Time to Create ...

Valentine Candy

2012-03-10T11:31:00.000+11:00

To celebrate Valentines Day I am giving away a special Valentines themed candy.

The candy includes:

One Brand-new Echo Park Paper Pad

2 Spellbinders Nestabilities Die packs.

(These dies are not brand new, but have only been used once or twice and are still in perfect condition.)

2 Manor House Collection Blossoms

Some Pink ribbon.

This will assist you with making some lovely romance themed cards.

To enter please leave a comment on this post and make sure you are a follower.

The winner will be randomly chosen.

Good luck!

Alicia xx

(This post will remain at the top of my blog, so please scroll down for more recent posts.)

Cards, Challenges and Photographs

2012-02-01T13:18:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

It is raining here today...has been for the last few days. My poor little puppies are saturated and smelly!! But the gardens and plants are loving it!!

I have a few cards to share with you today.

These first two cards are with the stamp Syren Creeper Mermaid from The Greeting Farm. Sammi has her in stock at Mad for Markers click here. I was experimenting with her hair...it is quite tricky to colour. I still feel like I need some more practice with this stamp...so hopefully you will be seeing more of her.

For this first card I coloured with:

Hair: E35, E31, Y02

Blues: BG05, BG01, BG006

Skin: E11, E00

I followed the Friday Spy Day Sketch over at the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog.

I actually loved using this sketch.

The second card I coloured with all the same colours except I did the hair slightly differently. I blended it more and YR20 instead of Y02.

I followed the Anyone for Anya Recipe challenge:

3 Papers

2 Embellishments

1 Image

Lastly, I have a male card I made for the challenge over at Lili's Little Fairies which is to make a masculine card. I used the same sketch again as in the first card.

Now for a few quick pics taken by Ben on his brand new camera, when we had a little bit of sunshine the other afternoon. As soon as the rain eases I bet there will be more to share!

Don't be fooled by that innocent face of Tommy (top). He can be quite a naughty little thing! He has destroyed two of his beds and continues to dig up my gardens.

He needs constant entertainment!! But he is very lovable. Ellie (bottom) sleeps most of the day, but comes alive when Ben throws her the frisbee or the football in the afternoon.

Well, I am lucky to have a day designated to the craft room today so I am off to work on my to-do list. Wish me luck : )

I hope you have a lovely day too. Thanks for stopping by : )

Alicia xx

Growl...look out, there is a lion about!

2012-01-30T18:35:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Growl! I have a lion card to share today!

I made this for my cousin who turned three. He loves jungle animals.

I thought I would enter it tin the Pixie Dust Studio Challenge - Animals at the Zoo.

I coloured him with the following Copic Colours:

Oranges: YR68, YR04, YR23

Reds: R46, R35, R20

Greens: G17, G05, G02

Browns: E15, E31, Ell

Outline: W-1

Grocery shopping for me today...a Monday job when I am not at work.

Then my beautician treated me to an extra long facial...not sure what I did to deserve that, but it was delicious. I havent had one in nearly a year and I had forgotten how good they are. It was lovely. I drove home in a relaxed daze thinking I dont know if I should be driving...like after a massage and you just dont have your wits about you! But made it home safely, thank God.

Ben's new camera arrived today. He has been so looking forward to it. He has lots of ideas for photography...maybe I might share some interesting photos he takes!

Well, I hope wherever you are your day or night is going well.

Thanks for stopping over at my blog : )

Alicia xx

Carol's Card and a Recipe

2012-01-28T10:09:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties

I have a "pretty in pink" Anya Princess card to share today for our

Mad for Markers New Colour Combination Challenge.

Carol, a good blogging friend of mine has a limited amount of Copics. She sent me a list of what she has got in her collection and I coloured my Princess Anya stamp only using the Copic colours she owns.

The colours are:

Hair: E37, E33, Y17, Y11 and Y02

Skin: E11, E21

Pinks: R46, RV34, RV23

Do you have a smallish Copic collection and want some help putting them together on an image? Why not email or leave a comment and I will see if I can colour something for you.

For this card I used papers from the Be Mine paper pad that is in my Valentine's candy. I bought two pads at the time, one for me and one for the lucky winner! The papers are delicious! I have my sewing machine out again now and I am a bit fed up with the white stitching not really showing up on the cards so I have gone for dramatic black!

I would like to enter this card in two challenges:

Anyone for Anya - Bling it On

I have used a sparkly ribbon buckle, some large rhinestones and glitter on the image

and

Farm Fresh Challenge - Use a doily and/or lace

I have used a heart-shaped doily.

Sammi has an awesome collection of the Anya stamps in her store here.

They start at $8 each, which is so affordable. If you are after some new stamps to motivate your colouring head on over to Sammi and she can definitely help you out.

Also, while I am here I want to share another recipe for my Smash Book.

Elizabeth told me about this Recipe challenge over at Lasting Memories where you follow the following sketch and I really wanted to try it out.

I tried my best, but had difficulty following the sketch exactly. This is what I came up with:

You are probably thinking this looks nothing like the sketch! I think that too...but maybe it is more "inspired" by the sketch!! Anyway the recipe is a really good one. I make it all the time and everyone loves it. So if you want a quick, easy, pretty healthy chocolate slice give it a go!

I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Thanks for stopping by!

Alicia xx

Farm Photo Cards

2012-01-26T12:42:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I have something a bit different for you today...some photo cards.

I made these top two for my Dad's birthday and the bottom one for my Grandad's birthday.

Sometimes I just have no idea what to make them for cards...you know...when you are totally lacking inspiration and you need a card in a hurry!! These photo cards are very quick and easy. Just print a photo off and paste it on and add a sentiment and you are done!

Apologies for the glare in the second card...I couldnt seem to avoid it.

These photos I took of my Mum and Dad's farm. The first one is the sheep passing the dam. The second one is two paddocks. The nearest paddock has sheep and the greener paddock in the distance has round bales of oats in it. The photo below is of a dead tree (maybe a bit depressing, but the colours in the sky are quite pretty...it does look a bit better in real life...the truth is it was a left over photo that didnt fit in my project life album and was hanging around on my desk so it quickly got put onto a card.) Maybe I should have a warning sign on my craft desk...dont hang around here too long or you might find yourself on a card!

The recipients actually really loved them, and everyone enjoyed passing the card around for a look.

Well, it is Australia Day here today. So a Public Holiday. And Country Music in Tamworth. We went in to watch my brother perform his poetry this morning. Then later tonight we are going to a Maton Guitar concert. Ben gets the day off work!

Hope you have a happy day, wherever in the world you may live.

Alicia xx

Tutorial for Colouring Blush Babette with Copics

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Here is my first photo tutorial. There are 22 steps altogether.
I have written it in a step-by-step fashion to try and explain how I coloured her.
I apologise for the shadows in some of the photos. I will try to correct that next time.
You can purchase this stamp here.
You can also see this tutorial on the Mad for Markers blog here.
Let's get into it shall we!

I coloured Blush Babette using these colours:

Skin: E00, E11, R20

Hair: YR20, E31, E35

Greens: YG03, YG23, YG00

Skin

1. Colour the whole face, arms and legs with E00.

2. Trace the shadows with E11.

3. Colour the whole face, legs and arms again with E00.

4. Add some R20 to her cheeks and then blend with E00.

Hair

5. Trace the outlines on the front section of her hair with E35.

6. Use a flicking motion to flick into the centre of the fringe leaving white spaces.

7. Continue the flicking motion with E31, going over the E35 and further in onto the white.

8. Continue the flicking motion with YR20, going over the E31 and further in onto the white.

Still leave a bit of white space not coloured.

9. Enhance the fringe by going back over the lines and dark flicks with the E35.

10. Follow exactly the same process with the two top sections of the hair with the E35, then the E31 and then the YR20.

11. Follow the same procedure for the long parts of her hair.

Leave white spaces where the light would be.

12. Add in some E31.

13. Add in some YR20.

14. Go back over the darker bits with E35.

Dress

15. Trace the pleat lines with YG23.

16. Go over the YG23 and further onto the white with YG03.

17. Go over the YG03 and further onto the white with YG00. Leave some white spaces.

18. Trace the dots in the bow and the hemline with YG23.

19. Colour the bow and hemline with YG00.

Socks and Shoes

20. Use tiny flicking motions with the YG23 on the outsides of the socks and shoes.

21. Use tiny flicking motions with the YG03 covering the YG23 and going further into the white.

22. Use tiny flicking motions with the YG00 going over both green colours, but still leaving a tiny bit of white.

Here she is finished and on a card!

I hope you might find this a little helpful.

If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment or send me an email.

I might try to do another tutorial soon. If you have any requests on colours or stamps let me know. Have a great day : )

Alicia xx

LOTV Lavender and Lace

2012-01-23T16:19:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I made this card for the 3rd Challenge at Lili's Little Fairies - Lavender and Lace. The inspiration form the DT is just amazing - I mean it will knock your socks off! Those ladies sure know how to make a card! Pop on over if you get time and enjoy!!

I started my card with a LOTV die cut and kept the LO pretty simple. I have no purple DP left in my stash except for some very small scraps so I had to just use purple card layered onto a paper lace doily. For someone with no purple DP I have quite a good collection of purple flowers. So I layered these onto some white leaves.

I found a little chip board heart and thought I could make this into my first Valentine card for the year. I coloured the heart with Copics and used some rub-on letters for the sentiment and drew on the heart with my black copic multi-liner. Then I layered the heart onto a bow and then onto a flower.

For those of you interested in my photo tutorial for colouring Blush Babette I have been talking about. That will be blogged tomorrow at 9am on my blog and the Mad for Markers blog. So stay tuned!! It has about 20 odd photos in it...it is very step-by-step so I hope you find it helpful.

Today I spent most of the day in town getting groceries and visiting my Grandad.

I got a lovely dress on sale for $22! What a bargain. Clothes are becoming quite difficult for me now. I am 29 weeks and getting heavier and bigger. I will have to post a photo of the growing baby bump soon!

Have a lovely day, wherever you might be.

Thanks for popping on over and visiting me.

Alicia xx

Two "Sweet Nothing" cards...

2012-01-22T10:39:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I hope you are having a lovely day. It is Sunday morning here...I am lucky to have the day at home, and I am still deciding what to do. I have a bit of mulching that needs doing in the garden so if I am feeling energetic I might get to that later on. I thought I might pop on and do a blog post. This card I made for Ben's Nan to give to a family member - Madeleine who turned 90 recently. I used Kaisercraft Sweet Nothing papers, some gem swirls, blossoms and a Prima butterfly. It turned out very fancy. I hope suitable for a 90 year old lady.

This second card is using the same papers and the dove is a collectable from the Sweet Nothings collection. I made this for my cousin Monica to give a lady at her work. The story is very sad. The lady's daughter, Bronte (19 I think) was killed a week or so ago in a car accident. I dont know all the details, but her boyfriend found her and then died by getting electrocuted from a power line right near the car accident. A very tragic event for this area. Monica asked for a card with angels and her name written softly on a love heart. This was my interpretation.

I hope it brings the lady some comfort, if that is possible.

My project life is going along well. I am up to November 2011 now, still have December to go...so nearly finished 2011. I am really happy with how it turned out. I might do a video of it at the end to show you.

Well, I hope you have a lovely day, whatever you might be up to.

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia xx

Mad for Markers Green Colour Combo

2012-01-21T11:32:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Happy Saturday to you all!!

To celebrate the weekend I am sharing another Blush Babette card. This time I have used some green Copics. I dont often colour with green. But I do really like the colour.

The Green Copics I used are:

YG03, YG23, YG00

For her hair I used:

E35, E31, YR20

For her skin I used:

E11, E00, R20

You can purchase this stamp at the M4M store here.

I have photographed a tutorial for how I coloured her so stay tuned for the tutorial to be blogged soon!

I followed a sketch over at the Farm Fresh Challenge blog. It is for their Friday Spyday challenge again. This was the card to case (designed by Sheena):

Have you seen my new Valentines candy! Lots of yumminess to be won!

Don't forget to enter!!!

Have a lovely weekend and happy colouring!

Alicia xx

More LOTV Die Cut Cards

2012-01-19T16:01:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

How are you all today? It is hot here and I am feeling it! I have been into town for a few jobs and am back home again. Turned the air con on...pleased to be in the cool. I have some more cards to share today that I have made with the Lili of the Valley Die Cuts. They sure make cards quick and easy.

The first card I made for my Mum to give a friend who retired.

The second one was a quick little one I made for my brother to give to my Mum for her birthday.

This next one I made for a new baby in our family that was born in Japan.

These next three are all Sympathy cards. One I sent to a friend, the rest I put in my stash.

This last card I made as a Special Order card for a Baptism...requesting a very girly and pink card. I actually coloured over the die cut with my Copics so the picture would match the pink of the card.

Thats it! You did well to make it to the end.

I have almost finished my Project Life for 2011. Should have that done by tomorrow.

Then I need to decide what photos to do next...am considering going back and doing 2010 to fit at the beginning of that album as I still have heaps of room in it. Then starting a fresh album for 2012. Also I am considering having another go at my baby photos...but it is the scanning of them all that makes me reluctant. Lots more work involved...will keep you posted on my efforts.

I hope you are having a lovely day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Alicia xx

Finally...my Blush Babettes on some Cards

2012-01-17T22:18:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I coloured these Blush Babette images a week or so ago and now I can say they are happily on some cards!

The first card I have cased the sketch over at

Friday SpyDay on the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog.

This is my first time playing along with their challenge. The idea is you copy Sabina's card:

I modified mine a little. I didn't have any tickets so I used a bow instead and I had to move my gemstones to the outer corners as they were too big for the layered rectangle. I loved all the layers in this sketch. It was fun to make and I am going to give it to my Mum for her b'day tomorrow.

The pink Blush Babette I put onto this card.

Papers are Kaisercraft Sweet Nothings and so is the flower cut out.
I thought I would enter this card in The Farm Fresh Challenge - Let's Get Sentimental.

Added a little pink gingham ribbon and a cute little flower.

If you love this stamp (I am a bit obsessed with her at the moment) you can purchase her here.

Thanks for stopping by.

Alicia xx

Smash Book Recipes

2012-01-16T18:31:00.002+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Have you heard about Smash Bookin'??

Smash Bookin is kind of like scrap booking but it can be messy and quick...it doesnt have to be a perfect page...hence no pressure for each page to be a masterpiece. This suits me.

There is a free group organised by Suzanne Dean here. It is full of monthly challenges, conversations and inspiration. I have decided to make my Smash book into a Recipe Book. I dont have the proper "Smash Book" I am just using an old photo album and collecting my favourite tried and true recipes and dinner ideas. I just wanted a place to have all my favourite recipes in one place. I have done four pages so far.

The top recipe is a delicious and rich slice. Still three pieces left in the fridge...if you like chocolate and turkish delight give this one a try!

Second one is a vegetarian curry. Delicious, but I recommend cutting the curry back a lot as it was way too hot for Ben and I.

Third one is a quick and easy, yummy meal. Could be a salad at a shared dinner or lunch...but we had it as an evening meal on its own.

Last one is a quick and easy chicken recipe.

My Recipe Smash Book idea doesn't really fit into this month's challenge, but I am just linking it up here to share what I have done with the group.

Thank for visiting.

Alicia xx

Mad for Markers - New Colour Combo Challenge

2012-01-14T08:16:00.000+11:00

Hi Copic Lovers,

Alicia here. Today I want to share with you a card I made for our current Mad for Markers challenge - Use a New Colour Combination. The stamp I coloured is one from Sammi's store. She is a "Some Odd Girl" stamp and her name is "Balloon Kaylee". Sammi sells her here at the Mad for Markers store for $9.00. Isn't she a cutie! Perfect for a birthday card. She comes with a Happy birthday sentiment as well, but my card was a bit too small to fit it on so I had to use one of my own sentiments.

The new Copic Combinations I used were:

Hair: E35, E31, YR20

Reds: R29, R27, R22, R20

Oranges: YR07, YR04, YR23

Peachy Pink (Balloon): R22, R20, R00

The not new combos were:

Skin: E00, E21, E11

Eyes: W-7, W-5, W-3

Outline W1

I made this card for my cousin Jess who turned 21. I wanted it to be bright and cheery.

I used a Sassafrass paper on the background and the red and white polka-dot was a scrap.

I added the 21 number stickers in the bottom corner and outlined it all with white gel pen.

Will you join us for our new Colour Combination challenge?

If you want to try some of the colouring combinations I have used I made a list of them on my blog here. Why not pop over and take a look.

I hope you have a lovely weekend full of colouring!

I am off to do some whipper snipping and cleaning up out in the yard, then later to my sister-in-laws to pick up baby furniture! I am a little excited about that. I will tend to blogging comments later this weekend...stay tuned for some nursery photos (hopefully) next week!!

Alicia xx

Project Life

2012-01-13T11:28:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I didnt make it back yesterday.

I was busy getting ready for my Grandad's birthday tea. Making cards, wrapping presents, going to the dentist and getting a filling!! I think he had a really nice night so that makes me happy. It is his first birthday since my Nan died so I wanted it to be a nice day for him. Here is a pic of the serious business of present opening....

Anyway, I have been wanting to tell you about a project I have started this year that I have been working on... A friend told me about Project Life by Becky Higgins.

Have you seen it or heard of it?

It is an American product.

Here are two of my favourite clips to watch that tell you all about it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UHJ5pox_s2M

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&list=ULU_d1zzDz8bo&v=U_d1zzDz8bo

So anyway I ordered one kit and as soon as it arrived I ordered another.

I have been working on the first one and I am documenting the photos from 2011.

I am already up to June, so nearly half-way through the year. It is a really fast way to scrapbook and I really like how it has been looking. If you have been reading my blog for awhile you would know I have been searching for the best method of scrapbooking for me. I think I may have found it in Project Life.

Here are just a few pages I have done.

(Some of them felt too personal to put on the internet for the whole world to see...if you know what I mean...so I picked these three to share. You might remember these photos from last year because I did blog some of them.)

You can add as much or as little journalling as you like. Or embellishments or stickers. I am keeping mine flat and pretty plain. I like the flexibility of it. I also like how you can categorise it into months, which is how I save my photos on the computer. So I have been getting a month developed at a time at Big W...10cent prints are so so cheap, coming home and putting them in. Then doing the next month.

It has been a reflective and rewarding process. I plan to do it for this year as well, but this time as it happens. I think I might even fit two years into the one binder.

So I just wanted to share it with you, in case you hadn't heard of it and wanted to give it a go.

Thanks for popping by,

Alicia xx

Male Cards

2012-01-11T19:18:00.003+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

So far this year I have needed to make a lot of male cards.

Some of them are on the plain and boring side, but you know men...most of them dont like all the ribbons and flowers...I am generalising I know...

Anyway here they are:

Some were special requests, the top one was designed by Ben for his Dad and the LOTV was just me playing around.

I have two projects going on at the moment that I am dying to tell you about.

Hopefully I will pop back in tomorrow and share!

Until then, happy blogging,

Alicia xx

A Set of Cutsie Engagement Cards

2012-01-09T16:07:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

How was your weekend?

We caught up with family and cleaned the house.

Still trying to de-clutter and clean my windows. Am working my way around the house...still four to go. Nice to be able to see out them again!!

I did have a chance to make a set of cards.

My brother-in-law and his now fiance announced their engagement on Christmas day...very exciting!! So I thought I would send them a card.

I ended up getting on a bit of a roll and making all six.

I used the Lily of the Valley Die Cuts. Have you seen these before?

They come already coloured so it makes making the card quick and easy. If you want to check them out head on over here.

The papers I used were all mainly scrappy bits and pieces. I had to find colours to match the colours in each image.

I kept them all pretty simple and similar in design.

This one above is the one I am sending to Scott and Bec...the picture kind of looks like them and I know Bec likes the colour purple.

I used my cuttlebug to cut out each image and the sentiment I made on the computer.

I thought I might play along with the "New Beginnings" challenge at Lili's Little Fairies.

Thanks for stopping by today.

I hope you have a beautiful day.

Alicia xx

Mad for Markers - New Colour Combo

2012-01-07T10:19:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Have you seen the new challenge at Mad for Markers? It is to try out some new Colour Combinations. This is my first post for 2012 for M4M and this is my first bit of colouring that I have done as well! I must say I really enjoyed it. Sometimes I find myself not wanting to colour an image if I need a card in a hurry. So I think it suits me better to colour in front of the TV where I am not on a deadline and can just relax and enjoy it. I can then put the image on the card at another time.

I wanted to try out some new colour combos that I havent used before and I found a big list of Suzanne Dean's Colour Combos here. I coloured two images of Blush Babette. She is a dream to colour. Her hair is fun and her dress has folds so it enabled me to practice those. Sammi has this stamp in stock for $8.50 here.

In the first image I used a new colour combo for her hair: E35, E31 and YR20. Suzanne calls this a "golden blonde".
For her dress and socks and shoes I used: R22, R20, R00. Suzanne calls this colour combo "peachy pinks". You can also add R21, but I don't own that marker yet.
The skin was not a new combo. I just used E11, E00 and R20.

For the second image I used Suzanne's dark brunette hair colour combo E50, E53, E57...but when you look at the two hair colours there is not a lot of difference between the overall looks I didnt think.

For the dress I made up my own combo BG000, B05, BG01. The face was just E11 and E00.

For the faces and skin I coloured lightest first and then added dark, then went back with light to blend in. But for the hair and clothes I started with the darkest first then went lighter and lighter leaving some parts of the page with no colour at all. I find this a lot quicker to do.

Dont forget to link up your colouring and show us your new Colour Combos at Mad for Markers. We have gone back to monthly challenges now so you have all of January to link something up. Your project doesnt have to be a card. It can just be a coloured image in your sketch book.

Thanks for popping by and happy colouring.

Alicia xx

Winner of My Christmas Candy

2012-01-06T17:27:00.003+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

How has your day been?

I have had a lovely day...home on my own...went for a walk, did some gardening and then have spent the rest of the day in my "still clean" craft room. It has inspired me so much I have been creating like a machine! I thought I should draw my Christmas candy today. I am already thinking about my next candy!!!

So without further ado I used random.org and the lucky winner was...

Maxine D

Congratulations Maxine! I will be in touch with you to get your details : )

Thank you so much to the twenty people who entered my candy prize this time.

I really appreciate you popping over and leaving me a comment.

And I really appreciate your friendship.

While I am here I would like to share some cards I made just before Christmas.

They are all made using Kaisercraft Sweet Nothings paper pad and collectables.

They were quick and easy to make.

This was for my auntie Maureen - she loves angels.

This is the only one left in my stash...no home yet.

This one we gave to Ben's Nan for her b''day.

This one my Mum gave to my auntie Maureen.

Well I am off to go blog hopping and see what you have all been up to.

Enjoy your Friday evening and take care,

Alicia xx

A Handcrafted Christmas Gift

2012-01-05T21:14:00.002+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Thanks for stopping by.

Over Christmas I made three hand-crafted gifts to give. Only one of which I remembered to photograph (I am so sad about that) but it was such a busy lead up and often I was finishing the gift on the day I needed it!!

This was a plain sketch book that I covered for my cousin Danika. She is an artist in her spare time. I have one of her beautiful drawings framed and hanging in my hallway. We had her for "Kris Kringle" and I bought her some perfume, but I wanted to get her something "arty". I wasnt sure on the products she used so I ended up buying her this blank sketch book. Then I decorated the cover.

I entitled the book Dreams, Doodles and Designs. I hoped that would allow her the freedom to use the book as she wished.

The main paper covering the whole page is from the DCWV "The Mariposa Stack" All the other papers are Kaisercraft and collectables (the cut-outs) from the "Sweet Nothings" collection.

This is an old Prima butterfly I have had in my stash and a gem stone swirl.

I have been keeping very busy. After the cleaning of the craft room Ben and I have been inspired to continue our clean. We rearranged all the furniture in the lounge room and have ordered two recliners that we will pick up in a few weeks. I am looking forward to getting my pregnant body in one of those!! I took a few boxes and bags to St Vincent de Paul's today and we are loving how good it feels to clean out some clutter!

I have my candy all ready to draw out...think I might do that tomorrow!

Hope you had a lovely day.

Take care,

Alicia xx

Happy New Year, some cards and a clean desk!

2012-01-03T13:25:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Happy New Year to you!!

I hope you enjoyed seeing it in. I nearly made it...we spent the weekend in Newcastle with our good friends Carrie and Josh. On New Year's Eve we went out for dinner and then did a walk around the foreshore...but by the time 12 came around I was asleep in their recliner!

I have three cards to share today. With all three cards I used Le Chateau papers by Kaisercraft. I am currently addicted to Kaisercraft. I just love their 6inch paper pads. I cant seem to get enough of them!!

The first card I made for my brother and his girlfriend to give to friends who had recently gotten engaged.

This second card I made for my good blogging friend Carol who lives in America.

Her birthday is in December.

This last one I made for my cousin Abbey who turned 30 in December.

All these cards were made last year. I havent crafted this year yet.

I have just spent yesterday and today moving all my craft stuff back into the craft room. It was out in the lounge room. I have been very busy re-organising it all and trying to make it all beautiful and neat!!! Here is a photo of my desk. I also cleaned out the bookcase and the cupboard in this room so everything is now organised.

I wonder how long I can keep it this way...

I do have quite a few things I need to make so I better get onto it!!

I will try not to mess everything up!!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia xx

Christmas Candy

2012-01-02T09:39:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Have you exhausted your Christmas Card making supply making all your Chrissie cards this year? Maybe you might want to add this little candy to your collection??

As a special Christmas gift to my beautiful blogging friends I have this candy up on offer for someone to win.

This candy includes:

Christmas design paper

Christmas rub-ons

Christmas journaling cards

White paper doilies

Holly and Ivy embellishments

Red Gemstones

Pearls

Crystal teardrop charms

White fun flock

To enter all you need to do is leave a comment on this post and become a follower of my blog if you arent already. I will draw the candy in the New Year!

Good luck!

Alicia xx

Some Edible Christmas Makes

2011-12-29T17:19:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Buddies,

We were busy in the kitchen leading up to Christmas...as I know you most likely were too.

Here is a few sweet things we made...

The first photo is "Candy Cane Snowball Cookies" recipe found at Jessie's blog here.

Then I had another go at a Pavlova because everyone loved the last one I made so much.

It was delicious too...so light and sweet!

We put together a pre-packaged Gingerbread house.

We had a lot of fun making it and munching on lollies but the gingerbread itself tasted disgusting!!

(I am not a Gingerbread fan...maybe next year I should do one from scratch.)

Hope you are enjoying the break between Christmas and New Year.

I havent ventured back to the craft table yet...still doing some sorting and tidying of odd jobs that I have been putting off. Will need to get back there before tomorrow though as I have some b'day cards that need making.

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia xx

I hope you had a Merry Christmas...

2011-12-28T19:12:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!!

Ours was busy!

We went to Ben's family Christmas Eve, stayed the night and had lunch. Then to my family for Christmas Tea and Boxing Day.

Then the day after that we had a little rest and caught up with some good friends for dinner. Then today Ben was back at work. A bit of a whirlwind really!! But lots of fun and lots of present openings. We are lucky to be a part of a very big and loving family.

One of Ben's presents was a box of nappies which we all thought was hilarious...and felt a bit real and scary to Ben and I!!

I thought I might share some photos of the presents I wrapped and the tags I made. The presents actually took ages to wrap...felt like I was wrapping for days!!! The tags were a quick whip up as I was running out of time. But they were made to match each gift wrapping. I went with red, green and gold theme and added hessian for something a little different. I just bought a couple of metres of it from Spotlight and cut it into strips and frayed the edges. It was very messy, but looked effective and nobody wanted to un-wrap their gift!!!

All up I wrapped 12 adult presents. I didnt bother decorating the kids presents as they just rip the paper off anyway. I just popped them into santa gift bags.

Here is a close-up of one gift and then all the others under the tree.

I hope to be back over the next few days to share more of the things I made for Christmas.

Thanks for popping by,

Alicia xx

My Christmas Cards

2011-12-23T15:00:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I have been having a lovely time getting ready for Christmas this week.

I finally finished and posted off my Christmas cards on Tuesday. A little late, but better late than never!! A BIG improvement on me not sending any cards last year.

I went with a simple stamped design using some SU Christmas stamps first in Real Red and then in Old Olive. I matched the card stock, ribbon and gems to match.

I think I made about thirty red ones and then another twenty or so green ones.

They were actually relaxing cards to make. The hardest part was the stamping. The rest I did in front of the TV over a few days. Just a matter of repetition.

I originally was only going to do red, but then I ran out of red card stock and so had to switch to green. I didnt think they would be as nice, but I actually liked them just as much.

There are some challenges I would like to link these up to:

Wild Orchid Challenge - Christmas Friendship

(I am sending these cards to lots of friends and family)

Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes

Crafts and Me - Christmas Anything Goes

If I dont get back on before Christmas Day I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

I hope you have a lovely day with family and friends.

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia xx

Baby Shower Pics

2011-12-20T05:03:00.002+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I am up in the middle of the night...can't sleep...thinking about my friends on the Gold Coast and how much I miss them. It has been two years since we left there...but I often feel ripped in two when I think about how different my life is now and how much I miss my old friends.

So I thought I would play around with the photos from my baby shower we had a few weeks back when I was up there. I have used the digital scrapbooking software - Daisytrail to make these layouts.

This was the sperm game we played.

You had to be blindfolded and then try to get the sperm close to the egg.

We also played a "Guess the Baby Food" game where you had to try all different types of baby food and guess the flavour. Some were disgusting!!

There was a new baby at the shower...little William...he is a cutie!

A big thank you to Amanda for organising the day. She did an amazing job coordinating the whole event! I still havent show you the pics of the lovely pressies I received, but I will get to it one day...

Before I go, I might add this quick card I made for little William and gave to his Mummy on the day with a little present...

And I might link this post up to the

Sparkles Forum Challenge - Anything but a Christmas Card.

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia xx

A Christmas Card Collection

2011-12-18T10:46:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I wanted to share this collection of Christmas cards I made for my Mother-in-law.

She wanted a variety of ten cards altogether.

Two Religious

Two Red and Green

Two Aussie (have already blogged these here)

Two abstract

Two snowy

Well I did my best with what I could find and this is what I came up with...

These were the two "snowy" ones...although not much snow really, just a big fat Santa Claus all rugged up.

The Santas are rub-ons and are part of my Christmas candy.

Click here to enter!

I made two of these Religious cards. Both exactly the same.

I found the image on the internet and added a sentiment to the top of it.

I thought the gold angel paper was nice and went with a gold and blue colour scheme.

These were the two "abstract" cards. I went for un-traditional colours.

I actually really liked these two.

They have a fresh and simple feel to them I think.

The papers were old scraps from last year.

This card I used my Copics to colour the doillie and the gem stone in the ribbon.

You can enter your Copic coloured Christmas projects here at our Mad for Marker's challenge.

This card and the one above it were the "red and green" cards...although with the papers I have used this year they are more muted greens and reds..not very bight Chrissie Colours.

I thought I would play along with:

Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge - Anything Goes

Mark's Finest Papers - Make a Christmas Card

Squiggle Stamps - Let's Celebrate

Frosted Design - Ribbon

Inkspirations - Christmas

You will be so happy to know that I put our tree up last night!

I went shopping for inspiration and I am sad to say I could not find a pretty tree in any shop I went in...they were all lacking a lot of imagination. I made a decision to stick to my red, green and gold colour scheme this year...but...I am going to shop in the sales for a small white tree which I want to have as my "un-traditional coloured" tree. I thought I might get a smallish one to sit in the middle of the dining table and make it a silver and bright colour scheme. I did buy some red, green and gold decorations to assist me with my present wrapping (havent started yet!) so I am feeling much happier with the whole situation!

As I said to Ben...you know life is good when your biggest worry at the time is your Christmas Colour Scheme right!!!

So here are some pics...

These are the red, green and gold decorations I purchased to help me wrap the presents.

Here is Honey with her favourite Christmas decoration.

And here is Ben and I donning the Santa caps and posing for a photo after I had decorated the tree. We tried to get Honey in this photo but she wasnt much of a willing participant.

So the tree is up and I am feeling a whole lot better about getting organised for Christmas.

Still lots to do...but still a few days to Christmas to get it all done!

Thanks so much for dropping by,

Alicia xx

Happy B'day to my MIL and some Christmas Thoughts

2011-12-16T10:16:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

My first day of holidays today and I feel exhausted!!

I think everything has been catching up with me.

I thought I would blog these cards I made for my Mother-in-law's birthday a few weeks ago.

She has three kids so I made a card from each one of them.

I tried to make them all different.

In the first card (green and black) I used papers and accessories from Kaisercraft Chapter One, with a Manorhouse flower and some bling.

The second one I used papers from Kaisercraft Le Chateur collection, some white alphabet stickers and some Kaisercraft aqua flowers. Then I added a swirl, some lace, ribbon and a string of pearls from my stash.

The last card was made of purple scraps (purple is Barb's fave colour) and a big Manor House flower. This is a picture of Barb opening one of her presents we got her. She really liked the cards and the presents and said she felt very spoilt so that was good!!!

I would like to enter these cards in the Southern Girls Challenge - Let's Celebrate!

I am off to get my hair cut and coloured this afternoon and hope to fit in a little Chrissie shopping too. I still have quite a few presents to purchase. If I recover in energy I hope to put my tree up. I have been feeling very slack in not getting it up yet. I am kind of a bit bored with my tree and decorations. Does anyone else get that feeling...like they would like to revamp their Christmas colour scheme?? Yesterday I was talking to a lady who said her theme for this Christmas is purple and silver and so she bought a new white tree to match. Then she bought reindeer antlers for everyone to wear at Christmas and spray painted them silver. It sounded so fresh and delicious to me...and got me thinking do I need a little revamp?

Last night I worked on a Pinterest album of Christmas and found some lovely inspirational pictures. You can check them out here if you are interested.

Then I started thinking about a few Christmas thoughts...

...is Christmas all about "the perfect tree" or "the perfect colour scheme"

...does this really matter...

and then I started thinking what does Christmas really mean to me???

(Deep I know!) I am working on a little brainstormed list...

Ben and I talked about it too...he thought that people going to such effort like this lady would make for such a magical and memorial day...

What do you think???

What does Christmas mean to you???

I am keen to know.

From wwwcoppertechbiz.over-blog.com

Alicia xx

Happy Retirement

2011-12-15T19:36:00.002+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I thought I would share this Retirement card I was asked to make. I had no idea what to put on it!! I kept it very simple and elegant with gold, cream and white. Then I realised I had no flowers that really matched so I had to make my own. I added some gold swirls, some gold leaves and gold letters and the card was done.

Yesterday afternoon I was driving home from work so excited thinking I was on holidays!

I had taken in a slice, a Chrissie card and said goodbye to everyone...assuming it was my last day. Then I got a text that afternoon asking me to work again tomorrow (which was today)...so I went back in again and had my "last day" all over again.

I think I am definitely on holidays this time! (Fingers crossed no texts tonight!)

I love Christmas holidays...it means no school responsibilities....

Time to put my tree up and get those Chrissy cards finished - right! There is plenty to do!!

I hope to be back tomorrow.

Alicia xx

Good news...the invites are finished!!!

2011-12-12T18:03:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Thanks for being patient with me while I have been an infrequent blogger. With lots of work teaching and these wedding invites I have been a busy girl. But the good news is that it is nearly the Chrissie holidays (so not much work left) and I have finished the wedding invites!!!!

I made 46 in total and it was my first go at ever making wedding invites.

They open out in the middle...but I havent put that photo in to keep the invite a little bit private for the bride and groom. They probably dont want all their wedding details posted all over the internet!

The paper is Bella - Flocked damask and the card is black and cream with black satin ribbon from Big W. I was really happy with how they turned out.

My Dad's birthday dinner was a lovely night and I made my first ever pavlova. I was so proud of it I wanted to share a photo with you...

And here is a photo of my Dad with my nieces.

I have a back log of cards to blog and more that need making so hopefully I will be a more regular blogger this week. Thanks for stopping by.

Alicia xx

Teacher Apple Cards

2011-12-08T21:18:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

How has your week been treating you??

Mine has been busy. I have been working every day this week.

Today was my first one off.

I have been trying to work on those wedding invites...I keep thinking I am about 1/3 of the way through, then I realise after another session I am still only 1/3 of the way through. But I am sure progress will start to happen for me soon!!

I was asked to make some "thank you teacher cards" because school finishes up here in one week. I used this apple from Meljen's Designs and enlarged the digi big enough to make an apple card. This first one is my fave. I am a sucker for red and white gingham...but I only had one little square of it, so I had to do my best with what I had for the other two.

Here is a close up of my favourite.

This next one I still went with red paper and tried to add a bit of black and lace for a different look.

This last apple card I went for more muted greens.

They all turned out a little bit different, which is nice.

I hope the teachers like them.

Tomorrow is massive for me.

I have to house clean, grocery shop and prepare for a family dinner at my house.

Also I have a hair appointment booked.

Dont ask me how I plan to fit all this in.

I did some house cleaning tonight...but my belly is aching...it means sit down and stop doing things!! Plus I have to go and get my Dad a b'day present (as the occasion is for his birthday) and make him a card...crazy I know. I might go and try to get the card done now before I go to bed.

Thanks for stopping by...I hope your week is not as crazy as mine!!

I plan to pop on over and visit you on the weekend.

Take care,

Alicia xx

Mad for Markers Aussie Christmas Card

2011-12-03T15:41:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I am making another set of ten Chrissie cards...this set is for my MIL. She wants five different designs, two of each and two of them to have an Australian theme...so I used this Santa on a surfboard stamp from SU. I made two of these cards exactly the same. I kept the card very simple...I was struggling with embellishments. What embellishments can you put on an Aussie Chrissie Card...gum leaves, sea shells...I had no inspiration so I just left it plain.

I coloured with:

Skin: E21, E00, E04, E11

Reds: R59, R46, R27

Greens: G99, YG23, G14

Blues: B32, B02, B97

Greys: C-0, C-1

Its great to see so many wonderful entries so far in our Mad for Marker Christmas challenge.

Have you linked your Chrissie creation up yet? All you have to do is use your Copics.

Easy, peasy!

Have a great weekend everyone and happy colouring.

Alicia xx

A Christmas Card Collection

2011-12-01T20:26:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I have been a very busy girl this week...working every day and tutoring every afternoon and making heaps of card for orders for people. Only two more weeks till school holls here so I am taking every day they offer me as I dont get paid over the Chrissie break. I havent had many spare hours for blogging, hence my sporadic blog posts lately.

Today I wanted to share with you a collection of Christmas cards I made for a lady. Her criteria was...traditional Christmas colours with black and cream, pearls and lace, lots of embellishments and two had to say I love you with a heart. I did my best and came up with this collection of ten....

I used a mixture of papers and rub-ons and lots of crinkly ribbon.

I would like to enter these cards in...

Southern Girls Ribbon Madness Challenge

and

Do You Stack Up - Ribbon

I am so looking forward to the weekend.

I have a stack of cards that need making, plus those wedding invites I am still going on.

I will take some pics of the baby shower pressies as some of you were interested in what I received and hopefully blog them this weekend.

I also have to blog my Christmas candy...I have all the bits and pieces, just need to photograph it. Will be back tomorrow.

Alicia xx

MIA - sorry!!

2011-11-27T23:00:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I have been missing in action this week. But I have been card-making like mad trying to get some orders done and I made a start on those wedding invites. Then I was working lots and then this weekend I went to the Gold Coast for the weekend to catch up with my beautiful friends and they had a baby shower for me. I only got home today, had a big sleep and then went into a cleaning frenzy trying to get the house in order for the week.

I am quickly showing you four fast male cards I made this week to get through some of my November birthdays. The first one I coloured for one of my ex-students, Max, who lives on the Gold Coast. The last three were printed digital images.

For my cousin Beau who loves Golf.

For my Brother-in-law Sam who is a farmer.

For my uncle Fred who is also a farmer.

I kept them all simple so I could make them fast!

I hope to catch up on Blogging comments tomorrow.

I hope you had a lovely weekend and wish you the best for the up-coming week.

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia xx

Baby Bump Photo

2011-11-21T21:15:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I finally got around to getting a Baby Bump photo this weekend for those of you who are interested. This is me at 20 weeks.

We have chosen not to find out what sex the baby is.

I really wanted it to be a surprise...but my "gut feeling" is a boy.

Time will tell no doubt!

I hope to be back tomorrow with some card pics.

I have been making cards like crazy these last few days trying to catch up.

I'm off to work on the wedding invites I am making for a cousin...

Wish me luck!!

Alicia xx

Close Your Eyes & Make A Wish

2011-11-19T18:34:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

It is great to see everyone playing along in the Mad for Markers "Anything Goes" challenge this fortnight. You still have a week to link up a Copic Coloured Creation.

I made this card for a friend for her birthday and I had a lovely time putting it together with colours I don't normally use - burgundy and gold.

I coloured with:

Hair: E29, R46, E08, YR16

Skin: E00, E21, E11, E04

Pinks: RV21, RV23, RV34, RV29

Isn't she a sweetie...she has such a cute, innocent look.

I have spent today cleaning the house and having little naps.

(Trying to catch up on a busy week.)

Unbelievable how untidy our house gets with just two people.

I hope to catch up on all my comments tonight and hopefully make some cards.

I am supposed to be going to the Markets tomorrow but I think I want to stay home and make cards instead...I have heaps to do.

Have a great weekend.

Alicia xx

Hooray, it's Friday!!!

2011-11-18T16:50:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

This week has been hectic. I have worked every day and so am behind in most things once again, but hope to catch up this weekend. I took a cute picture of Tommy on the front porch to share with you. He is growing up fast now.

I snatched some card making time earlier in the week and made this stash of birthday cards. This is a Stitchy Bear Stamps image. I chose it specifically because it did not need any colouring. I just added a hint of colour on each card. I needed cards quickly...am very behind in November b'days.

Kept, the black, white and one theme going with all of them.

Now I just have to get them off in the post.

We are having a family dinner tonight with my Grandad so I need to get moving.

Will be back tomorrow with my Mad for Markers post.

See you then : )

Alicia xx

Anything Goes Challenge at Mad for Markers

2011-11-14T08:30:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

There is a fresh, new, fortnightly challenge over at Mad for Markers

and the theme is Anything Goes.

I made this card for my cousin Caitlin who was sitting her HSC this term.

I wanted to let her know we were wishing her well and supporting her through her exams.

I used this cute little Some Odd Girl stamp called "Thinking Mae".

I purchased her through Sammi and you can buy her here.

The sentiment comes with the stamp. Which I think is a great bargain for just $9.

She is fun and easy to colour. Her hair is quite a simple style .

These are the Copics I used:

Purples: BV08, V17, V15

Skin: E00, E21, E11

Blacks: 100, C7, C5

Greens: G17, G05, Go2

Outline: C1

The papers were all out of my scrap drawer. I added a lilac bow and some gems and glitter to finish it all off.

Are you going to join in our Anything Goes challenge this week?

No excuses really...link up a card or project you have made with Copics here.

I cant wait to see what you create!

Alicia xx

My October Candy Winner!!!

2011-11-13T20:57:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

It is hard to believe we are almost half-way through November already!!

Where do the days and weeks go??

This weekend flew by for me. I sweated it out at the markets on Saturday, caught up with my cousin for a cool drink to hear all about her recent overseas adventures and then went out for dinner with family to celebrate my brother-in-law's girlfriend's birthday! Phew!! I was exhausted.

Today I just took things a little easier. I am fertilizing our lawn at the moment to encourage it to transform from crispy yellow weeds to green, lush lawn. I am monitoring it closely. We have a very large lawn...probably equivalent to four standard backyards so it is hard to keep it all looking good. When I lived here as a kid we would run around bare foot all the time and rarely get a burr. Nowadays Ben and I dont go barefoot on the lawn...way too painful!! Drought and renters have meant that the lawn has really lost its quality, however I am determined to get it back to what I can remember it as. Apparently, with this lawn fertilizer you should see results in two days. Thankfully we had 2ml of rain this afternoon so the lawn and my recently planted pumpkins will hopefully get a little kick start. I just have to pray that the sheep arent keen on a little pumpkin snack!!

Oh and I am so excited to tell you that on Friday I made ten Chrissie cards for myself to send out at Christmas. I am so very proud of myself as I have never sent out a bulk load of hand made Chrissie cards before...I know, you are shocked...but it always seemed too hard. But this year I am planing on sending out lots!!! Just need to make some more...they are a very simple design in red and white. Will have to post photos later.

Anyway, you want to hear who the winner is dont you???

Well...the winner is....

Jessie

Congratulations!!! Jessie has been a follower of my blog for ages and she lives all the way over in Ireland. So Jessie I will be in contact with you to get your address.

Thank you so much to everyone for entering.

I am getting some Christmas supplies together for my Nov/Dec candy.

I hope to post a photo this week.

Have a wonderful week everyone and take care.

Alicia xx

...And they lived happily every after...

2011-11-10T21:16:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I have been missing in action this week.

I have been busy working (teaching) and tutoring after school.

The days have been very hot and so as soon as it gets to 6pm I have been outside watering the gardens while Ben plays with the puppies. He has taught Ellie and Tommy how to catch a frisbee. They are very clever we think.

This card I made awhile back for my Mum to take to a Housewarming party.

It was for a retired couple. The husband is a builder, but I think this will be their last house move. Mum said the house was divine and the dinner party for 12 was perfect in every way.

My Dad said that each guest at the table had their very own miniature salt and pepper shakers!

I would have loved to seen some photos, of the food, the house, the table setting etc.

Anyway, Mum just loved the card and was happy she had a card and a present. She said most guests just brought a bottle of wine, so she said that made her present look extra special. She had gone to a bit of trouble finding the right gift from a lovely gift store we have in town called "The Lemon House". Like many businesses around here they dont have a website so I cant link it up, but it is a really nice shop.

While I am in conversational mode tonight...I have missed you all...I thought I might share some photos. Last weekend Mum and I went on a garden walk. Annually they have a local garden competition where people submit their gardens, the judges judge them, they publish the winners in the local paper and then on a certain weekend you can go and view them. I took a couple of photos that I thought were worth sharing.

This first one is two old ladders leaning up against each other with Peonie Roses (I think) growing all over. I thought that was a little different and clever!

More beautiful roses climbing up a trellis.

And another rose. They are in full bloom here at the moment and are looking amazing!

It was a very inspiring day. My yard looked quite bare when we came home.

But one can only handle so much garden I think!!

My vegies are going well, I have harvested and eaten broccoli so far.

But watering everything is getting tricky!

Well...enough of my rambling, thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great week (for what is left of it). I will draw my October Candy in the next few days so stay tuned!!

Alicia xx

Mad for Markers ~ Orange and Black

2011-11-05T17:10:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I have been missing in action this week.

I worked every day and tutored every afternoon so I havent had time to "play" so to speak!

But the money will come in handy as I am saving up for a little trip to the Gold Coast soon to catch up with my old friends....and have a little shopping spree too!! Can't wait really!

I have made a bookmark for the Mad for Markers' Orange and Black challenge this week.

I made this for a little girl I tutor who went trick or treating on Halloween and dressed up as a witch. I used scraps for this little project and some alphabet stickers and my white gel pen for some faux stitching. I coloured it with:

Blacks: 100, C-7, C-5

Oranges: YR07, YR04, Y38

Hair: E29, E08, R27, YR16

Skin: E00, E21, E11, E04

Eyes: G17, G05, G02

Lips: R59, R46

Stick: E29, E37

Sammi and her M4M store is at the Penrith Papercrafts Festival Show this weekend so pop on over if you live locally and stock up on Copics and Stamps. Don't forget Sammi's Marker Mob are also available now as digis for great colouring practice. Head on over here to check them out.

Before I leave you to try and catch up on emails, blogging comments, housework, washing, and a banana cake I want to make this afternoon ( I know I wont get all of this done, might have to employ some fairies to give me a hand!!) I thought I would share some recent pics of the puppies. Tommy is growing everyday...and eating heaps. Ellie continues to be very patient with him as he "plays" with her constantly. They are very hard to get a photo of and this was the best we could get at the time.

Have a great weekend,

Alicia xx

October Candy

2011-10-31T16:00:00.000+11:00

This post will remain at the top for the month of October.

Please scroll down for more recent posts.

Hi Blogging Beauties,

As a way of saying "thank you" to my lovely blog-land friends I have this candy available for someone to win.

I will leave it up for the month of October and then draw a winner randomly.

To enter all you need to do is become a follower of my blog (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post.

What is the candy you ask? It is the lovely high-quality papers from the Spring Awakening collection by "The Scrapcake". There are two papers of each design totalling 12 papers altogether and six "Manor House" gorgeous flowers.

I look forward to posting it out to the lucky winner soon!

Thanks for entering!

Alicia xx

Boys Rule!

2011-10-30T15:22:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I made this card as a special order for a lady.

It was for her son Riley. She wanted an outdoor boy card.

She really loved it when I gave it to her so I was so happy about that.

I used Prima paper scraps to make the card and some alphabet stickers for the sentiment.

I coloured "Skater Ian" in these Copic Colours:

Browns: E47, E37, E35

Greens: G14, YG06, YG03

Blues: BG05, BG01, BG000, BG10

Skin: E00, E21, E11, E04

I would like to enter this card in the Colour me Creative Copic Challenge - Boys

I have just signed up to this group. If you are a bit addicted to Copics (like me) you might want to head over and check this out!

We had a family dinner at our place last night.

It was lovely to catch up, but lots of work with cleaning and cooking and then cleaning again.

I think I over did it a bit as my tummy has been a bit sore today.

(I was sweeping, vachuming, carrying chairs around etc etc.)

I have concentrated on just resting today, and taking things easy.

I will have to post a photo of my belly soon as it is growing and I dont think I can get away without looking pregnant anymore! Ben keeps saying "its going to get bigger"...which is ultimately true and obvious. When I am at home I wear leggings and t-shirts. But for going out, summer dresses are proving to be the most easiest form of clothing. I have not bought a stitch of maternity clothes or anything baby yet. But when I was in Target on Friday I walked past the baby section and couldnt stop smiling thinking I am going to get to buy that stuff now!!

Just need to work a little more so I can get some money!!

Hope you had a lovely weekend.

Thanks for stopping by.

Alicia xx

Dance like no one is watching....

2011-10-28T11:00:00.002+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Here is another image I coloured up at the Conference.

At the conference I was sitting next to Annette and for those of you who know Annette, know that she LOVES the colour purple. I am not a big purple fan, but I was really trying to get out of my comfort zone and learn new techniques at the conference. I wanted to have a go at colouring hair with black and purple Copics.

When I got home I put her on a card and then I posted her off to Annette and she received the card yesterday. Consequently I didnt have a lot of purple papers or embellishments in my stash. But I found a scrap of purple paper and teamed it with some black and white.

I layered three flowers together and sprayed them with glimmer mist. The top little rose I added Kindy Glitz to the edges. The swirl I made using Kaisercraft gemstones. This cute little Odd Girl stamp is called "Dancin' Mae" I bought off Sammi. If you want her too you can get her here.

The Copics I used were:

Hair: 100, C-7, C-5, BV08, V09

Skin: E00, E11, E21, E04, R20

Purples: BV08, V17, V15

Greys: C-1. C-3

So I thought I would enter her in:

Paper Pretties - Embellish

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia

P.S. Carol, in answer to your question about how Tommy and Ellie are getting on....It took Ellie about a week to accept Tommy. But now they are pretty good mates. They sleep together during the day and play together. Ellie does tire of Tommy's constant playfulness and did snap at him and left a scar on his forehead...but I think he deserved it as he is going through that puppy nippy phase. We take them for a walk every day. Tommy still likes to be picked up and cuddled. Ben has been training Tommy every day and he is pretty smart. Even Ellie is learning a few new things too. Overall we love them both to death and are so happy we got Tommy as he has brought a lot of fun into our lives.

Male Beach Card and a Children's Craft Project

2011-10-26T13:34:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

How is your week going?

Mine is pretty good...just mainly tutoring this week and getting a bit of gardening done here and there. Before the really hot weather sets in!!

I made this card for my uncle John who lives in Hervey Bay QLD. A lovely tropical part of the country. I coloured the hair while I was at the conference and was learning how to colour hair better. The card was made out of scrap papers. The waves I hand drew and then cut out. Then I drew on a little white border with my white gel pen.

I had some little sea charms so I added those on in the water.

I would like to enter this card in the Die Cut Dreams Challenge - So Charming.

The colours I used were:

Hair: E35, E37, E33, Y38, E31

Skin: E00, E21, E11, E04

Yellows: Y17, Y08, Y11

Blues: B05, BG05, B02

Also I thought I would share this photo with you. My niece loves crafting and so we have organised for her to come over on a Monday afternoon and do some craft. We had our first session this week and we made a mobile. It was easy and fun too. Here are the instructions.

1. Trace around a plate onto white cardboard and cut out.

2. Draw a line that splits the circle in two.

3. Paste blue card on the bottom half of the circle.

4. Draw a sun and rainbow on the top half and colour in.

5. Punch out flowers and colour the centres yellow.

6. Paste them on the blue half of the circle.

7. Laminate the circle and cut it out.

8. Attach ribbon streamers to the back of the circle using sticky tape.

9. Attach a ribbon hook at the top so you can hang your creation.

10. Glue on many flowers to the ribbon streamers at the bottom.

My niece loved making it and she loved the finished product. It took about one hour to make.

I had fun making it too. I thought I would link it up to Jill's Worldwide Blog Hop.

Hope you have a great week.

Thanks for stopping by.

Alicia xx

Tommy Taking a bath and a 50th Tri-Shutter card

2011-10-24T20:17:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Just had to share this cute little pic of Tommy having a bath in the laundry sink.

He really does get that doggy smell about him so a fortnightly bath is going to be a regular occurrence I think. Luckily he loves it and Ben happily gives it to him!

Last Saturday night we went to my Uncle/Cousin's 50th Birthday.

I made him a tri-shutter card...havent made one of these for ages.

I had this Kenny K image already coloured in my stash and so I just needed to pop her on the card. I did lots of faux stitching with a white gel pen and did the writing with the white gel pen as well. It kind of turned out a bit like a chalk board.

The copics I coloured with were:

C1, C3, C5, C7

Black 100

R59, R27, RV13

E51, E21, R20

Thanks for popping on over to my blog.
I hope you have a good week.

Alicia xx

Sympathy Cards and a Tidier Desk

2011-10-23T14:14:00.002+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I hope you are having a nice weekend...

Unfortunately I have had to make a lot of Sympathy cards lately. Not all for me to send out thank goodness. This first one is my favourite. It came together with scraps...but you wouldnt think it as it all matched so nicely.

These cards are made with a SU stamp set that is just so easy to make Sympathy cards with.

I pull it out every time because it doesnt involve much thinking and is a quick way of making a card. I try to keep them pretty simple and I like the nature theme.

I would like to play along with

Fairy Tale Challenge Blog - Sympathy

I have been using heaps of my scraps lately. It all started after sitting next to Annette at the conference and telling her about my messy crafting desk. I vowed to come home and try and clean it up and so I bought a new document tray and organised all my card and scraps into colours. Having them in the same drawer means I see the scraps when I go to get some card and I tend to use scraps rather than cutting up new paper.

For such a very basic idea it has been very successful.

Here is a photo of the two sets of document trays.

When you pull out a drawer you see the scraps on top of the card which encourages you to have a look and see what is available to use. The more document trays you get the more papers and colours you could hold. I had to combine some colours because I also included a drawer for clear bags, stickers/rub-ons and images/sentiments that are already printed out.

For me it is much easier to tidy up at the end of a project and that is keeping my desk more tidy and making me want to craft more!

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia xx

Mad for Marker's Sketch with Princess Marci

2011-10-22T16:26:00.003+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I have another card using Susan's Sketch over at Mad for Markers. For this card I used Princess Marci which Sammi has in stock and can be purchased here.

I really loved using this sketch and found the card came together easily. I added a little posy of flowers in the corner and sprayed them with Glimmer mist. I embossed the silver card and then used Kindy Glitz over the top of the swirls. It ended up being a very sparkly card.

The colours I used to colour were:

Hair: E47, E37, E35, E33

Skin: E04, E11, E21, E00, R20

Blues: B05, BG05, B02, B00

Greys: C0, C1, C3

Lips: R22, R32

You still have a week to enter this challenge.

So what are you waiting for?

Link up your card or LO here for us all to see.

I would like to play along with:

4 Crafty Chicks - Marker it Up!

Charizma Cards - Embossing (I chose Dry)

Thanks for popping by and have a lovely weekend,

Alicia xx

Mad for Marker's ~ Susan's Sketch

2011-10-20T21:09:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

Firstly I wanted to say thank you to all the beautiful well wishes and Congratulation messages I received on my last post. I am busy visiting you all back now. Thank you so much. They really made my day : )

Secondly have you popped over to Mad for Markers and tried Susan's sketch yet? I have and I love it. I found it so easy to make a card to this sketch. I guess I modified it a little...but we all tend to do that dont we!

This is the sketch:

I coloured this gorgeous stamp with a Colour Combo I learnt at the conference and then modified slightly to suit the Copics I had in my collection.

Hair: E29, R46, E08, YR16

Skin: E00, E21, E11, E04

Pinks: RV21, RV23, RV34, RV29

I really like the vibrancy of the colours.

Well I hope you play along this fortnight!

Link up your cards here.

I can't wait to see what you create.

I am going to play along with...

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Fairytale

(Mine is a little fairy out of Sleeping Beauty, I read that story yesterday at tutoring. It has three little good fairies in the story that are very cute!)

Thanks for stopping by,

Alicia xx

A few little creations and a pretty big announcement...

2011-10-19T20:43:00.001+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I havent posted for a few days...life has been busy with working and tutoring....but I think the busiest part of my week is over. When we went to the Mad for Marker's Conference we received this gorgeous little book bound of xpress paper. It was blank and we happily stamped images onto the pages to practice our colouring. I thought I would show you a few I have done.

The first one was me colouring the front cover.

This next one is this cute La-la princess stamp. I have put her on a card since and will share that with you later this week.

This next one is "No-Lines" attempt. (My first go ever.) It was stamped in light pink memento ink and then coloured in. It was so tricky. Then I practised drawing in the footpath and adding some grass.

This last image was my "Crazy Mermaid" attempt. I challenged myself to use colours I normally wouldnt, like the darker skin and the orange hair. Annette suggested I do the scales with Spica pen which turned out really pretty. She is wild though!!!

Last of all...my announcement...I am having a baby!!

We are very excited as this will be our first baby and we have been trying to have one for so long. We conceived him/her through IVF and we are 15 weeks pregnant.

Here is a little pic of our baby...can you see him/her??

I have been feeling very well...tiredness is really my only complaint and I am quite happy to cope with that. Just wanted to share my exciting news with you.

Thanks for popping on over to my blog.

Alicia xx

A few recent creations...

2011-10-13T19:33:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I have a few creations to share today.

A lady at the market asked me to decorate some notebooks for her as Christmas presents. (How organised is she!!) She wanted to have the first initial of each girl on the front cover. Three are for girls around the age of 5 or 6 - they are the pink ones and one is for a girl aged 11 - that is the white one.

I wanted to enter these journals in the Ribbon Carousel Sparkle and Bling challenge you have to use ribbon and sparkle or bling.

Also I coloured an image at the Mad for Marker's conference in all greys.

This was one of the demonstrations we had.

Some of you expressed interest in seeing what we coloured.

I have put the image on a card (kept it pretty simple) for my sister who wants the card for our cousin.

I was happy with how the image came out.

I used the colours C-0, C-1, C-3, C-5, C-7.

I would like to enter this card in Scrapbook Sisters - Anything Goes

Also I have a new corner punch and I am obsessed with rounding off the corners now.

Can you tell!!

I love the rounded corner look!

Life is busy as usual. I am stepping up the tutoring from next week with two new students so am busy preparing for that. I hope you are having a great week.

Thanks so much for visiting.

Alicia xx

Mad for Marker's Copic Conference

2011-10-11T20:42:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I was treated to an amazing weekend this weekend just gone. I flew to Sydney to take part in the first Annual Mad for Marker's Copic Conference. It was the best weekend!! We lived it up at the Holiday Inn, ate the most amazing food and coloured the weekend away with a group of amazing ladies.

The best part (apart from the awesome time I had learning such great colouring techniques and being able to colour without a thought for anything else in the world) was meeting some of my blogging friends for the first time in real life.

We had so much fun together chatting, laughing, eating and of course colouring.

I hope to show you some of my creations soon!

If you are interested in taking part next year you should book it in early!

It was so so so much fun.

I would love to do it again.

Alicia xx

Southern Girls - Slugs, Snails and Puppy Dog's Tails

2011-10-06T09:07:00.000+11:00

Hi Blogging Beauties,

I have actually stepped down form Southern Girls and this could be my very last post for them. Lou is having a baby literally now, so they asked if I can stay on a little bit longer until they sort out their DT call. So I get to participate in another challenge! This one is "Slugs, Snails and Puppy Dog's tails...to make a card for the men or boys in your life. I made this card for my brother Paddy. He turned 27 years old a few days ago. When we were little kids he used to have ferrets as pets. So when I saw this image of a ferret from Meljen's Designs I knew it would be perfect for him.

When he opened the card and had finished reading it he said "Cards make you feel so good dont they". Coming from a 27 year old male I was so happy with this comment...it was one of those rewarding moments when you feel like someone appreciates your work.

I coloured with the following Copics:

Browns: E47, E37, E35, E33, E31

Greens: G99, YG63

Outline: BG10

I also embossed the papers, because it was so clean and simple I thought the embossing might add a bit of interest. The brown paper already had stars on it and I embossed stars over the top.

Here is a picture of my brother on the night of his birthday with his gorgeous girlfriend Renae.

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Southern Girls and link up your male card or project! There are great prizes to be won as always!

Alicia xx