Sunday 30 January 2011

Eye Patch - Fashion Statement

On Monday this week I was feeling a little dizzy...I thought this was due to not taking my medication on Sunday night because I ran out of my prescription medication... So I made an appointment to get a new script on Monday afternoon.... When I got home I decided to have a lay down... It came time to pick up the children from school and I felt really dizzy and was kind of seeing everything with a bit of a 3D shadow... By 6pm that night I was seeing everything in definite double... So I called the after hours Dr... And she told me to go straight to the Hospital... I was a little naughty here and though, "well.. It can't be that bad cause I have no other symptoms with it".. So I just want to go to bed.... Plus if I went to the hospital at night time no one would be able to see me with an eye problem til the next day anyway... (This I know because of all the experience my Hubbie and I have had with Hospitals!!! )

So anyway... long story short after 2 days at the hospital and many many test later it seems I have "sixth nerve Palsy"..... Which means that the nerve that is responaable for the horazontal movement of my eye is pressured some how in my head and I have limited movement of my eye... It turns inward towards my nose and I am seeing DDDDOOOUUUUBBBBLLLLEEE!!! Fun stuff... So now that they gave me a semi diagnosis (still more testing to go.. and a Nuro Sergen consult)... I know that I am going to be wearing an eye patch for some time... (My friend Google suggests from 6 to 12 months...) I decided that I needed to turn my craft skills on for making a FASHION Statement eye patch or two!!!

Here's what I came up with using the Big Shot Circle Die cut today... It was a hit at church.... heheh
Eye Patch Fashion - Bright and ColourfulI am dreaming up more designs every night.. I believe I may have a large wardrobe of fashionable eye patches soon!!! Why not make an annoying situation fun I say!!! I may even find others out there who would love to make a fashion statement too with their one-eyed-ness!!! Hope this inspires you and gives you some more great project ideas you can use your BIG Shot for.. Happy Crafting!!!
Love Ursula

Wednesday 19 January 2011

Australia Flood Appeal


As I, along with almost everyone across Australia and possibly the world have been watching the devastation of our wonderful country by floods.... I have been lost for words.... The power of Mother Nature is infinite indeed... One moment Australia is in drought, suffering with bush fires.. and the next the heavens are overflowing... It seemed to me that all the prayers for rain during the time of drought were answered in a few short weeks.... The destruction of the flood was nothing short of catastrophic!!! Homes have been flattened ... business destroyed... Precious lives have been shortened... It has been utterly heart breaking and totally gut wrenching....

I have been blessed & fortunate enough to have remained untouched. It was not due to anything other than dumb luck... We managed to purchase a house years ago that was on high ground.... At times I have felt a little guilty as I watch this event unfold... I was sitting in my little home, safe and sound... While just 10 munites down the road houses were totally submerged in water.

Over the past couple of weeks I have taken time to ponder these events that took place before my eyes thanks to modern technology; internet and Television. And as I have watched I have been deeply touched, moved and sometimes overwhelmed by many emotions.... I have cried as I have seen someones loved one swept away in the torrent of water.... I have been shocked by a single sole clinging for dear life to a pole while a wild river of water (that was not there minutes ago) thrashes against his body trying to rip him into its deadly path.... I have read articles and heard news reports of bravery, heroism and sacrifice.... I have shed tears for these acts also. I have watched in awe as I have seen strangers courage, love, understanding, charity and an outpouring of human kindness!!! To see people in lines longer than one kilometer of volunteers armed with essential clean up equipment... Thousands of people eagerly willing to lend a helping hand to rebuild lives.... It has touched me deeply and reinvigorated my belief in human kindness.... To see so many people reaching inward into their very essence finding their innate being and using it to touch, help and bless another.... Weather you are religious or not we all know that there is something that makes us who we are.. I believe it is our Soul... How much better is the world when we are all more in tune with our soul. If we could always see another's need and instinctively help to lift their burden??? It is my wish and my prayer that we may strive for this always!!!

Although I am unable to help with the clean up of the silt and filth that was left in the wake of the flooding, due to my husbands low immune system... I have tried to invent ways to help. I want to be of support and to share what I have.... So I have baked many yummy items and sent them with friends who are able to go to the affected areas to give out to the thousands of wonderful volunteers.. I have offered my services to help restore loved photos.... and I am always on the look out for other things that I may be able to do... I am pleased that Stampin' Up has these same desires. And I wanted to let you know that they announced their support for the courageous flood volunteers with this statement....

"As flood waters continue to inundate Australia in what has been described as the worst flooding in 37 years, we express our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones and homes and to those whose lives have been changed forever. We, like so many of you, feel a compelling need to lend support to all those who have been affected. Stampin' Up! demonstrators have a long history of making a difference in the lives of others--especially when disaster strikes and the need is greatest. Nearly two years ago, we watched another tragedy unfold in Australia. Our hearts were touched as demonstrators, customers and friends joined together in support of the Bushfire Appeal. We've done it before and we can certainly do it again! Please join with us by supporting the Australia Flood Appeal--a cause in which Stampin' Up! will donate $2 AUD of the retail value of sales from any stamp set (with a retail value of $30 or more) sold in Australia and New Zealand from 15 January through 15 February to the State Emergency Services in Queensland.”

Again another way we can all be involved and show our support.... every little bit counts...

I'd like to say Thank you to Stampin' UP!!!!

May we all be blessed to our very core!!!

PaperANGELS Team Meetings ... 2011

If you would like to come along to see what the Stampin' UP! Opportunity is all about and how much fun the Paper ANGELS are then please come along as my guest to our Team meetings!!! We would love to have you with us!!!

JANUARY

SOUTHSIDE DEMONSTRATORS MEETING
26 JAN 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM (AET - Queensland)
Paper Angels Demonstrators are invited to attend a 'Creativity Based' meeting, where you will produce make & takes that you can use at your own workshops or to simply to spark your own creativity at home.
COST $5

FEBRUARY
NORTHSIDE Demonstrator Meeting
2 FEB 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM $5

Angel Ave Demonstrator Meeting
Wednesday 23rd – 7.30 -9.30pm $5

SOUTHSIDE DEMONSTRATORS MEETING
26 FEB 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Paper Angels Demonstrators are invited to attend a 'Creativity Based' meeting, where you will produce make & takes that you can use at your own workshops or to simply to spark your own creativity at home.
COST $5

MARCH
NORTHSIDE Demonstrator Meeting
2 MAR 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM $5

Angel Ave Demonstrator Meeting
Saturday 26th – 7pm -9pm $5

SOUTHSIDE DEMONSTRATORS MEETING
30 MAR 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Paper Angels Demonstrators are invited to attend a 'Creativity Based' meeting, where you will produce make & takes that you can use at your own workshops or to simply to spark your own creativity at home.
COST $5

BAYSIDE CRAFT GROUP….

Begins for 2011 on Tuesday - Jan 25th….
(continues EVERY Tuesday in school term) .............
FREE........... (contributions for morning tea are always welcome)
Join a fun group of ladies who meet each week during school term, to socialize and craft in between talking! Bring along your own project to work on or help someone with their endeavours. The first Tuesday of each month, you will have the opportunity to help us restock our PaperANGELS Mater Angel Footprint Cards for the hospitals. The second Tuesday of the month will be Punch Art themed, whilst the third will be a 'sharing' day where people may choose to demonstrate their favourite tool or technique to the group. The fourth week will double as the venue for the 'Big Shot Club' from 10-12am. Everyone is most welcome to bring whatever craft they like and the weekly 'suggestions' are just designed to help those who might like some direction.
We'd love to see you there...

Angel Ave CLASSES.... Starting for 2011

If you like the sound of a class, let me know... if you are unable to make it on the date i have booked it gather 3 or more friends together and have your very own private class on a date that suits you. And furthermore if you have requests I am more than happy to accommodate your needs and wishes… Just drop me a line or call me…

January

Saturday 29th – Sale-A-Bration and Mini Catalogue Open House…. 9- 12pm
Come along throughout the 3 hour open house and take a look at some of the lovely products. Have a play and make some free samples to take home. Held at Angel Avenue… COST… Free

February
Wednesday 9th – Valentines – 10am – 11.30pm Come along and make a sweet treat for your sweet heart and a lovely Valentines card and a Scrapbook page. Cost $15

Saturday 12th – Valentines – 7pm – 8.30pm -Come along and make a sweet treat for your sweet heart and a lovely Valentines card and a Scrapbook page. Cost $15

Friday 18th – One year in one Album – 7pm – 9.30pm - Celebrate 2010 by creating a 6x6 mini album, using the absolutely gorgeous 'Sweet & Sour Speciality Designer Series Paper' teamed with Rose Red & Early Espresso Cardstock and delicious butterfly accents. You will need between 12 and 24 mini prints in either portrait or landscape. Each mini print should be 3x4 inches or half a standard photograph. These mini prints should be taken throughout 2010 and it would be helpful if you know which month each photograph comes from - you do not need every month represented. You will also need to supply your own adhesives.
COST $40 and includes all materials (except adhesives & photos) to complete 24 single or 12 double pages. This class does not include the cost of a 6x6 album.

Saturday 19th - One year in one Album – 7pm – 9.30pm – Details as above…. COST $40

March
Wednesday 2nd – Stamp and Stack – 10am – 12pm - Come along and make 8 cards with matching envelopes. Please BYO adhesives. Cost $15

Friday 4th - Stamp and Stack – 7pm – 9.30pm - Come along and make 8 cards with matching envelopes. Please BYO adhesives. Cost $15

Wednesday 16th – Paper Craft Group – Bring along any projects you would like to work on. Feel free to use my tools and inks…. (BYO Glues, & small change if you would like some extra card stock or ribbons etc) Cost $5

Saturday 19th – Scrapbooking night- 7.30 – 9.30pm - Come along and create a beautiful deluxe 12 x 12 double page spread. (BYO Glues etc) COST $15

Friday 7 January 2011

Christmas Cards 2010

Our family received some lovely handmade cards this year from many friends.... It's always lovely receiving a letter in the mail and then opening it up to find a GORGEOUS card!!!

Christmas Cards - Scraps, Baubles and JoyAnd at our PaperANGELS Christmas get together some of our lovely ladies had time to make little gifts.... These two beautiful little packages were made with the Big Shot and some die cuts... The Scallop Envelope Die was used for one (made by Liz) and the other was the Bigz L Die.... (made by Bec)... You girls are AMAZING!!!! I had plans to make lovely little gifts for everyone... Unfortunately they went to the wayside as I was involved in some really big Performances and LOADS of rehearsals before Christmas.. Which just seemed to swallow up all my time!!! I really do love you all and appreciate all you do... I hope you will forgive me this year... I promise to be more organised next year!!!

Mini Milk Carton and Bag Box
My handmade Christmas Cards 2010And these are some of the other cards we received as a family this year... So beautiful.... I love all things handmade. I feel it really shows that you have thought about the person and have put a little bit of yourself in each creation... Making it more special... Now if you do not "do craft" support someone who does!!... And believe me when I say that a handcrafted gift or card is always much more appreciated!!!

Christmas Classes

If you were lucky enough to have booked a Workshop in December 2010 then you would have made this LOVELY card.

3 Tree Christmas CardOr if you came to KENG Relaxation day you may have made this BEAUTIFUL Christmas Tree Decoration.... This was made using Stampin' Up's Blossom Party Die Cut...

Big Shot Felt Flower DecorationHow to create one of your own...
You can cut out four layers of felt at once no problem... Which makes this project quite easy to replicate...

You will need eight red flowers and two green flowers. (Roughly 2 and 1/4 pieces of craft felt)
Some wide ribbon and some thin ribbon, some pearls and hot glue....

First you take each one of the red flowers and fold them in quarters. Then you stitch down the layers so that they stay together... once you have done this to all four of them you can then attach four of the quartered flowers to one of the green ones. This creates one half of the decoration... Repeat above to create other half...

Fold over your wide ribbon and thread thin ribbon through a pearl then tie in a bow...

Hot Glue ends of wide ribbon to the back of the green flower... then glue other flower to this to create the ball shape...

Hot Glue a small pearl in between each quartered flower to add extra dimension and interest...

(you can glue in dimonties instead if you like a bit of bling;)

Enjoy...... Love Ursula

Birthday 2011

One of the things I love about being creative and having a lot of creative friends and customers is that I am blessed to receive handmade cards for special events.... I love other peoples ideas.. They really do inspire me!!! These are just a few.. I am sure I will find more as I tidy up the studio from the Christmas onslaught!!!

My handmade B-Day Cards 2011I was particularly taken by a couple of these ideas..
One was this card made by Jenny... with the Top Note Die cut... How clever is this one??? You fold the concertina card first and then put all layers through the Big Shot with the Top Note Die to cut and Whalah... you have a fancy folding card... Then you decorate as desired....
Big Shot Top Note FOLDED Birthday Card
Big Shot Top Note FOLDED Card












Bear Punch Art  Birthday Card


I loved this one too from Bec.. How cute is the Punch Art Teddy??!! Bec has distressed each punch art shape and broken up the fibers so that she could pull apart the layers of the card stock to make the Teddy look like he is made of suede... He is soooooooooo Cute!!! Don't-cha just want to snuggle with him???

Thank you all for remembering my Birthday in 2010.... And making me feel special...
Bless you!!!
Love Ursula

Boys Birthday Card

This year master 11 was given this lovely Birthday Card.... Made by Liz....
What an AWESOME idea it is to use aluminium foil to make a background for the Robot to be adhered to...
So Cool....



Male Robot Card

Handcrafted by Ursula's Fan Box

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