I'm actually still away at the moment and am staying in Sydney for an extra week after our annual Convention. Before I left home I went through my stash of cards that I hadn't blogged and scheduled a few posts so that you didn't miss out.
This is another Fifth Avenue Floral card using Baja Breeze, Kraft, Urban Oasis designer paper and one of the adorable Corduroy buttons that have retired.
Fifth Avenue Floral is one of my favourite stamp sets and I really hope it stays for a while yet. As most of you know, we will be getting a new Ideas Book and Catalogue (IB &C) on September 1st. We don't know what is staying or what is retiring until a month prior to the new catalogue being released. And, those that do retire - it's a first in, first served. So, if this stamp set is one of your favourites too, I suggest you order it sooner rather than later, because you wouldn't want to miss out.
I've used Ridinghood Red and black which I think makes a great combination. I've also seen it stamped in many other colours and in my opinion, they all look fabulous. The message is from the retired set Oval All.
Over the last few months I've made this card a few times because it's quick, very easy and I don't have to think about it. When I have a mental block and a male card to make, I tend to reach for the Seaworthy stamp set. Sometimes when time is of the essence, you gotta do what you gotta do!! And, besides it's better than a store bought card any day...
I'm flying off to Sydney tomorrow morning for the Stampin' Up! Convention, but do check back later in the week because I'll post my convention swap for you to see. And, when I return I'll have lots of lovely goodies to share with you over the next few weeks. How exciting is that!!
I made this card a very long time ago at a Creative Inkers Extravaganza and never blogged it.. Then I made it again with some ladies at a home class and it was very popular. Everyone loves embossing and it's such an effective technique. I especially love the embossed look on designer paper. It gives it a whole new dimension. If you want to learn how to do this, let me know and we'll schedule a time to do so.
This was a class I held a while ago - a mini album using a piece of designer paper. I've used the Kaleidescope DSP and For Everything stamp set which are both retired. I love how easy this was and have made quite a few over the last couple of months. My daughters love making them too and are a perfect gift for their friends, embellished with some journaling and photo's.
And here's a look on the inside - little pockets with inserts that are ideal for journaling. Too easy!! If you would like to learn how to make this album, email me and we'll arrange a day to get together.
This is the box that we're going to make at my class this Sunday. I've got some spaces left so if you're free, why don't you register here and come along? I got the inspiration a few months back from Sarah Gough and loved the one she made, as soon as I saw it. She is one very talented lady, so pop along and have a look at her blog. We'll also be making a co-ordinating card using the Vintage Vogue stamp from the Autumn/Winter mini catalogue.
This is the card I made for a friend who lost her son tragically last week. Her son was the soldier who was killed at Linton Camp. It's just not right, when you have to bury your own child. It's so hard to find the words to express my heartfelt sympathy to the family at this very sad time.
Today I found out that I received two blog awards yesterday - the first was the Sunshine Award by my lovely and very talented upline Karen! What a huge thrill!! Thank you so much Karen I'm tickled!
Here are the 'rules' for the award.
1. Put the Sunshine Award on your blog and/or within your post.
2. Pass the award to other bloggers.
3. Link the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.
The hardest part, of course, is narrowing it down because there is an amazing amount of very talented ladies out there. I've just kept it to blogs down under, but even then there are so many more of you that inspire me and I thoroughly enjoy seeing what you've all created...I would like to nominate the following people who always inspire me, motivate me and make me smile:
1. Sarah Gough
2. Paula Dobson
3. Anne Brignall
4. Tracey Old
5. Ann Wills
It's getting late and I need all the beauty sleep I can get, so I'll post details about the second award tomorrow.
There must have been something in the water last year, because three work collegues and a wife of another, were pregnant at the same time. April and May are their due dates, so it was an excuse for me to make another baby card. The latest little addition is an adorable wee fellow called Jonathon, who was in a big hurry to enter the world and was three weeks early.
The stamp sets I used are In the Stars (retired and I'm embarrassed to admit that this is the first time I've inked it up) and the baby is from All in the Family. The designer paper and textured cardstock are both from the 2008-09 catalogue with the main colour being Blue Bayou. I didn't have the coordinating ink, but found the Sage Shadow was a perfect match. I was actually inspired by a similar card that I saw when I was blog hopping. I'm sorry I don't recall who it was. I'm really pleased with the way this turned out and might make another one using girly colours in anticipation for the next wee bundle to arrive...
