Saturday, October 03, 2009

I'm up for a competition

Teresa is promoting this limetart  challenge on her blog, so I thought I would give it a go...

    2 patterned papers                < Check>
    a flower embellishment          < Check>

    chipboard                              < Check>


I need more practice at "the rose". Wendy's are divine here .. yes I need a lot more practice...
 




And yes I am loving the fiskars border punches. Just wish they punched chipboard ;-)

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Wednesday Wishes

You might notice a new button on the right.

This is a new site with great Kits and craft supplies. Go and visit the talented Audrey and Max at Wednesdays wishes!

When is enough enough?



I went looking for paperclay. The last lot I bought from Lesley at Little Bits. She didn't have any, but had some airdry clay that a rep had given her, so she gave it to me to try. (Thanks!!).  It was nice to work with, and came out of the molds easier, but dried rather more brittle than paperclay.  I eventually found what I was after at Melbourne artist supplies......
As the last pack had gone off unopenedd, I thought I would make both packs up in their entireity. The paperclay is white, and the airdry clay is the grey...

TOOK ME AGES!!!!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Happy Birthday Dear Friend....

Someone's birthday is coming up very soon....




Sunday, September 06, 2009

Happy Birthday Robyn


Another Late birthday "card"

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Happy Birthday Gail!

My good friend Gail had a birthday last week, and I also got her page made for a book round robin we are in.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

3D boxes


Well I am addicted to these little suckers from JVO.
These ones are a (very late) birthday present for one of my work colleagues....


Thanks to Gail for the wire nest ;-) and the dress form was inspired by the very talented Audrey.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Collections 3D boxes


Such a cool product ;-)


Saturday, August 15, 2009

My Page - Arty_OZ Collab Book 2009


Each year Arty_oz creates a Collaborative book. The book really is a fine showcase of the talent within the group.

Last year there were 32 pages, which was a big ask and also a big job to collate and make covers for. This year there are 16, which makes the whole task a lot less arduous!
This is my page for this year. Featuring four "WASP"s, an image I found on the internet. I had seen it on a flickr site, but the artist was not willing to give her source. But after a lot of searching on the net I found it! Not that hard when yoi know where to look ;-)


Chook the Lyrebird from Adelaide zoo

This is hilarious and amazing! The zoo is having some construction work done, and this professional animator has been busy adding new sounds to his repertoire. My favourites are the truck starting and the two way radio! Just amazing....


Friday, August 14, 2009

Creating again


I was home today so I was able to partcipate in Art Creations Friday - and what a gorgeous image!


I used a frame from the talented Jenny Crossley's range and paper and the frame around the thank you are from Collections.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Warning... desperate Housewives spoiler...











SO who does Mike Marry?? I was hoping susan, but after a bit of a snoop I fear it's Catherine :-(








Check the bodice and veil in the photo with Mike, then checkout the dresses the gals are wearing...
Unless of course the producers are playing jokes ;-)

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Keith Lobue - Legend!


Wow what a fantastic class. I wish I had done yesterday's class too :-(


What a FANTASTIC teacher Keith is. And so giving of information. I put him up there with DJ Pettit! I for one am already lining up for a 3day class next year...


You know the teacher has done a good job when student's leave HAPPY with what they have achieved. I am so over paying a lot of money for classes and coming away with not much to show for it! And it's not always my fault ;-) Sometimes you don't have a hope in hell of completeing the project in the given time.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

My first award!


Thanks Audrey. It was a little while ago...




I have just been so busy with work. I am slowly getting back to normal life - leaving work at 5 - I feel like I am skipping out early ;-)


Sad isn't it.


I have a class with Keith Lobue this weekend, so I have been madly getting all my bit's and pieces together. Nothing like leaving it to the last week. But honestly up to now I haven't had the energy...

Monday, July 20, 2009

Trying to get back into it....


I made thhis for my work colleagues birthday.. only a week late, but she understands... she is living this SAP nightmare too....

Saturday, July 18, 2009

All things French...


Well my job is still crap, but let's not dwell on that, at least I have one.....

I bought a book yesterday with my credit at Blue Illusion thanks to my friends Jenny, Gail and Teresa..

And I also went and saw the Coco Channel movie - LOVED it!!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

I'm back!



Well I hope I am!




I am tired of work ruling my life! 62 hours last week 55 the week before and mostly 40-55 for ages. I AM OVER it, especially when there are people who sit near me that do sweet FA and others who rort the system working from home and then "their internet isn't working" or they are too tired.. so they are working from home.... such a load of CR*P! I vented my spleen to the Department Manager on Friday.




Anyway I have done a little bit of creating this weekend.. some tiles for a collab project and also a much overdue present off to Michelle Ward!



Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Happy Birthday to me






Look what was waiting for me when I got home today!

Thanks Gail.

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Desperately Seeking....


A gardener... hmnn I think he will do!

Happy Birthday to me!














Thanks to everyone who shared the first week of my "BIG" birthday celebrations. I received flowers from my work colleagues and my sister and her family.
Had dinner with friends, and dinner with work colleagues.........
The chopard diamond is a present to myself! I have always wanted one. The diamond "floats" and actually moves slightly.


Rest In Peace Professor O'Brien OA AM

The well loved and respected surgeon Chris O'Brien passed away last week. So many of us came to know him through episodes of "RPA" . He was such a talented physician, but at the same time a humble and compassionate human being.

It was a cruel irony when almost 3 years ago he was diagnosed with very the cancer that he fought so hard to cure in his patients He was given 6-12 months to live but in true fighting spirit he lived another 30. And when I say lived - he certainly did that, writing a book and also leaving a legacy in a new cancer centre for the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.It's construction will start late this year.

My heart goes out to his family, his children, who were not ready to loose their father, and his beautiful wife, who I am sure was not ready to loose her partner.

The world is a much better place for your life Chris, and a much sadder one for your passing.


Chris was presented with the Officer of the Order of Australia from the Prime Minister, just hours before he passed away.....





Saturday, May 30, 2009

Tiny Bottles




Oh I scoured the internet after doing JVO's class recently, and my hard work was rewarded!

New Phone


Work has been pretty ^%$#@! lately, but the one saving grace for this week is a new work phone! I can get emails, surf the net... very cool ;-)
Note to self: Do not turn off, or run down battery when you don't have the pin number at hand!!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Online class

I found this link on my friend Teresa's blog. How I would love to do the class! But I have been working crazy long hours the last few weeks, and don't know how much longer it will go on for. :-(



Mixed Media Painting with artist Julie Prichard from Julie Prichard on Vimeo.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

JVO


Well JVO heads back to Perth today :-(


It was lovely to see her. I managed to actually finish one class piece for a change!


I didn't get many of my 3D boxes made however :-( Nevermind, I wanted to copy more the ones from the morning class that I didn't get in to which I am still a bit annoyed about!
Have had a big week with working 53 hours . I'm still a bit tired, but I need to do a couple of things today :-(
Now what are the books? Well you might ask. I met Jenni at a scraptacular 3D houses class and when I emailing her about JVO's class I invited her to stay. Unfortunately with the hours I had been putting in at work, I hadn't had the chance to get the room ready. Anyway she had bought me these books and gave them to me anyway. She is such a generous person!
We have decided that we will go down to Mornington one weekend and she can stay then !

Monday, April 20, 2009

Give away

The stamping queen is having a give away, but don't bother going there as I don't really think you would want it ;-)

Monday, April 13, 2009

Easter Activity


Gail came over today and we ate biccies and dip and made art. We are putting together two collaborative works (through arty_oz) for Stampingtons "Aubergine" Theme. We are sending Collections (of course) 3D houses and tiles. Here is our tiles (2 each). Gails to the left, mine to the right...


Saturday, April 11, 2009

More Photoshop


More photoshop playing :-)


I really must stop playing!!!


Photoshop Masks




The fluff bag after she has been masked with a (free) mask from Paperbag studios!


Photoshop Brushes


I *love* photoshop brushes...


I have just bought some from Paperbag Studios, and if you go there you will find a photoshop tutorial as well!

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

JVO is coming to town!

JVO Is Coming To Town

Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
JVO is coming to town!

She's making a list,
She's checking it twice,
She’s packing the loot
for classes so beaut.
JVO is coming to town!

New chipboard and transparencys,
6x6 papers too
so many ideas of things to make
So be there for goodness sake!

So...You better watch out,
You better not cry
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why.
JVO is coming to town.

Chipboard birdees,
and chipboard eggs too.
with wings and hearts
To name but a few
JVO coming to town.

teeny weeny coathangers
that are so much fun to use,
New 3d boxes
things to fill your muse.
JVO is coming to town.

The ladies of Victoria
will have a jubilee.
They're gonna craft their fingers off
and it’s all thanks to 2 Julie’s.

Oh....You better watch out,
You better not cry.
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why.

JVO is comin'
JVO is comin'
JVO is comin'
To town!!


Class #1 ~ "Butterflies" Friday Afternoon 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Off the Page Workshop Cost $48 ~ includes all materials
They are a bit vintage a little bit textural, but most of all they are in flight. Butterflies are all the rage at the moment so I have created them off the page on a hard frame covered with tissue and softy painted. Decorated with my latest paper and some Vintage Transparency for some of the butterflies to float on. This class will incorporate a beautiful butterfly embellishment - a little bit Shabby Chic of course hung on a tiny little coat hanger.
Tools required - Basic Tool Kit; craft knife, awl, sanding tools, glues etc

Class #2 ~ "Home is Where the Art Is" Friday Evening 7.00pm - 9.30pm
Cost $48 ~ includes all materialsInspired by the colours of Sally Jean Alexander, embark on a journey of light tones of pale green, white and my favourite vintage style colours of beige.A vintage keepsake with real branches, wire and using some of the latest Collections products (and some older ones too) we will create a textural house to hang and inspire you everyday in whilst you work in your studio.
Tools required - Basic Tool Kit; craft knife, awl, sanding tools, glues etc

Class #3 ~ "The Art Boxes" - The Vintage Collection Saturday Morning 10.00am -1.00pm
Cost $55 ~ includes all materialsFor the arty girls who love to play and discover the latest and most creative from Collections. I love to play and create with tiny objects, text and all things old. Think birds nests with tiny eggs, vintage photographs and small metal objects. Style your boxes with fabric and old text, get down and make it your own with all things that are old, and even some that are new. Small is the best, so prepare to fiddle in tiny places and create your own set of "Art Boxes" Most of all you will enjoy the journey! ..... (and be rewarded at the end!)Tools required - Basic Tool Kit; craft knife, awl, sanding tools, glues etc

Class #4 ~ "Art Canvas"Saturday Afternoon 2.00pm - 4.30pm
Cost $48.00 ~ includes all materialsUsing the latest products by Collections we will create a lovely 12 x 12 canvas to display or give to someone you love. Beautiful "french scrolls" and a "fleur de lis" that is a multitude of layers. Using a background of the "Vintage Transparency" and the colours of "Shabby Chic" papers to embellish the letters A -R-T to finish the canvas with tiny butterflies. You will be delighted with the final look of the finished canvas.
Tools required - Basic Tool Kit; craft knife, awl. glues, sanding tools, etc

Class #5 ~ "The Art Boxes"- Shabby Chic Saturday Evening 5.30pm - 8.15pm
Cost $48 ~ includes all materials
For the scrapbooker the latest and the most adorable set of boxes! Create an amazing set of six, which will form a visual delight. Plenty of interchangeable ways to display your "art boxes" to make it unique to you. Find tiny objects to embed in the small spaces. Come and play and create and discover with me and I will show you something different and so diminutive with the latest 6 x 6 paper range from Collections.
Tools required - Basic Tool Kit; craft knife, awl, sanding tools, glues etc

Booking details:

Julie Van oosten will be teaching all of the above 5 classes at Scraptacular.Bookings are essential and payment is required at time of booking.Each class will hold a maximum of 20 students; you may book into as many classes as you wish.All materials are included in the cost of each class (bring along your basic tool kit).Class will start on the allocated time so please be prompt and prepared.Please call the team on 03 95845000 or email sales@scraptacular.com.au to reserve your seat or for any further details.note: no further discount or CLC will apply to class costs

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Green Pepper Press - New Stamps






I am thinking of placing an order for these! You can find them here.


I just love Michelles stuff!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Spring fling!


Even though it is autumn here I am having a "spring fling" with Carol Wingert. I am very excited to have one of her kits on order. I fell in love with "Birds of a Feather" that the lovely Sarah ordered. I have bought all manner of bits and pieces to make my own version but haven't got around to atually making it yet!


Carol is on her way to Sydney as I write this - she is coming to SIA. I told her to seek out JVO and perhaps incorporate some of her products in an one of her future kits! Her reply was


I have always loved Julie's work...I'm looking forward to meeting her and who knows, maybe some of her product will end up in the kits! Carol Wingert


Thursday, March 26, 2009

Who wants to come to Paris with me?




Well I am thinking very seriously about it...
And the last time I was there was 10 years ago!

It all started with this email......(passed on from a friend)




Dear Colin,


During our absence from Paris in August and September, our flat in the centre of Paris is available for rental.Location: Ile St Louis (200m from Notre Dame cathedral). Close to everything.Detail: 70m2, all facilities, 5th floor, in an old traditional building, dating from the 17th century. 2 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 2bathrooms, 1 large (for Paris) lounge/dining room. Terrace with viewover Paris roofs, view of Parthenon and the Seine. Shops and restaurants less than 1 minute from front door. Easy access to rail line to airports.Rental: $1400/week. Sheets/linen provided but tenants will do own laundry. Contact for further information.....

So who wants to share the flat with me for 2 weeks? Probably September... Then I'll be staying with a friend (I hope) in the South for a couple of weeks......

I priced airfares and malaysian has one for around $1200 + tax... I'm sure I paid more than that 10 years ago!

Edit: I knew it was to good to be true - add $700 or so tax onto that price!

Bernies ring


Isn't it a beauty! All 2.something carats! Oh my god I don't think I have seen a diamond as big as this one!

Bernie (Berlin) was such a good sport letting me "borrow" it! I don't know if I would have let me borrow it ;-)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Art Retreat


Above is my interpretation of the class design.



Left is one of the canvases that DJ used to show us techniques in class. I bought it from her after the class.


What a FANTASTIC weekend! It's taken me 2 days to get over it. The Tutors were senational - YAHHHHH to Stephanie Lee, DJ Pettit and Bernie Berlin.






I just LOVED the face painting. DJ is such a gifted teacher. It certainly showed when 23 out of 24 pupils finished the class with stunning pieces. As for the 24th student - she decided to stick with her 'style'. I don't know why she bothers spending all this money on classes - she never listens to the teachers or seems open to learning!

I did a face painting class with a different American tutor last year. She was a FANTASTIC artist but in my opinion a crap teacher!




Friday, February 27, 2009

Still No Internet

It'll be at least a couple of weeks until my broadband is connected :-(

I tried unsuccessfully to get my printer to print wirelessly... I was hoping to get one of the guys at work to have a look this week, but I have been SO busy at work - put in about 50 hours this week. I feel like I have been here more than home.

The exercise went down the gurgler this week too I was just too tired....

Friday, February 20, 2009

Almost Back...




Well I am slowly getting my laptop set up. FINALLY got my printer working - no thanks to Epson! They said the drivers come bundled with Vista - well NO not in my experience anyway. They had vista drivers for the scanner but none for the printer on their website. So at Dell's suggestion I downloaded the XP drivers and also ran a vista printer updater - what ever that was. So finally last night I got it working. (and yes I did have the CD that came with the printer but that didn't have vista drivers on it..)This weekends task is to buy a wireless print server and get it all that working again wirelessly!


Hopefully I will be internet enabled soon to!


I managed to salvage all my emails and address book too - no thanks to Microsoft - they are very hard to find! I borrowed a usb adapter from the helpdesk at work and was able to plug in my old hard drives to download files.
So if anyone is upgrading to Vista, I should be able to help ;-)
One of my work colleagues has given me photoshop 4! Woohoo can't wait to have a play.
I have been doing a LOT of exercise (about 40km's a week) so that doesn't leave a lot of time for much else and I am also VERY tired ;-) I am having a break from pilates as I have found that the exercise has made a big difference to my back.