Make n' Take

I had my mini catalogue launch last weekend and this was the card the ladies made. Truth be known, it's actually a variation of what they made, because I was still running around like a chook making up my sample, which I wasn't really happy with, when the first ladies arrived... 

It may look familiar to some of you because I've cased it from Jacque's swap she did for her first level training, earlier in December. I loved her card as soon as I saw it and knew I had to make one myself.  

Stamp Set: Aviary, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Marina Mist, Night of Navy
Accessories: Antique Brass Jumbo eyelet, Marina Mist 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Top Note Bigz Die, Antique Brass Brad, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Happy 17th Birthday Nicole!

Just thought I'd share the birthday card I made for my daughter Nicole who is in Emmetsburg, Iowa on her student exchange. She turns 17 years old today -although it's not the 17th in Iowa yet, because we're 19 hours ahead in New Zealand. Goodness knows where those years have gone??  If by chance you are reading this Nicole, I hope your day is filled with love and laughter and you have a wonderful birthday to remember. I love you xxx

I've cased the card from one we made a regional training earlier in the year, but used different designer paper because blue is Nicole's favourite colour.

Stamp Set: Crazy for Cupcakes, Polka Dot background stamp (retired)
Ink: Basic Grey, Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy
Cardstock: Marina Mist, Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Designer Paper: Blueberry Crisp
Accessories: Marina Mist 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Blender pen, Word Window punch.

Final class for 2010..

Have you had a chance to make your Christmas cards yet? If not - why don't you join me for my last class I have planned for the year, on Friday 10 December. Making your cards is a lot of fun when you get together with friends or family. It’s an opportunity to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, as well as the creative process.


This is one of the cards we'll be making. It was taught to me by my wonderful upline Karen and I'd love to have the opportunity to teach it to you. Email me here to book your space.

Sentimental Journey

Well, another weekend nearly over with... I hope you managed to spend some time outside in the lovely sunshine. We've been so lucky and have had some wonderful weather lately.

In the meantime, my daughter Nicole, who is in the town of Emmetsburg in Iowa, on a student exchange, will be having her first white Christmas.  She is having a fabulous time and loving the whole experience. I'm sure the stamp set 'Sentimental Journey' will be put to good use, on some scrapbook layouts when she returns.  Below is a photo taken a few weeks ago, after a snow storm.

 


Nicole couldn't resist drawing on someone's car and she looks pretty pleased with her efforts....

Anyway, back to what I was intending on showing you - this lovely swap was made by Claire. Unfortunately, Claire was unable to make it, the day of our Christmas party as she was having her own wonderful journey across in Sydney.  I hope you had a fabulous time Claire.  



Chat again soon :)

 

Beautiful Wings..

This was the swap I came up with for our WOW PaperKRafters Christmas party. I was more than happy with the end result especially since it was well after midnight before I'd even started them. As you can imagine, it was a very late (or early morning) finish which most people might struggle with. Luckily, I'm a night owl and don't have a problem staying up until the wee small hours. The hardest time for me to stay awake is between 3.30-5pm and if I had my way, I'd have nana nap every afternoon. Although, I prefer calling it a power nap. Yep, I know what you're thinking - I'm weird....lol. 

Stamp sets: Sincere Salutations,Itty Bitty Bits
DSP: Summer Garden
Cardstock: Whisper White, Poppy Parade
Ink: Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait
Accessories: Peach Parade 1/2" Stitched Poly Cotton Ribbon, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Punch Pack, Crystal Effects, Scallop Edge Punch, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals.

Yay, it's Friday...have a great weekend everyone!

Bird House

This adorable little Bird House was demonstrated by the lovely Sarah Roche at our Christmas Party play day, over the weekend.  Isn't it just too cute!!  And, the little library mini clip is so petite and works perfectly with it. You can unclip the mini clip and the roof comes off so you can fill it with goodies. What a wonderful gift!  But, I won't be giving this one away... Thanks Sarah for sharing this with us.

December Frenzy Sale!!

STAMPIN' UP! DECEMBER FRENZY SALE!!

There are some serious Stampin' Up! specials during our December Frenzy sale!! Get up to 50% off great Stampin’ Up! products.
Available until 29 December 2010

Item	Page	Description	Retail Price	Sale Price
119181	39	A Little Treat Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$26.95	$13.48
120018	39	A Little Treat Clear-Mount Stamp Set	$21.95	$10.98
119189	40	Tote-Ally Tess Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$45.95	$32.17
111255	43	Daisy Dash Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel	$19.50	$11.70
121482	56	Baby Bundle Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$59.95	$41.97
119161	72	Autumn Days Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$46.95	$23.48
120012	77	Pendant Park Clear-Mount Stamp Set	$36.95	$18.48
113031	88	Tart and Tangy Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$26.95	$18.87
115806	91	Fresh Cuts Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$46.95	$32.87
115946	102	Wonderful Favorites Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$47.95	$28.77
119167	104	Heard from the Heart Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$46.95	$28.17
119185	105	Teeny Tiny Sentiments Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$75.95	$37.98
105115	118	Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.87
105106	119	Certainly Celery Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
100045	119	Pretty in Pink Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105114	119	So Saffron Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105111	119	Bashful Blue Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105108	119	Regal Rose Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105109	120	Bravo Burgundy Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
100069	120	Night of Navy Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.87
100082	121	Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
103104	122	Small Cello Bags	$9.25	$5.55
111325	140	Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware	$70.50	$35.25
112530	140	Circle Scissor Plus	$67.95	$40.77
116681	161	Kind Heart Wood-Mount Stamp Set*	$14.50	$7.25

And.... Introducing the new Summer Mini Catalogue which is filled to the brim with fabulous new products and great ideas!

Click on the cover to view the on line Catalogue

Book in here to attend my Summer Mini Catalogue launch party on Saturday 11 December between 1pm - 5pm to make a FREE card and pick up your complimentary copy.

Until then, happy Stampin'

Summer Mini Swaps

At our team's Christmas Party on the weekend, some of us did swaps using the new products from the new Summer Mini Catalogue which is being released tomorrow. I'm sure you'll love the products as much as I do.

I received this gorgeous swap from my lovely friend Judy, who is one very talented lady. It's bright and beautiful and I just love it!  Judy has used a variety of techniques including reverse masking, sponging and has window embossed the front (I'm not sure if this is the correct technical term for what she has done) using Petals-a-Plenty. The whole front also sparkles with shimmer mist. Unfortunately, you can't see it, so you'll just have to trust me on that one..

Christmas Party!!

I'm back in the land of living after a fast and furious few weeks of workshops, away classes and galas. All wonderful fun, but life was crazy busy. I've got some great posts lined up for you, so be sure to pop back regularly.

First up, our WOW PaperKRafters Team had their inaugural Christmas Party play day yesterday. Thanks to our wonderful leader and upline Karen, for making it happen. It was so much fun and we came away with 6 lovely projects - which I'll be showcasing over the next week or two. We also had a yummy feast, fit for Kings... I had to go for a extra long run this morning so I didn't feel so bad after gorging myself silly.  

For my project, I demonstrated how to make a Tunnel Card.  The instructions for this can be found on Splitcoast Stampers. I cased the front of the card from Claire Daly who is one talented lady, from across the pond. Elements of Style is used throughout the card and there is lots of colouring in, which I find very therapeutic and exactly what I needed.

Here's the inside:

Stamp Set: Elements of Style
Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Designer Paper: Blushing Bride In Colour DSP (level 1 hostess reward)
Ink: Blushing Bride, Basic Grey, Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand
Accessories: 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Circle Scissors and Cutting Mat, Blender Pen, Sticky Strip, Blushing Bride 1/2" Stitched Poly Cotton Ribbon

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Quick and Easy Christmas Card

How are your Christmas cards coming along?  If you need any inspiration - book into one of my classes here.  This is a quick and easy card using the Tree Trimmings set and the vintage wallpaper embossing folder. Not your traditional colours either, but I like it. 

Stamp sets: Tree Trimmings, Occasional Greetings 
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

Blue Hydrangeas

It's taken me a while to finally use this set and not because I haven't wanted to. I loved it as soon as I saw it, but I've been so time starved lately. Anyway without any further ado...

And, here's a slight variation using the same colours..

Stamp Set: Because I care, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Occasional Quotes (Level 3 Hostess set).
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Night of Navy
Ink: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Night of Navy
Accesories: Night of Navy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Modern Label Extra Large Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Cutter Kit, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Jewellery Tag Medium, Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Linen Thread, Certainly Celery Stampin' Marker, Blender Pen, Stampin' Sponge, Clear Rhinestone Brad.

Birthdays Galore!

At the end of October and the beginning of November, I have 5 friends and family who celebrate birthdays over 5 days. Then I have 5 days reprieve before another onslaught. It's quite nice to have a break from the Christmas theme. This is one of the cards I've made and I couldn't decide if I was happy with the colours or not..

This was the next one which is similiar except I've stamped En Francais with Soft Suede ink onto Whisper white cardstock instead of White craft ink onto Soft Suede cardstock.  Which do you prefer?

Stamp Sets: En Francais, Vintage Vogue, All a Flutter
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede, White Craft Ink, Versamark, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Dimensionals, Basic Pearls

Christmas Gifts

These were the little gifts we made at the Christmas Gifts class that I held over the weekend. The acetate box is a dinky little size, so you can fill it easily. There are some scorched almonds inside the boxes, but how long they'll last in there, is anyone's guess...

I got the idea for this memo paper holder from an old Stampin' Up! Impressions magazine. This is a monthly magazine that demo's receive which features business tips, ideas and inspiration and is a great resource.

Hopefully these will give you some ideas on what to make for your Christmas gifts for neighbours, teachers or friends. They are quick and inexpensive but always appreciated, because they are handmade.  

Stamp Sets: Sparkly and Bright, Friends 24/7, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock: Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White
Designer Paper: Jolly Holiday, Kiwi Kiss (retired)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Old Olive
Accessories: Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Chocolate Chip 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Blender Pen, Pretties Kit (retired), Scallop Edge Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, 1 1/4 Circle Punch.

Happy stampin' till next time.

Thank You cards

These were some thank you cards I made for the ladies who submitted an order, after a workshop I did. I cased it from Andrea Walford who is an amazing American Stampin' Up! demonstrator. It's actually one I've  made a few times and I really like it.

Stamp set: Fifth Avenue Floral, Thank You Kindly
Cardstock: Basic Grey, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Designer Paper: Urban Oasis (retired)
Ink: Basic Grey, Baja Breeze, Old Olive
Accesories: Baja Breeze Corduroy Button (retired), Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Blender pen  

Jingle All the Way

I cased this card from Kimberley Van Diepen and just changed the designer paper, cardstock and embossing folder to what I could coordinate at the time. It's simple but elegant. Pop along to see Kimberley's blog HERE - and I think you'll agree; she's got lots of lovely things to see.  

Also, it's worth a mention that this is the first time I've inked up this set. It's not a new purchase either and have had it since last year, so am guilty as charged...

Stamp SetL Christmas Classics
Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Very Vanilla
Designer Paper: In-Colour Designer Series Paper Pack (level 1 hostess reward)
Ink: Poppy Parade
Accesories: Poppy Parade 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon, Silver Brad, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Circle Scissors, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

Birthday Treats

Don't you love it when your DD14 asks you 5 minutes before she's due to go out, that it's her girlfriend's birthday and could I make her a little something? I'm obviously too obliging - because this seems to be happening more and more often. Either that, or she enjoys seeing me fly into a flap. I do have a wee stash of cards but not many that are suitable for teens. I managed to whip this little triangle box and treat pouch up in minutes (and even take the photo's) before we had to dive out the door.

Stamp set: For a Friend (retired hostess set), Great Friend
Ink: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue
Accesories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Striped Bashful Blue Grosgrain ribbon (retired), Scallop Edge punch, Mini Glue Dots, Bashful Blue Marker pen, Blender pen.

Vintage Vogue

This was the card that some lovely ladies made last weekend at a workshop I did. There was a range of experience levels, but everyone made a fabulous job of their card. It was a great afternoon except for the fact that I had a bit of laryngitis and could hardly speak. Others that know me, might think that was a good thing...lol.

Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue, Heard from the Heart
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry
Accesories: Dazzling Diamonds, 2 Way Glue Pen, Dimensionals

Sparkly Lovely as a Tree...

I feel as though the only cards I've been making lately are Christmas ones. Fortunately, they're one of my favourite kind, so I certainly don't mind. I saw something similar at Convention (back in May) on the display board, so I'm sorry that I can't link my post back to you, because I don't know who you are :(  Please make yourself known, if you're the talented person I've cased. The leaves of the tree have dazzling diamonds on them, but sadly you can't see it..

Stamp Sets: Short and Sweet, En Francais, Lovely as a Tree
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: Kraft Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Dazzling Diamonds, Two Way Glue Pen, Stampin' Sponge.  

Thanks for stopping by.

New Christmas Ribbon Promotion!!

Create beautiful packaging to fit any Christmas gift with exclusive products from Stampin' Up! 

This Christmas season there are two ways to get FREE exclusive ribbon. Get one spool of ribbon when you purchase a Christmas gift giving bundle and one spool of ribbon when you host a $600 workshop!

Click HERE for more details on both the ribbons and bundles.

Choose one of these great Christmas gift-giving bundles:

Contact me HERE today to book a workshop.

So what are you waiting for? Order your bundle now and start Dressing Up Your Christmas!!

But wait, there's more....

As promised, here are the remaining swaps I received at our WOW PaperKRafters Team Training last Sunday.

This card is from my dear friend and sideline Judy B.  She's used Jolly Holiday designer paper with the Bird punch and the Perfect Punches set. I think this makes for a stunning combination. 

And, this lovely card was from Claire Hardman. Claire is relatively new to our group but is one talented lady!  The only stamp she's used is the message from Many Merry Messages. She's cut out her own template and made the Christmas tree by sponging. And the curtains are made by using punches. Isn't it super cute!

Delightful Decorations

As mentioned earlier in the week - we had our WOW PaperKRafters Team Training in the weekend. These are some of the swaps I received from my very talented team mates. I love the Delightful Decorations stamp set and the co-ordinating punch. There are so many things that can be done with it. 

Here is our illustrious leader Karen's swap, which I really love. Because we were exceedingly good (we always are... honestly), she taught us how to make one of these sidestep cards, which she'd learnt earlier from her upline Jacque. It's just like one big, happy family, sharing and swapping ideas, tips and techniques.  

Here's the one that Sally made. She's mixed some shimmer paint with some pacific point reinker and then sponged directly onto the delightful decorations stamp. Isn't it gorgeous!  

Sarah, (one of our newer members of the team, who is also exceedingly talented) has used Delightful Decorations as well and Heard from the Heart, which has a lovely Christmas message. The baubles are embossed which is stunning in real life. Unfortunately my photo's don't do any of these cards justice.

Wasn't I spoilt! There are still two swaps to show you, which I'll post in the next day or two.