Thank you for taking time to visit, and I hope I am even a tiny bit helpful as I have been helped and blessed by so many others. I have been doing Calligraphy since teens, and card making for many years as well. In 1990 I delighted in the joys of stamping with ink and embossing after a trip to Cairns, Qld. In 2009 I discovered the brayer, 2010 the Cuttlebug, also have now taking to reading up on crafting blogs and lo! Here I am, on one of my own.

I live on the coast of eastern Australia. I am a Christian. I trusted in the LORD down here at the beach, amazingly it is not far from where I now live. It was over 50 years ago, after a Beach Mission Service at the age of 12 years

Wednesday 6 February 2013

WOYWW, Flora + Fauna of Oz + Card Challenge!

Hullo there everyone!!!
Well, here we are - yes another delightful day here of lovely summery weather - great temps at the mo - not too hot and not too cold - Goldilocks right!
Now to my desk, as it is WOYWW or "What is On Your Workdesk Wednesday". Over at Julia's we check out one another's workdesk/ floors or wherever we may create (peek here)!  Join us, do!
Okay a lot of inkiness going on here - or was last night!! Monkeys survey it, they are not quite sure if it came off or no!! this type of "brayered ink with cling wrap" aka Barbara Gray. Maggie Silvercrafter wrote of it on her post last week - see here!
As  we dont have such things on TV with Babara Gray over here - Maggie kindly sent me the instructions. I shall confess, I cant help myself, and I have put my own slant on it! do that with cooking recipes too! Will do a separate post on it one day (have it started) - when have finished pieces have in mind. So watch this space. Awesome colours aren't they?
Otherwise desk playing is mostly tidied away, as cleaning day again.

Well, have some lovely photos of interest today from Oz!! 
Firstly it is the pineapple growing in our yard; put it in after seeing them growing in my friend's garden just around the corner. About eighteen months ago cut the top off shop bought pineapple, and planted it in the backyard, in well drained spot with sun, and bit of water when remembered.
Yesterday look what I spied! It has shot at last with its wee new fruit about to appear after the flowering, from all our rain no doubt! and you would not believe how prickly it was. I thought it would be soft at this stage - but no, prickly all the way! 
I thought at as I looked at it how similar to the bromeliad family it was, so did some research.. see HERE and was right! 
Pineapples are bromeliad flowers (which also bear fruit) who would have thought?  :D 
Click on pickies if want a better look.

Here 4 weeks later are two HUGE little fluffy baby Peewee's pushing at each other almost to fit in the nest. They are according to reports a laugh a minute as they try to learn to fly and wibble-wobble on branches around the nest. One is slightly more advanced than the other - didn't my sister take a good photo?!
To close, I thought I would share with you the card which I began on WOYWW last week on my desk, (with Memory Box dies - if you need tip to  help come them out ~ look here)! 
Hope you like it, Sarn? (see her's here)
Have so many birthdays this month I thought I'd to make it up for my sister's Birthday on Saturday. No worries she does not read this blog, so quite safe. 'Tis the same sister who took the Peewee pickies :D
Recipe: Memory Box Die Nottingham Border, Cuttlebug Vintage corners, Spellbinder fancy label, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder, few pearls. As these are all scraps used ( the Kraft coffee coloured paper is from an iceblock packet.. shock horror!! but I like it) and entering it in Di's Snippet's Challenge!
 Happy WOYWW everyone!
Thanks so VERY much for popping over for a peek and chat, and may God bless your day wherever you may be!!
Shaz in Oz.x 
I would like to enter this card in the following challenges also:
Sparkles: Die cuts & flowers. (15th)
Twisted Tuesday: Free for All. (10th)
Cute Cards Thursday: A different corner.
Natalie & Amy's challenge: Something old , something new. Two dies used.. Memory Box border brand new - Cuttlebug vintage corners were some of earliest dies. (28th)
Pretty little Ribbon Shop blog - Anything goes. (monthly - started 4/2)
Challenges for Everybody - Always anything goes (monthly - 2/3 approx.)

50 comments:

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

You have definitely got the hang of the cling film technique. Those papers are beautiful. It is a great way of getting matching backing papers,too. Have a lovely week playing. xx Maggie (no number yet)

scrappymo! said...

Your backgrounds are just so lovely looking...Is that a butterfly in the swirls.

Love this card. Your MB dies are fabulous on this lovely card! Your sis is going to love it.

She sure takes great photos! Your garden never ceases to amaze me and those birds are so sweet!
No WOYWW for me this week...too much on the go to get round to visit properly...just visitng those i follow to say Hi.

Tracie said...

What a beautiful card. I really like your color choices. Thanks for playing with us at Twisted Tuesday Challenges.

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Ohhh so gorgeous foto of birds, and your card is stunning,
love it.
Hugs Tamara

Lunch Lady Jan said...

I love the colours you've used for the splotchy backgrounds...what exactly is a brayer???
And the peewee chicks are fab! What a great picture, it's so funny to see them them squished in to that little nest together...that made me smile on this dismal cold morning!
Hugs, LLJ 45 xx

Francesca said...

The cling film look ok to me. How great to be able to grow a pineapple in the garden. I did manage it here one year approx 25 yrs ago in the greenhouse when we still had hot summers! Francesca #67

Sarn said...

Beautiful pictures of the wildlife and a pretty inky looking desk. What's not to like?

Hugs
Sarn xxx

Helen said...

Great cling film technique. Are you not able to follow Barb on your computer? I have to as I don't have the right tv package to carry the channel on my tv. Mind, I don't know if you can, from outside the uk! Great card, and photos. Have a good week. Helen 14

brenda said...

Oh wow Shaz, pineapple tree in your back garden - awesome !

I scrutinised your work desk but don't see those Pan Pastels anywhere, that inky technique is fun though isn't it.

Very elegant card and it looks like yet another die I 'this isneed'.

Thanks so much for sharing with us at Pretty Little Ribbons challenge this month.

B x

Sandy said...

Love the colors of the cling wrap paper just lovely. Look at the colors on the pineapple they look so bright. Great pics of the birds they grow so quick hey. Love the dies on your card it looks fab.
Sandy :) #10

shazsilverwolf said...

There are always loads of interesting things in your posts Shaz, its a joy to visit. The card is a beauty. I admit, like you I would have expected baby pineapples to be soft,and now you mention it I can see the bromeliad resemblance. Have a great week, Hugs,xx Shaz #75

sandra de said...

Your cards are always stunning but now you can add cute bird pics and a pineapple. ... amazing!
Sandra @81

Andrea said...

what a fab post as always .love the pics and amazed that you can grow a pineapple! the birds are so cute too. will love to see what you make with those pretty papers love the colours used. re Barbara Gray you can watch her shows on the create and craft website she has her own link pages there from her classroom shows she does each month on create and craft ..they are all there . i've not tried brayering yet but it looks so wonderful when I see it
hope you have a wonderful week
Andrea #77

Ann B said...

Pineapples and Peewees, a bit different to scrubby weeds and Sparrows in mine. Your brayedieces are so pretty, love the colours.
Ann B
40

Carol Willis said...

Beautiful card Shaz. I love the simplicity of it.
Hugs
Caz x

Glenda said...

Love the backgrounds you are working on! Thanks for all the photos of your area. It makes me want to visit the region! Happy WOYWW!

ria gall said...

love love love the colours you have used on your inky bits so pretty. I will be back to see what they become.
Your card is really lovely nice colour combo and your photos wow
Happy WOYWW #192
Ria #75

Ginny Maxam said...

Hi Shaz, I love your post today, your desk looks like I want to jump in and try it, and I love the Nature photos!! I am hoping for a a camera for my birthday, you pictures inspire me, well your Photos' opf God's Creation inspire me!!
Hugs and have a wondwerful day!! I am # 129 today!!
Ginny

Di said...

Oh WOW Shaz, what a fabulous post today. Love the backgrounds, and your snippets card is just gorgeousness all over!! Can I say that the birdies and your very own pineapple almost stole the show though :))

In Thailand I think pineapples have two crops a year - so you could get another one within 6 months.

Now, where's me roll of cling film - you just had to mention that didn't you - I'm still recovering from the brayer exertions of a few weeks ago!!

Happy WOYWW, hugs, Di xx #52

Mrs A. said...

Well I bit my Nemeses and finally had a go at the brayer melarky. It didn't go too bad until i thought it was dry and smudged a streak off it. Tried to repair it and ruined the whole thing. Will send you a pic of it for your eys only, Then you have to destroy it by eating it!
Now you tell me about cling film!!!
There are only 24 hrs in a day you know and am currently using 19 of em up. Hugs Mrs A.


Queenie Jeannie said...

So much yumminess in one post!!! LOVE fresh pineapple, you're in for a treat! Great card for your lovely sister, who took such wonderful photos!

Happy Crafting!
Jeannie #4

MaryH said...

So many lovely places to look around here today. Love your brayering...will check out instructional link. (definitely need to view that!) Always enjoy seeing the pictures, and your pineapple is magnificient. How long to harvest time? Your sis is a polished photographer...does she make house calls? Cute birdies, and she must have a zoom lens to get so close...felt as though practically in the nest with 'em. Loverly card too, love the light kraft cream with the white dots background. Thanks for such a pleasant start to my day. Hugs

lisa said...

Your backgrounds are looking very pretty, Shaz. I love the cling technique.
Wow, look at that pineapple, I've tried that so many times myself but without success. I don't think we have the right conditions here!
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #54

Almo said...

Hi Shaz I am loving the inked backgrounds what colours are they? Those birdies are so sweet well done your sis. Hugs Mo x

Caro said...

The backgrounds look stunning and I love your card. Thanks for sharing the lovely summery photos with us...the birds are adorable. Happy WOYWW! Thanks for sharing. Caro #72

Deb said...

oh wow, what a fabulous post, love your inking on your desk, that looks amazing! So fascinated by you growing a pineapple! Totally love your card too, the die cuts are so gorgeous!
Many thanks for joining in the Cute Card Thursday Challenge this week!
Debxx

Deb said...
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Deb said...
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pearshapedcrafting said...

So many lovely things to see today! Love that card! What a fantastic view of your little birds too! Chris130

Anne said...

Superb card! Innovative and very elegant! Love the inkyness too! I'm about out of glossy card and my multi-inkpads are off to inkpad heaven now... So it makes it extra special to see your creativeness! Beautiful photos! Hubby grew a pineapple top in the greenhouse which was great fun!Aren't those pee-wees cute! Weather here...cold, strong winds, hailstones and rain...want to swap?

Jackie said...

Love your pineapple plant
Love the baby birds
Love the inky goings on
Jackie 11

JoZart Designs said...

Super card but you are eclipsed this week by those sweet pee wee chicks. Isn't Nature amazing? Thanks Shaz for your blessings. I am very lucky in so many ways and give my thanks every day. hope you are keeping better,
love jo x

Hettie said...

Gosh there is a lot to look at on your post today!! Those brayer papers look wonderful. And that pineapple is wonderful. I used to try and grow those when I was a kid as fresh pineapples were a big thing then!
And the piece de resistance was those Pee Wees! Beautiful! As is your card!
Thanks for popping over and your kind prayer.
Hugs
xx

voodoo vixen said...

Love the colour of your backgrounds, very pretty indeed! Imagine a pineapple just rooting like that!! Now you have done it... I'm buying a pineapple as soon as I get to Brisbane!! LOL Cute peewees too, lovely variety and it is so nice to see sunny photos!! Annette #18

fairy thoughts said...

Hi Shaz
Not sure what the clingfilm is all about but it sounds interesting, will try and investigate. I saw Barbara Grey demo-ing once ..... she was very good.
Fancy actually growing a pineapple from a shop one, amazing.
the card turned out really well. I did a quick trial with the candle on the die.... not sure if it worked or not. I will try it again when I use my memory dies next
thanks for sharing your lovely photos.
janet #38

Nan G said...

Love the colors of the card bases! Thanks for sharing the piccies ...great looking pineapple and the birdies are so cute! Happy WOYWW! Nan 28 p.s. sis took a great pic.

Betsy said...

Oh a pineapple tree of your very own. I'm so jealous! I've always loved pineapple and who knew it would be easy to grow, (if you have the right climate, obviously not where I live). And the little birds are just darling. How special to have such a "birds eye" view as they grow.

Blessings,
Betsy

Darnell said...

What a fun, fun post, Shaz! I think your card, and the peewee pics, and the pineapple, and your papers on the deak are all spectacular! I had no idea you could do that with pineapples (I'm sure, depending on where you live) and am so tickled for you that it grew so well. And the baby birds, oh my, how fabulous!! Thank you for sharing.

Thank you, too, for coming by to visit the Playhouse earlier! Have a wonderful week if I don't see you before! Darnell #47

Sandie said...

Loved your post too Shaz... your card is so sweet, love how you created it, very very nice!!
We watched our Peewi birds to adults this year, was beautiful. One of the 3 babies was a lot (considerably) than the other 2, and often fell from his nest. We would put him back. He is the only one that survived, and now is best mates with our dog! (I kid you not). Your sisters photos are so precious!
Loved your Pineapple, imagine what it is going to taste like YUMMO!

Neet said...

Lovely brayering and cards Shaz. Think the baby peewee's steal the show though, sorry. Fluffy things and all that always bring an 'aaw'.
Hope you are feeling well, thanks for the email - setting off iln a few hours for the airport.
TTYL
Love
Net xxxxxx

Craftychris said...

Love your brayered backgrounds, the colours are gorgeous! Your card is fabulous, I love that border die. How cool to have a pineapple growing in your garden and those little birds are soooo sweet! xx

Anne said...

Hi there lovely photos. The card is great. Love the backgrounds. Need to check out details re what you did. Sorry I'm late. Anne x

Robyn said...
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Tamika said...

Shaz you always have such beautiful pictures! I also think the card is adorable. Tamika #126

Joynana said...

Loving your wonderful photos. They are just gorgeous. The simplicity of your card and the details make it so perfect. #105

Peet said...

So beautiful, Shaz!
Thanks for joining us at the Pretty Little Ribbon February challenge.

Sandy said...

Hey Shaz glad to see you entering your lovely card at Challenges 4 Everybody. Good Luck!
Sandy DT :)

Gale said...

Great card. Thanks for sharing with us at Twisted Tuesday and good luck. Hugs, Gale DT

Jocelyn aka JoBear2 said...

Beautiful card Shaz - love how you used all the diecuts.

Such sweet photos of the birds. We call them Mudlarks where I live and have a pair that come to be fed often (and they bring a new baby each year). Very flighty birds though and scare easily.

{{hugs}}
Jocelyn X

Angela Toucan said...

beautiful colours on those papers

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