!

Take care of you.

Playing...

2011-08-28T19:30:00.001+08:00

Not much scrapping happening here... that I can share anyway, but I have been having some down time fun playing with some stunning photos!!

These 2 beautiful blue {now pink} fairy wrens were taken by mum's friend Irene. She gets some of the most beautiful shots and is happy to share them with me!

I know they shouldn't be pink... but they look cute pink don't you think!!

This one is my whisky rose... it too now pink LOL!!

And our 1st flower from the area that was burnt down last summer in the fire... the beautiful Royal Robe has come back on, rejuvenation joy!!

I was trying to get some photos of my CocoBunny tonight in the fading light, but she wasn't staying still enough, little brat!!

Take care of you.

Chocolate...

2011-08-08T21:57:00.001+08:00

Ooooh we love the hot chocolate at the Chocolate Factory!!

I have used Scroll #6 Small, painted, inked, misted etc and then coated it with UTEE and some micro beads!

The paper is a Bazzill Resist I have had in my stash for ages... love this stuff!!

Take care of you.

La Seine

2011-08-08T21:41:00.000+08:00

Another of the postcards from my BIL, love the moodiness of this one!

I have used, for I think the first time ever... NAKED chipboard! Although I couldn't refrain from spraying the Eiffel Tower with some Glimmermist!

I have used the new Arch Window Set #1, Eiffel Tower & Russian Alphabet

Other products used: Prima Moulin Rouge Paper, Prima Notecard, Prima Flower, Green Tara Spray & Leaf, Collections Transparency.

Take care of you.

My Fabulous Baker Boys

2011-08-07T23:12:00.001+08:00

The boys went out with Darren's dad for a father son night at the Men's Shed, and they made fruit bread... which was sooooo delish!!

I have used the smaller of the Garden Frame Set, such a versatile frame!!

It has been painted and inked and painted again... lots of layers to get the tones just right.

Other products used: K&Co Ancestry PP, My Minds Eye PP, Tim Holtz Kraft Resist PP, Prima Notecard, Tim Holtz Stickers, Rebecca Sower Nostalgiques Sticker, Tim Holtz Tape, Time Holtz Swivel Chain, Prima Trim, October Afternoon Alpha Stickers and Jillibean Corrugated Alphas.

Take care of you.

Darren @ Bells Rapids

2011-08-07T22:48:00.000+08:00

Wonder what he's thinking here? Oh I know... wish we could hurry up with the photos so we can go to the Chocolate Factory LOL!!

I have used Dusty Attic Fancy Trim #6 and one of the scrolls from the Garden Frame Set.

They were both painted with Warm White & Oyster paints, then dabbed with Tim Holtz Stains in Weathered Wood... when dry they were coated with Crackle Accents, love that crackle!!

Other products used: Basic Grey Recess PP, Kaiser Hunt & Gather PP, Kaiser 6x6 Paper Pad Sheet, Tim Holtz Paper Tape, Prima Trim, Crocheted Doilies, Pink Paislee Pebble, Muslin, Vintage Buttons and a metal flower.

Take care of you.

Serious?!

2011-08-07T22:12:00.000+08:00

Myself and Darren, down at Bells Rapids... all these smiley normal photos, and then one that Kel grabbed while I was being cheeky... I like the cheeky one!!

Oh my I adore these Dusty Attic Leafy Stems, they are so lovely!

I have painted the leafy stems with Warm White and Oyster Pearl Paint, then sprayed with Tattered Leather Glimmermist and dabbed with some Aqua Adirondack Paint.

Other products used: Authentique Papers, Crocheted Doilies, American Crafts Thickers, Kaiser Blooms, Prima Trinkets, Rebecca Sower Nostalgiques Sticker, LYB Journal Spot, Green Tara Flowers, Wax Rosette.

Take care of you.

2011-08-07T21:25:00.000+08:00

Our gorgeous fur baby, who pined for me the whole time I was away on retreat, poor girl!!

I have used the beautiful Dusty Attic Sweet Pea Frame Set here, just love this frame! It was painted with Warm White Paint and stained with Tim Holtz Stains, then some parts coated with Tim Holtz Rock Candy Distress Crackle.

Other products used: Prima Botanicals PP, Green Tara Flowers, Prima Flowers, Making Memories Metal Plate, Zva Bling, Metal Flowers {these were gold and then painted to match the frame}, Crochet Trim, Prima Trim, Silk Ribbon, Paper Doily, American Crafts Thickers and Carolee's Alpha Stickers.

Take care of you.

Us

2011-08-07T20:48:00.000+08:00

Our son took this pic, he did quite well... far better than any of the photos Darren took that day LOL!

I have used the small piece from the Floral Frame Set DA0576 here, I love the curve and gentleness to it!

This is another Anna technique inspired one... "petite grunge" because it's not as grungey as Anna's fabulous ones, just a little bit grungey!

I have used Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology paper, Collections Transparency, Green Tara Paper Roses, Pink Paislee bloom, White Paper flowers, Lace Trim Motiff, Muslin, Tim Holtz Key,Glimmermist and White Paint.

Take care of you.

You

2011-08-07T19:37:00.000+08:00

I adore this photo of my hubby!!

I have kept this simple and let the stunning Garden Frame DA0606 do all the decorative work!

The chipboard was painted with warm white & oyster pearl paint, then dabbed with Tim Holtz Weathered Wood & Wild Honey Distress Stains, then coated with UTEE, while the UTEE was still liquid some Martha Stewart Micro Beads were sprinkled randomly.

I have used Authentique papers, Kaiser Transparency, Rebecca Sower Nostalgiques Sticker, Tim Holtz Sticker and a Tim Holtz Key.

Take care of you.

Darren

2011-08-07T16:31:00.000+08:00

My hubby... this was taken at our favourite restaurant on our Anniversary.

I have used Damask #2 DA0557 and Fancy Trim #4 DA0470. They were both painted then stained with Tim Holtz Distress Stains, then dabbed with some Adirondack Gold Paint and coated with Tim Holtz Crackle. The word was embossed using my new most loved ChipArt Font/Tool by Melody Ross for GCD... I love love love this little tool!!

Papers are from Kaiser, Cardstock from Core-dinations, Pocket by G45, Bling by Zva, Label Holder by Tim Holtz, Crochet Trim from Creative Bits on Etsy, Crown by 7 Gypsies, Stamp Stickers by Rebecca Sower and the cute button is from JennyB's stash!

Take care of you.

Ponte Alexandre

2011-08-07T15:53:00.001+08:00

This is one of the postcards my BIL bought back from Paris for me, so I could scrap them. I thought that was cute!! And because I had the perfect papers... I scrapped them right away!!

I have used part of the Garden Frame Set DA0606 & the smaller frame from the Scroll Frame Set DA0544... and one of the cute Paris Post Marks DA0320 {I have been dying to use this for ages!}

The paper is Prima Moulin Rouge, and the cardstock is Core'dinations. I have also used some Collections Transparency, Prima Moulin Rouge Note Sheet, Kaiser & Prima Flowers, Kaiser Rhinestones and Websters Bloomers.

Take care of you.

Sophie... Princess in the Making

2011-08-07T15:22:00.000+08:00

This is for my gorgeous friend Nancy... she let me use some of the photos of her beautiful daughter Princess Sophie so I could get my pink fix happening!!

Obvious choice of chippy for such a cutie was the new Dusty Attic Sweet Pea Frame Set, I love this frame, so delicate and sweet!! I have used the smaller frame and overlayed the 2 corners to create a tangle of sweet peas!!

The frame was painted then sprayed with glimmermists, the overlayed corners were simply painted and then coated with glossy accents.

I have used some lovely Prima paper, packaging and blooms, Green Tara Paper Roses {love these flowers} as well as some cute The Girls Paperie papers here, some bling I got in the ScrapAway goody packs {such cute sparkles} and some gorgeous new Kaiser Sparklets... if you are a bower bird for all things sparkly like I am you'll love the Sparklets!!

Take care of you.

Be Happy, Be

2011-08-07T11:34:00.002+08:00

Using one part of the Dusty Attic 6x6 Display Frame Sets & a piece from the Dusty Attic Garden Frame Set , I love the reverse style!! I have used some gorgeous new Authentique papers here, the texture and patterns are divine... new fave papers in the making I think!!

It's a simple design with just the little Dusty Attic flourish and little bits of Tim Holtz metal, but that's all it needed, I wanted those beautiful papers to shine through!!

The little saying comes from the cut off strip on the Authentique papers, I thought that was the most lovely touch... and this saying I do love, although some days just trying to 'be' is a feat in itself.

Take care of you.

5 Birds on a Branch...

2011-08-07T11:24:00.000+08:00

is just divine, so much better than one bird in the hand and definitely better than 2 in the bush!!

I am in lust with Dusty Attic's new Birds on a Branch #2... seriously could something get any cuter!! So I decided to make the whole chipboard the feature mounted onto one of the new Dusty Attic 6x6 Display Frame Sets.

Papers are from a Kaiser 6x6 Paper pad... a perfect backdrop.

The Chippy was painted in warm white paint and then smooched, the Smooches Ink is perfect for these fine chipboard shapes!

Take care of you.

Outside the {Configurations} Box

2011-08-07T10:35:00.004+08:00

This was such fun, I have had these boxes for quite a while... while in one of our LSS' {Scraptivate} the other day they had a display of the Configurations boxes that were used 'outside the box'... I loved the concept and couldn't wait to get home and play!

I had to use the gorgeous new Mini Potion Bottles DA0592 for this, along with some glass Tim Holtz ones! I stained the Glass Bottles with alcohol ink. I trimmed the front with little mini corner #2 and part of the Mini Frame Set, on the reverse added the Bottles on a Shelf {too cute}.

The bottles were painted with warm white paint, then swiped with Tim Holtz Tumbled Glass Distress Ink and the edges with Tim Holtz Broken China Distress Stain, then coated with UTEE and a sprinkle of LSG TwoToned Embossing Power in Angel Wings Peacock.

The front trims have LSG Starburst Stains, Antiquities Verdigris Embossing Powder, UTEE and LSG TwoToned Embossing Powder again.

The papers are from a cute little 6 1/2 inch paper pad by Kaiser... Love this little pad, rarely used the little paper pads before but I think I will love them lots now!!

I added some Tim Holtz Foundations {the cute little legs}, I painted, embossed and glimmermisted them so that they had a shabby look to match the boxes.

Take care of you.

Dusty Lovers, Busy Be Me... and Creating @ Home!

2011-07-10T18:43:00.000+08:00

That's been me, busy! I've prepared some classes for Aug/Sept at Tomorrow's Memories, but not a lot more scrap-wise that I can share with you all, I do have a couple of layouts that need photographing sometime, when I remember!

I have been flat out at work and then just having quiet nights at home with my boys... LOL, yeah, I don't get out much anymore, still waiting to be invited somewhere!! But that's ok, I am happy at home, we're dreaming again about what we want together... starting with renovations, it's a good thing! After years of Darren's depression, my melancholy, Kel's school dramas... all those 'down' things, we've forgotten to dream and plan, so I am now happy we are off and planning again!!

Haven't been on the computer much either, well not Facebook anyways... but have been enjoying Pinterest, gathering ideas and inspiration for doing the house up, words of motivation, funny snippets and just images that make my heart smile!

I had a few lovely classes at Tomorrow's Memories, a lovely relaxed Monday night one {love teaching these} and then a weekend with some gorgeous ladies who came down from Geraldton, lots of giggles and lots of fun {can't wait until next year when we see you all again}! I have a Friday class coming up which is going to be such fun... it's one of my favourite LO's I have done lately and uses Finnabair's gorgeous grungey misting technique, a la Mis style of course!

The latest Create @ Home Kit from Tomorrow's Memories is out, this one was designed by me and I just loved what I had to create it with! They can be ordered through TM's at their online store {click the image to see more}, and they also ship internationally!!

So... as mentioned earlier, we have finally started getting the house done up... it's been 15 years since we painted, time for a new do! We're starting here in the Activity Room, which is going to be my Scrap Room LOL. Got my priorities right, actually it's just the most convenient way to get this house sorted by starting with the scrap room... because once that's done there's a whole MASS of space we can shift the rest of the house into {we're de-cluttering while redecorating}.

This is going to have beige/cream walls {yeah, Darren was laughing at me saying I'd gone beige in my old age} and sheer curtains across the sliding door to let the light in. My scrap desk will be off the the wall in the centre left, with some built in shelves next to me, and an Expedit bookshelf from IKEA behind me and longer use storage on the other walls, can't wait to see it finished!!

Yeah, that's going to need some work.

Shelves gone and lots of patching needed!

These are the colours we are using, once I narrow it down to the actual 3. Most of the walls in the house will be a beige, creamy tone. Then some highlights of the suede brown and seaglass colours... cool and light!

What else do I have to share... not the mess that is the front room that's for sure, everything that was in this room has been moved into the front... such a mess!

Oh... something for the lovers of Dusty Attic in Canada and the US, Mandy has restocked her Etsy store, so if you are looking for more, she's got some!!

Also... I will be selling some myself, with a twist, it will be all decorated and done for you! I have lots of work to get done before I am ready to open the doors but it will happen! I will sell through Etsy and the store is under my name and titled Done and Dusted. Now I just need to find some time to play!!

Tina, Evana & I are off to a retreat at the end of the month, I'm really looking forward to it! We've booked an extra night at the resort so we can really unwind beforehand, am looking forward to a weekend of lovely company and lots of scrapping... if I can manage to find some photos to scrap!!

Take care of you.