Friday, June 29, 2012

Dream House, So Close...

What sort of house is your dream house?

I must admit I love all styles of houses and have been lucky enough to see many wonderful places over the years I have been writing and photographing them for magazines.

One of my own "dreams" has been to live in an old rambling weatherboard farmhouse and here I am, almost. We have lived here in the old, heritage-listed house for a number of years now since gradually extricating ourselves from our house right in the city of Sydney. The complete opposite of this, I suppose.

In between our beach house and commercial renovation projects and other careers, this house has waited for us to get our act together. Our friends have waited for dinner invitations - we don't have a dining room. My office in is that room, as is the guest bed. I guess that shows what our priorities have been. It has been a case of putting up with things....

My husband Rob, who is (conveniently for me) an architect and heritage specialist, has been my long-suffering partner in our renovation exploits. We actually bought our first renovation project within months of meeting each other. I reckon he proposed to me only a couple of weeks after we met as I was the first girl he'd gone out with who had renovated her own place.

So here we are living long term in a renovation. The main hallway of the farmhouse we lined with boards and very cool paneling (more than two years ago) are still in an undercoated state, waiting for a new pressed metal ceiling to magically appear.

The church hall is painfully close to being habitable, now all the walls and ceilings have been patched and lined and electrics done. The 165 year old floorboards lay covered by masonite and I am looking forward to the day when we reveal them and get them sanded and finished. The high boarded ceiling with exposed trusses looks fabulous.






Winter Woodland Winter Wonderland DT Card

The challenge for this week at Winter Wonderland is hosted by Kate.  The theme for this week is Monochromatic.  So we would like to see you use one colour only but you can include skin, hair and fur on your Christmas projects.

We are sponsored by Simon Says Stamp
The prize is a $15 voucher.


Here is my Card.

Card Recipe
Card Blank - 10.5cm x 15cm.
Cricut Cartridge - Winter Woodland.
Dovecraft Design Paper - Winter Wonderland.
Marianne Design Creatables Die - Icicles.
Embellishments from own stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
The Winter Woodland lettering was cut at 2.5" this just fits perfectly on a 10.5cm x 15cm card blank.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
One Stop Craft Challenge: Challenge #188 Christmas In June.
Charisma Cardz Challenge: Challenge #25 Anything Goes.

Love Linda xxx

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Tom and Tilly


Card Recipe
Card Blank - 10.5cm x 15cm.
Mo Manning Digital Image - Tom and Tilly.
Circa Designs Stamp - Sentiments.
 Doodlebug Designs Inc Paper - Summer Kit.
Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies - Classic Hearts, Classic Scalloped Hearts.
Woodware Punch - Flower, Blink, Scalloped Circle.
Embellishments from stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
Remember you don't have to use all of the image on your card when I die cut the heart shape it chopped off the bench and legs.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Mo's Digital Challenge Blog: Challenge 141 Straight From The Heart.
Crafty Creations Challenge: Challenge #176 Embellish It (brad, shimmer dots, veined leaf).
Crafty Cardmakers: Challenge #71 Create Your Own Flowers.

Love Linda xxx

Monday, June 25, 2012

Beauty And The Beach


Card Recipe
Card Blank - 10.5cm x 15cm.
Craft Lounge Stamp - Beauty And The Beach.
 Doodlebug Design Inc Paper - Summer Kit.
X-Cut Border Punch - Scallop.
Embellishments from stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
The swimming costume was paper pieced, to add more dimension I added shading to it with a grey Copic marker.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Make It Monday Challenge: Challenge #95 Anything Goes.
Charisma Cardz Challenges: Challenge #24 Summer.
Cute Card Thursday: Challenge #222 Here Comes Summer.
Stampin' For The Weekend: Challenge #12 Show Us Your Style (I love bright and vibrant colours).

Love Linda xxx

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Today I love

This wonderful copper counter top!



Source

Quote:
Mellow patina. Considered a "living" surface, copper tarnishes as it oxidizes and reacts to the substances that cross it. For many, that's part of its appeal. Unsealed copper will gradually dull and transition to a blend of matte reds, browns and greens, which a lot of homeowners appreciate for the character it adds.




Happy Sunday!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

The garden in June

Happy weekend to you all! Our garden in June is at it's peak of beauty..... 


















All images by V.Zlotkowski

Friday, June 22, 2012

Freddy Winter Wonderland DT Card

The challenge for this week at Winter Wonderland is hosted by Marianne.  The theme for this week is Christmas Teddy.  So we would like to see a teddy on your Christmas projects.

We are sponsored by Delicious Doodles.
The prize is 4 digital images.


Here is my Card.
Card Recipe
Card Blank - 14.5cm x 14.15cm.
Mo Manning Digital Stamp - Freddy.
Dovecraft Design Paper - Tis The Season.
Spellbinders Nestabilities Die - Wonky Rectangles.
Martha Stewart Border Punch - Pine Trim.
Embellishments from own stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
When fussy cutting an image leave a white edge around the image it makes it easier to cut out.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Crafts And Me: Challenge #89 Anything Goes.

Love Linda xxx

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Graduating

Easy rider
Today our youngest graduated from Elementary School to attend Jr./Sr. High School in September! 
Perhaps a small step compared to the graduation from High School or College, but a huge step for these kids, who have made it over the threshold of childhood into youth.We have seen it this last year, the sudden change of voice and height, the unexpected manners, the growing need for independence and more freedom to spend time (and money) on his own. Not that we haven't had the chance of experiencing it before, he after all is the youngest of four. But to see each of our children stepping in their own time out of childhood is something, we every time enjoy and fear in somewhat equal measure.
Knowing that this is only the beginning of even greater changes, it gives us again a moment to reflect and to trust, that also this, often still willful, untamed, yet so sweet boy will find his way into responsible young adulthood.

A soccer player


A team player with great motivation

He is on the right path, I can see this. Only yesterday he pointed out to me, he needs to read 3 chapters daily of the first required reading book, to finish it  before camp starts, so he has enough time to go through the other two books before vacation is over. After asking him about it, he explained, 'I want to start the new school year the right way. Being prepared.' These were his exact words and to be truthful I have never heard him speak up like that before. Of course he was most all the time prepared in all his years in Elementary School, one just did one's home work, but the awareness and foresight, two months ahead made me think of his growing up.
I am proud of my baby (Don't tell him I said this), for now I can see the light at the end of the parental tunnel.... (LOL)



Well, of course it has been a wonderful journey so far and we both enjoy seeing our kids slowly moving truly into their own lifes. It is moving and often we feel it has all happen too fast, but time goes on and so will we. We are ready to share the ride!


We wish him a wonderful, fruitful and exhilarating time at the Jr./Sr. High School. A new world opens up!








All images private. Do not reprint.

Needs Mummy


Card Recipe
Card Blank - 10.5cm x 15cm.
Mo Manning Digital Image - Needs Mummy.
Penny Black Stamp - Salutations.
 Doodlebug Designs Inc Paper - Boys Only Pad.
Sizzix Clearlits Die - Star.
Embellishments from stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
If you use a piece of double sided design paper remember that both sides will  always co-ordinate perfectly together.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Mo's Digital Challenge Blog: Challenge 140 Masculine.

Love Linda xxx

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

What?


Card Recipe
Card Blank - 10.5cm x 15cm.
House Mouse Stamp - What?
Nutcrafters Stamp - Nutshells Ice Cream Parlour.
Craft Lounge Stamp - Beauty and the Beach.
Martha Stewart Designer Paper - Seasonal Pad.
X-Cut Border Punch - Scallop.
Embellishments from stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
I love House Mouse stamps but I couldn't afford all the stamps so I just bought some of the individual mice and then combine them with my other stamps to make a scene.  For this card I used Nutcrafters Ice Cream Parlour stamp for the background and Craft Lounge cocktail from the Beauty and the Beach stamp set and last but not least House Mouse What? stamp.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge: Challenge 122 Summer Refreshments.
Papertake Weekly Challenge: Bingo (Punch, free, button).
Fab'n'Funky Challenge: Challenge 126 Polka Dots.

Love Linda xxx

Monday, June 18, 2012

Mermaid


Card Recipe
Card Blank - 15cm x 15cm.
Stampendous Stamp - Mermaid.
 Seaside Images Design Paper.
Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies - Labels Ten, Petite Ovals Large.
Cuttlebug Dies - Seahorse Shell.
Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - Summer Fun Set.
Embellishments from stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
To add dimension to the card I die cut the sea elements out of textured papers then layered them onto the card using foam pads.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Make It Monday Challenge: Challenge #94 Anything Goes.
Penny Black and More Challenge: June Challenge All My Favourite Things (Cuttlebug Seahorse, Shell Dies and Sizzix Wave embossing folder).

Love Linda xxx

Sunday, June 17, 2012

A father's and a son's day

Today the stars have aligned to a happy meeting: Father's Day and our oldest son's 25th birthday!
A quarter of a century of parenthood and a wonderful blossoming young life of an aspiring artist and filmmaker!
To you both, although you did not know each other from the very start, the years have brought you in wonderful ways together! A true father son relationship has been forged between you and it makes me so happy, grateful and proud to see, how far we all have come along!
All of us wish the man, who takes it all with grace and love, the best of Father's Day!
And to you, dear oldest one, we wish that all your dreams come true! May you have another happy year before you, with your lovely girl and brothers, sister and parents by your side!

Lebenskuenstler! True life style artists!
We love you!

And to our fathers who have helped us to be who we are today!

Happy Father's Day!




Image private.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Lemonade Days

Oh, lemonade days are coming, school will be over next week, we will celebrate another great year of learning and maturing for our kids and learning and maturing for ourselves.  Growing up with the children... it's a wonderful thing. 


I watched through the kitchen window these little robin chicks mature too

I have learned a whole lot of new things in the last months and keep on doing it, yet the summer time calls for slowing things down a bit and, rejoicing in the simple pleasures of life, relaxing, spending more time with good friends and finally our family, reading, travels and simple foods!

One of the first roses here at the Green House


The garden gives me pleasure, the roses are in bloom and the hydrangeas are soon really ready, the oak trees are full of fresh green leaves again and the grasses have almost reached their yearly heights...I walk through wafts of the scented honeysuckle and jasmine and the potted hibiscus and oleanders made it through another winter on the veranda.




I am so happy the outdoor season has finally begun!


Happy weekend! Wishing you a great season....filled with the simple pleasures!






All images byV.Zlotkowski

Friday, June 15, 2012

Sticky Winter Wonderland DT Card

The challenge for this week at Winter Wonderland is hosted by Debbie.  The theme for this week is Candy Canes.  So we would like to see candy canes on your Christmas projects.

We are sponsored by Joanna Sheen

The prize is £10 voucher.

and we are also sponsored by Emerald Faerie Garden
with a prize of 2 digi images of the winners choice, from the original Emerald Faerie only.

Here is my Card.
Card Recipe
Card Blank - 14.5cm x 14.15cm.
Mo Manning Digital Stamp - Sticky.
Papermania Design Paper - Festive Frolics.
Spellbinders Nestabilities Die - Labels One.
Martha Stewart Border Punch - Scallop Dot.
Martha Stewart Punch - Holly.
Embellishments from own stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
Don't forget if you use a digital image you can print it any dimensions you want.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
ABC Christmas Challenge: L is for Lyrics (The Happy Elf song by Harry Connick Jr).
Creative Card Crew: Challenge 12 Song Inspired (The Happy Elf song by Harry Connick Jr).

Love Linda xxx

Thursday, June 14, 2012

To my friends and readers

Dear Friends, more then a month has passed since I last laid eyes on the blog, I missed it and yet I was so busy that I had hardly time to think about it.


The weeks, which have passed, have been purgative, cleansing in more then one way!
My surgery has been successful, I am grateful for that and has left me full of enthusiasm and positive energy. I am healing still. A couple of weeks before I had made another important decision: To change my diet and lifestyle completely.
Since then I have begun studying nutrition, I am reading all about raw food preparation, have myself immersed in juice fasting, cleansing, juicing, smoothie preparation and the many aspects of a thoroughly new way of eating.
I know that this might sound strange to many of you, perhaps the idea of eating mostly raw could make people feel that one must miss so many great foods and how one can restrict oneself like this. Yet I have to tell you, the conscious decision to begin a mostly raw diet has been not taken lightly and I have been experimenting with it. The longer I am on it the more I love the way I feel and .... look! I do not feel restricted at all! On the contrary: I feel freed! And as always, suddenly I see more healthy food options everywhere, raw restaurants pop up in unexpected places and people have been telling me about their similar journeys! The universe aligns!


I will not go in all the details of a mostly raw diet, that would surely overextend the most patient reader, but I will tell you as much:
I will begin writing a separate food blog, in which you can follow me if you are interested.
In a nut shell, the things I do not eat and drink anymore as as follows:
Wheat, all dairy, sugar, processed foods unless raw, coffee, sodas, alcohol (with the exception of a glass of red wine once in a while) potatoes, white rice.
I have been sticking to it and lost all cravings for sweets, do not miss anything and feel well nourished. I do eat a little bit of meat once in a while, maybe every two weeks or so and seldom fish (sashimi) or baked salmon. I take a few selected supplements.

The result so far has been a healthy weight loss (almost 20 lbs), glowing skin, super energy and great motivation to immerse myself even more. I do yoga, walk a lot, about 3ml a day and hope to put in more exercise as I go along. I am not the gym person...
A great book, to get an idea about the journey I have been taking, can be found here:


The best part is, that my husband, seeing the results over the last weeks, has become so
enchanted, he joined me and we both are exploring the joys of raw foods.

And no - our kids stick to their standard diet, I feel that the example and good food around the house will intrigue them, but pushing would be a mistake. So they munch their chips and have their hot dogs, ice cream and pasta....No hard feelings.
But they also love my fruit smoothies, vegetable juices and salads!


So, while I have become a little introvert and concentrated on the inner workings of body and soul, I have not forgotten about you all out there and can't wait to get back on track!
I know summer is coming and some of you might close the blog shop for a while, but I will try to follow trough and stick again to regular posting of the ups and downs here at the Green House.....


Be well and happy!
Victoria




Images by V.Zlotkowski and amazon.



Kite


Card Recipe
Card Blank - 10.5cm x 15cm.
Mo Manning Digital Image - Kite.
Penny Black Stamp - Salutations.
 Doodlebug Designs Inc Paper - Summer Kit.
Martha Stewart Border Punch - Grass.
Embellishments from stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
When you stamp any wording use Versafine Onyx Black it is fast drying and brings out the finest details.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Mo's Digital Challenge Blog: Challenge 139 At The Park.

Love Linda xxx

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Love You Daddy

Firstly I would love to say a great big thank you to all my wonderful followers I really do appreciate all of your fantastic comments they make me feel very lucky and special.

On to this card I love this image because it reminds me of my daughter when she was younger, my husband used to work away from home all week and she would grab hold of his leg on his arrival home and not let go in case he left again she really is a daddy's girl.

Card Recipe
Card Blank - 15cm x 15cm.
Mo Manning Digital Image - Love You Daddy.
DCWV Design Paper - Citrus Stack.
Tim Holtz  Decorative Strip Die - Carnivale.
Embellishments from stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
I chose to cut the lettering out of black card this makes it stand out more.  Just because it is a card for a man doesn't mean it has to be in dull colours.  When colouring your image in think of the person the card is going to. This card is going to my husband from my daughter so I have coloured the clothing in to match what he usually wears.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Cards For Men: Challenge 12 Father's Day.
Fab 'n' Funky Challenge: Challenge #125 Father's Day.

Love Linda xxx

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Make A Wish


Card Recipe
Card Blank - 10.5cm x 15cm.
Mo Manning Digital Image - Make A Wish.
 Doodlebug Designs Inc Paper - Fourth Of July.
Spellbinders Nestabilities Die - Petite Ovals Large.
Ellison Thin Cuts Die - Flowers.
Embellishments from stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
You don't always have to put a lot of embellishments on your cards some times one is just enough.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Cupcake Craft Challenges: Challenge 196 Red, White and Blue.

Love Linda xxx

Monday, June 11, 2012

Waiting For The Parade


Card Recipe
Card Blank - 21cm x 15cm.
Mo Manning Digital Image - Waiting For The Parade.
 Shabby Princess Design Paper.
Woodware Punch - Square.
EK Success Punch - Retro Flower.
Embellishments from stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
To create the faux embossing on this card I used a retro flower punched out from the same colour of card I used for the background.  If you haven't looked at Mo's Digital Pencil shop, you should take a look Mo Manning's digital drawings are beautiful, heart warming and so well drawn.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Mo's Digital Challenge: Challenge #138 Anything Goes.
The Ribbon Girl Blog: Card Challenge Use Ribbon or Lace.
Allsorts Challenge Blog: Challenge #158 Use Ice Cream Colours.
The Sweet Stop: Sketch 162.
Make It Monday: Challenge #93 Anything Goes.

Love Linda xxx

Friday, June 8, 2012

Silent Night Winter Wonderland DT Card

The challenge for this week at Winter Wonderland is hosted by Karen.  The theme for this week is a Photo Inspiration Challenge.  I am using blue, silver, candles and baubles.  Please remember Christmas projects only.

We are sponsored by Crimson Cloud.
The prize is this fabulous stamp by Penny Black
Here is the Photo Inspiration Picture.

Here is my Card.
Card Recipe
Card Blank - 10.5cm x 15cm.
Nutcrafters Stamp - Harriet Hurst Silent Night.
Dovecraft Design Paper - Winter Wonderland.
Martha Stewart Border Punch - Scallop Dot.
Woodware Punch - Snowflake.
Embellishments from own stash.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
This little girl stamp could be used for other occasions for example a communion card.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Christmas Stampin' All Year: Challenge #14 Anything Goes.

Love Linda xxx

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Hula Anya


Card Recipe
Card Blank - 10.5cm x 15cm.
The Greetings Farm Stamp - Hula Anya.
 Creative Imagination Design Paper.
Martha Stewart Border Punch - Scallop Dot.
EK Success Punch - Small Retro Flower.
This image was coloured in using Copic markers.
Hints and Tips
I used raffia to make the hula skirt.  Remember your faux stitching can be in any colour you chose to make it look more realistic pierce holes either side of the drawn stitch.

This card was entered into the following challenges:
Anyone For Anya? I'm In Stitches (the hula skirt was stitched on and faux stitching was used around the edge of the card).

Love Linda xxx