Stampin' Up! Wildflower

Happy Friday to you all! This little beauty was made by the lovely Bernice Collins. Bernice has used the stamp set Wildflower with the coordinating embossing folder. If you haven't got this set, you really must! It makes a lovely card and is so quick and easy.

Stamp set: Wildflower, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card: Whisper White, Smoky Slate
Ink: Smoky Slate
Accessories: Silver Mini Brads,
Tools: Big Shot, Wildflower EF, Bitty Banners Framelits

At the moment we're staying in a lovely lodge about 15kms from Yosemite National Park. We left San Francisco at 1.30pm this afternoon after learning that the America's Cup racing was postponed for today. We were very disappointed but there wasn't anything we could do about it. We did however, see Team NZ and Oracle practicing out in the harbour while we were walking across the San Francisco bridge (awesome views!) before the decision to postpone was made, and that was exciting in itself :-) We then decided to make tracks and head on down to Yosemite. Tomorrow we're going to explore the Park - obviously not all of it because it stretches for more than 3,000 km². After exploring for a few hours we're heading down to Las Vegas via Death Valley, where we're going to spend 2-3 days. 

Have an awesome weekend and I hope to see you back soon!

An Epic Day...

I'm talking about yesterday - our big team training day. As always - it was lots of fun catching up with new and old friends. We learnt lots too and had some wonderful demonstrations with products from the new catalogue. I can't wait until that goes live and I'm sure you'll love all the new goodies as well. 

Anyway, back to the task at hand, this is the card that I made for my demo swaps. I enjoyed putting it together and was able to do it bit by bit over the last week. For once in my life, I wasn't up until the early hours of Saturday morning finishing them off. Pretty impressive huh?!

Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral, Gumball Green, Pool Party
Ink: Soft Suede
Designer Paper: Epic Day This 'n That DSP
Accessories: Linen Thread, Basic Pearls
Tools: Big Shot, Labels Collection Die, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Sponge

I cased this card from the lovely Kimberley Van Diepen - click here to view her version. 

It won't be long before the new annual catalogue is here (8 days to be exact) but, to make way for new items, some of our favourites will be retiring. Click the links to see lists of STAMPS and ACCESSORIES that are retiring - some at amazing prices! Sale items are never around for long, so contact me as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Hope to see you again soon!

Get Well Wishes

I made this card for my friend Jo, who has recently had shoulder surgery. She's not allowed to work, drive or go to the gym for 3-4 months! I hope that also includes cooking, cleaning and all the other tedious jobs we do daily. Wishing you a very speedy recovery Jo! 

I've used products from Sale-A-Bration for Jo's card and today is the very last day that they're available, so don't delay, submit your order with me today!

Stamp Set: Bloomin' Marvellous (2013 SAB), Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Calypso Coral
Designer Paper: Sycamore Street (2013 SAB)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Calypso Coral
Accessories: White Bakers Twine, Sycamore Street Ribbon and Button Pack (2013 SAB)
Tools: 2 3/8" Scallop Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Vine Street Embossing Folder (2013 SAB)

Do you think the quality of my photo's have improved? My kind and generous upline Karen, gave me her light box that she had made, because she's upgraded to a store bought one. Karen made it from a cardboard box, white sheet and two lamps and it works a treat! Thanks so much - I really appreciate it and can now take better quality photo's any time of the night or day. Well, here's hoping anyway :-)

Poppies Galore

One of the teachers who I had the privilege to work with when I was at Marina View School, had her last day there on the 17 December and is now, officially retired. Shirley spent more than 1/3 of her life at Marina View and will be greatly missed. She was also both my daughters' New Entrant teacher, so it was quite a nostalgic time for many of us on her last day. 

This is the card that I made Shirley which I cased from Michael Funke.  You can check out his fabulous blog HERE. Unfortunately, I didn't read his 'how to' instructions before I tackled it and think that it would have come out a lot better, if I had done so.  The colours here look very dull compared to his vibrant ones. It may also have something to do with my photography skills, or lack of.  Oh well, live and learn... 

Stamp Set: Pleasant Poppies, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, En Francais
Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White
Ink: Black Staz On, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Gumbo Green and Melon Mambo Stampin' Markers.
Accessories: Blender Pen, 1" Square Punch (to cut the flag for the message).

I'm writing this from Palmerston North which is where we've been since Saturday. We had a lovely Christmas with my family and have caught up with wonderful friends who I've known since high school and my early days in the Airforce. Today I'm starting a wee adventure and travelling around the South Island with my new darling, who I've been seeing for the last few months.  His name is Brett and he's really lovely {swoon}. We're catching up with Brett's family in Blenheim and then some friends enroute to Christchurch, which I'm really looking forward to. Whatever you've been doing - I hope you've had a wonderful festive time catching up with family and friends. 

See you back here soon!

Just Believe Birthday Card

I've cased this card from the very talented Sharon de Vos and really love the outcome. It was from a swap Sharon made some time ago - at the beginning of this year, if my memory serves me correctly.  Don't you love Soft suede and Marina Mist together! 

This card was made for a lovely lady who is celebrating her birthday today. Many happy returns Keryn - I hope you have a wonderful birthday. 

Stamp Set: Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Marina Mist, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede, Marina Mist
Designer Paper: Beau Chateau (retired)
Accessories: Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad, Vintage Trinkets
Tools: Big Shot, Jewellery Tag, Fun Flowers Bigz Die, Sponge, 3/4" Circle Punch

One day left at work until I'm on leave - woo hoo!! I'm more than a little excited!

Happy Birthday Nicole

My baby is growing up! My oldest daughter Nicole turns 19 years old today and I thought I might have needed some "virtual" hugs to get me through the day - but that hasn't been the case.  I'm sure that I say it every year, but I really don't know where that time has gone. It feels like yesterday, that she was just a baby in my arms. She has grown into a beautiful, kind and considerate young lady, who we are all very proud of. Wishing you all the very best for a wonderful birthday and an amazing year ahead Nicole. Big hugs and lots of love to you!

I made a Pop Up Birthday Cake card this year.  I got the tutorial from Lisa Young who is a demo in the States.  She has some great tutorials on her blog if you want to pop over to have a look. 

I'm not that happy with the front of the card, but I couldn't think of anything else to do and as usual, time was of the essence. And, it wasn't until I finished that I realised I've used identical colours as Nicole's 18th birthday card. Oh well, I didn't hear any complaints from DD19. 

And, here's the inside:

Stamp set: Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Bring on the Cake
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Pool Party, 
Designer Paper: Comfort Cafe
Ink: Pool Party, Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Cajun Craze, Black Staz On
Accessories: Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, Silver Glimmer Paper, Blender Pen. 

I'm feeling a bit worn out and very tired. How are you all faring? I can't wait until after work on Friday, when I start my leave. I'm only off work for two weeks, but am really looking forward to the break. That's the thing I miss the most about my previous job, (other than the people, of course) is the 12 weeks holiday a year.  Now I get 25 days annual leave which is a considerable difference. This will be the longest break I've had since starting, over 6 months ago, so it's no wonder I feel a bit jaded.

I hope to see you back here real soon!

Bright Blossoms

I made this card for a lovely colleague from my job at the primary school where I use to work. Lee Lee has worked there for over 20 years and is semi-retiring. I was fortunate enough to be able to sneak away from work today and attend her special morning tea. It was great catching up with lots of familiar faces and it seemed a lifetime ago that I worked there. How quickly we adapt to the changes in our life. Wishing you all the best for your 'semi' retirement Lee Lee. 

Stamp Set: Bright Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Midnight Muse, Whisper White
Ink: Midnight Muse, Calypso Coral, Baja Breeze, Gumball Green Stampin' Markers
Accessories: Calypso Coral Bakers Twine, Basic Pearls 
Tools: Big Shot, Adorning Accents Folder, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch pack. 

I'm off to Christchurch tomorrow for the night, which will be tinged with trepidation. I was born in Christchurch and lived there until the grand age of 9 years old. I visited friends and family a lot when I was a teenager and then later on, when I joined the Airforce, so it holds many fond memories for me. Although I've been back a few times since the earthquakes, I haven't ventured any further than the airport, which is still all intact and shows no signs of the devastation. I imagine that it's not going to be pleasant, but is something that I need to do. 

Have a GREAT Friday and I'll be back soon!!

Sneak Peek ~ Betsy's Blossoms

I had to work on Saturday so missed out on our Team Training. However, I did manage to make a few swaps and I received some lovely ones in return, which I will show you a bit later on. This was my swap (cased from Angela Blomquist), using a new stamp set Betsy's Blossoms, new in-colours and designer paper which will be available on 1 September. 

Stamp Set: Betsy's Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Raspberry Ripple, Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Vellum Card
Designer Paper: Floral District
Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit
Accessories: Rhinestone Basic Jewels
Tools: Bitty Banners Framelits, Big Shot

I still have room at my Catalogue Launch party on Saturday if you want to come along.  It's a free event, lots of fun and you'll make a card using new products. Full details are on the left. Hope to see you then!

Faux Patina Technique

I had two very enjoyable classes recently with my lovely ladies, making two cards using the Faux Petina technique.  It's amazing how different each card looked even though we used the same technique. That's the beauty of hand made cards - each one is as individual as the person making them. 

Supplies used to make this card: 


Stamp Set: En Francais, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive
Ink: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Perfect Plum, Chocolate Chip, Versamark
Accessories: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Gold Embossing Powder, Gold Brad, Linen Thread, 
Tools: Heat Tool, Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Little Leaves  Sizzlits Die, Sponges. 


I'd be delighted to order any of these supplies for you and I can have them delivered to your address anywhere in New Zealand. I'm committed to providing excellent customer service and am always happy to offer help and advice. To place your order, just email me here or call me on (09) 416 7476.  


It's my first day in my new (but old) job today. I'll be the new (but old) girl starting back in the Airforce, after 11 years.  I must admit that I'm feeling a tad nervous but am sure I'll be fine once I get the first day over with. 


Have a wonderful week and I'll see you soon.

Attic Boutique

This is a card that I tend to make regularly because it showcases some of our Designer paper packs Stampin' Up! has available. This particular card uses Attic Boutique, which is in the new Autumn Winter mini. The colours are quite soft and muted and have a real vintage feel about them. 

Stamp set: Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Soft Suede, Pool Party, Very Vanilla
Designer Paper: Attic Boutique
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: Lace Border Ribbon Punch, Tiny Tag Punch, Linen Thread, Postage Stamp Punch, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Neutrals Button Pack.


Hasn't this week gone quickly? It's like we had a mini weekend yesterday, which was nice and something I could get use to. 

Swaps!

I'm so pleased I decided to make swaps for our Stamp Camp last weekend - even if it did make my week crazier than usual. This is one of my favourite swaps made by Sharon de Vos. Having said that though, all the swaps were gorgeous and it's a reminder of how many wonderfully talented ladies we have out there.  

Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Marina Mist, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Designer Paper: Beau Chateau
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: 1/2" Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Jewellery Tag Punch, Fun Flowers Die, Big Shot, Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads, Vintage Trinkets. 


And, here's a lovely card made by Rhonda Fawcett.  

Stamp Set: Nature's Nest, French Foliage, Thank You Kindly
Card Stock: Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point
Ink: Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point
Accessories: Small Oval Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Crop-o-dile, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Stripes Embossing Folder, Big Shot. 


We've had beautiful weather here in Auckland these last few days.  I hope it stays for the weekend because the sunshine always brightens my mood.  Does it do that to you?

Stitched Stocking Set

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. 

Stampin' Up! Fox and Friends

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

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.

Another Year Wiser...

It was my good friend (and wonderful upline) Karen's birthday last week. This was the card that I made using Nature Walk (I told you I was going to get a lot of use out of it). I've inked up a clear block (size D) with Crumb Cake ink to create the background and am quite happy with how it turned out, especially when it was another late night creation.

Stamp Set: Nature Walk, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla
Ink: Old Olive, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Victoria Crochet Trim, Vintage Trinkets, Jewellery Tag Punch, Spiral Border Punch, Antique Brads, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread.

I hope you're having a great week.

Nature Walk

We had our paperKRafters team training last weekend, organised by our illustrious leader Karen. It was a really fun afternoon and Karen taught us two great projects (which I'll showcase at a later time). We also made swaps and for my swap, I used Nature Walk (the stamp set I won at our Regional Training) and the new Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. I sponged around the edges of the frame, which makes it really stand out.

Stamp Set: Nature Walk, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock: Early Expresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Old Olive
Ink: Early Expresso, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Vintage Brad, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Jewellery Tag, Linen Thread, Distressing Tool (from the Cutter Kit), Sponge, Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

I hope you're having an enjoyable Saturday and I'll see you again real soon featuring some more new products from the Autumn/Winter mini catalogue :)

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

Blue Hydrangeas

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

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

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

Christmas Gifts

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

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

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

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

Happy stampin' till next time.

Beautiful Christmas Box

Don't you love this gorgeous box!  It's what our wonderful upline Karen taught us at our recent WOW PaperKRafter's Team Training. She got the idea from a gift she'd received from the wonderfully talented Rachael Knight (who is a sideline of Karen's). We always learn something new at our team training - so if that's not reason enough to join our team, I don't know what else is!

If you want to know more about joining email me here so that I can give you more information. Also, until the 15 October there is a special SU! promotion in which you receive a FREE In Colour Stampin’ Pad and Card Stock Kit, as well as In Colour Stampin’ Write Markers--total value of $100.90 NZD and that's on top of the phenomonal value of the starter kit, in which you pay just $339 and receive $590 worth of products.

Anyway - back to the beautiful box we made. Here's the top view..

And the side view...

Thanks so much ladies! I love it and can't wait to make more.

Stamp Set: Medallion, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
DSP: Jolly Holiday
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Ridinghood Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Little Leaves Sizzlits Die, Bigz Die Scallop Oval, Modern Label Punch, Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Sticky Strip, Glue Dots.