My Update March 2012

ok, be prepared this is going to get PERSONAL!!

Sooooo I'm still here and bored to DEATH!!!

Yup, You read correct BUB still has NOT arrived!!!!
AND to tell you the truth I just can't get my mind off it to EVEN Create!!

I'm sooooo ready for this next chapter in our lives it's just not funny now . . . .

I'm now 40wks + 4 Days and have tried every trick in the book to try and 'evict' this stubborn bub . . .
then the rain set in a day ago and even walking was out of the question . . . til today when I said bugger it I'm going out regardless!!
STILL no twinges . . . . .

Looks like that date of 14th of March is going to be it - INDUCTION day!!!

I honestly have been brought to tears how frustrated I am,
and I have soooo many lovely friends waiting paitently for the most awaited arrival!!

Sooo I'm sorry there has not been much craft posted as I seriously cannot get my head into it!!
even this year I have not entered any craft into the local show!??
YUP that bad!!

The only craftin' i have been doing is gettin' addicted to Pintrest (Online Pin Boards for all your favourite things) AND starting a Creative support group on Facebook - Coastal Stampers,

which I'd LOVE to see everyone pop by join and say hi - international members are VERY welcome:)

Soooo basically until bub pops out anytime from now til the 14th this is what is happening with Mel!!
I CANNOT wait to be able to share with you our exciting NEWS if everything goes well . . . .

til then

Baby Shower Invites

Thought I'd share with you all my Baby Shower Invites I created over the past weekend!

I know the Photo is a BAD one and it doesn't show the watercoloring on the Elebration stamp very well - but its the best I could do!!

I was going for a Safari Theme but thought this was Cuter . . . .
My color scheme is Sahara Sand, Pool Party, Peach Parfait & So Saffron!
(All Stampin' Up!)

I got these colors from the baby bouncer I bought for bub, believe it or not!
AND it's been a reoccurring theme throughout my baby shopping!!
I've gone for a lil' more untraditional, bright summery theme for bub! (Surprise, Surprise!)

I was surprised how well they turned out,
as I'm not usually a big fan of 'So Saffron' as that color doesn't scream 'Baby' to me!!

Also you maybe wondering what the background stamp is???
Well, It is a Kaszazz Stamp - Thanks to my good friend Sandy McDonell from Sandy's Handmade Cards!!
I'm not usually a Kaszazz Stamper but I really do love this one and the Adorable Stamp set which matches - Which I will hopefully show on a few NEW designs soon!!

It has some really nice sentiments plus the ever pressent 'Cheeky Monkey' sentiment - something that will come very much in handy when bub is born . . . . as that is the nickname we have given bub since it is very active lil one!!

Also you will notice the Handmade Envelope that I themed with the background stamp on the flap!
Just made it really!!

BUT of course when your doing things in a bit of a hurry there's always something (important!) you forget!!
As I had to hand write the invite inside (because Mr. Printer is not playing nicely!)
AND the fact I was writing them out at 4am . . . .
I forgot the Date but added the where and time only!? 

DOH!!!!

Oooooohhhhh Well, I can be forgiven - I am 36wks Pregnant!!

I'm hoping to recreate this card in the traditional baby colors to offer in our store.
just got to get some ribbon that matches! (Like always!! LOL)

Hope you like,
til' next time

Welcome to 2012!

Hi again . . . . .

It's been awhile I know!!!

So, Please excuse me this post is going to be a lil' update of all things Mel!

The end of 2011 and the Beginning of 2012 has been a blur really for me!

We had lots going on, me trying to run 2 businesses, kid's birthday, end of year school shannagon's, anniversary, antenatal appointments right before christmas, shopping for christmas, christmas, new year etc . . . .   

SO as much as I wanted to share things here I just have not plan had the time!

But, I wanted to stop in today and let you know . . . YES, I'm still here - Lots of changes for 2012

GOOD changes . . . .

For our Facebook followers you have already noticed a few of the changes,
But for all my Blog readers {Anyone out there . . . . *WAVES*}
2012 is going to hopefully be a creative year!
Lots of NEW Card Designs and Card Sets available, Changes to our Shop {Categories: So you can actually find products!} and much, much more!!

I also got some nice goodies for chrissy that i'll share all about soon . . . .

  

On the personal side,

I'm sure you are all wondering how the Pregnancy is progressing . . . . ALL GOOD so Far!

I am now currently in my 33rd Week and it is certainly becoming VERY real!!

7 weeks and counting down!!

our last year certainly has come full circle . . . .

I'm hoping to be still be able to pop by every now and then with lots of piccies and designs to share! 

So, I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas and a Brilliant NEW YEAR!!

looking forward to a wonderful 2012 :)

will be back soon with some godies to share!
'til then . . . .

Create with Cricut®

it's monday morning . . . . . really!?
yes!!

Here's a Cricut video to kickstart the creativity,
this video show's off the NEW Cricut Expression 2 and what you can create, effortlessly!!

Enjoy!

Don't forget we have plenty to offer in our Shop - including plenty of Cricut® Goodies!!

'til next time . . .

Give a Hoot!

Ahhh Sunday Afternoon!!
Hope you are all having a lovely relaxing Sunday.
Our day here is just beautiful, albeit a lil' humid - nothing could be more of a perfect day!!
Plus I'm kid free . . . . . for NOW!!!

So, I thought I'd show you my latest creation!!
I had a spare mmmnnn 20 minutes yesterday afternoon after giving the house a good clean.
Hubby was out mowing the lawn and while I had a spare moment before getting ready to go out to the movies with hubs,
I thought I'd have a go at doing a quick card with one of the cutest images from the 'Create a Critter' Cricut Cartridge.

As I looked at this image, the card idea popped right into my head - so I had to give it a go!?

 

What do you think??

Cute or what!

I cut the Owl out at 3 1/2" with the Create a Critter Cartridge,

The wording is from 'Birthday Bash' Cartridge, which was cut at 4 1/4".

The Background Paper is Stampin' Up!'s Pattern Paper Stack in the NEW In Colors - Pool Party.

The size of the card is 4.25" x 11" folded in half.

BUT who doesn't love an Owl card these days,

this is a perfect 'all ages' card - I think I could give this to a 10 year old OR a 30 year old!!

I just love it - it turned out just as I imagined!!

mmmmnnn tho I just realised I forgot to add the dot on the i in the birthday so . . . I'm going to have a lil' more of a play with it, 

as you know me - a card without ribbon is a lil' too plain for me but who knows . . . .

I have been playing a bit with this cartridge of late,

hopefully i'll be able to finish off a few more cards this afternoon to show you what I have been doing!?

Also I just want to mention that we have all these products in our shop for purchase including the NEW Cricut® Expression V2!!

all our cartridges on offer have the Handbook available as a free download in the product description!!

check 'em out here

til' next time

            

Designer Fabric!?

I Just wanted to share with you all another lil' 'Recent' passion of mine . . . . .

As I'm doing up Bubba's nursery I have decided to create some items myself,
So therefore I have started to collect some very cute n' adorable fabric!!
BUT I have learnt this is very much the same type of addiction beginning as when I started Scrapbooking!!!
I KNOW . . . . this ain't gonna be good!

Hubs just smiled at me this morning when i mentioned how addictive it can be . . . .
then he said 'I think you better go up the road and she the old sheila!' (my mother in law - who is also an avid sewer!!)
He knows how alike we are and every day I'm showing more and more attributes like his mother . . . .
he doesn't mind because he mother is such a wonderful lady!!
we just laugh about it!

But it really is just like scrapbooking,
there's so many gorgeous designs out there . . . .
I just keep finding more and more!!
DANGEROUS!!

I'll share what I create, once I stop buying sample fabric's!! :)

But Fabrics aren't JUST for Sewing . . . .
I have seen so many cute ideas using fabrics, even Stampin' Up! have Fabrics now too!!
AND they can be used with Papercraft sooo well!!

I'd love to show you some of the designs I have found here BUT the owner's of the designs proberly would Mind - so when I have some creations I'll share! :)

'til next time

Cricut® is Back!!

YAY!!
Now that we've got our store set back up again,

we've been able to add our Cricut® Products!!

It's certainly been a Cricut® Day yesterday,

As lots of Cricut Products were listed!

Everything from Cartridge Storage, Machines, Tools & Accessories!!
All the Essentials . . . . .

We've done the best Prices we can at the moment,
But if the Prices from the Distributors reduce we will pass on the bargains to all!!

AND just in time for the NEW Release of the Cricut® Expression 2!!!!
These are listed in the Shop and will begin shipping mid November,
(I have been told around Nov. 15!!)

You are just going to love this NEW Version -

A sleek NEW look, including a full color LCD touch screen plus plenty of NEW cutting and sizing features!!
it brings all the wonderful features from the all of the Cricut® machines into one NEW sleeker machine!!

• Cuts with all Cricut® and Cricut Imagine® cartridges
• Wireless compatibility (optional accessories)
• Full-color LCD touch screen display with stylus
• No keypad overlay required
• Mat preview
• Material setting
• Cutting area light
• Exclusive cartridge content preloaded on the machine
• Swappable side-trim pieces
• Settings menu

We also have the Cricut® Imagine listed - which thats an exciting one all by itself!!
Prints & Cuts . . . .
Cricut Imagine™ lets you design, print, and cut one-of-a-kind handmade, professional-looking projects that reflect your unique personality!






We will be adding Cartridges as soon as we have the time . . . .
AND you will be pleased with the NEW Prices on those too!!
Lots of NEW Releases coming up in the next while - sooo exciting!!

NOW before you ask . . . .
No, I will not be keeping stock - ONLY on limited items.
as we all know I definately do not have the room anymore!!
So all big items are on Order In basis per customer order - which is a good thing for you guys as you can request items with no longer a Pre-Order waiting period!!
Plus this makes it cheaper for you all!!

Also we hope you like the NEW Layout of the Shop,
Better graphic and images!!

'til next time . . . .

NEW Design . . .

 Hi All!
I bet when you popped over here you thought you were in the wrong place!?
I hope you are enjoying the NEW Blog Layout and some NEW Colors/Design!!

I always like to keep my girls on their toes!!
as many of you know I love changing things around a bit every now and then,
AND with the NEW 2011-13 In Colors from Stampin' Up!®, what better time - I thought!! 
I love the NEW IN Colors that much I thought I'd design my whole brand around them!! LOL
PLUS add a bit of personality with my ever present coastal theme - just love the Hibiscus . . .

Love to know what you think of the NEW Blog Design, Logo etc??

I'm hoping to have some more card designs to share with you all shortly,
BUT Today I'm just slightly kept busy with Doctors appointments and Booking into the Hospital!!
oh JOY!!
So much running around for something so simple . . . . ahhhh those were the days!!!!!

Be back soon,
'til then

Christmas Projects!

Today,

I wanted to show you all what I was planning for a Christmas Themed Craft Night at our local Church in late November.

BUT they will be going ahead with other crafts!

So I thought I'd show you my creations as otherwise they'll have no use!? LOL

I thought They were nice and easy projects,

Something even the newest papercraft could have a go at!!

Color Combo: Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade, Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz.                           

Stamps: Stampin' Up! Welcome Christmas, Occasional Quotes {Hostess Set}, Delightful Decorations,
Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Tree Trimmings.   


All projects are heaps simple to create!!

Firstly, there's the 'Family Greetings Card' - oh too simple 
Using the Delightful decorations stamp set and ornament punch i created the main baubles, then using a 1" circle punch I punch out the photo, tied some linen string around the top of the 'baubles' and mounted with dimensional/foam tape.
I think the rest of the card speaks for itself!?
any questions - just ask??






Then we have the 'Lollie box' which my good friend Leonie Schroder gave me the original directions,
made from a A5 card, scoring at 4cm on the long-side, then 5cm, 10cm, 15cm and 20cm on the Short-side, cut the 4cm flaps and stick together!!
Then I just punched a circle window with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch, stamped the sentiment on white and punched out with the Decorative Label Punch, inserted the bag of lollies, punched a hole at the top, inserted ribbon and tie in a bow, I then attached the tag with some linen thread around the bow.

Now, onto our 'Tag gift Pack' - very queasy as 'some' would say!!
simply stamp 5 of each color of ornament tag images around the edges of a piece of A4 Whisper White card.
Punch out the images with the Ornament Punch, using a hole punch, punch out a hole at the top of the tag/bauble.
Put tags into a cello bag, die cut a Top Note, score and fold in half and attach to top of cello bag with double sided tape.
stamp and cut out the 'Season's Greetings' Sentiment and attach it with dimentionals/foam tape.

AND last but not least, our 'Pillow Box Gift Ornament'
too simple once again - 
Die cut a pillow box with the big shot, punch a hole in the top flap, attach some ribbon, stick box together.
Stamp 2 Bauble images from the 'Tree Trimmings' Stamp Set with Baja Breeze and cut around images.
Attach first bauble image to front of pillow box with tape, then attach the second bauble image on top of first but only put tape down the middle so the edges can be pulled up to create a 3D Bauble.
Stamp and cut out the 'Merry Christmas' sentiment - attach with tape to the top of box.
Then attach 3 Diamontes/Rhinestones to the Bauble.
NOW, if your worried that your pressie will fall out of the bottom when this box is hanging on the tree, just tape the bottom shut with some sticky tape!?


Well, I hope you liked those projects??
If you would like kits for any of these projects - I will be putting these in the 'Shop' soon.
all will come with everything BUT the stamp sets to create the projects, plus a more directive Idea Sheet for each project!!


'til next time

a lil' update . . .

Hi all,
I'm sure you have been all wondering how things have been going on the personal side for me!?
sorry this is going to be a personal post from me today . . . . .



As most of you are aware i'm pregnant with 'our first' bub!
At first I was very ill but it's starting to subside - which in reality it should be considering I've hit 20 weeks today!!
I still get 'bub sickness' mostly all day every day - especially when i'm a lil hungry!!
I have been told this is normal and it sometimes means you are having a boy {Wives tale?! mmmnnn we'll see!}
BUT, at least it is not as bad as it WAS!

I'm enjoying finally being able to get back to feeling slightly 'normal' with simple things like coloring my locks {as you can tell in the pic - I certainly need some!!}and acrylic nails!!

On Friday, we had our 18 - 20 week Ultrasound Scan!
Our last scan { #4 Scan!!}- I have been having quite a few of these scans because it was a high risk pregnancy, considering what occurred in january!!

BUT, all is good and Bub was the usual cheeky self!
every scan 'it' likes to play up and not let the scanner get what they need, especially at 'those' times where i'm ready to burst!!
it seams to be very much like hubby when it comes to photos - doesn't like 'em!!! LOL
TOO BAD!!

Waving . . . .

  

I'm Also been busy getting the Nursery Ready!
slowly . . . .

As you can see it still needs curatins . . . . next project??

piece by piece . . . .

Bub's 'first' toy . . . . 'Tiger'!

I'm really happy and proud of myself, that I have been able to do it all on my income - as we had to start from scratch, as it has been a looonnnggg time between bub's!!

PLUS at the very same time I have started another Business,

 

It has kept me quite busy over the last couple of weeks - need some days off I tell ya!
Feast OR Famine and we ain't starving!! LOL
click on the logo to see what I've been getting up to!?
When I'm not cleaning i'm up to my elbows in paperwork, but all I can say is I'm Thankful for the weekly wage again!!

Well, I hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday!!
I'm off to enjoy our Moto GP race down at 'The Island'!! {Phillip Island}
GO Stoner!!
Another Race day we're missing out on this year - Bathurst was the most painful for us to watch from home I think this year!!
As you can tell hubs and I are BIG Motorsport fans!!
Bathurst 1000, F1 Melbourne and Moto GP at The Island all our fav non-events this year . . . . BUT we will be gettin' the Sydney 500 V8 event in before bub arrives - and we already know 'it' loves to hear the roar of those cars!!

Anyways, enough 'bout us . . . .
catch ya'll next time