12 February 2009

OWOH - Winners


Thank you everyone who entered my OWOH Giveaway. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and share your blog with me. Your kind comments were all heartfelt and inspirational to receive. It was wonderful to get to meet so many new like-minded souls. I now have a hundreds more blogs to visit regularly!! I do feel kind of sad this is all over.

Thanks to My Mum who kindly wrote all the numbers onto little pieces of paper and drew my winners - she really enjoyed helping me with this, and loved reading all your wonderful comments :)


Here's some pictures of my Mum preparing to pick the lucky winners.... She cut up & wrote out all those little bits of papers with the numbers on them!



The winners of the ATC series are...................................

Congratulations to the following ladies who have each won one of my 5 ATC's in the Stampotique series......... I have emailed you where I can, Don't forget to email me your postal addresses!

Comment #
160 SARAH
Comment # 71 CONNIE
Comment # 165 LIV
Comment #
15 SASKIA
Comment #
83 TRACY from SEAHAGSTUDIO - Please email me :)


And the winners of the Collage Sheets are ..................................

Congratulations to the following 10 ladies who have each received this digital collage sheet. You can save it to your PC, print it and use it over & over again :)

Comment #155 VICKY My Paper Palace
Comment #172 BARBARA CAGLE
Comment #17 SANDY
Comment #63 JOANNE
Comment #87 WENDY
Comment #133 NANCY
Comment #100 BLEUBEARD & ELIZABETH
Comment #148 PEA
Comment #5 KAYCEE
Comment #58 KATH K

If you are among the winners list I will email you, please reply as soon as possible to claim your prize... It would be really cool if you posted to your blog about your win too :)

11 February 2009

The 'GIRLS' challenge - Robert


Wow check out what ROBERT did with those gorgeous girls - and if you haven't had a play yet, jump right in and challenge yourself........ Here's the original CHALLENGE IMAGE.

Australia Burns




I received these photos from my Dad, they are from the fire-fighters struggling with the fires that are burning in Victoria Australia........ Although some are very beautiful pictures, the sadness that surrounds these and the death tolls are horrendous. I can't imagine the suffering the families involved have endured - It is our worst ever, and to think the fires could have been started by arsonists is appauling!!!
Several families have lost their homes and everything they own - The Australian RED CROSS has set up an appeal, and COLES are donating sales from Friday's trading and will also accept donations.

10 February 2009

Fibro Fog (Fibromyalgia/CFS)

Anne Félicité

Kind of 'art' related.... I discovered this artwork, while browsing some FMS support forums. Lately it's been one of those many frustrating times for me, which has turned into weeks!! If anyone suffers from FMS or similar, feel free to comment or email me and we can bitch about it together!!

If you don't know what it is, here's a little insight. If you aren't interested, no problems I understand totally - just skip this post - I won't be offended at all :)

FMS - I hate it :(

Fibromyalgia Syndrome

When the standard depiction of fibromyalgia was first introduced, we lacked even basic comprehension of the condition, and had only a guide for researchers who were attempting to deepen this knowledge. Due to increasing research, our understanding has grown from counting tender points and focusing on painful muscles to an evolving concept of a heterogeneous set of subgroups who have central nervous system sensitivity and a countless variety of potential dysfunctional biochemical and metabolic interactions. With this new FM concept comes the need for a depiction that acknowledges the complexity of fibromyalgia.

The image - Designed by artist Anne Félicité, wife of the famed French researcher Dr. Jean B. Eisinger. The figure depicts fibromyalgia in a new way, reflecting that those of us with fibromyalgia are not victims of fate (or of three Fates), are more than the sum of our tender points, and are complex individuals who are each unique in metabolic make up and needs.

FMS is a syndrome, but that doesn’t mean it is less serious or potentially disabling than a disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other afflictions are also syndromes. FMS may be present along with other conditions such as those just mentioned. There is no blood test that can accurately identify FMS. FMS patients often look healthy, and others may expect them to act as if they are. FMS may vary in its severity, not only from patient to patient but from hour to hour and day to day. Careful pacing is a skill necessary for optimized function.

9 February 2009

The Lemonade Stand

Freshly squeezed lemons, kids on their front verges selling lemonade - this conjurs up memories from my childhood.........

I should be creating, I can't get motivated this week :(

My head is going round and around, my eyes are blurry, my head aches and I sit here on the computer, browsing the internet - oohing and ahhing at all the lovely artistic creations from bloggers everywhere - I say to myself "Oh yes, I am going to do that" and then most often it doesn't come to fruition!!

My list of 'to try, to play with, to experiment, is getting bigger and bigger.......
And, the worst bit of this is that I have so many blank journals (yup i am a collector of blank journals) all sitting there ready for me to get creative - (it's also on the list) AND back to what I was first trying to say - The list isn't even in a Journal !!

I have the time, I think it's the heat - my poor craft room is not air conditioned and at 35-40 degrees celcius it's like a little furness. Put that together with my very 'powerful surges' I have been having lately - and it's not very conducive to creating......

So I blog, I browse, I ooh and I ahh, I comment and my list grows LONGER!

Back to the lemonade stand.......

I received the 'lemonade stand award' and some lovely comments from gaalcreative - Pop by her blog and say hello, and check out her cool 'zen doodles' - I have to admit it, I'm a hopeless doodler.... I find myself getting frustrated when I doodle, and I end up scribbling hard lines all over the place and end up with a big mess!

I'm not sure I fit into the categories the award is given for, but I truly appreciate the kindess though! lol

The usual 'send on the award' is so hard to do, because I know too many 'bloggers who show great attitude and gratitude' So this time, I will pass on the sending (and hope I don't get into trouble lol) and instead say 'thanks' to everyone because you are all inspiring :)

Giveaway - Goodies Picture (Suprise Prize over $100 (au) retail)

The goodies are all packed and on their way to the USA - Here's a peek at what Cassie will be receiving :)

There's a unique Ephemera & Vintage Goodie pack with some lovely vintage images and some bits and bobs - along with some 'aussie' old book pages etc., I hope Cassie has a ball playing with all this stuff......


Proof of purchase/postage :) I'm a bad girl, I bought 'cigs' too LOL

There's some stickers, Rub-ons, an 'aussie' rubber stamp, an embroidered embellishment and a selection of brads, fibres & embellishments.

I also included a handmade ATC by me :)

Congratulations again Cassie - I hope you will continue to visit my blog and share what you create with your parcel.

8 February 2009

Challenge


I thought it would be fun for everyone (or some hopefully) to get creative.... especially after the OWOH giveaways - I bet everyone has been so busy reading blogs and entering gorgeous giveaways that they didn't find as much time to actually BE creative.

So, Lets get some 'artivity' going!!

I am introducing a 'challenge'.
I would love to see all the creations too, so I can post them here on my blog and share our interpretations, styles and creations with each other. So please email me your pictures for me to link to your blogs and show off your works.

Please use the image in any creation you like - (but please don't sell it, or reproduce it in collage sheets or on cd's for sale)

7 February 2009

$100AU Giveaway

winner giveaway

Congratulations - ANGELANDSPOT

Thank you to everyone who visited my blog and our store blog and commented. All comments were appreciated and suggestions for our store will be taken into consideration. We hope to bring you more in 2009, so please bookmark our sites and visit us again soon.

Lorri & Bec

3 February 2009

Freebie Vintage Image


Here's another one of my vintage images for you to use in your personal artwork. This one is so cute, and I'm sure you will be able to create some wonderful artwork with these darlings. They are from an original postcard from my private collection.

Clicking on the image will enlarge it - it's big! Then you can right click and save it to your computer.

Have fun, and I would LOVE to see what you create with this - please email me a pic or link to your blog posting (showing what you made) and I will add it to my blog.

30 January 2009

I am a Marilyn

mm.marilyn_.jpgAre You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz


Was she really like this? - Apparantly so

Am I? - Yes, I relate to a lot of this test result, especially all the 'anxious' talk haha

I don't often do these tests and post them, I just do them and forget them hahaha, but this one did seem rather apt for me - so thought you might like to have a little fun and see who you are like.... Here's my results:

You Are a Marilyn!




You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."


Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

  • * Be direct and clear

  • * Listen to me carefully

  • * Don't judge me for my anxiety

  • * Work things through with me

  • * Reassure me that everything is OK between us

  • * Laugh and make jokes with me

  • * Gently push me toward new experiences

  • * Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

  • * being committed and faithful to family and friends

  • * being responsible and hardworking

  • * being compassionate toward others

  • * having intellect and wit

  • * being a nonconformist

  • * confronting danger bravely

  • * being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

  • * the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind

  • * procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself

  • * fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of

  • * exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger

  • * wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right

  • * being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

  • * are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn

  • * are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger

  • * form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent

  • * look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel

  • * are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

  • * are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty

  • * are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence

  • * worry more than most that their children will get hurt

  • * sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

26 January 2009

My Giveaways for One World One Heart (OWOH)

Photo
UPDATE: FEB 12, 2009. . ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED - Thank you everyone for entering ;)
Good news - My comments have well exceeded my expectations and since I have reached 100 I am now going to add something else to my giveaway!!!! Come on start cart-wheeling :)
It's a digital collage sheet designed by me :) - and I'm going to give away 10 of them!
I don't have to post this one to you, and you won't have to wait to start playing with it..... because I will email it to the winners!


But wait, there's more............. You are here for the giveaway right? Well I'm amazed at the OWOH event, it is so inspiring to visit so many talented blogs and meet so many new people - thank you everyone for participating. Now, I bet you have been blog-hopping madly ( I have ) so, why not take a break and stay with me for a while...... breathe deeply, rest those flicking, flitting quick reading eyes and browse my site. It's full of stuff - yup stuff..... art, ramblings etc., It would be great for you to start 'following' me too - I love visitors, and it's a great way for me to visit your blog too...

Visit OWOH? (One heart one world).... Lisa from "A whimsical Bohemian" has created the blog for bloggers to get together and meet - via giveaways..... I think it's a truly awesome idea and it's always a pleasure meeting like minded bloggers...... and giveaways too!


Don't forget to join my recent giveaway (still current until Feb 5th) - Win over $100au in suprise goodies......


You are welcome to enter BOTH giveaways!! - good luck everyone.

For this OHOW giveaway I will be giving away FIVE ATC's (was originally only two but I want to share the love).. they are pictured below.

I haven't yet decided whether to give them all to one winner, or give five people one each.......

The random number generator will pick from the comment numbers :)

The date for the draw of winner/s will be February 12th and I will contact the winner direct, so please make sure you leave your email address :)


Please visit OWOH to see all the beautiful blogging giveaways!








Wreck This Journal


I bought this journal a week or so ago, and love it.. the idea is that it sparks your own creativity and lets you completely 'wreck' it in a manner of ways. As well as the opportunity to do some real journalling and artwork within the pages.
Some of the ideas on the pages are very strange -but are all designed for fun.
It has already 'taught' me things - like how to let go of fixed and rigid ideas - the whole 'what is supposed to be right' kinda thing........ Here's an example. When I showed Bec my new journal she seemed a little miffed that I had it... she then told me she really loved Keri Smith and was wanting one herself. Prior to stumbling upon this book in the bookstore, I had never even heard of Keri Smith!! or the "wreck this journal" - it was a serendipitous find for me obviously :)
Anyway, back to the story.....
I found a page within the journal that said "give the journal to someone else and ask them to wreck a page" or something similar to that. So I gave Bec my journal - bare in mind it was all NEW and SHINY black....... and the one thing I don't like doing (my rigid fixed idea) is that all books are respected and lovingly cared for, in a gentle kind way......... and that you NEVER EVER break the spine or front covers....... sigh - I bet you can now guess what Bec did with my journal...... yup, cracked the spine, bent the front cover diagonally and WRECKED IT.....argghhhhhh after 10 minutes of inner sulking, I realised something....... it wasn't really wrecked at all - in fact it looked very LOVED and USED and APPRECIATED - (Kinda like me, in some ways hahaha)
So I liked it - and learned to let go of that rigid idea I have had FOREVER~~!!
Now Chrysti posted a comment on her blog about the journal - It's her giveaway today....... she asked about ways to wreck it. So of course I had to comment about my journal and Bec's contribution to it..... I really hope I win this giveaway, FOR Bec - then she can wreck her own journal :)
Here's the link to the giveaway by the wonderful Chrysti
Here's a group on flickr dedicated to 'wreck this journal pages'
Here's Chrysti's wrecked journal pages so far on flickr

I hope you enjoyed my ramblings, and I will post some of my 'wrecked journal' pages when I get around tuit........ :)

25 January 2009

Blog Award




The lovely Robin has awarded me with an award - This one is for taking the time to comment on peoples blogs, and have nice artwork....... So without further ado, I would like to award this award to:

Sherri
from "Tied up in Ribbons" who has a really pretty blog, and believes that creating is more necessary than food sometimes!! Yay and thank you for your support & kind comments on my blog.

Val from Flippinpest - Some great atc's to be seen here and a slightly mad world where chaos is king!!

Kathy - Pieces of Me - I love the detail in Kathy's work, her collages are beautiful so go check her artwork out too.

Thank you ladies, for supporting me and my art, and for taking the time to comment on my blog :)

23 January 2009

Win $100 in your paypal account


I was surfing the net and I happened upon this site
Wealthy Miser. Now it is not Art related. It is a Technical site on Blogging and making money with your blog - not that I want to make money with my blog - but the visitors will be welcomed. Also, who couldn't do with an extra $100 in paypal to spend on gorgeous art and things?
Anyway, They are having a "Spread the Love Contest" where one can win $100 straight to their Paypal account. I can always find ways to spend an extra $100! Most likely on ETSY......
Go take a look and Wish Me luck!!!

21 January 2009

Giveaway - Suprise Prize over $100 (au) retail




Ok, what's this all about?

I have been thinking about my upcoming birthday, and birthdays are all about gifts, so on my birthday, I want to give one of my blog friends a chance to win a gift.........

So, I thought about a 'giveaway' on my blog - many bloggers are doing it and I love giveaways myself...... (not that I have ever yet won any lol!!)

I would also love some more blog love - so hence the idea to host my own giveaway!

I own a paper art store, so have many delicious items I could use for a giveaway.
So after a little thought - I have decided to have one!! As I co-own the store with my daughter Bec, I thought I better make an incentive for her to agree to me giving away a stash of prizes..... so here's the catch -

To be eligible to win this giveaway, there are a couple of things I would like you to do....

1. Visit Scrappindipity's blog and make a comment letting us know what you think of our new look website/logo etc ...... leave your blog address, so we can visit your blog too!

2. Make a post about this giveaway on your blog, linking to this blog post

3. Ok, you thought it was going to be easy - like all the others right?....... nah - just for the fun of it, I would like you to tell me - in the comment section to this post - what you would like to see more of, on either my blog, the Scrappindipity blog or both! and let me know that you have commented on the Scrappindipity blog and posted about this giveaway on your blog.....

I will randomly draw a winner - On my birthday 5th Feb :)

Good Luck Everyone!


Re the Prize:
You will not know what you are going to get - I know you love suprises!! So lets say the value of the giveaway will definately be over $100 (au) retail and will contain:

Stickers
Rub-ons
ATC's - that I have made :)
ATC / ACEO supplies
Embellishments - brads, eyelets, fibre
Papers - never can have too many papers!!!! and probably a lot more other bits and pieces....

REMEMBER Canvas - a Sweet Pink Girl




Sweet Pink Girl
Originally uploaded by auslorri

Here's the full canvas 5x7 inches.
I don't normally do things so soft and delicate - but this one turned out quite sweet, so I may just keep her :)

Susan - Serene


Susan - Serene
Originally uploaded by auslorri
I couldn't resist adding the word 'serene' to my Susan canvas - she does look kind of peaceful and calm (unlike me!! LOL)

Available now on my etsy store: http://www.artivity.etsy.com

20 January 2009

Created Like Crazy!!











Whew, Last week was a busy one - I created like crazy, and enjoyed every minute of it :)
The pictures above are only a small sample of some of the things I made... there was more!!

On Sunday, Bec and I were attending the Burlesque Lounge Retro & Vintage Fair - so I decided to add some collage paintings and aceo's to my jewellery for sale.

The Fair was fantastic, with lots of funky people setting up gorgeous vintage stalls, and the buyers were lining up down the street to enter the building!!

The $ales were terrific and both Bec and I were thrilled so see so many people 'liking' our hand-made goodies....... at one time we had two ladies 'fighting' over one of Bec's necklaces.... and one of the ladies just picked it up off the display board and said "MINE!!" - hahaha, Bec must make more of those :)

Here's a sample of the hand-made goodies that I made. I think Bec will post on her blog soon too.

16 January 2009

How to have a Good Day - by Bec

How do you have a good day? How do you help make sure it is a good day?

Visit my Daughter Bec's Blog for some fun inspiration - oh and make sure you put on your socks... teehee

Published in the Gallery - ArtTrader magazine


What a suprise I got today, when I received an email about the ArtTrader Magazine producing a book later this year. They were letting me know that I might have some of my artwork published. It's a great magazine, so a comprehensive book would be fabulous!

I went to the current issue (5) of the magazine and there I was in the gallery section. Three of my cards all nicely lined up smiling at me! :)



The magazine is a free online magazine, so go visit the site and download it to your pc now - don't try to print it, unless you have lots of paper and ink. It's bigger than you think.

This issue features amazing art, critiques and interviews with Suzan Buckner, Randi Marx & Tracie Rozario.

I love Suzan's artwork and have included her link so you can go be inspired too!

11 January 2009

3 Canvas Paintings started in one day




The other day I got myself motivated and began three canvases in one day!! I have almost finished them now - so three days, for three canvases was a good achievement for me. Also, I did manage to photograph them all in step by step stages. So perhaps I will be able to add a tutorial or something soon.
It was great fun playing with them, and seeing them develop. I know I have some work to do on my faces - as they are not my forte at all. Playing and learning from my mistakes is the best way of developing myself........ so don't cringe at those mistakes because sometimes I have found my favourite works have 'evolved' from mistakes, or from something I wasn't totally happy with at first. It's as if the mistakes are meant to be there, so the evolution and new artwork can emerge!!
Here's the 3 pieces -

5 January 2009

The Turban-Wearing Man's Visit 5 Jan 09


Card by Anita



He walked into my shop, came to the counter - I knew who he was because I saw him outside the arcade near chinese shop with another girl - talking to her and writing things down...... numerology or astrology i thought....
Well, He said to me:

You have a generous heart and give and have been hurt badly in the past.
The last few years have been bad for you, health wise, financially, in love and emotionally - pretty much all areas!!
Money comes in, but it also all goes out - leaving nothing much extra.
He gave me a piece of paper and asked me to hold it in my hand - a screwed up ball of paper.
Then he proceeded to tell me: in February this year, everything will change for you - everything will become good. The bad luck has been surrounding you and it will totally go away in February 2009. (Almost like he believed i had been cursed or something haha) - He told me to watch for enemies, or for people not necessarily enemies but people who can 'steal my ideas' - he said I am very 'open' and trust my information to others - and that there is a risk of someone taking my ideas or something I have created am doing, and making the money i deserve..!! He said he can change this, That I have to help too,and that he will put me and my business in his prayers. He said i must trust my ideas and allow them to work for me without giving too much information away to anyone else.
I mentioned that I might be moving or changing things in my shop - he said whatever I decide will be good - and that people will follow.!

He kept talking to me about my life - generally, he was accurate.
He talked about my health, said that it had not been very good - in several areas, and that it was going to improve and all things will be better in 2009.
He said my heart was strong & kind.
He said financially things will be a lot better and I will have the money I wish for, along with good things.
He told me that my husband (and i'm not wearing a wedding ring!) respected me very much, that he was not understanding things in the past and made a mistake. He said that love will be much better from this year onwards and so will everything else.

He looked at my life-line on my right hand, he said I will have a long life, that I will die in my own home (I asked.. in my sleep? - he nodded) Then he said that I will have grandchildren. (I wasn't sure if he meant there when I died or what)

He asked me to choose my favourite colour, asked me my age.... I replied that I liked lots of colours, but would pick green. I told him I was 46 years old. He said I was a young looking 46 (teehee) then he asked me to open the paper he had given me in the beginning. He said if he was correct with the paper that means the 3 things in my heart will come true for me.... He said, he would explain the 3 things in my heart - Health, Happiness & Prosperity.
I opened the screwed up paper - it said GREEN 46 - don't ask me how!!!! I have no idea.
He then gave me a black stone (with a hole drilled in it) and told me to keep it on my possession. He then proceeded to tell me, that to remove all the remaining bad luck and to help bring in the good, even though it was coming in February, I needed to place this stone into a glass of water overnight (fridays) and on the next 3 saturdays I needed to drink a little bit of the water and sprinkle some over my head/body.
He told me do not cut your hair, cut your nails or body, do not wash the clothes you wear on the Saturday!! for the next 3 saturdays.!!

He asked me to place some money in between his religious photographs in his diary, i told him i didn't have much money on me, that I couldn't take it out of the till (I was working at the shop)So I gave him all my loose change. He asked me if I could give him something from my heart - so he would remember me and that I would remember him....... I gave him a little magnet with my artwork of a vintage girl, watercoloured with praying hands and angel wings.
He said he believed it was from my heart, and accepted it - then he touched my left hand and shook my right hand.

He asked what I had done to my elbow.......(I was wearing my support) and he asked did i fall onto it. I said No, a chiropractor accidentally caused tennis elbow. He told me it was on the mend, and would be ok soon.

He said he knows that when he sees me again, i will be much happier and richer too.

AMEN!!

FOOTNOTE: Tonight after posting this I found this post by ANITA - This lovely card she made seems to be so appropriate for my post today, so kindly Anita has let me use it here to show you all - so pop over and say hello to her too :)