I can't believe that my last post on this blog was in June...well, I guess I can with summer being in the middle. Now that the girls are back at school and normality has returned I guess so can my blogging.
I am a big, HUGE fan of Big Picture Classes and of course an ENORMOUS fan of Stacy Julian. Over the past couple of weeks Big Picture Classes have been running their BIG IDEA FESTIVAL. And it was kicked off by Stacy Julian who had the brilliant idea of Happy Mail. Bascially this is making a card or writing a letter and posting it to someone - HOW COOL IS THAT!! How great would that feel to open up your mailbox and discover a letter/card from someone, let alone Stacy. And on the flip side to know that you made someone smile and feel loved. You can read more about the idea here
This Happy Mail idea was something I had thought about even before Stacy put it out there. for two reason. The first is that I've been trying to think of ways in which to get Miss 7 to write more ie improve on her writing and thought a really fun way would be for her and her friends to write letter to one another. In today's technology driven world the simple act of writing tends to be forgotten as let's be honest, it's far easier, quicker and simplier to send an email or message.
However, the main reason behind happy mail was that my mum no longer has access to her emails and skype due to ill health. She has her phone but that can prove challenging and I wanted her to still be involved in our lives. Even though instant communication is abit harder these days for her receiving some post from us full of pictures, letters and love would make her smile.
So I have set myself a challenge to make a card each week and post it to her, complete with drawings (& letters from the girls) and photos. I've been doing this for 2 weeks and so far have made 2 cards. A 3rd is in progress on the table.
Considering I'm not a card maker I'm quite pleased with the end results.
Card No. 1
I used a premade card and attached some patterned paper (October Afternoon), some ribbon, a random flower and a saying that came with the card.
Card No. 2
I used my last premade card, attached paper from Amy Tangerine and emblishment and saying that came with the card.
Why don't you make a card or cards and send them out ......just because !! You know that you'd make someone's day EXTRA special !!
I had high hopes to get all 7 challenges completed but time has run out on me. We are now on summer holidays and to celebrate we are going to see family and friends in NZ for a few weeks. Will be fun but not so sure about those cooler (freezing) temps!! And then to the beach - am sure I'll have lots of new inspiration to scrap when I get back.
Here is my take on Michelle's challenge incorporating the word HAPPY. I used mine in the title. I used a combination of Scrapbook Circle kits to create this layout. I also used a little washi tape - have to say I'm having fun with this product.....might become a regular staple on my layouts.
The June challenge for NZ Paper Chase was slightly different and for me, took me out of my comfort zone. There was a fabulous photo that we had to take our inspiration from. I have to admit I looked at this photo for a few days thinking what can I do. It was one evening when the girls were in bed I took another look - a closer look and discovered the orange building with the turquoise awning (maybe) beside the right of the tower. As soon as I saw that I had my 'ha-haa' moment. I used that colour combo (which I just love) & then used some woodgrain thickers, a wooden button and twine to bring in the elements from the boats.
The banner is Heidi Swapp's colour magic and I used Glimmer mist 'Aquamarine' to get that gorgeous colour. Loved how it turned out
Challenge Me Happy have a fun challenge going on at their website for the next month. There are 7 challenges. Marie's challenge is to use a sketch. I saw this and thought immediately of 2 photos which I've been wanting to scrap for a while but have been waiting for the 'right' moment. This was that moment.
I had a few pieces left over from one of my Scrapbook Circle kits which I wanted to use. To also keep in with my 'secret agent' theme I did some hidden journalling on the tag. I really like how this turned out and my daughter thinks it's pretty cool too.....being a secret agent and all that.
I'm not normally one for making cards but over the past few weeks I've tried my hand at a couple. They're mainly thank you cards. And I've been surprised by how easy it was for them to come together. They weren't a quick put together as I probably thought about what I would do maybe....abit too much....but I didn't spend alot of time on them. The waiting I had to do was for ink and glue to dry.
In Hong Kong it is nearly the end of the school year. For someone who comes from the Southern Hemisphere finishing the school year in June is a tad strange and it has taken me a little while (a few years) to get used to it. Now it seems perfectly ok for this to happen and for Christmas to be cold.....
For me this end of school year is bittersweet. My youngest will be finishing up at her preschool and will be joining her older sister at primary school in August. This preschool has been such a huge part of our lives since arriving in HK has we have been going there for the past 4 years and it is going to be sad to say goodbye.
Victoria's preschool teacher is the most wonderful teacher. She has given all the children a love for learning and has helped bring out the best in them. She is just a fantastic person and is going to be missed. I make a card for all the children to sign and we will give to her on Friday as it's the children's graduation day. She's done an amazing job of making our children feel special so we're doing something to make her feel special and to say thank you.
I made the card with Kraft cardstock, My Mind's Eye Miss Caroline paper and twine - I used both sides of the paper. Heidi Swapp Colour Magic Banner, a Prima wooden heart button and a stamp from Studio Calico. On the inside I stamped the sentiment "Thank you for a wonderful 2011/12 year".
I was reading the Challenge Me Happy blog as the winner of Challenge #23 had been announced....and it was me!!! It was such a thrill to see that my layout had been selected. Thank you for selecting me!!
This has to be one of my favourite layouts. It just came together so well using Scrapbook Circle's The Story kit. Click here to see my layout.
I've been abit remiss with uploading my layouts for the monthly NZ Paper Chase challenges. I do enjoy these challenges that come out and always look forward to seeing what they are and what I can do with them. It's always a great feeling to get another story told....
February 2012
March 2012
April 2012
May 2012
And I'm currently working on June's entry. If you'd like to check out the challenge click here. It's a great challenge - I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.
