Stylish Elements

I went through my "stash" of cards and found something that I hadn't blogged. I was excited to share this at the end of last year but somehow it just got lost. It's a Tunnel Card that I demonstrated at our WOW PaperKRafters Demonstrator Christmas play day {phew - that's a bit of a mouthful} last year. I cased the front from the wonderfully talented Claire Daly, who is from Australia. Pop over to her blog HERE to see her amazing projects.

And, this is what the inside looks like:

Stamp Set: Elements of Style $47.95 (clear mount)
Ink: Basic Grey, Blushing Bride, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Sahara Sand
Cardstock: Whisper White, Blushing Bride
Designer Paper: Designer Series Paper Pack - In Colour (level 1 hostess)
Accessories: Circle Scissors, Scallop Trim Border Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Blender pens, Spritzer, Blushing Bride Stitched Poly Cotton Ribbon.

2011 Earthquake Appeal Fund

I haven't really felt like blogging these last few days after the tragedy of the Christchurch earthquake. I was born in Christchurch and lived there until I was 9 years old. I also visited frequently and completed many courses when I was in the Airforce. It all seems so surreal and is hard to imagine what the people who live there, are going through. Fortunately, the many friends and family I know, all appear to all be safe. Many have lost their homes and possessions, but at least they are alive. 

Thank you to those of you who have already donated money to support those affected. If you haven't, but would like to - here's a link to the  "New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal."  All funds will be used towards the New Zealand Red Cross response to the disaster, including transport and provision of goods. As weeks go by, different needs will be identified and Red Cross, there for the long haul with your help, will be meeting them.

Kind thoughts and prayers are with those in Christchurch.

Made with Love

This was another Valentines card that I made last week. As you will know, I don't often create something myself and am more of a CASE stamper (copy and share {steal} everything from others) but this card kind of, just evolved.  All I knew, was that I wanted to use the Scallop Envelope Die since it was still sealed up in its little bag {shameful I know}. I'd also had intentions to submit it to last weeks Just Add Ink challenge but once I logged on to their site and saw all the other amazing submissions - I went blog hopping, got waylaid and forgot what I'd set out to do...lol. Does that ever happen to you?

Stamp sets used: I {Heart} Hearts, Well Scripted
Cardstock: Ridinghood Red, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Ink: Ridinghood Red
Designer Paper: Love Letter
Accessories: Scallop Envelope Die, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Chantilly Crochet Trim.

Team Extravaganza!!

How would you like to spend a whole afternoon crafting to your hearts content? 

Well, if this sounds like you - email me HERE to book your spot. We're running a Team Extravaganza Event and demonstrating 5 amazing projects. Full instructions and materials are included in the cost as well as a sumptuous afternoon tea and spot prizes. 

When: Saturday 12 March
Time: 1pm-5pm 
Where: Balmoral War Memorial Hall in Auckland
Cost: $45 (includes a $10 discount with any orders over $50 placed on the day).
What to Bring: Your basic kit to include scissors, double sided adhesive (Snail is preferable), bone scorer, ruler, pencil, camera, Idea Book & Catalogue and a water bottle is recommended as well.  
Contact Me: to book your spot today. Spaces are strictly limited and booking is essential. Don't miss out!!

Looking forward to seeing you there :)

Beautiful Butterflies

I made this card for a friend last month and just realised that I hadn't shown you ... So without any further ado, here is what I call my Beautiful Butterfly card. It's very quick and simple and I've cased it from Vicki Burdick.  Check out her blog here - she's got heaps of lovely projects to look at and is wonderfully talented.  

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week :)

Sweet Summer Stationery Kit

This is the cute project that Rachael Knight taught us at Stamp Camp. Isn't it adorable?  There are lots of little goodies here which fit into the box and all coordinate beautifully - a covered notebook, covered drawing pins, bulldog clips, paper clips, an eraser and pen.

The designer paper we've used is Sunny Garden, teamed with the Sweet Summer stamp set which you can earn for FREE during Sale-A-Bration. Email me HERE if you want to learn how. Isn't this set lovely, bright and vibrant. Many thanks for the inspiration Rachael.

Here's the box:

And, all the little goodies that fit inside the box.. 

You Rock!!

For those of you who are stopping by today - you rock!  And, just for that you can see this amazing card that I received from Rhonda Imrie. Isn't it great!  It even got the thumbs up from my DD14 who is very particular about what cards she gives to her male friends. Rhonda has used lots of techniques to create this little stunner. She has clear embossed the guitar and cut it out, sponged around some edges, torn around some others and spritzed the lot with Gold Smooch Spritz (only available until 31 March from the Summer Mini). I can't wait to ink this set up myself. Many thanks for the inspiration Rhonda - you rock too!

Antique Aviary

This card is one of the gorgeous swaps I recieved at Stamp Camp. Moana Dawson is the creator of this stunning card and she's used some of my favourite stamps including Aviary (from the Summer mini), Bliss (Sale-A-Bration) and the sentiment is from Occasional Greetings. I love the colours Moana's used: Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla. This will definitely be going in my case file. I'm just sorry that the photo doesn't do it justice, but take it from me - it is really lovely!

Happy Valentines Day!

Each year I usually make my daughters a little Valentines treat and card - and this year is no exception. The only difference is that this year I've cased the ideas from two very talented demonstrators that I received swaps from at our Stamp Camp.  Here's the treat pouch made by Anna Mathieson which is simple but gorgeous and filled with a peanut slab... Chocolate and Valentines Day go together fabulously, don't you think!   

And, this is the lovely swap I received from Bron Heslop. She's used Love Defined and the cute Pinking Hearts border punch (which sadly you can't see in the photo) and some bling! I love everything about this Bron - thanks so much for the inspiration!



I hope you've all been spoilt today!

Fabulous Journey Flagbook

I just had to share this fabulous Journey Flagbook I received as a swap at our Stamp Camp weekend. It was made by Pam Cregeen and is truly amazing!!  I can't believe Pam made 25+ of these - that's really impressive, because there is so much work involved. Thank you Pam, I love it and just wish I was going somewhere exotic so that I could use it. Unfortunately, that's not  happening any time soon...{sigh}.

You can't see it in the photo, but Pam has spritzed the cover (inside and out) with reinkers mixed together with some type of alcohol (no, not the type you drink). It gives it a mottled look and is a fabulous effect. Sorry, I was listening when you explained the technique Pam and what you used, but I think my brain was sleep deprived and had reached overload, by that stage. 

Inaugural Stamp Camp

Last weekend was so much fun. The Creative Inkers held their inaugural Stamp Camp weekend in Rotorua. A wonderful time was had by all, with lots of laughs, awesome company, too much delicious food and not alot of sleep... Oh, and of course lots of fabulous projects. Thank you so much to all those who organised it and for the wonderful demonstrations we were treated to.

Here are two of the projects we made - the first one was taught by Paula Dobson. It's a cute little Gable box with a matching card using the Sentimental Journey stamp set. As Paula demonstrated, it's the perfect size for filling with little toiletries. 

The second project I'm showcasing was taught to us by Jacque Pedersen. The card uses the lovely Presto Patterns Specialty papers which are available for a limited time (until 31 March) from the Summer Mini catalogue. It was the first time I'd used these papers and now I'm hooked. They have lovely range of patterns and there are several ways to decorate them. Gorgeous and easy to use. 

And here's a little Valentines treat bag we also made with Jacque.  It certainly has the cute factor and would be suitable for lots of other occasions including little goodie bags for parties. There are sweets in the back, which you can't see (you'll just have to trust me that they are there...).  Contact me HERE if you want to learn how to make any of these inspirational projects.

 I hope your weekend is going well :)

Love you a Latte

I cased (copied and stole everything...lol) this card from an amazingly talented American demonstrator, Robin Merriman. You can check out her blog here and I think you'll agree, she has lovely work. I'd saved this to my "case" file and knew it would be perfect to send to Nicole who is currently freezing her wee butt off, in Iowa. I imagine that she would be partaking in the odd hot chocolate or two or perhaps she's progressed to drinking lattes?? Could well be on the cards because by the time she gets home, she's going to have grown up alot. 

Stamp set: Pun Fun $70.95
Cardstock: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Ridinghood Red
Designer Paper: Bella Rose (retired)
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Blender Pen, Sponge, Ridinghood Red Striped Grosgrain (retired), Dimensionals

Have a happy hump day everyone :)

Another Birthday Bash

Another fellow Aquarian celebrated her birthday recently - my good friend (and fellow demonstrator) Sally.  Sally and I are in Rotorua as you read this, for the inaugural demonstrators Stamp Camp. And, I don't doubt that we're having loads of fun. Fortunately, I was able to schedule this post (I like to stagger my posts throughout the week) so you'd have something to look at while I'm away.

This is Sally's card which I think is a bit dark.  In hindsight, I should have used a lighter and brighter piece of designer paper, but I've had a pretty manic week (and 8 birthdays in 10 days to boot), so didn't have a lot of time to mull over it.  

Stamp Set: Baroque Motifs, Sincere Salutations
Cardstock: Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
Designer Paper: Love Letter
Accesories: Old Olive 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Brads, Basic Pearls, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch.

Pop back in a few days so you can see the goodies from Stamp Camp.
 

Elements of Style

Just a quick post from me today showcasing a birthday card I made for a girlfriend whose birthday was at the end of last month (January is a very busy birthday month for me). 

Stamp Set: Elements of Style, Occasional Greetings
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Basic Black, Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Basic Black 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Blender Pen, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch.

I apologise if you were the person who I cased this lovely card from. I rely on the watermark people add to their photo but unfortunately, there wasn't one on this card.

Beautiful Birthday cards

I had a super duper day yesterday as it was my birthday. I'm not going to reveal how old I turned (I'm in age denial), but I am happy to reveal two lovely cards that I received. I think you'll agree that they are both stunning. The first one is from my good friend (and fellow demonstrator) Judy.  She has used the stamp set Growing Green. I love the fabulous colouring and bling!

The second beautiful card was made by my lovely friend Sally.  She has used a new set from the Summer mini catalogue Easter Blossoms. Isn't it gorgeous! 

I've got the back to school panic on now and have yet to hem my daughter's school skirt and buy her stationery. I've a good reason about the skirt though, because there is a 10cm difference in where DD14 wants her hemline and where I want it... and besides that, I swear she's getting taller as we speak, so then I'll need to lower it again by the end of the week, at this rate.  Wish me luck :)