Diva Diaries

The Winner is............................

2012-01-17T20:23:00.000+11:00

Hi Everyone

sorry this announcement is a bit overdue but work has been keeping me very busy.

So without further ado the WINNER of the fantastic "Life in 2012.... at Divas" prize of the We R Memory Keepers album and page protectors is

REBECCA B

I am thinking this is Rebecca Butterworth who just lives around the corner. Congratulations Rebecca and to everyone else that entered.

Have a great week.

Cheers

Michelle

testing

2012-01-13T20:30:00.001+11:00

testing

Week 2 begins

2012-01-09T08:00:00.002+11:00

Good morning everyone

How are we going documenting and photographing 2012 and has anyone done last weeks sketch. I am just about to put my photos on my paper which is pretty good for me.

Don't forget to become a follower of this blog and post about "Your Life in 2012....at Divas" on your facebook page to win the beautiful We R Memory Keepers album and refills.

So this week's sketch to help us with ideas for our layouts comes again from Page Maps. I think most of the sketches will be for multi photo layouts to help put one week's photos on one page. This is just a suggestion don't forget. I thought this one was so cute!!!!!!!!!!.

So upload a copy of your sketch results into the divas gallery and win yourself $10 Diva Dollars by Sunday 15th January midnight. We must have at least 4 entries for the Diva Dollars to be given.

I also found this blog by Monica McNeill http://withoutfilters.blogspot.com/2012/01/project-life-2012-beginning.html, which gives you ideas on how to set up your album for the year.

I am actually using some of the digital elements from Becky Higgins Project Life kits which I have purchased from Jessica Sprague and then print as many out as you need. I am also using the Simple Stories Year-O-Graphy kit which can be purchased in store. They probably won't match but I don't care as long as I get it documented.

Ok tips for what to photograph:-

As we are in summer mode in Australia anything to do with this would be great to start off with.
The beach, the lake, taking the boat out, the kids swimming in the pool or at the beach, picnics, your backyard in summertime, a sunset, I am sure you can come up with heaps of other ideas.

Let me know if you have any questions.

NEW YEAR SALE

2012-01-02T21:29:00.002+11:00

I need to clear the shelves for the upcoming CHA at the end of January 2012.

So lots of stock has been reduced including the following:-

Scrapbook Trends Magazines under $13.00

Matisse Derivan Products at 20% off

All Christmas 2011 products 50% off

Tim Holtz Products 20% off

Plus lots and lots more.

Just uploaded these 2 beautiful albums from We R Memory Keepers that come with page protectors. They would be great to document 2012 with. If you would like one of these albums or one of the others that can be found at http://www.weronthenet.com/Designer_Albums please let me know and I will order one in for you.

So hurry up and grab yourself a bargain.

"Your Life in 2012.....at Divas"

2012-01-01T19:15:00.002+11:00

Welcome to 2012 at Scrapbook Divas.

Hope everyone has recovered from their New Years Eve celebrations or for those of you like me started work at 9am this morning.

I thought I would kick off 2012 with something a little different that I haven't done before or been involved with.

Its the Divas version of Project Life, A photo a day, yearly album whatever you would like to call it.

The idea is basically to document 2012 in photos and stories, whether that be daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly so that our future generations will be able to see what life was like in 2012. It is about documenting the little things, the simple things that happen in our daily lives. As well as all the big things.

So what I hope to do this year is try and document my own story for my family. I know I won't be able to do it daily but will try and do something weekly.

So what I thought I would do is every fortnight on a Sunday I will be posting a theme and some tips on how to document this theme and I am hoping to be able to also have a special guest giving us tips on how to photograph this theme as well.

I will also be posting a sketch either weekly or fortnightly to help with your scrapbooking.

I will be having Guest Designers through the year and their will be prizes for the sketch winners.

Last night I posted a giveaway to kick the year off. A beautiful We R Memory Keepers Album and page protectors valued at $69.99.

here is what you have to do to go in the draw to win this fantastic prize.

1.Make sure you are a follower of this blog, then copy the picture of the giveaway and post it on your own personal blog with a link back to here.

2.Share this giveaway with your friends on facebook.

3.Leave a comment below to say you have done this to be in the winning for this fantastic prize.

A winner will be announced on Sunday 15th Janaury 2012.

So the first theme for the fortnight is "2011". I thought that we could do a double page layout with some of our favourite images/photos from 2011. This sketch is compliments of Page Maps.

So let the year begin.

All the photos or layouts can be uploaded to the photo album in facebook https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.314051638634412.77559.132228173483427&type=3

and https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.314052765300966.77561.132228173483427&type=3

also to the Scrapbook Divas Gallery http://scrapbookdivas.com.au/gallery/.

Cheers

Michelle

"Your Life in 2012".

2012-01-01T10:57:00.002+11:00

Welcome to 2012 at Scrapbook Divas.

Hope everyone has recovered from their New Years Eve celebrations or for those of you like me started work at 9am this morning.

I thought I would kick off 2012 with something a little different that I haven't done before or been involved with.

Its the Divas version of Project Life, A photo a day, yearly album whatever you would like to call it.

I will be having Guest Designers through the year and their will be prizes for the sketch winners.

Last night I posted a giveaway to kick the year off. A beautiful We R Memory Keepers Album and page protectors valued at $69.99.

here is what you have to do to go in the draw to win this fantastic prize.

1.Make sure you are a follower of this blog, then copy the picture of the giveaway and post it on your own personal blog with a link back to here.

2.Share this giveaway with your friends on facebook.

3.Leave a comment below to say you have done this to be in the winning for this fantastic prize.

So let the year begin.

All the photos or layouts can be uploaded to the photo album in facebook https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.314051638634412.77559.132228173483427&type=3

and https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.314052765300966.77561.132228173483427&type=3

also to the Scrapbook Divas Gallery http://scrapbookdivas.com.au/gallery/.

Cheers

Michelle

Merry Divas Christmas Sale

2011-12-17T21:44:00.000+11:00

Good evening everyone

I have been so busy over the last month with my husband having
double knee surgery and getting an infection, working, running the
business and of course the girls with their dance concert
that I haven't had time to do a newsletter.

I would like to thankyou all for your continued support over the past 12 months especially my sister Bronwyn and my Design Divas Natalie Rayner and Marion Werren. I would like to wish you and your families a very merry christmas and a sensational year in 2012.
___________________________________________________________________

For one week only there will be a great Merry Divas Christmas SALE.
So commencing from now until Chrstmas Eve there will be up to 60% off some items with all other products with 20% off. That includes current products and also Christmas lines as well.

You can also get the Prima Wooden Frames for $17.95

Also all Scrapbook Trends Magazines, Cards and Create issues are only $12.00.

There are also heaps of patterned papers in the 50c, 75c & $1 sections so make sure you check them out as well.

We have in stock Christmas lines from Authentique, My Minds Eye, & Fancy Pants.

I also am stocking Artbin Satchels and currently have a couple of the single compartment satchels in stock but if you are wanting some double deep satchels I will be ordering them after Christmas so just let me know.

So that is it from me for the year and I hope you will be along for the ride in 2012.

Cheers

Michelle, Natalie & Marion

What's New at Scrapbook Divas

2011-08-24T14:34:00.000+10:00

Welcome to another newsletter from Scrapbook Divas.

Don't forget Ladies The Scrapbook Divas Studio is open most Mondays and Fridays from 10am to 2.30pm and then from 3.30pm. I am also open every second weekend depending on my work roster.
You can also come around by appointment just send me a message on Facebook or on 0401313987..

____________________________________________________________________________________

New in Store

Teresa Collins World Traveler.

Layouts By TC Design Team Member Laura McCollough

ECHO PARK - HAPPY DAYS

From a Two Peas Member.

WEBSTERS PAGES - LETS CELEBRATE

From the websters Facebook Page.

Tim Holtz

Scrapbook Trends Magazines and Ideas Books

__________________________________________________________________

MIXED MEDIA CLASS WITH LISA PATE

2011-08-03T20:43:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone

At the upcoming crop day on Sunday 21st August we will be hosting the talented and creative Lisa Pate who will be conducting a Mixed Media Canvas Class.

Lisa will be showing us how to put together a mixed media canvas using some of the great new Matisse Derivan Products we have instore. She will guide you through the layering process, explain all about the products and you will finish with a one of a kind original showcasing one of your fave photo’s.

Lisa comes to us with plenty of experience. A former Scrapbooking Memories Master, Lisa teaches all over Australia. Her signature style is fun and colourful, with layers of lots of lovely papers and paints.

The class will be held at Edgeworth Bowling club and commence at 11 am and will go for a couple of hours and we will have a break for lunch in between in order as Lisa has told me for "layers to dry". LOL.

The price will be $30.00 for the class and this will include full instructions, a little pack from Lisa and the use of gesso, paints and gel medium provided by Scrapbook Divas. If you wish to bring your own paints and mediums the cost will be $25.00.

The items for the class can either be purchased through Scrapbook Divas or you can purchase them yourselves. The class kit will be $50 and include the canvas, paints x 5 and Gel Medium (250ml). This has a RRP price of approximately $57.00.

Everything can be purchased through Scrapbook Divas either via the website http://scrapbookdivas.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1330 or come and visit me at the studio at Macquarie Hills. Just check my facebook page for the times and details https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Scrapbook-Divas/132228173483427

The items needed are as follows:-

Canvas 8 x 10
Mod Podge or Gel Medium
paintbrush/s
Scrap papers (most of the paper will be covered, it's more for texture)
Basic Kit (scissors etc)
glue/adhesive
photo 2 x 3"inches

Paints as follows:-
Matisse Structure - Naples Yellow Light, Quinacridone Red, Cobalt Teal
Matisse Flow - Antique White, Yellow Deep

Before and after the class is free scrapping time as normal on our crop days. If you do not wish to attend the class that is also ok and you are free to scrap the day away.

Please contact me either at michelle@scrapbookdivas.com.au or 0401313987 if you have any questions.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

cheers
Michelle

GRAND OPENING

2011-07-23T21:14:00.000+10:00

INTRODUCING THE NEW SCRAPBOOK DIVAS STUDIO

NOW OPEN IN MACQUARIE HILLS NEWCASTLE

Hello all my Diva Friends.

After months and months of planning and decisions and hard work by my darling husband Greg in making this happen for me, I can now reveal that I have created a studio to be open on certain days at my home in Macquarie Hills in Newcastle.

The Studio will be open as follows:-

Monday - 10.00 am to 2.30 pm and then from 3.30 pm to 6pm

Fridays - 10.00 am to 2.30 pm and then from 3.30 pm to late

These are subject to change depending on my other work commitments and will be posted on Facebook on a regular basis.

I will also be open every second Saturday and Sunday. Times and dates to be advised.

I am also hoping to conduct some classes and crop nights especially on the Saturday nights and even a day crop.

I will still be continuing the crop days at Edgeworth Bowling club on a monthly basis.

I hope you will let all your friends in Newcastle know about this new venture and come and take a look at the Studio.

I will be planning a GRAND OPENING on a date to be advised.

I thank all my family and friends for their support and I look forward to meeting you all soon.

cheers

Michelle

Scrapbook Divas

www.scrapbookdivas.com.au

PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME COUNT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-28T11:23:00.000+10:00

The end of the financial year is only days away and I really don't want to have to count. So please come and take the stock off my hands so that I can start planning on what CHA stuff to order.

Lots of Patterned Papers have been moved to the 50c, 75c & $1.00 categories.

Some items are 65% off and most other items are 30% off.

So please come and visit me at www.scrapbookdivas.com.au

Cheers
Michelle

DIVAS EOFYS SALE IS CONTINUING

2011-06-12T12:13:00.000+10:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend. It is very wet and grey here in Newcastle so a great time to shop and scrap.

So to celebrate the end of the financial year and the fact that I don't want to have to count stock we are having the DIVAS EOFYS SALE.

Lots of Patterned Papers have been moved to the 50c, 75c & $1.00 categories.

Some items are 65% off and most other items are 30% off.

So grab yourself a bargain.
Have a great scrappy weekend.
Cheers
Michelle
http://www.scrapbookdivas.com.au/

DIVAS EASTER SALE

2011-04-22T16:12:00.000+10:00

Good Afternoon everyone, I hope that everyone is relaxing on this Good Friday and doing some sort of crafting. I cleaned up the craft room but have been organising the website for the DIVAS BIG EASTER PATTERNED PAPER SALE.

All CHA papers are $1.00, all other patterned papers are between 50c and $1.00.

Also on sale with 20% off is most of the rest of the shop. No rewards discount applies during the sale.

So why not come and grab yourselves some bargains and get crafting over Easter.

All orders will be posted next week.

www.scrapbookdivas.com.au

Cheers

Michelle

MARCH SKETCH CHALLENGE

2011-03-06T19:32:00.000+11:00

Scrapbook Divas March Sketch Challenge

To win $10 Diva Dollars

upload your entries by 28th March 2011 to be in the running

NEW FOR MARCH

2011-03-02T14:46:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone

I can't believe that it is March already and the end of summer. I am not a lover of the cold so am holding onto the last remnants of summer.

So CHA has come and gone for another few months and there are lots of new goodies coming along soon.

Some are already here including new Kaiser, Echo Park and My Minds Eye.

All the new ranges are gorgeous and here is just a sample.

Kaisercraft Bubblegum Hills

TIMELESS

Echo Park - For the Record & Springtime

So come on over and check it all out.

Cheers Michelle

DIVAS CHA SALE

2011-02-05T21:54:00.000+11:00

Hope you are enjoying the weekend wherever you are in this wonderful world of ours. It has been so hot here in the last week and looking for a cool change tomorrow afternoon.

Just wanted to remind you that the Divas Sale is still continuing.
I want to clear the shelves for the new CHA stuff arriving soon.
So come and take a look at the bargains and get between 50-80% off most items in store.

Have a great weekend

cheers Michelle
www.scrapbookdivas.com.au

February Sketch Challenge

2011-02-01T16:56:00.001+11:00

Well girls I thought you might like to try a sketch out this month but with a twist of colour and embellishments.

As it is the month of love look at the sketch and use the colour red and bling on your page.

This is courtesy of Page Maps (http://www.pagemaps.com/)

I am hoping to get a sample page done in the next couple of days.

There is a $10.00 store voucher up for grabs and you need to have your entries in by the 26th February to be in the running.

Cheers
Michelle

FEBRUARY CHALLENGE

2011-02-01T13:47:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone, Diva Natalie here.

With Feb being the month of Valentines Day and my Wedding Anniversary - this month's challenge is to create a project / layout with the word love somewhere on it and to use a heart on the project too.

My sample is a page that I have done for my brother's wedding album - tried to keep is simple and not too busy. I have used Love as the title and a heart as an embellishment.

Have fun!

Cheers Natalie

Divas CHA Sale

2011-01-29T13:26:00.000+11:00

Good afternoon everyone,

I hope you are enjoying the weekend wherever you are in this wonderful world of ours.

Just wanted to remind you that the Divas Sale is still continuing.

I want to clear the shelves for the new CHA stuff arriving soon.

So come and take a look at the bargains and get between 50-65% off most items in store.

Have a great weekend

Michelle

Scrapbook Divas Sale

2011-01-20T22:14:00.000+11:00

Don't forget everyone the Scrapbook Divas Sale is continuing.

Between 50% & 80% off most items in store.

So hurry whilst stocks last.

www.scrapbookdivas.com.au

Divas Day Out

2011-01-20T15:35:00.000+11:00

Good Afternoon

The very first Divas Day out for 2011 is happening this Sunday from 10am to 4.30pm.

It is being held at Edgeworth Bowling Club at a cost of $5.00 per person.

Just bring your scrapping stuff and I will be bringing the Divas Shop and don't forget the 50% SALE is still continuing. Lunch can be bought from about $10 from the Reeds by the Creek bistro.

If you would like to come just email me or message me on michelle@scrapbookdivas.com.au.

Hope to see you there.

cheers

Michelle

Testing

2011-01-19T20:49:00.000+11:00

Hi Everyone

I hope you have had a great start to the New Year and I wish all the Australians affected by the flood crisis across our nation all the very best.

I am just testing this as I am trying to link the blog with facebook & twitter.

Day 12 - Christmas Bon Bons

2010-12-12T08:12:00.002+11:00

The final day of the 12 Days of Christmas is up on the classroom blog.

Why not have a go at making your own Christmas Bon Bons / Crackers.

Day 11 - Christmas Cards

2010-12-11T19:36:00.005+11:00

Michelle has created these fantastic Christmas Cards.

Check them out here

http://divasfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/

Day 10 - Christmas Layout

2010-12-10T13:52:00.003+11:00

Marion has created this gorgeous Christmas layout. Full instructions can be found in the Divas Free Classroom.

Day 9 - Christmas Banner

2010-12-09T06:32:00.001+11:00

Day 9's project is a Christmas banner.

Check it out here

http://divasfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/

Day 8 - 8 Page Mixed Media album

2010-12-08T07:02:00.002+11:00

Day 8 is up on the Diva Classroom blog - a 8 x 8 inch 8 page album.

Day 7 - Frame Wall Art

2010-12-07T22:15:00.002+11:00

Renee has made this lovely set of 7 decorated frames.
What a clever & cheap idea for a Christmas Gift.

Check her instructions out here

http://divasfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/

Day 6 - Table settings

2010-12-06T17:59:00.003+11:00

Lizzie from Embellees has created some gorgeous table settings for Christmas.
I want to go to her house Christmas Day just to get my hands on her treasures!!!!

http://divasfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/

Day 5 - Gift Tags

2010-12-05T14:11:00.002+11:00

Gift tags are quick and easy to make and give your gifts a lovely homemade touch.
Check out these ones in the Diva Free Classroom here
http://divasfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/

Day 4 - Gift Bags

2010-12-04T15:06:00.003+11:00

Marion has created these gorgeous gift bags and given full instructions on how to make them yourself.

Aren't they lovely.

Day 3 - Gorgeous Garlands

2010-12-03T12:42:00.002+11:00

Lizzie from Embellees has created a number of gorgeous garlands.
Check them out further in the Diva Free Classroom.

Publish Post

Day 2 - Christmas Tree

2010-12-02T07:00:00.001+11:00

Check out the Diva Classroom blog for the instructions to make this fantastic Christmas tree.
Michelle has done an outstanding job.

On the 1st Day of Christmas

2010-12-01T06:53:00.002+11:00

Day 1's project is now up in the Diva's Free Classroom.
Go check it out.
Natalie

12 Days of Christmas

2010-11-30T20:18:00.003+11:00

Starts tomorrow and will be held in the Divas Free Classroom - link is on the left hand side.

Hope to see you all there. We have some wonderfully talented ladies sharing some great projects over the next 12 days.

Natalie

WEEK 2 - PAPER STORAGE IDEAS

2010-01-15T16:59:00.005+11:00

Firstly how did everyone go with last week's challenge. Did you write your lists and know what stuff you have to work on. Well I did and I hope you did too.

Now this week we are going to get a start on Paper Storage. The main staple of scrapbooking. We can't do without our paper.

Firstly we must decide how we are going to sort our papers before we decide on storage ideas.

CARDSTOCK

Now what I just did was sort my cardstock into colours like pinks, browns, blues, greens etc. You might like to do this or to sort into themes or into manufacturers. I found for cardstock that sorting into colours was very easy.

How do you shop for cardstock and patterned paper? When you come to my crop days or you go to your LSS how do they have their cardstock in their store displayed. Or when you go online to buy do you head straight for your favourite manufacturer and paper line. Do you shop by colour, theme or manufacturer. When you have answered these questions these might help you decide what style you would like to go with.

PATTERNED PAPER

Now I found this a bit harder. I think I had my patterned paper in my containers by colours but when I was cleaning and deciding what I wanted to do in my room I decided it would work better by manufacturer. So that is what I have done. Again use the method above to decide what your style you would like to go with.

Maybe you scrap predominantly event-based layouts, do mini albums on a certain theme or have lots of themed patterned paper, then you will want to organise your papers by theme.

STORAGE

So now you have decide how you are going to store your papers whether it be vertical or horizontal.

One tip if you are using a wire paper rack you need to have the paper on the top of the rack either in a zip lock bag or a page protector so that the dust and dirt does not ruin the paper.

Here are some images of some storage ideas I have found.

There are hundreds of vertical and horizontal storage solutions out there you just need to find the one that fits what you are looking for and of course make sure it fits the papers that you wish to store. Take a piece of the paper/s that you want to store with you when you go shopping. I didn't actually have to go shopping, I used what I had already at home. I will post a picture of my paper storage. I use the wire paper racks. My only problem is that my wire paper racks also come to the crop days to put my patterned papers in. So it means that I will have to take my papers out of the racks to take to the crop days so I think I will be hunting around for some cheap ones.

Use rigid containers or dividers to avoid creasing the papers.

Consider placing the vertical storage containers on an adjustable bookshelf so you can minimize the amount of wasted space between shelves. Warning: Paper stacks can be heavy, so don't put too much on one shelf.

As inexpensive substitutes for upright shelf dividers, consider stackable plastic sorting trays found at office supply stores.

Whichever storage method you choose, look for see-through containers. It's much easier to work if you can quickly identify the contents inside your bins.

To really cut down on searching time, label your containers as well. If you're using rigid containers, simply computer-print or handwrite a label on a strip of card stock or a tag and attach to the box front. Even when using see-through containers or open, vertical storage, an easy-to-read label will make finding things at a glance easier.

SCRAPS

Now for those other bits of paper that we seem to collect called SCRAPS.

Again how do you store those SCRAPS or another question do you even use your scraps. If you don't touch them (like me LOL) get rid of them. Either donate them to your local school or to a charity. If not put them in the recycling bin.

You can again store them by colour which I think is the easiest way, you can sort them by size or their intended use eg, photo mats, frames.

Now I have a big plastic storage container that has a few drawers in it and when I was cleaning last week I only had one large draw left so I chucked all my scraps in the one draw. Not ideal but at least they are all in the one spot.

I think the ideal way would be to have a similar plastic storage container that has say about 6 drawers and put them in colours.

These drawers from Ikea are only $24.99.

Put scraps in zip top bags - you can hang them from a Clip It Up, a rod, or a skirt hanger, or sit the bags upright in bins or boxes.

Saving your scraps is a great way to stretch your scrapbooking dollar, but keeping them organized is the only way you'll really be able to take advantage of the little pieces.

Here are a few tips from the book Organisation Tips for Scrapbookers on how to Scrap Savvy.

1. Trimming - Make scraqps appealing - trim torn, punched or bent edges befroe filing.

2. Sizing - If you typically need scraps for photo mats and letter blocks or strips for punching, consider precutting scraps to those sizes and designating a bin specifically for each size.

3. Sorting - File scraps with the same system ou use for cardstock and patterned paper to help you locate colours and designs quickly.

4. Viewing - Situate your scrap container where you'll consistently check it.

5. Combining - If you always bypass the scrap bin, store pieces in folders next to your full sheets of cardstock and paper.

6. Remembering - Routinely sift through your scraps first thing when making cards and gift tags, mini albums, die cuts, punches,labels, collages and accents - before you ever look through your full paper storage.

So this week I want to see some photos of your paper storage and I also want anyone else who has any suggestions that might help us regarding paper storage to post them either here or in the forum.

Divas Scrap Room Organisation Tips and Hints Week 1

2010-01-08T22:01:00.037+11:00

WEEK ONE - GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SCRAP SPACE.

Welcome everyone to a weekly post of hopefully some useful and fun information to get you started on organising your scrapping area whether it be a room, desk or the dining room table.

Lots of people including myself have said that this year is the year for Organising. So I thought I would help you and myself and hopefully we will get organised together.

Probably the first thing everyone needs to do is to PURGE, THROW OUT, GET RID OF, DONATE, CULL whatever you would like to call it before you start. Let go of those items that you have had for years and still have not used. If you want you can go to the forum and participate in our hot potato swap cause as the saying goes someone's trash is someone else's treasures. http://www.scrapbookdivas.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=1458

Tonight I sat down to scrap and couldn't find anything that I wanted. You don't have to do everything all at once but start with little baby steps.

So this first week is about looking at your scrap space as a whole.

So what I would like you to do is whilst you are scrapping this week, have a pen and notepad beside you and write down at every step whilst completing your layout or project how your supplies are helping or hindering your scrapping process.

for example So where are your photos, do you have to go look for them!!!!. Your journalling tags, pens, inks, stamps etc. does it take you half an hour to find your scissors or tape.

you should go through all your supplies and take note of whether they are easy to find. Hopefully you will see a trend in what supplies and storage works well for you. Maybe you have them labelled clearly, they are close to your scrapping desk, they are in vertical files. Then you can start to apply the things that work for you to the things that are not working so good.

Like I said earlier I couldn't find anything tonight when I sat down. LOL

So firstly I would like you to post your list of what works and what is not working for you here in the comments section or in the forum under week 1.
I would also like you to take a photo of your scrap space now as it is. Don't worry about what it looks like but hopefully at the end you will see the transformation. And post it either in the comments or in the forum.

I would also like you to during the week to close your eyes and visualise your dream room and think about the things that are not working for you in your room and how or what you would like to do to make that easier and better. For example at the moment I have all my patterned paper and cardstock in vertical paper storers in my crop tote under my roll top desk in my scrap room. So in my dream space I would like to have paper racks where my roll top desk is with all my patterned papers and cardstock within easy reach of my scrapping area. Jot down the possibilities as you go through each of the problem areas on your list.
Because when we get to paper storage you will have an idea of what you would like and I will be giving you hopefully more suggestions and ideas as well. So by jotting down the ideas as you go you will be well on your way to an organised scraproom.

What Works.

1. Photos - I print as I want photos to scrap plus my photos are stored in a box

2. Magazines are in magazine holders and I have made some of my own with cereal boxes.

3. acrylic stamps stored in a A4 folder in plastic sleeves but this is not ideal

What needs help

1. Paper storage - it is in colours but is not accessible

2. Tools - this only needs a little help as it is accessible just needs some further organisation

3. Photos are stored in a box but in no particular order

4. embellishments are in need of a total overhaul. they are currently stored in clip lock bags

5. Ribbon is stored in clip lock bags in my tote

6. stickers stored in a clip lock bag in my tote

7. stamps stored in a box still in their packages.

Scrap room photos before I started this morning......

And yes that looks disgusting doesn't it.

so come on and enjoy the ride. I started cleaning out this morning and it feels great.

Thank you Diva Designers

2009-12-14T20:19:00.002+11:00

WOW!!! and WOW!!! again ...

THANK YOU to all the Diva Designers who presented the 12 Days of Christmas Extravaganza over on our Free Classroom Blog during the last few weeks. What an amazing array of beautiful, clever projects you have all come up with for us.

Special thanks to our Guest Designers -

And of course thanks also to Diva Rach, and all the Diva girls who have been our guest design team members throughout the year, and not forgetting the lovely boss lady who decided to make it the 13 Days of Christmas LOL.

We hope you have enjoyed our scrappy Christmas ideas - they will remain on the blog for you to refer back to at any time.

5 sleeps to go ...

2009-11-26T12:37:00.002+11:00

Have you been gathering your supplies ... check out the FORUM for more details.

See you there !!!

Design Team Competition - Ready, Set Go !!!

2009-11-22T13:12:00.002+11:00

And they're off and racing ... well, tomorrow anyway LOL.

Yep, Michelle is kicking off her Design Team Competition tomorrow, Monday 23rd November 2009.

Do you have what it takes to be a part of the Divas Team in 2010. It's not too late to register today ... check it all out on the FORUM.
Or maybe you just want to cheer along from the sidelines, that's ok too.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL DT COMP ENTRANTS :o)

And it's only 9 more sleeps until our Divas 12 Days of Christmas Extravaganza !!!

Look forward to seeing you there.

Get Ready for the Divas DT Comp

2009-11-14T15:50:00.002+11:00

Have you got what it takes to be the next Divas Designer???? Michelle will be hosting a Competition commencing MONDAY 23rd NOVEMBER 2009.

Sign up HERE ...

Check out the requirements HERE ...

And answer THESE questions ...

Bring on the challenges !!!

More happening at Divas

2009-11-04T09:42:00.002+11:00

So have you signed up yet for our Divas 12 Days of Christmas Extravaganza? It's going to be a fabulous, creative 12 days. You dont want to miss it.

And coming soon ... Divas Design Team Competition. Yes, Michelle is looking for a fresh new team in 2010. Could it be you?

Register your interest here ... and keep watching for more information coming soon.

Photoshop Tips

2009-10-31T16:09:00.003+11:00

I found these tips whilst looking for photoshop brushes to download and thought it might be useful.

15 Photoshop Tips that you may not have known

1. Increase the Canvas Size with Crop Tool:

We usually use Crop Tool (C) the images, but holding down Ctrl + Alt whilst dragging the Crop Tool to quickly increase the canvas size of a image from all the 4 sides.

2. Duplicate a Layer Style:

To quickly duplicate or to copy and paste a layer style to a object on another layer,just hold down Alt key and drag on the "fx" which indicates layer styles. Alternatively if you just want to move a layer style just drag the "fx" and drop the layer where you want it to move.

3. Toggle between several open documents:

If you have more than one documents open at same time, you can quickly toggle through them pressing Ctrl + Tab keys.

4. Layer Visibility:

To hide all the layers except just one, hold down Alt key and click on the Eye Icon on the Layer Palette, this will hide all the other layer. To again make all the layers visible just do the same.

5. Select Alternative Layers:
Now, I am sure you might know that selecting a layer and then clicking on some other layer whilst holding down Shift Key selects all the consecutive layers between them, BUT if you just want to select say Layer 1 and Layer 3 and maybe just Layer 6, then just hold down Ctrl key and click on the layer which you want to select in the Layer Palette, this way only the alternative layers (i.e only the layers that you want) will be selected.

6. See The Text Color:
When you’re working with type, the obvious way to change color is to highlight the text and then pick a new hue by double-clicking the Foreground Color and choosing from the Color Picker. But the problem with this method is, because the text is highlighted, you can’t see the color change. To get around this, click the color square in the Options Bar. As you change the color, you’ll see the type alter accordingly.

7. Plotting Points on Curves:

Curves can play a great role on perfecting the tones in a image, and you can end up with a lot of different effects simply by playing about with the Curves dialog. You can plot the specific color(s), just open up dialog box and hold down Ctrl key and click on any color in your image, a point will appear on the curve that represents the color, ready for you to edit.

8. Reset Any Dialogue Box:

You can easily Reset any open dialogue box, press Alt key and click on Cancel button which has automatically become a Reset button when you pressed the Alt key.

9. Centre Point of a Document:

A quick trick for finding the centre of an object is to Go to Edit>Free Transform and you’ll see a bounding box appear. There’s a useful handle in the centre of the top, bottom and side lines, so go to View>Rulers and then pull out to those guides. Alternatively you can use the following Photoshop Action I have made especially to locate the guides to the centre point of the document.

10. Do away with Palettes, Toolbox and Option Bar:

Hit the Tab key and all the Palettes, Toolbox and Option Bar will disappear. This is particularly useful when you just want the image to be on the artboard, hit Tab again to get them all back. Alternatively, if you just want to do away with only Palettes hold down Shift key and hit Tab.

11. Image on a Specific Angle:

If you ever want to get an image to follow a specific angle, with your image open, go to the Measure Tool (I) and click and drag a line to the angle you want. Now go to the Edit menu select Transform>Rotate. The layer will then snap to the line you drew.
Note:Remember that your layer should not be locked.

12. Add, Rename or Delete a Swatch:

Right click on a swatch in Swatch Palette to quickly create a new Swatch or rename it or delete it. Another tip to quickly delete a swatch.
Hold down Alt key and notice how the cursor changes into Scissor icon allowing you to delete a swatch.
Same is true for Brush, Style Palette etc.

13. Move and Transform Selection:

Drag on the document with the Marquee Tool (M) without releasing the mouse, hold down Spacebar, it will let you move the selection anywhere you like.

Also, you can transform a Selection by choosing Select>Transform Selection.

14. Scale Layer Style/Effects:

If you apply a layer style to a object and are picky like me to have it only this much or just that much, worry not, you can easily adjust how much of a layer style to be applied by Right clicking on Layer Style icons (fx) and choosing Scale Effect, in the corresponding dialogue box you can easily scale effects by moving the slider.

15. Open a Layered File as a Flattened Image:

If you want to just have a quick look at the file, it can be a time consuming task waiting for all the layers to load, if your file has lots of layers. But there is a nifty trick to turn it around, Go to File>Open and find the layered file you want. Before clicking Open, hold down Shift+Alt and Photoshop will open a flattened version of that file.

Get Ready for Christmas

2009-10-28T09:04:00.002+11:00

Mark your calendar now, you dont want to miss this!!!
12 days of scrapping and creating goodness - heaps of ideas for gifts and cards and making your home look festive for the Christmas season.

Register here today!!!

Jen Hall's Sneak Peak

2009-10-18T19:30:00.003+11:00

Hi ladies

Here is a sneak for what is to come in Jen Hall's class for this Saturday commencing at 10 am and using the fantastic Cosmo Cricket Earth Love papers. The below shows you a sneak of 2 different layouts that you will be making on the day.

You will be required to provide one 6x4 photo in landscape orientation for one layout and 5x7 in landscape orientation for the other layout. Plus your usual scrapping supplies and Jen will provide the ink and border punch!!

If you wish to purchase a spot in this class or the kit you can do so by clicking here.

If you have any questions please let me know.

The raffle tickets will be $2.00 per ticket or 3 for $5.00 and will be sold throughout the morning.

Fundraiser Update

2009-10-14T09:30:00.002+11:00

Not long to go now till the fundraiser and you get time to yourself to scrap and chat LOL
Here is one page from Marion Werren's beautiful class.

MARION WERREN'S CHRISTMAS ACCORDIAN FOLD ALBUM CLASS
Extra requirements not provided in the kit -

Adhesive: Foam Mounting Tape.
EMBELLISHMENTS: Pearls: Red & Green, Rhinestones: Red & Green. Ribbon: 1metre of any ribbon of choice to tie up your album, (I used a 1” wide striped organza), Pen: Black for journaling
PHOTOS: 4” x 6” Portrait Colour (4), 4” x 6” Landscape Colour (2), 2 ¼” x 3 ½” Landscape Colour (1) for the front of the house.

sneak peak of one other page.

We will also be having in the shop on the day some Mystery Diva Paper & Flower Packs ranging in price from $2.00 to $15.00. The flower packs are jammed packed with all sorts of flowers and the paper packs have matching papers with embellishments. It will be like a lucky dip and you won't actually know what you have received until you unwrap your parcel.

So make sure you sign up for the classes and the kits as soon as possible.

Scrapbook Divas and Girls Night In October Fundraiser

2009-10-04T16:09:00.034+11:00

Well ladies the Fundraiser is not that far away so I thought that I would try and give you an update on the progress.

When: Saturday 24th October 2009

Where: Edgeworth Bowling Club,

Edgeworth

Time: 9am to 9pm

We will be holding 2 classes during the 12 hours.

These will cost $12.00 for each class and the whole of proceeds from the classes will be donated to the Gilrs Night In. The kits for both classes will be $25.00 per kit or the 2 kits for $45.00.

These will be available soon in the Divas shop or on the day. If you wish to purchase the class and kits now you can by going here. Once Marion and Jen have done their samples I will post sneaks and I will also post a copy of the kit when I get them.

The first class will be with Jen Hall from 10am to 12pm using the Cosmo Cricket Earth Love papers and during this time she will be making 2 layouts. Further details will be coming soon as well as the kit to complete this class. To view Jen Hall's work you can check out her blog.

The second class will be with Marion Werren from 2pm to 4pm. Marion is planning a Christmas project that I am sure will be stunning. She will be using the Bo Bunny St Nick and Tis The Season ranges. Further details will be coming soon as well as the kit to complete this class. To view Marion's work you can check out her blog.

We will also be conducting a raffle with all the proceeds going to the Girls Night In.

The major prize for this raffle will be the Making Memories Limited Edition Pink Slice with a RRP of $416.90. This comes

with the Starter Kit and the bonus Think Pink Design Card.

Another prize will be 4 x $10 gift vouchers from my friend Kim Archer from Kim Archer Workshops at Home http://www.kimarcher.com.au/.

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact me at michelle@scrapbookdivas.com.au.

World Card Making Day

2009-10-02T14:59:00.003+10:00

Yes it's world card making day this Saturday, 3rd October.

Card making apparently goes back to ancient Chinese times ... and today there at least 1 in 6 American households that participate in card making and over 80% of scrapbookers are also card makers.

So join the SCRAPBOOK DIVAS girls this w/end for some quick and easy card making challenges ... and there are RAK's up for grabs.

Check out the forum here for all the information.

Diva Rach has already whipped up a sample for us ... here's a sneek to whet your appetite.

Crazy Crop Winners

2009-09-17T10:16:00.002+10:00

Announcing our next QUEEN OF THE CROP ... KAREN !!!
Congratulations Karen, you've completed all our challenges and they are all gorgeous and inspiring. You will be joining boss lady Michelle, Rach and myself for the next 3 months (yep, extra month in there this time) as our Guest Design Team member. Cant wait to see more of your lovely work gracing the gallery and inspiring us in the forum.

Congratulations also to the winners of each challenge ...

Rach's Challenge 1 - Jacqui

Dannielle's Challenge 2 - Karen

Rach's Challenge 3 - Lyndal (allacallyn)

Dannielle's Challenge 4 - Tam

Boss Lady Michelle's Challenge 5 - Amanda

These lovely ladies all receive $10 shopping vouchers ... go nuts in the shop girls :o)

Congratulation again to the winners, and the Honorable Mentions, and the EVERYONE for participating and the DT for coming up with all the challenges and samples.

Crazy Crop Week now over

2009-09-15T09:36:00.002+10:00

Yes our crazy week of challenges and lots of fun has now finished but the hardest task of all has only just begun ... choosing winners !!!

Stay tuned for the announcement of the challenge winners and Queen of the Crop.

In the mean time, check out the awesome display of creativity and inspiration in our gallery HERE.

It's on ... right now ... today ... and all week!!!

2009-09-07T09:34:00.002+10:00

CRAZY CROPPING WEEK has started ... check it all out here.

Rach and our Guest Designer Dannielle have some wonderful challenges for us this week, and the Boss Lady herself is posting a challenge on Friday.

Shopping vouchers, prizes and RAK's up for grabs PLUS a 3 month Guest Design Team spot for Queen of the Crop. What a great opportunity, so get Crazy with us this week :o)

Happy Scrapping ...

The next Crazy Crop Week ...

2009-08-19T11:47:00.002+10:00

Mark your calendar for Divas next CRAZY CROP WEEK commencing Monday 7th September.

5 challenges, 1 each day
Friday night Games & Chat
Prizes and more prizes
Queen of the Crop

Register HERE and keep checking for hints.

FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN

Welcome to the "Queen Team" ...

2009-07-27T10:46:00.003+10:00

Another CC done and dusted. OMG it gets harder each time to chose not only winners for each challenge but the Queen of the Crop too. The scrapping world has such a diverse range of people with such a diverse range of talents - I find it constantly amazing at the endless designs and styles people come up with on their pages. Rarely is there any pages alike.

But I digress ..... my apologies.

I'm here to announce the winners and QOTC. So firstly, a big round of applause to DANNIELLE who has been chosen as the Queen of the Crop. Well done Dan and congratulations. We look forward to working with you over the next 2 months in your Guest Design Team role.

How much work is in this lovely mini pizza box and card set. It's just gorgeous isn't it.

Dan is the winner of Mel's Challenge 1.

And the other winners are ...

Mel's Challenge 2 - MANDY

Rach's Challenge 3 - KARENF

Rach's Challenge 4 - MILLYMOLLY

Amanda's Challenge 5 - AMANDA (yes, a different one LOL).

Blind scrap challenge - KEZOD

You can see all the winning entries HERE.

Thank you EVERYONE for joining in our Crazy Crop week. We hope you had lots of fun and mostly importantly, got lots of pages and projects done.

Another CRAZY CROPPING week is on

2009-07-11T13:54:00.002+10:00

Yes it's time for another of our fabulous CRAZY CROP weeks over at Divas.

Starting Monday 13th July, there will be a challenge each day Monday-Friday. There is lots of fun and chat on Friday night 17th in the chat room and the forum and then you have all weekend to scrap and catch up on the challenges - entries are due in the gallery by MIDNIGHT MONDAY 20th July !!!

Shopping vouchers for each winner of each challenge, RAK's up for grabs during Friday Night Fun and of course, there's the overall winner who will be named QUEEN OF THE CROP and given a 2 month spot as Guest Designer at Divas.

Sign up now and get ready for a FABULOUS and FUN crazy week of scrapping :)

Hurry ... Sale is ending soon

2009-06-28T12:32:00.002+10:00

Yes I said a SALE !!! But you need to hurry, because it is ending at midnight Monday 29th June.

Michelle has been having a HUGE end of financial year sale (EOFYS) and would you believe, there's up to 60% off. You will find all the sale items HERE.

Lots of ladies have already nabbed themselves a box full of bargains (myself included) so dont miss out.

Happy shopping ... and happy scrapping :)

More in the gallery

2009-06-20T10:35:00.002+10:00

Just uploading 2 more closeups for you all.... Using the AC papers which are running out of the shop that fast! Get in quick. Call in at the gallery too to see the full images of these ones ...

15 mins of creating

2009-06-18T12:46:00.003+10:00

and I get this...

One sheet of black card, some leftover scraps and a few simple standard embellishments. Its been a while since I've done things this simple but I'm really happy with it. Pop into the gallery to see better photos of both projects.

closeups

2009-06-03T14:45:00.002+10:00

Hiya, Diva Rach here.

I've actually completed some scrapping this month already!!!

I picked the colour challenge to start me off and my sample is now in the gallery - come check it out!! I'm uploading the closeups here for you all.

Queen of the Crop

2009-06-01T15:50:00.002+10:00

The race has been run and won ... by AMANDA (aka fatfrumpette).

CONGRATULATIONS Amanda, and everyone who joined in our week of crazy fun.

I'm sure Amanda will have a great time over the next two months working with Michelle, Rach, Mel and I and receiving lots of yummy new products to play with and inspire us all with her creations.

On that note, I would like to offer a huge THANK YOU to Nat for her efforts and contributions over the last 2 months in her Guest Designer role. It's been fabulous having you on the team Nat, well done :)

Now it's time for some eye candy, yes, new goodies in the shop. I reckon it must be like Christmas at Michelle's place every time a new order arrives LOL. I would love to be opening the boxes and drooling over everything.

Fancy Pants ... (would you believe the Kraft Kits sold out instantly so Michelle has already ordered more of these ... stay tuned). See the whole range HERE.

Kaisercraft OTP kits ... fabulous value with EVERYTHING you need to make a beautiful album. There's the butterfly album or the train album to chose from. Go HERE to check them out.

And Heidi Swapp Mega Masks have arrived as well. Check these out. Can you believe they are 12x12 in size. Fabulous value.

Lastly, some more gorgeous and delicious ranges from My Minds Eye are in store now as well. Find them all HERE.

Crazy Cropping Winners

2009-05-26T13:41:00.002+10:00

What a wonderful, crazy week we've had. Thank you so much to EVERYONE for joining in the challenges, chat and fun. So here are the winners for the 5 challenges ...

Rach's Challenge 1 - Spring Card ... KARENF

Mel's Challenge 2 - Mum themed LO ... GAIL

Rach's Challenge 3 - Inspiration challenge ... DAN

Nat's Challenge 4 - Inchies LO ... FATFRUMPETTE (Amanda)

Nat's Challenge 5 - card with decorated inchies ... TAM

Each of these ladies will receive $10 to spend in the Divas store - happy shopping ladies :)

And what better time to go shopping than with lots of exciting new stock arriving this week ...

Check it out HERE :)

And stay tuned for the QUEEN OF THE CROP announcement ...

2009-05-19T16:09:00.001+10:00

Yes, it's Crazy Cropping Week at Divas again.

Please come on over and join us, it's not too late.

Monday's and Tuesday's challenges have been posted and there'll be another one each day til Friday, then on Friday night, join us in the chat room for lots of fun and games and chat, oh, and maybe something special in the shop??? Ooops, I've said too much LOL ;)

This is where you'll find everything you need to know about the Crazy Crop.

See you there ...

April Winners & May Happenings

2009-05-03T11:53:00.004+10:00

Firstly, the line up of entries for our April challenges was wonderful, thank you everyone. It made judging by the DT very difficult, let me assure you :)

So, CONGRATULATIONS to (and happy shopping with your $10 Diva voucher) ...

Colour Challenge - Dan

Challenge Tuesdays - Kezod

Scraplift the Master - Di

The May challenges are all up and can be found here. We would love to see lots of entries again this month so get scrapping girls :)

May is also the month for our next CRAZY CROP, yes it's rolled around yet again. Nat has been doing a wonderful job in her spot as Guest Designer for April and May - would you like the chance to join the DT for June and July? Then you need to register here. There's also vouchers and prizes up for grabs.

Mark your diary now, a week of challenges, chat and general craziness (LOL) from Monday 18th May at Divas. You also need to make sure you are here for our Friday Night Games - Diva Style.

Finally, here's the round up on our new products for May.

The funky Lime Ricky from Basic Grey ...

And look what's coming from Kaisercraft ... how cool are these and GREAT value.

May Mother's Day Divalicous Kit

2009-04-20T11:15:00.002+10:00

Here it is, the May Divalicous Kit, created by Diva Mel. And as a bonus this month, your kit will include FREE instructions to make all the proejcts Mel has created with this gorgeous kit.

Her work is just stunning, I'm sure you will agree, and as there are only a limited number of these beautiful kits, you'd better be quick. Find them here in the shop and check out your shopping cart quickly so you dont miss out. They are only $24.99 each, fabulous value.

Yummy Goodness in the Shop Now

2009-04-18T17:58:00.003+10:00

You will find all the new stuff HERE.

Here's some sneeks to whet your appetite ... pardon the pun (check out the new Teresa Collins ranges hehehe).

Gorgeous rubons from Paper Inklings ...

And the beautiful new Crate Paper ranges - Lilian and Orbit - both with unique die cut papers and embellishments.

And coming very soon is the May Divalicious Kit. Mel has created some STUNNING samples and instructions to comlete all her projects will be included with the kit as a bonus.

Have a look here for sneeks ... with Mother's Day only weeks away, this is one kit you do not want to miss.

Happy scrapping everyone :)

Announcing another winner ...

2009-04-13T10:50:00.002+10:00

Another drum roll please ... the winner of our FORUM POINTS COMPETITION is ...

MANDY

followed closely by ...

Karen

Linda

Natalie

The points tally was very close and the positions constantly changed throughout the competition.

Well done girls, and well done EVERYONE - the forum was just pumping and the gallery bursting with gorgeous creations and inspiration.

I truly hope this continues - Divas is such a wonderful community.

Have you seen the latest goodies in the shop??? You must check it all out here.

These "boy" and "girl" CREDIT CRUNCHER kits are a MUST for your stash - $24.99 each INCLUDING postage, that's a recession buster in anyone's language LOL.

There's also cute new goodies from My Little Shoebox and Kaisercraft, including their fabulous clear stamps. Keep your eyes peeled for more new products arriving shortly.

PS. Thankfully, the forum problem now seems to be fixed - apologies for the inconvenience over the Easter weekend. Make sure you pop in and chat with us.

Forum is down

2009-04-11T10:28:00.001+10:00

Just wanted to apologise that the forum is down at the moment and my web guys are currently looking into.

Ooops ... CONGRATULATIONS NATALIE!!!

2009-04-04T17:29:00.004+11:00

It appears I have neglected to post some very exciting news here ... my apologies ... so without further ado, the big news is ... NATALIE RAYNOR is our Queen of the Crop and Guest Design Team Member for April and May.

Natalie's work through out our Crazy Cropping week was just gorgeous and her overall participation as well earned her this reward. Well done Natalie and a big welcome to the Divas Team.

Natalie has already been hard at work setting the April Colour Challenge and creating samples ... check out out here.

There's lots of new yummy goodies arriving in the shop. Check it all out here.

Credit Cruncher Kits - $24.99 each INCLUDING postage.

My Little Shoebox ...

Maya Road ...

Stay tuned for another VERY exciting announcement coming here SOON ...

Sale Time @ Divas

2009-03-17T12:54:00.002+11:00

SALE SALE SALE

Continuing the Celebrations for Scrapbook Divas 3rd Birthday we're having a huge sale.

Dont miss it ... 25% off (excluding new stuff, kits, bazzill) and the Christmas Shoppe has 50% off !!!

Be quick ... find it all here ... http://scrapbookdivas.com.au/index.php

Our Crazy Cropping Week has been a huge success - Queen Of the Crop will be announced soon.

The Forum Points Competition is continuing - you can still register and join in for your chance to win some GREAT prizes.

Find it all here ... http://scrapbookdivas.com.au/forum/

2009-03-01T18:59:00.009+11:00

3rd BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS.

Well who can believe that Divas is 3 and the new website is now 12 months old. We have lots of new and exciting competition and prizes happening this month.

Its our 3rd Birthday and to celebrate that we will be having a new competition, a week long Crazy Cropping, New Divalicious Kit and of course a Birthday Sale.

THE NEW MARCH DIVALICIOUS KIT is now in store with a RRP of $40.00 there is a great saving of $10.00 for this month.

Diva Rach is busy whipping up some samples using this fantastic Back to School Kit.
________________________________________________________

Introducing Crazy Cropping.

COMMENCING ON MONDAY 9TH MARCH AND FINISHING AT MIDNIGHT MONDAY 16TH MARCH 2009

5 challenges, one per day from Monday - Friday.

FRIDAY NIGHT CHAT, GAMES AND SHOPPING.

$10 DIVA DOLLARS for each challenge winner.

Queen of the crop prize awarded to most outstanding participant (must have chatted, commented in gallery, participated in all 5 challenges competently).
The winner will be our Guest Designer for
April and May and receive DT Pack.

for all the details and registration check it out in the forum.
_________________________________________________________

THE DIVAS 3RD BIRTHDAY FORUM POINTS COMPETITION.

Commencing on the 9th March we will be conducting a NEW FORUM POINTS COMPETITITON with the following prizes

1st Prize Cuttlebug with some dies value $140.00

2nd Prize a Bella Pack valued at $100

3rd prize another pack containing products from Kazazz and from Divas valued at $70.00

4th prize store voucher to the value of $40.00

*Firstly everyone needs to register to be able to participate.
*Registrations will close on 8th March 2009.
*For Further information regarding the points you can check it all out in the forum.

2009-02-24T12:16:00.006+11:00

This is the new collection of My Minds Eye papers that are now in store and can be found here along with some very cute embellishments.

Valentine's Weekend Challenge 2

2009-02-15T10:46:00.002+11:00

Hi again girls, here's your second challenge for the weekend. 3 criteria ...

Single photo
Journalling ... about why you love the subject of the photo - the photo can be of anything you like, a person/people, a place, an object etc ... and I'd like to see a decent amount of journalling (can be in point form, or a block of text, journalling strips, hidden etc)
Distressing and/or paint

Happy scrapping ladies and dont forget to have your entries uploaded to the Divas Gallery by midnight on Wednesday 18th February to be in the running for a RAK.

It's a weekend of LOVE

2009-02-13T17:56:00.002+11:00

For those of us who aren't being whisked away for a romantic weekend by our significant other, here's something to keep the "love" alive ... a few scrapping challenges.

I will be posting 2 challenges this Valentine's weekend which are due to be uploaded to the Divas Gallery no later than midnight on Wednesday 18th February.

Michelle will have a little goodie bag for one lucky, random winner. You must complete both challenges to be in the draw.

Happy scrapping ...

CHALLENGE ONE

Create a layout/card/OTP/ATC using the monochromatic colour scheme of RED.

Easy peasy :) Look forward to seeing your creations.

Go here to chat with us on the Divas forum.

Go here to checking out our gallery and upload your entries.

pinch and a punch!!

2009-02-01T19:04:00.004+11:00

Its the first of the month, and that means new challenge time!!!

We have started a whole new set of challenges, 5 in total.

All challenges begin on the first of the month and are due on the 28th.

Winners will be announced in the newsletter and here (as well as the forum) on the first of each month.

Introducing:

Scraplift the Master - a new challenge by Diva Mel, showcasing a layout design for you to copy.

Creative Cards Challenge - another challenge by the talented Mel, showing you some card making techniques and samples to use as inspiration to create your own.

Colour challenge - this will be brought to you each month by our current Guest Design Team Member, and will be just that, a challenge to use a set of colours on your layout.

A Year In Review - another new challenge, by myself (Rach), which is a sketch and sample for you to use to help create your yearly journal pages.

Challenge Tuesday Twists - a bit of a sketch/blind challenge - this challenge will be given in several parts throughout the month, building onto top of a basic sketch and colour criteria.

Lots of prizes up for grabs, so why not enter all of them!!!

And if thats not enough to keep you going, there is also another challenge - a book of me, run by one of our forum members, MillyMolly. A great way to record things about yourself for your family to look back on in years to come.

Follow the links to check out the criteria for this month. And remember, this year at Divas, we are concentrating on simplifying our scrapbooking and getting layouts done and into albums.

Love, love, love

2009-01-28T09:28:00.003+11:00

Love is in the air at Divas - Have you checked out the shop? It is filled with 'LOVE'

All projects made using, new Teresa Collins and Little Yellow Bicycle range. Check out the free online classroom blog for instructions for the heart pouch. It is filled with chocolates ready for someone special

CHALLENGE # 3

2009-01-23T22:12:00.004+11:00

Happy Australia Day everyone!!!!!!! What are we all getting up to today.

The 3rd Challenge for the weekend is

"WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN AUSSIE".

The only criteria for this challenge is there needs to be some journalling and you need to use the colours RED, WHITE AND BLUE.

CHALLENGE # 2

2009-01-23T22:00:00.006+11:00

Well I have to be out early in the morning so I am posting this tonight LOL

CHALLENGE NUMBER 2 FOR THE AUSTRALIA DAY WEEKEND IS A LETTER CHALLENGE. AND THE LETTER IS OF COURSE A.

So you can start by using products and topics that start with the letter A. The categories that could be used are products, techniques/tools, topics, words, embellishments.

Products – Autumn Leaves, AMERICAN CRAFTS
Techniques, tools – acrylic stamps, aging
Topic – Autumn, Anniversary, AUSTRALIA DAY
Words – AUSTRALIA, always, arrive, accomplish
Embellishments – acetate, acrylic, arrows, anchors
Colours – aqua, Avocado, apricot
Use this list as a jump start. Combine them, use one category or all of them

CHALLENGE NO: 1

2009-01-23T17:08:00.008+11:00

Ok for the first Australia Day Weekend Challenge the theme is "GREAT AUSSIE SONGS". Here are some examples to get you thinking.

Great Southern Land
I come from a land down under
I Love a sunburnt country
Redback on the toilet seat

I want you to incorporate a GREAT AUSSIE SONG into your layout

I want to see some of the GREAT AUSSIE SONG in your journalling on the layout

I want to see some Green and Gold

AUSTRALIA DAY LONG WEEKEND

2009-01-23T16:01:00.008+11:00

Welcome to 2009 and I thought I would start using the blog more so to kick off the long weekend I will be posting an Australian themed challenge each day of the weekend commencing tomorrow for you all to have a go at.

Everyone that enters will go in the draw to win some Tim Holtz Alpha Grungeboard valued at $34.95 for 26 sheets of alphas.

All challenges need to be posted in the gallery in the Scrapping Themes gallery http://scrapbookdivas.com.au/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=65
by midnight Sunday 1st February 2009 and there must be at least 4 entries for the prize to be given.

Divalicious November Kit

2008-11-05T21:28:00.008+11:00

This fantastic kit designed by Diva Rachael is now in store for $35.00. you can also purchase a coordinating cardstock kit to go with it.

http://scrapbookdivas.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=759

Here are also a couple of the layouts done by Rachael Merrick.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK TILL THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2008 IS 15% OFF KAISERCRAFT PRODUCTS.

Online Auction for Girls Night In

2008-10-12T22:48:00.002+11:00

SCRAPBOOK DIVAS AND THE “GIRLS NIGHT IN” PRESENT THE DIVAS ONLINE CHARITY AUCTION TO BE HELD FROM SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER TO SUNDAY 26TH OCTOBER. ALL MONIES RAISED FROM THE AUCTION WILL GO TO THE “GIRLS NIGHT IN” AND THE FIGHT FOR WOMENS CANCER.

DESIGNERS - Rachael Merrick, Melleny Ams, Marion Werron, Jen Hall, Charmane Koch and Nicole Pomeroy. All these great girls are well published and have given their time for this event and I would like to sincerely thank them.

CONCEPT— Bid on your favourite designer and if you are the winning bidder your designer will be completing a layout just for you.

WHERE— www.ebay.com.au

Further details with the link to the items on ebay will be forthcoming the night before the auction begins and will be posted in the Scrapbook Divas forum.

So come along and donate some much needed funds to raise awareness of all women’s cancer.

Mel's Online Class

2008-09-17T20:33:00.001+10:00

I CAN LOG IN

2008-03-08T18:53:00.001+11:00

YIPPEEEE I can now log in.

there are a few hitches but please be patient and remember to log in using your email address and password that you used to get into the old shop.

WE HAVE LIFTOFF

2008-03-08T15:11:00.001+11:00

YIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

The new site is finally live, so go take a look and give me some feedback whether good or bad and let me know what you think.

THIS ONE TIME AT SCRAP CAMP

2008-03-04T11:35:00.016+11:00

I know I have been a bad blogger but couldn't get these images to load to the gallery so thought I would come her and load them here.

Well what can I say about a fantastic weekend. It was lots of hard work for me lots of stress but know that I have done it I feel more confident that I can do it again. LOL. Maybe. Here are some photos that were taken and from the feedback I have had everyone enjoyed themselves.

The Diva Girls from the Forum

random shots of vicky, me, Jen, Helen, Belinda, Julie, Mishel, Pauline, Robyn

photos of the actual scrapping room. the bedrooms are off this main room.

Thankyou to Vicky & Jen for doing their classes they were well received and everyone had a great time.

To Vicky and Karlene for coming from Melbourne and Brisbane I really appreciate it. To Helen, Janelle, Kristy, Julie & Jackie for coming 6 hours in a car full of 5 crazy women and scrapping stuff, you girls were so funny and I loved having you there.

To my sister Bronwyn for helping me out and keeping me in line and giving me advise. I thought the big sister was suppose to give the little sister the advise. I do look younger than her though. LOL.

To meeting all the Diva girls especially who I have not met before was one of the best experiences of my life and really hard to explain.

And I found this photo on Jen's blog that she has put in her Journal. Love that photo.

So I am looking into doing it again. so stay tuned.

IN OTHER EXCITING NEWS, THE NEW WEBSITE IS NEARLY HEAR.

THE DIVAS SITE WILL BE CLOSING DOWN TOMORROW TO BE REOPENING (HOPEFULLY FINGERS CROSSED) IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. SO STAY TUNED FOR BIG RELAUNCH AND 2ND BIRTHDAY SALE WITH SOME GREAT PRIZES AND SALES. THE OLD FORUM AND GALLERY WILL BE ARCHIVED ON THE SITE SO WE WILL STILL BE ABLE TO SEE WHAT WE HAD DONE PREVIOUSLY BUT WE WILL BE GETTING A NEW FORUM, CHATROOM AND GALLERY.

Diva Rachael will also be conducting an online class with us hopefully on Monday 17th March 2008. Creating a multiphoto layout for all those xmas photos and if you don't want to do xmas photos I will have some other selections available. Prices and kits will be available next week.

My Birthday Again

2007-12-10T21:59:00.000+11:00

I am just recording this for myself.
Seems like I should just copy and paste from last year.
Why do I feel that nobody cares about my birthday. My kids had to be reminded. Taylah is still behaving badly and so am I. DH bought the wrong coloured jewellry even though I gave him a picture of what I would have liked. I have never worn silver in my life and I got silver jewellry because that was the picture I gave him.
My best friend from Sydney hasn't called.
My friend Karen took me to morning tea this morning after I had a melt down with Taylah and after going on about how bad my life was, she told me she is having a biopsy on a lump she found in her breast. 39, 3 kids, partner, 9,7, and 8 months.
no cake as I had a job information evening to go to. but DH got home at 6.45pm but still no cake

Do I expect too much from people.
I remember everyones birthday, I might not send a card but I give them a call.
I always give to everyone else and feel so upset when I don't get anything in return even from my own family.

I feel I am a bad mother, nothing has changed with Taylah's behaviour and it seems to be worse. I think I have to change my attitude. we clash about everything, we fight about everything, I yell about everything. I need to do something about it.

have so much other stuff going on doing too many things at the one time but they need to be done.
looking for a job
running divas is a full time job
decluttering my house to see if I can be more organised and less stressed.
paperwork and getting our tax ready.
organising the paperwork
organising the girls rooms
organising the main bedroom
getting the new room built
xmas
planning for what to do next year on Divas
getting a new website
organising the retreat.

anyway just for my records I have done more crying today and was only thinking about how much I need someone that I can just call and say "hey do you want to go and have a coffee" right now, a girlfriend that can help me out when I need it, a friend that will listen, I don't know just someone. I have never really had a real friend that I can tell everything to and that is one of the things I wish for my girls. to have that someone.

I am going to try and blog every week starting in the new year.

Spring Has Sprung

2007-09-09T22:05:00.000+10:00

Well not much happening in the Thomas household. DH has been sick with the flu for the last couple of days but overall we have been ok.

I am going to Merewether High from Wednesday to work in the office for 7 days full time. OMG that is going to kill me.

Lots happening at the Divas shop and I am going to try and keep things up to date on my blog.

Anyway the first thing is the new online class that is going to be held by Diva Rachel on Tuesday night.

Even though it is too late to get the class kit out, there are class spots available for $5.00.

Just click here.

We also have a SPRING CLEAN SALE HAPPENING WITH 60% OFF SELECTED ITEMS.

You will have to be quick for this.

Also spend over $30.00 in the month of September and be in the running to win an Autumn Leaves paper pack.

Sick

2007-08-20T22:06:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone

bad blogger again.

Well I have been laid low by first the flu then pneumonia for 3 weeks.

I have had no work so that was good as I have not been able to do much of anything lately.

The girls have just had the ears and throat thing going all the time but thank goodness nothing like what I had.

I took Maddison to the ENT about her whole in her ear that she perforated in May and it still hasn't healed, so she has to have full water precautions to keep her ear dry and then back to the specialist in November.

Taylah has been having more Bob problems and I am off to see the teacher in the morning.

got a call from Merewether High School this afternoon about coming to work in the office in September. She asked whether I had worked in an school office before and I said no but if it was alright with her could I come and do some volunteer work there to see if they thought I was suitable. So I am going there on Monday and Tuesday or whenever they want me to and hopefully I will get the 7 days work in september.

THE DIVAS SITE

To get a new website or not or a redevelopment or not.

they say all these things and offer all these things, it makes it so confusing and it is lots of money that I don't have.

Jode has had to step down from her DT position because of her new principals job. I will miss her input and will love to have her back when she is ready. Good Luck Jode.

New stuff in store plus a 20-30% off lots of items SALE

Tagged

2007-07-25T21:26:00.000+10:00

I have been tagged by the lovely vicky. This the first time that I have done this so will see how I go.

A-Z's of Me

A- Age: 44
B - Bed size - Queen
C - Chore you hate - all housework
D - Dessert you love - Lemon meringue pie
E - Eggs, favourite kind - fried and sloppy
F - Favourite actor/s- Mel Gibson
G - Gold or Silver - Gold
H - Height - 5 ft nothing
I- Instruments you play - none
J - Job title - Head Diva, SAHM, unemployed
K - Kid/s - 2 girls
L - Living Arrangements - DH, two kids, single storey 3 bedroom house and cat
M - Mum's name - nancy
N- Nicknames - Shell Bell, Shelly
O - Overnigh Hospital stay other than giving birth: at about 32 weeks pregnant with Maddison I had severe abdominal pains and they thought I either had appendisitis or gall bladder, but then they said I probably just had a virus and then I had chest pains and had to have all the heart tests as well but put it down to a virus.
P-Phobia - hate spiders
Q - Quotes - don't know
R - Right orleft handed - right handed
S - Siblings 2 younger sister and a brother
T - Temper - yes thanks
U - Unique habit - don't know
V - Vegetable you hate - peas but I still eat them
W -worst habit - shouting at my kids (that is not a habit that is wrong)
X - Xrays you've had - arm, foot, chest
Y - Yummy food you make - can't cook
Z - Zodiac Sign - Sagutarius

I tag Donna and Jode and anyone else that might come by.

June Storm

2007-07-25T20:49:00.001+10:00

Well you have all read about the June storms on the long weekend in Newcastle and I just wanted to record it so that I will have it.

Friday 8th June - it was a terrible day and maddison had just been in hospital and this was her first day at school since tuesday and my first day at work as well. Taylah woke up complaining that she didn't feel very well, the weather was atrocious already outside and freezing cold. Taylah wanted to come home with me at 11 when I finished work and I said that I would see. Anyway when I had finished the weather hadn't got any better so decided to take both of them home to the warmth and safety.
We left school and went to Warners Bay to get some milk and bread and they were already blacked out. I still didn't realise the severity of what was to come. Daddy came home at lunch time which was about 12.30 and I still didn't realise how bad the weather was. we had a terrific storm and it hailed and was windy. the rain was so bad our garage flooded and I had to make sure that the scrapbooking stuff that I store there was not getting damaged.
Greg went back to work and just went down the road and said the road is flooded and a car is stuck in there. Still didn't really realise what was to come.
So the girls and I pottered around the rest of the arvo, I got tea ready and still hadn't had the radio or tv on to see any news. It wasn't until my neighbour Paul rang and said is everything ok. I said yes why?. He said because Greg is not home and I said yes but he doesn't normally get home till 7.30 and my neighbour said Michelle the area is flooded, Cardiff is flooded and he probably can't get home. By this time there was no mobile service but I managed to get a text message to him to at least know that he was ok. But it was still another hour or so before he actually made it home.
Mum and dad were in Noosa and bronwyn and David were in NT.
That night still didn't realise how bad things were.
Went to bed and Taylah came in about 11.45 and said it was too noisy in her bed and because I had been up with maddison during the week because of her teeth I was really not in the mood. So she jumped into our bed and I went out to her bed. I would never have forgiven myself if a tree had fallen on the back of the house. Anyway I went to her bed and because I was so tired I was dead to the world until Greg came in with a torch in my face. I thought I had forgotten to put the alarm on for him to get up to go to work. No stupid we are in the middle of a cyclone. We had lost power.I jumped up and then could hear the noise. the kids were ok and asleep. how I don't know because the noise and the branches hitting the house was very scary. anyway I looked out the window and could see my neighbours with their torches looking out as well. I saw things flying across the sky and heard the branches hitting the house and roof. All we could do is get the kids and went into our bed and layed there and prayed that we did not get a tree through our house. we were so lucky compared to so many other people in our area and newcastle.
We awoke to no power and the funniest thing was trying to find a. batteries and b. a radio which was our only communication to the world. Then all I could think of was my sisters house in the bush at wallsend, surrounded by trees. we didn't want to drive anywhere as we were being told to stay put. but I needed to go and check their place and mum and dads'. rang my brother Paul who is in Thornton near Maitland and they didn't even realise how bad things were. My brother said that he would go and check out Bronwyn's place as he had to go to his FIL just down the rode. So thank goodness there were trees down at bronwyn's but none on the house. I wasn't looking forward to ringing them on their first week of their 5 week adventure to tell them they would have to come home as there was a tree through their house. Greg and I and the kids went to mums and couldn't get in as there was a tree down at the beginning of their street. but we parked and walked down to their place and everything was alright there too thank goodness. we were all so lucky.
No power till sunday lunchtime, we had fun on saturday night the kids thougth it was great. we all slept in the one bed and there was a few nights after that in the coming weeks that we did this because I did not want Taylah out in the back room.
thank goodness for the radio.
Mum and Dad were worried and so was Bronwyn but we reassured them that everything was fine. I am sure that they thought we were just covering it up.

Anyway the kids couldn't go to school till Wednesday and my sisters kids school didn't go back till Thursday I think it was.
The Pasha bulker landed on Nobby's Beach. What a site it was. I took the kids in. we parked in the main part of newcastle and then walked. I didn't care, i wasn't going to miss this opportunity. but my husband thought we were crazy and shouldn't be doing site seeing. Yeah right. My brother went in to town on the Friday night of the storm, how he didn't get caught.
cars floating down the main street of newcastle, warners bay and wallsend. Part of wallsend shopping centre was wiped out. I have never seen such devastation. we went down to warners bay foreshore and the water was nearly up to the road, couldn't see the walkway or the jetty. it was a mess.
But we survived and thank goodness we did. Lots of people are still having trouble and not back in their homes.

getting RSI now will have to stop till tomorrow

For My records

2007-07-25T20:28:00.000+10:00

I know I have been a bad blogger so this next post is going to be long and for my records.

So my 2 girls have been to the dentist and will have to have major orthodontic work in the future. Maddison has her 4 back teeth that are basically rotten. She went into hospital on Wednesday 6th June and had her 2 bottom teeth extracted and her two top ones filled. Don't know how long they will last.
She has to be done as an emergency case as she got an abcess on one of the teeth. She was so good. She has never been to hospital before and she was very scared when she was lying on the bed and they were giving her the anaesthetic. she started to cry and took a little while to go off to sleep. She was also very distressed when she came out to recovery and Aunty Bronwyn was not there to help as she was on her big trip to the NT. but she rang the hospital about 3 times to make sure we were ok. they gave her a shot of something to calm her down and she just slept and slept. which was good. she even slept a little bit more when we got home. she had a little vomit but survived.
Taylah was told that her 6 year old molars which are permanent teeth were totally rotten as well and obviously had not much enamel on them and they would have to be removed. I was shocked and dumbfounded that both my girls had such bad teeth. Felt terrible.
Taylah had to go and have xrays and then see an orthodontits Dr Kozy. When we saw him he was talking about expanders for her top jaw. her top jaw is not big enough for all her teeth. he wouldn't tell me anything about expanders. "wait till our next appointment". I wasn't very happy about this cause I didn't know what to expect. He said also that under no circumstances was she to have the molars removed because they need the back teeth to attach the expanders.
So she went back to the orthodontist on 16th July and he said that she wouldn't have to have any treatment till the end of 2008. fantastic. will have to start saving.
She went into hospital on Wednesday 18th and had all 4 teeth filled and one in the front knocked so much so that that was all she complained about, this tooth hanging. As Greg was away playing golf in Bonville, mummy had to pull the tooth out. One tug and it was out and she was so happy and of course the tooth fairy got to come again.

So she had Wednesday and Thursday off school and spent 2 hours at school on Friday and then had a pain in her stomach. (maybe).

Anyway my sister Bronwyn and her family set off at the beginning of June in their campervan to the NT. They had a fantastic time and were away for over 4 weeks, came back the first week of the school holidays and then the kids went back the first week, which was last week I think both the kids had a day off sick. then we had a scrapping weekend here at my place this weekend and my kids went to her place to stay the night and then she rang me on Monday morning and said the 2 kids were throwing up, high temps and headaches. Oh no!!!!! I thought. Then she rang at 2 o'clock and said she was taking Emily to the hospital. Suspected meningicocol. Oh no!!!!!!!!. Anyway she is fine and came home today but Chloe is also sick with high temps and both bronwyn and david and the kids are having the rest of the week off.

Cybercrop being held tonight

2007-06-29T18:41:00.000+10:00

Hi Ladies

The cybercrop will be commencing at 7.30pm and we will be posting the challenges here as the forum is not working at present for posting.

The bingo and chatting will be done in the chat room and if you have any question about the challenges then you can post them in here in the comments.

If you have not already done your bingo could you please email me your list at michelle@scrapbookdivas.com.au

The timetable will hopefully be like this.

7.30pm start
8.00pm first challenge
8.20pm first game of bingo in the chat room
8.45pm challenge 2
9.00pm second game of bingo in the chat room
9.20pm challenge 3

It all depends on my typing skills tonight.

New Design Team Members

2007-06-18T16:07:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone

I know I have been a bad blogger and so much has happened over the last couple of months both personally and with the shop so I am going to do separate posts.

Firstly I would love to welcome two fabulous girls to the Divas Design Team.

Jode Punguika from NT

and Rachel Merrick from QLD

Already they have bought so much fun and excitement to the forum and site and together with Vicky will be getting the Divas Shop up there with the best.

Last week we got some of the new Autumn Leaves stamps in so go check them out here. Also the other new products for June.

JUNE LAYOUT COMPETITION

This month's layout competition is a single/double layout of either your school photos or your children's school photos. We have just got ours back. I would also like you to incorporate some piece of art work that they have done. that may mean scanning the art work to your computer and then printing it out. The entries need to uploaded to the gallery by Midnight 30th June to be in the running for $20.00 Diva Dollars.

We have also got a ric rac swap happening and all sorts of new challenges which can be checked out HERE.

We are back

2007-03-22T12:56:00.000+11:00

Hello Everyone
Firstly I would like to thank everyone for their patience over the last 7 or so days while the site has been down but it is now up and running and we are ready for our first ever Cybercrop.
The Divas Cybercrop is to be held this Friday 23rd March from 7.30pm. All you need to do is to register on the forum here that you wish to participate on Friday night. We will also have a prize if you register and bring a friend as well. All the details in relation to the cybercrop are posted on the forum.
There will be 3 challenges during the night which will need to be completed and uploaded to the gallery by Midnight on Sunday 26th March. So there is no pressure to get them done on the night. Vicky has already posted hints in the forum in relation to the challenges.The winner of the third challenge will be the Divas Guest Designer for the month of May and this will include receiving a pack of goodies to complete some layouts and also to set the challenges for that month.
There will also be bingo which will be run in the chat room which is on the site. All you need to do is log on and enjoy the chat. Vicky has posted the bingo list of 35 products which you choose from and let her know what your selection is. Once you have selected your bingo products then you can print them out and be ready for Friday night.I will also be conducting a STOREWIDE 15% OFF SALE ON FRIDAY NIGHT ,from 7.30pm till midnight, for those participating in the cybercrop. A special shopping discount code will be made available to participants on the night. So come along and grab yourself some great bargains and also don't forget if you spend over $50.00 not only is the postage FREE in Australia but you will go into the draw to win the Making Memories Tote Bag. So for every $50.00 spent you will receive a ticket in the draw.
So come on register now for this great night of fun, bingo, chatting and probably not much scrapping.Due to the downtime experienced these last 7 days the draw to win the Making Memories Tote Bag has been extended and will close midnight on Wednesday 11th April 2007.We have some great new products in store at the moment with more on the way in coming weeks.So I look forward to chatting to you all at the Cybercrop and if there is anything that you need or wish to ask just email me and I am more than happy to assist.

2007-02-20T13:57:00.000+11:00

Well the new Basic Grey papers are only a day or two away so to make way for the new ranges we have to have an out with the old to make way for the new.

So there is 40% off most patterned paper and if you go HERE you will see what is on offer.

I also have 30% off all christmas stock as well.

Vicky has been busy creating some layouts from the LOVE packs for the month of February.

Our birthday anniversary is only a week and a bit away, so keep watching.

2007-02-15T12:58:00.000+11:00

Well the sale went well. Thankyou to everyone that bought and all those that spent over $30.00 will go into the draw for 20 Diva Dollars as Diva shopper of the month.

Arriving next week is the new BASIC GREY patterened papers. There will be only limited stock so make sure you come and check them out.

Well more dramas today with Taylah. Went to school everything was fine. Did my two hours and then spoke with the other teachers aide only to find that there is no program for the boy that I am aiding. A big shock to me. I think I will need to speak to one of the other teachers about getting some aids etc. Home for about an hour a customer came and picked up her order and the phone rang. It was the school and Taylah is not feeling very well and cannot continue in class this afternoon. Ok I will come and pick her up.
got the sick note to sign her out and went to the teacher and she was fuming (but in a nice way). Bob has been off nearly all week and little did I know that she had just gone home sick as well. Funny that. Mrs Oliver taylah's teacher said no she was not sick and that she shouldn't go home. I stayed in the class and mrs oliver spoke with taylah but she was crying and said she didn't feel well and wanted to go home.

What I am going to do. I can't write anymore cause I am too upset. Will be back later.

Tuesday

2007-02-13T22:59:00.000+11:00

SCRAPBOOK DIVAS VALENTINES DAY 24 HOUR SALE FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT
RECIEVE 30% OFF STOREWIDE, 30% OFF EVERYTHING.

well I had a very relaxing weekend in sydney with my best bud JO. will upload some photos later. we went on a seafood buffet lunch harbour cruise on sydney harbour. I get motion sickness so was a bit worried but everything was fine. the weather was beautiful and sydney harbour well what can you say in all its glory with the harbour bridge and opera house. we then headed back up to the shops and did a bit of window shopping and then our feet couldn't carry us any further went back to our hotel at hyde park called Hotel Stellar, very noice and got ready for our evening out.
IL DIVO what 4 spunks they are and magnificent voices but the only thing was they only sang 2 songs in english but it was still nice and relaxing and then when we left the entertainment centre we saw Taylah's school teacher. her ears must have been burning and she said that she thought she had seen me earlier on. All Jo and I did was talk about Taylah and what has been going on with her. more of that later. so we didn't do anything after the concert. we are such old fuddy duddies. the next morning had breaky at a cafe in oxford street and then headed back to Jo's place and then I headed home to Newcastle via IKEA. OMG what a store, if you ever get the chance to go, stop and go there it is massive. It takes about 1 1/2 hours just to walk around it. then I drove home to pick up the kidlets.

I started my job on monday and what an experience the last 2 days have been. Being back in the classroom again. the boy I am working with is a very nice young man but needs lots of help. but some of the boys in this class. well I don't know how to describe them and I just can't believe that they do what they do and get away with it or someone else gets the blame. I am just so into this bullying stuff and tomorrow I am going to get a copy of the behaviour and bullying policies of the school. but hopefully from thursday I will be working one on one with this boy away from the classroom.

Well taylah. This morning chucked the biggest tantrum about going to school and how she was sick and didn't want to go and that I could take her home after I had finished work at 11. this went on for 1/2 hour and I thought I am going to be late for my second day. I don't know how I got her to get dressed but I did and then when I finished work she saw me and expected then to be coming home with me.
I just don't know what to do with her anymore. this is what was happening when I was working before but hopefully I will be able to get away from the school without her knowing that I have gone.
Taylah has basically told me that she only wants to play with BOB and I can't make her play with other kids. Bob has not been at school for the last day and a half and taylah has been different of an afternoon. more happier. maybe it is just me. but today I asked her who she played with and she said that she played with O and J and they went to the library but A said "don't touch me". I have seen over the last 2 days how cruel kids can be to each other and it really worries, scares and upsets me.
I also said yesterday did the other kids tell you who you could play with and what you could and couldn't do and she said no mummy but Bob lets me go and get a drink. I wish there was more I could do for her and I suppose the only thing I really can do is build her self esteem and confidence. I am constantly worrying about her and poor Maddison she is just beautiful and is enjoying school I think like everyone should be enjoying it. I worry about bullying and I worry about what the school that they go to and I now work at does about the bullying.

so I will soldier on and see what happens.

Weekend

2007-02-09T16:00:00.000+11:00

Well I am off to Sydney tomorrow for a girly weekend with my girlfriend. We are cruising sydney harbour tomorrow at lunch and then shopping or sleeping and then going to the IL DIVO concert and then more shopping or sleeping on Sunday. So I am excited just to be getting away.

I start my new job on Monday and I am very nervous about it and I know all the other mums are going to be giving me heaps on Monday.

I am still concerned about Taylah and she is telling me this afternoon that she just wants to play with BOB and noone else even though this afternoon when they came out of class Bob hurt both my girls. I will just see what happens. but I still worry that she is controlling.

Have a good weekend everyone

JOB

2007-02-08T11:22:00.000+11:00

just an update, I didn't get the job that I really wanted. They rang last night and said that "I was right up there".

Had a chat to Taylah last night and I think she understands a bit better. I think she is too scared at what BOB is going to do to her or say to her when she starts standing up for herself. the mother of the other child rang last night as she thought that she had done or said something wrong to me but I assured her she didn't and that I had other things on my mind and was waiting to hear about the job.
anyway taylah was quiet happy to show me this morning where she was sitting at her new table.

What's happening

2007-02-07T13:53:00.000+11:00

Well lots have been happening since my last post.

New website, my baby went off to school and I am still looking for a part time job.

SCRAPBOOK DIVAS UPDATE

Well the website is working just fantastically and I would like to thank Greg for all his help and patience.

To kick off the new website we are having some competitions and sales and introducing Vicky Crawford from Victoria who is the first member of the Divas Design Team. Welcome aboard Vicky. You can check out her blog in my side bar.

35% off all christmas products and 30% off patterned paper.

Enter our layout competition for February with the theme of LOVE and be in the running for 25 Diva Dollars and THE DIVA SHOPPER of the month, just spend $30.00 or more in the month of February and you will go in the draw to win 20 Diva Dollars.

All information can be found on the site.

Also we want more people to come and visit our forum and gallery so pop on over and come and say hi.

My baby girl Maddison went off to school last week and she loves it.

She is just so much more confident than her sister and that is another story. Maddison won her first award on Monday at the first school assembly and came out with a smile from ear to ear. Taylah is a different story. She has a friend we will call BOB and she is so dependent on Bob that I am very worried. She also had another friend and last year they formed a "cool girls team" but if you wanted to play with someone else or doing anything else that they didn't want to do then you would not be a part of the "team". she also was being told "I am more beautiful than you".

This is Taylah last year not exactly the ugly duckling. so Bill is in her class and the other girl is not but she is just so clingy to Bill that I need to do something about it. So I went and saw the teacher yesterday who is new to the school and she was very glad that I came to see her. I just want taylah to be less dependent on her and be able to do what she wants without fearing that Bill is not going to be her friend. They were also sitting together in class and I asked that they be moved. The teacher told me she was going to implement a social skills course for the class which I thought was fantastic. she said that she will keep an eye on things. I felt pretty good about it all until taylah came home from school yesterday. "mum you told Mrs Oliver that I couldn't play with Bill anymore" and "mrs Oliver told me I wasn't allowed to play with Bill anymore". So that just sent me into more turmoil. She put on a tantrum this morning before going to school and I smacked her on the bare leg and left a mark and I spoke briefly with the teacher this morning about what she had said and she said Oh no, that she would have a talk to her about it. so I don't know what the outcome of that was today, but I have been feeling not very good about myself today, especially after smacking her and seeing her standing in her line at school and not even looking at Bill and I have not heard about a job as a Chiropractic Assistant that I think would be fantastic that I applied for and went to an information night on Monday night.

So all in all today has been crappy. Hope tomorrow brings some good news.

New website

2007-01-26T20:42:00.000+11:00

Hi Everyone

Just wanted to let you know that the website is up and running as of about 10.30pm last night. And wasn't I a happy girl. I will post again later with all the exciting news. There are a few changes that are happening in the forum and gallery but hopefully they will be ironed out by tomorrow.