NikkiAntonello

As a part of my "One little word" inspired year......I've already set about making some CHANGES in my world.  I began my campaign of change by going through all of the bedroom cupboards and sorting through clothing and different things we've collected over time.  I also had in storage lots of the kids baby clothes that could very easily go to a good home.  I know of someone in particular that could benefit from Belle's baby clothes, although I must confess.....as I sat and sorted through Belle's baby clothes in particular, I found I just could not part with some of her very tiny baby items..... hehehe.... so they actually made their way BACK into the storage bags.....

I figure that now I've sorted and reorganised things, it will be easier to maintain some sense of order.....here's hoping!

This year in my scrapping world, I also want to make some Changes as well....I love the pages I have created thus far, but this year I really want to include more of the stories that make up our life.  I'm good at covering little events, but I want to include more of the stories and why these moments were important to capture and share.  I also want to change the way I use my supplies.  I'm not saying I won't shop for the new goodies....that's just a little bit too difficult.......but I want to make better use of the materials that I have.  Scrap smarter I say!  So along these lines, I created this layout using old papers based on a prompt from a beautiful site called Scrap that Poetry  ......the poem at the moment is called HOPE by Emily Dickinson.  You are free to interpret and create as you feel inspired.......

I created this layout with a photo that we took last year after the Black Saturday bushfires.  I chose to match the word HOPE with this layout for lots of reasons.  In the hope that such a horrific event does not occur, but also that a year on a hope that many of the victims have started to rebuild some of their lives.  I don't think you can ever really forget such an enormous event....we ourselves lost family friends....but I hope that there has been something to learn or take from the events of that day.  WHether on a simple personal level it means that we don't take our friends and family for granted, then that's certainly a lesson worth considering.   I was very pleased with myself for finding a way to use these old papers too - Scenis Route and 7 gypsies.

Hope your start to the New Year has been a good one.  On a very personal note....my step-brother passed away on Friday.  If you have a minute maybe you could remember him in your thoughts, but particularly my three nieces left behind.

Thanks for stopping by! xxx

Change....

Change

You know how sometimes you get the chorus of a song stuck in your head and you keep singing the same bit over and over.....well.....that's pretty much been my morning except my song has had to do with my word for the year.And it hasn't been a song it's been a little phrase:

"You must  BE  the change you want to SEE in the world".

Now, this is Gandhi's actual quote, but I was thinking of something similar.....hehehe.....none the less..... it speaks to me. So I've decided to start on my journey of change this year with some very long over due re-organising and changing. I've spent the morning working on my walk in wardrobe.....which may sound insignificant, but in actual fact has already made an enormous improvement to my bedroom.  Some 3 garbage bags later, there is no more clutter and I can see an end in sight....YAY!!!!!

I think I've inherited this trait from my Mum, but I don't function well in chaos.  So I figure changing my surroundings is a great way to help feel more organised.  Well, I'm off to keep up with my work before I lose momentum.  Here are some other really great quotes on change....food for thought....

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind.  To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse.  To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better.  To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better. King Whitney Jr

Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different.  Life would undergo a change of appearance because we ourselves had undergone a change in attitude.    Katherine Mansfield.

 

The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

Have a great day everyone..........Nik xxx

 

Welcome to a New Year

Welcome to a New Year......I'd love to say I knew where last year went, but it just seemed to pass by so very quickly.  Maybe it's just that I'm getting older or that last year was so ridiculously busy......who knows.  Having said that I'm very excited by the thought of starting afresh.  I love the idea that we get to do things over in a sense and make changes hopefully for the better.  I'm not a huge one for the New Years Resolutions, but I certainly have things I want to achieve this year.  I guess my biggest goal would be to make some changes and simplify my life.  I found that I was doing so many different things towards the end of the year, that I lost my enjoyment for some of them and was just ticking off events and tasks as I completed them.  I want this year to be different.  I've started to seriously de clutter my life already.......It began with the cleaning of the laundry cupboards last week and has slowly spread throughout my home:)

I've also decided to set myself so nice little scrapping projects......here are my ideas so far.

1 - Project 12.   I came across this gorgeous idea on the scrapbook and cards today blog 

"Project 12

Now to the next piece of exciting news for 2010…Project 12!  Scrapbook & Cards Today, in partnership with designer Davinie Fiero and sketch artist Becky Fleck, are pleased to offer our readers Project 12 on the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog!  Project 12 is an easy monthly challenge that will result in a complete “year in review” album at the end of 2010.  It is so easy! 

Here is how it works (and it is so simple!):

1. Becky will post, here on the blog, a beautiful double page sketch on the last Saturday of each month for use the following month.
2. Davinie will post a page example to get your creative juices started!; and
3. When the new sketch is revealed everyone that has sent us an image or a gallery link of their completed page for the previous month will be entered into a draw to win a fabulous prize from one of our advertising partners! You can send us your image, or a link, to ideas@scrapbookandcards.com with “Project 12” in the subject line.

The first sketch and official launch of Project 12 will be on December 26th!  Each month Becky’s sketch will also be available as a downloadable pdf on our website so that anyone can join in and catch up!  Imagine a beautiful album showing off your whole year in 12 easy steps!"

I love the idea of the year in review, but the fact that a sketch has been provided makes it too easy really!  Speaking of sketches.......I have recently become a member of Stuck?! Sketches  and am enjoying the gorgeous sketches created by Sara Noendeng...Here's my take on one of the December sketches.....

I decided to keep this one pretty simple.....and just created the flowers and flourishes in the corner.  This photo of my mumma and I was taken in July 09 and it's one of my favourites.

Here's another beautiful idea from one of my most favourite scrappers ever..... the very gorgeous  Ali Edwards  ........here's what she had to say......

" Essentially the idea is to choose a word (or let it choose you) that has the potential to make an impact on your life.

Maybe you want to invite something or maybe you are hoping to subtract something. Maybe your word will be practical or hopeful or creative or fanciful. Maybe you need a big word, something in-your-face that will challenge you everyday. Maybe you need something smaller and quieter that will whisper gentle tidings as you make your way throughout the year.

Whatever word you end up with, make sure it is your word (not your sister's, mom's, partner's, child's, etc). You can share it publicly or keep it close to your heart. 

My word for 2010 is STORY.  " 

See Ali's blog for more details......but her idea was to create one layout per week that explores the idea of telling the stories she wants to remember.I've been thinking a lot about my word over the last couple of days......there were lots of things that jumped out at me.......both Noah and Belle are starting school this year, which will be an enormous change of routine for them both, Josh and I will both have a lot to get used to with such a change in our days too......I want to change the way I look after myself, both inside and out and devote a little more time to me........I want to make changes in my home....... there are lots of others, but the recurring theme for me was......CHANGE, so that's my word for this year.  I'll keep you posted as the weeks roll on. 

And for those of you who are still reading.....I know this has been a really long post....here is my little wish for my family and friends this year....maybe you can take a little something too....

 

May you find serenity and tranquility in a world
You may not always understand.

May the pain you have known and conflict you have experienced
Give you the strength to walk through life
Facing each new situation with courage and optimism.

Always know that there are those whose love and understanding
Will always be there, even when you feel most alone.

May you discover enough goodness in others
To believe in a world of peace.

May a kind word, a reassuring touch, a warm smile be yours
Every day of your life,
And may you give these gifts as well as receive them.

Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.

Teach love to those who know hate,
And let that love embrace you as you go into the world.

May the teaching of those you admire become part of you,
So that you may call upon them.
Remember, those whose lives you have touched
And who have touched yours are always a part of you,
Even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.
It is the content of the encounter that is more important than it's form.

May you not become too concerned with material matters,
But instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.

Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you.

Realize that each person has limitless abilities,
But each of us is different in our own way.
What you may feel you lack in one regard
May be more than compensated for in another.
What you feel you lack in the present
May become one of your strengths in the future.

May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.
Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.

May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself,
And not be dependent on another's judgement of your accomplishments.

May you always feel loved.

--- Copyright © 1987 Sandra Sturtz Hauss

This beautiful poem spoke to me in so many ways, I had to share it!  All the best for whatever journey you choose to take this coming year and thanks for stopping by.

Now to the next piece of exciting news for 2010…Project 12!  Scrapbook & Cards Today, in partnership with designer Davinie Fiero and sketch artist Becky Fleck, are pleased to offer our readers Project 12 on the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog!  Project 12 is an easy monthly challenge that will result in a complete “year in review” album at the end of 2010.  It is so easy! 

Here is how it works (and it is so simple!):

1. Becky will post, here on the blog, a beautiful double page sketch on the last Saturday of each month for use the following month.
2. Davinie will post a page example to get your creative juices started!; and
3. When the new sketch is revealed everyone that has sent us an image or a gallery link of their completed page for the previous month will be entered into a draw to win a fabulous prize from one of our advertising partners! You can send us your image, or a link, to ideas@scrapbookandcards.com with “Project 12” in the subject line.

One for the believers........

If you have little cherubs who believe in Santa, then this one's for you........

The beautiful girls Robyn & Susy at kinder (Myrtleford Preschool) sent these gorgeous little bags home with Belle and Noah........

The little passage reads.....

"Make a wish and close your eyes tight   Then sprinkle on your lawn at night     As Santa's Reindeer fly and roam    This food will guide them to your home!"

How cute is that.  It's just a little bag filled with rolled oats...Belle's also has shiny stars in her bag too (of course) .....Just a really cute  idea for your little ones to sprinkle on Christmas eve......

I know how excited we are........ xx
 

Lilac Avenue Loveliness.......

From the very first moment that I saw this paper collection, I knew I was going to love it.....and I really have....I think it 's the softness of this collection and also the fact that there were lots of flowers and lovely flourishes to play with too....

This layout appeared on the Kaiser Blog a couple of days ago and was one of my favourites to create.  The photo is of Belle and was captured by accident really.  We were all out playing on the deck and I was happily snapping away....when I got inside I discovered this little gem....I think she is just sooo very beautiful.  I know I her mumma and I'm a bit biased.....

I had so much fun creating these flower clusters .....Some I just cut from the paper, I used the coloured rubons on acetate, I also used the acrylic stamps with some white StaZon Ink and Kindy glitz to create the clear sparkly flowers, some I raised with foam tape and some I glossed with dimensional magic.  This kind of creating for me is sheer bliss..... 

I know I've posted these before, but I thought I'd show all my Lilac Avenue creations together.....

In other news.....we are very happy to have finished kinda and childcare for the year....YAY!!!!! Our days are going to be much more relaxed and less pressured in the lead up to Christmas.  Just this mornings, the cherubs are very happy to potter and play in their rooms.  I think they are really tired from all the activity in the past couple of weeks.  I know I sure am!

Take care xxx

Oops I nearly forgot...head over to  Kaiser for a little sneak peak of the coming Q3 range.....it looks absolutely scrumptious........

Blog Award

I am a little bit excited.....hehehehe.....my very beautiful DT friend Tanya has sent me my very first BLOG award...how cool is that.....it does make me giggle a little as I am just not at all computer savvy, but I have enjoyed creating my blog.....let's just say it's a work in progress...hehehe.....

 

Now a couple of things about me that you didn't know.....hmmmmm..........

My children are actually more Italian than I am....(Stef's parents are both Italian, My Dad is, but my is Australian.    I am a middle child....although I don't think I suffer from any dreaded syndromes as a result...hehehe    I could probably sing every word from the Kenny Rogers music library .... lots of road trips as a child...some might classify this as child abuse....lol......   I am currently teaching Italian 1 day a week    Next year I'm going to learn the piano.....when I was little I used to play the organ and I actually majored in music at Uni...but have really let that go over the years.   I have only just learnt to eat and to cook Thai curry this year (thanks Al.H)..... I lead a sheltered life.......I don't know how to text message on my phone......yep its out there......I am a total technological nuffie.....I use my phone to make a call, usually to Stef, but much to girlfriends disgust, it is usually turned off or the battery is flat....hehehe.......

And now on to my awards...I really want to re-gift this award back to Tan because her work is really beautiful... and how she finds the time to continually post with a brand new bubba is just beyond   me..... but that would be a bit special...soooooo....to the following gorgeous gal's....I think your work is just awesome and I love the time spent gathering inspiration from you all ........

 1.Mel Field

2. Sam Hauzer

3. Kathie Link 

4. Renee Ludlow

5.Al Hannah 

6. Fran Tynan

7. Jolene Pienaar

Now I just have to work out how to paste the award into my sidebar...hmmmmm...(See told you...computer nuffie....)

Hope you all have a fantastic Sunday...the sun is shining here, so we plan to spend the day in garden with the cherubs...too nice!

Nik xxx

Journalling.......

This layout and the little blurb below appears on the Kaiser Blog at the moment.....with a fantastic post about journalling and some great ideas/ tips/ and stunning layouts from the DT girls....... 

My layout was one I did about Noah using the Pack Your Bags Paper Collection.....I wrote a little bit about Noah and how I come to journal his layouts in particular.  When I sent this information in, the very gorgeous Ali Wood (Kaiser) thanked me for sharing such a personal story....I smiled when I her little note  as I guess I don't even really think about that side of things any more......When we first had Noah, I know I was very sensitive about talking about him and sharing personal details, but as time has progressed I think that sharing our story actually makes coping with his situation easier....and to be perfectly honest, for the most part I don't even really think about his disabilities, we just see NOAH!  I guess it also help to raise a little awareness of people with disabilities.........Anyway....here's what I wrote....

 

 

As many of you might know...... Noah my now 6 year old (my how time flies) has Down Syndrome and Mild Autism.  I love creating layouts of him and what is happening in his little world, but his layouts serve a dual purpose for me.  While I wouldn't say I approach these layouts more thoughtfully than I do any other,  I use my journaling here as a form of therapy I guess.  It's my opportunity to reflect on they way I feel about what's happening in Noah's life and in our family life as a result and while I know he may not be able to read them himself, I love to go back and see where I was at that time and also one day, for Josh and Belle to better understand what was happening with Noah at the time. One of the characteristics of Noah having Downs is that he has had developmental delays right from birth and his biggest delay is a severe speech disorder.  While we have worked particularly hard to help his development through a variety of therapies, his progress has been quite measured.  I think that is probably why I celebrate day to day activities and achievements  that may seem insignificant to many.

 

 

So how do I do this.......lots of ways. 

In this layout of Noah I focused my journaling on how far he has come in the past year in particular and also the fact that he is entering a new chapter of his life.  Next year he will be starting school and I really wanted to record my thoughts about that. 

If we were to dissect my layout...here's how I've incorporate little written messages to explore my thoughts and feelings.

Title.........I used my cutting machine and some patterned paper to create a larger title.  Having to wait so long for Noah to achieve different things really has helped us focus on the amazing journey he has undertaken and the many important steps along the way, which I think my title reflects perfectly.

KC Freebies / Die Cuts/Embellishments/Rubons.... Just by carefully choosing embellishments, you can add to the sentiment and express more of what you are feeling.....  I loved how the fine print on the "Adventure Ticket" say "Admits ONE person to amazing journeys and priceless memories"......to the quote on the Freebies emblem and also my rubon frame around the photo of Noah.

Hidden Journaling.....I cut this shape from the patterned paper and used a punch to make the notebook edge.  I decided to use this as a place to record my personal thoughts about Noah starting school.  Not necessarily because I wanted them to remain private, but more so because I didn't want this journalling to be part of my layout.

 

a close up......

As I said earlier.....some of the other DT girls have created the most beautiful layouts featuring journalling and the tips are well worth a look.....

 

Take care xxxx

Kaiser Christmas

A little bit of Christmas..... 

Well Christmas is almost here and while it seems to have arrived so very quickly, I can honestly say I am sooooooo looking forward to a chance to slow down and relax a little.  My cherubs have been ridiculously excited by all the Chrissie decorations adorning our home at the moment.  Pre -children I would pride myself on the tree decoration.....all carefully and evenly distributed baubles around the tree.....the perfectly wrapped presents with ribbons and bows....(I do love Christmas....LOL)  

To the past 2 years, where Isabelle and Noah have helped with all the decorating......Our tree now has the bulk of the decorations hanging from the lower tree branches...some with 2 -3 ornaments per branch and there are NO presents under the tree....just toooooo tempting for Noah and Josh!   Oh well........

As for my Chrissie layouts....these have appeared on the Kaiser Blog along with lots of other really beautiful layouts from the DT. 

Belle Paper Collection

These photos are of Noah's very first Christmas photo shoot.....being a new Mum, I carefully arranged and organised this elaborate setting.....all he was interested in doing was eating the tinsel and decorations.....lol...as it turns out, the situation made the most beautiful photos.....

Dear Santa Paper Collection

This layout is of my brother Michael and my 5 year old niece Madi.....At the time of creating this layout my CHrissie wish for her was to receive some good news about her Leukemia treatment...which I am happy to say seems to be coming true.....Madi will conclude her treatment early next year and will need blood tests for a couple of months to follow, which we're hoping will be the end of what's been the most difficult of journeys for someone so little.  Through it all she has been absolutely amazing, courageous and inspirational in her acceptance of what has needed to be done....and Michael and Nikki (Especially Nik) have been exceptional.  Lets's hope next year sees a little bit of normality return to their lives.

up close......On the Kaiser Blog last Tuesday I did my Technique tips on how to create the flowers you see on this particular layout.  If you need more info and step by step pictures....pop over there! 

Christmas Carnival Paper Collection

When I first looked at these papers, I have to say they were my least favourite...that is until I started to work with them and have since changed my mind.....This layout came together so easily and the vibrant colours created such a fun layout....I have also made My Christmas Recipe book with these papers and I was just as pleased with the end result there too......

and up close.....

Well that's it for now....will pop back later with another post on some jounalling...

Take care xxxx

Pink Cupcakes and Puddles......

What's not to love about Pink Cupcakes....

I decided to make cupcakes this morning with my little cherubs....an activity they enjoy immensely in our home.  What  spurred me on is the fact that the past few weeks have been so terribly busy and I just wanted something simple to do with them that I knew they would enjoy and to spend a little bit of quality time together. So....up on the bench beside me Isabelle and Josh sat.....Noah is now only really interested in the end product that contains icing.....hehehe.....so he didn't want to help. 

Now....I also have to say that the only reason they really want to help me is so they can lick the spoons, the beaters and the bowl.....and has little to do with spending time with me.....but I can live with that!  One dozen cupcakes later, I had three very happy little children.  You've got to be chuffed when all it takes to bring so much enjoyment is a tray of cupcakes!  I do know however, that by this afternoon, they will be a distant memory......but I don't mind.......

Oh and here's a little something I did last night.  I have long been craving the time to sit and play without having any obligation/deadline....and I had the nicest time.....just to create for the sake of it!  These photos were taken ages ago, Belle was only 2 and Noah was about 3 and a half......I love them.....I had smiles the entire time I was making this layout and I LOVE the pics of Bellie's little muddy smile....who eats mud.....I mean really.....I still remember how pleased they both looked when I spotted them...they had an absolute ball....Just PRICELESS really!

Trinket Box

Lilac Avenue

I made this trinket box as part of my DT work for Kaiser.....it's actually meant to be an Advent calendar, but I chose to make it a trinket box for Belle instead  Here's what I wrote as my inspiration for the piece.......

Isabelle is your very typical little four year old girl who loves collecting little bits and pieces of everything.  She has the most vivid imagination and fills her days with adventures of  fairies and make believe.  All the little things she collects,  she then deems as some sort of wonderful magical treasure.  When I saw all the little boxes in the calendar, I knew they would make the most perfect draws for her to store her treasures in.  I chose to decorate the box in Lilac Avenue paper as they are just so very pretty and I wanted this to be a really girlie keepsake for her.  The photo was one I'd taken earlier of her in the garden, which prompted me to create a setting to suit that.  As there were lots of flowers on the paper, I didn't have to look too far for what I could cut out and layer.  The rest of the setting I just drew and created myself.  This was such a fun piece to create....a little flight of fantasy......which Isabelle  absolutely adores!

Some closer pictures

and a little layering.....

Head over to the Kaiser Blog to check out some of the beautiful work from the other Design Team girls ...... Tanya created a gorgeous calendar using Rewind papers and Alicia made a beautiful Advent Calendar using Christmas Carnival papers....