Cathy's Creative Corner

You have a piece of my heart

2012-02-10T12:43:00.000+10:30

On Monday, 13th February 2012, we will celebrate 30 years of marriage!

Most years, I make both a Valentine's Card and a Wedding Anniversary card, but this year, I think just this one card will be perfect.

The verse inside reads:

Our wedding anniversary brings to mind
The happiness and joy you’ve brought to me,
Sweet memories--the laughter and the tears,
Devoted love you give abundantly.

The place I want to be is close to you;
There’s ecstasy and peace in your embrace.
I know that I can cope with what life brings,
As long as I wake up to see your face.

You’re all I ever wanted, and much more.
I look at you and I still get a thrill.
Our marriage is the best thing in my life;
I love you truly, madly, deeply and I always will.

By Joanna Fuchsfrom HERE

All the time I was making this card, I had Janis Joplin's 'Piece of my Heart' running through my head ;-)

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Cards for Men - seeing red

Here Come the Boys - song

Cuttlebug Spot - sweetheart

DYSU #58 - Love

Delightful Challenges - Love

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

UnstampaBelles Challenge #8 - Recycle (no stamps)

2012-02-06T06:50:00.001+10:30

Challenge #8 for UnstampaBelles is up and running.

Theme is Recycle, Eco Craft, Frugal with a bonus technique "Paper Bead"
This challenge closes Friday, 2nd March 2012 and Winners announced Monday, 5th March 2012 - Remember we are working on Aussie Time.

Here is a quick recap of the rules:

No Stamps! This means no rubber stamps, no digital stamps, clipart or line art which includes pre-coloured versions. Inclusive of sentiment stamps.

You may think this will be difficult, but here are some suggestions on what you CAN use:
3D papertole, decoupage, quilling, iris folding, stitching, beading, origami, fancy folds, cutting machines (e.g. craftrobo/silhouette, cricut), paper punches, canvases, stickers, rub-ons, parchment, etc.......

Due to graphic technology any entry with a graphic image will be subject to the Design Teams' discretion and we will contact you if we feel the entry does not meet the ethos of our challenge blog.

A technique challenge will be included as a bonus. This will not be a requirement for an entry but if you do use the nominated technique in your project, it will count as two entries for you.

Our sponsor for February is Anne at Cardmaking Online.

Cardmaking Online has been running for two years and offers a large range of card making products, including Parchment Craft, European style card making, card stitching, 3D Decoupage, embossing folders and dies, Hobbyjournaal magazine, cardstock, peel-off stickers and more.

http://www.cardmakingonline.com.au/

Now for my DT entry.

I have always liked the clean and simple approach to cardmaking, and this one is no exception.

Purple cardstock, embossed and rub-on sentiment added. White panel is actually the cardboard dividers recycled from the box of Lipton tea bags. Panel was run through Cuttlebug and inked lightly on raised bits. Puffy butterfly added with foam dots. Cardstock and rub-ons from Blue Edge Crafts.

Please visit the UnstampaBelles blog and see who won last month's challenge.

It is really getting harder for the DT to pick a favourite each month!

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

CraftMad card swap

2012-02-02T14:47:00.001+10:30

Every month CraftMad have a card swap.

The January swap was to make 2 cards using some recycling.

Well, that was a bit of a challenge for me, but I got some ideas, and put them aside to make up some cards. Fast forward to the end of the month, and I suddenly remember I haven't made my cards. I knew I had put aside some stuff, but do you think I could find it? Then I remembered, I did a bit of tidying up! I had put away all the stuff I had set aside! Talk about having a 'DOH!' moment ;-)

Anyway, I got to making up these two cards (I can show here, coz my swap partner does not read my blog) Just in case your ARE looking, Tracey, your cards will be in the mail shortly ;-)

The recycled items are the white panels which are the cardboard dividers from the Lipton Tea Bag box.

Panels have been run through Cuttlebug and inked. Flourishes image heat embossed and hand coloured with water colours.

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Timeless Tuesday - sketch

White panels run through Cuttlebug and inked, layered onto cardstock. Sentiment heat embossed and fluffy butterfly added with foam dots.

I would like to enter this card in the following challenge:

Less is More - sketch

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

At sixes and sevens

2012-01-28T15:00:00.001+10:30

Have you ever had one of those days/weeks/months?

According to Wikipedia -

To be "at sixes and sevens" is an English phrase and idiom, common in the United Kingdom. It is used to describe a state of confusion or disarray.

Well that is how I have been feeling this last few weeks.

As some of you know, I am not in paid work at the moment and refer to myself as 'semi-retired' instead of unemployed.

How I used to yearn for a time when I was at home all day so that I could:

do all of my household chores to my satisfaction
make wonderful home cooked meals
meet up with other friends for 'cake & coffee'
go into the city to lunch with former work colleagues
finally go to Ikea and Harbour Town
just have the freedom to 'go shopping' for the hell of it
spend ALL DAY crafting/sewing
you get the gist of this list ........... I bet you could even add a few of your own desires ;-)

Since Christmas, I have had a hard time concentrating on one thing. If I am sewing, I am thinking about the next card I have to make. If I am making a card, I am thinking about what I can sew in the hope of selling something. When I am on the computer, I am thinking about all of the other things I should be doing ;-) like dishes, washing, ironing - you know the boring stuff ;-) When I am doing household chores, I think about all the blogs I could be visiting ;-)

During January, I compiled my UFO (UnFinished Objects) list and had a real sense of achievement when I actually finished one of those items - Now I seem to be stuck on the next thing to tackle/start. Should it be another UFO or can I start on a new project?

I also compiled a list of up-coming birthdays so that I can make the required birthday cards in advance - I know I have a birthday coming up next week and do you think I can get motivated to make a card? I have been 'brewing' ideas for a few weeks now - I actually think it is because it is a milestone birthday for a very special friend and I have too many ideas floating around and cannot settle on one ;-)

I think I need to spend some time 'organising' the areas I spend most of my time - kitchen, Craft & Sewing - so that I can produce these wonderful home cooked meals, beautifully personalised cards & make some gorgeous handmade items to sell so that I don't have to return to the workforce.

Maybe if I give myself a timetable and nominate a particular day to do things - it seems to work for the various chores I have ;-)

Do you feel like I do? If you do, what do you do about it?

(that's gone and done it .......... now I have Peter Frampton in my head ;-))

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Australia Day

2012-01-26T09:08:00.000+10:30

Happy Australia Day everyone!

time to kick back, watch some cricket, spend time with family and friends and to give thanks for the wonderful lifestyle we have here in Australia.

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Super Duper Blog Candy

2012-01-09T08:21:00.000+10:30

The wonderful people of at Lili of the Valley are have a Super Duper Blog Candy

They have TWELVE, yes TWELVE stamps to give away to one lucky winner, and the winner even gets to choose which stamps they want! And what do you have to do? Nothing much really, just pop your name in the linky and spread the word on your blog (sidebar is fine). If you don’t have a blog please don’t worry, you are still more than welcome to enter, just skip the box that asks for your URL and just enter your name and email address (your email address is not visible to anyone).

So here I am ............ spreading the word ;-)

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

UnstampaBelles Challenge #7 - January - Anything Goes

2012-01-02T06:30:00.001+10:30

Challenge #7 for UnstampaBelles is up and running.

Anything Goes for this month - but still no stamps!

This challenge closes Friday, 3rd February 2012 and Winners announced Monday, 6th February 2012 - Remember we are working on Aussie Time.

Here is a quick recap of the rules:

No Stamps! This means no rubber stamps, no digital stamps, clipart or line art which includes pre-coloured versions. Inclusive of sentiment stamps.

You may think this will be difficult, but here are some suggestions on what you CAN use:
3D papertole, decoupage, quilling, iris folding, stitching, beading, origami, fancy folds, cutting machines (e.g. craftrobo/silhouette, cricut), paper punches, canvases, stickers, rub-ons, parchment, etc.......

Due to graphic technology any entry with a graphic image will be subject to the Design Teams' discretion and we will contact you if we feel the entry does not meet the ethos of our challenge blog.

A technique challenge will be included as a bonus. This will not be a requirement for an entry but if you do use the nominated technique in your project, it will count as two entries for you.

Our sponsor for January is Merry.

Purple patterned washi tape, 15 origami papers and patterns, 3 Copic Pens YR07, Y06, R27, a roll of Sellotape - double sided tape 12mm x 10m.

MerryMade Store

Now for my DT entry.

I have owned a CraftROBO/Silhouette for a few years now, and have recently been having some fun designing my own cutting files. Here are some cards cut from the same files but using different cardstock and colours.

Regular visitors may remember I used the 50 file to make a personalised 50th birthday card for a friend

Most of the cardstock and DP used for these cards came from Blue Edge Crafts - with the exception of the holographic card which was from a local Newsagent.

My GSD/Studio cutting files are available from Crafts-U-Print.

Please visit the UnstampaBelles blog and see who won last month's challenge.

It is getting harder for the DT to pick a favourite each month!

And, be sure to pop on over and say hello to our new Design Team Members - Sharon, JanR, Beth & Monica (see links on right sidebar).

Thank you for visiting my blog today - have a good day. Remember, any day spent doing something that you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

My Favourite Cards of 2011

2012-01-01T14:00:00.002+10:30

Here are some of my favourite things I have made this year.

I discovered a new found enjoyment in hand colouring images and using my CraftROBO ;-)

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

My Five Faves of Christmas

2011-12-29T09:04:00.000+10:30

Debby over on A Scrapjourney is sharing her favourite five Christmas Cards and is offering some LOTV stamps as a prize if you share too - isn't that great? ;-)

Here are mine

I love how the same image can take on a different feel when coloured differently ;-)

this reindeer is just sooo cute ;-)

a new way to use stickers

a simple elegant card using the Cuttlebug and some stickers

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

No Internet! What will I do?

2011-12-20T11:00:00.002+10:30

This is what greeted me on Sunday morning

Red light means no internet!
Oh no! what shall I do?

I don't know what was sadder ........... me having no internet, or the need to take a photo and blog about it later when I was back up and running ;-)

It was only down for an hour - scheduled maintenance.

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Halfway mark - UnstampaBelles Challenge #6 - Christmas

2011-12-16T09:31:00.000+10:30

It is the halfway point for Challenge #6 UnstampaBelles.

The Theme this month is Christmas and the Bonus Technique is Stickers, if you include this technique, you will get a bonus entry.

This challenge closes Friday, 30th December 2011 and Winners announced Monday, 2nd January 2012 - Remember we are working on Aussie Time.

Here is a quick recap of the rules:

No Stamps! This means no rubber stamps, no digital stamps, clipart or line art which includes pre-coloured versions. Inclusive of sentiment stamps.

You may think this will be difficult, but here are some suggestions on what you CAN use:
3D papertole, decoupage, quilling, iris folding, stitching, beading, origami, fancy folds, cutting machines (e.g. craftrobo/silhouette, cricut), paper punches, canvases, stickers, rub-ons, parchment, etc.......

Due to graphic technology any entry with a graphic image will be subject to the Design Teams' discretion and we will contact you if we feel the entry does not meet the ethos of our challenge blog.

A technique challenge will be included as a bonus. This will not be a requirement for an entry but if you do use the nominated technique in your project, it will count as two entries for you.

Our sponsor for December is Sticker Store.

Prize pack plus 10 sheets of DL sized Acetate which don't show in the above photo.

Now for my cards to help provide some inspiration - although going by some of the entries already received, no further inspiration is required LOL ;-).

These cards were made at a workshop that Beth held a few years ago. I enjoyed the day very much, but also enjoyed learning a new way to use stickers and glitter paper. Whilst it may be difficult to get these particular stickers now, the principle could be applied using other shapes.

Imagine how it could be incorporated with some Christmas Bauble stickers, or even a wedding card ........... the mind boggles ;-)

These cards were made using some clear christmas tree stickers, glitter paper and white cardstock. Stickers were layered onto glitter paper, cut out and mounted using foam dots. Sentiment was a gold sticker, but coloured over using a black texta/marker. Overall, a very simple process that produces a really sparkly card!

Cardstock and glitter paper and sentiment stickers were from Blue Edge Crafts.

And, be sure to pop on over and say farewell to three of our fabulous Design Team Members - Mandy, Kerry and Kaye - who are all heading off in a variety of directions in the New Year.

Thank you for visiting my blog today - have a good day. Remember, any day spent doing something that you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

CraftMad sewing swap

2011-12-10T14:07:00.002+10:30

The lovely Merry has advised that my Notebook cover for the CraftMad Sewing swap for November has arrived safely.

This is what I made

A little something extra was a gift card/loyalty card/business card holder.

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

UnstampaBelles Challenge #6 - December - Christmas

2011-12-05T07:08:00.001+10:30

Challenge #6 for UnstampaBelles is up and running.

The Theme this month is Christmas and the Bonus Technique is Stickers, if you include this technique, you will get a bonus entry.

This challenge closes Friday, 30th December 2011 and Winners announced Monday, 2nd January 2012 - Remember we are working on Aussie Time.

Here is a quick recap of the rules:

No Stamps! This means no rubber stamps, no digital stamps, clipart or line art which includes pre-coloured versions. Inclusive of sentiment stamps.

You may think this will be difficult, but here are some suggestions on what you CAN use:
3D papertole, decoupage, quilling, iris folding, stitching, beading, origami, fancy folds, cutting machines (e.g. craftrobo/silhouette, cricut), paper punches, canvases, stickers, rub-ons, parchment, etc.......

Due to graphic technology any entry with a graphic image will be subject to the Design Teams' discretion and we will contact you if we feel the entry does not meet the ethos of our challenge blog.

A technique challenge will be included as a bonus. This will not be a requirement for an entry but if you do use the nominated technique in your project, it will count as two entries for you.

Our sponsor for December is Sticker Store.

Prize pack plus 10 sheets of DL sized Acetate which don't show in the above photo.

Now for my DT entry.

I used some gorgeous blue holographic stickers, silver sentiment stickers on a shaped card from Blue Edge Crafts. Added thick acetate/binder cover to front, printed some digital background paper to cover up the tape that attaches the acetate.

I am so glad there are lots of challenge blogs about to encourage me to make Christmas Cards ;-)

I would like to submit the above card to the following challenges

Inspire Me Friday - Anything Goes

Please visit the UnstampaBelles blog and see who won November's challenge.
The DT had a really hard time picking a favourite this month!

And, be sure to pop on over and say farewell to three of our fabulous Design Team Members - Mandy, Kerry and Kaye - who are all heading off in a variety of directions in the New Year.

Thank you for visiting my blog today - have a good day. Remember, any day spent doing something that you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

More Christmas Cards

2011-12-03T18:05:00.000+10:30

Well, here is another batch of cards - using the same images from Digistamp Boutique, but placed on standard size cards.

I really like the simplicity of these images and I love seeing more background embossing ;-)

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Merry Christmas

2011-11-30T09:16:00.000+10:30

I spent the afternoon making a batch of Christmas cards yesterday.

I am really enjoying colouring in these images from Digistamp Boutique. I have used copics and kindy glitz, with a touch of gel pen to highlight the buckle.

I would like to submit these cards for the following challenge:

MadforMarkers - Christmas

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary & Merry Christmas

2011-11-28T08:14:00.003+10:30

We had a family celebration yesterday for my SIL and BIL birthdays and wedding anniversary.

We also had our first opportunity to catch up with the Bride and Groom - they have returned from their honeymoon and they are now back in the 'real world' ;-)

I gave RosaLia some money, but placed it in a gift card holder (that I made of course ;-))

Here is the card I made for RosaLia

Penny Black image coloured with water pencils and highlighted with Kindy Glitz, layered onto cardstock, embellished with flowers and gems.

I have been reusing old supplies in an endeavour to lessen my stash - I have so much paper it is just not funny any more ;-)

Here is the card for Greg

I used an image I came across paper squirrel and an SVG from The Creative Pointe - it came together beautifully - I can easily see me using this concept again ;-) This one has been coloured with Copics, layered using foam dots and mounted onto square black cardstock.

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:
Clean and Simple - inspired by sketch 168
Here come the boys - men in your life

It was also Greg and RosaLia's 21st wedding anniversary.

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Less is More - a bit of bling

Quirky Cards - clean and simple

Lauren and Brett will be spending Christmas with mum, Sharon, overseas, so we gave them Christmas presents and cards early.

I made these cute little Christmas cards using images from Digistamp Boutique - hurry they are still on special until the end of the month. Images printed onto cardstock, cut out using spellbinders on the cuttlebug, hand coloured with copics and highlighted with kindy glitz - stay turned, there will be more cards using these delightful images ;-)

I would like to enter these Christmas cards for the following challenges:

CAS-ual Fridays - sketch

Just Inspirational Challenges - photo

Pollycraft Monday - Christmas Fun

Stamptacular Sunday 140 - anything Christmas

Dream Valley Challenges - sparkle

Forever Friends - christmas is coming - OOPS ....... Too late ;-)

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Cardmadfairy November Challenge - Winter Wonderland

2011-11-25T18:30:00.010+10:30

Hi everyone **waves**

I hope you are having a good day ;-)

I have had the most wonderful honour of being a Guest Designer for Cardmadfairy for the month of November and here is my second card.

We hope you will play along with us this week but please remember that you must use a digi stamp although it's not necessary to use a Cardmadfairy one but it would be fantastic to see how you would use our images. Please remember though to only enter the challenge once unless you are using Cardmadfairy images, we will have to delete any extra entries which don't comply with our rules

This fortnight, the theme is Winter Wonderland - as soon as I saw the theme, I knew exactly what DP/vellum I was going to use ;-)

I used the Buttons Snowman image and printed on white dimple textured cardstock and coloured with watercolour pencils, heat embossed the nose, and added kindy glitz to the hat. Image was then matted onto purple cardstock. Side panel is pearl cardstock embossed using the Snowflakes folder in the Cuttlebug, then mounted onto 'Winter Wonderland' vellum, all layered onto soft purple square card. Card highlighted with gems and snowflake cut using the CraftROBO.

Check out Cardmadfairy - they have some wonderfully cute digital images.

Cardstock and vellum from BlueEdge Crafts

I would like to submit this card for the following challenges:

Creatalicious Challenges - make it sparkle
ABC Challenge - D for Dazzle
Digital Tuesday - sparkle and shine

Inspire me fridays - anything goes

Thank you for visiting my blog today, and have a good day - remember, any day spent doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

My Memories Scrapbook Software - Giveaway Winner!

2011-11-22T12:23:00.000+10:30

I have had a wonderful opportunity to have a play with some new digital scrapbooking software – well new to me ;-) and I have been having fun ;-)

I have also had the opportunity to host a giveway, which has also been a lot of fun.

So, finally, after a bit of a delay with a job application and another sale of one of my gift card holders from ETSY ;-) .................

winner was drawn the old fashioned way by drawing a name out of a bowl.

The winner is ............................ Kathy

If you missed out on this giveaway and would like to have your own copy of My Memories 2.0, a very special coupon code is also available!

If you use the coupon code STMMMS33699 at My Memories, upon checkout, you’ll receive a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software AND a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store – a $20 value!

There are some great videos on youtube showing the ins and outs ;-) http://www.youtube.com/user/MyMemoriesSuite .

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

More Inspiration for UnstampaBelles Challenge & Design Team Call

2011-11-16T07:00:00.036+10:30

Now for some more inspiration on cards not using stamps:

Cuttlebug used to cut and emboss trees, embellished with gems, layered onto cardstock and highlighted with stickers.

UNSTAMPABELLES DESIGN TEAM CALL

Yes, we are in search of three new members for our Design Team to start January 2012 for a six month stint.

Sadly, we will be saying goodbye to Mandy, Kerry and Kaye at the end of our December challenge. They already know that 2012 is going to keep them plenty busy in real life but I am sure they will still find time to visit in the future. We will miss their wonderful inspiration.

On a positive note though....this now gives you the chance to part of our fun and friendly team.

We will require a creation from you each month to showcase at the start of each challenge.

If you have the time possibly a second card during the month to keep the inspiration flowing.

What to do to be considered:

Please just add a link to the DT CALL post of a project that you have posted (current or older) on your blog that will fit our challenge criteria.

Remember, all types of papercrafts and any technique....but NO STAMPS.

Our call will stay open until 12th December.

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Cardmadfairy - November Challenge - Textures

2011-11-11T19:00:00.002+10:30

Hi everyone **waves**

I hope you are having a good day ;-)

I have the most wonderful honour of being a Guest Designer for Cardmadfairy for the month of November.

We hope you will play along with us this week but please remember that you must use a digi stamp although it's not necessary to use a Cardmadfairy one but it would be fantastic to see how you would use our images. Please remember though to only enter the challenge once unless you are using Cardmadfairy images, we will have to delete any extra entries which don't comply with our rules

This fortnight, the theme is textures and here is my card incorporating several different textures - dimpled cardstock, 'fur', gloss and fabric.

I used the Buttons Snowman image and printed on white dimple textured cardstock and water coloured with SU Markers. Scarfe, hat and shovel were heat embossed and 'fur' added using Polymark dimensional fabric and craft paint. Front panel cut out with Spellbinders deckle edge using Cuttlebug and mounted onto DP. A ribbon and acrylic snowflake added, then all layered on silver square card.

You have until Friday, 25th November to get your entries in.

Check out Cardmadfairy - they have some wonderfully cute digital images.

Cardstock, sticker and DP from BlueEdge Crafts

Thank you for visiting my blog today, and have a good day - remember, any day spent doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

My Memories Scrapbooking Software - FREEBIES

2011-11-11T13:40:00.001+10:30

I have had a wonderful opportunity to have a play with some new digital scrapbooking software – well new to me ;-) and I have been having fun ;-)

This software is easy to use, comes with numerous templates, but you can ‘do your own thing’ too. You also have the ability to bring in elements from other sources that you may already have – making it very useful in my book ;-)

Here are some pics of some of the current freebies

and here is what I made using some of the elements from one of the packs mixed with other elements that came with the My Memories Software

Now, here is the good bit ………… I am able to give you the opportunity to get your very own copy of My Memories Suite 2.0 ($40 value) ABSOLUTELY FREE.

What do you have to do? Well, I don’t want you to jump through too many hoops, but there are a few ;-)

You must be a follower to ANY of my blogs – Cathy’s Creative Corner, Cathy’s Sewing Room, Cathy's Kitchen or Through My Eyes
Visit My Memories website. Once you are there, check out the different digital paper packs on offer and let me know which one you like best by leaving a comment on the GIVEAWAY post.
I must have a way of contacting you by email - no contact, no entry!
This giveaway will end on NOON, Monday, 21st November 2011 (Aussie Time) and winner will be drawn the old fashioned way ………… names in a bowl ;-).

Good luck to you all!

If you miss out on this giveaway, or just can’t wait to have your own copy of My Memories 2.0, a very special coupon code is also available!
If you use the coupon code STMMMS33699 at My Memories, upon checkout, you’ll receive a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software AND a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store – a $20 value!

There are some great videos on youtube showing the ins and outs ;-) http://www.youtube.com/user/MyMemoriesSuite .

If you have any questions, please email me at:
crafteecc-creativecorner@yahoo.com.au

I am happy to say that the company has been a pleasure to deal with, no ‘nasties’ came with the software, and they haven’t hounded me with emails since downloading the software ;-)

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

My Memories Digital Scrapbooking - Giveaway

2011-11-10T08:00:00.001+10:30

I have had a wonderful opportunity to have a play with some new digital scrapbooking software – well new to me ;-) and I have been having fun ;-)

I have been playing over the last few days – in between loads of washing and giving hubby the occasional assistance while he is plastering/painting (not much housework has been done at all!)

Here is just a very small sample of what I have come up with.

made using a photo template page

made using the One Spot Album Template

made using a mixure of scrapbook elements from other sources

You must be a follower to ANY of my blogs – Cathy’s Creative Corner, Cathy’s Sewing Room or Through My Eyes
Visit My Memories website. Once you are there, check out the different digital paper packs on offer and let me know which one you like best by leaving a comment on THIS post.
I must have a way of contacting you by email - no contact, no entry!
This giveaway will end on NOON, Monday, 21st November 2011 (Aussie Time) and winner will be drawn the old fashioned way ………… names in a bowl ;-).

Thank you for visiting my blog today - I hope you have a good day.

Remember, any day doing something you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

UnstampaBelles Challenge #5 - November - Trees

2011-11-07T06:52:00.004+10:30

Challenge #5 for UnstampaBelles is up and running.

Here is a quick recap of the rules:

No Stamps! This means no rubber stamps, no digital stamps, clipart or line art which includes pre-coloured versions. Inclusive of sentiment stamps.

You may think this will be difficult, but here are some suggestions on what you CAN use:
3D papertole, decoupage, quilling, iris folding, stitching, beading, origami, fancy folds, cutting machines (e.g. craftrobo, cricut), paper punches, canvases, stickers, rub-ons, parchment, etc.......

Due to graphic technology any entry with a graphic image will be subject to the Design Teams' discretion and we will contact you if we feel the entry does not meet the ethos of our challenge blog.

A technique challenge will be included as a bonus. This will not be a requirement for an entry but if you do use the nominated technique in your project, it will count as two entries for you.

The Theme this month is Trees and the Bonus Technique is Paper punches/diecuts, if you include this technique, you will get a bonus entry.

This challenge closes Friday, 2nd December and Winners announced Monday, 5th December.

Remember we are working on Aussie Time.

Our sponsor for November is CMD Cards.

The lovely Cherryn from CMD Cards is offering a $10.00 gift certificate. Please visit her store and have a look at all the lovely paper goodies she has available - www.madeit.com.au/CMDcards

Now for my DT entry.

I used the diecut trees from CMD highlighted with just a touch of kindy glitz, computer generated sentiment, printed on White Dimples cardstock from Blue Edge Crafts

I would like to submit the above card to the following challenges

The Craft Garden - Christmas no red or green

Bows and Berries - Clean and Simple

I was so inspired, I went on to create another card.

I would like to submit the above card for the following challenges:

Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
Dream Valley Challenges - Anything Goes
Inspire Me Friday - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything goes
Samuel Taylors Challenge - Christmas (prize is a Martha Stewart Double Craft Punch "Icelandic Snowflake")

I am so glad there are lots of challenge blogs about to encourage me to make a start on my Christmas Cards.

Please visit the UnstampaBelles blog and see who won October's challenge.
The DT had a really difficult job picking a favourite this month!

Thank you for visiting my blog today - have a good day. Remember, any day spent doing something that you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Happy Halloween - UPDATED

2011-11-02T09:23:00.003+10:30

UPDATED: Nobody knocked on our door ;-( I was wondering if I should have put a 'jack o lantern' out - or some kind of indication that we had treats ?? If somebody could enlighten me on the Halloween etiquette, I will take it on board for next year.

We don't normally celebrate Halloween in our house, but last year we had a few families knock on the door for trick or treating. We felt so bad as they had made such an effort to dress up - even Mums dressed up too ;-)

This year, we weren't going to do anything again, but while hubby was plastering and sanding, I retreated to my craft room and created some goodie boxes ;-)

Goodie boxes submitted to Our Creative Corner Fancy Folds challenge

I have filled them with Cadbury Favourites - hubby sacrificed some of his (the ones he didn't like) so we better have some people knock on the door ;-)

it is 7:00 pm, but it is daylight saving, so it won't get dark until almost 9:00 pm

The treehouse is something I made while I was doing ceramics - I sure do miss it ;-(

I have had these GSD files for a while, and cannot for the life of me remember where they came from. I think they came on a disc with the CraftROBO, but I am not sure.

Thank you for visiting my blog today; I hope you are having a good day - any time spent doing what you love makes it a good day ;-)

Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.

Shame Alan Joyce, Shame

2011-10-30T07:31:00.001+10:30

Thank you for visiting my blog today; I hope you are having a good day.

I don't normally post anything quite like this, but I just had to put my thoughts out there somewhere ;-)

Most Australians would have been shocked with the announcement that Qantas had grounded all their flights this weekend. Qantas says it is the only action left to take to bring the dispute resolution to a head.

Whilst I realise there are always two sides to every story, and there are most probably things I am not privvy to and would not understand completely, but I fully support the workers. I believe they are putting the safety of the airline and its passengers, the security of the employees and the reputation of the company FIRST.

I DO NOT believe that this dispute is purely about pay conditions as the media is constantly reporting - it is more than that. Amongst many other things, from what I understand, Qantas Pilots have been negotiating on a 'Qantas Flight/Qantas Pilot' clause - basically meaning if it is a Qantas flight, then Qantas qualified pilots should be flying the plane. Engineering staff are protesting as moving operations to Asia could have a detrimental effect on the overall safety of the aircraft. Baggage handlers are protesting on workers' safety conditions and pay. I have not heard of any of the Flight Staff protesting, but I would imagine they have some grievances too ;-)

During my investigations to see what all the fuss was about, I discovered the following information about Alan Joyce, from Wikipedia

I quote some of the bits that caught my attention

Career

Joyce worked at Aer Lingus, the flag carrier of Ireland, until he left in 1996 to join the now-defunct Ansett Australia. Joyce spent eight years at Aer Lingus, where he held a wide spectrum of positions in Sales, Marketing, Information Technology, Network Planning, Operations Research, Revenue Management and Fleet Planning.

Joyce left Ansett in 2000 to join Qantas. At both Ansett Australia and Qantas, Joyce headed the Network Planning, Schedules Planning and Network Strategy functions.

Joyce was appointed CEO of Qantas subsidiary Jetstar Airways in October 2003.

Joyce became CEO of Qantas on 28 November 2008. He is a former Director of Orangestar Investment Holdings Pte Limited (holding company of Singapore-based Jetstar Asia Airways and Valuair) and Jetstar Pacific Airlines Aviation Joint Stock Company (in Vietnam).

Ansett Australia, Ansett, Ansett Airlines of Australia, or ANSETT-ANA as it was commonly known in earlier years, was a major Australian airline group, based in Melbourne. The airlines flew domestically within Australia and to destinations in Asia during its operation in 1996. The airline was placed into administration in 2001 after suffering financial collapse, and subsequent organised liquidation in 2002, subject to deed of company arrangement. Ansett operated for 66 years and 11 days after its first takeoff from Hamilton, Victoria.

This is what I have observed from the above information ........ it took Alan Joyce only 4 years to run Ansett into the ground .......... it has taken him 11 years to have a detrimental impact on Qantas, but Qantas was a bigger company to start with.

The airline is struggling, as most airlines are - fuel is expensive and it takes a lot to provide a good service to their customers - but to award the CEO with a 70% pay rise (as well as other board members receiving a payrise) and not even be willing to negotiate with the core employees about a measley 5% payrise (amongst other things) IS CRIMINAL!

I have been following this facebook page with much interest.

UPDATED News link added:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15505745