ITS ALL A MATTER OF BALANCE!!!!

Balance is something Ive been thinking alot about lately.
For the first 3 months of the year I was totally dedicated to my 365 project and blogging every day. I was a bit critical of my photography skills and a little embarrassed my lack of writing skills. I was putting alot of pressure on myself and after 3 months pretty much gave up. Oh yes I said to myself that I would still do both every couple of days but did I ???? Thats a big fat NO!
The last 2 months has seen me do only a couple of entries and although the pressure has been off I have been really disappointed in myself. When I stop and thought about it, I really enjoyed putting my blog up everyday. I actually thought about my day and how I had used it.
I have also realised that I was alot more creative then, more determined to do something rather than sit on my computer and browse. Don't get me wrong, I have found some amazing stuff out there in blog world and am totally inspired, now I just need to be more motivated. So here I go again.
I thought Id start by sharing my retreat pages.....

The last to are the pages I completed on my own at retreat, "a Fish Wish" actually has a pocket to hold Maddii's school report.

P.S Tried to post this last night but blogger said NO

Yipee!!!!!

I'll start today with a big "YIPEE".  I found out this morning that I was runner up for a Golden Globe!!! (if only it was a real Golden Globe, a bit hard since I dont act, except like a fool, lol ) at Screen to Scrap. I was stoked as it was the first time I had ever participated in a prize challenge.
Here is my entry( I wish I had photographed it instead of scanning it, oh well, live and learn)

I really enjoyed this challenge and have found a lot more places to play. See the link on my blog if you want to join in. I have to say that even though it was great to win a prize, I have found that by joining in on these challenges I have been encouraged and inspired by all the lovely people leaving comments.

Today's 365 challenge photo is

Our dear "Nemo"

After nearly a year of sitting around, Nemo (our kayak) was finally taken out for a paddle. When we lived directly on the water Nemo was taken out regularly. Now that we live a street away from the beach, he has been so lucky. 

Tony, Phoenix and Lavender took Nemo down to the beach and had a paddle around the marina. OMG he even got a wash down after!!!

M.I.A

Hi everyone, no I haven't crept into some cave or fallen of the side of the Earth, LOL, I have just been really busy with the Christmas preps.
 This year I was determined to do something Christmassy every day in December. I  LOVE Christmas and everything about it.  In an attempt to be a "perfect Mum" and share my love of the season with the kids, I had grand plans.
With out going into too much detail that lasted for the first 10 days!!! I feel a bit guilty/ slack but know I tried my best. It hard to stop that itch to scrap. OK I admit it, Im addicted!!!
Oh by the way, during this time I also participated in Jessica Sprague's Inspiration class, which was fun, and COMPLETED, yes COMPLETED her course called Frame Ups and Photo Editing. That has to be the best thing I've ever done!!!!! I learnt sooo much and even though I had taught myself some photoshop techniques, it had been all hit and miss, and really didn't understand why I was doing it. Not any more. Im very proud of myself and have gone and brought two more classes.

Any way thought I would share my creation from Sue's December sketch on the E2C blog. I had to take a photo of this one rather than scan it due to the butterflies. I used the Echo Park, A walk in the park range. I love this range it soo bright and colourful.  Tell me what you think?

                                               TTFN      Gina

USED LEFT OVERS!!!!!

Hi, a couple of weeks ago I attended a class at scrapworks run by the wonderful Sandra. Had a great time and learnt how to make a new type of flower.

Page 1 (Sandra's class)

 

Page 2 (Sandra's class)

Now before I go any further I must tell you that Im a bit obsessed with using as much of my scrap before I pull out new paper as I find that I forget what I have, end up with lots of bits and pieces all over the place and never get back to using them. With that being said the following pages are what I completed using the left overs of Sandra's kit.

page 1

Page 2

Page 3

 

Page 4

All I have left over from the kit is some chipboard letters and 1 x black & white rubon flower, thats right, no paper at all. I was very impressed with myself.

To complete these 4 extra pages all I used was 5 x bazzil paper, some ribbon and thread, some wire (butterflies), flower, leaves, a pin  and a charm.

Hope you like them,  I'd love to hear what you think.

TTFN

Gina.

Some SPOOKY FUN!!!

 A double page layout that I finished a couple of weeks ago. Thought Id share.

Page 2

Page 1

Sorry I downloaded the pages in the wrong order.

I was really happy with how the spider webs turned out, just used thread and added some glittered kindyglitz. I've been wanting to use these spider brads for ages. The tree is covered in enamel and the broom I made. The broom is just a twig with raffia attached and then painted black.

The photos are of Phoenix at dancing. Every week she likes to wear something different, boy am I in for some drama and expense as she gets older.

Hope you like them!! :-)