Discover Ink

Need for Speed in Blues

2012-03-04T09:18:00.000+08:00

I saw a card using the polar bear from Zoo Review here and loved the squares & colours and CASEd it to create this card. The squares are a great way to use up scraps of DSP. The card can be changed to give a very different look depending upon the image and a lot of images will fit in the massive 2 1/2"circle. I'm thinking of remaking this card in different colours for different genders as its a great way of using up scrap DSP and it really is simple as they cut with the square punches.

Stamps: Need for Speed, Teeny TinySentiments, Extreme Elements & Grunge Rock.
Ink: Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Night of Navy
Card stock: Not Quite Navy, Night of Navy, Whisper White, Regals Pattern Stack DSP, Nautical Expedition DSP.
Accessories: 1 1/4"square punch, 1 3/8" square punch, 2 1/2: circle punch, stamping sponges, Dimensionals, cutter kit.

Ships Wheel

2012-02-24T08:23:00.000+08:00

I love it when Stampin' Up! release a new suite of items and in the Summer mini the Nautical suite is awesome - a masculine suite of DSP, stamps & Bakers Twine - what's not to love?? This is my version of a card I saw online, but I modified it to fit a standard card size and used masking and sponging to get the background around the ship. The circles were cut with the Circle Scissors Plus and the wheel spokes with a punch, the dots didn't show up very well, but they are mini silver brads.

Stamps: Open Sea & Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Daffodil, Pumpkin Pie

Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Modern label punch, Word Window Punch, white gel pen, mini silver brands, 1/16" handheld punch, Dimensionals, Circle Scissors Plus, stamping sponge, 1 1/4" circle punch

Fresh Vintage Boxes

2012-02-23T08:20:00.000+08:00

These were some hostess gift boxes that I made up using the new Sale-a-bration paper Everyday Enchantment and the stamp set I {Heart} Hearts - I love how Stampin' Up! make images that fit their punches perfectly, it saves me so much time! The boxes had a little wooden stamp, ribbons, embellishments, a pen, stamping sponge, plus some coffee & chocolate! No two boxes are ever the same, I don't always even use the fancy favour box die, but they are just an extra little thank you to the hostess for being so lovely in letting me into their home and inviting some friends over for some fun.

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts
Ink: Lucky Limeade
Card stock: Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Everyday Enchantment DSP, Whisper White.
Accessories: Full heart punch, Sale-a-bration taffeta ribbon, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Fancy Favor Box, Sticky Strip.

Best of Everything meets Sale-a-bration!

2012-02-21T21:10:00.000+08:00

I am so LOVING the FREE Sale-a-bration accessories this year - yay for the addition of DSP, ribbon and brads to the four different stamp sets selection! It's also made me start using this years in-colours in earnest (mind you that's not hard for me with Island Indigo and Pool Party, but the others I was a bit luke warm with......until now!) I am also loving the stamp set Best of Everything - definitely not my normal 'style', but it's very cute in a quirky way.........I think these little chicks will look super cute stamped in a chick colours for Easter?? Anyways this card was made not for Easter, but for my niece (I'd better go mail it as soon as I finish this blog post or it'll sit here for another week!). The taffeta ribbon is only narrow and I wanted a bigger bow, so I made a fluffy sort of fake bow by wrapping it around three fingers a few times and then securing the centre with a brad - super simple and not to mention quick! The flower centres didn't photograph very well as they aren't black dots, they are super sparkly rhinestones........I think my photography is getting worse not better over time, I think I'd better re-visit some basics!

Stamps: Best of Everything
Ink: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade
Card stock: Everyday Enchantment DSP, Cameo Coral, Whisper White & Lucky Limeade
Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Itty Bitty Punch, Dimensionals, 1/16" handheld hole punch, Basic Rhinestones & 2 Way Glue Pen.

Fresh Vintage Blue Shadows

2012-02-20T21:05:00.000+08:00

So finally I'll start uploading some of my Sale-a-bration creations, I have quite a backlog of blogging to do at the minute, so I will endeavour over the next week to address this imbalance! I am totally loving the Sale-a-bration stamp set Fresh Vintage and the fact it has matching DSP & brads is super exciting - well actually the most exciting part is that they are all FREE!!!!!!!!!!

I used a couple of simple, but effective, techniques on this card to highlight shadow stamping (using a clear mount block) and stamping' write marker pens direct to rubber to colour the floral image. Which is your favourite Sale-a-bration item?

Stamps: Fresh Vintage & Trendy Trees (sentiment)
Ink: Pool Party, Island Indigo & Lucky Limeade
Card stock: Island Indigo, Pool Party, Whisper White
Accessories: Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Dimensionals, "C" size clear block, White Bakers Twine, Beautiful Wings Embosslit die, Basic Rhinestones, Two Way glue pen, Big Shot.

Hugs & Kisses Scrapbook Double Layout

2012-02-10T12:36:00.000+08:00

Do you celebrate St. Valentines Day? I saw a lovely single scrapbook page on the Paper Crafters Library a while ago and decided to adapt it to a double page layout and also make it suitable for other events e.g. anniversaries, those cute children moments or a wedding - it could be easily changed to suit the event by changing the colours used. The first page features what would be the main photograph and the second page has room for journaling and smaller photographs, other round tabs or hearts could be added afterwards to add in dates or a little quote or similar. I am going to change a few of the hearts decorating the pages though, as I just borrowed the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set.

and the second page

I am loving the red and silver glitter paper in the Summer Mini Catalogue, they really do add a different dimension to a page with their sparkle.

If you would like to join us for the class making these pages, find all the details on my events calendar here - if you would like it as a kit by mail this is also available for the cost of the class ($20) plus $5 to cover postage anywhere in Australia.

Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Designer Patterns Stack Paper in Subtles & Brights, Red Glitter Paper.
Accessories: Scallop heart die, Big Shot, full heart punch, heart to heart punch, scallop border punch, small heart punch, SNAIL, simple letters alphabet die, chocolate chip polka dot scallop ribbon.

Live, laugh & Love Scrapbook Pennants

2012-01-28T21:58:00.000+08:00

I CASEd the layout from somewhere on the web (apologies I couldn't find the link back when I went to look for it), but I changed the papers, stamps, colours & modified the layout a bit too........I have to make a matching page for this as this was just a single scrapbook page I made a few weeks ago and just haven't made time to make it a mate yet (I have a personal aversion to single scrapbook pages unless they are the title or end pages in my album). I love the al a carte stamps and in particular the Triple Treat Flower - not the least for which there are three handy punches to make layering it effortless, but in the Summer mini catalogue there is also matching designer paper - how cool is that?? Like many projects, I took the card stock and ink colours directly from the designer paper that I chose to use, Bring on the Cake. The page is designed to have only a single photograph on it - on the Poppy Parade section, which is hopefully large enough to leave a nice coloured boarder around the photograph to frame it nicely.

The pennants are all popped up on Dimentsionals and threaded onto Early Expresso Bakers Twine, also from the Summer mini catalogue. The centre of each little flower on the pennants is highlighted with a small Basic Pearl and the scallop strips along the bottom were all cut with the Tasteful Trim die and the Big Shot.

Stamps: Triple Treat Flower, Field Flowers, On Your Birthday, Pennant Parade

Card Stock: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Eat Cake DSP, So Saffron, Poppy Parade.

Ink: Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Basic Pearls, Big Shot, Five Petal Flower Punch, Petite Pennants Builder Punch, Fancy Flower Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, 1/2" circle punch, Antique Brads, Tasteful Trim die, Big Shot, SNAIL, Dimensionals, Early Expresso Bakers Twine, 1/16" handheld punch,

Open Sea

2012-01-25T05:42:00.000+08:00

My favourite stamp set in the Summer mini catalogue is Open Sea, I love the colours, the co-ordinating designer paper and the new Bakers twine in three different colours *happy dance* this was one of the first cards I made with this set as it was one of the cards made for the RSPCA fundraiser in December (did I mention I was behind on my blogging?) and it was just basic masking, tearing and sponging to give texture and dimension to the card.

Stamps: Open Sea, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Card stock: Crumb Cake, Nautical Expedition DSP, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Gray
Accessories: Dimensionals, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Cherry Cobbler/white Bakers twine, stamping sponge, mini silver brad, paper piercer

Sale-A-Bration Commences

2012-01-24T02:40:00.000+08:00

Yay - my favourite time of the year has arrived - Sale-a-bration!!! Yes freebies for all be it customers, hostesses and if you join - even more freebies *happy dance* These stamp sets, paper and accessories are only available as a bonus (i.e. you can not purchase them - well if you are demonstrator you could have purchased them as part of a pre-order perk....) and they are only available until the end of March. To see the brochure, you can either click the link on my sidebar or click here, or email me and I will pop a brochure in the mail to you.

PCL Floral Treat Box

2012-01-23T05:34:00.000+08:00

I got a super cute box template from the Paper Crafters Library this month and decided to to make it up - super easy as the template prints directly out onto the card stock and then it's just a case of decorating it! It features more of the divine FREE hostess paper Cheerful Treat and a hostess stamp set. I changed it a bit as I didn't have the die cuts that they used and decorated mine with flowers rather than the Valentines theme in their example.

It features an acetate window that you can see the treats through (but mine is still empty for the minute) and a neat little velcro closure on the top tab (the original design from Paper Crafters Library has a slotted closure, but I changed it).

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes, Array of Sunshine

Card Stock: Concord Crush, Cheerful Treat DSP, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette & Whisper White.

Ink: Old Olive & Concord Crush

Accessories: Boho Blossoms punch, Circle Ice brads, 1/16" circle punch, Sticky Strip, scallop circle punch.

Cheerful Treat Array of Sunshine

2012-01-22T17:00:00.000+08:00

Goodness we really are in the middle of summer with such hot weather of late, I did make some time this week to take part in another challenge over at Craft Project Central and thought I'd combine their sketch challenge with a personal challenge/desire of using some stamps & papers that are new and I haven't made time to play with yet!

The sketch was this one.....

I'm not entirely sure if it was their use of pink on the sketch or what set my brain off, but this was my card:

I took the colours for the layout from the hostess DSP Cheerful Treat and the two stamp sets I used are also exclusive hostess ones (I am so loving the new hostess rewards - the choice is awesome). It took some fussy cutting and layering with Dimensionals to create more interest with the flowers and a bit of shine from the basic pearls didn't hurt either. I do apologise that the Melon Mambo ribbon I chose is now retired, but you could easily substitute it with the Melon Mambo scallop dots ribbon for a very similar effect and to be honest the scallop ribbon would probably suit this card better than what I have used!

Stamps: Array of Sunshine, Happiest Birthday Wishes

Card Stock: Concord Crush, Cheerful Treat, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette.

Ink: Melon Mambo, Concord Crush.

Accessories: Basic pearls, Polka Dot Melon Mambo grosgrain ribbon, Dimensionals

Newsletter sign up

2012-01-15T16:40:00.000+08:00

Well in the melee of school holidays and everything else I have finally remembered to add a sign up link for my newsletter to my blog sidebar - yea my list of things to always takes me a while to get to! Anyway I normally email one newsletter a month with Stampin' Up! news, classes, events, hints & tips and of course some ideas too! You can now opt in and out of it as you chose via the link here or on the sidebar.

Sale-a-bration is coming!!!!!!

2012-01-09T06:36:00.000+08:00

Are you excited in a little over two weeks Sale-a-bration will be here!! If this is your first Sale-a-bration you are going to be super excited. This is the most exciting time of year, it's Stampin' Up!s way of kicking off crafting for the New Year and goodness they do it in style as this is the best time of year to be a customer, hostess or new demonstrator! Sale-a-bration commences on January 24th and ends on March 31st.

Customers: during Sale-a-bration for each $100 spent (before shipping and handling) you can choose an exclusive FREE gift from a range of six items including stamps and accessories and there is no limit to the number you chose - for a $200 spend you chose two FREE items on so forth.

Host a party: in addition to the awesome hostess rewards available, a free Idea Book & Catalogue, free make & take for everyone and a gift from me, you also get to chose a FREE item from the Sale-a-bration range with workshop sales over AUD$600. So if you have been thinking of working on reducing that wish list or spending those gift certificates, now is the perfect time to get some friends together for a free workshop and earn yourself some bonus rewards for it!

Join my team: if you join my team during Sale-a-bration you get TWO extra rewards in addition to the myriad of others! Firstly you can chose an EXTRA FREE stamp set of any value in the current catalogue(s) when you purchase the starter kit - this is in addition to the stamp sets included in the starter kit and can be of any value even the $77.95 alphabet stamps (note there is no shipping charges on the starter kit either!). During Sale-a-bration the price of the starter kit will be reduced by $40 to just $249 - yes that's over $690 worth of Stampin' Up! products for just $249 which is a total bargain!!

Tempted by any or all of the above offers?? Want me to send you a Sale-a-bration brochure? Want more information about joining my team and all of the benefits associated with it? Contact me today for more information or to book a workshop party and get some gorgeous stuff for FREE!

What colours are hot in 2012

2012-01-07T09:35:00.000+08:00

Okay so I'm no fashion diva, but I do check out what colours are in fashion mainly out of curiosity, but also so I can incorporate them into my crafting and lets face it with 50 colours in the the Stampin' Up! arsenal - some of them have to be "in" fashion! Although I confess to using some colours a lot more than others, not sure if that is just my colour comfort zone or colour preference or I'm just too lazy to challenge my self to move outside my comfort zone!

Having a read through some blogs and articles of late I found that the "hot" colours for 2012 are all bold, bright colours - definitely no shrinking violets or classic black this year! The top 10 Pantone fashion colours for 2012 look remarkably like Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Blushing Bride, Concord Crush, Melon Mambo, Wisteria Wonder (?), Crumb Cake & Basic Gray (?).

Interesting how a fair number are in the "in" colour families - guess it means that Stampin' Up! definitely is keeping up with the trends! The only two I was a bit uncertain about was the Wisteria Wonder and Basic Gray - maybe because I keep seeing them as being closer to some retired colours or the colour calibration of my monitor might just be off!

So you can mix and match within the ten "in" colours or if you go to your Colour Coach you can check out what colours accent each of these ten "in" colours for 2012. Which are your favourite colours for 2012??

Sunny Fun Class

2012-01-06T06:54:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year!! No doubt by now you're all used to it being 2012 and have either made or ignored New Years resolutions. I didn't make any myself, but I am endeavouring to be more organised, especially as my day job got re-newed me for another year. I have put up all my classes for term 1 onto my website - I still have to confirm the dates for the crop nights and craft sale and as soon as I know those I will add them as well. Of course if you want to do a class at a different time slot, get four or more friends together and contact me to arrange a time.

The first card class of the year will be based around the stamp set Sunny Fun and involve making 5 cards with envelopes (3 different designs) all materials including adhesive, if you want to join us for this - please RSVP via the website or email me direct.

Free Stampin' Up! Digital Download

2012-01-05T12:13:00.000+08:00

Have you ever liked Stampin' Up! on FaceBook? (if you can't find it - click through my FB link here and there's a post about it there) to celebrate Stampin' Up! getting +100 000 likers they are giving away a free My Digital Studio download RRP US$14.95 that contains a set of 12 papers, embellishments and a tonne of gorgeous brushes. Although we don't have the My Digital Studio available in Australia (yet) you can use the images in any editing program including Photoshop. It's only available to download for free until the 10th of January, so don't miss out!

Creative Elements with Mocha Morning

2011-12-31T09:56:00.001+08:00

I love the new specialty DSP Mocha Morning, I think because it is textured and gives so much more dimension to a project without really having to do anything special to it. I decided to participate in the December Craft Project Central card sketch, the sketch is here (turns out I was too late to play along - but ohh well there's always next time, although I only got time as I was on holiday so maybe next Christmas I'll get to play along again!)

and my contribution is here:

and a close up so you can see the layering of the flower and the butterfly

Stamps: Creative Elements
Ink: Black Stazon, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
Card stock: Mocha Morning DSP, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, stamping sponge, Antique brads, blender pen, 1/16" handheld punch.

Merry Christmas - Secret Santa

2011-12-25T16:59:00.000+08:00

We had our demonstrator Christmas dinner this week and as part of it we did a secret Santa swap. I made my gift using no ink or stamps (bit scandalous I know!), but I did use the new petal cone die and created a Santa and Christmas tree and filled them full of Lindt chocolates. I loved how the tree gave me the opportunity to use up lots of little scrap pieces of green card stock and also silver glimmer paper (not that the recipient wasn't worthy of me cutting up new sheets of card stock, far from it, just that after lots of Christmas classes I end up with lots of strips of green and red card stock left over!).

The two petal cone creations were than popped into a gift bag decorated to resemble a Santa suit and adorned with a little owl Santa tag - sorry the photo was a bit blurry!

Hope you all have a very safe and happy Christmas with your loved ones.

Card Stock: Real Red, Garden Green, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Basic Black, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer

Accessories: Decorative Label tag, Owl builder punch, Big Shot, Petal Cone die, scallop boarder punch, sticky strip, SNAIL, Tombow multi adhesive, bird builder punch, ornament punch, elegant lines embossing folder, 1" square punch, 1" circle punch, wide oval punch, Boho Blossoms punch, 1/16" handheld punch, white Bakers twine, word window punch, petals a plenty embossing folder, white gel pen.

Stocking Builder Punch - Limited Edition Get Yours Now!

2011-12-23T22:24:00.000+08:00

The Stocking Builder Punch (item 124095) from the 2011-2012 Summer Mini Catalogue will not be carried over into the next Idea Book & Catalogue. Hence once the current inventory of this punch has been depleted, it will no longer be available for purchase, so if you want to get your hands on this punch that creates a lot more than just stockings contact me now to place an order.

Stamps: Perfect Punches & Stitched Stockings

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight & Cherry Cobbler

Card stock: Regals Patterns DSP, Bronze metallic card stock (retired), Whisper White, Night of Navy, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Bright brad, 1/16" handheld punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Big Shot, Scribbles die, Houndstooth Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, ribbon border punch, Scallop trim punch, stamping sponge, Owl Punch & Stocking Builder punch.

Silver Snowflakes

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000+08:00

Snow Swirled has to be one of the all time favourite Christmas stamp sets and I don't own it!!! I did borrow it from a friend recently (thanks Annette) and I made up three different cards using it. The snowflakes in the below card are done in silver embossing powder.

Stamps: Snow Swirled
Card Stock: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze & Whisper White
Ink: Versamark, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Baja Breeze seam binding, silver embossing powder, scallop border punch.

Dasher amidst the Green

2011-12-18T19:56:00.000+08:00

This was a relatively quick card to make for Christmas using some die cut leaves, DSP and my all time favourite al a carte stamp - Dasher, such great value! I did after taking this photo add some basic Rhinestones to the antlers to add some extra sparkle.

Stamps: Dasher & Contempo Christmas
Ink: Early Expresso
Card Stock: Old Olive, Brights Patterns DSP Stack, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Accessories: Bright brads, Big Shot, Little Leaves die, Dimensionals, Basic Rhinestones, 1/16" handheld punch, Boho Blossom punch.

Beautiful Season in Blues

2011-12-17T09:40:00.000+08:00

Here is another card made using the Beautiful Season stamp set - not made by me though. It was from a swap at our Regional training day earlier this year by Heather Bennett, doesn't that layer of Pool Party card stock make the image pop!

Stamps: Beautiful Season
Ink: Concord Crush
Card Stock: Glossy White, Concord Crush & Pool Party
Accessories: Wide oval punch, scallop ribbon punch, blender pen, Dimensionals, Silver Smooch Spray, Sponge dauber

Beautiful Season in Black & White

2011-12-16T19:07:00.000+08:00

Here is another quick card made using Beautiful Season.......The red berries were coloured with a Stampin' Write marker and highlighted with Crystal Effects. The ribbon was crimped by opening the brad and sliding the ribbon in and then closing it and then cutting a fish tail on each end to give it a more bow effect, without having to actually tie a bow!

Stamps: Beautiful Season

Ink: Real Red & Basic Black

Card Stock: Whisper White & Basic Black

Accessories: Rhinestone brads, Real Red satin Ribbon, Dimensionals, 1/16" hole punch

Beautiful Season in Red & Green

2011-12-15T05:48:00.000+08:00

I borrowed this stamp set from a super generous friend last week (thanks Catherine!) and made a couple of different cards with it - thinking I might have to buy it though as it is so lovely! For this one I kept to the traditional Christmas red and green colours with lots of sparkle. The red behind the modern label punch greeting is actually two more modern label punchies offset to give the greeting a boarder.

Stamps: Beautiful Season
Ink: Black Stazon, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke & Crumb Cake
Card stock: Letters to Santa, Old Olive, Whisper White & Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals, modern label punch, scallop trim border punch, blender pen, stamping sponge.

Christmas Squares

2011-12-14T05:00:00.001+08:00

Following on from yesterdays circles, today is Christmas squares! It wasn't made with designer paper though, but a randomly stamped pattern using co-ordinating inks - another card that can be made relatively quickly and in a production line or stages, which I find perfect for Christmas. The squares can either go on the diamond like below, or parallel to give a different look.

Stamps: Contempo Christmas, Delightful Decorations, Pennant Parade
Ink: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Card Stock: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Accessories: 1 1/4" square punch, 1 3/8" square punch

Word Play Christmas Circles

2011-12-13T04:22:00.000+08:00

Here's a super fast card that is perfect for making multiples of for Christmas time. What really makes this card special is the designer paper - Mocha Morning - it's so beautiful, the double sided sheets all have a gold metallic sheen and then there are 4 sheets that are flocked - so pretty and a pack goes a very, very long way! If you need any supplies for this card, don't forget to contact me to place an order.

Stamps: Word Play
Ink: Basic Black & Crumb Cake (marker)
Card Stock: Early Expresso, Very Vanilla & Morning Mocha
Accessories: 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1/4" black grosgrain ribbon & Crumb Cake seam binding.

Christmas Scrapbook Layout 2011

2011-12-12T06:44:00.001+08:00

I know I promised Christmas cards, but I just finished the scrapbook layout for Tuesdays class, so thought I would share that instead! There are still spots for the class if you want to come along - just let me know ASAP! I kept the layout fairly simple as for Christmas I think that the photographs are the most important element so they should dominate the space and journalling.

I wanted to show off the new Silver Glimmer paper from the new Summer mini catalogue and added strips of it cut with the Tasteful Trim die, the new postage punch and the heel and toes of the stockings. The Baja Breeze circle that I cut with the Circle Scissors Plus to go inside the Scallop Circle Die for the year was 4" diameter. Extra journalling could be done in white gel pen on the Night of Navy card stock as well.

I chose not to title it with anything other than the year as I felt that the stockings hanging and the Christmas postage bauble stamp told the story better (as will the photographs - we got our first Santa photo today & it wasn't blue and silver!!!). I used the relief cut out of the Tasteful Trim die to border the DSP on this page as I didn't want to waste any of the gorgeous Silver Glimmer paper - did I ever tell you I was 1/4 Scottish!

I am not sure if you can see from the photographs (sorry taken at night so not the best), but each of the stocking tops have our names written on them - if you have a bigger family, then you can just add more stockings! I also added a few basic rhinestones on the stockings to add to the sparkle of the page. Most of the Baja Breeze will be covered by the photographs, but there will be enough left to give a slight contrast. The stockings are suspended by some white Bakers twine - how awesome is that stuff - 23m for just $4.95 - bargain of the year I say!

Stamps: Stitched Stockings, Merry & Type

Card Stock: Night of Navy, Baja Breeze, Whisper White. Regals DSP Patterns stack & Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink: Night of Navy (ink pad & marker)

Accessories: Big Shot, Tasteful Trim Die, Scallop Circle Die, Square Scallop Die, Circle Scissors Plus, Junior Timeless Type Alphabet, White Bakers Twine, basic rhinestones, 1" square punch, 1 3/8" square punch, postage stamp punch, Stocking builder punch.

Field Of Flowers Card

2011-12-11T09:45:00.000+08:00

Sorry about the hiatus between blog posts - this time of year everything gets a bit mental as we all try to fit in so many last minute things! The card below was CASEd from Mary F. and was what I took the colours etc from to make the matching envelope and gift voucher holder that I showed you in my last post. Did I say I loved this set - you will be seeing more of this in the new year - but tomorrow I'll probably start to show you some more Christmas Cards, including some super fast ones so that if you are like me and leave things until the last minute.............

Stamps: Field of Flowers

Ink: Crumb Cake & Early Expresso

Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede & Mocha Morning DSP

Accessories: Mat pack & paper piercing tool, Wide oval punch, Dimensionals, Antique brads, paper snips, basic pearls.

Field Of Flowers Gift Voucher

2011-12-06T22:02:00.000+08:00

I made a gift voucher recently for a dear friends birthday with my long awaited Field of Flowers stamp set - it was the one set in the catalogue that I wanted because I liked it - not for classes, not for giving to someone else, but purely because I wanted it and it took me 3 months to get it! The top is held down with velcro and it flips out to reveal the voucher - it has a matching card which I will show you tomorrow....I am also loving that hostess set Happiest Birthday Wishes - so cheap and versatile!

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes, Field of Flowers

Ink: Soft Suede & Early Expresso

Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede

Accessories: Mat pack & paper piercing tool, Big Shot, Top Note Die, paper snips, basic pearls.

Non SU!: velcro

RSPCA WA Fundraiser Result

2011-12-05T21:45:00.000+08:00

I have to say a super big thank you to all of the participants who registered for the RSPCA WA fundraiser on Friday night, to Catherine for donating the wine for the raffle, Stampin' Up! for donating some fabulous prizes, Jocie for helping cut the kits and all the girls who bought raffle tickets, mini milk cartons of goodies, bid on silent auctions, placed orders (commissions were donated).

We made five projects in total which I will put up on the blog (as soon as I photograph them all), enjoyed some nice door prizes, caught up with old friends and made some new ones and along the way and as a result we will be donating a total of $779.72 which will no doubt help the RSPCA WA with their invaluable work.

Thanks Everyone

Stampin' Up! Featured in Better Homes & Gardens

2011-12-04T17:01:00.000+08:00

Have you seen the latest Better Homes & Gardens magazine (December 2011) if so go and check out page 33 - in their "Now for All the Trimmings" article, they used some of Stampin' Up!'s great products to make a series of terrific advent calendar boxes that you can re-use year after year! They are also using the advent calendar to unveil daily prizes from December 1st via the TV show Sunrise & Weekend Sunrise.

Made using the Big Shot Box #2 die, Junior Timeless Type alphabet, assorted card stock and seam binding ribbon - want to make one of these yourself? Contact me today to order supplies or if you'd like to make a box and decorate it for advent or another event we could do it as a workshop make & take at your party - book a workshop with me before 2pm this Wednesday to be held from December 10th -March 31st 2012 and go in the draw to win a prize from the current catalogues (every booking will get a prize) they include a current CM stamp set and more - so go and check out your diaries now.........

Bleached Dasher

2011-12-03T06:38:00.000+08:00

This was a card I made recently for a demonstrator swap using the bleach technique, I did it in two different matt colours Cherry Cobbler & Daffodil Delight. It's the sort of card that if you do it in stages, you could easily mass produce it!

The sparkle is the new champagne glitter glass that we received as a prize at Regional training last month, I used Crystal Effects to adhere it to the card stock.

Here is a photograph of the bleach developing in intensity - the bottom part of the picture is where it was stamped and I took a photograph within a minute, the top part is where the bleach had been left for over 5 minutes. So when you are using bleach, you really do have to be patient and allow it time to get to its final exposure point before you make your card up.

Stamps: Dasher, Lovely as a Tree & Contempo Christmas
Ink: Versamark
Card Stock: Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler or Daffodil Delight, Early Expresso
Accessories: Gold brads, Crystal Effects, Champagne Glitter Glass, Gold Embossing Powder.
Non SU!: bleach

December Frenzy Sale - Up to 50% off!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-02T04:37:00.002+08:00

So did you enjoy the blog hop yesterday? December not only heralded the arrival of the new Summer mini Catalogue (you can see the PDF of it here or email me and I'll post one to you), but it also was the first day of the December Frenzy sale! Lots of lovely products, some up to 50% off, so if you are looking for a bargain or a last minute gift for a crafty friend or yourself (yes I am happy to gift wrap items for you) contact me with your order today! To guarantee delivery before Christmas I would have to have your order before the 11th of December to allow for shipping time.

Please note that the warehouse has a limited number of these awesome items available for this promotion. Once that number has been exhausted, the products WILL return to normal catalogue price. Be in quick if something you love is in the discount list!

Welcome Christmas pg 22 (W) 50% off   NOW   $24.98
Welcome Christmas pg 22 (C)   50% off   NOW   $19.98
I {Heart} Hearts pg 28 (W) 40% off   NOW $25.77
Got Treats pg 35 (W) 40% off NOW   $24.57
Something Sweet pg 42 (W) 40% off   NOW   $26.97
For Everything pg 46 (W) 40% off   NOW $28.77
Cottage Garden pg 67 (W) 50% off NOW $16.48
Every Moment pg 72 (W) 40% off   NOW    $19.17
Awash with Flowers pg 74 (W) 40% off NOW $43.17
Friends Never Fade pg 75 (W) 50% off NOW $15.98
Friends Never Fade pg 75 (C) 50% off NOW $15.57
Ornate Blossoms pg 75 (W) 40% off   NOW $11.97
Clearly For You pg 88 (W) 40% off NOW $28.77
Chloe Stampin' Around Builder Wheel pg 96 40% off   NOW $5.97
Padded Envelopes pg 126 30% off   NOW $3.90
Poppy Parade 1/2" (1.3cm) Stitched-Poly ribbon pg 138 30% off NOW $11.87
Blushing Bride 1/2" (1.3cm) Stitched-Poly ribbon pg 138 30% off NOW $11.87
Regals Flower Brads pg 143 30% off NOW $11.87
Neutrals Flower Brads pg 143 30% off NOW $11.87
Distressing Essentials pg 147 30% off NOW $26.57
Craft and Rubber Scissors pg 149 30% off NOW $26.57
Circle Scissor Plus Glass Mat pg 149 30% off NOW $26.57

ESAD Summer Mini Blog Hop

2011-12-01T01:49:00.002+08:00

Welcome to the ESAD Summer mini catalogue blog hop, did you enjoying seeing what Kelly created here?

What is ESAD?

ESAD stands for "Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators" and it is an on-line group just for Australian and New Zealand Stampin Up demonstrators.

We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends, and wonderful blog visitors, but we share our love for what we do with each other as demonstrators. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know-how, and cyberstamps, and we are always there to help and support each other when it is needed.

So if you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand, then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group.

I love the new Nautical Suite in the new mini catalogue. I've made three items with it, but have a lot more ideas so pop back anther time to see some other things made with it! I am also loving the new candy wrapper die, it's so cute, but if you cut it on the fold you get an extra long candy wrapper like the one below.

The stamp set used is from another new stamp set from the mini called Pretty Postage that has not one, but two co-ordinating punches! I love how the ends of the candy wrapper just stay shut.......I know what I'll be using to make our Christmas crackers with this year.

The next item is a card using the set Open Sea - such a gorgeous masculine set, I did this one using the Circle Scissors Plus to cut the circles and the word window punch to complete the ships wheel. The silver brads are from the main catalogue and are the mini ones. I've also used the new white bakers twine (I ordered all three of the colours of the new twine - but do you think I could find the red and white striped one today - I think I need to clean up my craft desk!). I masked and sponged the sky, then reversed masked and did the sun as well. All the white highlights were just free hand drawn on with a white gel pen.

The last item I made was a sticky note holder is a super quick and practical gift to make and can be embellished to suit the occasion, in this instance I used the Open Sea set again. The dimensions of the cover are 7" x 3 3/8" (sorry I know that I am in a metric country but I use both imperial and metric measurements sometimes on the same projects!) then I scored at 3 3/8" from each end, folded and attached the pile of ~50 sticky notes with sticky strip - too easy!

Your next stop on the blog hop is Jane who is doing something fantastic with the Pretty Postage set & punches (I love co-ordinating punches and stamp sets, don't you?), enjoy the journey!

Ornament Ice-cream

2011-11-30T06:28:00.000+08:00

Here is another use for the ornament punch when you aren't making Christmas themed items with it! A swap from Alison Smith at Regionals.

Stamps: Short & Sweet, Pennant Parade, Heard from the Heart

Card Stock: Early Expresso, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla & Just Add Cake DSP

Ink: Early Expresso & Blushing Bride

Accessories: Big Shot, Polka Dot textured impressions embossing folder, Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbon, Vintage Wallpaper textured impressions embossing folder, ornament punch, petite pennants builder punch, Dimensionals.

Flirtatious Birthday

2011-11-29T06:27:00.000+08:00

Here's a swap card from Michelle Coates featuring the very bright Flirtatious DSP - love the folding that she did with it.

Stamps: Cut & Curly (retired)
Ink: Melon Mambo
Card stock: Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Flirtatious Specialty DSP
Accessories: Basic rhinestones, scallop circle punch, bone folder, Melon Mambo polka dot scallop grosgrain ribbon, curly label punch, 1" circle punch, stamping sponges, Crystal Effects

Just Add Cake Happiest Birthday

2011-11-28T06:27:00.000+08:00

I am loving the versatility of the hostess rewards in the new Idea Book & Catalogue, if you don't like the hostess stamp sets and DSP you can use the hostess money anywhere in the catalogue - so much choice! One of the sets I have been using a lot is the Happiest Birthday Wishes set, 11 stamps with various birthday greetings. This is one I CASEd from Beth-Ann as I loved the simplicity and colours on it which were taken from the DSP colours.

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes

Ink: Wild Wasabi, So Saffron

Card Stock: Just Add Cake DSP, Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Wild Wasabi, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Subtles brads, Dimensionals

Fathers Day Wallet

2011-11-27T06:08:00.000+08:00

I am running a bit behind in my blog posts (as you can see) This was a card wallet made from an A5 size piece of card stock and designed to hold a gift card on one side and a greeting card on the other. These were made for Father's Day, but they can be made for any occasion.

Most of the embellishing on this one was via sponging and the hand drawn stitching with a stamp 'n write marker pen. It was held shut via a small piece of velcro.

Stamps: Word Play & Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card Stock: Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip & Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: 1" circle punch, corner rounder punch, metallic brad,

Non SU! velcro

Polar Bears

2011-11-26T15:26:00.000+08:00

We went to the zoo today, so much fun, although we didn't get to see polar bears, but this was another great swap card made by Peggy Quarmby using the Zoo Review stamp set. I love the effect of torn paper & shimmer mist spray on the 'icebergs' .

Stamps: Zoo Review & Pettit Pairs

Card Stock: Basic Grey, Bashful Blue & Whisper White

Ink: Basic Grey & Bashful Blue

Accessories: Owl builder punch, frost white shimmer paint, Dimensionals, Tombow.

Non SU! Isocol

Ariel 6"x6" scrapbook page

2011-11-25T22:41:00.000+08:00

Once a year we have a Stampin' Up! demonstrators meeting for our state, a fun filled day of demonstrations, make & takes, ideas and information. One of the highlights are the swaps. I actually got time to make 20 swaps this year - but I think I forgot to photograph mine, so I might have to make another to blog it. This one below was made by the very talented Kylie Leusciatti, such vibrant colours aren't they!

Stamps: Commotion in the Ocean
Ink: Pacific Point
Card Stock: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise & Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Bug Shot, Junior Timeless Type Alphabet, 1 1/4" circle punch, Dimensionals, white gel pen

Build A Blossom

2011-11-24T19:02:00.000+08:00

I love the colours on this card, but for some reason when I photograph Concord Crush it always looks very blue? Anyway this was made for a lovely friends birthday using the new Build A Blossom punch and stamp set - I love the builder punches they save so much cutting out time! What you can't see is the tulip boarder dry embossing around the top of the Concord Crush card stock which gives the card more dimension.

Stamps: Build A Blossom

Ink: Old Olive, Concord Crush, Certainly Celery & Wisteria Wonder

Card Stock: Concord Crush DSP (in colour), Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush

Accessories: Victoria lace, subtle brads, antique brad, Build A Blossom punch, Big Shot, Tulip Embossing Folder

ESAD Summer mini blog hop is coming..............

2011-11-23T19:48:00.000+08:00

The Summer mini Blog Hop Is Coming............December the 1st...........by 25

ESAD Stampin' UP! Demonstrators featuring all new products from the Summer

mini catalogue! If you want a summer mini catalogue sent to you on December

1st please contact me or if you want to come along and play with all new

things from the new catalogue in person we have an RSPCA WA fundraiser on

December the 2nd - see here for details.

Embossed Wedding Card

2011-11-22T06:56:00.000+08:00

This card is the result of getting a phone call from a friend in distress who was in the car, driving to a wedding who had forgotten to make a card! I had less than 10 minutes to create something (after I finished laughing) - amazing what happens when you are on the clock - it isn't fancy but it fits the bill and there is no way I could have done it without my Big Shot - for this months super special on the machine and dies check out the post here! You can't see from the photography as I didn't have long to take the pic, but each of the flower centres' has a basic rhinestone in the centre of it so the card had lots of sparkle!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Baja Breeze
Card Stock: Baja Breeze & Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot, Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, modern label punch, Dimensionals, organza ribbon, rhinestone brad, basic rhinestones & stamping sponge.

Sneek Peek - Fabulous Florets!

2011-11-21T06:28:00.000+08:00

Not long now until the new mini catalogue is released (if you want one sent to you on December 1st - please just contact me so I can add you to the list - they are FREE), alternatively you could join us for an evening of crafty fun whilst raising money for the RSPCA WA ( details here ). The card below is made using one of the gorgeous new stamp sets that will be in the mini called Fabulous Florets by the ever talented Samantha F. in our demonstrator group swap this month.

Stamps: Fabulous Florets

Ink: Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler & Crumb Cake

Card Stock: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler & Crumb Cake

Accessories: Scallop border punch, Twine, Dimensionals, paper snips.

Magazine Card Holder

2011-11-20T06:03:00.000+08:00

There is a really cute mini magazine holder on page 132 of the Ideas Book & Catalogue (IB&C) that I thought would be perfect for use in my downline meeting this month, but I also used them as a hostess gift holder as well. They are sized to fit standard C6 sized envelopes and cards. For our meeting we actually decorated them using the wheels as we did a mini workshop on wheel techniques, but you can decorate them however you like or just use DSP as per the example in the IB&C. We decided that they would make lovely gifts containing a few handmade cards for elderly relatives or those that are challenging to buy for.

The new chocolate chip polka dot scalloped ribbon is definitely one of my favourites from the new catalogue and I continued the polka dot theme on the label with a white gel pen.

Stamps: Baroque motifs, Elements of Style
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Card Stock: Baja Breeze & Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Polka Dot scalloped grosgrain ribbon, curly label punch, 1" circle punch, white gel pen, Sticky Strip.

Merry & Type Partial Embossing

2011-11-19T09:29:00.000+08:00

This is a super cool and simple technique that has been on the web for a while, I honestly can't remember where I first saw it I'm thinking it was probably on Dawn O's blog? You simply take a piece of chipboard (available now as sheets to buy on page 155 #114320 which is awesome as they make great die cut shapes to embellish) and cut a shape you want to show up patterned - in this case a triangle shape. I then sticky taped it to the OUTSIDE of the embossing folder, placed the white card stock inside as per normal and left off the bottom standard pad and ran it through the embossing folder as normal. I tend to get better results with the crease pad as the top layer than the standard cutting pad - but that is my preference for what I have found works with my Big Shot best.

The embossing folder I used for this card is on sale this month - so if you want to save yourself some money, contact me to place an order now.

Stamps Merry & Type

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Card Stock: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White & Regals Pattern Stack DSP

Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Petals A Plenty textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, Decorative label punch.

Faux Mother Of Pearl

2011-11-18T06:31:00.000+08:00

Each month we get together at demonstrator meetings and have a chat, participate in swaps and also practice or learn new techniques/templates. I get to go to two demonstrator meetings a month as I attend one that my upline holds and then run one that my downline come to if they chose - so if you want to join my team you won't be left stranded for support or ideas! At my upline meeting this month we made this beautiful card with the faux mother of pearl technique. I have a blue tag to attach across the DSP, but I can't decide what sentiment I want on the card at the moment so will attach it when I give the card. Sadly the beautiful soft pearl effect on the butterfly doesn't show up well with my photography either!

Stamps: Just Believe

Ink: Sahara Sand, Marina Mist, black Stazon, Old Olive & More Mustard

Card Stock: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Sahara Sand, & Neutrals DSP

Accessories: Scallop lace border punch, Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies die, Dimensionals, Aqua Painter, basic pearls, Frost White Shimmer Paint, stamping sponges.

Double Brayer Embossing to Make Gingham

2011-11-17T06:30:00.005+08:00

Here's a variation on the previous brayered embossing technique from earlier this week here.....you just do the technique twice, but rotate the card stock 90' when you put it into the inked embossing folder - super cute gingham effect isn't it?

Stamps: Easy Events
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder & Black Stazon
Card stock: Basic black, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Accessories: Blender pen, Striped embossing folder, Dimensionals, Big Shot.

Big Shot Mini Memo Hangers

2011-11-16T07:36:00.000+08:00

Actually I have no idea what to call these things - I made up some bits and pieces for a fete recently and below was one of them. They are made by adhering DSP (designer series paper - I used some retired patterns but the new patterns would look lovely too!) to chip board or similar (I used the thick white card that acts as a backing sheet on the DSP packs) with either the Anywhere glue stick or my favourite the multipurpose adhesive sheets. I then die cut the shape twice to form the covers and then die cut several layers (~6 at a time) of white copy paper, used my crop-a-dile to hole punch everything and held it all together with a ring clip that I bought from a stationary shop. Such a cool thing for adding to a bag when you need to write a quick note or phone number down!

If you don't have a Big Shot or are after the Beautiful Butterflies die - they are both on sale this month (along with several other dies) check out the sale here and contact me to place an order.

Brayered Dry Embossing

2011-11-15T08:07:00.000+08:00

I recently did a Big Shot techniques class - which could have easily filled about four time slots as there is so much cool stuff you can do with this die cut machine! One of the techniques was brayering the top of an embossing folder and then putting the card stock into the machine - so you get an almost letter press effect. The brayering can be done on either side of the embossing folder so you would get a positive or negative effect. Of course the best part is the brayer and embossing folder clean up super fast with water as the Classic inks are water based so no staining! (this might not be the case with the black ink though as that is water proof - but i haven't used black for this technique yet so can't comment on the staining of it, although that wouldn't effect the performance of the folder or brayer).

Stamps: Word Play

Ink: Baja Breeze & Early Expresso

Card Stock: Whisper White & Early Expresso

Accessories: Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, Big Shot, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Organza ribbon, paper piercer.

Harry's Movie Present

2011-11-14T20:16:00.000+08:00

My son had a friends 6th birthday to go to on the weekend and I'm always a bit challenged when it comes to thinking of what to buy for children as I know how I feel about lots of plastic stuff and the 2 minute toys (i.e. they play with them for 2 minutes and then they either break or the child loses interest in them) and I wasn't sure what books he likes to read/be read so I took the cheats way out and bought some movie tickets for him. My son helped me die cut the letters for his name, stamped the tag and chose the lollies (treats/candy/sweets) to add to the bag for eating whilst watching the movie(s) and this was the result - fast, effective gift packaging that was unique! (the parrot sticker was also my sons addition to the packaging).

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes

Ink: Real Red
Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red
Accessories: Timeless Type Junior Alphabet, Spiral Punch (retired), Tombow Glue, hemp twine, 1/16" handheld punch.

BIG Big Shot Savings

2011-11-01T21:23:00.001+08:00

Ever been tempted to buy a Big Shot or some of the gorgeous dies for it??? This super versatile machine can cut over 50 different materials (list here). This month is a good month to cross it off your wish list (or I'll be happy to gift wrap it for putting under the Christmas tree so someone else can cross it off their list!). All the details can be found here or are listed below - make sure you read all the way to the bottom as there are TWO more offers exclusive to me available!

During November, get 10% off select Big Shot dies. Use these exclusive dies to create fabulous shapes for scrapbooking and card making, dry embossing card stock or making sensational gifts.

Page	Item	Description	Retail Price	10% Off Price
156	117332	Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die	$21.95	$19.75
156	114515	Flower Burst Embosslits Die	$21.95	$19.75
157	114517	Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	$14.95	$13.45
157	116824	Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	$14.95	$13.45
157	119277	Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	$14.95	$13.45
158	113440	Buttons #5 Sizzlits® Die	$9.95	$8.95
159	113466	Pillow Box BigzT Die	$36.95	$33.25
159	114507	Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die	$39.95	$35.95
159	120903	Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die	$39.95	$35.95
160	115953	Mover & Shapers Punch Windows	$54.95	$49.45
160	120893	Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die	$69.95	$62.95
160	121810	Petal Cone Bigz L Die	$59.95	$53.95

Click to the right of my blog menu under categories and select 'Big Shot" and you will see some of the things that I've made with it.

If you don't have a Big Shot machine you can either take advantage of the super special offer below or you could get your Big Shot for half price at just $74.98 plus S&H by simply hosting a $600 workshop. You can get your machine for the 50% off and use your Hostess Dollars you earn to purchase the discounted dies - which based on a $600 workshop would be $100 how cool is that!

Page	Description	Retail Value	10% Off Price	Item
155	Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine	$186.85	$168.16	128944
156	Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die
157	Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Now here's my personal offer #1: For any purchase of a Big Shot machine I will buy you a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder of your choice (see page 157 of the current catalogue RRP$14.95).

If you are not sure how to get the maximum amount of versatility out of the Big Shot why not come along to the Big Shot techniques class next week, where you can learn some tricks of the trade, test the machine out and ask lots of questions.

Personal Offer #2: place any order over $50 with me on the weekend of the 5th & 6th of November 2011 and you will go in the draw to win a $40 voucher to spend on SU! products (to be used before the 31st of March 2012, order total still attracts the 5% postage charges, i.e. I will take $40 off the total amount owing)

Of course if you want a permanent discount on all of your Stampin' Up! products and a host of other great benefits, check out page 169 of the IB&C for details about the Starter Kit or contact me for more details.

So if you want Big Shot savings, to host a workshop, join in a class or just take advantage of any of the special offers listed above why not contact me today.

Summer Mini Catalogue Launch Fundraiser for the RSPCA WA!!!!

2011-10-30T20:45:00.000+08:00

Yes - it's almost time for a new mini catalogue! Can you believe it - I'm still working my way through my very, very long wish list from the main Idea Book & Catalogue - the code for "winning Lotto ticket" seems to be missing so I must email head office about that!

In a nutshell the format for the next fundraiser is FIVE awesome projects made with lots of new stamps, dies, punches, papers & embellishments......there is a registration PDF here

Where: St. James Anglican Church, Cnr Elderberry Drive and Hacketiana Ave, South Lake

When: Friday 2^nd December 2011

Time: 7pm to 10.30pm (doors open 6.45pm)

Cost: $30 which includes all materials for 5 projects, supper, door prizes, displays to inspire, new Summer mini Catalogue and free delivery on all orders placed on the day over $50 (excluding postage)

Who: Anyone aged over 15 and who loves to stamp and papercraft (babies in arms excepted)

Optional: A camera to capture the action and ideas, there will also be auctions & raffle tickets!

It is a first come first served basis, if you have ANY questions about the event, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Embossed Stripes with Merry & Type

2011-10-28T19:23:00.002+08:00

This was the last card in the Christmas stamp a stack for this month that we made - CASEd from the ever talented LeeAnn G. (although I did see a similar card on a few blogs, so I'm not sure who thought up the idea of only embossing half the card front first - but it was a good one!). The Stitched Stockings stamp set & builder punch is only available until the end of this month and then won;t be available again until the release of the Summer mini catalogue on December 1st.

My next Christmas Stamp a Stack is on the afternoon of Saturday November 19th and if you want to come along please let me know - they'll be all new designs again!

Stamps: Merry & Type
Ink: Old Olive
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red & Whisper White
Accessories: Striped Embossing Folder, Tasteful Trim die, Big Shot, Stocking builder punch, Basic Rhinestones, Old Olive Scallop polka dot ribbon, Dimensionals, 1/16" handheld punch, hemp twine.

Dinoroar Tyrannosaurus Rex

2011-10-25T06:09:00.000+08:00

Here's the other card that I made with the Triceratops the other day.....CASEd from Christie O.

and the Triceratops layout done with the Brachiosaurus (well at least I think it's a Brachiosaurus???)

Stamps: Dinoroar
Ink: Black Stazon & Wild Wasabi
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, In-Colour DSP
Accessories: Scallop Circle #2, Big Shot, Circle Scissors Plus, Rhinestone brads, water colour pencils, blender pen, Dimensionals

Dinoroar

2011-10-24T08:07:00.000+08:00

I am loving the variety of "boy" stamp sets in the new catalogue as lets face it not all males like glitter and flower die cuts and like most young boys ours is enamoured with dinosaurs so the new Dinoroar is perfect. Although I must confess the DSP is retired, I didn't realise until after I had used it that it was, so opps, but I am sure that you could use the Patterns Stack to get paper in Wild Wasabi/Garden Green or there is one sheet that is very green in the Eat Cake pack as well.

Stamps: Dinoroar
Ink: Wild Wasabi & Stazon Black
Card Stock: Concord Crush, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White & Woodland Walk DSP.
Accessories: Houndstooth embossing folder, Big Shot, So Saffron brads, water colour pencils, blender pen, stamping sponge, Dimensionals.

Saffron Monochrome

2011-10-20T08:15:00.000+08:00

One of the really fun things about being a demonstrator is participating in swaps at meetings when we get together, totally optional of course, but it's a lot of fun and you get some terrific ideas from other people. At our monthly get togethers we usually try to do a swap and also at regional conferences and training days. This is a gorgeous card from a few months ago made by the very talented Samantha F. for our monochrome swap. It takes So Saffron to a whole new level doesn't it?

Stamps: Tiny Tags

Card Stock: Whisper White & So Saffron

Ink: So Saffron

Accessories: Subtles brads, 5-Petal punch, Jewelry tag punch, Bird Builder Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punches, bitty buttons, fancy flower punch, Big Shot, vintage wallpaper embossing folder, square lattice embossing folder, polka dot embossing folder, basic pearls, linen thread, cutter kit, stamping sponges.

Button Buddies Shades of Purple Birthday!

2011-10-19T06:20:00.000+08:00

For our demonstrators meeting last month our swap theme was anything from the new catalogue. I got to borrow Button Buddies from a fellow demonstrator and had a lovely play to come up with this......in the photograph the Elegant Eggplant scallop ribbon has come out a weird colour - rest assured it's the photographer not the ribbon that is a bit weird. The darker purple flower was punched out perfectly with the co-ordinating punch, raised up and had the centre glittered to add some bling.

Stamps: Button Buddies & Happiest Birthday Wishes

Ink: Wisteria Wonder & Concord Crush

Card Stock: Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, Whisper White

Accessories: Scallop Dotted ribbon Elegant Eggplant, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects & Dazzling Diamonds

Merry & Type Ornaments

2011-10-18T08:25:00.000+08:00

This was the last for the Stamp-a-Stack using Merry and Type........it was CASEd from a super talented Canadian lady called Lynsay M. and I just loved it - although I am very partial to colouring images!

Stamps: Merry and Type
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Early Expresso
Ink: Early Expresso
Accessories: Blender pen, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals

Stitched Stocking Christmas Card

2011-10-17T06:24:00.002+08:00

The third in the latest Stamp-a-Stack class is one using the new Stitched Stocking stamp set which has a co-ordinating punch and you can earn for FREE by hosting a party in October or purchase as a pre-order this month.

Stamps: Merry and Type & Tiny Tags

Card Stock: Letters to Santa DSP, Riding Hood Red, Early Expresso, Whisper White, Old Olive

Ink: Early Expresso

Accessories: Hemp twine, mini library clips, jewelry tag punch, 1/16" handheld punch, basic rhinestones, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, stamping sponge, paper snips.

Zoo Scrapbook Pages

2011-10-15T18:43:00.001+08:00

I have literally hundreds of photographs from our visits to the zoo, both here, interstate and overseas - we totally love visiting zoos! Recently I made up some scrap pages to showcase just 5 photos from these visits featuring our child of course. They didn't turn out like the pages I had sketched out mentally in my head, but I wanted to use the photographs full size rather than cropping them down or doing a series of small prints.

I went a bit overboard with the leaves - but a wonderful part of our zoo visits are exploring all of the different plants, trees and shrubs that make up the animals habitat. They range from exotic to almost weed varieties, but they are all part of the zoo experience.

The monkey punch art is from a Kim S. tutorial (the valentines one here) and virtually everything else was cut with the Big Shot - I am so living that machine, no more running out of letters when you are making your titles!

I haven't added journalling to these pages yet (I need to check the date on one of the photographs first), but I was envisaging writing around the photographs and also inside the 'fun' tag - I am loving the new Two Tags die, so versatile.

If you would like to come and make these pages, they are the ones that we will be making on Tuesday (details here , so let me know ASAP if you want to come along and join in the fun.

Stamps: D is for Dog & Woodgrain

Card Stock: Neutrals patterns pack DSP, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive & Always Artichoke.

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Junior Timeless Type alphabet, Leaves #2 dies, Big Shot, Simple Letters Alphabet, stamping sponge, Hemp Twine, Two Tags die, Crop-a-dile, 1/2" circle punch, Dimensionals, (monkey punches as per Kim's tutorial).

Merry & Type Cracker

2011-10-15T08:14:00.003+08:00

The next stamp-a-stack was all based around two stamp sets - Merry and Type and Stitched Stockings, the next one is designed to be like a Christmas cracker - cute hey! I borrowed the fold idea from a UK demonstrator called Elaine H. who blogged it back in 2008, but I've given it a bit of a makeover! It fits in a standard size C6 envelope and I added two panels in whisper white on the back so you can write your messages on one side and the other I stamped and coloured the ornaments from this set.

Stamps: Merry and Type
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red, Letters to Santa DSP, Old Olive & Whisper White
Ink: Early Expresso
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, decorative label punch, Dimensionals, bone folder, corner rounder punch.

Merry & Type Fold Square

2011-10-14T20:12:00.001+08:00

Well I've been busy playing with some new stamp sets and designer papers this week....and still my wish list for items in the new catalogue is massive! I've been designing some cards for my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack (see here if you are interested in coming along) and this is one of them - what do you think?

Stamps: Merry and Type
Card Stock: Riding Hood Red, Early Expresso, Whisper White & Letters to Santa DSP
Ink: Early Expresso & Riding Hood Red
Accessories: 1 3/8" square punch, 1 1/4" square punch, basic Rhinestones, blender pen, Dimensionals & bone folder.

Book-a-thon!!!!!!!!

2011-10-11T15:00:00.000+08:00

So we're having a fun challenge with Stampin' Up! for the next 24 hours (finishes 2pm WST Wednesday) we are having a worldwide book-a-thon! That means I am aiming to get workshop bookings for the week of the 1st-8th November .... the first to contact details for me to ring & book today receives a bonus gift!

Don't forget the new hostess rewards structure means that you get a lot more choice in your rewards and also a lot more rewards than in previous years! Now is the perfect time to be gathering ideas for Christmas cards and gifts and I would love to help you with that!

Stamps: Stitched Stockings Set, Welcome Christmas Set

Card Stock: Melon mambo Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock, Brights Patterns Designer Series

Paper

Ink: Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin‘ Pad®, Melon Mambo Classic Stampin‘ Pad, Lucky Limeade

Stampin‘ Write® Marker, Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin‘ Ink® Refill

Accessories: Lucky Limeade 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon; White Baker’s Twine; Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Mini Library Clips; Scallop Edge Punch, Stocking Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes

Punch Pack, Big Shot™, Stripes Textured Impressions™ Embossing Folder, Sponge Daubers.

Pennant Parade Christmas Card

2011-10-09T19:20:00.000+08:00

I love how versatile the Pennant Parade stamp set is - perfect for birthdays, baby arrival, thank you's, anniversary's, Christmas and more! Below is a Christmas one I made recently for a class using the new specialty paper Morning Mocha, it's so lovely - some sheets have lovely flocked texture on them and others a metallic sheen.

Stamps: Merry & Type, Pennant Parade & Tiny Tags
Ink: Expresso, Soft Suede, Versamark & Crumb Cake
Card Stock: Morning Mocha, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Accessories: Heat gun, clear embossing powder, crumb cake seam binding, jewelry tag punch, Big Shot, Scallop circle #2, Petite Pennants builder punch, stamping sponge, linen thread, paper piercer, mat pack, itty bitty shapes punch pack, Dimensionals.

Triple Layer Punches

2011-10-02T06:50:00.000+08:00

Ever wondered how to use the new Stampin' Up! Triple Layer Punches? Shannon West from Stampin' Up! has made an instructional video on them that I thought I would share with you.

Aren't they cool punches? I confess to only owning one of them at the moment, but they are so easy and fun to use I might have to get the other one! Of course if you want to have a play with it in the flesh or place an order for one - contact me and I'll be happy to help.

Stitched Stocking - buy early or earn them FREE!

2011-10-01T08:54:00.000+08:00

Happy World Card Making Day - sadly i don't have a card to show you today - but I do have something else super special! Stampin' Up! have an awesome new promotion for the month of October, you purchase the Stitched Stocking Stamp Set and Stocking Tag Punch early--before the debut of the 2011 Summer Mini Catalogue on December 1st to get a head start on all those festive greeting cards OR host a workshop in October and with sales of $450 you can receive the Stitched Stocking Stamp Set (clear or wood mount) and the co-ordinating Stocking Tag Punch for free!!!! That's in addition to the other hostess benefits.......e.g. for a $450 sales at a workshop as a hostess you normally would receive e.g.

Ideas Book & Catalogue for free (RRP$12.95)
FREE thank you gift
FREE make and take project of your choice
FREE hostess dollars (based on $450 workshop = $60)
PLUS for October you also get FREE the Stitched Stocking stamp set (in clear or wood mount) and the Stocking Tag Punch (minimum RRP$76.90

All this and more whilst having some fun & creative time out with friends! So contact me today 0421482578 or email to book a date for some inky fun!

Technique Classes

2011-09-30T09:48:00.000+08:00

Whenever I run a technique class I always hand out written notes that are based upon my experience or sometimes also include directions from the product packaging or company website etc. Normally we cover 3-4 different variations on one technique and then make a card using each of the techniques and do a sample swatch of it so when you have given away the lovely cards (yes they are meant to be shared not hoarded!!) you have a visual reference to them for future. These are what the sample swatches look like, from the recent masking class) that are then stuck onto the participants class note pages.

Want to join in an upcoming class - check out what is scheduled and as always feel free to suggest class themes etc that you would like to see happening.

Masking Trees

2011-09-29T20:00:00.000+08:00

Another of the cards we did recently at the masking class was this one - with one of my all time favourite stamps sets - I confess to being very happy when this one did not retire in August!

The mask was cut using a window sheet and the largest oval in the ovals die. It didn't show up in the photograph, but there is glitter on the large tree to add highlights. This would look great made up for Christmas - just change the sentiment and maybe the colours if you wanted to.

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Word Play
Ink: More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler & Chocolate Chip
Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard & Very Vanilla
Accessories: Bog Shot, Ovals die, Window Sheet, stamping sponge, basic rhinestone, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds.

African Giraffe

2011-09-26T19:46:00.000+08:00

There are so many fabulous stamp sets in the new catalogue I want to use them all! I did use the new Zoo review set in a recent scrap class and for this card below which was part of a masking class.

Stamps: Zoo Review & You're A Gem

Ink: Black Stazon, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Early Expresso

Card Stock: Early Expresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Linen thread, Big Shot, Houndstooth textured impressions embossing folder, stamping sponges, Aquapainter, 3/4" circle punch, 1/16" handheld punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL. 1" circle punch, Dotto

Upcycled Button/Brad Container

2011-09-25T17:11:00.000+08:00

I've seen similar items like this on the web and had to have a go at making one myself - super cute and quick. If you don't have any empty button or brad containers you can buy the Stack & Store Containers in sets of 6 from the catalogue for AUD$7.50 #103649.

Doesn't it look pretty - it's one of the new in-colours Pool Party - looks lovely with the Chocolate Chip scallop ribbon doesn't it and the new Perfect Pennant die fits on top of the container well just perfectly! Ideal for holding treats or a small present.

Card Stock: Pool Party
Accessories: Perfect Pennant die, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder, Chocolate Chip scallop ribbon, Basic Pearls, Scallop Circle die, Sticky Strip.

Join my Stampin' Up! Family and get more free gifts!

2011-09-24T19:25:00.000+08:00

Well not only is there an amazing joining bonus at the moment with the mini starter kit at $169 & the full starter kit at a 20% discount ($231.20) see here for details, but for the next two weeks (September 25-October 8th) you also get FREE a stamp set You Are Loved as an additional bonus!

Gorgeous isn't it! So email me now if you have any questions about joining or want more information and when you are ready, get your credit card and just click the "join now" button on my website!

Water coloured Ute

2011-09-15T06:26:00.000+08:00

This was a card we made at a water colouring class a while back, we were trying out all the different ways to colour with Stampin' Up! products e.g. water colour crayons, Classic ink pads, Stampin' write marker pens, blender pens, water colour pencils, Aqua painters, pastels - so many different combinations! This was a fun card that the participants could make up and depending upon the colours chosen and the sentiment would have been suitable for many different occasions.

Stamps: Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories

Ink: Black Stazon, Always Artichoke

Card Stock: Crumb Cake, water colour paper, Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Circle Scissors Plus, Real Red striped grosgrain ribbon, stamp-a-ma-jig, Dimensionals, SNAIL, water colour crayons, Aquapainter.

Pennants Parade - Two Different Looks, One Card

2011-09-14T06:30:00.000+08:00

Each month Stampin' Up! demonstrators get sent a monthly newsletter, Impressions, and last month there was a Christmas card made using the new Pennant Parade stamp set and co-ordinating punch. It was a lovely card and I decided to base a similar card on it.

I then decided that this would be a lovely card for a make and take at my new catalogue launch, but not everyone likes making Christmas cards in August.......so I changed the elements of the card around to make a birthday card - same colours, same ribbon & paper, same stamps, but a very different look!

Stamps: Pennant Parade, Four Frames
Card Stock: Eat Cake DSP, So Saffron, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron
Accessories: Chocolate Chip scallop dots ribbon, Dimensionals, Decorative Label Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Petite Pennants Builder Punch, Hemp Twine, 1/16" handheld punch, Stamping Sponges.

Delicate Doilies Friend

2011-09-13T06:24:00.001+08:00

Here's another card I made using the new Delicate Doilies & Four Frames stamp sets. Very simple and suitable for any occasion (just add the sentiment when it's time to send it) - it could be made up in any colours and look lovely, I added a few basic rhinestones in the doily centres to glam it up a bit.

Stamps: Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Delicate Doilies
Ink: Crumb cake, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler
Card Stock: Whisper White, Crumb cake, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Word Window Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals, SNAIL.

Fun Flowers Card

2011-09-12T06:28:00.000+08:00

This was one of the two make & takes we made at my new catalogue launch, where some lovely ladies had LOTS of fun playing with new product, seeing the new displays and having a lovely evening. I wanted to use the new Fun Flowers die, as well in my opinion the picture of it in the catalogue does not do it justice and it is too nice a die to be overlooked! I CASEd the design from Dawn G. I wanted to use one of the new textured impressions embossing designs behind the flower, but my new catalogue order has not arrived yet so I used the polka dot one.

I did leave out one small circle layer that the die cuts as I felt it didn't need it. The sentiment could easily be changed to suit the occasion, one lady did it as an anniversary card which I thought was a lovely idea.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Early Expresso
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Early Expresso, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Fun Flowers die, Big Shot, Scallop Trim Border punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Polka Dot Textured Impressions folder, basic pearls, SNAIL, stamping sponge.

Upcycled Ribbon Roll Centres

2011-09-11T15:10:00.000+08:00

So what do you do when you have emptied your ribbon spool? You could of course add the plastic ribbon spool to the recycling bin, or you upcycle it into a treat tube!

Isn't that new chocolate chip scallop dots ribbon divine? I made the clear plastic tube from a clear window sheet. The lid comes off to access the treats - which of course don't have to be edible, hair clips or small pencils or other things would also fit in it.

I added flowers with the Boho Blossom punch centred with a metallic gold brad and a tag from Tiny Tags.

This is a terrific way to recycle your ribbon spools as well as using up scraps of ribbon and DSP. If you want to try lots of different coloured ribbons without the massive outlay check out my ribbon share here.

Stamps: Tiny Tags
Card Stock: Eat Cake DSP, Poppy Parade, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Window Sheets, Gold brad, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1" circle punch, Scallop Trim punch, Jewelry Tag punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch (flower), Boho Blossoms Punch, Stocky Strip, SNAIL, Chocolate Chip Scallop Dots ribbon.

ESAD New Catalogue Blog Hop - Fabric Fun

2011-09-09T22:08:00.001+08:00

So are you enjoying the new 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! catalogue? To give you some idea of a few of the new products you can hop your way around a series of ESAD blogs to view a wide variety of projects made using them. Hopefully you have come here from Christie's blog and will have a look at what I've made using some of the new Stampin' Up! fabric and Big Shot dies.

What is ESAD?

ESAD stands for "Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators" and it is an on-line group just for Australian and New Zealand Stampin Up demonstrators.

We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends, and wonderful blog visitors, but we share our love for what we do with each other as demonstrators. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know-how, and cyberstamps, and we are always there to help and support each other when it is needed.

So if you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand, then please fee free to click here to join our wonderful group

I have been busy with the new Deck the Halls fabric - so exciting to have fabric in patterns and colours to match the Stampin' Up! inks! The first item I made was a basic tote bag (you can find the pattern here). I used the Tasteful Trim Big Shot die to cut out the contrast fabric and adhere it using the new iron on adhesive, I also added stitched layer for extra contrast.

The flower was made using the new Fun Flowers die and it is such an awesome die - totally gorgeous and it makes such lovely layered flowers, I added a matching button in the centre from the Regal Designer Buttons pack.

I can see me using these flowers to embellish a number of projects in the future including hair clips, boxes, cards, notebooks as well as other bags - what would you use them for?

The second project I have made is actually still a work in progress as what started out as testing how the Big Shot dies cut felt and other fabrics (i.e. how many layers they can cut at once). I couldn't bare to waste them, so I added a few felt flowers to brighten up my yoga/meditation blanket and then it sort of spiraled out of control!

The flowers are from the new Fun Flowers die and the butterflies were cut using the Beautiful Wings Big Shot die. The flowers and butterflies are now making their way all around the edge of the blanket, they are all hand stitched together before being hand sewn onto the blanket.

I love how the die shapes all layer together perfectly, I've done all the colours and placement of the items randomly and love how the final product looks like I've spent hours matching up colours and arranging them!

Thanks for stopping by to look at my work, the next blog on the hop is Sharlene's here so go and see what she has been busy making.

Fathers Day Chocolate

2011-09-04T09:12:00.000+08:00

It's Father's Day here in Australia today! I'm in the dog house though as I've been sick for a week as have my boys and between taking time off work, the new catalogue launch and everything else since my husband was away for a week as well I forgot to mail my own Dad's card - opps! Anyway here's something I made a couple of weeks ago - a modified chocolate slider.........

The shirt pulls out to reveal the greeting on the back of it

and then the top lifts up to get to the good part................

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Elegant Soiree DSP, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: Neutrals designer buttons, corner rounder punch, Sticky Strip, mini glue dots
Non SU!: Chocolate bar

Join the Stampin' Up! Family

2011-09-03T00:04:00.000+08:00

Wow September has certainly started with a bang! Not only did we get a gorgeous new catalogue, but we also got the best joining offer I have seen - you have the opportunity to start your own Stampin' Up! business for just $169 or purchase the regular joining kit at a 20% discount! Don't forget you no longer need to have an ABN number to join, you just need a credit card and in no time at all you'll be enjoying some fabulous perks of being a demonstrator!

I confess to being someone who was hesitant about joining almost two years ago, but I really needed to have my stamping hobby pay for itself as there just wasn't the money in the budget with my husband studying full time to spend on all my crafting wants - well guess what, Stampin' Up! has more than covered all the costs of my crafting supplies, I have met some wonderful people who I am now really proud to call my friends and I'm having a tonne of fun along the way!

Stampin' Up! provides lots of bonuses as well as regular incentives that include product, cash and trips, training online and face to face, free monthly magazine, online discussion group, 2 months free website hosting, annual convention, webinars and much more. Our group has monthly meetings for training and discussions, swaps, promotion incentives and a lot of fun!

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to give me a call as I'd be happy to get together and discuss anything with you and if you've made up your mind already, just click here now to go to my website where you can join simply by clicking the "join now" button at the top right below my contact details!

Ribbon Shares

2011-09-02T17:37:00.001+08:00

Want all the new ribbons without the massive outlay?

Each ribbon share will have 2m of each colour and you can buy more than one share if you want lots for a project!

Postage is extra and at cost.

To purchase simply phone or email me now!

All ribbons are on pages 138-139 of the 2011-2012 Catalogue& Ideas Book

New In Colours for 2011: 3/8” grosgrain ribbon with small ruffled edges in five colours: Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder. 2m each colour = $21.00 per share

Denim Jean Ribbon: 3/8” wide ribbon with the look and feel of denim, 2m each Artichoke and Blue = $6.50 per share

Scallop Dots Ribbon: ½” grosgrain ribbon with printed white polka dots on one side and scallop edges with pinholes. 2m each of the ten different colours – Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Elegant Eggplant, Marina Mist, Melon Mambo, More Mustard, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink & Tangerine Tango = $34 per share

Seam Binding Ribbon: ½” wide soft ribbon that drapes like silk in 7 colours, 2m of each in Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red & Very Vanilla = $21 per share.

Do You Need A New Stampin' Up! Catalogue????

2011-09-01T08:17:00.001+08:00

Yes - the wait is finally over! The new 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Catalogue is HERE! Want to take a look inside? Well there are a few ways you can do that - you could click here or the icon to the right and it will give you a PDF of the new catalogue that you can look through, you could host a party (check out the super new hostess benefits - they are SO good), or you could just purchase a catalogue from me as I have them in stock. So lots of options and lots of fun new things in the catalogue too!

Highlights of the new catalogue includes designer fabric, the Big Shot has been reduced to just $149.95! clear mount block storage, Big Shot die storage, not to mention amazing new dies, punches, designer papers and the lovely new in colours!

There are lots more exciting things happening - including a super special joining offer which I will post more details soon, a ribbon share I am doing and more about the new hostess benefits!

Star Card

2011-08-31T20:38:00.000+08:00

I made a card to match the box from my last post (it should have gone up sooner but I managed to pick up a nasty bug from doing parents help in my childs' class which has put me out of action for a few days this week - why do parents send their children to school sick - it just infects everyone else - sorry rant over!). This card isn't hard, you have to make sure that all of your scoring is accurate otherwise it won't hold together accurately.

Stamps: Perfect Punches,
Ink: Basic Black & Real Red
Card Stock: Real Red, Whisper White & Newsprint DSP
Accessories: Decorative label punch, Oval XL punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL, Sticky Strip, stamping sponge.

Star Gift Box

2011-08-25T08:04:00.000+08:00

So I'm back working a 5 month contract with the STAR programme at the moment & to celebrate we made this cool box and a matching card in a class recently (I'll show you the card in tomorrow's post). These boxes are terrific as they are fairly simple and you can embellish them any way you chose. The template for it can be purchased here. They are perfect for holding chocolates, or a small gift nestled in shredded paper.

Sneek Peek - Hello Delicate Doily Posy Punch

2011-08-24T08:17:00.000+08:00

Here's a card I CASEd from Debbie N. using a new Big Shot die called Fun Flowers and new stamp sets called Delicate Doilies & Posy Punch (I am so loving that hostess set!). Each layer was separated with Dimensionals and I added some basic rhinestones to jazz it up just that little bit. Want to get your new catalogue at a discount with some freebies & also vouchers exclusively redeemable with me to use throughout the year - order your copy now! or to come play with new products for free come along and join in the fun of the new catalogue launch. Melon Mambo looks so nice with Basic Grey - don't you think?

Stamps: Delicate Doilies & Posy Punch
Ink: Basic Grey, Melon Mambo & Pretty in Pink
Card Stock: Basic Grey, Melon Mambo & Whisper White
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Fancy Flower Punch XL, Big Shot, Fun Flowers die, Melon Mambo 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, SNAIL, Dimensionals, 1" circle punch.

Sneek Peek - Hello Punch Posy!

2011-08-23T06:23:00.000+08:00

I'm so excited only 8 days until the new catalogue is released! Here's a sneak peek at another of the new stamp sets, this is an exclusive hostess one, the hostess programme is changing from the 1st of September and honestly as a hostess you will be able to earn a lot more benefits from hosting workshops - so excited for you all - if you want to book a party, contact me here.

Stamps: Punch Posy
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Early Expresso
Card Stock: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Early Expresso
Accessories: Fancy Flower XL punch, 3/4" circle punch, 1" circle punch, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, neutrals buttons, linen thread, Dimensionals. SNAIL, Big Shot, Finial Press die, stamping sponge.

Chocolate Top Note Treat Holder

2011-08-22T10:55:00.000+08:00

All of my customers who place orders with me get a thank you item, sometimes it's a card, sometimes it's some product samples and other times it's chocolate! This time I made up some chocolate holders using the Top Note die - two cut in card stock and one in co-ordinating designer paper. I love how the Top Note die has that perforated inner line - perfect for cutting along!

I added a little thank you sentiment and here is it filled with a yummy little chocolate treat! Don't you love how those perforations are a nice contrast to the card stock?

Stamps: Taking Care of Business

Ink: Baja Breeze

Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Elegant Soiree, Soft Suede

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, Scallop oval punch, large oval punch, SNAIL, Sticky Strip,

Non SU!: Cadbury Freddo frog

Bleaching & Adding Colour

2011-08-20T23:11:00.000+08:00

The last bleach technique that we did in this weeks technique class was adding colour back in after we had bleached it out of a design. This is such a cool technique and awesome for creating lovely effects with a single layer of card stock. The colour you add back in can be from Classic Ink pads, Stampin' write markers, pastels, water colour crayons or water colour pencils - so lots of options! This card was CASEd from Kristy B. who demonstrated it at the 2011 Stampin' Up! convention in May. It works well with any open line stamp image.

Stamps: Elements of Style

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede
Card stock: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Accessories: Heat tool, clear embossing powder, Aqua painter, SNAIL, stamping sponge, stamp-a-ma-jig
Non SU!: bleach

Corner Rounder Punch Video

2011-08-19T18:26:00.000+08:00

I did a post a while ago about the corner rounder punch here, but if you a more visual person you might like to see the video on You Tube that Stampin' Up! head office in America made especially for people who want to learn how to use this punch more efficiently.

For AUD$13.95 it's a great addition to your card making kit #119871 3/16" (0.5cm) corner small.

Bleaching Out Colour

2011-08-18T23:52:00.000+08:00

The second card we made in the techniques class this week was using the gorgeous All A Flutter stamp that is retiring *sniff* I love how realistic this butterfly is. The technique is simple enough, I chose to use a dedicated Aquapainter filled with bleach as I do this technique regularly and like the way that the Aquapainter contains the bleach fumes so preventing me from getting headaches as opposed to using a nylon bristle brush with a little pot of bleach (which also works, but do this in a very well ventilated area where you know that the pot won't be bumped or at risk of spilling).

Here's a close up of the card, I love the depth removing colour from the card stock creates, nice effect isn't it? So what other techniques would you like to see me do in a class??

Stamps: All A Flutter, Because I Care & Very Vintage Jumbo Roller wheel

Ink: Versamark

Card Stock: Baja Breeze & Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Paper snips, Dimensionals, SNAIL, clear embossing powder, heat tool, powder pal, embossing buddy, basic pearls, Aquapainter.

Non SU!: bleach.

Background Bleaching

2011-08-14T18:58:00.000+08:00

Yes - finally something for more exciting to do with bleach than clean the toilet! The technique class that I am running this week involves three different stamping techniques all using bleach - don't worry the bleach smell doesn't stay on the card stock after you have applied it! Lots of fun - still spots available if you want to join us - details are here.

Stamps: Just Believe
Card Stock: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip & Old Olive
Accessories: Paper piercer, jumbo brad, scallop trim border punch, Dimensionals, stamping sponge, basic pearls, 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon (retired), stamp-a-ma-jig, SNAIL.
Non SU!: bleach

Big Shot Butterflies

2011-08-10T08:15:00.000+08:00

Finally here's a card!! Yes it's been a while, but here is a card - although I confess not made by me, it was the ever talented Michelle C. it was part of our demonstrator swap a few months ago when the theme was Big Shot............isn't it gorgeous - it uses the retiring Simply Scrappin' Kit papers from Love Letters - for the full retiring list click here.

Card Stock: So Saffron, DSP from Love Letters Simply SCrappin' Kit
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Pretty In Pink 1cm Taffeta ribbon, 1" circle punch, Big Shot, Top Note die, Beautiful Wings embosslit die, Dimensionals.

New Catalogue Launch Party!

2011-08-04T21:23:00.000+08:00

You’re Invited to the

2011-2012 Stampin’ Up! New Catalogue Launch

Are you as excited as I am about the new catalogue & idea book that Stampin’ Up! is releasing soon? Come along to a FREE evening of creative fun from 7.30pm – 10pm on Friday 2^nd September

(NB: There is no charge for the evening, but please RSVP is essential prior to August 31^st to secure your place and kit)

Featuring:

§ Look at the new catalogue

§ Two make & take items using all NEW stamp sets

§ Make an exclusive colour swatch featuring all fifty of the Stampin’ Up! colours

§ Door Prizes*

§ Refreshments

Would love for you to join us for an evening of creative fun – if you have any queries or want to RSVP please contact me today gerlach@iinet.net.au or 0421 482 578. See you there, Ann.

*Earn bonus door prize tickets for:

Each friend you bring along who is new to Stampin’ Up!

Purchasing a catalogue either on the night at normal price or pre-ordering one

Booking a workshop or private class

Placing an order

Taking part in a product share

Pre-Order 2011-12 Catalogue NOW!

2011-08-02T03:08:00.000+08:00

Pre-Order your 2011-2012 Stampin’ Up! Catalogue & Ideas Book and not only will you get it at a special price, but you will also receive some bonus freebies!

For the special price of $10 (save $2.95 off RRP) you get the new catalogue, plus you get a:

v SHEET OF 12 vouchers – a different coupon for every month of the next Stampin’ year – when you order with me!

v magnetic BOOKMARK to mark your favourite page

v Stampin' Up! PEN to fill in those wish lists!

v A5 SAMPLES of the five brand new IN COLORS

v Extra door prize ticket in the catalogue launch party draw on Friday 2^nd September

Payment due on or before 31^st August 2011, either via cash or direct deposit to take advantage of this special offer. ANZ bank account BSB: 016016 Account: 476967137 under name Ann Gerlach. Please leave your SURNAME as reference for me.

Of course if you don't live local - I'll happily mail you this offer for an extra $6 or you could get it for free by hosting a workshop after September 1st - so many options!

Last Chance List Released!

2011-08-01T00:41:00.000+08:00

Yes it's that time of year again............the Last Chance List is out................some things have to be moved out of the catalogue to make room for the new stuff that is coming soon! Some items are up to 40% off RRP so grab a bargain, or grab that stamp set and/or accessory you've been debating about now - as once items run out - they will not be coming back! I will be posting regularly what has run out so contact me sooner rather than later to place an order for the Last Chance List.

Craft Sale Results

2011-07-31T21:06:00.000+08:00

Well I've had a very busy weekend, but I'm really happy with what I've accomplished so yay! It started with the craft sale yesterday, went to drawing the raffle this morning and entertaining some children this morning to spending some quality time with friends that it's been way too long between visits this afternoon.

The craft sale, just wouldn't have happened without some wonderful friends who just arrived without my even asking and helped clear the area and set it all up for the sale (massive thanks to Heather, Graeme & Catherine) and then Heather continued to spend the rest of the day in the kitchen doing all the refreshments with another friend Susie (who felt the need to bake some amazing scones), before all feeling the need to help clean up and put everything back at the end of the day - love your work guys - I owe you!

This is what the day looked like (yes I even forgot to take a camera so thanks again to a friend who took some via her phone for me!). Between the rain breaks we had lots of lovely people stop by and visit.

We were all safely snug indoors so we were fine. There were lots of bargain boxes to rummage through and many awesome bargains to be had!

This was one lovely lady (right) filling in her details after buying raffle tickets - thanks so much to Stampin' Up! for donating 90% of the raffle prizes such a great company that I'm very proud to be involved with as their charity work is fantastic - massive thanks to everyone who bought tickets - you're all wonderful. The raffle and refreshments mean that I will be able to donate the fantastic total to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation of:

$736.93

Thanks everyone! You're all fantastic and I truly appreciate all of your support. Now for the exciting bit......the raffle results were drawn this morning by people who had no vested interest in the outcome, witnessed by four independent adults - so starting with a bonus raffle prize which was donated by the ever generous Deb from Little Design Farm so congratulations to Natalie for winning this prize

the fourth prize which was this awesome pack worth over $270 ....

was won by Annette who I think bought enough raffle tickets to almost buy the pack - thanks for your support, hope you enjoy your prize! Third prize was another awesome pack

won by Melissa - thanks for making such a great effort to support the cause. Second prize was a pack also worth over $270 was this one.....

and won by Heather - congratulations! The first prize pack valued at over $650 was won by a virgin stamper.............

who is open to being corrupted! Congratulations Belinda - I'm sure you are going to have a lot of fun with that pack!

Thank you again to everyone who helped out on the day, came along as a seller, a buyer or just for moral support. Rumour has it I'll be organising another one for next year - thinking mid March - any thoughts as I'd appreciate all feedback on the day as there was lots of good bits, but also areas for improvement! Have a good weekend and I'll be back to regular blogging tomorrow with the Last Chance List - yes not long now until we get our new catalogue!!!!

PMH Raffle Tickets!

2011-07-26T21:23:00.000+08:00

I'm currently in the middle of organising the craft sale (see sticky post above) for this Saturday and as part of the afternoon there will be refreshments on sale and a raffle to help raise funds for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation (our states children's hospital). There are always an infinite array of pieces of equipment and support programs at the hospital that are desperately in need of funds, as parents we hoped that this would help.

Regarding the raffle I have checked with our states gaming laws and I am allowed to sell tickets for it up to 8 days prior to the drawing of it (you can read the appropriate document here), I have written permission from the PMH Foundation to raise funds for them and also from Stampin' Up! Australia who have donated the most massive box of goodies to raffle off......so that means that anyone in Australia can buy tickets and I will happily mail you the prize(s) if you win (overseas readers - I can't mail the parcel overseas, however if you have an Australian mailing address I am happy to send it there). So no excuses for those who have said they have prior commitments this weekend and can't come and say hi!!!!

Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5 they are on sale from tonight until 8pm WST on Saturday 30th July. The raffle draw will be done on Sunday morning in front of independent witnesses and results will be put here on my blog and on the Facebook event for the sale here.

How to purchase tickets:

1. Email me gerlach@iinet.net.au with your name, contact details and number of tickets you would like to purchase.

2. Make a deposit into the ANZ bank account BSB: 016016 Account: 476967137 under name Ann Gerlach. Please leave your SURNAME as reference for me.

3. You will receive a confirmation email from me with your ticket numbers for your reference.

Prize 1: Includes over $650 worth of Stampin' Up! product: including Alphabet chipboard, Simply Sent Kit, full pack Stampin' Spots, full pack Stampin' Write markers, two packs water colour crayons, Sticky Cuts, Chunky Glitter, DSP, brads, Pretties Kit, 3 rolls of ribbon, Floral Fusion kit, 3 ink pads, card stock and lots more!

Prize 2: Includes over $270 worth of Stampin' Up! product: including Simply Sent Kit, full pack Stampin' Spots, Stampin' Write markers, Sticky Cuts, buttons, DSP, ribbon, card stock and more!

Prize 3: Includes over $270 worth of Stampin' Up! product: including Simply Sent Kit, full pack Stampin' Spots, Stampin' Write markers, punch, die cuts, DSP, ribbon, card stock and more!

Prize 4: Includes over $270 worth of Stampin' Up! product: including Simply Scrappin' Kit, full pack Stampin' Spots, Stampin' Write markers, brads, Floral Fusion kit, DSP, ribbon, card stock and more!

Pretty awesome prizes aren't they - definitely worth a $2 ticket don't you think? Email me now to get yours and help raise funds for a very worthy charity.

Monthly Swap - Monochrome

2011-07-23T02:22:00.000+08:00

Our group had it's monthly meeting last night and part of the fun is participating in swaps. This month the swap theme was monochrome...........this was my contribution - a quick and simple multi layered card.

What you can't see from this photograph is how the centre of the medallion has been punched and layered up 3 times. I'll post the others gorgeous swaps soon......too much fun!

Stamps: Medallion & You're A Gem
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Card Stock: Pink Pirouette & Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Paper piercer, mat pack, scallop oval punch, large oval punch, XL scallop circle punch, 1" circle punch, 3/4" circle punch, Dimensionals, fire rhinestone brad, stamping sponge.

Loads of Friends

2011-07-22T06:56:00.009+08:00

I have always loved the stamp set Loads of Love, it's cute, quirky and has heaps of different applications, I've used it for everything from wedding cards to birthday, moving house, thank you's it's one of those stamp sets that is just perennial and fun! I did a custom class this week with the directive of making cards that are gender neutral, not age specific or event specific until you add the greeting. This way you can have a stash of cards on hand and when you need one, you stamp a greeting, pop it on and within 2 minutes you have your card ready to go. Saves a lot of time and angst. For my sample cards I added a greeting and in this case decided to add a female driver, but for my stash I would leave off the greeting and person until I knew what event or person I was making it for.

Stuck for ideas or have a specific event or requirement for a card? Or just want to build up your card stash? Check my calendar of events to join in a class or if you have some friends who all want to make some cards together I will happily come to you and do a custom class, contact me now to organise a date.

Stamps: Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories & Circle Circus

Ink: Crumb Cake, Black Stazon, Real Red
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Woodland Walk DSP, Real Red, Water colour paper, Whisper White
Accessories: 1/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Scallop border punch, Dimensionals, 1 1/4" circle punch, stamping sponge

Inkspiration Colour Challenge - Cupcake Voucher Holder

2011-07-21T14:48:00.000+08:00

I combined a recent class sample with the Inkspirations colour challenge this week:

and here is the result:

I first made these a year or so ago here and did another one recently here which resulted in a few people expressing interest in learning how to make them - so we did a class and this was the sample I made up - I still have to add some Dazzling Diamonds glitter to finish off the icing, but was pleased with the result. They hold any normal sized gift voucher card or you can add a custom one.

The girls all had a ball making them, they also did a gift tag and card to match which I will show you in a separate post.

Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Pale Plum & Elegant Soiree DSP

Accessories: Boho Blossom punch, Bitty Punch pack, Crop-a-dile, Antique Brads, mini library clip, very vanilla grosgrain ribbon, circle scissors plus, paper piercer, Tombow glue.

Non SU!: Hot glue gun & glue sticks, Styrofoam ball, needle & thread.