Creativity necessities

I'd like to think I NEED the items I buy to the same extent that I want them, but we all know this isn't true. When I got a rather nice tax return this year I really wanted to splurge it. Then I was contemplating resignation and ended up doing just that. I kept telling myself I needed to be sensible with my money as living off Single Parent Pension isn't easy.

What it came down to was a conversation with myself that ended with "who knows when you will have any money again? When is the last time you really bought yourself something, not just thrifted craft items or clothes (which are quite frankly, necessities)?". So I asked my friend Toni her opinion on where to buy the item I was after. It's something I had wanted for such a long time, and it seemed I was finally going to own my own Cricut Expression!!!!

I googled for hours, using metashopping tools like getprice.com.au to see price comparisons. Everything in Australia was so expensive! I tried US stores, and it seemed the store Toni had recommended, Custom Crops, was really well priced. I went through the whole process of trying to work out what I might want, how much that would total, going to check out and seeing postage, converting it back to $AUD, rechecking Aussie stores.. it took me a long, laborious time to decide if this really was for me. In the end I placed my order with Custom Crops for the Cricut Expression, spare mats and blades, deep cut blade housing and blades, Cricut Design Studio and cartridges. Most of which I would have had to forgo if shopping within the limits of my own nation. Truth be told, I probably went over board. I got "2 free" cartridges with the machine and from all those they had to choose from, I wasn't very impressed. Turns out I really like Doodlecharms, but I think Fabulous Finds is crap. 

My order arrived while I was away in Perth and I itched to get home and play! When I did arrive home and collect my gigantic box from the Post Office I was so disappointed to open it and find my machine and some other items were on back order. Even more annoying was that their invoice said "expected date of arrival 12/31/1965". Yes, December 31st... 1965? I emailed them to ask after the actual date they'd get new stock and they informed me they had them. They then proceeded to ask if I got the 2 free cartridges. No, I did not. I quoted them the invoice number and pointed out what was on back order, as it also included a couple of other items. I was really starting to doubt them by this point. How did they not know what I had back ordered?

Finally my machine and everything owing arrived and I was happy little chappy! I would still use CustomCrops again, mistakes happen and they fixed it up very fast and with little fuss. 

The day the machine arrived, I realised I hadn't bought a power adapter to make the US plug work in Aus. Turns out I only needed to swap the lead from the power pack to the wall, and happened to have a matching cord from my video camera or something laying about. I was really apprehensive to turn the machine on after this little wave of genius, Aus and USA have different voltages and I didn't want it to go kaboom! I pay contents insurance for something, right? Thankfully there were no issues. The trouble started when Jessica realised what I was up to. It was school holidays and she wanted in on the action. I spent ALL afternoon that day using the Once Upon A Princess cartridge, making Jessica paper dolls!!!!! It was a great way to use up random bits of paper. You should see some of the colour/pattern combos. Actually, I revoke that invite. No one should see them! It's been some weeks since, and Jess is still playing with them. Bonus! I don't own inks and chalks, so have no real idea the right way to add texture etc so for now, everything is very simple. I'll get there :)

PS. My Cricut 'wish list' is getting bigger and bigger. Uh oh!

Organised Chaos

 I owe the biggest, most belated thank you to Kali of

POPPY LANE

I won a giveaway she hosted way back in, hmm.. March? Yes, I have been a BAD blogger! I am so glad she emailed me to tell me of my fortune, as I had been such a bad blogger I wasn't even reading blogs! There is one item missing from the above photo, a lovely quilted notebook folder. Which I coveted and used right away. Jessica tried sneaking off with the little pink purse (which is for her) and I made her return it until I had taken photos.. ummah that I did not do the same for myself! I will photograph it soon!! I love everything! The fabric used for the little zippered pouch and pocket tissue case is soooo sweet, and those coathangers, omg gorgeous! The little round wooden things are buttons, aren't they sweet? Knowing me I will always be "saving them for good" then in 4yrs time wonder why I never used them. I'm terrible like that. Whether I am reading blogs, or recieve a RAOK like this, one of the first things I do is "OMG!! I have that fabric!". I have no idea why, it seems so stupid. But each and everytime I catch myself doing it. The only fabric I have which Kali used above is the tiny pink and white spotted poplin. I LOVE all the corduroy she used, it's so soft. Check out her blog, she does lovely work and shares tutorials for some of it.

I don't think winter and I really get along. I feel so drained all the time. That said, I feel worse in summer! Hmm.. So I haven't really completed anything. Infact, I've spent so much time with a friend that everything at home has been very neglected. Now I am trying to spend more time at home, she is feeling neglected. Does anyone see the trend here? It's no win no matter what I do.

Jessi had her first ever fringe (bangs) cut into her hair

Jessi's new fringe makes her look a lot older. Well, she is 7 and I guess to her that is very "big girl" but wow.. My own mum didn't even recognise her for a few moments. That made Jess very sad but it highlighted how one small alteration causes such a drastic effect. Her skin's looking a bit nasty again but she's been generally very healthy. She hasn't had any serious problems with her asthma this winter!! We still run backwards and forwards to Perth far too frequently to keep a check on how the immunosuppressants are going in her system. They (currently azathioprine) have some nasty side effects which we've managed to avoid. Jess has finally caught up in school and is now reading with the top of her class. Over the last 2yrs she missed so much due to her health that I was worried she'd lag for some time but she's a determined lil thing and works hard. She likes school. Last week she tumbled, head first, off her monkeybars. Now, that was a little scary! I didn't see it happen but I ran to her when I heard her screaming and when she told me what happened I was a bit wary as she said "my legs feel weak". I took her to the hospital, they went into "neck/back damage" mode and had her in a makeshift neck cuff (small sandbags as we weren't sure what the paediatric neck cuff was made of). She was fine, she is fine. Kids fall down. A lot of people are moving away from town and she's having to say goodbye to a lot of friends. It's been quite disruptive.

We celebrated a first birthday party for Tian (Tee-arn) and my-oh-my was Jessica jealous! We spent a good 2 days with June and Tian setting up the party and Jessi misbehaved so bad! She's usually such a delightful little person. But it soon became obvious an attack of the greeneyed monsted was in hand. She hasn't had a party since she was 4, and she let us all know it!! Because we live in a small town and you're lucky if the supermarket has milk in stock, we found decorations for Tian's cake and the cake decorating activity June wanted the child guests to do, Jess and I spent hours one night at June's dining room table separating licorice allsorts and using tiny tiny cutters to cut out shapes, and I sliced fruitsticks to create little flower shapes. June also had a kids pizza topping activity, and finger painting. Look at what Jessica did to her dress! It was only a $6 opshop (thrift) dress, but it was in great condition and we both loved it. It's now a dig-in-the-dirt-to-your-lil-hearts-content-dress. Not to worry, it's only a piece of clothing and is easily replaced. She wasn't very impressed about me recording the moment!

  

Above: I am still unable to tame Blogger! Grr! Stupid photos.

A scrapbook page sitting on my desk. Nothing is glued down, I can't decide where I am going with it. Believe it or not, it's been on my desk about 3 weeks and toyed with one or twice. Blergh!

I got a nice, new book. The plan has always been to do some vege gardening. Our house is on a 1/4acre block so we have the room, but do I have the mojo? Moving right along..

Tian's actual 1st birthday present, still a pile of fabric. I have a pattern in a Handmade magazine for a teddy bear made from towelling nappies (diapers) or old towels. June had some cloth nappies that had worn thin and happily gave me a couple without questions. My friends kindly picked me up some Parisian Essence on a trip to Kalgoorlie (they found it easily in Woolworths) and I used an entire bottle to dye the nappies. I added in some vinegar then rinsed with Epsom Salts. Will see if that helps set the colour any. Tian's bday was 10th July.. the photo was taken today, 15th August.. SHHH!

Jessi took this photo of my stepfather and I putting together her cubby house? Did I ever blog about this? I don't recall. Anyways, the house is together, the frame is together. Those 2 pieces still need connecting and the slide and rockwall to be added to complete it. This was bought for xmas 09. Yes, it's now Aug 2010 and she still can't use it.. again with SHHH

So, that's kinda what I have been up to (or not) of late. I have some hyacinths from a friend in bloom which make me smile. She gave them to me the night before she moved away. I have some other bulbs in the ground that seem to be sprouting and an order in for more. I have to go away for 2 weeks at the end of the month and I am really looking forward to it. Work's been a complete and utter nightmare and as pathetic as this is to admit, I don't want to work anymore. I stick it out, but I am beginning to despise it and the more I feel that way the sicker I feel. It's not been fun. My cousins are all pregnant again. By Feb 2011 my four cousins (they all live locally so they're friends too) will have 11 kids between them ranging in age from 12 to newborn and it includes 1 set of twins. My sister and I only have the one each. She's sort of sworn off kids but I've wanted another for so long now. Jessi does too. Well, she wants a brother or a sister lol She can wait at least 15yrs before she has a child of her own!

Once more I find myself glad I didn't share this blog with a bunch of real life people/friends/family. I feel so censored all the time at facebook and such that it's nice to have this outlet.

Capes and cakes

One incomplete scrapbook page. The bottom left corner needs something, I just can't work out what! But as it's been sitting idly on my desk for a week or so now and still no bright ideas, here it is. Kaisercraft Argentella papers & pearls, stash lace and trim, shabby "melted" flower with an old odd button in its centre, franchville brads and a little white flower out of a card making kit, and some black ink (office style! lol no fancy scrapbook/paper craft inks in this household). Inspired by this layout, found on pencillines.com

I actually used that teal trim on a skirt I made Jessi. I got her to choose from 2 different blue/teal fabrics knowing I wanted to use that trim. She looks at the finish skirt, namely the trim, and says "don't you have that in a different colour?". Erm.. no! *lol* Kids!!

This is the lil cape I want to make Jessi, and the fabrics I have chosen for it. Jess loves BRIGHT! The brighter the better. She makes me cringe.. but if I want her to wear it then I can at least start with something she might enjoy. Mum says "but it wont match anything she wears". So what? She's 7.. like anything she wears matches anyhow. Unless she's in her school uniform ;) The pink paisley fabric selvage reades "Watercolor Memories by Fabri-Quilt Inc Design #9635" and I do like it a lot.. just wonder if it's tooooo much on a big project like the cape. I don't recall where or when I got the fluffy cream stuff. Probably in a remnant bin somewhere. It's so deliciously snuggly I'd rather make a pillow case out of it so I can snuggle it!! The pattern, Simplicity 5480 is dated 1973. I think the term "vintage" is well and truly over used online, so I will not call this a vintage pattern!

Here are the baby shoes mentioned in my last post. I really enjoy sewing baby booties, usually from free patterns! They're all so similar to those being sold it doesn't make sense to me to buy patterns. But I splurged a lil this last week and bought a couple, including some of the "big 3" (Simplicity, Butterick etc). The brown suede is something I picked up in a thrift store and lined with a fabric my mum gave me from an old craft group we had locally (selvage reads "Marcus Bros Textiles Inc"). I love the little creamy flowery fabric, I think it would make adorable Amy Butler Kimono style pyjamas!! I don't have her book though. Anyways, simply lined with cream flannelette.

Suede shoes pattern - Prudent Baby
though I deviated from the pattern and made them from fabric, lined and as they currently have no snaps/buttons they're also reversible (hidden seams)

Floral Kimono style booties - Homespun Threads
I didnt like these once finished. The LOOK good but were awkward to get on baby's feet. I didn't take the time to make them reversible/hide the seams

I got a package in the mail today from my dear friend LeAnna. I actually thought it was my Amazon.com order at first!! There is a Vogue Sewing book (brilliant reference material!), a Sew Beautiful magazine, Craft Style magazine, Craft Stylish Quick Stuff to make and Where Women Create. I've already read 3 of them! So many gorgeous projects.. so many more things on the "to make list".. will I ever live long enough? *lol* and LeAnna also included a yarn doily in a lovely white yarn with hints of palest pink. I must say, it has a gorgeous scent about it. Perhaps she used a fabric softener or something. As everything in my household is washed in super sensitive powders etc I probably forget the subtle scents of laundry soap.

I've done a little baking this week. I made banana muffins and a chocolate cake last weekend, and another chocolate cake tonight. The one from tonight will most likely be binned! It was a Betty Crocker "Devli's Food" cake and it's really really BLERGH! It had 3 eggs, 3/4cup water and 1/4cup vege oil.. and it bloodywell tastes like oil! It's so gross. I didn't realise it came with a packet of plastic icing (frosting). I say plastic, cos not only did it spread like plastic, look like plastic, it tastes pretty darn plasticy too! And "super moist".. erm.. NO! I will never buy Better Crocker again. Ok, so I should have made a chocolate cake from scratch. It's not like I didn't have the ingredients in the pantry... So anyways, once this one is tossed in the garbage bin I will make another Greens Chocolate Cake. Now there was a lovely, moist cake with a nice sweet yet firm icing. mmmmm!!!!!! In all reality I should NOT make cake, or sweets, or any other yummmmmy thing cos well.. with only Jessi and I in the house to eat it... ummah! But I have a real craving for cake at the moment and have barely touched chocolate or icecream or biscuits in ages.. so a lil indulgence is ok. I will just have to remember not to make anything again for a few months, minimum!

Using Jessica's camera this evening to take photos (where mine is, I have no idea..) I found a heap of pics she's taken since getting the cam for her bday in Feb. She has some outstanding pics!! If I get patient and spend some time in PS Elements and collage them, I will share with you. Blogger is horrible at photo uploads!

Bubbles

Kaisercraft Devonshire papers, a pale pale pale green cardstock, Kaisercraft rhinestones, a white heart brad with Kaisercraft Devonshire rubon rose and a Making Memories "love" rub on, the red rub ons are also Making Memories. I don't actually feel like this page is complete.

The orange floral paper shape was cut after using baking paper to trace the shape off a Basic Grey Lily Kate paper, and the swirls were sketched and cut by hand. There is a little bit of chalk on the edges of the orange paper, but it hasn't done much for it. I should have sanded it or something.

LaDiDa Tada!

Woohoo, another layout! All my stuff is kinda simple.. like REALLY simple.. The more I look online for inspiration the more I realise just how much I suck at this scrapbooking thing. But oh well! I decided I like www.pencillines.com and today found a really great layout there that I just adored, so I scraplifted it. It's from this post. I wanted to add some charms or something but my container is missing! OH NO!! I used Kaisercraft's LaDiDa range again, the 12"x12" papers, 6" pad, embellishment pack (tulip grosgrain ribbon) and Kaiser pearls. The piece of lace and plain white ribbon are from a super large stash ;) There are some benifits to multicrafts!!!

I can't date the photo as it's a rare print off I have of a whoooooooole lot of photos I lost on a thumbdrive sometime last year. I mean ALL my pics! The only ones I saved were those saved to the HDD of the old laptop and those on the newer computer. I am so disappointed and now have 0 faith in thumbdrives! But back to the pic, it was taken on the deck of a friends house while babysitting for her one day. I am actually thinking now I should have used the B&W photo not the coloured one. No mind. :)

The Docks

Photos taken while walking from the E-Shed Markets to the Maritime Musem in Fremantle, WA. Jessica really enjoyed watching the tug boats haul and turn the ship. Papers are Kaisercraft Offshore collection, Q1 Offshore samples from the magazine and the compass is from the Q2 Pack Your Bags samples from the Kaisercraft magazine.

The real story lies at her feet

Oh look, there's that photo again! *lol* I FINALLY got it scrapped, which was my intention all along. I just couldn't get it to work. A kind of pea green Bazzil cardstock, Kaiser pearls, Kaiser LaDiDa papers; 6" pad, and rub ons. The title of this post is what is written on the label. As much as I like the photo, the story of this statue is so very important. Not only to British and Australian history, but in world history. The way in which these children were bought to Australia, their treatment when they arrive... ALLL KINDS OF WRONG! I believe Britain has just apologised.. in 2009. Hmm...!!! There is actually a man in our town who was one of these kids. The photo lifts back and the photo of the plaque, location and date etc is all tucked underneath. I use a lot of hidden journalling on my pages. Do I mention this page took me TWO very long evenings? I wanted to use so much more from the LaDiDa range, like the cute lil birds.. Layering is not my thing apparently...

Jess had a birthday party at the pool yesterday and she finally got to show off her new found confidence and skills learned in swimming lessons over the summer holidays.

Knick-Knacks

Woohoo, finally getting some stuff finished. Isn't it just a disgusting feeling when you've had UFO's sitting about and you can't get motivated to touch them? Well.. it is for me!! The photo is of Jessica at the Fremantle Maritime Musuem during our most recent trip to Perth to see her specialists. The statues are in thanks to the children of Britain bought to Australia. There is a story behind it all, very sad. If you ever get a chance watch the movie "The Leaving of Liverpool". A LONG moving but it needed to be to tell the story :(

My sweetie's fave colour is deep purple so for Valentines day I started tatting him Heart's Desire (pattern page 1 & 2). As soon as I decided I wanted to tat him something, again with the personal symbology, I knew I wanted to re-tat Heart's Desire. Unfortunatly it got way too hot and my rings wouldn't close so I had to set it aside. I'd had the card and started this at the beginning for Feb but it only went in the mail (express!) yesterday. I don't expect much of a reaction as a piece of lace wouldn't be every mans wishlist topper, but I don't care. He might see the symbology as I do ;) Tatted with shuttles and 2 strands of Anchor embroidery thread. Australian $1 coin for comparison.

As mentioned last post, 2 finished library bags. One for my cousin Eli with cute lil rocket ships all over and one for my coworkers daughter Georgina. Eli's has twill tape and Georgina's ribbon handles.

Jessica has once more been invited to the birthday of her twin friends Georgie and Charlotte (who will sadly be leaving at the end of this year) and we bought them each a My Little Pony as I didn't have time for handcrafted gifts. I made them a card each though. I actually wanted Jessica to make the cards, but she wouldn't. Patterned paper is from Kaisercraft's LaDiDa range, plus some Bazzil cardstock and the corrugated paper I have had for YEARS n YEARS!! The stickers came off a really cheap and nasty sticker sheet, but worked nicely on the cards and I imagine the little yellow flower brads are Franchville but I can't be certain as again, they've been in my stash a super long time!!

Back in Nov my cousin and his girlfriend welcomed twin boys into the world. They were living in the eastern states of Australia at the time but are now not only back in WA, but back in our town to be close to family. I just adore this photo of Jessica and Damian.

I am alive

Ok ok, so I am probably the worlds best procrastinator. I do love you dear blog.. and I do mean to come and update you, I just get distracted or something! Probably more the "or something". I have left it far too long between updates and now have a backlog of things but I wont be posting them all. I have been busing sewing and scrapping, a tiny bit of tatting and not much else really.

Jessica has just turned 7, I am still in disbelief. My sister has announced a wedding date and I, well.. I am completely smitten!

Can you believe, I actually had a real Valentines Day this year?! Ok, so Valentines might be over-hyped and commercial but I'll tell you what.. I felt like someone's princess for the day and be it Valentines or any other date on the calendar, it was delightful!!!!!!! I bought this butterfly as it kind of symbolises this relationship to me. Not sure how he feels about a butterfly ;)

I just love this photo of my cousins little girl (therefore, my 2nd cousin) Shylah-Rose. She was a very wee babe when I took this. Papers are Lily Kate by Basic Grey. No idea what setting my camera was on cos this is kinda grainy! So is the next one.

My gorgeous girl playing on some climbing structure thingy in Fremantle. Papers are Fun in the Sun by Kaiser. Rubons are also Kasier, flowers too probably and the diamontes are Kaiser (Kaiser is all you can buy here!).

I loved this photo the minute I took it, I didn't plan on having Alexander flying through the air! Nanna and I were both asking the kids to sit/stand still so we could get a pic. Needless to say, they didn't listen! It looks awesome though. No idea what I was thinking as I scrapped these.. I was a bit distracted with chatting on MSN and when I woke up the next morn and looked at it I was horrified. The buttons, the safety pin.. umm?!!? So I added the tiny orange eyelets and an extra button or two to fill in some spaces and a few swirls with a Sharpie. I don't like this page, but it works. Must admit, "boy" layouts aren't really my thing! Papers are Basic Grey's Hang 10 and the diecuts are from the Q2 Kaiser magazine's Rewind samples.

We did manage to get them to sit, eventually!

Now, argue I have too much time on your hands if you like, but I scrapbooked all of Jessica's scrapbooks today... I dunno. I just wanted to. My fave is the blue/green heart one. My least fave the circles. Ok, so it wasn't the best idea but she LOVES it! It was a great excuse to go through my bags of scraps, and also to use some of those "old" papers like the Dena Designs I've been holding onto for YEARS but never quite knowing how to use. I also finished 2 library bags (sewing) but I will post them next time as I have no pics.

Back in November I had the honour of being bridesmaid for one of my best friends. Congratulations to Karen and Jesus. Kaz had a very "hand made" wedding. It was just lovely! Jessica was her flower girl too, for which I am so thankful! Karen's mum sewed her dress and the boleros, I sewed the 2 bridesmaids dresses and the flower girl dress, Vanessa (the other bridesmaid) decorated the cake, Kaz made the flower arrangements for the tables and other things. It was small, it was quick, and it was just gorgeous. The photos were heaps of fun too!

So much more to say and things to share but it can wait for another day :)

Hands down, the reason I am so slack to update my blog is simply because Bloggers photo uploading and arranging is PURE EVIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!