Family Time // Digi Scrapping

There's no time like the present, and I didn't feel like sitting at my scrap desk tonight, so I thought I'd have a play with the free Sweethearts digi kit I downloaded from ScrapOrchard by the awesome SuzieQScraps. I got a Christmas layout done too! Now I just have to work out the cheapest way to print these digi layouts.

A little sew-a-thon

After I made Erin's dress last week, I wondered how hard it would be to whip a smaller version up for Erin's Baby doll? I cut a few corners by not using bias binding for the armholes, and just sewed a small hem and was surprised at how quick it all came together.

The pillowcase is another from a thrift shop and came complete with the lace border and embroidery. I just had to re-hem it. I had a bit of leftover fabric, so created this cute little headband to match.

Last year a dear friend asked me to make a car roll for her eldest son, as I'd made her youngest one for his Birthday. I modelled it on one I'd bought at Handmade Heaven a few years ago for Aiden. I found a little iron-on letter motif to dress it up a bit. Hope you like it PJ!

And while I was at the sewing desk, I made one for Erin's Polly Pocket cars, using some gorgeous girly fabric I purchased from Bubbamia Fabrics yonks ago. Was so good to get these little projects finished, as they've been sitting on my desk for about 3 months. 

Thanks for visiting. xx

Giving and taking

While stopping at our local thrift shop earlier this week to deliver a load of goodies of my own, I picked up these gorgeous vintage pillowcases for $2. Bargain! (I'm so like Dad)

My mind started ticking over and although I have a half finished pillowcase dress for Erin sitting on my desk, I thought I'd have a go making one out of an actual pillowcase (in case I stuffed up). I was pretty impressed with the result. It even fit! Leone, you will be proud, I even made some cute little yoyo flowers to match.

There's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing something come to life that you've made with your own two hands.

The floods

This week has been most difficult to endure. The floods around Queensland and throughout Australia have brought so many horrific scenes to mind.  Etched into our memories forever, much like the floods of '74, this week will be part of our country's history forever. Whether directly affected by the floods, helping or onlooking, I don't think anyone could be prepared for such a tragic start to 2011!

While we are thankful that our little plot of land and belongings were not tossed into the giant bathtub that is the Brisbane River, there are so so many who aren't so lucky and will have to start their lives from scratch.

Sleeplessness has been my friend, as the scenes repeat over and over in my head, from those who have lost everything they own to those who have lost friends and loved ones.

A special birthday

I can hardly believe Dad is turning 60 in a little over a week! He certainly doesn't act or look his age, and I can only hope I look as good at 60. We're organising a special little do up at Tamborine Mountain at the Polish Restaurant for lunch with the family and a special gift. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but we're sure he'll love it!

I put together this card and little voucher pocket (recipe from a Christmas Card magazine). I used a super old plastic credit card star as the template for the stars, some old star brads and the papers are all from my off-cuts basket. Feeling great about using up some old stuff.

Thanks for stopping by.

Bring it on!

I hope you've had a super start to 2011!  I'm positive this year is going to be 100% on the last. Almost everyone I know says they're happy to see the end of 2010! I say, ditto! Good riddens and bring on 2011!

I've vowed this year to make less impact on the environment, aiming to reduce our household waste and reuse as much as we can. It only makes sense that my scrapping goal this year is to use something recycled on my layouts, whether it be fabric offcuts, packaging or something that would normally be thrown in the garbage.

I'm also going to use as much of my old stash as I can before buying new stuff, as tempting as it is.  I think that's going to be the hardest part for me :)

To start the year off on the right foot, I'd like to thank White with 1 and their January challenge.

Here's my take on "white + navy/royal blue + a banner".
I used some old demin offcuts to make the banner and dug a heap of old blue stuff out of my stash. I even managed to use the negative from the threading water punch. Can you pick it?

May your year be full of blessings - here's to 2011!

Inspiration

I've been exploring and found some cool blog challenges - Kraft it up and White with 1. Far out, it's been way too long since I scrapped! Can't wait to get stuck into these. I miss my gorgeous scrappy friends. Definitely need another scrappy session together soon! xx