Resume of Leanne Stamatellos

Forgot this one!

2010-11-03T17:34:00.003+10:00

I had forgotten to post this layout that was featured in a recent issue of Scrapbooking Memories.

It was about our visit to Australia Zoo last year - where did the time go?

Lots and lots of photos

2010-10-12T21:11:00.007+10:00

When Kristy Evans, Editor of Scrapbooking Memories, asked if I could create a layout using 12 or more Travel Photos on a double layout, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Having come home from a trip to America earlier in the year, I had plenty of pics to choose from.

Here is the layout I created and it is published in a recent issue of Scrapbooking Memories.

Thanks for dropping by,
Leanne

Canvas Art

2010-10-09T16:40:00.002+10:00

I don't often create alot of Off the Page items but I had alot of fun creating this mini canvas for the Keeping It Simple Article this month for Scrapbook Creations Magazine.

Like my style, it was clean and simple and definately not too complicated.

All I need to do now is find a little girl with the name AVA that I can give it to.

Thank you for dropping by and I truly appreciate all the lovely comments.

Enjoy the weekend!

Happy Holidays

2010-09-28T21:09:00.002+10:00

I just returned from a lovely week away at the Gold Coast with my family.

Lots of beach and pool and while the weather was a little wet and overcast, we still managed to have "the most awesomest time ever" .... according to 4 year old Joshua.

Thought I would post a layout that I scraplifted from my beautiful friend, Severine.

I loved the layout the minute I saw it and knew I had to lift it.

As always, this layout has a simple story that I want to preserve.

Thanks for dropping by,
Leanne

A busy year!

2010-09-12T21:21:00.005+10:00

I recently made a difficult decision to finish up writing the Keeping It Simple article for Scrapbook Creations. I have been part of the team for a couple of years now and have loved every moment of it. I say it was difficult because I truly loved working with the wonderful editor, Kim taranto and team at Scrapbook Creations as well as Belinda Venables and Amanda Hall who contributed with me every second month.

Also my regular monthly commitment as a Scrapbooking memories Master had finished for the year where again I was so fortunate to have worked with an amazing team of girls and also the editor, Kristy Evans as well as Cassie Bellemore and Sharryn Thomson.

This year has been a busy one.

Not only for myself with the wonderful scrapbooking opportunities that I've had but also with my photography and my incredible family and their commitments.

I like to think that I will always give 110% to whatever I can do whether it be for myself and my interests or my family and theirs. So, I've had to cut back on my crafting commitments to do that.

And you know what? Since doing that , I've scrapped 3 layouts this week !

Three brand new, never before seen, not for any magazine, but for me - and that makes me happy because I love what scrapbooking means to me and I love that it reminds me of all the little things about my family and life that I would otherwise have forgotten.

So, below is one of the 3 layouts I did this week - not rocket science, but I did it and it means something to me and that's what counts, don't you think?

Thank you to all who let me know they enjoyed my contributions to both magazines whether it was in the Keeping It Simple Article or as a SM Master - it's been an absolute pleasure!

Surfer - layout!

2010-09-10T12:05:00.005+10:00

My Surfer layout as seen in Scrapbooking Memories a couple of issues ago.

I love the use of Kraft cardstock - it seems to work so well with the beach photos!

Oh and on the photography front, I'm having alot of fun and have just started offering some crazy cool Xmas Mini photo Sessions . If you're a Brisbanite or can get to Brisbane on Saturday 30th October, then you will have the best time having these Xmas Photo Booth pics taken - take a look here if you're keen!

are you in shock?

2010-09-02T14:35:00.004+10:00

Yes, another layout on the blog!

One that I created a little while ago about the cute PJ's out there for the kids.

clean, simple, nothing too over the top ...but I like it!

Not so subtle!

2010-08-26T14:22:00.005+10:00

I need to clarify that this post ... this very belated post .... has nothing to do with the fact that a certain scrapbooking friend , not-so-subtley reminded me that 'it's been a while' since I posted.

I seriously had this on my to-do list and since I just left her home mere minutes ago, this will surely send her into shock!

As for an excuse .... well things have been crazy around here. With family, school fete, kindy bush dances, photography going beyond my wildest expectations ... well, it's been crazy!

So, here is a layout that was created for Scrapbooking Memories for the Cristina Re Challenge. Lots of pretty product used - especially my favourite Swiss dot Bazzill.

So by chance you want to send my dear friend into further shock, I'd love you to leave me a message of support and I promise I won't take so long to update next time.

100 pages of USA!

2010-07-11T10:07:00.002+10:00

Since I returned home from America in late March I have been working on a Photographic Album for all of my favourite photos from the trip. If you take a look over HERE you can see an online version of the album that's currently being printed in America.

I can't wait to see it when it gets delivered - but that will be about 4 weeks or so.

I'll be sure to keep you posted.

New stuff to share!

2010-06-28T21:32:00.004+10:00

I've been meaning to share a layout that was sent to me by Colleen Boshoff who recently won a pack of goodies that I had up for grabs on my blog. Colleen was kind enough to send me a photo of her layout using the products and I think she did a wonderful job.

I also came across a photo of the layouts that I sent to Scrapbooking Memories to display at the Scrapbook and Papercraft Show a couple of weeks ago. Here they are photographed on the carpet in the study - I'm sure they looked nicer framed on the wall at the convention!

Oh, and I'm excited to share a recent layout that I created recently.

The best part is that it was done for me and I like the way it is - simple!

I was hugely influenced by the super talented, Simple scrapper, Wendy Bretz - a US friend from my early scrapping days.

Thank you for dropping by!

Meant to be!

2010-06-21T20:41:00.004+10:00

It's been a rugged couple of weeks but I'm happy to report that I'm getting back on track and starting to feel so much better than I was when I was told I had Parvo Virus. I'd like to thank all the lovely friends who sent me photos and texts and updates on the weekend of the Scrapbooking and Papercraft show - you have no idea how nice it was to know that I was thought of and I am still so sad that I was unable to speak about my style of scrapbooking. I guess it was meant to be and that's that!

I wanted to share a layout that I created late last year that I forgot about. I was inspired to create this "walk to school" themed layout by Nicole Southworth who I've seen do this sort of thing before and I loved the concept. It's a double layout done in A4 format.

Oh, and hopefully I'll get my hands on some more photos of the Scrapbook Show and post them soon for you to see how it all looked. Thanks for dropping by and your comments are always so appreciated.

So disappointed

2010-06-11T16:36:00.006+10:00

I have been feeling a little unwell for a couple of weeks - the usual tiredness that we all battle through due to over doing it but I sent myself off to have some blood tests on Monday.

By Tuesday, I was experiencing extreme joint pain, inflamation and lots of fatigue. It continued up until today where I have started to feel mildly better. My results came through indicated that I have parvovirus - a virus that you catch from kids that have had the same thing - it shows as bright red cheeks in kids but in adults it shows as rheumatoid arthritic like symptoms.

Fortunately, it's something that will get better with rest but I am so disappointed that the Doctor has suggested I not be in contact with anyone

(particularly pregnant women) for a little bit longer.

So, what does that mean for me?

I was scheduled this long weekend to speak at 11am for Scrapbooking Memories Magazine in their STUDIO at the Scrapbook and Papercraft Show.

Sadly, Dr says I'm not allowed to do it.

Nor can I see my layouts on display in the Scrapbooking Memories Masters Display area.

It's really disappointing.

My apologies to anyone who was planning to go along and hear me speak.

Kristy and Cassie, from Scrapbooking Memories, have my notes and have suggested that they present my talk on my behalf. Wish I could have been there in person.

I'd love to hear how all about the convention

and I'll be thinking of you all especially at 11am each day.

PS. Forgot to add .... thank you for all the lovely feedback about the Art cards.

shillito.rachel.m - I'm having these cards printed at Officeworks - a cheap black and white copy but done on a 200gsm white card so they look nicer. And by all means, this is not an original idea from me, feel free to have a play and do it for your school too

- just note that it is alot of work.

School Art Cards

2010-06-03T22:01:00.002+10:00

As always, life is super busy.

And with a child at school, it seems never ending.

This year I put forward an idea that I had seen at another school for fund raising.

Each class was given an item to draw and then each student in that class had to draw it. I then scanned the drawings and laid them out in photoshop to create a card design.

At our school , we have 20 classes in total - so I have created 2 packs of cards.

10 cards have Christmas Designs on them and the other 10 cards have General Designs.

I'm really pleased with how they turned out and I'm hoping they'll be a great success!

So that's what I've been doing, what about you?

scrapping simple

2010-05-23T11:09:00.002+10:00

It seems like such a long time since I've put some time aside to scrap for myself.

I love the challenges that are put to me by the magazines but I really love it when you have the freedom to create for yourself.

This morning I created this layout with some photos that I've had since Christmas day.

They were the usual Christmas Day photos of the boys that I love to take but this year I managed to hit the jackpot and get a really nice one of the two of them. The journalling tells how I seem to love the crazy ones even more when I look at these photos altogether.

Don't be fooled by the simplicity of this page.

There are 9 different items used on this layout and I love how clean it still looks.

This is definately my new favourite layout.

Scrapbook & Papercraft Convention

2010-05-08T21:56:00.002+10:00

I'm pretty excited to have been asked to talk at The Scrapbook & Papercraft Convention on June 12-14th this year in Brisbane. I was even more excited when the program came out in print and I was listed amongst some wonderful scrappers in the industry who will be teaching that day.

Here's a link to the Studio Talks that are being held by Scrapbooking Memories - I'll be talking at 11am each day and can't wait to catch up with some friends (both old and new). I would love to say hello if you come so please don't be shy and come and introduce yourself.

The girls at Scrapbooking Memories have asked me to talk about my Simple Style and how to achieve it. I'm in the processing of trying to think what to say so if you have any thoughts on what you'd like to hear then leave me a message so I can be sure to include it in my talk.

Looking forward a great long weekend in June - take care, Leanne

Collage layouts - thanks for sending them through

2010-05-02T20:27:00.004+10:00

I received three gorgeous layouts this week using quite a few photos - the first two were from Colleen Boshoff and the last one was from Michelle Jamieson.

I love them all.

I thought I might split the pack and send you half each - it's really lovely so start choosing your beach photos and your pack will be in the mail next week - can you email me your postal address? .

Thankyou for sharing your creations.

I'd love to see what you create with this new kit when you're finished.

My next layout .... step 1

2010-04-26T21:10:00.002+10:00

I have a layout due with Scrapbooking Memories soon and they have sent me some fantastic papers to use that have a beach theme.

I chose a handful of my favourite images and created a collage from when Ethan had surfing lessons a few weeks ago while on holidays at the Gold Coast. I love collages and I love lots of photos on a layout - I think it really helps to tell the story.

So, if you're in the mood to scrap a layout with lots of photos using a collage, nows the time, because I'd love to send you what's left in the Scrapbooking Memories

challenge kit once I've finished with it this week.

And for those who know how much product I actually glue to a page, then they will tell you that there will be heaps of stuff leftover to send to you - sheets of paper in fact.

Start emailing me your layouts (old or new) at manistamatellos at hotmail.com

and I'll choose someone to send some goodies to on Saturday!

Thanks for dropping by,

Leanne

Here come some layouts, promise!

2010-04-18T20:28:00.004+10:00

The hardest thing about having commitments to Scrapbooking Magazines is that you can't share your creations until after the magazine comes out and in the case of Scrapbooking Memories, they prefer us to wait 2 months until after the issue has been out in the newsagency.

So, I forget!

I really do forget what I created and also if I posted it on my blog.

Here was a favourite one I did - especially because I got to use that gorgeous aqua flower made by my dear friend, Michelle Jamieson.

Go take a look at her site, Chelley Bean Designs and you'll be tempted no end.

This layout was for Scrapbook Creations - Keeping It Simple Article.

The topic was 'Something Old, Something New'.

It was alot of fun combining old and news scrap goodies to create a layout.

And if you want to take a look at what I did in Las Vegas at WPPI last month,

then my photo blog has the updates there - Leanne Stamatellos Photography

I'm back!

2010-03-28T09:41:00.005+10:00

I know it's been ages since I've posted but for good reason.
I have just arrived back from 3 weeks away in America and I had a fantastic time!

Firstly, I flew alone to Las Vegas for a week at WPPI - this is a huge convention where 15 000 photographers flew in to hear some of the best photographers in the world speak and share their secrets and techniques. I can't begin to say how much I learnt from these incredible artists and I loved every minute of being there.

After that, my husband flew in to join me and we became tourists and did the sight seeing thing in Las Vegas then New York then Los Angeles. We had an amazing time away and I'm looking forward to printing up my favourite photos out of thousands of photos so I can scrap ..... like this one!

It's great to be home!

Keeping It Simple Article - Stamping

2010-02-20T21:54:00.002+10:00

If you grab this month's issue of Scrapbook Creations you'll see an article that I wrote with Belinda Venables and Helen Karanfilovski about Stamping.

When I saw that was the topic, I thought to myself 'holy moly' ... I barely own a stamp but I called my trusty scrap buddy, Michelle, and she came to my rescue with enough stamps to satisfy any stamping addict. I chose the scallop border and also the journalling brackets as you'll see in the layout below. Simple I know, but it was a painless start for a non-stamping scrapper.

Thanks always for leaving your comments - it really is lovely to read them.

Photography bookings for May onwards

2010-02-12T16:44:00.008+10:00

I've been busy scrapping up a storm lately with layouts going to Scrapbooking Memories for the Master's challenges as well as articles going to Scrapbook Creations. The reason I've been so busy catching up is that I'm heading off to Las Vegas in March to WPPI which is an amazing photographic conference. Approximately 12 000 photographers from around the world are expected to fly in to be taught by some of the leading photographers in the world.

I'm looking forward to being inspired by some incredible talent there and I can't wait to be able to share what I learn and what I see over there.

In case you would like some information about a family session or wedding with me, then drop me an email within the next couple of weeks. After that time I'll have limited internet access until I return home from America. I am currently taking bookings for the month of May and onwards for Brisbane families and will be in Melbourne in the early part of August for some sessions.

And because a post is more fun with photos, here are some recent ones of Ethan and Joshua.

School fete Ideas

2010-02-07T16:46:00.006+10:00

I had a bit of a play this morning and grabbed some leftover scraps of double sided patterned paper, some embellishments and ribbon and made this collection of gift tags.

Our school fete is coming up in August and I was asked to join the Stationary/Craft stall to help out. I'm taking these to show the girls next week and see what they think. Is this something that would sell at a fete? I'd love to hear your thoughts on any cool ideas that are easy and fast to make that fall into the Craft and Stationary category.

14 to go!

2010-01-31T07:44:00.002+10:00

Managed to fit in another layout late last night and early this morning.

I've been keeping a list of all the layouts I really should do

and for the first time in a long time I'm really behind.

It seems I have 14 more layouts to go to catch up.

Wish me luck!

Time to scrap

2010-01-26T21:25:00.004+10:00

I promised myself that today I would find 1 hour somewhere in the day to scrap for me.

I promised that no matter how many books were left to cover in contact for the new school year,

or how much ironing needed to be done, or how many photo sessions needed to be processed ...

I would scrap for me.

Nothing flash, but I did it and I'm pleased.

A story about Ethan and his first time rollerskating.

Seriously wonderful!

2010-01-19T21:17:00.006+10:00

Things have been seriously wonderful lately!

I would love to thank each and everyone who took the time to visit my blog and leave me a congratulations about my news with Scrapbooking Memories and Masters 2009.

It is so encouraging to find these messages in my email box - many who are friends who have visited my blog for a long time and also quite a few who are either new to my blog or have never commented before. I loved reading them all and I can't thank you enough.

I've already completed a few challenges for SM and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have creating them.

Since I can't share those layouts just yet, I thought I would post a few layouts that were featured in Scrapbooking Memories towards the end of last year.

Thanks again for you support :)

News to share!

2010-01-14T16:07:00.002+10:00

I'm so pleased to be able to announce that I have been chosen as a Scrapbooking Memories Master for 2009.

It's an honour to chosen alongside this very talented group of girls ...

Bernie Dodd
Christine Rumley
Ebony Van Der Starre
Georgia Keays
Hetty Hall
Karen Watson
Kellie Lusted
Kim Arnold
Sarah Gladman

Thank you to Scrapbooking Memories and I look forward to seeing so many different and wonderful styles of work in this year's monthly issues. Can't wait to get my hands on the special Master's Edition which should be in stores January 20. Congratulations also to the girls who received Honorable Mentions - there will be lots of inspiration in this special edition I'm sure.

A special thank you to everyone who contacted me already to send their good wishes - I'm overwhelmed at the support and lovely, kind words. It's really been a fantastic surprise to be asked to be part of this team .

Thanks again,
Leanne

Off to a good start!

2010-01-03T20:38:00.003+10:00

The New Year started really well, scrapping wise.

I have completed 2 layouts in 2 days - woohoo!

I'm happy to say that I can share one of them with you,

while the other one is off to Scrapbooking Memories (to be seen in a few months time).

Each year, we make gingerbread and decorate them.

I have Nicole to thank for this lovely tradition. I saw them on her blog a couple of years back and she generously gave me her recipe.

We have great fun baking them and it always makes for a fun page

full of detailed photos and a little story.

This year, due to a lack of time, I bought the gingerbread from IKEA already baked and we decorated them with Royal Icing - they looked less perfect than previous years only because we all had a real play at decorating them - and I love that!

Apart from scrapping this year, I'm looking forward to booking lots of photography sessions.

I'll be heading to Sydney in 9 days time to do just that.

If you'd like to see some of my favourite photos from 2009 sessions,

take a look over at my Photography Site ....

Leanne Stamatellos Photography

Best wishes for a Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year!

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-01T16:22:00.006+10:00

Where did the year go?

It certainly went quickly but I had a great time - no complaints here.

It's been a crazy last couple of weeks with the lead up to Christmas Day and then the wind down after. We spent a lovely day with family - lots of fun, lots of food and lots of gifts for everyone. It was a very hot day and the children all spent the afternoon in the pool splashing and enjoying themselves.

It's been a while since I've created a collage - I love them and the way you can show so many photos altogether to tell a story. Here's a few pics from Xmas morning this year.

Last year I took advantage of a double layout and created 2 collages with loads of photos. It really captures the fun we had that day and I'm not sure that one or two larger photos would have done that.

Here's 'christmas 08' ...

Well it's another year and I'm looking forward to a great one.

Thanks for always dropping by - I love reading your comments - it encourages me to post more often. Here is the list I promised, compiled by you from my last post, of some clean and simple scrappers that you will be sure to find inspiration from. There are so many beautiful sites here to look at ... I'd love to hear what you think of them and if you have any more I'll add them to the list next post.

In no particular order ...

http://www.nathsdesign.net/

http://www.feastsonscraps.com/

http://www.dianeseverydaymoments.blogspot.com/

http://www.nicolesscrapsandlife.blogspot.com/

http://www.whereiamat-amanda.blogspot.com/

http://www.simply-s.blogspot.com/

http://www.jodywenke.blogspot.com/

http://www.kathythompsonlaffoley.typepad.com/

http://www.louise-justloolabelle.blogspot.com/

http://www.artscrapandmore.blogspot.com/

and believe me there are heaps more .... I hope this keeps you inspired!

Keeping It Simple

2009-12-18T21:26:00.002+10:00

Just managed to get another post in before the BIG DAY arrives.

I can't believe where the year has gone.

Today I received my copy of Scrapbook Creations.

After a long day of Christmas shopping, it was so nice to put my feet up and take a look at all the creations in this new issue.

Of course, I love seeing the "Keeping It Simple" Article that I write every second month with Belinda Venables and Helen Karanfilovski. I like to see how we all interpret the theme. This month's theme was to create a 'NO PHOTO' layout. I love how we all have similar coloured layouts and that was definately not planned.

Here's my layout:

Speaking of "Keeping It Simple" .....

are you a simple scrapper?

do you follow any simple scrapper sites?

who are some favourite simple scrappers?

I'd love to see some links to you or your favourites .... and I don't mean the BIG INTERNATIONAL NAMES .... I mean just normal scrappers like you and I.

I'd love to make a list and post them on my blog before Christmas. It would make for some great reading and inspiration over the festive holiday.

Looking forward to your thoughts,

Merry Christmas,

Leanne

The Recipe

2009-12-14T10:33:00.002+10:00

Thanks so much for all the lovely feedback on my Reindeer Cookies - the sad thing is that I don't actually have a spare one for me to bake and see how they look completed - they are all being given out to friends and family.

For those who asked for the recipe, take a look here and there will be all the details :
Recipe here

Enjoy making them and Happy Christmas.

Reindeer Cookies

2009-12-11T21:31:00.003+10:00

One evening at least a couple of months ago, I was online chatting to Sharnel, a friend of mine. She mentioned she wanted to make these but a Xmas version. Well I jumped at the chance to join in and make them with her as gifts at Xmas time.

There has been heaps of planning - orders to the US for the m&m's, Jars purchased from across town, ingredients bought and practice runs done. There were serious discussions about the fabric we would use on the top of the jars and many links to many blogs for inspiration about the how the label would look and what we might call the Cookie Mix.

I had a great time with a like minded friend who is as particular as I am when it comes to craft .... and believe it or not she is not a scrapper (but let me tell you that she has the best cutting board a scrapper could ever want). Sharnel bakes ... check out The Cupcake Company.

Sharnel makes the most delicious cupcakes and the prettiest too. We met online on a cupcake forum and before long we chatted, then I photographed her gorgeous daughter's 5th birthday and just 2 weeks ago we made 50 jars of Reindeer Cookie Mix.

Here's what they look like.

You simply add some butter and vanilla, roll into balls and bake - the 'step by step' is on the back of the jars. Don't you just love Christmas time and the pretty things you can make?!

I do - Merry Christmas!

Crazy time of the year

2009-12-09T21:46:00.005+10:00

I'll start by saying that this has got to be the craziest time of the year.

So much so that I just completed a very long and overdue post on this blog and then bleary eyed, I accidentally deleted it. After a deep breath and a moment to compose myself, I have started this post again.

Why is it that we all seem to not have enough minutes in the day at this time of the year?

I appear organised ...

The tree is up -since November in fact.

There are gifts under it - not the children's of course

My wreath is hanging on the front door.

The Christmas cards have been written.

My long, long lists of purchases are gradually getting smaller ....

and yet, I barely have time to scrap or blog or take time to smell the roses during the festive season. Let's hope things settle down soon.

I had a lovely email recently from Mylen, a DT member from a great french blog called C&S.

She asked if they could use a layout of mine so that others could scraplift it. I was more than thrilled that they would notice my work when there are some of my favourite simple scrappers come from France - they have such a wonderful clean style.

Here is the layout they have on their blog this week. If you go take a look you'll see how some of the other scrappers lifted it. Thank you Mylen.

In other news, I have been have a wonderful time with my photography

- Leanne Stamatellos Photography

This year has been terrific - I have met some great families and made so many new friends.

I am so excited to be flying to Sydney in January to attend a one day workshop with an amazing USA photographer - Jasmine Star. She is considered top 10 in the world.

While I'm in Sydney I'm looking forward to photographing some families that reserved their sessions several months ago - it will be so much fun.

I have 2 session times available - one on Monday 11 January at 3pm and the other on Wednesday 13 January at 8am. Email me if you're interested in some more information -

leannestamatellos@hotmail.com

A one hour session includes all photos on your own disc

as well as five 5x7 images printed.

Before I go and accidentally delete this post, I'd like to wish you all a very merry christmas and a happy and safe new year. Thank you for dropping by my blog and for the kind and encouraging comments I receive - they really make my day.

To be continued ....

2009-11-20T21:10:00.006+10:00

I know, I know ... it's been a while since I've posted. Things are crazy around here with family photo sessions and planning my work Christmas party this year at our home. Lots and lots of things including layouts. The hard part is that many of them can't be shared for a long while. These ones appear in Scrapbook Creations this month as part of the article I wrote called "to be continued". I find that there are heaps of times when one layout just won't do. There's a story to be told and often a big story like the lead up to Ethan's first tooth falling out.

Here are the layouts - the magazine has heaps better photos of them and you can read the journalling too.

And in case, anyone is still around, I'd love to hear from you ... a bit of encouragement goes a long way :) I may even post before the month is out - LOL!

Thought you might like to see ...

2009-10-27T21:54:00.005+10:00

A little while ago I was asked to photograph a 40th birthday party - along with that I created the invitations and a whole lot more. If you have time to take a look at my Photography site you'll see some of the goodies I got to make - I'm so glad my scrapbooking came in handy!

www.stamatellosphotography.blogspot.com

Landscape photos - layout

2009-10-27T07:48:00.003+10:00

Where do the days go?

I have just returned from a relaxing week away at the Gold Coast with my family - it was much needed and I feel ready to tackle the silly season that is just under 8 weeks away - I can't believe it's creeping up on us!

I received a copy of the latest Scrapbook Creations and was so pleased to see my latest 'Keeping It Simple' Article in there.

This month was creating a simple layout using photos of landscapes. I had a heap of photos from when I visited Gwinganna, the gorgeous health retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland, early this year. I was so pleased I could use so many photos to remind me of my few days there.

Here it is ...

I have some more layouts to share over the coming days so I will hopefully post again soon.

Shortlisted !

2009-10-14T19:40:00.004+10:00

I was pretty excited when I read my emails this morning. I had a lovely one from Kristy Evans, editor of Scrapbooking Memories congratulating me on being shortlisted for the Masters Competition this year.

For my USA and International scrappers, ten scrappers are selected each year and represent the magazine with their work each month. Of course there are generous prizes but most scrappers will tell you how much they love the challenge and of course the title of being a Master.

As I said I was pretty excited this morning but just 5 minutes ago, I read a list of the 'shortlisted girls' (about 60 or so of them) and I can barely believe that I've been lucky enough to be part of this group - there are so many big names on this list and the talent is huge. Congratulations to everyone - Scrapbooking Memories has a difficult task ahead of them narrowing the names down. Here they all are!

Agnus Kasprzak
Alicia Barry
Angella Peardon
Angie Naumowicz
Belinda Spencer
Bernie Dodd
Beth Jarrett
Candice Myers
Cass Glass
Catherine Pineda
Cheree Wheare
Christine Rumley
Cindy Bishop
Cindy Roberts
Deb Godley
Debbie Johnston
Ebony Van Der Starre
Emma Allen
Emma Viney
Fran Tynan
Georgia Keays
Geraldine Pasinati
Hetty Hall
Jane Tregenza
Jenni Parsons
Jodi Dolbel
Julie Hill
Karen Watson
Kathleen Glossop
Kellie Lusted
Kerryn Lawson
Kerryn Leworthy
Kim Arnold
Krissy Christie
Kylie Fraser
Kylie Shotton
Lauren Boase
Leanne Stamatellos
Leeann Pearce
Louise Nelson
Manon Kier
Marianne Berry
Mel Connell
Melanie Forbes
Michelle Winston
Monica Brady
Nerrida Mitchell
Nicole Aspinal
Pip Prosser
Rochelle La’Brooy-McIver
Rhonda Harvey
Robyn Bell
Sarah Gladman
Sharon Thomson
Shelley George
Skye Johnson
Sonia Barnett
Sonia Thomason
Sue Campbell
Susan Longman
Tammy Milborn
Tania Ballestrin
Tanya Tahir
Tatum Woodroffe
Tiff Sawyer
Wendy Bennett
Wendy Smith

Top 10 will be announced late in December I believe - so I just need to sit back and relax, right?

And what's a post without a layout ... no fun at all.

So here is one from a recent issue of Scrapbooking Memories.

three & a half

2009-09-27T08:44:00.002+10:00

I recently started this layout and couldn't complete it since I had run out of my adhesive tape. Thank goodness, Tanyah from Scrap n Craft with T came to my rescue and sent me a few rolls as quick as a flash. I've never used Bella Adhesive tape before but it is great and at just under $2 for a 50m roll, well I think that's a steal.

Here's the layout I created to mark Joshua's 3 and a half years.

And if you're in the mood for a challenge and a chance to win some great weekly prizes as well as a big end prize, take a peak at what Tanyah has coming up soon.

Embellish This is a 6 week challenge competition and I'll be hosting one of the challenges. It should be heaps of fun and very inspiring too.

Registration closes 17 October 2009, so head on over.

Chelle Bean Designs

2009-09-14T15:59:00.006+10:00

Some of you may know Michelle Jamieson as one of Scrapbooking Memories 2008 Masters.

Not only is she a very talented scrapper, but she also has her own label called Chelle Bean Designs.

She creates gorgeous unique embellishments including handmade buttons, felt birdies, and paper flowers ... just to name a few. The best part is that she asked me to create a layout for her to feature on her blog using the latest paper flowers - how could I say no?

It's that pretty aqua coloured flower on my layout complete with brad.

I should add too, that Michelle and I see each other almost every day.

We live around the corner and up the hill from each other.

Our son's go to the same school, in the same grade and were actually in the same class last year.

Her daughter and my other son go to kindy together and gymnastics too.

Small world isn't it?

And should you want to purchase these pretty flowers, she sells them all around the world on etsy.

Go take a peak if you like and be tempted.

Funny things they say!

2009-09-07T15:46:00.003+10:00

It seems that lately when I've gone to scrap I haven't had a photograph to do the layout I want to. It was so refreshing to create another layout without a photo - it meant I had heaps of room for the journalling and even more room for the embellishments.

My boys are forever saying funny things - not that they know it.

And it's so easy to forget these things, so I took the opportunity to create this layout about the

funny things that I can remember just from last week. I hope you can read the close up.

Have a go at scrapping a layout either with some 'funny things your kids say or do'

or even a layout without using a photo

and if you do, I'd love for you to email me a photo of it so I can share it here.

email me at manistamatellos@hotmail.com

Have fun!

Sydney Photo Sessions - January 2010

2009-09-02T22:11:00.001+10:00

Hooray!

Finally, I have the dates that I'll be coming to Sydney in January next year.

I'm looking forward to a great time at a workshop

as well as a day and a half having fun with some photo sessions.

Some session times have already been reserved

and I'm really looking forward to meeting these families and photographing them.

Here are the dates I'll be down:

Monday 11 January 2010 - 7pm sunset beach session - RESERVED
Tuesday 12 January 2010 - workshop - no sessions
Wednesday 13 January 2010 - 10.30am Centenial Parklands session - RESERVED

If you would like some more information about the last couple of available photo sessions,

you can email me at leannestamatellos@hotmail.com .

They will be held on Wednesday 13 January 2010 during the morning and afternoon.

And of course there is no fun in having a post without a photo.

I thought a beach one might be appropriate now that Spring has arrived - hooray!

self portrait

2009-08-31T20:34:00.003+10:00

It doesn't seem that long ago that I was asked by sara Pearcy to take some self portraits for an article she was writing for Scrapbooking Memories. I had the most fun especially since she was after something a little different. On top of that Kristy (the editor of SM) asked me if I'd like to create a layout using those photos - I jumped at the chance.

Here's the layout as seen in last month's Scrapbooking Memories.

Also a question in my last post from Di ... that tab you liked is from Making memories - it's an old one and 2 other tabs are featured on this layout too. I think it was from the 5th avenue collection - I'll let you know if it's not.

And Tiff .. how do I make my pics so big? Well it's the hardest thing to explain but it's in the EDIT HTML section of the blog and you need to change s400 to say s800 and you need to delete some other section that says cursor,height,width or something like that. Hope that helps a little.

Inspiration

2009-08-29T21:51:00.002+10:00

I recently received the latest issue of Scrapbooking Memories.

I was excited to find 2 of my layouts in there amongst some pretty cool creations.

Someone who really stood out for me in this issue was Louise Nelson.

I love her unique style and her individuality.

Of course it helped that she loves white space, but her style is considerably different from mine.

Saying that, I was quick to fold back the corners of the pages that had her layouts

and late this afternoon, with her gorgeous pages in my mind, I gathered together

some bits and pieces that I thought might work with one of my new favourite photos.

Here's what I put together and I have Louise to thank for inspiring me to create something.

Yes, I know ... it looks nothing like Louise's layouts and it's not meant to ... but it's great when a layout makes you smile and gives you the little nudge you've been needing.

I can't wait to scrap soon.

As promised

2009-08-24T20:43:00.005+10:00

I mentioned in my last post about some invitations and things that I've been creating for a client's 40th birthday. As promised, here are a few photos of the box that I carefully put all the goodies in. While I'd love to show you the contents, I'll have to wait until mid October when the party is on so i don't spoil the surprise for any guests. This was so much fun and it was great to use my scrapbooking skills to create something special for someone who appreciated it so much.

These are the papers and the colour scheme of the stationary inside - I wish I could show you!

Photos from this glamorous birthday party will be available for viewing at

Leanne Stamatellos Photography in late October this year.

Moreton Island

2009-08-21T16:58:00.003+10:00

Earlier in the year our family joined 5 other families for a few days at Morton Island.

I knew I had to scrap those photos for the Keeping It Simple Article that I write for

Scrapbook Creations when the topic was 'double page layouts'.

Here is the layout that is in this month's issue alongside

Belinda Venables and Helen Karanfilovski's layouts.

In other news I have been so busy with lots of photography bookings - I'm overwhelmed at times by the lovely response to my photography. Word of mouth can be such a wondeful thing and I'm so fortunate to have so many kind friends (many whom I have never met) refer me to their friends.

I also have just completed a huge project for a 40th birthday party that I will be photographing in mid October. Heaps of invitations, address labels, candy tags, powerpoint presentation, save the date, sign in clipboard .... so much fun when you can create beautiful things for people who appreciate what you do.

Looking forward to getting some 'for me layouts done this week. Then I can share!

Thanks always for dropping by and for the wonderful comments that I receive. It's always a pleasure to read them and I never tire of them. Have a great weekend!

Photo Talk

2009-08-11T20:33:00.005+10:00

I've recently had some interest in photographing two families when I'm in Sydney and Melbourne next. I may be heading to Sydney for a couple of days in mid-January 2010 and thought I would see if there was any further interest before I made the decision to book my flight.

My session includes 1-1.5 hours of shooting outdoors

and a disc with high resolution images processed by myself.

I also include 5 photos printed on high quality professional photo paper in 5x7 size.

If you may be interested or would like some more information, please drop me an email at

leannestamatellos@hotmail.com. I have a photography blog now also if you haven't seen it already with examples of my work on it and recent shoots - Leanne Stamatellos Photography

Been meaning to ...

2009-08-08T21:57:00.003+10:00

I've been meaning to add this layout to my blog.

I love the photos especially since it was the day I was practicing with my new lens - the 50mm f1.4 - love the depth of field and Joshua's big brown eyes.

As seen in Scrapbook Creations magazine - issue no. 67

Guest Designer

2009-08-04T16:59:00.002+10:00

I was pretty excited when I was asked to be a guest designer for INSPIRED BLUEPRINTS. If you go take a peak at their blog you'll see the sketch I had to work with - I loved every minute of it and it was quite liberating to use a sketch rather that to try and come up with my own design layout.

Apart from that, I have just returned home from 4 days in Melbourne and have the dreaded flu.

I'm feeling pretty weak and sore and need to have lots of rest.

Hopefully I should be back to normal really soon.

Thank you Eliza!

2009-07-18T11:44:00.002+10:00

I am so fortunate to work with a girl called Eliza.

Not only is she wonderfully nice, she is an amazing wizz at the computer and she often sends me emails to tell me that she's done something new to my blog.

I'm so excited that she has figured out a way to put a slide show into my blog header - yes a slide show. For those of you with BLOGSPOT, you'll know that it's not an option to do this, but my own personal computer guru has done it.

Take a peak and see what you think - I love it.

Oh and I have a couple of new posts over there too.

Leanne Stamatellos Photography

PS. My entry into the Scrapbooking Memories Masters 2009 competition is complete - woohoo!

Now it's time to start scrapping for me again.

Don't faint .........

2009-07-11T20:21:00.002+10:00

That's right ... don't faint ... it's a layout!

I've been so busy creating things that I can't share yet and enjoying the school holidays with the boys that I needed a bit of time this afternoon to create something just for me

- something I've been meaning to document for a while.

It's a 'no photo' layout which I love to do sometimes and there are heaps of times

when you don't need a photo to tell the story. This is one of them.

Thanks for visiting, I'd love to hear from you ... please! :)

Exciting news!

2009-07-10T11:34:00.002+10:00

A little while ago I received an email from the lovely Lisa Warren who asked me if I'd like to be a Guest designer for Inspired Blueprints. Like the name suggests, they provide a monthly sketch and are really a great inspiration.

I jumped at the chance .. this site is great and has a talented team of permanent designers, including Lisa as well as some pretty cool Monthly Guest Designers. My layout will be featured on the first of August - I'll post again but I was excited to share my news.

Apart from that, I've been fighting off the flu, entertaining the boys on school holidays and getting my scrapping commitments done. Looking forward to some 'me layouts' - you know the ones you do for yourself. Have some fun drawings I need to scan today of Joshua's - want to do a layout about that.

Happy Holidays and hope to post something nice soon.

Busy, busy, busy

2009-07-06T21:02:00.003+10:00

It's school holidays and it's been a busy week entertaining the boys during the break. On top of that I had a busy afternoon on Saturday at a family photo shoot. I have some photos to share and need to thank my talented friend, ELiza, for setting up a special blog just for photo shoots - she is an absolute wizz with the computer and without her I'd never be blogging.

Here's the link
Leanne Stamatellos Photography

I'd love to hear what you think if you have a moment and hopefully

I'll be able to update this photo blog with images every now and then.

Looking forward to scrapping and sharing some more layouts soon too.

Happy Holidays!

Photos - hooray!

2009-07-01T21:05:00.002+10:00

Hooray, I have some photos to share ... not of layouts but some photos none the less.
I have been scrapping, I promise ... working on Scrapbooking Memories Masters entries (if I ever complete them), Keeping It Simple Article for Scrapbook Creations, a sketch layout for an online sketch site (more news on that soon ;) and a couple of cards here and there.

In between all of that, I managed to take some photos of the boys using my 50mm lens f1.4 last weekend on our Sunday afternoon walk. Hope to have something to show you soon. Take care, Leanne

Another boring post

2009-06-23T16:53:00.000+10:00

Sorry guys ... no pics still ... my computer is still off getting checked for water damage .... it's been a week and the guy said it might not be too much longer :(

So, I can't upload any pics at all until I get it back. Thought I would just log in so you know I'm alive and well.

Thank you to Kathy who recently left me a comment - her first one and I'm so pleased she worked out how to do it. Kathy, when you do comment again, add your name to the end of your comment so I can tell it's you. When you do an anonymous comment, you need to add your name as well.

Kathy asked about BLACK AND WHITE conversion on my photos.
Yes, I use gradient map and yes I simply use the black and white choice and then I also add some contrast in the adjust curves section by gently pulling the curve down at the bottom of the curve (if needed). Hope that helps!

Also, I'm keen to start doing some more photo shoots - I have some booked in already in the next few weeks that should be fun - I can't wait to post .... so if you're interested in having me take some photos of your family or your party or whatever you have in mind, I'd love to hear from you!

Hopefully I'll have some pics to share on my next post - fingers crossed!

Questions / Answers

2009-06-19T13:16:00.000+10:00

It's been a while since I updated my blog - good reason though. My hard drive has been sent away to be checked for water damage so temporarily i have set up my son's hard drive so I can 'make contact' with everyone ;)

I'm really glad so many of you loved the LEGO party as much as I did. I'll try and answer all the questions and if I miss any, please let me know OK?

ANONYMOUS - asked about the party - Yes, the party lasted for only 1 hr and they have no facilities for you to provide food which is a shame. The kids played for 1 hour supervised by a teacher who depending on your choice of party guides them with what they need to create. Our theme was "Journey Into Space" and they made aliens and spaceships and then had to show them off and explain what they had made. The cupcakes I made were wrapped in individual plastic containers with ribbons and given to each child as they left along with their LEGO CHOC MAN (as the lolly bag).

NICOLE S - I had seen on the LEGO site that you can buy ice molds from the US. I was concerned it wouldn't arrive in time and so I asked the brisbane LEGO store about them. She said 'no' and then about 1 week later, she phoned excitedly to tell me that a big shipment from the US was coming but not sure when. It arrived 3 days before the party. While I was there collecting the ICE CUBE MOLD, they had ICE BLOCK LEGO MAN molds also - that's what the CHOC LEGO MEN were made from. Of course I had to grab that as well. I'm assuming they should be available in Sydney also.

JODI - Hopefully, you have a LEGO store in your state, if so, then they should have it or maybe able to order you one from Brisbane. Yell out if you have any trouble.

I also received a lovely BLOG AWARD from Debra - that is so nice of you. Unfortunately I can't even load the pic or link you at this stage (who know's why - probably this little computer) but I will try again.

Also, CATH asked about my Black and White conversion on the photo of Ethan. I use photoshop to process my images. I go into GRADIENT MAP and use that to get my black and white's. I didn't do anything fancy to get that white background - the tiles I think were white or maybe even pale green so once converted that's how it looked. If I haven't explained this well enough, please ask again OK?

SO, not too exciting today - no photos to share .... since I can't with this computer ... but I have been creating and I'm excited about it too.

Have a great weekend,
Leanne

PARTY TIME!

2009-06-15T22:30:00.007+10:00

Ethan had his first ever school friend's party last weekend.

He was so excited - he celebrated at the LEGO Education Centre and being the Lego and Star Wars fan that he is, this was the invitation I created for the BIG DAY!

Ethan helped me set up the shot and nervously I lit the candles and ran back to take this photo.

Had some fun with the blurb on the back of the card too.

Just moments before all his friends arrived.

These were in place of lolly bags - little chocolate LEGO men.

And the cupcakes all ribboned up.

And then ready to eat - white chocolate with hundreds and thousands LEGO pieces.

And the token birthday photo taken on the way back to the car.

He had a great time ... and I'm glad - he's a good kid!

At last ......

2009-06-12T21:53:00.002+10:00

Some of you who follow my blog may remember a while ago that I was going to create a layout about by 95 year old grandmother, Anastasia. I wanted to do an interview style layout. So many of you helped me out with suggestions for questions I should ask her. I sent the layout off to Scrapbook Creations and THIS MONTH it's been published. I've yet to get my hands on a copy, coming in the mail soon, but I am so excited to show it to her.

Here's how it turned out:

A visit to Forest Lake

2009-06-09T20:27:00.007+10:00

Last weekend, we ventured out to Forest Lake and enjoyed a walk around the beautiful lake that this estate is built around. The boys took their bikes and Manuel and I walked briskly behind them occasionally stopping Joshua from going to0 fast and from crashing

- since he doesn't know how to use his brakes.

It's a great location and I'm looking forward to doing a

family photo shoot there in about a month.

I'd love to hear from my blogger friends - seems like my last post didn't

spark too many comments - maybe these photos will ;)

New Product + A visit to the scrap show .....

2009-06-07T16:19:00.008+10:00

New Product + A visit to the scrap show .... EQUALS a new layout and a card.

Yes, between coming home from the Brisbane Scrapbook Convention and going out with some of the girls that night, I managed to start a layout using one of my new purchases from the Scrapbook Show.

I finished it today along with a card but I can only show you some snippets since it's heading in to Scrapbooking Memories for one of their Scrap Sketch Challenges.

It was a good Scrapbook Show - heaps and heaps of people, and I managed to meet some online friends and also bump into some old friends too. There were heaps of new products to look at and buy. It isn't unusual for me to be attracted to the woodgrain adhesive strips by Paislee Press. I love the look of woodgrain and it looks really good for outdoor earthy photos. The paper is by Cosmo Cricket and available at scrap'n'craft with T - it's called Nature Walk (part of the Mr campy range).

Speaking of scrap'n'craft with T,

I have a created a 2 new kits that are available to buy over there and you'll be able to create either a layout like this ......

or some cards like this .....

Apart from that, I'm enjoying a long weekend here - The Queens Birthday Weekend

and I'm loving it. Hope yours is great too.

Happy Birthday!

2009-06-05T21:30:00.002+10:00

Some great news for Tanyah's online scrap store - scrap'n'craft with T
- it's turning ONE and there are some great things happening over at the site.

I've had the pleasure of being part of the Design team there - always creating with some beautiful products and knowing that Tanyah has a good idea for colour herself, gives me the confidence to let her choose whatever she thinks co-ordinates with my goodies.

Happy Scrapping and I'm looking forward to catching up tomorrow at the Scrapbook Convention and Exhibition.

Scrapbooking Memories layouts/cards

2009-06-03T21:41:00.005+10:00

I'm always excited to share new layouts and cards here.

A while ago, Scrapbooking Memories asked me if I'd like to be part of the XYRON Challenge and so they sent me a XYRON machine and asked me to create a card and a layout.

It was the first time I'd ever used one.

That little device is a godsend - not sure how I ever scrapped all those years without one.

Here is my card as feautured in Vol 11. No 2

I Xyroned the foam circles

I Xyroned the aqua mini circle strip

I Xyroned the Hambly overlay

I Xyroned the scalloped paper edging.

It's a dream machine for all those intricate little pieces and I just loved how it attached all my journaling strips so perfectly on my layout as well as that hot pink strip.

Layout featured in Vol 11 No 2.

Then there is this layout that I created using Kaisercraft papers and my favourite Hambly rubon strips. This photo of Joshua is a favourite. Featured in Vol 11 No 1.

Looking forward to seeing heaps of new products at the Brisbane Scrapbooking Convention this weekend and maybe even seeing some familiar faces and some new ones too.
Is anyone planning on going - I'd love to say hello - drop me a note if you are please!

Been tagged!

2009-06-01T13:09:00.004+10:00

My dear friend Severine tagged me recently with a request to post my first ever layout.

After I photographed this, I looked at what I created back in 2003 and thought about all the elements on the page. White background, borders around photos, white space, classic title and some journalling - I guess not much has changed in almost 6 years.

So glad I started this hobby - it's given me so much enjoyment and now I get to watch the boys read about their childhood and reminisce..

I was also tagged by 2 other friends, Michelle and Alyssa.

I have to answer these questions and then tag 8 other bloggers, so here goes.....

8 Things I Look Forward To.

1. The weekend, I always love the weekend.

2. Dinner tonight

3. A fresh hair cut and colour

4. Christmas...I love this time of year!

5. Finishing a layout

6. Taking a photo that I'm really happy with

7. A clean house

8. Nap time

8 Things I Did Yesterday

1. Wished Ethan a hppy 6th birthday.

2. Played Hot Wheels in the morning.

3. Set up our first birthday party in the park

4. Crashed on the lounge in the afternoon

5. Downloaded 140+ photos

6. Ate warm seafood salad for dinner - mmm nice!

7. Watched Masterchef Australia

8. Emptied my computer of files and burnt DVD's

8 Things I wish I could Do.

1. Enjoy doing the ironing.

2. Enjoy mopping the floors.

3. Enjoy loading the dishwasher

4. Enjoy making luches

5. Enjoy vaccuming

6. Enjoy washing the dishes

7. Use my straightening iron to curl my hair

8. Remeber things better

8 Things Or Shows I've Watched Lately

1. Masterchef Australia

2.Baby turtles cracking out of their shells and running to the surf at nightime - YOU TUBE

3. Find my family

4. ABC kids

5. Brainy Baby Animals

nothing else really - don't watch alot of TV

So now you might know a bit more about me - if you feel like playing along with me, take the challenge and list your 8 things about you or maybe even show your very first layout.

A lovely birthday party!

2009-05-31T21:52:00.016+10:00

Ethan celebrated his SIXTH birthday today.

I can hardly believe where the time has gone.

He woke early this morning and couldn't wait to open his presents.

I love his expression here.

Some Bakugans (did I say that right?)

Then the family all enjoyed morning tea at a gorgeous park with the most amazing winter day.

Yes, that's right - this in winter where we live!

My six year old!

Happy Birthday to you!

My food colouring didn't turn out red like I was hoping, but no-one seemed to mind.

Joshua happily blew bubbles until they ran out.

And we all had a lovely day!
:)

Scrapbook Creations Layouts

2009-05-25T20:30:00.007+10:00

I scrapped a layout yesterday and I love it - unfortunately I can't share it because it's part of an article that I'm writing for Scrapbook Creations in an up and coming issue. So, I thought I'd upload some layouts that were recently featured in the magazine instead

- no fun having a post without a layout, right?

188 - this is the height that Joshua might be when he's an adult.

I remember reading somewhere that if you double the height of a child at age 2years

then that will be their height when they are fully grown - I have a few years to wait and see.

BREAKING THE HABIT - this was the layout I created for KEEPING IT SIMPLE article

that I write with Helen Karanfilovski and Belinda Venables. The theme was LARGE PHOTOS.

There is heaps to look at in Issue 65 - I'm always amazed at how differently everyone scraps

and I love reading the journalling behind the layouts.

What do you like most about looking at layouts?

Is the design, photo or journalling or are you are product junky?

Family photo shoot

2009-05-24T21:54:00.008+10:00

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of taking photos of this lovely family.

It was a gift to Nancy who was turning 60 from her family - what a great idea!

Amanda, Tracey, Jason and Scott - her 4 children.

The entire family including 6 grandchildren.

I love this photo of Nancy and Mike - they are such a lovely couple.

Seth had the most gorgeous eyes.

Zac and Ella - seasoned models

and Miss Ella

Thank you for a lovely day!

UPDATE PART 2

2009-05-23T12:36:00.003+10:00

I'm overwhelmed with the number of good wishes left by friends about the floading here in Brisbane.

We are all well and safe and apart from some major inconvenience everything should sort itself out with time. Fortunately the insurance company came yesterday and were pretty good - now I need to get quotes for everything that needs replacing.

I've spent this morning running to IKEA and other stores getting quotes for all the stuff that was damaged. The carpets have been ripped up (only 2 rooms affected - my study being one of them) and will be replaced brand new - I'm happy with that since they were starting to smell Musty yesterday afternoon. We have an industrial blower currently trying to dry out the concrete in the 2 rooms.

Good news is, nothing sentimental was lost - that means alot to me.
My albums are safe - I can't imagine how that would feel if they weren't.

So, I'm in the library using internet again and hopefully over the weekend, I'll set up a temporary area for my computer and maybe even get some internet connection as well.

I hope all the rest of my Australian friends are not affected by this heavy rain. It seems to be pretty OK today and things may be on the improve.

Thank you again for your kind thoughts.

The Update

2009-05-21T16:17:00.002+10:00

As some of you may know, Queensland has had some major rainfall.
In fact, ONE THIRD of the year's rainfall fell in just one night.
Many roads have floaded and properties are under water.

We are fortunate to be on a high piece of land but the combination of water and strong winds caused lots of water to enter the lower level of our home and damage wooden toys, bookcases and carpets. My study was one of those rooms and I have had to disconnect the computer and remove all furniture from the room while the water is being extracted from the carpet. It's no fun at all.

So I'm at the library using the computer to log in and update my blog and check my emails. Hopefully I'll be up and running soon even though the carpet man told me that apparently more rain is on it's way - 'the worst is yet to come' is what he said.

Hope everyone else is ok!
I'll check in again soon.

Last Stack

2009-05-13T16:50:00.005+10:00

So we've been a NO NAPPY FAMILY (DIAPER for my American friends), for about a month now and I had to create a layout about the last stack of nappies that remained in the house - it's a strange feeling to know that those days are behind us.

I loved using so many products from my stash as well as this cute new Patterned paper that I recently bought. The cute little butterfly is from a great pack that's available from Scrap 'n' Craft with T - it's actually in my newest kit that I've created and should be available for sale pretty soon here !

A close up of that cute little butterfly.

Mostly I create my layouts as I go along and work with my embellishments or photos but this time I had seen a sketch challenge on Anna's Scrapbook Cupboard and I guess subconsciously after I created the layout I could see quite a few elements that tied in with the sketch. So, I posted it on her site and had my first official play - I think I like this way of scrapping :)

A Wedding!

2009-05-12T08:29:00.007+10:00

Don't you just love weddings?

Last Saturday my first cousin got married - it was a great wedding with lots and lots of family!

There were 300 guests ... yes that's right!

But that's not too unusual when you have Greek heritage.

Here are a couple of photos of Manuel and I all dressed up for the big day!

Oh and I don't normally look like this ... in case you think you see me walking down the street

- lots of hair and makeup going on here for the special day - LOL!

Hope your Mother's Day was lovely!

Lovelier!

2009-05-07T11:14:00.002+10:00

Aren't these even lovelier than when I received them 5 days ago!

They really brighten the house.

Looking forward to completing a layout today while Joshua naps - fingers crossed that I can share it here before the weekend.

The truth!

2009-05-05T20:24:00.006+10:00

I actually forgot that I had a giveaway on my blog - and I had full intentions of taking a photo of Ethan or Joshua pulling the name out of a bowl, but since they're both in bed now I've had to do it myself ... no photo sorry.

Congratulations go to,

LYNDALL - Love this LO Leanne. The photos you have taken of your niece's birthday are great.

I'd love to send you out that packet of diecut flowers - they are so cute. Can you leave me your email address so I can contact you ?
Thank you to everyone who had a play along.

Oh and thanks also to everyone that checked out the Studio Calico blog and tried to win the 6 month subscription - sadly we didn't win but you'll find some great inspiration there and be tempted to start subscribing to those gorgeous kits.

And I know how boring it is when I don't upload a layout with a post so here is a recent one that was in SCRAPBOOKING MEMORIES magazine. It was part of a XYRON CHALLENGE - I'm almost embarrased to admit that this was the first time I had ever used a XYRON before. I don't know how I ever lived without one.

Hopefully I'm off to create a new layout tonight - with all that paper, I have no excuses, right?

NSD - National Scrapbooking Day

2009-05-03T18:02:00.005+10:00

I seem to be in a rush these last couple of days when I go to post on my blog. I have good reason tonight. I'm off to dinner with Manuel to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary - I can hardly believe where the time has gone. And yesterday when I came upstairs, this is what i found on the dining table ...

I wasn't expecting anything at all since our anniversary is actually on Tuesday 5 May next week. On top of that, he organised my sister to come and babysit the boys while we go out for dinner. I'm so looking forward to that.

Yesterday, after swimming lessons, I had great fun at Scrapbooks Etc buying some new product. I had been given a $50 gift voucher for Christmas from my secret santa and it was time to use it. This is what I got - nice!

And because it was National Scrapbook Day on May 2, I took part in a challenge that the talented Tina Cockburn suggested over at Studio Calico. It was all about using white space - she's a big fan and as you know, I am too :)

This is my layout for the challenge - CONSTRUCTION!

Well, I better go and spruce myself up - I have 1 hour before I relax and enjoy a lovely night out.

A cool chance!

2009-05-02T07:48:00.004+10:00

I'm running out the door for swimming lessons today for Ethan and Joshua but I had to post this great chacne to win a 6 month subscription to STUDIO CALICO kits. They are more than amazing and I know I would love to win this prize.

The best part is that if you win the prize, then I win one too - how cool is that?
And it's all because today - May 2nd - we are celebrating National Scrapbooking Day.

All you need to do, is to go here and log in and say you're new, with YOUR NAME, and also MY NAME. Then we both have a chance. And if you let your blog friends know to do the same thing then you'll have more chances. Have a browse around this site and you'll see some pretty cool inspiration - let me know what you think OK?

Off to swimming lessons and to buy a whole heap of new scrapping goodies - woohoo!
Happy weekend!

It's a layout - woohoo!

2009-04-30T13:07:00.004+10:00

Yes I have a layout that I can finally share - that has not been submitted for publication anywhere yet and I can safely post it here for SHOW AND TELL!

This layout was fun to do - using my favourite AMerican Crafts Kennedy jnr alphas and also Heidi Swapp Centre of Attention outline alphas. The best part was that I got to use this super cute laser cut flower from FIVE KIDS AND A DOG. I've been wanting to use it for ages. In fact, I have an extra packet of them and I'd love to give them to someone to enjoy. So, leave me a comment and I'll draw the lucky person on Sunday morning (Australian time).

some photos to share!

2009-04-28T20:55:00.006+10:00

So, I'm going to be quick tonight and share a recent collage from the DISCO PARTY that my 6 year old niece had for her birthday party. I need to be quick because I'm hoping scrap this collage tonight - I have the paper and the embellishments all chosen, I just need to begin.

I love how it turned out - crazy photos of some of us in the photo booth I set up - I had props like fake moustaches, tiaras, feather boas and crazy sunglasses - the kids and adults had a ball. Fingers crossed I do the layout justice.

Then there's this photo that I took while on holidays at the Gold Coast at Easter time. It's of my sister in law and her son - a gift to her husband on their 10th wedding anniversary, celebrated a couple of days ago. I'm really pleased with how it turned out considering the fading afternoon light we had that day. Special thanks to Rachel for being my second processor (kind of like a second shooter but even better!) LOL!

With models like this, who needs to be a good photographer, right? ;)

SImple News!

2009-04-26T07:42:00.007+10:00

A couple of days ago I received in the mail a copy of the final issue of SIMPLE SCRAPBOOKS USA. It's certainly sad when a magazine that was all about the Simple Philosophy stops production. I was excited to see my layout in there in the Reader Gallery. Some time ago the magazine had a call for layouts about friendships and I couldn't go pass submiting this layout about my friendship with Severine (Switzerland). I also couldn't go pass secretly submitting her layout as well - we had both done one about our online friendhip. To my surprise I received an email from Simple Scrapbooks Magazine asking for not ONE but BOTH layouts - I was so excited and couldn't wait to share the news with Severine. We are both featured on the same page together in the magazine with a story about our friendship.

In other news, I have been scrapping but can't share my pages yet - they are for publication in up and coming issues. I did take this sneak peak shot though.

Off for a walk and to feed the ducks with the children and friends today - might have to take my camera for a walk too - Hope your weekend is relaxing!

Precious Beau

2009-04-25T09:20:00.003+10:00

25th April, 2009 - Beau has left us. RIP precious baby boy

I’m Praying for Beau - Photo Project

Click HERE to view the photos. And please don't hesitate to add your own "I'm praying for Beau" photo as well - I'm sure the family would appreciate the support.

BEAU!

2009-04-23T22:14:00.004+10:00

There has been a great response to the "I'm Praying For Beau" photo request that I mentioned in the last post. So far, over 50 photos have been uploaded to facebook and they are all so very special. Beau's family is quite overwhelmed at the support. It's never too late to be part of this - you can follow the link in my previous post and show your support - this is International too!

Here is my photo taken this afternoon after Ethan arrived home from school - notice how dirty he is! And since I'm a bit of a collage girl, that's how I submitted my photos.

Thank you for helping!

Edited to Add

2009-04-22T21:08:00.006+10:00

Just some information that was asked about the last post - DISCO ALBUM.

Tiff, I had this album made through PICPRESS - they are a wholesaler that deal with photographers and do a great job. In the past, I have used OFFICEWORKS with great success and they are extremely affordable. You download the program from their online site and you can send the album that you create directly to them once it has been created - online I mean.

Deanne, the fabric on that cushion on my couch is from IKEA - they have a whole lot that co-ordinate with it - I love it too! Oh, and don't be shy to stop by and say hello - leave a comment or 2 and maybe even become a FOLLOWER (on the right side of my blog) - heheh!

Heidi, thanks for leaving me a message on my blog - it was lovely to visit your blog and read about your exciting publication news. I found your address to your blog because it showed up that you had visited my blog and I was curious to see who it was - hope that's OK! Please come and visit any time - it means alot to me!

Oh, and there's something very special going on over HERE - if you can help, that would mean so much! Just a quick snapshot is all you need, nothing elaborate, really!

And it's never exciting to have a post without a layout or photo, right?
So, here's one I did using some great product from Bella. You can buy the kit over HERE if you love it! :)

Disco Album

2009-04-21T17:09:00.007+10:00

A couple of weeks ago my niece celebrated her 6th birthday with a DISCO PARTY. I was official photographer (LOL) and captured some funny pics. As our gift to her, I created an 8x8 coffee table book - it arrived last night and I couldn't wait to give it to her this afternoon. She was pretty excited to say the least!

The Easter Bunny!

2009-04-20T14:10:00.005+10:00

I have just returned home from 10 days at Broadbeach, Gold Coast for the Easter Vacation.
It was so lovely to have lots of family spending their holidays in the same area as we were. The boys had a great time on the beach, playing tennis, in the park, swimming in the pool ... the list goes on! And in true Queensland style, the weather was simply amazing!

I'm even sporting a bit of a tan - woohoo!

We celebrated Easter at the Gold Coast with a traditional egg hunt first thing in the morning with as many cousins and friends as we could text. We knew the Easter Bunny would be coming as the kids had found a carrot in the garden a couple of days earlier and then it was half eaten the following day. They were even more excited when they found the entire carrot missing from the garden just 20 minutes after they had gone swimming in the pool - UNBELIEVABLE!

Joshua was screaming with excitement when he found a pair of Thomas The Tank Pyjamas left by the Easter Bunny for him !

And they couldn't run fast enough to fill their baskets!

Their baskets were exploding.

So, now to get back into some serious scrapping - I have heaps to catch up on.

Hope your Easter was relaxing too!

3 new kits !

2009-04-09T12:57:00.003+10:00

If you take a peak over at Scrap 'n' Craft with T, you'll see I have created 3 new kits for Tanyah - I had such alot of fun with these gorgeous Bella papers. The best part was using such feminine girly papers - something I don't often get a chance to play with.

There is also a Challenge over on Tanyah's blog this month - set by me - go take a look, the prize is worth it.

Hope your Easter was wonderful,

Leanne

New banner!

2009-04-09T12:39:00.002+10:00

Oh, and I have finally changed my banner - hooray!

Thank you to Rachel who captured some photos of us all a few weeks back - it's so important to me to be in the photos 'with my family' instead of always behind the camera. Love this photo alot!

Happy Easter !

2009-04-09T12:13:00.003+10:00

Hooray for Easter - I'm so looking forward to the Easter break.

Ethan and I made these for his school teachers for Easter this year - filled with a handful of chocolate eggs. So simple to make too - I'm sure they'll come in handy for Lolly bags some time.

I've been scrapping a bit but can't share I'm sorry but I have created a couple of cards that I can share.

This is for my 6 year old niece, Genevieve!

And this will be for a friend who's almost 40 ... and yes, I made it upside down - oops!

Have a wonderful Easter and take care!

Collage from Moreton Island

2009-04-05T14:19:00.003+10:00

I get quite a few friends asking me about how I create my photo collages.
It's becoming a bit of a trademark for me lately - I really love layouts that have lots of pics because they help to tell a story and to me, that's why I scrapbook.

So, here are 2 collages I made about our trip to Moreton Island. I'm about to head off now to have them printed. Normally at KMart on satin paper and I make them fit the nearest enlargement size - like a 5x7 or 6x8. I'm going to print these both and create a double layout for Scrapbook Creations - my next keeping It Simple Article is almost due.

I open a new A4 sized document in photoshop and then crop all my pics to 2inches by 2 inches. Then I copy and paste them into the A4 document, placing them in the position I want them to be with just a couple of spaces in between each image. Once I'm happy, I crop the final image and save it. Easy! Yell out if I didn't explain it clearly.

Hope your weekend has been fun!

Easter Ideas

2009-04-02T22:00:00.003+10:00

It feels as though we just celebrated Christmas and now Easter is creeping up on us. I keep thinking that any day now, Ethan will come home from school and give me 24 hrs notice to make him an Easter bonnet ... so, just in case, I'm on the lookout for some cool BOY ideas or some sites that might inspire me ... just in case!
I'd love to hear from you if you have any ideas at all - really!

I did some scrapping today - a layout that's heading off to Scrapbooking Memories.
And hopefully, I'll complete another tomorrow using a drawing that I need Joshua to create for me - I love looking back on Ethan's drawings as a 3 year old so I really need one for Joshua too.

Apart from that, the rain has been heavy ... but I like it!

Enjoy the weekend and since I can't share what I created today, I've uploaded some layouts that I created quite a while ago.

4 days!

2009-03-30T20:22:00.005+10:00

I've just returned home from 4 days away with my family and 5 other families - it was terrific and Ethan and Joshua had a ball - who wouldn't, with a total of 13 little boys and just 1 girl!

We travelled to Moreton Island which is so picturesque and not at all commercial or high rise - it's a beautiful place to visit if you ever come to Brisbane - just 1.5 hrs by barge across from the mainland.

It was an action packed 4 days - sand castles, swimming in the ocean, canoe rides, jet skiing to see the ship wrecks, frisbee, beach cricket, boogie boarding, totem tennis ... and this was all before lunchtime ... then beach soccer, sliding down the sand dunes on boogie boards, fishing at dusk on the beachfront, watching the dolphins being hand fed in the ocean ... all before dinner time ...followed by a fun filled 'moon walk' - walking with glow sticks and torches in search of any night time animals like possums.

This is the jetty the kids fished off last night at around 5pm.

This is the view of Moreton Island beach.

And these are the little houses we stayed in that are situated on the beach.
We had 3 houses in total with 2 families sharing each one - it was so much fun.
There are at least 40 of these little blue houses all in a row on the beach front.

So, I have a heap of washing and ironing to do and I'm sure this jammed pack holiday will catch up on me in the next couple of days, but it was worth it.

Oh, and in breaking news .... Ethan's first tooth finally fell out on our second morning at Moreton Island - just needed an apple to nudge it out! Luckily the tooth fairy knew her way to where we were staying and left him some coins for his treasure. For those of you who saw my layout about Ethan's TOOTH FAIRY CONSTRUCTION (it has since been removed for publication), well Ethan HAD constructed an amazing house for the Tooth Fairy to visit in Brisbane (out of clean pizza boxes) and since we were away and he couldn't write a letter to her because none of us had a pen with us, he chose a more modern approach and asked one of the Dad's to text the tooth fairy a message to come visit us when we returned to Brisbane as well! Kindly enough, the Tooth Fairy replied and should be coming some time this week to check out the construction that Ethan made for her!

Hectic Week

2009-03-26T22:19:00.002+10:00

Where has the week gone?
It's been hectic.

I'm really happy that some layouts from a couple of recent posts were accepted for publication and they have been sent off. A few of you have noticed one layout in particular that's gone and that was the TOOTH FAIRY CONSTRUCTION layout. That won't be published for some time because Scrapbook Creations are wanting it as part of an article I suggested I'd write along with 4 other layouts ... so maybe in the 2nd part of the year that layout will resurface.

I did create this layout last week and it slipped my mind to show it here. I challenged myself to scrap 'my new method' and that is where firstly I choose the embellishments I really want to use and make everything work around those embellishments. I'm really enjoying doing it this way rather than pic my papers and design then lastly the embellishments.

This layout used Making Memories 5th avenue range of cardstock scallop circle and word as well as that pretty metal clip. I also got to use an American Crafts rubon that was really cute and worked well under the clip.

I'm looking forward to a restful weekend - thanks always for dropping by and saying hello!

Big weekend!

2009-03-22T20:41:00.005+10:00

Do you ever have one of those weekends where you're on the go 24/7 ?

I've had a fun filled crazy couple of days.

Yesterday, along with 1000 other things, I assisted Rachel as a second shooter for a wedding. It was great fun and hopefully you'll see some of my images on Rachel's blog soon.

The ceremony and reception was held at a stunning Brisbane winery - the location was gorgeous.

I also taught my first Cyber Crop class online at Scrap Chat for Scrap 'n' Craft with T.

This is the layout I created for the Cyber Crop.

It was such a fun night with some really cool girls - thanks for asking me.

I even completed a layout on Friday night but since I haven't scanned I might have to share that tomorrow night. Hope your weekend has been restful - take care!

BIG PLANS

2009-03-16T22:00:00.004+10:00

I had some fun creating this layout tonight - a chance to use a tiny bit of pink on a layout is always good for a girl living in an all boy house.

Ethan is big into construction. He has been from a young age even though his only 5 and a half now. So these are his 'drawings' to help the Tooth Fairy safely take his tooth and leave him some money ..... when his first tooth finally falls out. The tooth is pretty wobbly so construction has begun and I will document what the Fairy wonderland looks like once it is finished.

Thanks to my friend, Nicole, who inspired me to scrap the everyday stuff. This is certainly something I don't want to forget.

Workshop - day 2

2009-03-15T21:40:00.007+10:00

I had a lovely afternoon taking some photos of these beautiful girls that modelled for Rachel's

Day 2 workshop - held at Wellington Point. Everyone seemed to have a great time

- thanks Rach.

This week I'm hoping to get some scrapping done and I'm looking forward to the Cyber Crop Class that I'm teaching over at Scrap Chat on Saturday night at 7.30pm. If you're an aussie and you'd like to join in, you may still have time to order a kit from Scrap 'n' Craft with T.

Workshop

2009-03-14T21:07:00.008+10:00

This afternoon I had the pleasure of helping out at a photo workshop held by my good friend, Rachel Richter. Today was part 1 and tomorrow will be part 2. I met some lovely girls and had so much fun taking some photos along the way. Looking forward to tomorrow - better rest.

New Technique

2009-03-12T20:17:00.002+10:00

Normally when I create a new layout, I get the photos I want to scrap, select some papers that match (patterned and cardstock) and then rummage through my embellishment/sticker stash (as small as it is) and select what I want to use that co-ordinates.

I'm fortunate to have generous friends who have occasionally sent me goodies but somehow I haven't been able to work them into my layouts. So, this week I decided it was time to try a 'new technique'. I grabbed some gorgeous American Craft stickers that were sent to me by Severine and decided to work my photo and layout design around my favourite stickers ... and this is how it turned out. Oh, I love American Crafts' products - they are so easy for me to use - and these stickers are no exception. Of course the rubon alphas that I used in the title are lovely also.

So, time to decide whether this is my new way of doing a layout or not, photo and papers first or embellishments first ... mmmm!

Also, I've had some requests for information about the Photo Book that I created. I used a company called PICPRESS. I registered with them at a Photographic Expo that was here in Brisbane - they generally deal with Photographers or student photographers, but if you're looking for one that you can use yourself then OFFICEWORKS have great value coffee table books. I have created probably close to 8 or 10 from Officeworks and they look really good. The print quality is slightly less than the professional books but no-one that has received one from me has ever complained. They have all the layouts and the program available for download on their site and yo can take a peak at a sample in any store.

Another question was which program do I use to create my collages? The truth is that I don't use a program, I open an A4 document in Photoshop and resize my all the photos that I want to include on the collage to something a fair bit smaller like 2x3 inches. I copy and paste them into the A4 page and move each image with the space bar a few spaces apart from each other image. Does that make sense? Once I have formed a collage, if there is any room leftover that hasn't formed a square/rectangle, I simply outline the leftover space and fill with a complimentary colour and add some text to it. Let me know if I explained that as clear as mud! Oh, and the person that asked me that didn't leave their name, so don't be shy and let me know if that helps.

Thank you for dropping by and leaving such kind comments. It's lovely to get such encouraging words.

This month ...

2009-03-10T20:51:00.008+10:00

I was asked to take part in this month's Scrapbook Creations sketch article. I really enjoyed creating this layout - I had such fun photos to work with of Joshua diving into his bean bag.

Apart from this, I'm looking forward to seeing more photos from the photo shoot I had with Rachel on Sunday. I should add that I am waiting patiently but because Rachel knows me so well she sent me a pic to tie me over until my disc arrives. Take a peak here if you like.

Demitri

2009-03-09T17:03:00.009+10:00

Today Joshua and I visited a good friend of mine and her gorgeous son, Demitri. He has just turned 2 and has the most gorgeous eyelashes you'll ever see. The 2 boys had a great time together and I even managed to capture some photos.

Isn't Demitri adorable !

With his beautiful Mother.

and those eyes ...

This is where I managed to grab a few shots of him - the trick was to put him somewhere that he couldn't climb and run away - naughty me!

We snuck under cover here while the rain came and the boys loved it.

Thanks for a lovely morning Chrissa!

Remember ....

2009-03-07T20:28:00.007+10:00

.... that wedding I photographed for my parents? Well they asked me if I'd put together an album with the images in it and I'm so excited to share some photos of it on my blog. Today, Mum gave the album to the bride's Mum as a gift for her Birthday - she loved it!

Here it is, a hard cover coffee table book - 10x10 size.

And some pages inside the book,

And my favourite shot on the left - full page size,

and some more pics,

The album finished up having 22 pages and I can't wait until I can create another one.

So that's one of the things I've been busy with lately.
I've been making lots of cards too.
I made this mini little card for a lovely friend...

and been doing heaps of 6 year old boy cards too - so many parties this year that
Ethan has been invited to.

Apart from that, I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
I have booked a session with my dear friend and talented photographer, Rachel Richter.
Time to update the family photos and Rachel always captures us so well.
I can't wait!

Determined !

2009-03-04T22:24:00.004+10:00

I was determined to create a layout tonight that I could share on my blog.

These photos are from Joshua's 3rd Birthday party - which was Thomas The Tank themed ... what else would a 3 year old fanatic have wanted? It's simple and it has no patterned paper on it but I just had to use the 7 gypsies rubons - I've had them a while and loved them. Lots of photos too and a bit of journaling. Now just to get some more photos printed ....

Some technical info!

2009-03-02T21:44:00.002+10:00

Thank you for all the lovely comments about the photograph of the bride in the doorway - it was lovely in colour but when Rachel emailed me through a suggestion to do it in black and white with the background like that, it really was even more striking.

A few friends have asked for technical info - I took the photo in Manual mode and metered for the bride not the background for the exposure. I used photoshop and played with levels and curves to get her exposed well then I used the dodge tool to clean up the background and whiten it up. Lastly I converted into black and white.

Thanks again for all the encouraging comments - I love to read them all.

A kit and a crop!

2009-03-01T19:32:00.010+10:00

I'm pretty excited about this - I was asked by Tanyah from Scrap 'n' Craft with T to create this kit and teach it online for Scrap Chat's Cyber Crop.

EMBRACE LIFE’S SIMPLICITY
A gorgeous kit and an online Cyber Crop with Leanne Stamatellos

Scrap Chat is having a huge Cyber Crop month this March
and Leanne Stamatellos has designed a fantastic kit to inspire you
as well as guide you through it step by step ‘live’ in an online Cyber Crop class at Scrap Chat.

The layout, as featured below in our sneak peaks,
is true ‘simple style’ and can be used as a great basis for so many other layouts.

It can be created in A4 size (her favourite) or in 12x12. The journaling is easily customised
to suit your photo with Leanne’s assistance.

Included in the kit will be everything you need to create the layout
for only $13 including the Cyber Crop class.
(postage $6)

¼ sheet x Basic Grey – patterned paper
¼ sheet x Basic Grey – patterned paper
1 x Orange cardstock 12x12 sheet
¼ sheet x Aqua cardstock
¼ sheet x Cream cardstock
1 x black cardstock scallop strip
1 x medium sized flower
1 x Bella jumbo brad
1 packet x Carolees Creations alphas – black
1 packet x Kaisercraft rubons – new release
6x4 piece x JAK adhesive paper

6x4 piece x Hambly acetate

All you need to supply is
adhesive
glue
cutter
scissors
ruler
computer or you can hand journal
one photo – printed 3x4 inches – preferably black and white unless
you have one that co-ordinates with the papers

The class will be held towards the end of March – date to be confirmed
– possibly Saturday 21 March or Thursday 26 March.
Kits are limited and can only be posted until the week before the Cyber Crop.
So, now is the time to leave your name and express your interest.

******************

This is my first time doing a Cyber Crop and I can't wait.

The kits are being sold through Scrap 'n' Craft with T - that's who I do some Design team work for - so if you're keen you can buy it there. It will be so much fun to scrap together online!

A favourite !

2009-02-28T17:03:00.002+10:00

I haven't posted a layout this week but I have been creating quite a few. They'll be available soon as part of a Cyber Crop that ScrapChat is having next month and also with Scrap 'n Craft with T. I have a few kits coming up - maybe I can share some sneak peaks here - I'll ask the girls first.

I wanted to share a favourite photo that I captured at the wedding on Valentine's Day. Isn't she gorgeous!

Apart from that, no other news but I do believe I have some new visitors to my blog - word gets around and my Dad (proud Dad) has been spreading the word. So for those of you who don't know how to leave a message .... now's the time and I'd love to hear from you. Simply click on the word COMMENT at the end of this post. Choose ANONYMOUS and write your comment - making sure to leave your name at the end of your comment. It's always nice to know if you dropped by.

Have a good weekend!

Crumpler bag for sale! SOLD

2009-02-23T21:35:00.004+10:00

I received one of these gorgeous bags in the mail today from Canon - it was part of my purchase of my new camera and lens - a promotion from Canon. I really don't need another bag - I have my old one plus a huge new one that Manuel gave me for xmas. If anyone's interested ... it's for sale - feel free to leave me a message and I'll give you some details. It's still sealed in the plastic bag with all tags on.

I will try and check out the details but I think it might be along the lines of their '5 million dollar home' design - yep, that's what Crumpler call their bags - cute hey?

here's the link to the 5 million dollar home details.

I managed to scrap a photo I've had since Xmas Day - for some reason I was finding this one a little tricky and I'm not sure why. But, I was pleased with the end result. Love the sassafrass red stripey paper and the Autumn Leaves Manhattan flower paper/embellishment. I just wished I hadn't used permanent tape to adhere my journaling strips - may have looked better if they were bunched up a bit closer to the title ... oh well, it's done now.