Scrappy Chic Room

Only 1 week to go ......

.... and there is still so much to do !!!!!

Where did the year go?  I mean it's nearly the end of 2009 ..... good grief.

But I do love Christmas.  Honestly.  My children are starting to get that twinkle in their eyes at the very mention of Santa, and their is letters to be sent to the North Pole, Christmas lights to put up in the front of the house and parties to organise.

The only thing I really hate are those shoppers who shove us out of the way to get to their next destination and being surrounded by 20,000 shoppers packed in like sardines at a shopping mall.  

At least all my Christmas shopping is nearly done.

But its all about the kids isn't it.  That anticipation of Christmas morning, the unwrapping of tne presents, the yummy food and the abundance of love (and chocolate) that they crave during the day. 

I love our Christmas tree.  Its white and eclectic, one year I will go bright the next pastel.  It's so beautiful to look at and the kids adore adding to it each year.  Madison has taken a healthy liking to smashing anything situated in her reach, so this year we have ended up with a half covered Christmas Tree to avoid anymore accidents......

Took some photos last week of this little man ...... gorgeous, sweet Zac.  Tracey (his mum) was Peter's ( my brother's) ex-girlfriend, and we have remained close friends over the years.  I really loved taking photos of a little boy, such different dynamics from my two, so I just want to share a couple of photos I love.  (My heart still secretly yearns for a boy) .......... (and no, there are def. no plans ....) .... I will just have to give my heart to little Zac .....

 

Already planning classes for 2010 ....... the boxes arrived from the US containing this little gem which I can't wait to play with ...... I only have 11 of these so if you are interested in the class, ring Seriously Scrapbooking and book your place.

  
 This is a class that I taught In December at Seriously Scrapbooking.  I wanted to teach my Christmas Layout that I created last year, but we couldn't find Sassfrass Papers "Life at the Pole" anywhere.  So this layout is kinda a variation on a theme, a scraplift of me from last year.  I was really pleased how it turned out.

"Merry and Bright"  ......

 

I love this next layout .... i have such a passion for all things transparent, and the Hambly 12x12 dress form transparency was just too beautiful not to showcase.  I used Webster's Pages, Postcards from Paris Paper, so soft and delicate and my favourite photo of Madison.

"Illuminate" ......

Hope all your Christmas preparation is going to plan, and your not stressing too much about things that need to be done.

I probably won't post before Christmas so have a .......

Beautiful .... and ........

Joy Filled Christmas ..... full of children's laughter.

Steph xo

'Tis the silly season ...

... you're not kidding.

Sorry its been so long between posts.  December is always horror month for everybody and throw in a extracted tooth, front landscaping happenings and children home and it makes for a mad month.

So ...... this is just a tiny weenie post to say there is a more substantial one coming complete with Christmas Layouts to share in the next week.

One quick share ..... some Christmas cards created for Aussie Scrap Source using some classic Anna Griffin papers.  Non traditional I might add !!!!  Just kept them really simple and added some different shapes instead of the usual.  I really love the bracket shape and how that turned out.

My last week of classes for 2009 at Seriously Scrapbooking have been a hoot, between singing old cartoon themes, designing layouts in one hand and holding a glass of midori in the other (yes girls its been the hard core stuff) and generally subtracting 30+ years off our age for the duration of the classes.

We did have fun though.

Oh and this is for Thea who made me the most amazing risotto last Monday night, and who has never heard of Rocky and Bullwinkle (still can't believe you have never watched the cartoon or the film)  ..........

 

Post soon I promise.  (Anne are you happy I posted ????) 

Does anybody else feel they are running around in circles ??

Steph xo

my poor toothy peg ......

i hate the dentist. what is it about them that makes every hair on your body stand on end ?

maybe its the sound of that damn drill.  could be the 101 instruments they try and stick in your mouth. of course the fact that you need to gasp for air from the continuous water being shoved down your throat doesn't help.

one of my molars decided to play up.  bone degeneration or something like that .... been referred to the periodontist.  could it get any worse?? 

....  maybe i should just have the damn thing pulled out. 

hmmmm.  anyhow onto some nicer topics.

Websters.  They have just held their 12 days of Christmas Crop.  Challenges, Chats and lots of fun   ... such a fantastic community of women.  Loved it.  Bit bummed though I had no time to complete the challenges.  Have too much due at the moment.  Anyhow, got one challenge done.  An OTP inspired by Iris.  Yep the talented Miss Iris.  Don't you just love her work ??

The idea behind the challenge was a clear pane of glass built upon and placed on an eisel.  Hmmmm.  Had fun with this.  Im loving the Ali Edwards titles at the moment printed out onto transparency.  Yum.  I decided to play on the clear transparent angle (shock horror !!!), with Hambly and Rhonna and Webster's Fabric Fancies.  Isn't that bird cage gorgeous ?  I love the Webster's cameos too.

and don't think I have shared this one either ......

saw this gorgeous layout by the wonderful Trina McClune, and loved the way that she had used Lace Paper in a circle motif.  I actually mod podged mine onto transparency so that the lace became tort and less likely to tear.  I used Webster's Balloon Paper which I love and lots of Prima goodness.

anyhow gals gotta run.  have a wonderful week and thanks so much again for visiting.

Luv ya.

November Heatwave .....

Well we are nearly at the end of our 2nd week of the heatwave, here in Adelaide.

41 degrees at the highest.

In November.

What the.... ??

Well this just confirmed something I already knew.  I live for winter !!!!  Luckily we have air conditioning, and a fan at night, so that is a blessing in itself.  According to Mr Weatherman, a change is looming, but for November, this kinda weather is just crazy.

Not happy Jan.

Aside from the environmental displeasure, everything is going well in the Devlin Household, and apart from the abstinence of silence (blamed mainly on two little girls ) we are all happy.

A couple of shares ..... this one an Introduction to Hybrid Scrapbooking Class at Seriously Scrapbooking.

Lots of Kitschy and Rhonna goodness in this one.

Color Combos Challenge No. 135.  I my favourite balloon paper from Websters, filled with lotsa flowers.

Just a quickie today,

I have some OTP to post soon.  And a blog award from Kathie......

Have a fantastic week.

Steph xo

Inspired by Webster's Pages ... **sigh** !!!

Ok.  Its no secret that I love Webster's Pages.  In fact, I don't think I have ever created so many projects from one single CHA release ever.  Its was love at first sight.  Honestly.  I think its the whole Parisian girly thing happening, the dress form, romantic roses and gorgeous colors that won me over. 

At Seriously Scrapbooking here in South Australia, I am teaching a all day workshop in November, the 21st I think !!, this layout in the morning ......

and this OTP little mini canvas in the afternoon.....

It's a 6" x 6" size, which is just gorgeous to work with.  It's so refreshing to keep changing the size of the projects that you work on, and even nicer to have some art work on an eisel or hanging up to gaze at.

We put way too much passion and love into our scrapbooking projects to shove them all into an album.  Agree ??

Anyhow here are a couple of close ups ....

 

 

How could you not fall in love with these papers ??

Thanks for visiting.  Have a beautiful week.

 

Jumping into the world of mix media...

Lately, I have been wanting to try something different, and experiment with different textures and mediums in my work.  I have often looked at Lucy's works and Jill's mixed media works and admired them for their uniqueness, texture and arty quality.  So I took a trip down to my local art shop and invested in some Gesso, Soft Gel Medium, professional paintbrushes and a canvas.

I used the new Claudine Hellmuth paints, yep the one's that are $12.90 a pot,( a very small pot!!!), and I have to say I loved working with them.  I had a small heart attack when I first saw the size of them, but I painted the whole canvas with the paint that had attached itself onto the lid.  I never even dipped my paintbrush into the pot !!!!  They are highly pigmented so they go a long way, especially if you are aiming for this kind of watercolor effect, adding water to spread the paint evenly.

 

I then hopped over to Etsy to view some of the amazing collages, created by ridiculously talented artists and purchased some that appeals to me to play with.  Unlike a scrap layout, I was a novice and had no idea of where I was headed terrified of ruining a $15.00 canvas with paint effects that I didn't like. With scrapbooking you can place your paper and embellishments down, having the freedom to perfect the design before you adhere it to the base.  With a mixed media canvas its so totally different.  You have no idea how the painting is going to turn out, so its really going in blind !!!! I found its just a matter of repetition,  painting, watering down the paint, drying it off and adding more paint to please your own critique. 

Now, I would love to say that I was a natural artist and the process of mixed media was a given, but I was actually totally clueless as to where to start. (believe me I spent ages looking for some type of tutorial on the web).  The lovely Lucy offered the following suggestions which have since been modified to suit my creation.  I just wanted to share this very quick tutorial with anybody who wants to try a different genre, but just needs a little light to show the way.

One
Coat the canvas in gesso.  Alot of canvases come already pre-primed, but if they don't, gesso is a fantastic medium for priming your base ready to paint on.

Two
Play with paint.  Remember if you don't like the appearance of it you can water it down, add more color or play with extra black or white paint to lighten or darken its appearance.  Warning.  This is highly addictive.  Highly.  You will love the feel of the canvas bending to your paintbrush and moving with the paint.

Three
Mod Podge your collage words or images where you want.  You can add paint over the words  or images and add different textures like sand, beading or masking tape - well anything goes. The collage elements were cut out and adhered with Mod Podge.  Now that is a wonder product.  It can act as a adherent or a sealant.  Gotta love that.  The thin netting, scrim, sequins and other textures were all again applied with Mod Podge.  The brilliant thing is that it doesn't take long to dry.  I found a quick blast with the heat embossing tool quickly dried anything I had just stuck to the canvas.

Four
Play with texture.  Bubble wrap.  Foil with pre-punched holes in it.  Sand.  Sequins. 
The list is as long as your imagination lets it be.  Go for it.

Five
Once your have mucked around with the base and love the way it looks, just work out where you want your photo.  With "Pure" I picked the photo to suit the colors. Alot of scrapbookers pick their palettes from the photograph. You can do it either way.

Six
Frame your photo.  Textures are fantastic for framing your image.  They are so lush and add a dimensional feel to your canvas.  You can see all the guff I added to mine.  I'm loving the Prima Velvet Flowers lately, they are so decadent !!!

Basic Rule:  Layer Layer Layer.  You can never have enough layers.  "Pure" has about 8 layers.  This is NOTHING compared to some of the uber-creations I have seen out there in the big wide world !!!

I was so pleased with the result and the actual process is so much fun.  Its easy to get carried away pasting and creating, and adding more color.  Here is the final result.

Anyhow I hope you like it as much as I do.  I just wanted to share the process with the other clueless budding artists like me who had no idea where to start. Anyhow if you got this far, and read through the very rough tutorial I'm amazed.

Have a REALLY blessed week full of laughter and joy.

Bits and Pieces !!

There's been so much stuff happening, that I either have forgotten to post or simply haven't had the time to mention some things that have past, so this post is dedicated to me keeping a record of them.

**First of all a brazillian scrapbookers site posted this ......... apparently they pick a international scrapbooker each month.

segunda-feira, 19 de outubro de 2009

******************* Páginas bem coloridas por Steph

 

 Selecionei três trabalhos da Steph para publicar no blog como inspiração Internacional. Adoro como ela brinca com as cores, fotos e formas. Para ver todos os trabalhos da Steph clique aqui!
Espero que gostem! Beijos da Car

Like hello !!!!!  Brazil ?? Never fails to amaze me the network of amazing women in the scrapbooking industry all over the world.  I have developed some of the most precious friendships from girls that I only know from being part of this industry. What does it say, I have absolutely no idea but Im pretty sure it's all good !!!!!!!! lol.

**Then the girls at AMM decided to scraplift one of my layouts .....

Scraplift!

The design team is at it again, stealing some inspiration from you the members. This time the team decided to scraplift Steph Devlin also known as "artsysteph" on the message boards. Here is Steph's layout, "Grace Was in Her Steps". You can see more of her gallery here.

Here is the lovely Stacy Cohen's scraplift of Steph's layout."Jump"

Here's what Stacy had to say about what inspired her from Steph's layout. "I loved Stephanie’s beautiful layout from the moment I first saw it. The curves remind me of waves and water, so I decided to do a pool-themed layout incorporating similar curvy waves."

Next up is Larissa Albernaz's take on the same layout. Here's what she came up with.

Here's what Larissa had to say about what inspired her in Steph's layout. "I adore Steph’s style, especially her attention to colors. I’m amazed by the color palette she chose for her layout and by the perfect design, beautifully adorned by cute, romantic and vintage elements. My layout looks for the same design she chose and it adds the colors I search for in my life, celebrating the colors, Steph cheers us on her layouts and, of course, Frida Kahlo’s colors."

Larissa's journaling: "I walk around the world paying attention at colors...transforming my constant blue into a passion red.. my gray, into a vivid orange. If my life doesn’t own these colors, I borrow them…"

Last up is Rachel Hall.

Here is what Rachel had to say about her inspiration. "I was immediately drawn to Steph's layout in the gallery because of the flow that her page had with its flawless design and I was eager to see how that would translate into a shaped layout. I used the wavy lines that her layout incorporated even down to choosing dots and stripes as my pattern paper choices as well. I love how her design was so appealing to the eye and translates so well in so many ways!"

Isn't it amazing the inspiration you can get from other people's work.  Look at the results!!!
Thanks Stacey, Larrisa and Rachel, even though this was a couple of months ago, I was so thrilled to have you guys scraplift me.  Your creations were stunning !!!  You can check out their work at A Million Memories.

Some News: 

**I have had an commission from CK which I can't share yet, but that project is being published over Christmas.

**Also just wanted to share that I'm now officially a feature writer with Scrapbooking Memories, so look out for articles coming up soon.  My next one is due in December and I can't wait to share this new trend with you guys.

** Love to welcome Janine, Louise and Kathie to the Aussie Scrap Source DT.  Each artist has a unique style and will be such a fantastic addition to the already talented team.

** Wanted to share with you a gorgeous gal who I think has some stunning pages. I noticed her work at 2 peas about a year ago, and I have kept her a secret till now.   She is as lovely as her fresh pages.  Go check out Jeni's blog.

**And lastly, I just have to mention this little gem, a whole Scrapbooking Memories magazine dedicated to Scrapbooking for a Cause.  It's the pink issue. 

 

The spotlight is on breast cancer and profiles women who have had and are currently undergoing treatment for this horrid illness. This is a fantastic issue for so many reasons, so go check it out and know that you are supporting a worthy cause.

I have some layouts to share with you next post.

Finally an update !

Sorry guys -  I have been so slack updating my blog.  So much has been going on, and the blog has kinda taken a back seat for the last couple of weeks.  Mark and Emma have gone to Sydney for 10 days, as Mark is playing Basketball in the World Masters.  We chapped and changed about Em going away, but thought it would be a great experience for her in addition to some precious daddy /daughter time !!  Well she lasted two days before she rang up in tears wanting to come home. LOL. Admittedly she was overtired from a day sight seeing around Sydney, but after talking to her, she was still in that frame of mind this morning, even after a full nights sleep.

So, it looks like Em will fly back to Adelaide with her Godmother Roxy within the next couple of days.  Now I feel kinda mixed about this.  Em is the one that makes the walls shake with her over exuberant vocal cords, and the one who has developed the "6 going on 14" attitude lately.  Its so challenging to keep your cool, and to be honest I have been really enjoying the quiet !!!  So you can understand my dilemma.  Half of me can't wait to hug and kiss her and the other half won't let go of the solitude without a fight.  Oh well, I will enjoy the time it while I can.

Madison and I have had a wonderful 4 days so far, not having to worry about housework, dinners etc etc.  It's such an indulgent pleasure.  I can scrap when ever I please without my darling hubby reminding me that this needs to be done, or that needs to be attended too.  Of course he is right most of the time, but its really nice not having that "duty calls" voice in the background.  IYKWIM. LOL If it wasn't for Mark, I don't think I would get anything done around the house.  I could create all day every day if I had the chance, so this break has been really nice for me.

Well a couple of shares, the first one from the Aussie Scrap Source blog ..... Introducing Rouge De Garance.  This page was used using 2 pieces of patterned paper, if you can believe that !, and the color pallette is just to die for.

 

One last share, I finally did a layout for Kitschy that isn't in an article or being published so I can share that with you.  I also doubled up and used the sketch from Prima BAP for October.  This photo of Emma is really blurred, but so damn cute.  I just had to use it.  I am really happy with the monochromatic effect of the papers and embellishments, and once again I used the White Prima Galaxy Stars which I adore.

 

Anyhow, I'm off to start a mixed media canvas (my first) and can't wait to get stuck into that.  I have been long admiring canvases by Jill and Lucy and wanted to have a go creating with mixed media.  Thank goodness for the direction of the gorgeous Miss Lucy, who has shared some insight and tips to me so I don't feel like I'm completely drowning !!!!

Have a wonderful week.

Steph xo

PS: - Congratulations Miss Janine on the birth of little Ashton.  He is just divine.

Creative Edge.

On Sunday, 40 girls attended the Linear Roofing Warehouse to come together and create.  Janine, hosted the event, 8 months pregnant and all, and taught at the end of the day.  The other two teachers were the gorgeous Kate Mason and myself.  Kate taught a stunning canvas album full of gorgeous multi media techniques.  The girls just loved it.  Janine taught a Prima based class,  teaching the girls lots of different techniques for altering flowers.  I shared with the girls how to make glimmermist tissue paper flowers on and techniques such as sewing flowers and stars onto a page and high color saturated pages.

Every one had a fantastic time and got spoilt with alot of gorgeous product.  Janine put on a yummy lunch which she cooked herself (the woman is closet superwoman) and even better desert spread.  Anyhow it was a wonderful experience and next year will be bigger and better.  I'm so excited to share this layout with you, seems like it was 4 months ago I created it......

Over at Aussie Scrap Source we have been introducing Webster's Pages and this was my contribution this week .........  I used the beautiful Magical Wishes Die Cuts and Patterned Papers.  I cannot wait until the latest release embellishments come out.  Not long now !!!

I am currently just finishing up on a couple of layouts for an article.  Just want to share a sneak peak with you, as I'm so happy with the result of these layouts.  Can't wait to share.

Just wanted to say a sad goodbye to Chris Millar over at Aussie Scrap Source.  Chris has decided to leave to pursue other callings in her life.  I am so sad to see her go, she is an amazing scrapbooker and a wonderful friend.

Talk soon.
Steph xo

Warning: Serious Prima Product Envy in this post ....

Thanks to everybody that left amazing comments on my last post about my photography.  I loved reading all of them, and to know that others can appreciate the artistry that can be captured through the lens is so inspiring.

Its been a weird last week, Emma is determined a tooth is about to fall out, (her first one) and has been violently rocking one of her poor little front teeth back and fro hoping for success.  It seems that everybody at school has lost a tooth, or is in the process of losing one, and she doesn't want to be the odd one out !!  Madi, is fine tuning her cyclonic skills, gradually destroying everything in her path. From the DVD cabinet, to the cutlery cabinet, nothing is left unscathed.  She is unbelievabally tactile and into everything.  She has to touch, play and disgard at least 100 items throughout the course of the day. Basically, she is driving me mad.  

Madi has a gorgeous little play session with her special friend Kaitlyn today, following her around Janine's house, swiping her dolls and generally taking possession that everything she thought should be rightly hers.  I swear a toddler's mentality is, if it belongs to you its mine, and it makes perfect sense.  Much to my horror, we actually came home with Kaitlyn's Doll (yep, I should have checked Janine), so I spose she feels a sense of cunning achievement that only a toddler can master. 

Whilst at Janine's (I made a pre-Creative Edge shop purchase) and happened to come home with these ..... and to my surprise came home and found a parcel from A Million Memories with more Prima delights contained within ......

I CANNOT wait to start playing with them.........especially the multi-colored Evelyn Lillies.  Oh be still my beating heart !!!!!!

 

On Saturday, Seriously Scrapbooking had their annual All Day Scrap.  Jane, Heather, Nat and I all taught a class to about 55 girls.  We had such a great day, lots of creative juices flowing, laughter and fun.  Emma was my little assistant, drawing door prizes, giving out embellishments and generally looking ridiculously cute.  The food was to die for, another fantastic event, organised by Jane and the girls.

If you live in Adelaide, please think about attending this event next year, you go home with some amazing projects and techniques and inspired to try something new.

I will post some photos, next post when sweet Lenice sends them to me.  (Luv ya hon). xo

Over at Aussie Scrap Source, they have been holding a challenge called Colours and Words.  This was the week 11 Challenge which I loved 'cause it gave me a chance to scrap with the gorgeous Basic Grey Lemonade Story.  Go on over and join the challenges, there are some great prizes to be won.

 

 

Also over at A.S.S. they have been lucky enough to now stock Webster's Pages as part of their portfolio.  For those of you that know me, I am totally obsessed with these patterned papers and embellishments.  I also gives me the chance to scrap with this product and not try to find some non-existent time out of my day, to sit down and have a chance to create with these cutting edge products.

My first layout, Cherry Pie Sweet, is using the Cherry Pie Line.  I love this line, so full of energy and bursting with colour.  You would automatically think of July 4th, buts its amazing how versatile these papers are, not only for boy layouts but also to frame girly stuff as well.  

Got plenty more to share ..... next post.

Including ..... Creative Edge .... this Sunday.  Can't wait.

Thanks for taking the time to have a read.  Hope you are all well and happy.

Steph xo

capturing my girls .....

I have always loved photography.  When I was in Sydney I completed a Certificate in Photography at a private college. Part of my degree was the juxtaposition dance and photography and capturing movement through the lens. I miss photographing dancers and all their exquisite nuances and physicality.  Its only been this year that I have purchased a professional camera and lenses, and had the time to explore Photoshop CS and the possibilities that are at your fingertips.  I want to eventually purchase professional lights, backdrops and other essentials.  I'm no Ansel Adams - and have no intention of becoming one LOL, but I'm really loving photography at the moment as an extension of my passion for all things scrapbooking.

As a mum you try to capture that essence that only a mum knows, that little sparkle in their eyes and intimacy of knowing.    The kids and I had so much fun with this photo shoot, producing some much needed images for projects coming up.  So I have a plethora of photos for this post, so thanks for your patience, I just wanted to share them with you guys.

I love this one of Emma, she understands my abnormal requests for poses that feel strange to her.

She got the giggles with this one, but I love the result.

 

Have you ever tried taking photos of a toddler ??  LOL  Oh my goodness.  Madi doesn't sit still.  In this one she was picking up pasta of all things off the floor.  It was an absolute nightmare trying to get any decent images of her at all, but for some reason the composition of this one is really appealing.

 

Its amazing how a dancing dog can make a toddler laugh.  My friend Roxy has been over for the last week, as she was my accomplice in all things photography.  These photos of Madi are just classics.

 

Sitting Pretty .....

Just one of THOSE shots which capture words through images.

 

OK this is my absolute favourite.  Look at that purple tulle. **sigh**  The tutu is actually lilac but I have increased the intensity of the hue with a Color Pop Action.  I then adjusted the chroma and saturation.  The trick is trying to get the skin color natural.  It took me forever, but I love the result.

 

This photo of Madi, was just one of those I was lucky to get.  She was crouching under a stool retrieving her teddy bear.  I just love the softness in her eyes, way her little arms are a little blurred and that sweet, sweet dummy.

 

A really blurry photo, masked by the softness of a photoshop filter and a black and white action.

This was the best photo of Madison that I got that day.  She is going 

through this phase of biting her bottom lip.  It was like that in every photo of her taken that day. GRRRRR.

 

Emma being Emma, there is something about the cheekiness of this shot.

This photo of Madi is another fav.  Emma was crouching in the background pulling a hideous face, but thanks to the joys of editing in PS she soon dissappeared into the background  !!!

Another photo of Madi - kinda reminds me of pink frosting - the colors are just divine.

 

Im loving taking photos of whoever I can gently shove infront of the camera, and Roxy even got talked into having her image taken.  She is so photogenic and her inner beauty is so obvious in these photos.

And finally, time for a quick baby-cinno.  

Participating in a photo shoot is hard work for a toddler, 

and a little fix was definitely on the cards.....  So damn cute.

If you made it down here ..... I'm AMAZED !!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading this long winded post.

Steph xo