Creative Corner

WHERE BLOGGERS CREATE II

2010-06-18T10:14:00.001+10:00

Well today's the big day. The day I invite you into my 'STUDIO', the place where I relax, the place where I create and the place where I am constantly organising, re-organising and then re-organising yet again. My 'STUDIO' is a work in progress. Sadly, I wasn't able to make as much progress as I would have liked before this wonderful event, but (as they say) you get that......

Karen Valentine from My Desert Cottage in Arizona has been working her fingers to the bone to organise this wonderful blog party, where you can 'drop in' to visit other artists' studios/work spaces to see where they create. Go and check out Karen's blog to see all the party guests (the list of participants is in the right-hand column).

I'm supposed to tell you a little bit about myself. You've probably already guessed that I'm a bit obsessive, and of course you'd be correct. Leaving that aside, over the years I've tried many crafts; sewing, knitting, crocheting, macrame etc, etc. My very first experience of 'papercrafting' came in the form of an 'stamp shop' in a little country town. A group of us had gone away for a 'ladies' weekend and the owner of the store gave us a demonstration of heat embossing. Well, I thought it was simply amazing and was immediately hooked. I started out making cards and from there moved into book arts (hand-made and altered books), ATCs and altered items (bottles, tins, boxes, anything that wasn't moving really). I've embraced Yahoo groups with gusto and joined swaps 'til I dropped and I now have a wonderful collection of 'art' from all over the world created by people who have become friends. As my 'passion' for mixed-media grew, so did my supplies and stash. I've gradually moved from one large crate to half a room, then a full room, then 2 and 3 until now, I'm spread out into our double garage. My studio looks very disorgainsed and a little stark right now, but as I said - it's a work in progress.

Okay, here we go......

This is my computer that is positioned just inside the front door.

Moving around the room in a clock-wise direction, these shelves display most of my paints, colour sprays and mediums.

These units/containers are temporary storage for more paint, glues and miscellaneous supplies. Do you like my birdcage, I bought it at a trash & treasure market in Victoria the last time I visited my family.

More shelves displaying ink pads, miscellaneous 'bellie' containers, alphabet drawers and odds & ends.

Here are some close-ups of these shelves too.

Ink pads, flowers, alphabet drawers.

These shelves hold my embossing powders (fine, detailed and ultrathick), 'bellie' containers, pens, pencils and markers, brads, beads and tiny bellies and more mediums in boxes. Close-ups of these drawers:

Embossing Powders.

Beads, brads, tiny 'bellies' etc in these containers. The jig-saws were international swaps 12 swappers altered a piece of puzle for each swap member. I loved being involved in these swaps almost as much as I love the finished projects. I have taken part in four of these swaps in total.

This section of shelves is very temporary and displays some of my stash that would fit in the previous ones. I've decided that I'm going to separate the bellies , so that there'll be more room to put my paints and mediums on those other shelves, all on the one wall.

These drawers hold all of my mounted stamps some punches and other miscellaneous supplies. The filing cabinets hold a variety of paper and cardstock.

The folders hold my unmounted stamps and the drawer chests hold a variety of items that I have not had time to sort out properly. I think these units will probably be replaced when I finally buy all of the new furniture that I eventuall want in this area.

These three sets of shelves cover a whole wall. I keep my magazines and books, some of my larger tools ( xyron, bind-it-all, melting pot, iron etc on these shelves. The last set of shelves on this wall displays more of my embellishments, all of my Ideaology stash and at the bottom boxes of ribbon, lace and other miscellaneous 'stuff'. These shelves will be gradually replaced with Ikea units with a glass door covering the bottom half of each shelf.

This shelf system is made up of sections that I bought from The Reject Shop, eventually these will be replaced with a large Expedit unit from Ikea, with a dedicated section for a TV and DVD/video. There's a couch that will be placed in front so I can sit to relax, reads my many craft books or watch shows for inspiration.

This is my work table. I love to create with friends, so it's been important that I have a set-up like this. Six peolpe can very confortably sit around this table and if you don't mind be a bit 'squeezey' we can even fit eight. There is a smaller table in the background which will be extended in height to form an extra work bench.

I thought I'd finish my tour by showing you some of the wonderful creations that I've received from the last swap I participated in. Dream*Create*Inspire is a small group of international members who have formed friendships over a long period of time. We had a swap Called 'Mini Memories'. Participants had to select a colour scheme and a theme. My colour was 'purple' and my theme was 'wings', these are the stunning creations I've received so far:

Vickie Deans (AUS)

Tracey Watt (AUS)

Melissa Goodman (AUS)

Rhonda Sadler (AUS)

Carol Anderson (AUS)

Carol Sweeney (USA)

Rena Sawatski (CANADA)

Well, that's all folks. I hope you've enjoyed my little tour and will come back to visit whenever the muse takes you. Don't forget to 'drop-in' to all the other guests and have fun!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Birthday Give-Away WINNER!!!

2010-06-18T10:13:00.001+10:00

I'm late, I'm late - for a very important date.

I'm sorry I haven't announced the winner yet, but I was out of action for a few days with a severe migraine.

Anyway......

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

And the winner is......

RAELINE

Woo Hoo!!! Raeline, can you e-mail your snail mail address to me at:

cab53jatyahoodotcomdotau

That's all folks. Stay tuned for more give-aways.

Until next time......

Hugz
Chris in Oz

Birthday Give-Away!!!

2010-06-09T00:43:00.000+10:00

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Woo Hoo!!! It's my birthday today, so I decided to host a give-away. Hang on, that doesn't sound right; it's my birthday, you get the present and all I get is a year older. Bugger!!! Oh well, you get that sometimes!!! LOL!!! Anyway, I'm a terrible organiser and somehow I have a few books that I've managed to buy twice. I could try to sell them, but I'd prefer to gift them onto somebody who loves books as much as I do. Here's the book that I have to give-away:

This book is full of ideas for creating your own hand-made books. I love making hand-made books and then I love giving them away as gifts to my friends. I'll close the give-away next Wednesday (16th June 2010 at midnight Australian time) and announce the winner the very next day. I'll write out the names, place them in a container and draw the winner out. I hope you'll all play along, all you have to do is leave a comment at this post to be included in the draw. I'll post to anywhere in the world, so please spread the word.

Until next time......

Hugz
Chris in Oz

"WHERE BLOGGERS CREATE II"

2010-05-30T16:20:00.000+10:00

I don't normally participate in blog parties, but I'm really looking forward to this one. Karen Valentine from My Desert Cottage in Arizona has invited us all to the most gorgeous blog party, where we all get to 'drop in' to visit each others' studios/work spaces where we create. This is the second annual blog party that Karen has organised, I missed the first one and have been waiting patiently for this on e to come around. All you have to do, is share photos of your spot in your world, where your creations are made. Go and check out Karen's blog. You just might be inspired to join the fun and share your creative space too. I'll definitely be participating in this wonderful event on 19th June, 2010. Mmmm......now to just get my studio finished and organised enough to share with the rest of the world. If you don't believe me, just have a look at these photos and you'll realise just how much work I have to do in a very short space of time. I recently moved all of my 'stuff' down into our double garage. The walls are dark brick so we decided to paint the room all white to brighten and lighten the space.

The table in the middle of this photo is for my original Apple G5. I have upgraded to an iMac for our business, so I can keep this one down here for checking my mail and 'blurfing' (surfing blogs). Now I don't have to walk up and down stairs all day.

These are the shelves that DH had built for my original studio upstairs; we re-situated them to display some of my supplies. Seeing them, reminds me to use them!!! LOL.

This section is very temporary. I still haven't decided what sort of shelving will go here. I need to wait to see how the rest of the room comes together before making a decision. I do know that the window will get a new silver/grey coloured aluminium blind. Ideally, I'd love some sort of kitchen bench with a sink, but I think that might be just a bit too much to ask for.

These boxes hold some of my supplies and all of my mounted stamps. My UM stamps are stored in the A4 folders. The stamp boxes will be placed on top of 2 Ikea 'Expedit' 4X2 units and the filing cabinets will sit underneath a workbench that will be where I can stand up to work while using some of my larger tools - heat gun, guillotine, Cricut, Wizard etc.

These shelves will be replaced with some of the 'Billy' range from Ikea. Each unit will have glass doors covering the bottom half, while still allowing me to see what's stored in each unit.

This table will be replaced by a work bench that will enable me to stand while doing some of my work. I'll probably buy an office stool for the bench as well. The shelves in front of the garage door will be replaced by a 5X5 Ikea 'Expedit' unit with a TV and DVD player so I can watch my 'arty' DVDs while I work.

These photos show the 'work in progress' that will eventually be my studio. I know it's very untidy and disorganised. All I can ask is that you wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed that I get it all finished in time for Karen's blog party.

Until next time......

Hugz
Chris in Oz

MIA!!! - AGAIN!!!

2010-05-21T20:22:00.002+10:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything for over 3 months. We had a great deal of rain and our garage became flooded. What's the problem??? Well, the main problem is that my son has turned our garage into a 'bachelor pad' and many of his belongings were ruined due to the water damage. Luckily we were insured and his items have been repaired and/or replaced. We convinced him that it would be best for him to take over two of the rooms in the house. The resulting move took a few weekends and meant that all of my art & craft supplies had to be moved down to the garage to make the space. I was quite happy about this because all of my 'stuff' would finally be in one place and, one would hope, more accessible. The re-organisation of my 'studio' is still not complete, so not much 'art' has been happening. How can I be 'creative' when I can't find anything??? Grrr!!! I know I will eventually get 'there' and I can actually see progress, but it is slow and frustrating.

I suffered another set-back when my 96 year old Dad passed away on 17th March 2010. He would have turned 97 on 30th April, so he was about 6 weeks short of his birthday. Since then it's been difficult to come to terms with being an orphan. At the present time, I'm in Melbourne with my brother and sister, trying to pack up my parents home; imagine nearly 60 years of collecting (hoarding) having to be packed up and distributed throughout our family, the garbage bin and a range of charitable agencies.

I'm sincerely sorry for my absence, or if I owe you a swap (OWOH, DCI), but please rest assured I will be back and you will receive your swaps in due course. Please be patient with me as I come to terms with my loss and undertake the difficult task of packing up my parents' lives and childhood memories.

Until next time......

Hugz
Chris in Oz

ONE WORLD - ONE HEART WINNERS!!!

2010-02-16T12:29:00.005+11:00

And the Winners are......

Well, it's all over for another year. Congratulations and thanks to Lisa Swifka for her fabulous idea, as well as the commitment to carry it through. I know the amount of work is probably horrendous and I sincerely hope that Lisa realises how much we all appreciate her time and efforts in providing a 'vehicle' for us to travel the world to meet new and wonderful individuals along the way. I've said it before and I'm more than happy to say it again,

"Lisa, you rock!!!"

I also want to thank everybody who stopped by, whether you left a comment or not, and hope that you'll come back again. I actually managed to visit every blog again this year and thoroughly enjoyed each and every visit. I didn't leave a comment on every blog (still don't want to appear too greedy, LOL) and have added many to my 'must see' Google Reader list. Soon, I won't have any time to create, 'cos I'll be too busty visiting everyone else!!! LOL!!!

I've closed off my entry now and can announce that I receive3d 323 comments (only 1 duplicate) during the event. I've decoded to send out 6 gifts and have used the 'Random Integer Generator' to select the winning comments.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2010-02-15 22:59:05 UTC

The corresponding entries came from:

31 Robin from 'Around the Island'

49 Tanya from 'Starry Eyed'

134 Nancy from 'All Pulped Out'

182 'Manna Moon Studios'

229 Crystal from Cleveland, OHIO

259 Carrieann from 'Ametista'

My gifts will be on their way as soon as possible. I'm offering each winner a personal choice of give-away so it could take a while to complete six new pieces.

Again, thanks for a fantastic couple of weeks. I've experienced an absolutely wonderful time and have even found DH peeking over my shoulder a few times wondering where I was in the world and what exactly I was 'oohing and aahing' about.

Until next time......

Hugz

Chris in Oz

One World - One Heart

2010-02-15T20:00:00.004+11:00

* * THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED * *

****** ****** ******

This message will stay at the top of my blog
until 15th February, 2010
****** ****** ******

Come join the magic carpet ride......

I'm taking part in this wonderful event again this year. I had so much fun the last two years, I want to experience that again. Let's face it, I'm sure we'd all agree with Cyndi Lauper when she sings, "Girls just wanna have fun!" LOL!!!

WHAT IS ONE WORLD ONE HEART?

The wonderful Lisa Swifka created this event in 2007. The original idea behind this giveaway event was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or two (or even three!!! LOL) along the way.

You can read more about this event and see a list of all the participants here at: One World - One Heart ! Go on, be adventurous, check out all of these wonderful blogs and their creators. You never know, you might win a gift and meet some new friends, just like I did last year. Above all else, have fun!!!

I haven't decided what to make for my Give-Away yet, but it'll be something like one of those displayed in the slide show. Oh wait, since we're going on a 'Magic Carpet Ride', it seems appropriate that 'Your wish should be my command!!!' So you get to choose which sort of gift you'd like from one of the options displayed. I might even add some more items between now and the close of the event. Mmmm ...... I've always wanted to have a go at making some of my own jewelery. LOL. The ideas are running around inside my head and making me feel very dizzy!!! It really does feel like I'm on a 'Magic Carpet Ride' with all of you tagging along.

Woo Hoo!!!

I hope that I have many visitors from many parts of the world who decide to stop by and say, 'Hi!!!' The 'One World - One Heart' event actually begins 25th January and ends 15th February - I'll close off my comments at 8.00 p.m. (Lisa's time) and announce winners by 10.00 p.m. that same evening.

Ideally, participants should have an active blog to participate, but I'm just happy to have visitors to my blog. If you leave a comment on 'THIS POST ONLY' of my blog, with your world location (city/country) and a means to contact you (e-mail/blog address), you will have a chance to win one of my handmade or altered gifts.

Until next time......

Cheers

Chris in Oz

I'm still here......

2010-01-24T12:29:00.003+11:00

"Hi, everybody."

If you're still visiting my blog I want to say, "Thanks, for sticking by me." I've had another bad year and I'm just managing to keep my head above water. I didn't create a great deal during 2009, but I did manage a few things, so I'll get together a 'catch-up' post in a couple of days. I'm looking forward to a happier and more productive 2010.

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

One World - One Heart

2009-02-13T00:12:00.003+11:00

OWOH Winners

Well, I finally had to close off my entries and total my comments. I received some comments that didn't appear on the blog, but luckily I had kept all comments in a folder in my e-mail program. I had 285 entries for my give-aways and have decided to send out 3 gifts. I've used the program Lisa mentioned on her blog and have come up with the following comments.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

The corresponding entries came from:

200 - Miri, Isreal

54 - Deborah, Australia

109 - Trisha, USA

Until next time......

Cheers

Chris in Oz

One World - One Heart Reminder!!!

2009-02-11T05:49:00.006+11:00

****** ****** ******
This message will stay at the top of my blog
until 11th February, 2009
****** ****** ******

Have you checked out my give-away for this year's One World - One Heart event yet. Check out the details here. I'll be drawing out the winners names tomorrow (12/2) at 12.00 p.m. (Sydney time).

How many of the other wagons from the 'Gypsy Caravan' have you visited???

Come on, you don't know what you're missing out on!!! Be adventurous, travel the world and meet new friends, like I have!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

One World - One Heart News

2009-02-08T20:54:00.003+11:00

WOW, 200+ Comments!!!

You all know what that means, don't you??? Time to add another item, so I now have 3 give-aways to be won!!! I've also decided that the winners can choose which give-away they'd like to win. Woo Hoo!!! I'm loving this event even more this year than I did last year. Oh, and I forgot to say that I only have to visit wagon numbers #512 to #611 and I will have seen them all. I haven't added my name for every give-away; I didn't want to be too greedy!!! Mind you, some of my visits have been short, but each and every one of them has been oh so very sweet. I've enjoyed my visits so much that all I can say, in the words of someone famous, "I'll be back!!!"

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

One World - One Heart News

2009-02-07T19:54:00.003+11:00

'ONLY' 200 blogs left to visit.

I'm still visiting the sites on the list and hope to have visited all participants by early next week. I've been at home with the flu since last Sunday and I think that's the only reason I've been able to get through as many as I have. I've not had the energy to do much else but sit in front of the computer and check out the wonderful talent out the in 'Bloglandia'. I have to share something embarrassing, but quite funny, I was on such a good roll yesterday that I left a comment on my own blog!!! Yes, that's right, my own blog, but wait, the funniest (and most embarrassing part) is that I didn't even realise what I'd done until I had to moderate my own comment!!! LOL!!! I decided at that point in time, that I needed a break.

BTW, there's a great number of blogs that I will be visiting again so that I can have a good look around. I think my 'Google Reader' is going to be working over time in the near future. Well done everybody.

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

One World - One Heart Update

2009-02-06T10:16:00.007+11:00

311 Down, 600 to go!!!

OMG, this event just gets bigger and better each year. Lisa Swifka needs to be congratulated 'big time' for putting this together again this year. I have no idea how or what process Lisa has had to work through, but I can only imagine that the time and effort involved has been absolutely humungous!!! I, for one, am truly appreciative of Lisa's commitment to this outstanding event.

I've managed to visit 311 wagons from the 'Gypsy Caravan' so far, with 600 still to see. I've been blown away by some of the generous give-aways out there and truly inspired to create more often and become more adventurous with my 'art'. I promise to visit each and every one of theses wonderful wagons before the cut-off time because I don't want to miss out on experiencing the talent of the wonderful group of 'artists' that Lisa has managed to get together.

One more time - LISA SWIFKA, YOU ROCK!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

One World - One Heart Update

2009-02-05T12:20:00.009+11:00

OMG, I've received over 100 comments so far. How 'kewl' is that!!! I've decided to add another give-away. In fact, I'm going to add another give-away for every 100 comments I receive, I just love this whole idea. I'm not sure what it'll be yet. I hope you'll all like whatever I decide on - it could be anything similar to the 'art' displayed on my blog.

Maybe the 'gift' will be like one of these:

An Altered Tin

An Altered Canvas Frame

An Altered Art Shrine

A 'Date to Remember' Folio

An 'ATC Keeper Starbook'

To win one of my give-aways, all you have to do is visit my previous post here and leave a comment. How easy is that???

BTW how many of the other wagons from the 'Gypsy Caravan' have you visited??? Don't forget the OWOH event concludes on February 12th. Come on, you don't know what you're missing out on!!! Excitement is just one 'click' away!!! Be brave, be adventurous, travel the world and meet new friends, like I have!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

One World - One Heart

2009-02-02T22:58:00.015+11:00

ENTRIES HAVE NOW CLOSED.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO DROPPED BY TO VISIT MY BLOG.
I HOPE YOU'LL COME BACK TO 'SEE' ME AGAIN SOON.

I'LL POST THE NAMES OF THE WINNERS
AFTER I HAVE CONTACTED THEM PRIVATELY.

*** *** ***
I can't bring myself to finish this event.
I'm simply having too much fun!!!
I've decided to extend the closing time until 12.00a.m.
Comments will have to close at that time.

You've got just 12 hours to add a comment to this post
to be in the draw to win some of my altered 'art'.

Come on I'd love to hit 300 posts.

*** *** ***

In the words of Lisa Swifka, the creator of the One World - One Heart event:

The whole idea behind doing this and trying to get as many as possible to join in, was and is to meet new and wonderful people. Bloggers come from all walks of life, all socioeconomic backgrounds, all areas of the world, female, male......some are artists exclusively, some dabble, some are professionals in various areas, some are stay at home parents, some are teachers, some are very young and some are up in years. The common denominator in blogging is that we all have stories to tell....be it through visual means or life stories or the day-to-day or art work or handwork of varying kinds or poetry and journaling. We can be inspired or inspire others by finding a blog and taking the time to read/see someones story. Often times a spark happens....this palpable spark of recognition through kindred understanding and shared passions in life. It is in those times when we take a moment to comment and comment again.......when those comments are reciprocated a discovery is made that we share commonolaties which connect us sight unseen. Sometimes we may live on separate continents or at either end of the same country or even discover you hail from the same general area. By paying attention, by connecting with others, we are creating a circle of amazing individuals who can literally enhance our lives and we can enhance theirs.

I'm taking part in this wonderful event again this year. I had so much fun at last year's event amd 'met' so many new friends, that there really was no decision to make about joining in again. OMG, I even won a couple of give-aways last year!!! It was amazing!!! I'm afraid that I'm joining the party very late this year, it's been a 'heck of a year' and I just couldn't get myself organised!!! LOL!!! Regardless of the timing, I still hope that I have many visitors from many parts of the world who decide to stop by and say, 'Hi!!!'

You can read more about this event and see a list of all the participants (over 800+) on this blog - One World One Heart! Go on, be adventurous, check out all of these wonderful bloggers. You never know, you just might meet some new friends, just like I did last year. Above all else, have fun!!!

If you leave a comment on my Blog, with your world location (city/country) and a means to contact you (e-mail/blog address), you will have a chance to win this altered coaster notebook.

****** ****** ******
Update!!! Update!!! Update!!!

New give-away added!!!

Leave your comment first, then go to check it out here!!!

****** ****** ******

You never know, I might even add another give-away in the next couple of days. I will draw a winner on February 12th at 12.00 p.m., Sydney time, and announce the names later that same day.

Thanks for visiting and all the best!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T18:46:00.012+11:00

It's time to 'farewell' 2008 and 'welcome' 2009 with open arms.

I want to wish all of my readers a wonderful 2009. I hope you have a happy, safe and prosperous year. Artwise, I wish you the time and space to be creative, both for yourself and others, the resources to create to your heart's content and the muse, mojo or inspiration necessary to achieve your creative goals.

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Merry Christmas One and All

2008-12-24T22:08:00.010+11:00

I'd like to wish everybody in Bloglandia
a very Merry Christmas
and a safe, happy and prosporous New Year.

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Long time no post......

2008-10-12T13:52:00.005+11:00

Forgive me bloggers, it's been nearly 8 months since my last post. I just dropped in to stay I'm still in the land of the living......barely!!! I'm stuck in the land of the 'not doing so well right now', but hope to be able to get my life back together after a terribly depressing winter and the sad passing of my dear mother on the first day of spring. My Mum was 92 years old and suffered from dementia. She became ill quite suddenly and deteriorated quickly. Mum loved her garden and had 2 green thumbs and 8 green fingers so we thought the first day of spring was a very fitting time to begin the next stage of her existence. I miss her terribly and I'm having difficulty focusing on anything much at all, let alone all the 'stuff' I have to catch up on.

Please bear with me, I WILL be back!!! While I was at home for the funeral, I found some wonderful photos that I'd like to share with you for you to use in your 'art'. I've also managed a bit of tidying up and found a couple of books on 'handmade books' that I've somehow doubled up on. I'd like to give these away to some of my readers, so 'stay tuned'.

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

One World - One Heart Give-Away Winners!!!

2008-02-14T22:00:00.010+11:00

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date......

Well, "Happy Valentine's Day" fellow bloggers.

It's time to announce the winners of my One World One Heart Give-Away......

I decided against using the Random Number Selector because I needed to get a real idea of how many comments I'd had posted. I just couldn't get over the fantastic response to this wonderful event. I deleted a few duplicate posts and then wrote out corresponding numbers and put them in a small storage container. I shook them up 'real good' and asked my DH & DS to select a number each and then I chose one myself. I'm very happy to announce the winners are:

Drum roll please........

Miss Koolaid
Blog Addy: http://misskoolaid.blogspot.com/

Deb Lewis
Blog Addy: http://vintagemoonstudio.typepad.com/

Hermine Koster
Blog Addy: http://herminesplace.wordpress.com/

I've sent individual e-mails to each of the winners and hope that they receive as much enjoyment from my ATC Keepers as I feel when I create them.

I know I've said this before, but I think it bears repeating; Lisa, "YOU ROCK" . I really hope you organise this wonderful event next year too. I also want to thank every single one of you who visited my blog and left a comment and to those that were too shy to leave a comment, well there's always next time!!! LOL!!!

That being said......

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

One World - One Heart Give-Away

2008-02-14T00:08:00.005+11:00

I have to say, I've been overwhelmed and absolutely amazed by the number of artists who have visited my blog and left such warm, encouraging and caring messages. It's just gone midnight on 13th February over here in Oz, so I thought I'd let you know that I will be choosing a 'winner' at 6.00 p.m. Thursday 14th Feb. That's about 18 hours from now. I will be using the random number 'thingy' mentioned on the OWOH site. Oh and I've decided to select three names instead of one, simply because you've all been so kind. Yes, that's 3 give-aways!!! Once again, I'd like to publicly congratulate Lisa on a wonderful idea and thank her, on behalf of us all, for the obvious effort that has been required to get this 'thing' off the ground and running smoothly. LISA, YOU 'ROCK'!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

One World One Heart Blog Give-Away

2008-01-30T22:58:00.000+11:00

Here is my blog give-away for One World One Heart! Read more about this event at the host blog!

If you leave a comment on my Blog, with your world location (city/country), you will have a chance to win an ATC Keeper very similar this one.

The ATC Keeper is a starbook created specifically to hold 14 ATCs. You can use the ATC Keeper to display your favourite ATCs that you've traded and/or created yourself. Artist Trading Cards are usually traded or swapped with other artists - a great way to meet others and share your love of creating. Remember, ATCs are never sold, only traded or given away. The winning comment from my Blog will be drawn on February 14th. Thanks for participating and good luck! Oh, I hope you'll join the fun and host a give-away on your blog too.

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Pay It Forward

2008-01-07T18:07:00.000+11:00

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow, or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. So basically, if you comment and you’re on, I’ll send you something crafty that I’ll make!

Once you sign up, copy and paste the above paragraph on your blog, and three other lucky people will be recipients of your handmade work. I'm getting paid forward by Rob Keogh and thought it would be fun to pay it forward to you. I will check my blog daily to see who the first three sign ups are, and if they've joined this Pay It Forward exchange, they will be the recipients from me. Make sure to leave your blog address with your message, so I can check your blog. I will also need your email address so I can contact you for details of where to send them.

Until next time ......

Cheers

Chris in Oz

Gift for my "desert dwelling friend"

2007-12-21T08:29:00.000+11:00

Jackie is a wonderful 'cyber-friend' from the US who I 'met' through one of my Yahoo groups. She has sent me many cards and a gorgeous birthday gift this year. Unfortunately, I've had a really hectic year and have been unable to respond/reply to her as I would have liked. So, I had this great idea for a Christmas 'pressie' for her. Of course, I'm running behind, again, and although Jackie's gift is finally finished, I probably won't post it 'til after Christmas now - after all the work involved in making it, I'd be distraught if it got 'gobbled up or lost' in all the Christmas mail.

I love 'star books' and really enjoy creating them. I decided to adapt the measurements that I had, to make a smaller version that would store ATCs. I've called it an 'ATC Keeper'. When I'd finished, I looked for an appropriate sized box to decorate and store it in, but I couldn't find one in my stash. I can hear Jessie (my 'bestest' stamping buddy in Oz) saying, 'What no box among those 132 boxes you keep, just in case, you need one, one day!!!" LOL!!! Well, she's right, I do keep boxes - just in case, BUT I couldn't find one to fit. I was almost ready to go out to buy one, when I thought to myself - "self, why don't you make one to match???" So, I did. I have no idea what they're called, who to credit the idea to or where I even initially saw the idea. It's a box that contains 3 layers and when the lid is removed the sides open out and are decorated with messages/drawings/photos etc. I know, clear as mud. I took photos and put them in a slide show to let you see my newest project. I really hope that Jackie is going to love this gift as much as I do. I love it so much, I'm having trouble taking it to the Post Office!!! LOL!!! Does anybody else have trouble sending their creations out into the big wide world like I do??? LOL!!! Anyway, what do you think???

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

'Twelve Days of Christmas' on CCSwaps

2007-12-03T11:26:00.000+11:00

Over on CCSwaps I joined a swap to make Christmas gifts for twelve other members of the group, in return for 12 different gifts. Of course, I HAD to join twice.

My first gift was a Date Folio. I made these using trimmed and decorated C6 envelopes (7), black card, hot pink marble paper from Lizzed Creations, Stampin' Up punches, brads, gold thread and beads. The idea was adapted from a template I found on Phillipa Barr's Lime Tart Blog. I designed and included several copies of a template to keep track of those special dates that require us to make that extra special card and/or gift for. I made sure I included a template indictaing MY birthday in every folio!!! LOL!!!

Date Folio - Open

Date Folio - Open
Jan - June

Date Folio - Open
July - Dec

My second gift was a Key Chain. I used mat board, trimmed to the shape of a tag, for the backing and made a key hole mould from one of my favourite Krafty Lady Art Moulds. I painted it with a mixture of Old Brass and Metallic Gold Lumiere paint with a touch of Indigo 'Treasure Gold' (like Rub 'n Buff) smeared across the surface.

I used one of my favourite stamps from Stampers Anonymous to decorate the back of the tag.

The swaps were due by 30th November and have now been swapped out and are winging their way to their new homes as I post this message. 'Santa' Sweet Pea, 'Christmas Elf' Chrissy and 'Christmas Elf' Maggi have done a wonderful job swapping all of the gifts and deserve to be congratulated on all counts. You girls ROCK!!! LOL!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Very productive day......

2007-09-06T18:54:00.001+10:00

I participate in a couple of monthly swaps in my Yahoo group Boomerang Stampers List (BSL). One of my favourites is the GTKY ('Getting To Know You') Swap. The swap involves sending a card to a designated partner each month accompanied by a letter which provides a little bit more information about yourself. It's a great swap because it allows you get to know your fellow group members better. I was a bit behind in my swaps (It seems to be the story of my life lately!!! LOL!!!), but luckily I had a very creative day yesterday and was able to catch up. Yippee!!! Hope you like the cards I created.

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

New challenge site......

2007-09-05T19:23:00.000+10:00

I found a new challenge site for you. It will be especially interesting to those that have become addicted to 'inchies'. Check it out ( Inching Artists ) and have fun!!! LOL!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Challenge Sites...

2007-08-18T14:28:00.000+10:00

Here's my first attempt at one of the challenges that I'm 'HOPING" to complete each week.

Daring Card Makers - Frilly Bits...

This is actually going to be a page for a collaborative 'chunky book' to celebrate a good friend's 60th birthday. I began with a 5" X 5" piece of Bazzill and attached a smaller square of Textured Alcohol Ink background (Trish Bee Design Studio). I completed the page with a photo image stamp from The Stamping Ground (Wasn't Me - #10107), one of my favourite quotes from Penny Black (...angels... 2701F) and some golden lace and a wing. I was quite happy with the result and I'm confident my friend will love it!!! Well, I REALLY HOPE SHE DOES!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Black & White ATCs

2007-08-17T14:06:00.000+10:00

I made 10 of these for an ATC Swap over on CCSwaps.

The theme was Black & White and I'll receive 9 different ATCs in return. I began with a black gloss backing card and added a slightly smaller piece of white c/s that had been sprayed with Black Webbing Spray. I stamped a Lucy's Stamp image (Serenity - sml 1591LG0) and a quote from Stylish Images (C2230) on a smaller piece of c/s again and distressed the edges of this with black ink. I added the little stars because I always associate stars with wonder??? I'm not really sure why, but I think they're the perfect 'finishing touch'!!! LOL!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Altered Book - Art Shrine

2007-08-12T09:27:00.000+10:00

I made this for my friend Jessie for her birthday.

I'm so glad she liked it!!!

Jessie's 'Art Shrine' began life as a small diary. Gel medium was painted along the edges of the book pages and a niche was cut from the middle. I painted the whole book with gesso followed by a combination of 'Metallic Gold' & 'Old Brass' Lumiere paints. I also added Stewart Gill 'Seraphym' Byzantia with a sea sponge to the front and back covers. I decorated the front with gold embellishments and gold embossed text & swirl stamps.

The image (front & inside section) was altered using Photoshop, to change the tonings from sepia to a combination of magenta/cyan. The 'goddess' torso bellie was made by mixing 'Eureka' (gold) & 'Macquarie' (turquoise) Opals from Pipe Dreamink and poured into a Krafty Lady Art Mould. The niche was lined with scrunched tight-weave netting and gold micro beads were spread around the mould.

The swirl images were stamped in Stazon and the shrine (Stampers Anonymous) on the inside and back sections was stamped onto acetate and embossed with 'Midnight Teal Obsidian' Two-Toned Moon Glow Embossing Powder.

The quote on the back is from Stamp-It (embossed with the Midnight Teal Obsidian) and says :

"The purpose of Art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls"
Pablo Picasso

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Brisbane Stamping & Scrapping Marathon

2007-07-28T17:02:00.000+10:00

I'm baaack!!! LOL!!! WOW, where do I begin. I travelled north to attend a 12 hour marathon organised by a stamp club, Southside Stampers Inc, from Brisbane. I drove to Queensland, stopping to pick up my friends, Rob & Dawn along the way, in my '1 week old' new car. What a great car - I love HER and I've named her LEXXIE!!! Anyway, back to our trip - we've all become good friends through BSL and we stayed in Brissie with other BSL members - Evvie & Bethel. The marathon was a charity event to raise much needed funds for the Australian Leukodystrophy Support Group. The day was just fantastic and the club managed to raise over $10,000. Congratulations Southside Stampers Inc!!! I must admit, I did my 'bit' towards raising funds, but I'm sure I didn't spend quite that much!!! LOL!!! I bought some new stamps and supplies and participated in 2 classes and 2 'make & takes'. I had so much fun and I've come home with some 'kewl' projects. Have a look at these, but just don't get too envious:

Arched Collage Card

Faux Linen Card

Collage Tiles

Tag Booklet - Closed

Tag Booklet - Open

We had an absolute 'ball' with heaps of art & craft and even more 'shopping'. You should have seen the car when we packed up to come home!!! I thought I might have to send one of the girls home on the train to save space at one stage. LOL!!!

Oh, almost forgot .... thanks for the great comments about my blog and my 'art'. I love the way our 'arty community' reaches out to each other and I appreciate your support a great deal.

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Even more swaps......

2007-07-02T19:01:00.000+10:00

I hope you're enjoying some of my work. These are some more of the swaps from CCSwaps.

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

But wait there's more......

2007-06-25T18:34:00.000+10:00

CCSwaps is an international Yahoo Group. One of the regular swaps is the 'Alphabet Swap'. Sometimes I forget to take photos of my swaps (I know - 'ditz!!!'), these are some of the projects I've created since joining mid-way through 2006.

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Holding my breath to share some of my 'art'......

2007-06-18T16:48:00.000+10:00

It's become quite obvious that I'm not going to be a 'daily blogger', but only post when I have something to share. I've been 'working up' the courage to post some of my 'art', so I thought I'd get 'brave' today and share some of my cards with you.

All of these cards were made for swaps for my Boomerang Stampers List (BSL) group. I hope you enjoy them. I'm holding my breath, so be nice......okay!!! LOL!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

Welcome to my world......

2007-06-11T16:05:00.000+10:00

Like many other stamp artists, I'm thoroughly addicted to Yahoo Groups. At this present time, I belong to almost 40 groups - I'm not active in them all, but I do receive individual e-mails or 'digest' on many and then quite a few of them are 'notice only' groups.

I'm an active member of the following groups:

Art-Venture
Boomerang Stampers List
Creative Cards
CCSwaps

and contribute when I have something to ask or say on these ones:

Find That Stamp
Janes Lab
New Idea Exchange
Spellbinders-Wizard
Stamp Happy

I've learned so much from my Yahoo Group memberships and have 'met' (both online & IRL) some truly wonderful people. I feel as though I have 'stamping sisters and brothers' all over the world!!! LOL!!!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz

The 'First' post......

2007-06-04T18:28:00.000+10:00

I've finally decided to join the rest of the world, and have my own blog. 'My Creative Corner' will be a place for me to post photos of my projects as well as share ideas, techniques and basically whatever else takes my fancy.

Enjoy your visit and come back often!

Until next time......

Cheers
Chris in Oz