Willro&co Photography | Rowena Field | lifestyle photographer | Jervis Bay | Callala Nowra NSW

My blog has moved!! | Willro&co Photography | Nowra Photographer

2010-06-23T20:56:00.000+10:00

you can find me here now

hope you come with me :)

Some days.... | Willro&co Photography

2010-06-16T15:29:00.023+10:00

Ahem.
AHEM!
Oi - you said you would come and take photos with me....

The camera is over this way

Yes. Farm life is amusing.
There are hazards ya know though

see! I told you so.
"gotta quit smoking" she says, deadpan.
I see this for the distracting technique that it is.

Could you just pose for a minute?

Oh come on!

I might as well just shoot the scenery.

But sometimes she will play.
It is all about bribery and corruption.

A visit home | Willro&co Photography

2010-06-03T14:57:00.010+10:00

I grew up at Parkes.
On a farm.
Can you tell?
Bill says that I speak Goonumblish... (feel free to google Goonumbla if you like). At this point I usually draw a comparison between our HSC marks. But we wont go there.....
He grew up on a farm too - his argument is not sound.

So on a recent trip home to drop off my mother (who had kindly minded my children whilst I went to the workshop mentioned in a previous post....she also speaks Goonumblish.....I don't know what she and Bill talked about whilst I was gone....) I took a few photos.

This is in our front paddock.

It is her best impression of a reindeer.
I am thinking of using it for our Christmas cards.
This exercise also reminded me of something that is virtually non-existent on the coast where we live.
Burs.
Bindies, grass seeds, prickles, corkscrews....I dont know technically what they are, but I spent the next 3 hours pulling them out of our clothes and shoes. I had to pull them out of Tara's clothes as well because, well frankly she didn't want to go down there anyway and seeing as I made her, then I should have to fix the resultant problems as well.
Nice.

But that was all a practice for the next day when I took photos of this lovely family

Don't you love their faces in this next one? So much fun!

oh, and if you want to know how to get a lounge in the middle of your front paddock, this is the way you do it...

I had to drag Tara away crying (it always looks bad when your assistant bursts into tears).
She wanted to keep this:

She wanted to call him Lucky.
Lucky all right.....lucky he didnt have to come with us. I've seen what it takes to get her to feed our 'other not so cute and cuddly any more' dog. You were lucky Lucky.
And we stopped for one quick shot in the grape vines on the way home (you are correct, there are no grape vines at Goonumbla...this was at Cowra). Where we stood in yet another patch of burs and transferred them to our car. If any come up in our lawn, I wont be happy....

Inspire Me 2010

2010-05-29T16:36:00.000+10:00

As promised, here are some images from the workshop

I'm back! | Nowra Photographer | Rowena Field

2010-05-28T15:17:00.007+10:00

Did you miss me?
Don't worry if you didn't - one of my work colleagues also failed to notice too....although she did think it seemed quiet.

Instead of being a physio, I got to indulge myself as a photographer for the week on the Gold Coast. Somehow I scammed my way into a workshop for professional photographers Inspire Me 2010, and had the guilty pleasure of being taught by Brianna Graham, Raye Law & Ashley Skajveland

Not only that, I got to take 2 of my besties along with me for the ride (bestie 1 & 2)
and they did not disappoint.
Nor did they let me get any sleep.
Nor did I stop laughing for about 6 days.
I had to come home for a rest.
What can I say? they are country girls :)

And a nice picture to share (that I shamelessly admit to stealing from bestie 1's facebook page) of us with Brianna Graham (she is centre right)

I will be back with some photos.......soon.....

oh - did I mention we stayed at a mansion? I think it was built for giants...

Creativity | Willro&co Photography | Callala

2010-05-13T16:24:00.001+10:00

I can get lost in photoshop for hours. Really. Ask my family.

I try to get to the Shoalhaven photography club when it is on. Yesterday's theme for the competition was 'eyes'.
Here are my 2 creative category entries.

Tara thinks she looks good with green eyes and purple eye shadow. Thank goodness this is not real life.

and one of my monochrome entries:

Young Talent | Nowra Portrait Photographer | Willro&co

2010-04-27T22:28:00.000+10:00

What was I thinking? Taking three 13 y.o girls (one closely related to me and supposed to be my assistant) on a semi serious photoshoot?

Obviously I wasn't thinking too hard as I proceeded to let my 6 y.o tag along too.

Despite the container of a bazillion earrings being upended at least twice, and 32 potential costume changes, we did come up with some great pictures for a CD cover........and another to add to my collection of "when they become famous, I did their first photos"

sometimes it is worth getting up at 4.30 am | Nowra Commercial Photography

2010-04-17T20:37:00.000+10:00

because the light is just sensational.
I wasn't really convinced that would be the case as I struggled out of bed. Tara was even less convinced despite the deal we had brokered the previous evening that she would come and hold the reflector and be paid in chocolate!
Katie was up for the challenge however, and if you check out my website you will hear her unique music.

Digital album design | Willro&co Photography

2010-04-09T14:28:00.000+10:00

I love to see what people do with my designs.
A beautiful album example from Memories by Carol

using this album

Easter | Callala Bay Photographer

2010-04-04T13:12:00.000+10:00

I'm not fantastic at early rising.Big Red opted out all together and decided a 9am Easter Service was far more reasonable.
The rest of us made it to the sunrise at Callala headland. It is always worth it. A wonderful reminder of the unconditional love and unmerited grace that God offers to us at Easter.

Handmade cards and Landscape prints | Jervis Bay & Nowra Photographer

2010-04-02T19:47:00.003+11:00

I've had a selection of handmade cards for sale for a while now....just haven't done much about marketing them.
You can see them all on my website.

There is also a range of landscape photography from Jervis Bay and surrounds available as framed prints, unframed prints, and prints mounted on board.

and a couple more 12x12 adjustable photgraphy albums | Willro&co Photography Resources

2010-02-21T19:30:00.009+11:00

while I am on a roll....

1. Classic Album - similar to the album in the last post, there are lots of adjustable layers and elements to help you create a consistent album with all the clipping masks provided to line up your photos easily.

Doodle Album - This album also contains an adjustable background, similar to the adjustable 12x12 papers that are already for sale at Divine Digital. This means that you can alter your background to any colour that suits you!

courtesy of
Heidi Rookyard Photography

Adjustable 12x12 album | Willro&co photography resources

2010-02-17T17:44:00.003+11:00

I am not too fussed with some of the generic templates that print houses offer when printing albums for photography clients. I thought I would have a go at making something a little more arty.

This is Willro&co's latest offering - an adjustable 12x12 album

This is not just a scrapbooking quick page pack . This pack contains 1 multi-layered psd file which enables you to make numerous album page combinations. There are 2 background paper options in neutral tones, and several folders of clipping mask and embellishment options. It is possible to create a 40 page album of different variations by manipulating which photo frames are turned on / off. It includes the instructions on modifying the file and several examples are shown of how it can be used for your scrap for hire or photography business.

It is a large file and you require reasonable understanding of photoshop and layers to use this file. It includes the license for photography studios or Scrap for Hire to manipulate the template to taste and provide their clients with flattened files or prints. This resources gives you the creative flexibility to make your album work for your photos. It is for 12 x 12 album in sRGB at 300 dpi but can be resized down to suit any square album. Pages shown are not provided as high resolution files, but are given as a low res file as an example. You are able to make these yourself.

This would make a great resource for your wedding clients who require albums printed.

A 1/4 inch bleed is allowed around the edge making the file 12.5 x 12.5 inches

and just to show you how to use one, here is an album courtesy of Heidi Rookyard Photography

17 years ago

2010-01-09T21:30:00.001+11:00

I got my photo taken under a tree.

Cute...aren't we? Bill looks like he is 12. Of course, I haven't changed a bit.

I tried for a tree shot again. Just for old times sake. Unfortunately we didn't have any paid professional on hand to snap away for us this time and Bill felt that he could take a step up from his Blackberry and cope with the SLR.

If he has a signature shot, this is it. I could rustle up about a dozen other shots with a similar theme. Possibly why I don't post too many of his photographs on the net. At least black is supposed to be slimming.

When instructed that I would prefer my face in the photo, I ended up with this

or this

So I gave up and took my own photo of the tree (courtesy of Coolangatta Winery ). You'll just have to imagine us sitting under it.

Pt Perpendicular | Jervis Bay Photography |

2010-01-07T12:55:00.001+11:00

Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

Honeymoon Bay

(landscape prints are available for sale from willroandco.com)
and some family that followed me there

today we went....

2009-12-30T16:19:00.003+11:00

Around the world

Seriously. We did.
Even got a wave from the captain....we think......
en route to Sydney Harbour for NYE celebrations.

and then we got escorted home by the local dolphin pod that was somewhat annoyed at the big boat parked in the middle of their dinner table :)

a bit of red headed fun....

2009-11-22T20:19:00.000+11:00

Until is got just crazy hot and we had to go to the beach instead ;)

Scrapbooking News and Reviews

2009-11-14T11:00:00.002+11:00

Is having a blog hop !
It is great to have a faith based resource for scrappers out there on the net....and as a little thankyou from me, you can have 20% of Willro&co Products in my Faith sisters shop by using the coupon code SNR_BLOGHOP_10
hurry though - it is only valid for a week. Dont forget to check out all the other great digital designers at Faith sisters and the huge range of Christian products for your scrapping!

How to work with a professional model

2009-10-26T12:38:00.000+11:00

Grace, would you come with me so I can take some photos in the forest?
Yes I mean now...while the light is nice.
No, you cant bring the wii, it is attached to the TV
It WILL be fun, I promise.
I know I said that last time.
I don't have any lollies.
I guess you can stand on the tree trunk

Grace!
Your zipper is down.
Can't you have a go at pulling it up???

Grace!
Come on....one little mosquito never hurt anyone

Grace !!
OK, maybe there is more than 1 mosquito. But if you would just stay still??

GRACE !!!
They are biting me too you know. I don't think it will kill you. Can you just ignore them for 1 minute??

GRACE !!!!!!!
Just do one pose for me and we will go home

Sigh.
What is that saying about trying to soar with the eagles when you work with turkeys?

Home cooked happiness

2009-10-24T17:00:00.009+11:00

sounds yummy, doesn't it? As long as it involves chocolate, we are all good!

It's time for the Faith Sisters Blog Train again and part of the fun this time will be a recipe exchange

The details are fairly simple:

1) Create one or more 4x6 recipe cards (300 dpi) using 100% products from the Faith
Sister's blog train "Homecooked Happiness" save as a .jpg

2) Using the card you made type in your favorite holiday recipe (Optional)
You are welcome to include as many recipes as you like

3) E-mail your Blank Recipe Card and Card with Recipe to audrajjensen@msn.com
by the end of the day on October 31st

4) Tell your friends! Starting the 25th you can use the ad below to tell about this
challenge on your blog's or e-mails. Just make sure to link it to this forum! The more
people we get to participate the more great cards and recipes everyone gets!

To get your free goodies to construct your cards, You'll need to visit the blogs of the very talented Faith Sisters Designers:

Audra's Little Scraps: http://audraslittlescraps.blogspot.com
Busy Mama Designs: http://somuchtoscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Designs by Angel : http://scrappingwithangel.blogspot.com
Dielle Designs: http://diellesdarlings.blogspot.com/
Digital Compilations by Cinda: http://blog.digitalcompilations.com
Digital Designs by Lisa: http://www.digitaldesignsbylisa.blogspot.com/
Emma Moore: http://eyeletsscrapsdesigns.blogspot.com/
Kris Mazy: http://www.Scrapwarrior.com/blog
Meredith Cardall: http://meredithcardall.blogspot.com
Robin Willson: http://robin-giftsyoucanfeelgoodabout.blogspot.com
Scrap Quest: www.scrapquest.com
Sweet Tomato Designs: http://sweettomatodesigns.blogspot.com
TMA Designs: http://themathematiciansassistant.com
Willro&co Designs: http://willrownco.blogspot.com/
Faith Sisters: http://www.faithsisters.com

and here is my part of the blog train: **edit - now available in the FS shop**

AND... if you make it all the way to the end of the blog train, there will be a special caboose with some recipe cards in it by the designers for you.
Here's mine

16-35mm | Jervis Bay Photographer |

2009-10-24T16:40:00.005+11:00

I'm lovin it :)

and someone else who wanted a go...

yep - be saving that for her 21st!

Some more templates

2009-10-22T15:56:00.001+11:00

available in my faith sisters or Divine digital links

some 8x10's....

and a handy clipping mask template for 10x20 storyboards to get all those photos to line up!

my other hat...

2009-10-07T20:25:00.001+11:00

you know, that one where I am a physio? I guess I wear that most of the time despite what my blog might imply I do!
I just spent 3 days at Darling Harbour at the National Physiotherapy Conference. I was temporarily overcome by the feeling that I should go back to uni and do some more post graduate work.

But then we went on the harbour cruise...and despite teeming rain and trying to hold an umbrella at the same time on a swaying boat....I took these...and decided that was more fun than doing a literature review!

red dust

2009-09-23T09:48:00.001+10:00

I read updates from our friends out west yesterday with the pictures of the dust storms. I remember what a dust storm is like in Cobar. Red dust everywhere and in everything.

I was pretty pleased that we got this instead

but then Cobar turned up this morning....

Sometimes..... | Jervis Bay Photographer |

2009-09-20T21:27:00.001+10:00

Sometimes you just have to shoot the scenery.

Because:
a) It is spectacular

b) the hired help is just not helpful

or are just downright disinterested.

And a freebie too

2009-09-19T22:28:00.000+10:00

I was fiddling around with a template and thought I might just put is up as a freebie.

It is a layered template that can be adjusted to any of the options below. There are limitless things you could do with the background. You do need to know your way around photoshop layers and masks to work it though!

And here is what I was playing around with to make it

some new designs...

2009-09-19T21:27:00.000+10:00

See...I havent forgotten how to. I've just been sidetracked!

Available at Faith Sisters and Divine Digital

Weekend fun | Jervis Bay & Nowra photographer

2009-09-14T13:46:00.011+10:00

The weather was just perfect this weekend. Warm enough for swimming apparently if you as my children. Personally I'll wait for the water temperature to get a bit closer to the air temperature before I venture in!

It was perfect too for photography. My children no longer care to have their picture taken. I've had to start enlisting others.

but then my children get involved.....and it all goes downhill from there....

Thursday digital challenge

2009-09-03T12:55:00.000+10:00

I'm hosting the Thursday digital challenge at Faith sisters....
so if you would like this freebie.....

then go check out here

sometimes they will play nicely

2009-08-20T13:14:00.002+10:00

With each other. With me.
It is important to make the most of those times!

but all too soon it turns to this....

and this...

and this....

at which point you might as well stop and photograph the onlookers

Have chair, will travel....

2009-08-20T11:38:00.003+10:00

I'm having fun taking my furniture to the beach.
There is something oddly amusing about a grandfather chair taken totally out of context.

Apparently you do get to a point where it is no longer amusing however.

And as long as I have my VALS (voice activated light stand) that doubles as a furniture removalist, I'm sweet!

(I'm not even going tell you what he said to the tourists in the background, but it went along the lines of ...."when we were first married, she only made me carry a banana lounge to the beach, now she insists on this...."

Inspire me

2009-08-14T16:01:00.002+10:00

You know how every now and then you just get to do something really cool? Not because you really deserve it....or even that you meet the required skill level......but you just manage to bluff your way in to play with the big kids?

That was me last week. I managed to scam my way into a photography course on the Gold Coast with 4 big name photographers -
1. Nichole Van - an amazing child and family photographer
2. Zach Arias - of 'one light' fame
3. Joey L - who shot the pics for the Twilight movie posters and does shoots for people like the Jonas Brothers (this had far more impact on my daughter than me - but I understand the importance LOL)
4. Andrea Joki - who provided one on one mentoring.

We spent a day being moulded by each and getting to do all sorts of cool stuff that I just never would have had a go at before.
So. Onward and upward. I CAN do this!

and some quick shots from the various days :)

Nichole Van's daughter....

with the bribery.....

for her to put up with this....

and Joey L being very casual with his $30K camera.....not even a strap because they are for sissies LOL

featured designer

2009-07-29T18:09:00.003+10:00

guess who!

this week at Faith Sisters blog.....

Here at Faith Sisters, we are very blessed to have so many wonderful digital scrapbooking designers who help us in our shop. Every other Sunday, we will feature some our outstanding designers!

Rowena, (AKA Wilro&co Designs) has been with our shop from the very beginning. She helped shape our shop into what it is today! Recently Ro has been working on her photography business and has created some wonderful photography story board templates and many more resources for photographers. Check out Ro's store for these resources currently on sale and many of her one of a kind hand drawn items for digital scrapbooking. You will love what she has!

Ro, please tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Ro and I've been married for 16 years and have 3 beautiful (and at times challenging!) daughters. I am a Christian, and we are blessed to now live at the beach on NSW South Coast Australia. I am a physiotherapist, and ran my own private practice for about 15 years in the NSW outback before hubby getting a transfer to the coast. I now work as a rehabilitation consultant....and a digiscrap designer and photographer when I can fit it in! I was introduced to paper scrapbooking by some good friends whilst we lived way out west!

What are some of the life lessons that scrapbooking has taught you?

I realized early on in scrapping that children are vain little things....and will spend hours looking at anything that contains a picture of themselves. I would repeatedly try and 'tell' my girls something that I wanted them to learn - often to no avail. BUT if I wrote it down in an amusing way and slapped a big photo of them on it, it was guaranteed reading. They would spend hours on the lounge pouring over their scrapbook. They could quote it back to me word for word. I figured I needed to harness this phenomenon to my advantage.

One of the most important things to me as a mother is to see my children grow to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and a personal relationship with him. Again this is something you can 'tell' a child about, but it is something that they have to internalise for themselves. I use my scrapping (along with that big photo of them slapped on the page) to help them develop an understanding of what is really important in their lives, and decisions they have to make about where they will spend eternity. My motto for digiscrapping is "scrap the bigger picture".

When did you start digital scrapbooking, designing and what made you get into it?

I've been digital scrapbooking for 3-4 years now, and selling designs for about 2. When I started I didn't really realise how much digiscrap product was out there so kept trying to make the things that I wanted to use on my own personal layouts. After going to all that trouble, I figured I might as well sell it!

What inspires you to create your designs?

I get inspiration from lots of places - but a lot of the colours I use together come from kids clothing!

Can you share your favorite scrapbooking or design tip with our Faith Sisters?

Hmmmm....like the really super secret stuff? LOL!

I like realistic shadows. Sometimes the drop shadow functions just doesn't give you the depth that you want to make the element look real. I tend to add a blank layer under the element (particularly non-symmetrical / unusual shaped items like bows). If you ctrl+click on the bow to make it's shape active, you can fill the layer below with a dark grey bow shape. Then use the warp tool to pull the shadow out from the corners a bit - while thinking about which direction you have your light source coming from and thinking about what parts of the element are further away from the page and would cast more shadow. Then add some guassian blur, set the layer mode to 'multiply', and wind down the opacity a bit if it is too strong :)

How do you find the time to do so many wonderful designs?

Yes - that's the trick isn't it? I'm not sure I am so good at that bit. I'll do some designing - and then work gets busy so I don't do much for a while. I find designing relaxing though...I've been known to play in Photoshop instead of doing a functional capacity evaluation for work ;)

What is your favorite scripture verse?

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

and if you've managed to read through all than I will reward you with a new freebie in the store to celebrate!

Live Laugh Love

2009-07-27T23:10:00.005+10:00

It's blog train time and Faith Sisters again!
Scoot around and pick up all the bits of the Live Laugh Love kit are available at the links listed below.Don't forget to check out the shop when you get to the end :)

4 Shades of Blue: http://4shadesofbluedesigns.blogspot.com/

Albums to Remember: http://albumstoremember.blogspot.com/

Audra's Little Scraps: http://audraslittlescraps.blogspot.com/

Benilda Scraps: http://benildascraps.blogspot.com/

Busy Mama Designs: http://somuchtoscrapbook.blogspot.com/

Camie Designs: http://camiedesigns.blogspot.com/

Chelly: http://chelsant.blogspot.com/

Claudi Designs : http://www.scrapnfun.de/

Designs by Angel : http://scrappingwithangel.blogspot.com/

Digital Compilations by Cinda: http://blog.digitalcompilations.com/

Digital Designs by Lisa: http://www.digitaldesignsbylisa.blogspot.com/

Dragonfly Beach Designs: http://alumnaanimi.blogspot.com/

Emma Moore: http://eyeletsscrapsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Eva Lindqvist Designs: http://everything-eva.blogspot.com/

Kreative Karma : http://thekreativekarma.blogspot.com/

Lifesong Kreations by Karla : http://lifesongkreations.blogspot.com/

Merchi makes it!: http://merchimakesit.blogspot.com/

Meredith Cardall: http://meredithcardall.blogspot.com/

Michelle Batton: http://blog.mellowbutterfly.com/

Michelle Boroni: http://biabellascrapdigital.blogspot.com/

Robin Willson: http://robin-giftsyoucanfeelgoodabout.blogspot.com/

Simply Susan Godfrey: http://www.simplysusangodfrey.com/

Scrap Quest: http://www.scrapquest.com/blog

Sweet Tomato Designs: http://sweettomatodesigns.blogspot.com/

TMA Designs: http://themathematiciansassistant.com/

and me!!

Willro&co: http://willrownco.blogspot.com/

LAST STOPFaith Sisters: http://faith-sisters.blogspot.com/

you can download my portion of the blogtrain **ETA the kit is now only available in the Faith Sisters shop**

and if you get around the whole blog train, there is an album of QP's at the end
(here's mine)

Also there is the big birthday bash happening!

drum roll please.....

2009-07-25T16:04:00.002+10:00

I am very excited to show you my latest project.

With just a little bit of fiddling around, I now have Willro&co Photography Website all set up and ready for business!! I have managed to convince my accountant that I am legitimate (which is just as well as I am off to a photography course with the incredible Zack Arias, Andrea Joki, Nichole Van and Joey L in a little over a week.....hoping that they dont notice that 'very green newbie look' about me) and am looking forward to taking wonderful photos of beautiful people around our little spot here on the south coast!

If you live nearby....drop me a line, I just might do you a deal ;)

Chairs pt2

2009-07-13T18:26:00.003+10:00

It all worked out OK......An early birthday present.

The chair not the girl....she was Bill's birthday present one other year.
and no, despite a circulating rumour...I will not be forty....not even close :)

Chair envy

2009-07-11T09:05:00.003+10:00

Isn't this chair fabulous?
Her mum wont sell it to me. Apparently it is a family heirloom.
Nor will she sell me her lounge room that looks out over Jervis Bay. Darn.
Maybe she'll rent it to me as a studio?
I imagine I'll just have to settle for taking photos of her gorgeous kid :)

2 new storyboard templates

2009-07-07T11:06:00.004+10:00

in my Faith Sisters and Divine shops now!

Quick Pages

2009-07-06T20:16:00.002+10:00

sometimes you just need someone to do all the hard work for you!
Here are some new quickpages loaded into my shops....and you can see them in action in the LO section

another freebie!

2009-06-27T10:26:00.004+10:00

just for fun - a 10x20 inch fully adjustable storyboard here

Rain

2009-06-21T14:15:00.003+10:00

all week.
It hasn't worn thin yet....not after living where it rarely rained for 15 years.

We did decide to try out the new birthday present in between showers. Apparently they will be very useful when one goes to the football. I'll have to take his word for that.

and I now have about 17 pictures with this pose. I am hoping she moves on from this phase quickly.

Seeing as we have spent so much time indoors with the rain, I have made a couple of products for the photographer section of my shops:

Ballet

2009-06-12T18:33:00.004+10:00

is hard.

You've got to get everyone's bit happening together.

It takes intense concentration.

And flexibility. As a physio I admire that!

Attention to detail.

Quite contemplation.

And time to consider the moves.

And sometimes it just doesnt go the way we planned.

but you've gotta love it.
Thanks Babe :)

10x20 Storyboard freebie

2009-06-10T11:58:00.002+10:00

This is a 10x20 inch photography storyboard template that I made for myself and have decided to give away as a freebie probably not so interesting to the scrappers that follow the blog.....but again a resource for my photographer friends.

It is a psd file with layers that allows you to change the background to suit the colour of your photos, add or subtract the pattern, and add or subtract a border around the photo. The clipping masks are also in a folder of single masks - but also grouped as one mask in case you want 1 photo over several openings like in my example ( you will of course need to make the single masks you are not using invisible or mask part of that folder off if that layer sits above your large photo)
Enjoy :)

and if you dont like the background you can change it to this!

My other photography resources can be found at Divine Digital or Faith Sisters

a long weekend

2009-06-08T19:24:00.002+10:00

thanks to the Queen. I don't think it is actually her birthday...but if it is a public holiday, we'll take it :)

I know for sure however, that it was birthday time for my big girl and boy. I could re-hash Tara's birth story, but I have moved on. Really.

The fact that he went motorbike riding and left me to host a birthday afternoon tea for a bunch of squealing yr 7 girls hasn't entered my mind. I'm just very thankful I wasn't conned into a sleep over.

Happy Birthday anyway ;)

Time for a freebie!

2009-05-31T17:56:00.005+10:00

Those of you who follow my blog will know that I have gone off on a bit of a photography tangent. I still do a bit of digital designing for scrapbooking........

.....but as a bit of a thankyou to some of my new photographer friends who never hesitate with good advice and help, here is a bit of a freebie template for you :)

This is not a standard scrapbooking .png template. It contains a layered .psd file for a 5x7 card which can be altered to all the templates shown by adjusting the layers within the file. All papers and elements are provided as layers, with additional adjustment layers to modify the template to suit your photography customers. It includes the licence for photography studios to manipulate the template to taste and provide their clients with flattened files or prints. There are pdf instructions included to to show you how to modify the colours and textures of papers and elements. 3 variations on the card are shown, but there are many other variations possible. This product assumes a reasonable degree of knowledge in photoshop layers, adjustment layers and masks. This resources gives you the creative flexibility to make your paper work for your photo.

Other photography resources can be found at my Divine Digital or Faith Sisters shops

Monday Madness

2009-05-27T14:29:00.005+10:00

Yesterday I jumped with playful abandon into the realm of taking photographs for others.

Theoretically I like the idea of trying to take amazing shots of all sorts of people. The problem is that when it involves some sort of monetary reimbursement, there comes with it the expectation that you have at least some idea of what you are doing. Or that you are at least good at pretending you do.

When it is your own children, "or else" works to a certain degree.
...."or else I'll take your Nintendo"
...."or else we'll go home and do piano practice instead"

"or else" doesn't work on other people's kids!
Luckily these spunky two found it sufficiently new and different to normal daily routine to stay at least moderately interested in what I was doing. Next time I will come prepared with bribes and sparkly trinkets ;)

(do you like my puppy prop? ...Nup - no idea who owns him, but he wanted to be in the photo!)

what do you do on a rainy weekend?

2009-05-25T07:55:00.004+10:00

Go camping of course!

OK - so we didn't camp as such (given that I am fundamentally opposed to sleeping on the ground)...but we did stay in a cabin next to those in tents. And whilst we didn't get the credit of 'proper' camping, access to a TV for the footy was embraced by others.

it started with a bit of this....

however the OH&S committee were lax

when getting the participants to embrace their obligations...

[insert picture of crying child with potentially serious injury...

who was somewhat subdued for the rest of the weekend]

but the others moved forward regardless....

proof that Bill is allowed to hold the camera....

and dinner :)

New Photo clipping Masks

2009-05-21T19:56:00.003+10:00

Just new in my shops! a few clipping masks at different photographic sizes and orientations.

and a clipping mask was how I did this... :)

Is it wrong?

2009-05-14T15:58:00.009+10:00

To use all your photography props in one photo? I dont know, but I am going to get my value out of that pettiskirt ;)

We went home to Parkes for the Mother's Day weekend - and I convinced Tara to get up at dawn to have her photo taken on an old truck on our farm. Apparently it was very cold. Or so she kept telling me.

We also have an old mudbrick house that is nearly fallen down now - but is great for some photos!

Check out the tongues in the next 2 photos!

and the main park in Orange on the way home is just gorgeous at the moment....

I finally did it.

2009-05-07T18:56:00.003+10:00

Made a pettiskirt that is.
I decided that it couldn't be that hard and that surely I could make it cheaper that the shops.
Yeah. Whatever!
3 days straight of sewing grief later....I have a photography prop, and no desire to ever look at my sewing machine again.

It is designed for the somewhat taller members of the family...however only the shortest would play...

Faith Sisters Blog Train...

2009-04-27T17:06:00.004+10:00

Here is my contibution....** eta: Kit is now available at FS free with purchases over $10)

http://www.faithsisters.com/

pettiskirts

2009-04-25T19:50:00.004+10:00

I'm going to make one. Like this.
It is just turning out to be a tad harder than I anticipated. I now realise that they are worth the money to just buy them made. If only to avoid standing in the ridiculously slow checkout line at Spotlight.

So now that I have half a pettiskirt....
we decided to try a chunky scarf instead. I didn't even knit it. I conned a visitor into it :)

The ususal poser played along.

Big Red said that we could have ONE photo.

back to the poser.

They absorb considerable salt water when immersed. And are no good for the action shots.

new lens!

2009-04-21T20:30:00.002+10:00

Not mine unfortunately....but I did pick up Leisa's 50mm for her....and might have taken it out of the box for a quick look....but we wont tell her ;)

Might have to get myself one.....

Vogue

2009-04-20T08:53:00.002+10:00

New kit in all my shops!

School holidays!

2009-04-14T16:22:00.004+10:00

OK - so we haven't done all that much....
They let me have 5 mins worth of photography practice. Gotta get me
some new models.

We (the girls of the family) did however sit and watch the 'lost in Austen' series
that was on the ABC a few weeks back that we'd taped. Such a funny series! If
you love Pride and Prejudice...you've got to watch this....there are some absolute
classic one-liners. The subtle humor was somewhat lost on the young ones...

Hope you are having a great Easter Holiday :)

2 new LO's from me

2009-04-11T11:26:00.004+10:00

I'm going to get around to doing more. At least that is what I tell myself.

Happy 3rd Birthday

2009-04-09T16:00:00.000+10:00

to Divine Digital!

There will be lots of digital freebies around to celebrate the event....so here is a little something from Willro&co Designs

Dont forget to check the forums for other activities and scoot on over to Royanna's blog to get the next installment .....

Dad went deep sea fishing

2009-03-29T15:30:00.006+11:00

.... so we had a quick visit to spotlight for some tulle & feather boas.

The campers at Red Rock did not quite know what to make of
the trail of bright pink, white and black clad children with
various other photographic 'props' - but it kept Aunty Leisa
and I amused for the afternoon.....

oh - and for those who are interested, you can catch fish in
deeper water...apparently our tinny is not big enough.
[hands over ears] *...not listening...not listening...*

sometimes I get a smile

2009-03-25T15:52:00.004+11:00

but often not :)

Alphas

2009-03-20T08:44:00.005+11:00

All alphas available in the shops in the linkbar above....

Big Red's Head

2009-03-14T11:23:00.010+11:00

Big Red got and idea in her head this morning. We freely admit to rarely having a handle on what goes on in there.

'How about you two [insert finger waggling between either parent] pay for me to have my ears pierced?'

I know that LOL is a very overused term. But her father laughed out loud. Hard.

I'm not sure whether it was because her argument for him to fork over money was less than compelling.....or because the biggest chicken of this century (despite the fact that it has really only just got going) had suggested something that meant she would willingly inflict pain upon herself.

This child does nothing on impulse. So either she'd been mulling it over in that little red head for sometime...or it just popped out before she really thought of the implications....accidentally. Her father seized the moment (full of confidence that his money would ultimately be safe), threw a motorbike helmet at her and said "quick, get on the bike and I'LL take you to town personally".

Hmmm ......perilous motorbike ride with crazy Suzuki man AND a painful ear procedure. Immediate fear written all over the face. You could see her processing her options for retreat.

Crazy Suzuki man was not going to let her back down with grace. She had locked in that answer and before she quite knew what had happened she was geared up with even less options for saving face. They rode off....the rider (smirking as he wasn't anticipating having to ride too far down Forrest Rd) and the pillion (looking not unlike a rabbit caught in the headlights).

Wanna know who won??

She only got as far as this ear.

(not really!!)

Thankyou Uncle Phill and Aunty Annette

2009-03-08T20:06:00.008+11:00

for our Christmas present. Love Tara, Tilly & Grace

It was a gorgeous day.....

with a bit of this...

and some of this....

then up the hill on this....

and back down on this...

then you get in a big pool that looks like this......

until they flip the 'on' switch and it starts to look like this....

and if you aren't careful it sneaks up on you like this....

and then everyone gets sloshed around in a big mixmaster like this....

and the little ones can play in this.....

or on these....

I'm not sure if he always has this surprised look.....

and then you just have to do this....

and follow it up with...

Quality Time

2009-03-03T14:36:00.003+11:00

Here is the kit to go with the last LO as promised :) Available in all the usual places in the sidebar

Digital layouts using Willro&co Designs

2009-02-28T22:03:00.007+11:00

All designs and layouts are created by and copyrighted to Rowena Field.

using 'Grunge Extras' embellishment pack.

using QuickPage 4 made from 'Natural Grunge' paper pack, 'Draft outline' alpha

Using QuickPage 8 made from 'teenage grunge' papers and 'grunge frames'

using QuickPage 4 made from 'sweet things' kit

QuickPage 3 using 'Sweet things' kit and 'Flower Essentials' embellishment kit.

using 'Dandelions, Dragonflies and Doodles' kit and 'Rusty cutout' alpha.

QuickPage 5 using 'vogue' and 'Sweet things' kits

quick page freebie available in shops linked above using 'Bright and Funky' & 'complicated' kits.

quick page freebie available in shops linked above.

quick page freebie available in shops linked above.

quick page freebie available in shops linked above.

using 'Dandelions, dragonflies and doodles' kit and 'typewriter' alpha pack.

Quick Page 7 using 'Natural Grunge' paper pack, 'paper Dolls' embellishment pack, doodle edge from 'Bright and Funky' kit, 'Doodle' Alpha and note paper from 'Lovely' Kit.

using 'Quality Time' kit, 'lined paper' Alpha.

Frame from 'Complicated', kids drawing from 'Grunge Extras'.

Using 'Sorbet Dream' kit and 'Typewriter' Alpha pack.

using 'Bright and Funky' kit.

using 'a bit different' paper pack and 'Chookery' Kit.

using 'Noteworthy' paper, stitched ribbon from 'Chugga Chugga' kit, envelope and flower from 'Complicated' kit.

Quick Page 2 using 'Dandelions, Dragonflies and Doodles' kit and clipping mask made from 'Sweet things' kit.

using 'Kidpicks' Kit and 'Typewriter' Alpha pack.

using 'Complicated' kit

using 'Couture' Kit

using 'Overlays 2', 'Noteworthy' paper pack, 'Notepad' alpha and 'Stitches' embellishment pack.

using 'Overlays 2' and 'Office Supplies'

using 'Overlays 2' and 'office supplies' embellishment packs.

using QuickPage 6

Red High Heels

2009-02-28T21:16:00.004+11:00

are much harder to navigate than one might initially think.

and always get ditched before the end of the evening :)

This is what girls must do when ones father abandons them in favour
of water skiing. Secret Men's business apparently. Did I mention I was
keeping score?

Love you

2009-02-28T19:14:00.003+11:00

A LO I found that I hadn't shared...Just before I chopped her hair
shorter.....and crooked apparently.....

It is hard to get a good model these days.

2009-02-22T15:35:00.008+11:00

Apparently the quality of said model is proportionate to the amount paid.

That probably explains why I got this......

and this........

and I thought this was along the same lines.......

but no, it meant this........

But before the deluge, we got these :)

Commercial use kits

2009-02-14T10:44:00.007+11:00

Willro&co Terms of Use are available from the link above along with the shops where the items can be purchased

(only available at Divine Digital)

Divine Diva Deal

2009-02-12T16:15:00.003+11:00

Yep - my turn again.....and just in time for Valentines Day!

click here to buy! ....soon it will back up to full price

Reality bites?

2009-02-10T08:06:00.004+11:00

Gotta love Lusi. She has this way of saying things that make me ponder.

Like the way she challenged me to be bold about my faith for my SBM master's entry (she probably doesn't remember!). Also possibly why it got as far as the top 50 and closer inspection scared them off ;)
It was however a good thing for me to do...and couldn't have hurt those that had to read it...

Her blogging today is another good example.

I'd like to think that I could be pioneer woman [insert husband rolling his eyes] - minus the ranch....and the horses....oh, and I don't homeschool...nor can I cook that well.....and I moved away from our own family farm to get away from sheep. But you know what I mean. I'll admit to feeling pangs of jealousy when I read her blog and see someone who seems to have it all so together, can do everything she puts her hand to, takes wonderful photos, is a whiz in photoshop, has a huge online following of fans...has a storybook romantic marriage....... dang...if I wouldn't just love everyone to think my life was like that.

There is that image that I'd like to portray...that nothing phases me & I can take it all in my stride. Work as a physio....keep a happy and harmonious house running....be a competent digiscrap designer....be a good photographer.....get 3 kids to school and all that entails.....be where I should be in my walk with God.

Really? (that was the annoying question that Lusi posed)

OK then - what was real today?

really - I ignored the children making half hearted attempts to get ready for school whilst I checked my emails, blogs and forums....then got cranky at them when they hadn't gotten ready (...but you were on the computer mum......)

really - I congratulated myself on making it to ladies prayer group on the way to work then felt convicted by Lucy's (another one - what is it with all these lucy's today?) honest confession that she doesn't spend enough time with God and was getting up earlier each morning to make sure she reads her bible and prays. I still haven't done that.

really - I raised my voice (Ok, lets call it 'yelled'. I guess I don't need to be politically correct in this post) at at least 2 children who would not sit and do their piano practice.

really - I was driving in a totally self-absorbed manner and failed to notice the little old lady that had just stepped on the crossing. Thankyou Lord that she had only 'just' stepped on and lived to give me a filthy look.

really - the dog didn't get walked. Again. He now considers our relationship to be casual.

really - the children are wasting time in front of the TV because I am here and the kitchen is a
mess

I'm sitting here thinking that Jesus was very real. Given that he knew the outcome of everything - it would have been so easy for him to 'not worry at all' as he knew how things would eventually pan out - but then I think of Luke 22.44 'And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.' What is that about then??

It is OK to be real...
(thanks Lus :)

Stamp set 1

2009-02-08T12:54:00.005+11:00

A great little set of stamps for cardmaking or faithbooking. They are black .png files, but you could recolour them to suit what you are creating!

Freebies!

2009-02-08T12:39:00.007+11:00

These have been up as freebies around the place - but I thought I would keep them loaded as freebies in my shops...

you can find them in my shop at Faithsisters , Divine or ACOT (and dont forget to have a look around whilst you are there!)

hear that?

2009-01-29T15:43:00.004+11:00

that's the sound of me sipping my coffee frappe in peace and quiet as I survey a tidy house. (No sign of that tear in my eye that my work colleagues are determined that I must have as I send my baby off to school). Nup...it's all good

It was a 2 part process.
Part 1: yesterday.
Biggest girl off to high school all set to navigate the perils of the local bus system. I relented and drove her to town for her first day. She was adamant that dropping her off in the bus bay was all that would be required. That was, of course, until she was actually in the bus bay and the imminent first day of high school loomed. Now she required me to actually park the car and escort her in the gate. Unfortunately she left her run too late, and as a bendy bus threatened to compact the car, and the driver gestured something towards me, I shoved her out the door with "you'll be fine, have a great day". She stood forlorn in my revision mirror for all of 3 seconds till she found her friend and disappeared without a trace.

I got a text message today informing me that she did not have enough food to survive. I'm not sure that hunger technically constitutes the emergency for which she was given the phone (it was more for say....missing the bus and us having to drive the half hour to town to pick her up)
Needless to say, she has survived the first 2 days despite our dire stories of little 7th graders being used as toilet brushes and me pointing out that having her hair sticking out like that was asking for trouble.

Part 2: today
GSFS (Gracie spacie feral snotbag) makes an impact on the local school.
She started out pretty darn cocky.

slight fear starting to creep in...

OK with the support of others......

Decidedly concerned walking through the school gates....

I've got to do this for HOW many years???

Don't worry, the first face was back by the time I picked her up in the afternoon :)

Australia Day Long Weekend

2009-01-27T11:33:00.011+11:00

A couple of hundred years ago, Captain Cook discovered Australia.

Meet Cooky...and his new fleet. Now the word 'fleet' I guess implies more than 1 boat, and if you count our tinny and kayak that didn't leave their moorings in the front yard all weekend, then I guess we'll let him have his fleet. We are not going to call him Captain though. That is just asking for trouble. It was his maiden outing anyway.....we're not going to call him Captain till he gets us safely in and out of the heads.

Now what would have made this story really cool was if Australia Day actually celebrated Captain Cook's amazing discovery of the Great Southland. Unfortunately it doesn't. It celebrates the first fleet arriving under the guidance of Captain Arthur Phillip. And seeing as we didn't have anyone called Phillip (because my brother Phillip didn't bother to come and visit us for the holidays)...there ends the similarities in our story. Unfortunate really, because we set off on a maiden voyage to an unknown destination under the guidance of Captain Cook with a boat full of 'hungry, thirsty and needing to go to the toilet'..well....is 'convicts' too strong a word?

Convict No1 & 2....blissfully unaware of the adventure that lays before them and the fact that inadequate sunscreen on shoulders will ultimately end in tears...

Convict No3. Sea sick apparently. Or bored. Or hot. Or needing to go to the toilet.

First mate eating first....then determining if this is a good landing spot.

Convicts 1 & 4 complaining about the rations. Captain Cook and first mate pretending to care.

The first white explorers.....well maybe not. (Long beach Jervis Bay if we digress from our analogy for a minute)

Apparently this is cool.

I'm not sure if the convicts will be able to row fast enough for them to ski.....

I guess it doesn't matter if you can't stay on.

Convict 1 & 4 learning a valuable life lesson about trusting Captain Cook and the first mate.

And just to prove that old boys can ski....(and to do it before convict 1 & 4 get licences and teach them about payback)

something about 'like a chicken on a chain...' I don't know....has something to do with bull riding.

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY :)

ETA: Convict No5 had sustained a broken leg motorbike riding the previous week and was less than impressed by the whole sea-faring adventure.......just in case you thought we made him walk the plank..

Love my pet?

2009-01-26T06:00:00.001+11:00

How could you not?? (I'll tell you when......when he's pulled the clothes off the line.....or dug a hole.....or jumping around in a maniac sort of way)

He is getting better with age....by the time he's 10, he'll probably be a great dog. Only 7 years to go. Bill was fundamentally opposed to getting any dog that was called a labradoodle. It was bad enough that he was the only male in the household....but then to get a 'labradoodle' was some sort of affront to his manliness.... We compromised and got a boy labradoodle. Bill didn't think it was a compromise.

This month's blog train at Faith sisters celebrates all things doggy. If you whip around quickly you can get all the bits for free....if not, you'll just have to buy it from the shop!

grab my bit **sorry....gotta buy it at the shop now!!**

Once you have that, you can visit Audra's Little Scraps for the next bit!

16 years tomorrow

2009-01-08T19:47:00.006+11:00

of wedded bliss :)

Our children decided that they should celebrate early by cooking something. I should have probably put a halt to it there.......or after they melted the butter before putting it in to cream with the sugar.....or after they pulled every utensil out of the kitchen cupboards. Their father suggested, as he peered over the top of the novel he was reading, that it was in fact a supervision issue that now needed to turn into a teaching opportunity. He then promptly returned to his novel. Apparently he doesn't teach cooking.

The cake turned into biscuits.....and then just one biscuit....then some sort of decorated slab with the odd chocolate freckle on it. Their father, whilst encouraging their domestic skills, suggested that the anniversary felt more like this many. Anniversary 17 is looking shaky for him.

nah. All good fun. They did clean up eventually. Love you guys! Surprisingly it tasted OK for something that didn't remotely resemble the receipe they 'followed'.

We think this is Gracie's idea of a kiss in preparation. Either that or we look like ducks.

Oh...and I mighta got a combined Christmas / birthday / anniversary present...(for the next 5 years according to Bill). Cant wait for it to arrive tomorrow and get attached to my 5D :)....I think I still get to go out for tea too.....

(I, of course, have not changed a bit....)

8 from 08

2009-01-05T16:42:00.004+11:00

Not necessarily the best pics from 2008.....but 8 of my favs.

Big Red. Always up for a picture.

Gracie Spacie feral snotbag....although she maintains that
this will not be an appropriate name when she starts school
in a few weeks. Might be a bit hard for her to spell all that at the
start anyway.

All the cousins - just a cute pic. And for the life of me I couldn't
get them all to sit still.

Charlotte. Tangled in all her finery.

My big girl. The shirt says it all.

A little reminder of life on the farm.

I went to boarding school to get away from sheep.

Living on the south coast now provides

adequate distance. I think the lamb sensed that

and chose Nanny and Tara as a more likely

source of affection.

It is supposed to have gone back to the paddock.

I think it has moved in with Nanny instead.

our neighbours (feral snotbags prospective suitor). He is

of course Rudolf whilst his father hangs the Christmas lights in the

background (on the roof, safety shirt, reindeer antlers & beer in free hand)

Willro&co Photography

2009-01-03T15:45:00.015+11:00

I love the challenge of getting a great photo! I love fiddling with it after in photoshop. I'm still working on getting better at both of those aspects.

In 2009 I'm working on a portfolio that includes people who are not my own children! But if you would like to see my work in progress, please check out the links below, and if you live around Jervis Bay and would like a photoshoot, send me an email rjfield@bigpond.net.au

** ETA the new Willro&co Photography website is here! **
Portraits

Moments

Babies

Melody line alpha

2008-12-15T14:09:00.003+11:00

Is now available in my shops listed in the sidebar.....

or here for $2

My baby

2008-12-14T14:08:00.003+11:00

is off to high school.

It doesn't seem all that long ago that I stood with her in the school playground waiting to get called in for her first day of kindy. I stood there in amongst the sea of weeping mothers and new kindy students, not quite sure what motherly advice I should bestow on her to keep her in line - given that the principal was unlikely to tolerate any poor behaviour on her part ;)
She looked at me squarely and said " Mum, please leave now before you embarrass me."

7 years later and things haven't changed much - except maybe that she doesn't have her father as her principal. I was allowed a small amount of photos before being instructed that it would be best if I left. At least this time there were 30 or so other parents receiving the same advice.

Well done babe, you sucessfully navigated primary school. Heaven help us next year when you need to leave for school at 7.20am instead of 8.55.......

Yr 6 social:

Portrait portfolio

2008-12-10T15:48:00.018+11:00

Portraits by Willro&co photography
photography home

photography home

Scrapbooking Memories Magazine Masters

2008-12-09T15:40:00.007+11:00

eludes me yet again! I wasn't going to enter this year and decided to at the last minute. So I was surprised to get in the top 50....not surprised at all that I didn't win LOL....but I guess a little disappointed that I didn't get any HM's this year after getting 2 last year.

But now I can put my creations up on my blog...and admit that this was the only paper scrapping I did this year! A lot of my submission was hybrid or digital....all Willro&co Designs of course!

My double LO (all digi):

My calender:

My keepsake:

and my single LO:

Kreative Blogger

2008-12-07T17:50:00.005+11:00

I've been tagged for this award twice in the last couple of weeks. Once by the full of spunk Leanne (just see the retreat photos) that has jumped on board the Willro&co creative team (thanks babe!) and then by Casey...who is a great mate even though we have never met IRL and a true light reflecting our Heavenly Father.
I appreciate them suggesting me....especially because I find what they do so creative. In fact, all of the girls in my sidebar inspire me, and show me the diverse creativity that God gives to each of us.....so I cant list 5 people to check out, but feel free to look through my links!

I hope that my creativity reflects my love for God and the gifts he has so graciously given me :)

Singing in tune....

2008-12-04T14:44:00.014+11:00

Well....not if you listen to me. If I sing, my DH asks....and how does the melody line go???

(Apparently I design better than I sing.... )

Embellishments

2008-12-04T14:44:00.013+11:00

Embellishment packs available from Willro&co Designs from the shops linked above.

Paper packs

2008-12-03T09:02:00.007+11:00

Willro&co paper packs available at the shop links above...

and 2 new LO's

2008-12-02T18:44:00.003+11:00

with journalling borrowed from the last post ;)

money money money

2008-11-23T11:59:00.003+11:00

by ABBA - that's what you are allowed to play these days for
a piano exam (along with the Addams family theme and some other
music that was vaguely classical). Go figure....it wouldn't have been
allowed in my day.

The practice leading up to these exams seems to have been
painfully long. "Oh, I'll NEVER get it....NEVER!" (think Don Music
from Sesame St as he slams his forehead into the piano keys). Tara
has her imitation of him down to a fine art.

Nonetheless , we finally made it. I have more grey hair and we have
spent some quality time debating the virtues of the piano. The
contention remains that if it is SO boring, why must they do it.
The answer is simple. My mother made me do it, and I'm gonna make
you do it. There is no comeback for that. Fairness plays no part. It is
simply because I am the mummy and I said so. And now it is MY
turn to get to say that (thanks Nanny!)

They both did very well (but declined having their results published) and
if nothing else, we got to take some cool photos at the Conservatorium
of Music at Wollongong overlooking the harbour and with some
beautiful old buildings and manicured lawns.

pre-exam attitude No1

pre-exam attitude No2
(the results reflected this fairly ;)

and some fun shots when it was all over:

you wont believe

2008-11-16T12:26:00.005+11:00

The weekend that I just had!

The internet is a funny thing - you 'meet' people from all over the place - but
often never get to meet them IRL. I've shared daily in the lives of the wonderful
ladies at SOF, but most of us had never met.

Over a year ago, Sally (who founded SOF) decided to try and pull together
this eclectic collection of girls and run a weekend retreat - to meet each other,
but also acknowledge the common bond that links us all together, our faith in God.

I have been privileged to be on the design team for SOF and see behind the
scenes and how things that have fallen into place (ie read 'been organised by God')
We had ladies from all over Australia and were blessed by having Bev (also on the
DT) from New Zealand over with her mum.

These women made me laugh till I cried...and then cry some more. It has taken me
a week to get over the sleep deprivation! God has blessed me more than I can ever
put down on this page by allowing me to spend time with these awesome women.

Our SOF Design Team (minus only 2!).....

Group shot......

The other totally awesome thing was being able to take a

group photo of my Willro&co Creative Team. These talented

ladies work hard to make my designs look good. It is such

a rare thing for a digital designer to be able to take a photo

with 90% of her creative team. Thankyou guys - you know

how much you all mean to me!!

And because part of my gig for the weekend was running some digi

classes, I was able to scout some new talent to help me out :)

Welcome on board to Ali & Leanne. Having a creative team

that all actually KNOW each other (even though we are spread

from one side of Australia to the other) is such a blast!

Happy Birthday Tilly :)

2008-11-16T12:03:00.004+11:00

I know...this is late. Thank you to family (ie Phill) that kept enquiring as to whether I had
totally overlooked my middle child's birthday. The photos have just taken a while.

So here goes....
I left the cake mixing in the Kenwood. I came back to find this. I am glad to see
that my work in occupational health and safety has not been wasted on my family.

Tara was away at school camp, so Grace and Tilly determined

that self-made pizza would be the appropriate birthday dinner

food. Cool. One less job for me (yeah I know - I forgot about the

cleaning up afterwards :)

Bill and I went out (without Tilly) for her birthday (not really LOL)

so their babysitter arrived with a special gift of her own. (Thanks

Alyce!)

Happy Birthday Big Red :)

a freebie or two!

2008-11-01T07:00:00.006+11:00

It's Digital Scrapbooking Day. (Phillip, stop rolling your eyes and you can just stop reading now)

There are freebies to be had in lots of places....but I suggest you follow the Nuts4Digi blog train around and pick up the freebies to be had. You can download this portion **no longer available**

and if you take the train to Ruby's (M.O.M & kids) then back to the N4Dshop, you just might find a bit extra :)

Enjoy the ride!

Happy 60th

2008-10-26T19:57:00.004+11:00

HMAS Albatross!

I didn't think that a naval base birthday party would be
high on my list of things to do.....but can those boys fly!
They are also unbelievably noisy...it must be a boy thing.

I discovered, given the speed that they go, that getting a
photo is a trick in itself - especially seeing as I didnt have
one of those 'special' white lenses to go on the camera. But
here is what I got :)

Digital scrapbooking kits

2008-10-21T06:00:00.006+11:00

Willro&co Digital kits available for sale at the shops linked above.

Passionately Pink Pt2

2008-10-20T13:31:00.001+11:00

I love looking at other's creativity.

It challenges me to try harder with my designs, the way I use colour, the way I approach taking a photo. I love creating with a passion. You could lose me for days in photoshop. You only have to look at the world around you to realise that we have a creative God who has given us the same built in desire to create and express ourselves.

My latest thing is looking at vi.sualize.us . There are all sorts of cool illustrations and designs to inspire and admire - in this case.....all things pink. You can save all the ideas that appeal to you for later reference when you hit that creative wall!

And just to keep those creative ideas flowing, here is another little **freebie deleted** from me. Dont forget to check out the Divine Passionately Pink mega charity kit that will be instore on Oct 15th.

This is how I used it :)

Passionately Pink Pt1

2008-10-19T16:11:00.007+11:00

I used to be anti-pink. Very.

Navy was the colour of choice for all my firstborn's baby outfits. I've had to apologise for all her baby photos where everyone thinks she's a boy. I now have 3 pink ones - I think it is probably payback.

I've dealt with the issue to the point where I can now comfortably give pink presents. We have pink swimmers....pink ipods.....pink shoes.......pink dooner covers......pink handbags......all manner of pink dress-ups.

I even have a favourite pink present that we gave Big Red. It is something that I am passionate about - and I wanted to give her something special from me. It is a life changing present. It can shape who you are. It can determine your destiny. It provides the answer for what was the best present ever given. My daddy's the King....that makes his princess :)

This month Divine Digital is blogging for breast cancer awareness & there is a very pink charity pack on sale from 20th with proceeds going to the Susan G Komen Foundation. Willro&co designs even managed to create some pink bits for it. (those who knew me way back when....can pick their jaws up now). I have 2 quick pages for you to download **removed now** that were made with Willro&co papers from that kit. Check in tomorrow afternoon for another freebie!

and just a quick example of how I used them. Enjoy!

Photo5

2008-10-18T19:29:00.004+11:00

Canon is running a photo5 comp at the moment where they send you a little cardboard box with 5 mystery items (a red ribbon, a tea candle, a crayon, a bubble blowing bottle and a cocktail umbrella) that you have to photograph. I left my run a bit late and was so busy with work this week that I really didn't have a chance to think very creatively about them (and yes, I only have 4 entries....I didnt get to the tea candle! Maybe I'll get it done tomorrow.....) - but it is worth having a look at the site if you like looking at photos to see how creative some people are!

despite what my blog might imply..

2008-10-12T10:14:00.003+11:00

we are still around!
Life just gets crazy sometimes - and it is now :)

But to prove our children did survive the school holidays & the beach is as beautiful as ever, I took a couple of pics with my new toy.

3 things you can do with a rusty bit of tin.....

2008-09-27T20:08:00.004+10:00

buy now for $2

buy now for $2

buy now for $2

at all my shops :)

Divine Diva Deal

2008-09-18T14:51:00.004+10:00

It's my turn again!

Dandelions, Dragonflies and Doodles is on sale for a week for $2....dont miss out!

Join the blog train!!

2008-09-15T17:27:00.010+10:00

Faith Sisters have taken on board a load of fabulous new designers.....and so that you can have a taste of what is in store, check out the freebies on everyone's blog.

The theme is Sisterly Love....

ETA: All the designer kits have now been put together and are available as a collab kit at faith sisters :)

Get it while you can because it will only be up for a limited time, then they will all be turned into a collaboration kit to benefit our World Vision child that we sponsor!

Audra's Little Scraps

Eyelet's Scraps Designs

Debra Ballance