Scrappy Chic Room

Playing in Photoshop .....

Been having alot of fun playing in photoshop this morning (like I don't have any layouts to do !!), there are so many beautiful masks and frames out there, its hard for a girl to resist. I' m basically self-taught in photoshop, so everything is trial and error, but I feel that I'm picking up a little bit more knowledge all the time.   I bought these masks and frames from 2peas (Carina Gardner) because I couldn't say no to the beautiful butterflies and birdies.....  

This one of my little Madi, taken at last week's photo shoot.....

and this gorgeous bird frame highlighting a lovely photo I took of Em...... (she looks so relaxed here ....)

Well Em is on school holidays and I have to admit, its so nice getting up in the morning and not have to yell and scream to get the kids ready for school.  Usually, no matter how hard I try to be organised, somehow we always manage to leave late, and generally everything is topsy turvy.  I am absolutely hopeless at time management, no matter how many tips and techniques my hubby and mum try to share with me.

Its really nice having Em, home, we make little K & Co pop out bags yesterday morning together, and she really enjoyed the one on one time with her mum.  Em is very creative and often tells me where to put embellishments on layouts, even to the point that she doesn't like something she will quite willingly let me know.... niccceee.

Just some shares..... this one..... devoid of color (which is really rare for me), but I felt that the B&W photo needed to be framed in elegant neutral colours.  The product showcase was Hambly, and their beautiful transparancies.

Some close ups .....

and lastly the Combo is up for Color Combos Galore.

LOVED this weeks combo.  Just LOVED it......

The big flowers are actually Heather Bailey Fabric Mod podged onto transparancy.

Lastly just a couple of sneak peaks from Creative Edge to be held in September.  This is my class that I will be teaching and we will be playing with some fantastic techniques using Glimmermist and Hand Sewing......  So if you want to know more contact Janine.

Not long now ....

Have a great week.  Thanks for dropping by.

Steph xo

Just wanted to mention ....

I just want to apologise to Janine, for not acknowledging her with the photographs below.  Whoops.  Sorry hon.  You can see what a beautiful job she did. xo

Authenticity ....

I was blog hopping when I came to Steph's blog.  She had a link to this site, which I absolutely loved.  I had to post this because this rings so true with me. 

Something to think about hey ......

Well, this week  I got together with Janine  to catch up and try and get some impromptu photos of the girls.  It was quite a funny session.  Trying to get the two of them to stay still was always going to be a challenge, so we called upon the aid of props which we hoped would capture the attention of our little  models.  Firstly we tried the toy horse which the girls could sit on, but Kaitlyn was a bit miffed that Madi took a serious liking to her prized possession, which resulted in a tiny tantrum which amused us no end.  It was all so cute !!!!!  We tried a chair which Madi promptly sat on, decided she didn't like it and got off again !!  This process was repeated a couple of times after with the same result.  Janine then decided to dump all the toys on the ground which was a bit of a winner, we were both stunned that they actually decided to play together. Although it didn't last long, we got some gorgeous images like the one below which I used for Color Combos #127.  Its just so cute - I had to scrap it right away !!

and some more photos ....

Have you ever seen anything like those eyelashes ..... (very bias mummy comment)....

Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. More to share soon.

Steph xo

Christmas in June !!!!

Talk about Christmas in June ......

First off was the allure of this little fella ...the Canon D50.  Man I'm having fun taking photos.

... and now after puppy dog eyes, bargaining, pleading, realising that was not going to work, changing tact and threatening physical bodily harm .... I now own one of these ....

my  very own MacBook Pro 15" Laptop.  And just to make a girl really really happy (especially one who has color obsession).... firstly the laptop cover to protect the outside.....

and then a Neoprene sleeve complete with zip to protect and transport.

I'm in Heaven.  Apple Color Heaven.

Now all I have to do is pay them off !!!, all my scrapbook earnings goes towards paying off these little beauties (hopefully the Taxation Office will contribute too) - but as long as i have what I need for my creative pursuits, i seem to cope without all the other of trillions of things I need, and you know what they say -  a happy mum means a happy household.  lol. 

You better believe it sister.

I have lots of scrappy things to share this week ..... so please bare with me if this post seems to go on and on..... lol.   As if that excitement wasn't enough.....  there was this .....

Creating Keepsakes US - July Edition ...... first time published ...... yippee .......

 

This one for Aussie Scrap Source and also featured on the Sassafras Blog ........

... and the color combo this week was a real challenge.  There was a part of me screaming that I couldn't do this, the colors were just so heavy and masculine.  Eeeek.  I was amazed what the DT did with this combo go over and check it out because these colors are not easy to scrap, let alone make them look good.  In fact I'm still not sure I like this layout.

The roses were made from material and paper, and I will be posting a tutorial soon on how to make them.  They are part of a class I'm teaching at Seriously Scrapbooking, called "DIY Flowers" where each week we explore and make hand made flowers.  Too much fun.

Been spending some time at 'A Million Memories' - Scrapbook Kits - where the lovely  Lucy, Stacey and Susan are on the DT there.  Go over and have a look at their creations.  They are such a talented bunch.

2 new creative members over at Kitschy ..... so totally gifted as artists. 
I have set aside some time next week for some Kitschy Layouts .... been so busy...... grrrrrr.

Joy of joys - Aussie Scrap Source is now a wholesaler for Webster's Pages - so as you can imagine, I have a grin from ear to ear.  I already have 2 assignments lined up - take a peek at the Cherry Pie line - its gorgeous.

Last but definitely not least ..... Happy Birthday to this little girl..... what a year it has been.  You have come so far Georgia and we love you very much.

 

Well I'm off to play with my laptop.

I'm one happy little camper.

Laters.
Steph xo

my heart skipped a beat ...

I have just come back from Normanville in South Australia, after a well earned weekend away with my family.  It was so relaxing, staying at a beautiful estate called South Shores, so peaceful and only a 5 minute walk to the beach. the weather was gorgeous, beautifully sunny and it was lovely to feel the warmth of sun on my back again. Emma and Madison had a fantastic time, so much exploring to be done in a new house, and the excitement that comes with a mini holiday.  Only problem I found was it wasn't long enough !!!

We had a bit of a scare with Madi - I was in the bathroom drying my hair when she wandered in to enquire what I was up to.  the next thing I heard was the thud of her head on the bathroom floor. She slipped.  Madi screamed so loud and then suddenly went to scream again but no noise came out.  Her head fell back and I thought she had passed out.  My heart skipped a beat.  She soon recovered to resume crying at an agonising pitch that made my heart stop.  I took her upstairs and tried to calm her down.  Mum sat with me and we kept our eyes on her to look for signs of concusion or any head trauma.  She got very sleepy very quickly and I started to really worry.  I rang the Health Direct line and talked to a RN who went through 100 quesions with me.  My heart was beating so quickly I thought I was going to have a panic attack.  After much reassuring the RN indicated to me that it was natural for her to want to go to sleep, and not to worry - she had worn herself out with the shock of slipping and her body needed to rest.  We kept an eye on her, (actually I held her closely in my arms for 45 minutes) and she woke up slowly and stated to rouse.  Slowly over the next 30 mins, she walked around and started giggle and want  to play with Emma.  She seemed to return to her usual self but boy was I scared.  She is fine now, but I don't want to go through that in a hurry again.

Well the color combo has gone up today, interesting to say the least. Such a beautiful calm palette, however I can't say it was love at first sight, but after having a play, I was really pleased with the result of this combination.

 

 ..... and his layout is a class that I am teaching a Seriously Scrapbooking showcasing the beautiful 'Madeline" from K&Co. 

Have a fantastic week and thanks for visiting.

Steph xo

a shabby chic creation ....

Sorry I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks, been so busy trying to get some artwork done.  I didn't even have time for the Color Combo this week at Color Combos Galore, its been that crazy.  Emma had her "Jump Rope for Heart" day, raising money for the Heart Foundation.  She is really loving school and comes home with so much to tell, from new and interesting science experiments to new Japanese Words that learn't that day.  I love seeing her soak up the knowledge that is taught to her, and her enthusiasm is contagious.  Madison is growing every day, and is picking up little words here and there.  She still isn't talking as much as I would like, but everybody keeps telling me not to worry, and that she will speak when she is ready.  I love our days together, its such a special time to bond and play.

OK now for some shameless self promotion ...

I was really taken back by being selected for banner of the week at Webster's Pages .... how cool
is this .....

Thanks Brandin !!!! Wow .... you totally spun me out.....

Also I just wanted to share with you an two amazing events that will be taking place in September.

Two years ago Janine organised an event called "Creative Edge" that was held over a weekend in South Australia.  The conference has some fantastic teachers and creativity oozzing from everywhere .... well its happening again... and Janine has asked me to teach.  I will be teaching a Tattered Angels class, and sharing with you how to make the Tissue Paper Rose Flowers sprayed with Glimmermist.... its going to be so much fun.  You will get lots of yummy Tattered Angels products and learn some amazing techniques in this class.  I will post sneak peaks hopefully soon.....  Other teachers include the ridiculously talented Kate Mason and Prima-licious Janine Koczwara.  Anyhow, for more information and register of interest go here.....

The other amazing event coming up is the All Day Scrap at Seriously Scrapbooking.  This day is held once a year and it usually gets booked up pretty easy...... Teaching with me will be the gorgeous Jane Tregenza (Addicted to Craft DT) and mega talented Natalie May (publish widely in all Aussie Magazines).  There will be lots of gorgeous product,fantastic techniques, lots of fun and delicious food.... for more information and to register interest please contact Seriously Scrapbooking.  Its definitely a day to put aside.

Just wanted to share a trinket box that I created for my class at Seriously Scrapbooking.  The class is called Shabby Chic Glamour, and it was the perfect excuse to create something really girly and gorgeous.  The trinket box is by Melissa Frances, Flowers and Pearl Flourishes by Prima and Feathers and Tulle are from Spotlight!!.  I have distressed and painted the box, mod podged serviettes and then applied the embellishments.  We are running this class again next schedule, so if you are interested (and live in South Australia) please ring Seriously Scrapbooking to confirm your place.  You can pick and choose your colour scheme, and I have to tell one of the girls used a cream and an olive green Prima Flower - it looked divine.

I hope you love it as much as I do.......

 

Anyhow, I will have alot more creative work to share.  If you have any questions about the box, just email me.

I will be back soon xo

Steph xo

Can't somebody please add another couple of days per week ?

Fairly calm week just gone, fairly typical Devlin normality, school, housework, scrapping, coffees, shopping etc etc.  One thing I am finding really challenging at the moment is lack of time.  There is never enough hours in the day.  Sometimes I just think that 'I'm a really slow scrapper, but I never seem to have enough time to do what I want creatively, always something that's due somewhere.  The other thing is that when I do scrap its usually interrupted by crying, complaining, dinner, phone calls, being summoned or other annoying instances.  Don't people know that I'm obsessed with what I do and I just love creating ?  Just for once  can somebody not need me ......  ?  I mean I love being a Mum don't get me wrong .... its just that Im starting to run out of time for me.  Anyhow now that I have got that out my system here's a couple of layouts to share ...

This layout was for Aussie Scrap Source showcasing Heidi Swapp's new invisible range.  I can't give these products more of a wrap, because they are so easy to use and the result is wonderful.  You can mix chalks, watercolours and other textile mediums onto her invisibles and the subtle color merging is just beautiful.  Here is my little Madison ( i love this photo and have to stop scrapping it) ...
'

 

 

I'm almost fully sold on 8.5 x 11 - (thanks Janine), and i have been creating in that size for over 2 months now.  So to do a 12 x 12 page was really weird for me after so long.  I created this page using the beautiful Webster's Pages - such a stunning product.  This layout was for Color Combos # 122. 

I really really want to get my paws on the Magical Wishes die cuts but can't find them anywhere - its driving me crazy.  So if anybody knows ..... pls drop me a line ......

Have to give a plug mention the wonderfully talented Lucy Edson and her new website - "The Next Step"  that she has launched.  Go over and have a look, full of tutorials for wonderful mixed media skills for your scrapbooking.

Also busting to share what the lovely Janine has thought up, maybe next post. 

Thanks to the girls who have joined the follow me widget, I have met some gorgeous ladies over the last fortnight !!

Have a great week.
Steph xo

Breaking away from my style ......

At Aussie Scrap Source we have been creating for a series of posts that scraplift well known scrapbookers from around the globe.  I was so thrilled to be allocated Kelli Crowe, whose work I have loved for years.  Kelli's layouts are so different in style from mine, we both love using lots of colour, but in the  design department - we are world's away.  I think that is why I enjoyed scrapping this layout so much .....

How much fun are those circles?  All you do is adhere your photo to the page and start sticking circles down around the outline of the photo.  Then you just work your way outward.  Kelli suggested 4 circle punches, and you will find that you will use the smallest one the most.  One of the best things about this layout was posting this over at SISTV and being awarded the "Haute Shot" for the week.  BIG SIS awards three awards a week and I won the general category being the layout that kinda jumped in the gallery for the whole week.  Cool ha ????

I promised the girls in my Prima Class at Seriously Scrapbooking that I would give them some websites that offered free vintage downloads .... so here goes ...

http://shabbychicpapirskatter.blogspot.com/
http://vintageholidaycrafts.com/
http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

and last but definitely not least
http://www.thevintagemoth.blogspot.com/

This is I just want to share my layout for Color Combo's this week - #120.  The subject was based around something said  to me this week, probably innocent but nonetheless it reminded me of 8th Grade comment my teacher made:  The journalling reads ......

              "Stephanie is a day dreamer and will never set the world alight" .... so how does that song go .... "you aint seen nothing yet .... ba ba baby ... People think they know me but take a deeper look, I have a few surprises yet with so much to give ...... so don't put me in a box.

Because humans are fallible, we can voice our thoughts, without really thinking them through, God knows I may have unknowingly done it to somebody else, but I believe that everybody has **so much** diversity, both creative and intuitively - half of it not even being tapped into.  So I guess this layout was kinda therapy, as I've never forgotten that comment when I was 13, and I still day dream about amazing possibilities and some of then I have been blessed enough to see them eventuate into amazing realities..... So without further ado - lol ......

Don't you just love the color combo.  Yellow Rocks.  Seriously.  Look at it scream on this page.  Its a color not to be triffled with !!!!

Anyhow, I will get off my soap box now, lol, have a beautiful week.

Steph xo

PS  Have installed a  "Follow Me" widget  on the left hand side bar, so if you don't want to keep checking for an updated post here, join up and you will be notified everytime I update this blog.  Its  fantastic idea.  Bye.

She's just turned 6 !

Well it was Princess Emma's 6th birthday on Easter Day, so not only did she receive twice the number of chocolate eggs, but a ridiculous amount of pressies filling the royal castle !  She had such a wonderful day, being spoilt rotten, as all princesses do, and she also had Roxy over from Sydney to completely make sure every whim was catered for !!

Em has such a rare beauty inside that I think radiates from her.  She is the most considerate, sweet and kind little girl and I love watching her little personality blossom - I adore her so much.  I'm so blessed to be her mummy.

She is also has this kinda wild free theatrical side, I'm sure she is going to be either an actress or performer, definitely involved in the theatre in some capacity .....We were at Target the other day, and Emma was just being Em, entertaining Madi being a clown, singing and dancing - when I had this total stranger walk up to me and say .......  "Tell me she is going to acting classes" she said .... "she is such a natural born entertainer".... apparently this lady and her kids had been watching Em and giggling from behind a fixture.  That's my girl..... The photo below is so typically her, not the "butter wouldn't melt in my mouth" photo above ......

It was also Miss Madi's first Easter Egg hunt and let me tell you, I think she thought she was in heaven.  Madi is well renown for loving her sweets, so to find chocolate in the garden was like a dream come true.  Isn't she just beautiful?  Its was so lovely watching her surprised little face as she spied bright coloured tinsel in between the plants.

There are two things I really love doing at the moment - teaching and writing articles.  I feel really blessed being able to write for Scrapbooking Memories ..... Kristy is really great to work for and I especially loved the article on Pretty Junke published in Vol 11 No 2.  I worked with Rhonna Farrer and Kitschy Images and I can honest say that I am officially addicted to Hybrid Scrapbooking - mainly because of all the gorgeous designs out there in the digital world.  i love mixing stuff up with physical product and  I love the way things turn out.....  give it a try its really is so much fun.

 

Also did this one for Aussie Scrap Source as a Heidi Swapp Lift, have to laugh about the Treasure Stamp being crooked ......i can't blame it on the scan,  it really is crooked - lol !!!!!!!

and lastly CCG Challenge #119 ... still not sure about the thickers for the title, oh well...I will probably end up ripping them off ...... at least I love the Kitschy Digitals Frame - it's DIVINE.

 

thanks for coming to visit, have a beautiful week.

Sorry this post is a bit long this week.

Steph xo

Some shares ...

Hey lovely readers .... how are you all?  Just have a few shares that I have had published this month (seems like I have been waiting for ever) !!!

This one for Scrapbook Creations:
(I originally created this mini for Aussie Scrap Source .....using the beautiful Basic Grey Urban Prairie range - which I adore) and I am crazy enough to try and teach it in two lessons at Seriously Scrapbooking ....

and these layouts for Scrapbooking Memories 1,2,3 challenge with Wendy Anderson from Making Memories....

and a card ....

also my layout for this weeks Color Combo #118 ..... and let me tell you how scared I was of these colors ..... in fact in over 5 years of scrapbooking this is the first time I have ever used these colors together ......

 

On a personal note congratulations to my friend Janine, who has just announced she is expecting No 5 in the Koczwara household.  Im so happy for her .... another little person to scrap !!!!! ... and bring so much joy into her life.  Go over to her blog to say congratulations.

You know it never ceases to amaze me the friends that I have made in the scrapbooking industry.  I just want to mention this sweetheart ....... who has been sharing stuff and conversations with me over the last month or so.  She is a new friend and I love her freshness and honest personality and her incredible talent in this industry.  We have something very exciting to share and that will be shared with everybody soon ......

and .... a special congratulations to the beautiful Jane Tregenza, who has recently been accepted into the Addicted to Craft Design Team.  Jane creates the most beautiful vintage work in deep mottled  colours ..... go over and check out her work.

Lastly, a little acknowledgement to a special gal, who has helped me get through some trying times this past week.  Jaimie thank you so much for your encouragement and support, you are such a special woman, and a talented artist and I feel really blessed to have you as a friend.

Have a fantastic week, Easter photos and Emma's 6th Birthday will be posted next week.

Steph xo

Having fun with my camera ....

Well it didn't take me long to get rid of the brown blog border.  I gave it a go, but unfortunately my colour sense just couldn't make contact with it.  So I have changed my blog couture ... again.  House of 3 has some beautiful blog headers and side art work to choose from so go over and have a little look.

This my layout for Color Combo Galore, #117. I actually found it really easy to design the combo this week because the colours were absolutely divine.  Go over and have a look at all the DT's work using this beautiful mix of red, blue, teal and white.  Yummy. The photo I used was when I was about 34 weeks with Madison, and  I'm so blessed to have these photos taken by the beautiful Molly.  I'm  really loving  8.5 x 11, in fact I haven't done a 12 x 12 for ages.  The size is just so  perfect and its really refreshing to have a change.

A while back I promised some photo shows using my new Canon D50, and as you can see its worth every  cent.  I **adore** this photo of Emma, its so free and spirited and captures her soul perfectly.

Another one of Emma,just walking around a reserve where we were having a picnic lunch while up at Black Point a couple of weeks ago. 

and last but definitely not least my **beautiful** little Madison, lying on the floor captured in one of her many moments where she is thinking...... I honestly get lost in her eyes .....

 

Have a great week, talk soon.

Steph xo