Tuesday, February 28, 2012

52 photos...week 9

{the week of wet}


The weather of late has been unpredictable...or predictable in that it has been wet.  Very wet.  And it always, ALWAYS, seems to pour down raining right on 3pm.  School pick up time.

The grass is six foot high and really, that is not far from exaggeration! LOL!  And the back yard requires rubber footwear.  Unless you like that squelchy feeling of mud and grass between your toes.  Sorry.... ewww...  That's not for me.  The frogs are singing in full voice and the mozzies strangely enough, aren't too bad.  I can only put that down to the fact that we have running water through our back yard and it isn't a stagnant breeding pool.

As you can tell from Cam's shirt, the clothes washing isn't drying too well on the line and I'm at the stage where everything requires ironing!  bleh!  And who wants to do that when there is scrapping to be done!  LOL!

Every now and then we get the sun peeking through the storm darkened clouds and the kids race outdoors to stretch their legs.  Of course it doesn't help when they return indoors, covered head to toe in mud and leaving their dirty clothes on the laundry floor for me to work out the best method of washing and drying them all over again.  sigh...  And I tell you what.  My kids must think I absolutely love doing the laundry because the amount of clothes that have piled up over the past week has been phenomenal!

Anyway... here's hoping the sun will shine a little more today, tomorrow and maybe the next.  Thanks for visiting..x

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Create + Pretty Little Studio...

Hello Friends.  Today I am playing catch up with PLS.  LOL!  I have a few layouts that have been released over at the blog and I am keen to share with you here.  :)

Firstly, if you are a sketch-aholic, like me... You might want to play along with the latest sketch release - #34.


And this is my take on it...

[play]

products used: cs - kaisercraft; pp - PLS (antique store collection) other - PLS: scallop circle, journaling heart, restruant journaling cards, train check ticket (red), word flashcards; glimmermist; kaisercraft clear stamp; stampin' up ink; nikki sivils number sticker; typewriter; string; felt; sizzix diecut (love heart); staple.

okay... So you are thinking.. where is the resemblence to the sketch????!  hee hee.. It is there.  I promise.  Just rotate the sketch 90 degrees.  There.  Do you see it now?!  LOL! 


I can also share my layout featuring the new collection, Winter Wonderland.  Now, living in the sub-tropics, we don't get to see a lot of snow.  In fact I have only seen it twice and the kids... well, they got to see snow for the first time July, 2011.


[brrrr]

products used: cs - kaisercraft; kraft; pp - PLS (winter wonderland); other - PLS: notebook brackets journaling card, paper ribbons, document winter paper ribbons, PLS packaging; machine stitching; kaisercraft rhinestone; mister huey's mist; tim holtz distress ink; versacolor ink; staple; back embroidery thread; black pen (sharpie).



I think I have a new love for a white cardstock base and a few flicks of paint/mist.  Thanks for visiting..x

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

52 photos...week 8

{blah.. blah}


Recently I went to my very first scrap crop at the very lovely Kim Jeffress' place.  It was so nice to be able to sit and scrap.  all.  day!!  LOL!  Kim was the most wonderful hostess and not only did I get to catch up with her, but Gail as well!  Yay!!  What a day.

But while I was there... I was inspired.  Not only by these amazingly talented ladies but also by the equipment they used.  Namely... one old fashioned writing devise.  The humble typewriter!!  LOL! 

So... I went searching on ebay.  My birthday was coming up and I had decided that I needed one too.  ha ha... (This is what I needed to be in the "in" crowd right?) And guess what.  I'm sure it was meant to be.  Listed on ebay was this Adler typewriter.  No bids.  $20.  Good condition.  AND... It was local!!  I couldn't believe it.

My kids look at it with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.  "How does it work, Mum?" "Where's the mouse?" "Do you need to get a monitor to go with it?"  Bwhahahahaha! Sadly I didn't make those questions up.  *sigh*

Monday, February 20, 2012

Greatest View...

Hi Friends.  Today is my turn to share a little something over on the Greatest View blog.  :) I've been playing with these fun kraft tags and envelopes...



[love]

products used: cs - kaisercraft, stampin' up; pp - fancy pants, ruby rocket, kaisercraft, stampin' up; alpha - sizzix die cut love; Greatest View - kraft envelope and tag, bakers twine (brown), stick pin, mini doilies; other - typewriter, manor house flowers, stampin' up button, Pretty Little Studio notebook journaling bracket, kaisercraft: deep yellow paint, clear stamps, sizzix diecut heart, versacolor ink (pinecone), black pen (sharpie), machine stitching.


If you'd like to see more on how I created this look....  :D please go here.  Thanks for visiting ..x

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Sunday Picnics...

...always lead to new adventures and fun discoveries.  :)  You see... We generally don't go down to our local playground but rather to our local State Forrest or National Park...


Where we seem to get a much better view!  And along the way we always tend to get side tracked, detoured or even too curious to go past some points of interest and for all the right reasons!  Have a look at what we found this time!!!



The water was gorgeous, both in temperature and clarity.  Definitely a spot we will return to.  And hopefully we will be better prepared for swimming too! LOL!  Yep.  It was hot enough for us to be tempted into the water, knowing that we didn't bring towels or swimming togs with us.

And after we finally dragged ourselves out of the water hole, we detoured again to find some nice easy bush walks with teeny-tiny waterfalls at the end. :)




It was such a lovely day away from being at home.  And I'll even forgive Liam for saying we could've just stayed at home, with the a/c going, sitting on the couch, watching a nature chanel on tv!!  sheesh boy!!!  LOL!

And this coming from the boy who did quite a bit of exploring today anyway!  I'm sure he says these things just to tease!!  :D



But after all the sightseeing we did, we eventually ended up at a lovely day use area for our little camping family picnic.


I soooo love these days.  Thanks for visiting..x

Friday, February 17, 2012

Create, Blog hop winner + Get Picky...

Hello Friends.  Firstly today I want to announce the winner from the Pretty Little Studio Blog Hop who left a comment on my post!  Thank you to all of you who left lovely comments.  I really appreciate them. :D Now onto business...  the winner is.................................................

BloggerTina said...
Great projects...thanks for sharing! I love my family the most! Monday, February 13, 2012

Congratulations!  Please email me at leanneallinson (at) hotmail (dot) co (dot) uk .  I hope you will like the cute journaling hearts.

Also today, I just wanted to let you all know that Get Picky has released their latest sketch inspiration for February...


Gorgeous isn't it?!  Simple elegance.  Of course, since when do I follow the rules.. :s LOL!! Here is my layout.  Far from the elegance the sketch portrays... (and definitely more boyish too!!)

{A True love of Science}

Products used: cs- bazzill; pp - crate paper, kaisercraft, pretty little studio, ruby rockit, bella!; alphas - jillibean soup; other - machine stitching; bella chipboard; basic grey brads; crate paper stickers; Greatest View definition badge; string; bakers twine; star punch; white paint; large orange brad (unknown).


These photos were taken at the Qld Rail Workshop Museum in Ipswich.  Liam was more fascinated with the interactive science exhibits than the trains.  But I love how he was getting Cam involved too.  Even though Cam was definitely more interested in the trains!!

There's quite a tangle of elements in the top corner.  AS you can see the sketch has been mirrored but it is still essentially the same.

Please go and check out what the amazing DT have created over at Get Picky.  And if you are inspired, please join us by linking your layout to the bottom of this post here.

This month's sponsor is Polly! Scrap Kits who are offering a shopping voucher for our sketch challenge winner!  Just remember Get Picky is a multiphoto challenge site. :)  The lucky winner will be announced on February 29th.

Thanks for visiting...x

Thursday, February 16, 2012

52 photos...week 7 (and a catch up!)

It's my party!

And the only crying I did was from tears of laughter!  And maybe a little bit of relief that my attempt at making a birthday cake turned out!  hahaha!


Thank you Pinterest for the inspiration!  I think the kids were just as excited as I was to see the beautiful rainbow colours.  phew... Six cakes all stacked up on top of each other!



And why did I make my own birthday cake... Well, Mark is usually pretty good at this kind of thing but... because of this...


It has been a little difficult.

Around here this week, it has been busy.  In the extreme.  Mark has had surgery on his elbow and is now at home recovering.  And as much as it is like "man flu" x 1000... It has been nice to have him home to help with the kids homework in the afternoons and spend the day with me on my birthday.  :)

We are also back at ballet and much to Tahlia's delight, in the new studio that was flooded just before dance classes resumed.  And when I say we... well... obviously it's just Tahlia and not Tahlia and me! LOL!!  Because I'm just the taxi driver at the moment!  hee hee..


Life is all "hussel and bussel".  The kids are really tired from the extra work they have happening at school.   The new curriculum is exhausting them, especially Ethan in Grade One.  The school has even taken away ten minutes at each break time to add to the learning time.  It's all go, go, go!  More reading, more maths and more science.

Thanks for staying with me through this rushed account of our lives for the week.  :)  I have some scrappy shares to show tomorrow and hopefully I'll be back to our regular blogging schedule soon...x

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Pretty Little Studio Blog Hop!! **now closed**


Welcome Friends to our little blog hop for Pretty Little Studio. If you are looking for the very beginning... Look no further!!  You have come the right place as I am sending some *love* your way!  ;)  Take a deep breath as the love bug strikes and hopefully you'll catch some of the fever of Valentine's Day!

I have created a few Valentine's Day Cards and I want to share them with you today.  :)


I have used all the lovely reds, pinks and even blues from across the Pretty Little Studio collections.  Sometimes it feels good to just create using products that are beautiful.  And even though I'm not really a card maker (yep.  you've all heard me say how much I struggle with making them!! LOL!) I couldn't resist playing.

{remember}


PLS products: pp - Jolly Christmas (good cheer); document winter paper ribbons, journaling cards (love notes).

{forever}
PLS products: Little girls vintage illustrations, word flashcard (anniversary), document winter paper ribbons.
{forever love}
PLS products: pp - Antique Store; scallop circles.

So... You have made it this far.  Well then I have a little something for you.  I am giving away these super cute little Valentine's journaling hearts from the Pretty Little Studio store.


All you have to do is leave a comment or "some love" here at the bottom of this post telling me what you love the most and I'll put you in the draw to choose a random winner! 

But that's not all!  If you see something you must have in the PLS store.. there is a special offer of 14% off the price of your purchases.  TODAY only (12th Feb, 2012).  Your coupon code is: bemine

Isn't that love*ly!

And because Melissa is incredibly generous we have an added bonus gift for you.  This adorable little download is yours for free!
To access  it.. please visit here.

Now don't forget to leave a comment to be in the draw to win my giveaway from the PLS shop.  Your next stop is here with the lovely Katie!  AND just in case you get lost...  here's the full list of designers who are taking part.  Have fun!!

Leanne Allinson  ---------------"that's me!!"
Thanks for visiting..x

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

52 photos...week 6

{We are Learning}

It's a process right?!  One that encourages our children to learn.  Or is it more a survival instinct kicking in... helping them get a step up before they start school?  I've always tried to encourage my kids to love learning.  And so far...  It seems to be working.  LOL!  As it is, Prep/Kindy usually has a screening process now anyway.  Or at the very least, in my experience, your four year old gets to have an "interview" with the school Principal and they test them on their letters, numbers, colours, shapes etc...  That's what Ethan had to go through...  Tahlia and Liam just rocked up to school, pencil in hand, ready and eager to get started.  No pre-Prep testing, just the name of their teacher and what class they were in.

I guess the curriculum has changed since Miss T started, waaaaaaayy back in 2005!  And now students can be placed in classes that have others who are at a similar academic level as themselves..

So what does this have to do with Cam...?  Well he's busy learning.  Loving his numbers... two, frwee, hor, h-ive, shix, h-evan, nine!  Loving his colours.  Green, red, pink, blue, orange, yellow, rainbow!  No problems there. :)  And even though he loves looking through books, pointing out several things of interest, his favourite subject this past week have been shapes!  LOL!  Especially if he can make the shapes with his hands.

So, at home we've been busy.  Cutting out the shapes in play-doh, drawing "hircles", "quares" and "ti-angs" on countless pieces of paper and singing "Twinkle, twinkle little star", "Wheels on the bus" and "I love you".

I love this time at home with Cam.  And to be honest, I'm not going out of my way to have the brightest two year old on the block!  LOL!  I just love that he loves to learn.  I want to encourage and nurture that gift.  And hopefully I can do him justice.  Who knows what will keep his interest next week....  (Hopefully not tele-tubbies..LOL!) Hmmmmm.  That scares me!  hahaha!  I think I might need to break out the big guns.  Now where did I put that encyclopedia Britannica set??.... LOL!!!

Thanks for visiting and have fun learning this coming week..x

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Create + Share...

Today I want to share with you a layout created for The Boxx.  I am posting a series of tips and easy to use ideas to help launch you into using more journaling on layouts....January's tip is about incorporating the title as part of the journaling process.


I find that the "long" title draws me into the story being shared.  It is most definitely a starting point - a first paragraph if you like.. :)

Here's my layout:

[Have Faith]
products used: cs - bazzill; pp - October Afternoon; alpha - American Crafts, October Afternoon, kaisercraft mini alphas; other - October Afternoon stickers, string, machine stitching, tim holtz distress ink, shipping tag, kaisercraft ink (antique blue, sepia).

If you think this LO looks odd, because it is about encouraging journaling and you can't really see any on the sample... well... LOL!! My journaling has been hidden behind shipping tag!!


Be sure to visit The Boxx blog for more ideas and inspiration.  Thanks for visiting..x

..............................................................................
Oh!!!  And one last thing.  It's FREE class weekend at Miss Art's Papercrafting school.  The fabulous Lisa Valentine is being featured.  Check this out:


Hope you have fun!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Get Picky...

This fortnight at Get Picky we are celebrating our Summer Holidays with the gorgeous photo inspiration prompt below....


However, the challenge can be used to scrap your most favourite holiday. Ever!  The twist of course.. and you know there's usually one...  YOU NEED TO INCLUDE FOUR PHOTOS!  And they must help you tell the story you want to document.

Here's my layout.

products used:  cs - kaisercraft, stampin' up; pp - bella! alpha - American Crafts; other - jillibean soup stickers; crate paper sticker; kaisercraft: paint, chipboard #3; scrap fx chipboard cogs; string; martha stewart circle punch; bella! word stickers; maya road transparency; machine stitching; sharpie pen.

Almost every afternoon during the school Summer holidays, my three boys would go outside and wrestle.  They have the best times chasing each other around and around just in our yard.  And I really do prefer this activity as opposed to sitting in front of the tv and playing wii games!  LOL!  Don't get me wrong.  My two older boys are quite proficient in playing (and mastering) anything technological... and I include the craze skylanders in that!!!  But it makes me smile just to see them outside.  playing.


Even if it can get a bit rough sometimes! And the roughest of them all of course... is usually Cameron.  All of two years of age. 

So to be in the running to win next month's guest spot over at Get Picky, all you need to do is upload and link your multi-photo layouts by midnight (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on February13th.  Good luck.  I can't wait to see your entries....x

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Greatest View...

Well it's that time.....  Release day at Greatest View!!  Winners have been announced and the shop will be open tonight at 7pm Brisbane time.  Check out some of the items available.  


I promise you there will only be disappointment if you miss out.  So be quick...x