We apologise for this break in our regular programming

... You know how it is ... Christmas brings with it a host of things to do, people to visit and books to catch up on. Not to mention the usual holiday saga of our main computer breaking down (as it has done three times now this year, at Easter, Queen's Birthday and now Christmas) (lucky we lashed out on a laptop a couple of months ago for DSs upcoming VCE years, or I would be going insane from being cut off from the net).

So what with one thing and another, not much stamping has been happening in our house the last week or so.

Once the new year starts, I will be right back into it.

Keep an eye out in January for news at the 2009 Sale-A-Bration promotion, where a spend of $100 will get you a FREE stamp set from the special Sale-A-Bration catalogue. More news in a few days.

I can't even post you a nice picture to look at ... *darn* ... rotten computer ...

Gift Cards

It's that time of year again, when I run out of ideas for what to get for my brother's three kids. So as usual it comes down to gift cards so they can get what they *really* want.

This year we are going to see my brother's family before Christmas so today has been a bit of a rush to get stuff done before tomorrow. Yeah, I've known about it for a few weeks, but the last minute rush is traditional this time of year. If it wasn't for the last minute I'd never get anything done!

The problem with giving gift cards is making them look interesting. After all, they're nothing more than a little piece of plastic, no matter how pretty the pictures are. The solution - make cute little folders to put them in! I used instructions which are found on many websites to create these. Simply cut a strip of cardstock 4-1/2 by 11 inches (I was following US instructions), then score at 3, 5-1/2 and 8 inches. Fold into a W shape and stick the middle bits together at the sides and bottom. Use the Word Window punch to cut a slot out of the centre piece (and punch an extra bit out with a circle punch if you like) and there you have it.

And would you believe I forgot to take a photo of the inside ... if I remember I will sort that out tomorrow and put it up. Duh.

Stamp sets: Season of Joy (no longer available, sorry!)
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Soft Sky, Not Quite Navy, River Rock, Old Olive
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Soft Sky, Not Quite Navy, River Rock, Old Olive, Whisper White
Other: Word Window Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch Stampin' Dimensionals

Just for comparison, here's two of the holders I made last year, using a nifty little pattern found here ... how clever and cute is that?

Stamp sets: Bud Basics, Looks Like Spring
Ink: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Basic Black
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Other: Corner Rounder, Horizontal Slot Punch

A Little Thank You

I haven't really been stamping much this week (blame Christmas ... I do!) but thought I had better share something or no one will bother to visit me at casa del stamp.

Here's a little 3x3 thank you card I made for my friend and coworker Sharon. She has been my most consistent customer since I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and I wanted to show my appreciation. So I bought her a nifty little travel mug and made this card to go with it.

This set (Live Your Dream) is actually pretty darn nice. The big flower stamp is handy to colour with markers (as shown here) or used as a "shadow" effect ... I think you could even make a nice "garden" border with it stamped at different heights along the bottom of a piece of cardstock. Must try that one day soon.

Stamp sets: Live Your Dream
Ink: Old Olive, Regal Rose
Cardstock: Old Olive, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Whisper White
Other: 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Stampin' Write Markers in Rose Red, Regal Rose and So Saffron

Eastern Blooms

Finally I have found a little time to post this ... my new favourite stamp set (available until March 31, 2009 from the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalogue)

This one is called Eastern Blooms, and comes with a large flower, a small flower, a tiny flower, a floral trio and a flowering branch. I like flowers, can you tell?

I have used the little trio of stamps to create this 70s inspired card ... it started out quite different, and certainly wasn't going to be these colours, but that just how it goes sometimes. I knew someone who had a kitchen in this colour scheme (even the stove was orange ... mmm-mmm!). Not so common now, but definitely all the go in the mid-70s.

I don't usually go for the warmer colours (I think I might have said that before) but they just seem to be working for me lately *shrug* so here it is.

Just so's you know, it was pretty darn fiddly to get all the circles lined up and in the right position. Not nearly as easy as I thought!

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Eastern Blooms
Ink: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Very Vanilla
Other: 1" Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch

Another card, same stamps ... I'm very happy with this one!

I'm pretty sure the layout for this was from a card sketch on SplitCoast Stampers, and the colours are the same ones used here (in fact, they were made during the same stamping session). Must try them out a little more - they work really well.

Love that branch stamp (shown here stamped a couple of times to fill in the left side of the card a bit).

See the leaves on the little cut out flower? Not leaves at all! I stamped one of the trio of flowers in green and trimmed out a couple of petals to look like leaves. I patted myself on the back after that one *g*.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Eastern Blooms, Short & Sweet
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, So Saffron
Cardstock: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Other: Word Window Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Live Your Dream

As promised, now that the Summer Mini is officially here, I can upload samples for you to see.

First up, some of the stuff we made at the Stampin' Up! Victorian regional seminar which was held on November 8 at the Melbourne Convention Centre. These seminars are awesome! We get to listen to inspirational talks from Stampin' Up! staff and local demonstrators, see new ideas, watch great demos and do our own make & takes with all materials (including the stamp set) provided!

So these are what we made:

First up a tall thin card - something of a change from the usual "A5 folded in half" shape. I like it. We've used a piece of the Afternoon Tea designer paper which coordinates well with the cardstock colours that were used, and the yummy 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon.

Do you see the stitched detail? Ha! Fooled you! We used the paper piercer and piercing template from the Crafter's Toolkit to make a little row of holes, then drew white lines on with a gel marker to simulate the look of stitching. Yes, I could have brought it home and used my sewing machine, but that would have involved getting it out, making sure it had white thread in, plugging it in, actually sewing the card and then packing the darn thing away again. Too much like hard work.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®. Contact me if you wish to order any of the supplies used to make this card.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Live Your Dream
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Confetti White, Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky Textured, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Other: 5/8" Chocolate grosgrain ribbon, Crafter's Tool Kit, White Uni-ball igno gel pen

Next a little folder which is designed to hold a set of 3 Love Notes and matching envelopes. The little Love Notes cards are only 3 inches square, and are so cute. Unfortunately I *still* haven't quite finished them, but you can admire the little folder in the meantime ...

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Live Your Dream
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Other: Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, silver brad, White Circle Aluminium Metal Edge tag, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder punch

Thirdly, we have a "matchbook fold" card ... this has a little fold at the bottom, and the top flap tucks into it like a matchbook. The result is very effective. You probably can't see it in the photo, but we used the journalling lines stamp on the white tag, so it looks a little like a page taken from an exercise book.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Live Your Dream
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava, Soft Sky
Cardstock: Soft Sky Textured, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Whisper White, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Other: Groovy Guava double-stitched grosgrain ribbon, White Circle Aluminium Metal Edge tag, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, 1/16" Circle punch, Linen thread

And finally, a 6x6 scrapbook page. I really must find a nice photo to put into this. We got to play with the square scallop punch on this one - it makes an interesting element and ties the page together at the top.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Live Your Dream
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava, Soft Sky
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava, Whisper White, Afternoon Tea Designer Paper
Other: Soft Sky double-stitched grosgrain ribbon, Silver Brad, Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Square Punch

Next time I go to a regional seminar or the Stampin' Up! Australian convention (next May in Canberra!), I am going to take my trusty Stampamajig ... it's the only way I'm going to get those sentiments stamped straight *sigh*

Promotion Overload!!!

With all the wonderful promotions Stampin' Up! is running at the moment, I could understand if you were feeling a little overwhelmed (I know I am).

To summarise, we have ...

The Summer Mini Catalogue, full of gorgeous new goodies for you to play with - available from December 1, 2008 through to March 31, 2009.

Tying Up Christmas - spend $20 between December 1 and December 31, 2008 and receive 20% off a range of selected stamp sets and accessories

The individual marker offer has been extended until December 14th.

Stampin' Up! has put together a Gift Giving Guide to make buying presents for crafty friends and family a snap.

I promise my next post will have some eye candy for you!

Tying Up Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, have you left your run a little late for creating your cards for family and friends? Never fear, Stampin' Up! has come to the rescue with some great specials on selected Christmas stamp sets and accessories. Simply spend $20, and you qualify for 20% off the price of the following:

*108790 (page 27) Festive Favorites stamp set Regular Price $45.95 Special Price $36.76
*108772 (page 28) Crazy for Christmas stamp set Regular Price $39.95 Special Price $31.96
*110244 (page 29) Snow Flurries stamp set Regular Price $20.95 Special Price $16.76
*108930 (page 43) Tag Time stamp set Regular Price $53.95 Special Price $43.16
*108869 (page 111) Many Merry Messages stamp set Regular Price $64.95 Special Price $51.96
*103604 (page 133) 12" x 12" Days-to-Remember Calendar Regular Price $20.95 Special Price $16.76
*104144 (page 133) 6" x 6" Days-to-Remember Calendar Regular Price $18.95 Special Price $15.16
*109663 (page 138) Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Regular Price $36.95 Special Price $29.56
*112670 (page 143) Three for You Punch Box Regular Price $85.95 Special Price $68.76
*109055 (page 146) Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon Regular Price $14.95 Special Price $11.96
*109050 (page 146) Certainly Celery 5/8" grosgrain ribbon Regular Price $14.95 Special Price $11.96
*103372 (page 147) White Square Aluminum Metal Edge tags Regular Price $7.50 Special Price $6.00

Click the picture above for a closer look at the flyer.

There are some great bargains there, so please email me to find out more!

Summer Mini Catalogue

It's here, it's here! I am delighted to finally be able to share with you the latest Mini Catalogue from Stampin' Up!

While you're taking a little personal time away from the madness of pre-Christmas preparations, or relaxing by the pool on your summer holiday, you might want to flick through this catalogue to see what goodies are available to you until the end of March 2009.

I have a couple of personal favourites already, and have some samples all ready to share with you over the next few days.

If you would like a copy of the Summer Mini Catalogue, contact me today!

Stampin' Up! Gift Giving Guide

Are you stuck for gift ideas for your crafty friends and family? Stampin' Up! has put together some gift giving ideas to make the pre-Christmas crazy time a little less stressful. Simply take a look at the flyer (click the picture to the left for a close up) and contact me to place your order. What could be easier?

Come back to visit my blog tomorrow for some more great news!

Stop Press!!

The Marker Promotion has been extended for an additional 14 days! Yes, apparently it has been so successful that Stampin' Up! have decided to extend it so everyone can get a chance to buy the individual markers they want. So check out that list again and send me your order today!

Click on the picture to the left to see the promotion on the Stampin' Up! website, or click here to see the flyer up close.

100 Cards ... continued

Okay, because Blogger refused to cooperate the other day, I couldn't upload a close up of one of the cards I made for work. Rather than scratch my head over it all, I have taken the easy way out and scanned a card for you to see. The colours have come out kind of odd, but that is an issue with the scanner and the expanse of white on the card - something else I am not going to fuss about just now *g*.

Anyway, here it is ... a simple design, easy to mass produce (unless you're like me and accidentally stick a few card fronts on backwards *sigh* - my excuse is it was getting a little late and I was socialising at the time instead of paying attention to what I was doing) yet effective.

I'm gonna miss this stamp set *sniffle*. Only a couple more days to go if you want to buy it!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®. Contact me if you wish to order any of the supplies used to make this card.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Season of Joy
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Other: 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder punch

100 Christmas Cards!

You can imagine how happy I was to get this lot finished! Yep, there are 100 cards in that pile.

I'm quite impressed with myself.

The backstory to this is that when I started at my current place of employment, my friend (who coincidentally is the office manager) told the boss I made handmade cards. The next thing I know, I've volunteered myself to make the Christmas cards to send to our customers.

That was 2004, and our customer base has grown somewhat since then, but now it's become something of a tradition that our cards are handmade.

I hope the customers like these ones. I do (but not quite as much as I did before I made 100 of them *g*).

I've been trying to post a closeup of one of the cards, but Blogger isn't playing nicely today and keeps wanting to insert the picture vertically instead of horizontally, no matter how I try to trick it! So I will keep trying to get that sorted, and in the meantime, the card is very similar to the second card in this post, except instead of cutting out the flower, I punched out a round design (in the interests of speed).

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®. Contact me if you wish to order any of the supplies used to make this card.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Season of Joy
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Other: 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder punch

Don't Miss Out!

Just a quick heads up ... there is only a few more days to take advantage of some great offers from Stampin' Up!

You only have until November 30 to order individual markers, or take advantage of the "spend $20, get 20% off" offer on rubons (click on the links to see the details of these promotions)

Not to mention the Spring Mini ... you won't be able to order any of the goodies in there after the end of November!

I am going to miss Always, not to mention One of a Kind and Season of Joy (that last one is the stamp set that just keeps on giving - ideas, that is. Trust me, I haven't posted half the cards I've made with those Christmas stamps).

Don't be kicking yourself if you miss out! Please contact me early to place your order, as I can't guarantee orders placed after November 29th (allowing for computer glitches and payment issues).

Just playing

Sometimes it's hard to find the motivation to stamp, so when you do you have to make the most of it. The weather in Melbourne this weekend has been what can only be described as average (well, less than average at times) so I dragged out some stamps to see what I could come up with.

Sadly I can't show you some of my new creations! But with the new Summer Mini catalogue due for release on December 1, you don't have too much longer to wait before I can post samples. I can't wait to show you - you're gonna love it!

But for now, let's take a look at an old favourite which I've been revisiting lately - Baroque Motifs. I saw a card somewhere made with these colours and thought I would give it a go - warm colours aren't something I'm usually comfortable with, but the sample was so pretty I had to try.

Here I have stamped the swirl onto white gloss card with Versamark, then clear embossed. After it cooled, I brayered So Saffron all over the white, and sponged Pumpkin Pie around the edges.

I used the Rock n Roll technique on the floral medallion stamp, and as a finishing touch I tarted up a brad with some Dazzling Diamonds glitter (this is so easy - attach a glue dot to the head of the brad - they're exactly the right size! - and dip in glitter!). Here's a closeup ...

This whole thing looks pretty cool in real life - you can believe that I patted myself on the back when I was finished!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®. Contact me if you wish to order any of the supplies used to make this card.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Baroque Motifs
Ink: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Versamark
Cardstock: Whisper White, Gloss White Cardstock, So Saffron, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie
Other: Designer Label Punch, Small Oval Punch, Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Vintage Brads (black), Mini Glue Dots, Dazzling Diamonds, Stampin' Sponge

Christmas Inspiration

I was blurfing (yes, of course you know what that means ... you're doing it now! Blog surfing, that is) earlier and decided to visit the very talented Marelle Taylor's blog over at thINKspot. Her stuff is simply gorgeous *sigh*. Anyway, I was taken by the card on this post and, because I am actually supposed to be doing something completely different, ended up making this instead.

This is just so easy it's almost embarrassing *g*.

I have a small stash of old copper coins and 1c pieces are the exact right size for this technique. Once I run out of 1c bits, the cards will become 8c dearer to make after I switch to using 5c pieces.

I wonder if I could churn a few of these out for my family Christmas cards this year ...? These spinner cards are so much fun to play with, almost hypnotic. Try one and see!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®. Contact me if you wish to order any of the supplies used to make this card.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Baroque Motifs, Party Punch (hostess)
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red
Cardstock: Whisper White, Old Olive, Real Red
Other: Word Window Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Scallope Edge Punch

'Tis the Season

Since we are in the middle of a fabulous marker promotion, I thought I would use my markers to create another Christmas card using my new favourite Christmas set, Season of Joy (and don't forget that this set is only available until the end of November!)

Here I have used Always Artichoke and Rose Red to colour in the stamp, which kind of highlights certain parts of the stamp.

It's very simple to do ... as the Stampin' Write markers are double ended, simply use the brush tip to colour in - but don't forget to use the *side* of the marker, not the tip - it will give you faster coverage and not damage the tip too much.

Given that colouring the stamp is a little slower than inking with a regular pad, you will find that parts of the image will dry off a little while you're finishing the rest. To remoisten the ink, just give a little "huff" on the stamp - you feel like a bit of a dill, but hold the stamp up to your mouth and huff some warm air onto it. It really does work.

This technique can also be used to omit parts of a design, but you have to make sure your stamp is superclean before you start or you will end up with nasty little ghost images where you don't want them. Yes, I know this from experience *sigh*.

PS do you like my new watermark? I got tired of the old one and decided to make a pretty one. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life *g*.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Season of Joy
Ink: Mellow Moss
Cardstock: Gloss White, Always Artichoke, Rose Red, Mellow Moss
Other: Stampin' Write Markers in Rose Red and Always Artichoke

Always playing about

I keep finding new reasons to love this stamp set ... this time it's shrink plastic. Yes, I know, not something that Stampin' Up! sell, but it was so much fun I had to share with you!

I found some shrink plastic that I bought a while back and decided to have a play - but the thing with this stuff is that ... well, it shrinks. You need to use an image that is a decent size to start off with as the finished product will be around a third of the original size. And that's where the heart from Always comes in - it measures about 6cm from top to bottom so makes a good sized charm when shrunk.

So how did I do this? I simply stamped the heart onto the shrink plastic with Stazon (carefully so as not to smudge the ink), trimmed it as neatly as possible, punched a hole in at the top (very important to do this *before* you shrink) and blasted the plastic with my heat gun while it curled and contorted and finally shrunk to its finished size.

When the plastic has finished shrinking the piece will be considerably thicker than it was at the start, and sturdy enough to make fun jewellery from. I decided not to colour these earrings, but I could have used coloured Sharpies. And because I have been known to suffer allergic reactions to jewellery findings I just used some jump rings and made a chain to hang the hearts from my (non allergenic) sleepers.

A reminder that this particular set is from the Stampin' Up! Spring Mini Catalogue and as such, is only available until the end of this month ... if you have been thinking about buying it but kept putting it off, I would hate for you to miss out! Contact me to place your order today!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Always
Ink: Stazon
Other: Cropadile
The stamped heart uses Purely Pomegrate ink on Whisper White cardstock, and Pretty in Pink ink on Pretty in Pink cardstock.

The birthday celebrations continue!

Yes, Stampin' Up! is *still* celebrating its 20th birthday and we're still getting the presents *g*.

This month, from November 10-30 there are two promotions running.

Firstly:

Being Single Never Looked So Good

From November 10 to 30, you get to do something that has never been available from Stampin' Up! Australia before ... buy Stampin' Write Markers individually! If you have been looking at the markers and wanting to try them but were a bit daunted by the price or not knowing how to use them, for the next 20 days you can buy just one or two of your favourite colours to try out!

Click on the picture to the left to see the promotion on the Stampin' Up! website, or click here to see the flyer up close.

I have a couple of packs of these markers, and have to say that they really are lovely to use. They are double ended, with a fine tip at one end for writing and detailed colouring, and a brush tip at the other end which is perfect for using "direct to rubber". Personally, I will be lashing out on a few to replace my absolute favourite colours - not because they are running out, but just in case *g*.

I hope to have a project or two up over the next few days to inspire you.

Secondly:

Rub On Some Happiness

During the same period (November 10-30), when you spend $20 on any catalogue merchandise, you can buy any of the rubons for 20% off! This means that instead of costing you $19.95, you can get a pack for only $15.96. The rubons come with tons of images which coordinate with Stampin' Up! stamp sets and Designer Papers, and have a sheet each of white and black rubons in each pack.

These are perfect for scrapbooking and cardmaking, but can also be used on glass, tin, plastic or ribbons as well. There are probably way more uses that I haven't found, but I know you'll have fun trying them!

Click on the picture to have a closer look at the flyer for this promotion.

Contact me today to take advantage of these two great offers!

Images © 2008 Stampin' Up!®

Melbourne Regional Seminar

Yesterday over 100 Stampin' Up! demonstrators congregated at the Melbourne Convention Centre for our regional training seminar. These days are invaluable as a way to learn new techniques and business information as well as mingle with other demonstrators (usually from our own state, but often from interstate as well).

At the seminar we listened to various speakers and watched demonstrations from both local and international guests. We also got to make some projects ourselves, using stamp sets and cardstock packets which were included in our admission price. I wish I could show you what we made, but until December 1 I can't reveal the stamp set we used, because it isn't available until that date through the Summer Mini Catalogue.

So watch this space for more information on that.

Another feature of these get togethers is something that the stamping world (not just Stampin' Up!) has been doing for some time - swaps. It's not mandatory, but many demonstrators make card fronts specially to swap with other demonstrators - it is a good way to see new and different techniques and styles and to build up our sample boards and boxes so customers can see more than just the things we personally create.

I was lucky enough to swap with some very talented ladies (and one gentleman - waves to Martyn!) and would like to share a picture of the results with you.

Many thanks to (in no particular order): Felicity Gray, Gail Kirby, Janine Rawlins, Sheila Chilingsworth, Melanie Dunstan, Caville Ogden, Jo Eades, Christine Healey, Jenny Myerscough, Bron Alleyn, Nikki Holmes, Danielle Scholz, Bec Guerra, Jacinta Ryan, Bridget Larsen, Teresa Brown, Melissa Roos, Martyn Munro

There were of course many others swapping, sadly I wasn't quick enough and came home with a few of my own.

It was a great day, and a reminder about just why I do what I do - not only is it a lot of fun to create your own little works of art, it is even more fun to share it with other people who "get" the whole thing.

If you would like to join the fun, why not email me to find out more about joining my little team? We'd love to have you along!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Samples from a workshop

I thought I would share a couple of cards which were made during workshops in October. The hostesses were hoping to get a head start on Christmas cards and with my faithful Season of Joy stamp set I was ready to help out!

As I've said before, this is a really useful set to have if you are making your own cards, because there are enough stamps in there to get quite a few completely different looks without using the same images over and over again.

Firstly is this little card ... I wanted to use colours which were a little left of centre from the traditional red and green, and thought that pink and olive (with vanilla) fit the bill nicely.

I teamed Season of Joy with the So Swirly wheel because they work together so well.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Season of Joy
Ink: Old Olive
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Purely Pomegranate, Very Vanilla
Other: 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, So Swirly Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel, Jumbo Stampin ' Around Handle, Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

The other card we made is the basis for those 80 cards I have to make for work (which apparently are increasing to 100 ... *sigh* ...). Of course, the mass-produced one is a bit less fiddly in terms of cutting out, but still effective - trust me. You'll see what I mean when I finish them.

Here the flower (I guess it's supposed to be a poinsettia?) has been trimmed and layered onto the green circle then the red scallop. It's a little time consuming but worth the effort when you see the finished card.

I used Purely Pomegranate and Wild Wasabi here as the traditional Christmas red and green with a twist - they look gorgeous together.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Season of Joy
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Other: 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder punch

Don't forget!! This stamp set (along with all the others in the current Spring Mini) is only available until the end of this month! I would hate for you to miss out, so consider this a friendly reminder *g*. Contact me today!

Mmmm, cake ...

Something a little different today, and so easy to do! This is a card I demo'd at a workshop a while back, to show how easy it is to produce a multi-coloured effect using Stampin' Write markers.

As you can see from the photo, the cake and stand are actually one stamp - of course you would normally prefer the stand to be a different colour, which is where the markers come in so handy. They are double ended, with one end being a fine point for writing, and the other a brush tip for colouring either a stamped image, or the stamp itself.

I have coloured directly onto the rubber for both the cake and stand as well as the sparklers on top.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Eat Cake
Ink: Rose Red
Cardstock: So Saffron, Bordering Blue, Rose Red
Other: Rose Red and So Saffron Stampin' Write Markers, Stampamajig

A Christmas card

I seem to be obsessing about this a bit lately, probably because making your own Christmas cards, while a noble pursuit which makes you feel awfully proud of yourself when it's all done, is a lot of work and can take quite some time to do (depending on how many you've got to make).

So with that in mind the last couple of workshops I have done have had a Christmas card theme throughout - trying to get everyone started early *g*.

This is a card I demonstrated at a workshop on Saturday (waves to Sue & friends!) which is super easy and very effective. Here I have used 2 Way Glue to add some sparkle to the baubles, because doesn't glitter just say Christmas?

How do you achieve this effect? Easy! Just punch some random circles in a scrap of cardstock, lay it onto your white piece and run a Stampin' Around Wheel over the top, then sponge a little co-ordinating ink around the edges. Chuck out your mask and add lines freehanded with the narrow end of a Stampin' Write marker for strings and there you have it - Christmas baubles!

I used the little "very merry" stamp from the Short & Sweet set (one of the ones on special this month) - a handy little set to have as it has six phrases for different occasions, and little images to match each one. It's so cute!

Here's a closer picture of the baubles. I love how it came out!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Short & Sweet
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Soft Sky
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Other: 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, So Swirly Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel, Jumbo Stampin ' Around Handle, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Sponge Daubers

I am in the process of making Christmas cards for our customers at my "real" job ... luckily it's a relatively small business, but that's still about 80 cards - *argh* what was I thinking? When I get them all done I will take a photo to share. I hope the customers appreciate them ...

Just messing about ...

... with Priceless yet again. I will have to make myself use other stamps soon. I picked up a couple of little shelving units on the weekend to store my Stampin' Up! sets in, so they are a little more accessible - hopefully this will cure me of using the same stamps over and over.

Then again, this kind of thing has never worked in the past, I can see no reason for it to start now *g*.

I know that this card was inspired by one seen ... somewhere ... whoever you are, I apologise for not attaching credit, but it was a great idea and ended up being a very nice card.

Sadly you probably can't see the sparkly glitter I stuck to some parts of the swirl ... take my word for it, it does look pretty.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Priceless
Ink: More Mustard, Ruby Red, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Cardstock: More Mustard, Ruby Red, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy
Other: So Swirly Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel, Dazzling Diamonds, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponges

Pretty Priceless

I just love this stamp set. And these colours (you've probably already noticed that). The pale Pretty in Pink contrasts really well with the strong Not Quite Navy and Purely Pomegranate. It's pretty hard to make a dud card with this set, although I have managed it *g*. Not that I will be posting any of my failures, you don't need to see those!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Priceless
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Purely Pomegranate
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Other: Word Window Punch, So Swirly Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel, Stampin' Around Jumbo Handle, Stampin' Dimensionals

Make A Wish

Thanks to this month's birthday celebrations, I bought myself this cute set ... I've been eyeing it off for a while, and decided the price was just too good to knock back *g*.

As you might be able to tell, the cupcake is actually two separate stamps, so you can ink them in complimentary colours and make your own custom cake.

Together with a balloon stamp, two phrase stamps, a candle, a party blower (what do you call those things?), a present, a bow (the present and bow are two separate stamps), some dots, some other dots, a little flower and a little heart - thirteen stamps in all - the whole set represents excellent value at the current special price of $43.16 (when you spent a minimum of $20 on other catalogue merchandise) (not including shipping).

If you would like more information on this month's specials, please email me for details. Don't forget that I can arrange shipping direct to you no matter where you are in Australia!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Big Bold Birthday
Ink: More Mustard, Ruby Red, Not Quite Navy
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Whisper White
Other: Stampin' Dimensionals

Wedding Card

A member of my upline's group was recently married (congratulations Flick!) so of course I had to attempt to make a card for the happy couple. Naturally I didn't get it made before the wedding, but I did manage to catch up with her a couple of weeks later.

Now Felicity is a big lover of the colour pink - even her stamp room is pink! - so of course that's the colour I used. I had no idea just how pink it was going to come out, but sometimes that's how it happens when you're working on something - it takes a direction you didn't expect. Which is often a good thing!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp set/s: Always
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Versamark
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Other: Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel So Swirly, Stampin' Around Jumbo Handle, Scallop Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Corner Rounder, Stampin' Pastels, Stampin' Sponges

Happy Birthday!

My sister in law's birthday is coming up (waves to Sophie) so of course I have to make her a card ... well, I have all this cardstock and ink just laying about, you know?

This took me simply ages, not because it was particularly complex, but just because I couldn't get my head around how I wanted it to look. And pink wasn't my first choice but it just looked right (after many misguided attempts early on with different colours). In the end I had to call in my emergency backup (DD and DS) who critiqued what I had done and advised me (correctly, as it happens) just what was wrong with what I was doing and what I should do instead.

So I did.

Kids are handy like that.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Priceless, One of a Kind
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Basic Black
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White, Basic Black
Other: Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Black Marker

An underappreciated colour - Soft Sky

I have been playing with Soft Sky a little bit lately, and while I didn't think much of it at first, it has started to really grow on me.

As you can see here, it works really well with browns, in this case Creamy Caramel.

Next I might try it with Sage Shadow and Perfect Plum (a la this card) - who knows? It might just work.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Baroque Motifs
Ink: Soft Sky, Baroque Blue, Creamy Caramel
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White
Other: Scallop Punch, Cropadile, Eyelets, Dimensionals

Birthday Celebrations!

This year, Stampin' Up! celebrates their 20th birthday, and they're giving all their customers a chance to celebrate with them!

During the month of October, spend $20 on regular catalogue merchandise, and you get 20% off the catalogue price of the following birthday stamp sets:

Big Bold Birthday (page 37) normally $53.95, now $43.16
Pretty Princess (page 38) normally $45.95, now $36.76
Birthday Best (page 51) normally $25.95, now $20.76
Crab & Company (page 55) normally 52.95, now $42.36
Short & Sweet (page 118) normally $29.95, now $23.96

What a great deal (and one I will be taking advantage of myself *g*). Contact me today to order your new goodies - and watch this space to see what I create when my order comes through!

Images © 2008 Stampin' Up!®

World Cardmaking Day

The first Saturday in October is officially World Card Making Day, a day for you to set aside time to create cards for family and loved ones, or even start off your Christmas cards.

To help you celebrate, Stampin' Up! are offering 20% off the regular price of their Simply Sent cardmaking kits for orders placed during the period October 4-11, 2008 only.

The kits can be seen on pages 12-14 of the 2008-09 Idea Book & Catalogue. For those who haven't seen them yet, they can best be described as cards in a box - basically all your supplies to make multiples of the cards pictured (including instructions) are included in the kit - from the die-cut stamps, through the cardstock, ink and accessories, right down to the adhesives to put it all together. All you need to provide is a pair of scissors (and, now that I think of it, I think the ribbon in the kids is precut, so perhaps you don't even need the scissors!).

If you've wanted to try your hand at cardmaking but thought that the outlay was daunting - knowing what stamps, inks, cardstock and accessories to buy and then trying to work out how to put it all together, then a Simply Sent kit may be exactly what you're looking for.

Of if you're going on holiday but would still like to create while you're away, a card kit in a box might be exactly what you need. Just don't forget if you're flying to pack your scissors in your checked luggage!

Contact me today to place your order!

Images © 2008 Stampin' Up!®

Pretty Butterflies

I have to admit ... this one is not an original idea of mine :-( but I wish it was! The layout was so pretty I just had to make one of my own with similar colours, because the soft blue, green and purple combination was too lovely to resist.

You can see the original here - I liked the white on white look but ended up going with Bashful Blue as a base colour instead.

I am so glad I finally got around to buying this stamp set for myself - it's just so pretty and swirly *g*. I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this one!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Priceless
Ink: Sage Shadow, Bashful Blue, Perfect Plum
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Other: So Swirly Stampin' Around Wheel, Stampin' Around Jumbo Handle, Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

CASEing the Catalogue

Sometimes you want to make a card but the effort of thinking of a design and/or colours for yourself can be so tedious *yawn* ... that's when the samples in the Stampin' Up! Ideas Book & Catalogue (and the current Spring Mini Catalogue) come in so handy *g*.

Take this, for instance ...

The layout and colours are from the sample on page 4 of the Spring Mini catalogue. It was quick, easy and effective and took very little time to do, because I didn't have to think about it too hard.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Always
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Other: Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamp A Ma Jig

Then I tried again, this time using the featured stamp set as in the original sample, but mixing up the colours somewhat ... I'm not so sure that this one worked, but I wanted to try green/purple together.

The little row of flowers from this stamp set placed under the main image just seemed to tie the card together and finish it off. I liked that bit.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: One of a Kind
Ink: Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Perfect Plum Old Olive, Whisper White
Other: Certainly Celery 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Boho Blossoms Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponge, Stamp A Ma Jig

The samples in the catalogues are there to provide inspiration for you, so why not use them? You can even check out pages 155-159 of the main catalogue to see exactly what supplies have been used to create each of the beautiful projects throughout the book.

Baroque in Blue

I am still loving this stamp set ... this time in blues and brown. The layout is a snap to do, so very quick to put together (well, okay, aside from the cutting, but you could speed that up as well if you were really in a hurry) and yet so effective.

The "medallion" part uses three separate stamps all cut out and layered (the bottom layer is on a dimensional to pop it up a bit). I put a tiny piece of Creamy Caramel cardstock under the whole thing so you can see it through the centre of the eyelet (otherwise it just would have been boring old white, and who wants to see that?).

If you were after a quicker card it would be easy to just stamp the floral emblem and cut that out, then stick it on - I would still use a dimensional - the extra height "finishes" the look, I find.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Baroque Motifs
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou
Cardstock: Creamy Caramel, Soft Sky, Whisper White
Other: Cropadile, eyelets, Stampin' Dimensionals

Waterfall card

I learnt how to make these a few years back, then promptly forgot how to ... my very first effort is still kicking about somewhere, I think. Anyway, I thought it was time to make another one, as they're fun to play with *g*.

You pull the tab at the bottom and the pictures flip over. Rather than using pictures as shown here, you could use words in to reveal a message as the tab is pulled. A message can also be stamped/written on the tab itself.

How fortunate for me that this set (Priceless) comes with four images just the right size for this kind of treatment *g*. And (warning: shameless plug ahead) if you buy Priceless this month you can get the matching So Swirly wheel absolutely free! Contact me today!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Priceless
Ink: Rose Red, So Saffron
Cardstock: Mellow Moss, So Saffron, Rose Red, Whisper White
Other: So Swirly Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel, Jumbo Handle, Cropadile, eyelets

Carte Postale in Blue

Just a quick card ... this one is fast, easy and could easily suit the man in your life - perhaps subsitute the floral emblems with another stamp and voila!

I can't take the credit for the design, however I can't for the life of me remember where I saw the card that insired this one, or who made it. Whoever you are, thank you!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Carte Postale
Ink: Basic Black
Cardstock: Bordering Blue, Basic Black
Other: Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch

Catching up

With one thing and another, I've not really found time for stamping or writing this week ... just stuff getting in the way, but that's how it is I guess *shrug*.

To make up for the lack of posts lately, here are pictures of the cards we made at a workshop I ran over the weekend (waves to Melita and her friends - thanks for a fun afternoon!).

Firstly a Christmas card ... well, after all it's only 3 and a bit months away, so now is the best time to start! I forgot to include a brad in the workshop sample (oops, sorry guys) but otherwise it's as seen here.

We used my favourite Purely Pomegranate and another of SU's 2007/08 In Colors, Wild Wasabi. The green of Wild Wasabi is a little more vibrant than seen here, and between this and the Pomegranate, they take the traditional red/green Christmas colour combination and give it a bit of oomph *g*!

Do the sponged edges of the green layer show up? We did that to give the card a little more depth.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Season of Joy
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi
Cardstock: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Other: So Swirly Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel & Handle, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponges

The other card we made was similar to the one posted here, except that I didn't have the butterfly from Priceless (because I didn't get the stamp set for my very own until today - at last, I finally got around to buying it for myself!), so we used the side-on butterfly from Garden Whimsy instead.

I also substituted the Regal Rose cardstock and ink for Cameo Coral (not enough of the original colour cardstock on hand - also now rectified with the order I received today *g*). The colours are similar enough to be interchangable here, but when you have them side by side they are very different (if that makes sense ...?). Perhaps you need to see them to compare.

This card is quick and easy but also has a Wow factor to it. Well, that's what I think, anyway *g*.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Baroque Motifs, Garden Whimsy, Warm Words
Ink: Cameo Coral, Old Olive
Cardstock: Cameo Coral, Old Olive, Whisper White
Other: Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

River Rock

I'm rediscovering this great colour ... by itself it doesn't look like much but once you pair it with different colours it really grows on you!

First up is a card using one of the stamp set/wheel combinations you could buy with this month's promotion - the set is Priceless and the wheel is called So Swirly. Buy Priceless and get So Swirly for free, but only for September! Contact me today! (sorry, just had to get a plug in there *g*).

I loooove this set and this wheel.

I've combined River Rock with Purely Pomegranate just because I love these two together. Sorry the pic is a little dark, I was in a hurry.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Priceless
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, River Rock
Cardstock: River Rock, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Other: So Swirly Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel & Handle, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

The second card was mostly made to see what River Rock looked like with Perfect Plum and Pale Plum - I think it works. I wish you could see this card in person - it is a spinner card and so much fun to play with! You hold the card almost upright then tilt it from side to side and watch the circular element spin down the slot and back again.

Once you get the hang of making spinner cards, they take about 10 minutes to put together, then you get an hour of fun playing with them LOL.

Just a quick note ... if you are going to make one of these, I would suggest using a Word Window punch rather than cutting the slot yourself as shown in the instructions in the link. Much quicker and less frustration for all concerned. Simply push the punch in as far as it will go, punch once about an inch in from one side, then slide along and punch again. Also, use two Dimensionals on top of each other to lift the main layer away from the backing, in order to give the spinner plenty of room at the back to do its thing.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Always
Ink: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, River Rock
Cardstock: River Rock, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Other: Word Window Punch, Scallop Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Paper Piercing tool

A rare event

As you may have noticed, there is a distinct lack of scrapbook pages on my blog. This is because I have been a cardmaker since ... well, it seems like forever, but it's certainly been a very long time, and until recently photos were something that got shoved into slip in pockets (if they ever left the chemist's envelope) and looked at every so often, usually by the kids.

Now I am trying to move out of my comfort zone occasionally and to this end I have created a very simple 6x6 page (with no journalling - I haven't got my head around that yet!) using a glamour photo of my mother from before she was married.

Love this colour combination ...! As always, you really have to see it in the flesh so to speak to appreciate just how pretty they are together.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Always
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate, River Rock
Cardstock: River Rock, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White

Free Wheelin' with Stampin' Up!

Welcome to September!

Have you used the Stampin' Up! Stampin' Around Wheels yet? This month, when you purchase a preselected stamp set, you can get the matching Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel absolutely free!

The sets are:

-Merry Merry Bundle: (Merry Merry stamp set AND Christmas jumbo wheel) $45.95
-Artfully Asian Bundle: (Artfully Asian stamp set AND Watercolor Vine jumbo wheel) $45.95
-Nursery Necessities Bundle: (Nursery Necessities stamp set AND Nursery Letters jumbo wheel) $56.95
-Bodacious Bouquet Bundle: (Bodacious Bouquet stamp set AND Bodacious jumbo wheel) $58.95
-Carte Postale Bundle: (Carte Postale stamp set AND Leaves a la Carte jumbo wheel) $48.95
-Priceless Bundle: (Priceless stamp set AND So Swirly jumbo wheel) $48.95

You can have a closer look at the flyer for this promotion by clicking on the picture to the left.

Email me if you would like more details or to take advantage of this great offer!

Images © 2008 Stampin' Up!®