Back to Basics!

When I first started my little blog, I used it as a bit of a diary. A place to write down what me and the kids were up to, which I'd often go back to when I was doing up their scrapbooks. Of course it was a place to share some of my scrapbooking stuff too. As a single mum of 2, I seemed to have plenty of time, to blog, craft, teach classes and run my business. But of course, things change! Now it's not just me and 2 kids, but a new man and a baby too! Time to start recording some of our memories, before I forget them all!

Does this thing still work?

It's been a looooong time since I've blogged! I'm not sure I even remember how, but I'm planning to get this thing up and running again real soon......stay tuned!

Thinking About Christmas (Already!)

Oh man...I am a slack ass blogger! I keep telling myself that I'll keep my little blog updated, but time just keeps getting away from me! Gotta love a busy life though! I always thought that I'd have more time as the kids got older, but I think it works the other way around!

So another school term is almost at an end, with school holidays starting at the end of this week. One more school term to go, and then it'll be the downhill run till Christmas!!  Em is wanting to chat about Christmas EVERY DAY lately, and she's already started doing some Christmas crafts at home. I've been hanging onto lots of little boxes and containers, so that I'll have plenty of things for her to decorate. At our house, we rarely throw away anything that can be redecorated. There is something very satisfying about turning something that was destined for the bin, into something cute and useful. And lets face it, when you’ve got kids who are crazy about crafting, it’s much easier to give them some old containers to decorate than to let them loose in your BTP stash! So with Christmas coming up, and a big bag full of empty strawberry containers, I decided to make a cute little gift box using the Kaisercraft Mint Twist collection. All it took was a few scraps of patterned paper, ribbon, bling and die cuts to turn this empty container…

Into this gift box…

Kaisercraft products used – Mint Twist P930 Peppermint, P931 Trimmings, CT724 Collectables, Paper Flower F610 Poppy, Rhinestone Strips RS455 Lime. Other – Ribbon, black pen.

To make the die cuts stand up, I simply attached a bent strip of card (cut from the Collectables packaging), to the back of the die cut shapes, and attached it to the top of the container. Instead of die cuts, you could top it with flowers, or anything else you like, the possibilities are endless!

As soon as Em saw it, she wanted to make some of her own, so with around 20 or so strawberry containers here, I've got something to keep her busy for a while!

I've also got a layout to share today, using the gorgeous MME The Sweetest Thing - Tangerine!...

Products Used - The Sweetest Thing Tangerine The Sweetest Thing Tangerine Wonderful Delighful, The Sweetest Thing Tangerine Sunshine Blossom, The Sweetest Thing Tangerine Sunshine Title, The Sweetest Thing Tangerine Hello Buttons, The Sweetest Thing Tangerine Together Chevron, Prima Flowers #557300 Charlotte Melon 6pk, #561994 Aria Orange 2pk,#43041 AC Niki Riki Glitter Thickers Yellow

I love the "Sunshine" die cut! I used to sing that song to Em when she was a baby and it always used to make her go to sleep (probably trying to escape my terrible singing voice!).

Here are a couple of close ups...

You can find the beautiful MME The Sweetest Thing range in the Sassy Shop HERE, but make sure you're quick or you might miss out!

Sassy Scrappers August Sketch

It's the last day of the month, and it's time to get all those challenge entries in! There is a fantastic sketch at Sassy Scrappers this month, so if you haven't done this one yet, make sure you give it a go!! Here's my layout (I used the Simple Stories Awesome range for this one, available HERE)...

And here's the sketch...

Make sure you link your entry up by tonight, and you'll be in the running for a fabulous prize!

It's So Quiet Around Here...

So Jack went off to his year 6 camp on Wednesday. We were packed and organised, and at the school by 7am, and he was so excited! He hardly gave me a backward glance as he climbed into the bus, so I had to sneak on to give him one last hug...but when I got up to his seat things had changed. He had tears in his eyes as he told me he'd left his special new torch that his Granny had got him on the table at home.

He got this new torch a few weeks ago, but he hadn't used it yet. It's one of those ones that go on your forehead, like a miners torch or something, and Jack thought it was SO cool. He was saving it to use at camp, and he wouldn't let me pack it in his suitcase, because it was 'just too special'.

So as we headed out the door, I grabbed his suitcase and sleeping bag, and he grabbed his pillow and his book. I didn't even think about the torch, and obviously neither did he. I tell you, my heart just about broke seeing him so sad. I know it's not a big deal, but when you're 11, stuff like that is a HUGE deal. If I had had enough time to go home and get it I would have, but the bus would have been long gone by then.

After I dragged myself off the bus, I told his teacher about him being upset, and I knew they'd make sure he was fine, but a few minutes later the teacher brought him out to me, and he was really in tears! And he didn't want to go to camp any more. Oh, it was hard to tell him to hop back on the bus, and he put his pillow up at the window, so I couldn't even wave goodbye to him as the bus drove off.

And I couldn't stop thinking about him all day. Hoping that he had cheered up, because I know what a sook he can be sometimes.  And then when I was scrolling through Facebook last night, I saw this on my newsfeed...

 Made me so happy! This was on the school facebook page, just got to love that modern technology!!

So after I knew he was happy again, I could relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of only having one child at home :) And it has been so very peaceful, and very quiet. And I can't wait until my boy comes home tomorrow, even if it means my peace will be shattered :) :)

Hope you're having a great week!

Save The Date!

Have you seen the gorgeous new Kaisercraft range released this month called 'Save the Date"? It is so bright and fun, and although it leans slightly towards the girly side, it can certainly be used for more boyish layouts too...

I love how the candles stand out in that photo! This layout was based on the Saturday Sketch over at the Kaisercraft blog. Make sure you give it a go if you can - there are some great prizes to be won!

Next up is this little wall plaque. The photo I've used on it is a 3x4, so it's a really small and cute little plaque. So much fun to make!

And another layout...

As soon as I saw the ice creams in this range, I knew I had to scrap these photos of Emily pretending to eat a giant ice cream! The little quotes on the die cuts that I used were just perfect, and so were the ice cream die cuts and epoxy stickers. And I couldn’t go past using one of the cute pinwheels on this page. They are so easy and quick to put together, and are the perfect fun embellishment to use!

Hmmm...cards are definitely not my strong point, and I really struggle to make them, but this is another one for the card stash.

So...if you want to grab some of this cute range, make sure you check out Sassy Scrappers. You can see the whole range HERE. 

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Kaisercraft Attitude Layouts

Good morning! It's such a beautiful day here today, you can really tell that summer isn't too far away. I am so looking forward to being able to take the kids to the beach after school every day again. We have missed it! Although I'm sure in a few months time, when the weather is all hot and stuffy, I'll be wishing it was winter again. It's always the way, isn't it?

I've been super busy with the kids, and with Purple Pumpkin, but have managed to squeeze some scrapping in too. Here are some of my projects that I created for Kaisercraft, using the fabulous Kaisercraft Attitude! range...

Materials Used – Attitude! Papers – PS216 Industrial, P888 Trouble, P883 Teenager, P889 Prank, SS141 Sticker Sheet, CT719 Collectables.Other: Black pen.

I have to say, this has to be one of my favourite boy ranges EVER! It is just so easy to scrap with, and the colours are perfect for boys of all ages. The specialty paper in this collection, “Industrial”, (which I used as my base paper here),  has the most fabulous texture. I sanded it all over to bring a bit more definition to it, and I just love the effect!

Here's another layout using this gorgeous range...

The die cuts (Collectables) that Kaisercraft bring out with their collections are just fantastic for putting together quick pages. And how gorgeous is that wood paper?

Now for an off the page project!

Materials Used – SB182 Flip Album, Papers – P883 Teenager, P886 Dude, P887 Whatever, P888 Trouble, PS217 Independant, SS141 Sticker Sheet, CT719 Collectables.

As soon as I saw the Attitude! range, I knew it would be perfect for scrapping Jack’s birthday party photos.  He’s getting to that age where I don’t really use the cutesy sort of papers on his layouts any more, and this range couldn’t have been more perfect for his age group. I think my favourite thing about this range is the alpha stickers. I just love that font!

And lastly, a card...

Materials Used – Attitude! Papers – P887 Whatever, P883 Teenager, P888 Trouble, CT719 Collectables, FL363 Flourish Pack Christmas Star, Cardstock, Ink.

The Collectables in the Attitude! collection are perfect for using on cards. With great sentiments on them like “So Proud of You” and “What a Star”, it couldn’t be easier to whip up some cards for those boys in your life.

If you love the look of the fabulous Kaisercraft Attitude! range, make sure you pop into the Sassy Scrappers Shop HERE to check it all out.

Well, I'm giving myself the day off today! I've already finished packing todays PP orders, and now I'm going to sit down and do some scrapping.

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Kaisercraft Miss Match Layout

Good morning! I finally have a chance to update my blog. Yay! I have been busy with Purple Pumpkin, as well as scrapping lots of dt layouts for Kaisercraft and Sassy Scrapper. On top of that, I've been sick for 2 whole weeks with the 2nd worst flu I've ever had (swine flu was the worst!), but I'm pretty much back to normal now :)

So, here's a layout I did a little while back using the GORGEOUS Miss Match range from Kaisercraft...

I love the vintagey look of those papers! Here's some close ups...

Love that photo of my girl in her 'Team Edward' t-shirt. She has a bit of red eye in that photo too, which I didn't edit out (because of the vampire thing, lol :)) Em loves her vampires, and werewolves too!

Have a great week!

Sassy Scrappers Blog Hop Winner

Thanks to everyone who left a comment during the Sassy Scrappers Blog Hop!

The winner of the Elmo Kit from Purple Pumpkin is....

Congrats Kelley! Please email me at samjackem@yahoo.com.au with your postal address, and I'll get your prize out to you :) :)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

WRMK Anthologie Layout

 Well, we're into our 3rd week of school holidays, and I'm officially going stir crazy! I really hope the weather improves a bit, as it is just too cold and miserable to go out at the moment. Good scrapping weather though, and I have been scrapping up a storm with lots of Kaisercraft products. None that I can share just yet though! But I can share this layout that I did for Sassy Scrappers...

 
 Aren't those papers and embellishments just gorgeous? Would you like to create this layout yourself? Instructions for this page are up on the Sassy Scrappers blog HERE if you'd like to go check it out :) :)

So, we're supposed to be heading to the zoo tomorrow, but the rain is pouring down, and it looks like it'll be another home day. Not that the kids are complaining. They are loving the sleep ins and just chilling at home, and there's been a whole lot of this going on...

This is the kids play room, and they've been having fun building cubbies! Unfortunately their play room is right in the middle of our open plan house, so I can't close the doors on the mess. (Their play room used to be in the garage, but I took that over as my scrapping room, so I guess I can't really complain :))

So as well as scrapping and hanging out with Jack and Em, I've been getting ready for the next Purple Pumpkin sale. Are you on facebook? I'd love it if you became a fan on the Purple Pumpkin facebook page. There are lots of fun little giveaways happening at the moment, with our big birthday sale at the end of the month. Hope to see you there! :) :)

Just An Ordinary Day

Well, school holidays are in full swing around here! The kids have 3 weeks off, and this is their second week at home. Let's just say that my patience is wearing a bit thin! Because it's been so cold, we have been cooped up in the house a little more than usual, and my favourite boredom buster - the beach - is just way too chilly to be any fun at the moment. When a friend of ours suggested a trip to our local little theme park, we jumped at the chance!

Aussie World is only a 35 minute or so trip from our house, and the kids just love this place! All the rides are really close together, so the kids can run from ride to ride without me worrying about them getting lost. It's so easy to keep an eye on them, and they think they are being independent and doing their own thing :) I only wish this place offered annual passes, then we'd probably be there every weekend!

We've got a trip to the zoo planned for next week, and hopefully a couple of trips to the movies  too, so that should keep the little rascals happy. Em has been busy crafting so much, that I'm running out of things for her to do. She keeps eyeing up all my design team goodies, and I think I might have to hide them!

With the Purple Pumpkin sale taking up a lot of my time last week, I haven't had a chance to get a lot of scrapping done, but I do have this layout to share that was featured on the Sassy Scrappers Blog...

'Just An Ordinary Day'

Products Used - WRMK Anthologie papers and embellishments, available at Sassy Scrapper HERE.

That would have to be one of my FAVOURITE photos of the kids. And it's so typical of one of our 'Ordinary Days', scruffy kids, covered in sand after a play at the beach :) As much as I love the snuggliness (is that a word?) of winter, I really do miss our lazy summer afternoons at the beach. I especially miss how it burnt off lots of cranky kid energy too!

Hope you've had a great week!

GIVEAWAY WINNER!

And we have a winner to my HUGE giveaway!!!


156 entries...WOW! Thank you so much to everyone who entered my giveaway, and for promoting it on your blogs and facebook. I have checked, and re-checked when counting up the comments, and the winner is...


Congratulations!! Please email your postal details to samjackem@yahoo.com.au, so I can get your pizza box FULL of goodies out to you :) :)

So sorry to everyone who didn't win (I always feel so guilty!), but please leave a comment on the post below, as I have a little giveaway going on there for the Sassy Scrappers Blog Hop. And stay tuned for another GIVEAWAY from me in the next day or two :) :)

Hope you had a great weekend!!

Sassy Scrappers Blog Hop!

Hello and Welcome to "Sassy Scrappers" first Blog Hop! Thank you for joining us!

There are some FANTASTIC prizes to be won, including a $50.00 Sassy Scrappers Store Voucher! The design team have prizes on their blogs too, so make sure you check them all out!

All you have to do is visit all the blogs below, leaving a COMMENT and becoming a FOLLOWER to all.. Its that easy....

Visit Nat to say hello
Visit Hetty to say Hello
Visit Samantha to say Hello - THAT'S ME!
Visit Sam to say Hello

And of course, don't forget to visit the Sassy Scrappers Blog!

Our Blog Hop will run from the 1st July to the 10th July and we will announce a winner on the 13th July...Good Luck and Have fun hopping!

Now here's a layout I'd love to share with you, using the Sassy Scrappers July Sketch...


I used Kaisercraft Magnolia Grove papers, which you can find in the Sassy Scrappers Shop HERE.



And here's my prize for the blog hop...


A cute Elmo Kit from Purple Pumpkin!
The winner for my blog hop prize will be announced on the 13th of July, from all comments left at this post. Now get hopping, and have fun!!!

Tomorrow!

Hi everyone! Tomorrow is the 1st of July, and do you know what that means? Yes, I will be announcing the winner of my giveaway!! If you haven't got your entry in yet, make sure you go HERE to get your name in the draw :)

Tomorrow is also the Sassy Scrappers Blog Hop, where there will be some amazing prizes up for grabs. Here's a little sneak of the layout I'll be sharing with you tomorrow...


See you then!

Up 2 Mischief!

Good morning and welcome to all my new blog readers! It's been great to see such a fabulous response to my giveaway :) I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. I had a very relaxing weekend at home, hanging out with the kids, watching dvd's and doing lots of crafting. Lucky for me, Em is still craft obsessed and she loves to hang out with me in the craft room. She has been making all sorts of little creations, from scrapbook pages and off the pages items, to dolls clothes and bags. It's all so cute! She is keen to start her own blog, but I think she might be a bit young for that yet, but stay tuned for a 'Guest Blogger' post from her soon ;)

Seeing as I've been scrapping with lots of new Kaisercraft goodies, I can't share those layouts just yet, but I did finish of this layout that I started last weekend...


I'm still chipping away at my older stash of papers, and these ones are BoBunny Flutter Butter. Love the colours in this range!


Now how cute is this little Purple Pumpkin Gumnut Babies button? I've been dying to use that on a page!


And I love this Purple Pumpkin Green Heart button too...


Now, I don't know how well you can see it under there, but I've tucked a little handmade lace flower behind the papers there, and it was super quick and easy to make, and the best part - no sewing! I'll be popping up a little tutorial for those on here soon :)


Well, I've got a busy day of flower making ahead of me today, to get ready for the Purple Pumpkin sale next week, so I'd better get cracking. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Check it out - It's HUGE!!

As promised here is my HUGE GIVEAWAY! I had so much fun putting this lot together and I can't wait to send it on its way to its new home :)

Lets have a closer look...


So in this giveaway, the lucky winner will receive a set of Kaisercraft Magnolia Grove papers, with matching die cuts, stickers, stamps, rubons, pearls, flowers and ribbons, as well as some pearl trim in pink and white, strips of coordinating blank carnival tickets, and Purple Pumpkin buttons.


But wait! There's more...


The winner will also receive 2 6x6 Imaginisce paper pads, chipboard from A2Z Scraplets, 8 x 5m packs of twine, MORE Purple Pumpkin buttons and dyed doilies, Fancy Pants Journalling note book, My Minds Eye die cut and stickers, Prima Flower Vine, Kaisercraft Rhinestone word, Imaginisce Roly Rosies, Imaginisce Stickers, and an adhesive tape runner.


So how does that grab you?

Here's how you can be in the draw to WIN!!

1. Be a follower of this blog :)

2. I would really appreciate it if you could blog about this giveaway, and if you could post it on your facebook, that would be awesome!

3. Leave a comment on this post :)

This giveaway is open to ANYONE, ANYWHERE! Entries will close at midnight on the 30th of June, and the winner will be announced on the 1st of July.

GOOD LUCK!

A Layout & Exciting News!

Yes, I have more exciting news, but first of all I thought I would share a layout. This is the page that I submitted to the Kaisercraft design team call. I also submitted another page with my application, which was from one of their Saturday Sketches, but this one I made especially for the dt call...


I love that sweet photo of my babies! Not that they're babies anymore of course, they are huge! Jack especially is really starting to look like a young man, rather than just a boy these days, but he'll always be my baby boy to me :) :)


Apart from the corrugated cardboard and the paper doily, everything on this page is Kaisercraft.


I love the Sweet Nothings range, it was so easy to scrap with, and that wooden word...I LOVE it!


Now for my exciting news!!


I was thrilled to be asked to join the fabulous Sassy Scrappers design team! The other girls on the design team are all amazingly talented, so make sure you check out the DT announcement HERE.

I'm feeling very lucky and grateful to be starting on two wonderful design teams, so check in here tomorrow for a HUGE GIVEAWAY. See you then!