Deb's Stampin' Style

Birthday Card

2012-03-07T08:00:00.000+13:00

This was the lovely birthday card that I received from my friend (and fellow demo) Sally Williams. Sally has cased this from the Ideas Book and Catalogue and it was on my "to do" list - so that's saved me a job. Thanks Sally, I love it!

Stamp Set: Petite Pairs
Card Stock: Old Olive, Perfect Plum, Pear Pizzazz,
Designer Paper: In Colour Patterns Pack, First Edition Designer Pack
Ink: Perfect Plum
Accessories: Basic Pearls, Regals Designer Buttons, Fancy Flower Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder, White Bakers Twine.

It's happy hump day today, so only two days left till the weekend. I'm off to Rotorua for our annual Demonstrator's Stamp Camp, which I'm really looking forward to. No doubt there will be late nights, lots of chatter and amazing projects to make and share when I get back. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Easy Events meets SAB

2012-03-05T07:30:00.000+13:00

This was the project we completed at my last class. It's a cute little box which is very easy to make (thanks to Julie Davison) and is home to four little note cards measuring 3" x 3". I've cased the cards from Crafty Clare who does a lot of clean and simple which is perfect when you've got a card or two, to make in a hurry.

For the first card, we used the sponging technique. It could be used for Valentines Day, a wedding or an engagement. The little bird image fits perfectly with the Large Heart Punch.

I've mounted my messages and images separately on the wooden blocks for the whole set, which gives me more freedom and I can change the messages around to use with whatever image I want.

The flower punch from the Itty Bitty Pack is used for these little 3D flowers.

A 5cm square piece of card stock can easily be turned into this scalloped mat with the Scallop Trim punch. Quick and easy.

Stamp Set: Easy Events, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Fresh Vintage (SAB 2012)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Lime Limeade, Soft Suede, Calypso Coral,
Designer Paper: Everyday Enchantment (SAB 2012), In Colour Designer Pack
Ink: Black Staz On, Pool Party, Lime Limeade, Calypso Coral,
Accessories: Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Basic Pearls, Linen Thread, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 ½" Circle Punch, Large Heart Punch, Flower Punch from the Itty Bitty Pack, Jewellery Tag Punch.

Leap Year baby

2012-03-04T16:42:00.000+13:00

It was my brother's birthday on 29 February, so officially he turned 11 years old. I hope he appreciated the card I gave him. It was one I had in my stash because unfortunately, I didn't have time to recreate anything from scratch.

Stamp set: Pun Fun (retired), Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel (retired), On Your Birthday
Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pacific Point
Ink: Black Staz On, Pacific Point
Accessories: Circle Scissor Plus, Watercolour Wonder Crayons, Blender Pen, Silver Brads

How's your weekend going? I've been busy trying to sort out my craft room which has been a work in progress for some time and get my monthly newsletter out, amongst lots of other things.

I'm glad the weather bomb didn't hit Auckland as hard as they predicted and we've got a beautiful day here today. I did get to enjoy it earlier on my morning run. It's actually much colder inside, than out. Whatever you've been up to, I hope you've enjoyed it :)

Everyday Elegance

2012-02-21T18:01:00.000+13:00

This was the adorable gift box and card that I demonstrated at a workshop recently. I cased them from Monica Gales who is a demo in the UK. Pop over to look at her blog - she has some lovely projects and also has a video to show you how to make the gift box. The gift box is made from two Scallop Envelopes cut with your Big Shot. So easy and a cute result. The stamp set is You Are Loved from the Summer Mini catalogue.

The photo isn't that great, but the cardstock does actually coordinate with the gorgeous (and FREE with qualifying purchase) Everyday Elegance Designer paper in real life.

Stamp Set: You Are Loved, Short and Sweet
Card Stock: Poppy Parade, Pool Party, Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Designer Paper: Everyday Elegance (Sale-a-Bration), First Edition Speciality Paper
Ink: Black Staz On, Lime Limeade and Poppy Parade Stampin' Marker
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Envelope Die, Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad pack (Sale-a-Bration), Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

Thanks for visiting - hope to see you again soon.

Scallop Easel Card

2012-02-19T07:30:00.011+13:00

This was the second card that we made at class last weekend, which was very popular. I've cased it but unfortunately, don't remember who from. Don't you agree that very vanilla, cherry cobbler and basic black look quite striking together.

Stamp Sets: Vintage Vogue, French Foliage, Elements of Style
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Black Staz On, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Scallop Circle Bigz Die, Circle Scissors Plus, Little Leaves Sizzlets Die, Boho Blossoms Punch, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Basic Pearls.

My oldest daughter Nicole, is moving into an apartment in the city today, which is all very exciting. Well, she's excited and I've got a mixture of excitement for her and sadness for me. I know that she will love it and it's in a great location. Only a 10 minute dawdle from the University that she's attending, so it makes perfect sense that should move... so I keep telling myself. If she was to live at home, it would take her 1½ hours each way to get there (not due to the distance but because of our appalling public transport system). Now that time can be spent doing something more productive - like working to pay the rent or studying ;) I feel confident that they won't have a diet of just noodles and cereal, so long as their budget can manage. Here's hoping anyway... And, they can always come home in the weekends to get a dose of vegetables and healthy cuisine.

Did You Feel the Love??

2012-02-17T08:00:00.000+13:00

Did you feel the love on Valentines Day? I always like to make my daughters a card for Valentine's Day and this is one that I spied on Bev Watt's blog, many months ago. I couldn't wait to case it especially because it is very appropriate with my surname being Lamb :)

Stamp Set: I {Heart} Hearts, Short and Sweet, Pun Fun (Retired)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Black Staz On, Cherry Cobbler
Designer Paper: Regal Designer Pack
Accessories: Red Glimmer Paper (Summer Mini), Small Heart Punch, Neutral Watercolour Crayons.

Fabulous Florets

2012-02-15T08:29:00.000+13:00

I've been totally on the go lately and keep forgetting to update my blog. Sorry about that... I will endeavour to get back into it a bit more regularly.

I am happy to report however, that my classes are back in full swing which I'm thoroughly enjoying. We had one over the weekend and a repeat on Monday night. One of the projects we made was this side stepper card. I got the dimensions from Julie Davison, a demo in the States. It's so easy, so you really ought to give it a try.

We used the Rock n' Roll technique on the flowers, which makes them really pop and the swirl on the bottom step is from the Vintage Vogue stamp set. All the colours are the new in-colours which coordinate beautifully.

Stamp Set: Fabulous Florets, Happiest Birthday Wishes, Vintage Vogue
Card Stock: Whisper White, Lime Limeade, Pool Party, Calypso Coral
Ink: Lime Limeade, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Rose Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings, Basic Pearls, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon.

Birthdays Galore!

2012-02-08T23:00:00.000+13:00

January and February means lots of birthdays for me, including one of my sisters, brother, niece and more than 8 girlfriends! A popular and busy time, that's for sure. This is a card that I made for my friend Sally. I cased it from from Monica Gale - a talented demonstrator in America.

Stamp Sets: Thoughts and Prayers, Aviary, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Card Stock: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Pool Party
Ink: Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Lime Limeade
Accessories: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack.

A new school year has begun and the holidays are but a distant memory. And, of course as Murphy would have it, the temperatures are soaring higher than ever and making it hot and sticky. To be honest, I'm finding it extremely tiring and not handling being back at work very well. How are you coping? On a positive note, it's a short week and the weekend is just around the corner, so that's gotta call for a happy dance :)

Have a good one!

Fresh Vintage

2012-01-26T10:00:00.001+13:00

Here's a gorgeous card using one of the Stamp sets available to earn for FREE from Sale-a-Bration (SAB). This card also features the new ribbon Organdy ribbon which is very feminine and gorgeous in real life. The designer paper is slightly distressed and very elegant. It would be one of my all time favourites (I know I say that a lot, but this one is truly gorgeous).

Stamp Set: Fresh Vintage (SAB)
Card Stock: Soft Suede, Whisper White
Designer Paper: Everyday Enchantment (SAB)
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade
Accessories: Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Pack (SAB), Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Modern Label Punch.

Just a reminder that the SAB products aren't available to purchase. For every $120 you spend during SAB, you can choose something for FREE from the four stamp sets, the designer paper and the colourful ribbon and brad pack.

Contact me HERE if you want more information.

Stampin' Up! Sale-a-Bration is here!

2012-01-24T07:00:00.001+13:00

If you haven't experienced Sale-a-Bration (SAB) before, here's what all the fuss is about... Stampin' Up rewards you with FREE goodies for every $120 you spend - no limits. These products are not available to purchase and are only available until 31 March. There are four stamp sets to choose from, as well as adorable accessories such as printed brads, ribbon and gorgeous designer series paper. Warning: they are all extremely fabulous.

Anyone hosting a $700 workshop during this time earns a stamp set for FREE out of either of the current catalogues. If you'd like to get a group of girlfriends together one afternoon or evening, do think about hosting a FREE home workshop. As the hostess, you stand to earn FREE merchandise and an Ideas Book and Catalogue (or ink pad if you already have an IB & C), dependent on sales. During Sale-a-Bration, it is a great time to host, as everyone is tempted by receiving something for FREE.

And, if you'd ever thought of becoming a demonstrator - now is the time to join!! Whether it's as a hobbyist (wanting a discount to fund your addiction) to someone looking for a small flexible business doing and sharing something you love, now is the time, as you get as a bonus stamp set from the current catalogue valued up to $95.95 to add to the already discounted starter kit. During Sale-a-Bration, the starter kit is the special price of $289 (usually $339) and contains over $685 of stamping goodies (that's with the FREE stamp set) and it's really versatile. Click HERE to read more, if you are interested.

Click HERE to view the catalogue

Happy New Year!

2012-01-10T19:30:00.002+13:00

Hello everyone and welcome to a New Year!! I know, I know.... it's already 10 January but for those of you who follow my blog, you will know that I didn't have any Internet for quite a while before Christmas and then I went away. I ended up staying away a bit longer than planned and arrived back late Saturday night to a miserable and wet Auckland.

How was your Christmas and New Year celebration? I had a wonderful time with my daughters and family down in Palmerston North. I also managed to catch up with a few school friends (one I hadn't seen for over 25 years) and ex Air Force friends too, which was great fun. Don't you love it when you can pick up where you left off, no matter how much time has lapsed since seeing each other?

I hope you have lots of happy memories of 2011 and although it has been a difficult one for many, I hope you have a positive outlook on what's to come in 2012.

The mystery surrounding my Internet problems have been rectified {doing the happy dance here} and it was a data entry error that caused me all that grief. Someone who lives in my area had changed their provider and when the new provider entered their details they entered one wrong digit which made it my phone number, instead of theirs. Because all of their other details were correct the changeover process went ahead. I can't believe that something so simple was so time consuming and inconvenient. Anyway we're back now, so I'm a happy chappy once again :)

With all the craziness that has been going on in our little world - the one thing that has been lacking is stamping. And, needless to say I've missed it and hope to get back into it real soon.

The card I'm featuring here is one I made before Christmas. I loved the simplicity of it and I've cased it from my friend Sally Williams. The only stamp used, is the Happy Birthday message from Curly Cute.

Stamp set: Curly Cute
Card Stock: Whisper White, Island Indigo, Lime Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral
Ink: Pool Party
Accessories: In Colour Designer Printed Brads, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon

Enjoy your evening and hopefully I'll be back again soon.

Sweet Baby Boy

2011-12-30T09:10:00.000+13:00

A beautiful friend and work colleague is due to have her first child at the end of January. Her due date is 2 February but I've got my fingers and toes crossed for her lovely bundle to arrive on 31 January (and, there's no guessing why).

We held a baby shower for her (and her hubby) before she left and this was the card I made which I've cased from Juliette Chapman - a lovely friend and talented demonstrator from Australia.

Stamp Set: Curly Cute, Baby Tees Jumbo Wheel

Card Stock: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Bashful Blue

Ink: Black Staz On, Daffodil Delight, Bashful Blue, Lime Limeade and Real Red Stampin' Marker

Accessories: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, White Baker's Twine, Brights Water Colour Crayons.

Happy 18th Birthday!!

2011-12-27T18:00:00.000+13:00

My eldest daughter Nicole turned 18 years old on the 17 December! It's so hard to believe and it feels like it was only yesterday that she was a baby in my arms. She had a party the Thursday before, which was a huge success. I was even allowed (actually DD18, insisted) that I invite some friends of my own (probably so I wouldn't cramp her style). It worked out well, because Thursday was my last day at work and although I wasn't able to make the staff function that afternoon, it was a nice way to finish for the year and I was finally able to relax.

The relaxation part was short lived though... believe me. I then had to clean up, pack up, shop, wrap up and do all those other millions of things that had to be done so we were able to head down to Palmerston North, which is where we are for the next wee while. I've scheduled this post to happen while I was away because I'm not likely to go onto the computer much in that time.

I mainly used my Big Shot for this card. It's a Scallop Circle easel card and one that I'd been wanting to make for a while. I'm glad I finally did and for such a worthy occasion too.

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Pool Party, Lime Limeade, Whisper White
Ink: Pool Party, Lime Limeade
Accessories: Big Shot, Medium Sizzlits Dies, Scallop Circle Bigz Die, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Dies, Silver Glimmer Paper, Stampin' Glass Silver Glitter,

Petite Pocket Mini Album

2011-12-24T10:30:00.004+13:00

Isn't this just adorable!! I loved it as soon as I saw it on Julie Davison's blog and couldn't wait to make one myself. Pop over to have a look because Julie has some awesome tutorials and they're all free, so that's gotta be a good thing!

The little key on my mini album isn't a Stampin' Up! trinket. I acquired it a long time ago and can't recall when or where from.

And, here are those little page inserts that you can embellish with photo's or journaling. Isn't it just too cute!!

Stamp Set: Creative Elements
Card Stock: Blushing Bride, Soft Suede, Confetti White
Ink: Blushing Bride, Soft Suede
Accessories: Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, 1" Square Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Crop-a-Dile, Petite Pocket Die (Big Shot), Rhinestone Jewel Accents, Key (not Stampin' Up!), Silver Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals.

There's only one sleep left until Christmas Day! I'm a little bit excited and love this time of the year. It may get crazy busy, but I thrive on it. The best part is being able to spend it with my daughters and family. I don't know how much longer before my girls will be off doing their own thing, so I'm thankful that I've got them for another year.

I wanted take this opportunity to wish each of you, a wonderful Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. May 2012 bring you much love, laughter and happiness to you and your loved ones.

No Internet...

2011-12-22T01:00:00.006+13:00

I haven't had any Internet since last Thursday. I am, as of ten minutes ago on "dial up" and it is doing my head in already!! I've currently got over 150 emails coming which will be a long slow process. I've had bills to pay, emails to answer, a newsletter that I wanted to send out (it might have to be a New Years one now...) and loads of other things to do - which have all had to be put on hold. Fortunately, I'd scheduled a few posts over the last week, so you've not missed out. Maybe my subconscious knew something??

There is a very big mystery about my broadband connection (or should I say, lack of it) and it is as though I've been hacked. But my provider assures me that it wouldn't have been possible. (Between you and me, I'm not convinced...). Anyway, my service was stopped because I had "apparently" signed up with another provider. They couldn't tell me who the provider was and only had a reference number to go by. I then, have to ring all these other providers (there are a tonne of them too!!) to find out who I am now with because they haven't actually started up my new connection, and to cancel them and go back to my original provider. Does that make any sense? This has all been done without my permission. Apparently, it is a breach of privacy and they would have had to know many things about me for this to happen. I must have spent over 7 hours on the telephone since last Thursday trying to rectify it. It's still not sorted yet, but at least I have dial up and I am very grateful for that. It has really hit home how much I rely on the Internet nowadays. A bit scary really. I still have to get to the bottom of it, but I will be able to do so, once I'm down in Palmerston North and have some time to do so.

I thought you might also like to see the lovely Christmas card that I received from my friend (and a fellow demonstrator) Sally. This photo doesn't do it justice - it's so much nicer in real life. Thanks Sally - I love it!

Spice Cake

2011-12-21T00:18:00.002+13:00

No, I'm not talking about anything that you can eat - but I am talking about the lovely new Designer Paper in the Summer Mini. I think it must be my absolute favourite at the moment and I surprised even myself, by cutting into it as soon as I got it. Usually I just like to look at it and can't bare to cut it up. Sad aren't I! Can anyone out there relate to what I'm saying??

Stamp Set: You Are Loved (stamped in the background with Versamark), Tiny Tags
Card Stock: Soft Suede, Island Indigo, Lime Limeade
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Spice Cake Designer paper, Postage Stamp Punch, Linen Thread, Naturals Designer Buttons, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Jewellery Tag Punch.

How's your Christmas preparations going? I really can't believe that this time next week - it'll all be over and we'll be counting down the days until the New Year.

Oops, I nearly forgot. I've cased this card from Catherine Pooler - she's got an awesome array of lovely projects on her blog.

Flower Garden

2011-12-14T08:32:00.000+13:00

This is the new Textured Impression Embossing Folder available in the Summer Mini cattie. It's been very popular over in the States so I was quite keen to have a play with mine when it arrived a few weeks ago.

This is a very easy technique and has Marina Mist and Certainly Celery ink, roughly sponged around the embossed areas. If I didn't know better, I would think that it was chalk, because it looks all soft and powdery, but trust me, I definitely used ink.

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Whisper White, Marina Mist
Ink: Marina Mist, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Marina Mist Scallop Dots Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Sponge Daubers.

I've only got a 1/2 day left of school after today. Yeehaa!! Happy hump day to you all!

The Open Sea

2011-12-12T23:18:00.000+13:00

Do you recognise this card? It's a case of one of the cards in the Summer Mini (page 18), except I've used a different message because my tags are bigger and their message wouldn't have fit. There are some really cool stamps in this set and it would also make some great scrapbook layouts. This card was a little bit fiddly to make with the fussy cutting, but I think it was worth the effort.

Stamp Set: The Open Sea, Sincere Salutations
Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Accessories: Early Espresso Baker's Twine, 3/4" Circle Punch, Metallic Brads.

Fabulous Florets

2011-12-05T17:06:00.000+13:00

This was the stamp set that I won at our Demonstrator's Fun Day back in August. Aren't I the lucky one!! I can't believe that I've taken this long to use it. Anyway, my friend Sally (and fellow demo) and I made some swaps for each other, so we would have a few different items to show at our Summer Mini Catalogue launch this past weekend.

This was one of the swaps I made, using the retired lunch sacks which is an ideal size to decorate - not too big (that would cost a lot to fill) but not too small either. Fabulous Florets can either be coloured in (there's an open flower) or just stamped using ink as I've done with the solid image below. I've used the kiss technique for the flower (not sure if that's the correct technical term??). I've inked it up with Peach Parfait first and then tapped the edges onto Rose Red ink to give it more colour. The flap is secured with a bit of Velcro. Too easy!

And, here's the side view:

Stamp Set: Fabulous Florets
Card Stock: Peach Parfait, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, Peach Parfait, Rose Red
Designer Paper: In Colour Designer Pack
Accessories: Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Basic Pearl, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.

December Frenzy!!

2011-12-02T17:03:00.000+13:00

There are lots of things happening this month - not only has the Summer Mini Catalogue gone live as of yesterday, but Stampin' Up! has given us an early Christmas present by giving up to 50% off selected stamp sets and accessories. You'll have to be quick because these specials are limited, so best to order it early so you don't miss out.

Click Here to see the list of Specials.

Check out the Summer mini here or come along to my catalogue launch on Sunday. There are still 2 spots left for the first session at 12-2pm. Contact me here for more information.

I'm doing the happy dance because it's Friday - are you? Have a great weekend and I hope to see you soon.

Winter Post

2011-11-30T07:00:00.001+13:00

This is the card that my friend and fellow demonstrator Sally taught at our last Team event, a few weeks back {quite a few weeks ago now..}. I love the Vintage look and it's just a little bit fancy being a Twisted Easel card too.

And here's the side view~

Stamp Set: Winter Post, Kindness Matters, Snow Swirled
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Ridinghood Red, Early Expresso
Ink: Ridinghood Red, Early Expresso, Early Expresso
Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Metallic Brads, 3/8" Ridinghood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Matt Pack, Paper Piercer, Distressing Tool, Sponge.

Only Two Days Left!

2011-11-28T09:00:00.001+13:00

There are just a few days left of our Big Shot Promotion! Grab some of those dies on your wish list and receive 10% off. You must contact me before Wednesday 30 November! And if the Big Shot has been on your wish list for Christmas, now is a great time to pick it up to get the 10% off bundle which includes the Scallop Heart Embosslits and the Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder.

Place your order here.

Masculine Gift Card Holder

2011-11-26T14:20:00.000+13:00

Here's some masculine and Christmas themed gift card holders that I whipped up during the week. Change the message and they're perfect for Christmas, birthday or wedding so the recipient can select what they really want.

Stamp Set: Trendy Trees
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
Ink: Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Oval Scallop punch, Oval Punch, Crop-a-Dile, Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelet (retired), Hemp Twine

Stamp Set: Holiday Lineup
Card Stock: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Ink: Black Staz On
Accessories: Brights Water Colour Crayons, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Silver Brads, Two Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.

Have you got much planned for the weekend? I'm busy making samples for my Summer Mini Catalogue Launch next Sunday. Email me here if you're interested in coming along. More details and timings are on the left of my blog :)

Nature's Nest

2011-11-20T17:00:00.023+13:00

Here's another card using the feather from Nature's Nest Stamp Set. I love the feather in this set and have coloured it using Stampin' Markers. I thought I could get away with it being a "gender neutral" card, but I forgot the minor details of the pearls and don't know many men who would appreciate them - lol.

Stamp Set: Natures Nest
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Ink: Pacific Point Stampin' Marker, Pool Party Stampin' Marker, Soft Suede Stampin' Marker
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Linen Thread, Basic Pearls, Spritzer Tool.

I had a lovely time catching up with my girlfriend yesterday {waving at you Rhonda}. Don't you love it when you can pick up where you left off, even if you've not seen each other for many months or sometimes years?

I hope your weekend was a good as mine and have a happy week ahead.

A Note of Thanks

2011-11-19T11:00:00.001+13:00

These are the little note cards that I put in with my customer orders this week. Another cute and simple idea cased from Crafting Clare in the UK.

Stamp Set: Strength and Hope, Thank You Kindly
Card Stock: Early Expresso, Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Early Expresso
Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Boho Blossoms Punch, Basic Pearls.

I'm catching up with an good friend today who is visiting from Turkey. We've known each other since we were in our early 20's and use to work together in Wellington. She's an avid crafter too - so I'll be bringing out some of my toys and we're having a play date. That is, so long as we can stop talking long enough to actually play ;)

More French Foliage

2011-11-18T07:50:00.004+13:00

I don't know what it is - but I tend to dig out a stamp set that I've not used for ages and then, I can't seem to put it down. Such is the case with French Foliage. Here are two cards that I've cased from Sue Madex, a talented demonstrator from Australia. These are both clean and simple and didn't take very long at all to make.

This one doesn't have a message on the front, so will be ideal to keep in my emergency stash :)

Stamp Set: French Foliage, Fabulous Phrases
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a fabulous weekend and I'll see you again soon.

Thinking of You

2011-11-14T18:40:00.001+13:00

I have had to make two bereavement cards this past week. And, like most people, they're not my favourite kind of card to make although sometimes making the card is the easy bit. The difficult part, is finding the words to express the sympathy I feel for the recipients and this was no exception.

This is a case from Lee Conrey who is a demonstrator from Florida, in the USA. It uses the Nature Walk stamp set and I love the simplicity of it.

I've used the Scallop Square Duo with my trusty Big Shot and as you know, the Scallop Squares don't come in this size. To get the size I needed, I matched up the scallops and ran it through the Big Shot a few times, until I got the right size. It took a couple of attempts because I hadn't done it before, but now I'm quite the expert ;) Give it a go and you'll see just how easy it is. The Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die has 10% off till the 30 November, so you pay just $43.65 for the two sizes - but follow my instructions and you really get loads of different sizes. How good is that!! Email me here if you'd like to order one.

Stamp: Nature Walk, Curly Cute
Card Stock: Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Ink: Baja Breeze
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Old Olive and Baja Breeze Stampin' Marker pens.

French Foliage

2011-11-11T16:20:00.047+13:00

This card is yet another CASE (copy and share everything) - because truth be known, that's my speciality. I would love to have time to create all my cards from scratch, but that's not to be, for the time being. Some people get hung up about it, but not me - I'm shameless and am just pleased that I have time to do what I can, when I can.

This card uses French Foliage and is very Autumny {of course that's a word } to match our changeable weather we've been having lately. Whatever has happened to Spring? I'm loving River Rock (first time ever I've used this colour) mounted on Soft Suede and have cased this card from Cindy Hall a demonstrator from the USA. My card looks very different because she's used the Gently Falling stamp set, which we don't have, so I've substituted it with French Foliage. Once again, I think this would be suitable for either a male or female.

Stamp Set: French Foliage, Sincere Salutations
Cardstock: Soft Suede, River Rock, Very Vanilla
Ink: Versamark, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Soft Suede
Accessories: Gold Brads, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, Sponges, Spritzer Tool, Soft Suede Stampin' Marker.

It's the 11th day of the 11th month in 2011 today and not only is it Armistice Day (also known as Veteran's Day), but it would also have been my dad's birthday. Sadly, he passed away 8 years ago - RIP Dad. We miss you heaps xxx

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Nature's Nest

2011-11-09T17:00:00.002+13:00

I've had loads of friends and family with birthdays recently (yes, I'm surrounded in Scorpios) and so, have been head down making cards. Some, I've used from my emergency stash because there hasn't been enough hours in the day to make everyone a card from scratch. I've probably blogged them already, so won't bore you with a repeat. I have made a few however, which I've enjoyed doing. I don't know about you, but the Christmas silly season hasn't even started yet and I'm already finding that I've got less time, than ever before. Is it the same for you?

I'm not sure will be the recipient of this card yet but it is suitable for either a male or female. I've cased it from a demonstrator I found while blog hopping one day - Crafty Clare in the UK. I loved the colours she'd used although some of them have retired, so I substituted them for current colours, which I reckon work pretty well together.

Stamp Set: Nature Nest, Sincere Salutations, Season of Joy, En Francais

Cardstock: Pacific Point, Whisper White

Ink: Pacific Point, Island Indigo, Marina Mist

Accessories: Linen Thread, Corner Punch, Button from Designer Brights pack.

It's hump day today which means only two days till the weekend - yay!!

Punch Pals

2011-11-07T19:05:00.000+13:00

Happy Monday everyone! How was your weekend? Mine was a bit longer (gotta love that!) because I took today off work to go to my daughter's final prize giving. She's just completed her Year 13 (was actually only here for half of it because was in the States on a student exchange for the first half), has three exams over the next few weeks and then, that's it - she'll be off venturing into the big wide world. She's not 100% sure what she wants to do next year yet, but has applied to Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to do a Communications degree or may take a gap year to visit her friends in the USA for their graduation next May/June. At this stage, it looks like the latter is the preferably option.

I had a lovely class yesterday making Christmas Gifts. We made three projects altogether including a Bottle Tag Card (thanks to Michelle Cave - for the inspiration), a decorated Insect Frame (thanks to Ann Wills who taught us this at a training day a few months back) and this adorable little Tic Tac holder - which is a case from a case. I cased it from Sally Williams and she cased it from someone else in blog land.

Isn't the little snowman adorable! This is quick and simple, and literally took minutes to make. Ideal for a little stocking filler or to make to sell at Christmas Gala's.

Here's how to make it:

The dimensions for the Cherry Cobbler (CC) measures: 10.5cm x 7cm scored at 4.5cm and 6cm.
The Whisper White (WW) piece is: 5cm by 7cm.
The piece of CC has all four corners removed (using the Corner Punch) and the two outer corners of the Whisper White.
Use the Stamp-a-Ma-Jig to stamp the Snowman on the Whisper White with Black Stazon, then punch out his tummy using the 3/4" punch. Use the punch upside down so you can view exactly where you need to punch.
Place the white piece on top of the CC and draw around the circle in pencil, so you get exact placement to punch out the circle from the Cherry Cobbler. If you're only making 1-2, you could probably get away with punching the two pieces of card together, but I want my punches to last, so decided to punch the two pieces individually to ensure longevity.
Colour in the Snowman (I used the marker pens directly onto the card because when I used a blender pen, the paper started to pill, which is what you don't want).
Fold and crease the CC card and wrap a length of 1/8" Black Taffeta ribbon (approx 30cm) around it.
Adhere the WW stamped piece onto the front of it, ensuring the ribbon underneath is lying flat. Viola!! Easy peasy.
Any questions, or if you want to order any of these products, please contact me HERE.

Stamp Set: Punch Pals
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Ink: Black Stazon, Tangerine Tango, Basic Black, Real Red, Old Olive Stampin' Markers
Accessories: 3/4" Circle Punch, Corner Punch, Stamp-a-Ma-Jig, Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you again soon.

Stampin' Up! November Promotion

2011-11-03T07:15:00.015+13:00

November is here and, with it, an exciting promotion, to die for!

Big Shot Promotion
During November, get 10% off select Big Shot Dies or a Big Shot Bundle containing the Big Shot die-cutting machine and two preselected Big Shot dies.

Click here for more information and to see which select dies have 10% off.

Stitched Stocking Set

2011-11-01T19:18:00.000+13:00

We had a fabulous day on Saturday, at our annual WOW PaperKRafters Christmas Team event. This was the project that I demonstrated, using the new Stitched Stocking stamp set and coordinating punch. I cased it from the wonderfully talented Lisa Young, a demo from the USA. It's a little bit hard to see but the box has the silver metallic belly band around it and holds the four cards and mini envelopes. I've embossed the lid of the box using the Petals-a-Plenty textured embossing folder which I thought could pass as little poinsettia's. It makes a simple and cute Christmas gift.

Stamp Set: Stitched Stockings, Pennant Parade, Short and Sweet, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White, Silver Metallic
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red
Accessories: Stocking Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch, 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, Rhinestones, Mini Square Envelopes, Big Shot, Petals-a-Plenty, Perfect Polka Dots, Stripes and Square Lattice Textured Embossing Folders.

Beautiful Season

2011-10-19T10:08:00.000+13:00

This was one of the cards we made at the Christmas card class held last week. It's clean and simple and doesn't take long at all, to whip up. We coloured the image using blender pens and ink pads but any of the colouring tools that Stampin' Up! has, would work just as well.

Stamp Set: Beautiful Season
Card Stock: Very Vanilla
Ink: Black Staz On, Old Olive, Real Red, River Rock, Basic Grey
Accessories: Real Red Satin Ribbon, Blender Pen, Dimensionals

I'm away for the next few days down to Palmerston North, which I'm really looking forward to. My daughter is waiting patiently in the car as I write this, to take me to the airport. I'll be watching the finals of the Rugby World Cup with my mother, who is an avid rugby supporter. She always makes me laugh with her enthusiasm for the game and I'm sure this weekend will be no exception. I think we're all going to be on the edge of our seats when the All Blacks take on France come Sunday night....

Have a good one!

Just Believe it...

2011-10-12T10:30:00.008+13:00

This is the little card I put in with my customer orders this week. Isn't it adorable!! I've cased it, in all it's entirety from Vicky Hayes, who is a wonderfully talented demo from the UK. It's a bit smaller than I usually make, but it fits perfectly into one of the mini envelopes so that's a bonus. Clean and simple, but very effective.

Stamp Set: Just Believe
Card Stock: Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry and Pretty in Pink Stampin' Marker
Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Flower from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Basic Pearls.

Stampin' Up! Fox and Friends

2011-10-10T08:30:00.002+13:00

Have I told you lately, how much I love the school holidays? Well, I do - and we have two glorious weeks starting today. It's not that I don't like my job at school, it's just that I love the holidays more. I'm a night owl, so for me the holidays mean that I can sleep in. Not too late because then the days go too fast, but just enough so I get 8 hours sleep a night.....bliss.

I made this card for a friend of mine, who has just had her beautiful baby son, Jaxon. Isn't that such a cool name! Jaxon was in a big hurry to enter the world and arrived 4 weeks early. Mum and bubs are doing well and I just can't wait to meet the gorgeous wee man.

Stamp Set: Fox and Friends, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Ink: Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue.
Accessories: Neutral Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Victoria Crochet Trim, Scallop Trim Border and Scallop Trim Corner Punch.

The idea for this card came from Kim Assaly. Kim made hers in pink and it really appealed to me. I'm not sure on the protocol for baby boy cards and am hoping the little bit of Victoria Crochet Trim is okay. This was the first time I'd used the Scallop Trim Corner punch. A bit tricky initially until I watched the Stampin' Up! video by Bonnie Thurber (click HERE), then it was easy peasy!

Stampin Up! Medallion

2011-10-06T13:43:00.000+13:00

I was asked to make a card for a friend recently so I suggested that she scroll through my blog to see if there was anything that took her fancy. I've been a bit time starved lately, so thought that would be the easiest option. She really liked this card which I'd received as a swap at convention last year from Jennifer Adnitt. Jen made hers in Pink Pirouette but I had a purple colour request, so used Wisteria Wonder.

Stamp Set: En Francais, Medallion, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Basic Grey, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Grey
Accessories: Jewellery Tag Punch, Basic Grey Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Basic Pearl, Scallop Circle Punch.

Vintage Card # 2

2011-10-04T07:00:00.002+13:00

As promised, here's the second vintage card we made at Sunday's class. With a little help from my Big Shot, it wasn't as time consuming as the first card we made. Do you recognise these butterflies? They're from the Kindness Matters stamp set, found on page 71 in the new catalogue. This set ticks all the boxes for me because there are images and messages and I love the font (even though I haven't stamped a message on this card). The best part of all, is the price $21.95 for clear mount or $27.95 for wood for 5 stamps. You can't beat that!!

Stamp Set: Kindness Matters, En Francais
Card Stock: Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla, Confetti White
Ink: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Textured Impressions Designer Frames Embossing Folder, Basic Pearls, Victoria Crochet Trim, Soft Suede Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Boho Blossoms Punch, Distressing Tool from Cutter Kit.

Stampin' Up! Vintage Card

2011-10-02T21:39:00.001+13:00

I had a lovely group of ladies here this afternoon and this was one of the cards we made. I'm really pleased with how it turned out, because as you know, I don't often have time to create my own designs and generally CASE (copy and share everything) my projects from other talented demonstrators. It was quite time consuming to make with the tying, gathering, piercing, cutting, layering, and distressing {phew!} - but worth it in the end.

Stamp Set: Creative Elements
Card Stock: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Ink: Marina Mist, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
Designer Paper: Brights Collection Paper Stack (Marina Mist), First Edition Speciality
Accessories: Basic Pearls, Antique Brads, Victoria Crochet Trim, Metallic Brads, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, Soft Suede Stampin' Marker, Hemp Twine.

Pop back here tomorrow, to see the other card we made. I just have to take a photo of it in daylight, so you'll be able to see it properly.

Stationery Kit

2011-10-01T10:57:00.000+13:00

At the school where I work, everyone is rostered to provide a prize for a raffle once a year. I like to make something using my SU! goodies and this year was no exception. I made a set of cards using Fifth Avenue Floral in a folded compendium and a little bag of choccies. The initial idea came from Andrea Walford, but I've added a few extra cards and increased the size of the compendium, so they could all fit.

The designer paper I used has retired and fortunately I still had a piece of Kiwi Kiss ribbon to match.

I didn't realise that I hadn't gotten around to photographing all of the cards, but you get the general idea anyway.

Stamp Sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, Thank You Kindly, Upsy Daisy

Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Kiwi Kiss (retired), Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Designer Series Paper: Urban Oasis (retired)
Ink: Basic Grey, Kiwi Kiss (retired), Baja Breeze
Accessories: Blender Pen, Manhattan Embossing Folder, Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, Silver Brads, Scallop Oval Punch, Scallop Punch, Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain (retired), Flower Fusion Too (retired).

Check back in a day or two, because I'll have something to show you from my Vintage class which is on tomorrow.

Enjoy your weekend :)

Designer Frames

2011-09-18T22:23:00.002+12:00

Isn't this card gorgeous! It's a swap I received from Katrina Criglington at the Fun Day out, a few weeks back. I love Wisteria Wonder and Pink Pirouette together - it makes for a very feminine and elegant card. Many thanks Katrina!

Stamp Sets: Creative Elements, It's Your Day, En Francis, Clearly For You
Card Stock: Wisteria Wonder, Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Wisteria Wonder
Accessories: Designer Frames Textured Embossing Folder, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Basic Pearls, Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.

I had an eventful evening last night and one, I'd not like to repeat. I spent 5 hours at the hospital as my daughter Nicole had a car accident. I don't think I've ever moved so fast when I got the phone call but fortunately other than minor injuries with stitches in her arm and back, she was okay. She was really shaken up as you can imagine and felt very fragile and tender today. Her little car wasn't quite so lucky and is a write off, so somebody was looking out for her - thank god.

Did you get time to watch any of the rugby over the weekend? I enjoyed watching the All Blacks play on Friday night and had to laugh when Sonny Bill got more cheering just by running onto the field (obviously from the females in the crowd), than when a try was scored! And, what about Ireland beating Australia!! That's put a spanner in the works and is certainly making it an exciting competition.

Have a great week everyone!!

Gift Card Holders

2011-09-16T17:57:00.001+12:00

It was time earlier in the week, to make some more gift card holders for my girlfriend. I must admit, I'm getting to be quite a whiz at whipping these little babies up. I've used retired stamps for these ones because So Many Thanks had never seen ink before and Sweet Summer is one of my old time favourite sets from Sale-A-Bration.

Stamp Sets: So Many Thanks, Sweet Summer
Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzazz
Ink: Black Staz On, Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Blender Pen.

I'm off to a friends tonight to watch the Rugby, so had better get some nibbles ready. Go the All Blacks!! Fingers crossed we'll have something to drool over like last week, with the ripped shirt incident...lol. Have a great weekend!

ESAD New Catalogue Blog Hop

2011-09-10T15:00:00.004+12:00

What is ESAD? ESAD stands for "Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators" and it is an online group just for Australian and New Zealand Stampin' Up! demonstrators. We really love what we do and not only love to share it with our customers, friends and wonderful blog visitors, but we share it with other demonstrators too. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, project know-how, and cyberstamps and are always there to help and support each other, when it is needed.
So, if you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator located in either Australia or New Zealand, then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group.

Anyway - to the hop we go.... You've probably just arrived here from my lovely friend, Juliette Chapman's amazing blog! She is a fabulous lady and ALWAYS has something surprising and wonderful to share with you!

Our theme for this blog hop is the new 2011-12 Ideas Book and Catalogue (IB & C). I'm sure you've all heard it before, but believe me, this time it's true! This is the best and most amazing IB & C that you've laid your eyes on. There are page after page of inspiration! If you don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like a copy for yourself, please email me here and I'll pop one in the post for you!

This time instead of focusing on a particular stamp set - I've decided to show you the fabulous hostess designer series paper that is on offer. It's call Cheerful Treat and is bright and vibrant and co-ordinates beautifully with Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade (one of our new in-colours), Bashful Blue and Concord Crush.

I made this box using Pink Pirouette and decorated the sides with the designer paper and on the lid, I made an accordion fold medallion. These medallions are featured throughout the new Ideas Book & Catalogue and are very easy to make.

Here's a view of the top with a lilac rhinestone brad in the centre:

For the card, I made another accordion medallion and used the new stamp set Friendly Phrases which has some very cute messages. I love the mixture of the plain and curly font.

Here's a close up of the accordion medallion:

Stamp Set: Friendly Phrases

Card Stock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Concord Crush

Ink: Concord Crush

Designer Series Paper: Cheerful Treat (Hostess reward)

Accessories: Lilac Rhinestone brad (Circle Fire Pack), Scallop Edge Punch, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot.

Click on the link here to go to the next stop on our blog hop, to the ever-amazing Leonie Schroder! Just wait till you see what she has in store for you!

As a special thank you to all our lovely blog visitors we have Blog Candy!! We have two prizes - one for a New Zealand visitor and one for an Australian visitor. To be eligible to enter, all you have to do is visit and comment on every blog in the hop - yes, all 20 of them. Then you need to email Sharlene Torres here and advise her that you've completed the Blog Hop and give her your name, email and location. Please note, this offer is not open to demonstrators, this is for customers only.

Here is the complete list of those partaking in the blog hop.

1. Keryn Campbell

2. Michelle Halling

3. Richelle Fletcher

4. Sharlene Meyer

5. Monique Fielder

6. Juliette Chapman
7. Debbie Lamb - that's me and you are here now :)

8. Leonie Schroder

9. Tanya Bell

10. Kelly Nelson

11. Kari Hughes

12. Christie Kunkel

13. Ann Gerlach

14. Sharlene Torres

15. Mel Sharp

16. Nicole VanSteelandt Derendorf

17. Andrea Buckland

18. Michelle Grech

19. Narelle Hodges

20. Sally Williams

Happy hopping everyone and I hope you enjoy all the fabulous projects and inspiration that you find along the way!

Faith in Nature

2011-09-09T08:00:00.001+12:00

Have you checked out the new hostess rewards in the new Catalogue? It makes hosting a workshop so much more rewarding and there's heaps of exclusive goodies to choose from. When you host a workshop you are able to the hostess rewards using your hostess dollars (at a discounted price). And, depending on sales, you also have the opportunity to buy any one thing from the catalogue at 50% discount - and that includes the Big Shot!! Yes, you read that correctly; even the Big Shot. Isn't that exciting!!

Faith in Nature stamp set is another favourite of mine. I knew that it would be one of my first purchases from the new cattie. I was therefore rapt to receive this gorgeous swap from Cyndy Backhouse at our "big day out" a few weeks ago. Thanks so much Cyndy - I really love everything about your card and am so happy I got to swap with you.

Stamp Set: Faith in Nature (Hostess Set)
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Water Colour Paper
Ink: Soft Suede, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Pool Party
Accessories: Smooch Spritz (silver), Aqua Painter, Early Expresso Taffeta Ribbon.

More Creative Elements

2011-09-07T22:22:00.001+12:00

This was a cute card that my wonderful upline Karen, showed us at our PaperKRafters Team Training a while ago. For those of us not able to make convention this year, it was great that we got to have a sneak peak too.

I'm just letting you know now - that I love, love, love this set so you're going to see lots of it. Don't say you weren't warned :)

Stamp Set: Creative Elements
Card Stock: Early Expresso, Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Early Expresso, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Basic Pearls, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch.

Creative Elements

2011-09-05T22:29:00.001+12:00

On Saturday was my catalogue launch which I really enjoyed. I'm pleased that I decided to split the day into two sessions because I felt like I could talk to people without feeling harried.

Everyone got to make one of these cards using my favourite stamp set Creative Elements. We also used some of the new In-Colours. There were mixed reactions with the new colours and I actually think that they will become more popular once they've been around for a while. Time will tell anyway.

Stamp Set: Creative Elements
Card Stock: Whisper White, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder
Ink: Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Lime Limeade
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.

Stampin' Up! 2011-12 New Catalogue!!

2011-09-02T00:13:00.000+12:00

The wait is finally over and the new 2011-12 Idea Book and Catalogue has arrived! There really is something for everyone - gorgeous new stamps, in-colours, punches and accessories. If you haven't already got your copy email me HERE and you can either pick one up or I can pop one in the post for you.

We're sharing the Stampin' Up! love with a limited edition Mini Starter Kit for those who LOVE SU! and have lots of products already.

This costs only $169 and is available for September only. The limited-time mini Starter Kit-valued at over $310-comes with the high-quality products listed below:

Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
A4 Smooth Card Stock Assortment
Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
Chocolate Chip 1/2 inch Scallop Dots Ribbon*
Notes Cards (20)
Clear-Mount Block C
Blender Pen (1)
SNAIL Adhesive
Business supplies

*New to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue

Or, if you want the full Starter Kit, you can get it 20% off during September only! That's over $610 worth of premium Stampin' Up! products and business supplies for just $231.20!

So, what are you waiting for?

Beautiful Season

2011-08-31T19:00:00.000+12:00

This was the swap that I made for our Stampin' Up! Fun day held over the weekend. I'd seen this stamp set on a few American demonstrator sites and was rapt to find that it was in our new catalogue too. There is quite a bit of colouring involved and if I hadn't been pushed for time, I would have preferred to use water colour paper and an aqua painter - which would have given a nicer effect. Instead, I used my trusty blender pen, which isn't as wet. When colouring on Whisper White or Very Vanilla card stock, you do have to colour carefully because they don't like too much water or blending as they don't have the cotton content, to absorb the water, like water colour paper does. I hope that makes sense but if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

When I was making this card, I was thinking that it was a bit early to be thinking of Christmas - but did you realise that there is only 116 days to go, until the big day? Isn't that a scary thought!! The time thief is working overtime I reckon.

Stamp Set: Beautiful Season
Ink: Black Staz On, Cherry Cobbler, Lime Limeade, Crumb Cake
Card Stock: Early Expresso, Very Vanilla, Lime Limeade (new In Colour), Crumb Cake
Accessories: Early Expresso Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Blender Pen, Dimensionals, Early Expresso Stampin' Marker, Spritzer Tool.

Eastern Blooms

2011-08-30T16:30:00.002+12:00

This was a swap that I received a long time ago that I never blogged. It's from the talented Sarah Roche - who lives in Hamilton. She was in our team, but has decided to move to the United Kingdom later in the year, so is busy saving her pennies. Don't these colours make such a striking combination! You can't see it in the photo, but the whole image has been embossed so is lovely and shiny. Eastern Blooms is also retiring on 31st August, so won't be available after Wednesday.

Stamp Set: Eastern Blooms
Ink: Basic Black, Old Olive
Card Stock: Basic Black, Old Olive, Whisper White
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals. Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.

Hello Again and Goodbye

2011-08-29T16:30:00.000+12:00

This is a card I made for a friend using the retiring Hello Again stamp set. I was pushed for time and not entirely happy with it, but hey - it's the thought that counts.

The colours haven't come out very well in the photo, but I've used the current In-Colours, to take the guess work out of coordinating. Very quick and easy. This set has 5 cute stamps and with 25% off, costs only $20.21 - excellent value. Get in quick, before this set is gone forever!

Stamp Set: Hello Again
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Concord Crush, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade
Card Stock: Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake
Accessories: 1" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Clips Assortment, Poppy Parade 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon.

Faux Leather

2011-08-28T17:35:00.000+12:00

I've been missing in action a bit lately - no real reason, except that there isn't enough hours in the day and not a lot of time to play.

I will have lots to share with you soon though because we had a Stampin' Up! Fun Day yesterday. We had a day spent with over 150 ladies from all around New Zealand making some cool projects and playing with goodies from the new catalogue. We also had the option of making swaps. As usual, I was up until the wee small hours of Saturday morning finishing mine. I only managed to make 25 in the end, but that's 24 gorgeous swaps that I received in return. Watch this space...

Anyway, back to the Faux Leather technique - I've been wanting to try this for ages and if I'd known how easy it was, I would have done so much sooner. The male wallet looks very authentic in Chocolate Chip and with a gift card inside would make a perfect present for Father's Day.

Stamp Set: Occasional Greetings (soon to be retired)
Ink: Versamark, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Bone Folder, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

The card that I made to go with the woman's purse uses the retiring stamp set Friends 24/7, which has sold out.

Stamp Set: Friends 24/7 (sold out)
Ink: Versamark, Chocolate Chip

Cardstock: Regal Rose, Very Vanilla

Designer Paper: Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack

Accessories: Stampin' Markers Old Olive and Regal Rose, Basic Pearls, Boho Blossoms Punch, Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Bone Folder, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool.

Don't forget to click on the top right side of my blog to view the retiring list. If you've got your eye on something - best to order it today, so you don't miss out.

Well, it's another weekend nearly over with - I hope it's been a good one and I'll see you back here real soon :)

We've had a wheely good time..

2011-08-16T12:38:00.000+12:00

So long, So Swirly...

I'm disappointed that my favourite jumbo wheel, So Swirly is retiring. This wheel is very versatile and is suitable for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, engagement cards and scrapbook layouts (just to name a few). If you haven't got it, then you really need to! For a small investment of $19.50, you will get your monies worth! Click here to order one today.

Stamp Set: Sincere Salutations, So Swirly Jumbo Wheel
Ink: Concord Crush
Cardstock: Whisper White, Concord Crush
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Concord Crush

ESAD Retiring Products Blog Hop

2011-08-06T15:00:00.050+12:00

Hello everyone and welcome to the ESAD Retiring Products Blog Hop! This is my inaugural Hop - so it's all quite exciting. If you're already taking the tour, you must have arrived here from the wonderfully talented Christie Kunkel! Christie makes some fabulous projects and she hasn't let us down this time either!

This Blog Hop theme is the ESAD 2010-11 Catalogue Retiring Products.

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 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 are always there to help and support each other when it is needed. So, if you are a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator located in either Australia or New Zealand, then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group.

The projects that I'm sharing with you today are ones that I'm also demonstrating at my class this afternoon. There are cards, a gift holder and treat pouches all using the retiring stamp set Pun Fun. At the class we're only making the cards (two each of three designs).

I'm quite disappointed that Pun Fun is going because it's one of my favourite sets suitable for children and those who are young at heart. The images are very cute and I love having to colour in the images.

The idea for the Treat Pouch was from Julie Davison who is a demonstrator in the USA. She has a wonderful tutorial on her blog, which is very easy to follow.

And, here's what the inside looks like:

Here are the cards:

And, here they are as a close up:

This gift holder has been around for a very long time but unfortunately, I'm not sure where it originated from.

Here's a photo of the inside and you can see the SU! Envelope which houses the gift card and a small card, where you can write a personal message.

Stamp Set: Pun Fun (Retiring), On Your Birthday

Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Regal Rose, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Black Stazon, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point
Accessories: Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Watercolour Wonder Crayons (Brights and Neutrals), Blender Pen, Aqua Pen, Pink Fine Cosmo Stampin' Glitter, Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon (Retiring), Large Tag Punch, Small Tag Punch, 1 3/4 Circle Punch, Silver Brads, Basic Rhinestone, Classic Stars Wheel (Retiring), Small Star Punch.

Well, that's about all I've got to share with you now. I hope you enjoy the rest of the blog hop! The next stop is the amazing Clare Mcilhatton. Just wait until you see what is waiting for you there! Check it out here!

Thanks so much for stopping by and joining the blog hop. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have {although I was beginning to panic at 10pm last night when I still hadn't decided what I was going to make}.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Stampin' Up! 2011-12 Retirement List at a Glance

2011-08-05T07:00:00.018+12:00

If you're anything like me - when you first saw the retirement list, it was a bit overwhelming. To make it easier to view, here are the highlights:

There are 3 stamp sets that have 40% off:

Gifted (page 21) is now $29.97 (wood) or $23.97 (clear)

On a Pedestal (page 33) is now $20.97 (wood)

Hello, You (page 133) is now $11.97 (wood)

.... and 22 other stamp sets have 25% off!

Jolly Holiday Designer Paper (yes, Christmas is only 4 short months away!) has 40% off, making it just $12.30 for a pack of 12 sheets.

15 Wheels are Retiring (page 158-9) including my favourite So Swirly (this is such an fabulous wheel and is versatile for any type of celebration card or layout). The wheels usually disappear fast and are only $19.50, so great value.

The gorgeous wide Striped Ribbon in Real Red, Certainly Celery, Night of Navy and Early Espresso have 25% off, making it just $18.38 per roll.

"Good Times" Simply Scrappin Kit (page 131) - perfect for Masculine cards and scrapbook layouts has 40% off - now only $26.97!

5 Punches are Retiring. These usually disappear fast, so don't leave it to the last minute if you have your eye on any of these - the Spiral Punch (perfect for the vintage look and covered notebooks), Designer Label Punch, Small Oval Punch, Photo Corners Punch and the Large Star Punch (page 146-8).

Fresh Cut Notes (page 123) are 25% off, making them only $16.13 for a packet of 15 including envelopes.

Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware (page 140) has 40% off and is now only $42.30. This hardware kit has a whopping 200 pieces.

This is the last chance to be able to purchase New Colour Kits from the Colour Renovation (Ink Pads, Markers, Pastels, and Crayons) page 117 and 142. And, the Crayons and Pastels have 25% off!

I hope this list helps you realise what you "need" {wink, wink}. Email me HERE if you want to order anything.

Click on the link HERE for the full list of retiring products.

Mother of Pearl

2011-08-03T07:00:00.000+12:00

This was the class I held over the weekend which was great fun! Many thanks to the lovely ladies who attended. It is a very easy technique and gives a great result. I have shamelessly cased these cards from Michelle Le Breton who is a very talented demonstrator from across the pond. I loved the bright and vibrant colours she used and so did exactly the same. Why change something that looks so fabulous?? The picture doesn't do it justice - and they look quite stunning in real life.

Stamp Sets: Nature Walk, You're a Gem, Thanks for Caring, Curly Cute, Bring on the Cake
Card Stock: Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, Garden Green, Certainly Celery, Glossy White
Ink: Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Perfect Plum, Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, Garden Green, Certainly Celery, Pacific Point
Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Sponges, Glad Wrap, Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry Marker Pens, Frost White Shimmer Paint.

I hope you've been keeping an eye on the Retirement List. Remember, if there is something that you love - avoid disappointment and email me today!

Stampin' Up! New Zealand 2011 Retirement List

2011-08-01T22:40:00.000+12:00

It’s time to say a fond farewell to some of the products in this current 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogue.

Some products are discounted from between 25-40%. Grab a bargain!!

You can click HERE to download the PDF file of the Stampin' Up! Catalogue Retirement List.

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, SOME PRODUCTS CAN RUN OUT QUICKLY. IF THERE'S SOMETHING THAT YOU'D REALLY LIKE, EMAIL ME TO ORDER NOW BEFORE STOCKS RUN OUT.

This current 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue officially ends on 31st August, 2011.

A Quick Reminder...

2011-07-31T11:12:00.000+12:00

... that today is the very last day to order from the Autumn & Winter Mini Catalogue. There are so many yummy stamps, designer papers and accessories featured in the mini, that you won't want to miss out. And, if you had your eye on the lovely Ice Cream Parlour Ribbon and Button bundle, you can earn it for FREE with orders $120 and over.

This is a quick and easy card using one of the a' la carte stamps from the Autumn/Winter mini catalogue called Hello Blossoms and it's a steal at $16.95!! The cute little buttons are from the Ice Cream Parlour bundle - so bright and cheery. Email me here if you want to place an order.

Stamp Set: Hello Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Old Olive, Real Red,
Accessories: Linen Thread, Scallop Edge Punch, Ice Cream Parlour Buttons, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (last chance to order this today!!).

It's back to school for many of us tomorrow {sigh}. I hope you've had fun over the holidays and maybe even managed to get some ink on your fingers.

A Flower for all Seasons

2011-07-29T22:54:00.000+12:00

These cards (which I cased from the wonderfully talented Dawn Olchefske) are about all I've made recently, even though it's been the school holidays. I had such great plans at the beginning of the holidays, and a list of all the things that I would do, but haven't achieved much at all. I have however, snuggled down in front of the television and watched quite a few 'chick flicks' with my daughters, which has been lovely and relaxing. We've had some really cold days (and nights) here in Auckland, and at times, I doubt whether my fingers would have been able to hold a stamp anyway!! Honestly, it has been that cold and we're just not use to it. I had fun colouring in these images and it was quite therapeutic {until I went over the edge....lol}.

Stamp Set: A Flower for all Seasons
Cardstock: Old Olive, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight
Designer Paper: Designer Series Paper Patterns Stack - Brights
Ink: Black Stazon
Accessories: Big Shot, Large Square Scallop Bigz Die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Basic Pearls, Basic Rhinestones, Brights Water Colour Crayons, Aqua Painter.

Mere Males

2011-07-20T17:03:00.001+12:00

We made two each of these cards, at my Masculine Stamp-a-Stack class over the weekend. Thanks ladies for making it a fun afternoon :) The stamps we used are from the a la carte, single stamp range, available in the Autumn/Winter mini catalogue. These are phenomenal value and perfect for the men in your life. The products in the mini catalogue are only available until 31 July, so contact me today to put your order in - you won't want to miss out.

The Sail Away card with the jumbo eyelets was one I cased from Denise Ibbett. I loved it as soon as I saw it and so did the ladies on Saturday. Thanks so much for sharing Denise.

Stamp Sets: Sail Away, Motorbike, Short and Sweet, Upsy Daisy, Bring on the Cake
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Ridinghood Red, Baja Breeze, Naturals Ivory
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Ridinghood Red, Baja Breeze, Early Expresso
Accessories: Jumbo Eyelets, Crop-o-Dile, Linen Thread, Twill Tape, Metallic Brads, Large Star Punch, Lattice Embossing Folder, Hemp Twine, Distressing Tool from Cutter Kit.

I hope you're enjoying the school holidays - I know I am!

Winging It!

2011-07-14T18:21:00.000+12:00

Last month we had team training which, as always, was loads of fun. This was one of the projects we made which was taught by Ann Wills. Isn't it great! I've had lots of positive comments even though my top butterfly is on a slight lean.

Stamp Sets: All a Flutter, En Francais, Nature Walk, Vintage Vogue, Nature's Nest
Ink: Versamark, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Cardstock: Confetti White, Vellum Cardstock
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Crystal Effects, Black Embossing Powder

Play Time

2011-07-06T16:59:00.000+12:00

I hope you're managing to keep warm, despite the miserable weather in Auckland today.

I had great intentions to case a card that I loved the look of, but the end result is nothing like what I'd seen. I quite like this card and it hardly took any time at all to create, which is another bonus. Even the little splodge in the bottom corner isn't visible. Don't you love it, when it all comes together so easily.

Stamp Set: French Foliage, Because I Care
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Ink: More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze
Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Paper Cutter and Scoring Blade.

I hope you've all had a happy 'hump' day.

Fat Free Cupcake

2011-07-04T16:52:00.000+12:00

One of my lovely hostesses recently ordered the Build a Cupcake punch. I thought it would be fitting to make her a card using the punch and the coordinating Create a Cupcake stamp set.

Initially, I matted each piece of card with Chocolate Chip card, but it made it quite bulky (7 layers all up), so I went around the edges with a Chocolate Chip ink pad instead. It solved the bulkiness problem and was less expensive with the same effect.

Stamp Set: Create a Cupcake, Just Believe
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Old Olive
Accessories: Antique Brads, Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Build a Cupcake Punch.

I've cased this card, but can't recall who from. And, there wasn't a watermark to give credit either, but if it was you - please come forward and make yourself known.

FREE Gift with Purchase and FREE Shipping!!

2011-07-02T11:24:00.000+12:00

It's gift with purchase time - woohoo!! Spend $120 and receive an exclusive product bundle (valued at $37.50). And, if you place an order with me during the month of July, you'll receive FREE shipping too!

From 1-31 July, Stampin’ Up!® is giving you a FREE exclusive

accessories bundle when you spend $100 AUD/$120 NZD

on your choice of Stampin’ Up! products.

Bundle Includes:

• One spool of white 1/4" (6 mm) grosgrain ribbon with

repeating flower designs. Approximately 13.7 m.

• 48 flower buttons. 16 each in 3 colours (Daffodil Delight,

Melon Mambo and Pacific Point). Approximately 1.3 cm

What are you waiting for? Check your wish list and email me today!

Just Believe

2011-06-22T21:21:00.000+12:00

This was one of the cards I demonstrated recently at a workshop. It might be familiar to those of you who are demonstrators because it's one of the cards found on the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Website in the workshop wizard section. It's the first time that I've used the workshop wizard - and it won't be the last. It was very popular and everyone made a fabulous job of their card.

Stamp set: Just Believe
Cardstock: Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Early Expresso
Accessories: Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Markers, Early Expresso 3.2mm Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Basic Pearls, Spritzer Tool.

Masculine Stamp-a-Stack

2011-06-14T23:47:00.000+12:00

This is one of the cards that we'll be making in my stamp-a-stack class next month. I have cased this from the wonderfully talented Monica Gale who is a demonstrator in the United Kingdom. Check out her amazing work here. We'll be making 6 cards (2 each of 3 designs) and they'll be suitable for the marvellous males in your life. The last stamp-a-stack class was very popular and spaces are limited, so you might want to book in early... just saying ;) More details are on the left of my blog.

This card uses one of the new a la carte' stamps in the Autumn/Winter mini cattie and it's proving very popular. It only costs $16.95 so great value for money. There are so many cool ideas out there in blog-land and if you're anything like me - the hardest part will be deciding what to do... seriously.

Stamp Sets: Motorcycle, Short and Sweet
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist, Ridinghood Red, Whisper White
Ink: Early Expresso, Ridinghood Red
Accessories: 1cm Twill Tape, Neutrals Brad, Distressing Tool from Cutter Kit, Star extra large punch, Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot.

Until next time, happy stampin' :)

Masculine Brayering

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

I held a repeat brayer class on Saturday and while all my inks were out (well, not exactly all of them because that would be 45 colours), but while 8 colours were spread out over my bench top, I decided to have a play. I started off following Michelle Zindorf's (the world renown, Queen of Brayering) most recent tutorial, but adapted it a bit and used the new single stamp from the Autumn/Winter Mini catalogue Sail Away (for $17.95 this is phenomenal value). I'm happy with the end result but next time would stamp the sailing boat more in the middle.

Stamp Set: Sail Away
Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, So Saffron
Ink: So Saffron, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Not Quite Navy, Basic Black
Accessories: Twine, Clear Embossing Powder, Brayer, Heat Tool, Dimensionals.

I hope you all had a lovely long weekend and managed to get a spot of stamping in. Thanks for looking :)

Strength and Hope Part II & III

2011-06-03T14:56:00.003+12:00

I know I'm cheating a bit by spreading my posts out....but I haven't been doing a lot of creating recently except what I need to do for my classes and workshops.

We made six cards (two each of three designs) at my stamp-a-stack class last weekend and here are the other two cards which are the same colour combination. I thought that the colours worked well together, so why change a good thing?

This second one here was inspired by the talented Teneale Williams.

Stamp set: Strength and Hope (Autumn/Winter Mini)

Card Stock: Early Expresso, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla

Ink: Early Expresso, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Regal Rose (top card)

Accessories: Blushing Bride Stitched Poly Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Dimensionals.

Also, I have to tell you that my daughter Nicole arrived home yesterday from her student exchange in Iowa. It is so great to have her home safe and sound. I've taken a couple of days off work to have her all to myself before I have to share her. What an amazing experience she has had and I'm loving hearing about everything and seeing the photo's. Even though I called her regularly and she had a blog and Facebook etc - it's so much better in real life.

Chat again soon :)

Strength and Hope - Part I

2011-05-31T22:56:00.000+12:00

I held a Stamp-a-Stack class over the weekend and this was one of the cards we made. Initially I wasn't that keen on the butterfly in this set, but after using it numerous times (for my three samples and then demonstrating it another three times), it has grown on me and I really like it now. And, it's an easy image to cut around. Thanks ladies for the laughs and great company.

Stamp Set: Strength and Hope
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla, Early Expresso
Ink: Early Expresso, Blushing Bride
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Scallop Square Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, Mat Pack, Piercing Tool, Basic Pearls, Early Expresso Stampin' Marker.

Unbelievable!

2011-05-28T07:45:00.002+12:00

To give you some indication of how fast time is going - my daughter Nicole is returning from her student exchange next week. She would have been away for 11 months. It is unbelievable how fast time has gone, even for those of us who were carrying on with life as usual, here in New Zealand. It just feels like a few months ago I was preparing for her to leave. She has had an amazing experience in the little town of Emmetsburg in Iowa. And, because she has been so happy, it has been so much easier for me to cope with. More, than I ever imagined possible. Nicole has very mixed feelings about coming home which is totally understandable because she doesn't know when she'll see her wonderful host family and American friends again. I had intended on sharing the little stationery set I made for Linda (Nicole's host mum), but in my haste to post it off, I forgot to take a photo. Don't you hate that when that happens!

Oh well...here's a photo of some more gift voucher holders I made earlier in the week instead.

Stamp Set: Baroque Motifs, Pocket Silhouettes
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Marina Mist, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Ink: Marina Mist, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Accesories: Envelope, Scallop Edge Punch, Dimensionals

Hope you have a fabulous weekend.

Deals of the Week # 4

2011-05-26T00:08:00.000+12:00

Well, here it is - the last week of the May specials. This promotion ends on 31st May so contact me HERE if you'd like to place an order.

If you don't own an Idea Book & Catalogue click HERE to see the online one. If you'd like your own copy, contact me to order one for only $10 with free shipping, plus also receive the current Autumn/Winter mini catalogue for FREE. What a bargain!! If any of these items catch your eye - be sure to contact me to place your order.

Casing the Catalogue

2011-05-22T19:30:00.002+12:00

The great thing about the Stampin' Up catalogues is that if you are ever stuck for inspiration, have lost your mojo or you're just pressed for time, there are literally, hundreds of ideas at your finger tips. I've CASEd these from the Autumn/Winter mini catalogue and they were the make n' takes for my catalogue launch back in April.

Stamp set: Create a Cupcake, Clearly for You
Cardstock: Whisper White, Soft Suede, Melon Mambo, Pacific Point, Ridinghood Red, Old Olive
Ink: Soft Suede, Melon Mambo, Pacific Point, Ridinghood Red
Accessories: Build a Cupcake Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread

Delectable Sweet Treats

2011-05-20T06:30:00.006+12:00

I held a Sweet Treats class a while back and the ladies who attended had a choice for their second card; to make either the magnifying glass card or the mini M&M's card which uses the Something Sweet stamp set. This set is very versatile and costs $42.95 (clear mount) for 14 stamps and the Sweet Treat cups are $7.95 for 12. Contact me HERE if you want to learn how to make one of these cute cards.

For the magnifying glass card, we used the retired Level one hostess set Organic Grace. I saw a similar idea on someone's blog quite a while ago (sorry, I don't remember who). I sponged the sky background using a template that I made by using a piece of acetate and cutting scallop shapes randomly around the edges. Then when I sponged, I moved the template around so the clouds were positioned haphazardly to make it more sky-like. Here's the butterfly seen through the magnifying glass...

And, here's the mini M&M sweets card. The little faux M&M's that are scattered at the bottom of the card have been made by punching out coloured cardstock, writing an M on them with a white gel pen and finally, covering them completely with crystal effects to give it a shiny raised effect. The wonderfully talented Sally from our team, gave me the idea on how to do this and it looks really effective, almost as good as the real thing but nowhere near as tasty, lol.

Weekly Deals #3

2011-05-18T22:00:00.007+12:00

During the month of May, Stampin’ Up! is offering several discounted products as ‘Deals of the Week.’ There are no limits and no minimum purchase required. These deals are available from 18 - 24 May while stocks last.

Remember shipping costs are not included in the above price.

If you don't own an Idea Book & Catalogue click HERE to see the online catalogue. If you'd like your own copy, contact me to order one for only $10 with FREE shipping, plus receive the current Autumn/Winter mini catalogue too.

Inaugural Challenge...

2011-05-16T21:52:00.001+12:00

I'm excited to tell you that I'm entering this card into my first ever challenge, over at Just Add Ink (JAI 67). I only hope I can follow the instructions okay and link this post. I can be a bit technically challenged at times, so fingers crossed, it'll work okay and it'll be the first of many...

I've been wanting to make some flower embellishments for a while and finally over the weekend, I sat down and made some. I'm really pleased with how they turned out and they're so easy that you can't really go wrong. Here's a link to Tania Gould's blog. She has step by step instructions to take the guess work out of making them. Many thanks Tania, for the inspiration and instructions. Now that I see the photo though, I'm thinking that maybe I should have stuck with three flowers the same size because that big one is quite overbearing... What do you think?

Stamp set: Clearly for You
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Old Olive
Designer Paper: Botanical Gazette
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Circles #2 Original Die, Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Markers, Basic Pearls, Modern Label Punch.

Gift Card holder

2011-05-15T13:28:00.000+12:00

I was asked by a friend to make some "gender neutral" gift card holders. The stamp set Circle Circus is such a versatile set and circles never go out of fashion, so it was perfect for what I wanted. I had made a few others in different colour combinations but forgot to take a photo. This will be ongoing, so I'll be sure to get clicking next time.

I'm not sure who designed this gift card holder, but it's a favourite of mine. When you lift the flap there are two little pockets (an envelope folded in half) which you can slip your voucher message into. Too easy! If you want to learn how to make one, book a workshop with me HERE.

Stamp Set: Circle Circus, Short and Sweet
Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Crumb Cake, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Tangerine Tango striped Grosgrain (retired), Whisper White Envelope.

For You

2011-05-12T10:30:00.002+12:00

These are some little cards that I made a few weeks back using the Aviary stamp set which was in the recent Summer mini catalogue. I love this set and am hoping that it will make it into the next big catalogue to be released on 1st September. It's still ages away yet, but one can hope...

Stamp Set: Aviary, Great Friend
Ink: Crumb Cake, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Real Red, Tangerine Tango
Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White
Designer Paper: Brights Patterns Pack
Accessories: Brights Designer Buttons, White Crochet Cotton.

Deals of the Week #2

2011-05-11T21:43:00.000+12:00

During the month of May, Stampin’ Up! is offering several discounted products as ‘Deals of the Week.’ There are no limits and no minimum purchase required.

This Week’s Deals (11-17 May 2011 whilst stocks last)

Item     Page     Description                      Regular         Sale
                                                               Price           Price
120963  142       Stampin Pastels New         $34.95       $27.96
                         Color Kit
115957 151       Thanks Embosslit Die        $26.50        $21.20
114513 151       Sweetest Stem Embosslit $26.50        $21.20
                         Die
113483 155       Penant Bigz XL Die            $91.95        $73.56

Remember shipping costs are not included in the above price.

If you don't own an Idea Book & Catalogue click HERE to see the online catalogue. If you'd like your own copy, contact me to order one for only $10 with FREE shipping, plus receive the current Autumn/Winter mini catalogue too.

Thoughts and Prayers

2011-05-09T11:10:00.000+12:00

Sympathy cards are never nice to have to make, but are necessary. I really liked this one that Andrea Walford made. The only difference is that I brayered my grass and sky area, whereas it looked as though she had sponged hers. It's clean and simple but hopefully will brighten someone's day when I need to use it.

Stamp Set: Thoughts and Prayers
Cardstock: Marina Mist, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Marina Mist, Basic Black
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Brayer, Basic Pearls, Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot.

Snip & Tuck

2011-05-07T18:43:00.000+12:00

No, I'm not getting any work done...lol, but this is the name of the Fun Fold card that Bonnie Thurber demonstrated at the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference in the States earlier in the year. Unfortunately, I wasn't at the conference (but I can dream..). I've cased this from Julie Davison and she has all the dimensions and instructions on how to make it. It's a great idea to be able to tuck a voucher inside, under the ribbon (I'd use a bit of dotto too just to secure it properly).

Stamp Set: Clearly For You
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Ridinghood Red, Basic Black
Designer Paper: Newsprint
Ink: Ridinghood Red, Basic Black
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, Basic Black 3.2cm Taffeta Ribbon,Extra Large Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzlets Die.

Sail Away..

2011-05-04T14:18:00.001+12:00

This card features one of the new single stamps that is in the Autumn/Winter mini. Isn't it great! It's called Sail Away and costs only $17.95. As mentioned a week or two ago, I had a brayering class last week and so had to get a bit of practice in beforehand. I have cased this card from someone out there in blogland (sorry, I can't remember who) and really like the simplicity of it.

Stamp set: Sail Away
Cardstock: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Basic Black
Ink: Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Basic Black
Accessories: Brayer, Post-it Note, White Gel pen.

Happy hump day!

Deals of the Week # 1

2011-05-01T22:54:00.000+12:00

Are you ready for some weekly surprises? Each week throughout May, Stampin' Up! will be offering brand-new deals on select products from the current Idea Book & Catalogue. There’s no limit to the number items you can purchase but each deal of the week is only good for the week that it is offered. Now is the time to stock up on your favourite products. Be sure to hurry and email me here with your order right away!

This Week’s Deals (1-10 May 2011)

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
121578	37	Tag Alongs Wood-Mount Set	$38.95	$23.37
120468	59	More Monkey Accessories Clear-Mount Set	$29.95	$17.97
121550	59	More Monkey Accessories Wood-Mount Set	$36.95	$22.17
120003	75	Cottage Garden Clear-Mount Set	$31.95	$19.17
119163	75	Cottage Garden Wood-Mount Set	$39.95	$23.97
121494	98	Compliments to the Chef Wood-Mount Set	$43.95	$26.37

A Pinch and a Punch

2011-04-30T07:00:00.022+12:00

for the last of the month... I can't believe another month is over with and tomorrow is May already.

It was my girlfriend Robyn's birthday {waving to you Robyn} during the week and this was the card I made for her. I already know that you were very spoilt (this is my jealous face -.- ) and I hope you had a chance to play with your new toys and had a lovely day, all about you!!

Stamp set: Elements of Style, Curly Cute
Card: Natural Ivory, Blushing Bride, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette and Pear Pizazz
Accessories: Gold Smooch Spritz,Chantilly Crochet Trim, Distressing Tool, Sponge, Top Note Bigz Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Dies, Metallic Brads.

Back to school/work tomorrow {sigh}. I hope everyone is looking forward to a great term ahead.

Just Believe

2011-04-28T19:00:00.003+12:00

A very quick post today. This is a clean and simple card which is always good when you're short on time.

Stamp Set: Just Believe, Curly Cute
Card: Whisper White, Pacific Point
Ink: Pacific Point
Accessories: Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

Have a great day :)