Busy Bee Handmade

40% off sale

2011-09-28T11:02:00.001+10:00

That's right, I'm closing down the online store...don't miss out on a bargain!

Hop over to http://www.busybeehandmade.com.au/ for more details & to check out the goodies!

Now THAT'S a craft weekend...

2011-02-08T10:00:00.002+10:00

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Does anybody out there have a house big enough to host a weekend like this?

If you do, let us all know...we'll be round next weekend!

Make sure you hop over to whatever... to see the rest of the photos from this amazing craft weekend, I think it will blow your socks off!

I think I am totally in love with the embroidery hoop art that these crafty girls completed, mmmmmmm, my to do list is getting longer & longer.

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How do you craft? Alone, with friends or maybe you belong to an organised group?

Do tell, we'd love to hear about it.

Happy days,

Packaging idea #1

2011-02-07T10:00:00.005+10:00

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This is such a simple idea...why didn't I think of it?

I love to give little gifts of choccies or the like packaged up in a clear bag, just like these gorgeous birdie cookies.

Check out this oh so simple tutorial to see how the glittery hearts that will dress up your wee gift are made...trust me it's simple!

Follow this link to the tutorial.

Once you've seen how easy this is you will be whipping up variations for all occassions. My first thought jumps to Easter...which reminds me I've got 12x12 glitter paper in stock pink, blue, green & black.

Happy gifting!

Sweet William ~ Mend & Make Do

2011-02-06T10:33:00.002+10:00

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Don't you think the world would be a better place if we tried to live by this simple motto?

Check out more great prints by Sweet William right here.

XX

Tutorial - Zippered Laptop Sleeve

2011-02-05T10:06:00.001+10:00

Learn how to turn this:

Outer fabric

Lining fabric

Fusible fleece

Zipper (approximately 4” longer than your laptop)

Embellishments

Into this:

Right here:

Crap I've Made - Zippered Laptop Sleeve Tutorial

I shared this website with you yesterday & thought that today I would share with you my favourite tutorial...at least it's my favourite so far.

Enjoy!

Meet Char & see the crap she's made

2011-02-04T10:08:00.001+10:00

Do yourself a favour & meet Char. Her blog Crap I've Made is a hot spot of crafty things, tutorials & a good dose of humour.

Here's an example...today Char talks about her laundry issues & the abundance of socks in her house.

While you are there, have a look around, there is lots to see & enjoy.

MWAH

Papercraft Expo 2010 - Scrapbooking

2011-02-03T10:00:00.005+10:00

I came across these photo's from last year's Papercraft Expo, held at Southbank on Queens's Birthday long weekend. I had completely forgotten that I had them & am now feeling all inspired...it's been a while since I scrapped.

I haven't posted the photos in any particular order, they're just some of the pieces that caught my eye on the day.

I hope they inspire you to create whatever it is that you create.

PS: I didn't keep any record on the day of who did what...so if any of these are your work OR you know who's work is included please let me know so that I can note the fact.

Monogram Baby Gifts

2011-02-02T09:11:00.001+10:00

A dear friend recently had twin baby girls, Emily & Alyssa. I wanted to give a wee something that was just for them so I came up with these monogrammed singlets.

My absolute favourite colour combo is pink & green so I use this every chance I can.

for Emily

for Alyssa

Given that I am not a sewer...I am pretty chuffed at the end result.

Love

Another avenue

2011-02-01T10:14:00.002+10:00

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Do you ever shop or sell at eBay?

I have done both in the past but not for ages...so I decided today that I would 'throw' a pile of things up there & see what stuck. 79 things got thrown to be exact...I'm just too exhausted to throw anything else on top of the Goodie Bag Get-Together work I've done today (and amongst general motherly duties!).

If you are an eBay'er, why not pop over & see what you can find. You would need to do an advanced search for seller, busybeehandmade

I'll let you know upfront that EVERYTHING I have posted on eBay is starting at 99c at auction so you are guaranteed to find a bargain.

Hope your weekend was as enjoyable as mine & that your upcoming week is as good as I anticipate mine to be.

Love

This sounds like my house lately...

2011-01-31T22:21:00.001+10:00

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Not that I'm claiming a great blog...just that Mr Busy Bee Handmade probably feels somewhat neglected some days when creativity strikes.
Love

Get-Togethers: New Format for 2011

2011-01-30T20:00:00.001+10:00

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Goodie Bag Get-Togethers are a chance to meet up with other crafters & get creative in a social atmosphere. We enjoy sharing our craft & our skills & of course we always enjoy a good natter. We are based at Burpengary, Queensland.

We scrap, we make cards, we do ‘beyond the page’…if it’s crafty it’s welcome. Just bring along your own craft projects to work on & your usual craft kit/supplies.

Cost is $20.00 which includes a Get-Together Goodie Bag. Your Goodie Bag will contain at least $30.00 worth of assorted craft supplies from http://www.busybeehandmade.com.au/.

Goodie Bags will be themed each month & will include project ideas to get you inspired! You are welcome to break out the Goodie Bag items on the day & start creating, or you can take them home & let the ideas brew.

Also, you are also not limited to 1 Goodie Bag, feel free to shout yourself an extra bag or take one home for a friend. Just be sure to let me know in advance how many you require.

Tea & coffee is provided; feel free to bring along a snack to share. If you are coming along to a daytime Get-Together, please bring your own lunch.

The February Goodie Bag Get-Togethers will be held:

Saturday 12th February 10am - 3pm
Saturday 26th February 7pm - 11pm

Seats are strictly limited so get in touch with me now to reserve your place. Also, I must know in advance how many Goodie Bags you require so that your Goodie Bags will be ready & waiting when you arrive.

To secure your booking I will require a $10 deposit, this can be paid by PayPal or bank transfer. Let me know your preferred method of payment & I will send you all the details.

Please feel free to give me a call or send me an email if you would like any further information. And please pass details of this event on to anyone you know who might be interested.

Hope to see you sometime soon

Busy Bee Handmade
email mandy at busybeehandmade.com.au
phone 0407 765 723

Please note: Busy Bee Handmade Goodie Bag Get-Togethers are held at my private home at Burpengary, Queensland, 4505. Details of the address will be provided upon registration.

Studio Calico: Tutorial: Hand-stitiching Words Onto Paper

2011-01-30T08:52:00.000+10:00

This is definately on my list of things to do...

Studio Calico: Tutorial: Hand-stitiching Words Onto Paper

My imagination is running wild with the thought of projects to embroider!

Love

Mr T & the new jammies

2011-01-22T13:07:00.000+10:00

I've decided lately that there is actually a long suppressed sewer trapped inside this papercrafters body.

So I've been frequenting Spotlight a fair bit & trying my hand at sewing a few bits & pieces...these jammies are by far my favourites so far.

I have to admit that a white singlet is not the wisest choice for a 2 yo but heck...he looks stylish.

Credits go to Mum, for the lessons in Vliesofix & blanket stitch on the embroidery machine...where would any of us be without our mum!

On another note, Busy Bee Handmade really needs to come to terms that the Christmas/New Year break is well & truly over. There will be a few changes to the Get-Together format this year so all will be revealed shortly...keep tuned here & on our Facebook page.

Keep on craftin'

going mobile

2011-01-04T06:55:00.001+10:00

Please excuse this post...I am just trying out posting with the Blackberry.

Have a wonderful day peoples!

Lots of love Mandy

Handmade Sale, this Saturday at Narangba

2010-11-22T21:41:00.001+10:00

It's Christmas Handmade Sale time again, if you live anywhere near Narangba, come along on Saturday & have a wee look, I'd love to meet you.

Busy Bee Handmade's contribution to the sale is a huge 25% off all scrapbooking & papercraft supplies as well as some handmade papercraft items. The very talented Mary & Francine make the other beautiful goodies.

Our little handmade sale is held at a private address so just get in touch for the address and we'll be there from 9am - 1pm.

Children’s Floor & Cot Quilts
Delicious Rocky Road & Shortbread
Christmas Table Runners
Embroidered face washers, towels & baby burpers
Variety of cushions
Coat Hangars
Handmade Christmas, Birthday & gift cards
Children’s & Adult’s aprons
Other assorted hand crafted gift items
25%off all Scrapbooking & Stamping supplies

Three Lucky Door Prizes!

The photos I've included here are from last year, who knows what lovely things you will find this year?

Ciao for now

Stella Grace Christmas Giveaway!

2010-11-19T23:12:00.000+10:00

You may or may not know that I also have another wee project, one that my lovely hubby & I work on together. We named her Stella Grace {Invite.Announce.Greet}.

We are featured on {KID}independent at the moment with a great giveaway (I say great but then I am biased!).

Follow this link to the {KID}independent blog post which will tell you how to enter ~ Stella Grace Christmas Giveaway!

The booty on offer is a pack of 30 personalised photographic Christmas greetings, these come with magnets on the back, 120gsm envelope & also some photo editing to get your greeting looking it's best. There are 28 designs in all to choose from.

Stella Grace also offers a host of birth announcements, christening & naming day invitations, kids birthday invites & a handful of adult birthday invites too. Nearly everything is customisable so think outside the square, we've had customers order different colours, matching thank you's, twins...the possibilities are just about endless. If you can think it, we can probably make it...just for you! Unfortunately there are not enough hours in the day to have all of the options on display, but we will get there.

If you'd like to know more about Stella Grace, you can visit the webiste http://www.stellagrace.com.au/ or follow us on facebook 'Stella Grace'.

We will be at some great SEQ markets between now & Christmas, we'd love you to stop by & say hello if you are going too:

Good Buy Baby Market
Tomorrow, Saturday 20th November
9am-12pm
Norths Leagues Club
Anzac Ave, Kallangur
http://www.goodbuybaby.com.au/site/

Noosa Kids Market
Sunday 28th November
8am - 11am
Bicentennial Hall
Bicentennial Drive, Sunshine Beach
http://noosakidsmarket.com.au/

Mamma's Market
Buderim War Memorial Hall
Cnr Gloucester Road and Main Street, Buderim
http://www.mammasmarket.com/

We will have some great offers available at the markets, if you can't make it or live elsewhere then just drop me a line, I'm sure we can work out something special for you.

Happy weekend to you all!

XXX Mandy

25% off at Busy Bee Handmade on Facebook

2010-11-11T21:39:00.000+10:00

Have you been to visit Busy Bee Handmade on Facebook?

Here's a reason to hop on over & visit my page...I have an album of selected scrapbooking & papercraft supplies on sale at 25% off.

Here's a link to the photos, Super Sale on Scrapbooking Supplies, many of them are of packs of complimentary items I've put together.

And here is just a few sneaky peak photos, there are over 50 photos in the album.

Cheers

To do...

2010-10-23T10:45:00.001+10:00

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To Do:

Kids fed, washed, dressed, sunscreened - CHECK
Hubbie fed, washed, dressed, sunscreened (by himself of course!) - CHECK
Kids & Hubbie dispatched for a day of outdoor loveliness with friends at Ipswich - CHECK
Housework - CHECK
Cup of tea in hand - CHECK
Blog post - IN PROGRESS
Whole day of Busy Bee work ahead - TO DO

I hope that your day is going as planned!

X M

Latest makes

2010-10-15T22:36:00.000+10:00

What have you been up to?

Mandy

Something for the boys...

2010-10-14T22:20:00.000+10:00

I've just added some images of these 12x12 pages to the Facebook page & thought that I really should share with you too.

These are just some of the boy themed 12x12 scrapbooking papers I have available. There are heaps more so if you have boys to craft for, why not pop over to http://www.busybeehandmade.com.au/ & have a look around.

As an extra special treat, I am offering FREE SHIPPING Australia wide on orders over $50...this runs until midnight this Sunday.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star collection

Retro Boy collection

I've had heaps & heaps of fun with these, I'm sure you would too.

Happy scrapping...or cardmaking...or beyond the paging...or whatever it is that you like best!

My Happy Dragons!

2010-10-03T23:05:00.000+10:00

What more is there to say except...Good on you Dragons!

I did manage to fit some 'handmade' into my day today. I finally got around to making up a duvet cover & pillowcase for Master Trent. I found this super bright fabric during my last trip to Ikea. They have a great selection of fabrics & they seem to be really good quality. Will definately be having another look around the fabric section next time I am there.

I've also taken to making up my own sheets for his bed too. The latest match the royal blue & lime of the duvet cover...it is so easy I can't believe I haven't been making them all this time.

Happy 'handmade' ing & go you good thing Dragons!

What did you do with your family today?

2010-10-02T22:38:00.000+10:00

We Edwards' had family time. From the minute we got up on this rainy morning, we have been having fun, together.

We thought that we could wish the rain away with positive thinking so we jumped in the car (Nanna & all) and went to Australia Zoo. Well, all the way there it was rainy then sunny, then rainy then sunny (you get the picture). By the time we pulled into the carpark it was almost torrential!

In the name of keeping dry & warm we decided to change tack & headed back toward home to our local indoor playground...via a couple of second hand stores. What an adventure that was, rummaging thru all sorts of things from eras past...we had a win too! One of the stores we stopped at had a huge pile of those vintage metal signs, there were lots of old brands & cars & to our fortune a pile of old footy signs. I may not have mentioned before but we are a mad keen St George Dragons household & hubby found an old sign celebrating all the finals wins up till 1975...(it will be out of date this time tomorrow, Go the Dragons!).

So we had our fun at the indoor playground, there was lots of ball pit action, wavy slide sliding & a yummy lunch to eat.

After nap time there was some toy time, some dancing (think the Hokey Pokey & the Chicken Song!) then it was time for outside in raincoats to feed the chickens & to cook a bbq dinner. We ate under our fabulous new (waterproof) patio & the kids followed up with a huge play on the wet wet trampoline.

After warm showers & fluffy jamies we all settled in for a spot of The Gruffalo & cuddles on the couch, then
off to bed for the kids.

I would have to say that this has been one of the most enjoyable days I can recall in a long time & I put it all down to having no agenda except to have a fun day as a family.

I hope that you have fun days like this often & that they fill your heart with as much joy as mine was filled today.

Love
Mandy

long time no blog

2010-09-28T22:17:00.000+10:00

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Hello bloggy friends! I am still in the land of the living (not that you would know from the state of this sad little blog!)

Many things have been going on in my world...unfortunately sitting down to tell you all about it on a regular basis has not quite made it to the top of my overflowing to do list.

How do these 'super women' do it...work full time, run a business on the side, raise wonderful kids, keep the hubby happy, do charity work, have gorgeously presented home, manicured garden........I feel faint just thinking about it!

I have made the call to definately say no to more things, to downsize my life & stop spreading myself so thin. I really want to do everything but have come to realise that women (at least this one) can't have everything they want in life, we have to pick what is most important & put in every ounce of effort to doing those few things really well.

For me, the thing that is most important to me is my family. I have the greatest husband who supports me in everything I do (or don't do), I have 2 fabulously wonderful kids who are an endless source of affection & entertainment. And of course my mum, how can any girl do without her mum, regardless of how old she is!

I hope that you know what is most important to you & put as much passion as you can into it.

Lots of love
Mandy

Ch ch ch changes

2010-08-22T22:27:00.000+10:00

We've had some temporary changes here where I have returned to full time employment...this means that I won't be available as much as I would like BUT I will be checking in with all you lovely bloggers & posting as often as I can.

Apart from Facebook & the blog Busy Bee Handmade will continue as always, our Get-Togethers are still on & the webstore is definately open for business. In fact, why not pop over there now & put yourself on the newsletter list & be in the draw to win $10 voucher each & every month.

While I think of it, a new website launched tonight, which you really should know about.Craftumi is bought to us by those behind MadeIt...the difference being that Craftumi is where you can buy craft supplies...yay about time we have a quality forum to buy & sell our precious supplies. Have a look, you won't be disappointed. Here are a few goodies I like the look of.

ThePottyKnitter on Craftumi

paisleypath on Craftumi

FormosaDesign on Craftumi

BlackEyedSusie on Craftumi

Lastly, something by BusyBeeHandmade on Craftumi

Love to you all

Sunshine Award...

2010-08-13T22:21:00.000+10:00

Recently the lovely Tracie over at Unique Cardz awarded me the very sunny Sunshine Award. Thank you so much Tracie, it is really thoughtful of you to do so.

What happens now though, is I am honour bound to share with you 5 things about myself & also award 5 new blogs with this little beauty, so here goes:

I knitted a cardigan for Agro (yes, the fuzzy little angry puppet) as a gift when I was about 11. He opened it on up & showed it on his TV show
I have always wanted to go rally driving...just as an offsider, not the driver (at least not the first time) (are there any kiwis out there?..."corrr check it out, two moons")
I just love flowers to bits, I have to sneak them into the house though, hubby doesn't like things being too girly so I sneak in floral clothing, floral bed linen (only subtle though, he is onto me in this regard), floral jacquard curtains, floral clothes for Sydney, my craft room is steadily filling with more & more flowers & of course there is the garden which is full of natives.
As a child I got bitten on the bottom by a rally large alsation guard dog & still have the scar to prove it
I love loud music & relish the occassions when I am in the car with no kids so I can rock out to some grown up music, I am currently competely addicted to Mumford & Sons

Now the 5 blogs I nominate to receive the Sunshine Award are:

Ivy Designs for having great kids clothing & patterns, tutorials & general loveliness
moose & bird for having great vintage upcycled fabric goodies, always easy on the eye
Sweet William has the most stunning art prints, my favourit is "mend & make do"
One Craftee Mumma! makes great cards & paper embellishments & shares a great range of other blogs
Lauren Carney has such a great illustrating style & it's a great contrast to what I am usually surrounded by

So thanks again Tracie, I will send this little ray of Sunshine out into the world where these lovely ladies will hopefully choose to share a little about themselves with us.

Blog Love ~ Hanmade

2010-08-09T22:43:00.000+10:00

I recently stumbled upon the blog of Hannah Madden called Hanmade. There are many reasons that I love it & want to share it with you:

there are lots & lots of photos of Hannah's to die for handmade items
there are lots & lots of photos of flowers
there are lots & lots of photos of wonderful British places that Hannah has visited, never been to the UK but these photos make me want to go
there are photos of a puppy dog called Smartie

Hannah's latest post is to show off her hand printed tea towels...they almost make me want to go & do the dishes. My favourite is the hollyhock design.

image from hanmade

There are also some other goodies worth having a look at. I won't give any more away, why not pop over & have a look for yourself.

Did you know I have a giveaway EVERY month?

2010-08-07T16:16:00.000+10:00

Did you know that just by signing up to receive the newsletter at my website you will be in the draw to win a $10 voucher EVERY month? That’s it, sign up once & you are in the draw for every month that you remain on the list. Too easy!

To give you a chance to sign up, I will hold over this month’s draw until Sunday at 10pm. That’s tomorrow night so pop over & sign up now. Click here to join.

Here is a small selection of things that you could pick up at Busy Bee Handmade for $10 or less.

Hand embroidered baby burper, available in other designs & colours, $10 each

Hand embroidered bonds baby singlet, several designs & colours, $10

Cat door hangar with painted face, $10. Other colours also available.

Owl pot mit only $5

Applique hand towel, $5, also in other designs.

A selection of cards, from $2.95

Gorgeous glitter in several colours, $7.85

Clear stamps by the dozen, from $2.50

Naked chipboard tag set $3.95

Heaps of ink to choose from, from $4.50

XCut craft knife $9.95

Hope to see you on the newsletter list soon!

Blokes...they make me chuckle!

2010-07-29T14:24:00.000+10:00

Have you ever heard a conversation that just made you laugh, it might not have been really appropriate to laugh but you wanted to or did anyway?

I can't stop thinking about a conversation I overheard at Sundays Noosa Kids Market. I was waiting in the queue for coffee (which was the best coffee I've had in ages) & 2 youngish blokes were waiting behind me, it went something like this:

Bloke 1: Yeah, just picked up a nappy bag for like $30 bucks, we're really stoked because you can pay $100 for those things! (said with a tone of dismay)

Bloke 2: Yeah great stuff. We were really lucky & have been given everything by family & friends, we don't need to buy any more stuff now.

Bloke 1: We're the same, we've been given heaps mate. All we need now is a breast pump.

Me: Silent (but cracking up on the inside...I would have been rolling around on the floor laughing had I not been in a public place).

I just can't express in writing the nonchalance that the line about the breast pump was delivered with. I still chuckle when I think about it...maybe you had to be there?

Anyway, we found the best little toddler bed for Master Trent. It is gorgeous timber to match his other furniture & he is now not falling out of his sideless cot umpteen times a night. YAY!

I'm now making this my excuse for a full fit out of new bed linen for my little man. The mattress is still cot sized so his existing bedding fits but what the heck!

And of course we took Stella Grace to the market, along with some of Busy Bee Handmade's goodies.

Francine's hand embroidered baby gear & Mary's applique quilts are so popular...it's easy to see why isn't it.

Hope your Thursday is treating you well XX

Too Tired Tuesday...oh hang on...it's Wednesday already

2010-07-28T00:14:00.000+10:00

It is waaaay too late for me to be up blog hopping but there are so many beautiful blogs to see & I don't want to miss anything!

I have been completely inspired by the homegrown rose on Moose & Bird's blog & went tripping off to find a fresh photo of my favourite flower, the peony.

My garden is almost completely native & I just don't have the time to try my hand at peonies (especially since I live in Queensland, these little beauties need a cold, cold winter) so I resign myself to images of peonies on my laptop wallpaper which I rotate from time to time...just now I Googled images of peony & discovered there are 788,000 images. Don't think I will run out of fresh peony eye candy for a while yet.

Hope they brighten your day as much as Moose & Bird's rose & these peonies have brightened mine.

Upcoming Workshop ~ Wall hanging

2010-07-21T13:52:00.000+10:00

I have just posted a new workshop on MeetUp.com & thought I would share with y'all as well.

I just love this project so much that I keep thinking up new designs with different themes. I have most recently tinkered with the original Sizzix project & made it up with a Christmas twist.

I know, I know, Christmas is a long way off…NOT! Blink & it will be here...have you started making your Christmas cards yet???

So this upcoming workshop uses Sizzix adhesive paper (jac paper), patterned scrapbooking papers, Cuttlebug, Sizzix die, beading supplies, chipboard & ink.

This is my take on the original Sizzix project.

I've added distress crackle paint, ribbon & I put these paper roses on just about anything I can attach them to!

Here is my Christmas twist to the idea.

All 3 panels are in a different but co-ordinating Christmas paper.

For me the beads are the icing on the cake.

These are good quality glass beads so they catch the light nicely.

The workshop is next Tuesday, the 27th. If you live locally to Burpengary & would like to come along just let me know, I will send you more details.

If you don't live locally but like this project, I will gladly make up kits on demand. Just give me a holler for more details.

Ciao for now

~ This is a Sizzix project idea that I picked up earlier this year at Creative Block. The project was taught by the very entertaining Juliana Hudgins of Sizzix. ~

Busy Bee Handmade is now on Facebook

2010-07-20T14:21:00.000+10:00

Finally made the leap recently & started a Facebook page for Busy Bee Handmade & also my other venture Stella Grace.

I say 'finally' because I have been scared witless of Facebook & have resisted the prompting of all those 'friend requests' from people I thought I was already friends with. But I kept hearing about Facebook this & Facebook that...& you know, I have to admit that it is kinda fun!

I haven't completely quashed some of my privacy concerns but I guess if nothing gets posted that I don't want the entire world having access to then I guess I should be ok. I'm one of those annoying people who won't fill in a box on a form if they can't justify why they need to know..."I just have to enter it into the computer" has never washed with me...why does the mobile phone repair shop need my date of birth to sell me a new battery...???

Still don't know how to work half of the features of Facebook, I am positive there are features & don't even know exist let alone how to make use of them but I am getting there.

I did tell Facebook it could look in my email address list & so off it went & found heaps of 'friends' that I always had but hadn't been in touch with for a while. What is a little spooky & a whole lot scary is that Facebook suggests people to me that I do know but don't have in my email address book, haven't seen for 10,15 or nearly even 20 years ago...how does he (Facebook) know that I know them?

So, why am I going on about Facebook on my blog I hear you ask yourself?

I still love my blog & I expect to keep blogging for a long while yet. I find blogging more personal in many ways because I can tell you as much as I like & you get to view it when you like...Facebook seems to think that you can say what's on your mind in under 420 letters...mmm, sometimes yes, but look at me! This little rant would NEVER fit onto a Facebook post.
It is kinda nice to see who else others follow/like that is outside the blogging realm. I have found some very, very cool Facebook pages by floating around from page to page. A bit like blog hopping but there is some very different content.
Lastly, I expect that some of you out there in blogland also have Facebook & it might be nice to share our likers etc & give the odd shout out (is that the right Facebook terminology?!?!?!?!?!) all in the name of promoting ourselves & our ventures.

Enough babbling from me for now but I'd love to hear from you...here on the blog or over at Facebook...or both.

Busy Bee Handmade on Facebook

Stella Grace on Facebook

Now I can't blog without a pretty picture or two can I?

Little Miss Sydney recently went to a friend's 5th birthday party,

check out the "Oooooohhh" that the cake elicited when it was bought out.

Not many things will hold her attention this well. She was just so intrigued!

(Of course her mummy has never ever ever attempted a cake like this one!)

Here is why Sydney was so enthralled.

My good friend Catherine had made a fairy princess castle cake,

complete with towers & vines growing up the castle walls.

Catherine put in so much detail it blows my mind

(& I don't even like princessy things!)

Last but not least, the tennant of the castle, Sleeping Beauty...or is it Cinderella?

Can't keep up with all these blondes in blue dresses that Disney have come out with.

Ciao for now

Papercraft Expo 2010 - cards

2010-07-13T11:27:00.000+10:00

Back again with installment 2 of the photos I took at the Papercraft Expo in June. I have already posted off the page type items, have a look at these ~here~ if you missed them.

As explained in the previous post, I failed to write down each creators details while I wandered around drooling at the wonderous projects on display. Soooooo PLEASE LET ME KNOW if any of your work is here OR if you know who made any of the items because I would really, really, really like to give acknowledgement to those crafty girls who are the reason for my drooling (drooling at the expo that is).

Favourite card here, love the way the pleated sections are layered up & that paper is a perfect choice. Might have to give the pleating a go...wish me luck!

More gorgeous, gorgeous designs below.

I have a sneaky suspicion that I took these photos in the area where Lynette Carrol's items were on display.

Lynette's whole display was a work of art, without focusing in on the individual items.

Love this style!

More random niceness, gee there are some amazingly talented cardmakers out there.

Are you feeling as desperate as me to get stuck into your craft gear right now & create something?

My fingers are itching!

Another sneaky suspicion here...this looks like a Stampin' Up!?

Love the birdie & love the crinkled inked flower.

No, my photo tour of the Papercraft Expo is not over. I have soooooooooo many scrapbooking photos that I will have to cull them really ruthlessly & might still have to post them over a couple of days.

Remember, if you recognise any of these items please let me know, you can leave a comment or email me at mandy@busybeehandmade.com.au

Ciao for now

One of my favourite activities is...

2010-07-13T00:00:00.000+10:00

...making up packs for a workshop.

I love deciding what papers to include then matching embellishments, ribbons, sentiments...

These kits are for some very lovely ladies at the Morayfield Community Craft group. I've done workshops at their usual craft day at the hall & several have also come to my Tuesday classes. They are such great crafters & have so many ideas & techniques, although many of them don't give themselves enough credit.

I am really looking forward to the workshop on Wednesday, I will post some photos of their creations later in the week.

These packs contain several different paper collections, you will probably be familiar with the KaiserCraft Tea at Elsie's & Utopia but you may not have seen the Creative Imaginations ranges Ooh La La & Cowgirl. Check the full selection out at the website, there are also co-ordinating rubons, sticker sheets & layered stickers.

PS please forgive me for the poor photography, these kits got compiled tonight & really didn't fancy leaving them out until tomorrow when there will be better light.

Papercraft Expo 2010 - off the page

2010-07-12T09:09:00.000+10:00

I have been going thru some photos currently sitting on my camera waiting to be downloaded & came to realise why there are soooooo many...I got a bit snap happy at the recent Papercraft Expo.

I've got so many photos that I will have to post them in several installments, today's being off the page type projects.

I will also apologise profusely in advance, I failed to make a note as I went around of who's work I was photographing, so please excuse the absence of acknowledgment to the creators.

So if you see some of your own work or someone that you know PLEASE let me know so that I can credit you/them.

This is my #1 choice in this category, I would hang this in my home in a heartbeat.

This is a double-sided work incorporating chicken wire within the frame.

What a classy Christmas artwork to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas.

This is a great wreath in gorgeous girlie colours.

If you've never been to the Papercraft Expo it is well worth a look next year. It's on every Queen's Birthday long weekend at the Convention Centre at Southbank. There is some good shopping to be had & inspiration is abundant!

Again, please let me know if any of these works are yours as I would really like to be able to accredit them all to the talented girls that created them.

In the next few days I will post some more luscious piccies of cards & scrapbooking so stay tuned.

Happy Monday to all

Another giveaway worth mentioning...

2010-07-11T20:21:00.000+10:00

the very generous Jodi is giving away 5 prizes on her blog, all in honour of her birthday.

Pop over to Inked Inspirations & have a look, enter while you are there.

So happy birthday Jodi, thanks for having such a generous giveaway!

Purple Pumpkin Giveaway...

2010-07-11T16:45:00.001+10:00

...Sam is so talented, be sure to pop over & have a look at her Purple Pumpkin blog & enter her great giveaway.

Check out the other items she has listed for sale while you are there, they will make your heart skip a beat!

New & improved work space

2010-07-10T13:10:00.002+10:00

Well, things are nearly back to normal here in the Edwards' house.

These last two weeks I've had not only Eldest Kiddlywink home from kindy on school holidays but Hubby also had a week of forced leave. Talk about upsetting my routine!!! Feels like I got nothing done except that we were flat out every day.

Hubby is back at work now & just one more weekday of school holidays (what is it with 'pupil free' days?!?!?) & things will settle down. Last week was pretty hectic so I am looking forward to the quiet life again.

So on his week off Hubby had a list a mile long of things to achieve, one of these being to install the very economical (ie cheap as chips) shelving units I recently acquired for my office. I have been operating out of the spare room which was trying to accomodate far too many things for it's size. It is still a bit pokey (it is definately a one woman room) but it is so much more organised now...except I can't find things now because it is so tidy! It took a whole day plus some to empty out the room, install the shelving units (which are soooooo heavy we could hardly move them) & then put everything back. Some of my shelves are still a bit bare & I have frames still awaiting photos & a whole lot of 'girlifying' to do but I will get there.

I don't have a before photo to share but trust me it was bad. Hubby used to work from home & the room got painted in boy colours, I don't mind the blue you can see but the opposite wall is colour called Purple Basil. It's nice too but put it together & it's a very masculine colour scheme. There have also been heaps of sporting memorabilia in here until now. Hubby is a made keen Michael Jordan fan & also Ken Griffey Jnr, so I've had these guys hanging on the walls keeping an eye on my crafting activities but they are gone for now, not to resurface until Hubby gets his man cave built. This also explains my desk set up, it is a quite expensive glass topped black framed desk system which also came into being when Hubby worked at home...I haven't yet worked up the courage to suggest I paint the frame work white.

And here are a few of my favourite things in my new space.

I love these paper roses, they make me feel cheery just looking at them.

It's almost a shame to use them on cards & layouts as I love the bouquet they make.

I have always loved buttons.

One of my favourite childhood memories is tipping out my mums huge tin of buttons & just playing with them. I don't have anywhere near as many as she had back then but this is one of my jars.

I will never stop liking & collecting buttons.

I always like to have a peace lilly in my work space.
They are a great air purifier, second only to sunflower plants...haven't yet worked out how to grow a sunflower plant inside so peace lillies it is.
Next to my plant is the framed music sheet flowers that I recently won
on a blog giveaway by One Craftee Mumma.

I'd love to hear any suggestions for girlifying my new space, let me know what you think.

More beautiful bubba stuff at Busy Bee Handmade

2010-07-08T14:32:00.000+10:00

I promised some more baby items, these ones have been made by my very talented mum Mary.

This quilt is so gorgeous for a little girl, I keep hinting that it should be hung in Sydney's room on the wall but she hasn't gotten the hint yet. She is only asking $50 for this OOAK applique beauty.

This one is suitable for a boy or girl, the animals are all applique & the stippling is in a random design.

This one is also OOAK & only $60, I think she is selling herself short don't you?

This is such a practical idea. You pop the water bottle inside & the condensation is absorbed, the drawstring acts as a handle & of course the drink stays a little cooler than it would otherwise. All this for just $3.50...sorry no steak knives included!

Sydney Kiddlywink has a pink one of these on her door handle to her room.

The faces are handpainted & the cat can be made in lots of different fabrics, just ask if you have something specific in mind. Such a cute little addition to a child's room for $10.

Have a look at the other handmade items on my website Busy Bee Handmade there is all sorts of bits & pieces.

Last Saturday's Get-together

2010-07-07T13:09:00.000+10:00

Had a great time last Saturday night at the Busy Bee Handmade Get-Together, mind you I always do!

Rachel & Rebekah came again. I just love these girls, they are so full of funny stories & always make me laugh.

We also met Michelle for the first time. Michelle is the organiser of the Scrap for a Cure event coming up on the 17th July. She is a very busy lady & I'm so glad she managed to fit in a night of craftiness with us.

Michelle got stuck into the Cuttlebug & my new birdie embossing folder.

Michelle also had a go at some paper roses that I showed her, she certainly picked it up quicker than I did!

Rebekah did some pages for Rachel this time, I love her colour combo. The teale paper doesn't show so well in the photo but it was just gorgeous with the pink accents.

Rebekah with more of her handy work.

She got stuck into the Cuttlebug too & made good use of some oval dies.

Rachel created a great double layout to commemorate special firsts of her littlest one.

I finally completed a page of mum & I.

I started this layout the previous fortnight & did so much talking that finishing it was all I achieved!

I've also decided to hold a stall at Scrap for a Cure so if you are coming along please stop by, say hello & introduce yourself.

In case I haven't plugged the event enough...here it is again.

Scrap For a Cure - Raising vital funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia

Where: Strathpine Community Hall, Cnr Gympie Road & Mecklem Street, Strathpine.

When: 17th July 2010 at 10am until 10pm (You may leave beforehand)

Cost: $40.00 per head. This includes a light lunch and BBQ dinner. Snacks and drinks will also be up for sale at the event.

Scrap for A Cure is a 12-hour long scrapbooking day. Great for everyone from beginners to advanced. Many stalls will be available for all those great bargains, great raffles, make and take classes and so much more. A great day to be had by all. All for a great charity: Ovarian Cancer Australia.

If you would like to buy a ticket or reserve a seat, please call Michelle Moore on 0458 437 440 or email at scrapforacure@gmail.com

Do not miss out, only 200 tickets for sale!!

Hope to see you there.

Winnings from One Craftee Mumma

2010-07-06T15:46:00.000+10:00

Thanks Tamara!

Baby Love

2010-07-01T21:15:00.000+10:00

In my experience pregnancy is contagious (2 of the girls in my mothers have just had 2nd babies & there are 3 more now expecting their 2nd bubbies) & chances are there will be someone close to you who is expecting or just had a bub.

Because I seem to be surrounded by babies & pregnancy at the moment, I thought I would share the talents of my dear friend Francine with you today. Francine is wonderfully talented with needle & thread & makes some gorgeous goodies for your bubby or to give as a gift. Many of her items are available at Busy Bee Handmade. She is very happy to discuss special orders if you need a specific colour, pattern or size so just send a message via the website or direct to me at mandy@busybeehandmade.com.au

Here is a tease of a couple of her signature items...I promise to post more soon.

These baby burpers are worth their weight in gold. They are especially great for going out as it's a really sweet way to protect yourself while burping bubby.

Francine does many different designs on her baby burpers, this one is Sun Bonnet Sue. There are girlie designs, boy designs & also unisex ones.

These little sets are Bonds suits which Francine embellishes with intricate embroidery

Singlet suit & bib embroidery designs include flowers like this one & bees.

Another great staple...the Bonds singlet all tizzied up. Perfect in summer as a top.

Hope you think that these are just as drop dead gorgeous as I do.

I'll post some more piccies later in the week as well as some goodies by my lovely mum. She does some great quilting for kids; cots, beds, playtime on the floor, naptime at daycare...I could go on but I won't!

Giveaway alert!

2010-06-29T21:01:00.000+10:00

Have a look at these gorgeous hair clips at The Clip Cafe. The have a well stocked MadeIt store with lots more to see.

They are doing a great giveaway at the moment too, click here to find out how you can be in to win.

X M

Would you believe it?!?!?!

2010-06-25T22:02:00.000+10:00

I've been offline a fair bit lately...it's just been one of those weeks.

Anyway, the last time I did post I mentioned a giveaway by the lovely Tamara at One Craftee Mumma!

Here's a reminder of her handicraft

image by One Craftee Mumma

Would you believe me if I said that I won that giveaway? Well here is the proof, click here.

So I've picked out a vacant wall space to put it, it will be gracing my bedroom wall & should look right at home once I've finished redecorating it. Hubby & I have finally settled on a scheme after considering teale (stole that idea for the lounge room) & romantic red (decided that it might just be a bit too dark since the bedroom is on the southern side of the house, we have finally chosen a black, grey & white colour scheme.

Here's where we are at with the redecorating project:

New duvet cover & cushions CHECK
New shelving in the walk in robe CHECK
New bedside lamps CHECK
New clothes hamper CHECK
New towels for the ensuite (matching the new bedlinen) CHECK
New bedroom furniture IN PROGRESS
New paint & floorcoverings IN PROGRESS
New artwork for the walls SOON TO BE A CHECK thanks to Tamara!

Thanks so much Tamara, I am soooo chuffed & can't wait to hang your creation in my home.

Happy weekend folks

How sweet can one's husband be?

2010-06-17T22:40:00.000+10:00

I laid down the law when I met hubby that having babies = jewellery. Well he came thru with the goods, kiddlywink #1 = gold chain & diamond pendant (#2 was a very nice solid gold bangle).

Great stuff except the chain was too fine for babies & it broke so many times I got sick of having it repaired & recently layby'ed a new more heavy duty chain.

So, the sweet hubby bit comes when I go to make a layby payment tonight & the balance has miraculously decreased. My new gold beauty is within my grasp...was v tempted to pay it all off & wear it home...

...so I say to hubby what a pleasant surprise it is to have paid more off than I realised & he just smirked & tried to look away...GUILTY!!!

It took a bit of effort but he admited that he did take the kiddlywinks to the shops on Monday (while I was at the Scrapbooking Expo) & that while HE didn't pay anything off my laybe maybe the kids did...we are talking (nearly) 4 & 21 months. So of course he did it! What a SWEETIE!!!

I tell you, it should be taught at high school to each & every boy approaching man hood that jewellery is a fix all whenever women are concerned. The world would be a better place!

Here is a sneak at what I am coveting, these pictures are not from the same store but are 'same same but different'

Oh, did I forget to mention the pendant I 'snuck' onto the layby too? It is actually a rub over setting so a little different to this one...CZ though, couldn't possibly swing a diamond this big...I'd be too scared to wear it out of the house!

Speaking of jewellery & blokes, have you seen what Tamara's hubby has been up to? Check out her blog here. She is also having a giveaway so check it out while you are there.

Happy Thursdays (nearly Fridays) everyone

2010-06-15T22:53:00.000+10:00

Help Me Celebrate My 1st Stock Take

15% off storewide*

Absolutely all stock is reduced, even Custom Orders, Get-Togethers & Classes.

Prices shown in the online store are the usual prices, the discount will be taken off at the checkout stage by entering the coupon code STOCKTAKE

Please forward this on to as many crafty friends as you like, everyone is welcome to take advantage of this offer.

(*Excludes shipping charges. Because I don’t mark up the cost of Australia Post I can’t discount it either!)

This offer is valid until June 30

website: http://www.busybeehandmade.com.au/

email: mandy@busybeehandmade.com.au

Look what I've learned!

2010-06-09T22:44:00.000+10:00

You know, I look around at all of the beautiful blogs around & just drool. I covet so many lovely features & am clueless about how to bring some of these things to my little piece of blogdom.

Recently I came across a post here by Jessica which then lead me to another post of hers & as a result I now have made my own animated button for my new store Stella Grace and added a scroll box so that you can grab my Busy Bee Handmade button. In the past I have needed to get these sorts of things made for me.

I have always deemed myself to be pretty much computer illiterate so I am chuffed at being successful in completing these little goodies.

I highly recommend Jessica's blog, she has many many other posts worth checking out. Here are the posts that I used today Make Your Own Blog Button & Make a Scroll Box for Your Blog Button.

Now I can't post without adding some eye candy, I've just posted a couple of new things to MadeIt, here is a sneak peak.

Some die cut flowers which have been hand coloured & assembled

A 6x6 album which I started at the Creative Block event in April but have added a whole lot more pages

Have a happy Thursday

:o) M

Scrap for a cure

2010-06-07T20:57:00.000+10:00

Ovarian Cancer Australia are holding Scrap for a Cure next month & this is a worthy cause to get our supplies packed up & taken out for the day.

Where: Strathpine Community Hall, Cnr Gympie Road & Mecklem Street, Strathpine.

When: 17th July 2010 at 10am until 10pm(You may leave beforehand)
Cost: $40.00 per head. This includes a light lunch and BBQ dinner. Snacks and drinks will also be up for sale at the event.

Scrap for A Cure is a 12-hour long scrapbooking day. Great for everyone from beginners to advanced. Many stalls will be available for all those great bargains, great raffles, make and take classes and so much more. A great day to be had by all. All for a great charity: Ovarian Cancer Australia.

The lovely Michelle Moore contacted me to let me know that this day was happening & I would like to in turn let you know. How about you pass it forward to anyone you know in South East Queensland.

Click here for details on how to get your hands on tickets.

World's Best Tea Cosy Competition

2010-06-03T14:21:00.000+10:00

Just heard about this competition & had to share it, so save re-typing I have taken this from the website click here

The Tea Cosy capital of the world, Miles, (in Queensland, Australia) is again seeking the world’s best tea cosies, following the great success of the 2005 & 2006 World Tea Cosy Making Competition, which attracted entries from Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, U.S.A., South Africa, New Zealand, and France.

There will be 3 catergories:

1. Traditional

2. Open

3. Themed = Pink (all proceeds to be donated to breast cancer/reasearch)

The winner of each category will receive A$200.00, with an extra A$300.00 to the overall winner.

Now I just HAVE to find out who made my chicken tea cosy so that I can encourage them to enter!

Here are some other fabulous tea cosy's that I found on MadeIt

artandwool on madeit

DJTreasures on madeit

melpaton on madeit

Olive and Me on madeit

Maybe you are a knitter or crocheter (is that even a word?!?!?) & would like to enter. Make sure you let me know what you enter...I think I am getting addicted to tea cosies...& I'm a hardened coffee drinker!

Yours with caffeine

GIVEAWAY ALERT ~ Check out {Kid} Independent

2010-06-02T13:13:00.000+10:00

Busy Bee Handmade is sponsoring this week's Special Delivery Giveaway at the awesome kid's site {Kid} Independent. The booty includes 5 sets of hand stamped writing sets to get you into the mood for the lost art of letter writing.

It is an easy peasy giveaway to enter so go ahead & give it a go{Kid} Independent.

Don't forget to have a look around the site while you are there, it is a great resource, especially for those of us with Kiddlywinks.

Ciao for now
M

Or is it a chicken hat?

2010-05-27T10:01:00.000+10:00

No sooner did I post last night about my newly acquired chicken tea cosy and my eldest Kiddlywink had it on her head!

It fits perfectly & looks great.

Have a happy day
M

Chicken tea anyone?

2010-05-26T17:14:00.000+10:00

I attended a fundraiser today, Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, at Morayfield Community Crafts.

The event is an annual one raising funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention, education and support services. Organisations all over the country are having their own morning teas & raising funds.

I could have kicked myself when I got there...I had left my camera at home so I am unable to share with you some shots of the official fashion parade or the unofficial fashion parade (trust me, you would have to see it to believe it!).

Morayfield Community Crafts holds this fundraiser each year & the group matches funds raised on the day. I understand that the event itself raised around $600 so the group will add $600 & send away a total donation of $1200! What a stellar effort.

To raise the money members (& the odd ring in) donate goods to be raffled off on the day. From memory there were 6 door prizes, around 20 prizes in the progressive raffle & a gorgeous handmade quilt for the main prize.

I was lucky enough to win a progressive raffle prize, my mystery package contained some scented body wash, several handmade cards & the best tea cosy I have ever seen. Check out my new chooky...

Once I find out who the crafy one was I will see if I can get a pattern to share with you. So please leave me a comment if you are interested .

Hope you get to go to your own Biggest Morning Tea & help this great cause...& have a bit of fun to boot.

Happy Days

How many cards...

2010-05-25T21:03:00.000+10:00

...can you make out of a collection of 6 scrapbook pages?

I set this mini challenge to a group of ladies who came to Busy Bee Handmade today. We tried our darndest but still couldn't use all of the supplies (I've had 2 sessions now & still have so many left overs!). The class kit also contained paper flowers, rub ons, pearls & rhinestones so they all walked away with plenty.

The count for today's session is as follows:

Mary 5 cards
Norma 7 cards
Vivian 5 cards
Anne 5 cards
Alva 4 cards
As for me...in two sessions I have made 12 cards & 2 wee tags

What do you think of our efforts?

Maybe you could try this sometime? I find that when I challenge myself to make the most of my supplies I can come up with the most creative things because I am crafting to fit what I have instead of just allowing myself any item that is required to make the idea in my head.

So go on, go shopping amongst your supplies & challenge yourself to make the most of them.

Happy days

Fortnightly Sanity Saver

2010-05-24T14:13:00.018+10:00

Well Saturday night saw another Busy Bee Get-Together. I always look forward to these with anticipation as I am guaranteed to have these sacred 4-5 hours to create. Hubby takes over the reigns of kiddlywinks 1 & 2 so I have not a care in the world...except what to make first!

Tonight saw sisters Rachel & Rebekah join us for the first time, it seems like they had a good time & they say we will see them again next time.

Albums & Beyond the Page projects were popular as well as good old scrapbooking & card making. Have a look at what the girls & I got up to.

I can't believe it has taken me this long to post these but things have been going so frantically around here lately...I am launching another business this coming weekend, this time in conjunction with hubby. So we are both burning the candle at both ends to get everything ready.

Anyway, will let you know more about this as we get things finalised.

Better go...kiddlywinks are calling.

Cheers

Boo hoo hoo...

2010-05-18T13:56:00.001+10:00

I know that 'things' are not 'people' but I have to say that I am absolutely heartbroken having discovered that my photo back up discs are completely blank.

My laptop crashed late last year after suffering several viruses in a week, all of my photos & home videos were lost after the trusty (not) computer guy fixed it up. I was sad but knew that all but 3 or 4 months of my photos were on disc, safely stashed away.

Just today I thought to myself, why not get out some of the photos of youngest kiddlywink to use for such & such project...each & every disc I put into my laptop seemed blank. Trotted over to mum's to try them in her computer...same result.

Now I have around 4 years worth of blank discs & only limited printed photos (mostly in scrapbooks & suitably embellished, distressed, rubbed on, sewn, scratched...you get the picture).

So people, may I share this with you today...PLEASE back up your photos to an offsite location, something like Photobucket. I really wish I had taken the time to be more vigilent with this kind of thing in the past. I know that I still have my kids here with me & I can start rebuilding the 7,500 photos that have gone but I will remain heartbroken for those images of my darling kids that have now gone forever except for in my memory.

Here is a professional shot taken last December of my special 2 (with my Sweetpea & I in the background). Thank you lovely Anja for such special images, I pledge to get extra special photos of my loved ones more often.

Sadly yours,

More has been added to the HALF PRICE SALE

2010-05-17T14:10:00.000+10:00

I have added even more to the Busy Bee Handmade Half Price Sale.

There are now over 60 product lines at 50% off, check them out here.

Been busy, busy, busy...

2010-05-17T13:25:00.000+10:00

Has it really been that long since I posted?

I haven't been resting on my laurels, I've been doing a bit of work for next week's card class. We will be seeing just how many cards can you make from the KaiserCraft Utopia papers & assorted co-ordinating embellishments.

Here's what I have come up with so far:

And look how much I've still got left!

There is still one spot left in the class if you live in the Burpengary area (Morayfield, Caboolture, Narangba, Deception Bay...)

Book online via the website or give me a call to find out more

Have a great day

Today's class

2010-05-11T21:40:00.000+10:00

Had some lovely ladies to do a class today...Norma, Cecily & Mary.

We tackled 3 scrapbooking pages & 5 cards in 4 hours. Yes, I cracked that whip & they did exceptionally well.

They have taken a little homework with them...I expect it will be completed promptly (he,he,he).

Check out the Busy Bees at work

Hope that you had as enjoyable day as I did, there is nothing better than a day filled with creativity & good company.

X M

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T16:59:00.000+10:00

I hope that you all had a very enjoyable & relaxing Mother's Day yesterday.

I had breakfast in bed, delivered at a very respectable hour by my Sweetpea & the 2 Kiddlywinks. Then (& this is the best part...) I got to eat & then read in peace & quiet for a while. That is just THE BEST Mother's Day gift I could have hoped for. I can't remember how long it is since I did some reading in bed...lucky I had a copy of Amy Butler's book Midwest Modern handy.

Later in the day, we spent the afternoon with friends who then stayed on for a BBQ. It doesn't get much better than that.

Latest Get-Together

2010-05-09T03:14:00.001+10:00

Well, tonight was the latest Busy Bee Get-Together & I think it is safe to say that fun was had by all.

I finally got to finish some of the incomplete projects I brought home from Creative Block

If you are intending to come to a Get-Together, Click here for more information.

Have a look & see for yourself.

We've now got Catherine hooked on the Cuttlebug where she cut...

...& embossed.

Catherine's page in progress.

Sonya made some gorgeous K&Co paper boxes

I finally got to finish some of the incomplete projects I brough home from Creative Block.

This project was presented by Fancy Pants & uses their Roadshow collection.

Another (now) complete Creative Block project. This project was presented by Provocraft & utilises the Cricut as well as the stunning new Gypsey...who would have thought they could fit so much into that little gadget!?!?!?

Not Creative Blocks this time but something I've been meaning to do all year...I finally decorated my diary, it is no longer a dowdy book but a OOAK. I really do like these fabric paper sheets by Dear Lizzy + American Crafts. It really does feel like fabric yet is a very durable adhesive sheet. I have a whole page plus large scraps from this project...will have to put my thinking cap on.

The lovely Sonya did a PartyLite demonstration for us. These candles & accessoriesu are sooooo beautiful.

Must go now, it has passed 3am so should crawl into bed before the Kiddlywinks want nothing more than for mum to get up & make their brekkie sometime between 5 & 6.

Happy Mothers Day to all you Mum's

M

K&Co Paper Boxes

2010-05-06T20:56:00.003+10:00

I recently came across a pad of paper boxes by K & Co & just had to have it. The pad contains printed diecut cardstock sheets which you make into 1 or 2 boxes depending on the sheet you choose. There are many different shapes, some with a hinged lid & some have seperate lid & base.

They are just the cutest things, you could use them as a gift box or even just a sweet little decor item around the house.

Here are some snaps of the boxes that my Mum made. She did add extra embellishments from her stash but we've all got plenty haven't we (and since when do we stop at just a few embellishments?!?!?!?) Isn't it sad that I have been too flat out to make any boxes myself :o(

Happy Days

boy, n - a noise with dirt on it

2010-05-04T21:16:00.001+10:00

Anyone who has a son will probably agree with me on this one!

This is a page I recently made with the fabulous Rough & Tough paper kit from Fancy Pants. I just couldn't go past this collection when I got the photos of my little man Trent printed. He had been painting this particular day & got it from head to toe.

I've conveyed the mess by dampening, scrunching & tearing my main paper. Because the paper was basically taken to hell & back I've then mounted it to a plain black cardstock. This not only gives the page stability but also sets off the colours. I've then also mounted the photos onto the black, which frames up the photos. To finish up I've added a couple of border strips, embellished the photos with scratching & string & lastly inked up & foam mounted the title card.

What I really love about the papers in this collection is that they are definately boy...not baby, not blokey but boy. There are fun colours with lots of orange, red, grey & black with splashes of green, blue & yellow.

The collection pack contains 12 sheets of 12x12 paper, 1 cards paper, 1 titles paper, 2 transparencies 12x12, an 8x8 rub on sheet & a sheet of die cut stickers. So there is plenty to keep you going.

If you like what you see, why not have a look at the Busy Bee Handmade online store, the paper kit is there along with selected individual sheets. Click here.

Ciao for now
Mandy

Creative Block Project - Sizzix

2010-05-04T12:29:00.000+10:00

Here is one of the projects I made at Creative Block last month. It is the sweetest wall hanging with an inspirational message to boot.

The class was hosted by the effervescent Julianna Hudgins who flew from the US to attend the Creative Block event. Julianna also hosts some great videos on the Sizzix website...if you've got a Sizzix (or a Cuttlebug) it is well worth a look at some of the videos for terrific inspiration. Click here to see the list.

Anyway, back to this fab wall hanging, the frame shapes are part of the Sizzix Bigz Die range, 'Frame Back, Ornate #6' & Julianna sourced the gorgeous beading supplies in NYC. The inspirational sayings were computer generated & printed onto cardstock.

It makes an absolutely gorgeous gift & of course you can customise the inspiration sayings to be anything that takes your fancy, you could even include photos & other sweet embellishments.

I hope you like, all credit to Julianna though!

M

2010-04-28T01:26:00.001+10:00

I set myself a challenge to see how much I could make with all 6 pages of KaiserCraft's new 'Tea at Elsie's' collection.

I started with the gorgeous cover project from the April Workshop magazine & the leftovers lead me to a journey of bunting, frills & flowers.

Most of the supplies I needed were everyday items taken from my stash, apart from the 6 papers I used 2 sheets of cardstock, some pearls, paper flowers, card blanks, clear stamps & some machine stitching.

I still even have some more leftovers, probably another 3 or 4 cards worth.

Have you thought about using every last scrap of your papers?

Have a look for yourself, I'd love to hear your comments.

M

The gorgeous cover project from the April Workshop Magazine from KaiserCraft

I am soooo loving bunting & banners at the moment.

This page is made entirely from strips which have been pieced back together on a cardstock base.

This printed page is from a Hans Christensen fairy tale book which is over 50 years old.

FREEBIE...just pay $1.10 postage (within Australia)

2010-04-19T13:16:00.000+10:00

Can’t get your hands on the latest KaiserCraft Workshop Magazine?

Get one FREE from Busy Bee Handmade, just pay $1.10 to cover postage costs.

Of course, all purchases made will receive this great publication with their order.

These magazines are limited so don’t miss out so click here to get your copy today!

What a week!

2010-04-19T10:55:00.000+10:00

OMG...what a week!

Firstly, I visited a new supplier. Jane at Ocean 2 Ouback was just so friendly and welcoming that I felt like a long lost friend. After a whirlwind tour of the warehouse I was left to shop my heart out. Ocean 2 Outback are suppliers of Creative Imaginations, Reminisce, Moxxie & Piggy Tales ranges so keep a look out for these as I have come away with some gorgeous papers & embellishments which will be gradually making their way onto the website.

Secondly, it was my birthday last week & my precious husband, kids & mother arranged a great celebration with (my favourite) Thai dinner & Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc...who could ask for more? The kids had made me birthday cards each & had been shopping for some extra thoughtful gifts. I recieved the Mumford & Sons cd as well as a selection of goodies from Bunnings (some outdoor solar lights for my bromeliad shadehouse & a new blanket for my worm farm).

Thirdly, I was so grateful to have above mentioned hubbie & mum look after the kids so I could attend 2 days at the Printblocks Creative Block. This event was just mind blowing...they have to make it an annual event because I am already counting down the days! Creative Block was a reseller only event with classes & demonstrations by the industry's finest suppliers including Sizzix, Making Memories, Provocraft (Cricut & Gypsie), Core'dinations, EK Success (K&Company, Inkadinkado), Fancy Pants Designs, Graphic 45, Imaginisce, Maya Road, Me & My Big Ideas, amongst others.

I attended 6 classes & many demonstrations over the 2 days & have soooooo many ideas to now share at Busy Bee Get-Togethers & classes. I have also brought home a huge box of stock so once again it will be 'head down bum up' to get everything loaded to the website so you can see it for yourself.

I would like to say a huge thanks to Print Blocks & all of the suppliers who made the event possible.

And for you my lovely...here are some happy snaps I took, will share more as I get a chance to get away from loading all of this stock that is piling up around me.

Till next time, be scrappy
Mandy

Lynette Caroll's amazing wall art class for K&Company

Supplies for the Me & My Big Ideas class by Michelle Hartjes

A gorgeous 2 page layout class with Fancy Pants Designs

We made a similar item at the Sizzix class, along with a stylie card

In the Making Memories Slice class we made a gorgeous baby book, just like this one

A delicious display of sweeties

I'm counting down the hours...

2010-04-14T11:44:00.000+10:00

...till Creative Block 2010 opens! I will be sure to share heaps with you when I get back to work. It looks like they have so much in store for the 3 days that I think I might implode with excitement.

Check out this little description from the Print Blocks website:

Print Blocks Australian Scrapbooking Retailers, Teachers and staff ready themselves this week, packing for a one of a kind event coming soon! Creative Block.

In Creative Block’s inaugural year, Print Blocks customers are coming from all over Australia to our distribution centre in Brisbane for an amazing 3 day event that is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere! With classes, make-and-takes, tutorials and new products from the most influential brands in the industry worldwide, attendees will be treated to an exhausting weekend of education that is sure to create a tidal wave throughout the scrapbooking scene in Australia. Attendees will take home a more in depth feel of each brand, as well as amazing classes they can pass on to you!

“Creative Block was conceived to allow a direct contact to the most inspirational content in the industry, what will follow is three absolutely unforgettable days, at the end of which, our customers will leave feeling a renewed sense of hope, and an awakening that will spread from the teachers, the store owners and staff, into the loving hearts of scrapbookers everywhere.” ~ Lynette Carroll

Creative Block will also be host to some of your favourite brands, these are the manufacturers attendees can look forward to seeing at the event:

A.Bobunny
B.Core’dinations
C.docrafts Creativity!
D.EK Success Brands (K&Company/Inkadinkado)
E.Ezy Shaid
F.Fancy Pants Designs
G.Fiskars
H.Graphic 45
I.Imaginisce
J.Maya Road
K.Making Memories
L.Me And My Big Ideas
M.Paper Vogue
N.Provo Craft
O.Sizzix Ellison
P.We R Memory Keepers

◦Lynette Carroll is also hosting a one of a kind, invigorating and inspiring
masterclass on behalf of Print Blocks for Creative Block 2010.

Are you jealous? Yeah, I would be too. He, he, he.

M

I just can't get enough...

2010-04-08T09:49:00.000+10:00

of this new KaiserCraft stuff!

Thought I would share the products themselves today.

Here is Utopia

12x12 pages

Die Cuts

6" Paper Pad (great for cardmaking)

Rubs Ons (B&W and Colour)

Clear Cling Stamp Set

And here is Tea at Elsie's

12x12 Pages

6" Paper Pack (great for cardmaking)

Die Cuts

Rub Ons (B&W and Colour)

Clear Cling Stamp Set

Happy crafting
M

New KaiserCraft Collections - Tea at Elsie's and Utopia

2010-04-07T14:00:00.000+10:00

Promised I would be back again soon...didn't think it would be this soon did you!

KaiserCraft's new collections are out AND we welcome the return of the Workshop Magazine.

This month's new releases are called 'Tea at Elsie's' and 'Utopia'. I have the 12x12 papers in my hot little hands but the embellishments & the magazines themselves have been held up on their way to KaiserCraft...my fingers are crossed that they are here soon. It is soooo hard knowing that I have the papers here but not the embellishments, I am itching to get stuck into them & get creative.

Anyway, here is a little peek at what is in this months Workshop Magazine:

Using 'Tea at Elsie's'

Using 'Utopia'

As soon as the rest of these collections arrive I will be posting class dates so please come back & check.

Ciao for now

Mandy

Back to Blogging

2010-04-06T21:40:00.000+10:00

I know it has been sooo many months since I last posted anything. So much has happened in this time that I think my head is still spinning.

Busy Bee Handmade is well & truly up & running now. Jen at JNG Creative Design has done a great job getting the website looking as great as it is & of course there have been so many of you sign up for the newsletters too, it's just great.

The Get-Togethers & classes are gaining momentum now too, it is so much fun to get new people together & sharing some creative time. My vision is that new friendships will be formed & of course ideas shared for many years to come.

To add to the handful that is starting your own business...I've started a second one! Not ready to give you the details yet but it will be another fun venture to keep me out of trouble & off the streets.

Here are some photos to prove to you that I have not been sitting on my laurels these past months.

Promise to post more regularly.

Mandy