Hi groovy peeps!

It seems I just cannot get enough hours in the day to do everything I want; either I need to start prioritising and dropping things that aren’t important or I need to get super efficient and organised.  Maybe a bit of from each column.

I did get very carried away with playing games on Facebook (farmville, cafe world, island paradise etc) which seemed to suck a lot of my time – I think if I were to play similar games on the Playstation (like sims) it would be less demanding as once you turn it off it stops whereas the Facebook games continue whether you’re logged on or not!  Does anyone else feel chained to their cafe or farm ha ha?  So really when I think about how important those games are to me……well it’s probably best to give them the boot!

What else has been filling my hours?  Well when I first joined swap-bot I was swapping like crazy and that was getting a bit out of hand so I’ve decided to slow down and only sign up for or host really good swaps that focus on things I really care about like crafting and so on.  I think that will make me much happier.

I’ve also taken November and December as active leave from Kaszazz so I don’t have to do any workshops or demo’s to retain my benefits.  This should be giving me heaps more time but so far I can’t find any!

I really don’t want to give up blogging but I realise that I need to commit to more posts if I want anyone to hang around and keep on reading.  This is something I must work on because I do love to blog!

Ahhhh what a conundrum to be in.  I’m sure most people feel they could do with a few more hours in the day.  What would you do if you had oh say and extra 2 hours a day up your sleeve?  And if you’ve got any tips for getting things done and how to prevent getting side tracked I would love to hear them please!

So apart from being a very wordy post today I did want to let you know that I have been crafting – yes, yes I have!  I’ve been working on some Christmas decorations; some for my swap-bot swap, some for me and a very pretty creation for my mum.  I’ve been having a lot of fun making these and trying out different techniques and styles.  They are almost all finished so I’ll be able to put some photos up very soon.  Also craft related; I once again have cleaned up my studio.  It was getting to the stage where the spare bed had become another dumping ground for papers, boxes and craft bits and pieces and the floorspace was shrinking before my very eyes!  I do try to be an organised person but usually things get out of hand and stay that way for longer than I’d like to admit.  I must say that this cleaning and tidying effort was spurred only the impeding visit of my dear mum …I didn’t think she’d appreciate having to heave a heap of junk off her bed before retiring for the night!  It’s mum’s birthday this week so we are planning to have a girls day out, shopping, lunch and perhaps a movie too.  I haven’t seen mum for a while so I am really looking forward to it.

Oh and Paperific went well!  My feet were ready to drop off by the end of the day but we had some lovely ladies stop in and visit.  And my wallet did not suffer too much, I was very good.  I also have a new recruit!!!  Hooorahhh.  A very nice lady in Warnambool has decided to join Kaszazz.  I am slightly excited by the prospect of a mini holiday to go see her hee hee.

Now I should mention a new goal of mine…it’s rather huge and I’m a bit scared to put it in writing but after going to Paperific and my big clean up in the studio I have come to the conclusion that I am a hoarder.  Eeeek I said it, phew that is hard to admit.  You see I have a strange addiction, I buy supplies and then cannot bring myself to use them for various reasons; some being they are too pretty (?) they are too good for any project I happen to be working on (!) or I am scared to use them because I may never get them again (what the?!?).  Now I do realise how silly this is, especially when I do a lot of crafts for myself which means I would still “own” these supplies and be able to look at them anytime I wanted.  So I am putting my foot down.  No more purchasing of supplies until I use most of what I have.  One of my friends kindly pointed out to me that if I didn’t use up my supplies they would become dated and there is always nice new shiny things to buy so I don’t really need to hang onto them so desperately.  There are some exceptions to this new rule of mine…I can still buy Kaszazz supplies for workshops and I can also buy myself new Kaszazz products with vouchers I have earned and of course I am allowed to buy adhesives.  That’s it.  No spending of cold card cash or cold hard plastic anymore lol!

So do you think I can do it?  Something seriously needed to be done as I could open a shop with all the supplies I own.  I tried to explain this weird addiction/obsession of mine to James and he finally “got” it when I showed him all the unopened reels of ribbon I had in the cupboard.  It really was becoming ridiculous.  Anyway that’s my goal and I’ll be uploading photos of all my creations using up my stash, I might even put a special tag on them so we can see just how many things I can make without buying anything.  This is the biggest challenge ever and I’m kind of looking forward to it!

Okay folks thanks for letting me bend your ear, so to speak, and don’t forget to share those organisational tips please!

hugs and more hugs

Kris

Only one more sleep ’til I go to Paperific – how excitment!  This is my first time so I’m champing at the bit to see all the paper crafting goodness that will be there.  I’m working the Kaszazz stand tomorrow (14th) so if you’re in the area please stop in to say hi – I’d love to meet you in person   The event is on at the Melboune Showgrounds in Ascot Vale and runs today til Sunday.  It’s $10 to get in and $5 for parking which isn’t too bad in my books.  Hope to see you there.

I have been a bit blah lately due to playing host to some terrible guests…namely headaches.  I think the extra time on the computer at work didn’t agree with me but hopefully now I am back to my job things will get back to normal and I’ve got my free Wednesdays back too so look out crafts I’m a-comin!

Happy Friday the 13th oooohhhwweeeeeeooooouuuuuu!

Kris

Here is the photo you have been waiting for patient readers!  It’s the mini album I made of my swap-bot goodies so far.

I’ve used bits and pieces from my stash, recycled some things (the front and back covers came from a 6×6 album box) and added in things I’ve received in swaps like; postcards, sb papers, notes and pen pal letters, stickers, buttons etc.  I absolutely love it!  I’ve been wanting to make a mini album for ages that included all different size pages and was a bit eclectic and collagie (I know – not a real word).  It’s nice to be able to leave the album out to flick through every now and again and it’s a great way to display stuff you wouldn’t normally display.  I’m so happy with how it’s turned out so far and of course it’s a work in progress as I’ll keep adding things to it.  So what do you think?  Have you checked out swap-bot yet?  You know you really should – it’s totally awesome!

mwah

Kris

Hi folks

Well I’m still having a ball on Swap-bot getting and sending lots of lovely snail mail!  I have just created a swap for handmade Christmas ornaments, this is my first time hosting so I’m very excited.  This is an Aussies only one (sorry gals) to save postage costs and we will have two partners each.  It’s fairly simple and straightforward so if you want to join in hop along to swap-bot go to my profile under krismakes and look under hosting swaps.  You will need to be a member of swap-bot to join in though!  I will post photos once swaps are received.

Oh and yesterday I made a mini album for all my swap-bot goodies.  I love it, it’s like a great big collage!  I will take a photo today and stick it in this post so stay tuned.  Edit:: will post separately!!!!

hugs

Kris

Phew this working full time is just not for me ha ha.  I haven’t had much time or energy for crafting these last couple of weeks.  I did have yesterday off as in Victoria it was a public holiday for the Melbourne Cup.  Though I didn’t place a bet I loved watching the news and seeing all the vibrant colours of the jockeys uniforms and the beautiful dresses and hats worn by the ladies.  It made me want to be there!  Maybe next year?  The winner is below in orange and black, the horse was Shocking!  Not literally, it was just a regular racehorse lol.

photo courtesy theage.com.au

So having the day off I though I would get heaps of crafting done but alas that was not the case.  I did however unpack my lastet order from Kaszazz with was over $250 worth of goodies just for me!  You see one of my workshop submission had finally been added online and I had a $250 voucher burning a large hole in my pocket.  And I decided to take active leave for November and December which means I still get all my bonuses and benefits but don’t have to put any sales in.  Kind of like a holiday.  Of course if there’s anything I need or anyone else needs I can still order which is great to know.  So my plan for these two months is to play play play.  I got lots of gorgeous products including more design adhesives ( I am addicted), new glitters, embossing powders, stamps, rollergraphs, distress inkpads, paint dabbers and of course I had to get the new products from Range & Tim Holtz – Distress Stickles in Brushed Pewter, Tarnished Brass, Rock Candy, Picket Fence and the the new Distress Crackle Paint in Rock Candy!

I don’t think we got the Antiqued Copper…?

This stuff looks amazing, check out the tag Tim made below.  I cannot wait to try out all these lovely goodies.  These are all NEW from the last big convention in the USA and I’m so thrilled that Kaszazz has got them straight away!  And of course everything I bought was at the new cheaper prices – BONUS!!!!!  Email me if you need a price update sheet krismarr(at)iprimus(dot)com(dot)au

All images from Tim Holtz blog, go check it out for more info but I will do a post as soon as I have had a good play with these products.

So what else did I do on my day off?  Well I have recently found a great site that will hopefully make my snail mail dreams come true.  It’s called swap-bot and it’s for people to connect and swap all sorts of lovely goodies including hand made items, postcards, pen pal letters, craft supplies and lots more.  So yesterday I wrote letters, made gifts and packaged up a whole lotta love to send out.  It is so much fun sending surprises and even better receiving mail.  It’s kind of addictive so I’m trying to pace myself.  I plan to host some swaps soon so when I do I’ll post about them here.  I hope to get a few more regional (Aussie only) posts going as postage charges can be a bit exy for overseas parcels especially when most people are on a budget these days.  Go check out swap-bot if you love getting real mail!

happy times

Kris

Well boys and girls it’s not too early to start making your Christmas cards!  I’ve been having a little play with some simple designs that I can whip up bulk style to cover all the card sending needs this Christmas.  Ahem not like last year when I didn’t make any…I know it’s unbeleivable isn’t it?  These three cards are all embossed and I’ve used distress inks on the base card with our new swirl stamp which is becoming a sure favorite.

This first card I’ve used Verdigris embossing powder on the design adhesives (yes you can use them that way too – they are amazing).  The colours of the card is all wrong so I need to use the verdigris on something else but it is a beautiful finish, it’s a bit hard to see in the photo but the powder has greens and golds in it which melt together to give a lovely pattina.

These two are just embossed with the gold ep.  They look quite pretty for a quick and simple card.  I think I’m onto a winner with these two.  So will you be making your own cards to send out this Christmas?  Do you even send cards?  I love receiving mail, it can really brighten your day so now I’ll take any excuse or holiday to post something out!

Happy Holidays (almost)

Kris

Hiya folks!

Today I have some cards to share with you that I made for the Blog War Challenge a week or so ago that I never got to post.  The Challenge was glitter and double sided sticker paper (jac paper).  Now I thought it would be a great opportunity to buy some of the new glitters that Kaszazz has brought out and to use them with the new Design Adhesives.  If you haven’t heard of Design Adhesives they are essentially a double sided sticky image, many of them are in our much loved rollergraph designs and there’s a few new ones too.  You get four sheets of them in a pack and most designs can be cut up to use individually which makes them terrific value.  I am really into these little beauties!

I bought two of the new glitters and let me tell you they are SPARKLY!  I got Sparkling Amethyst a dazzling, vibrant pinky purple and Peridot a knock-your-socks-off bright green.  The colours are so rich that I can’t wait to add more to my collection – especially now the price has been reduced!  Yes you read that right, don’t adjust your computer screens it is not a misprint ha ha.  Due to a few reasons Kaszazz has LOWERED the price on many products including glitters, design adhesives, embossing powders, ink pads, ribbons and lots more.  It mostly the things that come from the USA as our dollar is performing so superbly.  You will be happy to know that now as well as great service from your consultant you can get products that are on par or cheaper than the shops and on line.  How awesome is that?  Makes my job even easier not to mention more spare change for me to spend on more product!  If you need a copy of the new prices please drop me a line to krismarr(at)iprimus(dot)com(dot)au and i’ll email it to you pronto.

Okay now on to the cards…

Aren’t these the most happy shiny Christmas cards you’ve ever seen?  It was a bit hard to get the detail and sparkles in the photo but you get the jist of it.  I love the bright fun colours, something a little different for Christmas cards eh?  So what do you think?  Love them?  Too bright?  Do you like traditional cards or modern when it comes to Christmas?  I like them all really but using different colours is a nice change.

aurevoir

Kris

I’m back!  And with some awesome cards to show you too.  Last Kaszazz training we toddled off to Oxley, just outside of Wangaratta for a change of scenery.  Juene was our lovely host and she made some divine treats for us along the lines of jelly slice (my fave), hedgehog and trifle, gosh we were spoilt.  We had a play with the new design adhesives as some of the gals hadn’t used them yet so we chose a new workshop by Naomi Elliott (2H409 Daisy Design Adhesive Cards).  I love these cards, they are actually quite simple to whip up but look amazing.  I am becoming a big fan of these design adhesives, so far I have bought five different ones, I just can’t stop!

Aren’t they cute?  These would make a lovely little card to give to a friend on her birthday, actually since there is no specific sentiment so you could use them for any occasion.  Sometimes it’s nice to send a card “just because”.  That Naomi is quite the innovator, her work gives me so much inspiration, she is always coming up with new ideas and alternative ways to use products.  Thanks Naomi!

cheerio for now folks, I hope to be posting a bit more this week

Kris

Well lucky me I had yesterday off making it a long weekend – don’t you just love those?  Unfortunately it does mean I have to work Wednesday (woe is me you say!).

I just wanted to do a quick update for Devin and anyone else wondering how the Ergorapido was going.  Is it weird to be in love with your vacuum?  I have been zipping it out for little spot cleans here and there and I keep waiting for the novelty to wear off!  I think this is a fantastic machine.  I’ve done quick floor going overs in the kitchen/lounge for that after-weekend tidy and I used it in my scrap studio twice.  It’s fantastic to be able to quickly suck up all those tiny bits of paper and I detached the small hand held and used it directly on my work bench.  So much easier than dragging out a big vacuum just to do one room.  So all in all I can highly recommend it.  Easy to use, easy to empty, just plain easy

Last night I taught the 2H223 12×12 Chipboard Wall Hanger workshop to some lovely gals in Numurkah and they all picked different papers and colours to use.  I wish I had taken a photo of them all because every single one looked amazing.  Here is my version.

I just love that blue dots paper from the Kaszazz Flourish line.  Actually all the papers in that line are gorgeous, you can check them out in the catalogue on page 34.   I should start using them more often methinks!  The photos I used are of James and myself trying to get a “decent” photo together; you know the ones where he smiles in one while you are frowning and in the next you’re sittin’ pretty and he’s got a goofy look on his face!  Sometimes it’s very hard work to get that perfect shot – but you end up with lots of fun ones along the way.

I have exciting news to share – I am going to be at Paperific in Melbourne this November working at the Kaszazz stand!  Paperific is a massive craft fair focusing on, yep you guessed it – paper crafts.  I haven’t had the chance to attend one yet so this will be a doubly (is that a word?) exciting affair.  It’s going to be fabulous because Kaszazz have just brought out a very special offer for new consultants – an extra $200 worth of current product for FREE when they join – that’s HUGE.  So it will be a great opportunity for people to come and check it all out.  I can’t wait.  I’ll give you more details about the special joining offer and Paperific very soon, but if you can’t wait drop me a line at krismarr(at)iprimus(dot)com(dot)au now.

Have a great week peeps!

Kris

Well I did say I would show you these kissing cards…and here they FINALLY are!  I’m actually sheduling this post as I have a big weekend ahead; my cousin and Aunt are coming to Shep this weekend and we are catching up for lunch on Saturday, then in the afternoon James, myself and our friends are going to the Annual Shepparton Show – I love it, the food, the rides, the animals, the atmosphere, then Sunday we are catching up with some of my old uni friends for lunch.  Oh and I’m going to a Body Shop party Friday night.  Phew I don’t think I’ve ever packed so much in one weekend!  One thing I am going to insist upon is taking lots of photos.  So tell me about your plans for the weekend?  Relaxing…busy…working?(I hope not!)

This is another of Naomi Elliot’s workshops for Kaszazz, did I tell you how clever she is?  Well she is!  Naomi is a great inspiration to me and hundreds of other consultants too I am sure.  Can I just say I absolutely lurve these cards, the colours, the technique, the stamps – it’s all just perfect.  And you would be surprised how easy they are to make.  Seriously!  If you’re interested in learning this technique drop me a line krismarr(at)iprimus(dot)com(dot)au and don’t forget if you are on your own please let me know and I can arrange a class at my place.

“kisses”

Kris

P.S. I’m working on my own workshop featuring the new Design Adhesives so stay tuned!