The ScrapFan

First Day of School for Lulu!

2012-02-02T11:14:00.004+02:00

My submission for ScrapAfricas first challenge. :-)

Scrap Africa is Born

2012-01-31T10:46:00.000+02:00

I have been inspired to start scrapping again by a challenge posted on a brand-new local Scrap Africa blog. I must thank these ladies for stirring my creative spirit once again.

I am currently unpacking my (many) unused kits and beginning to work on the first challenge they have posted which is due by 9 Feb. Quick - pop over and take a looksee and join in the fun!

Mini Break

2011-07-26T17:00:00.000+02:00

We spent one night at Old MacDaddy's and fell in love. A simple layout with many pictures but kept clean and simple.

I really need some tips in photographing my layouts....dang they dont look so hot!! All skew and weird colours.

The Fashionista

2011-07-25T16:57:00.000+02:00

My daughter has always had an eclectic dress sense and this fun layout just captures is beautifully.

Overcoming a fear

2011-07-24T16:55:00.003+02:00

This layout speaks about my long term fear of a nearby mountain pass and how my family have helped me overcome it.

Me @ 38

2011-07-22T15:45:00.004+02:00

So another year has crept by and I am kicking myself for missing my "mel @ 37" last year. BUT not deterred here is my "Me at 38".

Apologies for dodgy camera work - cellphone had to suffice today.

Journalling as follows:

think this may well have been the hardest year for me. Not in terms of dealing with kids or any external stuff. Purely dealing with myself. The real me. Whoever she is. I think my wheels started spinning a few weeks before my 38^th birthday when I got vertigo – Outwardly I appeared fine but internally I was a mess. Once diagnosed I was relieved but I still had to deal with the condition which ended up lasting almost 4months. During this time I came face to face with my demons. My anxiety hit an all time high – I couldnt stop worrying about everything. My body responded with more and more weird symptoms and so the cycle continued.

I have slowly fought my way back from the edge. I have looked into that deep pit called Anxiety. I may have dipped a big toe in it but thankfully I managed to turn my back and walk in the other direction. Toward Hope. Toward Grace. Toward Faith.

This has been a year of discovery. Of finding what really matters to me and finding ways to execute a meaningful existence. I dont want life to happen around me. I want to drink it, taste it and feel it every day. I never want to look back with regret. Ever.

See my other *birthday* layouts here.

I am back!

2011-04-20T18:56:00.003+02:00

So, 17 months later (it feels much longer!) I have picked up my paper and glue and begun to scrap again.

My children are begging me to continue. My husband is missing the mini albums I used to do annually. I hadnt really realised how much I missed it until I got going again this afternoon....

This layout is FULL OF STUFF. Can you tell I was enjoying my long last stash? I had such fun even though it is much busier than my usual style. (usual style??? cant even remember it!)

The journalling is tucked in the envelope - I has simply printed out one of my blog posts regarding my relationship with my lad.

Photo quality dodgy as taken with my cellphone but you get the idea, yes?

Thanks for looking!

November LO's

2009-11-19T18:43:00.002+02:00

My camera is on the blink so apologies for the less-than-stellar pictures...

Its THAT time of year again

2009-11-15T12:09:00.005+02:00

Yup, simply days before I hit 37.

Many of you know that each year I do at least one layout about myself around my birthday. I have done this since I was 32 . Its great for me to look back and catch glimpses of our my life has changed over the years.

Bear in mind - this is my debut back into the world of the scrapbooker. So...be gentle.

Go here to see all the previous LO's and journalling if you interested!

Break in Transmission

2009-11-13T12:03:00.001+02:00

Cant believe its been 4 months and some days since I scrapped!

Well, Hooli has been home with me so I guess that would count for something...but I have done quite a few LO's in the last few days and will get them up later today.

That is ... of course...if anyone still visits here!!

xxx

Shamelessly Scraplifting...

2009-07-04T17:09:00.005+02:00

I decided to let chaos reign, children whine and mess accumulate today. I continued my scrappy streak which started last night around 9pm..... Last night I printed out some of my fav layouts with the notion to lift them today. Take a look.

Kim's layout...I loved the freshness, the amazing multiphoto yet uncluttered look.

My take was pretty much a straight lift, with Kim's layouts you either lift it as closely as possible or risk missing the mark completely. I opted with the former and am very happy with the result.
I should have waited for good light to photograph it but am FAR too impatient for that.....

This is a lift from the Cocoa Daisy gallery. Designer, Christine, did this linear, fresh approach that I simply love. This is the second of her layouts that I have lifted.

Her layout:

My take. Also taken in dusky light. *sigh*

Thanks for looking!

Two for Show and Giveaway Fun!

2009-07-03T19:01:00.003+02:00

First up : a scrappy giveaway....go take a looksee over at http://rasberrydt.typepad.com/

I am thoroughly enjoying using the Cocoa Daisy kits. The first LO is the April kit and the last one is the May kit.

I am plan to make space next week to do a few more. I have printed out a few of KJ's LO's as inspiration ....

Ah. I scrapped!

2009-06-09T11:58:00.005+02:00

These pages have been lying on my table for 2 weeks, just waiting to be dollied up. Today I looked at them and thought -

Dang! They look just fine and my kids wont care that they are simple and not full of layering and stash. So without further adieu....

My tribute to Levi on the (almost) eve of his 3rd birthday.

(okay, the black dot is supposed to be BETWEEN the Pictures and Words but it slipped and I ait photographing it again...)

The other layout has photographed well, its too blown out so will post it again later. Off on the school run.

Two for You

2009-05-11T08:43:00.004+02:00

I scrapped 2 quick LO's last night. I have yet to tuck into my new Cocoa Daisy kit.....

These papers came with some cheapie Christmas kit I got the kids from CNA a week ago and I like them so much I decided to nab them!

My Capie pals - how is this amazing weather? My kids were swimming this weekend. Love it!

Frustration

2009-05-10T22:21:00.001+02:00

Its almost 11pm and blogger is refusing to co-operate but I will try again tomorrow to upload some of my LO's.

Its been a while.....!

Part Deux of Mels Mojo Madness

2009-03-27T14:07:00.007+02:00

Todays layouts are all from the Cocoa Daisy kit(s). Yesterdays post - 2 of the 3 where CD kits. Hanging Out and Goodbye Honey. The Swim one was my own stash.

**************

The layout below is for the Cocoa Daisy Scraplift challenge - all about paper piecing....not my cup of tea but I decided to t.r.y. anyway. I pieced/wove a sheet of papers together. Stuck them on a separate sheet of cardstock and then cut my accents from them.

A nice, clean layout was born. Am happy with it; despite the lack of journalling. I felt justified in swerving the journalling as this photo has already been scrapped in my Glimpses of 2008 album....

This layout tells the tale of our family photo last Christmas...

Okay, here is this story... This is my first attempt at documenting 1 JAn 2009. I felt the layout looked bland and unfinished. I was hesitant to add anything because I wanted the layout to stay clean and uncluttered. I posted it to the CD gallery and immediately LOATHED IT.

So - I added to it....I think it looks w-aaa-y better. What you say? The journalling strips, paper clip and vine round out the visual triangle and make it far more pleasing to my eye.

Thanks for looking! Now saaaayy something....please? Good or bad or indifferent!

The Unveiling of my Mojo

2009-03-26T18:38:00.006+02:00

It may take a few days to reveal all my layouts as I am having significant connectivity issues. I am currently using a ridiculously unstable 3G connection....so will try upload and see how we go.

But FIRST: Go check out Sue's Beautiful Things giveaway....

That is all I have time for but will upload the next batch shortly!

Randomness and Pontifications

2009-03-23T11:16:00.001+02:00

A quick layout on a Monday morning is sooooo much more fun that cleaning the kitchen, dontcha think?

Happy Monday folks.

Cheating in Style

2009-03-18T14:46:00.003+02:00

I do believe I have mentioned in previous postings that I do not indulge in 'event scrapping' which translates to the fact that I have done exactly ONE christmas layout to date. I did it as an assignment, not a choice.

I do not enjoy 'theme' pages - easter, christmas, birthdays etc. Christmas freaks me out the most because of all the pictures that are taken. I have a large family. We have many gatherings and I always feel utterly overwhelmed at the thought of scrapping our Christmas shindigs.

So I cheated. I have bought a pre-designed Christmas album from Making Memories. Its not even a little bit cheesy. (IMO anyway!) Its got lots of 3-d elements, a corduroy cover and is, frankly, a whole lot more attractive than anything I would put together.

I plan to round up many many photos - get a-cropping and a-sticking and have my Christmas scrapping up to date in about 25minutes! Woo hool

Just call me Prolific

2009-03-17T15:38:00.004+02:00

Yes, another one people. CAn you believe it? Feast or famine over here! My scrap table looks like its been ransacked. LOL

It seems the key to my mojo is to have the photos + the story READY (ie not in my head) and then the LO flows relatively easily. The colour looks a bit skwonk but its the best I could do.

In other ridiculously exciting news....I signed up with Cocoa Daisy Kit Club! After seeing KJ's stash arrive month after month I simply could not contain myself any longer! Thankfully, I have a very supportive man who finds my passion every bit as meaningful as I do.

I am expecting my Feb / March kits in the next week or so. And I just checked out the sneak preview of Aprils kit....Omiword people. Utterly gorgeous, my fav thus far.

Anyway, more scrappy news tomorrow....another new purchase I want to share with you. Stay tuned!

Solo Artist

2009-03-17T10:10:00.007+02:00

I used [by my standards] vast quantities of stash on this layout. Paper, ink, stickers, buttons, rub-ons, metal embelleshment and gaffer tape.

The latest offering : I had to document Levi's affinity for music. It is not simply a passing toddler phase. It is a deep rooted need in him - to hear music and to play music. I cannot wait to see where his passion takes him in this life.

Please note the [many] dimensional elements on this page.....I always struggle with dimension as mine often appears kinda lame but I do think they worked this time.

That makes me HAPPY!

[the Blogger-mad spacing is not part of my creative escape.....]

Stolen Moments

2009-03-15T17:41:00.002+02:00

We arrived home from Mcgregor around 3pm....the girls became ensconced in a Disney movie. The boys were mowing and doing all things outdoors.

I pottered off to unpack the bags....but not before my eyes wandered to my scrap table and spied the 30-odd pics I had printed on Thursday. Especially to be scrapped.

Now my history with photos is NOT good. Those lost photos of some weeks HAVE NEVER surfaced. I told myself its definitely best to SCRAP immediately. The unpacking can wait.

I love this simple, colourful and fun layout. Captures the boy completely.

Cocoa Daisy Scraplift

2009-03-05T05:21:00.000+02:00

So I decided to start and apply myself to some challenges online. Kim posted about CD Scraplift challenge on her blog...and with that AC stuff up for grabs....I simply could not pass it by.

Here is the original....

And here is my 30minute take:

Amazing how quick it is with a sketch. The girls swam and I scrapped f.a.s.t. while the boy slept. Am hoping to kickstart my creative side again.

I did receive some AWESOME happy mail today. I must photograph and share it with you .

Tomorrow!

Little Shop Entry

2009-03-04T15:13:00.004+02:00

LSOS sketch looks like this:

My entry looks like this: This pic was taken almost 2 yrs ago. Nostalgia biting hard....

Something To Share {at last}

2009-01-28T18:55:00.007+02:00

Finally I have 2 layouts to post. I am not overly ecstatic with either of them but am hoping that just by fiddling with paper and glue I will regain my desire to scrap.

This one I did for one of KJ's challenges last year but just felt it didnt quite fit the requirements.

It chronicles 'Just Another Sunday' and speaks of the everyday things in our lives.

I did this one about a week ago. I was trying to get over the fact that my photos are lost for ever and always. So I just grabbed the nearest pics and worked with stuff scattered on my work surface. I just wanted to get going again.

I am not unhappy with the LO but as a journaller it troubles me that it doesnt say much....but I will let that go for now and just enjoy it!

Kids Bedrooms

2009-01-18T21:59:00.005+02:00

Apologies off the bat for those that have seen these LO's. I know I posted them on my other blog around June-ish last year. I think I may have attracted 2 new readers (!!) so this may be new to them!

I am still stoked with these, not because of any great design element but simply because they capture each child's room so beautifully. I remember a few of you saying you were keen to do a similar thing for your kids....so? Have you?

Anyway ladies, thanks for faithfully reading and I do hope to have some fresh content soon. The stinker is that the story of the missing photos persists, so I am going to HAVE to get them reprinted. As Vicki says....as soon as I reprint, then I shalt find them!

xx

Can I still be a scrapper?

2009-01-13T22:16:00.004+02:00

Its been many, many sleeps since I even thought about scrapping. School holidays here in SA started early Dec and the kids only go back next week Wednesday.

I am desperate to scrap. There I said it. Desperate. It feeds my very core. My frustration levels are very high due to the fact that I have mislaid my photos.....see my daily blog (13/1)for details.

I thought I would share the photo I want to scrap first. I am not sure of the journalling that will accompany it but it will be of a reflective nature. I cannot believe how my 3 (particularly my littlest) have grown and developed this year. Of course, the pic will be cropped and shopped to within an inch of its former glory....

Time is water through our fingers.

Watch this space for new LO's soon!

First Christmas LO - EVER

2008-12-01T14:32:00.004+02:00

I dont do Christmas LO's. Too many photos. Too many colours. Too many family members (what if I forget to include someone?). Christmas is just TOO for me. So no layouts. Period.

Until now. A challenge for Jounaling Junkie has forced me to re-look this. Unfortunately I lost most of my Christmas photos when my external drive took a dive....these (rather dismal) pics where stashed in a draw somewhere.

I think I may try gather a few from past Christmas's and just do a generic LO for each year. Just a Where, Who, What vibe. Not a million bells and whistles. (like I ever do that!)

Oh but wait...check out the dimension
on this one baby! KJ will be proud....

The Layered Look

2008-11-22T13:17:00.008+02:00

As I 'non-dimensional' scrapper, the layered look kinda escapes me. I always feel if I layer heavily that my photo begins to disappear. Clearly I just dont do it right because I drool over some layered LO's by other artists!

I still gave it a crack though, spurred on by the challenge over on KJ's blog.

Layering to me = patterned paper + paint + rub-ons + gaffer tape etc. In Mel-speak, commonly referred to has 'flat-layering'!!

I had fun doing this LO. The little guy was pottering around, wreaking havoc as he has already figured out that if Mom is scrapping the world can fall down and SHE WONT NOTICE. (or care!)

The girls were upstairs watching morning tv. Since the ban on tv during the week, Saturday morns have become pretty precious to them!

Russ was in PE til lunchtime so I arbed in my VERY UNATTRACTIVE fleece gown and scrapped my little heart out.

Luverly.

Thoughts on the Simple

2008-11-12T09:55:00.003+02:00

Journalling : I have found that pursuing a life of simplicity comes at a cost few people care to mention.

I am not saying its not worth it...simply that its not as easy as tossing out a few boxes of unwanted junk or saying no to arbitary requests on your time.

Simplicity is not only decluttering your home and time but also decluttering (renewing) your mind. This is something I find far more challenging but a journey certainly worth travelling.

Challenge Entry

2008-11-10T20:45:00.004+02:00

My entry for the challenge on KJ's blog. (take 2!)

- Use 5 patterned papers
- Use the word AMAZE

Kindly note the stitching people....top right corner. Yes, be impressed. And little flower thingies at the bottom? Yes, time consuming and utterly un-Mel. But that is why I love KJ's challenges - she forces (in a lovely way!) me to try new things.

Journalling reads:

I still reckon the best way to embrace and celebrate everyday life is to allow yourself to be amazed by simple things.

Its not easy and I dont get it right very often, but it does add an aura of the extra-ordinary if you allow yourself to be amazed. Every day.

( see blog entry below on Monday 3 Nov for my first attempt at this challenge.....this is the re-do!)

Something New?

2008-11-06T15:38:00.003+02:00

So I used paint on this LO which is not unusual for me BUT what is super unusual is that I took the time to STITCH that super- cute butterfly. (if I may say so myself!)

Be amazed people. I sure as heck am! Am still not sold on the stitching game; think I would be more inclined if I had a sewing machine.

Then again, maybe not.

Purging and Sorting

2008-11-03T20:59:00.010+02:00

I got stuck into my scrap space recently to try to make it look vaguely organised and attractive.

With the house going on show shortly and the fact that we live in a completely open plan environment....I had to try to organise the chaos.

Its a great space to work especially when it looks like this...!

I did a page for KJ's challenge but HATED it.

Have redone it. Ripped this one to shreds. Still not loving the latest attempt...but will submit it anyway cos am * so* over this LO now!

Watch KJ's space around the 10 November to see the new one I did.

A time to create...

2008-10-22T10:37:00.004+02:00

This morning, I dropped my kids and came home to a quiet, tidy home. No housekeeper. Just me and the hounds. (who I am liking at the moment).

I stuck a load of dishes and laundry on. Made the beds, wiped the kitchen surfaces. I knew I would not be able to scrap with a clean conscience if these things werent done! I dont know when I developed my Martha conscience but there you have it.

I then, gleefully, put on some smooth jazz and headed to my workspace. These are what I did. Am pretty much loving them. Which feels good.

Journalling: It has taken me a while to grasp that peace is not about quiet and serene settings. Peace is a state of being - an internal state of serenity and calm, in spite of external chaos.
Phil 2:7 The peace of God which transcends all understanding....

Journalling: Was yet another grey Sept day. Where is Spring? Ever determined, we wall bundled up and headed to the beach. Who needs sun to have fun??

Give Yourself a Gift

2008-10-20T15:06:00.008+02:00

A while ago Stacey Julian challenged us to stop and capture life right now. No frills and no fuss. The aim is to keep it in your bag and look at it frequently. (I dont carry a bag; may have to live in the glove compartment!)

Due to technical difficulties I wasnt able to use the 'exact photos' I wanted to but I decided to stop being anal and just use what I had lying around.

Here is a few pages of my matchbox book - aint she sweet?

Delays...

2008-10-10T15:01:00.002+02:00

Just when I got myself all sorted with resizing, editing and sorting photos into correct folders for printing.....my laptop died. BEFORE I could transfer them to my stick. I am so bummed. I have creative juice pumping through my veins and little I can do about it!

Suffice to say I have created the album Stacey Julian has on her blog. Check out the challenge there to do a mini of " life - right now". It took m5 30mins to do.I used a Basic Grey Matchbox Mini. Just have to stick pics in when I get them printed. I already LOVE it. Probably just cos its cute, dinky and colourful! LOL

Am also almost finished a 6x6 called "THINGS WE DO."

I realise now that I cannot remember what I did when I had no kids? When I had only one kid? Two? Well, now I have 3 and I want to remember how we filled our days during the course of this year.

Its a super simple, no frills, no heavy journalling, no matting and doodles etc. Its a picture of each activity + a few words about it. Have 3 more mini-spreads to finish and then I promise to share! (assuming my pc is back).

Later guys. (and thanks to my 1 follower....!)

First Haircut

2008-10-06T10:38:00.002+02:00

Okay, so this is the LO I did a few weeks back. The one I dont like and didnt want to post.

I still dislike it with considerable intensity. In fact, to say I loathe it would be an understatement....however....it tells the story with all the journalling and it shows the process in pictures.

I dont think my boy will ever care about the lack of balance, design mojo or boring background. I may one day re-do it.

Actually I probably wont.

Sibling Affinity

2008-09-25T17:52:00.003+02:00

Have scrapped 3 Lo's in 2 days. Simply unheard of for me but I think it may have to do with the fact that I re-ordered my space (yes, again!). I always discover new stash and old photos and the combination just gets my fingers a-twitching!

I will post a new one every day or so....cant post all 3 now cos then I dont have new material for, like a week!!! So check back again soon...

I didnt say much on this one - I think the LO speaks for itself. I dont see the need to gut myself on every page so the journalling remains sparse here....

A Fan

2008-09-15T22:21:00.004+02:00

I am a Jamie Waters fan. I love her easy style. It seems so utterly effortless until you begin to "unpack" one of her layouts!

I especially enjoy her use of colour and word stickers. I am always nervous of using lots of patterned papers/colours as my sense is not great. I tend to use papers from the 'same range' cos my mix n match can look pretty dang awful.

Anyway - here are a few of Jamie's.

I did manage a LO yesteday (Levi's first haircut) but I dont like it.....yup, it went straight into the album....maybe I should share but right now?

Nah!

A fourth child?

2008-09-11T20:15:00.004+02:00

I think I did this LO probably about 18mnths ago. I knew there would come a time in my life where I would begin to think about having a fourth baby.

I knew I would FORGET the ramifications and only remember the 'warm and fuzzy' moments of babies. THAT IS WHY I MADE THE LAYOUT.

For this day. No more babies Mel. No more babies.

(click to enlarge and read journalling)

Featured Layout

2008-09-10T10:29:00.002+02:00

This was my LO that I did for the DT call on Journaling Junkie.

To my mind its a bit "all over the place" but then again, so is Faith so i will try to convince you that it was planned this way....

The journalling reads:

At 4yrs old you are incredibly in touch with your feelings - and very sensitve to others' too.

We taught you very early to try and articulate your emotions in an effort to help you process the physical intensity that builds up in your little body.

Our lives have improved dramatically - as has yours - with this skill you have mastered.

You are still prone to some serious Grouch-i-ness but you remain super cute!

New Ones!

2008-09-09T15:45:00.002+02:00

The Thirties and Me

2008-09-04T11:44:00.007+02:00

I scrapped people. I did it. It was a sheer act of will but I did it and stangely enjoyed the moment. I decided to just grab a few pics I already had (from my BOM) and just put together a page of me.

I decided if that US chick with 5 kids can run for VP, then I can scrap this morning INSTEAD of doing laundry. (if you have no idea what I am talking about see my other blog)

On reflection I decided to go back and look at some of my past LO's and I discovered I have done a "Me @ 3--- " since I was 32. It wasnt a calculated thing so its cool for me to see how things (me) have changed and grown.

I was particularly interested to see how each page, in its design, style and colours, seem to really reflect where I was 'in my head' at the time. I have decided to share them with you---bear in mind the one I did today is the last one; me at 35.

34

Journalling on above page reads as follows:

35

(And just a special thanks to Vicky for always leaving comments here...as well as my other spot...means much to me.)

Happy Mail

2008-09-02T20:35:00.004+02:00

Look what arrived today. Just in time to rescue me from my pity party. Am turning in early to suck up all this creativity!

Simple Scrapbooks is my all time favourite mag; my subs is my little indulgence....
Stay tuned for prolific scrapping.

Yes. Well. Maybe.

Cerebral Moment

2008-09-01T19:49:00.004+02:00

Do you ever get those weird thoughts about your scrapping and what the heck are you doing?

I sometimes look at my albums and wonder why I am doing all this. The time, the fuss, the expense, the thought, the organising and the hobby in and of itself. I could, after all, just put pics in a photo album with journalling alongside. (i do this aswell....cant scrap everything!)

I have these moments occasionally. They do pass. I realise scrapping is a creative outlet and maybe I am just not feeling that creative lately. Life presses in and creativity is stunted. My space is not working for me and my desk in shared with DH at the moment. I have a tiny desk. All in all - not a happy picture.

I plan to scrap this week. Just something to keep it alive. I did sort all my scraps of paper last week....hoping that would light my fire. It certainly did stoke a spark or two but the wet weekend and the demands of 3 bored little kids stamped it out in a rush!!

And just so this post is not utterly meaningless.... here is a LO I did for a challenge (which I won, woo hoo) sometime back on Dragonfly Time!

Its still a firm favourite of mine. The photo is out of focus yada yada but I love it.

Looking forward to popping in on some of my local scrappy bloggers and see what you have been up to!

Fathers Day in Acrylic

2008-08-29T11:43:00.016+02:00

I did this album in 3 hours - 2 days before Fathers Day. It has turned out to be one of the most epic albums I have ever done. Not much in terms of design (its super simple) or supplies but all because of the content of this little gem. The journalling. Pure and simple.

I feel I really managed to capture the spirit of this guy - the father to my kids. Russ is an EPIC dad - he adores his kids and they love him to bits. The kids drew pictures and wrote notes to add to this album; I think Russ will be turning to this one regularly.

He took it to work every day for a week to show different colleagues....speaks volumes huh?

My Glimpses Album

2008-08-28T11:32:00.007+02:00

A couple of you know that each year I do a mini-album that I call my "Glimpses 200?" This little album has proved a real treasure - I learnt all about it in a class Stacey Julian taught us in 2005. And I have done one every year since.

The format is super simple, super easy and super cute. It is possible to become overwhelmed at trying to capture the year in a tiny album BUT that is not the point! We scrap all year to do that - this is a 'nutshell album'.I think its easier if I show you some examples from my previous years, these albums were done in 6x6 format : Click to enlarge images.

Mel 2005

Mel 2007

Faith 2005

Faith 2007

As you can see there are set little 'questions' you answer for each member of your family. I also do filler pages with other highlights (or just ordinary lights!) of our year that may not have made it to my other albums but are still noteworthy. These are Russ' favourite albums....he hauls these out regularly!

Stay tuned - will post some filler pages at a later date.

Celebrating

2008-08-24T19:53:00.002+02:00

Click to enlarge

My friend, Stef, had a birthday recently and she treated a couple of us to an afternoon of scrapping. We printed four photos of ourselves and gave one to each mate - Stef provided a sketch (a la Becky Fleck) and this is my interpretation.

I Shopped Today!

2008-08-22T22:36:00.002+02:00

I have to tell you that today I bought not 1, not 2 but 6 of the new Making Memories Corduroy 3 ring albums.

Am still trembling with excitement I tell you! The master plan is, of course, to have one for each member of the family + 1 extra for more general layouts.

For months I have had layouts lying around, homeless and lost. Now I cant wait to grab a gap and re-home them in their swanky new spaces!

Work in Progress

2008-08-21T21:59:00.008+02:00

I decided I need to share as I go because its clearly more fun that way. At least for me. It will teach me to stop being so bloody anal and just show the stuff....I tend to want to wait til its "all done" but in my life that my take forever!

The cover - ta - da!

Whats in a Name?

My Dream Job

My Breathing Space

My Magic Carpet Ride

A special email I received this year.

Me - {in Labels}

Birthday Delights

2008-06-11T20:51:00.005+02:00

Click to enlarge.

The LO's are of the girls birthdays.

The colours a) match the photos and b) are indicative of the girls personalities

I had fun with these - birthdays are licence to go the "whole hog" so I did.

Happy scrapping y'all!

Lessons from A Child

2008-06-03T19:46:00.006+02:00

I love this LO; truly my daughter has taught me so much in her 4 short years.

Remember SOME of the Funnies

2008-04-27T19:06:00.006+02:00

Do your kids say the funniest things? Remember to scrap them! Dont feel like you have to scrap them all - sit down today and write down 3 of your all time funnies that your kids have said and scrap them!

Journalling on photo reads:

Me: YOu can be a pretty wild child sometimes Faithy!
Faith: I'm not wild. I am Strawberry Shortcake! I am the QUEEN!
Me: OK Lou-Lou if thats the way you wanna play it!

Below photo quotes: My butt crack is falling down (meaning: my pants are slipping down)
Food me Mom ( feed me Mom)
Where is my Cinda Binda? (where is Lucinda?)

Journalling reads:

Rach: You're a baby Faith!
Faith: I notta baby.
Rach: Yes you are.
Faith: 'Notta a baby!
Rach: You're a toddler then.
Faith: Notta toddler!
Rach: What are you then?
Faith: I'm a girl!

Capture some of the moments - you dont have to get them all!

Sticker magic

2008-03-21T14:45:00.007+02:00

I must confess to being bit of a sticker junkie. I think it may be because I am inherently a lazy scrapper. I believe I am in good company though as both Ali E and Jami e W love stickers! Now I just wish I could work the same magic on my layouts as they do on theirs.... ;))

Journalling:

Rachel holds Levi for the first time.....Its somthing I cant quite grasp. Almost indescribable. Watching my firstborn holding my lastborn. The tenderness and joy radiated from Rachel as she held her brother for the very first time. Even now, 2yrs later, they have a special bond-a unique way of relating. As most mothers, I can only pray they grow up to be the best of friends.
Pics 21 june 2006 .

Journalling :

Russ has always adored the infant phase. I think it rides with his calm and placid nature. All the kids were soothed by his presence and gentle touch.
Pics June 2006

Posted by The Scrapfan alias Simply-Mel

Comfort Zones

2008-03-16T16:04:00.004+02:00

I have been doing many classes and a couple of personal layouts that incorporated numerous photos. This is not my most comfortable space. I am more a 1 photo type of chic, but due to the number of photos I take it is imperative that I "multi-photo" scrap occasionally!

Today, I took a breather and slipped back into comfort zone..... this style of scrapping takes 30mins and not a whole lot of prep...just up my alley!

"34 " with hidden journalling behind pic.

sketch for "34" courtesy of http://camillaslillasida.blogspot.com

"Friendship"

Variety is the Spice

2008-03-15T21:19:00.005+02:00

Dont forget to scrap YOURSELF.
Many of us spend loads of time making albums for friends, scrapping our kids, dogs, cats and daily life. The missing link is often US.

Choose a medium that speaks to you. It doesnt have to be an entire album or even a mini-album. Lisa chose to use an accordion style tin format.

She didnt do any heavy journalling but managed to capture the key points of who she is.

Thanks for the inspiration Lisa!

Getting it Done {and loving it!}

2008-03-12T13:38:00.010+02:00

These are some of the LO's from the classes. The girls are all still working on " catching up " on their kids pics. Here is a shot of some of them....hard at work making great progress! Really need to get another table!

The LO for the class was inspired by .... Becky Higgins...

My take (Mel):

Lisa's take:

Vicki' s take:

Some single LO's from class:

Michelle's first page EVER! Go girl!

This LO is a Mel Original....I do sometimes create original stuff!

These are Vicki's takes on my sketch.

Out of the Box...Or maybe In the Box?

2008-03-10T18:25:00.005+02:00

Its been a while since I posted...having Blogger technical difficulties.

Have managed to scrap MANY layouts the last few days, but this is something new I played with.

Inspired by something I saw in Ali's new book "Life Artist" . Perfect for all those bits and bobs you got lying around.

The ScrapFan alias The Five-Browns

And now she can READ!

2008-03-03T20:16:00.003+02:00

What a special day - my firstborn learnt to read!

Results of the Purge

2008-02-27T22:14:00.012+02:00

My new, much more organised scrap storage area. Everything has a home and the diminished number of supplies means a much more efficient way of scrapping for me! I must confess, the less "stuff" I have to obsess over the easier it is for me to get a page done.
Simplicity is my scrapping middle name!

Stuff in the 3 drawer stacker - see pics above from left to right : General flat embellishments, rub-ons and stickers.

These are the mags / books / empty albums ----- I know some of you want so see what I got!

This is not the complete collection - some of my favourites are next to my bed, in the
bathroom, in the lounge, in the car - you know - all over the place!

Also sorted my chipboard/acrylic alphas into a little gidget box so each letter is in its own space, so much easier to see if I can spell out the desired word. Been meaning to do that for ages. Next task is keeping everything 'op sy plek' {in its place}

I did 4 LO's today but am not ready to load them today as the journalling is not complete. Hope to have them up by Friday. Possibly along with the class LO's that I am teaching.

The Scrapfan alias The Five-Browns

xx

Class Layouts

2008-02-22T20:54:00.004+02:00

These are from last week. I keep forgetting to photograph the layouts before the ladies leave! I managed to get these two though. We are still on this terms' mission to get "caught up" on our kids. The ladies are doing remarkably well, usually finishing 1 x double LO and 1 x single. These are both original sketches.

Ilse's Layout:

Lisa's Layout:

Melody's altered book.

2008-02-11T07:38:00.000+02:00

This is my completed altered book project using Autumn Leaves Techno Pop Range.
I used great photos from our Portrait People shoot last year and married them with some of my favourite blog posts from 2007. This was such a fun project and my kids love the colours and visitor always pick this one up to peruse!

Melody's class layouts.

2008-02-11T07:33:00.000+02:00

These are from my class last Friday. Credits as follows:

Red/Gren dotty one with boy baby : Vicky Rattray
Orange/Green/Blue girl one : Lisa Smuts
(sketch by Becky Higgins)

Colour blocked one : Shirley Hunt
(Inspired by Cathy Zielske)

Scrapping Frenzy

2008-01-24T11:32:00.000+02:00

Ok, so frenzy may be a strong word, however if you saw my desk right now perhaps you would agree .....

I took 2 hours this morn, grabbed some supplies I have been itching to use and set to work. I had photos already printed (4x6) so that always helps things move along nicely.

LAYOUT 1:

This one has really not photographed well as I have used a transparent overlay. I bought this overlay about 3 years ago and it was time to use the benighted thing! I used fun family pics that we took at the World of Birds. They are fuzzy and badly lit but I will always remember the fun we had setting them up!

Journalling reads:

I can feel my family growing up. Growing to be friends. What an awesome blessing to be part of this delightful gang. World of Birds Dec 2007

LAYOUT 2:

Journalling :

Being the eldest is not easy. Your brother and sister often demand much of my time but I want you to know that I SEE you Rach. I notice and the love fiesty, independent girl you are. I am mad about you and I SEE you small one. Jan 2008

LAYOUT 3:

Journalling:

I am so thankful for you; for us. That we persevered through the tough times. Here we are happy, content and probably tired! But always together. Scarborough Beach.
Photos by Rach Dec 2007