An Altered Box With a Touch of Spring....

Hello to a Brand New Week!

The weeks seem to be flying past...

Today I am just sharing an 

Altered Box I have just finished...

Sorry Guys I still haven't got this photography thing down pat yet....

Maybe I should try another angle??

I do think it actually looks better IRL...

The Close Up....

I have been feeling in a "pretty" mood I think....??

I thought I had better have a practice before the

Secret Garden Swap....

This gorgeous box contained a Kit I bought from
Little Pink Studio :)
Yep I am re-cycling.....:)

All I have really done is alter the top....

I am really loving this shade of green and pink together....

And quite by accident...
It matches Prima's March Product Picks....

I used those pale green glittered hydrangeas on the left...
You can just see them in the close up pic...

Well because of working all the extra night shifts I didn't get my 

Lets Get Shabby Project Finished in Time....:(
I am disappointed with myself over that...

I think I challenged myself a bit too hard with it...

But I'll try and get it finished this week....

It's just short and sweet today..

But hope you like the box :)
Thanks for visiting...

Till next time..

Lou xx

P.S. Much to my surprise and delight...
I made the Craft Critique Spring Blog Carnival...

Little Ballet Slippers - Inspired By A Giveaway!

Hello Again Dear Friends

Well today I became a little sidetracked...

But I'm sure this happens to us all...

Well at least I hope so! LOL

I have just finished these little Ballet Slippers...
And I hope you like them as much as I am pleased with the result!
And wonder of all wonders.. I only started them this morning!
(I am supposed to be finishing my Lets Get Shabby Challenge... ooops!)

And...
This Is Where I Got The Inspiration.....

Lovely Lisa

From

Tarnished and Tattered

Has Reached The Tonne!!!

(In Aus that slang for 100 Posts....lol)

To Celebrate Lisa is a having the

Most Gorgeous Giveaway...
And Yep it is Ballet Inspired!

I have real fondness for Vintage Ballet Prints and Ephemera....

I just adore how Lisa has Altered these Ballet Shoes..

Aren't they absolutely beautiful!!!

So now you can see where the inspiration came from...
I hope you don't think they are too similar....??
The ones I have altered are only 3 inches long...
And covered in German Glass Glitter...
Oh how I love this stuff!

While you are at Lisa's Blog

Don"t Forget to also Check Out Artist Class...

This is what the slippers  looked like before I played with them.....

Now Just In case....

You are wondering where I got those gorgeous little slippers to alter??..

Right here....

The Little Pink Studio

Or The Little Pink Studio Blog Here

There are loads of  Yummy Things to found for your Stash at LPS...

I was going to share some of my Vintage Ballet Images...
However I stashed them somewhere so good
That I cant remember where they are... blushing..
Please tell me I am not the only one that sometimes cant find their stash??

 I have been doing a little bit of behind the scenes work on my blog too...

The Side bar has been Updated with lots of my Favorite Blogs..

While I have been having Fun Hopping from Blog to Blog..

And taking up lots of time... &
Being a bit of a Francophile myself....

I also found Aimee's Totally Beautiful and Inspiring Blog...

A Garden To Remember

 Aimee has a This Amazingly Generous Giveaway

Coming Up on April 5th

These "to die for" items are just some of the Giveaway!

So make sure you bookmark or become a follower by then 

So as not to miss out on a chance of these lovely gifts!
And Aimee's Blog is Totally Wow too!

One Last Thing for Today ....
I have joined another Swap....:)

I am having so much fun Planning Maria's Gift...:)
For A Swap For All Seasons .....
(But am getting more and more nervous about the actual Tussie! )
 That I have also decided to join....

The Secret Garden Swap

You still have time to participate....
I would love for you to play along....
And maybe be my Swap Partner....:)

Hope you have enjoyed this little post....
Please leave a comment as I love to know you have been to visit!
Hugs
Lou xxx

Celebrating Spring With You....

Hello Dear Friends

I know it is not Spring here in Aus....

But I can't help wishing it was...

As it is one of My Favourite Times of Year

"Spring Has Sprung"

This is a bird house I made a few months back...

OTP by Kaisercraft ,Websters Pages Paper,

Prima Flowers Maya Chippies and lots of Bling...

So I thought I would share a couple of

Spring Projects 
As a lot of you are my international guests...

And I have been So Inspired by your Spring Posts...

We are actually heading into Winter here...lol

But everything is so lush and green after the monsoonal rain...

That you could be forgiven for thinking it is a little bit like Spring....

One of my favorite positives from the rain each year is that

All of my Bromeliads are in Full Bloom at this time of year....

This layout shows one of my favourites in bloom ..

It is in blooming again atm... and made me think of this layout...

You may have seen this layout on the 

Basic Grey Website in the past...

Most Papers and Embellishments by BG,

I made the nest using a Stampington Wreath Stamp,

Vintage Ephemera, Seam Binding, Flowers, Beads... 

Now my Dear Friends I need your help...
Well..... actually.... Kim does...
Kim is a very talented CARD Maker and Needs OUR Help!!!
And has secured Fabulous Stamping Shop
Simon Says Stamp
As her Sponsor for Card Challenges..
This is pretty exciting news for Kim and I am so pleased for her!!!
Kim just needs 45 Followers to start....
Please visit Kim's Blog
Off The Wall Craftiness
and become her friend....

3 Fabulous Giveaways

Donna from Brynwood Needleworks
Is celebrating her
1'st Blog Birthday with an
Amazing Alice Party!

Make sure you head over to visit Donna's Blog
Brynwood Needleworks
 You have an amazing 14 chances to win!
All of the gifts are inspired by
Alice In Wonderland
And truly Beautiful!!!
I was so surprised to read that this is Donna's First Birthday
"Congratulations and Happy Birthday
Donna and Brynwood Needleworks"

I thought Donna's amazing blog was far older than that!
It goes to show that you can be a late bloomer after all....
Meaning of course there is hope for me yet!! LOL!

The 2nd "Totally Wow" Giveaway

"You like vintage?

You like French?

You like ephemera?"

Then you need to see this!!!

Fiona and Twig
Have the most awesome and beautiful
French Ephemera Giveaway Happening....

This is just one part of the giveaway!
Talk about eye popping gorgeous!!!
Be sure to visit Fiona and Twig
To Enter...

 

The 3rd Totally Awesome Giveaway ...

This time by New Blog 
The Creative Connections...

I don't think I can put this any better than Sandra has here...
"You're going to want to sit down for this one ... Are you sitting? To kick off THE CREATIVE CONNECTION'S brand new blog, MaryJane Butters of MaryJanesFarm is giving one of our LUCKY readers this beautiful bedding set! Isn't it gorgeous? "

Yep... absolutely A Full Set of Absolutely Beautiful Bedlinen

http://www.thecreativeconnectionblog.com/
Dont delay on this one as not a lot of time left...

 This Awesome Mary Jane Giveaway
Is to promote what looks like the most amazing event:
The Creative Connection

Oh I so wished sometimes that
I lived in the good ole U. S. of A!

A little more info for you....

As I know some of you may just be tempted or lured to this event:)

Or even going already....

"Welcome to THE CREATIVE CONNECTION! A 3-day conference, crafting extravaganza and emporium for creative women and women entrepreneurs. Created by Nancy Soriano, former editor in chief of Country Living and Jo Packham, the founder and editor in chief of WHERE WOMEN CREATE , THE CREATIVE CONNECTION will bring together women who are passionate about being creative in their lives as artists, business owners, bloggers, and more. 
Come learn, network, market, and create!"

There are a fantastic group of speakers / teachers at this event!
Oh I am sooo envious!
When is Stampington going to bring one of these Fantastic Events to Aus???
Hint... Hint... if you mite be influential at Stampington...lol!!!
Want to know more..???  see Sandra Evertson's Blog
Here http://sandraevertson.blogspot.com/

Now I think that between those
3 Equally Fabulous Giveaways
There must be something to suit every ones tastes!!
I am an eclectic sort of girl.. 
I just looove all 3!

Now speaking of Giveaways...

I cannot believe I have been so lucky!
I must say a HUGE

"Thank You"
to

Annie, Fanny and Abigail Antique Studio
I have won a little surprise from thier gorgeous Giveaway
I get to be....

Princess for  Day :)
With a gorgeous new vintage tiara!
I simply cant believe it!!!

Today's
Free Spring Images

Are From
Dianne Knott's Musings
Diane's Blog is one of my absolute favorites!
Not only does Diane make the most gorgeous vintage art pieces,
Diane also is a Fabric Designer, does Watercolor Painting, has Authored a Book...
And most importantly is Oh So Inspiring!

 http://dianeknottsmusings.blogspot.com/

Please visit Diane's Blog here....
http://dianeknottsmusings.blogspot.com/
Aren't those etchings just beautiful and soo full of Spring??

Oh and be sure to see the most beautiful birdhouse
Made for Diane by her friend Sandy of
Quill Cottage
I am totally in awe of this stunning piece!
Mine looks decidedly pale beside it!

Just Some Of My Other Gos....

I have My Ticket for
Heidi Swapp's
The Mystified Event in Brisbane!
The Classes look Fantastic!!!
Yeah I am pretty excited! I love learning new techniques and how to get the most out of products!!
I will confess that I am a bit of a Product and Tool Junkie... :)

Last....
 But DEFINITELY NOT 
Least......

I will leave you with
3Pink Saturday Posts...
Well maybe 4!!!
That I just loved!!!!
And am Soooo Inspired By.....

These Beautiful Watercolour Bunnies
Are on Karen's Blog

A Scrapbook of Inspiration
You are allowed to use any of Karens amazing work on her blog in your art work!

Thanks Karen.... you are Soooo Generous!
I have been looking for some Easter Images for a project I have in mind..
But wasn't really sure of what I was looking for.. till I saw your Beautiful Bunnies!


Stephanie from Queen of Dreams
Shares the most beautiful, pretty, and whimsical work by
Mixed Media Artist - Debrina Pratt

See it HERE
Oh Steph! You are a naughty girl!!! LOL!
I just love these pieces, and Debina's "Style" soo much
That I am going to have to invest in one....
I just cant help myself!

See Pretty Easter Pastels  here at  Miss Rhea's
I love the tags and the banners and.. well everything really! :)

If you love "pretty in pink" and girly...
I am sure You will love all of these Blogs too!!!
They are all also linked on my sidebar...

I am thinking about joining Pink Saturday...
What do you think??? Is my blog good enough for that yet??
I just need to get a bit more organised first!



I am also thinking of doing another
ARTIST CLASS
This one...
Garden Party...

I just love all of these beautiful projects! So Pretty!

Lisa from Tarnished and Tattered
Is teaching one of these classes...
Lisa has her Art Piece on her Blog now and
It is absolutely "drop dead gorgeous"!!!
Congratulations Lisa!

You must check it out if you haven't already!!


Now I must apologise for not posting sooner..
and also for not yet showing you some of my newer work ....
I am on insane run of night shifts atm....(13 nights)
This is NOT usual...
Honestly just trying and get enough sleep and work are my priorities...
And creating a post still takes me hours to put together... lol
But I will master this Blog Thing!!

Thankyou so much for all your lovely comments so far...
They keep me inspiured to carry on even though I am tired...:)
Hugs
Lou xxxx

P.S. Dont forget to take advantage of this Wonderful BB Offer..
Before End of March

Even if you already shop at BB or
Are just venturing in for the first time....
See Details Here
 
PPS.... Eileen A - I would love to write back to you as you always leave me a lovely comment but as you dont have a Blog.. I dont know how to contact you???
I try and visit you all at least once a week at least so please forgive me if I am late atm....

Heidi Swapp is coming back to Aus!!

Newsflash!!!

Heidi Swapp 
Is coming back to Aus.!!! Yeah!

This time with  
Tattered Angels and 

House of 3!!!

Oh this is fantastic news!!

2 of My Favorite Products!

Rolled into one BIG education day!

Not sure.... but I think this is the Class???
The same one as being taught live in the US....

And a close up of the gorgeous album....

WOW!!!

I have been dying to see the  

New Tattered Angels Products 

IRL..

 of course "Have a Play"

 

 I am definitely EXCITED!! LOL! 
OK we had major Venue Problems last time in Brisbane...

(Which I am sure will be fixed this time.... :) )

But I still learned heaps of New Techniques!!!

Want to know more???????
Info from Heidi's Blog.....

"We are excited to be visiting: Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane…we are trying to squeeze in as much as we possibly can!

Some products need more ‘education’ than others. Usually, those are the products that you can do the most with… they are the most versatile and allow the most creativity!  The products and projects that we will be bringing you are in this category… they require a little instruction, and once you get the basics… there is no stopping where you can take it!! of course, I am talking about all the Glimmery mediums from Tattered Angels, as well as the concept of ‘hybrid crafting’ that is our vision at House of 3!

The day long workshop will begin at 9am, and we’ll go until 6pm….. a full day of inspiration and instruction!"

Ok so this isn't my planned post for the day....

But I just had to

Share this bit of news!!!
Hugs
Lou xx

P.S. Think I can feel a trip to the "big smoke" coming on!!! lol!

Feeling BLUE? Some Retail Therapy For Me & YOU....

Today it is my Great Pleasure to.....

Introduce YOU to a  
Blue Bazaar Product Exclusive.....

And a Fabulous Discount Offer for YOU my Readers...

Kate Mason is an Australian Scrapbooker and 

Mixed Media Artist Extraordinaire....

I have loved and admired Kate's work for quite some time...

Kate has designed a set of the most gorgeous papers....

Here is a Sneak Peek.....

Absolutely Stunning! Wouldn't you agree???

The most exciting news is that
Kate's Papers have been

Released TODAY 

EXCLUSIVELY 
at 

Blue Bazaar..

My absolute favorite :)

Online Aussie Shop!

Or affectionately known as "BB"

Kate's Papers are Exclusively available at Blue Bazaar Only
Along with this gorgeous Accordion Book Kit....

 

You can also get a better look at Kate's beautiful papers here too..

Need some retail therapy just to cheer you up????
Or some of these beautiful papers or perhaps the kit just for your stash????

Well... I have a
FANTASTIC Offer to share with YOU...
10% Off Your Next Order over $40 at
BLUE BAZAAR

Even if you already shop at BB or 

Are just venturing in for the first time....

*BLUE BAZAAR www.bluebazaar.com.au is offering readers of my blog a 10% discount on your next order over $40.00.  To receive the discount include the following code in the comments field of your order: MARBLOGLD Note discounts do not apply to items already discounted, on sale or subscriptions.  The code is valid for this month until the 31^st March 2010.

Other Great Products 
New in Store at 
Blue Bazaar  
Include:
 

New Distress Inks By Tim Holtz

All the Yummy Colors....

Mine have just arrived this afternoon like 5mins ago...lol and 

I couldn't wait to have a play...
The colors are just beautiful!!!

New Basic Grey...

Is also In-store at BB

Kioshi
 

When this was first released at CHA I wasn't sure...

but I will confess it has grown on me....

&

Green at Heart....

Other New Lines include Sass Lass, Crate Paper , 7 Gypsies etc..

Also Arriving This Week at BB

GCD Studio's

And I soooo hope it is the Homespun Chic Range....
By the beautiful Melody Ross

Ok..... I will admit I don't fall in love with with every release by GCD
But I do love Melody Ross' Artsy Urban
&
Homespun Chic Lines....
See some sneaks here...

A mixture of Floral and Vintage Fashion! Just Yummy!

I am particularly dying for the Embellishments!!!
Have a look at these pretties....

 

And that's just a few....
Have I  managed to wet your appetite??? lol
I am drooling on the keyboard here....lol

 BB also stocks an extensive range of Mixed Media Supplies 
Including Goldens Paints and Mediums,
Copic Markers, New Wax Paints.....
You will have to go and have a look!

Here are a couple of examples of what Kate can achieve
Using those Mixed Media Mediums...
Available at BB... 

Aren't they just the sweetest and most adorable???
These original pieces and lots more are available at
Kate's Etsy Store ...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScrappsFleaMarket

So Dont Forget to take advantage of this Wonderful Offer, 

Especially for YOU

at

Go to BB here.....  Blue Bazaar
Check the fine print above and 
Use the code 
MARBLOGLD  

In the Comments section for Checkout.... 

Too Easy! :)

Yeah.. today was a Blue Day for me.......

But I did cheer myself up a little by shopping at BB :)

And grabbing some of Kate's Spectacular Papers

I would also like to mention how this

Special BB Blog Offer....

Was offered to me to share with YOU.....

One of You lovely ladies have linked from my Blog to Blue Bazaar 

From "My Favorite Stores" on  my blog side bar....

If you think it was YOU???

Please let me know

So I can Thank YOU!!!

And send you a "Lou Rak" to say thanks:)

I would also like to Thank 

Greg and Lu from  Blue Bazaar  

for this lovely offer for my readers....

I cant stress to you enough what an 

Excellent Scrapbooking / Mixed Media Store

Blue Bazaar is!

I have shopped there for over 5 years...

Anything in particular you want..  or don't see listed...

Just ask Lu and she will do her best to get it for you!

I will be back tomorrow to share some of my own projects with you all....

Hope you are not having a Blue Day Today too....:)

Also hope you enjoy drooling and shopping at BB!!

Or at least go for a sqizz....

Hugs 

Louxx

P.S.  Kate's Papers are listed under MARCH NEW 9b...

A Beautiful Giveaway...

Just a really quick post to ....

Share a

A Totally Gorgeous Giveaway

With You......

The Pink Pixie Forest

And is offering one of these

Beautiful Fairy Trees

As a Giveaway!!!

A Close Up of the Pink Forest Fairy Tree

I think this one might be my favourire..???

But honestly.... I cant decide...:)

 Isn't she a beauty???

Tobie from  The Pink Pixie Forest    

Is looking for New Friends....

Be sure to visit

Tobi's Beautiful Blog

The Link is right Here

 Enter Now!
Or definitely before the

14th March...

Personally, also having a Brand New Blog,

I know how Positively Exciting it has been and Still Is

To make New Friends and have New Followers....:)

I love that you pop by my blog and say Hello...

And I also love to visit your blogs too..

There really is so much Inspiration that You all Share!

Back Again Soon

Hugs,

Lou xx

P.S. Thought these trees were just too pretty not to share the chance of winning with you guys!