Embrace Life

No, I still haven't bought this set *sigh* ... I really want to but can't justify it at the moment - with a bunch of bills sitting on the kitchen bench and yelling at me every time I go past, I am having to be strong *g*.

So Embrace Life, currently available in the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini might end up being one of those sets I never buy. Unless (and I have my fingers and toes crossed here) it makes it into our next catalogue - due out on April 1. I might even be able to afford it in a few months' time LOL.

In the meantime, I have borrowed my friend's set again and made these.

I was playing with reinkers the other day (see my previous post) and was showing a friend the kinds of things you can do with them. If you don't have any rubbing alcohol and metallic reinkers, you can still make a stunning background with a damp cotton wool ball (or makeup sponge, or baby wipe) and a few drops of ink, dabbed randomly onto a piece of white glossy cardstock.

The first card here was created using exactly that method. I liked it so much I didn't want to cover it up so just stamped the single flower over the top in Stazon, trimmed and there it is. You might just be able to make out the stamped images on the Rose Red cardstock as well, just for a bit of texture.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Embrace Life
Ink: Black Stazon, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Rose Red, Glossy White
Other: Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Classic Ink Reinkers in Pretty in Pink and Rose Red

The second card was a quick experiment to see what it would look like if I stamped the flower onto the prepared glossy cardstock and cut it out.

Turned out it looked good!

I borrowed the layout from the cards at Stamping with Hulda; I was really taken with the simple elegance of the design and knew it would work with this stamp as well.

I've popped the flower up on a dimensional just to separate it a bit from the rest of the card.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Embrace Life
Ink: Black Stazon, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Whisper White, Glossy White
Other: Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Classic Ink Reinkers in Pretty in Pink and Rose Red, Stampin Dimensionals

Brightening things up

I have had this colour scheme in my head for the past few days and finally last night found time to play with it. I can't even remember what I saw that made me think of it. So far three out of three people that I showed it to (ie. my family) said "well ... um ... it's bright". That's the point!

It looks a little "unfinished" on the left hand side, but that's because I haven't decided what message to put there to balance the fish.

The hardest part was cutting out those little fins ... I wouldn't be making these in bulk!

Remember that this set is only available in the Summer Mini, and only until the end of March; contact me if you would like to buy it for your own.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Ocean Commotion
Ink: Real Red, Ballet Blue, Pumpkin Pie
Cardstock: Ballet Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Basic Black, Old Olive, Whisper White
Other: 1-1/4" Square Punch, 1-3/8" Square Punch

Afternoon at Gail's

On Sunday I was lucky enough to go to Gail's house to take part in a fundraising Stamp-A-Stack. Not heard of a Stamp-A-Stack? Basically, it's exactly what it sounds like ... for a fee, you get to make ten cards (five each of two designs) - no cutting or preparation involved (well, not for the guests anyway *g*), just an afternoon of stamping a stack of cards.

Gail is running a few of these Stacks over the next few weeks with all proceeds going to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal ... I have heard that the response was terrific and all the spots are now booked out so I'm glad I got to go!

So, what did we make?

Well, this first is using my current fave, Eastern Blooms. I got to use the crimper (available in the Stampin' Up! catalogue) for the first time, and enjoyed it, which surprised me. It's a lot bigger than I thought, too, you could fit a whole card front in there if you wanted. As you can see, we've run a Close to Cocoa inkpad over the top to emphasise the dimension on the main panel.

Gail's design had a word on it, but I couldn't decide so just left the card blank ... I can always add something later when I need to.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Eastern Blooms
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Naturals Ivory
Other: Crimper, Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain 1/4" Ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers in Chocolate Chip and Pixie Pink


The second card uses a set I don't have but might need to buy now that I've used it ... we used Versamark to stamp the horse and word on glossy white cardstock, then brayered Close to Cocoa ink over the top. The areas with Versamark (and occasionally fingerprints) "resists" the dye ink and shows through as a sort of ghostly image ... very effective!

I like the brown/red/black combination - very masculine.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Wanted
Ink: Versamark, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White Craft
Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Glossy White, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Other: Brayer, Vintage Brads, Photo Corners Punch

So thanks to Gail for a fun afternoon (and waves to Sharon, Liz and Pauline) and I hope you raise a bunch for the bushfire appeal!

A milestone post!

I'm sure that I've got some balloons somewhere, and maybe even one of those little noisemaker thingies with the paper curl that go "blllllaaaaaattttt" when you blow in them. Because this is Post # 100, a number I was never convinced I would actually reach.

In celebration, another card.

What a surprise.

I didn't actually make this one today - far too hot for stamping (it's another scorcher in Melbourne, with the temperature in the 40s, hoping for the cool change to come in quickly. They are telling us that it will be down to a top of 19 on Tuesday). So here's one I prepared earlier.

More pink. Again, another surprise.

I really, really like this set. The bold flowers just really seem to work well, and look great when coloured with markers as shown here. And I've used the smaller sprig of flowers in Pixie Pink to add texture to the layers.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Live Your Dream
Ink: Pixie Pink, Old Olive
Cardstock: Old Olive, Pixie Pink, Whisper White
Other: Stampin' Write Markers in Old Olive, Pixie Pink, Rose Red and So Saffron

Happy anniversary to me!

Oh, and I changed my header again. Just because I can.

More from Liz

At our recenty Girls Nite at Deb's house, Liz again got into her creative streak ... and she has been so kind as to allow me to photograph her creations to share on my blog; because she's using current Stampin' Up! stuff, they all qualify to be shown here!



This card is a case of the one I made at our last GNI, however Liz has used only the current "In Colors" (which are only available until the expiry of our current catalogue, so if you like them, get in quick!).

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Ocean Commotion
Ink: Groovy Guava, Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi
Cardstock: Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Other: Scallop Edge Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals



I like this one! In fact, I'm planning on CASEing it myself! Again, Liz has only used "In Colours", and don't they work well together!

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Big Bold Birthday, Warm Words
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, Purely Pomegranate
Cardstock: Groovy Guava, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White



A birthday card with a definitely masculine colour scheme.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Big Bold Birthday
Ink: River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky
Cardstock: River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, Whisper White



And lastly a card using my personal favourite Eastern Blooms. At first I had this up the wrong way, but Liz had designed it so the message is sideways at the top of the card, not the right way up at the bottom of the card. And Liz has used her scrap from the scallop edge punch, just like I've been doing! Waste not, want not.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Easter Blooms
Ink: River Rock
Cardstock: River Rock, Always Artichoke, Blue Bayou, Whisper White
Other: Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Circle Punch

Thank you again, Liz, for allowing me to share these.

I *have* to get this set!

When our Summer Mini came out I was "meh" about this set, Embrace Life. Had to get my hands on Eastern Blooms, you see (and if you click the link you'll see why).

Since then I have seen some stunning creations using Embrace Life, and after getting my hands on it for a little play the other night I am a convert! I was going to be really good and not spend too much over the next couple of months, honest I was, but this set is just soooo nice!

It is beautiful just stamped (as shown in the leaves along the bottom of the card) but also beautiful watercoloured. There is a small sprig of blossoms which are so nice coloured in, and a long-stemmed single flower (shown in the first card in this post by Liz with additional work by Pauline) ... I think I've talked myself into it!

If by any chance I've talked you into it as well, please contact me to order this set ... remember it's in the Summer Mini, so isn't guaranteed to be available after March 31!

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Embrace Life, Short & Sweet
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip
Other: Blender Pens, Word Window Punch

Something fishy ...

I think this little set (only four stamps) is so sweet ... and a little different from the usual flower stamps that I have in abundance *g*.

This is a card I made at our recent Girls Nite, which was an achievement in itself as I usually have no idea what to make and end up watching what everyone else is doing. I love the seaweed stamp especially. I ended up liking this card so much I used it at a recent workshop (hi Lesley!).

I don't know if you can see it in the photo, but I have stamped the seaweed a few times across the bottom in matching Rose Red ink.

And the green strip of cardstock? Leftovers from making the scalloped edging (you need to see the scallop edge punch in action to see what I mean). I just can't help recycling the smallest pieces of cardstock *g*.

If you like this stamp set (the other two stamps are an angel fish and a shell), please remember to arrange your purchase before the end of March, as this is currently only available in the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalogue. Contact me for further information.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Ocean Commotion
Ink: Rose Red, Old Olive
Cardstock: Rose Red, Old Olive, More Mustard, Whisper White
Other: Cutter Kit, Scallop Edge Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Getting the most of your Chalks

Recently a few girls from Gail's downline met up at Eildon for a stamping weekend (waves to Anne-Marie, Coral and Gina). We had a great time - the location was tranquil, except for the motorbikes down the road, the weather was perfect, even the mossies weren't too friendly.

While we were there, we actually managed to do a little stamping (!!!). Shown to the right is the table during our Sunday morning session - this is a whole bunch tidier than it was the night before!

Aside from making up some little notepads (so easy to cover with a little cardstock and then decorate with punches & stamps!) I whipped up this. I stamped with white craft ink onto Basic Black cardstock, then used my Stampin' Pastels to colour in the flowers. Originally I coloured the entire petal area red, then tried one with blue, then tried Gina's suggestion and coloured just the tips of the petals blue ... bingo! That was the winner.

So I did the same thing with the tiny flowers and the butterfly to fill in the space on the right of the card.

I really, really like this one!

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Live Your Dream
Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink
Cardstock: So Saffron, Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Basic Black
Other: Stampin' Pastels

Girls' Nite In

Every so often, one of my friends will call for a Girls' Nite, where we stamp, chat, snack, chat and maybe stamp some more. These Nites are a great way of escaping from "real life" and just having some time to be yourself, and can be invaluable halfway through the summer school holidays *g*.

Our most recent Nite, held here at my place, resulted in some great cards from Liz, which she has kindly allowed me to show you.



Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Embrace Life
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, River Rock, Whisper White



Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Live Your Dream
Ink: Groovy Guava, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Always Artichoke, River Rock, Whisper White



Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Ocean Commotion, Short & Sweet
Ink: Groovy Guava, Blue Bayou
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Whisper White

There is one more card, but sometimes Blogger doesn't play nicely and won't let me upload the cards the right way up, grrrr. Next time ...

Eastern Blooms

I have been a little slack with my updates lately ... what do you mean, you've noticed? As I've said before, it's been Christmas, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

I hope that this will help you forgive me - just a little something I whipped up with Eastern Blooms from the Summer Mini Catalogue. This set is just so pretty, and as soon as I saw that branch with the little flowers on it I knew I had to use my markers to colour it in.

And, of course, how could I not use the new Scallop Edge punch? I love this thing! Makes scalloped edges a snap, and then you can dress them up with the stamps in All Scallops (also in the Summer Mini).

Just a note ... you might be used to stamping your image, then lining it up and punching it out, but that just isn't going to work with the Scallop Edge punch. It is kind of hard to get used to doing it the other way around, but worth it as you can see.

Supplies used:

Stamp sets: Eastern Blooms, All Scallops
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Pink Passion, Whisper White
Other: Stampin' Write Markers in Chocolate Chip, Pixie Pink and Summer Sun, Scallop Edge Punch, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

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*