Surprise in the mail !

It's very exciting to get something other than bills in the mail, don't you think? Even more exciting when it's a package. Particularly when I had forgotten it was coming. Because I had knitted my very first socks for Southern Summer of Socks knitalong, the newbies got a prize to keep the enthusiam levels high.

A great drawstring bag, perfect sock size, perfect even more so that I can now leave my socks out with no more fear that the cat will take a liking to purple Rowan half knitted socks!! LOL And fabulous stitch markers from Shazmina Bendi Designs. Thank you all. Considering to date when I had needed stitch markers I just made a knotted circle from another colour wool and used that, these markers will come in very handy and most appreciated.

You will have to only imagine them tonight as the batteries from the camera are charging right now. Pictures forthcoming.

One of the CT members got me talking about motor bikes, in particular my brother and his beloved bike, so thought I'd scrap a page, which can go in the album I am now making for my mum for next year. (So many albums on the go!!!!!) Here tis for your viewing pleasure. Trev, hope you like it. (It was nearly called TREV HEAD! hahahahahahahaha)




Credits
Paper from Not So Blue by [ksharonkdesigns]
Negative Strip – Tones of Autumn kit by Vintage Charm
Ribbon – ‘For Sharon’ minikit by Vintage Charm
Arrows – Grubby Boys paper pack by Vintage Charm
Fonts – AnthologY and Arriere Garde

I love Lavender

I really do. I love the scent, I love the feeling of wellness it evokes, and of course I do love purple.

I am certainly no gardener but I am thrilled with the driveway of lavender I have going right now, which I planted last year. Lets face it, it takes a lot to do harm to lavender right? Even my non-green thumb isn't going to kill that off. I have a dirty big agapantha right in the middle though which I need muscles to help take out for me. It must go!

So this is a pic of some of the lavender in my driveway, again created with Sharon and Megan goodness from twolittlepixels ...


Credits
Paper Essentials Lavender/Lime by [ksharonkdesigns]
Frames from Small Packages Frames 4 by [ksharonkdesigns]
Alpha from Tones of Autumn Kit by Vintage Charm
Bow (recoloured) from Crumples Spice by Tracy Ann
Font – Pea Katie

My very first pair of socks - finished !

Voila, they are done. How absolutely funny the way the yarn has completely gone different in each sock, I swear I didn't do anything different. I just started from where I left off. No matter though. I love the uniqueness.

They don't fit my hoofers, so I can't model them, so a picture of them playing in the hydrangeas and then sunbaking on the back lawn will have to do. They will be added to mum's presents for Christmas, she'll adore them I'm sure.

frame by [ksharonkdesigns]

Shortcut to Sunday roast

Mike has been off camping since Thursday evening and back this arvo some time ... he found a little nugget, woo hoo! I keep telling him to find a piece of gold the size of his head so I can retire but he just hasn't walked over it yet! LOL

So I'm being a bit lazy for our roast dinner tonight, we don't have one EVERY Sunday, just every couple of Sundays I'll do a roast. I bought a pre-cooked turkey breast. Is that just sheer blasphemy for my American friends? After all the time and effort they've just spent in creating amazing turkey dinners for Thanksgiving? Oh well. This is easy, just open, carve, warm up, add roast vegies, cover with gravy and done! LOL

Now my mum. She's a funny thing. She comes out with a stack of wierd and wonderful and whacky sayings and I'm finding I come out with them too!! So I thought as a work in progress, as obviously I will need to keep adding to this, I'd document some of her all time favourites. And I'm not going to show her this, no chance of her seeing on here as she wouldn't even know how to turn on a computer, but I might make a family book up for her for next year, so this can be a surprise.

But not from you!! Here tis.

One might ask why you would love a duck, and who is the giddy aunt she's talking about? Who knows.

Credits

Plain Grunge paper pack by Vintage Charm
Tea Stained Alpha by Vintage Charm
Journalling paper from Date Me Stamps by Vintage Charm
Ink Spots from Love Notes (former freebie) by Vintage Charm
Tie from Grubby Boys paper pack by Vintage Charm
Staple from Small Packages Stationery Plus 2 by [ksharonkdesigns]
Stitching by [ksharonkdesigns]
Photowraps No.1 by Katie Pertiet
Punch Alpha by Leah Riordan
Font – Antique type

[[ Vintage Charm products available at twolittlepixels ]]

A plethora of layouts!

That's a big word for a Saturday isn't it? ha. Well only one layout for you today. Secretly behind the scenes the pixel chicks (!!) have been doing all number of layouts in readiness for the opening of twolittlepixels. Now they can be released on the unsuspecting public, LOL (probably all one of you that read this!!) So I shall bring you one each day.

Isn't this the most delicious shade of green, like the sweetest of green cordial. You want it? Hmmmm, it just might be in a certain grab bag that I know!! ~~~ whistles innocently ~~~

Funniest thing about this pic, I aimed the camera at Molly, she rolled over, looked up and smiled and held the pose for easily 10 seconds so I could get the shot, then sat back up again. You think she might be ready for 'Australia's next top model' ???? hahaha




Credits
Paper Essentials Lavender/Lime by [ksharonkdesigns]
Arrows from Grubby Boys Paper Pack by Vintage Charm
Grid from Natural former blog freebie by [ksharonkdesigns]
Staples from Small Packages-Stationery Plus 1 by [ksharonkdesigns]
All available at twolittlepixels.
Fonts – You are Loved and Century Gothic
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Oh and here tis, are you ready for it, it's official ... I feel like I need a theme song or something. Here's my blinkie ...

Okay, must away, the day is getting away from me, I have sewing to do.

Introducing twolittlepixels

Well I've been bursting with this secret, but my lips have been sealed until tonight. Huge congratulations to Sharon [ksharonkdesigns] and Megan [of Vintage Charm fame] on the opening of their new store twolittlepixels. What a dynamic duo the two of them are, and their designs just go so well together.

There's two terrific opening freebies, so go join up and grab them, start creating and then post your gorgeous layouts to the gallery. I can't wait to see your pages.

And exciting for me is that I am now on this fabulous creative team full time, no more guesting!! Woo hoo. I'm a pixel chick !!!! How lucky I am, I could just pinch myself. Being able to use these fabulous designs by Sharon and Megan and being able to gab behind the scenes with a wonderful team who inspire me every day. Go check out the gallery and see what I mean.

And in honour of this grand occasion I took a sidestep from my "Things that Never Really Happened", LOL.

Credits
Papers from Grandma’s Closet paper pack by Vintage Charm
Grungy tags by Vintage Charm
Frames from Small Packages Frames 4 by [ksharonkdesigns]
Flowers from Meander Kit by [ksharonkdesigns]
String bow from All Natural Kit by [ksharonkdesigns]
Staples from Small Packages-Stationery Plus 1 by [ksharonkdesigns]
Swish Swirls from Tracy Ann Designs
Stitching by Tracy Blankenship
Font – Another Typewriter
Photograph – Square America

Can you keep a secret?

Well I'll show you what I've been working on today. My sewing didn't get far the other night, but today was the day. Half finished. I can't quite show you what I'm making because it's for a gift and I'm not sure if she does read along, but she does have the address to my blog so just in case I'll only show you the mess I made! LOL

Frame by [ksharonkdesigns]

As for sock news, I have now made 2 single socks. Bells gave me the advice to not follow on straight away with the partner to the first sock I made because I just didn't think I could face knitting it all over again. So I made a completely new sock. Now I'm back to doing the partner for the first sock again. Confused?

.

Thank goodness I remembered where I put the pattern. My main worry was that I wouldn't end up making the partner because of my commitment phobia to actually finishing things (I like starting things, dreaming of starting things, making the first stitches or cuts or placements, but I have a slight problem with finishing things). But I needed not worry as I'm almost up to the heel and I only cast on Sunday morning.

.

Cross fingers, pictures coming soon.

Hot

Where did this heat come from? It's hit quickly and I'm flagging. I know by world standards, heck, even Aussie standards, it's not hot here, but it's hot enough for me. Mike is having a granny nap on the couch, te he. I should say grandpa nap shouldn't I? I was about to start sewing but thought I'd blog instead.

I just went over to the next town to visit my local quilting shop for some calico, which I was seriously depleted in. She looked up in surprise when she saw me, probably thinking I'd dropped off the end of the earth or moved to another planet without saying goodbye! I just have not sewed all year. Why? Digi Scrapping! hahahaha

I do want to get two quick projects done before Christmas so will work on that today now that I have the needed calico. The ironing board is up, material is out, so what I am doing here? I need to show you this, that's what.

Sharon has her new blog freebie out for a limited time, called Serenity. It really is lovely so rush on over to Artistic Musings to pick it up, or click on the pic and it will take you to Sharon's blog. Hurry, or you'll miss out. Here's a pic of the freebie, too too pretty, and then what I did with it (love the little vintage scrap tag journalling thingys - that's the technical term of course, LOL). Enjoy.

Credits
Serenity freebie by [ksharonkdesigns] on her blog Artistic Musings
Frame from Small Packages Frames 4 by [ksharonkdesigns]
Magic Sparkles No.2 by Anna Apsnes
Fonts – Cac Shishoni and Antique Type
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Now off I go, sewing machine awaits! That will rouse someone from his nap, LOL.

Bliss !

Definition of bliss for me right now is waking up knowing I don't have to go back to work for three whole weeks!!!!!! Some people can't work me out, having rec leave in November. But I did it last year and loved it so much. I got *EVERYTHING* done for Christmas, shopping finished, presents wrapped, crafty things completed, cards written, menu planned. It was wonderful being able to head into December without a care in the world. I could really set about and enjoy the Christmas season. I aim to do the same this year.

I need to look back on my blog and see where I got up to with my 'Things' series to show you. I think I'm up to this one. Please let me know if you've seen it before here. You may have seen it in the gallery but not here as yet. If you've seen it before, then here's an encore performance, LOL.

Credits

Katie Pertiet - Vintage Picnic paper
Katie Pertiet - Stacked vintage frames
Katie Pertiet - Ledger Frames No2
Katie Pertiet - Hung up Tags
Pillowgirl's Essential bows/ribbons
Photo - Square America
Font - GF Halda

Sunday morning

Shhhh, he's still sleeping, snoring like a buzz saw! Decided to get up, have a cup of tea and do some ironing. Jeepers what is with that, before 9am even, ironing?!?!?!?!?! Sunday is meant to be a day of rest right? Although I do plan a trip to a nearby quilting shop later on today for a purchase of some Christmas material, so there is some fun in the offering today.

Hanging out one more week ... and then I'm off work for 3. Only 5 more working days. Can I hold on?

Sharing a layout I did recently, we usually head down to the 12 Apostles each year for the big breakfast. I really am so lucky being able to get in a car and head down here after a lovely drive any time I want.



Credits
Check it Out paper by Lynn Grieveson
Postage Stamp Frames No.3 by Katie Pertiet
Curled Paper edges by Anna Aspnes
Font – Neville Script
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Enjoy Sunday!!

The man!

Quick fly by posting! LOL

Lucky he doesn't mind getting his mug on this blog right? I'm rather pleased with this, I think sometimes simple is best when doing a page, although you'd laugh at what else I had on here before I decided to take it all off. te he

Pic of the man last weekend before we went to the festival. He was under the verandah here at home and for the life of me I couldn't work out the small streaks in the back of the photo (top right corner of the pic) until I realized I had caught the rain in mid drop.

Credits

Paper from Splatters 3 by Tracy Ann Digital Art
Splotch from Tracy Ann Something Special (Something Fab)
Font – Lainie Day

Okay well all that is left to be said is "hi ho hi ho, it's off to work I go". See you on the flip side.

Building an ark !

Yes, we're almost at that stage, what a weekend! It hasn't stopped raining since Friday night. Unbelievable but good. Big soaking rains. I swear our hydrangeas have doubled overnight. There are buds on them everywhere, they will look exquisite once they flower.

But mad as hatters we still went to the Dunkeld Arts Festival, rain as it did. We got to see a painting exhibition along with a photographic exhibition which has me all wired up to start driving around the area to take more landscape photographs. We bought some very nice honey coated cashews from a vendor and wished we bought more, they are delicious!!!! And then ended up in the pub drinking hot chocolates and coffee. We took a dear friend from town as well, and it was quite a treat to just be able to sit in the car on the way up and back and just talk and catch up, so that was good in itself.

Oh and a farmer shore a sheep (is that the right terminology?) right in front of me. Okay so a lot of people might get to see that on a daily basis out here, but I don't, not up that close. What an exquisite feeling the sheeps belly was after being shorn, almost like warm chenille. It was the strangest colour sheep too, browns *AND* white, I don't think I've ever seen a multi-coloured sheep before but they were there.

I did get to meet a few sheep yesterday, and want to show you this particular one, we have some way out sheep in the country!! LOL Don't you just love the hair do!!

[frame/staples by ksharonkdesigns]

Ahhhh, weekend at last

I shouldn't really say "at last" I guess, because this week has gone super fast. Only 2 more weeks and I have a small break from work, counting down the days!

I must share my latest offering using a fabulous new kit out in pickleberrypop tonight called "All Natural". I have to say that Sharon has done it again. This is a super kit full of colours that will just compliment so many, if not all, of everything she has done to date. I just love it, the papers are so rich and textured.

I must tell you the story of this layout. My darling father-in-law drove 2 hours to get to our place one weekend and took our sorry outdoor chair apart, took all the bits and pieces back home, lovingly sanded it all back, re-stained it, repainted the wrought iron, drove 2 hours back to our place the next weekend and reassembled it which was a mammoth effort as he hadn't numbered which plank went in which position. Finally it was all back together again. A labour of love for us truly, we appreciated it so much.

But this is the view that greets us most sunny mornings, afternoons, early evenings, any time really. It's Molly's favourite spot to park herself and just watch the world go by. Looks mighty uncomfortable doesn't it? But she loves it.

But shhhhhh, it's our secret right? My father-in-law has absolutely no idea!! Please don't tell, LOL.

And this is Sharon's All Natural kit I used to create the page.

I also popped in a crown by Fantacy, the Scrappin' Hillbilly Sweetpea to crown the Princess Molly!!

Tomorrow we are heading up to Dunkeld to the Dunkeld Mosaic Festival. It should be fun if the weather holds, it's meant to be rain. I can't complain though, the farmers need it. It will be a nice drive there anyway and lets hope some fun pictures to show when we return.

Nighty night all.