Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz

Step by Step - Illuminated Calligraphy of Psalm 27

2012-02-23T17:05:00.010+11:00

As the time goes, so the work grows...

Be warned today's wordy post has 8 stages + 15 photos.

The aim of this post is to give a full step by step of how the illuminated texts are done, as found not one single post contained all this. I learnt how to do these from a simple book which I was given by a friend in 1980. It is is now out of print needless to say, but if you are extra clever you may track it down.The frontispiece and full details are on this earlier post here.

If pictures are not large enough please click to enlarge.

This work was a commission for a friend's son. The verse chosen was Psalm 27:1 and 3a. Not all of verse one was necessary as it had to be large enough to be read easily ie not small print.

This is the passage:

Psalm.27:1 , 3a

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:

As you will see as the layout proceeds I fiddle around with this layout, and which words are put in and omitted.

Stage 1: scribbled notes on paper fiddling (and praying with each stage) to work out the important words, where the emphasis is required.

Here I am scribbling with my Bible open at the same time, as context is very important in a verse placement and emphasis.

Stage 2:
Copy and paste from online KJV the text into a word doc, (know it is word perfect then). Work some more online to work out where things might be best placed. You see quite a change from here and layout on next stages. However it was just as well I had a printed word-for-word copy of this as a critic (yep, have them and they are very handy) pointed out that from this stage to the next I had left a word out ("should" in 2nd last line), so that was easily amended at that stage...(phew! thanks, Lord)

Stage 3:

Now go onto rough paper of real sized text so get clear idea of size relevance of words.

Here the layout at the top section completely changes in this step as you see. In this third and fourth pictures below it has changed on the tracing paper again, in small way (will let you work out how? :D). Used a calligraphy texta to to do the Gothic text and used different sized ones. I did cut and past pieces on the rough sheet above - ie bits did not like were cut out and others added.

Stage 4: Transfer to the tracing paper after the layout is sorted on stage 3. Primarily, this is because the decoration can take some fiddling, and then the good paper would be messed with drawing, erasing, etc. I have to constantly change lettering etc. I redid one part of the top decoration four times, plus three of the lines were out by 1-3mm.

Secondly if someone asks me to do it again as another order, I have it to this stage already to lift out of my file. Saves a lot of time and it is not unusual to be asked again as have a portfolio, and give a discount for ones done before, because of the huge amount of time and effort saved.

Stage 5: Once it is on the tracing paper it is transferred to the actual sheet of paper- I always use very good paper for many reasons. You will see later it has to be very forgiving as it is asked to take a lot! The 100% rag sheet was over $10AUD for the single sheet, which shocks some folks.

As you see by these photos the setsquares are put it good use as must make sure all the angles are accurate and these are pencilled in lightly and left there until the inking in stage. Even doing this I find I have mistakes which drive me batty. I hate those bits whenever I look at the piece of work - but it is handmade and so not perfect.

Stage 6: Here we have work transferred then inked in and so all the really hard work as far as I am concerned in many ways is done at this stage. I think the biggest struggle in a work is getting the layout! The execution although has its pains and stress as you see by the smudge below.

I have explained in another post (see here) about these most amazing Pentel Hyper Erasers - so see if you can buy yourself one.This is when you are very grateful God answers your cries for help and uses the extra good paper and the Hyperaser to do the trick!

I copy each text about 5 to 6 times depending on method. First onto tracing paper, then trace onto sheet, Next it is pencilled in and then inked in… I am careful not to rush this step although it is tempting! Then paint (or colour if the other style with Caran D’Ache pencils) and re-ink again…

Stage 7:

Laying down the colours - the colours are laid on and blended. A palette is used (see here for my desk as I work) of card with gouache and blend light to dark as shown. I start at either end of a single letter and work up or down. Gouache blends beautifully!

These are the colours from the Old Testament Tabernacle - and were requested by the person. I often use them. The colours are:

Blue - speaks of the Holy Spirit, Who if we allow Him works so mightily in our lives.

Crimson (scarlet) - speaks of the Son of God, the LORD Jesus Christ, Whose blood was shed to purchase salvation for all, believing in His salvation work by faith.

Purple - Speaks of the Heavenly Father and the holiness of God - our Father Who constantly watches over those who are His children.

Gold - speaks of the Deity of God - so pictured here is the Trinity of the Lord God shown in the colours laid down by God to Moses over 4000BC (see Exodus 28, etc), well before the Trinity was clearly revealed in the New Testament.

Stage 8: The gold leaf section is built up The gold is done with a glue size, and layers (sometimes up to ten) are built up. Gold leaf is added right at the end when it is at the right level. I use transfer gold leaf in 23 carat and this very easy to use and my favourite!

This above is the final layering of the gold leaf glue size ( which is a mixture of PVA glue, water and tiny bit of gouache). This stage is very different if doing flat gold leaf and then use a commercial gilding size as done here on this post.

Adding the gold leaf transfer - it is rubbed on over the transfer paper, gently using finger on the back of the sheet to make sure you cover all the surface. Sometimes when humidity is very low, it dries the size too hard to let it adhere. It is moistened by blowing on it - some folks use a special tube to blow through but I dont bother, rather like the burnishing tool. I have very soft brush with which I buff it - you dont need anything else for this particular type of of gold leaf. I paid heaps for a burnisher which is never used.
I meant to explain about the small flower when doing layout. It is magnified here with my clip on magnifier (bought at Aldi's, which I use all the time these days) - this flower is to indicate a part of the verse has been left out ie to indicate a minor break in the passage.
Stage 8: Final stage - Re-inking and touching up
Hurray!! do I love this bit.

I was asked to put a close up of "The Lord". For those who asked, yes, this is my original design- I redid the bit next to the "The" about three or four times.
Balance is very important.
I would never expend the fifty plus hours on anything but the Word of God - it is far too draining.
However for God's precious Word every bit is worth it and to God be all the glory alone - it is His handiwork. I am merely the servant.
If you have lasted the full post I congratulate you, and thank you. This post so long and detailed has been a battle too! to get blogger to do it!

May God bless your day wherever you may be.
May this precious Word bless your heart in all its beauty and treasure. His precious Word is the place where we find comfort and help in time of need, and much more indeed!
Shaz in Oz.x
PS Forgot to link over to this new blog hop I have found - called Scripture Thursday at Little Birdie Blessings see it here and do join in too!

Psalm 27:1, 3a Illuminated - Finished at last. WOYWW!

2012-02-22T13:12:00.001+11:00

Well how it seems a huge relief when a never ending task is finally completed - some of you may remember the beginnings way back here and now at long last and over fifity hours later of hard work (and frustrating at times)I can show you:

Psalm.27:1 , 3a

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:

Unfortunately my photo cuts out the top and bottom but this was the most accurate one colour wise which I have had time to take - so sorry about that!

Tomorrow, God willing, I will give a more fulsome and very detailed steps of how this was accomplished. As I found recently when I was trying to explain to someone who was wanting to do one I did not have it all on one post so tomorrow I hope to do it from woe to go!

So take a peek then if you want - will link it over for a new blog hop I have found too - no more time here, must fly - but do rush over to the best exploring and learning blog hop around at Julia's - the Queen of WOYWW for What Is On Your Workdesk Wednesday!

Happy WOYWW everyone and may God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in oz.x

Stampscapes - oh what fun and WOYWW!

2012-02-15T12:30:00.010+11:00

For those of you who have been wondering where I am? Have been and am very busy and was unwell as previous post explains (for Blog candy result see here). And those who want to see the progress of the calligraphy it is coming have taken lots of pickies but dont have time to blog them - this is a token appearance for WOYWW.

What is WOYWW you ask (where have you been hiding?) – this is the day of the week when folks from all over the world take a peek at wonderful worldwide desk to see just what we are up to – so do hop over to our wonderful hostess’ blog, at Julia's Stamping Ground!

And so here is my desk or a tiny peek of it - have cropped it, as I will show the calligraphy in sequence later - here is an exciting parcel of Stampscapes goodies WOW! thank you, Kevin, for great service plus! If you want to know how I love them see these various posts here and this link here is STAMPSCAPES site, it is a real joy of exploration here.

I have not had many orders to US, only three of them now over several years, first one was for three stamps, second was lots for others some for self. This one was for me - a pressie, which might have something to do with getting older!.

I always buy unmounted because of the post cost but this time Kevin Nakagawa (click here for sample of his work) excelled himself - he is so incredibly helpful if you need any extra help. As a bonus he sends these amazing learning cards from which you can learn.

I have a double of up of a couple of these cards and if any one would like to have them please leave the word Stampscapes at the end your comment and I will make a draw for them :D.

Oh and last pickie for the day is my Eucharist lily which is in flower in our courtyard - isn't it beautiful - love it myself and has lovely soft fragrance. it lives in our fern house and really like the environment but comes up here when it flowers several times a year. I just wish the photo showed how delicate the flower is...

I may not get around to many of you very dear folk, I am very VERY sorry for that...but really appreciate your visits and kind words more than I can ever say.

Happy WOYWW everyone and may God bless your day wherever you may be!

Shaz in Oz. x

Candy Draw - Thanks So Much to all my Wonderful Encouragers!

2012-02-14T13:21:00.008+11:00

Hi there everyone - and I suppose I should say happy Valentines' day!

Well the observant among you will have noticed an absence of posting here and that was in part because I was unwell (had another tooth infection, same one as last month the one with root canal tooth - I am over it now thankfully, and pray it stays that way, or will lose the tooth ) and also very busy.

As my work on my text is rather draining, I simply dont have time or energy to blog as well. The reason it is draining is that it is very very very slow work. - but that is often the way things are. I could ramble on but wont anymore as that is not why you are here.

You want to know who WON THE CANDY???? LOUD drum-roll please!! ta dah!

It was another hat draw with my Candy Elf as helper and a few others (My Breast Cancer bears) who popped onto the hat to supervise - they do like to help! let me give you a pictorial sequence:

So there is the winner - Jocelyn aka Jobear2, a big congratulations and many many thanks to Jocelyn, and all of you.

Two other names were drawn out of the hat by kind CE, so would Sarah also email me with addresses, and 505Whimsygirl, please? no more candy but will send something as a thank you (pity could not send it to all of you)!

Jocelyn was one of my very early encouragers of the this blog - so please do hop over to her blog - you will be amazed at her wonderful work - she happens to be one of the few from Oz who are wonderful encouragers as to is Sarah - amazing that their names came out!

Well, off to do some more work folks - you will get a post with sequence of the work on calligraphy, but not yet - when I finally surface and can sort out such things may be able to give a brief WOYWW post tomorrow or may not time will tell sorry!

Thanks again everyone for your your wonderful support and God bless you all where ever you may be

Love Shaz in Oz.x
PS also a big welcome to all the new wonderful encouragers who have so kindly joined recently - you are so appreciated!

A Big Thank You to Janet at Fairy Thoughts Blog

2012-02-03T23:37:00.003+11:00

Well, found I had a very lovely surprise this week - a very kind award from Janet at Fairy Thoughts!

Thank you Janet - I really appreciate it. :D

"Liebster is a German word, meaning dearest or beloved, but it can also mean favorite."

The Liebster Blog Award is used to show appreciation of smaller blogs (under 200 followers) and to help spread readership and joy! As part of the tradition, This award is passed along to five other blogs that have motivated and inspired me in such great ways!
To accept the award:
1. Link back to the person's blog who gave it to you and thank them :)
2. Post the award to your blog
3. Give the award to 5 bloggers (less than 200 followers) that you appreciate and value
4. Leave a comment on the five blogs you chose to let them know.

So these are not in any particular order of appreciation:

1.Crafty Chris - a newbie so do take a peek - you will be glad you did! Thanks Chris, for recently becoming a Wonderful Encourager on my blog!

2.Victoria of Furry Tale Cards and Craft - wow I love her cards - do take a peek another one to check up on!

3. Bridget Larsen of Fruit Salad blog - another Aussie, so a great addition to this team! see here on this post she sent me a beautiful card! Thank you, Bridget!

4.Anja of StampingAnja - ah her cards are really beautiful, and do enjoy the peacefulness of a visit to her blog..

5. TangoLikeRaindrop blog- and if you love craft and food here is a really great blog to visit! thanks for encouraging me, little Raindrop (you will love her sea view too, might need to scroll down past the lemon meringue, etc.!).

I would encourage all to stop by and comment on these five blogs - you will be so glad you did!
Thanks for stopping by! And thanks again, Janet, for thinking of me.

And although I could not choose more than five you have have all helped me more than words can say!

Oh, and thought would show you all is sunny here again :D yippee! sun with occasional showers we can handle that!

A very special thanks so much for popping by and for your wonderfully kind and caring comments over the last few days!

God's richest blessing on each of you,

Shaz in Oz.x

Step by Step Calligraphy - Illuminated Text and WOYWW 139!

2012-02-01T08:10:00.051+11:00

(Anyone who has not joined in this Blog's candy, please click on the candy side bar )

Well, it is wet, wild and woolly here again today, we have had 135mm (over 5 1/2ins) in about 4 and half hours and we are on flood watch again. Praying it may ease, and does seem to be doing so.

For bloggers who have been concerned, I am thankfully not in a flood area but am praying for those who are - one of my good friends is, and was flooded badly last year. It is tidal here as well and thankfully the high tides are not big this week, they were last week. We came off okay last week, for which I was thankful to the Lord. It was flooded north, south and west of here and the highway and major roads were closed for few days on coast and some were inland.

A land of contrasts is our Australia - as Dorothea Mackellar said in My Country :

"I love a sunburnt country a land... of droughts and flooding rains,

I love her wide horizons, I love her jewel sea..."

Now to the purpose of this post, WOYWW, or for those who are unaware (are there any?) What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday hosted by the brilliant Julia, find her at her Stamping Ground for our worldwide blog hop – HERE!
As you can see I am still in a mess – but very different variety. I am in the middle of doing some calligraphy. My desk this week will give you a few progressive shots.

You will see the layout changes quite a bit from the first to the next ones.

Picture one is the beginning where I “fiddle-faddle” around; praying as I go, God's Word is living Word and need to be considered carefully and prayed over, that the true meaning shines through.

So here I am trying to work out the best emphasis for the words, and the most balanced layout. This can take some time (days, weeks sometimes) and lots of sheets of scrap paper…and make a few mistakes too - there is one on there – however it is checked at each of the many stages…

Photo 2 is the final choice of layouts thus far revised and working on the size of the prints lines, once the layout is sorted.

You can see on Picture 1, I have used double ended calligraphy textas (which would horrify a true calligrapher) to work out the letter sizes.
Once this is decided, I then transfer to tracing paper( picture 3). I use tracing paper for several reasons.

Primarily, this is because the decoration can take some fiddling, and then the good paper may be messed with drawing, erasing, etc.

The last stage today’s desk is the tracing paper layout in pencil and I am fiddling with the design of decoration. God willing, next week will have it on the paper next week and up to the inking in stage…

Here is the last pickie, a piece of a weed as I call it, a Mother-in-law Tongue is what is commonly called here. The funny thing is they have become very fashionable and expensive to buy at nurseries! But this one decided to grow between our fence and the flower is rather attractive I thought! Well, off to peek at some other desks (as much time allows, sorry if don’t get around to all!)…

Thanks everyone for popping over for a peek and chat, and may God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz. x

PS. Thanks so very much for all the new Wonderful Encouragers of this humble blog - you are all appreciated more than words can say. It still amazes me that folk like to pop over here! so a big welcome to you one and all, and many thanks to those who have been wonderfully encouraging over a longer time. :D
PPS. I have changed the design a little as you will see next week, God willing, taking on board the comment made by Sarah below, and in more prayer with the LORD... so thanks everyone for your thoughts on this! I deeply appreciate you all...mind you am rubbing out again!! As I found three top lines were slightly crooked by 1mm - 3mm, amazing how it suddenly leaps put at you - this why it is not done on paper first!

What is On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 138

2012-01-25T08:05:00.004+11:00

(Anyone who has not joined in this Blog's candy, please click on the side bar )

Hullo everyone. Here we are, another week is screaming into view and we are halfway though already! So tis time for WOYWW or What Is On Your Workdesk Wednesday. So do please join us at Julia’s wonderful blog of the Stamping Ground to peek at the glories of desks of the world!

Now the point of my first photo is not to totally throw you – but here is a mess! Yes, the reason for the pickie is really to clear up this deception that the fine folk of WOYWW seem to have - that is that I craft very neatly!

Week after week the kind WOYWW-ers say how neat I am - but I am not! I make a mess. However because this is the dining table it is cleaned up very frequently – and this is not today’s desk as it is like Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard - bare. I am supposed to be starting a piece of calligraphy (print out of test layout on right side of table also) as the card I was working on at this messy desk is finished but cannot be shown yet. It is under the piece of blank paper in the lower right. As you can see have been playing with my Spellbinder Fancy Labels two above this, plus my Martha Stewart Scoreboard which were used - but none of the ribbons there were used. Amazing how much stash you pull out and discard.

Now for a sea view of the ocean, about 7pm I was walking along North wall and marina the other day when the weather was fine. As you will see on my previous post it is not the way now. The hills you see faintly in the dusk-light background are leading to the Great Dividing Range which is the backbone of the of Australia. It follows the coast up and down almost parallel to it – and it is really raining over that way. It is flooding over there too, and up north especially south east Qld again, as described in previous post. It happens frequently there so they are well prepared. God willing we will escape it.

May God bless your day wherever you may be and thanks for popping over for a peek and chat!

Shaz in a very wet Oz. x

PS. for those who like the brayered lavender piece on last week desk it is on the card below this post. Lunch Lady Jan commented on the piece before it was made into a card :D

Craft a Scene Challenge - Brayer Elusive Images - Sympathy Card

2012-01-24T22:30:00.007+11:00

Hullo everyone just a very quick post here today!

'Tis a bit damp under foot in our part of the coast. However, it is not as wet as on the Great Diving Range west of us. It is flooding there, at the foot of the range. It has poured up on top and on the winding road down. The spectacular waterfalls were running over the road, as you come down the mountain so the Waterfall Way (as it is called) was closed. We may have more rain by week's end - I just pray it is the right amount!

Now this is my third entry in the Craft A Scene Challenge - do join us over there you have till Friday 27th to share a scene and anything goes! This is a sympathy card made with the brayer and Adirondack inks Cool Peri and Cloudy Blue with a moon post it note. Then inked up with black Archival ink the Elusive Images (discontinued, but I recently bought this set on eBay) Meadow set stamps. Used two - the Lavender one and the grassy one and multi-stamped them. Added a stamped sentiment cut with Spellbinder ribbon label, embossed the base pale blue card extended (post on how to do this - see here) out of Cuttlebug folder - Argyle. The really observant among you may have noticed this card beginning on my desk below...

Thanks for popping over, and do stop and chat - also there is candy see link on sidebar!
May God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz. x

Happy WOYWW, and Brayer with Cuttlebug plus!

2012-01-18T12:46:00.007+11:00

Hullo there everyone – well here we are again with yet another WOYWW on its way - wait we haven’t caught up yet from last week – please!!

For those not in the know the acronym WOYWW stands for “What Is on Your Workdesk Wednesday?” For those of you who would love to join in the fun of looking at work desks around the world, do join in the fun, and take a trip over to Julia's Stamping Ground!

Here is my desk today – I liked better yesterday when the cards were being made (for all details on the brayer marbled green cards see here ) and now am just try into get inspired for the rather large calligraphy verse you see have printed the words out on the printed sheet at the back of the desk – a rough layout idea. The green card here I have entered enter this in the PanPastel Challenge – “Anything Goes” a brand new challenge blog, so do join in!

Also on my desk you can see some Chinese calligraphy shown better in the close up photo below. It was a present at Christmas from my sister and brother in law as they had been to China for the year – now wonder if any of you can read Chinese characters. I cannot – but since I do calligraphy they thought I would like my name in calligraphy – Chinese style.

It is a very good addition to my room at present in computer room but when craft room eventuates I hope to put it in there.

In the centre of the desk is this stationary set from Rwanda – it is made by the orphaned children over there out of Office scraps here is a close up my friend are missionaries to Rwanda (see previous post here) and they are home on furlough and they brought this lovely gift bag home with two gifts in it this one the stationary set from them and the little Rwanda hut carving for our mutual friend Bonaventure – he bought it of his own volition as a thank you for support for him. The dear, kind man – my friend here in Oz, Elaine and I occasionally as led may send him a small gift for his needs. He was doing Bible study this year under Chris. Thank you Bonaventure!

There is one new card on the desk the beginning of which you can also see in the photo with the Rwandan items. It is a brayer card too and have made it up simply with the Cuttlebug plus folder Carly, I think it is called, a favourite Lavender Fairy stamp I have had for over twenty years and some ribbon binding.

Well thanks so much everyone for popping over for a peek and a chat and don’t forget to join in the candy thank YOU for my Wonderful Encouragers click here or post below!

May God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz. x

One Hundredth Encourager Mystery candy - THANK YOU!

2012-01-18T09:37:00.010+11:00

(Hi, this is now drawn see post here )

Okay, one an' all - here we have a wee candy, a mystery one - cos have yet to figure out what is in it - but was excited (cant quite believe it you know ) to have one hundred Wonderful Encouragers.
I so wanted to have wee candy to celebrate, you see! A big thank you to everyone who comes to this humble blog - but most of all, a hearty hug and huge thanks you to all, who join encourage and comment regularly.

So to enter this blog candy, please:

1. You MUST be a Wonderful Encourager - after all, that is the whole point - it is a thank YOU! The last time had a candy draw it was someone who comes here regularly and comments who won, but was not an Encourager so do check, please - we had to do a re-draw - 'cos would be in trouble if broke my own rules! All new ones are welcomed with open arms if you like what you see on this blog :D but not candy hunters, please - thank you.

2. Please put a comment below so I know you want to enter this candy.

3. Please post this candy on your sidebar of your blog if able, ie if you have one and you know how - for those who don't know how, you just add a picture widget in blogger set up - if not ask and will help as much as I can.

The hat draw will take place on - 14.2.12! (mm, chose it cos it was Tuesday for WOYWW - but Valentine's day is good date too, huh?)

Thanks one and all and may God bless you wherever you are,

Shaz in Oz.x

Also a VERY Special welcome to Claire my one hundredth Encourager - see her blog here. Also to Jude here is her fantastic blog too!

PS. Update on mystery - okay, I think I was smart, I have bought something online (so may take while to get here) as the main item.
I simply adore this, and have it already and so wont want it!! hopefully the receiver wont have it - to have a teeny weeny hint it is on this post here :D - will be few other things too, am looking.
Mm, that is bad very bad, but good cause, huh!

Less is More + Craft A Scene Challenge + PanPastel Challenge

2012-01-17T18:47:00.012+11:00

Hullo there everyone! Well, today I had to make some cards so decided to hit a few challenges with the cards.

First of it was Less is More that set me off – you see this week was to be a One layer card – with little or no embellishments with white areas is the criteria – and Title for this week - "Birds".

Here I decided to get inky! Out came the brayer, inks,Stampin Up black pen and few other tools. I Cuttlebugged a double mask (so no bleeding with just one layer) in Labels Four.

I then used Tim Holtz inks (Mustard Seed, Peeled Paint) with the yellow/green end of Kaleidocolor “Calypso” plus Tim's Tattered Sparrow stamp in Archival black.

I did my brayer marbling method I developed and posted last year in full – here you can see it step by step. It looks dreadful to start with but love the effect myself.

The idea came by looking at the lid of Tim’s inks (namely “Peeled Paint” online as did not have any then) and thought:

“Mm wonder how I could do that?”

I did not have any of his inks then only Stampin Up spots! The desk is shown set up with the mask to show anyone who is not familiar with this method.

Now either the very plain white card can be used for the Less is More challenge, or the one with two brads. I was not sure if two brads were ok?

If not then I will enter the totally plain one but I really like the two brads on the second card.

I also made third one with a black frame – just for a difference! I am going to enter this in the PanPastel Challenge – “Anything Goes”!

They are having their very first challenge and you don’t have to use Pan Pastels to enter. But – hey, the prize is some of them so then you could end up with some, couldn’t you?

I love Eileen’s entry, she is on the DT and I have followed her for years.

She was my very first Wonderful Encourager. Her entry is so clever – deceptively simple and effective!

And lastly but not least, I will also enter this last card also in the Craft a Scene First Ever Challenge for my second entry (first entry here). Here also “Anything goes” as long as it is a scene – this is their very first challenge too so do join them also if you can! At least have a look and be inspired by the brilliant entries so far.
So thanks for popping over everyone for a peek and chat. And may God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz. x
PS a big welcome to my new Wonderful Encouragers too! You and also those long-time ones are appreciated so much! take a peek at these bloggers and new wonderful encouragers - Anne, Olga, Brenda, and Gay .

Great ideas, WOYWW + Christmas Card Challenges - Recycled + Anything Goes!

2012-01-11T14:08:00.014+11:00

Hullo there everyone - well nothing much to show you this week as it was cleaned up - I have done things, but cant show them. However there are heaps more interesting desks on our exciting learning time at the neatest blog hop around - join us over at Julia's Stamping Ground!

Hoping to make up for my desk, I am to share some great ideas I have just seen .. just back from my friends blog - Jocelyn of Instead of Ironing blog and do take a look at her card over at her amazing blog and the great idea for stars with glitz that does not fall off!! the mind boggles at the ideas this can lead too... tone on tone, etc.

Next is paper storage!

Any crafter out there with a problem in paper storage?
Here is another amazing idea from a fellow blogger who I met some time back. Like me, she is a Christian calligrapher and makes cards so you could say we kinda clicked - here is the link to her blog Crafty Quills.

Now to quote her "Not being able to justify spending £7.95 per acrylic tray I wanted it to be cheap....So, for the princely sum of 71 pence each (per tray) I have my storage." If you want to know what she used - take a peek it is really truly brilliant!

Okay now to share a card or two from last week's WOYWW post as promised (see here). I have only just managed to photograph some of them, and these are six of them, supposedly the same.

Do you ever make a card exactly the same? I rarely do - as you can see. This is going in the Recycling challenge over at Hazel's Christmascard blog - as the baubles here are all made with recycled wrapping paper (which were baubles on the wrapping paper) - but I adapted it a little! I used the Martha Stewart Pine Branch punch which you can also see on last weeks desk. it had just arrived. I had seen used to great effect on Kittie's blog (Kittie Kraft - see here) - are you familiar with her amazing flowers? and so Kittie kindly helped me to find a place on eBay where I could buy it - talk about one kind lady! Thank you, Kittie!

Anyway I was merrily punching the lovely detailed green leaves out with the punch when I though how great it would look as a border down the side of the card -so that is how I came to use it that way!

I did make other cards using the punch the way you are supposed to - but will show you those another time. This card has a gift card from my nephew on it - and recycled on this card.

The last card has a recycled greeting and a cut-out from another card on it (one which did not come off)- doubly recycled! It is a little off centre as it was stamped on a piece of paper slightly too small for the Marianne die! So might as well enter these in Hazel’s challenge and this last one in the ABC Christmas Challenge - Anything goes! (Frame is Designables Cut & Emboss Folder 908)

Sorry my desk is super boring but hopefully this will make up for it – and last a pickie of my sister first lily as shown on her desk - she picked it from her garden while I was visiting her last week - amazing beauty in God’s creation? And this is her Maiden hair fern behind it - it is huge. Not that you can really tell from the photo.

Blessings on you all and thanks for all your wonderful comments and a big welcome to all the new Wonderful Encouragers of this blog. A special welcome to some Newbie bloggers - Anne, Marleen, Victoria and Mariette.
Thank you long-time and new ones - you are such an encouragement.

Thanks for taking a peek and chat, and may God bless you where ever you may be,

Shaz in Oz.x

What Is Our Life…?

2012-01-09T00:39:00.007+11:00

Do you believe in co-incidences? A very dear friend, Isabella, once said to me some time back, “Co-incidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous”, and this saying occurs to me at such times.

Let me share with you this threefold co-incidence. When I recently re-vamped my blog for the New Year, I also chose a new “Verse To Ponder” to replace the Christmas one on my sidebar. I change these regularly. I chose:

Then the next day in his sermon our Pastor chose to preach from this very passage (click here to read the few verses in James 4:13-17). And then just tonight, in my devotional the passage is the very same one. There are 66 books in the Bible with some of them containing over 150 (Psalms) chapters, and yet God chose this again!

I think God has something to say to us here… or to me at least...

The reason the verse leapt out to me for selection on that day was as a consequence of a early morning phone call to say a friend, aged 38yrs, had died in his sleep that night.
He never lived to see 2012, as this was New Year’s Eve. We had known him since he was 12 years old. I pray for all who loved him, for God's comfort at such a time as this.

When such an unexpected event occurs it really puts life into perspective. As James says, I am not to boast myself of the morrow, and all I might do – but rather if the LORD will I will do this or that…

Where is this young man now? He is in heaven with his LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Tim trusted in the Lord as a teenager, and was faithful to the to Him, to the best of his ability. That is all that is required. We are not expected to do what we cannot do… but God does enable us to do what we cannot imagine we will do. This blog is a small example of this in my life.

It is not wrong to plan, but it is wrong to let that plan control you and to rule you, and I need to remind myself of this.

I dedicate this post to a faithful servant of the LORD - Tim, till we meet again.

“God holds the future in His hands

With grace sufficient for the day,

Through good or ill He gently leads,

If we but let Him have his way.

(By Rhors.)

Those who know Christ as their Saviour

Can face the future with joy.”

(Excerpt from Our Daily Bread. 5.1.2012)

WOYWW + Recycling Cards for Christmas.

2012-01-04T00:36:00.006+11:00

Yes, dear fellow WOYWW-ers you read that right! I am, on the first WOYWW of 2012, talking of Christmas.

Before I go any further for those who may have arrived here from elsewhere – WOYWW is the most amazing blog hop on the planet and all hosted by our marvellous Julia at her blog here. Please do join us peeking at the desks of the world, all to learn much! Nothing to do with being a sticky beak - mm, well, mostly not!

I know some folks will no doubt be totally over Christmas, but the OCD me wants to get organised while I have these great ideas floating around buzzing in my head. If I don’t do them while at this stage I will forget and not do them at all!

When I get cards or pressies I look for what I can use to make cards for the next year. Most of the cards on my desk today (there are 31 for 2012) are made from some sort of recycling. They are mostly simple, and quite a few are repeated style. The pressie paper, centre-right edge of the table, behind a new pine branch punch, is covered in red and silver ornaments. These became beaut ornaments which I used on cards in all sorts of ways. Then at the front left and middle are some straight conversions on the cards given with some extra bling a folder or ribbon, etc. I will show some in more detail on further posts.

This soft blue Christmas card (on the easel) arrived to my surprise in the post - all the way from USA dear Brenda of Butler’s Abroad. I am yet to contact her, she will be in bed when I do this! Somehow she found out my address and sent it off to me – what a blessing she is, and isn’t it so lovely? Some snow, she said for us in warm Oz, so kind – thank you, dear friend!

Also here is a Christmas gift here by a very clever man – my sister’s father in law made it for me – thanks so much, Mr and Mrs Tolly! It is a wooden spooled tape measure and the tape measure is pulled out by the leather tab then you wind it with the top section, so practical, and I love it! :D

Now the brayer card has been made for the very first challenge over at Craft A Scene. It is Anything Goes (ie made anyway but must be a scene) and you have until Jan. 27th to do this challenge. This is one of the most enjoyable challenges I have done – not that I have done many. I must confess, I'm not terribly good at getting around to them, but please do take a peek over at their brand new blog. They have a DT call out too until January 10th, and some very talented folk have put their hat in the ring. The recipe of this card have posted it in full here (or post below)!

In case you think the weather here has not been nice and that is why I have been so busy making cards – no, cracker days and everyone is enjoying it here – in Melbourne they have copped it (see Jocelyn of Instead of Ironing Blog's post,) they are now having heat-waves, but just lovely Goldilocks’ weather here and very glad of it (ie not too hot and not too cold)

And please take time if you can to visit two fairly new bloggers who are now tow Wonderful Encouragers of this blog - welcome to Karen and Anja! It is great to get to know you.
Well, thanks everyone for popping over here for a look and a chat! I shall be bit slow getting around again to folks, as am flat out for the rest of this week until the weekend. Craft and computer won’t get a look in – but hope to get around at the weekend, all being well.

Happy WOYWW every one and may God bless you wherever you may be!

Shaz in Oz. x.

PS. I wonder how many times I end a WOYWW post with a PS? I seem to a lot. Well look another a card from another WOYWW-er has arrived here lunch time today! This is from Bridget Larsen of Fruit Salad Blogspot has sent me one of her very stunning cards - dont you love it?
These were on her desk a few weeks back and I said how I loved them - the colour is what grabbed me at first and also the simplicity of the beauty in this card.

Thanks so much dear friend! (see not just being a sticky beak, but real joy and pleasure from being a WOYWW-er!). I had to smile how she said inside about us meeting over messy desks!

PPS. To those asking about Monkey's top, he came with it (see this post here) - he is called Deer monkey, cos of his top. He came from the UK to Oz in April with family - he usually travels in the car with Tweetie Pie and Mechant (my little PT Tips monkey), but came into superintend proceedings over Christmas - totally approves of all the cards for next Christmas! :D

Stampscapes - Craft A Scene Challenge

2012-01-04T00:13:00.009+11:00

Hullo there everyone - well isn’t this so very exciting? Our very first entry in Craft a Scene Challenge and this one is Anything Goes, as long as it is a scene.

Please do join us in the fun of this very new Challenge!

Now I have had this piece of brayered glossy card here in my stash box begging to be used and thought of it when I was reading Sheree’s post saying sometimes she uses Stampscapes with colours that are way out there…
Well, my background is certainly that. You will see the recipe for this background on this post. It is done with some Iridescent Medium and Big and Juicy ink pad, Hydrangea (aren’t you glad at times like this you have a blog – I had no idea which ink pads I had used on this till I looked at this post!). The Iridescent medium is amazing and this why it has the lovely shimmer on it shows up best on top right of photo), making it seem more life like.
I saw it being used with watercolours. Using it with a brayer, as far as I know it is my idea – I just though it would work well. It does, but don’t put it on the brayer – as my earlier post says, I put it on the paper.

Now to the Stampscapes.

Wow, I love them! Used here are the following stamps:

Reeds 067B and 304B, Lakeside Cabin small 147F, and Row-boat 166A, partially stamped Gulls 302A, Rock Duo 131A, Ripples 069A, Oak branch 203G

Also edged around glossy card with black ink, then mounted on back handmade paper, with corner cut with Martha Stewart Deco Shell Corner punch, mounted on rippled blue card to complete the card

So that is how I craft a scene!

Thanks for popping over for a look and a chat and may God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in oz.x
PS A big welcome to my new wonderful encouragers, one who does not have a blog, so can't link over to her blog, and the second one is I Create For Fun (her latest post has three gorgeous cards). Sorry I missed you three days ago! Thank you ladies you are a blessing to me!

Sunshine, Hunca Munca and WOYWW!

2011-12-28T18:59:00.004+11:00

Bit late for WOYWW today as had not time before heading up the coast 30 mins to spend the day with Brisbane rellies who were down – and great time was had by all! now after 7pm here!

For anyone who may not know what WOYWW is please head across to our gracious hostess, Julia’s, blog for a great viewing world wide of desks on display!

Now to the business end and my desk – here you can see it is quite littered and is even more than this but there are things for viewing later so I’ve cut them out.

There is card in lower left almost completed from the lovely papers, bling, lace, ribbons, buttons etc. from Elizabeth’s amazing bounty shown here on right. I decided to save it for Christmas morning as knew most of my gifts and so very nice to get a surprise – here it is in all its beauty!

Here is the card which have made from it – first one and sending it to my dear friend in Wollongong, who loves Beatrix Potter – this is Hunca Munca the ever so cute mouse for those not familiar with it. I have seen Miss Potter's farm up in the Lakes District, a beautiful part of UK. One stunning clear autumn day in 2009. Had a pork pie sitting on the seat outside her wee farmhouse – loved her bedroom, and bay window with seat – what was so lovely they had the pages of her books open at the parts of her home which featured in the pictures of the books – spent ages in there drinking it all in! For those wanting to know, the Fleur de Lis Spellbinder is the mount for Hunca Munca.

So thanks very much dear friend Elizabeth - and anyone who wants to see her amazing card it is on the bottom of this post here.

And yes! here is the weather in Oz, where I live – lovely sunny weather for each of the days. Here is my beach walk or part thereof with folks enjoying a late afternoon on Boxing Day. In top shot it is people swimming in the water not ducks!

Thanks for popping over every one for a peek and chat – may God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz. x

PS. For all those who love doing scenes like with Stampscapes or any other such scene stamps there is a new place to share - a new challenge blog called Craft A Scene and it's now up and running!
Head on over for a visit. They are currently looking for Design Team members and followers that will actively participate in challenges, tutorials and more.

Wise Men Seek Him Still

2011-12-23T23:23:00.008+11:00

Wise Men Seek Him Still

Wise were the Magi who travelled so far to seek,

To see the King of which the Star did speak

That first Christmas they rejoiced to see that star,

It did guide them safely as they travelled afar.

The angels sang of a Saviour and God, Who was born,

And the Shepherds found Him that first Christmas morn.

It is of the Babe Jesus the star spoke and angel’s chorus did sing

He was born and died and rose again, Salvation for us to bring

O, let us seek the True Saviour, the Babe Jesus, Who loves us all

T’was for us, a Loving Saviour waits for us today on Him to call.

Shaz in Oz.  ~ 29.11.11

Every year I write little poem to go inside my cards (to my shame, I have yet to calligraph it in) - computer generated sadly - one day, God willing, I may be super organised .maybe do it in July or something as a template..mm, that's an idea now.. .

This was this year's poem and one of my brayer cards - see here for card method

My spiritual birthday (when I came know the LORD Jesus) is coming up soon (4th Jan) and it is very near here - down near the beach. It was through a Christian Beach Mission (CSSM - they were called) down at the beach where we were camping. We, little kids and then bigger kids, all went every year. I walked at this spot today, it is always special to me. You can see photos, etc. on this post here.

I started at CSSM when I was four, and still have my first prize book when I was four, it is called "God Loves Me"... and yes, He does! Sometimes we forget that God Loves Us - just the way we are - praise Him for His never-ending love.

His Love sent His only Son as a baby..and come let us come and celebrate this Love - and if we have not yet been like the Wise Men, THEN let us seek the King - the King of Kings, the LORD Jesus Christ, let His coming not be in vain for you.

To each of my Wonderful Encouragers I want to say a huge thank you - you mean so very, very much to me - but not as much as you mean to God .... and please never forget that.

I am thinking of another candy soon - maybe in some months to come, but when a certain milestone is reached, will let you know - may even give a whisper of it before hand ....mm.....maybe something to do with numbers.. perhaps?..

And last but not least a VERY Big welcome to the latest Wonderful Encouragers - I am calling her little Raindrop, and you will see why when you visit her blog - a newbie at blogging so do go along and encourage her. awesome felt work there - and also to Pauline another Aussie and English May at That Craft Place - so welcome thanks for spreading a little Goodwill of the Season...

Love, Peace and Goodwill to ALL,

Shaz in Oz.x

What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday

2011-12-21T01:42:00.009+11:00

{{Addendum: A Big welcome to my latest follower Julie, a fairly new blogger - do take a peek at her lovely blog. Also another newbie at blogging, doing a great job and needs some encouragement - Debbie, her lovely blog is here she has joined WOYWW but not many folk have joined her on the hop - thanks so much for sharing a little Goodwill at this time}}

Happy WOYWW or What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday everyone.

If you would like to join a very merry band of crafty folk on the world's biggest desk hop then pop over to our hostess Julia's beaut blog for a peek!

What is happening here?

Well, actually it is really what has happened here, as the table out there is cleaned up again! Getting ready for present wrapping and all those sorts of things. Yes, thankfully all the cards sitting on my desk last week WOYWW are posted or given out - last lot went on Monday.

Desk hopping was neglected last week and am trying to catch up - if have missed any one, which I know I have, I am terribly sorry, will do better this week hopefully!

Anyway what was I making on this desk - some of you will no doubt think I have totally lost the plot, but I'm making Christmas cards!!

You see, I have had this idea humming in my head for a Christmas card - but did not have time to do it. I do all my cards by end of November so I can get to the big task of getting them all off with less drama - cannot cope with doing them any later. I made my first one for this year here - it was on the same day last year! I gave it to my dad this year. I have posted the two cards already, for more details, etc look below or here. I have also posted the post on papyrus calligraphy, which I spoke of last week as my friends have received it.

I wonder what sort of Christmas dinner you will be having?

Do you know how many hot Christmas dinners I have had in my life? One, when I was eight years old! my Yorkshire grandmother in Tamworth NSW, cooked us a hot Christmas dinner. Until I was twenty one I had spent every Christmas dinner except that one in a tent. We went camping down where I live now at the beach, til we moved here - why not, with this view five minutes walk from here?

So every year back then, we had an extra posh salad - and really that is what we do now! This year with barbequed lamb instead of cold meats. Not everyone here are like us - but lots are and seafood also makes a very big appearance on an Aussie Christmas dinner table.

May the Lord bless you all richly this Christmas, as we take time to remember the One after whom this season is named - God bless and HAPPY CHRISTMAS,

Shaz in Oz.x

PS. Well, such great excitement is here!! woo hoo! just had postie at the door

Look what she has brought! a wee (well, really a big parcel) parcel all the way from bonnie Scotland! Elizabeth Silver Scrapper's very, very yummy candy has arrived - look at this so very awesome card on it with lovely wishes inside - wow! how very blessed am I? You see my Blogaversary candy was drawn on 30.11.11 and so was Birthday candy of Elizabeth's. In the week my candy was drawn I won two (other is on last weeks post) and have never won blog candy before - so there you go. I am going to open it for Christmas and if you want to know what is in it look here! Great details on her tartan multiple die cuts card, aren't there?

Cant stay on here long now as have 5 stitches in right forearm (mm, pity am right handed), the skin cancer doctor did some cutting out, and rather sore!

Papyrus Work of Isaiah 19:20-21 - God's promise to Egypt

2011-12-20T21:16:00.007+11:00

For first term in our Calligraphy class this year we were doing Egyptian script and work on papyrus, and Copperplate as well. I did not do a project on Copperplate; however I did do this one on papyrus.

Papyrus as explained by Wikipedia is a thick paper like material produced from the pith of the papyrus plant, Cyperus papyrus, a wetland sedge that was once abundant in the Nile delta of Egypt.

The funny thing is the plant is growing in our yard - through the fence with our neighbour's - it is kept chopped back. I did not realise that is what it is!

I really love this passage I chose to do in dip pen on papyrus (a rather difficult medium). As we were doing Egyptian script I decided to look up this great promise of the LORD to the people of Egypt, and do it. Here below it is in the preliminary stages.

The great thing in all this is that this occurred before the Arab spring and the rising up of the people of Egypt. God in His foreknowledge laid it on my heart in early March, 2011, when I began it.
Now in spite of all changes made, sadly we see the ongoing oppression in Egypt of Christians by the current government.

So the prophetic promise continues to live the truth out in real time – how great is our wonderful LORD and His precious Word, and His promises to His faithful ones.
And how much greater it will be when this prophecy comes to pass.

Isaiah 19:20,21

[20] And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.
[21] And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, ....

As you will see I have not done all of it, but the main part - this originally was simply an exercise and not a proper piece of work, and I had finished it all except for the colouring of the Egyptian borders (which I found online).
If I had realised I was going to give it as a gift I would have spent much more effort in the execution of the work. I had to do the coloured painting for our Calligraphy class Show and Tell last Monday week and as I was painting ten days ago I was suddenly hit afresh with the great hope in these words and thought how it would bless the hearts of my very dear friends up north of me, who are Egyptian Coptic Christians.
They long for this day and so I posted it to them the very next day after our Show and Tell. I know they have received it and so can post this now. Again I was so very sorry it was not a better work - but God's word is still so very sweet no matter how it is presented. That can never be taken away.

Matthew 24: 35. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Let us urgently and fervently pray for these dear ones in Egypt, and all who are oppressed by those who do not love LORD.

Shaz in Oz.x

Red and White with Crafty Individual Stamps

2011-12-20T17:47:00.017+11:00

I know that many of you might be all Christmas “card-ed” out by now – but I am not. You see, by December I have made all my cards, as I stagger them throughout the year. I have not made one for over a month now. Also as have not crafted much this month, I had to play with my stash – this for me is brief lull between Christmas day and when most things have been organised that can be before then. So here is the card I was talking of last week at WOYWW!

A lovely stamp, the Crafty Individual Bird Postcard Unmounted stamp, was masked so only centre was stamped.

Then coloured with Stampin’ Up Chalks, and mounted on Spellbinder Petite ovals. The other stamp greeting is also partially stamped and is from Crafty Secrets Clear Stamp Set - Rose on bargain bin sale at present at Fat Cats- great buy! It was mounted on Rectangle Spellbinder and Fancy labels 2. I am entering this card in the Less is More Challenge - it has lots of white and not much bling and the criteria this time is Music, so hopefully it is CAS enough!

Used pearly card embossed with 5 x 7"Cuttlebug Allegro embossing folder for the base.

I really like use of stamps not actually Christmas ones, but adaptable to be so.

I also made a second card with the Nellie Snellen ovals and the masked bird stamp, also Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder and a Christmas greeting saved from stash off Christmas table last year. Be on look out for shiny paper on bonbons and other such treasures to save – you cant beat such free treasure troves!

May God bless your day wherever you may be and thanks so much for popping over for a look and a chat.

Shaz in Oz.x

Celtic Uncial Script, Blog candy + happy WOYWW!

2011-12-14T13:16:00.013+11:00

Well how the days are rattling past and I simply don’t have time to be on here, but had to come and share the good news from the postman today – to show you my desk today.

I am not sure how many of you have ever won Blog candy, but here is my very first lot (was I ever excited when I discovered - woo hoo!!). It is from a blog of a very dear friend I have made – Brenda of Floral Fantasies – this dear lady is not at all well, yet bravely blogs heaps more than I ever do and her cards are also amazingly inspirational – her blog is full of learning if you want to go over there and explore her blog sidebar..

And every month she has the most amazing candy. I think I met her in January this year, may have been through another blog. In Jan 2011 I won my one other item on Allsorts Challenge - Anything Goes - a set of Letraset pens, and Brenda sent those to me then!

This lot was a recycling candy, with some unmounted stamps (oh, I have always wanted some of the Popcorn bear ones, and now I do :D), papers, ribbons, bling, etc. and even one of her very own made wee gift cards, isn't it so lovely? I love her minute detail like the flower in vellum, what an amazing person – thanks so much B.!

Also on the table you can see all the cards I should be writing in and my Christmas letter. The Crafty Individuals stamp of the post card birds also peeping in lower left of desk!
I have a card in my head I simply want to put on paper and hopefully will get to use this stamp in next few days. Also have another post to do on papyrus project but cannot post this till person has received it, maybe after Christmas, God willing - so watch this space!

In right bottom left of desk is my project for this term at calligraphy of the Celtic capital with Uncial script – illumed with gold leaf. The red card is a Stampin Up embossing folder lattice (I think – love this one) and then the Layered Arches punch by Martha Stewart.

For those of you who would love to join in the fun of looking at work desks around the world, do join in the fun, and take a trip over to Julia's Stamping Ground!

Happy WOYWW everyone and not sure how many I will be able to visit.

However, I wish you all every blessing from the Lord, as we remember His great gift of His dear Son, the Lord Jesus, and thanks so much for your wonderful encouragement this year.

Thanks too for popping over for a look and a chat,

Shaz in Oz. x

First Blogaversary Candy Draw!

2011-11-30T18:05:00.011+11:00

(WOYWW Post below this everyone, sorry!)

Okay, now – big drum roll, please! We have a hat, we have names in that there hat and we will have a draw out of that there hat!

Ta da!! A big congratulations - the winner is:

Glenda Brooks! @ Magpie's Corner
So Glenda please contact me by email (see my profile for link to email).

I drew a spare name too in case Glenda has some of items in it and can post them on someone else.

And this draw, for those not in the know, is for a very BIG thank YOU to the wonderful Encouragers, as my blog is one year old.

I was having a little candy as a way of a very BIG thanks to you all!

There is a verse in Proverbs 16:31 in the Bible “The lot is cast into the lap but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.”

Well in this case, it is a hat – but the choice was left up to the all wise One, for His distribution.

Apologies to all who do not win – it is a shame I don’t have prizes for all of you – I would so very dearly love to!
Do you like the hat? It is one from Bhutan and my dear sister brought it back for me. :D

It has been for drink in our creek! I had to rescue it one day and had to clamber over rocks and wade into the creek to get it with the help of some Scandinavian tourists, who pushed it in the right direction for me! The special hat was looked after - the Lord cares about little and big things, especially when we take the time to commit them to Him.

So that explains why I chose it for the draw ( with Monkey and Bear to supervise).

I want to close with a very big thank you to each and every one of you for all your beautifully encouraging words on my candy draw post and over the past year - you live up to your name, you very dear WONDERFUL Encouragers.

Thank you also for the NEW ENCOURAGER'S who have joined since then- and hope and pray you stay around and enjoy it.

May the LORD bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz.x
PS I close with an oil painting by my father (who is 82) of one of our local beaches.

Christmas Beetles, Owl cards and WOYWW!

2011-11-30T00:01:00.007+11:00

As we watch this year rapidly disappearing from the scene, the Wednesdays are really running into one other – aren’t they everyone? Phew – a deep breath here to catch up!! And yes as you see by the first pickie on this post the sunny days still here – this is some para-surfing action down at our creek mouth, about ten minutes walk from here. God's glories shine forth indeed.

I was talking a few weeks ago about our Christmas beetles making their presence felt – so here is pickie of one.

This is the large variety, about 2cm long. There are the small brown and black ones that scratch at the wire on the windows to try and get in... These are brown and black ones are no-where near as beautiful as this iridescent beauty. We used to have heaps of these big ones eating our gum trees but the trees were removed. Click on pickie to see him up close! It is amazing.

The second Australian native is a Eastern Water Dragon on my bird bath, about to take a dip! he is a tiny baby as these grow quite big too.
I smiled when Vika who lives in Ukraine commented on my post a couple of weeks ago, that they have few insects over there. I cannot imagine what that would be like.

The last nature shot is for Lisa who was talking about her Lantana she was trying to grow and keep alive through the winter in UK. I told her over that over here it is a noxious weed – it is planted in some gardens here these days but only specially bred varieties, that wont grow rampant. This one was taken on my walk the same day as the one at the top beach scene as it on the path through the sandhills.

Okay here is my desk (dining table) from a bit earlier – it is bare now so super dull.

This was when I was making Emily Elizabeth’s card and you can find all the details on the post below.

The base lilac shade (lower left)I used the Kimmy Luvs Cuttlebug Embossing folder extended on the base.Used Martha Stewart Layered arches punch for the rectangle of coloured Owl DP and card.

Then Nellie Snellen Multi-frames - Square Stitch Nellie Snellen Multiframe Die Set 033 in two shades of mint and lilac to match the DP. The stamp is a combo one with frame of Penny Black hedgie baby set. I masked off the sling with Penny Black baby hedgie in the centre of the stamp and added small owl Inkadinkado stamped image added afterwards. Used the Petite Oval Spellbinders for the greeting.

Then this card was made with left over pieces as I changed the colour scheme as I went along, etc. I did not want to waste it all so made a simple little baby card for a spare with left over bits. The border is Nellie Snellen border die and scoreboard.

A long post today as you probably wont hear from me for a while except for the draw of candy, not long to go now.

For those of you who would love to join in the fun of looking at work desks around the world, do join in the fun, and take a trip over to Julia's Stamping Ground!

Thanks so very much for stopping by to have a chat.May God bless your day wherever you may be.

Shaz in Oz.x
This was posted on Wednesday - early Wednesday here - now (due to daylight saving changes) we are 11 hours ahead of UK time now, and even more elsewhere!

Twit-to-whoo! it's Emily’s Owl Card

2011-11-28T19:54:00.003+11:00

Hi there everyone! Ten days ago you saw the beginnings of this card on WOYWW .

I know it has arrived at Emily's home up north, so I can post it now - it has changed somewhat from original colours I showed on the WOYWW post but design stayed the same.

I will post a card in day or so with the original colours of pink and frosted mint green, as I made it up for a spare baby card.
This is the end result - for the base lilac shade I used the Kimmy Luvs Cuttlebug Embossing folder extended on the base, then used Martha Stewart Layered arches punch for the rectangle of coloured Owl DP and card.
Then the lovely Nellie Snellen Multi-frames - Square Stitch Nellie Snellen Multiframe Die Set 033 in

two shades of mint and lilac to match the DP. The stamp is a combo one with frame of Penny Black hedgie baby set.
Why remove the ultra cute hedgie on the original stamp? because Owls are Emily Elizabeth's toy so extra special- and an owl it is!

I masked off the sling with Penny Black baby hedgie in the centre of the stamp and added small owl Inkadinkado stamped image added afterwards. I think Lisa correctly guessed the identity of owl stamp at WOYWW! I did this section in 3 D style, with glossy accents.

I changed every part of this card several times funny how we do that. The colours balance for once was the hard thing to work out and the greeting was the trickiest - but the Petite Oval Spellbinders came to the rescue.

Thanks so much for popping by for a chat. May God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in oz. x

PS My Wonderful Encouragers candy drawn 30.11.11!

We never walk alone.

2011-11-21T22:47:00.014+11:00

I love to walk along our beaches here and have often shown you pictures of where I walk as I talk to the LORD. This was one evening a while ago at my sister’s beach, 40 mins north of here. You walk down onto this from her yard!

In the still, quiet beauty of twilight or bright hope of the sunrise, it is easy to know God is so near. Yet He never leaves us, He is just as near in the bustle of the demands of our day, and most of all when He SEEMS far from us.

I read this passage in Our Daily Bread devotional and would like to share it. It did so bless my heart. Passage was from Matthew 4: 18 – 22 - CLICK here.

"Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers… Then He said to them, “Follow Me”. Matthew 4:18 -19

David Roper (Our daily Bread) was talking of his walks in the beauty of Idaho's trails...
”I am often reminded that these treks are symbolic of our Spiritual journey, for the Christian Life is simply walking – with Jesus alongside as our companion and Guide. He walked through the land of Palestine...., gathering disciples saying to them,” Follow Me”

The journey is not always easy. Sometimes giving up seems easier than going on, but when things get difficult, we can rest a while and renew our strength. In Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan describes the hill of Difficulty where Christian caught his breath before continuing the climb. His scroll (the Bible) brought comfort reminding him of the LORD’s continual presence and sustaining power. He got a second wind so he could walk a few more miles.

Only God knows where the path will take us, but we have our LORD’s assurance, “I am with you always” (Matt. 28.20). This is not a metaphor or figure of speech; He is REAL company (emphasis mine). There is not one hour without His companionship. Knowing he is with us makes the journey lighter.”  -David Roper

When life becomes a heavy load

An upward climb a winding road,

In daily task, Lord let me see,

That with me You will always be. D.De Haan

As you travel life’s weary road, let Jesus lift your heavy load.

Praying that this might bless your heart as it did mine. What a faithful, loving Friend He is, when we have Jesus as our own Saviour and Guide (CLICK here).

Shaz in Oz.x

Sunshine and WOYWW!

2011-11-16T02:00:00.029+11:00

Yes, sorry or rather, sort of sorry! ;D
Here is a very small part of the Lord's beautiful creation - and how everyone is enjoying it down at the secluded and safe harbour.

As I went walking, I thought I would show you how very lovely it is over here at present. It is my favourite time of year, as we draw near to the celebration of our Saviour's birth.

Although it entails a lot of work and I am not able to blog or create as much as I would like, I love it. There is the lovely weather and the getting ready for Christmas events! The last two nights I've heard our Christmas beetles trying to get through the screen door at nights (or wire-screen, or flywire, depending on what you call it?). Also in the evening the cicadas are beginning to tune up their summer chorus! Yay!

In a hanging basket in the courtyard garden, is a stunning red "Christmas-y" Zygocactus. Simply loaded with blooms again this year, I am amazed at these plants. You ignore them for 11 months of the year, throw a bit of fertiliser/water around occasionally and they repay you like this glorious bouquet! Again my heart sings with praise to God for His many mercies.

Before I go any further I want to say a very BIG welcome to all new Wonderful Encouragers, your kind words cheer my day! Thank you to ALL of you, who have been checking in on this blog over the time, you are all more deeply appreciated than words can convey!

And happy WOYWW or What’s On Your Workdesk Wednesday, everyone. What is happening here? Well, not much it is all YET to happen you see.

The card I am attempting to make has been in this state for almost week. A trip to Sydney doctors last Thurs for another check (all good, thank you, Lord and dear friends who were asking!). I'm trying to summon creative thoughts and put together what should be a simple card. However 'cos it is me, I make what is simple - complicated. {for those from Oz, the sparkly paper is from KMart, the Creativ brand- cheap and yummy!}

We have had new birth a few weeks back, our new little one has arrived (Emily Elizabeth – isn’t it such a pretty a name?). Hence I want this card to be extra special.

As her mummy sometimes reads my blog I will not elaborate any more on what is going on (maybe 'cos I don’t know what is?) but perhaps the knowledgeable among you may be able to figure it out from the picture? For those of you who are puzzled why we are looking at work desks do join in the fun, and take a trip over to Julia's Stamping Ground!

Thanks so very much for stopping by to have a chat. I am now off peek at other desks of the world and may God bless your day wherever you may be.

Shaz in oz.x
PS have some new cards on post below, Unity Stamp with brayer and sponge. And dont forget my candy wonderful Encouragers of my blog, if you have not entered it yet. See almost top of sidebar.

Unity Stamp - Five Designs For Christmas!

2011-11-07T18:30:00.016+11:00

Well it is dawning upon me that the 25^th December is drawing nearer (or galloping might be more appropriate). Card making is in hand for a variety of cards. Here is how one stamp can be used with various mediums and have different looks – so boredom does not set in!
These Unity stamps are great value (pre cut foam mounting at reasonable price) Itty Bitty by Unity stamps, A Child is Born.

The centre of the first card I have showed before – the method of doing centre stamped image is here in detail. Summary of metallic centre piece is - used Versamark pad + layered up a number of embossing powders (each layer adhered with Versamark) then cook it with heat gun. So it goes Versamark + Embossing powder + cook again.

Used clear embossing powder, pearl, little copper and finally two layers of silver (cooked with heat gun after each layer) to give the gorgeous effect. A fun method to play with! Then stamped in black on clear acetate, & adhered with Dimensional magic. Used Candy Cane embossing folder extended, labels four Nestabilties for frames and ribbon + bling.

The card above right is explained on the post below - or click here

The next one on left is a brayer card. I ended up sponging too, so you could see the words through the white embossing of stamp. See an excellent example of this method see this exquisite card on Lisa's blog. I was reminded of this method on her lovely Lisa's Craft Garden, see here.

For this I used the Kaleidocolor Blue Breeze Dye ink pad, with Cuttlebug Plus embossing folder Brocade Window, + pearls. The paper I used is lustre white and has a lovely sheen but you cannot see that.

The green, gold, black one is done with the Nellie Snellen Ovals - and needs repeating as little bit of gold lifted when gluing it down. Like the design though, and has Martha Stewart punch in the corner.

The bottom left card is another brayer/sponged card, Adirondack inks + white embossing powder on glossy white cardstock. I also used the left over bit of the frame from the Nellie Snellen Rectangle which I had after cutting the mount for the second card above in blue and silver -thought it was too lovely and different to throw away.

I mounted it on blue card cuttled with Cuttlebug embossing folder Moroccan Screen.

For those of you who are on the WOYWW blog hop with our Julia this Wednesday when we check out the desks of the world, sorry but I shall be AWOL. Too much on the plate at present. So this post is instead of one then.

For any of you who are my Wonderful Encouragers of this blog - I want to you to join us in some candy, which is a very big THANK YOU for all your encouragement over the past year this blog has been in existence - thank you so much and see this post here.

Thanks everyone for dropping by for a look and a chat! May God bless your day wherever you may be,
Shaz in Oz.x

How to Add Google WebsiteTranslate Widget + WOYWW!

2011-11-02T16:28:00.007+11:00

Hi there everyone. Today for WOYWW I am going to do something totally different. For those who do not know what I am rabbiting on about, today is the day when we look at work-desks around the world hosted by our chief, Julia - what a pow wow there is at WOYWW (What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday) - please take a peek at Julia's Stamping Ground!

So this here, Julia, is going to be a virtual desk!
I have a very special friend (Encourager/ or Follower) who is Vika Doyla (her delightful blog is here) from the Ukraine. When ever I visit her blog I love it - cos all I have to do is turn on the English translator on it, and Russian becomes English. Yay! I can read it. Have wanted for simply ages to know how to do this, as I think it is a lovely service we can put on our blogs for those who cannot speak English that well!
This week I have just found out how (yes, am rather slow). However, I thought others might like to know too? so I will share. (If you dont want to know this - just skip this bit...)
**Click HERE for the link to bring you to this page below. Then just follow the steps:

Once you have clicked on FIRST link above, this screen as shown above appears.
Go to third section and select second tab - How do I enable the Web element on my page.
THEN select SET UP Wizard. It takes you to the next page.
Here below - see to left Tab - ADD To Blogger - Select This!

5.Now once you click on this (if you are logged into your account) it will bring up a screen like this:

Woo hoo! - you just click Add widget and it will pop to the top of your page elements on Design page of blog and you can re-arrange it if you like - I did a little..
It is that easy!
Now I am sure there are steps for web-styles other than blogger. You will need to go back to the second view and make a selection for Type-pad, etc. I have not tried it but am sure it will be this easy too.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:
This blog is one year old! It began on 01.11.10 (what a date!), so yesterday it was one year old! To ALL Encouragers/ Followers - I really want to say a VERY BIG thank you - and you may want to pop over to previous post here to check out the YUMMY CANDY!

One quick card for Christmas, I used a favourite new stamp of mine - (these Unity stamps are great value, pre cut foam mounting at reasonable price) Itty Bitty by Unity stamps, A Child is Born, embossed in silver. Mounted with Nellie Snellen Rectangle Multiframe Die Set 008.
Next the very beautiful, versatile Cuttlebug Holly Ribbons Embossing folder in silver card, mounted on navy and silver card, with a single bit of bling.
I thought I would enter it in the "Less is more Challenge" of Stars.. hopefully, one very bright one is okay!

Well happy WOYWW everyone and thanks for dropping by for a chat! May God bless your day wherever you may be,
Shaz in Oz.x
PS Now that Neil has his wee parcel from Oz arrive all safe and sound, and posted on his blog, I thought I would post the items I made as a small thank you for his gift of Craft Stamper and some other things a while back now.
The card is made with brayer and two Adirondack ink pads (Cloudy Blue + Cool Peri which is soft mauve) and of course post-it spot for moon as brayering. Then the Stampscapes favourite stamps - Rowboat 166A, Gulls 302A, Seaside Cove Small 308G. Then was mounted on cuttled embossed card with Small Bubble folder extended and then white chalk ink over embossing to make it pop.
The bookmark was done with Gouache and gold leaf and ink then laminated which is why it took so long to get over there - gave it to a friend to laminate and he had it for four weeks or more.But it was done and I was grateful indeed.

Thank YOU, Wonderful Encouragers! One Year Old - Blog Candy!

2011-11-01T16:20:00.004+11:00

Hi there everyone – well what a to-do! Today is the very first anniversary of my blog – which began on a very memorable day 01.11.10! ah, my very own Palindrome. :D

The purpose of the post is to say a really huge thank you to all my Wonderful Encouragers! I really did not know what I was starting on 01.11.10 - see first post! God has blessed me by so many wonderful friends that I really want to thank you all!

1. So if you are an Encourager of my blog (or Follower) please put a comment below (I don’t know how to do the Mr Linky bit) and you will go into the draw for this candy.

2. If not yet an Encourager you are extremely welcome to become one, especially if you like what you see on my blog. I would dearly love you to occasionally visit and comment.

3. I would appreciate it if you would kindly put a link for the candy on your sidebar of your blog, if you have one.

4. It will be drawn on 30.11.11 (6am UK time or 5pm 30.11.11 here in Australia). No fancy methods for the draw – I will put names in hat, old style!

Many, many thanks again to you one and all.

The candy is as follows:

A pocket calendar 2012, Quick Kutz die set, Marianne Creatables die, English Rose, Card toppers and pearls. These were chosen for light post from Oz.

And the MYSTERIOUS question mark??? Well, this item will be chosen by the winner!

I am offering a small piece of calligraphy - I will offer a selection, or a brayered Stampscapes if preferred.

If the winner has no use for the crafty items (ie not a crafter) I will do another draw for just these items.

As the calligraphy piece is hand done and takes time, there will needs be a postal delay for it.

A big thank you again to all you dear wonderful people and may God richly bless you all for your kindness over the past year.

Shaz in Oz.x
PS To those who said they were concerned on cost of post of candy (thank YOU, oldest and dearest encouragers of this blog who said this - Eileen was number one and Maggie number four).
However, I made it light on purpose so it is ready to go to anywhere in the world... so if you are an Encourager, and comment below - your name will go into the hat for the draw! :D

2011 Students Illuminated Texts + Happy WOYWW!

2011-10-26T11:12:00.007+11:00

Hi there everyone - happy WOYWW - What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday! My my desk is nice and satisfying today - here are the almost completed works by my calligraphy students (Year 8, aged about 14years) as promised a whole term ago now!

This first shot shows me in the process of getting them ready for framing.

For those of you who remember, I had shown their bookmarks some weeks back (click here), or I will put a picture of it a the bottom of this post also..
There is the gold leaf on the lower right of the picture. It is on tissue paper and you put gilding size on paper and then 20 minutes later (up to 40 hours) you can apply the gold leaf. The students put on the gilding size but I applied the 23 carat gold leaf. It is expensive of course but it is beautiful and never tarnishes. Gilding mix is the small jar with gold lid - very tacky, and it is painted on with a fine 000 brush.

Below we see each of the six of them framed (without glass for best photography). They chose their verses and the colours too, which was governed by the matt they had chosen. They are not in any particular order (although they have been marked :D).

Here is my desk now – with the framed (and with glass) texts on it. At the very top of it you can see some delicious loot from the visit to the doctor's in Sydney - a real benefit is that it is across the road from the Oxford St Art shop which sells the most amazing papers and other items. I was very good and did not look out any stamping/craft stores. Even looking can be deadly so stayed clear.

For those of you who love to have a peek join the rest of the world peeking at desks at Julia's Stamping Ground!

Thanks to those of you who kindly stop by and chat. May God bless your day wherever you may be.

Shaz in Oz.x

PS thanks for your kind thoughts andwords last week everyone, almost there. ; D

Also a BIG and very special thank you to my dad's friend, Howard, who kindly helped out with the matts for the framing of these beautiful works - and all the glory should go to the LORD, Whose beautiful Words these are...

PPS. Here is photo of the bookmarks as realised later there were not all of them on the previous post.

Apologies to all + Happy WOYWW!

2011-10-19T20:20:00.011+11:00

A very quick post everyone – here is a quick view of the harbour the other day – took some great shots from jetty of these boats out sailing too.
However things are full on, plus not well (maybe as a result?) so no blogging – just wanted to send my apologies and say will be back ASAP.
Will try and get around to some on WOYWW and for those of you who would like to check out some Wednesday workdesks of the world take a peek over at our hostesses’ Julia at Julia's Stamping Ground!

Happy WOYWW (What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday) everyone –and may God richly bless you wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz.x

With God all things are possible..

2011-10-10T13:21:00.004+11:00

Hello everyone. Another Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge for Sunday, and this week have a real easy one!!! Our hostess this week is the lovely Linda!

Linda has chosen Mark 10:27 for this week's Scripture.

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

"God is not limited by our understanding of Him, there are many accounts of healing and miracles in the Word of God where the circumstances have been impossible but people have placed their trust in God and He has taken the impossible and made it possible."

So may we take these burdens to Him in prayer - believing He is God and able to work in all things in Hos time, and in spite of us.

Linda's Challenge is Anything Goes! Now how easy is that!!!

Here are two white and red Christmas card with the really beautiful Festive Tree A2 Craft Concepts Embossing Folder.
I wanted to keep it simple to show off the intricate details of the folder. It is white embossed on shimmery paper, then used fine snow-like glitter on details, with red card highlights and organza red white spot ribbon for trim.

Used one of my favourite Daily Bread Christmas verses from "Christmas Blessings" for the greeting with red embossing powder. Would you believe my brother bought me this embossing powder? and an equally lovely green one and some delicious papers for me one Christmas - how is that for brotherly love?

Thanks for popping over everyone and may the dear Lord bless your day wherever you may be,
Shaz in Oz.x

White, silver and a touch of purple - Wedding Card + Cards for Debby

2011-10-09T17:24:00.004+11:00

Hi there everyone. Well here is the card which I promised you on Wednesday - and to the WOYWW-ers among you, I am just letting you I may not be around this Wednesday. Hope to catch up with you all on 19th all being well.

This week is the last lesson of my calligraphy students and hope to have heir final projects to show you - God willing!
As I said on WOYWW post I was asked to do a wedding card in white, silver with a touch of purple by a very special friend.
I am also going to enter it into the Anything Goes Challenge blog for this week as the challenge is for Challenge 51 - Die cuts/ Punches or both.

Now to the recipe, used the Cuttlebug folder Swiss spots, and it was extended it a little (check post on this if you want to know how). It was scored a couple of lines to have a plain section for bottom of card. Used Mirri card from UK and Fleur de Lis Spellbinder Medallion for two main parts of the centre pieces and the tiny flower centre is from Spellbinder Flourish set. The alphabet was Cuttlebug Olivia and the labels was from Fancy tags 3 set, and Petite ovals - second smallest die. I used the tiny pearls from the Nestabling that matches these sets. However I did not like to when I overlaid as it is meant to be, as it hid all the purple underneath.

Hence I decided to do the very tedious thing of hand dividing them. Placed them one by one with ultra fine tweezers around the Petite Ovals die, and extending pearl double loop to outer as it was meant to be. If you can't understand what I mean let me know, it is hard to explain. Also added other pearls to corners and various other sections of the die cut outs, and silver ribbon.
Thanks for popping over, and may God bless your day wherever you may be!
Shaz in Oz.x
PS. Please if you have time, send a card for Debbie see below. I plan to send one from stash this week, God willing - see link on top of sidebar or also with details pasted here:

"Friday, September 2, 2011

Smile 4 Kids blog

Please help us Shower Debby with Thoughts and Prayers and Cards

About a month ago, one of our SAS4Kids team members, Debby Walker, was in an accident and sustained severe head trauma. After she came out of her coma she has had amnesia. She is slowly remembering things including how much she loves stamping and being on her design teams. She is having motor skill issues as well and has started physical therapy.

Let’s shower her with thoughts and prayers and cards and let her know all of us are wishing her well. Here is her address:

Debby Walker

1805 Brownstone Blvd #301

Toledo OH 43614

I know stampers and crafters are giving and loving people and I hope you can take the time to send d Debby a card- just say you are an on line friend from Send a Smile 4 Kids.

Stamping smiles for Debby,

Karen."

Surfs Up! Weddings, weeding and WOYWW!

2011-10-05T13:45:00.006+11:00

Hullo there everyone! another lovely day here and on a walk yesterday the surf was up and the grommets were having a great day surfing. Junior surfers are called grommets (school holidays are on).

There was actually a surfing grommet competition at the next beach north up from where I was walking, I was on the rock wall, next to North Wall beach, and this is a really treacherous beach because the waves crash on to rocks! People drown sadly nearly every year too on this beach because of bad rips.

However this does not seem to deter them and thought that I would share a few of the pictures of them, and the marina as well – photo is one side of wall looking north east and other photo below is looking south west.

A fisherman is down there rod-fishing, quite a few pleasure craft, and whale watching vessels. There are whales going past twice a year on their annual migration north and south according to the season

We also have fishing boats (+ yummy fresh fish at the co-op) & trawlers here and watched one unloading on my walk around. Trying to get fit after foot injury, as I have trip to Syd. Drs coming up soon.

Well the garden is claiming most of free time with the spring days and so here is a photo of our Hippeastrums in flower; there are available some amazing colours but I have the old original ones.

Now to the business end of our day - here is my desk.

There was this order for a wedding card and it meant craft gear was all over the place this morning for the card I was making – did a trial run first as it was for someone very special and really wanted a super card for them.

I was asked to do white, silver with a touch of purple - hence the colour scheme, which I really love. There are some Nesties in use here, plus Swiss spots embossing folder etc. Have to go and put finishing touches to card (yes, the initials aren't in the right place on it! - not glued down), then off to physio appointment so will give details on separate post. Just came in from an hour dental appointment - we do have interesting days!

To check out the glories of much more interesting desks do pop over to Julia’s blog and meet the rest of the crew at Julia's Stamping Ground!

I did miss you all last week; have hardly been in blogland and may not get as much done this week either as still not finished all the weeding, mulching, replanting etc.

Happy WOYWW (What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday) everyone –and may God richly bless you wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz.x

Well, Spring is here!

2011-09-21T16:21:00.008+10:00

Hullo there everyone. First of all a big welcome and thank you to my new Encouragers - that is just what you do, encourage me, so thank YOU!
Things are very quiet on the craft front– craft items all packed away as needs must, but all very busy …jobs inside and out, spring is here!

No workdesk for me today inside - it is out side! My crafty side will get the enjoyment of checking your crafty creations out instead!
For those of you wanting to check the workdesks of the world take a visit over to our Julia's blog and meet the rest of the crew at Julia's Stamping Ground!

Have two messy rooms needing sorting, plus the garden to be done. Last week I promised Lisa would post my bottlebrush (or callistemon); as she amazingly told me last week she had tried to grow it in England! So here they are, white one is Citronella, red one is Little John and they are both dwarf varieties. These are in the front garden.

I am at present working out the back. There are over 30 roses out there, in the process of feeding, mulching with wet newspaper to help keep weeds down, and then topped with sugar-cane mulch. It is a really great mulch!

The lemon tee is the Aussie variety, Eureka lemon and one of the biggest off this small tree weighed 499gram yesterday (ie nearly half a kilo) - very, very juicy.

Here is the first of the roses to flower (Guitar - pretty orange/apricot, edged pink tones) and as you can see it is not mulched in this bed this year as yet. The large clear bottle at the right of the rose plant is a unique, deep watering system.

One is planted at the base of each rose and filled it up with hose so each rose gets 2 litres on watering (old juice containers), delivered deeply to its root. It also means water is not sprayed over plant as we constantly battle fungus diseases in the humid summer.

Here is a passion-fruit flower also the first - it has yummy passion-fruit for Christmas and is called Nellie Kelly.

So if I am missing form the blogland for a while you know I am making the most of the great weather we have here at the moment!

Thanks for looking and may God bless your day wherever you may be.

Shaz in oz.x

PS the variation in God's creation is so amazing, isn't it?

WOYWW What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 119

2011-09-14T13:38:00.010+10:00

Spring has sprung, Downunder, so my desk today is outside! I am out weeding pruning and tending to the garden. So putting in a few pickies (first one is the beach near here one evening) to give you an idea of what its like and what grows in this neck of the woods.

The front garden has been pruned yesterday but this gives you an idea of where I am working - have grevilleas out there, and here is pickie of the gorgeous flowers they have- two here one is Honeybird Yellow and the other (orange one) is Birdsong - and yes! the song birds do love them.Also have to get into my roses (out the back due to salt winds). They were pruned a while back, and shooting beautifully, but need fertilising and mulching. Also pictured some of ground covers out the front, one is another type of grevillea, a prostrate form, called Woolly Grevillea (it is so lovely and soft in foliage).

Plus some bindii out the back I need to hand weed out of the lawn – for those who don’t know bindii (and have no idea whether it is just an Aussie weed?) but it has nasty prickles in the middle of the plant, and you carry these prickles if you walk over it on the soles of your shoes, thongs etc. and so it spreads and if you tread on it with bare feet – ouch!

Have done two card posts since last week (also pictured) for which you will find the deets here and also here.

For those of you who are puzzled why we are looking at work desks (or the garden in my case)... join in the fun take a trip over to the royal hostess, Queen Julia of WOYYW, drop by Julia's Stamping Ground!

Thanks for looking and may God bless your day wherever you might be,

Shaz in Oz.x
PS For those wanting to know the name of the white embossing folder, bought last year on eBay - here it is from the post below (link above) with the details on it: " Used the Cuttlebug Winter Wonderland (set of six folders) and love this particular folder in the set, I have debossed it here... With some folders it just seems to work better for them."

Thomas is Two! a Picasso in the making?

2011-09-12T14:09:00.009+10:00

Well, the mail-man brought a pleasant surprise the other day and thought I would share it with you.

Some background on it first, a few weeks ago I made this card for a very special boy.

He has appeared on a previous post when he was coming to visit us at Christmas time - see here!

However as his second birthday approached I had a long list of things to do - (what else is new?) and really struggled to make this card, I must admit. However here 'tis!

There is lovely Stampin Up DP and down the right side used my Martha Stewart Layered Arches Punch (I really love it cos it is easy for arthritic hands to use). The blue card frame in centre is Cuttlebug Gracie's Frame.
I cut an insert with Spellbinders Large Labels (which aren’t that large!) to insert the very cute Penny Black stamp (“For You”), coloured with Promarkers and Pearl Chalks. Used Cuttlebug Olivia Alphabet for “2”, made an outline to insert the number by cutting a dark blue and light blue then keeping dark piece for matching frame.
Tip from Ikki's blog: when using alphabets and fine die cuts, pre-stick on the back with DST! Works a treat!
Since Penny Back's current challenge is Delicious and I always think presents are delicious (so does the pup on this cute image from PB + most suitable in my limited PB stamp range) - I am entering this card in the Penny Black Challenge!

I know that Thomas has received his card/present because look what came in my mail! The cutest little thank you note - I could not post the card on an earlier post because Thomas' mummy is one of the few members of my family who actually look at my blog occasionally (which I really appreciate! :D).
Dear Tommy - thank you so VERY much for this lovely picture. It is hanging on my wall in my kitchen to remind me of you. According to mummy he loves cutting and pasting! I wonder if Pablo (Picasso) would like it, what do you think? A very kind, caring mummy who is soon expecting number two in the family, so I pray God blesses with a safe delivery.
Thanks for popping by everyone and may God bless your day wherever you may be,
Shaz in Oz. x

Red, Black and White - Lili of the Valley Challenge

2011-09-10T15:41:00.004+10:00

Well over at Lily of the Valley it is Challenge 111 called "Missing you" and bethought myself of this little cute square by Lily of the Valley, of a bunny who is hunting anxiously at a Christmas mail box trying to see if his missed friend has sent him some mail (oops, maybe it is bird feeder - we dont have them over here and always thought it was letter box, till now). It will do as have very limited range in Lili of valley.

I must admit I prefer their old way of doing squares where you had an assortment of sizes, rather than the large and one size only that they came in last time I bought a set about three months ago. The newer large squares are too big for standard size cards I like to use at Christmas.
This was from the very first set I bought from Lili of the Valley and have made a few of these to catch up on my Christmas card back log .Used the Cuttlebug winter Wonderland set and love this particular folder in the set, I have debossed it here and rather like it that way for a change. With some folders it just seems to work better for them. Other items were Nesties squares for mounts and a few snowflake brads and some bling.
Thanks so much for looking and may God bless your day wherever you may be,
Shaz in Oz.x

WOYWW What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 118

2011-09-07T12:25:00.004+10:00

Another week and another WOYWW or for the initiated it is What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday – where, if we chose, we may have a privileged peek at some clever & interesting desks from all around the globe, so tis a time of learning and fun! It is most kindly hosted each week by our Julia of Julia's Stamping Ground!

Nothing really much happening today as had cleaned all my craft items up so could double mount my bookmarks for my Calligraphy class last night.

For those who did not see it some weeks back when I started the class, I am teaching this term calligraphy to six students (of about 14 years) at our church school. On my desk are five of the six bookmarks which I mounted up last night – you can see my roller cutter in the top back, with coloured card stack and measuring tools. This, Julia, is how I cut it straight – I rule a line duly measured!! Generally get it right. :D

Oh and for the very observant among you who only see five bookmarks and I have 6 students one student is doing the colouring again as I rubbed it out, he had not listened to instructions– am I mean or what?

Top left are homework sheets to mark and these are going really well. This is a good class even if the teacher is a tad frazzled at the end of each class!

You can also see my ATG gun which was refilled yesterday so I could use it for the book marks. Does anyone struggle each time they refill these things? this time the opening section was jammed and needed a screwdriver to lift it up and out plus watch the video again just to make sure I threaded it right. So good when it works but painful when it does not like a computer.

Now the other things at front of desk and pictured here at right are two examples done with Chrissie's method - on Less is More (link here). I will make into cards but probably not for the challenge, as too much on at present. The one on the right has acetate on it stuck on with glossy accents and one on left is stamped with Sepia Archival ink when molten - multiple layers of Versamark and EP.

For those who like my calligraphy there is a new post here and some cards I made this week here.

Well, thanks for looking and happy WOYWW every one, and may God bless your day where ever you may be.

Shaz in oz.x

Here is a closer view of bookmarks for those who would like it.

He Careth For YOU! Yes, God cares, especially when we think He does not!

2011-09-04T00:00:00.007+10:00

It is quite some time since I did a post on calligraphy, as I am teaching calligraphy to Year 7 this term at our church school and my calligraphy has been put on the back-burner.

However as I was praying for a very precious friend of mine who is suffering with cancer at present, the LORD put this verse in my mind and the thought to do this post for you, dear Kaz!

And if my dear blogging friends out there would remember Kaz in their prayers, it would be greatly appreciated!! She has secondary cancer - a very aggressive sort; she is not old and has a young family.

However a huge PLUS, she does know the LORD, so that is a great blessing - and as this verse says:
Casting all your care upon HIM, for He careth for you – and we must not use the old fishing line trick of casting our burdens upon the LORD and then pulling them back. Those burdens are even more important to Him, so let's leave them in His all-wise hands!

If you want to see it done in different colours I have posted it before at the end of last year – see here, but this was the original one. This has the built up gold on it - the ones done at the end of last year were comparatively quick (ie photocopies from originals I had done and then painted in gouache, plus flat gold leaf). This original was done for a very dear friend down in Melbourne in 2002 (before digital photography in this house). She is now in a Nursing Home and her daughter has it, but Marg writes me the sweetest notes thanking me for teaching her daughter Patricia to read ( I taught her remedial reading when we were neighbours years ago). It makes you feel old when ones you taught in primary school are now mums and dads!

Thanks everyone for looking and most of all those who are praying for Kaz. May God bless you in your burdens too, and help us to remember this verse as we go about the day!

Shaz in Oz.x

Silver, Glitter, Blue for Christmas + Recycling - Challenges by Two!

2011-09-03T12:54:00.015+10:00

Hullo there everyone! just a very quick post to submit cards for some challenges, first for the LOTV Challenge, about time I did another one! The competition was a sketch, see below!

Decided to do a Christmas card as way behind on them! and as I don't have many LOTV stamps - it limits me. However, I do have some of their lovely Cute Squares, so I titivated this one up (from Christmas Animals Set) with some glitter and glue pen, silver Mirri card on Spellbinders Square Scallops, some blue DP paper and blue vellum with Cuttlebug snowflake folder. For the strip below across bottom, I used a Martha Stewart Punch (Layered Arches) top and bottom, and debossed inside silver card with the Cuttlebug Edge (Just My Type)embossing folder, and Cuttlebug Vintage Corners with a brad + bling on the side.
My second card is for the ABC Christmas Challenge,

and the theme is R for Recycling and Ribbons or Rhinestones. You must create a Christmas project using at least on recycled item and it must also include either ribbons or rhinestones or both.

And on this card (similar to one done before) everything is recycled except the white background card it is mounted on – the white sheeny piece of card stamped and the red cardboard are really beautiful and it along with ribbons and holly are from last year's Christmas bonbons (see link here) – what a stash there was after my sister's Christmas, and heaps more not used yet. :D Used the Christmas Cuttlebug set, Baubles, + Nesties Labels 8, with a very old stamp, bought at $2 shop about 20 years ago!

Thanks for looking everyone and may God bless your day wherever you may be!!
Shaz in oz.x

WOYWW What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 117

2011-08-31T11:40:00.002+10:00

Well here we are another week and another Wednesday and for the curious among you, I have the cards today with the last two weeks experiments - the Magical Micas on tissue, and the Dreamweaver Embossing paste, plus a ring-in as it was for an order and so whipped up a favourite of mine, a brayer card.

However I am running ahead of myself!

On my desk you can see that I am not really doing anything terribly interesting. I buy large sheets of cardboard (ie poster size at local Newsagent, etc.) and then use my "T" ruler to divide it into 4 sheets then cut it up with my roller cutter (on the left). It means I get nice colours for backgrounds mounting mainly, at a reasonable price

On the right of the desk are two book marks made by my calligraphy students, one bookmark peeking above the other. They are to be trimmed, mounted and laminated.

The first card is one of my Embossing paste cards. The rest in Christmas Stencil on my desk last week are on the post below or click HERE. This rose is made using an el-cheapo stencil I bought for $2 years ago in 1990's at a $2 shop, it was in early days of card making. That shop closed long ago. Also used pre-embossed cardstock, and cut Nesties labels 9 to make a frame around it, plus green cardstock.

For those of you who missed the tissue with Magical Mica post, see here. I thought it would card up well and pleased with the result if not with the photo. Unhappily you simply cannot see the sheen of actual micas on the tissue in a photo - however the shimmer of micas is lovely IRL. I have used Crafty Individuals Discovery Ship with this and Curvy Rectangle Nesties. The brass coloured photo corners led me to colour the image the way I have. Also have used some of the micas on the webbing on the card and in the picture - and did 3D with another ship on top and used Dimensional Magic on it as well (not that this is really visible!).

The brayer card is using Stampin' Up Certainly Celery and Bashful Blue - you load both up on brayer and ink up the Kromcote glossy cardstock (for brayer tips see early Brayer links on sidebar, under Brayer). Used Stamping Up discontinued stamp set (from eBay) Asian Artistry, and also Stamping Up embossing folder, Lattice, plus a K Kingdom Dragonfliy. I inked the lattice pale blue cardstock with slightly darker blue shade and distressed the dragonfly folder on white core cardstock to make the embossing pop.
Then added two brads. These were the wrong colour so used a black Texta to change them. Used labels 4 Nestie to frame it. However I forgot to mount it properly so it was not finished quite how I meant it to be - too late once taped down though, so will make it again properly another day.

For those of you not in the know – this is the day of the week when folks from all over the world take a peek at one another’s desk to see just what we are up to – a great time of learning and fun, so do hop over to our wonderful hostess’ blog, at Julia's Stamping Ground!

Happy WOYWW everyone and may God bless your day wherever you may be!

Shaz in Oz. x

Dreamweaver Embossing Paste. Build it up!

2011-08-30T21:46:00.000+10:00

Hi there everyone - well thought it about time to post some of these cards I have been making and these three are to go into Crafty Hazel's Christmas cards competition which is called - build it up!! and for some of you who may have seen my WOYWW post of last week you will know just how I have started the first part of building up these three cards!

For those of you not familiar with Embossing Paste method check out my post last week where I explained with some tips on doing it and links to show you how it is done... it is fun! and Shazsilverwolf sprinkles glitter on it to even greater affect! This card uses the Dreamweaver stencil and paste and Labels 9 plus the Martha Stewart punch Layered Arches.

The next card is done with a distressed Cuttlebug folder Christmas Holly Ribbons, a large one - really like them! It has the Martha Stewart Deco Shell corner punch, Nesties Scalloped squares, and Labels 3, with Daily Bread Christmas greeting.

The last card in this set for the competition is done with Lattice Spellbinders - and have extended it to three times its length by using Ikki's method, see here. I also enlarge my embossing folders in the same way, see this post here. Used Holly embossed vellum mounted on green cardstock, plus black card.

Thanks for looking and may God bless your day whereve you may be,

Shaz in Oz.x

WOYWW What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 116

2011-08-24T15:21:00.007+10:00

Well very hurried visit to WOYWW this week have made cards but will post them later as time permits, I'm running round like a scalded cat at present…

My desk shows a new item discovered with WOYWW at the blog of our very own Neet some weeks ago (do check out her gorgeous cards using this technique on this post linked on her name, she emailed me a "how to guide" - ta, Neet!) and I took a while to get around to ordering some, as I have to think about these things you know! but here is my first effort using the Dreamweaver paste and it is fun!
Tips of Use:
1.Put on a decent amount of paste on and move quickly, minimise number of times paste is spread around.
2. light and even strokes (as if spreading butter) so it is not forced under the stencil.
3.Don't spread too thickly. Remove as much excess as possible without too much working of it.
4. I am not claiming to be an empert but found it easier NOT to use tape as most seemed to the first one I watched just held it down firmly and I found this worked best, otherwise found it tended to smudge a little no matter how hard i tried as I removed it.
On my desk you can see the stencil, embossing paste, spatula, a necessary tool, and items done last night – if anyone wants to know how to do it check out this You tube video – or this one - or you may want to look for some others, there are some good ones.

Happy WOYWW everyone and may God bless your day wherever you may be!

Shaz in Oz. x
PS. Note to self - if buying this scrummy paste on eBay again, make sure they pack it well!! This one was squashed badly on the bottom, (minimal packaging and plastic flexible jars dont mix!) and paste popped out and and oozing from top - sealed pinched corners with nail polish. :D
PPS my kind seller refunded me although I was not looking for it just wanted her to be aware of need for re-inforcing.

WOYWW What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 115

2011-08-17T12:43:00.013+10:00

Okay so here we are, another week charging ahead while I am struggling to catch up - whoa boy!! Wait for me!

And lookee see! what do I have here? a gorgeous creation – no not mine!! One all the way from the UK again (aren’t I so very richly blessed?)! Yes, ‘tis from the desk of none other the splendorous artist Neil of WOYWW (do check out his blog, it is a picture of creativity). Thanks so very much Neil for all your delicious goodies!!

Neil saw the lovely Lisa’s Craft Stamper which she so kindly posted me a few weeks ago and bethought himself of the one which had arrived at his abode in April, a duplicate – he was told not to send it back, so you can now spy it on my desk below with some of Neil’s lovely laser craft cuts (below right) – oh, these are gorgeous and cant wait to play with them too – Neil’s talent is unlimited as shown in the included card. I love the background stamp on this card– sort of tiger skin pattern in a blur, and the frosted shrink plastic tick tock clocks, and the rest of the lovely stamp work on the topper.

I also have some new goodies from Fat Cats Card Corner – namely the Magical Micas Sweet Treats, and a Nellie Snellen Corner die – also you can also see I am having a play with some methods of using them here. On left is the scrunch up a tissue method and dampen down with water spritzer apply the medium, re-spray and put up to dry (unfortunately the picture does not do the shimmery sheen of the micas justice). If you want to see these methods check this post out here on clever Kate's great blog. I know the crumpled tissue looks very weird at present but think it will card up ok! I also did some smooshing on gloss cardstock with the silvered lilac pieces you see there but they were with alcohol inks. I thought I might use it with the Chocolate Baroque butterfly stamp which came with Neil’s Craft Stamper.

Happy WOYWW everyone and may God bless you wherever you are..
Shaz in Oz.x
PS. Hi there every one - the tree and red castle lower left corner are two of the laser cuts which Neil so very kindly sent me - did this post in haste sorry for confusion!

M.I.A - Folk Who Sent Cards to Sheree for Ethyl

2011-08-15T12:34:00.016+10:00

Just received an email from Sheree, she is waiting for two winners to contact her- I will paste an excerpt of her email below:

Cactus flower & Bromeliads in our courtyard garden.

Sheree writes:

"I haven't received replies from the following people and will be redrawing for prizes on Tuesday, August 16th. The winners that haven't contacted me are:

1st Prize - F. Arnold, South Africa

5th Prize - Sandra Elliott, United Kingdom

If anyone out there knows these two ladies... Give them a holler and have them write back before it's too late!

Extra! Extra!!

Jo from www.jozartdesigns.blogspot.com has graciously offered a prize as well!! I'll be announcing the winner of this prize on Tuesday as well. You should check out! I really like her style and our craft rooms look very similar. " Thanks Jo!

So there you are - if anyone knows these ladies please let me know asap, and better still suggest they contact Sheree as they would have contacted her originally by email to know where to post the get well cards for Ethyl - last report of Ethyl was that she was about to undergo yet another lot of surgery. For those not in the know Ethyl passed out and fell into a fire in Canada some time back now.

Blessings on your week everyone,
Shaz in Oz.x
PS. MIA means missing in action, not sure if it a common term now? Sheree's blog is on my sidebar, or click here Vancouver Island Craft Junkie.

17.8.11 Update Email from Sheree:

"It's been another busy day but I did as I promised I would do... Draw names for candy that wasn't claimed! Now for the drumroll......

The winner of the 1st prize candy is ...

Nancy D. From B.C.!!

The winner of the 5th prize candy is....

Sandra How from Australia!!

Okay girls... E-mail me and let me know your address as it should appear on the package!

There was one more draw made this evening.
Jo from...www.jozartdesigns.blogspot.com Stamp Artist for www.stampattack.co.uk

Has graciously offered some candy to a lucky winner as well! I'm not sure what will be in the package but, I know it will be something fantastic! Everyone should check out her blog and website. She's one fabulous lady!! (and her work table looks exactly like mine which gives her four thumbs up in my book!)

Update on Ethyl!

We spoke with her husband today and it looks like she'll be coming home soon. She's tired of the burn unit after two months... Who wouldn't be?!

The last surgery she had just over one week ago is not taking as well. The skin they harvested from her scalp for use on her face is shrinking. Not a good sign!

As soon as she's able, Ethyl will be returning by plane to Campbell River and then on to the ferry for Quadra Island. I'll be meeting them either at the airport or the ferry so she can open all the cards on the way.

I'll e-mail and post about her return home when it finally happens.

Once again, I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. I was able to peek at a couple of cards but 90% of them are sealed. The ones that I happened to peak at were truly works of art!!

People like you don't come along very often. When something is needed, most shy away. You can all be proud because one fabulous lady is going to feel so much love when she opens her package. All of your prayers and good wishes won't be wasted!!"

WOYWW What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 114

2011-08-10T11:35:00.002+10:00

Well, this past week has just re-emphasised how very wonderful the crafty folk of WOYWW are! After my query last week on finding a larger embossing tan mat, the very generous Elizabeth found one for me somewhere not too far from her, and offered to post it as a RAK (random act of kindness)! Thanks for the offer, dear friend across the seas!

However it was something that Lisa of Lisa's Craft Garden said in her comment which sent me off to our local store (Clark Rubber) to see if they had a rubber mat similar to my 5 x 7 tan embossing mat. Pictured in a close-up on my desk is my black mat (the size of cuttlebug plate). Although not quite as flexible as the tan mat, it works a treat and embosses beautifully as you can see by the sample shown and have used it since on other items. I will just keep it for when need big one but at the grand price of $AUD3.60, it beats about $AUD25.00+ on eBay!

No more detailed photo of my desk this week as it is actually bare - this photo above was taken on Monday when I was playing before packing up. The piece of embossed quilted tan-coloured card was done with the embossing mat and gutter guard - in case you dont know what I mean see this post here for more details.

For those of you who are wondering why we are looking at work desks...do join in the fun take a trip over to our hostess, Julia, at Julia's Stamping Ground!

Here are some cards made this week. First one is a Crafty Secrets Rose stamp, Cuttlebug Roses Embossing folder (which was distressed and rubbed over with White chalk ink pad) and the Blossoms Spellbinder on the background.

I coloured the inked, embossed Rose Stamp image with Promarkers and sprayed with Diamond Dust Glimmer mist. Also used are the Blossom Spellbinders in various layers. Cardstock very providentially came yesterday and it was called Rose Garden! :D

On the second card ( I really love these colours):- the brayered colours on Kromcote paper and method of applying colours are explained on the post here.

Used the Dragonfly K Kingdom Embossing Folder 073 at Fat Cats Card Corner - really great value folders these and love this one. It is on white core cardstock and distressed to pop the embossing.

Also used the discontinued Meadow Stamp Set from Elusive Images, with the square Fleur de Lis Spellbinders in black card.

The last one was actually made last week for my neighbour's 60th, with the Cuttlebug Plus Brocade Window - how I love this folder! I used the white chalk ink pad on the folder before removing cardstock to give the lovely, velvety emphasis to embossed outline.Then used the Unity Stamp, "Itty Bitties"- Beauty, coloured with Promarkers again and some pearlised paint.
In closing I just want to say my thoughts and prayers are with all where there is unrest and need in their land - from Somalia to London, the LORD knows them all and for them I pray.

Well thanks for peeking everyone, happy WOYWW and may God bless your day wherever you may be,

Shaz in Oz. x

PS. For all those who sent cards to cards to Sheree in Vancouver Island for Ethyl, she received 29 cards from the kind folk of blog-land, and for those on WOYWW who sent one - thank YOU!

If you did not receive the email from Sheree about the prize draw please let me know and I will send it to you. It was to be sent out to all who sent cards.