Lara Cousins

love the month...

2012-02-07T12:39:00.001+02:00

It's February...the month of love.

Just a few things I am really loving right now...

ONE

My new Silhouette Cameo, plugged IN, lots of projects in the pipeline... I played a little, made these cupcake toppers for someone.

Left the file open, my computer did its own restart thing, and the files weren't saved. Hmm...rookie mistake #1

TWO

Enjoying the documenting part of my Project Life album using this online tool for daily journaling (it's as simple as replying to an email).

THREE

Sprinkles of Goodness celebrates a two year birthday this month. In addition to the February Collection, there is also a special collection of birthday themed products. See here for the details.

FOUR

Girlfriends' Getaway 2012 has a fabulous sponsor. Project Life - South Africa is giving discount vouchers to all GG attendees to spend on a Project Life Core Kit.

Lots to love in this month of love!

Friday Happy Dance

2012-01-27T12:01:00.002+02:00

My very own Project Life package arrived today!
The courier guy greeted me with "happy Friday". I don't think he knows just how happy!
So, I have the Clementine Core Kit... and also added a black Signature Binder.
Happiness is.... life (Project Life)

Before it's too late...

2012-01-23T12:38:00.000+02:00

Happy new year!
And I can still say that since we're still in the first month of the new year (well barely!)

Lots of exciting stuff happening in the next couple of months....

#1
Project Life products have arrived in South Africa - can't wait to get mine and start putting my pieces together. You can read some more about it here.

And for you attending Girlfriends' Getaway 2012....go HERE for info about a really special gift!

Project Life, created by Becky Higgins, is a flexible, easy-to-use, highly customizable way to save your memories in a fun, stress-free way. Learn more about getting started with Project Life by clicking here.

#2
Scrapbook*life*journal, a fabulous year-long online class by Stephanie Ackerman is already underway, but you might still be able to regsiter.

#3
Girlfriends' Getaway is in less than two months time! Lots, lots to do! There are still a few places available if you are keen to join (and remember to check here for that special gift)

Triple-Double....a new workshop I'll be teaching at The Scrapping Studio in April, June, August, November (dates tbc). And remember the annual MegaCrop hosted by The Scrapping Studio on 1st May.

Loving being busy!
Have a fabulous week.

January 2012 Collection

2012-01-23T11:54:00.003+02:00

Click to go to the Sprinkles of Goodness page

Sprinkles of Good(ness) Wishes

2011-12-17T14:03:00.001+02:00

Planning ahead

2011-12-05T13:15:00.000+02:00

I can feel the end of the year, it's so close.
Starting to 'plan' out the plans for next year, 2012.

Here's something really exciting to look forward to. Come join us, come play.

...and you don't need to be able to do any of those. Just play.

Becky Higgins in the house...

2011-11-30T08:31:00.000+02:00

....well almost!

This is VERY exciting news for me personally, as well as for South African scrapbookers and our local scrapbook market.

I have been an avid follower of Becky Higgins for as long as I can remember (remember Creative Companion days circa 2001?), and getting to meet her in 2003 was certainly a highlight. As you may have picked up from my own style, I love her simple designs and her realistic approach to documenting life.

Oooh... look at what minus 8 years looks like! CKU 2003 - my first Becky Higgins class "Idea Buffet"

Girlfriends' Getaway projects have for the last 3 years been loosely based on Becky's idea, including smaller panels for journaling etc. (look out for details of Girlfriends' Getaway 2012 coming soon.)

Now we get to play with the real thing, right here in our own backyard! Check out Becky's original post here, and then place your pre-orders quick at our very own Project Life South Africa website. I am loving this Clementine Kit ;)

And if all things work out really well...I'm hoping to have Project Life to show you at Girlfriends' Getaway.

Roll on Project Life shipment....

Double Delight Sprinkles & 2 Scoops Bazzill

2011-11-29T11:38:00.000+02:00

It happened (again)...

2011-10-06T15:12:00.000+02:00

a month that is.
how do I manage to update just once a month?
(apparently my "loyal" readers have been noticing - Pandora & Co.)

I've been keeping it up.... Sprinkles of Goodness - October, ready for you to start creating.

In the wink of an eye...

2011-09-05T13:36:00.000+02:00

that's all it took.
now it's September.
still working on Sprinkles of Goodness every month.

Here is September's fabulous Collection with elements from Authentique paper company.

This moment and the dash...

2011-05-11T14:04:00.000+02:00

I am still on my learning curve...it's a long one...learning to savour THIS moment. Whatever the moment is!

This quote from Table 6 at The Scrapping Studio's Mega Crop was another gentle reminder for me.

We had wonderful moments on Saturday. I was determined to take photos and, well, I thought I had done better than this...

Lovely gifts,
lovely prizes and lucky draws,
lovely ladies, creating lovely page layouts (5 of them)

And lovely shopping too!

Thank you to Audrey for hosting such a lovely event, and for sharing this poem (which you may already know)

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash, what matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left hat can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

Your dash is made of moments...make them count!
xx

It's Mega May time and some more bravery

2011-05-06T13:17:00.000+02:00

My bag is packed for The Scrapping Studio's annual May MegaCrop...

Looking forward to meeting up with friends again (those I get to see at scrapbooking events!), and looking forward to sharing my double-page layout. It's one of five....the ladies are going to be busy :)

Here's a little sneak peek at what I'll be doing.

I know you're in for some really special treats. See you in the morning!

And this is a Daily Truth from Brave Girls from some a couple of weeks ago. I was away at the time, so sharing now...

Dear Fabulous Girl,

Every day you have the chance to be a tremendous blessing to someone else, in ways that you may never even recognize.

Even if you feel like you don't have a lot to give, or that you don't have the same kinds of things to give that others have, you definitely have gifts to offer that cannot be found anywhere else.

Share what you know. Treat others with kindness. Put yourself in another's shoes. Turn an unfortunately situation into a wonderful one. Thank someone with a thankless job. Do your best to really really really SEE another human being and go out of your way to show them that you SEE what they do, who they are, and what THEY have to offer.

When you give, no matter what you have to give, your life takes on new meaning, and you can't help but have an incredible day.

Thanks for everything you do, everywhere you go.

xoxo

"A little bird told me" - your Daily Truth from The Brave Girls Club
www.bravegirlsclub.com

And the goodness goes too....

2011-05-05T17:11:00.000+02:00

Congratulations to...

Tania van der merwe....

the winner of the May Sprinkles of Goodness Collection shown on Brave Girls -

Share the Love!!

Please email me so I can send the goodness on!

Thank you to all the brave girls who emailed me, I appreciate the support.

And if you are interested in purchasing your own Sprinkles of Goodness... no subscription is necessary, you pay month-by-month. Here is the info for May's collection.

May your month be Sprinkled with all things good!

Are you a Brave Girl?

2011-05-03T13:37:00.000+02:00

I am! And getting braver all the time :) And excited to share the love with you too.

The Brave Girls Club has just launched a special feature for Brave Girls all around the world - and that includes YOU South African Brave Girl!

Head on over to the Brave Girls Club website and check out the new Share the Love page. There's a special give away for one South African Brave Girl - the current collection from my Sprinkles of Goodness!

The winner will be posted here at the end of the week.

PS this is for local girls only.

Sprinkles of Goodness

2011-04-26T18:42:00.000+02:00

Simply Brave...

2011-04-01T12:17:00.000+02:00

My favourite from Bave Girls this week...

Dear Extraordinary Girl,

You can do amazing things with the simplest things. You can have so little and be so happy. You can take small amounts of time and perform life-changing acts.

Is it time to simplify? Is it time to pare down your life to the handful of things that mean the most to you and let the rest go so that you can give the very best of yourself to the very best thing, instead of being spread in a too-thin layer all over the place?

Your heart knows when it's time, and you will have the strength to do it. And best of all, you will see enormous changes happen in your life when you let the unimportant things go and embrace the things that quiety sustain you and bring you joy.

It may not look like the most glamorous life, but it is one filled with joy, peace, and harmony; one where laughter is a welcome and frequent companion; one where worries are few, where long meaningful conversations are many; one that is waiting for you when you are ready to take the steps to get there.

Simplify today, one little thing at a time. You can do it.

xoxo
"A little bird told me" - your Daily Truth from The Brave Girls Club

Have a lovely weekend
xx

wise words....

2011-03-30T09:03:00.000+02:00

...and all we need to do is, do so!

Monday... (and I'll Doodle, too)

2011-03-28T16:42:00.001+02:00

...a whole new week!!
Last week had me a little confused with Monday being a holiday, although I worked (played) at Girlfriends' Getaway and then took Tuesday off, really my week only started on Wednesday!

I'm happy to get a full week in - I have lots to do (just for a change, right)!

My week did start on a happy note, with these ideas on my screen and now flashing in my head...

You can sign up too SA girls!! Click here for all the info on Stephanie Ackerman's brand new online class. I can't wait to play with paper and glue...and pens and paint!

Please join me!
xx

Whew.....

2011-03-25T13:55:00.000+02:00

...a sigh and a smile!

Girlfriends' Getaway at Mount Grace, Magaliesburg is over (for this year - wink), and it was FABulous!!
What an amzing group of woman, such creativity, special friendships and loads of laughs.

We relaxed and ate, were pampered and ate, got creative and messy and ate, made scrapbook layouts about what makes us happy... and of course, we ate! There is never any shortage of good food at Girlfriend's Getaway, an ample supply of laughs, and a huge amount of inspiration all around!

A little sneak of the product we created with. More photos can be found on the Girlfriends' Getaway Flickr group.

And right now it's time for me to get packing for Sprinkles of Goodness - April!

Please email me (laradave @ mweb dot co dot za) no spaces, to be added to the subscriber's list. No need to sign any contracts. Once you're on the list, purchase monthly.

Enjoy your weekend, and be HAPPY!
xx

Here's to the month of March

2011-03-01T17:19:00.000+02:00

My third annual Girlfriends' Getaway takes place this month, lots of exciting preparation taking place...

Be Creative ---> Be Brave

2011-02-25T12:40:00.000+02:00

My favourite "truth" from the Brave Girls Club this week is:

Dear Creative Girl,

Did you know that being creative is simply making something that did not exist before you made it? We are ALL creative, and being creative is a very important, wonderful part of being alive.

You can be creative with your meals, with your clothes, with your parenting, and with your job. You can be creative in friendship, in gardening, in the books you choose. Anything!

Please don't EVER tell yourself that you are not creative, or that others are more creative than you are. Creativity is a tremendous gift that was born into all of us and that keeps our lives interesting. It is a gift that helps others because we can all think of new things that others would not think of themselves.

Share your creativity today. It is healing, it is exciting, and it is essential for forward progress. We believe in you and all that you do. Don't let the world miss out on your creative ideas!!! We need you!

xoxo

"A little bird told me" - your Daily Truth from The Brave Girls Club

It's almost March...

2011-02-24T15:21:00.000+02:00

.... and time to sprinkle some goodness!!

Wise Words Wednesday...

2011-02-23T12:38:00.000+02:00

I really think....

2011-02-22T12:12:00.000+02:00

....that I should start playing with some of my toys!!

Mmm...

Emerging...(slowly)

2011-02-18T07:05:00.000+02:00

It has been a strangely slow start (in some ways) to a very hectic pace of the new year...and I am (trying) emerging in different ways... Here's to being brave!

And here's my favourite Daily Truth from this week:

Dear Generous Girl,

Feeling blue? Want to feel renewed?

Reach out to another today and treat her the way that you wish to be treated; and then find ways to treat her even better than that.

Give help that you alone can give. Express thankfulness for another's daily diligence of mundane tasks. See the divinity in the eyes of everyone you meet, and make sure they know that you know just how spectacular they are.

No matter how tired, discouraged, or overwhelmed, sad, or mad you might feel one moment, you will feel like a brand new brave girl after reaching out to another in kindness and generosity.

This is a beautiful way to go through life, and you deserve a beautiful life. So reach out and give all that you have to give today.

xoxo
"A little bird told me" - your Daily Truth from The Brave Girls Club

Being Brave...

2011-02-11T13:02:00.000+02:00

Dear Beautiful Girl,

Whatever grows in your life is what has been planted there, what has been nurtured, fed and given time and attention.
What is growing there? What is it that has been planted in your one beautiful, precious life? Have you carefully planned the rows of fruits, vegetables and flowers? Or are things growing there that blew in with the wind? Are weeds taking over?
It is never too late to "weed" your garden, and now is the perfect time to pull out the dead things, the unwanted things, the overgrown things, and make room for the new growth that you are so badly yearning for.
Take a moment today to see what is truly growing in your life, and whether or not there is room for the things that you most want to see the fruits of.
Be brave enough to pull out the unwanted things and get your life ready to lay the seeds of your wildest dreams.

YOU CAN DO IT!
xoxo

"A little bird told me" - your Daily Truth from The Brave Girls Club

February!

2011-02-03T07:20:00.000+02:00

Month two, two thousand and eleven...

Celebrating Sprinkles of Goodness

2011-01-31T16:28:00.000+02:00

2011-01-28T13:08:00.000+02:00

Current Mantra

2010-09-09T15:34:00.000+02:00

NEW! Sprinkles of Goodness

2010-08-25T12:25:00.000+02:00

The September 'Sprinkles of Goodness' Collection is now available!

2010-08-22T17:11:00.000+02:00

[source]

Oh yes!

2010-07-08T13:49:00.000+02:00

This video is amazing.
So true.
So right, for right now.

It's been an awesome month for South Africa, let's keep our flag flying...

I was there!

2010-06-21T17:18:00.000+02:00

19 June 2010

Cameroon vs Denmark

Loftus Versveld Pretoria

Vuvuzela creations

Anthems

Danish fans at half time

Positive messages...

...and when I grow up...I want a lens that big!

Feel it...

2010-06-11T10:04:00.002+02:00

...it is here!

Wise words!

2010-05-27T10:00:00.000+02:00

There are many things in life that will catch your eye,

but only a few that will catch your heart.

Pursue these.

-Michael Nolan

Special Moms

2010-05-07T19:12:00.001+02:00

Love to all you moms out there for Mother's Day on Sunday courtesy the most fabulous cupcakes in the USA!

Special love to MY mom - you're precious.

And if you're looking for heartfelt gifts.....

From my friends at The Heartfelt Project.

Back to regular, or rather, less irregular blog posts next week...

A month!

2010-04-28T10:34:00.001+02:00

It's hard to believe that a whole month passed without a post. Sorry to those who have repeatedly popped by. Perhaps I should have posted this image a few weeks ago.

Anyway... most of my projects are pretty much done for now. And I REALLY want to get back into some scrapbooking for ME. Well... let's see what happens.

In the meantime it is almost May, which amongst important days like anniversaries and first birthdays, also has a new Sprinkles of Goodness collection. This time I have included an additional option of Collection B.

I do hope to be back sooner than before.....
{L}

MARCHing on...

2010-03-01T19:57:00.000+02:00

The month ended like this for me....

And now it's the beginning of a whole NEW month with lots to do :)

Firstly... these are ready!

Please email me if you would like to receive the March Collection. There are a few left.

And then looking forward to this...

Happy March!

Launching....

2010-02-19T13:32:00.003+02:00

... a BRAND NEW range of Creative Souls Rub-ons.

There are 4 all new designs - stunning for scrapbooking, perfect for cardmaking, just the right thing for all your papercraft projects.

So excited for these designed by my creative soul sister, Stephanie and distributed by me right here in South Africa (but I can send any in the world too!)

Whirli Alpha
Borders
Sentiments 1
Sentiments 2

Available 1st week in March. Ask for Creative Souls Rub-ons at your local scrapbook store or online store. You can order direct too by emailing me. (check the dots and spaces in email address)

Can't wait to play with these!

Wise Words = Wednesday

2010-02-17T15:25:00.002+02:00

It's the middle of the week already and way past the middle of the month. In the words of Kermit "time's fun when you're having flies"!

Been busy, busy with Girlfriends' Getaway preparations - designing parts of the project and some fun stuff; Getting the next Sprinkles of Goodness ready - this one is full of cuteness!

I've also been surfing the net for all sorts of inspiration and came across this - perfect for today's wise words.

(Inspiration here)

Love, still

2010-02-15T12:41:00.000+02:00

Love this - so African!

(found here)

Hope you are all having a love-erly month of love.

Love Month Wise Words

2010-02-05T09:17:00.000+02:00

I refer to February as the *love* month! I know every month should be love-filled, but with all the commercialism around Valentine's Day it's a good time to stop and um, smell the love!

So here's this week's wise words of love.

(source)

Love is everything it's cracked up to be.

That's why people are so cynical about it...It really is worth fighting for,

being brave for, risking everything for.

--Erica Jong

a pinch & a punch

2010-02-01T13:56:00.000+02:00

it's the FIRST of the month!

So January flew by... is that an indication of how it's going to be again?!

It's time for my Sprinkles of Goodness collection to hit their new homes again. This has been a fun collection to put together... thinking of holidays, fun by the pool, hikes in the mountains, out and about or stay right at home pictures... love the mixture of turquoise, browns and greys.

This collection is loaded with paper and sprinkled with some fun embellies!

The waitlist was a long one, (after the January sellout), so if you're on the list, your Collection is ready for posting. If you're not on this month's list, be sure to email me (no spaces in the email addy) asap so I can include you on the list for March - it's going to be sprinkled with goodness for sure!

Email me a link or a picture of layouts using Sprinkles of Goodness so I can include them here.

Happy week to you all.

{L}

Looking for inspiration?

2010-01-27T10:37:00.001+02:00

Have a look at the gorgeous layout Sophia created with some of the Sprinkles of Goodness she received in January!

Here's a sneek...

Sold Out!

2010-01-21T17:21:00.000+02:00

My Sprinkles of Goodness - January Collection is sold out!

Thank you to all of you who bought it and loved it and are excited about next month's Collection already.

Because the January Collection sold out so quick, and there are a number of people who REALLY want the February Collection before it sells out... I am starting a "waiting list" which will ensure that you do receive your Sprinkles of Goodness as soon as I have it ready.

NB! The previous link for emailing me was incorrect - sorry. So if you emailed me about the January Collection and haven't had a reply it's because I didn't receieve it. Please email me again.
Here's a correct email link (without the spaces, just to safeguard from spammers).

Details for Sprinkles of Goodness - February will follow next week, so don't delay in reserving yours.

Girlfriends' Getaway - Project

2010-01-18T13:56:00.001+02:00

Much excitment and buzz around this year's Girlfriends' Getaway project.

Lots of buzz around too!! The February collection is in the works. Sprinkles of yummy-ness once again. Email me to add your name to the wiaitng list to ensure you get your Sprinkles of Goodness.

Have a fabulous week!

{L}

Sprinkles of Goodness

2010-01-12T09:11:00.003+02:00

{twenty ten} + ten

2010-01-11T10:42:00.001+02:00

The year is {twenty ten} and ten days old already! Happy New Year!!

Today is "officially" my first day back into regular routine. I've had the most wonderful 4 weeks off of relaxing, rejuvenating and readying myself for this new year.

Journaling my 25 Days to Christmas album is almost done, it just needs to be bound somehow. Although I didn't keep up on a daily basis I have completed it and I *love* it. Once again the importance of journaling or capturing the memories has been impressed on my heart. On 8th December I didn't take a photo for the day, I also didn't write anything down. And 3 weeks later... I could not remember what I had done on that day. Obviously it wasn't anything significantly "important", but it was still a day I had wanted to capture. So again... whether you're creating a layout, making a mini book, taking a photo a day, I want to encourage you to write it down... you are NOT going to remember.

And speaking of writing it down... I've had a long time to think about my "Word" for 2010. Last year my word "balance" captured where I was at, going into that new year, a year of becoming a mother for the first time and the knowledge that I'd have to be doing many a balancing trick with the amount of stuff I do!

This year I have chosen nurture, a gentle reminder to myself, for where I am at once again and what I'd like to do.

(source)

nur⋅ture
verb
1. care for and encourage the growth or development of
2. cherish - a hope, belief, or ambition
noun
1. the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something

Nurturing my precious baby, nurturing relationships and nurturing the time I spend every day.

{twenty ten} also brings about my promised NEW *thing*. So please come back tomorrow and check it ALL out.

Enjoy today for what it is. Nurture every minute (and capture the memories!)
{L}

It happened suddenly...

2009-12-22T15:56:00.000+02:00

... the R&R that is!

So rather than short spurts of blogging, I just took the gap!

Enjoying the last few days before Christmas, catching up on this, that and the other.
The "this" my Christmas Journal.
The "that" my Girlfriends' Getaway.
The "other" my... well... that's what's coming soon ----------->

blessings to you and yours this Christmas.
{L}

All a glitter...

2009-12-10T10:51:00.000+02:00

As soon as the image arrived in my inbox, I knew I just had to have one, which would mean making one.

And so I did!

My tree and decorations are an unconventional pink and green with a little touch of blue this year.

Instead of buttons for the poinsettia middles, I pulled out my never-used stash of 3-D gluedots and sprinkled pink and green glitter onto them and then stuck them onto the paper flowers.

The base is a large round polystyrene circle and I ended up needing 45 flowers to fill it.

You can find the original tutorial here.

And today.... I'll be spending all a glitter! The stuff sticks to everything!

Wise words of Joy...

2009-12-09T09:56:00.000+02:00

On with the dance!

Let joy be unconfined.

~ George Gordon, Lord Byron

If you’ve had the privilege of tasting a Sprinkles Cupcake, then you know what joy that is!

And because I *love* them so much and because they are not available in SA :( my friend Amy T brought me Sprinkles Cupcake Mix. While mine are not iced to absolute perfection, they DID indeed taste absolutely perfect!

here's another Sprinkles post!

Girlfriends' Getaway 2010

2009-12-08T12:27:00.000+02:00

Such excitement for me.... bookings for this exclusive event are now open!

Space is very limited for this event, and GG 2009 was a hit. Check here for details of this year's past event and then hurry!!

New week...

2009-12-07T18:24:00.000+02:00

A busy Monday here. Oh, and a new announcement tomorrow...

With heartfelt thanks

2009-12-02T16:30:00.001+02:00

December being a time for giving and receiving, showing gratitude and appreciation, I'd like to take a moment to say a very big thank you to all who supported Live, Scrap, Play! at the Polka Dot Party in October.

Extra special thanks to Audrey and Sarah from The Scrapping Studio for hosting my event, and to my friend Amy Totty for bringing her fabulous ideas all the way to South Africa.

Thank you ladies (and gent) for joinging us at the Party and bringing along all the craft goodies, fabrics, felt and beads donated to The Heartfelt Project. The ladies were so excited to unpack the boxes and all send their heartfelt thanks too.

You can follow news on the Heartfelt blog where Julie shares daily news and check out the fabulous products on the website. (Mmm...great ideas for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers).

And because it's also Wednesday today, here are some (heartfelt) wise words for all of my friends:

Thank you to all the people in the world

who are always ten percent kinder
than they need to be.

~ HELEN EXLEY

It's here!!!

2009-12-01T19:08:00.002+02:00

December!

Wow, just wow! I can't believe that it's Christmas time. Right now I am busy putting up my tree, reminiscing about this time last year and how 'expectant' I was for this Christmas, our first as a little family. And my goodness, how much has happened in between the 1st 2008 and today, the 1st 2009.

I've signed up for Shimelle's Journal your Christmas, I'm incorporating it into my December Daily ala Ali, and I'm playing along with Stephanie as we Remember December.

My to-list grows daily, but as always I will endeavor to get it all done (that and some much needed sleep) on time! December is my R&R time too, and so as much as I'd love to post my pictures and progress every day, it's just not going to happen! It seldom happens much during the year :)

I do have some fun stuff happening amongst everything else.

Check out The Scrapping Studio for details of their December Studio Kit which I designed with their selection of Kaiser Craft papers and other goodies.

There's a little something from me in the kit, and it's a little something that will become another something in the new year. So watch out for little somethings.

Events, events will be happening too, news about these will come through for the new year so you can get your planning done and wish lists added to Christmas gift ideas.

If you'd like to get some scrapbooking done I have the prefect idea but it's a very limited once-off offer!

There are a few kits available from the Polka Dot Party. These DOUBLE page layouts designed by Amy Totty and taught at the event in October. There are 4 different layouts, everything is precut for you and includes all the embellishments. It comes with an easy-to-follow picture of the layout, but no step-by-step instructions.

Be Bold Kit Today Kit

Life's Grand Kit

Happiness Kit

If you are interested, please email me ASAP. The kits are R135- each or R400- for all 4 kits + R15 for postage. There are only a few available so hurry, hurry!
All sold out!! Thank you.
{Keep checking in for details of other bundles of kitted goodness.}

And that's December 1st.... And my secret confession... this year I haven't premade my December Daily album, I guess that's what I'll be doing tonight or else I'll be creating pages daily too. No stress!

Happy December!

Don't even ask...

2009-11-25T15:50:00.001+02:00

...that question! The time question! As in "where has the time gone?"!

Another week arrived and is already halfway done. And it's the 25th of November {gasP}. Just one more month to Christmas. My list of to-do's is still very fresh, as in nothing has been ticked off. I have those gifts to do, those cards I so proudly spoke of, my December Daily album to take care of too! Hmmm... seriously...where has the time gone?

I can leave you with some wise words on this crazy, busy Wednesday as I get to that list!

I'll be back with some inspiration.

A brand new week

2009-11-16T19:36:00.001+02:00

It's Monday again, too soon these Monday's roll around. I've just done a quick count and there are a mere 6 more Mondays left this year. If you placed all those Mondays side-by-side, there would be less than one week of Mondays - scary, I know! Moral of the story... make the most of your Monday!

So this Monday I have a clean desk (finally). I do have a few exciting things on it, some designing, some creating, some just for fun - oh and the odd bit that still shouldn't be on it, but I have no idea where to store it for now.

This Monday also starts some SERIOUS planning for Christmas. I have gifts to make, some to send off in the post across land and sea. Oh, and Christmas cards. I have a "Christmas Card List" this year - so official of me - I have my usuals but then quite a few more who have touched my life since the arrival of our little soul and need to be added.

First on my to-do list is designing for this fabulous Home Studio Kit. I'm loving the vintagey colour scheme which will be just perfect for Christmas photos of all types. The kits go on sale the first week in December so don't delay, contact The Scrapping Studio to reserve yours. This is the perfect way to fast track your Christmas scrapbooking - make the page and then add photos - perfect.

Included in the kit is a sheet of these Creative Souls Christmas doodles.

If you saw them launch then you'll know they were a 'once-off'. But, by special request, these gorgeous Christmas doodle rub-ons are available... HOWEVER... they are ONLY available in the above Home Kit and then when they're gone, they really are gone (for good).

I have loved using them again on my layout - they rub-on really well, don't crack or tear and there's so much more you can do with them (see back of pack for more info).

And then, because it's Christmas, there's a little *sprinkle of goodness* from me - with a little love of course.

My creating this week will be finishing up one of these. It's been so much fun to create pages and add photos - calendar done, and gift done! Check out some fun downloadables here or this one for something different or take a look at these options.

You'll need to print the calendar page, but other than that you're sure to have a stack of goodies in your stash you could use to decorate the pages. How about using some of those completed pages from various events that haven't found a home in an album yet.

Once I get through my list of must do's, I might just create a couple more of them...

Happy week to you.

{L}

1 +1 = 2

2009-11-12T16:00:00.008+02:00

My love of reading, using and creating with quotes is followed a close second by my enjoyment of words themselves and their meanings!

I'm a great fan of this fabulous online dictionary and thesaurus and as the editor of Time & About magazine (another scrapbook mag no longer around) I spent many hours word hunting.

And today, just for fun, and because it's weekend inspiration time, I want to share 2 very special words with you straight from the dictionary...

cre·a·tive (krē-ā'tĭv) [kree-ey-tiv] –adj.

1. Having the ability or power to create
2. Productive; creating
3. Characterized by originality and expressiveness; imaginative

Related Forms:
cre⋅a⋅tive⋅ly, (adverb); cre'a·tiv'i·ty; cre⋅a⋅tive⋅ness, noun

soul [sohl] –noun

1. the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans,
2. the emotional part of human nature; the seat of the feelings or sentiments
3. a human being; person
4. high-mindedness; noble warmth of feeling, spirit or courage, etc.
5. the inspirer or moving spirit of some action, movement, etc
6. deeply felt emotion, as conveyed or expressed by a performer or artist.

Synonyms:
spirit. heart. essence, core

Put those 2 words together and what do you get...?

Yes, and about time there was a reawakening too! Check out our Creative Souls blog with some new updates, and a quest to continue to inspire all you creative souls out there.

This really is a busy time of year for all of us and it takes on a whole new dimension for me with the addition of my little soul. But it's also the time of year when we need to exercise our creativity - with our resources, with our time, with gifts, with celebrations.

We hope you'll join us as we create and inspire. Come share shortcuts and hot tips for creating during this time.

Fill me in - what inspires you, who inspires you?

One of my greatest sources of inspiration in this industry is this incredible woman who I am privileged to call a friend. I love her pursuit of happiness, the way she embraces colour, and her continual inspiration that spreads throughout the scrapbooking community.

She is a creative soul who has *sprinkled* my life with much joy.

Be inspired this weekend and know that you too, are a creative soul.

{L}

It's Wednesday (again) so...

2009-11-11T12:18:00.003+02:00

somewhere....

2009-11-04T15:12:00.003+02:00

...in my mess is my desk, in fact under my mess there might even be carpet. My inspiration is ALL around me, because all my STUFF is e v e r y w h e r e!!!!

Somewhere I will find THE storage solution. What a mission as I still try to contain the stuff I have accumulated, clear it, repack it. I change my mind about storage solutions all the time and it causes mayhem when I think I have found a better one. Interested to see how her new storage ideas work out. Some more cute ideas here.

And somewhere... I am going to use this stuff.

Love, love it!!

You can find it here. Check out the cutest Christmas ideas. They have sweet dispensers too. And there's a "translate" button if you don't understand Japanese :)

Enjoying a little technology break this week as I pursue my tidying, storage goals.

{L}

Happy, wise words...

2009-10-28T19:38:00.004+02:00

... for a happy Wednesday, which I thought was Tuesday (may have had something to do with the fact that I posted a Monday message yesterday!).

(yes, photo taken by me)

On my desk Monday...

2009-10-27T15:11:00.003+02:00

...a big m.e.s.s

Trying... to finish up my "nesting" process which had been rather suddenly interrupted... also a LOT of Spring cleaning which didn't happen and, well, we're pretty much into Summer here...

Not a whole heap of creative stuff happening here until I can have a CLEAN desk - it's my punishment - or should I say goal - can't play until the room is tidy.

Meanwhile I have been downloading some new photos from the weekend. 103 new photos in 3 days. Not all of them good (some not at all), but I'm trying and plan on playing some more until I feel I can almost get it right more often than not (plus I have the cutest subject on which to practice). I might even share one day, but in the meantime go and check here - photo not taken by me :)

I think I feel some encouragement coming on too... found this and this and this today. All so inspiring.

Got to clean some more!
{L}

2009-10-26T20:10:00.003+02:00

...this post has been interrupted by an incoming storm...

:)
Be back later...

Inspired by...

2009-10-23T13:02:00.003+02:00

While unpacking these the "product description" caught my eye:

you should always take time to smell the flowers...

and touch them...and maybe pick them -

Did you know that packaging can inspire too? Not just colour combos or the fact that the actual packaging can be re-purposed? How about a page title idea or even a spot of journaling?

If you're scrapbooking this weekend, hope this inspires you to add a cute note to your flowery layout... or read a few packages and see what sparks your inspiration!

Happy weekend!
{L}

Oh... and P.S. thank you for all the birthday wishes yesterday - I love being so electronically connected - phone calls, emails, sms's, blog comments, face book chats, Skye notes... and of course the good old fashioned card in the post!

It has been....

2009-10-21T19:27:00.003+02:00

...busy!!!

Can't believe 20 days can go by so quickly. I'm busy with some updates from all the celebrations. Just one more festivity (tomorrow) and then that's October for me.

Time for me to put together some new ideas again to cure the itchy fingers I get while seeing others play with paper! I'm going to be putting out some of my older class layouts and mini books and projects again too. So if you're interested in these kits, let me know, there are only a limited amount available.

I need to get back to my scheduled blogging too... yes, I'll find normality again (I think/hope).

So...in age old tradition...here's Wednesday's Wise Words

A sprinkle of happiness

2009-10-01T21:03:00.006+02:00

It's October, another new month! And I have loads to celebrate.

This month...
I get to welcome my friend all the way from Arizona,
I get to host a Polka Dot Party with 110 scrapbookers,
I get to remember a one year friendship anniversary,
I get to celebrate my birthday,
and this great month started off with a sprinkling of goodness from the wonderful Stacy Julian. Check out her stunning new website and take a little peek here too.

Here's to a wonderfully busy month...
{L}

Much excitement...

2009-09-30T21:27:00.000+02:00

It's selling out fast!

2009-09-09T15:11:00.002+02:00

Dream & Inspire

2009-08-24T13:39:00.004+02:00

Inspiration as always here.

P.S. Love those little CreativeSouls heart wings!

It's a Party!

2009-08-18T14:39:00.003+02:00

Hmmm...

2009-07-27T16:06:00.002+02:00

...it's been a while!

I'll be back.
And there's other exciting stuff too.

Wise Words....

2009-05-13T14:04:00.001+02:00

The wonderful thing about the game of life

is that winning and losing are only temporary...

unless you quit.
—DR. FRED MILLS

Could you?

2009-05-07T08:31:00.002+02:00

All good stuff!

2009-05-06T17:31:00.004+02:00

This is an excerpt from an email that arrived in my inbox today - made me smile - it's good stuff (and so true)!

It can be fun to see the hoopla, yet in a more profound way, we are missing the point of scrapbooking. Scrapbooking is first and foremost about the photo and the story behind it. It’s a moment in time which we are trying to capture and preserve so that we can remember the lives of those around us. ~ Dennis A. Conforto, A-Z Media Group, Inc.

And more good stuff... Jeanne sent me some photos of The Scrapping Studio's Mega Crop to share (thanks Jeanne)

Gift bags decorating the stage. Anyone recognise that handwriting?!

And happy scrapbookers at Table C: Kym, Natalie, Marian, Louise, Marie, Jeanne, Mary-Ann and Charlotte

And at last, halfway through a full 5-day week!!

{L}

Smiley, happy people...

2009-05-02T16:12:00.003+02:00

Happy people are more creative

Happy people fix problems and come up with solutions

Happy people have more energy

Happy people are more optimistic

Happy people are more motivated

Happy people get sick less often

Happy people learn faster

Happy people make better decisions

Happy people worry less about making mistakes and consequently make fewer mistakes.

Why worry... Be happy!

I know scrapbookers worldwide are happy today as it's celebrated as {inter}national scrapbooking day; South Africans are happy with another long weekend; I'm really happy after spending the day yesterday with 100 scrapbookers at The Scrapping Studio's

Now the little :( for me is that I started taking some great photos first thing in the morning, only to discover that my memory card wasn't in the camera!! I had been downloading photos for my presentation and neglected to put it back in the camera. In my mission to travel "light" with all the other bits and pieces I took with, I didn't take my camera bag with the spare memory card either!

So hopefully I will get photos from the day and will be able to post some of them. It was a fabulous day - 5 double page layouts taught by 5 different teachers, tea with the yummiest cake and koeksisters and a lovely lunch. Fantastic lucky draws and prizes and some happy, happy scrapbookers!

Looking forward to the next one ;)

{L}

Here's the {brilliant} answer!!!

2009-04-17T11:23:00.006+02:00

Remember this post last week? My marketing background has kept me skeptical about this being a legitimate cause, but the way things are here, you just never can know for sure!

Well... here is the answer....

----- Original Message -----
From: truth@nsep.co.za
To:
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 1:45 AM
Subject: Don't change something that doesn't need to be changed

South Africa, we agree!

It's silly to change something that doesn't need to be.

Mrs. Ball's decided to prove this, so we invented the National Skirt Extension Project, requiring all ladies toilet signs to be replaced with a longer skirt. Not surprisingly, you weren’t keen on the idea.

Take a look at this video to see what happened.

So it seems we agree. If something doesn't need changing, don't change it.

That's why nobody changes our chutney.

Mrs. Ball's

Uncompromised since 1856

South Africa, thanks for being such a good sport.

Mrs Ball's chutney is a South African legend. It's what South African's living abroad miss, it's what they get family members to bring on visits and it's what all SA expat stores keep on their shelves.

Here's a link for more info.

Absolute marketing genius! But more importantly... I get to use my scrapbooking embellishments just as they are!!

{L}

Oh happy day!!

2009-04-16T08:14:00.004+02:00

This is my mom! Isn't she just a cutie? And it's her birthday today.

If it wasn't for her, I guess I wouldn't be here, so really I do have her to thank for everything that I have. Also, she's one of my bestest scrapbooking buddies! What more could I wish for?!

Happy Birthday precious Mom, love you!

{L}

2009-04-15T14:07:00.001+02:00

To love what you do

and feel that it matters...

how could anything be more fun.

-Katherine Graham

So happy that I get to do what I love!!

Sneak preview and a Sweet day for a Special person

2009-04-13T18:43:00.003+02:00

See all those S's?

Today is my creative soul friend, Stephanie's birthday! It's a special birthday too. So please click on over and wish her a fabulous day (she deserves it!!)

And the sneak peek....

I have just received a pack of goodies for the Mega Crop hosted by The Scrapping Studio on 1st May. It's a full day, full of surprises, goodies and great scrapbooking. There are 5 sessions with 5 instructors doing 5 projects (and tea and lunch and all the other fabulous things Audrey and Sarah always come up with!)

I'll be teaching 1 of the sessions and might even get to play during the course of the day. So looking forward to the day and meeting up with scrapbookers that I have got to know over the years at the various events.

There might still be a space for you, you don't' want to miss out! Check out Scrapping Studio's blog for more info.

So it's to my creative space this week I need to go for something good!

Enjoy the short week SA girls!

{Lara}

The new fashion pages - bathroom signs!

2009-04-08T09:31:00.005+02:00

My choice of scrapbooking embellishments may be affected by public bathroom signs!!

Seriously...here's an advert that appeared in the Sunday Times (prominent SA newspaper) this Sunday...a little late for Aprils fools (?)

You can check out this website for information about the National Skirt Extension Project.

In the meantime, what do I do about my stash of embellishments?

1. Do I contact manufacturers and let them know their products don't comply with our new standards?

2. Do I buy the temporary stickers to stick over my embellishments, knowing they won't coordinate with my layout colour schemes?

3. Do I use them anyway and take a chance that I am not "playing my part in shaping perceptions" (from the nsep website).

If it's not a joke, it's a great marketing game by some company.

Better stay tuned!

{L}

Balance...Restored

2009-04-03T09:33:00.007+02:00

In search of balance....

I enjoyed this scene right outside my window...

I took some long introspective strolls...

I had a couple of daily cat naps...

And learnt (once again)... to just take one step at a time...

{if you don't cross the bridge, you won't know what's on the other side}

Here's to restoration and the continued pursuit of balance.

{L}

The "word" reminds me...

2009-03-19T17:14:00.003+02:00

My post with 2009's "word" balance... well it's become a gentle reminder again... kinda hit me... still finding balance. Probably an ongoing exercise.

On the event side of things, had a great meeting today, and it looks like Girlfriends' Getaway will certainly be an annual event. Look out for details of GG March 2010.

But in the meantime the good news is that there will be another Girlfriends' Getaway - with a little twist in November. So if you couldn't make our first annual GG which took place at the beginning of this month, or you're a die-hard and want to come in November as well... then WATCH THIS SPACE (or your inbox!)

Off to play some more balancing tricks!

{L}

Colour your world

2009-03-18T13:24:00.005+02:00

I have a HUGE collection of websites in a folder labelled "inspiration" stored under my Favorites. Today my spot of inspiration comes directly from the site COLOURlovers.

COLOURlovers is a color and design community for creative inspiration and sharing the love of color. Here you will find over one million color names, hundreds of thousands of color palettes and patterns, comments and ratings. Interviews with top creative professionals regarding color and articles covering current color trends and news are uploaded daily.

You can learn about the history of the colour wheel, or access 1 million colour names. Or be inspired by some amazing colour combos and fun ideas.

It's a great place to visit daily and great for scrapbook layout inspiration.

Enjoy a colourful day!

{L}

Green Day

2009-03-17T19:19:00.006+02:00

...and green really, really is my favourite colour! And without even thinking I wore green today!

Here is some gorgeous green inspiration:

This

pink polka dot cake.

And lime green too!Love, love this one!

Quite some detail here.

Have some green inspired fun!

{L}

Sweet wishes...

2009-03-13T08:03:00.006+02:00

...for a wonderful weekend!

and my personal wish that Sprinkles Cupcakes would venture over the ocean)

I have yet to find a yummier cupcake, but I'm certainly willing to try if there are any local suggestions out there!

Yours in sweet wishing

{L}

Reasons 101

2009-03-11T08:57:00.004+02:00

I sure have my choice of excuses from which to choose... but here is the main reason for my absence and one I am VERY happy about!

The "girls" had the most glorious 2 days of pampering, eating, scrapbooking, eating, chatting, eating, scrapbooking, eating... well you get the idea! Mount Grace serves the most awesome selection of delicious food, in quantities you could only imagine (on an ongoing basis!).

We shared loads of laughs in hydro pools and jacuzzis, during pamper treatments and glorious meals and then of course creativity and inspiration during the scrapbook sessions.

It truly was a time for recharging the soul.

Here's an idea of what we saw, ate and did! Photographs are a mix from mine, Rhonda's and our "resident photographer" - George's galleries!

And the question on everybody's lips...YES there will be another Girlfriends' Getaway. Numbers will once again be limited for this exclusive event. Watch out for details so you don't miss out this time.

(I think I might even do a little recap of the rest of February in the next few days).

Happy Wednesday.

{L}

Seriously??

2009-03-05T08:09:00.002+02:00

I missed out the WHOLE of February!!! Admittedly it was a "short" month...but how I managed to miss the whole month without blogging?!

I'll be back... lots to share...all the excuses for not being here!

2009-01-29T14:43:00.001+02:00

I haven't shared my "wise words" for some time now. I trust this speaks to you wherever you are, or whatever may be happening.

{L}

Good news South Africa!

2009-01-27T17:54:00.006+02:00

(Click on image to enlarge)

Email me for details.

It's as simple as a quick EFT and you'll receive your "downloadable" file by email.

You can check Stephanie's blog for more sneak peeks of this project and look out for others coming soon.

This is such a cute project!
{L}

2009-01-26T15:37:00.005+02:00

At last... some of the CreativeSouls rub-ons in action!

Sets used: Joie de vivre - Holidays and Joie de vivre - Block Alpha

You can add brads to the shapes, customise them with colour, sprinkle on a little glitter or leave them just as they are!

To create the title, carefully cut each letter out of the backing sheet. Transfer onto your choice of cardstock. Cut randomly (freehand!) around each letter / number and add to your layout!

Thank you for all your orders, there are just a few Christmas sets still available. You can email me directly, we are posting them at the moment but look at for them at your favourite scrapbook store too!

Looking forward to seeing what you have created with the rub-ons.

Happy new week
{L}

Joie de vivre....

2009-01-15T16:01:00.007+02:00

We have had wonderful response to the first edition of the CreativeSouls rub-ons!

Here are a few answers to some of the FAQ's -

- The rub-ons are brand new, hot off the press.

- They are one of a kind, hand-drawn doodle designs by Stephanie Ackerman.

- The alphabet is Stephanie's adorable handwriting.

- These current designs will not be repeated - once they're gone they're gone!

- The rub-ons can be posted to you anywhere in South Africa.

- For USA girls you can purchase straight from Stephanie's Etsy Shoppe.

- East Rand girls... The Scrapping Studio in Boksburg has stock right now!

Here is what they look like -

joie de vivre Friend - cute quotes, special words, adorable doodles - ideal for your friendship layouts, perfect for a "friendly" little card or notelet!

joie de vivre Christmas - if you've been as busy as we have over this time, you may have only just managed to print your Christmas photos - these doodled rub-ons are just perfect to bring back the Christmas cheer to your pages (you might even still have an empty spot or two in your December Daily album!).

joie de vivre Big Doodles - aren't these just the cutest?! We ALL wish we could doodle like Stephanie and now we get the chance to pretend :) Once you've added the design to paper, you'll be amazed - it looks like a genuine hand-drawn doodle!!

joie de vivre Block Alpha - a staple for anything and everything!! And look how many of each letter you get on a sheet! No running out of E's with this one!

Here's to the love of life... and doodle rub-ons too!

{L}

Time warp...

2009-01-14T12:20:00.004+02:00

Please don't feel that you're stuck in a time warp! My last blog post truly was the last day of 2008. I got back to "real life" on Monday, so blogging today isn't too bad on my forever long to-do list!

So what's up for the new year? Well... it started with the launch of this:

And nope, I'm not learning French!
Joie de vivre - the love of life...and doodle rub-ons too! is what it's about.

Head over to the CreativeSouls blog and read all about a brand new and exciting range of rub-on doodle designs.

Then... I do really have a word for 2009!

I spent a lot of time thinking about where I am right now, what is most important and what I'd like to focus on in all aspects of my life. The word "balance" is what I've chosen.

bal⋅ance [bal-uhns] noun, verb

1. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution.
2. mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment.
3. the remainder or rest: she carried what she could and left the balance for someone else.
4. the power or ability to decide an outcome by throwing one's strength, influence, support, or the like, to one side or the other.
5. in wine making: the degree to which all the attributes of a wine are in harmony, with none either too prominent or deficient.
6. in accounting: equality between the totals of the two sides of an account.
7. in fine arts: composition or placement of elements of design, as figures, forms, or colors, in such a manner as to produce an aesthetically pleasing or harmoniously integrated whole.
8. a balance wheel is a wheel that regulates rate of movement in machine parts, as in a watch. ie a stabilizing influence.
9. to estimate the relative weight or importance of; compare: to balance all the probabilities of a situation.

Reading these definitions now again, simply confirms that this is what I want (need) to do.

Here's to creating a balanced life!
{L}

2008-12-31T15:17:00.002+02:00

It's the last day of 2008... are you reflecting? are you making decisions for the new year? planning something big? doing something new?

Many of you are familiar with Ali Edwards and her "word" for the year (check her blog for more info). Now... my awesomely talented friend Stephanie Ackerman is doing something special with Ali.

Check out her homegrown hospitality blog for all the details of the SUPER cute doodle she will do for you of your own 2009 word.

Since I'm still enjoying my R&R, I will do an update of my own word on my "return". And since I am actually still reflecting, making decisions, planning something big and doing some thing new.... I am still thinking about exactly what I need my word to be this year...

Happy New Year!
{L}

A little R&R...

2008-12-26T18:16:00.003+02:00

It's been a while (sorry), but... I'm catching up on some much needed R&R!

A little more holidaying for me in the pipeline before I get back into the swing of things for 2009...Enjoy your days of summer here in the southern hemisphere, and keep warm there in the northern!!

{L}

Economising

2008-12-04T17:38:00.003+02:00

What a week it has been! I have been a busy little bee, creating and playing, but I have a LOT to do still...

Most of my week was taken up with designing some layouts for The Scrapping Studios December kits. And speaking of economising...

this is all I have left over from 21 sheets of very colourful cardstock which makes up this month's Kit dubbed the "Econo Kit". It's an absolute bargain too R130 for 5 layouts - that's 4 double pages and 1 single page, plus 2 pages of special templates and a little pre-printed embellishment too. So head on over to their blog and contact the shop before these great Econo Kits are gone!

And now I need to get onto some Christmas gift making and adding to my December Daily album which you can see over at CreativeSouls.
{L}

A pinch and a punch...

2008-12-01T16:23:00.004+02:00

...for the 1st of the month!

Happy December to you... and with that the beginning of my December Daily over at CreativeSouls.

My Christmas tree has been unpacked, but yet to be decorated and my album is here on my desk!

This is always a crazy busy time for us all, and no matter how well we try and plan things, it doesn't quite work out the way we would like it to.

Don't stress if you don't have the album made already, the idea is to use what you have on hand. So grab a piece of cardstock and start journaling about your everyday things, the little things, the things that are important to you personally / as a family. Take a photo if you like, embellish the page a little, punch 2 holes in it and add a binder ring. Yes, it can really be that simple.

So do visit Stephanie and I as we share with you our inspiration, and we'd love for you to share yours too at CreativeSouls.

Here's to memory keeping!

{L}

Cardstock!!!

2008-11-24T14:13:00.006+02:00

That's right... cardstock is on my desk today! Just good old, plain cardstock and I am playing!

I'm designing pages for The Scrapping Studio's monthly kit with this pile of cardstock. You get 21 sheets of cardstock in the kit, layouts for 5 double page spreads, some templates to trace and a few cute ideas from me!

It's been dubbed an economy kit (and who doesn't need one these days!) So check out their blog for contact details and put your order in!

I also have 5 little surprises ready to go to the post office. There are 5 lucky winners over at CreativeSouls who need to email me!

Wishing you a happy last week of November!
{L}

Happy weekend...

2008-11-21T19:14:00.004+02:00

...quite a week it's been!

Managed to put some finishing touches on a project in the works... hopefully will be able to share that pretty soon!

My desk is completely cleared so I'll have something fun to share on Monday.

And for all you creative souls out there... come and visit us here to see how you can add these to the collection you may have started at Live, Scrap, Play!, at one of my classes or how you can simply start your collection right now...

Have a great weekend

{L}

On my desk Monday and Q&A

2008-11-17T14:34:00.006+02:00

*edited on Tuesday as my modem got struck by lightning just as I was about to post. New modem and so relieved the post was saved*

What a productive weekend!

On my desk are the remanants of some of the crazy creativity that took place the last 2 days. My "Christmas Gifts-to-make" List has a big tick on it. I have my monthly AAM Group gifts complete and ready for 13 Dec.

I can't show the finished projects here just yet - that would just spoil the surprise! (If you girls thought I would slip up...you're wrong!)

But...here are a few of the goodies and products I used! Oh... that would be except for the Christmas Traditions Scented Envelope Sachet which I didn't actually use in any of the projects, but I have it here lying in my office. The smell certainly got me into the Christmas mood!

So... on Friday Stephanie and I launched CreativeSouls - a little place of inspiration. Thank you all for the amazing response, the comments and emails have been wonderful!

I now have a link to CreativeSouls on the right -----------> please do visit us. Come and share your creative soul.

Some Q&A I've received recently:

Q: That baby picture is hilarious. Is it yours?
A: Nope, the baby is not mine, it's a stock image, but definitely cute.

Q: Are you still doing scrapbooking events?
A: Girlfriends' Getaway takes place in March 2009. You can download booking forms here. There might also be a few surprises in store from CreativeSouls!

Q: I love your blog banner. Can I get one made?
A: The good news is YES, you can. Even if you live in South Africa! Just email me with the details - your blog name, colours etc. If you're local the cost is R150. (Stephanie has a selected a cause close to her heart here in South Africa and the monies will go directly to helping this family. You can read more about it here.)

And I think that's it for Monday! (or now Tuesday!)
Have a great week.
{L}

Lara Cousins

*love* the month...

Friday Happy Dance

Before it's too late...

January 2012 Collection

Sprinkles of Good(ness) Wishes

Planning ahead

Becky Higgins in the house...

Double Delight Sprinkles & 2 Scoops Bazzill

It happened (again)...

In the wink of an eye...

This moment and the dash...

It's Mega May time and some more bravery

And the goodness goes too....

Are you a Brave Girl?

Sprinkles of Goodness

Simply Brave...

wise words....

Monday... (and I'll Doodle, too)

Whew.....

Here's to the month of March

Be Creative ---> Be Brave

It's almost March...

Wise Words Wednesday...

I really think....

Emerging...(slowly)

Being Brave...

February!

Celebrating Sprinkles of Goodness

Current Mantra

NEW! Sprinkles of Goodness

Oh yes!

I was there!

Feel it...

Wise words!

Special Moms

A month!

MARCHing on...

Launching....

Wise Words = Wednesday

Love, still

Love Month Wise Words

a pinch & a punch

Looking for inspiration?

Sold Out!

Girlfriends' Getaway - Project

Sprinkles of Goodness

{twenty ten} + ten

It happened suddenly...

All a glitter...

Wise words of Joy...

Girlfriends' Getaway 2010

New week...

With heartfelt thanks

It's here!!!

Don't even ask...

A brand new week

1 +1 = 2

It's Wednesday (again) so...

somewhere....

Happy, wise words...

On my desk Monday...

Inspired by...

It has been....

A sprinkle of happiness

Much excitement...

It's selling out fast!

Dream & Inspire

It's a Party!

Hmmm...

Wise Words....

Could you?

All good stuff!

Smiley, happy people...

Here's the {brilliant} answer!!!

Oh happy day!!

Sneak preview and a Sweet day for a Special person

The *new* fashion pages - bathroom signs!

Balance...Restored

The "word" reminds me...

love the month...

The new fashion pages - bathroom signs!