Some Scrappy fun ...

SFS ‘Sketchaday” comp

Starts Sept 1^st 2011

[tomorrow morning]

Come on over and check it out in the forum

Have you lost your mojo?

Need a hand getting those photos onto layouts?

Well what are you waiting for - this comp

is designed for you :)

Each day a new sketch will be added for you to

play along with.

Daily, weekly and MAJOR prizes will be given – lots of random draws for everyone to have a chance to be a winner.

Major Prize is a 6 month Subscription

to the SFS Designer Kit Subs

[3 kits valued @ $135]

Albums, kits, shop vouchers and more will be given away.

Including an eBook from a sketch blog

[announced later in the week]

Come on over and join in the fun

– Forum chatting isn’t a must but you will have to join to be able to load your pages.

Crop time with Shimelle ...

I've been busy this week doing a number of challenge layouts for Shimelle's crop last weekend - thank goodness she gave us this week to finish them or I wouldn't have had a chance of getting anything done.  As it stands I have missed a few but I'm well pleased with what I have managed to get done.


Chop Your Paper Layout - Create a project (layout, card, etc) that is embellished with paper rather than embellishments. Take a piece of paper (or two) and chop it up until you have enough to dress up your page!


My layout has been created from one sheet of Scenic Route paper.

Grid it Up challenge - Create a project with a grid as a design element! You can interpret that any way you wish! Get creative!


I've been very boring I know and done the traditional 9 square grid.

Go retro challenge -  You have to scrapbook a photo from before 2011. No current pictures allowed. If you can, embrace the idea and scrap something a bit retro or something from your childhood, but I totally understand not everyone has pictures like that at the ready. So anything that is not 2011 will be acceptable!


When I think about my bedroom buy in the grim dark ages of my youth I remember the chenelle bedspread, the travel alarm clocks and the bottles of perfume (invariably the Avon variety on my dressing table.

3 is the magic number - Create a project (layout, card, etc) that includes a group of three in the embellishment. It can be three kinds of flowers like I used, but that’s not a requirement – you could use three squares, three butterflies, three things that are red, three apples, three hedgehogs… whatever group of three takes your fancy!


Terrible picture I  know but this is what happens when you take photos of layouts at night.  I'll try to put up another in the morning if I have time.  Lots of 3's.

Half page challenge - Create a layout that only uses half the page. It can be whatever half you would like, but somewhere around half the page space needs to be breathing room!


Although not strictly a 6x12 or a 12x6 this layout really only uses half a page.

Signature accent challenge - create a page with a product or a technique you love so much you use it relatively often. Maybe it’s become your signature accent! Whatever it might be, put it on show and share it with us!


I love kraft cardstock and using buttons and if I can do this on the one layout I'm a very happy little bunny indeed.

Butterflies and bingo cards  - all you have to do is create something inspired by the video. It can be very similar to the page if you like, or you can take inspiration from any element you like – the colours, the photo placement, any technique – whatever takes your fancy. Then upload your project to your blog or a page gallery like Two Peas or UKScrappers and leave a link to the post (not your blog’s main page) in the box below.


No guesses for what inspired me.

Sketching with Shimelle ...

I'd like to share two layouts I have done using Shimelle's sketch of the week.  I'm continuing on using photographs of our holiday to Coffs Harbour back in January - I'll definitely have an entire album  (ie photo book) done of this vacation by the year end just using these sketches as inspiration.

This first one is based on this sketch and layout example.

Journaling reads ... The mosaic mural outside the Tourist Information Centre  in Dorrigo is a national treasure.  It depicts the town and the surrounds in a wonderful abstraction.  The amazing depth, texture and colour  represents the wonderful skill of the artists involved as well as the love of the townspeople for their natural environment.  A truly beautiful piece of art.

While the second is using this sketch.

I've used some photographs of inside the main building at Opal Cove (the resort we stayed at in Coffs Harbour).  They had a rather impressive cascading water feature and little walkway bridge which very much set the tone of the overall resort.  Very relaxed and welcoming.

Renoir at play ...

The inspiration challenge over on ARTastic this month features a painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.  

The Playing Claude Renoir by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (25 February 1841 – 3 December 1919) was a French artist who was a leading painter in the development of the Impressionist style.  Renoir is perhaps the best-loved of all the Impressionists, for his subjects---pretty children, flowers, beautiful scenes, above all lovely women---have instant appeal, and he communicated the joy he took in them with great directness.


The additional criteria for this challenge was:-


Ribbon = 1 point
A photo of a child or child playing = 2 points
Paint your own background = 3 points


I've used photos of my son and his friend playing in the pool at a local resort last summer holidays. They had such a great time, going up and down the water slide and in and out of the various levels of the pool complex.  I've painted the background of my layout with white paint and used a thin ribbon across the strip of patterned paper.  All criteria covered.

80’s August - Day 11

The nominees are:- 

Song A –  Swanee – If I were a carpenter

John Swan, better known as Swanee, is an Australian rock singer. He is the older brother of rock singer Jimmy Barnes and the uncle of singer and stage performer David Campbell. He emigrated to Australia with his family in 1961. When his mother remarried in the mid-60s, he was the only child to keep his natural father's surname. While his music career has never reached the heights of that of his more famous younger brother, Swan is well known and respected in his own right.

Song B –  The Weather Girls – It’s raining menn

The Weather Girls are an American girl group that formed in 1977 with Marsha Wash and Izora Armstead and became best known for their single It’s raining men, released in 1982 which went on to sell 6 million copies worldwide.

And the winner is 

Song B –  The Weather Girls – It’s raining men

80’s August - Day 10

The nominees are:- 

Song A –  Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack – Tonight I celebrate my love

"Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" is a song recorded as a duet single released in 1983 by Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack. It became a big hit for both singers, peaking at number sixteen on th Billboard Top 100 and number five on the Hot R&B chart. It also peaked at number two in the UK, becoming the 25th best selling single of 1983 in the UK. It boosted the careers of both stars and brought them both a return to prominence.

Peabo Bryson (born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, given name changed from "Peapo" to Peabo c. 1965) is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter. He is well known for singing soft-rock ballads (often as a duo with female singers) and his contribution to several Disney animated feature soundtracks.

Roberta Flack (born February 10, 1937) is an American singer, songwriter and musician who is notable for jazz, soul, R&B and folk music. Flack is best known for her Hot 100 #1 singles The first time ever I saw your face, Killing me softly with his song. Song B –  Tim Finn – Made my day Brian Timothy "Tim" Finn, OBE (born 25 June 1952) is a New Zealand Pop recording artist. Finn is most known for his music with New Zealand 1970s and 1980s rock group Split Enz, and later for his solo work, a temporary membership in Crowded House and his joint effort with younger brother Neil Finn. And the winner is …. Song B –  Tim Finn – Made my day

80’s August - Day 9

A bit lop sided today with the nominations - think it was a foregone decision before we even started!!!

The nominees are:- 

Song A – Katrina and the waves – Walking on Sunshine

Katrina and the Waves were an English pop group formed in the 1980s, best known for their 1985 hit Walking on sunshine and their 1997 Eurovision Song Contest victory with the song Love shine a light.

Song B –  Michael Jackson – Billie Jean

Do I really need to tell you who Michael Jackson was?  No???  I didn’t think so!!

And the winner is ...

Song B –  Michael Jackson – Billie Jean   of course!!

10 things ...

10 good things in no particular order ...

10.  I stuck my name down on the reservation list at my local library as soon as this little beauty showed on their online catalogue as “awaiting administration” which is library speak for “it’s on order and when it’s released we’ll get it OK?” I’m at Number 1 …. Yes!!!

9.  The wattle is out everywhere. It’s so beautiful, such a rich golden colour but I feel for all those people with allergies. This time of year can be hard on the sinuses.

8.  The squares I am knitting for a throw rug are coming along nicely. Winter is a great time to knit and I enjoy spending an hour or so each night making some progress on this while watching a bit of  TV.

7.  Winter sales are on everywhere – seems every store I walk past has 40 … 50 even 60% off right now. There’s even been opportunity to grab some summer bargains from sale stock of leftover from earlier this year. After all a plain tee is a plain tee and who doesn’t want to pay $5 instead of $29.95.

6.  Really good time of year to catch up with friends for a coffee or two. Even taking the daughter out to lunch has its appeal.

5.  It is getting lighter every day. I was trying to read in the semi dark while waiting for ds at swimming squad training now it is still light when we finish up at 5.30pm. Been thinking it won’t be long and maybe I’ll start going for a walk rather than read.

4.  The dh finally bought himself new bike shoes and a new road bike – after 35 years!!! I’ve been talking myself blue for years about upgrading and now he has finally done it.

3.  Those driving hours dd needs (120 of them) are slowly adding up – need to update her driving log but I estimate she is close to 100 now and with luck she should have her provisional license by year end. Then I go grey that little bit faster.

2.  These cooler nights make sleeping a pleasant experience. There is nothing quite like snuggling down under the covers for a good sleep.   I need to remember to turn off the electric blanket as soon as I jump out of bed in the morning though - otherwise certain feline family members like to take advantage.

1.  Driving past here every weekday morning (twice) and every weekday afternoon (twice) is a privilege I don't recognise nor acknowledge enough.

80’s August - Day 8

The nominees are:- 

Song A – Terence Trent D’Arby – Wishing Well

Sananda Francesco Maitreya (born Terence Trent Howard, March 15, 1962), better known by his former stage name Terence Trent D'Arby, is an American singer songwriter who came to fame with his album Introducing the Hardline according to Terence Trent D’Arby, released in July 1987, which included the singles "Wishing Well" and "Sign Your Name". The album has sold over 12 million copies.

  

Song B –  Bobby McFerrin – Don’t worry be happy

Robert "Bobby" McFerrin, Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American vocalist and conductor. He is best known for his 1988 hit song “Don’t worry be happy” which was a No. 1 U.S. pop hit in 1988 and won song of the year and record of the year honours. He is a ten-time Grammy Award winner.

 And the winner is ….

Bobby McFerrin – Don’t worry be happy

EXPLORE - Day 17

Shimelle's prompt for today included three different ways to write about our progress with our week-long goal - three very different options depending on what type of journey each of us is taking with our chosen goal.


#  Use a personal mission statement, manifesto or motto.  State what you are going to do and why.


#  Write about the past (in past tense) but allow yourself to look forward as well.  Say why you have not been able to complete your goal in the past but also propose why you intend to do so now.


#  Use the calendar to track your progress.  Write down on your calendar, diary or daily planner what you have achieved each day towards your ultimate goal.


I prefer the calendar method.  I don't always work to this but when I do have a lot on my plate I write it down on a monthly printout sheet my end goal with expectations of where I will be at certain points - it helps me stay focused.

80’s August - Day 7

The nominees are:- 

Song A –  NKOTB – The Right Stuff

New Kids on the Block (also initialised as NKOTB) are an American boy band assembled in 1984 by producer Maurice Starr. NKOTB enjoyed success in the late 1980s and early 1990s and have sold 80 million records worldwide.

Song B –  Jackson Browne -  Somebody’s Baby

Jackson Browne (born Clyde Jackson Browne) is an American rock singer, songwriter and musician who has sold over 17 million albums in the US alone.  Browne’s political interests and personal angst have been central to his music.

And the winner is ...

Song B –  Jackson Browne -  Somebody’s Baby

EXPLORE - Day 16

This is the final week of Explore with Shimelle and she has us focusing our exploration of a goal (one we need to choose for ourselves).

So what is it I want to accomplish this week?

The obvious is that I’d really like to finish this class – catching up with blog entries and my little workbook as I am a bit behind with both – I can see a lot of class participants will have that as one of their goals.

I also know that Shimelle will have an entire weekend of crafty goodness and fun for us with her upcoming crop starting on the 12th.  These crops are always so motivational so I can’t wait to jump in with whatever she has in store for us.

Big Picture Classes starts their free summer class Big Idea Festival on the 15^th and runs for 12 days with a wealth of very talented ladies leading the way.  These free classes are well thought out and again provide such great inspiration.  This year I believe we will be putting together a mini album – a page per day.

Add that to my existing Design Team commitments at From Screen 2 Scrap (where we are also celebrating our 2nd birthday this month with extra wonderful challenges I would also like to participate in myself) plus Soul Scrappers and I can tell I will literally be inundated with challenges for the next several weeks.  I may well need some staminade to get through it all this month!  It never rains but it pours so they say.

So I guess my goal for this week and the next couple is to stay focused, remain positive and try to keep on top of these crops, classes and challenges to take full advantage of the inspiration and education they provide.

On a non-scrappy focus note … I’d like to finish cleaning my vertical blinds.  I’m in the process of taking down the vertical slats and wiping over each one individually – it is amazing how many little stains and spills seem to land on these blinds and how time consuming the job of properly cleaning them is.  I have three large windows to do and am only half way through the first but this goal is achievable!  Focus!!

80’s August - Day 6

The nominees are:- 

Song A –  Pointer Sisters - Neutron Dance

The Pointer Sisters  (June, Bonnie, Anita and Ruth) - an American pop/R&B recording act from California who achieved mainstream success during the 1970s and 1980s. The group achieved its greatest commercial success as a trioo during the 1980s consisting of the line-up of June, Ruth and Anita. Sister Bonnie had left the group in 1978 to commence a solo career with only modest success.  Best known for songs,  He’s so Shy, Fire, Slow hand to name but a few.

 Song B –  Deniece Williams – Let’s hear it for the boys

June Deniece Chandler an American Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and record producer in the 1970s and 1980s. Her music was influenced by soul and funk.  In 1984, Williams released the album Let’s hear if for the boy’s in which the title track reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was featured on the soundtrack for the movie Footloose.

 And the winner is ….

Pointer Sisters - Neutron Dance

80’s August – Day 5 ...

Two classics today.

The nominees are:-

Song A –  Black Lace - Agadoo

Black Lace is a British Euro pop band best known for novelty party records, including their biggest hit, “Agadoo”. The band first came to the public eye after being selected to represent the UK in the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest, in which they finished seventh with the song “Mary Ann”. With numerous line-up changes, Black Lace went on to have success with a number of lightweight party anthems such as "Superman", "Agadoo" and "Do The Conga".

Song B – Men without hats – Safety Dance

Men Without Hats is a Canadian New Wave group. Their music was characterized by the distinctive baritone voice of their lead singer as well as their elaborate use of synthesizers and electronic processing. They achieved their greatest popularity in the early to mid 1980s with their most successful single, “The Safety Dance”  which was a Top 10 hit in both the US and the UK.

And the winner is:-  (check out those skin tight black pants!!!!)

80’s August – Day 4

The nominees are:-

Song A –  Hall and Oates – You make my dreams

Hall & Oates are an American musical duo composed of Daryle Hall and John Oates.  They achieved their greatest  in the late 1970s and early to mid-1980s. Both sing and play instruments. They specialized in a fusion of rock and roll and R&B  styles, which they dubbed "rock and soul." Hall & Oates' songs were filled with strong hooks and melodies that adhered to soul traditions without being a slave to them by incorporating elements of new wave and hard rock.

Song B –  Chaka Khan – I feel for you

Chaka Khan (born Yvette Marie Stevens; March 23, 1953) is an American singer and composer who gained fame in the 1970s as the front and focal point of the funk band Rufus. While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career. Her signature hits,  both with Rufus and as a solo performer, include Tell me something good, Sweet thing, Aint Nobody, I’m every woman, I feel for you and Through the fire.

And the winner is