Prairie Chic

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS WEEK

2011-11-15T08:18:00.000+02:00

This time of year, it's only natural that our minds start thinking about all our blessings, and in turn, about those less fortunate than us.

I have been trying hard to perform small acts of kindness at least once a day, in a quiet way. I don't like to share what I have done with people in general, as these tiny acts of service feel almost sacred to me- they are between me and Heaven, and make me feel as though I have carried a little piece of Heaven in my heart for the day. And the amazing thing is that the more you do, the more you become aware of the needs that are out there.

You also become aware of how many other people are also performing small acts of kindness- quietly, simply out of the desire to serve and assist, not for any personal accolade or recognition.

In keeping with this theme, I came across a blogger, Nikki, from Everything Under the Moon, who is hosting a link up party called "Random Act of Kindness Week". The idea is to perform at least one random act of kindness a day. I thought it might be nice to participate, and maybe, at least one other person out there will adopt one of the 'charities' I support, and do the same.

PS I 'hijacked' the image of the little girl doing graffiti from Nikki's blog, too ;)

HANDMADE DECORATION SWAP

2011-11-13T13:19:00.000+02:00

I have just signed up for my first swap with SWAP-BOT and I cannot wait to begin! I'm not sure why I am doing this now- the last thing I need right now is another distraction... But I just could not resist!

The idea is to make a handmade Christmas ornament, which you will then send to your assigned partner, wherever they are in the world. Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE anything to do with Christmas, so this is right up my alley! I also signed up for two other swaps: The Colourful Socks #2 and the Ransom Note Postcard. The sock swap is pretty straight forward- buy a cute pair of socks and send them off... The Ransom Note Postcard is a little more creative: Buy a postcard, and, using letters cut from magazines, spell out a message, quote or note to your assigned partner- not necessarily a ransom note, just in that style ;)

I'm thinking about using the following quote for my ransom note:

"... and then the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom..."

I'm not too sure who said that, I will have to look into that, but I LOVE this quote, as it pretty much sums up this past year for me. I'm thinking mostly black and white letters, with the base being a postcard featuring cherry blossoms... Something like this picture below:

source

For the decoration swap, I think I am going to use this tutorial to make this stunning ornament:

I will definitely take pictures of what I make, and what I get- once it arrives :D

I {HEART} YOU

2011-10-11T09:53:00.008+02:00

Chris and I recently went on a trip- our first trip together, just us, since we got married 5 years ago. We went to Wilderness, which is along the Garden Route, to celebrate out fifth wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time, driving around and stopping wherever and whenever we wanted. We had no agenda, no definite plans. It was WONDERFUL.

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

This photo was taken from the viewing point under the bridge in Wilderness, using Chris' Blackberry. The quality is not the greatest, but I love this photo and what it represents- Chris' willingness to take ~~strange~~ photographs, the view we got to enjoy all weekend, and our love for each other.
I am entering this photo on the "I Heart Faces"Blog, just for fun and because I love their Photography challenges!

These photo's were taken from the Storms River Bridge. It was quite early, the sun had just risen, and we stopped at my all time *favourite* one-stop petrol station to grab biltong and stretch our legs.

This cute kitty lives at the petrol station, and is very well fed and loved! And this sign pretty much sums up how I was feeling when we reached the stop ;)

Our next stop was a place called The Heath. It is an awesome little roadside stop, with a coffee shop, curio & decor store, a mini labyrinth made from lavender plants, and RADICAL RAPTORS- the most awe-inspiring experience ever!

Each of the birds used in the show has been injured, and all attempts at rehabilitation into the wild has failed. At first, my heart broke for these wild creatures, until I realized- and saw- how much time and effort goes in to making sure these birds have wonderful lives. Each has such a unique character, and a strong bond with their trainer and caregiver.

For lunch, we went to a gorgeous restaurant called Emily Moon. Eclectic decor, divinely prepared and presented food, and breathtaking views made for an incredible dining experience.

Another fun experience was the Wild Oats Market in Sedgefield. A live, "honky-tonk" band, dozens of craft stalls, and an open air food market made for a fun morning. Eating breakfast in the fresh morning air is an experience I'd love to repeat soon!

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend, filled with good food,

amazing views, (The Outeniqua Pass Mountains in George)

and much needed quiet time (views from our balconies).

View from under the Wilderness Bridge

MY CRAFTY TO DO LIST

2011-10-10T08:44:00.002+02:00

As Christmas approaches, I am looking around for some fun, but simple, gift ideas and decor. I quite like this idea of this cheesecake in a jar, over at The Pretty Blog. The recipe is simple and straight forward, and she even includes some adorable printables for packaging that is good enough to eat. In the same post are some stunning labels for organizing your pantry, BONUS!

Next on my "to do list" is to make some of these gorgeous birdie tree ornaments! There is a *very simple* tutorial over at Jessica Jane Handmade and I am itching to get my clay out!

How cute are these felt photographic themed ornaments??? Just a few stitches and some felt... And voila!

Lastly, I'm not a huge wreath fan, but I do love this one that uses a ceiling medallion! How brilliant is that???

Have a happy day- I'm off to immerse myself in all the Christmas loveliness at The Christmas Shop!!!

50 Days of Journalling

2011-10-07T08:14:00.000+02:00

I have recently become ~~addicted~~ enthralled by Twitter. There is so much inspiration there- people sharing idea's, projects and stories from their lives. So much inspiration, in fact, that I have been able to gain a little more techie-savviness to make blogging easier!

Something I found last night has got me super excited: Jessica Acs' "50 Days of Journalling". Each day, for 50 days, she will be sharing two journalling prompts. You can record your answers to these prompts in any way you choose- an art journal, scrapbooking layouts, handwritten entries in a notebook... Or, if you are me, a combo of the three!

Participants will be entered into a draw each time they comment/share on her blog, and the lucky winner will receive a copy of her book, Outstanding Mini Albums. And let me tell you... This is an OUTSTANDING source of inspiration! I have read her book- I borrowed it from my previous boss- and it is a stunner.

So, click on the link, or Jessica's button on my sidebar (yay, I feel so clever for adding that!!), and join in the journaling fun!

I {heart} hearts!

2011-03-12T17:10:00.000+02:00

Thought I'd post some pics of the hearts I made a couple of weeks ago. First up are some fabric hearts I made for a craft market, that are now selling in a little store called Blooming Marvelous at the Bloomingdales Nursery.

Just a simple design, with some gorgeous fabric. I also made "lollipop flowers" from circles of organza and stitched them to the hearts with a button. I left the edges raw and rough looking for texture- a look I love. I took the pictures in the shop with the owner's permission- it's such a gorgeous setting! Wish my house looked like this- oneday =)

I made another heart, this time from scrapbooking materials. I used chipboard as my base, and glued a heart cut from My Mind's Eye paper- the Lost and Found range. The paper had the Eiffel Tower on it, but it was right in the corner, so I cut it out and centred it a bit better. I then used a Making Memories metal plaque and FabScraps flower and key charm. I edged the whole thing in ric rac- a very sticky process!- and used velvet ribbon to hang it from. It came out so pretty! I love the Eiffel Tower, and would love to see it one day. I remember my Dad making a trip to France when I was about 10 or so, and I was so incredulous that he was going to see the Eiffel Tower! It is an amazing feat of engineering to me, and so incredibly beautiful and iconic. I have always loved looking at pictures of it, and was so thrilled when it became a popular image to be featured in scrapbooking.

When my Dad returned from his trip, he brought each of us kids a gift- my three brothers each got a model car, and I got a Barbie. To this day, I have that Barbie. Her name is Sandy, and I use her as the angel on my Christmas tree. Each year, Chris asks,"You do know that's a Barbie, not an angel, right?" And every year I roll my eyes and say "Yes!" Haha!

I was never one to play with dolls as a kid, but this Barbie has always been special because my Dad chose her for me. She came with a brightly coloured dress, and bright yellow panties- very modest, compared to the Barbies my friends had- or so 10 year old me thought! I have since bought her a white dress, and I can think of no more fitting an 'angel' to go on the top of my tree. If I had my way, the tree and Sandy would be up all year.

New Additions...

2011-03-02T19:48:00.000+02:00

... to the family and my album!

Selina had her kittens late on Friday evening. Shortly after I got home from work, she started meowing unusually. I picked her up, and while holding her, her waters broke- a slightly messy experience! I tried to settle her in the big box we got for her and the kittens, but she kept jumping out and cuddling with me on the bed. So, not wanting to stress her out, I gave in and laid old towels on the bed. We cuddled like that for a good hour and a half, with very little happening. Then Chris came home, and we had to go out to supper with some friends. We didn't stress too much about leaving her, as we had been informed she would know what to do and it would be best to leave her to get on with it. When we got home around 11pm, there were three little kittens in the box with her. Thankfully she had moved into the box, as there was quite a bit of blood and it would have ruined our bedding and mattress! There are two males- a ginger and a dark brown/black, and a female, that looks just like her. My parents have subsequently named them: Garfield for the ginger, Baghera for the dark one, and Raymond for the girl- at that point we didn't know she was female, and as they could not think of a name for her, they called her Raymond after Raymond Ackerman, the owner of the Pick 'n Pay group and the No Name products, hehe! Since we have now been enlightened as to her sex, it has been decided her name is Rae. It is going to be sooo hard to part with them =( I, and Chris, are getting quite attached to Baghera- we call him Baggy, for short. Amazing how attached you become after 5 days!

Patterns: Bo Bunny; Stickers: 7gypsies; alpha's: American
Crafts, Quickutz font; Other: bread tags,ribbon, cord,
eyelets, craft foam, brads, brown paper bag.

Elvis has been very wary. He has only peeped at them once- I don't think he knows what to make of them! But he seems very happy to let Selina do her thing, and licks her to pieces whenever she leaves the box to stretch her legs. This is a page featuring him and Chris that I did for the Food Technology assignment at Scrapz University. We had to scrap a layout (l/o) about our essential tool in the kitchen. Well, mine is Chris! While it is true my cooking has improved drastically, he is still the head honcho in our kitchen. When Elvis was young, he would perch on Chris' shoulder and watch what he was doing. He's a little too big for that now, but he still loves the kitchen- he's a walking stomach, really, to quote my parents! We had to include something found in the kitchen on our page, so I used two bread tags on my garland. I also printed my journalling on a brown paper bag once again. I cut the word "COOKING" from craft foam, and then used some discarded plastic packaging to stick the word "buddies" on, and attached it with brads.

patterns: Scenic Route, Unknown, K & Co;
alpha's: American Crafts; stickers: 7gypsies;
journal spot: Daisy D's; bling

The layout on the left was for the Speech Pathology assignment. We had to scrap a conversation, and use at least two speech bubbles on our l/o.
I used Wordle to create the word cloud, and printed it as a photograph. I cut two clouds from patterned paper and used then as thought bubbles, and used bling to make it look as if the birdie is thinking the words of my title. I did it in A4 format, as I am slowly doing an album that features things about us and our lives. This is my second page- I am actually still working on my first one! Basically the word cloud features the pet names Chris and I have for each other, and that you will hear on a daily basis in out home.

These assignments were all due, and handed in, last Wednesday. Unfortunately I did not manage to submit anything for this week's assignments, but I think I needed the break from scrapping under such pressure =)I have also been trying to fight off flu for the past 2 weeks- it has been just sitting there, a niggling scratch in my throat and a slightly stuffy head. Yesterday, I woke up with full blown flu. I guess it was inevitable- so many people around here have been ill with it, and three of the ladies I work with have been down too. I fought it off as best I could, for as long as I could, but today I left work early and crawled into bed, only to surface a little while ago. I was feeling pretty good, but typing this post has made me see that I need to rest some more. Guess I'm not Superwoman... DANG! Oh well, I like sleep too so it's not all bad, hehe!

Scrapz Uni Week 2 Submissions

2011-02-23T09:42:00.000+02:00

Week two's assignments were Horticulture, Neonatal Science and Graphics & Computer Technology. The layout to the left was my submission for the Graphics assignment. We had to edit our photo (which I did using Microsoft Picture Manager- simply desaturated the colours, then adjusted the brightness contrasts), overlap part of our title onto our photo (I didn't do that, it just didn't work for this layout) and journal either directly onto our layouts or use journalling strips.

I used a lot of "found" objects on this layout- bubblewrap as my photo mat (I smeared it with white paint to make it stand out), cardboard scraps and foil for my stars, a brown paper bag to print my journalling on, and staples to fasten the majority of my elements to my page. I had so much fun- this layout came together in minutes, AND it hardly cost me a thing! I based my layout on a sketch I found at Got Sketch- I think it was sketch #68.

The layout to the right is my submission for the Horticulture assignment. The photo's are of my first (successful!) attempt at growing something. I think I have black thumbs- instead of helping things flourish, I tend to kill them... *cringe!* This little green pepper plant really wasn't doing too well at one point- I spent a lot of time trying to nurse it back to health, but it just kept getting worse... Only once I had finally given up on the thing, did it start flourishing- of all the cheek! Oh well, guess I can't be good at everything... hehe!

For the Horticulture asssignment, we had to included a frame and 6 flowers on our layout. I used 6 yellow flower brads, and made a yellow scallopped frame to go with my photo's.
I also got to FINALLY use one of my 7 Gypsies stickers and a tag that I have been dying to use forever! Don't you just love it when you get to use your stash? I'm starting to sound like a broken record, aren't I...?

My last assignment was Neonatal Science. We got bonus points for every extra item of info we included, eg. day of birth, population count, etc. I had colour photocopies made of my pictures and Birth Card, which I attached with photo anchors to my layout so it can be completely removed and viewed. Chris chose the title of this layout for me- because he thinks I'm cute AND because of the buttons. He thought he was very clever- I think he's very sweet =)

Lastly: here's something fun for you to try: http://www.wordle.net/! You simply type in your words, and it makes this super cute word cloud for you! You can choose from a variety of different layouts and colours too. I made one of the pet names Chris and I have for each other, which (if I can figure out how to do it) I am hoping to print and use for my Speech Therapy assignment next week. I just seem to be having a hard time saving it so I can print it at the photo shop... Oh to be computer tech-savvy!

Butterflies and Bunting

2011-02-11T19:02:00.005+02:00

Roll your eyes all you want, but I GOT COMMENTS ON MY SUBMISSIONS TO THE SCRAPZ.BIZ UNIVERSITY GALLERIES!!!!!! I was so excited to receive the feedback- everyone tells me they love my scrapping, but to have complete strangers complementing my work... Wow! *insert goofy, dreamy grin here* I had butterflies in my tummy the whole day yesterday.

On the subject of butterflies, here is a layout I finished yesterday...

I used Prima papers and butterflies, and cut my title from computer canvas paper- that paper that feels just like canvas that's made to go through your printer, I don't remember its exact name. I printed my journalling on masking tape. To do so, I printed my journalling on ordinary printing paper, then laid masking tape over it (after detacking it a couple of times by sticking it down, then pulling it off, the counter). I then fed it back through the printer, carefully peeled it off the computer paper and then adhered it to my layout. The journalling is the chorus from Uncle Kracker's song, "Smile":

You make me smile like the sun, Fall out of bed, Sing like a bird, Dizzy in my head, Spin like a record, Crazy on a Sunday night. You make me dance like a fool, Forget how to breathe, Shine like gold, Buzz like a bee, Just the thought of you can drive me wild, Oh you make me smile!

While I started this page over a week ago, and had finished it, for all intents and purposes, it felt like something was missing... And finally, yesterday, I figured it out: brads. It seemed like the page was "escaping", like there was too much open space above my photo's. So I bought a pack of Old Gold coloured brads, and bordered my photo's on two sides with the brads. I love the effect- just the right touch of edginess to an otherwise soft, romantic layout.

And now, for the bunting... How cute is this????

For those of you who don't know, I work in a scrapbooking store in Port Elizabeth, called The Scrapbook Nook. Today, seeing as how it is Valentine's Day on Monday, we decided to make some pink bunting. See that fluffy-looking pink thingy below the sign? I made that! And it was SO easy! You just take a piece of string, the length you want your bunting to be, and then you tie strips of fabric to it... and that's it! So easy, SO cute. I think I need to make one for my kitchen in reds, browns and creams, to go with my developing chicken theme... Wonder if my boss will agree to tear the fabric into long strips for me like she did this time... Hmmm... Hehe!

Scrapz.University 2011

2011-02-08T22:41:00.010+02:00

I have decided to go back to University! Scrapbooking University, that is! SCRAPZ.BIZ is an Australian site, and they are hosting a 5 week University course. Some of the assignments due in tomorrow are: Genealogy, Behavioural Sciences, Architecture and Media Studies. Now, don't be put off by the course titles- it really is super fun! Basically, over the five weeks, you need to submit a minimum of five assignments. New assignments are set every week, and each assignment is worth 10 credits. I completed two assignments this week:

This is my layout for the Genealogy assignment. Assignment requirements were to scrap a layout that had photographs of at least three generations of your family. Bonus points are awarded if you include string and paint or ink. I used string to make my flowers and on my tags, and I used ink to "whitewash" my picket fence. I also included the advert from our local paper that initially drew my attention to the little restaurant we had lunch at. On the tag I have journalled the funny story beind the taking of the photograph of my Mother and I: I asked my Gran to use my digital camera to take the photo, and when she held the camera up, she had it facing herself! All my Mom and I could do was dissolve into giggles as we watched my Gran's puzzled face featured on the screen of the camera! Just a little, non-relevant memory that will never change the world, but gave us a good laugh.

This layout was for the Behavioural Sciences assignment. We had to scrap the behavioural/ characteristic traits of ourselves, a loved one or even a pet. Bonus points are awarded for the use of a punched element and stitching. I stamped, and then punched, the tags that form a border horizontally across the page. I also punched the bracket border that runs vertically down the left hand side, the holes in the photo matting and the tab above the photo of my husband. I then stitched lines to my photo matting to act as journalling lines. I journalled about how Chris is a thinker- he really mulls things over, and examines them from at least a dozen different angles I never even knew existed! While occasionally this can be frustrating- especially for me, a "live by the seat of my pants" decision maker- it is a character trait I have come to respect and deeply appreciate.

Want to know what I love most about these two pages? They hardly cost me anything, because I used up my scraps! See the photo matting on the "My Thinker" page? I... ummm... kinda cut that from the back of another layout I am working on...*blush*! Tell me you've never done that, and I'll tell you you're lying! It just seemed to be such a waste to purchase a WHOLE new sheet of cardstock, just to matt my photo. Besides, for every two pieces of cardstock I can prevent myself from purchasing, I can buy a piece of patterened paper- bargain!

On the subject of matting photographs... I must be honest, I hardly ever do that. I generally just sand the edges of my photo's, which gives the effect of a white photo matt. So there's a money saving tip for you ;-) Also, I must admit that the layout design used for the "My Thinker" page was gotten from a sketch by Becky Fleck at Pagemaps. I love her sketches for inspiration. This particular sketch I found over at Scrapbook and Cards Today site, under their "sketches" section. Go take a browse at these sites- you'll never be short on inspiration again!

2011-02-07T21:50:00.000+02:00

This is Elvis and Selina. Elvis is almost two and
Selina is a year. This picture was taken nearly a
year ago, just after we got Selina. Now it looks like we will be having a couple more additions to our feline family- because Selina is pregnant! We expect the kittens to be born sometime around the end of the month. Not too sure what to expect- I've never has a pet fall pregnant... Unless you count the silkworms I had when I was 11 years old! So this will be an adventure- a bittersweet one, as we cannot keep any of the kittens. Two cats is enough for us, and as much as we would love to keep one of Selina's babies, I don't think it will be possible. For in case you were wondering... Elvis in NOT the father! =)
I anticipate many adorable pictures of soft fuzzy kitties in the near future... Now wouldn't that be fun to scrap??

Inspiration Overload

2011-02-06T21:29:00.000+02:00

I am a visual person. Don't tell me HOW to make something- rather show me a picture and, nine times out of ten, I'll be able to figure out how to do it. As much as I love reading, pictures get my attention everytime.

I love magazines. It doesn't matter what type- crafty mags are my favourite, but I have been known to find inspiration in fashion mags, and even DIY, woodworking, or business publications. Layouts of articles and contents pages, advertisements and graphics- all are a visual feast to me. Often, I will spend the majority of my time looking at the pictures- sometimes I never even bother with the words.

At the moment, I am reading four different books, which are providing me with an inspiration overload.

The first book, which I have been reading the longest, is Ali Edward's, "Life Artist". My hubby, Chris, gave me this book for Christmas, and it has really helped me to refocus on what's important in scrapbooking. I am now more determined to record the daily events of our lives, and not just the special occasions or professionally taken photographs. It is an incredibly freeing experience.

I am also no longer fussed about finding "the perfect embellishment", or "the right paper". I choose paper I like, that does not clash terribly, and go with the flow. I find I am enjoying the process of scrapping so much more now, and I feel far less frustrated. AND I love my pages more than ever- what a bonus!

The second book was another gift, this time for my birthday. In Jowilna Nolte's "Scrap-boek", she demonstrates how to scrapbook using household items to make your own embellishments- the real, old-fashioned way of scrapbooking, with an exceptionally classy edge.

This book is written in Afrikaans, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this language again- something I haven't done since I finished high school seven years ago.

Also- and this might sound silly- I love the texture and weight of the paper it is printed on. It has that whole recycled feel to it, which ties in beautifully with the theme of the book: upcycling household items into gorgeous and inexpensive scrapbooking embellishments. I will never look at elastic bands the same way again! Should you like to purchase this book, you will find it over at lapa UITGEWERS.

The third book, another birthday gift (yes, I was spoilt, I know!), is Tara Frey's "Blogging for Bliss".

This book has been a HUGE help in starting my blog. Without this book, I wouldn't have even been able to do this post! I have a feeling that once my hubby reads my first post, he is going to be requesting the use of it too...

Besides being extremely helpful, this book is an incredibly delicious visual feast. The photography is amazing, and the subjects even more so. It also features "blogstars"- popular blogs, written by incredible women, who do incredible things. It also gives invaluable information for those who wish to showcase their crafts and businesses, and explains the world of blog-ettiquette. Definitely highly reccommended for those non-tech-savvy people who want to break into the blogosphere.

Last, but by no means least, I have been thoroughly enjoying revisiting a book I bought a good two years ago- Kaari Meng's "The French Inspired Home".

This book has made me look at family heirlooms in a different light. I have always had a strong sense of sentimentality and the importance of family history, but this book has shown me ways to incorporate these pieces of my family's history into my home decor. This year, I will be making an effort to unpack and repurpose the ornaments, crochet doileys and medals given to me by my grandmothers.

I want to live with these pieces that were a part of my loved ones lives. Even though some of these loved ones have passed one, I want to feel their presence as I co-exist with the possessions they laboured to create, earn and find.

Well, I hope my descriptions inspire you to hunt down and purchase these books yourself. I must say, that there is nothing better than settling down to read a beautiful book, and knowing that it is your's. What books have you read that have inspired you?