Carole's Stamping and Papercrafts

Thank You Rhonda

2012-02-12T15:45:00.000+08:00

For my very good friend Rhonda, who has been both support and strength for myself and Matt in what was the worst week of my life. The sketch and colours come from Sunny challenges.
Project Recipe
Stamps: Delicate Doilies and Perfect punches
Card: Basic black, whisper white and elegant eggplant
Ink: Elegant eggplant
Accessories: Square lattice embossing folder and self adhesive pearls

Sale A Bration Paper

2012-02-12T13:21:00.000+08:00

Stamping 411 have come up with another great sketch, which is perfect for showing off the new Sale A Bration designer paper. I have only just got these papers and they are gorgeous, matching beautifully with the in colours. Next on my wish list is the ribbon and brad pack that goes with them!
Project Recipe
Stamps: Short and Sweet, Charming, Artistic Etchings and Nature Walk
Ink: Soft suede and tea stain (from distressing essentials kit)
Card: Soft suede, peach parfait, pool party and very vanilla
Accessories: Distressing kit, decorative label punch, Everyday enchantment dsp and a button.

Baby Card

2012-02-06T12:32:00.000+08:00

It isn't often I make a baby card and I don't have any dedicated nursery stamp sets so to create a baby card is a challenge in itself for me. The sketch has come from Stamping 411 Saturday sketch challenge. I don't have any bashful blue dsp so I made my own using Spice paisley stamp from the Summer mini.
Project Recipe
Stamps: Spiced paisley and Give a gift
Ink: Bashful blue, wild wasabi and marina mist
Card: Bashful blue, wild wasabi and whisper white
Accessories: Bashful blue grosgrain ribbon, polka dot embossing folder, 1 3/4" circle punch, large scallop circle punch

Just Add red and White

2012-02-05T12:30:00.000+08:00

The ladies over at JAI are getting ready for Valentine's Day with this weeks card challenge to only use the colours red and white!
Project Recipe
Stamp: Field flower and medallion back ground
Card: Cherry cobbler, riding hood red and confetti white
Ink: Cherry cobbler (stamped off one for the medallion)
Accessories: cherry cobbler seam binding ribbon, 1/4" circle punch, dazzling diamonds glitter and crystal effects

Ray of Sunshine

2012-02-04T13:57:00.000+08:00

I just received a lovely email from the ladies at Sunny challenges to say that my card has been picked as this week's Ray of Sunshine. I know their email was a Ray of sunshine for me on what has previously turning out to be a very bad day! Thank you to Vicky and everyone else for choosing me card!

Home Again

2012-02-03T13:29:00.000+08:00

It is good to be home after 2 weeks away for work. It was certainly hard being away from Matt and the kids for such a long time. It has also meant no crafting for a while, which wasn't easy either. This card is for the Sunny Challenge. It was both a sketch and colour challenge.
Project recipe
Stamps: Just Believe, Four frames and Field Flowers
Card: Pink pirouette, early espresso and sahara sand
Ink: Early espresso (stamped off once for the image on the right), pink pirouette and sahara sand on the edges
Accessories: Beau chateau dsp, beautiful wings embosslit and modern label punch

Sunny Challenges

2012-01-08T15:45:00.000+08:00

Doing challenges are something that I love doing and one of the members of the ESAD group put me onto this new challenge site by some other SU Demos. Called Sunny Challenges it gives a challenge each week, often a sketch challenge which are my favourite.

Project Recipe
Stamp: Perfect punches
Card: concord crush, melon mambo, pink pirouette and lucky limeade
Ink: whisper white
Accessories: Wide oval punch, Cheerful treat dsp (hostess), lace ribbon border punch, Fun flowers die for the bigshot, dazzling diamonds and crystal effects.

Sketch Challenge 237

2012-01-08T15:30:00.000+08:00

Back to the Saturday sketch challenge from Stamping 411 and another chance to use a new stamp set from the Summer mini. Sets just for men are always a bonus when they come along so I knew I had to have this set as soon as I saw it and the matching dsp just makes it better!

Stamp: Open Sea and Oval all
Card: Early espresso, cherry cobbler, not quite navy and very vanilla
Ink: Early espresso, cherry cobbler and not quite navy
Accessories: Nautical expedition dsp and wide oval punch

First card of 2012

2012-01-06T17:21:00.000+08:00

It seems only fitting that the first card of 2012 be made with products being used for the first time. The card is a CASE of one I saw on Splitcoast that you can see here. As you can see I haven't done much to change it, just added a couple of extra details. The stamp set and the dsp are both available in the new Summer mini.

Project Recipe
Stamps: Charming
Card: River rock, pool party, soft suede and whisper white
Ink: Soft suede, pool party and tea stain (avail in distressing essential kit)
Accessories: Spice cake dsp, dotted scallop ribbon punch, wide oval punch, self adhesive pearls and Big Shot products: textured frames embossing folder and numbers die.

Christmas Wreath

2011-12-06T21:38:00.000+08:00

I wanted to have a go at making my own wreath this year. I bought a styrofoam ring and covered in brown paper which I then distressed with ink so that I could then stick leaves and flowers to the circle. I cut out the leaves and flowers from templates I got from Penny Duncan.

Close up of one of the poinsettas. After cutting these out I then painted the petals and leaves with champagne glimmer paint.

Project Recipe
Ink: Early espresso, old olive, whisper white
Card: Old olive, more mustard, cajun craze, early espresso, always artichoke, cherry cobbler and wild wasabi
Accessories: champagne glimmer paint, self adhesive pearls, dimensionals, cherry cobbler seam binding ribbon

December Frenzy and a Summer Mini

2011-12-02T06:37:00.003+08:00

DECEMBER FRENZY

Get great Stampin' Up! products up to 50 percent off during our December Frenzy sale--1-31 December only!

Check out the great deals available for this month only at Stampin' Up!. Click here for a full lists of stamp sets, accessories and tools that would make great Christmas presents for you! So if your husband or family is having trouble deciding what to get for you, organise your own! Email me and I will have your gift shipped direct to you.

Also now available is the Summer Mini catalogue. If you would like a copy send me an email. I will put a link on the side of the blog so you can have a look at it.

Christmas Trees

2011-12-01T15:49:00.000+08:00

I saw these beautiful ornaments on Penny Duncan's blog a few weeks ago and just had to give them a go. I cut them out on the Gazelle and then it was a matter of just layering all the pieces. I covered the dsp with Crystal effects and dazzling diamonds so they really sparkle in the light.

Penny suggested they be used for gift tags, but there was a lot of layers involved for a tag and at over 5 inches long, probably a bit big too. But the kids really wanted to make some too, so we made some smaller ones without so much detail.

Project Recipe
Cardstock: Old olive, cherry cobbler, choc chip
Ink: Old espresso for distressing the dsp layers
Accessories: Letters to Santa dsp, Vintage wallpaper and stripes embossing folder, crystal effects and dazzling diamonds.

Christmas with a Twist

2011-11-27T19:37:00.000+08:00

I warned you all the cards this weekend would be Christmas themed! This is the Stamping 411 sketch challenge for this week. The technique is called Embossing resist and is quite easy to do. Just stamp your image with versamark onto dsp and then clear emboss. I then brayered ink over the top and wipe off over the embossing, the ink will just wipe straight off leaving the image with the dsp showing underneath. For those who were reading this morning I only have 12 cards left to make!

Project Recipe
Stamp: Medallion BG and Perfect Punches
Ink: Riding hood red and Old olive
Card: Riding hood red, old olive, whisper white and early espresso
Accessories: Letters to Santa dsp, elegant lines embossing folder, small scallop circle punch, clear embossing folder and Victoria lace ribbon.

JAI Bah Humbug!

2011-11-27T10:12:00.001+08:00

I am in Christmas card making mode this weekend. I always like to get my cards sent the first week of December, which starts in a couple of days. So far I have 6 cards made,only another 34 to go!! The challenge from JAI is to make a Christmas card without using a Christmas stamp set or Christmas dsp, but you can use a Christmas greeting. I decided to make the greeting the focus and embellish around it.

Project Recipe
Stamps: I (Heart) Hearts and Heard from the Heart
CArd: Rich Razzleberry, lucky limeade, gold metallic and whisper white
Ink: Always artichoke and rick razzleberrry
Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder, gold embossing powder, champagne glimmer paint, small heart punch

Sketch Challenge

2011-11-14T12:53:00.000+08:00

I love this sketch from Stamping 411. It can have as many layers as you like and would be so easy to adapt to a scrapbook layout. It is probably a bit hard to tell in the photo, but I have clear embossed the flowers and the used some glitter as well to give a bit of sparkle. I used the flourish stamp which I inked with marina mist and then stamped off twice before stamping on to the sentiment layer.

Project Recipe
Stamps: Elements of style and Heard from the Heart
Card: Soft suede, pink pirouette, marina mist and very vanilla
Ink: Marina mist and not quite navy
Accessories: Beau chateau dsp, clear embossing powder, dazzling diamonds

Christmas Challenges

2011-10-29T14:57:00.000+08:00

I decided to do two separate challenges today, one a colour challenge from Just Add Ink and the other a sketch challenge from Stamping 411. It was only after I had finished both cards and wondering whether to do two bog posts on separate days when I realised I had used the same sketch for both cards! Serves me right for having my sketch book open while I was making both, lol.

Project recipe card one
Stamps: Snow Swirled
Ink: Cherry cobbler and early espresso, versamark for embossing
Card: blushing bride, cherry cobbler, soft suede and whisper white
Accessories: Beau Chateau dsp, pink taffeta ribbon, champagne glimmer brad, champagne shimmer paint, decorative label punch, clear embossing powder

Project recipe card two
Stamps: Dasher and Perfect punches
Ink: Cherry cobbler
Card: Cherry cobbler, riding hood red, silver metallic and whisper white
Accessories: Scallop circle punch, riding hood red taffeta ribbon, silver glimmer paint, circles embossing folder (gift from my secret sister!)

Guilt Free Crafting!

2011-10-21T16:13:00.000+08:00

Hooray!! A day of crafting without feeling like I should be doing something else. I finished all my homework, no work today, the house is clean and the kids are at school, even Matt is busy with other stuff. So today I have got not one but two cards using the layout from this week's challenge at Just Add Ink. The first uses one of the new hostess sets and the hostess dsp.

The second is a Christmas card which is looking good to be the design I will use for all my cards this year. I will just alternate the colours and use different sheets of dsp.

Project Recipe card 1
Stamps: Precious Butterflies
Card: Pink pirouette, melon mambo, concord crush and whisper white
Ink: melon mambo, concord crush, lucky limeade
Accessories: Cheerful Treat dsp, scallop trim border punch, Beautiful wings sizzlit, white organza ribbon, versamark and clear embossing powder, gold smooch spritz

Project Recipe card 2
Stamps: Dasher and Snow Swirled
Card: Riding hood red, old olive and whisper white
Ink: Early espresso
Accessories: Letters to Santa dsp, scallop trim border punch, versamarker and gold embossing powder, red hood red taffeta ribbon

James' Birthday..my baby is 6!!

2011-10-11T16:52:00.000+08:00

How did he get so big so fast! Happy Birthday James, I hope you have a lovely day with your friends.
The layout and colours for this came from Stamping 411. The stamp set is called from Sunny Fun and it really does make me think of summer (which we are supposed to be heading into) and swimming (lessons which the kids are doing at the moment).

I used the Stripes embossing folder for three reasons; 1. I thought the stripes were a good contrast for the circles, 2. I am hoping it gives the look of a beach towel, and 3. I just got it and it was begging to be used, lol!

Project Recipe
Stamp sets: Sunny Fun, Short and Sweet
Card: Baja breeze, so saffron, calypso coral and whisper white
Accessories: Stripes embossing folder, marina mist ribbon, 11/4" and 13/8" circle punches, Lots of tags sizzlits, tempting turquoise mini brads, blender pens and ink pads for watercolouring

Butterflies Everywhere!!

2011-10-05T16:52:00.000+08:00

I saw this layout in a magazine and thought it was so pretty with the butterflies looking as though they had just taken flight. The magazine had used an Anywhere Punch, which I don't have, so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to use my new toy: a BossKut Gazelle, which is an electronic cutter you connect to the computer to cut any shape you want! All the supplies are still Stampin' Up!, the gazelle is just a tool. Like a very expensive pair of scissors, lol!!
Project Recipe
Stamps: Fifth Ave Floral
Card: Pool party, certainly celery, blushing bride and whisper white
Ink: Daffodil delight, melon mambo, pumpkin pie, tempting turquoise, pool party and blushing bride
Accessories: black marker, self adhesive rhinestones

Christmas Sketch

2011-10-03T12:25:00.000+08:00

I am still working on the final design for my Christmas cards this year. I love the Christmas paper in the catalogue this year, especially the traditional colours but with a dash of the unexpected! And check out that beautiful ribbon. The layout has come from Stamping 411 Saturday sketch.

Project Recipe
Stamp: Tree Trimming
Card: Riding hood red, old olive, early espresso and whisper white
Accessories: Letters to Santa dsp, white organza ribbon, 1/4" circle punch, gold glitter

Hostess Promotion!!

2011-10-02T17:29:00.000+08:00

For the month of October only you can receive this stamp set and matching punch for FREE as a Hostess of a workshop with $450 in sales. This is in addition to the normal hostess benefits. The stamp set and punch will be available in the Summer mini catalogue, but can be ordered now to help you get an early start on your Christmas cards! Just give me a call to place an order or book a workshop.

Beau Chateau DSP

2011-09-19T11:42:00.000+08:00

When I first saw this DSP in the new catalogue I loved the colours, but didn't like the pattern..couldn't see past the chickens! Then I got to see the whole pack for real and discovered it actually matches the Elements of Style stamp set which is one of my favourites! So even though there was one sheet of dsp I didn't like, there was 5 sheets I did.

The sketch comes from the ladies at Stamping 411. This card is going to my sister Susan who is having a Birthday this week.

Project Recipe
Stamp Set: Elements of Style
Card: Soft suede, marina mist, pink pirouette and very vanilla
Accessories: Beau chateau dsp, elegant lines embossing folder, self adhesive pearl, little leaves sizzlet, chantilly lace ribbon and 1" circle punch

ESAD New Catty Blog Hop

2011-09-10T11:00:00.004+08:00

Hooray! The new catalogue is here!! That would be the Stampin’ Up! 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue and it is full of beautiful stamps and accessories.
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
It doesn’t matter if you have arrived from Sharlene Meyer's blog or just starting on the hop, it is a circle that you just follow the links to navigate around.
Recently I went on a retreat with my Demonstrator group (Great Southern Inkers) where we made lots of beautiful things with new products.

One of the things we had to do was a Shoe Box swap where we provide all the products to make a card inside the box. Of course being crafters even the box has to be decorated! This set is called Forever Young and is black heat embossed. I also used the lace ribbon punch to create a band all the way round.

New to the catalogue is fabric. I bought some with no idea what to do with it until one of the Demos (Sharon Tunbridge) at the retreat got us to decorate the art journal with it. This fabric set is called Flirtatious.

The final item is a gorgeous little purse created using the scallop envelope die cut, shown to us by Megan Lydeamore. the DSP is Flirtatious speciality.
Now continue the hop to Monique Fielder and all her gorgeous creations.

JAi Challenge

2011-09-06T14:44:00.000+08:00

It has been a while since I have done a JAI challenge, but with Father's Day cards to make and very little inspiration I needed a sketch to get me started. The colours came from Stamping 411 colour inspiration. The stamp set is one of the new Hostess sets from the 2011-2012 Catalogue.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Faith in Nature (new), Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Choc chip, more mustard, whisper white and pool party (new incolour)
Ink: choc chip and pool party
Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder, Choc chip scalloped ribbon (new), circle scissor, circle die, scallop oval and large oval punches.

New Catalogue!!

2011-09-01T17:50:00.000+08:00

New Stampin' Up! Idea book and catalogue starts today!! I have put a link over on the right for you to take a look at the catalogue, but if you want to see it for real you will have to come to my launch. Email or text me for all the details. Next Saturday (10th Sept) I will be participating in a blog hop showcasing products from the new catalogue, so make sure you stop by for a look.

New Catty Sneak Peek

2011-08-13T16:48:00.000+08:00

So after last week's retiring blog hop, here is a little glimpse at what is in the new Catalogue. I used the sketch from Stamping 411 to show off some new products I was lucky enough to receive this week.

Recipe
Stamps: Forever Young (new) and Heard from the Heart
Card: River rock, basic black, cherry cobbler and very vanilla
Ink: Basic black, river rock and cherry cobbler
Accessories: Timeless Portrait DSP (new), Lace ribbon punch (new) and self adhesive pearls.

ESAD RETIRING BLOG HOP!!

2011-08-06T11:00:00.002+08:00

One final farewell to our favourite Stampin’ Up! products which will no longer be with us after the 31st August. I hope you are enjoying looking at all the great ideas and creations from some very talented Demonstrators!
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 created a 20 page scrapbook album for my older sister Susan who became a Nana for the first time earlier this year. I decided to do 8”x8” layouts as these are the perfect size to fit a 6”x4” photo which are easily printed at a load of places.

However, I don’t have any baby stamp sets and didn’t want to buy any because I don’t think I would get the use out of them. So I decided just to get some Nursery Suite speciality dsp and matching Quick Accents.

I wanted to keep the layouts simple as my sister is not a scrapbooker and didn’t want her overwhelmed and not use the album. I also left plenty of blank space on each page for journalling.

By using 8” layouts I only needed to use A4 cardstock. So all I bought for this album was the Nursery Suite dsp and the Quick Accents. Everything else came from my stash, just some buttons, ribbon, brads and bling. And after 20 pages I have enough leftovers for another 20 pages!!

To go to Monique Fielder's blog just click here.

Sketch Challenge

2011-07-16T15:25:00.001+08:00

I have two cards for the challenge this week from Stamping 411. The first I made for my boy Patrick’s Birthday in a couple of days.

The second card is most definitely a girlie card all pink and flowery..

I love the Lap of Luxury dsp and will be sorry to see it retire in a few weeks.

July Gift with Purchase Promotion

2011-07-03T13:20:00.001+08:00

This month spend $100 or more with Stampin' Up! and receive both the ribbon and buttons shown above. Colours are daffodil delight, melon mambo and pacific point. Just what we all need to brighten up these cold winter days. The ribbon is approx 13.7m and buttons are 1.3cm round. Total value $31.95 yours for free!!

Sail Away

2011-06-24T11:38:00.000+08:00

Can you tell I have finished studying for a few weeks? Two cards in a week! Another challenge, this time from the ladies at Just Add Ink. I was going to give this card to Matt for his birthday next week, but then remembered that I had used this image for his Anniversary card. While he wouldn't care, it bothers me, so this will be going to one of my nephew's who is also having a birthday next week. This was such a quick and easy card to make that I think I will do a few extras to have stashed away!

Sketch Challenge

2011-06-19T14:52:00.000+08:00

Apologies to everyone, it has been ages since I have posted anything. I have finally finished all my study for the next few weeks so hopefully I will be able to do a lot more stamping. This is the first thing I have created for about a month (except for yesterday's workshop). After so long away from my craft desk it was easiest to start back with a challenge and this one is from Stamping 411. I also decided it was time to make a start on my Christmas cards. I chose two in colours; poppy parade and pear pizazz and teamed them with a bit of gold embossing and gold spritz.

Twist Top Box

2011-06-08T21:09:00.000+08:00

This cute little box was one of the challenges at UnConvention a few weeks ago. To see how it was made click the youtube link here. It was much easier than it looks and is a good size for all sorts of goodies.

Hostess Promotion!!

2011-05-23T18:11:00.000+08:00

I love it when Stampin' Up! rewards Hostesses for having a workshop and this is one of the best ever! If you host a workshop between now and June 30, you can earn an extra $70 in hostess dollars on top of the usual hostess reward!!! All you need is $450 in sales including postage to get the extra dollars. So instead of $40 in rewards for a $450 party you would get $110 plus a level one hostess set!!!!

If you would like to book a workshop just send me an email!!

UnConvention 2 and SSC 203

2011-05-16T12:01:00.000+08:00

I have combined two challenges for this one. The first is a colour challenge from UnConvention of concord crush, melon mambo and pink pirouette. The second id this week's sketch from Stamping 411.

Project Recipe
Stamps: Butterfly prints and Short & sweet
CArd: concord crush, melon mambo, pink pirouette and whisper white
Ink: Melon mambo and basic black
Accessories: Square lattice embossing folder, large oval and scallop oval punch, pinking hearts border and corner punch, white taffeta ribbon and self adhesive pearls

UnConvention Punch Art

2011-05-14T08:10:00.000+08:00

THis week is the Stampin' Up! Convention in Melbourne for Demonstrators. For those of us not able to attend, ESAD have an UnConvention online for us to chat with each other and complete creative challenges. THis card is for the punch art challenge. I have used the heart punch to make the blue hydrangeas at the front and the butterfly punch for the pansies.

Project recipe
Stamps: stems from Scribble this and 5th Ave floral
Card: So Saffron, certainly celery and whisper white
Ink: bashful blue, certainly celery, perfect plum, so saffron (all sponged) and wild wasabi
Accessories: heart punch, butterfly punch, 1/8 punch, 1/4 punch, tulips embossing folder, pastels, self adhesive pearls, white gel pen and black marker

Deals of the Week are Back!!

2011-05-01T13:13:00.001+08:00

Stampin' Up! Deals of the Week are back for the month of May! Starting today and each successive Wednesday from the 11th SU! will be discounting items from the main Idea Book and Catalogue. Deals are announced on the Customer and Demonstrator sites at the same time, so although I will put them up here each week, for full details see Stampin' Up's website.

So what are this weeks deals?

So if you wish to place an order just email or call me!

Challenge #200

2011-04-24T13:54:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to the ladies at Stamping 411 upon reaching 200 challenges! I have only discovered this blog over the last few months, but I love their Saturday challenges and Thursday techniques.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Nature Walk and Short & sweet
Card: Daffodil delight, pumpkin pie, old olive and whisper white
Ink: Pumpkin pie and old olive markers, cajun craze, daffodil delight, pumpkin pie, old olive ink pads
Accessories: daffodil delight pompom trim, crimper, blender pen for water colouring butterfly

Autumn Swap

2011-04-17T12:42:00.000+08:00

Another gorgeous set from the Autumn mini, this one I have done for the swap for my Demonstrator group.

Project Recipe
Stamp: French Foliage and Basis Phrases
Card: Soft suede, sahara sand, cajun craze, old olive and whisper white
Ink: Soft suede, cajun craze and old olive
Accessories: twine, 1 1/4' and 13/8' punches, spritzer

Not Sure about this One!

2011-04-10T13:53:00.000+08:00

I combined two of the challenges from Stamping 411 to make this card. I used the colours from the Friday challenge and the Saturday sketch. I was hesitant about putting this up on the blog as I am not very happy with it. I am not keen on artichoke as a colour (or even as a vegetable, lol!) and I think the card looks a bit dull and flat.

Project Recipe
Stamp: Medallion and Heard from the Heart
Ink: Rose Red, always artichoke, crumb cake and choc chip
Card: Choc chip, crumb cake, always artichoke, rose red and whisper white
Accessories: Choc chip taffeta ribbon (retired), Antique brad, scallop trim border punch and water spritzer

Easter Basket

2011-04-10T11:53:00.000+08:00

I made this basket using the Big Shot mini milk carton die. Although I started using the instruction by Amanda Coughlin I changed it a bit by keeping all four sides on each carton to make an eight-sided box rather than Amanda's seven-sided box. While you could make this without the die, it certainly saves time and effort by having the sides pre-cut and scored.

Project Recipe
Big Shot: Mini milk carton die, Beautiful wings embosslits, little leaves sizzlits
Cardstock: Kraft, very vanilla, old olive, daffodil delight and melon mambo
Accessories: melon mambo pompom trim, self adhesive rhinestones, Botanical Gazette dsp and gold brads

Nature Walk

2011-04-03T12:40:00.000+08:00

This week's sketch challenge at Stamping 411 gave me a good reason to show off another stamp set from the Autumn mini as well as the matching dsp.

Project Recipe
Stamp Set: Nature walk and Oval all
Card: Marina mist, so saffron, cherry cobbler and very vanilla
Ink: so saffron, soft suede and cherry cobbler
Accessories: Scallop circle die cut and big shot, lots of tags sizzlits, scallop trim border puch, Botanical gazette dsp, so saffron and marina mist ribbon, large oval punch

Dedicated to my Mum xx

2011-03-30T13:49:00.000+08:00

Another Saturday Sketch Challenge from the ladies at Stamping 411. I love the simplicity of this layout.

The stamp set is from the upcoming Winter Mini which starts on Friday 1st April. It is called Strength and Hope and is very special as $2 from the sale of each set goes to Breast Cancer Research. As those who know me well, my Mother died from this disease almost 16 years ago, so this one is in memory of my Mum.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Strength and Hope
Card: Choc chip, regal rose, daffodil delight and whisper white
Ink: regal rose, sahara sand and choc chip
Accessories: daffodil delight ribbon, polka dot embossing folder, beautiful wings sizzlit, large oval punch and scallop oval punch.

Sketch Challenge 195

2011-03-21T11:01:00.001+08:00

I have been thinking about this sketch from Stamping 411 for the last 2 days. I couldn’t decide what stamp set or colours to use, finally deciding on dsp first and building from there.

Project Recipe

Stamp: Every moment and Oval all

Card: Baja Breeze, sahara sand, pear pizzaz, so saffron, whisper white and garden green

Ink: black stazon, not quite navy, baja breeze, pear pizzaz and so saffron

Accessories: Greenhouse gala dsp, pinking hearts corner and border punches, chantilly crochet ribbon, little leaves sizzlit, beautiful wings sizzlit, large oval punch, scallop oval punch.

I Did It!!

2011-03-18T18:43:00.001+08:00

I set myself the goal of making 4 cards today and I did it!! The first one you have already seen.

Number 2

This one is for nephew and his wife who are expecting their first baby any day now. And yes we do know it will be a girl!

Number 3

Black, white and a dash of colour. That was the challenge set by the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen.

Number 4

Splitcoast sketch 324 provided the layout and Isobel chose marina mist as the colour. I was originally going to go with flowers, but the blue colour changed my mind, lol.

JAI 60

2011-03-18T13:00:00.000+08:00

It has been weeks since I have done a Just Add Ink challenge, I just never seem to get time to do a lot of craft these days. Between work, study and family my craft seems to come a very lowly fourth on the list of things to do. Something I am rectifying today. I have the day to myself with the kids at school and Matt working on a computer in another room so I set myself the goal of doing 4 cards today. This is number one! Stay tuned for more (hopefully, lol).

Project Recipe
Stamp Set: Every moment
Card: Rich razzleberry, old olive, crumb cake and whisper white
Ink rich razzleberry, black stazon, old olive and soft suede (watercolouring)
Accessories: dsp (retired), elegant lines embossing folder, lots of tags sizzlits and rich razzleberry ribbon

SSC 193

2011-03-06T14:09:00.000+08:00

Stamping 411 have come up with another great sketch this week. I don't normally do square cards because I can't find envelopes to fit them properly, but I really liked the way this one has turned out. The photo doesn't show it well, but I have watercoloured the petals with elegant eggplant and pretty in pink pastels and a blender pen.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Scribble this
Card: Basic grey, concord crush, pretty in pink and very vanilla
Ink: Concord crush
Accessories: vintage wallpaper embossing folder, lap of luxury dsp,victoria crochet ribbon, pink taffeta ribbon, circle fire rhinestone brads, pastels and blender pen.

SSC 191

2011-02-21T18:58:00.000+08:00

I love the sketch challenges from Stamping 411. I have been wanting to try the 'faux pressed flower' technique since I first saw it a couple of months ago, however I had to wait til I had the square lattice embossing folder. This simple technique gives a great result for just the effort of a bit of cutting out.

Project Recipe
Stamp sets: Vintage Vogue, Element of Style and Occasional Quotes
Card: Old olive, melon mambo, elegant eggplant and whisper white
Ink: melon mambo, elegant eggplant and old olive
Accessories: eggplant ribbon and square lattice embossing folder

Wedding Money Gift Holder

2011-02-18T21:08:00.001+08:00

We are all off on a road trip tomorrow for a family wedding. As the couple are heading overseas for an extended period straight after the wedding the request was no gifts but money would be appreciated. This is a trend that seems to be getting more common and so I created this card and money holder in one item.

Apologies for the quality of the photos, they were taken after dark.

Project Recipe:

Stamp set: Artistic Etchings

Cardstock: silver metallic, marina mist and whisper white

Ink: Platinum shimmer mist and marina mist

Accessories: Antique brads, pinking hearts punch, scallop oval and large oval punch.

Sketch Challenge 190

2011-02-13T11:09:00.001+08:00

I loved this weekend’s sketch challenge from Stamping 411. As the ribbon is a big feature on the sketch I chose that first and then picked my colours from the new colour coach to match. I had a couple of teenage girls who are having birthdays in the next few weeks in mind when selecting the stamp set.

Project Recipe

Stamp set: Grunge Rock

Ink: old olive, pumpkin pie, rich razzleberry

Card: old olive, pumpkin pie, rich razzleberry and whisper white

Accessories: polka dot embossing folder, rich razzleberry ribbon, circle fire rhinestone brad

Two in One

2011-02-07T14:43:00.000+08:00

Two challenges in one card! The sketch is from Stamping 411 and the colours are from Just Add Ink. All I had to do was pick a stamp set, cheating a bit I know, but it does make making a card quick and easy if you are pushed for time! I wanted a little bit of colour on the flowers so I coloured the middle one with regal rose pastel which gives a lovely soft effect and you can add as little or as much colour as you like.

Project Recipe
Stamp Set: Fifth Ave Floral
Card: Early espresso, regal rose, rose red, soft suede and whisper white
Ink: Soft suede and regal rose
Accessories: Manhatten flower embossing folder, self adhesive pearls and SU! pastels

New Challenge

2011-01-30T14:05:00.000+08:00

I have really been struggling for ideas this weekend. I have a lot of time and no ideas, just when I wanted to get a stack of cards done for back-up. So to help me through I have been trolling the challenge blogs for ideas. This one has come from Stamping 411 which issues a couple of challenges each week, this one being a sketch. This is my first entry with this group.

Project recipe
Stamp set: Nature's nest, Grunge Rock
Card: Crumb cake, cajun craze, watercolour paper
Ink: Soft suede, old olive
Accessories: Scallop trim border punch, Jolly holiday dsp, ribbon, buttons

Natures Nest

2011-01-29T17:04:00.000+08:00

I have had this stamp set for a couple of months now and thought it was about time it saw some ink! The sketch for this layout came from Utah Diva's blog which is a challenge blog, Leonie is on the design team and it is from her blog I first saw the sketch.

Project Recipe
Stamps: Nature's Nest and Curly Cute
Ink: Always Artichoke and river rock
Card: Always Artichoke, river rock and whisper white
Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder and Big Shot, Circle die, Circle scissors plus, silver eyelets.

JAI 53

2011-01-28T17:16:00.000+08:00

I am back from holidaying in Esperance and ready to do some stamping. THis weeks challenge from Just Add Ink is an inspiration challenge from a photo of a sunflower. The idea being to use the subject, colours or any other part of the photo as inspiration for a project. I have used the bright yellow colour and flower theme to create this tri fold card. I made the flowers using 2 different sized scallop circle punch and then add a little dazzling diamonds for bling.

Project Recipe
Stamp: Just Believe and Butterfly prints
Ink: Pear pizazz, daffodil delight, pumpkin pie and basic black
Card: pear pizazz, daffodil delight and whisper white
Accessories: Greenhouse gala dsp, large and extra large scallop circle punch, large oval punch, crimper, pumpkin pie flower brads and dazzling diamonds glitter.

Stampin' Up! Australia Flood Appeal

2011-01-14T12:36:00.000+08:00

To help the victims of the floods that have devastated over three quarters of Queensland, join with us in supporting the Australia Flood Appeal. Stampin' Up! will donate $2 AUD of the retail value of sales from any stamp set (with a retail value of $30 or more) sold in Australia and New Zealand from 15 January through 15 February to the State Emergency Services in Queensland.

Stampin' Up! s well-known for being a company with heart and they have proven it again with this campaign to help those in Queensland devastated by flood. After the Victorian bushfires two years SU! raised tens of thousands of dollars to help those in need and they have stepped in to help again. So call or email me so that we can do our part to help those in need.

Scrapbooking!!

2011-01-10T17:58:00.000+08:00

It seems like forever since I have done a scrapbooking layout. I have created a few digital pages, but this is the first traditional page in awhile. The idea for this layout came from the new Creative Crew challenges on Splitcoast. The challenges are available to Stampin' Up! demos only, but the gallery can be viewed by anyone. At the start of each month 4 challenges are put up, the idea being to showcase new products and promotions.

Project Recipe
Stamps: Medallion, For you flower
Ink: cherry cobbler, night of navy
Cardstock: very vanilla, night of navy and cherry cobbler
Accessories: Antique brads, newsprint dsp, chantilly lace (summer mini), fancy flower extra large punch

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-02T17:40:00.000+08:00

I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas holiday! I haven't done a lot at my craft desk over the holidays, except make a load more chocolate boxes like the ones on the previous post. This is the first card I have made in ages that didn't have a Christmas theme. I made this one for a friend of Isobel's having her 11th Birthday. Now this girl is very much a tomboy and not into flowers, butterflies or anything pink! So my new set from the Summer mini catalogue is just perfect for her. Called Grunge Rock, I made the card as distressed as possible.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Grunge Rock
Cardstock: Soft Suede, cherry cobbler and very vanilla
Ink: Brown and Cherry cobbler
Accessories: Newsprint dsp and Antique brad

Teacher Gifts

2010-12-12T17:10:00.000+08:00

Each year the kids give their teachers a few chocolates and a card as a way of saying Thank you and Merry Christmas. This year was easy with the Fancy Favour die cut and the Big Shot. I can’t take all the credit for these as Isobel helped with the decorating and Matt made some of the chocolates.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Snow Swirled, Gifted and Perfect Punches
Cardstock: Old olive, choc chip, real red and whisper white
Ink: Real red, old olive, whisper white and versamark
Accessories: Champagne shimmer mist, self adhesive rhinestone, Fancy Favour die and Big Shot, Sleigh Bells ribbon, large and small scallop circle punch, wide oval punch.

Last Christmas Card (hopefully)!

2010-12-10T13:28:00.000+08:00

This is it..the last Christmas card I will make for 2010! Most of my cards have already been sent, but this one is going to my secret sister from Splitcoast. I only received my final package yesterday (with a new stamp set which I will show in the new year) with a name and address to send it to. The layout and colours are CASEd from the latest Scrapbook Creations magazine and are by Nicky Adamson.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Contempo Christmas and Occassional quotes (inside)
Card: real red and whisper white
Ink: real red
Accessories : Vintage wallpaper embossing folder, mistletoe ribbon and self adhesive pearls

Stampin' Up! December Frenzy and Summer Mini Catalogue

2010-12-01T19:51:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know about a couple of things going on at Stampin' Up! right now.

Today is the start of the Summer Mini Catalogue. New stamps for Valentine's and Easter, new Hostess sets, crochet lace ribbons, smooch spritz and loads more. I have put a link in the sidebar and if you would like a copy of the catalogue email or call and I will send one out to you.

Also this month is December Frenzy, a great sale of a few items in the main Idea Book and Catalogue. Check out all the details here. There are stamp sets and accessories up to 50% off.

So for those last minute gift ideas and Christmas craft items, take a look and give me a call.

JAI 45

2010-11-28T13:38:00.000+08:00

A sketch challenge this week at JAI. Continuing with my promise to myself to only make Christmas cards from challenges, I have used some new products from the Summer Mini which starts on Wednesday. THe lacy ribbon is called Chantilly and is just gorgeous. I also wanted a bit of bling and this card has 4 different types, but all gold - gold embossing powder for the star, gold shimmer paint in the tree and gold smooch spritz (also in Summer Mini) on the background and a layer of gold metallic cardstock.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Snow swirled and So swirly wheel
Card: cherry cobbler, old olive, very vanilla and gold metallic
Ink: Cherry cobbler, versamark
Accessories: Jolly holiday dsp, chantilly lace ribbon, old olive grosgrain ribbon, gold embossing powder, gold shimmer paint, gold smooch spritz

Just Add Christmas!

2010-11-16T14:47:00.000+08:00

That's the challenge this week at Just Add Ink, make anything for Christmas! This really is my favourite time of year. I love decorating the tree, the food, being with the family and even the shopping for presents!

I saw the kit for the Advent Calendar in my local craft store, but thought it was a bit expensive. But then it was on sale at a more reasonable price and I just had to have it. It comes as just a bare frame and plain chipboard boxes and you have to provide all the embellishments. So Sunday afternoon was spent painting the frame, Monday after TAFE I made and covered all the boxes. And for 5 hours today I have been painting and embossing numbers and creating the 8"x8" scrapbook page. THe tutorial for the double ball ornament is on Splitcoast and is by Carol Dunstan, it's a bit fiddly but not difficult to make.

Project Recipe
Stamps: Gifted
Ink: cherry cobbler and old olive, versamark (for embossing)
Cardstock: cherry cobbler, old olive and very vanilla
Accessories: Silve, gold, white and clear embossing powder, Jolly Holiday dsp, sleigh bells ribbon, dazzling diamonds, crystal effects, clear rhinestones, scallop trim border and corner punches.
Other: red, green and white paint, rhinestones, beads and gold thread

Thank You Sonia!!

2010-11-15T17:00:00.000+08:00

How cool is this? Thank You Sonia for this lovely surprise. The BBFF Award is to be passed on to those people who take the time to visit our blogs, leave comments and to those whose blogs inspire us to do the same. So I am passing this Award to a few talented stampers whose blogs I visit regularly. Some may not post alot, but what they do is certainly worth a look. All are found in my blog roll, so I always know when something new is posted.

Cathy
Margaret
Leonie

Thank you ladies for inspiring and encouraging me with your blogs!

JAI 42

2010-11-10T16:05:00.000+08:00

This week's challenge at JAI is a sketch. I have been a bit busy this week so I am running a bit late getting this one in on time! It isn't often I do baby cards, but my secret sister is having a baby just after the round finishes at the end of this month so this more to wish her good luck for when the baby arrives.

Project Recipe
Stamp: Upsy Daisy, Short and Sweet
Ink: Concord Crush (stamped off to give a lighter image)
Card: Concord crush, pretty in pink and very vanilla
Accessories: Elegan eggplant ribbon, embossing folder, glitter glue, large oval and scallop oval punch, Lap of Luxury dsp.

Just Believe

2010-11-02T11:31:00.000+08:00

Of all the new stamp sets in the new IB&C, this would have to be in my top three of favourites. There are 9 stamps in the set including silhouettes, words and tag shapes. The idea of this card was originally to keep it monochrome, but it looked a little dull so a strip of colour was added to give definition between the layers.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Just Believe
Card: Soft suede, very vanilla, crumb cake and rose red
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: distressing tool, Elegant Soiree dsp and kraft ribbon (retired)

Just Add ink 40

2010-10-23T16:09:00.000+08:00

It is a colour challenge at JAI this week, and although they are lovely soft colours, they aren't the normal Christmas colours. But if I am ever to get my cards done in time every challenge I do must be a Christmas one!

The idea was to get the look of a Christmas tree with a few decorations on it. I have seen this done with the Lovely as a Tree set turning the large tree stamp sideways. Unfortunately I don't have that set so I improvised with Inspired by Nature used sideways instead. I made some glitter glue using dazzling diamonds and crystal effects for the baubles and added SU's new self adhesive rhinestones in the corners.

Project Recipe

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Tree trimmings and Punches three (retired)

Card: bashful blue, sahara sand and whisper white

Ink: Pear pizzazz, bashful blue, blushing bride and sahara sand

Accessories: bashful blue ribbon (retired), half inch punch for corners, rhinestones, dazzling diamonds and crystal effects, square scallop punch

DRESSING UP CHRISTMAS PROMOTION

2010-10-16T20:55:00.000+08:00

Dates: 16 October-30 November 2010

Promotion Details
During the Christmas season, you can earn exclusive Stampin' Up! ribbon in two different ways:

Purchase a gift-giving bundle and receive one FREE spool of ribbon.
Host a $550 workshop and receive a FREE spool of ribbon.

Choose from these bundles:

Description	Wood-Mount Item	Wood-Mount Price	Clear-Mount Item	Clear-Mount Price
Gifted Bundle Gifted Set and Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper	124041	$66.90	124042	$56.90
Welcome Christmas Bundle Welcome Christmas Set and Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper	124045	$69.90	124046	$59.90
Season of Joy Bundle Season of Joy Set and So Swirly Stampin' Around Wheel	124043	$67.90	---	---
Delightful Decorations Bundle Delightful Decorations Set and Ornament Punch	124044	$72.90	---	---

*Bundles and ribbons available while supplies last

Choose from these ribbons:

Description	Item	Retail Value
Mistletoe Ribbon Originals	116792	$21.95
Sleigh Bells Ribbon	116795	$15.95
Riding Hood Red 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon	113099	$19.95
Real Red 3/4" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon	115608	$19.95

For full details and pictures of the bundles head to the Stampin' up! customer homepage. I am putting in an order after my workshop on the 31st October, so just give me a call if you would like to place an order and get some of these beautiful ribbons for free.

Just Add Ink 37

2010-10-05T15:12:00.000+08:00

Colour challenge this week and it is a tricky one at first glance. But the ladies at JAI have shown that they do have a good eye for picking a colour combo, so head over to the blog and have a look.

With only a few weeks until Christmas cards have to be posted, I decided it was time to make a start.

Project Recipe
Cardstock: always artichoke, old olive, pumpkin pie and rose red
Stamp set: Tree Trimmings
Ink: Old olive, always artichoke, rose red and versamark
Accessories: rose red ribbon, Heat&stick powder, dazzling diamonds

Bithday Because

2010-10-02T11:40:00.000+08:00

I had a lovely day of stamping yesterday at a friend's place. Nothing better than sharing time with friends doing something that you all enjoy. While there I made a few copies of this card which I will be sending to some of the members of ESAD who are having a Birthday this month. The great thing about handmade cards is that even though you do the same in each card, something is always a bit unique to each card!

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Because I Care (level 1 hostess)Perfect Punches
Card: basic black, pretty in pink, whisper white
Ink: pretty in pink and perfect plum
Accessories: 1/4" black grosgrain ribbon, wide oval punch, stamp a ma jig
Technique: masking

JAI 36

2010-09-26T14:14:00.000+08:00

Ever have an afternoon free for stamping and no idea what to do? For me the easiest way to combat a lack of inspiration is a challenge! The super talented ladies at Just Add Ink are great for providing ideas and JAI 36 is no exception. I love the simple elegance of this sketch. Although the sketch called for dsp on the left edge I really wanted to use this stamp set and so substituted the large flower for dsp.

Project Recipe
Stamps: Elements of Style and Oval All
Cardstock: Rich razzleberry and very vanilla
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Rich razzleberry 5/8 grosgrain ribbon, large oval and scallop oval punches, corner rounder punch

ESAD BIG SHOT BLOG HOP

2010-09-18T07:50:00.002+08:00

I hope you’re ready for the ESAD Big Shot Blog Hop!
What is ESAD?
ESAD stands for Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators and it is an online group just for Australian and New Zealand demonstrators for Stampin’ Up!
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 its 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.
Whether you have come here from Shirley McAvoy's blog or starting here it doesn’t matter as the hop is a circle with 23 blogs in total. Remember if you visit each one and leave a comment you will be in the running for some awesome Stampin’ Up blog candy.
My first project is a scrapbooking layout.

Cardstock: very vanilla, soft suede, baja breeze and pumpkin pie
Ink: soft suede marker
Stamp set: Elements of Style
Accessories: Big Shot Hearts and Brackets die, Elegant Soiree dsp, chipboard
I first cut the chipboard brackets with the Big Shot and die and then the dsp. I then covered the chipboard with the dsp which, of course, is a perfect fit! I sanded the edges to neaten the edges.
Next are a few examples of the mini milk carton die cut.
Project recipes left to right.
1.Lap of Luxury dsp, Elements of Style stamp set and concord crush and blushing bride ink (incolours),
2. Crumb cake, poppy parade and very vanilla cardstock, Perfect punches stamp set, old olive 5/8” ribbon,
3. Whisper white cardstock, Peach parfait and pear pizzazz ink and Vintage vogue stamp set.
These are just the cutest little boxes which were all made in just a few minutes and are ideal as small treat boxes.
Lastly is a card using the Scallop circle die.

Cardstock: Perfect plum, blushing bride and sahara sand
Ink: perfect plum
Stamp set: Because I Care (level 1 hostess set)
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop circle die, Vintage wallpaper embossing folder, large oval and scallop oval punch, antique brad.
Don’t forget to leave a comment before heading over to Carol-Ann Torrie's blog to continue the hop.

BLOG HOP Saturday

2010-09-14T17:47:00.000+08:00

Just a couple of lines to let you know that there will be a Blog Hop on Saturday 18th September, launch time 8am. All posts will show projects using the Big Shot and other products from the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue. There will be about 25 blogs to visit, with the opportunity to win a prize for those who visit all blogs and leave a comment on each one. So make sure you join me here on Saturday the 18th, with a cuppa and a bit of time to enjoy these great projects from the ladies at ESAD.

New Catalogue

2010-08-31T12:13:00.000+08:00

Hooray!! The new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue starts tomorrow!! These two cards are made using new stamp sets and designer paper featured in the new catalogue.

If you want to see more there are 2 blog hops planned for this month. The First is tomorrow 1st Sept and features stamp sets and products from the new book. I wont be taking part in this one, but a number of people on my blog list are so you can access it from here. The second one will feature the Big Shot and the new accessories that go with it. It is on the 18th Sept and I will be taking part in that one.

There are prizes of new products from the catalogue for one lucky person who comments on every blog. There is a limit of 25 blogs in each hop. Competition is not open to SU demos, so for everyone else grab a cuppa and take a look!

2010-08-12T13:07:00.000+08:00

One before I go away for a week. The layout came from a magazine, I just liked the look of it so thought I would give it a go. I got the shadow effect by stamping the dark colour first then offsetting with the lighter colour. I used the stamp-a-ma-jig to line it up properly.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Inspired by Nature
Cardstock: Not quite navy, baja breeze, kraft and confetti white
Ink: not quite navy and baja breeze
Accessories: Urban garden dsp, scalloop circle punch and 13/8", 11/4" circle punches, polka dot embossing folder and the Big Shot.

Don't forget it is only a couple of weeks til the end of both the current Idea Book and Catalogue and The Autumn mini. The full retirement list is on the SU Website so make sure you take a look.

PS I have my copy of the new catalogue and it is so good :)

One Last Chance

2010-08-01T14:20:00.000+08:00

That is what Stampin' Up! are calling the retired list this year. This is your Last Chance to purchase many items from the 2009/2010 Idea Book & Catalogue. Each year SU! produces a lovely new catalogue full of new stamps, colours, accessories and some of your favourites from the previous year. But to make room for the new it is out with the old! So check out the Last Chance list here.

A number of items are discounted 25 - 50% off so make sure you hunt for the bargains. And dont forget the Colour Renovation means alot of the cardstock and inks are retiring too. I expect the re-inkers to sell out quickly.

These items are available until the end of August or while stocks last. To cover this I am placing individual orders as I receive them. Postage will be $5.95 on orders of less than $100 (5% on orders over $100) and will be posted straight to your door. This is to avoid any disappointment in case stocks run out. I will try and keep you updated if stocks sell out or run low.

So email or phone me as soon as possible to place an order!

JAI 27

2010-07-24T14:28:00.000+08:00

It's good to be back in my craft space again, and what better way to get started than with a challenge from the ladies at Just Add Ink. This week's challenge is a sketch which would be perfect for both cards and scrapbooking. I know it is only July but I chose a Christmas theme because I was just looking at the ESAD Christmas in July blog hop. There are heaps of links to that on my blog list so make sure you check it out.

Project Recipe
Cardstock: Real red and old olive
Ink: Versamark
Stamp set: Snow Swirled
Accessories: Gold embossing powder and heat gun, Holiday treasures dsp, eyelet border punch and real red grosgrain ribbon

JAI 25

2010-07-11T16:26:00.000+08:00

This card is a combination of two challenges from the ladies at Just Add Ink. Number 24 was a sketch challenge that I really liked but never got time to do (school holidays are very bad for stamping, lol) and number 25 which is a colour challenge.

Stamp set: Knobbly Gnomes (retired)
Cardstock: Soft suede, rose red, elegant eggplant and very vanilla
Ink: Black stazon and rose red stampin' write marker
Accessories: gold brads, boho blossoms punch, lots of tags die and the Big Shot

Two Step Stamping Promotion

2010-07-02T14:33:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone, I know it has been forever since I last posted. Please forgive me, I haven,t made any cards lately as I have been working on Matt's Nana and Pop's scrapbook album. They recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary and I am putting together an album of their family. I will share some photos of that next week hopefully.

But the reason for this post is to let you all know about the July special from Stampin' Up. This month SU! is giving a 20% discount on a number of two step stamp sets (including my favourite A Rose is a Rose) from both the main Catalogue and the Winter mini. If you are unfamiliar with this technique let me know and I can give you a quick demo, it really is one of the easiest techniques with give a big wow factor to your stamping.

Check out all the details at the Stampin' Up Customer website. Call or email me by the end of July to take advantage of these great specials.

JAI #21

2010-06-12T15:31:00.000+08:00

Another challenge from the ladies at JAI, this time a sketch. This gave me the chance to use my new Scallop Circle die and show off Haiku dsp which is one packs available as part of the deal of the week special from SU!

Project Recipe
Cardstock: So saffron, old olive, tangerine tango, more mustard and whisper white
Ink: Old olive, so saffron and more mustard
Stamp set: Embrace Life
Accessrories: Scallop circle and circles dies, Big Shot, Haiku dsp and white gel pen

Beautiful Blogger Award

2010-06-06T14:01:00.000+08:00

How cool is this, my first award! I received this from the lovely Tanya Kitto, another Stampin' Up! Demonstrator who has become a good friend through ESAD. As part of the Award, I have to tell you 10 things about myself and pass it on to 10 other bloggers. So here goes.

1. I have been married to Matt for 10 years,
2. I have three children of my own and 1 stepdaughter,
3. I work as a Carer at an Aged Care Facility,
4. I love chocolate!
5. I am diabetic so only get chocolate in small amounts,
6. My favourite colour is yellow,
7. I am addicted to silly facebook games lol,
8. I drive a red kia rio, the little red rocket
9. I knit and crochet, but cant sew a straight line
10. I am going to the Stampin' Up! Convention next May (fingers crossed).

And now 10 blogs:
Cathy Clark (my upline and team leader of Great Southern Inkers)
Margaret Knoops
Paula Dobson
Leonie Schroder
Sonia Garbutt
Our family blog (Matt does most of the blogging here)
Louise Ryan
Mae Collins
Caroline Cassidy
Harriet Hensley

These are some of my favourite places to visit. Some are already on my blogroll and others are new ones
I have discovered recently because of UnConvention.

JAI 19

2010-05-29T15:51:00.000+08:00

It has been awhile since I have done a JAI challenge, so I thought I would do one before I go away tomorrow. Colour challenges are my favourite sort and this one with its bright colours really appealed to me.
Colours: Melon mambo, taken with teal and elegant eggplant.

The bookmark was designed by Jenny Adams and is so easy to make and the inside to write your own personal greeting makes it that little more special as a gift.

Project recipe
Stamps: Vintage vogue and Punches three
Cardstock: elegant eggplant, taken with teal, melon mambo and whisper white
Ink: Elegant eggplant, taken with teal and melon mambo
Accessories: scallop border and scallop square punches, ribbon

UnConvention 2 Ribbon Challenge

2010-05-28T22:05:00.000+08:00

Another project from the UnConvention. The challenge was to use 3 cardstock colours and 2 ribbons in any way we choose. Next year's Stampin' Up! Convention will be held in Melbourne and Matt and I ahve decided we will make a family holiday of it so that I can go, yay!!!

Project Recipe
Stamp: Vintage Vogue
Card: Old olive, more mustard, bravo burgundy
Ink: Old olive, more mustard, bravo burgundy
Accessories: old olive grosgrain, white taffeta ribbon, eyelet border punch, gold brads

Gift Bag with Love Note Pocket

2010-05-25T21:34:00.000+08:00

Another project from the weekend's UnConvention cyberstamp. The gift bag is made from two sheets of cardstock cut to 21x20cm. The remaining pieces are used for the pocket and gift card, so nothing is gone to waste.

Project Recipe
Cardstock: Natural ivory, real red, cameo coral
Ink: real red, cameo coral
Stamps: 5th Ave Floral, oval all
Accessories: Real red polka dot ribbon, raspberry tart dsp, white embossing powder, scallop oval and large oval punches, jumbo eyelets

Scrapbook Challenge Sunday

2010-05-23T17:00:00.007+08:00

As I mentioned earlier in the week, I am playing along with the ESAD UnConvention Cyberstamp. This event started Thursday and finishes this evening. It involves lots of challenges and chatting with other Demonstrators from around Australia who were unable to attend the SU! Convention. This year I set one of the challenges for a scrapbooking layout which I got from the Demo website.

This is the layout sketch and below is my interpretation.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Ocean Commotion
Cardstock: Blush blossom, not quite navy, baja breeze, going gray and whisper white
Ink: baja breeze and blush blossom
Accessories: Big Shot circles die, urban garden dsp, spiral punch and circle punches.

UnConvention First Challenge

2010-05-21T19:18:00.000+08:00

UnConvention started last night with a great challenge from Tanya Kitto (Superwoman organiser of the event). We could do anything we wanted but had to include a few items.

1. very vanilla cardstock

2. dimensionals

3. paper piercing

4. dsp

I dont know if you can see the piercing around the corners of the navy cardstock.

Project Recipe

Cardstock: kraft, vanilla and not quite navy

Ink: not quite navy, always artichoke

Stamps: A Rose is a rose, oval all

Accesories: Bella blue dsp, very vanilla grosgrain ribbon, large oval punch, Big Shot tags die

Stay tuned for more challenges from the UnConvention over the next week.

Top Note Card

2010-05-18T14:23:00.000+08:00

I know it has been a couple of weeks since my last post and I do apologise. James has been in hospital with asthma and a chest infection which meant that I spent my days off work at the hospital instead of my craft desk. He is all better now and I have finally got some stamping done.
This card is the original draft I created for a workshop last weekend. It is also the basis for my swaps for UnConvention (more about that later).

At the workshop we changed the orientation of the die cut to be in the centre of the card and stamped the base card with the flower stamp from the set.
Project Recipe
Stamp Set: Organic grace (level 1 hostess) and Heard from the Heart (Autumn mini)
Cardstock: Summer sun, Choc chip, Kiwi kiss and Whisper white
Ink: Summer sun, choc chip and kiwi kiss
Accessories: Good morning sunshine dsp, Big Shot Top Note die, Heart punch, scallop circle punch, kiwi kiss satin ribbon.

Now to UnConvention. Each year Stampin’ Up! has an annual convention for all Aussie and NZ demonstrators. This year it is in Sydney this weekend. For those of us unlucky enough to attend, the wonderful ladies at ESAD have a cyber convention. This time around we are doing a swap as well as challenges and chat. Check in here Sunday afternoon and you will be ablee to see the scrapbook challenge I have set for the UnConvention.

JAI 15

2010-05-03T17:08:00.000+08:00

Wow!! I am doing well..2 posts in one day! The ladies at JAI have decided on a sketch challenge this week, one that looks simple but has countless possibilities. I have used the new razzleberry colour with the matching dsp from the new mini. And did you spot the old incolour from last year that is returning with tthe colour renovation? This card is for Mother-in-law who has a Birthday coming up soon. So Happy Birthday Anthea.

Project Recipe
Cardstock: Orchid opulence, rick razzleberry, very vanilla and river rock
Ink: rich razzleberry, orchid opulence and old olive
Stamps: A rose is a rose, bella's border wheel and sincere salutations
Accessories: Cottage garden dsp, old olive ribbon, crimper, Big Shot tags, crystal effects

New Colours from the Mini Catalogue

2010-05-03T13:30:00.000+08:00

I wanted to show the new colours from the mini catalogue. I have already shown the razzleberry and here now are the other two; soft suede and melon mambo (combined with natural ivory). All three of the new colours will be staying as part of the colour renovation from SU! Razzleberry and melon are part of the brights collection and soft suede will be part of the neutrals collection.

Project Recipe
Cardstock: melon mambo, soft suede and naturals ivory
Ink: melon mambo
Stamp set: Upsy daisy
Accessories: very vanilla ribbon, eyelet border punch, 1/4" circle punch and crystal effects.

ESAD Challenge Week 10

2010-04-22T13:44:00.001+08:00

Another challenge, this time for my Demonstrator group. There were two parts to this challenge, colour and layout. Although I entered this through my demo group, anyone can enter through Tanya Kitto's blog.

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Echoes of Knidness
Cardstock: kraft, whisper white and pink pirouette
Ink: pink pirouette and black stazon
Accessories: Big shot, candy lane dsp, white taffeta ribbon and pink pirouette button.

Just Add Ink 13

2010-04-20T13:59:00.000+08:00

A colour challenge this week from the ladies at JAI: Chocolate ship, kiwi kiss and barely banana. The first two colours are old favourites of mine, but the third..let's just say it has taken me a couple of years to use up the three sheets you get in a multi-pack of cardstock!

I used items found in the new Autumn mini for this card, including my new Big Shot. I am really loving this machine. It is easier to use than my cuttlebug and sits on my bench much better (stabler if that's a word).

Project Recipe
Cardstock: Choc chip, kiwi kiss, barely banana and whisper white
Ink: choc chip, kiwi kiss and barely banana
Stamps: Vintage vogue and Very vintage wheel
Accessories: Big shot, rhinestone brads
Techniques: joy fold card folding and sponging

Just Add Ink 12

2010-04-10T11:40:00.000+08:00

I missed the last JAI challenge due to work commitments and with the kids on holidays time just got away from me. So here is this week's JAI challenge, a layout this time around. The square shape is perfect for a 12" x 12" scrapbook layout. And, of course, if I am scrapbooking it will be about the kids. This time it is Isobel's 10th Birthday with her friends at Emu Point beach.

I have used a Simply Scrappin' kit, Party Pieces which retired a couple of years ago. I don't often use a kit as I have enough craft stuff to make my own embellishments, but they do make things much easier and quicker. All the hard work is done for you and as the girls at JAI came up with the layout for me..well the whole thing came together in less than an hour!

Project Recipe
Cardstock: Tempting turquoise, old olive, pumpkin pie and whisper white
Ink: tempting turquoise
Stamps: None!!
Accessories: Simply Scrappin' kit Party Pieces (retired), black marker

Autumn Mini Catalogue!!

2010-04-01T17:23:00.001+08:00

Stampin' Up! has done it again! Another great mini catalogue to get the creative juices flowing! This one is stuffed full of new products and stamps. So what is so special about this catalogue?

1. Three new in-colours - rich razzleberry, melon mambo and soft suede

2. Two new hostess sets - one each for level one and two

3. A new Simply Scrappin' kit - Sunny Day (Pink Passion, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin pie and Old olive)

4. Five 12" x 12" cardstock colours - certainly celery, choc chip, elegant eggplant, kraft and pumpkin pie

5. More than a dozen new stamps and wheels - Most of which are now available as both wood mounted and as repositionable stamps on clear blocks!

6. The Big Shot - manual die-cutting and embossing machine, plus dies and embossing folders.

7. New Accessories - rub-ons, ribbon, hardware.

8. New style Punches

So if you would like to have a look at all these great new products have at a look at the catalogue link in the right hand column. Better still, be at my place on Saturday 17th April when I will have a number of these on display including the Big Shot and the new repositionable stamps!

Just Add Ink 10

2010-03-29T15:06:00.000+08:00

A colour challenge: Close to cocoa, cameo coral, blush blossom and kraft

When I first saw these colours in the JAI challenge I thought 'what am I going to do with those??!!' Cameo coral and blush are two colours I rarely use and so this challenge was exactly that for me - a challenge! And it has changed my mind about one of the colours at least. Blush blossom would make a great neutral to stamp your image on when making a pink card instead of using white! I find the cameo coral just too bright (even for me) so I have only used a small amount to mat the image and also stamped the image with versamark and used cameo coral pastel to make the image pop.

Project recipe
Stamp set: Echoes of Kindness (level 2 hostess) and Life Definitions
Cardstock: close to cocoa, cameo coral, blush blossom and kraft
Ink: close to cocoa and versamark
Accessories: Stqampin' pastels, taffeta ribbon, hodgepodge hardware, Bella bleu dsp

Just Add Ink 9

2010-03-20T18:11:00.000+08:00

The JAI challenge this week is for a layout, one suitable for either cards or scrapbooking. I have had these photos for awhile so decided this is a good opportunity to get them scrapbooked. The photo is my youngest child, James, when he had some professional photos taken.

Project Recipe
Cardstock: Almost amethyst, certainly celery, barely banana, whisper white and gold metallic
Ink: Almost Amethyst
Stamp: Polka dot background
Accessories: Tea Party dsp, star punch, jumbo eyelets and certainly celery twill tape

Sneak Peek!!

2010-03-14T12:44:00.000+08:00

I know the new SU! Autumn Catalogue doesn't start for another couple of weeks, but I really wanted to show you my new stuff I got in the pre-order. One of the advantages of being a demonstrator is we get first opportunity to try all the new products. So what is new in this catalogue? New stamp sets, of course, but this time with a twist - a new way of mounting the stamps. Instead of permanent mounting on wood blocks, now you can buy the sets unmounted to go on acrylic blocks only while you use them!!

The quality of the stamp image is the same because the stamp is still foam and rubber. This means you can use the same inks and techniques you can use on wood stamps! But, and this is the best bit, they are easier to store and cheaper to buy!!

As if this isn't enough, there is also a new style of punch, new Hostess sets, the Big Shot machine with die cuts, three new in-colours and a whole bunch of new accessories!! So if you would like a copy of the new Autumn Mini just give me a call or drop me a line and I will post one out to you!

Project Recipe
Stamp set: Cottage Garden (Autumn mini), Vintage Labels (Sale-A-Bration)
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry (Autumn In-colour), Orchid Opulence, Whisper white
Ink: Rich Razzleberry and Old olive
Accesories: Cottage Wall DSP (Autumn mini), scallop circle punch and eyelet border punch,Stampin' dimensionals

Just Add Ink Challenge 7

2010-03-08T19:13:00.000+08:00

It's that time again! Time for another JAI challenge, this time a colour challenge: So Saffron, pink passion, green galore and tempting turquoise. Bit on the bright side, but whe I first saw these together I thought it would be perfect for scrapbooking Isobel's birthday. Unfortunately, when I went looking for the photos from her party they were nowhere to be found. Turns out they are on the memory card that went to Sydney with hubby's broken laptop. Fingers crossed we get them back!

So without a scrapbook page to do I had to go to Plan B. The colours are a great match for the Kaliedoscope DSP from the Summer mini (available til March 31). I thought the swirly leaf and stem pattern on the dsp reminded me a bit of seaweed, hence the ocean theme of the card!

Stamps: Ocean Commotion and Fresh Cuts

Cardstock: So saffron, tempting turquoise, green galore, pink passion and whisper white

Ink: pink passion, tempting turquoise, green galore

Accessories: Kalidoscope dsp, so saffron and Tempting turquoise ribbon, tempting turquoie brads, 1" and 11/4" circle punches

Technique: masking

Sale-A-Bration Workshop

2010-03-07T14:51:00.000+08:00

I did my first workshop yesterday in absolutely ages. The hostess wanted to take advantage of the Sale-a-bration promotion and the Summer mini before both finish at the end of this month. Most of the people there were experienced stampers which certainly helps to make things run smoothly. We did 2 'make and takes'. The first was these cards which use the Happy Moments stamp set from the sale-a-bration catalogue. We practiced our watercolouring using the SU! pastels, I havent had these out in a long time. I think we had all forgotten how easy and effective they for adding a bit of colour!

THe second was this little Chocolate Purse. I say chocolate because that is what we put inside! I can take no credit for this design. It all comes from my upline Cathy Clark. I was going to change the colours from the one she gave to me, but decided it was just too pretty to change! All I did was give the fold over front flap an eyelet border edge.

I had a great time yesterday and hope everyone else did too. The hostess earned lots of freebies: a sale-a-bration set, a level 1 hostess set and $40 to spend of SU! products!

So if you want the chance to learn something new about stamping, get together with your mates and earn some free Stampin' Up! products just drop me a line!

Just Add Ink Challenge 6

2010-03-01T14:13:00.000+08:00

Another great challenge from the girls at JAI, this time a layout. See the full challenge here. Please forgive the photography on this one. I normally get Matt to take all the photos, he is so much better at it than me, but this card is for our 10th Wedding Anniversay next month so I had to take the photo myself.

Organic Grace is my favourite hostess set from this years catalogue and this one is extra special as it was sent to me by my very first Splitcoast Big Sister CJ. I knew I wanted to add some ribbon (no card of mine is complete without it!), but wasnt sure where. I didnt want a big bow as the card is for my hubby, so I put it across the corners of the picture!

Project Recipe
Stamps: Organic Grace (hostess), jumbo outline alphabet and I (heart) Hearts (summer mini)
Cardstock: Elegant eggplant, old olive and whisper white
Ink: elegant eggplant and old olive
Accessories: Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

Just Add Ink Challenge 5

2010-02-22T14:38:00.000+08:00

I have been wanting to try one of these boxes for awhile and the JAI Add dimension challenge this week was just the excuse I needed. I have used the Rose is a Rose stamp set again (should have bought this set earlier :) and combined it with the Candy lane DSP.

Project Recipe
Stamp: A Rose is a rose
Card: Riding hood red
Ink: Riding hood red, close to cocoa and versamrk
DSP: Candy lane
Accessories: very vanilla grosgrain ribbon and clear embossing powder

Roses, Roses, Roses

2010-02-20T17:40:00.000+08:00

I just got this stammp set, A rose is a Rose, which has been on my wish list since the catalogue came out last April! And it is even better than I thought, with the 2 step stamping the possibilities are endless. It has a full bloom rose, this bud and petals so you can build your own flower to the size you want. The layout for these cards came from Splitcoaststampers layout number SC267 if you want to try it yourself.

The card on the left is going to my secret sister who is in Ohio, USA where they have had quite a bit of snow recently. Hopefully this will give her a reminder that spring is on the way for her, if not us! THe other is going to my neighbour who is celebrating a birthday this weekend.

Project Recipe

Stamp sets: A Rose is a Rose and Fresh Cuts

Left Card

Cardstock: Choc chip, regal rose, pink pirouette

Ink: regal rose, pumpkin pie, pink pirouette

Accesories: Sweet Always DSP, pumpkin pie ribbon

Right Card

Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood red, pink pirouette

Ink: riding hood red, pink pirouette, blush blossom

Accessories: riding hood red taffeta ribbon, candy lane dsp and dazzling diamonds glitter.

Just Add Ink 4 and Sale-a-bration

2010-02-15T17:14:00.000+08:00

Another great challenge from the girls at Just add Ink, this time a colour challenge. I also wanted to show off my new Sale-a-bration stamp set (yes it is that time again) and it is nearly Isobel's birthday so I need to make some invitations for her. Add all those together and I ended up with this gate fold card which has the party details inside.

Project Recipe

Cardstock: rose red, kraft, more mustard, sage shadow and whisper white

Ink: Rose red, black stazon

Stamp set: Happy moments (sale-a-bration)

Accesories: Stampin' pastels, gold stickles, scallop circle punch, 13/8' and 11/4' circle punches, ribbon.

More about Sale-a-bration

This is one of the best Stampin' Up! promotions of the year. This is your chance to earn FREE exclusive stamp sets!! These sets are only available for Sale-a-bration and cannot be bought. So how do you get a freebie? There are 3 ways of getting your hands on these sets:

1. for every $100 you spend on current SU! products from either the main catalogue or the summer mini, there is no limit on the number of free sets you can earn ie spend $200 get 2 sets, $300 get 3 sets!

2. Host a workshop with sales of over $600

3. Join The Stampin' Up Demonstrator team.

There are 4 great sets to choose or collect them all!!! Sale-a-bration finishes on the 31st March so make sure you contact me ASAP.