kylie's kraft room

TOMIC #37 "3-2-1"

2012-02-15T22:00:00.000+11:00

Hellloooo there Maggie lovers!

It is Wednesday and you know what that meas.... its TOMIC time!

Waahhooo!

(This card is for sale in my Etsy shop - the link is on my sidebar)

The challenge this week is a recipe challenge - 3, 2, 1.

We are looking for 3 patterned papers, 2 (or more) different types of embellishments and 1 (main) stamped image - small accessory stamps and sentiments are also allowed.

So you can see I inked up this little cutie pie from the Sweet Crazy Love Collection. She is just adorable.

My papers are MME 2 and my choice of embellishments were die cuts (all doo hickey dies) and flowers. Of course all of my scrummy flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts :) Where else? lol.

The girls have put together some amazing projects to share with you this week so please head on over to TOMIC to see their amazing work.

Thanks so much for the lovely comments earlier in the week for my colouring faces tutorial. I can't wait to see what you guys do with it!

I'll be back a bit later in the week to have a bit more of a chat.

Hugs x

How I colour Magnolia stamp faces (tutorial)

2012-02-13T09:06:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone :o)

I have had many requests for a tutorial on how I colour the faces on my beloved Magnolia stamps so I found some time last night and sat down and took some photos while I coloured up this little cutie pie.

First of all, I have to say, I didn't invent this style of colouring! I first saw two of my lovely Magnolia DT teamies doing it and had to try it myself and well, it stuck. Camilla S from Norway paints with water colours and does a lovely subtle line on her faces which is just stunning. Alberto from Italy was the other teamie I was inspired by. His work is also outstanding. I encourage you to check out both of their blogs.

Ok, so this is obviously going to work with the colours you usually use to colour your faces. I constantly change which colours I use hehe, so at the moment my colours of choice are E 13, 11, 01, 00, 000.

My favourite blending card is Make It Colour from Make it Crafty. It is also available from Quixotic Paperie in the UK. If you have tried Xpress It blending card and like it, you will love this card from Make it Crafty - it can hold a lot more ink and doesn't bleed as readily as other card stock. I find it is also easier to blend the colours. It makes colouring a quick and easy task.

The first thing I do is take my E13 (darkest shade) and I draw a curved line from the middle of one of Tilda's eyes through the other eye and flick the marker end as I pass through her second eye. This leaves a thinner end on the marker line. I then go back to the first eye and flick outwards a little bit. Then still using E13, I colour the areas that will have the shaddows.

Using E11, I carefully blend the E13 out a bit, making sure that I don't blend below the E13 line as this is what creates the definition in Tilda's face. You can also see from these photos how I colour her little knees in.

Using E 01 I blend out a little further, but not too much as I want to go in with E 00 next.

Now you can see I've gone in with E00 and finished her forehead and smoothed out her cheeks a little bit.

And finally E 000 to finish filling out her face. If you think she needs more definition you can go back in with the darker colours and add more shaddows.

You can see that I've then used my 0 blender to fix some little boo boos haha.

So that is how I do the faces on my Magnolia people. Its pretty simple and I think it just adds a little bit extra to them.

I hope that helps a little.

I'll be back on Wednesday to show you my finished card with this little sweetie.

Thanks for visiting me today :)

One Word - LOVE (and many other words from me on that very topic)

2012-02-12T09:08:00.000+11:00

Yep friends, it is time for another Magnolia Down Under Challenge and this week the challenge is one word sentiments. I chose to make my card in the shape of the word LOVE... for a couple of reasons actually :o)

The first reason for my card is my in-law's 40th Wedding Anniversary which is on Tuesday, Valentines Day. Forty years is an amazing achievement in these modern times. My parents will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in June as well and I am so proud that each set of parents are still happily married after such a long time. It just goes to show - it is possible to get through the hard times and build strength in your relationship rather than let it fall apart.

To make my card I used my Cricut and a program called "Sure Cuts a Lot". This is a great program as you don't need to have any particular cartridge for the shapes, it uses the font on your computer and svg files. I love it. It gives me more freedom with my beloved Cricut.

The adorable stamp is from Wedding Collection 2010 and all of the amazing flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

The card has a little pocket on the back which houses the tag for the message. I needed to create this as I didnt want to write on the inside of the card as it would be seen from the front.

Just another angle and a close up :)

So there is my card.

I just wanted to monologue here for a few minutes so please indulge me.

When I started blogging a few years ago, I was amazed by the wonderful and supportive people out there in blog land. It was a lovely safe place for crafters and it gave me an outlet from the reality of being a mother and housewife.

Recently however this seems to have changed.

There are still the gorgeous people out there and I hope they will always be there. But there also seems to be a wave of bitterness at the moment which, fingers crossed, will pass very quickly.

What happened to old fashioned values?

Whatever happened to 'if you can't say something nice, don't say it at all"?

Why is there so much jealousy and swiping? Why can't we all just GET ALONG.

We try and teach our children these values, yet we don't value them ourselves.

Is it because we're hiding behind the safety of our computers that we think we can just say what we want without worrying about the consequences?

There are real people on the other side of that computer screen so please lets try and remember that!

I have no doubt that if we came face to face, a lot of these things would not be said.

It is Cyber Bullying!

So please, lets remember WHY we all started blogging and crafting in the first place and remember that warm fuzzy feeling we used to get when we received a compliment on our cards.

We are not here to ruin someone else's day but to support each other and share our love of crafting.

Please think before you type.

and remember to

LOVE.

Have a terrific weekend,
biggest hugs from me.

TOMIC #36 - Ediwn + Sketch

2012-02-08T21:58:00.002+11:00

Hi there Maggie fans!

There is a new challenge up at TOMIC today! It is a special challenge as it is Edwin's birthday!

The challenge is to use EDWIN and follow the fabby sketch by Tina.

I took the opportunity to ink up little Pirate Edwin from the Bon Voyage 2010 collection and have masked him on the Pier background from Lazy Summer Days 2009 collection. I love this cute little Edwin.

Tina's sketch is a really great one to add your own personal touches to. I've used my Doo Hickey banner die (love it) and some little metal photo holders, along with some shells and a charm. The papers are Basic Grey Oliver.

We would love to see what you come up with this week at TOMIC. There is a fantastic secret prize up for grabs from Magnolia for a lucky winner as well.

Thats all from me today. I hope you've had a happy Wednesday whereever you are in the World!

Until later, have a great week

Kylie x

Wild Orchid Crafts - Love is

2012-02-06T21:04:00.000+11:00

It is time for the next challenge at Wild Orchid Challenges!

This time we have a theme for your to follow... "Love Is"...

I chose to do another scrap layout :o) This one is of my eldest son with Oma Jo.

There are many WOC goodies on my layout... its nice to use some flowers on a layout for a change! I seem to do a lot of 'boy' layouts (funny that!).

10mm Yellow Open Roses

Large mixed pearl brads

Cherry blossoms

Large white gardeneas

Sweetheart blossoms

Organza beehive blossoms

White guipure lace

Fern leaves

White pearl string

oh, and for my Dutch friends, I tried to write the journalling in Dutch, lol. That is about the extent of my vocab though! haha.

The papers are MME Lost and Found 2 from my kit from The Scrapbook Nook.

The little resin birdie is Prima.

I hope you get a chance to come and play with us at Wild Orchid Challenge this fortnight! The DT has put together loads of amazing inspiration for you and we'd love to see what you have to show us as well.

Scrapping again... :o)

2012-02-05T19:00:00.000+11:00

I seem to be addicted! Or maybe I am on a quest to use up all of my scrap paper before we sell our house and I have to pack it all up! Either way, all I seem to be doing right now is scrapping. I am cooking up layouts in my mind as I fall asleep at night... bizarre!

I took this photo of my little guy this week as I was taking photos of crafty things. He likes to come and hang out while I do it and he was checking out what I had made. He's such a little cutie pie.

I fired up my Cricut to cut out the title for my layout. Everything else is cut by hand. I did quite a bit of stitching on this layout... with my Brother, not with my Singer, lol. And there are some rhinestones scattered around as well. The papers are Lilybee Design. I love this collection. I have a kit from My Scrapbook Nook with the 12x12 papers and also a 6x6 paper pad. I just love the colours and patterns. My tag is from The Kraft Outlet and my Washi tape is from ebay. The date stamp is from my collection of Smash goodies.

So.. I guess that is it from me today. I'll check in with you again tomorrow.

Thanks for visiting! Have a great weekend.

MDUC Love is in the air

2012-02-05T07:30:00.000+11:00

Good morning, good evening and good night! Depending on where you are in the world right now ;) It is morning here in Australia, Sunday morning actually, so that means it is time for the next Magnolia Down Under Challenge! Yay!

The challenge this week is "Love is in the Air"... just in time for Valentines Day... not that your project has to be Valentines themed at all... nope, just Love themed will get in the running for the fabby prize up for offer from ShopBron.

I used the fantastic sketch over at CLP challenges for my card. I had coloured up little Tilda and her heart flowers background but didnt have a clue what to do next so I popped over there for some inspiration.

I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend.

We're having a nice quiet one cleaning up around the house. We've been for a drive out to the block of land we *hope* to buy and build on this year.... it is so peaceful out there. The block next door has a house being built on it currently so we are watching their progress instead of our own :/ Fingers crossed we do actually get out there this year... time is slipping away.

Well, that is it from me today. I do have something else to share with you tomorrow though, so I'll be back then!
Take care,

Sketchy challenges - Sandra's sketch

2012-02-04T17:00:00.000+11:00

Its that time again! It is time for another sketch over at The Sketchy Challenges!

This week Sandra is hosting and she has given us a fantastic sketch to play with.

I printed out another one of Krista Smith's adorable Saturated Canary images. This is Kate Krafty, a must have of her adorable stamps.

The papers are a bit of a mix... there is Lilybee Design, Crate Paper and Basic Grey. The flowers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts

I hope you get a chance to join us this fortnight. There are DT opportunities to be had as well, so please don't forget to add "DT" after your name when you enter.

I'll be back tomorrow with something else to share with you.

Until then..

Have a lovely weekend!

Big shoes

2012-02-03T20:20:00.002+11:00

Yup... been scrapping again... and yup... another "Brit" style layout :)

This is my 'big boy' and he is in his Daddy's shoes, hahaha. When hubby found him clomping around in them, he had to take a pic or two.

I was a little more adventurous this time and tried out a few things Brit showed in a tutorial and I was surprised how it all came together. Thanks Brit for the inspiration!

The mask I used for the brick wall is Prima, Suede glimmer mist (yaya again), papers Echo Park Times and Seasons, Thickers Vinyl alphas ans dymo embossing machine.

Thats it from me today, but I will be back tomorrow with a card to share :)

Hope you had a great week!

Hugs x

Farm Fresh Fun

2012-01-31T09:42:00.001+11:00

It seems the scrapping bug has well and truly taken hold of me. There used to be nights when I would sit at my craft desk and just stare into space wondering what to make... I just wasn't in the mood to make a card... well.. thankfully I rediscovered scrapping as now I just can't stop! I'm loving it, and I also love that I am using up the plentiful pile of beautiful scrap paper I have!

I adore this photo of my boys. My parents live on a small acreage on the NSW South Coast and my boys love to visit Grandma and Pop and spend time on the 'farm'. My parents love it too. Having had two daughters, they are thoroughly enjoying having two grandsons!

The papers are Kaisercraft Cock-a-doodle-doo, lots of fussy cutting with the tractor and clouds, the twine is from Wild Orchid Crafts, alphas are American Crafts Thickers 'Dear Lizzy", I've used my Suede Glimmer Mist (again) and everything is inked with Vintage Photo DI. I finally have some Washi tape in my stash! Woo hoo!

Anyway... the washing and ironing isn't getting done while I am sitting here, lol. I wish it would just do itself, sigh. Such a boring repetitive chore. I hope you have something a bit more fun planned today than I do! haha.

Chat later

Me x

Oma Jo

2012-01-30T22:01:00.002+11:00

Hey there :) I just have a scrappy share for you tonight.

We are enjoying the company of a lovely visitor at the moment, Oma Jo.

Oma Jo is my hubby's grandma and she is here all the way from Holland. Not a bad feat for a lady in her 80's if you ask me! Its about 25-30 hours to get here, depending on airlines and stop overs and she comes every two years to spend the summer with us all. We are so lucky that she is able to do this still as we aren't really in a position to travel over to Holland to visit her, even though we would really love to. We are spending as much time as possible around at my in-laws while she is here so the boys are able to enjoy the time with her. And of course, get many happy snaps!

The papers are left overs that I have torn. They are MME Lime Twist (mostly) and some MME Stella Rose for the folded wheels. The brackets are old rub ons that I've had hiding in my collection and all of the buttons are from my button collection.

For this page I based the layout very loosely on Kellie's sketch over at The Sketchy Challenges. It is really versatile and works for both cards and scrap pages.... actually... Smash books too! Anything crafty you want to try out.

Now that I am thinking about it.... I have an idea to use the sketch on some patchwork! I wonder if I have the right fabrics laying around? Hmm........

I would like to enter...
Come and Get It Challenges - Anything but a card and
Lasting Memories challenges - Trashing our layouts

Ok... that's it from me today!

I hope you're having a lovely Monday.

MDUC - Edwin Only

2012-01-30T10:56:00.000+11:00

Hiya! Well.. it is Monday here already in Aus.

I'm a day late sharing my card for MDUC with you... oops! Sorry.

This week we want to see Edwin Only. Accessory stamps are fine to use, but we want to send little Tilda on a vacation. Give her a week off ;)

My gorgeous friend Louise sent me some delicious watercolour paper from Sweden! I adore this stuff. It is just amazing. Although, looking at this close up picture, lol, I need some practice hahaha.

I made a gate fold card for a bit of a change. I dont know.. sometimes I just don't feel like making a square 6 inch card :)

I paired little Edwin with the Magnolia branch from one of last year's collections... I think it was Sweet Rainbow? I'll double check.

The papers are MME Lost and Found and the cute little resin birdie is Prima.

Oh! And inside is completed too. The fun doily edge is a Tim Holtz die. I love Tim's dies but it is a bit annoying they don't go through my Grand Callibur machine. My little Cuttlebug has to come out to play when I want to use these.

So there you go... its Edwin only this week at MDUC. I hope you get a chance to come and play with us.

Don't forget there is a Guest DT opportunity running over at MDUC as well so check out the details.

I'll be back tomorrow with a couple of other things to share :)

JUGS - last project as GDT

2012-01-29T12:47:00.003+11:00

Hi there, happy Sunday to you all.

Well... I gave the sewing machine a good run yesterday afternoon. I made a sewing machine cover! All shaggy patchwork. I'll have to take a photo and share it with you. Loads of fun and I love the neat finish on the stitching. I luuurvvve with it I am! I should have said yesterday - I will NOT be using it on my cards, lol. No way! I can't help but wonder if stitching on cardstock and through gluey bits is what made my old machine deteriorate as fast as it did? So I will be taking my little old faithful Brother in for a service and a clean so it is feeling a bit loves and I will put it aside to do the papercraft stitching. The new Singer is most certainly reserved for fabric ;)

Anyway... I'm here today to share a card with you. This is my last project for Just Us Girls Challenges. It has been wonderful participating this month as Guest DT. Thanks so much for having me!

The challenge this week is to use a Template or make something 3D with the theme of Valentines. I decided to use a Step card template and this sweet Tilda. She was a special edition Tilda - Raining Hearts Tilda, which I purchased form Creashop in The Netherlands. Two Euro from each stamp sold is being donated to Pink Ribbon as well so I can't think of a better excuse to buy buy buy!!

The papers are Prima Romantique - looove these papers! All of the gorgeous flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts.

It would be great if you could come and play along at JUGS this week!

Some challenges for me to enter are...

Allsorts - one or more hearts

Crazy for challenges - Layer it on -lots of layers and embellishments

One stop crafts - stitching

The Secret Crafter - Ribbons!

Just Magnolia & HS - Jane's sketch

I will be back later on with my MDUC card to share with you. Until then, have a lovely weekend!

Hugs x

Milk Mo ... and my new toy....

2012-01-28T14:47:00.002+11:00

Hi there! I hope you have something fun planned for your weekend.... I've been out shopping this morning and bought myself a pressie... but more of that later....

My DH and I sat up late last night! I think it was about 1am when we finally went to bed. It has been ages since we did that and wow, I forgot how productive a late night can be. He sat at his desk, doing his thing and I sat at mine, scrapping! I did three layouts. OMG. I haven't had a good scrapping session like that since... forever! Actually, back when I first started out, my friend Sharon and I (Sharon introduced me to paper crafts - hehehe, yup, its all your fault Hun!!) used to go to each other's houses to scrap together and we used to get though a bit then. But then I had my second baby and she and her family moved a little bit away and its just a bit too far to have scrap nights anymore :(

Anyway... I have had these photos of my eldest on my desk waiting for some attention for a couple of weeks now.

My 'big boy' loves a good vanilla milkshake and this particular day he had his first milkshake mo. So cute.

The papers are all MME Lost and Found 2. I love these colours. The flowers are mostly Petaloo.

I've gone a bit nuts with the glimmer mist :o) I used "Suede" and it is really lovely. I might have to grab a few more. Last time I was at my LSS the owner was showing me the lovely chalk mist. Very nice indeed!

So that is the first of three layouts I have to share with you. All of the layers are stitched together with my Brother machine. I had a ball putting this one together. I've wanted to try this tearing and rolling idea for a bit so it feels good to have finally crossed it off my list.

My other fun share of the day is....

.....

......

.........

My new sewing machine!!

Yup - I did go and buy my new Singer machine!!

Thank you to everyone who left me sweet comments - fantastic enabling ladies! I went into the store a bit uncertain and wanted to be convinced... and convinced I was. The machine is fully electronic, had auto needle threading (and yes, it actually DOES work), fantastic one step button hole, and all of the recommended settings are saved into the machine and are selected when you press the button for the stitch.

Here are some pics... it is currently set up on my dining table as my first project will be to make a snazzy quilted dust cover for it. It did come with one, but it is pretty basic and plain... practical, lol. I should have set up my Brother next to it as the Singer is pretty big in comparison. The large work area is great for fitting bulky things through... like quilts! And my Walking foot from my Brother machine works on this new machine as well. Cheering.

This is a good view of the drop in bobbin with the see through cover. Easy peasy to put in.

Here you can see how it is threaded... it has less guides to go through to thread the machine than my old machine. The thread pretty much goes from the spool, around this little tension guide and down to the needle.

A side view of the wheel (excuse the finger prints haha)

OMG - AUTOMATIC tension! Yayayayay! This is something I wish my old machine had.

The little compartment that holds the accessories.... It is actually really big, much bigger than what I am used to. (NB - see the cute scissors? If you like them try Scissoroo)

And finally, the cutest photo of the day... my boys in the box. Yup, as soon as the machine was out, they were in! Looks like everyone is happy hahaha.

There you go! If you have any questions about the machine, I am more than happy to answer them. I thoroughly recommend it. I learnt today that Husqvarna now own Singer. It was an extra tick for my decision to buy. I can't wait to get into our new house so I can set up my Grandmother's Singer next to this one. Sew cute!

Redraw of Koala Hugs Tilda

2012-01-26T17:00:00.002+11:00

Hi there ... I'm back with a surprise....

If you will remember, gorgeous Jane won the Koala Hugs Tilda stamp a week or so ago... BUT she is such a sweetheart, she told me that she had already won the stamp from Shop Bron a few days earlier... so asked that I redraw the winner! How lovely is that? Thanks so much Jane for being one of bloglands true darlings.

So... I wonder who our new winner is....

......

#65

Sherryn!

Congratulations Sherryn! Could you please email me at

kyliekueter @ tpg.com.au

with your address so I can send out your stamp!

If I don't hear from you by 9pm Saturday (Aus time), I will redraw again... :o)

Have a great day everyone!

To buy or not to buy... new sewing machine?

2012-01-26T13:42:00.000+11:00

Hi bloggy friends...

I have been pondering for the last few days whether or not to buy a new sewing machine.

This is not a question of whether or not my current machine is at its end, or even a question of whether or not I actually need a new machine!

It is a question of whether or not I indulge in a little impulse shopping as a late Christmas pressie...just for me...

The sewing machine I have is a Brother Star 110. Is it a good machine - yes, it is. I do love it. It is my first sewing machine and it has done many kilometres of stitching for me over the last 8-9 years. We've made clothing, curtains and quilts together along with it's most recent feat, stitching on my cards.

It isn't a fancy machine. It is quite basic and really an entry level machine. But it has always done as I wanted...

But this week I came across this beauty....

It is a Singer 160th Anniversary special machine.

And it is currently on sale...

So now I have to decide - it is an impulsive move to trade in my old faithful Brother for this magnificent electronic push button beauty?

I don't really know a lot about the Singer brand in recent times. I know it has a long and proud history and my Grandmother's first machine was a Singer sewing machine. It is currently sitting in my parents' house.

So my Crafty blogging friends - some questions....

Do you have a Singer sewing machine?

Do you love it?

Do you have another brand of sewing machine that you just love that you think I should investigate a little prior to racing to the store to bring this baby home with me?

I would seriously love some help here and would love to read your comments on the subject.

It is lucky for me that it is Australia Day here and so none of the stores are open or I would be in there right now :o)

MDUC - Colours of your national flag

2012-01-22T08:38:00.000+11:00

Good morning!

As promised... I am back. Today there is a new challenge up at MDUC. This week we are looking for creations with colours from your National flag.

I took the opportunity to ink up "Tilda with Arrow" from the Sweet Crazy Love collection and masked her with the Apple bucket from 2008.

The papers are Lily Bee Design, the papers with clouds aren't but I can't remember where they're from, sorry!

All of the flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I hope you get a chance to check out the challenge this week. The girls have really made some stunning cards this week, some had some tricky flag colours to be inspired by, lol.

That is all from me today... I will be back tomorrow though! Gosh. Busy busy!!

Sketchy Challenges - Kellie's Sketch! (GDT opportunity!!)

2012-01-21T22:30:00.000+11:00

As promised.... I am back!! And again, with something a little different!

There is a new sketch up at The Sketchy Challenges today, this week is Kellie's sketch and it is perfect for cards, scrap layouts, anything at all you feel like whipping up that is a bit on the crafty side!

I have been itching to try out a scrap page of my boys with fussy cut photos, a la Brit . Brit is a scrapping mastermind and I have been stalking her blog for months now. While I am not brave enough to try out her exact style, this is was a baby step for me, lol, but it was super FUN and I love the result! Thanks so much Brit for the inspiration!

The papers are MME Lime Twist and I have cut out the hills for the little scene and cut around some photos of my little boys to add. The fence is cut from white bazzil with a Magnolia Doo Hickey die and the little car, plane and ants are all Kaisercraft rub ons.

I inked all of the edges and the chippies are painted with Adirondak acrylic dabbers. The clouds are by Dusty Attic and the tree is Kaisercraft.

So a fairly simple layout for a fantastic Sketch.....the sponsor this week is Tickled Pink Stamps with a fabby prize AND... we are looking for some Guest DT members! If you are interested in playing along with our challenge, we would looooove to have you on board. Just add "GDT" after your name when you enter!

So that is it from me today... I will be back .. yes again... tomorrow morning with a card to share with you for MDUC. There is another FUN challenge there tomorrow as well!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Can't wait to see what you do with Kellie's sketch! Go and try it NOW!

Meanwhile... I'm playing in these challenges....
Order of the Opus Gluei - Take a picture
CES Challenges - Anything but a card
Dutch Dare - For the Boys

See you tomorrow!

JUGS - Colour challenge (GDT)

2012-01-21T21:02:00.000+11:00

Hi there, how is your weekend treating you?

Ours is travelling alone pretty well. Off to get my hair done tomorrow so I am really looking forward to that!

There is a new challenge up over at JUGS today. This week the girls are looking for a colour combo... Red, White and Pink!

I thought I would try something a little different for me and went for a non-character card.

The gorgeous papers are Lily Bee Design. I just loooove them. The cute Dress form chippie is from Make it Crafty.

The card shape was cut on my Cricut and I have fussy cut some of the flowers on the DP to brighten the card up a little.

Both sentiments are from Lili of the Valley. The stunning roses and gems are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I hope you get a chance to play along with us this week. The JUGS girls have done a splendid job creating their eye candy for you.

I would like to take the opportunity to enter a couple of challenges myself...

Allsorts Challenges - Needles and Pins (i stitched on my card)

City Crafter - Inside and Out

Colour Create - Pink and Green

Craft your Days away - Distressing

Creative Card Crew - Seeing Red

I have another post to share with you a bit later on so I won't be too far.

Until then... take care and enjoy your weekend.

Kylie

TOMIC #33 and Koala Hugs Tilda winner!

2012-01-18T18:44:00.000+11:00

Hi! I'm here today to share that there is a new challenge over at TOMIC! I also will announce the winner of my Koala Hugs Tilda giveaway at the end of the post as well so make sure you scroll down to see if it was you who is the lucky winner!

This week we have a great sketch by Tina and we are also asking you to use fabric on your project.

I took the opportunity to ink up Tilda as a Star from the Sweet Crazy Dreams collection. She is just adorable :) For the fabric part of my card, I have used my Doo Hickey die "Peony" and some broderie anglaise fabric through my Grand Callibur, soome cheesecloth behind lovely Tilda and a fabric covered button.

The lovely papers are MME Lost and Found 2. The cute little bird cage is a Spellbinders die and I have misted everything with some home made DI mist.

I hope you get a chance to join us at TOMIC this week, the girls have made some beautiful cards to inspire you and there is a great prize from Magnolia up for grabs.

And speaking about up for grabs....
the winner of the Koala Hugs Tilda stamp is....
...........

That is Jane!

Congrats Jane! I will send you an email soon.

That is it from me today. I should be back on the weekend, if not before!

Til then, enjoy your week,

Hugs K

As Fresh as a Daisy

2012-01-16T16:33:00.000+11:00

Ohhh - I think this may be my favourite stamp from the Sweet Crazy Love collection.... well.. top 3 anyway! This is Tilda with Daisy.

I coloured up this cutie pie without having any idea what I wanted to do with her, I just wanted to colour. And I wanted to colour green. Most unlike me.

The flowers are a bit of a mix of Wild Orchid Crafts and Kaisercraft. The green paper is Pink Paislee 365 Degrees. The card and layers were cut using Spellbinders Grand dies and the doily was cut using MFT 5" doily die.

I would like to enter some challenges:

Challenge up your life - BINGO - Ribbon, flowers and swirls

Alphabet Challenge - Y - You can choose

Simply Create Too - Layers (I have 4)

Sentimental Sunday - Ribbons

That is it from me today.

I'll be back later in the week with more to share.

MDUC - Black and White image

2012-01-15T08:49:00.003+11:00

Good morning! How has your weekend been treating you?

We have a new challenge up over at MDUC today and it is something a little different. We are asking you to colour your image in black and white. The rest of your card can be coloured however. If you havent seen this before, head on over to Kellie's blog, she is the Queen of black and white images.

I have to admit, I have only tried this once before and I do love the effect. I inked up the cute little Wild Tilda from the new Sweet Crazy Love collection. I decided to make a little note pad holder.

I watercoloured little Tilda for a bit of a change. It has been a while!It was loads of fun and I have to do more watercolouring I think!

Here is a pic of the inside. The cute papers are 7 Gypsies.

I hope you get a chance to play along with us this week. I'm really curious to see what everyone comes up with.

Until later, have a great weekend!

K xx

JUGS - technique challenge

2012-01-14T21:08:00.001+11:00

Hi there everyone! I hope you are having a great weekend.

There is a new challenge over at Just Us Girls Challenge today! This week the girls are asking you to try out a technique..Collage stamping.

This was a new technique for me and I didn't really have the right stamps so I made do with my Magnolia accessory stamps - versatile aren't they? It was heaps of fun and so fast compared with making a card has a coloured image.

I hope you get a chance to join us at JUGS for the technique challenge and try collage stamping for yourself.

I'll be back tomorrow with something else to share with you.
Until then, have a great weekend.
K

WOC - Anything Goes

2012-01-09T18:58:00.000+11:00

Hey! It is time for the first Wild Orchid Challenge for 2012. We've made it easy for you too, the challenge is "Anything Goes".

I used a 12' sheet of Prima and scored it into a little handbag. I love these cute one sheet bags. I used my Cherry Lyn 4" doily die to make the top of the bag.

The seam binding, lace, flowers, pearl spray, Venise lace butterfly and adhesive back pearls are all from Wild Orchid Crafts!

The adorable sentiment is by Lili of the Valley.

All of the edges have been inked in Vintage Photo DI.

I would like to enter my little handbag into The Shabby Tea Room challenge, which is an inspiration photo with 'sewing' embellishments.

My son is doing much better today. He is smiling and almost back to his cheeky little self. Thank you so much for your kind words. I love this bloggy crafting community.

Thanks for checking back in to see me. It was lovely to 'see' you.

Until later in the week,

Hugs Kylie

MDUC - Anything Goes

2012-01-08T19:34:00.000+11:00

Hey! As promised, I am back.

This is my project for MDUC's new challenge, our first of the year - Anything Goes!

We also have something a little special for you on the MDUC blog - a guest DT call. There is a linky on the sidebar and a Guest DT will be chosen at random each week. Sound like fun? Check it out!

I thought I would make a calendar as I dont actually have one in the house yet - wow hey?

I decorated a MDF album cover from Kaisercraft with Magnolia papers and found a free printable calendar online and went to work.

I coloured up adorable little Tilda with Peony Tails from the new Sweet Crazy Love collection and found some cute vintage daisy lace.

The dragon fly was cut using a Doo Hickey die and the flowers are all Wild Orchid Crafts.

I punched the holes using my Crop-adile - Loooove this punch! It cuts through anything! I have been wandering around my craft room looking for things to punch holes in :)

I am entering

Just Magnolia & HS challenge - Anything goes

Magnolia-licious challenge - Anything goes

iCopic - Shiny hair

lol, seems all of the Maggie challenges are anything goes this week, we're making it easy for you huh?

Well... that is it from me today! I hope you have had a great weekend. I am back at work on Wednesday after a bit over 2 weeks off. Well... assuming my little Jarred is better anyway.

Take care, Kylie

The Sketchy Challenges - Corry's sketch

2012-01-08T11:24:00.001+11:00

Hey there!

There is a new sketch over at The Sketchy Challenges this week - by the super talented Corry :) She has lined up a fabby sponsor too - Prairie Fairy Designs - OMG - the images over there are so cute!

I thought Corry's sketch lent itself well to a Joy fold card and I hadn't made one in a while so off I went :) The stamp is by Lili of the Valley, one of those cutie Milly stamps. I must apologise for the coloouring... OMG - I ended up colouring the image for this card four times. Each time I coloured it, something happend... i dropped my inkpad upside down on the first (which was coloured perfectly :S) and then stupidly tried colouring the second with prismas (disaster), the third, well, not worth talking about and by the time I finished this one, I was not at all happy with the flower but it was midnight and I was too tired to do another one :S Sometimes you just have one of those crappy colouring days!!

The cute sentiment is by North Star Stamps (lovin these sentiments!!)

The beautiful papers are by Basic Grey, Sweet Threads - love them! I am entering my card into the Basic Grey Challenges - Something New (my new sentiment stamp, new Lili of the Valley stamp and new paper pad).

I will be back a little later with something else to share with you... a Magnolia project ;)

Til then - have a great day!!

Hugs xx

Just Us Girls - Featured Designer for January - Pam's Sketch

2012-01-07T17:58:00.002+11:00

Hi there everyone!

I am very lucky to have been asked to be the featured designer for January at Just Us Girls Challenge :o) Thanks so much Pam and the team for asking me! I am thrilled.

This week the challenge is a fun sketch by Pam. Go on over and check it out, I had a lot of fun with it.

I decided to ink up Lollipop Tilda for the occasion. She was one of those 'must have' stamps from the Sweet Crazy Love collection.

I coloured Tilda in copics but added some shading and background with Prisma pencils.

The cute sentiment is by North Star Stamps from Norway.

New Years resolution for me is to finish the inside of my cards, lol.

I hope you get a chance to play along with us over at JUGS.

I would like to thank everyone who left me a comment about my sick little man. He is much better than he was thankfully, but still a very sick little boy. We are struggling getting him to take his medicine which is making his progress slower than it should be.

If you haven't entered my little giveaway to win a "Koala Hugs Tilda" stamp, dont forget to check it out before you go. You can find the linky here.

Thanks for stopping by to visit me today. I truly appreciate all of your sweet comments.

Have a fantastic weekend and I will check in with you again soon.

One of those days....

2012-01-05T11:13:00.001+11:00

Hi there friends :o)

One of those days.... yes.. yesterday was one of those, lol. It is also the name of the cutey stamp from Saturated Canary. I love how she is hiding behind her hair in the rain.

So another very bright card from me. I thought it would be a nice contrast to the feel of the stamp.

The inside of the card is decorated as well. The sentiment is a nice one, from Lili of the Valley.

I really enjoy colouring up these cuties from Saturated Canary, they make a nice change. Their faces are lovely to colour and the detail in their clothing is gorgeous.

The chippie pieces are from Make it Crafty and I've painted them with Adirondack paint dabber in Snow Cap. This is a new product to me and I love it! It is so easy to use and no mess. Perfect.

The papers are a bit of a mix. The flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts.

I would like to enter the Stampavie and more challenge - Hearts.

Well... that is it from me today. My eldest son (who is 3 years old) was diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday so I am off to spend some time cuddling him on the couch. It was a bit of a surprise when the doctor gave us the news, I thought he had a chest infection following on from a recent cold. He is much improved today thank goodness, antibiotics are wonderful things on little people who haven't previously had much exposure to them. We are all feeling a bit tired from a couple of rough nights but we are relieved our little man is feeling so much better.

I'll be back on Saturday. Til then have a great week!

Hugs x

Rose Scent Tilda blackboard

2012-01-03T10:45:00.003+11:00

Hi there Magnolia friends. How is your week treating you? Are you back at work yet after your holidays? My hubby went back today and the boys and I are finding it a bit odd. It was lovely being home all together. I dont go back to work til the 11th so I have another week up my sleeve with the kids.

I have something a bit fun to share with you today. I found a kraft frame at my local craft store for an absolute steel. I had a few different ideas to play with it, but last night I was rummaging though my stash and found these cute chippie gates from Dusty Attic and the light bulb went off.

I painted the back of the frame with Black Gesso. Apparently it creates a nice base to be used as a black board. I've not tried it out yet but I'll let you know how it goes. The rest of the frame I base coated with white Gesso, then painted it in grey acrylic paint and then used a piece of nylon lace as a mask and dabbed on some more white Gesso to create the textured lace pattern and give it a bit of a shabby look. I love getting messy with paint :) The cute little gates were painted with silver acrylic paint.

The cute little resin bird house is by Prima. The clouds and tree branches are both cut using Doo Hickey dies. I sprayed some cheese cloth with some pale blue mist to give it a bit of a blue hue.

All of the flowers and the pearl garland are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

And here is the finished product! Doesn't little Rose Scent Tilda look adorable sitting there in her garden? She is coloured with Copics and I experimented a bit with the combo for her hair... I tried Y 28, E 55, YR 20, Y 23 and E 50. Her little jumpsuit is coloured with RV 95, 34, 32, 10, 000, the rose is BV 25, V 20 and BV 000.

I would like to enter some challenges:
Paper Sundaes - Something old (Dusty Attic gates) Something New (frame)
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Magnolialicious Highlites - Anything Goes

Well that is it from me today. I hope to have a few more things to share with you soon.

Until then, have a great day!

Koala Hugs Tilda

2012-01-03T09:25:00.000+11:00

Hi all! How would you like to get your hands on this special little Tilda?

I have one more "Koala Hugs Tilda" to give away.

All you have to do is add your name to the linky below and pop a pic in your blog sidebar, linking back to this post.

I will announce the winner on the 15th of January.

Getting 2012 off to a colourful start ;o)

2012-01-01T09:13:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year!!

I hope you are all well today and not feeling sorry for yourselves from a big New Years Eve. My parents are coming up to visit us today so the boys are really hyped.

I've been working on this card on and off for a bit over a week now. I started colouring the image and then didnt get back to it. Unusually for me, I coloured before I chose the papers.

This is Tilda with Cosy Heart and she is sitting on the "I love you" accessory stamp, both from the Sweet Crazy Love collection.

All of the flowers and the pearl pin are form Wild Orchid Crafts. The lace was a gift, the ribbon saved from wrapping and the gem and button from my stash.

This new Sweet Crazy Love collection from Magnolia is just stunning. I was determined not to go overboard collecting stamps this year but I think I must order some more ;) I can't help myself!

Lastly, I just want to share a pic or two from our trip to the Zoo yesterday. We had a ball! I think the giraffes were my favourite but there were lots of memorable moments with the kids.

Have a great day!

Hugs x

Happy New Year!!

2011-12-31T08:58:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year everyone!!

This is Celebration Tilda and Sweet Moon from the Sweet Crazy Love Collection. And I've made another shaped card, lol. The Cricut is getting some use of late!

Tilda and the Sweet Moon are coloured with Copics (Skin - E 11, 01, 00, 000, R12, 11, Top, R 89, 29, 27, 14, Hair, E 57, 33, 42, 30, Pants, B 97, 23, 21, Moon - Y 28, 26, 35, 23, YR 30)

The flowers are all Wild Orchid Crafts and the papers are... umm...sorry - I'll have to double check and get back to you.

There is still a day and a bit to enter the TOMIC challenge which is Happy New Year!

Well... that is it from me this morning - we're off to the Zoo!

Daisy

2011-12-29T23:00:00.001+11:00

Hello friends!

Ohhh... I can not begin to tell you how long I have wanted this stamp!

This is "Daisy" by Elizabeth Bell. She was originally only available form Sugar Nellie but then retired and impossible to find! But she has recently been re-released by Elphine House as a clear stamp so I finally have her in my collection.

My card is only 4 1/2 inches so I kept it really simple. The background paper is BG Kioshi (which I had to have and never use) and the pale blue check is just a scrap I saved because I love it. The pretty pink lace is from my local scrap store. I have some new sentiment stamps which I was given for Chrissy but my card was too small to put a sentiment on it... silly of me! So I stuck on the 4U stickers instead.

Daisy was coloured in Copics....

(Skin - E 11, 01, 00, 000, Shirt - RV 69, 66, 34, 32 - a really fun combo I hadn't tried before but now love, Jeans - B 97, 23, 21, Hair..umm.. sorry, I forget, I just kept grabbing markers to get the right depth, ground YG 00, 61, 93, G 99)

The beautiful flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I would like to enter my card into these challenges:

Elphine House - Around we Go

Little Red Wagon - Something New

Simon Says Challenge - Anything Goes

Umm... that is all from me I think....Its almost 11pm here so I had best be off to bed!

Have a great day/night where ever you are!

Valentino Angel

2011-12-29T08:09:00.001+11:00

Finally! I have finally coloured one of the new "Sweet Crazy Love" stamps - and wow, this collection is just gorgeous - gorgeous!!

This is Valentino. Don't you just adore his hair?

I fired up the trusty Cricut to cut my card shape. As I was colouring up Valentino I thought he belonged on a lovely fluffy cloud :o)

I coloured Valentino with Copics...

Skin - E 11, 01, 00, 000, R 11, 12. Hair - E 55, 53, 44, 42, 41. Top - R 12, 11, 00, 000. Pants - E 74, 71, 70. Arrow and bow - W 5, 3, 1, 0, E 42, 41. Wing - BG 72, 10, 0000

The sentiment is also Magnolia, from the 2009 Love collection. The papers are Pink Paislee and all of the edges are inked with DI Weathered Wood. The flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts.

I have a couple more projects to complete for the next Magnolia Ink magazine but I hope to get some more of these cuties coloured up and at home on cards in the next week or so - I'm a tad addicted to them :o)

I hope to see you soon! Thanks for stopping by.

Kylie x

Top 10 for 2011

2011-12-28T17:46:00.000+11:00

My pal Kel is doing a link up Top 10 for 2011 party and I am joining in!

Check out the cute little badge she made :o)

So!! My non-Magnolia top 10 are.....

(just click on the image to go to the actual post)

Gorgeous Lilith from Tickled Pink Stamps

A cute House Mouse card I made for a close friend's new baby boy

Yet another House Mouse card, lol. I love these stamps, I must get them out for a play....

A card I made for Lime Tart while I was a Guest DT for them. I have coloured this Sweet Pea stamp several times now and I never get sick of it

Ahh - More Tickled Pink Stamps!! This is the Steam Punk collection.

Oh - I scrapped! This was the first scrap layout I had done in years :o)

A Pinkette!! So girly and so cute! Go and grab your's at Tickled Pink Stamps

A shaped card for a cute little Puss in Boot.( Lili of the Vally stamp)

Another adorable Pinkette from Tickled Pink Stamps... this was for their 2nd birthday release

And finally, a new stamp to me, lovely Copica (saturated Canary), a card I made yesterday which is a little different from my normal cards. I think my style might be changing a tad ;o)

So that is my Top 10 for 2011. Gosh, that was fun going back through all my posts of the year.

Copica

2011-12-27T16:30:00.004+11:00

Hello friends! How was your Christmas? I hope you all had a lovely day with your family, eating and relaxing. We had a great Christmas day, we were up early with the boys opening their pressies from Santa and then jumped in the car to visit my family at the coast. We had a lovely morning and yummy lunch, the boys helped Poppy in the veggie garden collecting the veg for lunch, so sweet. They were of course, thoroughly spoilt :o) Then we were back in the car and back towards Canberra to Aunty Wendy's house (hubster's sister) to have Christmas dinner with Jeroen's side of the family. The boys had a great time with the dogs and horses and were served up a great big turkey - YUM! Believe it or not, this is the first actual turkey dinner I've ever had. In Australia we tend to do seafood, cold meat and salad for Christmas dinner, not a hot meal as it is so hot here. Then the boys were showered with more gifts. We were all exhausted after such a huge day, about four hours travelling in the car in total, loads of good food and family.

A few days ago I finally purchased my first Saturated Canary images. OMG, am I behind or what?! I have been admiring these lovlies for a while but not had a chance to actually buy one, let alone colour one up. It was really nice to colour something that wasn't red or green! OMG - I am so Christmas carded out! haha. My other excuse for not playing with digi images recently is our printer finally died! It was very old and it just finally ran out of puff. We are now in possession of a fantastic new Canon and it was really nice to be able to print out my image and colour straight away. The old printer I had to fiddle with the ink settings and either dry it with my heat tool or wait a few days - not ideal!

For my first ever Saturated Canary image, I had to have "Copica". I just adore her hair! I was really tempted to put some ink splotches on her clothes, but resisted. I created the sentiment myself. I also used my new(ish) MFT binder die which I've had for a while but not actually used.... um-mah! Its brilliant btw. And perfect for Copica.

The papers are Sassafras Lass and all of the flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts. All of the edges are inked with Vintage photo DI.

I would like to enter some challenges with my card...

Crafty Cardmakers - Use it 3 times
(I used the one sheet of paper, both sides and the scalloped edge, 3 cherry blossoms)

Everybody Art Challenge - Anything Goes

Stamp with Fun - Sketch

Stampin' for the Weekend - Anything Goes

Charisma Cardz - Anything Goes

So that is it from me today... I am about to head over to my Magnolia only blog to announce the winner of my Magnolia anniversary candy... so if you have entered... keep an eye out in the next hour or so - you could be the lucky winner!

I might be a little quiet for the next week or so... I am head down, bum up creating away for the Easter edition of the Magnolia Ink magazine and the deadline is looming... :o)

So until I am back, enjoy the rest of your holidays! I know I sure will!!

The Sketchy Challenges #13 - Lizzie's sketch

2011-12-24T12:50:00.003+11:00

It's Christmas Eve!! Woohoooo!!!! Is everyone ready? We are... kind of. The boys and I just made a bunch of gingerbread cookies and will decorate those later on today, aside from that, I think we're sorted.

But there is another reason to be excited... There is a new sketch up at The Sketchy Challenges. This fortnight Lizzie is hosting the challenge for us and she has come up with a brilliant sketch. I enjoyed -playing with the sketch so much I used it to finish off a few Chrissy cards.

Versatile isn't it?

So here is the detail for each of the cards. This blue one features stunning Maja Design paper. The sentiment is Magnolia. The flowers, lace, ribbon, pearl trim and brad are all Wild Orchid Crafts.

For this one I used some scraps of paper I had from other projects. The papers are of course, Magnolia, as is the sentiment.

And this card is also Maja Design papers but features a leaf, cherry blossom and string from Wild Orchid Crafts, some distressing and stitching to finish it off. The cute sentiment is also Magnolia and I used my fav edge punch again.

The challenge runs for two weeks so there is plenty of time to enter. There is another great sponsor lined up as well so terrific prizes are up for grabs.

I do have one more card to share with you a bit later on so I will be back before Santa arrives.

Take care

Hugs K x

Christmas gift wrap

2011-12-20T20:07:00.001+11:00

Hellooo... wow, I feel like I have been on my blog a lot these last few weeks :) It is great! Since I went back to work in August I slowed right down craft wise so it is nice to get back into it a bit more.

My project that I am sharing with you today is some wrapping I made for a gift for a friend. The gift was already wrapped in the store but I wanted to hide what it was and to personalise it a bit. The stamp is "Winter Night Background" from the Winter 2008 Magnolia collection.

It was so simple to make and so much fun to embellish with terrific Wild Orchid Crafts products.

I would like to enter some challenges as well...
Paperplay - Christmas
Stamp with Fun - Sketch
Stampin for the Weekend - Christmas
Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Christmas
Totally Gorjuss - For someone special

Well.. that is it from me today, and probably for a few days now as I am back at work tomorrow and Thursday. I do have one more thing up my sleeve to share before Christmas, so I will see you back here on Saturday! Until then, have a wonderful week. I hope you are all organised with your food and gift shopping. ... not like me :o)

Hugs Kylie

Wild Orchid Crafts Challenges: #39 Christmas Friendship

2011-12-19T19:55:00.000+11:00

Hello! There is a new challenge up at Wild Orchid Challenges. This fortnight the theme is "Christmas Friendship".

I made a mini pizza box and matching card. I had hoped that my gift had arrived at my friend's house by now but it hasn't so I won't show you what is inside ;)

I punched around the edges of the box before I assembled it with my MS deep edge punch. This is one of my favourite punches and it comes out far more often than my others. All of the amazing flowers and brads are by Wild Orchid Crafts.

This cute little Tilda is "Something for you" from the Sweet Christmas Dreams collection.

I kept the card a bit simple and used "Sweet Christmas Present" from the Sweet Christmas Dreams collection. Both of the images are colours with Copics on Make It Colour blending card.

The ribbon is from a package I received a few weeks ago that I saved.

Sorry... last pic ;)

I hope you get a chance to enter the challenge, I know it is a busy time of year, but take some time out for yourself to create something. If you like any of the products used on my project, here are the links:

I would also like to enter some challenges myself...:

Bling it on - Christmas

Creative Belli - Winter and Christmas

Creative Card Crew - Tis the Season

Creative Craft Challenges - Real or Faux stitching

Fairy Tale Challenges - Gift or Gift box

That is it from me today. Just a reminder about my candy over on my Magnolia only blog... there is still 1 day left to enter so you don't want to miss out!

Have a great week... I'll be back soon!

Hugs x

Tilda as Star

2011-12-18T11:12:00.001+11:00

Good morning! I have an oldie but a goodie here to share with you today. This is Tilda as a Star from the 2009 So Jolly collection. She is just adorable!

I made this tag for the new challenge up at MDUC this week which is a colour combo, Red, Cream and Gold.

I stamped Tilda in Memento Rich Cocoa and coloured her, then masked her and stamped over her in Versamark and embossed her the stars in Gold EP. Its a bit difficult to see, but in the corners of the tag I have also stamped and gold embossed the sweet holly leaves from this year's Sweet Christmas Dreams collection. The papers are beautiful Pion Design from last years Christmas collection.

Everything else is bits and pieces I've had hanging around in my stash for a bit.

I hope you get a chance to come and play along with us at MDUC this challenge. Due to Christmas the DT are taking a well earned break so the challenge will run through to January 7th 2012. We will also be posting a bit of a Christmas surprise for you during the break so keep an eye out, you won't want to miss it.

I would like to enter some challenges myself...
My time to Craft - Vintage Christmas
ICopic - Holiday themed
Simply Magnolia - Christmas
Cupcake Crafts - Don't look at the light! (sparkle, etc)
Paperplay Challenges - Christmas
Little Red Wagon - Christmas
Magnolia-licious Challenge - Stars

That is it from me today. Don't forget to pop on over to my Magnolia blog to be with a chance to win a Christmas pressie from Magnolia! There is still a few hours to go.

I will be back tomorrow with more to share,
Hugs Kylie x

Magnolia Advent Calendar - Day 17

2011-12-17T19:46:00.003+11:00

Hi everyone!

Today is my day to share with you some Christmas cheer over at my Magnolia Blog... Click on the pic to visit... there is a secret Christmas gift up for grabs, all you have to do is leave a comment on the post.

See you there!

Note to self.....

2011-12-12T11:41:00.001+11:00

... it is probably NOT a good idea to leave the room with cupcakes cooling on the stove .......

.....and little boys in the kitchen....

Sprung!

How can you get angry with that? They even have bowls and are at the table, hahaha.

And yep... I am that type of Mum who goes to grab the camera rather than sweep up the mess ;o)

Winner!! Koala Hugs Tilda Magnolia stamp

2011-12-12T08:17:00.001+11:00

Yep - we have a winner!!!

Dena! #14

A big congratulations you Hunny, could you please shoot me over your address so I can post your adorable stamp to you asap.

I'll be back soon with a little more candy to spread some Christmas cheer ;)

Hugs to you all and thanks so much for entering!
Have a great day,
Kylie

White on white card

2011-12-11T07:18:00.000+11:00

Good morning everyone :o) Thanks for stopping b to see me today.

This is the second last of my Magnolia "Sweet Christmas Dreams" stamps left to ink, lol. Isn't she a sweetie? I love her big hair bow.

I wanted to make a white on white card with this little sweetie. All of the edges are inked with DI Vintage Photo and the flowers are a mix of Kaisercraft and Magnolia.

The terrific sketch is by Jane from The Sketchy Challenges, new up yesterday. There is also a new challenge up at MDUC, 'Lost and Found" - use something you found around the house, so I've used a little wooden Christmas decoration to embellish my card. We'd love to see you come and play with us at both challenges. I know it is flat out this time of year, so why not try and combine the two challenges if you only have time to make one card?

And just to show you what my 3 year old was up to when i was taking pics of my card..... Yup - "Mummy! Red truck going through the tunnel!!" hahaha.

Boys + imagination = Mummy smiles.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. I'm off to get my hair done this morning. I'm looking forward to sitting, chilling with a coffee and some gossipy magazines.

Talk soon,
Hugs x

On the ninth day of Christmas....

2011-12-09T13:56:00.000+11:00

hehehe - yeeessss.... still painting! A canvas this time!

I saw this cute Santa canvas on a blog and I had to have a go! It was so easy too, I couldn't believe it. I did cheat however... I used adhesive book covering, and copied the image onto the grid on the backing paper, cut it out with my **new** Ingvild Bolme comfort grip craft knife and stuck the stencil down onto the canvas so I could slap that silver paint around without a care.

Oh - and YES - I adore my new Ingvild Bolme craft knife. It is super sharp, super easy to cut with, and I'm a lefty so I was a bit hesitant as to how the grip would go for me, it has a spare blade in the handle. It has to be one of my favourite purchases this month :o) I've ordered something else funky and new too... but I'll wait until it arrives to tell you about it. I love new craft tools, hehehe.

See you tomorrow.
Hugs x

On the eighth day of Christmas....

2011-12-08T19:49:00.001+11:00

She painted some ornaments....

Yep, paint and I are becoming friends.

Christmas decorations are becoming an addiction.

Unfortunately, the Christmas season will pass too quickly and the issue of storage will be my next project ;)

Decorations - Kraft ornaments from Spotlight. Painted in White Gesso and silver acrylic paint. 30mm red wild roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!
See you tomorrow
xx

On the 7th day of Christmas - TOMIC

2011-12-07T09:56:00.000+11:00

There is another great challenge up at TOMIC this week. We are asking you to make a shaker card. Camilla has written a fantastic tutorial for you to follow and WOW the TOMIC team has some stunning inspiration to share with you.

Instead of a card, I made a Shaker gift box with adorable little Tilda with Hanging Heart from the Merry Little Christmas 2010 collection. I have masked Tilda and stamped the "Christmas" sentiment behind her in Silver ink. The glitter is German Glitter Glass from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Inside the lid of the box I have used the new Heart tag Doo Hickey die (sent to me from gorgeous Camilla H from Sweden, thanks Hunny!).

To create the shaker on the top of the box, I've made some paper lace using the Heart border Doo Hickey die below the image and some ribbon wrapped around a circle cut with Nesties for the top of the shaker frame. To hide the adhesive, I've attached some pearls around the edge.

So there you have it, my shaker box!

Thanks for visiting me today. I hope you get a chance to play along with us at TOMIC this week. Its a really fun technique to follow.

Hugs xx

Wild Orchid Crafts Challenge

2011-12-06T21:08:00.000+11:00

Hi there! Over at Wild Orchid Challenge we have a new challenge for you - make an Easel card. A nice easy one for this busy time of year.

I thought I'd try and make a card without a stamped image.... OMG... I think this has to be a first for me? It helps to have adorable Maja Design papers to play with.

I used my Nestie "Postage" dies to cut a mini easel card and inked all of the edges of the papers.

The pretty metal corner was actually gold that I painted with white Gesso.

Wild Orchid Crafts Products used...
Large and small Red Poinsettias
Cherry Blossom
Silver Bells
Bakers Twine
Seam Binding
Adhesive Pearls
Large Gold Filigree corner
Decorative Crown Pin

I hope you get a chance to come and play along with us this fortnight.

I would like to enter the Stampavie and More - Easel Cards challenge with my card.

Enjoy the rest of your week!
Hugs x

On the 5th day of Christmas.....

2011-12-05T10:23:00.000+11:00

... there was a Koala Hugs Tilda giveaway!!

The lovely Bron from Shopbron has invited several Maggie lovers from around the globe to play along on a Christmas give-away and I'm so proud to be one of them. This adorable stamp was designed by Pauline EXCLUSIVELY for Shop Bron.

We've all made Aussie Christmas cards to tie in with the challenge at Maggie Lovers Challenge - an Aussie Christmas card.

I thought I would try one of these stair step card and some paper tole... next time I get a crazy idea to paper tole a background, someone please remind me that it took me two days to colour all the bits and pieces?! I also did the 'no lines' technique and stamped in Memento "Summer Sky" but I am not quite sure it lends itself well to paper tole. Live and learn ;)

I've gone doo hickey mad again :) I love my doo hickey dies! All of the flowers, raffia and brads are from Wild Orchid Crafts. Papers are bu Magnolia (green is "Under the Mistletoe" and the red is "Strawberry dot").

Don't forget to pop along to Bron's Maggie Lover's Challenge Blog to check out all of the work from the designers from around the world and to see what other fun things Bron has planned.

Bron sent us all one of her EXCLUSIVE Koala Hugs Tilda stamps to give-away to one lucky person who visits our blogs.

If you would like to win one of these little darlings, check out the blogs of the participants, you can find us all at Shop Bron's Maggie Lovers Challenge....To win the stamp me.... just add yor name to the linky below and pop a picture and link back on your blog sidebar.Good luck!!

On the 4th day of Christmas.....

2011-12-04T11:30:00.000+11:00

It is time for our next MDUC challenge!! Yayayayay!

This week we are looking for Christmas Decorations. Yup. Perfect timing isn't it?

I wanted to make a mini birdhouse ornament ... well... the plan is to make 24 of them to use as an advent calendar,but so far I just have one completed and the rest trimmed and scored ready to assemble :o).

The yummy papers are by The Scrap Cake and are called Cosy Xmas. I couldnt find them anywhere in Aus so ended up buying them from the US. They arrived this week. If you would like some yourself, have a look at The Flying Unicorn.

The sentiment is by Stampendous and is one of their nifty clings.

And a third mini Tilda to finish off the little bird house.

I had fun making the birdhouse and thought I'd share the template I made (just right click and open it in a new window).

I just used the smallest Scalloped Rectangle nestie to cut out the little window. I saved the piece that was cut out though to use behind the number.

And just a couple of cute pics to share to finish off... in a house full of boys, you find red sports cars everywhere!

And it just wouldn't be Christmas without Bob the Builder in the back of a Ford F150 now would it?

Ahh... gotta love them :o) Its the kids that make a house a home. When I find these little boy touches around the house I can't help but grin like a crazy person.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Hugs x

On the third day of Chrismtas....

2011-12-03T22:30:00.000+11:00

Hey there! Still decorating my house with handmade bits and pieces.

Today I have a wall hanging to share with you. I made this for the Whimsy Magazine in October. The stamps are, of course, by Whimsy stamps.

The papers are Memory Box and all of the embellishments are by Wild Orchid Crafts.

I cut the scalloped squares with my Grand Nesties and Grand Callibur. There is a fair bit of white Gesso going on here to shabby it up and some Amercian Crafts Thickers alphas.

I had a blast making this one. I hope you like it.

I've been busy again today with some more crafty things to share with you so please come back tomorrow to check them out.

Until then, have a great weekend!
Hugs K

Candy #6 - Winner!

2011-12-03T21:56:00.001+11:00

Happy Saturday to you all :)

We have a winner for Candy #6.....

Congratulations to ...#74 - Martenka!

Martenka could you please email me at kyliekueter @ tpg.com.au with your address.

Thanks so much to everyone for entering.
I'll be back tomorrow with Candy #7.

Have a great night.
Hugs x

On the second day of Christmas....

2011-12-02T18:29:00.000+11:00

.....She...painted some shabby chic bits and pieces :)

Hmmm... yes....this little Modern gal has gone a bit Shabby. I have always been a modern kinda girl, loving everything new but this year my taste has changed and I have more of an appreciation for rustic, shabby and pre-loved things. My hubby thinks I'm nuts! Painting something only to take to it with some sandpaper and crackle medium to 'ruin' a perfectly good finish.

So I found these three little MDF laser cut shapes at my local craft store and HAD to have them.

Oh - do you like my mirror? It was my Grandma's and used to hang in her dining room. I've loved this mirror since I was a child and when she passed away my uncle gave it to me. Perhaps this is where the shabby/vintage fascination began?

I painted them in a charcoal coloured paint, then Jo Sonja's crackle medium and finally some half strength antique white paint. Here is my cute little angel with her gingham bow and bell.

My shining star

And my reindeer.

The large poinsettias are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I am looovin making a bunch of Chrissy decorations! The kids are loving the house slowly turning into a blur of red and Santas as well.

I hope to be back tomorrow with something else to share... til then, enjoy your Friday!
Hugs xx

On the first day of Christmas..... (photo heavy)

2011-12-01T20:38:00.001+11:00

**Have you entered my candy? 2 days to go - click on link in sidebar to enter**

Can you believe that it is already December? OMG! Where did this year go? Earlier this week the boys and I started decorating our house for Christmas. Usually our tree is covered in gold and silver ornaments, but this year I thought it would be more fun for the boys to make our decorations together and have more of a handmade kids tree. The boys are at the most wonderful age :o)

We started off on Monday with a large packet of Fimo, some cookie cutters and some embossing folders.

Jarred in particular had a ball playing with the Fimo. We now have some cute little white Christmas trees, Gingerbread men and Bells.

Something else I've been meaning to do for a little while is to make some gingham decorations.

Oops - my little birdie started off with TWO legs, lol.... Booooyyysss!!!!

And then came the extra fun part - putting the tree up! We had a terrific morning, the boys were enthralled.

And finally, the finished tree (I redistributed some of the decorations when they weren't looking hehehe) and a couple of very excited little boys.

Oh - and every event has to end with the boys wrestling. Gosh they're funny little guys.

So that was the start of our week :o) It was loads of fun and I can't wait to do more! Christmas is for the kids after all.

Thanks for stopping by to visit :o)

Let it snow, let it snow, let it SNOOOOOWWWW!

2011-11-27T20:14:00.000+11:00

Hey there everyone :) Well... it is Sunday night here in Aus... where DOES the weekend go? We've had the busiest weekend. Good, but busy.

There is a new challenge over at MDUC today - Let it Snow (although you probably guessed that from the title of my post). I am well and truly in the mood for Christmas now so thought I'd make some snow flake shape ornaments.

I inked up two older Tilda's for my snowflakes. I finally bought some light coloured Memento ink so I could give the 'no lines' look a go. I quite like how the one on the left turned out, I think it is because of all of the detail in Tilda's dress and wreath.

The snowflakes are cut with the Spellbinders "Fleur de lis" pendant die. All of the flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I hope you get a chance to play along with us this week! We'd love to see your take on "Let it Snow".

Hugs Kylie x

The Sketchy Challenges (formerly Pink Ink) - Kristy's Sketch

2011-11-26T19:47:00.000+11:00

**Have you entered my candy yet? Check out my sidebar for details!**

Hi there! How was your week? Good I hope!

Today there is a new sketch up over at The Sketchy Challenges...(formally known as Pink Ink). This challenge is hosted by Kristy and she has come up with a doosey of a sketch for us.

I fired up my Cricut to cut my card base and layers as I was a bit too tired (lazy) to do it by hand ;)

The adorable stamp is of course Tilda from Magnolia. This one is Halo Tilda from the Sweet Christmas Dreams collection. I've coloured her with Copics and gone a bit glitter mad on her wings and frock. The sentiment is also from the Sweet Christmas Dreams collection. The paper lace is cut with Doo Hickey dies and so is the adorable cloud tag and wing.

All of the flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. The edges are all inked with Vintage Photo DI and stitched with my sewing machine. The papers are Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather from last year.

I could like to enter some challenges....
Truly Scrumptious - Pearls or Vintage
FairyTale Challenge - Christmas
Everybody Art - Christmas card
Stampavie and More - Anything but Square
Little Red Wagon - Christmas

Thanks so much for dropping by today.
I will be back tomorrow with another project to share with you. Until then, have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs Kylie x

Wild Orchid Challenges - week 37: A Child's Christmas

2011-11-22T08:36:00.000+11:00

Hi! There is a new challenge up at Wild Orchid Crafts Challenges - this fortnight we are asking for you to create something in the theme of "A Child's Christmas". I love this theme :o)

I took the opportunity to ink up a gorgeous Belles and Whistles stamp I was given last Christmas by my lovely friend Tanja.

The gorgeous papers are Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses - I think, lol.

I have used lots of WOC goodies on my card...

I hope you get a chance to join us this fortnight at Wild Orchid Crafts Challenges.

I would like to enter my card into the Belles and Whistles Challenge this week - which is Christmas and Elphine House Challenges which is the great sketch I used.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my card :o)

Don't forget to enter my candy!! Link is in the sidebar....

Hugs xx

Magnolia Down Under Challenges #123

2011-11-21T08:49:00.001+11:00

I'm running late again!! OMG. I am usually so organised and I can't stand being late for anything but lately... I just can't seem to get it together, lol.

Today I would like to show you my project for MDUC's new challenge. This week we have a wonderful sketch by my gorgeous Teamie, Debbie P.

I have had "Tilda with Helebores" sitting on my desk for a couple of weeks now. I am determined to ink each of my Christmas stamps before the next collection is released... we'll see ;) I have masked Tilda and stamped the Christmas background stamp behind her. The beautiful papers are by Maja Design, sent to me from my gorgeous friend Ing.

The tag base is corrugated cardboard painted with white Gesso. The embellishments are a mix of Doo Hickey die cuts, Flowers and berries from WOC and some other items from my collection.

I hope you get a chance to enter MDUC this week and have a play with Debbie's sketch!
Hugs xx

Candy #6

2011-11-21T08:19:00.000+11:00

Here we go... candy #6! Only two more to go after this one....

This candy consists of...

3 Whiff of Joy stamps

1 Prima clear stamp

1 Kraftin Kimmie sentiment set

1 set of Prima colour rub ons

1 "Our Wedding" laser chipboard word

To win all you have to do is:
1. Add your name to the linky below
2. Add a picture of my candy to your sidebar, and
3. Become a follower if you aren't already

Easy peasy!
Good luck!

Candy Winners 4 and 5

2011-11-21T08:10:00.000+11:00

Hello! Well.. I have some candy winners and then I'll be back with some more candy ;)
You are all wonderful. Thank you so much for entering. I just love sending goodies all over the world and each time the random number generator does its thing, I can't wait to see where the next package is going.

So here goes...

The winner of candy #4 is..... #51 - Dorte

and

The winner of candy #5 is......#34 - Chanelle

Congratulations Ladies!

Please EMAIL me with your addy so I can send out your packages!

Hugs x

TOMIC #24

2011-11-15T08:15:00.000+11:00

**Have you entered my candy? See sidebar for details**

There is a new challenge over at TOMIC ! The challenge this week is to create something using a Paper bag and to use the inspiration photo of the Dala horse.

I am filing in for one of the girls this week and stupidly thought it was next week :S I was just finishing off my project last night, thinking I was being really good and ahead of time, when the challenge went live, lol. Argh! Panic!

I've used adorable "Tilda with Cross Stitch Heart" and masked her sitting on the "NOEL" accessory stamp from the 2009 "So Jolly" collection. The gorgeous papers are also Magnolia.

All of the embellishments are from Wild Orchid Crafts - (lace, charm, ribbon, poinsettia, carnation, cherry blossom, sweetheart blossoms) .

I used a flat brown paper lunch bag for my project. I chopped off the ratty top and folded it in half so I had two pockets to put tags in. Sorry the inside isn't decorated!

And finally, the back....

So sorry for being a tad late, lol.
I hope you can join us at TOMIC this week. Have a great week!
Hugs xx

It's a Wild Orchid Christmas

2011-11-14T19:24:00.001+11:00

**Have you entered my candy yet?? Click on the photo in the sidebar for more info**

I am finally sharing with you the details about my Christmas tree you may have seen on my post from Saturday. It was so easy to make and I think I might have a go at a few more :)

I found some Styrofoam cone shapes at my local art store and thought they would be cute for Christmas Table decorations.

All of the flowers and embellishments are from Wild Orchid Crafts. I have used White Wild Roses in two sizes, 25mm and 30 mm along with some small red poinsettias and 15 mm mint green open roses.

The cute star on top of the tree is from the Christmas crafts section of the store, Mixed Wooden Shape Embellishments along with some lovely raffia ribbon.

I then added some cute pearl brads in both medium and large and a paper doily underneath to finish it off.

All of the flowers were hot glued to the Styrofoam cone so they stay in place. The last photo shows the tree next to a matching card I have made with more gorgeous Wild Orchid Crafts goodies...

Items on the card:
Large red Poinsettia
25 mm Wild Rose - Lilac
Mixed Wooden Shape Embellishments
Cherry Blossom in Lilac
Seam binding in white
White cotton Lace
Medium Moonstone brads

I hope you like my little Christmas tree decoration :o)
Thanks for visiting!
Kylie

A Koala, Tilda, pizza and two little boys

2011-11-13T06:00:00.000+11:00

I am really excited to show you my card today :o) Do you remember last year when Magnolia released their Bon Voyage collection and there was a little Australian Tilda in the collection? I HAD to have her and wished there were more Aussie themed Maggie stamps.... well... Bron at ShopBron must have been feeling the same way as she has asked Pauline to design a very special edition stamp just for her store.... Koala Hugs Tilda. She is just PERFECT for any occasion and I can assure you that I will be inking her up at every opportunity I get!

I thought I would make an Aussie Christmas card first off. The new challenge today at MDUC is "So Sentimental" so I found the lyrics to the Aussie version of Jingle Bells and printed it onto some Basic Grey papers "Jovial" from last year and cut a hole out of the centre of the card with a nestie.

All of the edges are inked with Vintage Photo and the raffia and flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts. All of the die cuts are done with Doo Hickey dies.

I just adore this cute stamp!

Just another pic of the detail :)

I hope you like the card and Miss Tilda and her koala :o) I believe Bron still has some left in her store so head on over and snaffle yours :) There is a direct link to the stamp in my sidebar.

I'll leave you with some photos of my boys enjoying their dinner last night.......

Mmmmm - Lekker! (My Dutch friends will know what that means :o) )

Turkish Lamb Pizza, complete with rocket, tomato and yogurt :o) YUM. Made from scratch by me (yup, dough included!).

Hugs x

Pink {INK} Sketches - Kathrin's sketch

2011-11-12T07:14:00.000+11:00

Ohh - it is Saturday! Yay! We have nothing planned at all this weekend and I cannot wait to lounge around all day in my PJs.

There is a new challenge up at Pink Ink Sketches today! Kathrin is hosting this week and we are sponsored by her store Stempel Phantasien with an adorable Magnolia stamp as the prize along with a personalised stamp as well - what an awesome prize!

Kathrin has designed a fabby sketch as well so I am sure you will want to play along with us this fortnight.

For my card I have inked up one of the adorable new Sweet Christmas Dreams stamps and collected a bunch of Doo Hickey dies and gone to work!

The papers are from 2009 So Jolly I think! Can you believe I still have them? haha. I am a paper hoarder, The edges are all distressed, inked and then some silver stickles added for some bling :o) Do you like my Christmas tree? I had so much fun creating that. But I will tell you more about that in another post.

The inside of the card... the poinsettias from Wild Orchid Crafts are perfect for decorating inside cards.

Challenges:

Anonyme Scrappere - Vintage Christmas

Just Magnolia - Black or Grey with White and red

BY the Cute and the Girly - Christmas Girls

And finally a pic of Miss Tilda.

I hope you have a great weekend planned and with a bunch of craft time scheduled as well.

Thanks so much for visiting me today, I'll be back tomorrow with something really special to share with you. Until then, have a great weekend!

Hugs Kylie x

Wild Orchid Challenges #36 - Blue and Brown and a big Thank You!

2011-11-07T21:41:00.000+11:00

Hi there! It is time for the next Wild Orchid Challenge! Yay!

But first of all, I want to extend a huge thanks to everyone who purchased a card from me from ebay to help raise money for Breast Cancer - we made a whooping... $73! Thank you so much!

**I will be adding more cards to ebay later tonight.

For the month of November 50% of proceeds will be donated to SID for KIDS in recognition of a great family who recently lost their little angel to SIDS. **

At Wild Orchid Challenges this week we are tempting you with a colour challenge... Blue and Brown! But remember - to be eligible to win, you MUST use a WOC product on your creation.

I've finally inked up this little cutie pie from the Sweet Christmas Dreams collection. I just adore each and every stamp in this collection and I really had to restrain myself not to buy them all :o)

Wild Orchid Products used are:

Silver bells (they actually RING!!)

Pearl brad and

NEW - Ivory Crown Pin - gorgeous huh?? I'm in luuurve.

I've also gone a teensy bit Doo Hickey mad - I do love those Magnolia dies!

And painted some corrugated cardboard with some white paint. The image has been stamped around with a swirl stamp from the 2007 Pirates and Swirls collection.

So there is my card! I hope you like it.

Challenges:
Just Magnolia - Anything Goes (with pearls and lace)
Stampavie and More - Anything Goes
Anything Goes Challenge - Stitching Real or Faux
Paper Sundaes - Rectangle

Double Candy - 4 chances to WIN!

2011-11-06T19:38:00.001+11:00

Hi there - As promised, I am back with MORE candy. I neglected to post the candy for last fortnight for you so I've doubled the sweet goodies this fortnight with TWO candies up for grabs.

This first one below consists of:

A set of chipboard Angel wings

Unmounted House Mouse Stamp set including two sentiments (adorable!)

Some Healther Bailey felt trim

Motivet Rubber stamp Doraline with Sunflower

Prima Jack and Jill clear stamp and rhinestones

Whiff of Joy unmounted stamp Henry Mouse with Love Balloon

This second candy consists of

Autumn Leaves Clear stamp set All Boy

RW Laser Cuts Birds on Branch

American crafts Silver Zing embossing powder

Whiff of Joy Ben on Skateboard unmounted stamp and

Whiff of Joy Ben Celebrating unmounted stamo

To win... all you have to do is:

Add your name to the linky below
Post a pick on your blog sidebar with a link back to this post
Become a follower if you are not already

You can enter each week (so two entries) which means that there are FOUR chances to WIN!
The winner will be posted on my when I advertise the next candy on 20th November.

Thank you so much for your support!
Hugs Kylie xx

Candy Winner! #3...

2011-11-06T17:08:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone, sorry about the delay in announcing the winner of Candy #3.... so without further ado... I am happy to announce the winner is....

...

No. 81

Karen B

Karen - I will send you an email to obtain your postal address to get your goodies to you asap!

I'll be back a little bit later today to share the next round of candy with you.

A huge thank you to everyone who entered!

Tomic #22 - Create a Basket

2011-11-01T08:43:00.000+11:00

Good morning! Well.. it is morning here in Aus :o) How was everyone's Halloween? I suppose some of you are still out Trick or Treating? We had only one group of trick or treaters at our house last night.. well... its not a big thing to do here in Australia. The little girls who did come around were so friendly. Very cute.

There is a new challenge over at TOMIC this week - and this time we are asking you to Create a Basket! It doesnt have to be any particular type of basket but Kianel has given us an amazing tutorial to try if you wanted to give it a go.

I really wanted to ink up this adorable little Tilda from the new Sweet Christmas Dreams collection.

To create my basket, I followed Tanja's tutorial HERE. Thanks Tanja! The gorgeous paper is by Magnolia from the new Sweet Christmas Dreams collection and the embellishments are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

On the edge on the basket I have used one of the new edge Doo Hickey dies from Magnolia - love it! And the handle is punched with a MS punch.

I just want to thank everyone who has bought a card from my ebay store! As promised, I'm donating 50% of the proceeds to The National Breast Cancer Foundation and so far we are up to $60! I'll give you an update as soon as the current Auctions are over.

I hope you get a chance to play along with us at TOMIC this week!
Thanks for looking,
Kylie

Shhhh!! It's a Secret!

2011-10-30T09:55:00.000+11:00

Hey! It is Sunday! Yay! OMgoodness - we are so tired today! We had another big day yesterday cleaning and tidying the house for the exhibition... yup... still waiting for someone to make an offer to buy it. Sigh. But no complaining - it is only week three :o)

There is a new challenge up at MDUC today! This week we are sponsored by Tickled Pink Stamps and the challenge is... "Shh - Its a Secret!" - we want you to hide something in your creation... sounds like fun doesn't it? I know I initially had trouble coming up with an idea but I was looking around for some interesting tutorials and found one on Stampartic... for this.....

Please excuse the dodgy paint on the door :S I was experimenting, trying to give the door a bit of a shabby look and it backfired, lol. I need to get some of the Copic Opaque White. I think that would make a big difference.

So this is what my little project looks like when it is opened out...yeah, I went a bit Doo Hickey mad :o)

Fun yeah? I thought so. The pocket is secured into the folder with a brad and there is a tag in the pocket. It was heaps of fun to make. I think I'll be doing another one soon.

And here is little Edwin. He is just adorable bringing home his basket of apples and gift for Tilda.

All of my embellishments are from Wild Orchid Crafts and all images are coloured with Copics. The papers are all by Magnolia.

I hope you get a chance to come and play at MDUC this week - I can't wait to see what you come up with to hide in your creations!

I would like to enter some challenges too...

Just Magnolia & HS - Christmas

Addicted to Stamps - Shabby or Vintage

Totally Papercrafts - Glitter

Cardmaking Mamas - Die Cuts

Bah Humbug - Die Cuts

Our Creative Corner - Fancy Folds

Also - I am still selling some cards on Ebay to raise money for Breast Cancer. 50% off all money will be donated to The National Breast Cancer fund. There is a link in my sidebar to my store.

I thought I'd finish up today and show you some photos of our back yard. I just love the trees all in bloom.

I hope you have a great weekend.

I'll be back tomorrow with something else ;) Until then - Hugs from me x

Pink {INK} Sketches! "Sisters" Layout

2011-10-29T07:49:00.000+11:00

Hi there everyone! It is the weekend again - woohoo! Its a bit wet here today so I think we'll be inside for the bulk of the day.

There is a new sketch up today at Pink (INK) Sketches! This time Natalie is hosting and she has created a great sketch to get busy with. I felt like doing a scrap layout. I have my Scrapbook Nook September kit calling out to me - it has some of the most amazing Crate Paper pieces in it.

The photo is of myself and my sister in 1980 (showing my age now!). We are 21 months apart (I'm the youngest) and when I look at the photo I can see such amazing similarities between my sister and I in this photo, and my two little boys. They are becoming such great little buddies, it warms my heart to know they are going to have each other throughout childhood, just like I had my sister.

Supplies:

Crate Paper - Random - Paper and "standouts"

Orange Carnations - Wild Orchid Crafts

Websters Designer Threads and Push pin

Jillibean Soup Twill tape and Journalling spot

Alphas - American Crafts

Paper doily - cut with Magnolia Doo Hickey die

Beige lace - Kaistercraft

White lace - vintage from my stash

We would love if you had a chance to join us at Pink INK this fortnight. Natalie has arranged In2Stamps to sponsor the challenge with a fantastic prize so it is definitely worth a go!

I hope to be back tomorrow with my card to share for MDUC... but I'm not finished it yet, lol, so fingers crossed I'll be on time!

Hugs x

A Sympathy card

2011-10-26T18:06:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone. I hope your Wednesday is treating you well.

I really don't know what to write today. Yesterday I heard some heart breaking news from a blogging friend, her 2 month old granddaughter passed away to SIDS. As a mother, I just cannot even begin to understand the grief her daughter and entire family must be going through right now. It is just devastating. It is something no parent should ever have to endure.

Not really knowing what words to say I ended up sitting and making a sympathy card. My first ever. And hopefully I will not have to make another one anytime soon.

My friend is a Maggie fan so I wanted to make a card using a Magnolia stamp, I thought this sweet little "Wrapped Violet" was perfect.

I won't go into too many details about the card today. If you happen to know the person in question (and I know some of you do), maybe you would like to send her a card as well. Feel free to contact me if you require address details.

I'll be back a bit later in the week.
Until then, take care
Hugs xx

Wild Orchid Challenge - Santa Claus is coming to Town!

2011-10-24T19:31:00.000+11:00

Yup - it is getting closer!! Christmas is coming - the most wonderful time of the year :) And there is a new challenge up at Wild Orchid Challenges today - Santa Claus is coming to Town! Yup - we want to see Santa on all of your creations.

I thought I would decorate a paper bag and got out my Santa stamp from the Magnolia "Santa 2008" Collection. The papers are Kaisercraft from last year and the sentiment is also Magnolia.

I've used loads of gorgeous Wild Orchid Crafts goodies too.....

Mixed Christmas Wooden embellishments

Large Red Poinsettias

Red Poinsettias

Yellow/Red tone Hybrid Tea Roses

30mm White Wild Roses (which are on special at the moment - go and grab a bargain!)

Raffia Ribbon

Double end Red Holly Berries

Natural Cotton Lace

All of the edges are distressed and stitched together. Unfortunately when I added the stickles the red copic in ran! I've never ever had this issue before so I wonder what happened this time? Very strange.

I would like to enter my bag into Shop Bron's new challenge - Maggie Lovers Challenge which is Christmas using Red and Brown or Pink and Brown

Also - Shop Bron has a fantastic new Magnolia stamp out - I am sure you will just love to get your hands on it... it is designed by Pauline exclusively for Shop Bron and is it just adorable! My I introduce to you -

Koala Cuddles Tilda

For each stamp sold, $1 will be donated to Save the Koala Fund. Just in case you needed convincing you needed her, lol. Click on over to Shop Bron to grab yours!

Thanks for your visit. I can't wait to see what you create for WOC Challenge.
Until later, Hugs from Me xx

Scrap layout....

2011-10-24T11:05:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone! I wanted to share with you a scrap layout that I made using some of the amazing products that Wild Orchid Crafts stock.

The cheesy photo was taken when Jeroen and I were in Holland on a bus tour and we had only been married a few months. It was an amazing trip and we saw so much of Holland and Belgium. It was just fantastic. One day we will come back, I am itching to show the boys around and absorb some more history! Australia is a fairly young country in terms of actual written history so it is just wonderful to visit Europe and see things we don't normally see here.

Wild Orchid Crafts items used in my layout are:
Paper doily

Pink Button twine

Baby pink 2 tone Gardenia

The tag is from The Kraft Outlet and the crochet lace was a gift from some bloggy friends. I cut the frame around the photo using Nestie dies and some white corrugated board that I saved from packaging and then painted with Tattered Rose crackle paint. The background on the cardstock was sprayed with home made glimmer mist and a Prima mask, then stamped with a Prima script stamp.

I would like to enter my layout in Bird is the Word challenge - Wish

See you back a bit later,
thanks for visiting me!
Hugs x

Getting Punchy

2011-10-23T20:25:00.000+11:00

Hi there friends. I hope you are all having the best weekend.

There is a new challenge at Magnolia Down Under today and this week we are asking you to get out your punches and dies and Get Punchy!

I took the opportunity to ink up one of the new lovely Sweet Christmas Dreams cuties, Ribbon Tilda. She is too cute! But I must admit, I love them all.

The papers are Pion Design. So warm and Christmassy, I can almost smell the cinnamon!

The lovely flowers are a combo of die cut with Doo Hickey dies and Wild Orchid Crafts.

One final pic so you can see the layers. This card is a bit 3D in some areas.

Challenges:
Wee Memories - Free for all
Fab n Funky - Distressed or Torn
Totally Papercrafts - Layer upon Layer

Thanks so much for your visit today! I'll be back tomorrow with something else to share :o)
Enjoy the rest off your weekend!
Hugs xx

A Special Tilda for a special cause

2011-10-22T22:41:00.002+11:00

Hi there, back again...

I just want to tell everyone about a special and exclusive Tilda stamp designed by Pauline for Creashop Duymelot. This is Raining Hearts Tilda.

The owner of Creashop Duymelot, Astrid, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She and her wonderful husband Kees are donating 2 Euro from each stamp sale to Pink Ribbon. I couldn't think of a better reason to buy this adorable stamp.

When Astrid advised Magnolia of her health, they kindly donated 500 Euro to the Swedish Cancer Foundation. I couldn't be prouder to be on the Magnolia DT right now.

I encourage everyone to head over to Creashop Duymelot to grab one of these adorable stamps for yourselves and smile each time you create with her that you've helped someone.

Have a great weekend,

A new and Exciting Magnolia Blog Challenge Starting Soon

2011-10-22T20:21:00.003+11:00

Bron from Shop Bron is starting a new Magnolia Challenge called Maggie Lovers Challenge Blog!! WHOOHOOOO anyway to help celebrate, Bron is going to give away some Magnolia Stamps from the newest Christmas Collection.. OMGOSH how cool is that!! All you need to do is become a follower of the new Challenge....HERE..... Oh Boy can't wait for it to start:-)

If you would like some more information, then check out Bron's Blog HERE.......

MDUC - Eulanda's Sketch

2011-10-17T10:32:00.002+11:00

Hi there! What do you have planned this sunny Monday? My boys are all excited as we are heading off to the airport later on to collect their grandparents from a 3 month trip to Holland. Three months is a very long time when you are little and the boys have grown and changed so much. It will be a lovely reunion. On top of that, my little cuties are very big fans of planes so they will be all hyper about visiting the airport without the added bonus of Oma and Opa returning home.

There is a new challenge up at MDUC and this week we have a fantastic sketch to share with you by the very talented Eulanda! It is her first sketch so please try and play along :o) As usual the DT have created amazing pieces to share with you. I just adore this DT - not only are they the best group of ladies, they are so talented.

I pulled out my scalloped Grand Nesties to cut my card base and cut into some beautiful Prima "Printery" papers. They are just gorgeous. This little cutie pie is Tilda with Lace Jeans and she is from the Butterfly Wishes Collection.

I have sanded all of the paper edges instead of using a distressing tool, just for a little change. The amazing flowers are all Wild Orchid Crafts, as is the gorgeous pearl brad.

Some challenge to enter for this little cutie are:
Bunny Zoes - Lace it up
Craft Your Passions - A card for any occassion
Just Magnolia - Distressing

This weekend we had our house open for exhibition for the first time. Gosh, these last few weeks, we have worked so hard to get things up to scratch. We had a lot of people here looking too so we hope to have an offer in soon... fingers crossed.... My family and I are very much looking forward to our "tree change" and rural lifestyle. We went for a drive out to the property while the house was on exhibition and the neighbor had his 5 alpacas in the paddock near the driveway all freshly shorn. They look so cute and funny with their fluffy feet and heads.

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on the progress of the sale! Its all nerves here.

Don't forget my card auction on Ebay to raise money for The National Breast Cancer Foundation. There is a link in the left sidebar.

I hope you enjoy your Monday! Chat soon friends,
Hugs K xx

Pink {INK} Ann's Sketch

2011-10-16T19:28:00.001+11:00

Hi there everyone! OMG - I am sooo running late. We have had a very busy weekend with lots going on, all good and promising, but it didn't really allow time for blogging! I'm so sorry for neglecting you, dear blog. I am back now an I actually have two posts to share with you.... I'll save one until tomorrow.

This card is for Pink {INK} Sketches. We had a new challenge go up and this time it is gorgeous Ann's turn to host the challenge. She designed a lovely sketch to play with so please head on over and check it out.

I thought I'd have a go watercolouring again. Its been a little while :) So here is my card using Ann's sketch. I've used the new Prima paper pad "Alla-Prima".

If you would like to enter my card (see sidebar) there is still a week to go. I am also auctioning off some of my cards on ebay with 50% of the proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Foundation, so if you would like to bid on one, the link is also in my sidebar. This card will be added to the auction soon :o)

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. I'll be back tomorrow to chat about my MDUC card and fill you in on my weekend.

Until then, big hugs xx

Sweet Christmas Dreams - Tilda with Snow Heart

2011-10-12T17:46:00.002+11:00

Woohooo! New stamps arrived in my mail box yesterday and I couldn't wait to get inky with them. I have just adored this cutie since I first saw her so I was so happy when she appeared as surprise mail. She is Tilda with Snow Heart.

This gorgeous collection is available for pre order right NOW so if you are in Australia, check out Tickled Pink Stamps or Shop Bron for your favourites.

The pile of hearts next to her is probably not intended to be used with her, it is a stamp from one of the valentines collections, but I thought it would look cute as a little pile of heart snow balls. The papers are by Magnolia as well, and I've used some doo hickey dies to cut the snowflake, flourish and flower.

The gorgeous brads, bell, cherry blossom and lily are all from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Some challenges to enter are:
One Stop Craft - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Get in Shape
Stamptacular Sunday - So Distressing
Truly Scrumptious - Distressing
Anything Goes - Punches, Dies or both
Fab n Funky - Die cuts or Punches
Fun with Shapes - Shabby or Vintage

Thanks for your visit today :o) Enjoy the rest of your week,
Hugs Kylie x

Wild Orchid Challenges - Christmas Fun

2011-10-11T16:51:00.000+11:00

It is time for a new challenge over at Wild Orchid Challenges! This fortnight the challenge is "Christmas Fun". There is also a new challenge up over at the TOMIC blog and we are looking for "Magnolia Forever" - use a sitting Tilda or Edwin and doo hickey dies.

I inked up this adorable Tilda from last year's collection and sat her on a doo hickey branch. The edge is also punched with a doo hickey die. The cute little "Bull finch"is from the 2009 So Jolly Collection. I'm not too sure which collection the ticket stamp is from, but it is Magnolia too.

All of the gorgeous embellishments are WOC - including those cute moonstone brads. They come in three sizes and also in pearls, and you can find them HERE.

The papers are Memory Box "Mistletoe".

So that is it from me today... I'm actually a day late, sorry! But I'll be back with something else to share a bit later in the week. My Magnolia stamp club arrived today so I hope to ink one of these cuties up sooner rather than later!

Thanks for visiting me, don't forget to enter my candy (see left sidebar) or bid on one of my cards to raise money for Breast Cancer (also left sidebar).

Hugs xx

Fortnightly Candy #3

2011-10-09T19:53:00.000+11:00

Happy there everyone!

As promised, here is the third of eight fortnightly candies for you. This little package contains:

Helz Cuppleditch Cardmaking kit (just adorable and includes loads of goodies)
Kaiserdraft Tiny Alphas in white
Imaginisce Clear stamp Pumpkin
Kaisercraft Clear Stamp, Grid
Prima Botanica Rub ons

To win... all you have to do is:

Add your name to the linky below
Post a pick on your blog sidebar with a link back to this post
Become a follower if you are not already

You can enter each week (so two entries per candy).
The winner will be posted on my when I advertise the next candy on 22nd of October.

Thank you so much for your support!
Hugs Kylie xx

Candy #2 winner!

2011-10-09T19:45:00.000+11:00

Hi Everyone,

So sorry I am a little bit late here with my winner's post... but I would love to congratulate...

#5 - Little Sunday! (Kyriakoula)

Well done Kyriakoula!

Could you please EMAIL me with you address and I will post your goodies out to you.

I'll be back in a minute with candy #3 so don't go too far!

Thanks for stopping by,

Kylie

Happy Birthday Tickled Pink Stamps!

2011-10-09T00:00:00.000+11:00

WELCOME to my Tickled Pink Stamps **Guest** Birthday post! I am so happy to be able to join Kellie and the Pink Ladies for the big 2nd birthday bash.

This is TPS's 2nd birthday and what better way to celebrate than with gorgeous little birthday party girls?

These gorgeous Lil Party Pinkette girls are illustrated by Stephanie Corfee. This is a mini release of 4 images and they are ALL ready for a party....

I have Pinkette Pippa here to share with you today. She is all dressed up and ready to party with her pretty glittery party dress.

I've used my Marianne Creatables die to cut the card shape and Prima papers. I loooove Prima. The flowers and lace are Wild Orchid Crafts.

Here is a close up of little Pippa. She is so cute! And a darling to colour.

***This card will be added to my Ebay auction to help raise money for Breast Cancer***

So head on over to the Tickled Pink Stamps blog to check out this little cutie pie and to see what the rest of the girls created.

Hugs x

Buy a card for Breast Cancer

2011-10-06T17:53:00.003+11:00

Hi there everyone!

I thought I would just pop in and mention that I have listed some cards for sale on ebay.

You can find my ebay listings by clicking on the ebay logo below....I've only listed a few so far but will be adding more as the days go on.

As it is October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 50% of the proceeds of the auctions will be donated to The National Breast Cancer Foundation.... I'll update you as the month goes on.

Thanks for checking in with me. I'll have a card to share with you in the coming days for a very special occasion which will also be added to ebay as well!

Enjoy the rest of your week!
Hugs, K xx

TOMIC #18 - Anything but a card Halloween

2011-10-03T22:21:00.000+11:00

Hi! How is your week going so far? Mine has been very busy! But fun and very worthwhile.

But onto business.... there is a new challenge at TOMIC today. This week it is Magnolia's birthday! So there is an extra special secret prize for this challenge so you truly do not want to miss entering the challenge for your chance to win.... So what do you have to do to win?

Make Anything but a card in a Halloween theme...

Over here in Australia we don't 'do' Halloween but I did happen to have a couple of Halloween Magnolia stamps for the occasion ;o) I was cleaning out my pantry the other day and found an empty coffee tin that I remember storing in there because I thought it was cute and would come in handy for something one day and here it is... all decorated in Magnolia finery ready to be filled with lollies for a spooktacular Halloween.

The gorgeous papers are Magnolia. The pretty little Tilda is from the So Spooky Collection from 2009.

For a little change I coloured Tilda in DIs. All of the amazing flowers are Wild Orchid Crafts.

The little spider stamp is also Magnolia but I am not sure which collection she is from... cute though isn't she?

Just another view of the top of the tin :o) Got a little snap happy haha.

And due to lack of Halloween sentiments, I stamped this sweet one from the A Little Yummy collection.

Its a bit difficult to see, but I've also stamped a little spiders web stamp around the edge of the image.

So! I hope you get a chance to make something fun and Halloweeny this week. Its a great chance to recycle something or make something off the page for a change. I've become a little addicted to altering things lately and I just love it, so come and join us at TOMIC.

I would like to enter into some challenges too...
Magnolia-licious Challenge - Halloween Inspiration photo
Moving Along with the Times - Spooky Goings on
My Partner in Crafting Crime - Sweets and Treats
Sentimental Sundays - Stitching
Stamp with Fun - Halloween
Craft your Days Away - Tag It

I've got a busy few days ahead of me but I hope to be back in a few days with something extra special for you. Until then....have a great week!

Pink, pink and more pink! with a dash of gold and white

2011-10-02T09:39:00.000+11:00

Good morning! Well.. it is a great morning here - the sun is shining! We have had a very wet start to Spring here in Canberra with cold, wet weather but today... it looks like it is going to be a beautiful day.

There is a new challenge over at MDUC today - we are looking for a colour combo this week and in recognition of it being Breast Cancer Awareness month, the colour challenge is PINK, WHITE and GOLD.

I finally inked up cute little Chess Tilda for my card and put together a criss cross card using Magnolia paper.

The insert has been stamped with a rose and sentiment in Versamark and embossed with gold EP. The edges were cut with a Doo Hickey die, Antique Lace.

The amazing flowers, seam binding and lace are from Wild Orchid Crafts, including the gorgeous new Lily. All of the edges are inked with DI Old Paper.

I would like to enter ...
Magnolia Mania - gorgeous photo inspiration
Tuesday Throwdown - Thinking of you
ABC Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting me this morning... I'm off outside to enjoy the sunshine.
Hugs x

Pink {INK} #7 - Erica's Sketch

2011-10-01T20:35:00.000+10:00

<-----------Have you entered my fortnightly candy yet??

I'm late! I'm late! Sorry! Its been a busy day!

There is a fantastic new sketch up at Pink {INK} this week! Erica is hosting for us and she has snaffled up a fabby sponsor - Nellie Snellen, who has donated the most amazing dies for a lucky winner. They are just amazing so I am heading over to the store right NOW to buy a few for myself!

The sketch is designed by Erica this week and it is a great one (of course! They all are!) and I thought I'd try and use it on a circle shaped card....

Adorable little Tilda is "Right Through My Heart" Tilda from the... you guessed it, Right Through My Heart collection :o) . The papers are my new favourite - Prima Romantique. They are just stunning and vintage, perfect for this adorable stamp.

All of the lavish embellies are Wild Orchid Crafts. Can you see the amazing filigree antique gold piece behind that scrummy Trellis rose? OMG - Love, love, love it. I think I am going to head over and order a few more as it really is something a little bit different isn't it? Gorgeous.

I've also added some amazing new carnations, button twine, rose buds and mini roses.

I hope you get a chance to join us at Pink {INK} this week fortnight. The DT has created some stunning work to share with you. I am always in awe of their amazing work.

I would like to enter my card into a couple of challenges as well....
Addicted to Stamps - Stitching
Allsorts - 5 Flowers
CES Challenge - Pretty Girls
Charisma Cardz - Love
Color Throwdown #161
Crafty Purple Frog - Lots of Layers
Fun with Shapes and More - Shabby/Vintage
Magnolia Stamp Lovers - Distressed
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Simply Magnolia - Shabby Chic
Stampavie and More - Love

That is it from me today! I am exhausted. Hubby and I have been busy with the house and garden today so it is time to sit and relax with a cuppa. I will be back with something to share with you tomorrow though. Until then, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!