Close as a Memory

I've already had to make two bereavement cards this year, which I find very difficult to make, as most people probably do. I made one using blues (see below), and the other (which I forgot to take a photo of) was made using regal rose and pretty in pink. Simple and clean cut.

Stamp Set: Close as a Memory (retired)

Card: Pacific Point, Whisper White

Ink: Pacific Point, Old Olive

Accessories: Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing folder

Australia Flood Appeal

Since the beginning of this year, flooding has hit Queensland in Australia big time and later on, in Victoria. Fortunately, the friends and family I have in those areas haven't been affected, but I can't begin to imagine the heartbreak and devastation that these floods have brought to others. My deepest sympathies go to those who have lost loved ones and homes, and to those whose lives have been changed forever..

Stampin' Up! have announced that they will be donating $2 AUD for every stamp set purchased that is $30.00 or over, to the flood appeal. This is from now until the 15th February. Contact me HERE to place your order.

If you need some inspiration on what stamp set to buy that is over $30 - how about Pun Fun ($70.95) which I've used here for my neices 9th birthday card. Isn't it a cutie? Pun Fun is a versatile set and has 8 stamps with messages which I've mounted separately (so you get 16 different stamps). I got the idea for this card from my case file, but unfortunately the watermark on the original is so faint that I can't read it. If it is you - please make yourself known, so I can give you the credit deserved.

Stamp Set: Pun Fun
Ink: Basic Grey, Poppy Parade
Card: Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Basic Black
Designer Paper: Designer Series Paper Pack - In Colour (level 1 hostess gift)
Accessories: Black gingham ribbon (retired), 2 Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Here is another card of the same, but I've used Pear Pizzazz. I'll be able to add this to my stash, to be used when I'm crazy busy.

Thanks for stopping by :)

Sale-a-Bration is HERE!!

I really love this time of the year! There are a couple of ways that everyone can benefit and earn FREE stamps.
And, there are four gorgeous sets to choose from!

Click the photo to download the brochure.

Customers: Spend $120 and choose a free set. This is for EVERY $120 you spend, for example if you spend $360, you’ll get 3 stamp sets plus a FREE Level 1 Hostess Set plus $35 FREE Hostess Dollars to spend.

Hostesses: When your party sales reach $700 you get to choose a FREE set on top of the generous hostess rewards (a FREE Level 2 Hostess Set, plus $70 FREE Hostess Dollars). I’m taking party bookings now, so get in quick if you'd like to book.

New Demonstrators: When you join Stampin’ Up! during Sale a bration, you get to choose an extra FREE stamp set from the catalogue to the value of $79.95. You can be a Hobby Stamper or a Business Stamper like me. Once you become a demo, there are more opportunities to earn FREE stamp sets.

Contact me HERE if you wish to place an order, host a party or become a part of my Stampin’ Up! team.

Bring on 2011!

I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't blogged for over a month. I really have no excuse except that I've been giving my gardens and house a ruthless de-clutter. I've had 4 glorious weeks off and woohoo, I still have another 10 days left. That's the best part of working at a school, is all the fantabulous (is that even a word?) holidays.

For the first two weeks, my DD14 and I, spent it down in Palmerston North with family for Christmas and New Years. You may remember that my other DD17, is in the USA on a student exchange. Nicole had her first white Christmas (which she absolutely loved), while we frazzled in the heat (no complaints from me though). As usual, it was great catching up with everyone and we had an awesome visit, but all good things must come to an end. {sigh} 

This last week, I've rewarded myself with some papercrafting and blog hopping ('til my eyeballs got sore...lol) which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I'm excited to tell you that I've found loads of really cool ideas and projects that I can't wait to make and then share with you.

Here's a card that I cased from an amazingly talented demonstrator - Diana Carr who is located in St Petersburg, Florida, USA. You can check out her blog HERE. I made the card for my sister Tania, whose birthday it is tomorrow. I don't think she looks at my blog, so I'm probably safe posting it here, before she actually receives it.

Stamp set: Fun and Fast notes ($70.95)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz
Designer Paper: Designer series Paper Pack - In Colour (Level 1 Hostess)
Accessories: Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon, Designer buttons (Brights).

To each and everyone of you, I hope 2011 is a fantastic year - bring it on!

See you again soon.

Make n' Take

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

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

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

Happy 17th Birthday Nicole!

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

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

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

Final class for 2010..

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


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