Saturdays challenge over at scrap and stamp Saturday was this great sketch by our very own Lacey from the design team. this truly is a very versatile sketch that can be interpreted in so many ways...if you want to see some of the fabulous takes by the girls head over here

and here's my layout. yesterday being my official birthday...i did a little reflecting on my 36 years here on earth. i had a great day with so many friends who blessed me with beautiful messages and gifts.

and some of my favorite stamps from Shamela that you can order form her here

a beautiful glitz design transparency with a gorgeous cake on it...

that i adhered with some sewing..

have an awesome day and a really creative week.
today is back to reality with some much needed commissions and class projects that need to be finished before tomorrow morning. this all needs to happen with a house filled with lots of dust and cement...a real big mess - but that's a story for another day when i will share some before and after pics with you. until then have a fabulous day!

this new release from 7gypsies! and can't wait to get my hands on some

there are a lot of things broken in my life and this photo is a bit of a reflection of those things. needless to say i think i have found my word for 2011 - TRUST. i have to learn to trust people again, learn to trust God again and learn to trust my own instincts again. in fact i trust that i will not make the mistakes again that i have made in the past but that i will overcome all of them and set on my own journey from now on. i am itching to scrap these photos i took about a week ago. outside it is pouring with rain again, as it has for the last couple of weeks. Now i love the rain and am not complaining. But we have not been able to mow the lawn for weeks and things are looking really shabby around the garden - but i look past it and for now am thankful that we live quite high up the mountain and flooding is not a threat.

in the meantime i am working on mending my brokenness.
hope you have a wonderful week creatively.

you know you are really blessed when you get an e-mail like i did today!
a mail from my publishers with stats about my latest book sales.
My book was rated by Nielsen Bookscan as the 4th best selling book of South African Titles
since release up until 15th January 2011! this really is an honour and that's when you realize people are actually taking you seriously.
in first place: John Platter's South African Wines
second place: Ena Murray Omnibus 28
third place: To the point by Herschelle Gibbs
fourth place: Scrap-Boek by Jowilna Nolte
thank you to everyone who supported me through this journey and all those loyal supporters and followers for purchasing your copy! it really is appreciated!
going to bed with a happy heart tonight!

every year in January it is time for a new set of birthday invitations for my mom. each year i try and make something nice, something that she will like. having said that, my mom is not a fan of my weird creativity and more than often frown upon my paper and colour combinations. so i try and play it safe. but this year i did throw in some tim holtz patterned paper for good measure. I made little matchbook invitations with a current favourite bird stamp from Glitz Design! love those girls!! they are simple and quick but at least they are in the post and that is all that matters for now.