The Scrappin' Kats

NEW KREATIVE TEAM MEMBER

2009-11-03T18:05:00.004+10:00

Please join me in welcoming our newest Kreative Team Member, Mel O'Neill (aka Aussiescrapper). Mel's style covers so many spectrums and I know that she will provide us all with endless inspiration each month.

WELCOME MEL!!!!!!

TRACY IS TAKING A BREAK

Also, our beloved Tracy is taking a break for the next 2 or 3 months whilst she makes the move from Queensland to Melbourne and settles in. We are going to miss Tracy's gorgeous work but never fear, she will be back and I am sure we will see more layouts featuring that gorgeous new home of hers!!! Congratulations Tracy on the new home!

GOODBYE & GOOD LUCK KELLIE

I am a little belated with this announcement - sorry Kellie.

The beautiful Kellie has stepped back from her Kreative Team position to embark on a new venture - her very own Magnolia Only On-line Store. I wish Kellie all the best and I know she will do very well as she is such a brilliant stamper - her creations are gorgeous and they will be missed in the gallery every month.

NEW PRODUCT

I have had lots of new stock arrive lately, with more on the way - the gorgeous new Bo Bunny!!!

So pop on over to the store to check it all out.

Plus I will be adding lots of stock to the Specials Section over the next week so be sure to grab yourselves a bargain.

Hoop OTP Layout Tute

2009-08-18T20:29:00.006+10:00

Ok... this is what I've found during my first attempt at the Hoop OTP layout idea.

Firstly, to answer a few questions:

1) Where I got the hoop from

My mum had a few spares stashed away from her embroidery days, which she kindly donate to the cause. I have also bought a couple different sizes from Spotlight and Lincraft, however neither of these places had much choice. I plan on going to a more specialized local embroidery place and seeing if they have any. Mum also had one of the plastic ones that don't have the outer screw ring, but rather a plastic ring that you roll off. This one will not work (in my experiments at least)

2) The size of the hoop

I used a 6" hoop for my “The Two of Us Together”, and cut my backing paper to 9" square. For “Happy Anniversary”, I used a 5” hoop and cut my backing paper to 8” square.

You will need:

An embroidery hoop – make sure it's one that the outer hoop screws loose on. There are some plastic ones that the outer hoop rolls off and on – this won't work.

Backing paper of your choice – consider the weight of the paper. Thinner paper will tear too easily, thicker paper will be harder to shape and get the outer hoop on. For "The Two of Us Together", I used a thicker MME paper and found it quite tricky. For "Happy Anniversary" I chose a thinner BG paper and found it much easier to work with. Consider having a practice run with a piece of scrap paper (I used some printer paper).

Step 1: Cut your paper about 0.5” to 1" more than what you actually want it appearing - depending on the thickness of the hoop, you will loose some of the size.

Step 2: On the back of your paper, place your inner hoop where you want it and score around the hoop - this will help your folding.

To place the hoop in the centre, I draw a centre horizontal and vertical line and two diagonal lines to help eyeball if it is in the centre (as shown in photo).

Step 3: Place some doublesided tape around the inner edge of the scored circle – this helps to keep the paper in place as you fold it down.

Step 4&5: Position and stick down the inner hoop on the paper and turn to the right side. Begin to carefully shape your paper around the hoop, folding it down to fit the outer hoop on.

Step 6: Unscrew the outer hoop as much as possible and begin to place it around the inner hoop, again being careful not to tear the paper. Depending on the thickness of the paper, this may be quite tricky, and a second pair of hands will help.

Remember as you position your outer hoop to consider where you want the screw to be (as this is where you thread ribbon through to hang your finished piece) – i.e. if you want it centered on one side, in a corner, offset etc.

Step 7: I find once I've got the outer hoop on almost all the way, flip it over and push down gently on the back of the inner hoop to finish it off.

Step 8: Tighten the screw and thread ribbon through the loop created by the screw

Step 9: Embellish as desired. When adhering your pieces, that the outer hoop and paper inside won't be perfectly flush, so consider using foam tape inside to make it flush. Also remember, if you are writing anything, to consider writing on the element before you stick it down... writing once it's on the hoop can be quite tricky... same goes with rubons, or anything that involves applying pressure.

(Click image to enlarge)

Got any questions? Post them here in comments, or join us in the forum.

Can't wait to see your creations using this technique. I've got to say... I'm a little addicted!

A BIG WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST KREATIVE TEAM MEMBER

2009-07-31T14:20:00.004+10:00

Natalie Hearn has accepted a position with our talented Kreative Team and I would like you all to join me in welcoming her. Natalie has a beautiful, clean-lined scrapping style and I know she will provide endless inspiration to us all.

WELCOME!!!

August Sneak Peeks

2009-07-21T17:45:00.002+10:00

I'm actually organised enough this month to have some sneak peeks prepared... yaay!

It seems like every month I say this but... there is one August kit in particular that is my favourite kit of all time - Kat just keeps out doing herself. Love love love working with some of the very latest paper from the States, and I know you will to.

The Tenth Tute... on the Twelth: Colour Proportions

2009-06-14T13:51:00.003+10:00

This month, let's look at colour proportions used in layouts. You may have heard of the idea of proportioning the colours of your layout so you have a predominant colour (usually, but not always the background), a moderate amount of another colour (such as for matting etc), and a highlighting colour (such as title and/or embellishments etc). I have heard this idea as “Gallon/Quart/Pint” but because this means nothing to me (give me litres!), I prefer to think of it in terms of “60/30/10”, that is 60% of a predominant colour, 30% of a moderate colour and 10% of a highlighting colour.

Let's look at some examples from some of our regulars...

In Lynette's “So Beautiful”

60% = White

30% = Red

10% = Black

In Maryanne's “1915”

60% = Pink

30% = Cream

10% = Brown

In Jodie's “Fun in the Sun”

60% = Green

30% = White

10% = Yellow

In Belinda's “Rory John”

60% = White

30% = Blue

10% = Red

This is not to say that you are restricted to only 3 colours. More colours may be used, just keep the proportions adding to roughly 60/30/10. Here are some examples:

In Mel's “Cleaning Nate Style”

60% = White

30% = Brown

10% = Green and Blue

In Dawn's “Our Doll”

60% = Pink

30% = Tan

10% = Blue and White

In Pamela's “All About Me”

60% = Cream

30% = Greens

10% = Red and Black

Hope this helps illustrate making the most of colour proportions! Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Welcome to June

2009-05-31T22:05:00.005+10:00

This last month has been so hectic - I have not had any time for anything much other than work and listing product in the store and spending time with the family - the kids have had so many activities that I had to prepare for - it has been fun but tiring, plus we have all had the dreaded flu - hopefully we have hit it on the head now.

The beginning of June sees the release of our latest Kreative Kits.

From this month, rather than the $20.00 Kreative Team Kits, we will be having an $8.00 Layout kit which is still packed full of value but will hopefully better suit your budgets in these tight times.

Kris has come up with a gorgeous kit full of colour and her example will be in the gallery tomorrow night (she has been waiting for me to cut out her title and of course I could not find my Cricut power cord - now located.....phewww!).

The new sketches have also been loaded to the gallery - this month's sketches were chosen by the fabulous Amy - so why not give them a go and upload your creations for your chance to win a store voucher.

I expect to receive my order of the new Bo Bunny ranges tomorrow and so will get them up on site tomorrow night - they are super gorgeous including fantastic Stickers - I am not a sticker person, but I cannot wait to get my hands on them.

Wishing you all a fantastic June and I would love to see more of your creations in the gallery.

Kat

Kellie's 10th Tutorial..

2009-05-10T10:57:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

OK so I am very new to all this so you will have to bear with me. I also tend to waffle, if you read my blog you will be used to that and if you don't well you will be by the end of this blog post, haha.

OK so as some of you may know I am the cards sides of the fabulous Design Team for The Scrappin' Kats and I am also a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and a crazy obsessed fan of Magnolia... Ok maybe not that bad, but lets just say they are VERY addictive, lucky they are so darn cute. So my tutorial is how I personally colour them and what I use. I have tried my hardest to do a step by step with photos and I hope you enjoy and it helps you all in some way.

Before I start I would like to add that my colouring style has changed 3 times since I started and that everyone does things differently and that I am also not claiming to be in the know how.

Here are the supplies I would need to colour a Magnolia...

This is my Stazon ink pad, with my SU watercolour paper and my Magnolia stamp on an acrylic block with the second one used for my aqua painter...

Here in this photo is all my SU inks and Markers that I plan on having close by while I decide on colours....

This is my trusty Aqua Painter than I would be lost without..

This is the stamped up Magnolia I am going to use for this tutorial...

To get the skin colour I use my SU marker called Blush Blossom, I colour this straight to the image and colour the whole skin areas in. I then get my aqua painter and go over all the areas. Doing this makes an even skin tone that I like the effect of and also I think makes the shade a tad lighter. Here side by side I'm not sure if you can get the effect that I can in real life, the one on the left is coloured and the one on the right has been coloured and then I have gone over it with my aqua painter? Another thing to not worry about is going out of the lines when using water colour paper, you can push the colour back in with your aqua painter...

After colouring the skin I will then start on the hair. For this Magnolia I am just going to do a simple brown. I am going to us my SU marker Creamy Caramel. I have three pictures to show the process in which I colour the hair.

Then I decide on the colours I will do the clothing and for this little girl I am going to try something different and I have papers in mind for it to. That is another way you can pick colour is to pick your papers before hand. I then have photos of colouring the boots. First I started with a different blue to get some depth, SU marker Boarding Blue after doing that I take my aqua painter and go over this and blend it in as the picture next to it shows and then to fill the boots I coloured with a colour I only have as an ink pad but that's ok you squeeze and then use the lid as the photo below will show. And then the result of the boots...

I just wanted to quickly show that to sometimes get more depth I use the journalling side of a SU marker in the same colour it's coloured, or for an even deeper depth I will do it in a darker SU marker shade. Also pictured below is the colours I plan on using for the jacket, my Chocolate Chip and Close 2 Cocoa markers, but I don't want them to be to dark so I scribble them onto an acrylic block and then use my aqua painter to get the shade I require. This can be done for all colouring.

After most of the colouring has been done I will go over bits I want more depth to. And then in this case I wanted this Tilda to have shiny gumboots and umbrella so I used my SU Crystal Effects to get the effect. You will also notice that it makes the colour change slightly. Not sure why it does but I always love the effect.

And then here is the final result and on a card....

I hope that helps for people that are just begining and that it wasn't to much waffle on. I am happy to answer any questions anyone has. Just post them in The Scrappin' Kats forum and I'll help any way I can.

Kellie Winnellx

MAY MOTHERS KIT

2009-04-26T09:52:00.001+10:00

Its my turn for this month. Kit using yummy Websters Pages papers. Focus on Mothers!! Yourself, your own, grandmother etc. Here are some sneak peaks!!!

May Sneak Peek

2009-04-21T20:18:00.003+10:00

I can't believe we're approaching May already. Where is this year flying to?

As usual, gorgeous kits bursting with value, fabulous sketches to inspire, and a bit of a twist...

Tenth Tute

2009-04-10T10:07:00.006+10:00

Hello everybody,

Welcome to this month's "Tenth Tute". I have chosen to write about monochromatic layouts.

Monochromatic layouts are layouts that use one specific colour, therefore always having that "pulled-together" look. Using colours from the same colour family when creating layouts is a simple way to draw the viewer into your photographs. Using monochromatic colours will help you overcome the intimidation you may feel when choosing colours for your layout, since it is so easy to use various shades of one colour.

First example is by the very talented Kathryn who has used several shades of pink giving a whole lot of variety to this page. From the beautiful bold pink to the soft pastel pink the colours all compliment each other perfectly. The patterned papers used also incorporate various shades of pink, tying the page together beautifully. The circle of pink draws your eye directly to the photo.

The next example is by the gorgeous Tracy where she has used different shades of blue to compliment her exquisite flowers. Again the circle of colour and flowers draws your eye directly to the beautiful photo.

Another example by Tracy is this gorgeous layout using different shades of green. The greens definitely compliment the photos of her children decorating the tree at Christmas which is such a harmonious and peaceful time. (well sometimes – lol!)

So next time you are procrastinating about what papers or colours to use for the special photo, why not try a monochromatic layout for something totally different.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

NEW PRODUCTS

2009-04-06T22:57:00.007+10:00

I received my order for the new embossed Bazzill Cardstock today and OMG is it gorgeous - they have taken all the hard work out of embossing your cardstock with gorgeous swirls, flourishes, spots and leaves, plus some new colours in the Swiss Dots.

Also received today was my order from 2 Crafty - some of the most gorgeous chipboard birdies and bird houses - so sweet - perfect for cards, ATC's or layouts

Tomorrow will see the arrival of the new We R Memory Keepers ranges, new colours in Glimmermist, plus a whole lot more....aaahhh another late night is in store for me....lol

A NEW KREATIVE TEAM MEMBER

2009-04-05T00:05:00.006+10:00

I would love to welcome the gorgeous KELLIE WINNELL to our Kreative Team. Kellie will be creating gorgeous cards (and maybe a layout every now and then - we have to coax her back to the craft somehow.....lol) each month to inspire you and I am sure we will see plenty of those gorgeous Magnolia Stamps in use.
Kellie's talent in card making is just awe-inspiring and I oohh and aahh every time she posts a new creation in the gallery.

So welcome Kellie!!!

MAGNOLIA STAMPS

2009-04-05T00:00:00.003+10:00

I had such an awesome response to the Magnolia Stamps that I have now placed my second order with Magnolia for a much larger range of their stamps, including their new Spring line which is just gorgeous. I would not call myself a stamper, but rather a scrapbooker, however, I have fallen in love with these gorgeous stamps (thank you Kellie :) ). I have created a layout (above) using Tilda with Clover to show that they are so versitile and can be used in both crafts. The new range should be here by the end of April.

KREATIVE TEAM KIT BY KATRINA PARRY

2009-04-04T23:44:00.004+10:00

The arrival of April means the arrival of a new kit by one of our very talented Kreative Team. Nat King's kit was supposed to come out this month, however, unfortunately Making Memories have let us down and not shipped the papers to our Aussie Supplier as yet. So at short notice (very short notice), Katrina Parry stepped in and put together a gorgeous kit containing the very delicious Bo Bunny Alissa papers - they are truly beautiful. From the kit you will be able to create a gorgeous wall hanging (below), a layout or two and a few cards. There are plenty of gorgeous ribbons, flowers and chipboard pieces to complete your projects. With a retail value of in excess of $26.50, the kit is amazing value at only $20.00, so stop by the store and purchase yours today. Don't forget to post your completed projects in the gallery for all to see :).

Also available are our monthly Kreative Kits which are selling fast.

MAGNOLIA STAMPS ARRIVE AT THE SCRAPPIN' KATS

2009-03-26T19:21:00.008+10:00

Card by Kellie Winnell

My shipment of the oh so gorgeous Tilda stamps arrived today from Magnolia in Sweden - they are just so gorgeous - I want one of each.

I ordered 16 different stamps this time and if they sell well I will invest the total proceeds into purchasing a larger selection next time, including the accessory stamps and more Edwins.

If there are any particular stamps you are wanting that I don't stock then email me and I will put them on my list for next time which is already growing at a rapid rate.

If you want to check out the most spectacular examples of cards made with these stamps, then head on over to Kellie Winnell's website and her Magnolia Down Under website - she is the queen of Magnolia.

Crop this weekend

2009-03-20T22:52:00.003+10:00

A Few of My favourite things-

check out the forum for the challenges. You have until Friday 27th to upload to the gallery. Prizes for the winners of the challenges.

Here is Nats gorgeous Challenge 1 example

Cybercrop for March

2009-03-19T20:16:00.001+10:00

Well girls we have another cybercrop starting tomorrow night. Hope to see you there for lots of chatting with MSN, bingo and challenges!!!

Events as follows from Tracy.

Reminding you
*Chat in MSN from 7pm QLD time. I will add you to the group chat as I see you log into MSN or ebuddy and I will keep you updated in forum as we go.
*Bingo in forum from 7.00pm Friday 20th March with Kris
*Challenge 1 will be set at 7pm in forum by Nat
*Challenge 2 at 7pm in forum
*Challenge 3 at 7.30pm in forum

You have until Friday 27th March at midnight to upload layouts into the gallery.
Voting will begin on Saturday 28th March and will run for 1 week. Winners of March cybercrop announced Saturday 4th April.

The Importance of White Space

2009-03-09T20:14:00.006+10:00

One of the most basic aspects of your scrapbook page design is how you arrange the elements on the page. Elements include photos, background, type (journaling, title), blocks of color, frames, embellishments of any kind including stamped images, ribbons, flowers, rhinestones etc etc. One of the main design points to remember is don’t crowd. A cluttered layout can be unattractive and hard to ‘read’.

Empty space on your layout is actually a good thing! Empty space can be an important element in your page design. White space or empty space can make a dramatic impact on your layout. Here is a layout created by Kris showing how white space can pack a punch – If a layout is crammed there is no where for the eye to rest. ‘White space’ or ‘negative space’ is a technique used in advertising and magazine layouts. Basically it means that by leaving plenty of space around your focal subject, the viewer’s eye is not confused and is drawn automatically to your point of focus. It also means that the layout design is more restful to the eye as it is not darting about all over the page, trying to take in all that there is to see. Here is a layout by Dawn which is a great example of the effective use of white space. Whitespace does not have to be white. Colored backgrounds are nice, too. Such as in this layout by Kathryn – When you fill up a page it’s hard to look at because there are so many elements competing for your attention. You do need to leave some space on your layout. You want your scrapbooking products to enhance rather than overtake as in Nat’s layout here.
White space can be space around or inside a picture, or between the elements of the page. It is easy to concentrate on what you are putting onto a layout, to the point that you ignore what you ought to leave out. Whitespace can give the viewer a reason to flow from one photo or point to another. Whitespace does not have to be large.

Another way to use white space on your layout is to group your elements into the center of the page and use the empty, or white space as a frame as Ames has done in this layout.
So break out of the mindset that every empty space on your layout must be filled. Giving the eye a place to rest can actually help emphasize the more important parts of your layout. Less is most often more in many cases.

My example of white space.

March...

2009-02-27T13:13:00.002+10:00

Dont be alarmed, you still have the rest of today and tomorrow to upload Februarys kits and sketches!!! I have just uploaded my take on March sketches and kits as I am of to Broome tomorrow. As per usual the kits are gorgeous and i look forward to seeing what everyone does with them. And cant wait to see Kris's Kreative Team Kit as the sneek peek is gorgeous!!!

And as we all know thats it from me as part of the DT. When I return from holidays I will have 12weeks to go until baby 3 arrives. So will make the most of that time getting organised and spending time with my 2 girls. Anyway, a huge thanks to Kat for having me as part of the DT. It was a wonderful experience, the kits are always fantastic but more importantly The Scrappin Kats family is the best! So I wont be going anywhere, I just may be a bit quieter sometimes.

Thats it from me....

Belinda

March Sneaks...

2009-02-26T21:08:00.002+10:00

Time for some more March kit and sketch sneak peaks... Kits are just gorgeous, as usual, and one of the sketches has to be my favourite to date. Looking forward to the first!

Queen of the Crop Winner

2009-02-23T20:46:00.004+10:00

The winner of the February - 'Love is in the air' cybercrop was the wonderfully talented Kris.

Her layouts and OTP were gorgeous. Kris will have a fabulous time shopping up a storm with her $25 store voucher prize. Make sure you join in next time for your chance to win.

Treasure Hunt/recipe challenge

Sketch Challenge

OTP Challenge

A special mention to Maryanne for her gorgeous sketch challenge layout 'Love Story' which got the most votes in the sketch section as well as many votes in the overall favourite vote.

Sketch Challenge

MARCH KREATIVE TEAM KIT

2009-02-20T15:08:00.006+10:00

Hi everybody,

Well it's almost time for me to present you with my Kreative Team Kit. I have been very busy creating and puttting it all together. It has been an experience as this is all new and exciting for me. I am now looking forward to March 1 so I can upload my creations. Here is a sneak peek for all to see.
Kris

VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE APPEAL

2009-02-17T19:16:00.003+10:00

I would just like to thank everyone who purchased Remember When Chipboard products last week. We raised $303.00 for the Bushfire Appeal - woohoo!!

I have donated these funds through the Red Cross as requested by Remember When.

Also, I have received an email from one of my suppliers regarding a project being run by Sara Gladman of NSW called "Memory Gifts" to help those affected by the Victorian Bushfires - please check out her blog for details on how you can help recreate a family's lost memories - http://www.sares1911@wordpress.com/.

Kat

Cybercrop Entries

2009-02-15T08:44:00.002+10:00

I simply can't believe the awesome entries in the February cybercrop challenges. The talent on this site is just so amazing. Go check them out and make sure you vote for your favourites. The winner will receive a very generous $25.00 store voucher. Stay tuned for who gets crowned the February Cybercrop queen.

VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE APPEAL

2009-02-11T11:00:00.005+10:00

From 9 February, 2009 until 12 midnight on Sunday, 15 February, 2009, in conjunction with Remember When Chipboard, 100% of the sale proceeds from Remember When Chipboard will be donated to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. So please help support those in desperate need by buying Remember When Chipboard products with your order this week. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO VOUCHERS OR DISCOUNT COUPONS CAN BE USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF THESE PRODUCTS - WE WANT TO RAISE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. An email will be sent on Monday letting you all know how much we have raised from this effort. Thank you for your kindness and support.
Up until this post almost $95.00 has been raised.

New Tutorial

2009-02-10T19:35:00.006+10:00

Its the 10th again. My tutorial is about adding enhancements to existing photos.

We all know that your photo can be altered from colour to back and white and you can also appy digital brushes and use phtoshop or a similar programs. But simple effective ways to alter your photo which dont take lots of time are
writing,
sanding,
stamping,
painting and
sewing.
Inking around the photo can be done too.

Writing On the Photo.
I like using both Gel pens and Zig writers on my photos. Sharpies are available for post offices/office works and are cheap. Its a great way to journal and gives a personal touch.

Sanding.
Can be done using either normal sandpaper or using your Basic Grey file on the photo.With a self healing mat under the photo , place the photo and mat near edge of table and apply up/down motion. This is a neat finish. For a more grungy look use sandpaper.

Stamping.
Using either a Staz On ink or paint on your stamps. Make a border around your photo or along one edge. Practice on blurry photo first . A contrasting colour looks effective.

Painting.
Using paint on photos around the edge is a very simple technique to use. Contrast colour looks great. Use either a small artist brush or your finger. Decide whether you want either a thick layer of paint or a dry brush look.

Sewing.
The sewing machine is a great tool to use on your photos. A bettter sewn look is when the photo is matted on cardstock first. Choose zig zag or a straight stitch. Why not do use two different colours or stitches on your layout???

A SAD FAREWELL

2009-02-08T23:33:00.004+10:00

It is with sadness that we say farewell to one of our Kreative Team Girls this month.

Belinda has been such an inspiration and whilst she will still contribute to the gallery and participate in the Forums (or else!!!!!!.....lol), Belinda has a more exciting adventure to embark on.......the birth of her third child.

Belinda is due in a few months and whilst she has taken her duties as a Kreative Team Member in her stride, despite everything else going on in her hectic life (she already has two adorable little girls), the time has come for her to concentrate on what is most important, her family, her baby and herself.

Belinda will upload her last projects as a Kreative Team Member on 1 March, 2009 and as always we cannot wait to see them.

We wish Belinda all the best for the impending birth and we cannot wait to lay eyes on that adorable new little person (sex unknown as yet).

Thank you wholeheartedly BELINDA!!!

Kat, Amy, Katrina, Kris, Nat and Tracy

PLEASE HELP ANYWAY YOU CAN

2009-02-08T23:32:00.000+10:00

Please Open Your Hearts & Help Any Way You Can….
The Salvation Army calls for help to assist bushfire victims
Appeal launched to provide financial grants
The Salvation Army has today launched an appeal to assist the victims of the bushfires which have been raging across the state and to help fund the Salvos’ emergency response to this disaster. With hundreds of families impacted severely by the loss of lives and homes, the needs for immediate support, counselling and practical assistance will be enormous.
The Salvation Army provides material and financial assistance in times of emergency and will be doing so again in this instance. Individuals and families who have lost homes can contact The Salvation Army personnel at the various relief centres across the state to receive emergency financial assistance. These immediate grants are to complement any State and Federal assistance which may be made available, and are designed to enable people to purchase clothing and personal items for themselves and their families.
The Salvation Army recognises that many families and individuals are doing it tough in terms of the financial crisis, but calls upon those who are able to make financial donations to support this Appeal as a very practical means of assisting those in our community who have lost so much.
Cash donations are the preferred method of supporting bushfire victims. It enables people the flexibility to purchase what they need in the first instance. Donations can be made to The Salvation Army’s Victorian Bushfire Appeal by calling 13 SALVOS (137258) or by going online to www.salvationarmy.org.au/donations. Donations are tax deductible.
The Salvation Army is also at the front line at bushfire locations across the state helping the enormous number of men and women who are fighting the fires. Working in partnership with CFA and the Emergency Services, volunteer Salvo teams are providing food and drink refreshments to thousands of fire fighters. They are also providing immediate counsel and practical support to victims who are congregating at relief centres across the state.

OUR FIRST CYBERCROP

2009-02-07T21:14:00.002+10:00

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Tracy for hosting the best cybercrop last night - it was so much fun and so fast paced and I can't wait to do it again. The Treasure Hunt was just so exciting and it was fun trying to beat everyone else to the answers and the Word Bingo was fantastic - my husband must have thought I had lost my marbles as I was constantly laughing and talking to myself. 3 challenges have been set and the crop attendees have until midnight Friday, 13 February to upload their projects to the gallery and judging will be on Saturday, 14 February. The person with the most votes overall will be crowned "Queen of the Crop" and will win a $25.00 store voucher.
Maryanne was the lucky winner of the Word Bingo and has scored herself a prize supplied by the very generous Tracy.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the next crop!

Kat
xx

FIRST CYBERCROP

2009-02-06T07:12:00.002+10:00

Tonight we are having our first Cybercrop on the KATS. Our KT designer Tracy Firth is running it starting at 6.30pm (QLD time) with some chatting on the forum. At 7pm we have BINGO. Please PM Tracy through the forum with your words from her list. She will be setting 3 challenges to complete over the weekend. Check on the FORUM for more details. We would love to see you there!!

Also check back on the 10th of this month when I put the next TUTE up. Its about ADDING ENHANCEMENTS TO YOUR PHOTOS!!!!

WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

2009-02-02T12:33:00.007+10:00

Wow, can you believe it is February already. January was such a big month. My baby boy went off to Prep on 27th and loved his first week at School, which made it that much easier for me not to cry. I cannot believe how quickly time has passed.

Congratulations to our January Sketch and Kreative Kit winners:

Dawn
Pamela
Mel
Lynette

These lovely ladies have picked themselves up a store voucher. Why not buy a kit and upload your layout/project for your chance to win a $15.00 store voucher or try one of the sketches for your chance to win a $10.00 store voucher.

Whilst I had lots of new products arrive in January, February and March will see the arrival of all the new products released at CHA.

Some of my pre-orders are:

My Minds Eye (scrumdidliumptious - I know that is really not a word....lol)
Making Memories
Fancy Pants (too lovely for words - so excited about their 4 new ranges)
Basic Grey's 4 new ranges
Prima Say it in Crystals and Say it in Pearls Swirls - just lovely
New Kaiser Rhinestone and Pearl strips in Pink, Black and Clear (Rhinestones) and Pink, Black and White (Pearls)
New Kaiser papers - Airy Fairy, Sugar Sugar and A La Carte plus Epoxy Brads to match
New Kaiser Rubons - 24 gorgeous new Rubons Sheets
New Webster's Pages (to arrive soon)

Plus lots lots more.......

I hope you have a fantastic week but in the meantime why not stop by our gallery and check out all the gorgeous new layouts uploaded yesterday. I love the 1st of the month.

Kat
xx

2009-01-27T20:09:00.003+10:00

Well as Ames said almost that time of the month - we cant wait to see more of Ames journalling kit. Here are some more sneak peaks this time the Kats Kits and sketches for Feb. February's kits are sure to please - Kathryn just keeps making them better - you will not be dissapointed so get in early and snap them up.

February Kreative Team Kit Sneak Peek...

2009-01-26T09:46:00.007+10:00

Happy Australia Day!

It's only a week until we enter February, which means it's time for a February kit sneak peek...

Get your pens poised, ladies, February's kit is all about journalling.

If you find journalling daunting, there will be journalling prompts, hints, tips and ideas to help you record your special memories.

And as usual, the kit is packed with value.

2009-01-10T09:14:00.003+10:00

One of my favourite (and hence, most used) design elements in scrapbooking is the visual triangle. What is a visual triangle, you ask? A visual triangle is an arrangement of 3 repetitions (could be a particular embellishment such as a button or brad, colour or shape) in a triangle on the layout. The idea is that the repetition leads your eye around the layout, allowing your eye to “rest” on different areas of the page, while drawing it to the centre of the triangle. Most often, your triangle will be around the photo/s, drawing your eye to the main photo focal point, but this is not always the case.

Let's look at a few examples I found in the gallery...

On my “Must Be Love” layout, I have created a visual triangle with the yellow circles. I have placed it in such a way that it leads the eye from the title to the photos, to the journalling.

Kris has created a visual triangle on her beautiful “Family” layout with the black embellishments clusters and title.

The green circles in Maryanne's “Proud of You” layout creates a triangle drawing attention to the photo, but also the title.

The sky blue embellishments on Natallie's “City Limits” layout creates a close visual triangle, bringing the focus on the lovely central photo.

Mel has actually got two visual triangles going on her “Just One Hand” layout, all leading the eye to her gorgeous photos. One is the cluster of flowers; can you pick the other?

I can't wait to see you use visual triangles on your layouts. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments.

Hope you enjoyed the first installment of The Tenth Tute. Tune every month on the tenth for more great design tutes from Kreative Team Members.

Looking forward...

2009-01-06T17:22:00.003+10:00

Happy New Year! Trust you and yours have a great year ahead.

There's a lot to be excited about here at The Scrappin Kats. The Kreative Team Members have been busy brainstorming on new ventures and challenges to come in 2009.

You've already heard about the 2009 Month in Review monthly kit. What a fantastic idea! It will be so great to look back this time next year and see all of 2009 documented.

Starting this month, some of the Kreative Team Members will be taking turns in producing a monthly design tutorial called "The Tenth Tute", covering different page design elements and how to make them work for your layouts. Tune in to the blog on the 10th for the first installment, looking at visual triangles.

There's plenty more in store for 2009, but I can't go reveal it all in one post... it's going to be a happy, scrappy year!

January Kreative Team Kit

2008-12-22T13:52:00.006+10:00

January kit as you may have picked may have a hint of summer about it! With this bargain kit for just $20 I have done 2 LO's, 2 cards and an OTP to show you how much can be done with it.

Hope you all have a fabulous christmas and a safe and happy new year. Hope you all get lots of happy snaps to keep you scrapping in 2009.

Belinda

Sneak Peek: January Sketches

2008-12-18T07:22:00.004+10:00

Good Morning!

I thought I would add to Kris' gorgoeous sneak peeks and give you some peeks at my sketches for January...

I am really excited to be providing one of the sketches for January, and can't wait to share it with you.

2008-12-17T15:34:00.007+10:00

JANUARY 2009 KREATIVE KITS

This year has flown by so fast I can't believe it is only 8 days until Christmas. So exciting!!!

I have finished my layouts using January's Kreative Kits so I thought I would give you a sneak peek at them.

Enjoy!

Kris

Blog Award

2008-12-10T14:00:00.003+10:00

I was nominated by the super talented and kind Tracy ( http://tracyfirth.blogspot.com/) for this award -

The Rules are : 1. The winner may put the logo on their blog. 2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award. 3. Nominate 5 blogs. 4. Put links to their blogs. 5. Leave a message for your nominees.

Now I am only new to the Blog scene and so do not know too many and Tracy has nominated all that I would nominate, however, I have also visited some other fantastic blogs :

Nic Howard - http://nichoward.typepad.com/

Steph Caskey-Devlin - http://stephdevlin.typepad.com/scrappy_chic_room/

Rachelle Minett - http://rachelleminett.blogspot.com/

Carole Janson - http://www.carolejansons.blogspot.com/

Julie Heard - http://julieheard.typepad.com/random_thoughts_ofa_heard/

Belinda Venables http://www.belindasescape.blogspot.com/

Thank you for providing such inspiration during 2008.

2008-12-05T22:28:00.003+10:00

I have received a Blog award from the lovely Kellie - thank you so much I feel very honoured.

In accordance with the rules of the award, I am to now nominate 8 blogs for the award. I have come across some absolutely gorgeous Blogs - so much talent. Here are 8:

http://myownlittlehobbynook.blogspot.com/

http://tracyfirth.blogspot.com/

http://amesdesigns.blogspot.com/

http://kerriegurney.blogspot.com/

http://carolejansons.blogspot.com/

http://nancyvandenberg.blogspot.com/

http://rachelleminett.blogspot.com/

http://blondee72.blogspot.com/

1st Day of December

2008-12-01T08:36:00.006+10:00

Well its the first of December - the first day of summer and more importantly the first day of the countdown to Christmas. And even more importantly the day when you get to see the new Kreative Kits and the New Kreative Team Kit. This month the Kits are so gorgeous you just have to get them

click here to see the beautiful 'I {heart} you' kit
http://thescrappinkats.com.au.whsites.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3323

the devine 'Peaches and Plums' kit
http://thescrappinkats.com.au.whsites.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3322

and the scrumptious 'Magic of Christmas' Kit
http://thescrappinkats.com.au.whsites.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3321

Remember they are fantastic value for just $6.00. Check out the gallery to see what the Kreative Team has come up with using these kits.

While you are at the store be sure to check out the New Kreative Team Kit for December. Retail Value of Kit in excess of $25.00. Kit contains: Step-by-Step Instructions to complete 4 projects, 1 x Basic Grey Wassail Element Stickers, 5 x Basic Grey Wassail Patterned Papers (French Hens, Winterberry, Cranberry Sauce, Greetings, Brandy Butter), 3 x Bazzill Cardstock (2 x Red, 1 x Green), 1 x Packet Kaiser Wish upon Rubons, 1 x Kaiser Red Rhinestones, 1 x Sheet of Transparency, 1 x Diecut Transparency Album (6 pages) plus diecut transparency shapes (stars, present, Merry Christmas word), .5m each of Ayres Red and Ivory 10mm Sheer Ribbon and Vandoros Stephanie Olive Ribbon, 3 x Cream 4cm Flowers, 3 x Olive Green 5cm Flowers, 5 x Red 6cm Flowers and 2 x Cream 7cm Flowers and 5cm Monogram letter "B" by House of Scrapbooking - FANTASTIC VALUE FOR ONLY $20.00. See it here http://thescrappinkats.com.au.whsites.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3324

Project 1 for December Kreative Team Kit - Layout inspired by the fabulously talented Carole Janson. Go and check out the gallery to see some other projects using this awesome kit.

Make sure you also check out the fabulous sketches and the great Christmas Card Challenge (with a prize for the most Chrissy cards uploaded to the gallery before December 12th).

So much to keep you busy over this festive season.

december peeks

2008-11-28T12:52:00.005+10:00

Afternoon ladies! finally figured out how to get on here so see how i go with it. This is very new to me. Well cant wait until the 1st of december to see what everyone has done with the kits. Very exciting too to see Tracy's Kreative Kit and what she has done with it. And extra excited as the christmas tree goes up and the countdown to christmas begins!!! Bit excited this year as the girls a little bit older that then are starting to 'get' the whole christmas thing.

I still have a coupe of finishing touches to add to 1 LO from the kits so i uploaded a peek from a sketch too. Hope to see your work in the gallery with these awesome kits and givivng the sketches a go too.

Belinda

OUR VERY FIRST KREATIVE TEAM KIT + KREATIVE KITS

2008-11-26T00:15:00.002+10:00

As Kris and Tracy have said December is just around the corner and I am so excited to bring you our first Kreative Team Kit - Tracy has put together an amazing kit and her projects are sure to be spectacular (I too have only received a sneak peek :( ). The kit is amazing value at $20.00 and I know they will not last long - so be quick once listed on 1 December to grab yours to avoid disappointment. As Tracy has said full instructions will be given for you to create the projects designed by Tracy or you can create your own designs - whatever you choose they are sure to be amazing.

Also, the December Kreative Kits are ready and will be listed on 1 December. They are a beautiful set of kits which I am sure you will all love and the Kreative Team ladies have been working tirelessly to create projects to give you lots of inspiration. I am as excited as everyone else to see what goes up on 1 December in the gallery.

I have a few new products which I will list soon (by tomorrow night I promise - I have my sister visting whom I have not seen in 3 years). These include MM Tiny Alphas, gorgeous Paper kits from Autumn Leaves for little boys and girls (so very cute) and some new chipboard products.
I am still awaiting a few pre-orders to arrive.

Have a great week everyone and as always - HAPPY SCRAPPIN"!

Oh, and please remember to upload your layouts using November's kits and sketches by midnight on 30 November 2008 for your chance to win a store voucher.

Regards
Kat

December Kreative Kits

2008-11-25T20:21:00.007+10:00

It is nearing the end of the month and you know what this means - Kats Kreative Kits for December will soon be available. Here is a sneak peek at my layouts using the delicious kits. Once again Kathryn has chosen a perfect combination of cardstock, papers and embellishments for her kits. These will be available from 1st December for the very low price of $6.00 so be quick as they won't last.

Kris

December Kreative Team Kit Sneak Peek

2008-11-24T15:34:00.008+10:00

It's almost December and that means the first Kats Kreative Design Team Kit. It is my pleasure to bring you the first kit which features some gorgeous patterned papers, rub ons, stickers, other beautiful products and a special little surprise that you can only get in this Scrappin Kats Kit. There are enough products to complete at least 4 projects with written instructions which include pictures and diagrams.

Hints

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

and Its perfectly clear

that December will be explosive!!!!!

Here is a sneak peek of the December Kreative Kit which will be available from The Scrappin kats from December 1st for the fantastic price of just $20.00 (products worth over $25.00).

Hugs Tracy

Welcome to The Scrappin' Kats blog

2008-11-18T22:10:00.008+10:00

Well the blog is finally set up and as my husband would say I don't bend under pressure.....haha.....it is not as if I don't have anything else to do - I would love it if someone has a few hours spare in their day that they could donate to me :).
Things are pretty hectic at the moment and the world of scrapbooking never sleeps (and I mean never). New gorgeous products are hitting the market daily. Unfortunately the decline in the Aussie dollar has meant that prices are on the up and up - hopefully the economic climate will settle down in the new year.

We have had a few new arrivals in this week:

Sassafras Lass - Life at the North Pole - 4 super cute double-sided papers
Kaisercraft - 3 new ranges - Sakura Park, Waterberry and What a Hoot - all gorgeous (matching brads on backorder)
Pink Paislee - Tinsel Town, Sweet Cakes and gorgeous Glitter Stix
Collage Press - Margot & Marley & Scrooge - such beautiful papers similar to Webster's Pages - will be loaded tonight
New Chipboard from A2Z - will be loaded tonight

SPECIALS:

There are over 900 items in the Specials section of the store now - so grab yourselves a bargain as once these items have gone they will not be re-stocked. With most patterned papers they are double-sided and prices start as low as 45c and whilst you may not like or want the pattern on the front - they make fantastic cardstock - some examples are MME papers and Crate papers. Crate papers are my favourite and they are beautifully textured and distressed - the backs are the perfect paper for a background to your layout - beats any cardstock you may find.
Also, all Beyond the Page items have been drastically reduced - the perfect opportunity for you to create gorgeous gifts for loved ones for Christmas (which someone told me today is only one month and one week away - oh no!! - who stole my year???)

NEW PRODUCTS COMING SOON:

December's Kreative Kits will be loaded on 1st December
New mini felt fusion from Queen & Co
Fancy Pants - Daily Grind and Splendour - have opened my account with Aussie supplier and I am awaiting receipt of my login details so that I can place orders for these gorgeous products!!!
Little Yellow Bicycle - Valentine's range - so lovely (prices for the diecuts have dropped dramatically - woohoo)
and much much more.