Soft Summer

It's getting towards that time of year when we have to say goodbye to all of the lovely stuff in the Spring Mini Catalogue (and I wonder how I will cope without the scallop oval punch until next September!!). I'm consoling myself by looking through the new Summer Mini Catalogue over and over again. Yes, I have it here in my hot little hands and there's some exciting stuff in there... and 7 sets brand new, never before seen in US catalogues!

But I'm getting ahead of myself. We still have one month left to enjoy the Scallop Oval, Oval All, Great Friend, Parisian Breeze, Ski Slope DSP, Tree Trimmings, and this lovely set Soft Summer: This was a Stamp-a-Stack I did back in August. Simple cards using fresh, summery colours. 2-step stamping makes it really quick and easy. These stamps are double-mounted, so it makes the set really cost-effective too - $41.95 for 6 stamps.

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Soft Summer, Oval All
ink:Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Kiwi Kiss, So Saffron, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip
card: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Kiwi Kiss, So Saffron, More Mustard, Very Vanilla
other: Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, sponge daubers, stamp-a-ma-jig

Fresh Cuts Box

We made this cute little pizza box, perfectly sized to fit Fresh-Cut Notes in last month's Project Class. I thought it would make a nice little Christmas Gift too. This is what the top of the box looked like: and inside:

And this is the set of cards we made to go inside:

The Fresh Cut Notes are so quick and easy to make a set of cards from. They come in a pack of 15 for $17.50 (including envelopes). I've used the co-ordinating Fresh Cuts stamp set with it, but you could use any stamp set, or even just some Designer Series paper.
I used the "leftover" petals to make the flower for the top of the box, and a Jumbo brad holds the lid closed.

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Fresh Cuts
ink: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
card: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
other: Boho Blossoms Punch, 5-petal Flower Punch, Trio Flower Punch, sponge daubers, Jumbo brads (Spring Mini)

I survived!

Well I made it through the weekend, and am out the other side! The Craft Sale was a huge success (and heaps of fun too :o) Thank you to everyone who came along. We're already planning to do another one next October!

After the Craft Sale I came home and made up 80 Chocolate Wallet Kits...phew! Some were for people coming to my Open House yesterday, and some were for Project by Mail. I'll be closing off the Project by Mail this Friday (30th October), so email me now if you want to purchase a kit.
EDITED TO ADD: Demos are welcome to purchase kits (sorry, I am not selling instructions separately though). However I can only take orders from Australia.

It's a very dreary, rainy day here in Sydney today (but we do need the rain), so here's a *bright* card I made recently using Circle Circus:

It's a super-quick one to whip up if you need a card in a hurry. I hope it brightens up your day!

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Circle Circus, Think Happy Thoughts
ink: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango
card: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White
other: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, mat pack, corner rounder, dimensionals

Punch Flower

Just a quick one today. I'm busy getting ready for a workshop tonight for a new downline (Hi Juliette!) and then our Craft Sale tomorrow, and my Open House on Sunday. Busy, busy! And, because it never rains but it pours, my cold that was dragging on and on has now developed into a Sinus Infection. I've never had one before and it is NOT fun. Hopefully the antibiotics will clear it up really quickly.
This was the other card we did at my "Punch and Fold" technique class this month:


We made a flower using the large tag punch. I just love my punches, and it's always good to find new ways to use them! The idea for this one came in our Demonstrator Newsletter. Each month we get sent a colour newsletter in the mail, with tons of ideas in it. Sitting down with a cuppa to read my newsletter is a highlight of my month (I know, I don't get out much, do I?! LOL)

I've used the Windsor Knot paper (these are just my colours!). The little tag is done using the Scallop Square Punch and I've made the greeting using markers and the Oval All stamp set.

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Weathered, Oval All
ink: Sage Shadow
card: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, So Saffron
other: 3/4" circle punch, 1/2" circle punch, Jumbo brads, Windsor Knot DSP, Large Tag punch, Scallop Square Punch, 1/16" punch, linen thread, White grosgrain ribbon, Chocolate Double-Stitched ribbon

Guest Blogger!

I was gob-smacked (love that word!) when Cheryl showed me this card she had made for my October Challenge: I just love what she has done with the papers from the 'Sweet Nothings' Simply Scrappin' Kit, and how she has turned it into a Christmas card...all without using a single stamp!

You have until the end of this month to enter, and the winner will receive a sheet of Bright Delights Rub Ons. I would love you to jump on board. Anyone is Australia or New Zealand can enter.

I've had a few questions about this challenge. I would prefer the challenge entries to use mainly Stampin Up! products (or at least some, since this is a Stampin' Up! blog :o)

Just enter your card with Mister Linky HERE

Finally, some stamping!

You can probably tell by the plethora of blog pots today, that NSW school holidays have ended and my kids are back at school! I just love the holidays...letting go of the routine and spending time with my children are two of my favourite things in the world. Of course getting back into a routine and having some time to myself are two of my other favourite things!

I thought I would show you the second stamp-a-stack design from last month. We used the very cute Forest Friends stamp set (in the Spring Mini) to create some sweet little cards:

I kept these ones very clean and simple, with lots of white space. I also used a slightly different fold; I scored about 1cm in from the spine, and stuck down the scored section, so it opens up like a book. I know there's a special name for that type of fold, and they use it to describe photo albums that are made like that, but I can't for the life of me think of it (I would try googling, but I'm determined to get off this computer soon!!). Does anyone know the name of it??

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Forest Friends, Occasional Greetings, On Your Birthday, Sweet Little sentiments (Level 1 set)
ink: Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouettte, Close to Cocoa
card: Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouettte, Whisper White, Certainly Celery
other: Scallop Circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, White gel pen, Close to Cocoa marker, Eyelet Border punch, Designer Label punch, Corner rounder Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Baja Breeze striped Ribbon, Pink Pirouette Striped Ribbon, Crop-a-dile, Close to Cocoa Marker

World Cardmaking Day Promotion

It's October 19, and I haven't even told you about this month's promotion yet. I've been a very bad blogger indeed! For this month only, if you purchase a Stampin' Up! "Card Elements" kit, you can purchase the co-ordinating stamp set for 20% off (just $19.96). The kits are $30.95, and contain everything you need to make at least 12 cards. They would make a great Christmas present for someone that you want to get addicted to...oops I mean introduce to stamping.
PLUS, as a little bonus from me and to celebrate World Cardmaking Day, I will mail you a handstamped card if you take up this offer!

You can see the kits pictured on pages 140-141 of the catalogue. I must say I love the 'Wow Flowers' stamp set. It works so well with the circle and Word Window punches!

Project by Mail

I'm very excited to be offering (by popular demand!) my very first Project by Mail.

You can purchase the kit and full instructions to make this very cute Chocolate Wallet.
It's decorated with 'Ski Slope' Christmas papers, and will hold 8 mini chocolates, so it makes a perfect little gift.

Your Kit will include full instructions, plus all of the cardstock and patterned paper to make this project and wrap the chocolates, all pre-cut and pre-scored for you, plus punched shapes and ribbon (patterned paper may vary from that pictured).

All you will need to complete the project is adhesive (Snail and Sticky Strip) and a Horizontal Slot punch, or regular hole punch. The chocolates can be purchased from Aldi stores.

Please note, that due to Stampin' Up! policy, I cannot include stamped images in the kit, but you could substitute any Christmas greeting and image to embellish your wallet. If you need to order any of the products to complete more of this project, just let me know and I can have them delivered straight to your door.

The full Kit and Instructions (including postage) is $10. If you would like to purchase this Project by Mail, just email me with your address and payment method. I accept payment by direct deposit, credit card, or cheque.

OR you may prefer to come along to my Open House THIS Sunday, but please let me know ASAP so I can prepare enough kits!

When: Sunday 25th October
Time: 10am - 4pm (drop in anytime)
Where: 27 Ryan St Dundas Valley
Cost: $10 for one kit and instructions, $5 per kit thereafter (chocolates not included).
Bring: adhesive (you'll need Snail and Sticky Strip)

I can also purchase the chocolates for you for $2 (8 chocolates). Let me know if you would prefer milk or dark chocolate.


Places are limited, and bookings are essential. RSVP with how many you would like to make to mail@marelletaylor.com

Craft Sale Reminder!

....THIS Saturday!

GIANT CRAFT SALE

My team and I are getting together to have our second Giant Craft Sale Day. We have cleaned out our cupboards, and have lots of Craft Goodies that need to find new homes. There are stamps, scrapbooking supplies, ribbons, embellishments, plus handmade cards and gifts too (perfect for Christmas!), and lots lots more!

Everything will be priced to sell, so come along and grab a bargain! We'll also have Lucky Door Prizes to be won.

When: Saturday, 24th October 9am -1pm

Where: The Church Hall (Blacktown East Presbyterian) Cnr Heffron Rd and Gallop Gve, Lalor Park

Please spread the word to anyone who may be interested, and I hope to see you there!

Catching Up!

Have you missed me?? We had a lovely time camping. The weather was kind to us, and it rained on our journey there, and our journey home, but stayed fine the whole time we were there. It was freezing though, and both kids came home with colds, which they were kind enough to share with me! I think I had a double dose... I'm feeling a lot better now but my voice has still not completely returned. Hubby has been interstate too, so I've been soldiering on without him to bring me cups of tea!

He's back now and we all went to see "Up" yesterday (the latest animated Pixar movie). I highly recommend it. Maybe I was feeling more fragile than normal (or probably I'm just a sap), but I had tears in my eyes several times. It's really, really sweet (and I think the kids enjoyed it too LOL).

In between all that, I managed to get all my November classes designed and October classes prepped, but I'm so behind on here that I haven't even shown you September's designs!
This was one of the Stamp-a-Stack designs. I think these were some of my favourite cards that we've made this year. The colours are very 'me', and they were very simple to make too:



I love, love, love the Bella Bleu Paper. To add some depth and definition to the main images, I inked them in Sahara Sand, and then sponged some Not Quite Navy and Close to Cocoa ink on the stamp before stamping it on Very Vanilla cardstock. I also sponged Sahara Sand ink around the edges. Both of the stamp sets are Level 1 Hostess sets, which means you can't buy them, but you can earn them for free. Email me if you want to know how!

I've had a ton of requests from people wanting to do the Chocolate Wallet as a Project by Mail. I've never offered one before, but I'm pleased to say that this will be my first! Stay tuned for details over the next day or so!

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Best Yet (Hostess), Organic Grace (Hostess)
ink: Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy, Close to Cocoa
card: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy
other: Kraft Taffeta ribbon, sponge dauber, Eyelet Border Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Bella Bleu DSP

Get Ready for Christmas!

This month we celebrate World Cardmaking Day. I'm having a "Get Ready for Christmas" Open House at my place in a couple of weeks. I'm going to be making lots of these Chocolate Wallets for my friends, family, kid's teachers, neighbours, etc, and I'd love to have you come along and make some with me!

It's decorated with 'Ski Slope' Christmas papers, and contains 8 mini chocolates, so it makes a perfect little gift. You can come and make one, or purchase extra kits and make a whole batch!

When: Sunday 25th October
Time: 10am - 4pm (drop in anytime)
Where: 27 Ryan St Dundas Valley
Cost: $10 for one kit and instructions, $5 per kit thereafter (chocolates not included).

Bring: adhesive (you'll need Snail and Sticky Strip)

I can also purchase the chocolates for you for $2 (8 chocolates). Let me know if you would prefer milk or dark chocolate.

Places are limited, and bookings are essential. RSVP by 18 October with how many you would like to make to mail@marelletaylor.com

Thanks to Nikki Stalker for sharing this fabulous idea, modeled on one she got from a Secret Sister. You can see her original here.
Edited to Add: I have since found out that the original idea was from the very lovely and talented Kim Gavarra. I hope you don't mind me borrowing your clever idea, Kim!

It's NSW School Holidays here, and we're off camping for a few days of much needed R&R. It will be so nice to get away. We're staying with 2 other families, and we can even take Coco with us!

Think Pink!

I've always said that October is a great month to join Stampin' Up! (read my reasons HERE).

But this year it's better than ever. Stampin' Up! have just announced their Breast Cancer Awareness Promotion:
For over 20 years, Stampin' Up! has helped women make a difference in the lives of others by simply doing what they love to do--sharing creativity.
Now you too can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and make a difference! For every person who joins the Stampin' Up! family between 1 October and 31 December 2009, Stampin' Up! will donate $5 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Plus, until 31 December 2009, you'll receive a FREE pack of Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper and a Pretty in Pink Classic Stampin' Pad to help you get started!

There's never been a better reason to join!

Contact me if you'd like me to mail you an Information pack about joining Stampin' Up!