Pieces of my life

Exciting times...

I hardly know whether I'm coming or going at the moment but in a totally good way :) The Scrapbook Expo in Brisbane is fast approaching (how did that happen?) and the Scrapmatts classes for Saturday and Sunday are sold out! Monday is filling fast so it's going to be a jam packed 3 days in Classroom 2!!!!

Starting tomorrow the Craft Fair is on at Perth Convention Centre and runs through until Sunday. I know we often complain in Perth as we seem to miss out on a lot of the big stuff but let me tell you - this is BIG!!!! I was helping Andrew and Sofie from Scrapmatts  set up today and I was stunned at how fabulous it was as I had a wander around. My credit card will certainly be wandering around with me over the next few days that's for sure :)

Not only is there plenty to do shopping wise but if you pop on over to the Scrapmatts Stand C13 we will keep you entertained all day with heaps of mini classes and demonstrations. So if you are in the mood to play how's this?

TAG CLASS $10:

Daily at 9.30, 10.30, 11.30 and 12.30

ATC CLASS $10:

Daily at 10,11,12 and 2.30

Printer's Tray Class $20 (this runs for approximately an hour):

Daily at 1.15

Card Class $20 (this is in Craft Circle 4 at noon daily). Must be booked at the Scrapmatts Stand prior to attending.

If you are interested in attending any of these please pop through to the Scrapmatts stand and book the class and you will be given your kit to bring with you. The ATC and Tag classes have been run back to back where possible so if you would like to book both classes you can sit comfortable for around an hour, play and rest those weary toes!!!!

Sooooooo exciting!

Now you can imagine how much kitting up that has gone on to get everything ready for all those classes so I haven't had too much time to play lately. However I did make these tags a little while ago using some fabulous bling from Flourish with a Bling! The FWAB Chloe Pearl Flourish just added the perfect finishing touch to these tags and you won't be stuck for a matching colour as there is such a fantastic range of colours available. I've used Antique Gold, Pearl and Olive Green - yummy!

OK I'd better go and get ready for a big day tomorrow :)

Sonia x

No matter how busy, there is time to play...

Life is a bit hectic at the moment, but no matter how busy it gets then a little bit of creative time just makes things a bit easier! There's nothing like making a bit of a mess and getting your hands dirty to make you take a deep breath and get ready to plough back into the real world again!

I've been having a play with some Scrapmatts again which I've popped into the Scrapmatts Gallery but here is a little peek:

I've also added in a bit of Flourish with a Bling  goodness - so much fun :)

Last week I treated myself to an early Mother's Day present and drove down to Made with Memories to attend a Pan Pastel class with Donna Downey. I've never used this medium before and I guess if you're going to learn, then who better to learn from! I had a ball and I would have loved to attend the whole two days of classes but I had two little munchkins that needed to be picked up from school so I had to make do with the one class

This is one class where, not only did I learn so much, but also had a great time in. Donna is extremely funny and very relaxed so it was a fabulous atmosphere to spend some time in. I'd book a class with her again in a heartbeat!

Sonia x

Having fun with tiles...

Of the chipboard variety that is and not ceramic! I've popped a post up over on the Scrapmatts Ning site and I have to say that I had a ball making it! Just lately I've seen more and more of these tiles around the place and I had to have a play.

I opted to paint most of my chipboard with a mix of Jo Sonja's paints in 'Warm White' and 'Smoked Pearl' and edged with a bit of brown ink (I used Versacolour Pinecone) I ended up with a lovely vintage feel to the chipboard. Here is a sneaky of what you'll see:

Don't forget if you are in WA then the Perth Craft Fair is on at the Convention Centre from Wednesday 23rd May until Sunday 27th May. Andrew and Sofie are bringing their fabulous range of chipboard all the way out west so come along and shop your hearts out (I know I will!!!!). There will be make and takes, demos and classes going on throughout the day so Stand C13 will be a fabulous place to be!

Sonia x

 

Flourish with a Bling...

Don't you just love that name - Flourish with a Bling :) I am over the moon to be one of the lucky ladies to make the inaugural Design Team for Flourish with a Bling:

Thank you to Maggie, Lucy and Kate who not only have some of the most gorgeous embellishments around, they happen to be the nicest team of people you could hope to work with. So I'll be looking forward to working with more fabulous pieces such as the Jack Vine and Chloe Flourish that are in this layout!

The beautiful bling in my class sneaks from the Brisbane Expo happens to be Flourish with a Bling Rhinestones as well.

I'm off to do a happy (and very blingy!!) dance!

Sonia x

I think I'm stuck in a time warp...

A time warp that keeps taking hours away from me because the weeks cannot be going this fast! It's a bit scary to think that we are into May already, however that does mean the Brisbane Scrapbooking Expo is not that far away and I'm getting so excited. However I must admit there is a fair bit of preparation that I still need to do between now and then such as making one of these flowers!

As well as that preparation there is also the organising to do for the Perth Expo. Yep that's right - Andrew and Sofie are bringing Scrapmatts to Perth for the Craft Expo at the Convention Centre from May 23rd - 27th! Now if you think the Scrapmatts chipboard looks good when you visit the online shop just wait until you see it in real life! You'll want to grab a shopping basket and just scoop it all in (well that's what I basically did when I first found their chipboard at the Brisbane Expo a couple of years ago!). There is going to be lots of fun all day (a bit more on that later) but I can show you a sneak peek of the card class (cost $20) which will be on at midday each day of the show. If you would like to book the class ahead of time to avoid any disappointment you can call the Scrapmatts office on (02) 9543 7951 or you can visit stand C13 at the show to book as well:

Now I have been busy creating for Miss Chelsea over at Scrap Boutique as well during my time as a 'temporary stylist'. The packs she sends out are so generous and she is so much fun to work with so if you are interested in joining her Design Team the details can be found on the forum with applications due by the 15th May.

I created this layout for the last Scrap Boutique Cyber Crop - A challenge to use a song title from one of the judges songs on The Voice (the Australian version!). I used Delta's song 'Innocent Eyes':

I had a play with some of the gorgeous Pink Paislee London Market that Chelsea sent me (adding in some Prima flowers!)

I must admit to been stuck with the Fancy Pants Be You collection as it is so different from what I usually use so I had a bit of fun making some cards instead!

I'm off to play with some more chipboard - how do a couple of ATC's sound as a Make and Take for the Perth Expo ;)

Sonia x

Sold out!!!!

I couldn't believe it when I received a phone call from Andrew at Scrapmatts saying that my Saturday class at the June Scrapbook Expo  has sold out!!! Thank you to all the lovely ladies who have signed up - you are going to have a ball! (well I'll be trying my best anyway!) 

Now if you are still contemplating which classes to choose I'll give you a little update - all the Scrapmatts classes for Angella and myself have already had the extended numbers added on so once they are sold out we are at classroom capacity and there cannot be any more seats released. So if you are thinking about it - book now (please LOL!) Saturday is completely booked out for all three classes, Sunday has minimal seats left and Monday still has available seats in all three classes.

Now I know I haven't exactly been the best at updating here lately - school holidays have managed to upstage everything else. However the girls went back to school today so I'm hoping to get back into routine again. Not that I have much choice as the things I need to do is a pretty long list at the moment!

I realised that I've missed putting a few projects up so here they are:

From last month's boy themed Scrapmatts post:

Using Scrapmatts Gears CB5039, Butterflies CB4010, Name Plate CB1148, Leaves CB1151 and Words CB6071. The Gears, Butterflies and Name Plate were all sprayed with Glimmer Mist in Coffee Shop, the Leaves in Radiant Rain Olive Vine and the Word title is straight from the packet (it was cut in White Mist which is a gorgeous vintage white chipboard)

A bit of card creating using the Scrapmatts Sign Board CB5060 which was sprayed in Glimmer Mist Coffee Shop.

Finally another card  using the too cute papers from Graphic 45 Lil Darlings and using Scrapmatts Words CB4055, Card Borders CB6043, Hearts CB1159 and Leaves CB1151. The title, Heart and Card Borders were sprayed using Studio Calico Calico White and the Leaves painted with Radiant Rain Olive Vine

I've mentioned before that I'm currently filling in as a temporary Stylist at ScrapBoutique after the sad loss of Amanda. For the monthly challenge I set the task of creating a happy layout using the colour yellow. Now it's not a colour I use very often at all but I couldn't resist making a layout with the gorgeous Prima Sun Kiss range that Chelsea sent me:

I've also had a fun play with the Prima Song Bird collection:

And one of my favourites from this CHA - Glitz Designs Pretty In Pink

I have stuff stacked so high around my scrap area that it looks like chaos but it is organised chaos I swear! Each job that needs doing has it's own pile and as long as it all stays upright and nothing falls down and makes the pile collapse then I'm doing OK (if I tell myself that it'll make it true right? LOL!!!)

Have a great week and I'll be back soon - promise!

Sonia x

One week left....

Only one more week of school holidays and then the girls are off back to school! Luckily the weather has remained good for the most part and we've been able to spend a good deal of time outdoors. However I would be happy to not see the trampoline, bubbles, the Zoo, Crazy String, the Park etc for a little while! I shouldn't complain as they have been fairly good but I haven't managed to get anything done like the housework or my 'getting close to collapsing because it's too high' ironing basket! As for any scrapbooking... not happening! Still there's plenty of time for all that when they are back at school and I guess I should just enjoy the ride :)

However I was hoping to get started on my instructions for my class for Scrapmatts at the Scrapbooking Expo  in June. I'd rather cross off all the 'to do' things as soon as possible so I feel organised. I might have heard a whisper that the papers and embellishments were all ready to go already! In case you are still looking at booking classes, Saturday and Sunday only have a few places left and some of Angella's divine classes have sold out already.

On the topic of all things Scrapmatts, here are my projects for April that I posted the other day. The new Ornate frames are just divine and when I opened my parcel and saw them I squealed (I've been doing a lot of that lately as I've been getting some of the products that will be released at the June Expo - they are THE. BEST. EVER.!!!!). There are a number of different sizes and are gorgeous and so fun to work with!

First a card with a little cherub cutie from the Graphic 45 paper Lil Darlings:

Using Scrapmatts Ornate Frames CB4056, Doves CB1112 and Leaf Spray CB5082.

Next some tags which I am having so much fun making at the moment! The papers on all these tags are Glitz Designs:

Using Scrapmatts Wings CB1120, Hearts CB1159 and Leaf Spray CB5082.

Using Scrapmatts Dress Form CB6052, Hearts CB1159 and Leaf Spray CB5082

Using Scrapmatts Ornate Frame CB5096 (the backing from one of the frames), Hearts CB1159 and Leaf Spray CB5082

Now I got into trouble for making this layout as my husband doesn't like me using his pictures and he caught me with this one! I told him it didn't really count as it was from more than 17 years ago but that didn't work - oh well ;)

Using Scrapmatts Ornate Frame CB4056 (yum!!!!), Butterflies CB1027, Leaf Sprays CB5082, Leaves CB1116 and Assorted Words CB6071 (Timeless).

The background was created using Crafter's Template 'Chicken Wire' and spraying with Mr Huey's 'Calico White' Mist.

Here's hoping to have a bit of creative time over the weekend, if not I'll just go and blow some more bubbles in the back garden with the girls and enjoy listening to that magic laughter!

Sonia x

What a week...

Indeed it has been an amazing week! The registrations for the classes at the Scrapbook Expo  in Brisbane in June opened on Tuesday and I have been blown away with the response! Thank you to anyone who has booked the Scrapmatts classes and Angella and I will make sure you have a fabulous time with us :)

If you would like to book any classes please go to the Classroom 2 link and you'll find Angella's and my classes listed. Then click on the 'book now' link in the classroom description and follow the easy instructions! 

Now if it was going to be a big show before - now I'm doubly excited as Tim Holtz has been announced as a guest demonstrator! I just hope I can get close enough to see what he does as I can imagine the crowd that would be surrounding him as he works his magic. What an amazing Expo this is going to be!

It has also been my turn to post over at Scrapmatts and I have been having a wonderful time playing with the gorgeous new frames that Andrew and Sofie have released this month. Here are a few sneaks but hop on over to the Ning site  for a better look :)

Bed time for me as I wander off into the land of nod and dream of distressing, embossing and inking - can't wait to see you in action Tim!!

Sonia x

Tuesday is the big day...

Yep that's right... Tuesday 10th April at 10am EST the bookings for the classes at this year's Scrapbook Expo open and I'll be in Classroom 2 for Scrapmatts!!

My class is Cherish the Moments and will be the 12 - 2pm (Session 2) class so come and join me for 2 hours of fun and creative time with something that is brand new (what could it be?!!!!!).

All Levels

using Scrapmatts

Webster pages

Flourish with a Bling

Maya Road

Green Tara

Now I'll be working along side the gorgeous Angella Peardon and her classes are simply stunning:

Session 1 Precious Times from 9.30 - 11.30am:

all levels

Using Scrapmatts

Maya Road

Flourish With a bling

Darkroom Door

Green Tara

 

Now one class with Angella is never enough so she also has Treasure the Little Things (Session 3) from 2.30 to 4.30 pm:

Using Scrapmatts

Maya Road

Webster pages

Flourish with a bling

Green Tara

and Vintage trinkets

One of our prerequisites for the class is to bring along some fun and laughter! Creating is all about enjoying yourself as well as making some treasured memories. So come along to all three classes, play with some amazing products and have a ball!!!! There might even be some prizes to give away ;)

 Now just in case you are new to the gorgeous Scrapmatts chipboard (or me!) here are some of my previous projects using Scrapmatts that I had a ball creating:

 Using Scrapmatts chipboard words, Butterflies, Candelabra, Clocks, Bird Cages, Hearts, Key Hole, Dress Form, Dove, Dragonfly and Trees

Using Scrapmatts Words, Mistletoe, Doves, Hearts and Wings

Using Scrapmatts Printer's Tray, Bird Cage, Doves, Hearts and Butterflies

Using Scrapmatts Frame, Butterflies and Flourishes

Using Scrapmatts Flourish and Butterflies

Using Scrapmatts Frame, Doves and Butterflies

So we'd love to see you in Classroom 2 at the Expo!

Sonia x

Challenge time...

We've been having fun with challenges over at Scrapmatts and it's a great excuse to hit the stash and have a bit of creating time! The first challenge is the monthly challenge and for April Sharmaine has given everyone the fun task of getting messy and using Scrapmatts chipboard as a stencil or mask. So have some fun and then pop your creation into the gallery by the 30th April and you could win a fabulous prize. I used some gorgeous Scrapmatts butterflies for a Thank you card:

I used Butterflies CB1027, CB1028 and CB1158 and sprayed with a combination of Glimmer Mists in Turquoise and Key Lime Pie.

The second challenge was a Design Team challenge and it was to use chipboard from 4 separate packets. You could use as little or as much as you wanted from those 4 packets but there were to be no pre-made, purchased embellishments used (yep that meant no fabric or paper flowers eeeeeeeek!!!!!). After much perspiration (due to my flower addiction LOL) this is what I came up with:

Of course there still had to be some flowers so I used Flowers CB1144, Leaf Spray CB5082, Butterflies CB4010 and Assorted Words CB4050. The chipboard frame on the outside of the patterned paper is actually the frame from the Assorted Words  - nothing like using some packaging to tick the recycling boxes!

Now the program for the Scrapbook Expo  classes in Brisbane from June 9-11 is due out at any moment and I have to say I'm getting more excited by the moment! I do have to get started on some of my prep work as the class will be here before I know it but the other news is that I might have had a peek at what the gorgeous Miss Angella has created for her two classes - and WOW!!!!! If I wasn't already helping in her in the classroom, I'd be first in line to do her classes! Angella will be taking the morning and afternoon classes and I'll be in the lunchtime class so it'll be three days of fun and mayhem! Bring on June :)

Sonia x