tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17683529052813795442012-03-06T06:07:32.403+11:00Handmade TreasureJulie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.comBlogger2881100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-43458842219365271852012-03-05T16:41:00.004+11:002012-03-05T16:41:39.203+11:00

What do you get when you, * stencil *paint * stamp * emboss and embellish small details? A very funky paper which is another in my Complex Papers Portfolio. All the papers were created using the same methods. On the edge of the Forest - Julie Morning Light - Janene Leaf Fall - Naomi Butterfly Dance - Bron The Playhouse - Chris Owl Reverie - Di Sing it Loud - Julie

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-54073043753739028292012-03-03T09:26:00.003+11:002012-03-03T12:09:56.457+11:00

Some of the ideas for this class came about one night in the wee hours. Does anyone else have trouble sleeping sometimes? I was wide awake with "What If" being very pushy indeed. Well we had to creep down to the studio, serruptiously avoiding the third step and start playing.  And after a while I had my variation on Double Embossing. Mine was the melty kind combined with embossing

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-10194026299929245552012-03-01T20:01:00.000+11:002012-03-01T20:02:28.624+11:00

 The concept for my Guided Scrapping Session is simple. Each month I create a layout using both techniques and products. Embedded Leaves Embedded Embossed Leaves Embedded Embossed leaves and Inka Gold  March Layout - Stretch in 2012 Then the class attendees take the concepts and the layout shape and totally turn it into their own creation. I would not have it any other way. Julie

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-26189855505250814972012-02-29T09:36:00.002+11:002012-02-29T09:36:40.407+11:00

For quite some time I have been admiring the art of Louise Nelson Now my Christmas gift did not arrive until the end of January ( a selection of Stampington magazines) By the look of the box it had a l.o.n.g journey. My practice is to flip through my mags and then go back and read in detail. This was not the case this time when I spied the article about Louise in Somerset Memories Autumn 2011. I

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-83915415200206673062012-02-27T19:11:00.003+11:002012-02-27T19:11:56.940+11:00

I must begin this post with a sincere apology to Danie. She gave me this award a couple of weeks ago. I humbly confess that in the busy - ness just recently I put acknowledging it as a "To Do" and then promptly forgot! Please visit Danie's blog if you don't already do so. This morning there was a lovely surprise when I visited Mary Kate over at Emkay Designs as she has given me a Leibster Blog

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-39364162570454323412012-02-27T08:52:00.000+11:002012-02-27T08:52:57.296+11:00

Languidly I woke up to a beautiful Sunday, even the neighbour's dog had been obliging and so I woke in my own good time. A rare occurrence, indeed! A little smile spread across my face as I realised the day was....mine! No "have to do's", no obligations.... just some play time for me.   You see late last week a very big box had arrived and this was my first chance to really look at and create

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-19036668047498514822012-02-24T08:32:00.003+11:002012-02-24T10:43:27.175+11:00

Those of you, who have been reading my blog for a while, know that I am totally enamoured with creating Complex Papers. I love, that you can, with a variety of products to colour and surfaces to colour on, create a base paper that is totally unique. In fact the only way I can come close to replication is to do a few pieces in the same colour ways at the same time. Even if I stop for a break when

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-78046822070009290332012-02-22T09:09:00.002+11:002012-02-22T09:09:40.200+11:00

I have been banging on about saving resources and being less wasteful for as long as I can remember. There are now so many people, particularly artists, who re-use as a major part of their art practice. Saving resources and creating, how good is that? One of our Terrific Tuesdays each month will focus on upcycling - taking a mixture of materials and combining them to create something new.

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-4688611805550753732012-02-20T08:11:00.001+11:002012-02-20T08:11:29.623+11:00

The various textures are held by a little stitching.  Sometimes I set myself  small challenges -lol often times there are big ones too but they aren't for the telling today!  This one was to use something from my wastepaper basket ( wool label), a fibre (scrap of felt) and something new ( buttons) Of course there is also some stitching and stamping too! Adding a little stamping on some of

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-84306472614492949442012-02-16T06:52:00.000+11:002012-02-16T06:52:09.253+11:00

"Come on hurry, hurry ," called the White Rabbit. It's time for you to meet my stamp friends from Alice's Collection by The Octopode Factory. Of course we will start with me! The White Rabbit Sweet Little Alice who takes it all too seriously! Now this Cats' afraid of nothing! The Queen of Hearts has to be next. She's such a diva! Flamingo thinks he's the star of the show! Showoff

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-2719824569087472502012-02-14T20:28:00.001+11:002012-02-14T20:28:59.870+11:00

I have a fairly large collection of heart stamps because they are always fun to add to a card or page, in particular. The following cards were  created with Darkroom Door Heart set of stamps and some scraps of a Full Monty Complex Paper. Paper and three stamps. Simple! There's Love and some Inka Gold The rich gold heart sits well with the Complex Paper The written love stamp works

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-91306939917462739602012-02-13T08:12:00.004+11:002012-02-13T08:12:46.765+11:00

You know how it is....you spy something.... it interests you. And then you are off.....googling... tracking....wondering...desiring! That's how it was for me late last year. In a magazine, I spied a funky cute image of a grinning cat. It piqued my imagination big time!  I discovered that the image is from a set of stamps - the Alice series from the Octopode Factory. The artist is Lily Chivers

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-32079232336291618152012-02-10T09:31:00.004+11:002012-02-10T10:38:50.241+11:00

I have a little photo booth set up in the laundry. That's where the light's the best. When I want to do larger things they go onto the floor near the door. But not this morning! Angel and Bella are totally needy today! Have you ever tried to work on the computer with two dogs sitting on your feet, let alone take photos where they have decided they are? I can see some Girl time coming up this

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-80424155004795182352012-02-08T08:47:00.001+11:002012-02-10T10:47:21.379+11:00

At the moment I have a restlessness that is encouraging me to seek change. Interestingly, this is all areas of my life. It doesn't mean I don't value where I am right now. Life is good! But.... I am....looking in many directions. So come with me I want to show you a few interesting blogs and posts that I have stumbled into. Let's head to -  Eclectic Visions of an Altered Journey Linda Baldock

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-80141700338577884672012-02-06T08:41:00.006+11:002012-02-10T10:47:50.373+11:00

Thinking about family and friends recently had me considering the history of my mum. Her early life was tumultuous. Luckily for her, she had two grandparents and a wonderful aunt who stepped in and rescued her. This support was vital to help her later became the loving, generous spirited person she was. The layout your see here  I created a long time ago. Looking at it and photographing it

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-80321135108266852342012-02-04T08:47:00.000+11:002012-02-04T08:47:16.462+11:00

Sometimes flowers seem too bulky to me for use on cards particularly those intended for posting. So it was with the flower I used on these cards. It was definitely too blossomy and lush but with some careful peeling the layers came apart easily, giving me two for the price of one! The cream card has the top layers and then I added two buttons and a little glimmery spray to the second flower.

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-10873370472388337922012-02-02T09:17:00.001+11:002012-02-02T09:17:39.101+11:00

A class was planned and offered at the end of last year in Introductory Felting and a number of ladies took up the challenge. Now feltmaking is pretty messy and really does need to be done outdoors. Well our unpredictable summer weather kicked in and the planned class was postponed. My second try was to be Saturday January 28th and yes, you guessed it the weather gods were not kind. A flurry of

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-55948510609003923272012-01-31T06:23:00.000+11:002012-01-31T06:23:56.960+11:00

Section of finished felt with silk and stitching I have always created and over the years I have enjoyed exploring many mediums with varying degrees of passion and enthusiasm. From silversmithing - I will never complain about the cost of a handmade silver ring, through to many, many fibre and paper crafting experiences. For many years one art form I keep coming back to is Felt Making. A few

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-86284858245690860502012-01-29T08:50:00.000+11:002012-01-29T08:50:53.103+11:00

I have been working consistently over the past week to create as many SCKC Albums as I can. As they are going to be used by the kids to record their precious memories from their week long camps I do not think the album pages need to be complicated. Indeed very beautiful pages can be quite intimidating. To achieve our target my pages are fairly formulaic. That's where the magic of stamps comes in

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-1329429246891652002012-01-27T10:00:00.002+11:002012-01-27T10:25:47.546+11:00

Our home has become a haven, a haven for many creatures and some of them I am not liking very much at all. You see we are currently experiencing floods on the North Coast of New South Wales. Don't worry only run off and blocked drains are bothering us at the moment. However, there are bugs, bugs of all colours, shapes and attitude who have decided to join us in house. Now some of them are

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-89054931528080789482012-01-25T08:50:00.000+11:002012-01-25T08:50:05.707+11:00

Want to try something a little different? Ok here we go. Get out your gesso. I am sure if you look about, you will find a jar some where in your stash. Great stuff for lots of things but don't forget to wipe the jar closure when you are done - unless you like wrestling with unwilling containers that is!   Now take some papers and really go to town with stamping. Try different papers and

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-46962812756952062202012-01-22T07:46:00.001+11:002012-01-22T12:57:44.314+11:00

Now don't get me wrong - I love going to the beach but I don't go very often in Summer. You see we live in an area that has many summer visitors, sometimes too many! So when it is hot and humid you will find us at a creek or pool in the wonderful rainforests we have closeby. Or more likely here at Idyll Hours with a new magazine and a coffee! But that doesn't stop me from making sea themed art to

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-77961703628393347262012-01-20T08:46:00.001+11:002012-01-20T09:53:11.303+11:00

It is an interesting phenomenon - human nature. I have come to the conclusion that there are really only two types of people * the givers and the takers Fortunately amongst my fellow crafters and friends, I know many givers. Next week quite a few of them wll give their time and their resources to make Memory Albums for some truly deserving kids. We will never meet these kids. We won't know

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-2652656275138277582012-01-18T08:51:00.000+11:002012-01-18T08:51:10.921+11:00

When I want to make a really quick card either stamping or finding an image that is black and white offers me a lot of design freedom. In turn this enables me to create my card with speed. That's what I did with these two cards because this week my time is certainly feeling like a rubber band. Anyway, because I used a touch of gold on each of them I have entered them in the first Sunday

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-75705948000700527842012-01-16T06:40:00.001+11:002012-01-16T12:46:57.880+11:00

Last week we spent a few hours exploring Newtown, an inner Sydney suburb. I loved the many tiny shops, cafes and characters. One of the places that drew me in was an Indian costume shop - a psychedelic extravaganza. I am sure it was this profusion of exuberant colour and pattern that influenced my latest set of cards. I have been experimenting with creating complex papers and that's what I used

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-30682711181313261222012-01-14T14:01:00.001+11:002012-01-14T14:02:15.104+11:00

At the recycle store I found some little cork circles. Well, I didn't know what I was going to do with them but some came home anyway. Now I can't say I would ever be a contestant in the Quiller of the Year Contest but using a punch to create quilled flowers most certainly appeals to me. These flowers were all cut from Shimmer paper. The punches worked exceptionally well. The other bits were

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-71383559871633144392012-01-11T15:42:00.000+11:002012-01-11T15:42:33.698+11:00

I have been fortunate to visit London twice. I love it. I love the history, the familiarity and the friendliness of Londoners. I created this set of cards with Darkroom Door - London Vol 1 which are a recent release. As I did so, the memories came flooding back. I had the best time travelling around London on their very efficient Underground system. One night in particular on the longest

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-89802081745667223782012-01-03T20:03:00.000+11:002012-01-03T20:03:38.627+11:00

In our last class for 2011 we created six cards. These used a couple of funky backgrounds. More about that later. We also used a number of Darkroom Door Word Blocks and the Garden Inchies Set of Stamps. Apart from a tiny smidge of ink and a miniscule touch of glitter these cards let the images do the talking. Embellishments were also minimal. All up we made six cards. These plus envelopes were

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-73167464588771307362012-01-02T09:19:00.000+11:002012-01-02T09:19:46.913+11:00

The few days between Christmas and New Year always feel a little odd to me. There is usually such a hype and build up to Christmas and then it is almost like the world exhales. This year we have been rather busy during those days - mostly trying to work either in the nursery or on my website. But I know that if I don't get a little playtime, even just a few minutes I get very scratchy. So of

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-34008764102446131052011-12-31T08:44:00.000+11:002011-12-31T08:44:43.051+11:00

Have a Happy New Year Everyone. I am not sure just one resolution for 2012 will cover my needs this year. I want to "Seek New Horizons" both literally and figuratively. Trouble and hurt arrived in my life in 2011 in many guises and disguises.In 2012 I would love to "Float Past Trouble"  and not enable negativity, to colour my being and bring my spirits down. Similarly instead of staying awake

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-70079309212138988312011-12-29T09:02:00.000+11:002011-12-29T09:02:12.640+11:00

Multi - tasking and value adding are words I see a lot. So in the spirit of these two concepts I have been tidying my workspace - very slowly I must say and value adding as I turn bits and pieces into cards. Todays cards are all for the challenges over at 365 Cards Day 296- In Stitches saw me doing a little sewing, handstiching and embellishing with Liquid Pearls. Day 297 - Whitespace enabled

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-34070189642681219742011-12-27T09:05:00.000+11:002011-12-27T09:05:33.497+11:00

For every year of my teaching career I had an A4 Day to A Page journal that was integral to my teaching. Notes, plans, conversations, secrets, in fact many details of my day to day school life were recorded in those Journals. Even though I no longer need a hefty tome and some days might have very little written I still like to have a journal. This year I decided that my friends might enjoy

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-54708587288166291692011-12-23T09:32:00.000+11:002011-12-23T09:32:57.119+11:00

Well it has certainly been an interesting yearFull of ups and downs, There have been many reasons to smileAnd then again, others days there were frowns. My wish to you, wherever you beWhatever your beliefsand circumstance,Is to beHAPPY. Take each day as it comesAnd look for joy, Indeed, give joy and hope To every life that you touch And if you doWithout a doubtHappiness, Will surround you. Julie

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-76495116385553683472011-12-23T07:43:00.000+11:002011-12-23T07:43:40.476+11:00

This week I have been pondering on the  Christmas Story and the enduring message of hope that is so integral to the celebrations we associate with Christmas. Very soon I was reflecting upon another story. This one, also, is a miracle. It will not happen on Christmas Day but for a beautiful and loving couple their story is full of anxiety, hope and now heartfelt anticipation as they await the

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-34868387984888822342011-12-22T08:00:00.000+11:002011-12-22T08:00:55.418+11:00

What a busy week it has been! Dealing with the minutae of pre- Christmas and attending to some absolutely tedious business stuff could do this girls head in. However I have, for the best medical reasons, taken a few minutes each day to create for the 365 Card Challenge Day 291 -Diamonds and Pearls - was great because I could use a new Bo Bunny paper that I love as well as other trims and

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-7921120149736765112011-12-21T08:53:00.000+11:002011-12-21T08:53:39.473+11:00

 Here at Idyll Hours, where Time to Create resides, we are fully into butterfly season. Our garden is full of flitting, dancing happiness on the wing. We grow plants, including some which might be labelled weeds, just for the winged delights that come to visit. Here is one of the metal snowflakes ready to adorn the veranda. The centrepiece uses a gorgeous butterfly stamp from Darkroom Door which

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-83817797893405133812011-12-19T08:37:00.000+11:002011-12-19T08:37:30.886+11:00

I have been exploring the possibilities of creating ornaments using dies.This set came from the Tim Holtz Sizzix Carved Ornament set. The decoration is a Cuttlebug Clockworks Embossing Folder.I have coloured it up using the Distress Inks " Festive Berries" A little more experimenting resulted in the Sizzix Die " Heart with Wings" producing a really interesting ornament. To finish off my

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-33888522695362580312011-12-17T17:15:00.000+11:002011-12-17T17:15:38.091+11:00

I have tentatively dipped my toes, well probably more like my messy fingers into the online challenge world. Last week, I did a few daily challenges at 365 Cards and I enjoyed the process and the result. New ideas, a little bit of play, different blogs by talented people to visit and a little recognition for me too. One of my cards was chosen as Spotlight Designer Card and I am pretty chuffed!

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-65391475196765441552011-12-16T21:15:00.003+11:002011-12-17T08:24:18.524+11:00

I know it isn't New Year but I have made a crafting resolution that will I hope travel with me into 2012 and that is to play. In light of that the request from Shop Our Stash was a Kraft Tag. Now the actual tag is from a pair of Super Star's jeans that have a hole in them! So how long have I had the tag? The stamps are from Crafty Individuals and Tim Holtz. The embellishments are from Super

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-32566421263459801742011-12-15T12:08:00.000+11:002011-12-15T12:08:03.033+11:00

It feels to me like feast or famine at the moment. Too much to do, too many distractions or somedays none at all. A bit like my Christmas season really! This year I have created some Christmas cards that have used traditional images but I must say the majority of my crafting has been rather non- traditional.  I am not sure why but neither image, nor colour choice has been what could be deemed

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-77835365344674698072011-12-15T08:34:00.000+11:002011-12-15T08:34:58.898+11:00

Holly is a wonderful traditional Christmas image isn't it? Here at Time To Create we do have a holly bush out in the garden. However as we live in a subtropical climate we do get the wonderful green leaves but never ever any red berries! Super Star is not a fan of that holly bush as it has wicked spikes and he usually forgets it is out there when he is pruning and weeding. There are then the

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-70542200971326786372011-12-14T13:04:00.002+11:002011-12-14T13:54:56.853+11:00

How appropriate for Dutch Dare Card Challenges to request winged things for their challenge. When I look at the stamps, the image sheets and the dies I have, a very large, larger than I care to admit to, number are of all types of winged creatures with a few fairies and angels too. Could it be that I too, would sometimes, like to fly? This card came about from a tidying of the workbench, again.

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-45077581065081501332011-12-12T15:50:00.000+11:002011-12-12T15:50:49.354+11:00

My good friend Danie who is totally into papercraft too and I had a conversation the other day which jogged my mind a bit. Danie has really stretched herself this year and participated in many challenges and is a DT member on a number of craft sites as well. Now without doubt I am busy. Without a doubt I do create but I have not participated in too many challenges. After Danie's gentle

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-61489207738489375112011-12-12T08:12:00.001+11:002011-12-12T10:16:04.594+11:00

I must confess I have neglected my glue gun for quite some time. I got it out and got it going for these cork wreaths recently. When you are playing with many types of materials and papers the glue gun works a treat. I love how easily you can glue vellum and layer up one embellishment on top of the other pretty well straight away. It's important to be aware of how hot the glue can be. Yes I had

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-24289316667213832692011-12-09T08:48:00.002+11:002011-12-09T08:50:31.280+11:00

I don't know about you but I find buying for my Super Star a tricky thing. He is a tinkerer, a builder, a Mr Fixit. He stalks the hardware store. In fact, a rainy day means a chance to cruise up and down the aisles of any and every tool and hardware store around. On a recent trip to Brisbane Super Star and B went, yes you guessed it, clear across Brisbane to the opening of "TA _DA", a new

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-80059987935107527322011-12-07T08:33:00.001+11:002011-12-07T08:35:28.847+11:00

Over at Sunday Stamper Challenge this week the theme was Love /Lifehttp://pinkleart.blogspot.com/2011/12/sunday-stamper-week-183-what-is-life.html My reponse was particularly fast this week - a no brainer, considering how I am feeling. I  - LOVE- TravellingI - WISH - I was planning a trip right now!I - DREAM - Of exploring so much of the world that is just waiting for me. Now, I wonder, if, I

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-15603100049503222602011-12-05T10:16:00.001+11:002011-12-05T10:18:13.292+11:00

I wanted to catch up with the lovely ladies from Love Bellebirds https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Love-Bellebirds/136757783059704 who were so wonderfully supportive of Compassionate Crafters Butterfly Day https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Compassionate-Crafters/230715590297341 so I dashed into the Boot Market on Sunday. They are such lovely ladies, with gorgeous, handcrafted goodies. After

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-9140972147420499062011-12-02T17:07:00.001+11:002011-12-02T21:14:31.855+11:00

This year we are going to Brendan in Brisbane for Christmas. Brendan finds the whole Christmas celebration stressful, for many reasons and so in recent years we have been fairly restrained with what we do. Brendan's flat is tiny so a traditional tree is out of the question. I have come up with a Steampunk Christmas Tree, which I hope he will like. The base is a twisty CD rack. All the stamping

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-70826661110939836792011-12-01T09:14:00.000+11:002011-12-01T09:14:17.554+11:00

Sometimes a product speaks to me and starts all sorts of imaginative and creative processes zinging around my brain. This has certainly been the case with the new Sizzix cut and emboss dies, particularly this bird die. So far I have created a lantern, a box, a framed piece and a card and still more ideas keep popping into my head. The lanterns are created from vellum which has been coloured with

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-90655823779341468272011-11-30T08:15:00.000+11:002011-11-30T08:15:40.291+11:00

 Hello Ladies, I am sorry to be tardy. I promised you a Mr Linky but it is too technical for me right now. SO If you would like to participate could you put your card for the challenge up as a Blog Post or email me.  (Entries close 7th!) Thanks for finding the time to participate. Julie

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-77458241403256112732011-11-28T08:13:00.000+11:002011-11-28T08:13:54.779+11:00

It was too hot to do too much today. It was a perfect day to explore the possibilities of Darkroom Door "Bold Blossoms" and the Christmas Word Block. The background that I used for  these cards was a piece of my Scraps Paper - which I create in bulk as a way of cleaning up the paper bits that seriously mutiply in the studio. The Scraps Paper was put through an embossing folder and then coloured

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-79655993016317803502011-11-26T09:00:00.000+11:002011-11-26T09:00:47.457+11:00

I came across some sturdy cardboard boxes and had a little play with them, as we do.I gave the three boxes I decorated a rough coat of gesso as I really did not know what I was going to do.I then sprayed circles of Adirondack Colour Wash in Lettuce and Stream onto the boxes.Next I dotted Marvy Metallic Markers in a couple of colours onto the still wet ink. I then added some Perfect Pearls mist to

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-82569466802562018412011-11-24T08:32:00.000+11:002011-11-24T08:32:14.071+11:00

What, you might ask does the photo have to do with blogging and my crafting? A couple of weeks ago I helped Brendan unpack his belongings in his new flat.Now, Brendan is not an enthusiastic cook at all. Yet there was a fairly large box packed with lots of condiments jars."What are these?" I asked."Look at the writing", he replied. They were jars from his beloved Nan.I decided that I would bring

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-23874364040150942262011-11-22T08:49:00.000+11:002011-11-22T08:49:09.758+11:00

In a recent Cloth Paper Scissors magazine there was an article about reverse collage which intrigued me. Now when I am intrigued I just have to have a go. I primed my canvas, used the gel medium, painted as instructed and..... I ended up with the biggest mess you have ever seen. It was a total, messy failure. Luckily "What if" came creeping in and I worked out a process that was so much easier.

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-73458739844065264582011-11-21T08:46:00.001+11:002011-11-21T09:58:30.471+11:00

As I write this, there is a bead of sweat sitting on my forehead threatening to fall down my face and onto my keyboard.You see it is hot.It is humid.We are expecting a thunderstorm this evening.Which just might enable sleep for a few hours tonight. What was the theme for Hels Sunday Stamper Challenge this week?lhttp://pinkleart.blogspot.com/2011/11/sunday-stamper-week-181-frosty-snowman.html

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-11313397469157187832011-11-20T09:08:00.002+11:002011-11-20T09:57:05.990+11:00

One of the things that I love finding in the op shops or after Christmas sales are small display trees, of which there are many designs. This one is a favourite as I love how the crystal baubles pick up the light. I have had the Sizzix Carved Ornaments Die since last Chrismas. It arrived too late in Australia for Christmas crafting so I got to try it for this year. Shimmer card and a bit of

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-13430541435220666552011-11-18T07:38:00.000+11:002011-11-18T07:38:38.441+11:00

Even though I had lots of mundane to do right this week, a demonsration sheet of  Kraft Core in a luscious green was just sitting there on the bench inviting me to play. Have you had a chance to try this scrummy new paper yet? Now that paper, embosses beautifully, I had to test it you see. And before I knew it I was off. Out came the Pine Needles Distress Ink and a new set of Darkroom Door

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-42842610395787054082011-11-16T08:27:00.000+11:002011-11-16T08:27:09.270+11:00

I must confess I am not a cute kind of crafter. I can admire but I seldom feel comfortable working in the cute style. But these little ornaments are seriously cute. All the images come from a Meg's Garden collage sheet.I painted an old die cut either gold or silver. I applied a tacky glue on the winged hearts and then foiled it when it was dry. Such Fun! The image was glued to a disc and Opals

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-27881647050465057302011-11-14T08:15:00.000+11:002011-11-14T08:15:26.545+11:00

I love what we can do with canvasses and mixed media. At our recent camp each participant created a canvas to suit their particular needs. This was my example Techniques that we explored include plaster work and embedding materials. There was also quite a lot of recycling. Many of the participants did not finish their peices at camp as they wanted to take their time and savour the finishes

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-63807794653554968002011-11-12T08:34:00.000+11:002011-11-12T08:34:30.952+11:00

Oh ooh, I hear you say, here she goes again! Imagine Crunchy Brown Paper PackagesTied up with stringANDDecorated with these Darkroom Door Stamped Tags. Simple, Elegant, Memorable Caution there will surely be more tags coming!Julie

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-31400167150106785382011-11-10T08:51:00.001+11:002011-11-10T11:54:26.758+11:00

Recently at the recycling shop there were many pieces of art. Some were finished  but many were incomplete. A local gallery had obviously had a big purge. Wandering about, "Whatif?" tapped me on the side of the head and whispered "Brendan". You see B has just moved into a flat in an old Queenslander with very high, bare white walls and it will be sometime before buying art will be on his agenda.

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-30380218345530720452011-11-07T08:42:00.000+11:002011-11-07T08:42:56.876+11:00

Her hair was a wet fleece of gold and each separate hair as a thread of fine gold   in a cup of glass. Her body was as white ivory and her tail was of silver and pearl, Silver and pearl was her tail. and the green weeds of the sea coiled around it and like sea- shells were her ears and her lips were like sea coral. Oscar Wilde The mermaids, one and all had such fun when they made their mirrors.

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-11661191690666017362011-11-05T08:21:00.000+11:002011-11-05T08:21:02.133+11:00

I was really busy and getting ready for a class. I was cutting and prepping, taking phone calls and generally feeling like an ambidextrous octopus. I knew I had cut a set of cards but do you think I could find them! So of course another set was organised. After class while tidying away, yes you guessed it - there they were, all those cut cards. Well it's mandatory to get distracted from clean up

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-89118172931146413932011-11-03T08:31:00.001+11:002011-11-03T11:47:50.961+11:00

I enjoy giving Time To Create camp participants a gift and so I usually try to make something for them that is unique. I hope this will be a reminder of the lovely weekend we had together at our "Spring Fling" Camp. I love playing with fibres and fabrics too. So I made each person a needle felted and beaded heart. This was attached to the front of a note booklet. I used  recycled paper for all

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-16237174216870063172011-11-01T08:35:00.005+11:002011-11-30T07:57:52.112+11:00

 Hello Ladies, I am sorry to be tardy. I promised you a Mr Linky but it is too technical for me right now. SO If you would like to participate could you put your card for the challenge up as a Blog Post or email me.  (Entries close 7th!) Thanks for finding the time to participate. Julie Hi to my fellow Tangled Up In Creativity Blog Friends. If you are as busy as I am you will be really glad to

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-14863108106904662782011-10-30T09:44:00.002+11:002011-10-30T10:36:30.997+11:00

But I really do have to. Christmas does give us crafters such opportunities to stretch our design wings and our product knowledge. When I saw the Bo Bunny Etc range I just knew I had to create an ETC Christmas card. The background is created using Distress Stains - my new favourite plaything! Mr Hoity Toight Reindeer by Darkroom Door using the fun direct to stamp technique with Marvy Metallic

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-75045982027318951522011-10-25T08:40:00.000+11:002011-10-25T08:40:29.104+11:00

Sometimes when I am out and about an object will grab my attention and then "Whatif?" will fill my head with lots of ideas! So it was with this mirror. Bright pink plastic with Princess inscribed into the bottom and a lumpy ugly crown at the top. Originally it was going to be luscious with flowers and images of spring but somehow.... I ended up with a mermaid image that I have had for years

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-79225037495824070572011-10-22T08:37:00.000+11:002011-10-22T08:37:20.532+11:00

I never got to say a goodbyeThere will never be answered, The question Why? A knife aimed straight at my heartOur family, so torn and scattered apart.But no one can take my memories from me.So often you were myResponsibilty.Look after, take care, Were always thereThe little boy caught up in the treeThe young man shouting invectives at me. Sometimes I loathed you for what you had doneBut then,

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-38650882155626381572011-10-01T14:56:00.000+10:002011-10-01T14:56:24.104+10:00

Hi everyone, I am taking a few days away from blogging and visiting your blogs to comment. Sometimes Life whacks us about and I sure have taken some hits in the last little while. I  need to deal with the battering and the bruising and give my spirit time to heal. Take care everyone and hug someone you love today. Julie

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-45147491996467789132011-09-29T23:52:00.000+10:002011-09-29T23:52:31.897+10:00

Do you go through the do I /don't I mental dialogue when a new product comes out. I know, I most certainly do! I love Distress Inks and confess I have all 36 colours plus re-inkers. They are, without a doubt my most reached for, coloured inks. When Distress Stains appeared I asked myself why would I want them and what would be different. Now after using them - I know. They cover quickly. Wet

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-37293028074865672862011-09-27T19:27:00.000+10:002011-09-27T19:27:47.821+10:00

There are days when I long to pack up a suitcase, pick a destination and just go.  Now don't get me wrong I love my family, love where I live, enjoy what I do. But occasionally, I have the urge to lift my eyes skyward and zoom and drift towards a destination unknown. These thoughts were running through my mind as I took on the Sunday Stamper challenge this weekhttp://pinkleart.blogspot.com/2011

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-3670666945314338972011-09-26T07:58:00.000+10:002011-09-26T07:58:58.323+10:00

I am still on my quick card making odyssey. As always I am looking at ways to minimise the cost and upcycle precious resources. These cards tick the boxes. How easy are these? embossed background sponged with Distress Inks image from a discarded catalogue ribbon and stamping on the edge.That's it ----done!A set of these would be a wonderful gift.Julie

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-36440705532186299392011-09-23T06:14:00.000+10:002011-09-23T06:14:29.816+10:00

I am  lucky, to have amongst my friends, family and acquaintances the women who are our goddesses. These are women who have qualities and strengths that I admire. They share my thoughts, ideas and adventures. Let me introduce you to some of mine.  There is Patience - this friend is the rock. Our friendship has been life long. There is Magesta -  The bringer of largesse and ease. Loud and fun!

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-87387656451464486112011-09-21T05:49:00.000+10:002011-09-21T05:49:58.977+10:00

I set myself a challenge just  recently - to see how many cards I could make in an evening.  Now the cardstock was cut and the card faces were too. The die cut hearts are left over from Judi's card design so I had them too! The design is very simple and could certainly have been dressed up more. There is however, a need for economic and time restraint for this project. Each piece of patterned

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-69162229643314822912011-09-19T06:18:00.000+10:002011-09-19T06:18:24.875+10:00

Preparing for Butterfly Day next Saturday has been an interesting problem solving experience. Picture the following: 6 Teachers designing a card  Planning for 600 cards - cardstock, card faces, the card fixings and all the embellishments Making sure we can share our tools and supplies with each other to ensure a smooth event Canvassing shops and suppliers for donations Garnering media support to

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-80318149409868047802011-09-17T12:31:00.000+10:002011-09-17T12:31:57.475+10:00

It is interesting how a little bit of moving and tidying then leads to a little more and then to much more........ So it is at our patch. Super Star was given a wonderful Rock Orchid a little while ago by the generous Danielle and Rod. Les wasn't happy with where he has placed it and then....... we visited another grower and saw this A spectacular specimen Rock Orchid growing at Maclean. From

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-83411638135652611982011-09-14T08:18:00.000+10:002011-09-14T08:18:30.582+10:00

Quite a lot of my Handmade Treasure pieces are made using papers, particularly watercolour papers that are hand painted. There of always lots of bits left when I have made a range and these scraps are so pretty I hate to just bin them. Super Star is a very patient man and he will often use the leftovers and some punches to make me a stash of cutouts while he watches TV. I keep these in plastic

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-26994244396471282732011-09-12T09:18:00.000+10:002011-09-12T09:18:19.629+10:00

Carefully selects a suitable site. Gathers twigs and branches? Then shapes a nest, until it is, just right. Created with Layers of Colour stamps With patience mother bird lays the precious eggs, sitting on them and protecting them through all the vagaries of the weather. Her mate takes his turn too and they attend to each other and protect their eggs with such focus. They can be fierce, like

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-80632004783784382452011-09-10T13:21:00.001+10:002011-09-10T13:22:03.736+10:00

How many songs are sung about it? What number of words have been written? Huge amounts of time are spent being in, falling out of and lamenting lost love. Is there a stronger emotion? How many types of love, do you believe you have experienced? These are questions and ideas I contemplated today as I treated myself to some playtime. It is so windy and horrid outside that I am cloistered, so a

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-83643569943437985602011-09-07T08:30:00.000+10:002011-09-07T08:30:09.384+10:00

What a lovely card class we had last week. It was the 4B's - birds, butterflies, bees and bugs! As I was designing the cards I was thinking about how enriched our lives are, here at Idyll Hours because of the wonderful wildlife, that shares our small dot on the planet. Right now out there......... Birds of all shapes, sizes and voices are a'fussing and a'fighting as they work hard to make a

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-35337336101024483432011-09-05T09:56:00.000+10:002011-09-05T09:56:56.195+10:00

Louis Armstrong sang "What a wonderful world", a song of hope, a song of affirmation. Many of the lyrics strike a cord with me. They lift me and remind me to be inspired by our wonderful world. I believe we should also be inspired by the wonderful people we meet in our lives. Two such lovely ladies are Fiona and Jennifer, who I met at a recent Carboot Market in Lismore. They make the most

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-32238425587111325822011-09-03T21:50:00.002+10:002011-09-03T21:50:12.530+10:00

September is now in a rush too! This is our guided layout which is for Monday Night 5th September and Tuesdays Guided Scrapping Day. Don't forget to let me know if you are coming to either of these classes. This photo is from the 1930's and I was very particular with colour choices as I wanted it to reflect that time. The photo is of Super Stars beloved sister. We think this was taken at about

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-61319575033412781872011-08-31T08:13:00.000+10:002011-08-31T08:13:43.948+10:00

Often, I find that if I limit what I am going to use, it actually encourages my creative response. The stamp I have used here is from Layers Of Colour and is "May Bouquet". The stamps from this company have only just arrived. My time to explore and play with the gorgeous LOC Stamps has been very limited. I stamped this little beauty out, used the TRIAS in a very random way and then put together

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-13947726653876930762011-08-29T08:18:00.000+10:002011-08-29T08:18:49.274+10:00

I am convinced there is a pen made for every possible material we want to play with. Indeed there are probably pens ready to go on materials we haven't even considered yet. So it was, that my friend Judi, showed me a lovely acetate butterfly she had made recently. Wow! It is pretty! Of course, I was intrigued when Judi said they were simple to make, you just needed special pens. On a mission,

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-57135904006350498562011-08-26T08:23:00.000+10:002011-08-26T08:23:04.487+10:00

Since I have been working with TRIA pens I can't believe how easy they are to use and what a smooth effect they give. The cards today, are part of some samples that I have done for the Alstonville Craft Fair this weekend. Among the products we will be demonstrating are the TRIAS and the lovely Snoesjes Stamps.  Miss Spring Showers is surrounded by swirling winds of glitter. You can see she is

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-87669815856225728492011-08-24T08:52:00.000+10:002011-08-24T08:52:52.828+10:00

A great place to be...Where you can be daggyand most importantly where you can Create and Dream This post satisfies two objectives today.1. To create from as much recycled materials as possible.2. To answer the Sunday Stampers challengehttp://pinkleart.blogspot.com/2011/08/sunday-stamper-week-168-our-house.html The style for this plaque was definitely naive and a bit whimsical. Funny thing is we

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-88139661658886101912011-08-22T08:57:00.000+10:002011-08-22T08:57:45.975+10:00

Last week I found some delightful stamps by Marianne Designs called Soesjes and they instantly called to me. The odd thing is that these are really cute - not at all what I would normally choose.  What delighted me is that there are two images, that are a back and a front.Inside of  Miss Flower GirlProbably the trickiest part is working out how to line up the die cut on the card front. This card

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-22503004168319251182011-08-19T09:15:00.001+10:002011-08-19T10:13:36.725+10:00

We had a lovely class recently where we not only played with some of the new punches that are out there but we also dusted off some oldies and gave them a run too. The morning session was spent exploring the Tonic punch system and Martha Stewart Punch around the Page Sets. Both of these style punches give the best result if you are careful with your measuring.   On all four card there is only

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-69426789304034135632011-08-17T08:42:00.000+10:002011-08-17T08:42:59.659+10:00

There are two themes I am working on at the moment. The first is recycling and reuse which is part of my practice. I love the challenge! The second is with my commitment to Compassionate Crafters. We are very busy right now planning our Butterfly Day on the 24th September. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Compassionate-Crafters/230715590297341?sk=events Today's little treat came about as I was

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-18120700063513655912011-08-14T21:07:00.000+10:002011-08-14T21:07:37.378+10:00

Glide, flutter, gossip, argue, and celebrate! That's what the birds have been doing all around us at Idyll Hours as Spring has arrived. New birds have gathered. Old nests have been inspected. Loving partnerships have been strengthened as nesting and raising a family is the most pressing need on the Bird Calendar right now. These ideas fuelled my creative concepts for the August TUIC Challenge

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-72432808699971754602011-08-13T09:03:00.000+10:002011-08-13T09:03:06.368+10:00

Occasionally I read my horoscope in the Sunday paper and then promptly never give the words another thought. Last Sunday I read two different predictions both of which made mention of interruptions,  unexpected visitors and random experiences. I knew it was going to be a busy week. I knew that once again I had leapt into a big lake of incredible possibilities. Then the week began and so came the

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-67764603520891253802011-08-10T19:32:00.003+10:002011-08-12T17:26:06.667+10:00

"What are you doing with that?" says Super Star. "Experimenting for a class" says me. "Right" says Super Star. Up to the kitchen I went. Detergent, sponges, alfoil and quite a few other kitchen bits made their way down to my studio. I didn't think the Super Star was watching but as I walked past half way through the football coverage a voice from the depths of the chair reminded me that I had to,

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-76477506456368544372011-08-08T17:24:00.002+10:002011-08-09T14:13:47.505+10:00

So much has happened in the past few days that I feel like my feet are not touching the ground. Yesterday I told you that, as part of  Compassionate Crafters, we are busy planning a very special event. it isBUTTERFLY DAYTo aid Harrison's Little Wing Charity- an organisation that assists grieving families with the loss of their child. Information and a display for the endangered Richmond

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-2575894790639717212011-08-07T07:50:00.000+10:002011-08-07T07:50:53.889+10:00

How often do you use your craft to connect with others? Think about it. Some wonderful friends and I think it is fabulous to be able to craft, to share our love of crafting and to also connect through crafting with the community. Tomorrow I have a big announcement about our first Compassionate Crafters Event. With our hands and hearts Julie

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-84644813980270610192011-08-03T08:56:00.000+10:002011-08-03T08:56:58.539+10:00

I was so good last Sunday. I ignored totally the Travel Section in the Sunday Papers. Why? Because I so want to go somewhere new and exciting right now! Anyway I didn't ignore my favourite blog posts. That's a delicious creative experience indeed! One that I checked out was Hels' Sunday Stamper Challenge http://pinkleart.blogspot.com/2011/07/sunday-stamper-week-165-waterloo-sunset.html Now here

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-11276551250177841212011-08-01T08:34:00.000+10:002011-08-01T08:34:07.379+10:00

Psst, do you want to have some fun and create a piece of totally unique paper?This cool technique has followed on from one I call Judi's technique but it goes  further. Take a plastic sleeve. Paint it using any acrylic paint you have on hand.I like to use an old credit card to spread it around but brushes will give you interesting effects too! Let dry. Cover a piece of paper with gel medium. I

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-67064000036620244372011-07-30T09:30:00.000+10:002011-07-30T09:30:30.557+10:00

I have been putting Distress Stains through their paces recently. With this piece I was keen to see how they worked on semi gloss card. Interestingly they bead and smear a little. So then I wondered, what if I stamp onto the still damp card, again with distress stain. Well it beads on the rubber, exceptionally well. Now that would be a problem for standard stamping. However what you get is a

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-41617981344635724392011-07-28T11:32:00.001+10:002011-07-28T11:32:53.225+10:00

Yesterday all the attendees at Wacky Wednesday were keen to work on pages as they are all scrapbookers. I have had these photos sitting around for ages so I joined them. This is my sister Vicki  and when this was taken Beachgirl Contests were all the rage each summer where we lived. What natural beauties they were too! Mum designed and made all our clothes including Vicki's swimmers. In fact I

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-83849514091070506332011-07-28T09:02:00.000+10:002011-07-28T09:02:51.223+10:00

What a funny thing scrapbooking is! I had in mind a layout for my August class and went hunting for the photos I wanted to use. The photos that I did use, jumped out at me. Lots of memories also tumbled out too. That's what scrapbooking does! As we work through our page we also work through the memories and hopefully capture some of these to share with others. This month we will be exploring a

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768352905281379544.post-14913364424291680782011-07-26T08:37:00.001+10:002011-07-26T08:38:26.046+10:00

Giving a card you have created yourself is satisfying. Such a lot of decision making goes into each and every creation. The cards here are from a recent class. A gentle, happy class it was too. Thank you ladies. Instead of technique today I am going to explore  the decision making I used for each card. WOW! is all about congratulating a child. There are so many achievements that can be

Julie Shorthttps://profiles.google.com/113749297353095499331noreply@blogger.com7