She is Little Miss Lara May

Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 August 2010 02:23 Written by Ju Wednesday, 11 August 2010 02:23

Madonna is a gorgeous creative woman who I’ve had the bestest fun connecting with via Stampin’ Up! and our creative blogs. I look forward to meeting her in real life one day!! Madonna has an adorable little princess Lara who now needs help from us big kids.   In the photo below you’ll see beautiful Little Miss Lara May in a chair that is currently only on loan to the family. They need to raise funds to get their own and as you can imagine, these chairs aren’t cheap. I’ve copied and pasted a letter from Madonna under the photo so you can read Miss Lara May’s full story.

While there are other fundraising ideas in the pipeline *stay tuned*, you’ll notice a “DONATE” PayPal Button on the right-hand side of my blog as well as the end of this blog post. If you can spare a dollar or two, this is a safe way for you to donate money towards Lara May’s chair. Any amount would be greatly appreciated *hugs*

But while things are in the pipeline, I am itching to do more! So, from the moment this post goes live, until August 31, I want to donate my FULL Stampin’ Up! Income from ANY Stampin’ Up! orders placed through me. Please, I do not want to pilfer customers off of any of my fellow demo’s ~ that’s very not cool ~  so if you have a regular demonstrator please order through them ~ but! You can still help Little Miss Lara May by donating through my PayPal button on the right or at the end of this post. Thank you for your generosity *hugs*

Little Miss Lara May in her much needed chair

Here’s Lara’s Story:

Lara May Dunn, my fourth child, was born on the 5^th of November 2008.  The first sign that something was not right were Lara’s feet which were twisted and turned.  At 6 weeks she was back in hospital for failing to thrive.  A gamut of testing was started to try to find out what was going on…blood tests, x-rays and even an MRI.  Her head hadn’t grown – Microcephaly was diagnosed.  Nothing could be detected.  There were no answers to be found in the genetic testing.

At 5 months Lara was back in hospital.  This time the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane for laser surgery on her floppy voice box.  Another gamut of tests and a diagnosis of severe reflux and Cerebral Palsy.  This time they put a nasal gastric tube in and all her feeds were directed through there.  By October of 2009 the NG tube had been replaced with a “button”, which is a direct line into her tummy for feeds.  She will never eat a meal with our family conventionally or “normally”.

Over the last {almost} two years, Lara has been in and out of hospital with many different complex medical issues.  She is so fragile and yet has a core of steel and is such a fighter!!  She has grown so much!

With her growth has come a need for more specialised equipment.  One of which is a Leckey Hi Low chair.  A specialised seating system that can be adjusted to fit Lara perfectly.  It’s on a wheel base which means she can be more a part of our family.  She is able to be moved to where we are.  She is not limited to where we can take her in and around our house.  She can be exactly where the action is at any given time!

We are trying to fundraise the money to purchase one of these wonderful chairs – how much money??  They are upwards of $6000.  We are trying to get funding for some of it but I am working with other stampers and dear friends to find ways to get the rest.

I don’t want to limit where Lara is able to go in our house. She will never walk or run or play with her siblings in any conventional way and yet she can still be present as they do those things.  Your help in our efforts is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Madonna Dunn

Where’d my baby go?!

Last Updated on Wednesday, 6 January 2010 10:44 Written by Ju Wednesday, 6 January 2010 10:43

When you make an invitation for an almost 5 year old’s birthday, I guess you have to expect that that almost 5 year old is inevitably going to, well, turn 5! Sadly, my baby didn’t change the trend and turn 5 she did I still shake my head at the fact that I have a 5 year old!! At kindy on a child’s birthday, all the children receive a lollipop or something like that and well, I couldn’t just give out lollies now could I, hehe. It’s all in the presentation…….teehee.

Image © Jujybean

I made 30 of these boxes and it wasn’t because I had too much spare time on my hands either, lol. Did you know that there is a 1 and 2am?? I had alot of fun doing this for my little princess xx

I also wanted to make my little, err not so little princess a special birthday card and was racking my brain for ages until I remembered that I had seen a cute and different card design on Makeesha Byl’s website. The funny and challenging moment was trying to work it out with the birthday girl hovering……“What are you doing mummy? What is that mummy?” Yes yes I know, I should’ve done it at night but those nights were dedicated to boxes, lol! I averted a reveal and managed to shift her focus long enough to finish her card and then hide it until it was time. The sneakyness of a mummy hey?

Stamped images ©1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

Stamped images ©1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

I like that it’s different and cute and want to thank Makeesha for her fantastic step by step tutorial. To find out how to make this cute Pyramid Card you can see in on Makeesha’s blog here.

A wee bit funny

Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 December 2009 01:26 Written by Ju Friday, 13 November 2009 05:14

Ok so I’m still here, lol! It’s been a very busy time lately. I’ve had kindy expos *waves to all Zion Kindy staff* and craft fairs….in the heat no less!! Yes, a 37 degree day in a TIN SHED!!! *phew* But it was still a good day meeting so many craft enthusiasts, as well as those wondering if they wanted to take the leap from that slippery slope, hehe. Anywhoooooose…..

I’ve finally had a chance to get to the computer to show you those swaps I talked about from our Stampin’ Up! Regional Training Day we had in Adelaide a couple of weeks back. I had the complete (and VERY SCARY) honour of being asked to present a “Workshop WOW!” So apart from having to choose a technique and then be in front of EVERYONE, with a camera OVER MY HANDS watching EVERY – SINGLE – SHAKE – ON – TWO – BIG – SCREENS (!!) to present that technique, we got to be in Adelaide bright and early…… 7.45AM bright and early!! Bless my gorgeous girls, Jules (my uppy ducky) and Mandy for being willing to start the journey from Gawler at a shiny 6.20AM on a Saturday morning…..oh and then Melissa joined us at 7AM!! Now THAT’S Stampin’ Dedication! *ROFL!* Knowing that I was scared out of britches(!!), Melissa Davies, one on my gorgeous team and now a gorgeous friend, made me the cutest card! You can see it on her blog as well at Beedivinedesigns (seriously you simply must check out her blog!! Melissa is one utterly clever lady!!)

I got a good giggle out of it so I just had to show you too……

Stamped Images ©1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

It’s a nappy card!!!!!!!! *HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!*………

Stamped Images ©1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

….with an nappy liner!!!! *SNORT CHORTLE!!*

Stamped Images ©1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

Melissa and I did discuss me going up on stage with one of her little one’s pull-up nappies…….ya know. Just in case. But we were worried that our sense of humour may have scared more than entertained *LOL* So I just shook like a leaf instead *ju rolls eyes*

I chose to show the technique of Water Colouring with the Stampin’ Write Markers and Aqua Pens. I luuuurrrrve this technique and the end product that you get from it. However……… and I tell you the truth (!!)……….my hands were shaking SO MUCH that I could have left the marker in my hand positioned over the image and I swear, the image would have been coloured in, JUST BECAUSE OF MY JITTERBUG HANDS!! *blush*

Note to self: DO NOT attempt 2 Step Stamping with shaky hands…….!!

Here’s the image I ‘techniqued’ but the card was already pre-made (thank goodness for that!!!! *lol*!)

Stamped Images ©1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

To be honest, when I was first asked to do this “Workshop Wow” *waves to Holly* (hehe) I did try to be all florally and do something oober pretty with my flower type stamps but really, my stampin’ style tends to be quirky more than pretty so I felt right at home using this Loads Of Love set Now I said I’d show you the swaps here but I think I’ll pop them in the next post as this one’s become longer than anticipated, hehe, ….aaaaaaand I’ll show you more of my quirk coz I’ll show you my swap too 

Chat soooooon!

Ju *hugs*

Birthday Blog Candy!!

Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 December 2009 01:25 Written by Ju Tuesday, 20 October 2009 11:28

I can’t believe it! I have turned ONE!!!

In October 2008 with 14 people squished into my dining area in Gawler, I held my VERY FIRST Stampin’ Up! workshop *mega blush* ………. for those of you who were there……bless you for your understanding and love *LOL!* I have met so many gorgeous people in my first 12 months as a SU demonstrator – people that I would never have met otherwise. I’ve had so many giggles and even a few D&M’s with you beautiful people *hugs* THANK YOU for making my first year a memorable one *more hugs*

So, even though it’s my birthday, I want to GIVE AWAY presents!! (I love this bit! ) I’ve been a bit busy celebrating my birthday by making things (of course!) and now you have a chance to own these goodies. “How?” I hear you ask……well so glad you did!

1) Have a squizzy at what Birthday Blog Candy I’ve made
2) From Tuesday Oct 20 to Saturday October 31st, leave a comment by scrolling to the bottom of this post
3) In the first week of November I’ll put all the names of those who commented in a hat or box (whatever I find *lol*) and draw out one person’s name. (maximum entries placed in said hat/box per person is one only)
4) The winner of all this Birthday Blog Candy will be posted on my blog by November 7th, along with their lovely comment

Please Note: This Birthday Blog Candy is open to all Australian NON-SU demonstrators only, thanks!

Birthday Book

I was inspired by Makeesha Byl for this first piece of candy. Everyone seems to have a birthday sometime throughout the year and I find that it can be a little tricky to try and keep track, particularly as time seems to be flying faster these days (or is that just me?!)

What to do what to do? ………

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

…..A Birthday Book! (of course! hehe)

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

Such a cute gift for those that may find keeping track of birthdays a little tricky…..

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

….with a pocket for every month of the year……

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

…..and tabs to make it easy to find each month……

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

Now as each month approaches, it’s so easy to whip out your Birthday Book and check to see which cards need to be lovingly handcrafted….with time to spare! Oh and not forgetting, adding those precious birthdays of all the newbies that may enter your life! I am so excited that I had a chance to add a new date this year with the arrival of my gorgeous little niece *squeee!!*

Party Favour

Now you just simply can’t have a birthday without a party favour!

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

A cute way to package a wholllllllle lot of sugar! *lol* (& yes! You get the sugar rush as well with this one, hehe)

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

Mmmmm…….chocolate

Preparing for Christmas

Ok so not birthday but we’ll blink and the birthday will be over but Christmas will be approaching faster than ever!! (have you been to the shops lately?!?!) I thought it would be lovely to give you something to help you on your Christmas preparation journey…….something that you can take with you everywhere you go and when you have that thought, “Oh mustn’t forget that! Must do that, buy that, order that……” you know there is a helping hand to support you in remembering all your “To Do’s”……

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

……your very own Christmas “To Do” Note Book, perfect for any handbag

So, all this Birthday Blog Candy! Perhaps, just for you!

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

Do you know someone who could do with a Birthday Book? Will you share the chocolate?? Hehe. Is this note book even big enough for all your Christmas “To Do’s”?????? I’d love to hear from you *hugs*

One More Birthday Treat…

Now I couldn’t help myself so I just had to offer you more…..after all, it is MY BIRTHDAY!!! *lol!!*

As a second birthday treat receive ONE entry per every $100 spent with me on Stampin’ Up! product before the end of October to go into the draw to win the “I WISH” Scrappin’ Kit along with a roll of 1/4″ Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon. You can have a look at the “I Wish” Scrappin’ Kit on page 137 of the Idea Book & Catalogue here

With Christmas fast approaching, this scrappin’ kit is fantastic for scrapping those beautiful Christmas memories OR within this kit, you can make between 16 – 18 Christmas cards!

Image © 2009 Jujybean Creations

The winner will be drawn and announced on my blog by November 7th along with the Birthday Blog Candy winner.

Sooooo…………….

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all who’ve been a part of my journey so far, with all your encouragement, support and even a few hints and tips along the way……you’ve made my first year SO FUN!!

Love JU xo

*huge hugs!*

No need to water

Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 December 2009 01:24 Written by Ju Thursday, 1 October 2009 09:40

Ok so *PHEW!* I just got in by the skin of teeth……. in to Makeesha’s Colour Challenge that is!! Check out the beautiful colour combo we got to play with…….well for me that would be, “Be challenged with!” *lol*

As soon as I saw this combo I’ve no idea why but I knew exactly what I wanted to create………..which is why when today rolled around and I still hadn’t had a chance to do it yet, well, I wasn’t going to accept “No” for an answer!

I first saw this idea on Makeesha’s blog aaaaaaaages ago and when I started to search for the how to of this project, Makeesha so sweetly put me onto her friend, Karen Thomas who then also so sweetly gave me the link to the tutorial for this gorgeous creation. I promised Karen that I would send her a pic of my first creation………I can’t believe I promised her that back in JUNE and I’ve only just created this for the first time!!!

So Karen *waves* here it is FINALLY!!! WOOOHOOOOOO!!! And thank you to Makeesha and Karen for putting me on the right track and to Kerin Sylvester for being so clever as to create the tutorial for this………

……The Flower Pot!!

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

How fun that you can create a flower pot, flowers included, all from card stock?!?!?! Now these are defintely the type of flowers for me – non destructable *lol* You can see too that to give the pot a bit of texture I’ve used my Weathered Background Stamp.

I’ve seen the flowers for the pot done with punches, die cuts and solid stamps but thought for something a wee bit different I’d use my chalks for a bit of popping fun over my 2 Step Stamping set, Heartfelt Thanks. I really do love this effect!

Stamped Images © 1990 - 2009 Stampin' Up!

For the leaves I’ve used my 1-3/8″ circle punch to create the leaves from the Holiday Treasures DSP. To soften them I’ve then sponged around the edges with Old Olive ink and so they didn’t sit completely flat I’ve run my bone folder down the middle of the leaves and given them a little tweak so they have a more 3D appearance about them.

Well I hope you liked it!

Julie

Supplies

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks (116372) Weathered Background (108948) Curvy Verses (116352)
Paper: Chocolate Chip (108599) Old Olive (106576) Very Vanilla (106550) Holiday Treasures DSP (112469)
Ink: Stampin’ Pastels (105542) – I used Not Quite Navy, Chocolate Chip (100908) Not Quite Navy (103008) Old Olive (102277)
Accessories: 1-3/8″ Circle Punch (104401) Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) 3/16″ Corner Rounder (109047) Crop-o-Dile ™ (108362) 5/8″ Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon (109055)  Sponge Daubers (102892) Bone Folder (102300) Linen Thread (104199)