Hi friends,
So I have a new obsession... a whole bunch since I last posted actually!  But for today I will mention Pinterest.  Ahh yes so I may be a little late to the party on this but to be honest I RESISTED visiting Pinterest, I could see my friends posting pins on Facebook and they were just so cute I knew it would suck me in.  and it did.

In brief for Pinterest non-victims it is a way of collecting all your favourite pictures and visual ideas off the internet and compiling them in visually attractive way (virtual pinboards)  but here's the kicker:  You get to see everyone elses favourites too.  The best ones tend to skim their way to the top and the ideas are many, numerous, multiple, copious, teeming even!

A Pinterest inside joke is if you actually DO any of the ideas you find or just keep 'pinning' ideas (for hours!).  Well I did!  A few even.   Its hard though, you just want to keep looking.

So today I am showing you my Vegetable Crudite centerpiece,  inspired by this Martha Stewart example found via Pintrest

What I liked about this was the colour/texture blocking of veges displayed uniquely vertical.  I didn't have a tin of similar shape but what I found it my box of things to be altered I like even better!  Its a printer type tray that I think originally had individual Christmas decorations in.  Each of the different squares I filled with various veges and treats.  For design to break up the expanse I lay a large bunch of rosemary across.  I put non stick paper in most of the squares so the cut vege stalks weren't sitting against the wood.

In the centerpiece there is asparagus, baby carrots, zucchini, chocolates, grapes, capsicum in red and yellow, peppers, cauli, broccoli and cherry tomatoes.  I filled three shot glasses with pumpkin/kumara hummus.  I wish the photo was better... in my hyped up opinion it looked AWESOME! And everyone gobbled it up too... even better.

Was fun to make annnnd....


Are you on Pinterest?  Let me know in the comments so I can follow you :)

Labels: Entertaining, Pinterest, Vegetables

Labels: Classes-and-Workshops, Journal Tips

Day Two's list starter is Things I am good at
Probably what I should have had on this one was using up bit of packaging and ribbons floating around my desk. It actually stems from two things. I like a tidy desk when I work AND I am a terrible hoarder of craft stuff. I keep even the tiny pieces of cardstock and patterned paper. I guess for good reason as they come to life in a little project like this.

I likey getting to do a little bit of art in an hour!
Hope you are having a great week xo

Labels: 30 Days of Lists

Hi friends,
I've been needing a small project as a bit of a pick me up and keep me creatively inspired. Even the most prolific lose their mojo from time to time!
My friend Lara inspired me a few months back when she showed me a project she is working on called 30 Days of Lists. I liked its fresh spin on the About Me theme with the lists are a little lighter with things like Date Night ideas and Today I saw.

Will be good to give it a try! I don't expect that I will be able to do one a day but I can potter on among my other projects.

I believe the actual following along with the original blog is long been and gone but if you want to give it a go, let me know! I'd love to see your lists too.

The original website is HERE
They have a new website (with no content at the mo) HERE
And the flickr group has lots of examples HERE



I have decided to do my lists on 5"x7" cards that will either be attached into a book form or inserted into a file box of some sort. I also think I would like to add my own lists and ideas on the same size cards. A recipe file box of all kinds of randomness! JUST MY KIND OF THING.

This month is finding what I love. Finding me again. Its easy to get lost sometimes isn't it?

Labels: 30 Days of Lists, About Me

... and available on the iTunes store. Yays!!


Hi folks,

So I have exciting news today. You may have noticed a lull in activity here on my Create Your Life Blog. Not as much art has been created but I HAVE been working on another cool project. iPhone app design... who knew?? lol

Many of you will know my main business is in scrapbooking - a retail store to be exact. That makes me aware of the challenges that many scrapbookers face who don't find that design comes naturally to them (by the way - thats just practice and confidence!)

I get consistently asked for two types of help with layouts in the store:

1. What colours to use?
2. How do I arrange my layout?

The scrapbook sketches concept poses a solution to the second question so I (and my good techy friend Tim) have put together a VERY easy to use iPhone/iTouch app sketch resource.


SO SIMPLE - Select your photos, count them up. Choose the tab that corresponds to the number of photos and select the layout you wish to use as a reference.

No more wondering where to put your photos and embellishments... the answer is at your fingertips.


Along with the APP we have created a NEW scrAPPy sketches Blog where we would love to showcase the pages you have made using the scrAPPy sketches APP.



So as you can imagine we are pretty pleased to see this come together. A learning curve no less and cool updates in process. And of course I hope it is a valuable resource for you.


I would LOVE it if you spread the word. If you feature scrAPPy sketches APP on your blog or website I would love to see. Facebook, Twitter... whatever your mode of fancy. Also I welcome your suggestions for getting the scrAPPy sketches news out there - feel free to email me on kathleen@nzscrapbook.co.nz


Thanks for your support and have a wonderful night!
~Kathleen

Labels: Scrapbook-layouts, scrAPPy sketches APP

Altered Book Club
Date: Thursday 7th April
Time: 6.30pm
Location: NZ Scrapbook, Shop D, 6 Link Drive, Wairau Park, Auckland
Fee: FREE
Please bring: Any completed or in progress projects you wish to share.


Altered Book Club is a free arty get together who meet together once a month at New Zealand Scrapbook for inspiration and sharing of all things collage, altered books and art journals.

From 6.30pm till 8pm(ish!) we share any current projects we have been working on or completed, discuss ideas for current projects then catch up on the months activities over coffee and either our own projects or that months free mini project by Kathleen.


This months mini project uses corrugated cardboard, crackle paint, music sheets, threads, glue and glitter to create a bird journal tag. While looking for a bird template to make a journal tag I came across this post by Jessica and just loved the music sheet/glitter idea. I made some adaptions with corrugated card and crackle paint and it turned out charming. Come along and make one at this week's FREE Altered Book Club meeting.



No experience or booking necessary, its a friendly small group who just love to create and chat!

~Kathleen

Labels: Altered-Book-Club, Classes-and-Workshops, NZ-Scrapbook

Easter is just about here and is a great opportunity to show someone you care with a handmade card. Come along to my Vintage Easter Card workshop at New Zealand Scrapbook Company and learn detailed techniques and create cards with vintage charm.


Vintage Easter Card Workshop with Kathleen
Date: Saturday 9th April
Time: 10am - 12.30pm(ish)
Location: NZ Scrapbook, Shop D, 6 Link Drive, Wairau Park, Auckland
Class fee: $25 including materials and a full collage sheet for you to take home.
Please bring: Basic kit (paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil), scalpel and cutting mat, adhesives and foam tape.

Phone 09 912 0665 to book.


Here are some fun photos from my Vintage Valentine's Card workshop:

Labels: Cardmaking, Classes-and-Workshops