... 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 ...
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
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
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
Friday, December 12, 2008
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
Friday, December 5, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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*
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!
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!
Monday, December 1, 2008
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!
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