Christmas Cards for Aussie Troops - 3D Paper Tole

Well I am not sure what happened to my Thursday but it did not go as I planned.  Still enjoyed it all the same.  I caught up with a neighbour, gave my Mum some crafting items which she loved and Dad was thinking of the quiet time.  Even had a moment of chatting to our son.  Oh yes, and all the other run of the mill stuff like housework and grocery shopping.

Anyways I have three more cards to show you for my collection to send off to Tracey Hanshaw who is collecting Christmas cards to send to the Aussie Troops so that they can send them home to their families.

All of these cards have the 3D Paper Tole images that I have cut out from the Mini Christmas Paper Tole Booklet.  I was looking back at these as I created the cards and I always think I have used simple layouts which I have.  These never take long to put together and sometimes I feel like I am cheating.  However, I then started adding up the time to cut out the images and assembling them.  I am not cheating. :-)  Cutting one of these images out tends to take 1/2 hour and then embossing the edges and gluing the layers takes at least another 15 mins.  Amazing something so small can take such time.

On this card I have used some wonderful red glitter paper that I just received from Blue Edge Crafts.  This lot of glitter paper is just brilliant as it has a sticky back.....so is easy to add to the card.  I punched out circles of the glitter paper to add to the bottom of the card.

I am really happy with the colours and the layout of this card.  The embossing is a Cuttlebug Folder called Holly Leaves.  The sentiment is a green sticker.

A close up of the layers.

Hmmm....just noticed the front of the sleigh runner is twisted.....will have to look at the card now.

I would like to add this to the Make it Monday linky party.......Always Anything Goes.

Have a great day everyone and as it is Friday here.....have a wonderful weekend and I will see you all again on Monday.  I will use the weekend to catch up on everyones wonderful blog posts.

Oh.....only a few days left in the current Celebration Challenge over at Unstampabelles.

We currently have an amazing number of entries.....44 and they are all so terrific.

Remember our number one rule is 'NO STAMPS'.

10yo Bieber Birthday Card

Hi everyone, this card is for my niece who will turn '10' this coming Sunday.   Yes, she is a Justing Bieber fan and recently was lucky enough to see him in concert in Sydney.  She just loved the show and her Mum (SIL) was converted to, I think. :-)

I started with a white square base card then a layer of blue card.   I topped this with a piece of 'Floral Swirl Glitter' paper, the bottom edge I have cut with a scalloped blade.   I then attached a piece of lovely white embossed paper to the bottom of the patterned paper.   I added some lovely orange coloured paper flowers with Rhinestone Crystals as the centres.  I still really like how sparkly these are...the photos never bring that out.   Then I found a great picture of Justin holding some presents which I printed out on photo paper and cut him out.   Unfortunately, the presents were in Christmas wrap so out came my Copic pens and I coloured over the presents with a light mauve colour.  Then printed the sentiment out on my computer.

So thats the card down now to solve the present issue. :-0

Trying to show of the sparkliness of the Rhinestone Crystals.

I would like to add this to the following challenges:

Make it Monday - #47 Always Anything Goes ends 1st August

Inspire me Fridays - #16 Always Anything Goes ends 29th July

Southern Girls - #23 Happy Birthday ends 28 minutes.  :-0

Crafts and Me - #44 Add a Flower ends 28th July

Robin and Holly

Hi everyone, another week has started......and the last one for July.  I have been busy on the weekend cutting out 16 mini Christmas paper toles.   Now I have to find time to add them to cards. 

This card I started with a blank white card and then a layer of green card topped with a layer of this wonderful spotted paper from a magazine giveaway.  I have topped the card with this lovely digital stamp 'Robin and Holly' from Passion for Stamps.  I have coloured the robin with my Copic pens and a touch of Kindy Glitz.

Finishing touches a red cross grain ribbon with a strip of green card down the centre.  The sentiment is a Merry Christmas rub-on. Also two snowflake buttons that are very glittery but doesn't show in the photo.

Guess what, we ended up at the show.  Had a lovely time although I don't think we will need to rush back for  a couple of years.  It was nice to see all the crafting, photos, artwork, flowers, and fruit and vegi displays.   The fireworks at the end just topped the night off nicely.

I would love to enter this into the following challenges:

Christmas Inspirations - #29 Free Christmas ends 31st July

2 Sisters - #49 Anything Goes ends 29th July

Winter Wonderland - Holly or Ivy ends 29th July

Cardmadfairy's Digi Days Challenge - Oh! So Girly. - DT Card

Well that is another fortnight that has flown by.

We had so many amazing animal creation in our last challenge it really was a pleasure to visit you all.

The challenge this time at Cardmadfairy Digi Days is 'Oh! So Girly'.   So grab all your glitter, pinks, purples, ribbons and lace and the the very important Digital Stamp and start creating.

Our sponsor this month is Poodle Parlour.  Be sure to check out their cute digital images.

This challenge runs until 5th August.

You must use a digital image on your card/project (one entry), if you choose to use a Cardmadfairy image you can enter as many times as you like.

Now onto my card. I started with a blank white square card.  A layer of black card, then a layer of Playtime Kaisercraft.  Some more black card with this pretty patterned paper full of pink gerberas, sorry I don't know the name.  Next was a strip of matching Bazzil Bling and a strip of white embossed paper.  Earlier in the week I received my new Large Spellbinder Octagons.  I have had the Small size for a while a have probably only used them three times at the most.  I just wasn't happy with the one layer but now I am happy to be able to layer up my Spellbinder Octagons.  I coloured the image 'Julia' from Cardmadfairy with my copic pens and silver metallic pen.  The sentiment is a rub-on.  Oh and I can't forget to mention the Rhinestone Crystals the centres on my flowers.   Another new purchase they are so sparkly.  

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Craft Us Crazy - #13 Anything Goes ends 5th August

Hanna and Friends - #105 Summer ends 28th July

Crafts and Me - #44 Add a Flower ends 28th July

Scrapalicious USA - #12 Summer ends 28th July

Top Five and Top Three this week

Woohoo!!!  I am so excited as I have been chosen as a Top 3 and a Top 5 winner for two of my creations.

I received this Top Three for my Sleepy Morris card here.

The Chocolate Box Card I made here gave me this Top Five spot.

Happy Friday everyone.  I will be back later with a card for the new Cardmadfairy Digi Days challenge.

Winter Window

Hi everyone, last day of the school and working week for us here in Cairns.   The Cairns Show is on and Friday is a public holiday.  Hopefully, the weather stays beautiful so we can get out and about somewhere. No one is going to the show this year.  15 year old daughter thinks it is all just a waste of money.......who am I to disagree. :-)

I am back to my Christmas cards.

Today I started with a white base card then dug out my embossing folders.  The blue snowflake embossing I had in my stash from my friend Helen, I am sure.  The white squares on the side are a pearlised card which doesn't show in the photo.  I have used my Holly Leaves, Candy Stripe and Swiss Dots folders on these.   Added the gold ribbon.  The image is from Passion for Stamps called Winter Window.  I have had this is my collection for a long time now but never used it. I have coloured it with my Copic pens and a touch of gold metallic.  I then Kindy Glitzed the snow and used Dimensional Magic on the window panes.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

ABC Christmas Challenge - O is for Older image ends 3rd August

Digistamps4Joy - Christmas in July ends 27July

Paper Pretties - Embossing ends 27th July

SweetStamps - Winter Blues ends 27th July

Winter Wonderland - Give it a Lift (wet or dry embossing ) ends 22nd July

12" x 12" Paper Holder

Hi everyone, it is such a beautiful day here in Gordonvale today.  Yesterday, I started on some curtain and wall washing as the sun is a shining.  Today, I have already hung out some more curtains and taken the dog for a walk as it is so lovely to be outside in the cool air.  I have also finally got to removing some tape that we put up on a couple of windows for Cyclone Yasi back in February and forgot to remove.  Oops!  Missed some.  Only problem at the time we had no masking tape so used the thick clear packaging tape....of course with all the sun on it the stickness had dried on to the window.  So this morning I had the paint scraper out and now it is all gone.   The windows are so clean they don't even look like they are there.  Love it.

I must have a bit of a cleaning bug at the moment.....I am sure it won't last long. Last Friday, my craft desk (see above) got the better of me.  I have just been collecting craft gear and never have a chance to put it away properly.  Got to a stage that I couldn't craft as I just had no room.  My main problem was all the 12" x 12" paper I have collected over the last 6 months.  Normally I stick to A4 sheets but have enjoyed having bigger pieces available for boxes and so forth.

Since I wanted instant storage on Friday and didn't feel like a drive to the shops I decided to make my own.   I grabbed the pizza boxes that my paper orders have been arriving in and recycled.

I cut the front and back of the pizza box to become the side panels of my holder.  Then I cut a strip of cardboard that was the length of 2 1/2 sides of the side panels and about 10cm wide.  I then attached the side panes to this middle strip with masking tape both inside and out to give strength.

Taping up the back section of the holder.   I did have to attach a little extra cardboard to my original strip as what I had was just not long enough.

Next I cut the sides down on an angle to make the paper more accessible.  The piece I cut from the first side I flipped over and used for a template on the second side so they were both the same.

Tadah!, one 12" x 12" paper holder.  Not so pretty at this stage.

Now I have prettied it all up.  Last year I bought some Peel n Stick Fabric (Delta) at the time planning to use to cover books.  I thought this would be perfect to add extra strength to my holder.  I had 3 sheets which were 12" x 12" and just the perfect amount to cover my holder.   The sheets are just like contact that you get to cover the kids school books but fabric.  I did have my fingers crossed as sometimes me and contact do not agree and I end up with lots of bubbles but everything went on smoothly.

So now I have a neat crafting area again and my papers are all together and ready for me to use.  They are down on the floor near the cuttlebug.

Well best get back to a little cleaning and then finishing off that card that is on my desk.

Happy Wednesday everyone.

Christmas Angel

Tuesday is here already and today I am back into the Christmas theme.

I started with wonderful this wonderful steel blue embossed fusilier card.  I decided to have a tent shape card this time.  The next layer is a laser cut card front these are new at Blue Edge Crafts and so many fantastic styles to choose from.  I have attached gold card to the back of the laser cut stars.  Then on the bottom of the cream card layered up some more blue cards and rounded the corners to match the cream card front.  I then layered up this cute little angel 3D Paper Tole image from my Mini Christmas Paper Tole booklet.  I had to give the boy a little hair cut after I had layered him.  As my initial cutting looked like he had a bowl cut. lol  I made a couple of snips along his fringe and he looks much better.  Finished the card with this gold Merry Christmas sticker.

This card has been added to the pile ready for the Aussie Troops.

A closer look at all the layers.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

The Crazy Challenge - #76 Christmas in July ends 25th July

Cupcake Craft Challenges = #151 Wish Upon a Star ends 25th July

Christmas Inspirations - Free Christmas ends 31st July

The Crafty Pad - #130 Christmas in July ends 23rd July

Creative Inspiration - #64 Xmas in July ends 31st July

Happy Birthday Amabile

Morning everyone, today I have a birthday card for a special friend Amabile.  A couple of us will be joining her for lunch.

On the weekend I finally got to and updated my Stampin Up folders with all the current colour cardstock.   So pretty.  Now I want to use up the bits and pieces left of the old colour cardstock before I cut into any of the new sheets.  I know it won't happen but this card I made a start. :-)

I started with a sketch from Midnight Madness Challenge #112.  Used a white base card then a layer of Stampin Up (SU) Blue Bayou and Groovy Guava.   I then added strips of the matching gingham which I have had forever.  Another layer of Blue Bayou and backed the image with the very last of my Purely Pomegranate.   This is an image from Cardmadfairy called All Dressed Up.  I have coloured her with my Copic pens and really please at how well I could match the colours in my limited collection.  The jewellery I coloured with gold metallic pen and a touch of kindy glitz to the flowers on the dress.  I also used my copic pens on some paper flowers so that they matched the rest of the card.  Finished with some waxed maroon coloured thread around the edge of the card.  Oh and the silver Happy Birthday sticker.

Hubby and I did not make it to the football on the weekend.  Not sure if it was the weather (showery) or his back that kept us away.  However, I found plenty to do in my now tidy craft room. :-)

Sunday we took a drive down to Bellenden Ker to see Jenny Glaze, a local artist.

The reason for our visit was I was the very lucky winner in the Cancer Council Monster raffle.  My prize is one of her artwork.   Jenny has been very generous and instead of just offering a certain piece of work offered us a choice.   Loved all the work that she showed us but most of it was just the wrong colouring for our decor or probably too modern.  I really love the faces that she paints and kept pointing them out.  Then she asked if we had kids and then offered to do a portrait of them.  Hubby and I were sold.  We have asked Jenny to do it in the style of the painted face on her home page.  Now we have to think of colour, size and get the kids in a good mood to pose for those couple of all important photos.

One other thing was Saturday night to help Amabile celebrate her birthday.  A friend and I went along to the local dance group get together which Amabile attends all the time.  I didn't get up and dance as I have two left feet and they all look like the knew what they were doing.  But it was such a nice night to sit and watch everyone in all finery as it was a ball gown and black tie event.  Everyone had a smile on their face.

Well that is all the news from me today.   Back tomorrow sometime.

I would like to enter into the following challenges:

Birthday Sundaes - #18 Anything Goes with Birthday sentiment ends 25th July

Midnight Madness - #112 Sketch ends 20th July

Make it Monday - #46 Always Anything Goes ends 25th July

Festive Fun

Hi everyone, the end of the week has arrived.....boy! it has been a busy one for me. Although most of it fun catching up with friends and even family.

I have another Christmas card for you today.

Yes, I am sending this off to Tracey Hanshaw for her collection to send to Aussie Troops serving overseas.

  I started with a white base card then a layer of textured blue paper from my DCWV paper pack.  Next a layer of this fabulous Allison Ellis paper (Totally Christmas).  I then used my deckled edged oval Spellbinder die and cut a blue and white background from my topper.  This cute little 3D paper tole/decoupage came from a little 3D booklet full of other images and matching papers.

I then used a gold rub-on sentiment to finish off.

Wishing you all a great weekend and I will be back Monday with some more Christmas cards.

Hubby and I are heading off to watch an AFL game.  This is a first for me.  I have watched AFL on TV before but never seen a live match.   Should be fun.  Richmond vs Gold Coast Suns.

Christmas in July - Cards for Aussie Troops

Morning everyone,  hope your Wednesday was as good as mine.  It went somewhere in a blur and I did achieve a lot of things.....posting of card was not one of them though.

Now it is Thursday and I do have a card to share and a new personal challenge.

As I am not planning on holding in stalls at markets in the near future I have been wondering what to do with cards I create and really not had any mojo to create any.

 I suddenly remembered that I wanted to send off some cards to Tracey Hanshaw who each year organises to send blank handmade Christmas cards to our Aussie troops serving overseas.  Then they can send them back home to their families.  Well last year I managed to send in 10 so this year I have decided to try and double that and make Christmas cards for the rest of July other than my Design Team cards.  Also I will get to use up my bits an pieces of Christmas papers and hopefully have space to order some more for my own cards this year. ;-)

So this is a clean and simple (CAS) card.  I started with a white base card, then a layer of Stampin Up (SU) Riding Hood Red card.  Next was this lovely green holly leaf paper I have had a while and this, sadly, is almost the last of it.  Next I added the wonderful gold christmas sticker sentiment to the top and lovely gold snowflake stickers along the bottom.  The little images a chipboard giveaways from a crafting magazine layered on circles of SU Riding Hood Red.

I have also been playing with a frame around my photo today.  Thanks to Jill at Creating My Way to Success for sharing the link over at Design it Chic who has a terrific tutorial explaining how to add the frame.

Before I go just wanted to remind you of the wonderful Celebration challenge happening over at Unstampabelles.  We are so excited as we already have 17 wonderful papercraft creations entered all made without a stamp with the exception of a sentiment stamp.  

So pop on over to be inspired.  

Entries close 31st July.

Something to Celebrate

Morning everyone, well the kids have just dragged their feet out the door to take themselves off to school.  See there is a good thing about having a son with a licence. :-)

Yes, it is their first day back in to third term this year is going by way too fast.

Today I have a fun quick card for you.  I started with a white base card then added a layer of black card.  Topped this with the wonderful spotted paper from a DCWV paper pack.  I wanted to match the red in the flower so ran some red paper through my Swiss Dots embossing folder and attached it to the top of the card.  The flower is made of two paper flowers and my very last special brad that I received from the lovely Deborah March ages ago.  The stem of the flower is silver wire that I twisted to create leaves.  The sentiment is a white sticker from Sticker Store.

Who can forget this cute little Hedgehog....he is a Penny Black stamp called "A Thorny Affair".

I have coloured him with my copic pens and added a touch of chalk to his cheek.  Then cut him out to attach to the card.

Well thats it for me, wishing you all a terrific Tuesday.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Kaboodle Doodles - #75 Use those Scissors ends 18th July

KB Cute Monday - #21 Something Cute ends 17th July

Make it Monday - #45 Always Anything Goes ends 18th July

Stamping Scrapping Challenge - Simple ends 17th July

Flashback Friday Challenge #13 - First Non-Traditional Shaped Card

I love this challenge as it gets me looking back through all my posts.   This time at Flashback Friday #13 they are asking for your first non-traditional shaped card.  Remember you have repost the creation.  This took me a while to find.....I do like my rectangle cards with the occasional square thrown in.

So searching from Nov 2008.....it took until Mar 2009 to find this card.

My daughter had a fantastic trip down memory lane though.

Happy Monday to you all.....and a big hello to all my new followers. 

Oh.....Happy Anniversary to my hubby. :-)

Can you believe one more and will be silver!!!

Cardmadfairy's Digi Days Challenge - Pets/Animals - DT Card

Here is my Design Team card for the newest Cardmadfairy Digi Days Challenge.

This time it is all about Pets and Animals.

I have used Cardmadfairy's Sleepy Morris.....doesn't he look so calm.

I decided to use the sketch challenge over at Dude Time Doodles to start the card.

The base card is a lovely grey corrugated card...metallic with specks of glitter through it.

I knew I had this paw print paper in my collection and finally I have the right card to use it on.

Next layer is a scrap piece I found in my collection so sorry don't have the name but it is so pretty.

Sleepy Morris I coloured with my Copic and Aquamarker pends.  I then gave him a ball of wool to play with when he wakes up.

I would like to add a little something else to the card but not quite sure what or where at this stage. I will have to play a little more. :-)

So now it's your turn to dig out your Digital Stamps and start creating.

The sponsor this month is Pink Gem Designs

You must use a digital image on your card/project (one entry), if you choose to use a Cardmadfairy image you can enter as many times as you like.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Dude Time Doodles - Sketch ends 12th July

One Stitch at a Time - Use a Digi ends 10th July

Christmas in July

Pheww!  Last day of the week.  School holidays are almost to an end again.  Back to school next week.

Today I have a Christmas in July card to share with you.  Kaye over at Craftmad gave us a bonus sketch challenge this month with the theme of Christmas.  

So last night I took up the challenge. :-)

I have started with a light blue Bazzill card for the base card and then layers of green and pink bazzill.  I went around the edge of my pink bazzill with a gold metallic pen to tie it in with the tag.  I have used Blue Edge Papers - Sweetiepie Diamond Check and Sweetiepie Stripes on Blue on the front of the card. I found this wonderful tag that I had already coloured last year with my gold metallic pen and watercolour pencils.  

I cute two circles with my spellbinder dies and decorated with these lovely glittery snowflake embellishments.  Finished with the wavy transparent sticker border and gold edged ribbon.

I will be back later today with my Design Team card for the new Cardmadfairy challenge starting tonight.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

DCC76 - Christmas in July ends 19th July

Sweet Stamps Challenge #22 - Christmas in July ends 12th July

Weekly Xmas Card Challenge #31 - Twas the night before Christmas ends 11th July

Little Red Wagon - Christmas in July

Make it Monday - Always Anything Goes ends 11th July

Japanese Girl

Hi everyone and welcome to Thursday.

I really love the end result of this card.  Although it did take a bit of trial and error to get to this.

I thought I would like to do another card to remind everyone about the Oriental themed challenge happening over at Cardmadfairy Digi Days.

I found this cute little Japanese girl in my digi collection.  Sorry I don't know where she came from but if you know could you tell me so I can edit and add a link.  Thanks.

Then I thought I would use this months card sketch challenge over at Craftmad.

A personal challenge for me was to use some corrugated card.  I have a stash of this that my Mum and I collected when corrugated card was all the phase a couple of years ago.  I have decided it is time to use it up and make room for more papers.  Do you have tips on how to use it?

So that is how the card evolved.  

I started with a base card of SU Tangerine Tango then a layer of this beautiful floral paper.  Then I layered my corrugate card with a textured black card.  Next layer is the reverse side of my floral patterned paper.  The black markings are actually two cranes (birds) that I tried to print on to the paper but didn't turn out how I planned.  However, I like the end result.  Next I dragged out my Copics, gold metallic pen and black Aquamarker to colour in the image.

To finish I found some wooden beads and used my waxed black thread that I bought to sew books with. I have never used the thread on a book yet but is great on cards.  :-)

Craftmad Sewing Swap - Fabric Postcard

This is the wonderful Fabric Postcard that I recieved from my swap partner (Kylie) in our June Sewing Craftmad Swap.

Be sure to check out Kylie's blog for all her other wonderful creations.

Isn't the turtle the cutest and such neat sewing.   Kylie was telling me how the machine is smart enough to allow her to add the gingham material to the turtle shell and the flower.  I think it's time I ventured into a sewing machine shop to see what is on offer.  I don't think I can validate a new machine even though my machine is 18 years old...it still works.

Craftmad is currently taking names for the July Sewing Swap group if you are interested.  This month we are swapping two Christmas Fat Quarters.  You will need to be a member...this is free.  I you do sign-up just email me your username so I can help fast track the system.  Things can get a little slow sometimes with all the spammers.

Kylie also sent me this beautiful card.  I so love the colour combo and the wonderful layout.  Really like how Kylie has just used part of the Tilda image on her card and what a beautiful bow.  Yep, this will sit up on show with other wonderful cards I have been lucky enough to receive. 

Have a great Wednesday.

P.S.  Stacie....I think the chocolate was a turkish delight type.....so jelly in the centre.  Yum! :-)

Holiday Photos -Yungaburra and Atherton Tablelands

Hi everyone, I have a few photos to share.  Last week the family and I headed up to Yungaburra which is only a 20 minute drive from our place up a very windy Gillies Range.  Last week was the first week of   school holidays (two week break) and when booking weather had been magical.  Guess what!  We headed off Monday morning and the rain had set in. :-(  Still postive thinking it will only last the morning.  No it lasted our entire stay and was still even showery yesterday.

We took our boat with us as we have not used it in a very long time.  With plans to be out in it most days.   This did not happen but we did venture out as soon as we arrived even though it was cold, wet and windy.   We still had a good time checking out the whole of the (Tinaroo) dam and view I have not seen before.  Stopped and had hot dogs for lunch.  The photo above is our son enjoying the dry, warm journey back to shore.

A view from the boat.....as you can see this is dark and gloomy and taken about 1.30pm

This is where we stayed for the week.  'The Lodge' at Yungaburra.  We did go upmarket on this as the last few holidays the kids have had to share a room and in even a bed.  So this time we were being nice to them and giving them a room each.  Thankfully this place had a wood fire.....a novelty that kept us warm at night time.  Too warm sometimes.

Another novelty for us....

We drank many a coffee.

'The Lodge' had a jar of chocolates there for us.......they were all devoured on the first night. :-)

Evidence

Tuesday we did some sightseeing.  Firstly, we visited the Tolga Woodworks.  Amazing what those craftsmen can do with wood.  Then we headed over to Mt Uncle Distillery where hubby and I did a bit of liqueur tasting.  Tasted and bought Mulberry liqueur also tasted Limecello and Marshmallow liquer.

This llama was at the exit of the distillery.

And so was this one......well we are assuming they are llamas.

Next stop was the Crystal Caves in Atherton.   This shop has created a cave underneath their shop.  You go through with your helmet on and look at 108 embedded beautiful stones and crystals from around the world.  Yes, I am sure there was 108 as our daughter took a photo of everyone of them. :-)

Isn't this orb amazing....looks like the moon.  

One of the many photos.

Some fossils they have on display.

Me standing next to a huge Amethyst geode.  After this stop we visited Gallo Cheese and Chocolate factory.  Yum....yes, we bought cheese and chocolate.  

We didn't take many photos here but this sign was in the shop and I had to share.

Wednesday we headed to Herberton Village Museum.....a brilliant place that is set up with houses in a small township.  Each building holds items relevant to the building.  Eg. school, grocery store.   We had a wonderful time....although the rain was still happening.   We spent a lovely three hours wandering around.  Hubby and I astounded that so much we have come in contact with could be in a museum already. :-)

On the way back to 'The Lodge' we visit the Hypipamee Crater.  The green is duck weed on the water

Me next to this huge Amythest geode.

Thursday....we sat around and watched TV and at the end of the day did a walk along the Peterson Creek track to see if we could spy a platypus.   No such luck...they were staying where it was warm I think.

Friday we packed up and were home by 10.30am.

Unstampabelles First Challenge - Celebrations

Goodmorning everyone,  isn't today just wonderful!

Today is the day of our first Challenge over at Unstampabelles.

The challenge theme is Celebrations.  

We would love to see all your wonderful papercraft creations about Celebrations.

We have two important rules.  

1.  No Stamps (with exception of a sentiment stamp)

2. Have fun.

Other Rules to be found on the Unstampabelles Blog.

Our challenges are monthly and start on the first Monday of the month.

So this challenge will run 4th July to 31st July.

Our sponsor this month is Sticker Store.

and they have offered this wonderful prize:

12 stickers, acetate sheets and a book on using transparent stickers.

Now on to my card.  I have used this Iris Folding pattern from Crafts-U-Print. 

 I made the image a little smaller to fit on the front of the Easel Card.  I have used metallic silver paper and silver jac paper for the ice bucket.  Then used a light blue pearlised paper for the ice cubes.   This was a learning curve for me as the ice cubes are created with corner folds which I had no idea how to do.  So googled!  Discovered that Valita's Design had a quick tutorial and I was right as rain again.

The green for the bottle is from an old Christmas tissue box.  The black is handmade paper.

Added some border stickers to the buckets and two jewellery rings to the bucket handles.

Finished the card with the lovely ribbons from Blue Edge Crafts and of course a silver Congratulations sticker from the Sticker Store.

This is my card as I was sticking each strip of paper to the rear of the image.

This is one thing I really like about Iris Folding as it always looks so messy and it is a lovely surprise when you turn it over and see how neatly it has all turned out.

A close up of the ice cubes.

Now it's your turn....please head over to the Unstampabelles Blog and check out the remainder of the Design Teams amazing creations.   Then add your creation to the link gadget so we can all come visit and see.

I would like to enter this into the following challenge.

Make it Monday - Always Anything Goes ends 11th July