Something I have never done before...I downloaded this card sketch from http://tamimayberry.blogspot.com and this is what I have done ...

with my new Tim Holtz stamps ... Absolutely love this butterfly with the messy wings.

another little clay project done with left-overs, metal mesh, rusted metal sheeting, beads, mosaic tiles and gold leafing. I love how this project turned out - loads of different metallic colours - bronze, copper, silver, pewter and gold - a celebration of metal and all things shiny. On top is a ceramic cross that I bought from one of my favourite stores - Seed Pod Studio - I am yet to get to the stage of making those myself. The clay tiles are all different widths and so you have this wonderful array of textures.

I am currently working on some articles for a new website called scrapcouture.co.za.

I write short articles that will cover most crafts from cardmaking, stamping, polymer clay, scrapbooking, altered art, ATCs, Moo cards and lots more...as well as technique articles with step by step instructions and images. This is a subscription based site but there are some free articles on the front page that you can view.

The site is dedicated to inspiring people but also having fun and just create. It also offers you, the reader the opportunity to submit your own projects and articles that can be published.

so go check it out! Have a creative day.

This was last week's layout - yes more puppies! This was a fun layout to create using some of my favourite elements and products - sprays, embossing and stamping.

To create the background:

1. Punch two large shapes (stars) out of cardstock and place them on your background cardstock. I used a smooth cardstock but textured works fine too.

2. Place your spray - walnut or glimmermist in a mini-mister. Lightly spray over the stars in a quick movement. Don't over spray as the look you want is that blotchy look.

3. Remove the cardstock stars and let the ink dry completely.

4. Spray the bottom part of your background cardstock pieces as well. Use a single movement to avoid getting a solid coating but only splashes.

Now you are ready to adhere your patterned paper strips, photos and other elements.

Most of the embellishments used on the layout are odds - like brads from conventions, rub-ons with only a single part of the design left over and sticker quotes.

The diamond shapes on the gold cardstock was embossed using a copper mixture of embossing powder. I get really unique colours of embossing powders by mixing left-overs or small quantities together before I buy a new container. The stars were all punched out of off-cuts from my box under my table that is once again overflowing with awesome treasures.

the Puppies are starting to leave the nest...

and it's been a while since I have cried so much - I guess a lot of dealing with my own stuff too.

Anyhow...on Friday we met her new parents and dropped her off -she "Nikita" is doing well and has settled in nicely with her new mommy and daddy - and is apparently in doggy heaven! Nice to know that there are people like us who really love their four legged children just as much as we do. Her new parents have sent threw pics already and it is really re-assuring!