I'm back!

I know it's been ages since I've posted but for good reason.
I have just arrived back from 3 weeks away in America and I had a fantastic time!

Firstly, I flew alone to Las Vegas for a week at WPPI - this is a huge convention where 15 000 photographers flew in to hear some of the best photographers in the world speak and share their secrets and techniques. I can't begin to say how much I learnt from these incredible artists and I loved every minute of being there.

After that, my husband flew in to join me and we became tourists and did the sight seeing thing in Las Vegas then New York then Los Angeles. We had an amazing time away and I'm looking forward to printing up my favourite photos out of thousands of photos so I can scrap ..... like this one!

It's great to be home!

Keeping It Simple Article - Stamping

If you grab this month's issue of Scrapbook Creations you'll see an article that I wrote with Belinda Venables and Helen Karanfilovski about Stamping.

When I saw that was the topic, I thought to myself 'holy moly' ... I barely own a stamp but I called my trusty scrap buddy, Michelle, and she came to my rescue with enough stamps to satisfy any stamping addict. I chose the scallop border and also the journalling brackets as you'll see in the layout below. Simple I know, but it was a painless start for a non-stamping scrapper.

Thanks always for leaving your comments - it really is lovely to read them.

Photography bookings for May onwards

I've been busy scrapping up a storm lately with layouts going to Scrapbooking Memories for the Master's challenges as well as articles going to Scrapbook Creations. The reason I've been so busy catching up is that I'm heading off to Las Vegas in March to WPPI which is an amazing photographic conference. Approximately 12 000 photographers from around the world are expected to fly in to be taught by some of the leading photographers in the world.

I'm looking forward to being inspired by some incredible talent there and I can't wait to be able to share what I learn and what I see over there.

In case you would like some information about a family session or wedding with me, then drop me an email within the next couple of weeks. After that time I'll have limited internet access until I return home from America. I am currently taking bookings for the month of May and onwards for Brisbane families and will be in Melbourne in the early part of August for some sessions.

And because a post is more fun with photos, here are some recent ones of Ethan and Joshua.

School fete Ideas

I had a bit of a play this morning and grabbed some leftover scraps of double sided patterned paper, some embellishments and ribbon and made this collection of gift tags.

Our school fete is coming up in August and I was asked to join the Stationary/Craft stall to help out. I'm taking these to show the girls next week and see what they think. Is this something that would sell at a fete? I'd love to hear your thoughts on any cool ideas that are easy and fast to make that fall into the Craft and Stationary category.

14 to go!

Managed to fit in another layout late last night and early this morning.

I've been keeping a list of all the layouts I really should do

and for the first time in a long time I'm really behind.

It seems I have 14 more layouts to go to catch up.

Wish me luck!

Time to scrap

I promised myself that today I would find 1 hour somewhere in the day to scrap for me.

I promised that no matter how many books were left to cover in contact for the new school year,

or how much ironing needed to be done, or how many photo sessions needed to be processed ...

I would scrap for me.

Nothing flash, but I did it and I'm pleased.

A story about Ethan and his first time rollerskating.

Seriously wonderful!

Things have been seriously wonderful lately!

I would love to thank each and everyone who took the time to visit my blog and leave me a congratulations about my news with Scrapbooking Memories and Masters 2009.

It is so encouraging to find these messages in my email box - many who are friends who have visited my blog for a long time and also quite a few who are either new to my blog or have never commented before. I loved reading them all and I can't thank you enough.

I've already completed a few challenges for SM and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have creating them.

Since I can't share those layouts just yet, I thought I would post a few layouts that were featured in Scrapbooking Memories towards the end of last year.

Thanks again for you support :)

News to share!

I'm so pleased to be able to announce that I have been chosen as a Scrapbooking Memories Master for 2009.

It's an honour to chosen alongside this very talented group of girls ...

Bernie Dodd
Christine Rumley
Ebony Van Der Starre
Georgia Keays
Hetty Hall
Karen Watson
Kellie Lusted
Kim Arnold
Sarah Gladman

Thank you to Scrapbooking Memories and I look forward to seeing so many different and wonderful styles of work in this year's monthly issues. Can't wait to get my hands on the special Master's Edition which should be in stores January 20. Congratulations also to the girls who received Honorable Mentions - there will be lots of inspiration in this special edition I'm sure.

A special thank you to everyone who contacted me already to send their good wishes - I'm overwhelmed at the support and lovely, kind words. It's really been a fantastic surprise to be asked to be part of this team .

Thanks again,
Leanne

Off to a good start!

The New Year started really well, scrapping wise.

I have completed 2 layouts in 2 days - woohoo!

I'm happy to say that I can share one of them with you,

while the other one is off to Scrapbooking Memories (to be seen in a few months time).

Each year, we make gingerbread and decorate them.

I have Nicole to thank for this lovely tradition. I saw them on her blog a couple of years back and she generously gave me her recipe.

We have great fun baking them and it always makes for a fun page

full of detailed photos and a little story.

This year, due to a lack of time, I bought the gingerbread from IKEA already baked and we decorated them with Royal Icing - they looked less perfect than previous years only because we all had a real play at decorating them - and I love that!

Apart from scrapping this year, I'm looking forward to booking lots of photography sessions.

I'll be heading to Sydney in 9 days time to do just that.

If you'd like to see some of my favourite photos from 2009 sessions,

take a look over at my Photography Site ....

Leanne Stamatellos Photography

Best wishes for a Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year!

Happy New Year 2010

Where did the year go?

It certainly went quickly but I had a great time - no complaints here.

It's been a crazy last couple of weeks with the lead up to Christmas Day and then the wind down after. We spent a lovely day with family - lots of fun, lots of food and lots of gifts for everyone. It was a very hot day and the children all spent the afternoon in the pool splashing and enjoying themselves.

It's been a while since I've created a collage - I love them and the way you can show so many photos altogether to tell a story. Here's a few pics from Xmas morning this year.

Last year I took advantage of a double layout and created 2 collages with loads of photos. It really captures the fun we had that day and I'm not sure that one or two larger photos would have done that.

Here's 'christmas 08' ...

Well it's another year and I'm looking forward to a great one.

Thanks for always dropping by - I love reading your comments - it encourages me to post more often. Here is the list I promised, compiled by you from my last post, of some clean and simple scrappers that you will be sure to find inspiration from. There are so many beautiful sites here to look at ... I'd love to hear what you think of them and if you have any more I'll add them to the list next post.

In no particular order ...

http://www.nathsdesign.net/

http://www.feastsonscraps.com/

http://www.dianeseverydaymoments.blogspot.com/

http://www.nicolesscrapsandlife.blogspot.com/

http://www.whereiamat-amanda.blogspot.com/

http://www.simply-s.blogspot.com/

http://www.jodywenke.blogspot.com/

http://www.kathythompsonlaffoley.typepad.com/

http://www.louise-justloolabelle.blogspot.com/

http://www.artscrapandmore.blogspot.com/

and believe me there are heaps more .... I hope this keeps you inspired!

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.