Keeping It Simple

Just managed to get another post in before the BIG DAY arrives.

I can't believe where the year has gone.

Today I received my copy of Scrapbook Creations.

After a long day of Christmas shopping, it was so nice to put my feet up and take a look at all the creations in this new issue.

Of course, I love seeing the "Keeping It Simple" Article that I write every second month with Belinda Venables and Helen Karanfilovski. I like to see how we all interpret the theme. This month's theme was to create a 'NO PHOTO' layout. I love how we all have similar coloured layouts and that was definately not planned.

Here's my layout:

Speaking of "Keeping It Simple" .....

are you a simple scrapper?

do you follow any simple scrapper sites?

who are some favourite simple scrappers?

I'd love to see some links to you or your favourites .... and I don't mean the BIG INTERNATIONAL NAMES .... I mean just normal scrappers like you and I.

I'd love to make a list and post them on my blog before Christmas. It would make for some great reading and inspiration over the festive holiday.

Looking forward to your thoughts,

Merry Christmas,

Leanne

The Recipe

Thanks so much for all the lovely feedback on my Reindeer Cookies - the sad thing is that I don't actually have a spare one for me to bake and see how they look completed - they are all being given out to friends and family.

For those who asked for the recipe, take a look here and there will be all the details :
Recipe here

Enjoy making them and Happy Christmas.

Reindeer Cookies

One evening at least a couple of months ago, I was online chatting to Sharnel, a friend of mine. She mentioned she wanted to make these but a Xmas version. Well I jumped at the chance to join in and make them with her as gifts at Xmas time.

There has been heaps of planning - orders to the US for the m&m's, Jars purchased from across town, ingredients bought and practice runs done. There were serious discussions about the fabric we would use on the top of the jars and many links to many blogs for inspiration about the how the label would look and what we might call the Cookie Mix.

I had a great time with a like minded friend who is as particular as I am when it comes to craft .... and believe it or not she is not a scrapper (but let me tell you that she has the best cutting board a scrapper could ever want). Sharnel bakes ... check out The Cupcake Company.

Sharnel makes the most delicious cupcakes and the prettiest too. We met online on a cupcake forum and before long we chatted, then I photographed her gorgeous daughter's 5th birthday and just 2 weeks ago we made 50 jars of Reindeer Cookie Mix.

Here's what they look like.

You simply add some butter and vanilla, roll into balls and bake - the 'step by step' is on the back of the jars. Don't you just love Christmas time and the pretty things you can make?!

I do - Merry Christmas!

Crazy time of the year

I'll start by saying that this has got to be the craziest time of the year.

So much so that I just completed a very long and overdue post on this blog and then bleary eyed, I accidentally deleted it. After a deep breath and a moment to compose myself, I have started this post again.

Why is it that we all seem to not have enough minutes in the day at this time of the year?

I appear organised ...

The tree is up -since November in fact.

There are gifts under it - not the children's of course

My wreath is hanging on the front door.

The Christmas cards have been written.

My long, long lists of purchases are gradually getting smaller ....

and yet, I barely have time to scrap or blog or take time to smell the roses during the festive season. Let's hope things settle down soon.

I had a lovely email recently from Mylen, a DT member from a great french blog called C&S.

She asked if they could use a layout of mine so that others could scraplift it. I was more than thrilled that they would notice my work when there are some of my favourite simple scrappers come from France - they have such a wonderful clean style.

Here is the layout they have on their blog this week. If you go take a look you'll see how some of the other scrappers lifted it. Thank you Mylen.

In other news, I have been have a wonderful time with my photography

- Leanne Stamatellos Photography

This year has been terrific - I have met some great families and made so many new friends.

I am so excited to be flying to Sydney in January to attend a one day workshop with an amazing USA photographer - Jasmine Star. She is considered top 10 in the world.

While I'm in Sydney I'm looking forward to photographing some families that reserved their sessions several months ago - it will be so much fun.

I have 2 session times available - one on Monday 11 January at 3pm and the other on Wednesday 13 January at 8am. Email me if you're interested in some more information -

leannestamatellos@hotmail.com

A one hour session includes all photos on your own disc

as well as five 5x7 images printed.

Before I go and accidentally delete this post, I'd like to wish you all a very merry christmas and a happy and safe new year. Thank you for dropping by my blog and for the kind and encouraging comments I receive - they really make my day.

To be continued ....

I know, I know ... it's been a while since I've posted. Things are crazy around here with family photo sessions and planning my work Christmas party this year at our home. Lots and lots of things including layouts. The hard part is that many of them can't be shared for a long while. These ones appear in Scrapbook Creations this month as part of the article I wrote called "to be continued". I find that there are heaps of times when one layout just won't do. There's a story to be told and often a big story like the lead up to Ethan's first tooth falling out.

Here are the layouts - the magazine has heaps better photos of them and you can read the journalling too.

And in case, anyone is still around, I'd love to hear from you ... a bit of encouragement goes a long way :) I may even post before the month is out - LOL!

Thought you might like to see ...

A little while ago I was asked to photograph a 40th birthday party - along with that I created the invitations and a whole lot more. If you have time to take a look at my Photography site you'll see some of the goodies I got to make - I'm so glad my scrapbooking came in handy!

www.stamatellosphotography.blogspot.com

Landscape photos - layout

Where do the days go?

I have just returned from a relaxing week away at the Gold Coast with my family - it was much needed and I feel ready to tackle the silly season that is just under 8 weeks away - I can't believe it's creeping up on us!

I received a copy of the latest Scrapbook Creations and was so pleased to see my latest 'Keeping It Simple' Article in there.

This month was creating a simple layout using photos of landscapes. I had a heap of photos from when I visited Gwinganna, the gorgeous health retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland, early this year. I was so pleased I could use so many photos to remind me of my few days there.

Here it is ...

I have some more layouts to share over the coming days so I will hopefully post again soon.

Shortlisted !

I was pretty excited when I read my emails this morning. I had a lovely one from Kristy Evans, editor of Scrapbooking Memories congratulating me on being shortlisted for the Masters Competition this year.

For my USA and International scrappers, ten scrappers are selected each year and represent the magazine with their work each month. Of course there are generous prizes but most scrappers will tell you how much they love the challenge and of course the title of being a Master.

As I said I was pretty excited this morning but just 5 minutes ago, I read a list of the 'shortlisted girls' (about 60 or so of them) and I can barely believe that I've been lucky enough to be part of this group - there are so many big names on this list and the talent is huge. Congratulations to everyone - Scrapbooking Memories has a difficult task ahead of them narrowing the names down. Here they all are!

Agnus Kasprzak
Alicia Barry
Angella Peardon
Angie Naumowicz
Belinda Spencer
Bernie Dodd
Beth Jarrett
Candice Myers
Cass Glass
Catherine Pineda
Cheree Wheare
Christine Rumley
Cindy Bishop
Cindy Roberts
Deb Godley
Debbie Johnston
Ebony Van Der Starre
Emma Allen
Emma Viney
Fran Tynan
Georgia Keays
Geraldine Pasinati
Hetty Hall
Jane Tregenza
Jenni Parsons
Jodi Dolbel
Julie Hill
Karen Watson
Kathleen Glossop
Kellie Lusted
Kerryn Lawson
Kerryn Leworthy
Kim Arnold
Krissy Christie
Kylie Fraser
Kylie Shotton
Lauren Boase
Leanne Stamatellos
Leeann Pearce
Louise Nelson
Manon Kier
Marianne Berry
Mel Connell
Melanie Forbes
Michelle Winston
Monica Brady
Nerrida Mitchell
Nicole Aspinal
Pip Prosser
Rochelle La’Brooy-McIver
Rhonda Harvey
Robyn Bell
Sarah Gladman
Sharon Thomson
Shelley George
Skye Johnson
Sonia Barnett
Sonia Thomason
Sue Campbell
Susan Longman
Tammy Milborn
Tania Ballestrin
Tanya Tahir
Tatum Woodroffe
Tiff Sawyer
Wendy Bennett
Wendy Smith

Top 10 will be announced late in December I believe - so I just need to sit back and relax, right?

And what's a post without a layout ... no fun at all.

So here is one from a recent issue of Scrapbooking Memories.

three & a half

I recently started this layout and couldn't complete it since I had run out of my adhesive tape. Thank goodness, Tanyah from Scrap n Craft with T came to my rescue and sent me a few rolls as quick as a flash. I've never used Bella Adhesive tape before but it is great and at just under $2 for a 50m roll, well I think that's a steal.

Here's the layout I created to mark Joshua's 3 and a half years.

And if you're in the mood for a challenge and a chance to win some great weekly prizes as well as a big end prize, take a peak at what Tanyah has coming up soon.

Embellish This is a 6 week challenge competition and I'll be hosting one of the challenges. It should be heaps of fun and very inspiring too.

Registration closes 17 October 2009, so head on over.

Chelle Bean Designs

Some of you may know Michelle Jamieson as one of Scrapbooking Memories 2008 Masters.

Not only is she a very talented scrapper, but she also has her own label called Chelle Bean Designs.

She creates gorgeous unique embellishments including handmade buttons, felt birdies, and paper flowers ... just to name a few. The best part is that she asked me to create a layout for her to feature on her blog using the latest paper flowers - how could I say no?

It's that pretty aqua coloured flower on my layout complete with brad.

I should add too, that Michelle and I see each other almost every day.

We live around the corner and up the hill from each other.

Our son's go to the same school, in the same grade and were actually in the same class last year.

Her daughter and my other son go to kindy together and gymnastics too.

Small world isn't it?

And should you want to purchase these pretty flowers, she sells them all around the world on etsy.

Go take a peak if you like and be tempted.

Funny things they say!

It seems that lately when I've gone to scrap I haven't had a photograph to do the layout I want to. It was so refreshing to create another layout without a photo - it meant I had heaps of room for the journalling and even more room for the embellishments.

My boys are forever saying funny things - not that they know it.

And it's so easy to forget these things, so I took the opportunity to create this layout about the

funny things that I can remember just from last week. I hope you can read the close up.

Have a go at scrapping a layout either with some 'funny things your kids say or do'

or even a layout without using a photo

and if you do, I'd love for you to email me a photo of it so I can share it here.

email me at manistamatellos@hotmail.com

Have fun!

Sydney Photo Sessions - January 2010

Hooray!

Finally, I have the dates that I'll be coming to Sydney in January next year.

I'm looking forward to a great time at a workshop

as well as a day and a half having fun with some photo sessions.

Some session times have already been reserved

and I'm really looking forward to meeting these families and photographing them.

Here are the dates I'll be down:

Monday 11 January 2010 - 7pm sunset beach session - RESERVED
Tuesday 12 January 2010 - workshop - no sessions
Wednesday 13 January 2010 - 10.30am Centenial Parklands session - RESERVED


If you would like some more information about the last couple of available photo sessions,

you can email me at leannestamatellos@hotmail.com .

They will be held on Wednesday 13 January 2010 during the morning and afternoon.

And of course there is no fun in having a post without a photo.

I thought a beach one might be appropriate now that Spring has arrived - hooray!

self portrait

It doesn't seem that long ago that I was asked by sara Pearcy to take some self portraits for an article she was writing for Scrapbooking Memories. I had the most fun especially since she was after something a little different. On top of that Kristy (the editor of SM) asked me if I'd like to create a layout using those photos - I jumped at the chance.

Here's the layout as seen in last month's Scrapbooking Memories.

Also a question in my last post from Di ... that tab you liked is from Making memories - it's an old one and 2 other tabs are featured on this layout too. I think it was from the 5th avenue collection - I'll let you know if it's not.

And Tiff .. how do I make my pics so big? Well it's the hardest thing to explain but it's in the EDIT HTML section of the blog and you need to change s400 to say s800 and you need to delete some other section that says cursor,height,width or something like that. Hope that helps a little.

Inspiration

I recently received the latest issue of Scrapbooking Memories.

I was excited to find 2 of my layouts in there amongst some pretty cool creations.

Someone who really stood out for me in this issue was Louise Nelson.

I love her unique style and her individuality.

Of course it helped that she loves white space, but her style is considerably different from mine.

Saying that, I was quick to fold back the corners of the pages that had her layouts

and late this afternoon, with her gorgeous pages in my mind, I gathered together

some bits and pieces that I thought might work with one of my new favourite photos.

Here's what I put together and I have Louise to thank for inspiring me to create something.

Yes, I know ... it looks nothing like Louise's layouts and it's not meant to ... but it's great when a layout makes you smile and gives you the little nudge you've been needing.

I can't wait to scrap soon.

As promised

I mentioned in my last post about some invitations and things that I've been creating for a client's 40th birthday. As promised, here are a few photos of the box that I carefully put all the goodies in. While I'd love to show you the contents, I'll have to wait until mid October when the party is on so i don't spoil the surprise for any guests. This was so much fun and it was great to use my scrapbooking skills to create something special for someone who appreciated it so much.

These are the papers and the colour scheme of the stationary inside - I wish I could show you!

Photos from this glamorous birthday party will be available for viewing at

Leanne Stamatellos Photography in late October this year.

Moreton Island

Earlier in the year our family joined 5 other families for a few days at Morton Island.

I knew I had to scrap those photos for the Keeping It Simple Article that I write for

Scrapbook Creations when the topic was 'double page layouts'.

Here is the layout that is in this month's issue alongside

Belinda Venables and Helen Karanfilovski's layouts.

In other news I have been so busy with lots of photography bookings - I'm overwhelmed at times by the lovely response to my photography. Word of mouth can be such a wondeful thing and I'm so fortunate to have so many kind friends (many whom I have never met) refer me to their friends.

I also have just completed a huge project for a 40th birthday party that I will be photographing in mid October. Heaps of invitations, address labels, candy tags, powerpoint presentation, save the date, sign in clipboard .... so much fun when you can create beautiful things for people who appreciate what you do.

Looking forward to getting some 'for me layouts done this week. Then I can share!

Thanks always for dropping by and for the wonderful comments that I receive. It's always a pleasure to read them and I never tire of them. Have a great weekend!

Photo Talk

I've recently had some interest in photographing two families when I'm in Sydney and Melbourne next. I may be heading to Sydney for a couple of days in mid-January 2010 and thought I would see if there was any further interest before I made the decision to book my flight.

My session includes 1-1.5 hours of shooting outdoors

and a disc with high resolution images processed by myself.

I also include 5 photos printed on high quality professional photo paper in 5x7 size.

If you may be interested or would like some more information, please drop me an email at

leannestamatellos@hotmail.com. I have a photography blog now also if you haven't seen it already with examples of my work on it and recent shoots - Leanne Stamatellos Photography

Been meaning to ...

I've been meaning to add this layout to my blog.

I love the photos especially since it was the day I was practicing with my new lens - the 50mm f1.4 - love the depth of field and Joshua's big brown eyes.

As seen in Scrapbook Creations magazine - issue no. 67

Guest Designer

I was pretty excited when I was asked to be a guest designer for INSPIRED BLUEPRINTS. If you go take a peak at their blog you'll see the sketch I had to work with - I loved every minute of it and it was quite liberating to use a sketch rather that to try and come up with my own design layout.

Apart from that, I have just returned home from 4 days in Melbourne and have the dreaded flu.

I'm feeling pretty weak and sore and need to have lots of rest.

Hopefully I should be back to normal really soon.

Thank you Eliza!

I am so fortunate to work with a girl called Eliza.

Not only is she wonderfully nice, she is an amazing wizz at the computer and she often sends me emails to tell me that she's done something new to my blog.

I'm so excited that she has figured out a way to put a slide show into my blog header - yes a slide show. For those of you with BLOGSPOT, you'll know that it's not an option to do this, but my own personal computer guru has done it.

Take a peak and see what you think - I love it.

Oh and I have a couple of new posts over there too.

Leanne Stamatellos Photography

PS. My entry into the Scrapbooking Memories Masters 2009 competition is complete - woohoo!

Now it's time to start scrapping for me again.

Don't faint .........

That's right ... don't faint ... it's a layout!

I've been so busy creating things that I can't share yet and enjoying the school holidays with the boys that I needed a bit of time this afternoon to create something just for me

- something I've been meaning to document for a while.

It's a 'no photo' layout which I love to do sometimes and there are heaps of times

when you don't need a photo to tell the story. This is one of them.

Thanks for visiting, I'd love to hear from you ... please! :)

Exciting news!

A little while ago I received an email from the lovely Lisa Warren who asked me if I'd like to be a Guest designer for Inspired Blueprints. Like the name suggests, they provide a monthly sketch and are really a great inspiration.

I jumped at the chance .. this site is great and has a talented team of permanent designers, including Lisa as well as some pretty cool Monthly Guest Designers. My layout will be featured on the first of August - I'll post again but I was excited to share my news.

Apart from that, I've been fighting off the flu, entertaining the boys on school holidays and getting my scrapping commitments done. Looking forward to some 'me layouts' - you know the ones you do for yourself. Have some fun drawings I need to scan today of Joshua's - want to do a layout about that.

Happy Holidays and hope to post something nice soon.

Busy, busy, busy

It's school holidays and it's been a busy week entertaining the boys during the break. On top of that I had a busy afternoon on Saturday at a family photo shoot. I have some photos to share and need to thank my talented friend, ELiza, for setting up a special blog just for photo shoots - she is an absolute wizz with the computer and without her I'd never be blogging.

Here's the link
Leanne Stamatellos Photography

I'd love to hear what you think if you have a moment and hopefully

I'll be able to update this photo blog with images every now and then.

Looking forward to scrapping and sharing some more layouts soon too.

Happy Holidays!

Photos - hooray!

Hooray, I have some photos to share ... not of layouts but some photos none the less.
I have been scrapping, I promise ... working on Scrapbooking Memories Masters entries (if I ever complete them), Keeping It Simple Article for Scrapbook Creations, a sketch layout for an online sketch site (more news on that soon ;) and a couple of cards here and there.

In between all of that, I managed to take some photos of the boys using my 50mm lens f1.4 last weekend on our Sunday afternoon walk. Hope to have something to show you soon. Take care, Leanne

Another boring post

Sorry guys ... no pics still ... my computer is still off getting checked for water damage .... it's been a week and the guy said it might not be too much longer :(

So, I can't upload any pics at all until I get it back. Thought I would just log in so you know I'm alive and well.

Thank you to Kathy who recently left me a comment - her first one and I'm so pleased she worked out how to do it. Kathy, when you do comment again, add your name to the end of your comment so I can tell it's you. When you do an anonymous comment, you need to add your name as well.

Kathy asked about BLACK AND WHITE conversion on my photos.
Yes, I use gradient map and yes I simply use the black and white choice and then I also add some contrast in the adjust curves section by gently pulling the curve down at the bottom of the curve (if needed). Hope that helps!

Also, I'm keen to start doing some more photo shoots - I have some booked in already in the next few weeks that should be fun - I can't wait to post .... so if you're interested in having me take some photos of your family or your party or whatever you have in mind, I'd love to hear from you!

Hopefully I'll have some pics to share on my next post - fingers crossed!

Questions / Answers

It's been a while since I updated my blog - good reason though. My hard drive has been sent away to be checked for water damage so temporarily i have set up my son's hard drive so I can 'make contact' with everyone ;)

I'm really glad so many of you loved the LEGO party as much as I did. I'll try and answer all the questions and if I miss any, please let me know OK?

ANONYMOUS - asked about the party - Yes, the party lasted for only 1 hr and they have no facilities for you to provide food which is a shame. The kids played for 1 hour supervised by a teacher who depending on your choice of party guides them with what they need to create. Our theme was "Journey Into Space" and they made aliens and spaceships and then had to show them off and explain what they had made. The cupcakes I made were wrapped in individual plastic containers with ribbons and given to each child as they left along with their LEGO CHOC MAN (as the lolly bag).

NICOLE S - I had seen on the LEGO site that you can buy ice molds from the US. I was concerned it wouldn't arrive in time and so I asked the brisbane LEGO store about them. She said 'no' and then about 1 week later, she phoned excitedly to tell me that a big shipment from the US was coming but not sure when. It arrived 3 days before the party. While I was there collecting the ICE CUBE MOLD, they had ICE BLOCK LEGO MAN molds also - that's what the CHOC LEGO MEN were made from. Of course I had to grab that as well. I'm assuming they should be available in Sydney also.

JODI - Hopefully, you have a LEGO store in your state, if so, then they should have it or maybe able to order you one from Brisbane. Yell out if you have any trouble.

I also received a lovely BLOG AWARD from Debra - that is so nice of you. Unfortunately I can't even load the pic or link you at this stage (who know's why - probably this little computer) but I will try again.

Also, CATH asked about my Black and White conversion on the photo of Ethan. I use photoshop to process my images. I go into GRADIENT MAP and use that to get my black and white's. I didn't do anything fancy to get that white background - the tiles I think were white or maybe even pale green so once converted that's how it looked. If I haven't explained this well enough, please ask again OK?

SO, not too exciting today - no photos to share .... since I can't with this computer ... but I have been creating and I'm excited about it too.

Have a great weekend,
Leanne

PARTY TIME!

Ethan had his first ever school friend's party last weekend.

He was so excited - he celebrated at the LEGO Education Centre and being the Lego and Star Wars fan that he is, this was the invitation I created for the BIG DAY!

Ethan helped me set up the shot and nervously I lit the candles and ran back to take this photo.

Had some fun with the blurb on the back of the card too.

Just moments before all his friends arrived.

These were in place of lolly bags - little chocolate LEGO men.

And the cupcakes all ribboned up.

And then ready to eat - white chocolate with hundreds and thousands LEGO pieces.

And the token birthday photo taken on the way back to the car.

He had a great time ... and I'm glad - he's a good kid!

At last ......

Some of you who follow my blog may remember a while ago that I was going to create a layout about by 95 year old grandmother, Anastasia. I wanted to do an interview style layout. So many of you helped me out with suggestions for questions I should ask her. I sent the layout off to Scrapbook Creations and THIS MONTH it's been published. I've yet to get my hands on a copy, coming in the mail soon, but I am so excited to show it to her.

Here's how it turned out:

A visit to Forest Lake

Last weekend, we ventured out to Forest Lake and enjoyed a walk around the beautiful lake that this estate is built around. The boys took their bikes and Manuel and I walked briskly behind them occasionally stopping Joshua from going to0 fast and from crashing

- since he doesn't know how to use his brakes.

It's a great location and I'm looking forward to doing a

family photo shoot there in about a month.

I'd love to hear from my blogger friends - seems like my last post didn't

spark too many comments - maybe these photos will ;)

New Product + A visit to the scrap show .....

New Product + A visit to the scrap show .... EQUALS a new layout and a card.


Yes, between coming home from the Brisbane Scrapbook Convention and going out with some of the girls that night, I managed to start a layout using one of my new purchases from the Scrapbook Show.

I finished it today along with a card but I can only show you some snippets since it's heading in to Scrapbooking Memories for one of their Scrap Sketch Challenges.

It was a good Scrapbook Show - heaps and heaps of people, and I managed to meet some online friends and also bump into some old friends too. There were heaps of new products to look at and buy. It isn't unusual for me to be attracted to the woodgrain adhesive strips by Paislee Press. I love the look of woodgrain and it looks really good for outdoor earthy photos. The paper is by Cosmo Cricket and available at scrap'n'craft with T - it's called Nature Walk (part of the Mr campy range).

Speaking of scrap'n'craft with T,

I have a created a 2 new kits that are available to buy over there and you'll be able to create either a layout like this ......

or some cards like this .....

Apart from that, I'm enjoying a long weekend here - The Queens Birthday Weekend

and I'm loving it. Hope yours is great too.

Happy Birthday!

Some great news for Tanyah's online scrap store - scrap'n'craft with T
- it's turning ONE and there are some great things happening over at the site.

I've had the pleasure of being part of the Design team there - always creating with some beautiful products and knowing that Tanyah has a good idea for colour herself, gives me the confidence to let her choose whatever she thinks co-ordinates with my goodies.

Happy Scrapping and I'm looking forward to catching up tomorrow at the Scrapbook Convention and Exhibition.