Will I EVER Catch up on this Blog ???

So 2011 is running out and I haven't been around much :-(

Many things happened since I have been here. . . only real life priorities and no blogging time for me :-(

Some time ago, we had a COLOUR CHALLENGE over at Enmarc's Social Network. The challenge was called by Mariaan, one of the DT members.

Inspired by COLOUR! Create a double or single page layout using YELLOW (Different shades of Yellow allowed) as your main colour. You may add ONE other colour of your choice, but Yellow must be the main colour on your layout.

Remember to use at least ONE Enmarc product on your layout.

I also loved the challenge over at Let's Scrap and decided to combine the 2 challenges

Month Long Julie Bonner Sketch!!!

• Posted by Cheri ONeill on September 1, 2011 

Join us for the month of September for an exclusive sketch from the amazing

JULIE BONNER!!!

 Julie has made this sketch just for us and we cant wait to see what you do with it!

Check out her blog Starting Now 

to be even more inspired by her incredible work!!

This is what I came up with:-

For close-ups, you can check it out here 

OK, Yellow is really so NOT my colour, but I have to admit that once I got started, I quite enjoyed this challenge. Thank you Mariaan :-)

Enmarc Crafts Products used:

Moosgummi Alpha

4 Different Chipboard Alphas

Doilies : Doily Set 3

Dazzle Stencil : Polka Dots

Plain Embellishment Set : Tags & Arrows

Collage Sheet : Writable Cards

Swirls & Flourishes : Flourish 8

Dress-me-Up Mini Word : Footprints

Enmarc Arty Ruler for the stitching

Dazzles : Sunflower, Lemon Meringue and Caramel

Everything is from my stash except for the 2 background PP's

What a lovely surprise I got! I was chosen 

IOTW 9-26-11

Posted by Pat Parham on September 26, 2011

I see why everyone says this is a hard job. I had quite a list of LOs I loved but the one that stood out was the sunny yellow LO that Alma Carter put togethr with all the beautiful yellow flowers. It just kept taking my eye with all the textures (the coregated strips were so perfect). Please be sure and leave Alma some love in the gallery.

Be sure to leave Alma some love here http://letsscrap.ning.com/photo/as-the-sun-sets-on-2010?context=latest

WOW! How wonderful is that! This was the 2nd time I won the Inspiration of the Week over at Let's Scrap !

TYFL :-)

So it happened AGAIN!

I don't know WHY on this beautiful earth, blogger hangs up on me!!! I have been busy with a post and 'poooffff!' gone is my post! I will NOT sit here till sunrise. . . time to get in bed and make a fresh start tomorrow or the day afterm, or the day after that, or. . . . maybe never :-(

TIME SURELY FLIES!

It's been ages since I was able to visit my OWN BLOG!!!

MY DD and DGD1 visited fir 3 weeks and I much rather wanted to spend time with them instead of sitting infront of the PC! Now I have so much other real life things to do and will hopefully be able to post a LO or 2 very soon.

Thank you for stopping by :-)

My First DT Challenge for Enmarc Crafts

Here is my take on the Enmarc Crafts’ DT Challenge for May. I must admit that I started a while ago, because I had most of the goodies in stock at the shop and I knew what was going to be in my parcel. TYVM Enmarc for the gorgeous pack of goodies which I could play with!
This is what I received in the parcel:
• 2 sheets each Pink Paislee : Sweetness - Love Letters, Sweetness - Sweetest Day, Sweetness - Pretty Lace
• Doiley Set 2
• Page Corner : Victorian 1 – Oops! Used the wrong corner – will use this one on something else.
• Swirls & Flourishes : Flourish 7
• 2x Pink Paislee : Sweetness - Clear Cards
• Collage Sheet : Vintage Postcards
• Dazzles : Cherry Candy
Other Enmarc products used:-
• Enmarc Brads
• Dazzles – Caramel
• Plain Embellishment Set : Music Notes
• Plain Embellishment Set : Faux Hinges
• Fancy Word : Dream
• Page Corner : Victorian 2
• Rub-ons : Bingo Gards
• Pink Paislee : Artisan Elements Circles

PLEASE NOTE that I did not use a sketch for this LO

Here are some close-ups :-

I hope you found a wee bit of inspiration here ;-)

TYFL

Let's Scrap : 2011 NSD Challenge : Spread the Word

I have participated in the

challenge : Spread the Word, hosted by Cheri ONeill.

And guess what?????
Whoooo-hooooo!!!  I won!  YEAHHHHH!!!
This is the YUMMIE CANDY that's on it's way to me!

Thank you once again Cheri, it was great fun :-)) *Still doing the Happy Dance!!*

'n Oomblik in Tyd / A Moment in Time

Today was one of those glorious, fabulous, sunny days here at the coast. Real picnic weather :-)) Well, I had to work till lunch time and then had an appointment with my beautician  and THAT was the biggest TREAT a girl can ever have! (Well, at least me!) Thank you so much Vonni for being willing to treat me in your off-time, I really do appreciate it very much! I feel like a brand new sixpence!

Here is my latest creation from a Let's Scrap sketch:

Chipboard embellies (Title, sub-titles and other wording, grandpa clock, stop watch, circle, scalloped circle frame and swirlies), Half pearls and Doilies are from Enmarc Crafts (SouthAfrica)

And here are a few close-ups

TYFL and please leave some 'love', I will appreciate it very much :-)

NSD2011#2 : Let's Scrap

Let's Scrap

Hereare the rules again :

NSD2011#2 – Rachelle S’s Challenge Let's trap time and scrap about "TIME" 
1.      The title must include something about time or the word "Time". (See my LO for example).
2.      You can scrap about a day or week in someone's life, scrap someone when they were young and now or a special moment in Time.
3.      Please use a Let's Scrap Sketch.

And here is my take on the challenge :-

This is a picture of my Mother and her GGD2. My daughter and her DD1 flew up here for my Birthday in 2004. She said that she wanted us to take picture of the 4 generations' girls together, because she was so scared my mother won't be there for a next time. To cut a long story short, we actually had one BLESSED weekend together and unfortunately most of the photos are so bad and useless, it cannot be scrapped. Sadly, a few months later my Mom passed away. . .

Thank you for stopping by :-)

Enmarc Crafts Design Team

I have been so busy lately that I really neglected my blog!!!!

Some more wonderful news came my way!!! I was chosen as a member for the Enmarc Crafts Design Team for the next 3 months!! Yeah!!!

Click here to visit their Website

You can also check out their Social network :- http://enmarc.ning.com/

I would like to thank Enmarc Crafts for choosing ME amongst so many very talented Scrappers out there!!  It is an honour to be on any Design Team and so much more special to be on Enmarc Craft’s Design Team who is a South African Business. I am VERY PROUD of you!!!! And thank you for all the wonderful products you design and cut for our convenience!

Enmarc whiteboard embellies or chippies or whatever name is given to it, are my absolute favourite!! They are so versatile that you can decorate it to suit your layout.
I am looking forward to receive my first assignment’s goodies and my biggest wish is that I will not disappoint Enmarc Crafts with the LO’s I will submit during the next 3 months.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to be on your DT.

Let's Scrap : Inspiration of the Week : 5-2-11

Whoooo-hoooo!!! I won this lovely badge over at Let's Scrap the other day!

I am so honoured to have received the IOTW!! Thank you for a great Sketch Cheri and thank you for choosing my LO Roulien ! *smiling from ear to ear*

Here is what Roulien Stahnke had to say :

Posted by Roulien Stahnke, DT on May 2, 2011 at 2:17am in INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK

I had the pleasure of picking this weeks IOTW layout . . . and let me just say that I had a real difficult time in just picking one!!  We have lots of wonderful and talented scrappers here @ Let's Scrap! 

My choice for this week is Alma Carter's Barren Desert, Awesome Paradise layout!

I simply love Alma's colour choice, her background paper really compliments her stunning photos!  The border of flowers, swirls, buttons and bling are wonderfully done!  All the paper piercing elements are gorgeous and really adds to the feeling of being in the desert!

Stunning work, Alma and thank you for sharing it with us. 

TYFL :-))

Let's Scrap Challenges - No 1

I cannot believe that time flies like it does!!!

whooo-hooo!! I finally finished my first challenge at

At this rate, I might finish maybe 3 of the challenges. I think I'm also one of the slowest scrappers in the 'trade' :-(

Here's the challenge rules again :

NSD2011#1 –  Rene’ Sharp’s Challenge

1. A mixed alpha title

2. Use at least one border punch

3. Use 2 photos

4. Use a Let’s Scrap Sketch for your layout

and here's what I came up with:-

TY for stopping by ;-)

LET'S SCRAP :- NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY 2011- STARTS MAY 1ST

WHOOOOO-HOOOO!!! It's National Scrapbook Day at

There are fantastic challenges and wonderful RAK's which you can win!!

Please hop over there by following the link underneath or clicking on the Let's Scrap logo above

http://letsscrap.ning.com/forum/categories/national-scrapbook-day-2011/listForCategory?categoryId=2186252%3ACategory%3A341770&page=1

Here is the MASTER LIST OF THE NSD2011 CHALLENGES

NOTE: These are just short reminders of each of the NSD2011 Challenges please make sure to go to each of the challenge discussions posted by the hosts for a more detailed description. Also make sure to read the NSD2011 Challenge Rules discussion.  None of the challenges can be combined with each other, with the weekly sketch or Design Team Challenges.  You cannot make a 2 page layout using a challenge on one page and another challenge on the other page.  


NSD2011#1 –  Rene’ Sharp’s Challenge


1. A mixed alpha title
2. Use at least one border punch
3. Use 2 photos
4. Use a Let’s Scrap Sketch for your layout

NSD2011#2 – Rachelle S’s Challenge
Let's trap time and scrap about "TIME" 
1.      The title must include something about time or the word "Time". (See my LO for example).
2.      You can scrap about a day or week in someone's life, scrap someone when they were young and now or a special moment in Time.
3.      Please use a Let's Scrap Sketch. You can do a single or double layout. (No cards). If you do a double page layout for my challenge your name will go into the draw twice.
4.      Please post your layout in the gallery and tag it with my challenge number NSD2011#2 and the sketch number.


NSD2011#3 – Rebecca Morcombe’s Challenge

My challenge is to use the Embossed Clear Resist Technique on a layout.

In case like me and you have never done it before, here are some instructions.

You will need a rubber stamp, clear ink and clear embossing powder, heat gun, coloured ink and sponges.

Ink your rubber stamp with the clear ink and stamp onto your paper. Sprinkle on the clear embossing powder and shake off any excess. Heat your stamped image with the heat gun. Once your image has set, pick up some coloured ink using your sponge and dab onto and around your image, continue until you are happy with your design. To bring the stamped image up, simply wipe over with a clean sponge, you should find that the ink has not stuck to your image.

Make sure to use an LS Sketch and label your LO with the number of the sketch you have used and the tag for this challenge which is NSD2011#3


NSD2011#4 – Betty Hornbrook’s Challenge


My is challenge is very simple or not, you may have to really put on your thinking caps. We all need to do title pages for our albums or there is an event in our lives where we have no pictures but still want to record the event.
1. Complete either a one or two-page layout, using a Let’s Scrap Sketch.
2. You can not use any pictures on your layout. In place of pictures you can use a poem, a list or lots of journaling.
3. Your layout must include a title.
4. You can use any kind of embellishment you wish to use.


NSD2011#5 – Gina Cunningham’s Challenge

My challenge for you is to use a book/dictionary text on a layout based on any  Let's Scrap sketch.  You may use a book/dictionary page as a mat, accent, photo corners, anything goes. 

NSD2011#6  Ana Peralta’s Challenge
So my challenge is to make a layout only with black and white pictures and black and white paper and a pop of your favorite color like red yellow pink whatever that color may be so let’s have fun and get to scraping with one of the let’s scrap sketches. You must tag each entry with the NSD2011#6 and the sketch you used.

NSD2011#7 -  Jody Releford’s Challenge

So your challenge is to document something about yourself in a layout.  This can be anything you want except that there can be no children, grandchildren, or pets involved. : )  Think about what you want your children and grandchildren to know about you.  Now, I know some of you hate using pictures of yourself, so you don't have to.  Feel free to include a photo of your favorite food, your first car, which books you are reading, even a list of random things about you.  You get the idea.  I am looking forward to learning all about you lovely ladies! Make sure to use a LS sketch and label your LO with the number of the sketch you used and the tag for this challenge. 


NSD2011#8 – Kay Wallace’s Challenge
 Cut that photo or photos on a diagonal! 
1. Only layouts are eligible for an RAK.
2. Use a Let’s Scrap sketch for creative inspiration. 
3.      Post your layout in the gallery and tag it (see tagging directions below).
4.      To tag your entry to my challenge correctly, there must be no space between NSD2011 and the # sign.  As an example, if I used sketch number ls101 for NSD2011#8, my tag would read:  NSD2011#8, ls101.


NSD2011#9 Kathy Perry’s Challenge


1.  This is a page challenge:  select ANY Let's Scrap sketch from 2009 or   2010.  Do NOT use a sketch from 2011.  No cards allowed for this challenge.    
2.  Use the word FIRST in your title.  Your page can be anything about 'firsts':  things like first boyfriend, first pet, first house, first trip to Disney, first speeding ticket.....you get the drift, right?
3.  Add texture in some way to your title.   Some things to consider would be corrugated cardboard, sand, puff paints, fabric, mesh, burlap, cork, etc.
3.  Use THREE (3) patterned papers on your layout (no more, no less).
4.  Use a quote somewhere on your page.
5.  Journal around your photos.
6.  Hand draw a border around your page or pages.

NSD2011#10 -  DebbyD’s Challenge

I created 4 card sketches for NSD 2011.When you have finished and uploaded all four cards you will get access to a private group where you will be able to get instructions for a card holder to fit these 4 cards in.
If you want to match the card holder with your cards make sure you have an extra piece of matching cardstock or sturdy patterned paper.

For each card you upload will get a draw for a prize! You will get a 5th draw if you finish and uploaded all 4.
To make sure your cards will fit in the card holder make sure your cards are not bigger than note card size 4.5"x5.5" (11,5x14cm).

You can find Debby’s sketches in the NSD2011#10 discussion or in the gallery.

NSD2011#11
 Layout sketch challenge – This one is already posted and is due on
May 15th.

NSD2011#12
Layout sketch challenge.  This one will be posted on May 16^th and is due
May 31st

Other way’s to win
Carolina's National Scrapbooking Day Fundraiser
 For every $5 you donate to Let's Scrap you will get your name into a draw for a fabulous prize.

Cheri’s Spread the Word Challenge
Show me the LINK where you have shared  Let's Scrap!  You will get your name in on a draw for every place you post about the group.


Betty Anne's NSD2011 Bingo
In order to play this game you needed to have your words to me by April 27^th.  Starting May 1^st 2 words a day will be drawn until someone gets Bingo. 

Please join in on the FUN!!! Hope to see you there ;-)

Enough of the puter, off to the beach now :-))

Altered Wooden Heart

Hubby has a scroll saw and he cuts different sizes wooden hearts for my shop. The other day I made 2 Altered Wooden Hearts as examples to entice the customers ;-)

What you will need:

·         A wooden blank heart or any other shape

·         Paint and brush

·         Scraps of patterned paper and cardstock

·         Embellishments, lace and/or ribbon

·         Scissors and craft knife

·         Glue, double sided tape, foam squares

·         Chalk – I used Jumbo Java

·         Stickles and Dimensional Glaze – Optional

·         Craft Sheet

Chalk/Ink all the edges of the Cardstock (C/S) and Patterned Papers (PP’s) as you cut them.

1.    Sand the wooden blank and paint both sides in a dark colour – I used brown – let the paint dry.

2.    Dry brush or white wash with a cream colour on top of the dark colour – both sides -and let dry.

3.    Trace about 2/3 of the heart on the flipside of a piece of PP. Cut out and tear the straight edge of the paper.

4.    Cut a piece of contrasting c/s – I used brown -  about 3cm wide and long enough to cover the heart from top to bottom. Tear the one long edge.

5.    Cut a piece of a different PP about 3cm wide and long enough to cover the heart from top to bottom. Tear the one long edge.

6.    Layer these three pieces and glue together.

7. Attach lace and/or ribbon to the layered paper piece. Remember to slide ribbon through buckles before the ribbon is attached to the paper.  

8.    Fold ribbon to back of paper piece and fasten with double sided tape.

9.       Paste the paper piece on to the wooden heart.

10.    Pierce the hole in the paper while the glue is still wet. I Like to use my porcupine quill, because it helps to smooth down the pierced hole.



11.    Repeat for the flipside of the heart. Remember to insert the berry pin before you paste the paper piece on to the wooden heart.

12.    White board embellies:-

a.    Chalk and/or spray with Dazzles



b.    Add stickles to some of the pieces – Let dry

c.    Add Dimensional glaze to some of the pieces – let dry



13.    Decorate both sides of the wooden heart.

Example of the finished product :-

And here is another example :-

Enjoy your project!

StazOn Stamp-pad

A few weeks ago there were tourists in my shop and they wanted to buy this pair of wood carved giraffes. They had a problem though! If it does not have 'Namibia' written on it, they are not interested :-(( *Light Bulbs started GLOWING in my head!* I asked them if they would mind to wait for a minute and I'll have it fixed for them. They started smiling and said they will go for lunch and come back.

I grabbed my 'Namibia' clear stamp made by Enmarc as well as my StazOn Gold Stamp-pad (Enmarc) and 'voila!'

I have to add that I did not mount the clear stamp onto a mounting block, because the surface was very uneven. The people returned after their lunch, were very impressed, bought the curio and left ;-)

*pfewwwww! almost lost a sale!*

TYFL!

Class at Emsige Biene - Sun, Sand & Sea

Every Wednesday it is Scrap Day at Emsige Biene!!

This is how it works:-

I design a LO and write a tutorial for the class. Each Person chooses her own paper, TITLE and embellishments, thus no one's page looks like everybody else's page. This is actually very similar to doing a Scrapbook Kit.

This is my Layout

Oh noooooo, will have to find the pics :-(

LOL, now several days have passed since I got time to come and sit down and finish this post!!
New stock arrived at the shop and I have almost done unpacking, only a few small items to be marked ;-)

I used a sketch of a single page LO from Sketch Inspiration and ended up doing a double page LO:-


And this is my LO
SUN, SAND & SEA


These photos are of my only grandson and were taken during their visit in December. They spent many hours on the beach and just loved it!

The next LO's were done by ladies who attended the class.

Cidalia Gomes

Retha Muller

Vonni van Lill


All of these LO's turned out just beautiful and the ladies enjoyed it soooo much that they decided to become regulars ;-)

Those of you living nearby and would like to attend a class or 2, can contact me at the shop during business hours.

Thank you for stopping by :-)