Mina's Journal

2018-04-14T21:32:00.003+12:00

I am here now .... MinaMaries xxx...

Vintage Children

2018-03-25T12:51:00.001+13:00

Vintage kids images for your projects.

Free Vintage Bunny Images

2018-03-25T12:47:00.000+13:00

Grab yourself some more gorgeous pics from Beatrix Potter to use in your projects.

So I've been making free printables for a while, thought it would be a good idea to have images available so people could utilise them as they wish.

The printables I make are intended for all manner of papercraft:

* Scrapbooking
* Journaling
* Card Making
* Letter writing
* Decoupage
* ModPodge
* Decor

Click the pics to get the bigger size (better for printing)...right click and 'Save Image As'

Happy crafting

xxx

Free Vintage Rabbit Images

2018-03-21T18:58:00.000+13:00

The imagery of Beatrix Potter brings back nostalgic memories (no - I'm not that old). Public Domain is a wonderful thing for long time crafters like me....

Grab yourself these wonderful pics to use in your projects.

Click the image to get the bigger size, then right click and 'Save Image As'

Have fun with these xxx

I'm Back I Think

2018-03-21T18:48:00.003+13:00

So I've been out in NetLand doing stuff, feel that journey is kind of over and have come home.

The last couple of years have felt bland-ish, so trying to think of another (online) direction to move in.

My profile should now read something like: Empty nester wot wants to do something, but doesn't know what.

Life has changed, as it does (Life is a series of changes), and as is right in the scheme of things.

All this technology about but I've got bits of paper and notes all strewn about... trying to find that new direction I mentioned earlier. My fav technology = pen and paper. No rush...mull it over.

Think I just let things evolve and see what I end up with!

xxx

Rest - What's That?

2014-07-28T22:04:00.001+12:00

I am inundated with self imposed work! I cannot sleep for ideas that spiral, circle and grow. I want to do so many geeky online things... hmmmmm....

While I was studying, I kept getting told that I should hone/focus and stop spreading myself so thin. Indeed, I did try to do that - and got bored as hell.

In my final year, a kind tutor told me 'Just go with it'. I was so close to finishing that it probably didn't matter much at that stage - but that was permissible freedom - thrown down by authority - and I went wildly off in lots of directions - happy as hell. And still do.

I could not imagine sitting down all day doing logos, business cards or having to be polite to difficult clients - I could just see myself going quietly batty.

I'm not averse to hard slog, - kind of welcome it. My folks told me I like to do things the hard way. I'm not a sheep. I don't just follow, never have. If I can work out an alternative way to accept things and make my life happier I go for it.

Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. When it does it feels as if you are in flight. When it doesn't - you might try a couple more things or just toss it.

I like to learn. I like a challenge. I like to problem-solve. I like a million things going on in my head. I just guess I just love to be geekily thin (don't tell the body).

Here's a page from the latest free printable series - from an 'All True Romance' public domain comic book. I need a new printer - and when I get one I'll be itching to cut and paste these pictures into yet another book!

Click on the pic to go get it xxx...

Colouring Pages for Women!

2014-07-17T23:13:00.000+12:00

For the longest time, I have been wanting colouring pages to suit me - the adult lady. Pages that weren't just abstract. Pages of a girly nature - Princess type pages for women, Mums, Aunts - Nannas. I wanted pages that were nostalgic of my youth - stuff I could relate to. Good old retro stuff.

I decided to make some.

Click on the pic to go get them. I am actually making a heap more - this is just the start.

Well, what can you do with these pages? Any dang thing that captures your fancy! There's plenty of space for text - and adding your own colour if you wanted to.

Anyone who's lived a bit of life could relate them to their own life stories - how about a new journal of your own memories?

Use them for:

Journaling
Writing prompts - creative and personal
Diary
Collage
Scrapbooking
Cards
Framed prints
Wall decor
Posters
Memories/memoirs notes

There are plenty more things I'm sure you creative types could think of!

Have fun :)

xxx...

Hello!

2014-07-12T13:14:00.000+12:00

I told myself I was going to slow down - and then didn't listen to myself. I can't believe how the time has got away from me. Was kind of burnt out at the end of last year -so thought I should take it easy a bit. Hmmmmffff!

Since I last posted -

Took on another year of study.
Took on Editing tasks.
Became a Nan to two more boys.
Recently did a website for a Motivational speaker.
Business cards for people in Oz, and a doctor in the city.
Worked on graphics galore to try and stay ahead with posting on Craft Found.
Had a birthday and made myself worse for wear.
Went into hospital twice.
Got crazy mad about getting broken vintage and retro sewing machines and making them work.

I have a journal (of sorts) to try and keep on top of things - often I'll make graphics and 'lose' them in a myriad of file folders. With that I made a half-hearted attempt at computer organisation, which ended up just plonking 95GB of files from the laptop onto an external hard drive. I need to tidy up the desktop. The journal is all scrawly and only readable by me with a fair splash of swear words. Ideas are plonked in there willy-nilly for when I get creative block.

Looking through it - so many times I have written - only spend X hours per day on the computer. Hasn't worked out for me. Guess I just can't help it.

Latest series of printables - gorgeous vintage flower children collage sheets, suitable for scrapbooking, journaling and card making.

Click on the pic to go see.

xxx...

Comics - Hot Rod Printables and Trio of Playmates

2014-01-30T16:13:00.001+13:00

I've been getting into Public Domain comics in a big way over the last week or so. Great to funky up scrapbooks and journals - so for those petrol heads out there...

Click on the pic to go get some.

...and for the younger set - a trio of friends for paper play.

Just Things

2014-01-15T17:33:00.002+13:00

As a designer I am in love with visuals. Public Domain works are so distracting! I am discovering and appreciating even more artists! I find that I just want to read...all day long. I downloaded a heap of stuff to 'read later' and ran out of Broadband data ha ha.

That doesn't happen very often, so that's okay. I am gearing up for Valentine's Day now - getting some collage sheets ready for papercraft.

Here are some journal/writing pages available for free download, over at Craft Found - adapted from the work of Walter Crane - more info at the post. Too damn gorgeous.

Its a bit messy over there at present because I was mucking about trying out colours and something got 'stuck'. Should be right soon.

SelfAvenue.com continues to do well. I had goals for that site, which were reached pretty quickly. I handed over the Chief Editor role to Justine, who came on as Editor - to further develop a new idea. I have stayed on as an Editor.

It is really satisfying to see writers grow. There have been quite a few newbies - they have taken suggestions on board and have been willing to learn how to write online. Some have done exceptionally well. It is a pleasure to have founded that site.

Things have been ultra busy. My mind is on 'LOVE' at the moment as one of the girls is getting married next month. I need something to wear as I have over-indulged in the food department haha.

All for now
xxx...

Christmas Printables & Quiz

2013-12-08T13:42:00.002+13:00

...over at Craft Found... some felt-y looking things inspired by felt ornaments I've seen online... some people are just sooo clever!

Christmas baubles...

Christmas hearts....

...and some good ol' Christmas puds...

Click on the pics to go get 'em!

Also a fun quiz Are You a Procrastinator at Self Avenue... Go Check it out.

:)

Self Avenue

2013-12-05T20:27:00.001+13:00

A little over three weeks ago I started a hub called 'Self Avenue' a self development/improvement site. Writing about personal development is a good way to explore your own thoughts/ideas/attitudes/behaviour - and at the same time you might help others who are in similar situations.

I am not in the industry, do not know the jargon but thought I had something to share. I write from layman perpective - a-la experience, saying what worked for me and what didn't.

My Editor Justine Crowley has (among other things) published four books on the subject and provides an industry-credible voice.

I did not imagine it would take off so. Counsellors, Doctors, Life Coaches have applied as writers as have Mums and Bloggers - so there'll be a good mix of stuff coming up.

If you think you might like to write for Self Avenue, from whatever walk of life you're from - take a gander here. Yes, you get paid :)

Getting More Readership

2013-12-05T17:31:00.000+13:00

Self Avenue Buttons for writer blogs/websites:

Right click and save these. Then upload to your blog or website.

Link them to your Self Avenue profile page, where a list of your published articles will be. Fill out your Self Avenue profile to send readers to your blogs/sites also.

Go to the trouble of doing this once then forget it...its a wee ad just doing its thing. Links are our friends.

:)

Printable Vine Frames - Large

2013-11-26T19:08:00.000+13:00

Made some printable Large Vine Frames

Could use them for picture frames (resized of course!) Five colours.

You can go grab them here.

A Laugh and New Projects

2013-11-15T09:23:00.001+13:00

Sometimes you just need a good laugh! This SOOOO made my day... a wee bit rude in places, but so damn hilarious! If you have seven spare minutes - do yourself a favour and watch it.

So after telling myself to slow down a bit, I went and got myself three new projects to do (What's with that?)

One of my other blogs is Maori Printables. I started it because I wanted to contribute something positive to offset the (sadness?) I felt at the Maori statistics situation. At that time, Maori sites were of a really serious nature (and still are as far as I can tell). I wanted to make something uplifting, in a fun way.That was not 'too deep' or unapproachable. So while I couldn't fix (statistics) things I could still do SOMETHING to help shed a different light on the culture.

It's found a little following with kindergartens, Kohanga Reo, and primary schools. I am not a teacher or fluent in the language - my 'work' has been at home, so most of the posts are just guesses of what I think people might want. The blog lay dormant for a while, mostly because I ran out of ideas, but readers kept coming and subscribing so I have decided to extend Maori Printables to include things for Maori Language adult learners.Won't get a chance to get onto it until next year - but can plan.

Started another writing site thing - will tell you about it if it doesn't fizzle.

Signed up for another year of study.

:)

Old & Soft & Most Hated Word

2013-11-12T13:37:00.001+13:00

I find I cannot bear bad news stories. Have just spent the last ten minutes or so weeping about a horrid incident in the South Island. There are phases where I won't watch the news for weeks on end, or buy newspapers. I can't stand cruel stories.

Reinforces a notion - that people are just animals - through the ages and generations they dress and talk differently and have different technologies to play with, but basic behaviour doesn't change. You'll always get those ones that will do something extraordinary.

Brings up other thoughts like - how society/environment conditions a person, how some people think they can control others, how some people can't control themselves, how some people are just dumb and others are just plain nuts. (I have to go on about this) - how some people are strong, and how the will to live is amazingly inherent.

These themes have resurfaced time and again across different cultural histories - so an old saying is true in my head - we are all the same. (Some nicer than others).

Having ranted on that I have to look on the flip side - bad, sad stories are a shocking jolt. A reminder to be fair to others, to respect them and always try and look at the bigger picture.

My most hated word in the English language is: (tada): CRUEL

OK can't leave on that note now, can I? How about an illustration....

That's better... time for a cuppa :)

Make Up

2013-11-11T22:04:00.000+13:00

My yummy things came from Avon today. I ordered a lipstick but it was the wrong colour so I got my girl to go swap it. Means I've got to wait, but that's okay. I've learned to be more patient. I don't wear much makeup. Lipstick. That's it. Sometimes a bit of foundation. Not often.

It's really hard for me to find lipstick I like. It has to be matt/matte. I need it lasting - don't want to be one of those gals always looking in the compact mirror and applying in public. It has to be VERRRYYYY plum-my because that's the only thing I think suits my complexion.

Boyfriend got me a lipstick for a treat. Half price at $25. Grandaughter age 3 - makeup mad - took it out of my purse and into the other Nanna's car - waving goodbye to me with the thing in her wee hand - had to laugh.

I've not been one for this make-up-girly-kind of thing - but I think I'll have a go at it. I've put my next order in... :)

Oh and got some pots... :)

Cabinet Find

2013-11-11T13:46:00.001+13:00

My visits to the city are cursory at best. If I have to go - its quick. In and out of stores. Takeouts - drive throughs. Yesterday was different. I found a cabinet. $20. Went to go get it.

Great nick, Queen Anne legs - mate said it was mahogany - but I don't know. I just love it.

Was also Darcy's birthday. Piled him and his brother into the truck - loves McD's, those kids. Been years since I went into one of those joints. They've really spruced things up.

I figure they must pretty much look all the same... but I was a bit wide-eyed...

All in all - a fun day.

Happy Birthday Darcy!

Printable Address Labels

2013-11-10T10:43:00.001+13:00

Edit these in 'Word'. Just open the file and change the text.

Just click on the pic to go get them.

:)

Ideas for Making Unique Journals

2013-11-09T19:06:00.000+13:00

Just some ideas... click on the pic to go see...

Am working on a Beer Box Journal, coming together quite nicely. Have made pockets and strip holders built into the thing. Am up to making the extras: tags and wee notebooks to go in the pockets and holders.

:)

Printable Blackboard Quotes

2013-11-09T16:20:00.002+13:00

A couple of chinese proverbs...print them out for posters... :)

Call for Arts and Crafts Writers

2013-11-08T14:10:00.001+13:00

Craft Found is looking for writers!

So what is it that stokes your boat? What do you enjoy making? That's what Craft Found is looking for.

Do you make cards?
Do you scrapbook?
Do you knit?
Do you crochet?
Do you repurpose?
Do you quilt?
Do you love to play with paint?
Do you love to play with pencils?
Do you draw?
Do you love to make stuff from cardboard?

...plus a whole lot of other things I haven't even mentioned?

Do you have ideas on creativity?
Do you have ideas on journal prompts?

....the list could go on and on and on....

Find out more here!

Love to hear from you.

:)

The Paper Love Affair Begins...

2013-11-06T12:49:00.000+13:00

Apparently, I nearly died as a child from chicken pox. Just started school was bedridden for six weeks. I don't remember much of that. But I DO remember I was in Mum & Dads bed (don't know where they slept) and I DO remember Dad coming in with a small newsprint jotter, a roll of sellotape, scissors and a pen.

He thought I needed something to do and I wasn't very impressed. Should he show me how to make something? How about a bag? Yeah right.

(1) Fold the bottom bit up. Put tape on the sides to hold it together. (2) Chop off the top corners. (3) Now fold that top bit down. (4) Chop off a long bit of paper.

I was pretty interested by now.

(5) Tape the ends to the bag. (6) He drew a flower on it. I was amazed. Now you've got a purse like Mum's. No you haven't. He put five cents in it. NOW you've got a purse like Mum's, hers has money in it.

Gave me a kiss and went to work.

Therein began my love affair with paper. This simple thing... Thanks Dad xxx...

Printable Journal Blocks

2013-11-05T08:50:00.002+13:00

Printable over at Craft Found

Kitchen themed: so good for home tips, favourite old recipes handed down, or new recipes your kids like. Anything to do with the home really.Go get 'em.

:)

Old Skool Sounds - Superwoman - Twice

2013-11-03T19:33:00.002+13:00

Really like this rendition of 'Superwoman' by Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight & Patti Labelle.

Very powerful... just look at all of the ladies in this vid...

Karyn White - Superwoman by lachula

This was the one I first heard & loved.

Released 1998
White's self-titled debut album Karyn White

:)