Marelle Taylor Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Sydney Australia

Happy Birthday Yvette

2012-02-01T07:30:00.000+11:00

It was my lovely sister's birthday on the weekend and the whole family gathered at her place to celebrate. I was feeling a wee bit under the weather (kidney infection, resistant to first dose of antibiotics, so I was drugged out on pain meds and much stronger second antibiotic) but since I wasn't contagious I went along rather than sit in misery by myself at home. And I couldn't go along without a handmade card, made especially for her. In my brain-addled state, I decided the best option was to CASE myself (why does that always sound a bit rude??). So I took THIS card and made it this:

I just used the reverse side of the paper and it became a completely different card! I also added some Sahara Sand shadows to the stamped Poppy Parade flowers to make them 'pop' a little bit more, and the greeting is from another Sale-a-Bration set, Elementary Elegance. My sister has always been a fan of the colour red, so this version was much more 'her' than my original. We had a lovely birthday lunch!
...and the kidney infection is now on the mend, so it's all good :o)

Pacific Paisley Postage

2012-01-30T10:24:00.001+11:00

Even if we hadn't received the Spiced Paisley stamp set as a gift on Incentive Trip, I would have bought it in a flash. I've always been a sucker for a bit of Paisley (I am a child of the seventies after all!). It can look so different, depending on the colours you stamp it in. I love the soft look of it in the Spice Cake DSP, but here I've gone for something a bit brighter, and quite nautical - Pacific Point and Night of Navy (with a dash of Island Indigo ink). I've also used the Postage Stamp punch. I can't believe I hesitated over buying this punch, and I've already used it so much.

I just finished reading "The Help". Loved it! I think I'll have to see the movie now!

Up in the Air Square Card

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000+11:00

Here's another card that showcases the gorgeous *FREE* Everyday Enchantment DSP in the Sale-a-Bration brochure. I've paired it with the *FREE* Hostess set Up in the Air on the first page of the Summer Mini. The stamped circle is the 1-3/4" Circle punch, and I've matted it on a Pool Party Circle that I've die-cut using the Big Shot Circles Die. I watercoloured the image using Blender Pens. The finishing touch is Crumb Cake Seam Binding ribbon, layered with the *FREE* Sale-a-Bration ribbon.

Sale-a-Bration Favourites

2012-01-25T07:30:00.000+11:00

So what do you think of this year's Sale-a-Bration selection?? Any favourites yet? I dare you to pick just one! Here are my TWO favourites:

The Fresh Vintage stamp set and Everyday Enchantment DSP...so, so pretty!
I kept this one really simple...with such lovely colours and designs, I felt I could get away with it! I've added a vintage touch with a dash of spritzing and some gorgeous Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon (from the Summer Mini). I cut the circle with my Circle Scissor and coloured the image with markers.
I'd love to hear your Sale-a-Bration favourites!

Sale-a-Bration 2012

2012-01-24T05:30:00.000+11:00

It's HERE!It's every one's favourite time in the Stampin' Up! year, when you can earn free stuff with every order of $100. And this year, there is more of a selection than ever before. Check it out HERE.

It's also the best time to join Stampin' Up! ...Not only is the Starter Kit discounted to $249, you also get to choose an extra stamp set for free, from any current catalogue!
Joining is so simple...you can do it online in only a few minutes. Click on the "Join my Team" tab to find out more. Why not make 2012 the start of something great? There's nothing to lose and so much to gain!

I'm back!

2012-01-23T08:30:00.000+11:00

Have you missed me? Hopefully you've been so busy enjoying school holidays and getting the New year off to a fantastic start that you haven't even noticed my blogging hiatus.

We've been having a lovely January. It's been a nice combination of accomplishment, activity and relaxation. We re-painted our bedroom, bought some new bedding, which then inspired me to make a set of 3 framed artworks to hang above the bed, plus I've sorted through lots of cupboards and drawers and had a big clean-out. We've taken the kids to see the Harry Potter Exhibition, the Illusionists, a couple of movies, and lots of catching up with friends. We've also had plenty of time just chilling out at home.

I've managed to squeeze some crafting in amongst all that, playing with my new stamps. I'll take some photos in the next day or two so that I have something new to show you.In the meantime, here's a very *bright* design from last year's stamp-a-stack using the Blossom Party die and a few punches:

The colours are Rich Razzleberry, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Very Vanilla and Wild Wasabi. I used the Big Shot to cut out one set of flowers in the 3 main colours and came up with 4 card designs, just adding a couple of punches.

I'm getting excited - Sale-a-Bration starts TOMORROW! I'll be back then to show you this year's selection of free products. I know you're going to love them.

Best of Everything Stamp-a-Stack

2011-12-30T08:30:00.000+11:00

I can always tell a successful stamp-a-stack class by the number of people who say to me "I didn't think I wanted this stamp set and now look what you've done!" LOLI also had a few people say "I hadn't even noticed this set in the catalogue until now!" (if you are one of those people, it's called Best of Everything and it's on page 80). Here I've paired it with Berry Blossoms paper and I think they work very well together. I think these cards are pretty self-explanatory. Bringing just a snippet of DSP into your card designs is a great way to give them some extra punch and it gives you a colour combination to work with too! And can I just say that I am LOVING those Mini Brads (pg 143). They are so perfect for the centres of little flowers and for the tip of the Jewellery Tag too...and they are only $7.95 for 200 of them.. Bargain!

Some News...

2011-12-28T15:26:00.000+11:00

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. I think this was one of my favourite Christmases in a while. It's always the children who make Christmas special for me and this year we had more than ever before in our family. I have two gorgeous twin nieces who are now 3, and I think the age of 3 is such fun...they really "get it" for the first time. We were also joined by Dave's niece and her 2 girls who are 1 and 3. There were 19 of us here for Christmas dinner and it definitely felt like a party!
And of course it was my nephew Leo's first Christmas too. He took it all in his stride, smiling at everyone, and being such a good sport about being passed around for a million cuddles. And then we also met my cousin's little girl Baylea for the first time. They live in Queensland and we've waited 6 months to meet her. I've decided that I have an illness - "baby-shopping-itis". I went a little bit berserk buying cute things for all those babies!

And 2 items of Stampin' Up! News...
Don't forget that there's only a couple more days to take advantage of the December Frenzy. A couple of items are no longer available at the Sale Price:

121508

Every Moment Wood-Mount Set

$31.95

121600

Ornate Blossom Wood-Mount Set

$19.95

Get great Stampin' Up! products up to 50% off during our December Frenzy sale -- 1-31 December only! There are some absolute bargains, so it's the perfect time to treat yourself to a belated Christmas present :o) Download the flyer HERE

We've also just been informed that the Stocking Builder Punch (item 124095) from the 2011-2012 Summer Mini Catalogue will NOT carry over into the next Idea Book & Catalogue. Once the current inventory of this punch has been depleted, it will no longer be available for purchase.

Email me if you have any questions or to place your order!

My Christmas Card

2011-12-23T08:30:00.000+11:00

This year I 'narrowed down' my Christmas card list to 160 (yes, really!!) so I had to design a simple, mass-producible card. Here's what I came up with:

In the end I wasn't completely 100% happy with it, but I knew that if I procrastinated any longer I just wouldn't get ANY made.
I've used my favourite Fine Flourish background stamp, and the little tree from Jolly Bingo Bits with a little rhinestone star on top. The sentiment is from A Beautiful Season, stamped in Early Espresso ink.
I've also used 2 new punches from the Mini - the 1" Square and the Postage stamp, along with the 1-1/4" Square. The colours I've used are Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive and Very Vanilla.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas with your friends and family and a joyous year ahead. Stay safe over the holiday season!

xoxo

Christmas Mice Candy Wrappers

2011-12-21T08:30:00.000+11:00

I made some little table gifts for our Team Christmas Dinner, and of course they had to be mouse-themed, for our team Stampers Anony-mouse:

I used the Candy Wrapper Die from the Summer Mini to make 20 of these. With a chocolatey treat inside:

...red and green m&ms! They looked pretty cute sitting at our Dinner Table :o)

Christmas Gifts

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000+11:00

I have a few Christmas projects to show you. These actually date from last year, but I never got around to blogging them, and I thought I should do it quick smart before they have to wait another year!Here's a cute little "sevens" box with an acetate window:

And a matchbox with an acetate window and a ribbon puller:

And a stamped cello bag with a decorated topper, perfect to fill with treats:

And here's the whole set:

Jacob's Lego Birthday Card

2011-12-16T08:30:00.000+11:00

Edited to Add: I've had a few requests for instructions, so I've added them to the end of this post.

I thought I'd take a little break from Christmas projects to show you Jacob's birthday card:

He turned 11 at the end of November and is still very much into Lego. Not having any Lego stamps, I made some Lego Punch Art instead. I've also used Big Top Birthday DSP, which is perfect for kids cards. I love using the paper corrugator as a more masculine alternative to ribbon.
Jacob's comment on receiving his card was "Mum, how do you come up with these things??" My answer..."I'm a genius!" (of course) LOL

To make the Lego pieces I used Pacific Point, Real Red and Daffodil Delight cardstock. I punched circles using the Itty Bitty Punch Pack Circle Punch. My Lego pieces are 2.5 x 2.5cm, 3.5 x 2.5cm and 4.5 x 2.5cm. I sponged all of the edges of the pieces and the circles. Stick on the circles with a little piece of a Dimensional (foam dot) and add a White Gel Pen highlight. That's all there is to it!

Amy's Christmas Gifts

2011-12-15T08:30:00.000+11:00

When Amy saw my Secret Santa gifts, she wanted to make some for her friends. They are the perfect size to pop a little bracelet and necklace inside for her 3 special friends. Here is her version, which she made with just a little guidance:

They have a decidedly girly touch, don't they? We decided that the reindeer must be Rudolph's daughter! The annoying part is that I actually prefer her version of the reindeer to my own. She's 14 and already as tall as I am, and now she's teaching me a thing or two about craft as well! Maybe I'll get her to run a class on making these ;o)

12 Days of Christmas - Card 12

2011-12-14T08:30:00.000+11:00

This one is definitely not a card, but I think it's one of my favourite projects ever and I thought it was a fitting finale for the 12 Days of Christmas.We had our team Christmas Dinner last Friday night and we all made a Secret Santa Gift. Here are the Secret Santa gifts I made, posing for their group photograph:

How cute are they?? I first got the idea for these when I was shopping in Target and a saw some little cone-shaped characters filled with lollies. My Stampin' Up! brain immediately thought "I could make those with the Petal-Cone Die". So I came home and made the Christmas Tree:

Look at the pretty star, made with the oh-so-sparkly Glimmer Paper (in the Summer Mini) and the Doily Triple Layer Punch:

I had so much fun making the tree that the whole time I was thinking 'what can I make next?'. How about Rudolph:

Isn't he adorable? (if I do say so myself!). I wanted him to be holding something, and what would Rudolph need for those foggy Christmas Eves...

...a GPS of course!
At this point I wondered if anyone else had had the genius idea of making characters out of the petal cone die. Google turned up these clever ones on Tanya Bell's blog, so of course I had to make my own version of them too. Here's Santa:

Holding his list (checked twice of course):

And my Angel (at this point my desk looked like a bomb had hit it, but I had to keep going!):

Her Christmas Carols book even has real music:

And finally my elf:

He's even holding a real present, which I filled with some Antique Brads:

All of their little bodies were also filled with goodies.
Judging by the tears in Michelle's eyes when she opened her present, I think she liked them :o)

12 Days of Christmas - Card 11

2011-12-13T09:26:00.000+11:00

Well, this one's not exactly a card...more of a card and gift in one! It's a Chocolate Double-Slider:

And it contains a little Christmas magic. When you pull up the tab to reveal the chocolate:

A secret panel slides down to reveal your Christmas message:

Just like magic!
I've used the gorgeous stamp set A Beautiful Season to decorate my Slider and some luscious Cherry Cobbler striped ribbon. My chocolate came from Aldi, but the small Lindt bars also fit inside these.

Proud Mummy Moment

2011-12-12T11:39:00.001+11:00

...just interrupting the scheduled programming with a Proud Mummy Moment. We just had School Presentation Day and Jacob was just announced as School Captain for 2012 and he also received the Academic Award for his class. At her school, Amy received an award for 2nd in her Year in History and a Merit Award for English. Suffice it to say, this Mummy was a blubbering mess!

12 Days of Christmas - Card 10

2011-12-12T09:21:00.000+11:00

Another retired set that I wanted to show you:

A Wish for Peace was a stamp set that I always tended to stamp in soft colours, but here I tried something a bit different - Riding Hood Red and Old Olive on a Confetti White base, with touches of Early Espresso. I've also used the Soft Holly wheel (still available).
Only 2 more days to go! I hope you're feeling very Christmassy by now!

12 Days of Christmas - Card 9

2011-12-11T09:20:00.000+11:00

Here's Something for Christmas strutting its stuff again, this time in purples. I've used Wisteria Wonder for my card base, with a touch of Elegant Eggplant ink. The shimmer is courtesy of the gorgeous Frost White Shimmer Paint. I sponged it on to the raised areas of the Embossing using a sponge dauber.
If you don't know how to make an Embossed Frame check THIS post.

12 Days of Christmas - Card 8

2011-12-10T09:19:00.000+11:00

I hope you don't mind me showing you some cards made using a retired set in this 12 Days of Christmas. It seemed like a shame to miss this design. Perhaps some of you might own the retired Christmas Classics set, or you could always substitute a different set.

I've CASEd this layout from page 25 of the catalogue. The colours are Crumb Cake, Soft Suede and Real Red. I've coloured some pearls with a red permanent marker for the holly berries.

12 Days of Christmas - Card 7

2011-12-09T09:18:00.000+11:00

Welcome Christmas is one of the sets on sale during this month's December Frenzy. It's half price - only $19.98 in clear mount! Super bargain! Here's a card I made using the set, combined with another gorgeous Christmas set, Contempo Christmas.

This card is a Joy-Fold card, so there is a mini card on the front that opens to reveal:

The ornament on the front holds the mini card closed in place. And on the other side:

The great thing about this sort of card for Christmas is that there's plenty of room to add a family photo inside. This card is very Shimmery in real life. I've stamped some of the images in Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint and sponged all the edges too. The colours I've used are Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy and Crumb Cake.

12 Days of Christmas - Card 6

2011-12-08T09:18:00.000+11:00

We're halfway through our 12 cards of Christmas. I hope you're enjoying them!

Doesn't Snow Swirled make the most elegant Christmas cards? This design was 'borrowed' from the ever-fabulous Teneale Williams. Her version was in Sahara Sand instead of Night of Navy, but apart from that I've changed very little (it's pretty much impossible to improve a Teneale card, so why bother even trying?!).

12 Days of Christmas - Card 5

2011-12-07T09:17:00.000+11:00

Can you handle some more doilies? Doilies in Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade and River Rock look very Christmassy, I think. I've punched out a few of the doily layers and layered them up with dimensionals, and I've also added some Rhinestone bling. Here's a close up of one of the designs:

12 Days of Christmas - Card 4

2011-12-06T09:16:00.000+11:00

This is the card we made at our team meeting during Pink Ribbon month in October. We went Pink for Christmas. I've used Melon Mambo and Pretty in Pink for my pinks. The a la Carte stamps are great to add a little something to your Christmas stamp collection without breaking the bank. Something for Christmas fits my frame nicely. It looks gorgeous inked up with markers but it's nice to know that you don't always have to. I inked up the stamp in Pretty in Pink ink first, then 2/3 of the stamp in Regal Rose, and then the last 1/3 in Melon Mambo. The torn frame inside the Tulips Embossing Folder frame really makes this stamp shine. The final touch is some Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the baubles for a bit of bling.

12 Days of Christmas - Card 3

2011-12-05T09:16:00.000+11:00

This Stocking stamp set and co-ordinating Punch are in the new Summer Mini, but it was great to be able to play with them a bit earlier during the October Promotion. These stockings will be gracing all my Christmas tags this year...sooo quick and easy! Here I've made a set of cards, by wheeling the background, using the Top Note Die and the 2 1/2" Circle Punch.
The colours are Marina Mist, Riding Hood Red and Crumb Cake.

12 Days of Christmas - Card 2

2011-12-04T09:15:00.000+11:00

The Pennant Paradestamp set must be one of the most versatile sets in the catalogue. I love it that the pennants make perfect little Christmas trees that can be punched out using the co-ordinating punch. Genius! Isn't this a great Christmas colour combo - Island Indigo, Concord Crush and Lucky Limeade (with just a dash of More Mustard for the stars). The background swirl is from Season of Joy, stamped in Craft White ink.

12 Days of Christmas - Card 1

2011-12-03T09:14:00.000+11:00

It's that time of year again, when I like to help get you in to the Christmas spirit by showing you a Christmas project every day for 12 days!
We're kicking off with one of my favourite Christmas sets in the catalogue, A Beautiful Season. I've gone with a slight twist on traditional colours here, Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizazz and Soft Suede. I stamped my images in Black Stazon ink on Naturals Ivory cardstock (the ovals were made using the Big Shot and largest Oval Die). The background was stamped with my very much loved Wonderfully Worn background, to add a bit of texture. The Lace Ribbon Border Punch lends some vintage charm.

Summer Mini is HERE!

2011-12-02T08:09:00.001+11:00

It's like Christmas already! And I feel like Santa.... Not only is there a December Frenzy full of Stampin' Up! bargains, we also have a brand new mini to tempt you.
You can download the supplies list for all the projects in the Summer Mini HERE
And download a pdf to save to your computer HERE

Of course if you would like a copy mailed to you, email me with your address details (Australian residents only please)

The products in this Mini will be available from 1 Dec 2011 - 31 March 2012. If you would like to place an order, just email me.

December Frenzy Promotion!

2011-12-01T21:18:00.001+11:00

Item	Page	Description	Discount	Retail Price	Sale Price
120597	22	Welcome Christmas Clear-Mount Set	50%	$39.95	$19.98
121584	22	Welcome Christmas Wood-Mount Set	50%	$49.95	$24.98
117715	28	I {Heart} Hearts Wood-Mount Set	40%	$42.95	$25.77
121528	35	Got Treats Wood-Mount Set	40%	$40.95	$24.57
117699	42	Something Sweet Wood-Mount Set	40%	$44.95	$26.97
116686	46	For Everything Wood-Mount Set	40%	$47.95	$28.77
119163	67	Cottage Garden Wood-Mount Set	50%	$32.95	$16.48
121508	72	Every Moment Wood-Mount Set	40%	$31.95	$19.17
121480	74	Awash with Flowers Wood-Mount Set	40%	$71.95	$43.17
121522	75	Friends Never Fade Wood-Mount Set	50%	$31.95	$15.98
120618	75	Friends Never Fade Clear-Mount Set	40%	$25.95	$15.57
121600	75	Ornate Blossom Wood-Mount Set	40%	$19.95	$11.97
123551	88	Clearly For You Wood-Mount Set	40%	$47.95	$28.77
123848	96	Chloe Stampin Around Builder Wheel	40%	$9.95	$5.97
116911	126	Padded Envelopes (3)	40%	$6.50	$3.90
119263	138	Poppy Parade 1/2'' Stitched-Poly Ribbon	30%	$16.95	$11.87
119267	138	Blushing Bride 1/2'' Stitched-Poly Ribbon	30%	$16.95	$11.87
119731	143	Regals Flower Brads	30%	$16.95	$11.87
119730	143	Neutrals Flower Brads	30%	$16.95	$11.87
118762	146	Distressing Essentials	30%	$37.95	$26.57
103179	149	Craft & Rubber Scissors	30%	$37.95	$26.57
112531	149	Circle Scissor Plus Glass Mat	30%	$37.95	$26.57

An off day

2011-11-30T08:30:00.000+11:00

I'm being brave today and showing you a card that I don't like...one of those ones that started as an idea in my head and then didn't translate very well onto paper. I stuck 3 strips of cardstock down onto my Sahara Sand card (Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party and Calypso Coral) and then stamped Summer Solstice on top in Early Espresso ink. I think the rest is all pretty self-explanatory...and just a little bit ugly unfortunately! Oh well, we all have off days ;o)

for a special someone...

2011-11-28T08:30:00.000+11:00

I made this card for a special friend who had a birthday recently.It's always more fun making a card when you have a specific recipient in mind :o) I had fun playing with some of my favourite products on this card. I dyed and spritzed paper flowers, and I also wet and then crumpled some of the gorgeous Seam Binding ribbon. And I have used my favourite DSP, Paisley Petals. The finishing touch was an Antique Brad...they are sooo pretty!

Fox and Hound Punch Art

2011-11-25T08:30:00.000+11:00

I don't do a lot of punch art, but every so often I love to get a bit creative with punches. I had an old punch art book that I used for inspiration for these, and just adapted the designs to suit the Stampin' Up! punchesI own.
Here's a cute little hound:

And his friend the fox:

I'm happy to let you know what punches I used. Just leave me a comment if you'd be interested in that information!

Attention Craft Sale Attendees!

2011-11-23T15:52:00.001+11:00

If you came along to our Craft Sale last weekend and bought the Hostess set from last year "Silhouette Sentiments" in clear mount, can you please check your set. One of my team members has just informed me that she found a stamp (it's a little bird sitting on ab ranch) that had fallen out of its box. If your set is missing this stamp, email me, and I'll put you in touch with her.Thanks!

Delicate Doilies Stamp-a-Stack

2011-11-23T08:30:00.000+11:00

Do you all ever get sick of seeing all my Stamp-a-Stack Designs? Hopefully not, because I don't get sick of designing them! And here we have more doilies...hopefully you aren't too sick of those either!
These ones are really simple (but effective...I hope!) Just one layer of cardstock, with one of the doilies highlighted using circle punches to layer it up. Perfectly Penned was the perfect sentiment to finish these cards off. I also added some ribbon, and a Rhinestone bling to the centre of the main doily.
TIP: use a black permanent marker to make a "black diamond" out of your Rhinestone bling...it gives it a more masculine touch.

The colours I've used here are Pool Party, Island Indigo, along with Lucky Limeade, Pumpkin Pie, Poppy Parade and Rich Razzleberry.

My Friend Stamp-a-Stack

2011-11-21T08:30:00.000+11:00

This was my Stamp-a-Stack class last month. We used the babywipe technique and the My Friend stamp set along with some of the new In Colors. The babywipe technique is simple but effective - you make an "inkpad" out of some folded babywipes and apply drops of re-inkers to your "inkpad" (I used Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral and Pear Pizazz). You can use the "inkpad" for several inkings. I stamped on glossy white cardstock, and the base card is Sahara Sand.
For the sentiment I pulled out an oldie but a goodie, Oval All.

Craft Sale Update

2011-11-20T21:32:00.001+11:00

It was great to see so many of you braving the heat at the Craft Sale on the weekend. I had a very successful day and was able to re-home lots of my retired Stampin' Up! supplies. I still have some stamp sets and a few other bits and pieces left, so if you live near me and would like to pop over and have a look, just email me.
I also have 3 DSP sampler books for sale. Every year my team and I get together to make a batch of these and I have 3 left over, so it's first in, first served. It's a Designer-Series Paper Sampler Book. It contains a 4" x 4" square of each of the Designer Series papers. It's great to see the papers "in the flesh". The book is $25 (plus $5 postage anywhere in Australia). Email me if you're interested.

Here's a look at the one we made a couple of years ago:

GIANT CRAFT SALE!

2011-11-19T15:00:00.000+11:00

SCROLL DOWN FOR NEWER POSTS.......

It's on again!
My team and I are getting together to have our fourth Annual Giant Craft Sale Day.
We have cleaned out our cupboards, and have lots of Craft Goodies that need to find new homes. There are retired stamps and 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, 19th November

Time: 9:30am -1pm

Where: NEW VENUE! Toongabbie Public School Hall

(cnr Fitzwilliam St and Binalong Rd Toongabbie, opposite the IGA.)

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

Filigree, Frames and Feathers

2011-11-17T22:32:00.001+11:00

Here's my other Shoebox Swap design. A nice simple one, but how gorgeous is that French Filigree background? So pretty! The colours are Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant and Pear Pizazz.
I've had so much use from the Four Frames stamp set and the co-ordinating Decorative Label punch...and the ladies at today's workshop know how much better the punch is than cutting them out!

I've been busy getting ready for our Craft Sale on Saturday, but Amy and I managed to squeeze in a trip to the movies to see....guess what? (hint: feathers!)

Perfectly Penned Pennant Parade

2011-11-14T08:42:00.001+11:00

...can you say that 6 times fast?

Here's a card I designed as a ShoeBox Swap at Stamp Camp. I love this colour combo for a blokey card - Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade and Cherry Cobbler, with a dash of Basic Black and Crumb Cake. The Pennants also come in very handy for masculine cards, for men of all ages. And 3 of them fit so nicely inside the Top Note.
The greeting comes from "Perfectly Penned"...love that font!

Dave's 40th Invitations

2011-11-11T12:18:00.001+11:00

I thought I'd give you a break from Doilies (yes, can you believe I still have more Doily cards??) This is the invitation I made for Dave's 40th. I had to make 30 of these.
I stamped the aeroplane (from "Ain't Love Grand" Hostess set) in Black Stazon ink, then I stamped it again on a post-it note and cut it out to make a mask. I also made 2 cloud masks (using the cupcake punch). I put my masks in place while I sponged Baja Breeze and Bashful Blue ink over the top. I used the 2-1/2" Circle Punch to punch out my circle. The aeroplane actually pulls along a message that says "i miss you", so I stuck "Look Who's Turning" on top and then inside:

I had the perfect excuse to buy the Big Shot Numbers Dies!
It was definitely a labour of love making these .... Just as well he's worth it ;o)

Masculine Doilies

2011-11-09T21:18:00.001+11:00

Who said that blokes can't have doilies? Here's my take on a more masculine doily card. I've used Well Worn Designer Series Paper (if you struggle with making 'male' cards, you have to get this paper!). The colours I've used are Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy, River Rock and Soft Suede. Love that Artichoke Denim Ribbon too...not too girly ;o)

Thanks everyone for all the birthday wishes for Dave. He has been showered with handmade cards, gifts and special surprises today. Jacob even made him a short film entitled "Big Davey: the 40 year old version". Soooo funny!

Moroccan Doilies

2011-11-07T20:19:00.003+11:00

Are you totally over the doilies yet? I hope not, because I'm not finished! I have a couple more to show you and then I'll move on to something different, I promise. I've gone with a bit of a Moroccan feel here, using Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo and Pretty in Pink.

It's a simple card with a tried-and-true layout. The pretty ribbon border punch and a dash of rhinestone bling makes it a bit more special. I've also used circle punches to layer up some of the doilies.
We are still getting recovering from a BIG weekend. Dave hits the Big 40 on Wednesday, and we celebrated on a Harbour Cruise last night with 60 of our nearest and dearest. It was a fabulous night...one that we will remember for many years to come.

Versamark Resist Doilies

2011-11-04T08:30:00.000+11:00

And while we're on the subject of Doilies.... (these are all cards I made for my Stampin' Up! Regional Training presentation). This was one of those delightful cards that looks more complicated than it is...don't you just love that?! All I did was stamp the doilies in Versamark ink on Glossy White cardstock and then sponge over the top in Wisteria Wonder ink. Don't Concord Crush and Wisteria Wonder look lovely together?
I've also used the Four Frames stamp set and a greeting from the Precious Butterflies Hostess set.

A New Look!

2011-11-03T21:40:00.002+11:00

I thought it was about time for a re-furb around here! What do you think of the new look? It's still a work in progress, so bear with me...

Embossed Doilies

2011-11-02T08:30:00.000+11:00

I'm loving the versatility of the Delicate Doilies stamp set, and I decided to try something a bit different with it. I pulled out some of my new embossing powders in Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise and Melon Mambo. I stamped the doilies on Basic Black cardstock in Versamark ink and then sprinkled small pinches of embossing powder (one colour at a time) on top. Heat with an Embossing Tool and Voila! I kept the rest of the card pretty simple so the embossing is the star.

Big Shot Promotion!

2011-11-01T14:11:00.003+11:00

This is the first time we've had a Promotion surrounding everybody's favourite toy, the Big Shot!
So I'm very excited to announce that during November, you can get 10% off select Big Shot dies. Use these exclusive dies to create fabulous shapes, embossing, and more!Or, if you don't have a Big Shot, now is the time to remedy that...get 10% off our exclusive Big Shot Bundle!

Page	Item	Description	Retail Price	10% Off Price
156	117332	Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die	$21.95	$19.75
156	114515	Flower Burst Embosslits Die	$21.95	$19.75
157	114517	Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	$14.95	$13.45
157	116824	Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	$14.95	$13.45
157	119277	Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	$14.95	$13.45
158	113440	Buttons #5 Sizzlits® Die	$9.95	$8.95
159	113466	Pillow Box BigzT Die	$36.95	$33.25
159	114507	Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die	$39.95	$35.95
159	120903	Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die	$39.95	$35.95
160	115953	Mover & Shapers Punch Windows	$54.95	$49.45
160	120893	Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die	$69.95	$62.95
160	121810	Petal Cone Bigz L Die	$59.95	$53.95

And the Big Shot Bundle:

Page	Description	Retail Value	10% Off Price	Item
155	Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine	$186.85	$168.16	128944
156	Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die
157	Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Read all about it HERE

Incentive Trip Swap

2011-10-31T08:30:00.000+11:00

What's this? A card?? An actual card on my blog? Your eyes are not deceiving you, there is actually some stamping on here for a change, a trend that I am hoping to continue! This was my swap on Incentive Trip - a Christmas card in non-traditional colours (Pool Party and Pear Pizzazz on a Crumb Cake base) with baubles made using the Blossom Petals Builder Punch. I've incorporated lots of little details on this card; Music Notes along the bottom, the Lace Ribbon Border punch, Seam Binding Ribbon, "Fine Flourish" stamped under the words, a swirl from "Creative Elements" coloured with a Blender Pen and I also embossed my 'baubles' in the Big Shot.
Swapping is always a highlight on the Trip, and this time was no exception. I received some gorgeous creations, which have been oohed and aahed over in my recent classes.

Fiji Catch-Up

2011-10-27T12:56:00.005+11:00

As you can see, more blogging just didn't happen in Fiji, and then it has been all go since we arrived home, with team meetings, classes (and fitting in a new-nephew cuddle too!) and this is the first chance I have had to get back on here. I thought I'd do a Fiji Catch-up for those who are interested.

Fiji Incentive Trip - Day 4
We just chilled out by the pool on our final day, had a leisurely breakfast and lunch and one last spin of the wheel (Denim Jean ribbon for me!). Here I am with our hard-working organisers, Kellie-Sue and Angie:

That evening everyone in the group met together for drinks and nibblies at the Final Night Dinner. We were entertained by amazing Fire Dancers on the Beach:

and then ate some delicious food in some very special company:

Sadly we were missing Kim Gavarra from our table, who was sick in bed with a tummy bug :o(
We heard all about Shelli and Sage's Sky-Diving adventure (check out Shelli's Blog). We were also entertained by a local children's choir and there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

Incentive Trips always go far too quickly, so it was nice this time to wave everyone off and stay on an extra week.
One last Pillow Gift, a traditional wooden Kava Bowl and some Kava:

Our extra week in Fiji with the kids was thoroughly enjoyable. We switched resorts to an apartment, which just gave us a bit more space. The kids travelled as unaccompanied minors and we met them at Nadi Airport. Their flight went smoothly and they were very blase about it all (it was just us parents who were nervous!). We took the kids jet-skiing, para-sailing, out for an Island-hopping Cruise and a day of snorkeling (Teresa and Tanya hosted us on "their" island), and we also visited a local village, farms and school. We also managed to fit in plenty of time by the beach and pool. We all had a ball and the kids have already expressed a desire to go back one day.

Fiji Incentive Trip - Day 3

2011-10-15T17:04:00.001+11:00

Just what the doctor ordered – a leisurely breakfast outdoors, next to the waterlilies, followed by swapping and stamping with friends, what more could you want? And then for morning tea some scones with jam and cream...it just kept getting better!
We had no plans for the rest of the day, other than to check out the pool and have a wander around. We bumped into Ness and Simon and shared a leisurely cocktail and lunch:

then we wandered in to Port Denarau to check out the shops. After that we cooled off in the pool and just soaked in the “Fiji magic”. Time to spin the wheel again, and today’s gift was the best one ever – a gorgeous Baja Breeze cardigan. LOVE it! I wore it to dinner at SALT – the poolside restaurant. New cardi, strawberry daiquiri and spiced coconut curry. Fabulous!
To cap it all off, not one but TWO pressies tonight - one for me and one for Dave. Lovely “Pure Fiji” body products. Dave was very excited to get his first ever Incentive Trip gift:

Fiji Incentive Trip - Day 2

2011-10-15T16:33:00.004+11:00

Day 2 started bright and early...we had to be in the Hotel foyer at 5:15am to pick up our breakfast boxes and get on our bus. I think most of us snoozed our way along the coast and through villages and sugar cane fields to the Jungle Region of Fiji. We had to change to smaller 4WD mini buses to take us along unsealed roads even further into the jungle. We stopped along the way for home-baked banana cake and juice.
We arrived at our destination (the middle of nowhere!) for instruction on river-rafting and then a short (but steep!) trek through the jungle to the river.

Trekking through the jungle with our hard hats and oars

There were 4 of us per boat and we each had our own guide. Our guide was Peter, from the local village. It was amazing hearing his stories about his life and culture and also about local tales and legends. Fijians are such gentle, friendly people with very big hearts.

Looking glamorous in lifejackets and hard hats!

We passed through amazing scenery, deep rock chasms, waterfalls and down some roaring rapids but also along still, calm waters. There was lots of laughing as the guides all joked with eachother, and we all joined in splashing and bashing other rafts. We had a bit of a delay along the way when one of the rafts sprung a leak, and all of its passengers had to be re-distributed among the other rafts!
It started raining at around lunch time so we had lunch under the shelter of an enormous cave. After some much-needed food, we kept rowing our way down the river to our next stop, the “free massage waterfall”. A few of us stood under it (we were so saturated by this time, with all the splashing games and the rain, that staying dry really wasn’t an option!). I had a go:

Do I look like I’m enjoying my massage?? LOL It was so LOUD and stinging under that that I couldn’t even look up! The end of the river rafting was at another local village. We were able to get changed into dry clothes, have a warm drink and visit with the villagers who had made us home-baked cakes. Then it was the long bus ride home (and more snoozing for many people!), although we did play some Stampin’ trivia and have a Lucky Prize draw too (Baja Breeze Seam Binding ribbon and Crowns Trinkets were the prizes). It was an amazing experience, and one that I will never forget.
We arrived back at the Sofitel just after 8pm, rather exhausted and starving too. We spun the Wheel (Well Worn DSP for me!) and loaded up on peanut butter and pretzel m&ms and then our raft buddies Teresa and Tanya were happy to share some room service. We helped them finish their swaps and then our beds were calling us!
Another Pillow Gift – supplies for our Make-and-Take session the next morning! In a gorgeous Big Shot Die Container. Inside were lots of supplies from our upcoming Summer Mini. I can’t show them to you, but I will just say I LOVE it…best make-and-take supplies EVER!

Fiji Incentive Trip - Day 1

2011-10-15T15:40:00.000+11:00

Well it has been a jam-packed 3 days and blogging just hasn’t been possible until now (you'll see why when you read on!). So you’ll be getting a whole lot of Fiji updates now in one go. This will be a long one, so grab a cuppa before you start reading! I’m not sure how well photos will upload, as the Internet connection here is not the most reliable or fast, and is also not cheap either!

Day 1
Almost a full day travelling... We left home at 7am and arrived in Fiji at 5:30pm. It’s always part of the fun, seeing everyone at the airport and getting excited together…although this year we were missing our IT buddies Jayne and Jo :o(
After our flight, we were greeted at Nadi airport by a blast of heat and humidity and some friendly faces holding a Stampin’ Up! sign. They placed a ceramic necklace around our necks and gave us refreshing (and very welcome!) damp towels and cold water.

Here I am, arriving at Nadi airport with Teresa and Tanya and our friendly Fijian welcoming committee

We are staying on Denarau Island at the 5 star Sofitel Resort. Our room has a gorgeous view of the gardens and ocean:

After we were shown to our room, we had just enough time to visit the Hospitality Room to pick up some ‘candy’, check out the NEW Summer Mini (coming in December) and spin the wheel (Beau Chateau DSP for me!), unpack and have a quick shower and change when there was a knock on the door. We had been told that we all had to be in our room at 6:45pm, but had no idea what was in store. This is what greeted us when we opened the door:

We collected a couple of other surprised stampers on our way and were led to a cocktail lounge. It was lovely to sip cold fruity drinks and catch up with everyone. We were treated to a display of native dancing and then followed the drum beats to dinner.

It was a traditional Fijian Buffet with all sorts of amazing food to try. There was a Fijian band playing throughout dinner, and at our tables were hand-painted Fijian art with our names on them, done by a local artist. Mine was a fish in beautiful blues and gold. I think I’ll be framing this when I get home!
We knew that Shelli had celebrated a ‘big’ birthday the day before, so we presented her with some special jewellery made by Linda's guest, the clever Denielle, and we had the Fijian band play Happy Birthday while we all sang along.
It was a great night, but we’d had a long day and knowing that we had a VERY early start the next day, we headed off to bed. In our room was this gorgeous Beach bag, perfect for our Day 2 activity:

My personalised Fijian art and Beach Bag gift

Countdown to Fiji

2011-10-11T08:50:00.000+11:00

I know it's been pretty quiet around here. We head off to Fiji tomorrow for the Stampin' Up! Incentive Trip, and I've been racing around trying to get everything done. There are 18 of us (plus our guests) on this year's trip and I can't wait to catch up with old friends and make some new ones too. In the mean time, I have to get the kids all organised (my Mum and Dad are ~~spoiling~~ looking after them while we are away) but then they are joining us in Fiji for a week after the Stampin' Up! trip. It's the first time we've extended the trip and the first time the kids have joined us too, so that will be fun. They'll be flying solo though, which is a bit scary for this mother hen!
I'm hoping to update you all while I'm over there, so stay tuned for that (and lots of comments please so I know someone is interested! LOL)
Here's what I'm really going to miss while I'm away:

Little Leo, now 8 weeks old, full of smiles, and with plenty to say (most of it ending in "ooo")

Garage Sale!

2011-10-10T09:05:00.007+11:00

A friend of mine is having a GINORMOUS Clean out...I've been to her place recently and she is being absolutely ruthless. I thought all you Crafty people local to Sydney might want to take advantage of her ruthlessness and grab a bargain for yourselves, so here are the details:

GARAGE SALE
HUGE variety of paper crafts (ex shop stock)
+ primary school book resources
+ heaps and heaps more!

Saturday 22nd October, 9am to 12 noon

29 Aylward Ave, Quakers Hill NSW

Simply Stockings Promotion!

2011-10-05T17:13:00.002+11:00

During October, purchase this pair of coordinating Christmas products early--before the debut of the 2011 Summer Mini Catalogue:
• Stitched Stocking Set
• Stocking Tag Punch

It gets even better... Get them both for FREE when you host a $450 workshop OR place a group or individual order for $450!

This stamp set and co-ordinating punch are perfect for making quick tags, cards and gifts for Christmas. View them HERE

If you would like to book a workshop or order the stamp set or punch, just email me

125798 Stitched Stocking Wood-Mount Set $53.95
123784 Stitched Stocking Clear-Mount Set $42.95
124095 Stocking Tag Punch $33.95

But hurry....this offer is valid from 1st-31st October only!

Mini Christmas Pudding Box

2011-10-05T16:33:00.004+11:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back on here and put you all out of your misery with some instructions and a winner. I'm really enjoying the School holidays but it has been making it difficult to get much done!

Yes, you only need 3 punches to make this cute little Pudding Box - the 1 3/8" (3.5cm) Circle, the Cupcake Builder and the Jewellery Tag. Thanks for all your comments via the blog and email, and well done to everyone who guessed correctly. I put all the correct entries (I counted it as correct even if you had the wrong sized circle) and Jacob drew out a winner...Marilyn! Send me an email Marilyn and I'll send some goodies on their way to you!

Here are the full instructions for the whole project:
To make the little box (I made mine to fit a Ferrero Rocher Chocolate) take an 8.5 x 8.5cm piece of cardstock (I used Soft Suede) and score 2.5cm on all 4 sides. Snip 2 of the short score lines on opposite sides, and fold up to make a box. Glue sides in place and attach a handle 1.5 x 13cm.

I made a pudding to decorate the front and back, but you could make it one-sided if you prefer.
Using Very Vanilla cardstock, punch out the Cupcake Builder shapes. Use the cupcake top as custard, and use the piece that you punched the shapes out of as a stencil. Punch a 1 3/8" circle from Soft Suede cardstock. Sponge Soft Suede ink through the 3 holes to make "raisins" in your pudding. Punch 3 holly berries from Cherry Cobbler cardstock using the Cupcake Builder Punch.
Using scissors, cut a rough leaf shape from Garden Green cardstock (make it a bit larger than you need). Use the round end of the Jewellery Tag punch to take "bites" from your leaf, making it look like a Holly Leaf. To make it a bit less fiddly, I made a temporary paper "handle" for my leaf while I was punching it.

For the tag, I used the word "merry" from the Pennant Parade stamp set.

Here's a larger version:
The same technique applies, but I've used the 2 1/2" Circle, the 2 3/8" Scallop Circle, and the Itty Bitty Shapes punches.

The box is 14.5 x 14.5cm, scored at 4.5cm and the handle is made from the Lace Ribbon Border punch.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Time for some Blog Candy!

2011-09-25T16:38:00.005+10:00

Edited to add: Would it help if I told you that I have only used 3 punches?

It's been ages since I did a give away, and it's also been ages since I promised attendees at Stampin' Up!'s Sydney Regional Training Day that I would post the instructions for making these Mini Pudding Boxes, so I've decided to combine the two!

Post a comment listing all of the punches that I used to make this cute Mini Pudding Box. It's tiny...that's a Ferrero Rocher Chocolate sitting in there. All of the punches are in our current catalogue.

If there's more than one correct guess, I'll put the names in a hat to draw out a winner. The winner will receive a lovely bundle of retired goodies. I can only post to Australia, but you are still welcome to guess if you are from elsewhere.

It's school holidays, so I'm off to enjoy a Farmstay with some friends and their families.
I'll be back on Friday to let you know the winner, so you have until then to rack your brains! Good luck!

Launch Party gifts

2011-09-21T14:45:00.005+10:00

I always like to give a thank you goody-bag at my launch parties...who doesn't like to receive a bag of treats?? This year I had mini tote bags with a hand-made tag and inside were a few fun bits and pieces. My 2 favourites were the Malteser box and In Color bookmark.
Here's a front view of the Malteser box, decorated with the Button Buddies stamp set and a Big Shot Die button:
The ribbon holds the front flap shut. Here's a side view. The Maltesers sit in a hole cut with the Modern Label punch:
And inside...yummy!

To make these I started with a 26.5 x 7cm piece of cardstock (you can get 3 from an A4 sheet)
and scored at 7, 9.5, 16.5, 19, 21.5 and 24cm.

My second favourite item was the In Color bookmarks. I made both of these projects (40 of each) at Stamp Camp. I like having some production-line work to get on with at events like that. Late on the Friday night, I had almost finished all 40 bookmarks but my bed was calling me, so I decided to call it quits and finish the next day. When I sat down at my table the next morning they were all finished for me with a note stamped "love from the in color fairy". How sweet is that?

Here are the bookmarks:

The top edge is folded, and it opens up and there is a magnet inside so it stays in place in your book.

Hopefully all the ladies at my Launch Party liked their gifts...I'm sure all the Maltesers are long gone!

A Special Concert for a Worthy Cause

2011-09-18T10:52:00.003+10:00

Attention all music lovers! If you live in the Sydney area and are looking for a way to spend next Sunday afternoon, read on, and please spread the word!
This is a cause very close to my heart (my son Jacob has Haemophilia). If you can't make it to the concert, you can still make a donation. Just visit HFNSW and click on "Make a Donation" (top right of screen). Every little bit helps! Thank you.

The Haemophilia Foundation of New South Wales is delighted to be supported by the Riverside Theatre at the concert event, ‘Expressions of Identity’. A generous portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Haemophilia Foundation of NSW which will help support the needs of people with congenital bleeding disorders, such as Haemophilia and Von Willebrand disease.

To show your support, please attend the concert by purchasing your tickets online, using the special promotion code ‘RED’. Only tickets purchased using the special promotion code will benefit the Haemophilia Foundation.

About the concert: The SBS Radio and Television Youth Orchestra members are aged 12-24, and travel from as far afield as Wollongong and Newcastle to the SBS Radio and Television studios every Friday night to rehearse in preparation for their concerts. In this concert, the Orchestra will present a program which accents the importance of personal and cultural identity. Works by Jean Sibelius, Ernest Bloch, Dvorak and Brahms are highlighted.

The Concert features invited soloists James Eccles (viola) and Sally Walker (Flute) and Conductor Geoffrey Gartner, all three are emerging musical talents, now embarked on professional careers in Australia and Internationally.

Concert details

Date: Sunday 25 September, 3:00pm
Location: Riverside Theatre, Parramatta
Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta
Purchase Tickets: https://boxoffice.riversideparramatta.com.au/
or phone 02 8839 3399 (remember to use the promotion code to benefit the Haemophilia Foundation) Promotion Code: RED
Thank you for your support!

Time for some Shares

2011-09-15T10:41:00.005+10:00

Although I know you would all like to get ALL the new accessories in the Catalogue, sometimes budgets don't stretch quite that far. Here's a way to get your hands on a sampling of all the new brads and ribbons in the new Catalogue. Each Share is divided amongst 8 people, so you get 1/4 pack of brads, or 1/8 roll of ribbon. If you join all 6 Shares, you'll save $4.80 (that's an 8% saving!)

DESIGNER PRINTED In Color Brads Assortment (p 143) $3.80
10 brads (2 ea in 5 colours)

GLIMMER BRADS ASSORTMENT (p143) $10.00
40 brads (2 ea in 20 colours)

3/8” In Color RUFFLED RIBBON (p 138) $12.00
5 colours, approx 1.1m of each colour
Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder

3/8” DENIM JEAN RIBBON (p 138) $3.50
2 colours, approx 1.1m of each colour Artichoke, Blue

1/2” SCALLOP DOTS RIBBON (p139) $19.00
10 colours, approx 1.1m of each colour
Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Elegant Eggplant, Marina Mist, Melon Mambo, More Mustard, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Tangerine Tango

1/2” SEAM BINDING RIBBON (p 139) $11.50
7 colours, approx 1.1m of each colour
Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red, Very Vanilla

OR All 6 Shares for $55 (reg $59.80)

If you were to purchase all of these items individually, it would cost $438.43 (ouch!)

Email me with your Share selections, and to sort out payment. I accept payment by Cash, Direct Deposit or cheque. Stampin' Up!'s 5% Shipping & Handling Charge is included in the Share price, but if you need your shares mailed out to you postage will be at actual cost (I will use the most cost-effective method).
The Closing Date for Shares is 30th September, 2011

Launch Party Make-and-Takes

2011-09-14T08:32:00.005+10:00

Goodness me, it's been busy around here (as you can probably tell from my lack of blog posts!). It's just been one thing after another, with Stamp Camp, and my Launch Party, and then I presented at Stampin' Up!'s Sydney Regional Training Day last weekend. In amongst all that has been lots of family stuff happening too (and lots of cuddles with my new nephew...6 weeks old now!)
I thought you might like to see the make-and-takes from my Launch Party. They needed to be nice and simple, so 40 people could all make them, but I wanted to show off our lovely new In Colors and some of my favourite new products too.
Here's Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade and Calypso Coral strutting their stuff, along with Pennant Parade and Perfectly Penned:

And Delicate Doilies looking lovely with Island Indigo and Pool Party (helped along by So Saffron). I love the Lace Ribbon Border Punch too:
Everyone seemed to like the cards they made, and already everyone seems to love this batch of In Colors much more than last year's.

I'll be back (soon!) to show you some of the bits and pieces that they got in their goody bags this year!

P.S. To those of you who have been wondering if they've missed my latest newsletter...no, you haven't! I'm running just a tad late but am working on it now! You can subscribe over there ---->

Sweets from a Sweet

2011-09-04T21:53:00.003+10:00

At our recent Stamp Camp, I gave out a few exceptional awards. One was for the "Most Amazing Chocolate Truffles in the Known Universe". They were made by Manda, and you really have to have a lookie HERE. She has even shared the (wickedly easy) recipe with us. Make sure you follow it to the letter...I'm sure it won't turn out right unless you "chuck" and "squish" them! ROFL
Manda is such a sweetie, so it really was appropriate that she brought along the sweetest dessert imaginable.... I actually think I have a little crush on her (ssshh don't tell anyone!) I think I wish she could be my Mum!
P.S. Make sure you check out the rest of her Blog and the gorgeous handmade goodies in her online store too!

$169 Starter Kit Offer!

2011-09-01T12:19:00.004+10:00

WOW! What an amazing time to join Stampin' Up! If you already have lots of Stampin' Up! products or have been a Demonstrator before then this Mini Starter Kit is perfect for you. It's valued at over $310 and you can see all the details HERE.

If you would prefer to get the Full Starter Kit, it is also 20% off this month. The full Starter Kit is even better value with over $610 worth of products and business supplies for just $231.20.

For that price, what have you got to lose? The kits are both customisable, so most of the products can be substituted for alternative selections (of stamp sets, colours, etc). The Business Supplies also include 8 copies of the catalogue, rrp of $12.95 each! There is no shipping charge on the kit either, so there are no hidden costs.

You no longer need an ABN, so in just a few short minutes you can join my team online via my Official Stampin' Up! website. Just click on "JOIN NOW".
If you prefer to join the old-fashioned way with good old pen and paper, just email me and I will send you the required forms.

I'm hoping to welcome lots of lovely ladies to our wonderful team this month. We have so much fun at Team Meetings, Weekend Retreats, Christmas Dinners and we all chat and share online via our Yahoo group too. Feel free to phone me or send me an email if you have any questions!

It's here!

2011-09-01T12:06:00.002+10:00

Check out the NEW CATALOGUE!
So many gorgeous things *sigh* My wishlist is ginormous. It's always so hard to arrow it down and prioritise, because I NEED it all now!
The catalogue is always so much better in real life than on a computer screen, so if you'd like your very own copy to keep by your bedside, email me with your address details and for $15 I can pop one in the post for you.

Going, Going, Gone!

2011-08-31T08:37:00.003+10:00

August 31st always feels a bit like Christmas Eve to me, waiting for the excitement that the next day will bring. The new Catalogue goes LIVE tomorrow. I'll be taking last minute orders from the current catalogue today, so if there's anything you need, make sure you let me know by 9pm tonight! Here's a handy design for using up some DSP scraps. All you need are 5 pieces, all 10cm x 2.5cm and a piece of ribbon, and you can whip up these quick cards:
I like to use up my DSP, that way I have lots more room (and justification) for purchasing more ;o)

Friends 24-7 Stamp-a-Stack

2011-08-29T10:28:00.006+10:00

The countdown is on...only a few more sleeps until the release of the NEW Idea Book and Catalogue!! I will be doing my catalogue mail-outs this week, so email me to organise your copy, if you haven't already. Catalogues are $10 to pick up from me, or $15 mailed anywhere in Australia. You will also receive a gift voucher to spend on your first order.

But before I start showing you some new stuff, I had to have a final play with some old favourites this month.
I used Friends 24-7 and Sanded for one of my Stamp-a-Stack designs this month:
I love this colour combo - Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy and Always Artichoke. I also used my favourite and most-used die, the Top Note. It's such a versatile die. I love that it can be used for cards but also to make bag toppers and boxes.
Lots of sponging and distressing on these cards, to give it a vintage feel. I'll be back soon to show you a few more "final plays".

More SOLD OUT Items

2011-08-28T08:45:00.000+10:00

More items are now sold out:

STAMPS:
Garden Whimsy [wood-mount]
Choo Choo [wood-mount]
Sanded Background [wood-mount]
Full Calendar [wood-mount]
Afterthoughts [wood-mount] Level 1 Hostess
Cheers To You [wood-mount]
Friends 24/7 [wood-mount]
Sense of Time [wood-mount]
Scribble This [wood-mount]
Christ is Born [wood-mount]

CARDSTOCK:
Bashful Blue 12" x 12" Cardstock
Early Espresso 12" x 12" Cardstock
Chocolate Chip 12" x 12" Cardstock
Night of Navy 12" x 12" Cardstock
Marina Mist 12" x 12" Cardstock
Very Vanilla 12" x 12" Cardstock
Crumb Cake 12" x 12" Cardstock
Rich Razzleberry 12" x 12" Cardstock
Wild Wasabi 12" x 12" Cardstock
Basic Black 12" x 12" Cardstock
Sahara Sand 12" x 12" Cardstock
Not Quite Navy 12" x 12" Cardstock
Baja Breeze 12" x 12" Cardstock
Perfect Plum 12" x 12" Cardstock
Brushed Metallic A4 Cardstock

ACCESSORIES:
Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets
Pewter Jumbo Eyelets
Metallic Eyelets
On Board Art Journal

TOOLS AND PUNCHES:
Oval Punch
Photo Corners Punch
Spiral Punch
Star Punch
Designer Label Punch
Sanding Blocks

Make sure you get your orders in ASAP if you don't want to miss out! View the Full Retirement List HERE

My New Catalogue Launch Party!

2011-08-26T18:24:00.007+10:00

If you receive my newsletters, you would already have received your invitation (and hopefully already RSVP'd 'yes'!) to THE Stampin' Up! event of the year...my Launch Party for the NEW Idea Book and Catalogue.
If not, there is still time for you to RSVP! Here are all the details...but let me know ASAP if you would like to come along!

Come and enjoy a glass of bubbly and some nibblies while you check out all the new Stampin' Up! goodies.
There will be some very Special Offers, you'll be able to join in a make-and-take (or two!), there will be a goody bag to take home, and you might even win a Lucky Door Prize! So come and join the fun.

I'm having 2 time slots, so it won't be too crowded, but places are still limited!

When: Saturday, 3rd September

Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
OR 7:00pm - 9:00pm
(let me know which time
suits you when you RSVP)

Place: my house (details given when you RSVP)

Cost: $10 (payable on the day - includes a copy of the new Catalogue and a gift voucher)

Bring a Friend BONUS: Bring along a friend who is new to Stampin' Up! and you will both be able to choose a gift from the Gift Basket!

Bookings Essential by 29th August. PLACES ARE LIMITED, SO BOOK IN NOW!

Stamp Camp rundown

2011-08-24T13:01:00.004+10:00

I had an awesome weekend at Hunter Valley Retreat. I'm still on a Stamp Camp high I think...and I think I'll need at least a week to catch up on sleep too! The weather was perfect for stamping. We ventured outdoors only to dash to the dining room for some yummy food and then back again to stamp some more. It's an amazing feeling to be in a room of 30 ladies, all busy making different things, and hearing the chatter, laughter and singing (and this year I'm happy to say it wasn't just me singing either!)
This year as everyone arrived, I gave them a to-do checklist. This will give you an idea of how busy they all were. Most people checked off all the items on the list, and worked on their own projects too! This was their list:

Stamp Camp To-Do Checklist
Make a name badge
Wear your name badge every day
Complete Christmas Challenge
Bring Christmas Challenge to Saturday Dinner
Pay someone a crafty compliment (make it genuine!)
Complete Punch Art Challenge
Bring along something for morning/afternoon tea
Complete Renovate-a-card Challenge
Sing out loud so everyone can hear
Complete Black and White Challenge
Chat to someone you’ve never met before
Complete all 10 Shoebox Swaps
Watch all 4 Presentations
Laugh out loud at least once
Stamp your Bingo Sheet
Play STAMP Bingo (Saturday night)
Play Stamp-tionary (Saturday night)
Play Stamp-in-your-sleep (Saturday night)
Vote on the Challenge entries (Sunday morning 11am)

The 'name badge' was just a wooden peg. Who would have thought a plain old peg could look so great? As you can see we had several challenges. Since there are so many renovation shows on TV at the moment, one of them was to Renovate this very beautiful card I made:
I tell you, it was quite a challenge to make this one. I was aiming for the ugliest card in the world, and I think I succeeded!! Their challenge was to make a new version of it, changing whatever they wanted. The new versions were all a huge improvement on my ugly duckling.
We had at least 25 entries to each challenge and voting for our favourites was extremely difficult.

On Saturday night we had a Christmas in August dinner, with games afterwards. We played Bingo (with Bingo cards that we stamped ourselves) followed by Stamp-tionary (ever tried drawing stamp images? We had some true artists in our midst!) and then a game of Stamp in Your Sleep, where three not-so-willing volunteers had to make a card while blindfolded and being directed by their team mates. Hilarious!

We were also visited by the Stamp Fairy each night while we slept. She must have known that all stampers like chocolate! We all got a gorgeous chocolate slider box one day and then these cute little purses on the next: What a clever fairy!
I was even visited by a special fairy of my own. On Friday night I left an unfinished project on my table (I was making 40 bookmarks mass-production style) and on Saturday morning when I sat down, the stamp fairy had stuck them all together for me. Now if only I could find a housework fairy...

Baby card for Leo

2011-08-18T19:19:00.005+10:00

It's been ages since I put an actual card on here! I've been so busy with family stuff and also getting ready for my team Stamp Camp, which is this weekend. I'll be heading up to the lovely Hunter Valley tomorrow to spend a weekend stamping and scrapping with 35 lovely ladies. I can't wait!

But, so you didn't think I'd forgotten you all, I thought I'd pop in and show you that card I promised - the baby card I made for my new little nephew Leo. I know my sister prefers brights to pastels, so I avoided the traditional baby colours:

There's also a sneak peak of some new goodies on there. I've used a new stamp set, a new punch, and a new colour! I love new stuff! ....especially new babies ;o)

Look what I got!

2011-08-10T14:49:00.004+10:00

My first cuddle with my new nephew! I was so excited when my sister rang me yesterday to say no, we couldn't come and visit them in hospital because they were being discharged! I probably should have given them a bit longer to settle in at home, but I just couldn't resist visiting today. My excuse was that I was bringing some meals for them. I didn't stay long, but I did manage a couple of cuddles while I was there ;o)

aaawwww what a cutie (yes I am a bit biased!)

(proud Auntie)

More Sold Out Items

2011-08-09T08:48:00.002+10:00

More items are now sold out:
Metallic Eyelets
Jumbo Eyelets (in both colours)
Sanded Background stamp
Full Calendar Stamps
Bashful Blue 12x12
Early Espresso 12x12
Spiral Punch
Oval punch
Photo Corner Punch
Star Punch

Make sure you get your orders in ASAP if you don't want to miss out! View the Full Retirement List HERE

Off to a bumpy start....

2011-08-07T14:30:00.007+10:00

My new little nephew Leo made his entry into the world on Thursday...all 4.5kg of him! Unfortunately it wasn't a smooth one. He has spent the first few days of his life in Intensive Care as he was having difficulty breathing and needed to be intubated. When we visited on Friday this was the frightening sight that greeted us:

....more wires and tubes than baby :o(
He is improving in leaps and bounds each day and yesterday he was taken off breathing assistance and my sister was able to have her first cuddle.
Here's the little cutie, minus most of the wires and tubes:

It's been a traumatic few days for all of us, and I think we're all feeling a bit shell-shocked. It will be such a relief when he is out of Intensive Care, but at the moment we are just taking one day at a time...I'm looking forward to my first cuddle too.
I sat down and made a card for him yesterday (it was "cards as therapy" I think!) and I'll be back to show you that soon. I'm feeling quite helpless here and visiting hours are extremely restricted, so I'm trying to keep busy!
All your thoughts and prayers are really appreciated...

Retirement List Update

2011-08-04T08:14:00.002+10:00

Just popping in to say that a few items are already sold out! Metallic Eyelets and Jumbo Eyelets (in both colours) are now GONE, and so is the Spiral Punch. Make sure you get your orders in ASAP if you don't want to miss out!

Retired List Highlights

2011-08-01T14:13:00.002+10:00

I always forget how crazy this time of year is! ...the mad scuffle for bargain stamp sets, colours and embellishments we only just realised we NEED...placing orders and keeping fingers crossed that the items are still available. And crazy stampers staying up until midnight to see WHAT'S ON THE LIST. Gotta love the utter madness of it all! I'll try to keep you updated on Sold Out and Running Low items on here, but my advice would be, if you don't want to miss out, get it now!

Here are a few list highlights for you.

There are 3 stamp sets that are 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 sets are 25% off!

Fresh Cut Notes (page 123) are 25% off, making them only $13.13 a packet

I'd grab a pack of Jolly Holiday DSP if I were you. It's 40% off, making it just $10.17 for a pack of 12 sheets.

The gorgeous Striped Ribbon in Real Red, Certainly Celery, Night of Navy and Early Espresso is 25% off, making it just $14.96 per roll.

"Good Times" Simply Scrappin Kit (page 131) - perfect for Masculine cards and layouts is 40% off - now only $22.17!

This is the last chance to be able to purchase New Colour Kits from the Colour Renovation (in ink pads, Markers, pastels, and Crayons) page 117 and 142. The Crayons and Pastels are 25% off!

5 Punches are Retiring. I'm always sad to see these go and they always disappear fast - the Spiral Punch, Designer Label Punch, Small Oval Punch, Photo Corners Punch and Star Punch (page 146-8)

15 Wheels are Retiring (page 158-9). These usually disappear fast too.

I hope that helps you cope with the LIST...email me if you NEED anything ;o)

The Last Chance List is HERE!

2011-08-01T09:00:00.000+10:00

I love this time of year! Stampin' Up! have a giant clearance, to make room for lots and lots of new stamps and accessories.

You can view the list HERE
You might like to print it out and then highlight the retiring sets in your catalogue.

Some of my old favourites are going....in particular I'll be very sad to say goodbye to Friends 24-7, Party Hearty, Priceless and Bella Toile and Sanded Backgrounds *sob*

The fantastic news is that some items are discounted by 40%!!

So, check the list to see if anything you love is disappearing forever - but order it fast, because these items are only available while stocks last! Email me to place your order

Clearly for You Stamp-a-Stack

2011-07-27T14:58:00.002+10:00

This is a stamp set that I discovered fairly late in the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue run (and I completely blame Teneale Williams for it's discovery and subsequent ownership. She has this knack for making me fall in love with sets that I had convinced myself I didn't like!)
It's called Clearly for You and this is a Stamp-a-Stack I ran this month using the set (partially to justify it's purchase, and partially to make other people fall victim to it's charms).
Now that it has a place on my stamp shelves, I am really hoping it makes our new catalogue in September!
...only 1 more day left to order it, in case it doesn't!

Hello Blossoms

2011-07-27T14:54:00.002+10:00

Just a quick one today. I'm off to visit my sister. No, she hasn't had the baby yet. We are all waiting with bated breath...she is 5 days past her due date now!
I made up lots of these little cards to send out with Mini Catalogues. I inked up the Hello Blossoms stamp with Daffodil Delight, and then inked just the sides in Regal Rose and Tangerine Tango (the Daffodil Delight is light enough that the other colours can go over the top). I stamped it on an oval that I cut out using my Big Shot Ovals die.
The stamped border was created with the In Stitches Jumbo Wheel.
TIP: round the bottom 2 corners for a simple way to give a small card a modern twist.

All of these products can be found in the Autumn-Winter Mini...but only for a couple more days!

Autumn-Winter Mini - Last Days!

2011-07-27T14:39:00.008+10:00

There are only a few days left of the Autumn-Winter Mini, and only a few days left for you to take advantage of the Free Ribbon and Button Bundle.
I'd better get my act together and show you some things I've been making with Mini Catalogue products before they disappear!
I had a play with the Bevelled Window Panes and came up with this card:

Here's a close-up of the Window Pane:

It makes a very elegant feature on what would otherwise be a fairly plain card.
They also make cute little bookmarks or necklaces, and come in 3 different sizes (I've used the largest one here).

The Gift With Purchase Promotion has been hugely popular this month. Let me know by July 31 if you "need" some pretty buttons and ribbon! You'll also go in the draw to WIN a Love and Care Level 2 Hostess set!

Shimmer Frame

2011-07-22T10:01:00.002+10:00

I taught a class last month on some advanced techniques using Embossing Folders. This one was my favourite - making an embossed frame. I made my own frame using some heavy cardboard. Chipboard weight is best. You can glue a few sheets of thick cardboard together if necessary. I found the backing sheet that comes with the Specialty DSP is perfect. You could also go to a picture framer and get frames made from matboard in various shapes (ovals, circles, etc).

Next, make the following Big Shot sandwich (bottom to top): Platform (on tab 2) > Embossing Folder (with cardstock inside) > Chipboard Frame > Cutting Plate. Run this though the Big Shot. And voila, you will have a lovely raised pattern on the outside where the Big Shot made contact with the frame, and a blank place, perfect for stamping, in the middle.

The next step is optional, but I really think it highlights the framed area nicely. Make a mask for the middle (flat area) of your frame. I then spritzed the Embossed Frame with a mixture of alcohol, Marina Mist re-inker and Champagne Mist Shimmer paint. You could sponge the area with ink instead if you prefer.

The Nature Walk stamp set seemed to be the perfect choice to finish off this card.

It's been so cold, wet and miserable here in Sydney. Perfect weather for crafting!

Win a FREE stamp set!

2011-07-19T09:52:00.005+10:00

School holidays are over and it's time to try and get back into some kind of a routine (always a shock to the system!) I'm feeling generous, so read on for a special giveaway!

It's just dawned on me that there are only a couple of weeks left of our lovely Autumn-Winter Mini! ...haven't the months just flown by.
One of the most popular sets from the Mini is one that it's a little trickier to get your hands on. It's a Level 2 Hostess set Love and Care.
Here's a stamp-a-stack that we did last month:

To get your hands on this set, usually you would need to place a $600 order (either individual or group), but I have a set here to give away!

How you can win this set: Simply place an order for $50 or more this month, and you will get an entry into the draw (1 entry for every $50 you spend). To those of you who have already ordered this month, don't worry, your name is already in the draw!

At the end of the month, I will draw out a lucky winner! Don't forget that with a $100 order, you will also qualify for a free ribbon and button bundle!

Friends and Chocolate

2011-07-12T15:24:00.004+10:00

I try to hold monthly team meetings at my house. It's always a great chance to catch up with everyone and the room is always a-buzz with chat and laughter. I always design a make-and-take for everyone...what's a meeting without stamping, right?! Last month they all got to make this chocolate card.
It wasn't until I sat down to mail out some cards for people who couldn't make it to the meeting that I realised that they weren't going to mail very well with the chocolate on it. I felt pretty bad, making false promises to them like this:

so, instead of writing in the card, I left it blank and popped a note inside explaining what a bad friend I was, and suggesting that they be a better friend by popping a chocolate on the card, and giving it someone to brighten their day.
Anyway, I hope they appreciated the thought! ...and now what am I going to do with all these leftover chocolates??? LOL

One more Sweet and Simple

2011-07-08T10:32:00.003+10:00

Here's the last (and probably simplest) set of cards I made using my ribbon and button freebies. I used the Fresh Cut notes and just popped a co-ordinating piece of Patterns Brights DSP behind the cut-out flower. The final touches are just a punched-out Boho Blossom, a FREE button (with a rhinestone in the centre) and of course the FREE ribbon.
Hope you've enjoyed my Sweet and Simple cards. Contact me with your $100 order and you can get some FREE ribbons and buttons to play with too!

More Sweet and Simple

2011-07-06T10:21:00.002+10:00

I have some more sweet and simple notecards to share with you. These are the same size as the previous card I showed you, but this time I have used the Beautiful Wings Butterfly Sizzlet to decorate them. I love this little die. It cuts out AND embosses 5 different-sized butterflies. I've framed them with a piece of cardstock that has a circle cut out of it, a scallop edge along the bottom, and I've also rolled the "In Stitches" wheel along the bottom too. Of course the final touch is a FREE button and a piece of that FREE ribbon ;o)

Sweet and Simple

2011-07-04T10:27:00.002+10:00

I've really been enjoying playing with the new FREE buttons and ribbon. They are so bright and cheery. Also, because they're free, I can be lavish with them ;o)
I made this simple and sweet card using one of Stampin' Up!'s notecards (107311 on p.123). I often grab one of these when I need a small card to go with a gift. They are the perfect size - not too small (8.9 x 12.7cm) and they come with a little envelope. Even better they are only $9.50 for a pack of 20 cards and 20 envelopes.
Here I simply grabbed a few markers to ink up the Hello Blossoms stamp ($13.95 on the last page of the Mini) and then attached some buttons to the centres of the flowers with a mini Glue Dot (so quick- no mess, no fuss!) and wrapped some of the ribbon around the bottom, also securing in a couple of places with a glue dot (and did I mention that the ribbon is FREE?? LOL)
How easy is that??

July Promotion!

2011-07-02T14:12:00.006+10:00

Chase away the winter blues with some bright happy colours... and the best bit is it's FREE! Simply place an order for $100 (1-31 July) and you will receive a FREE exclusive bundle of ribbon and buttons... That's $31.95 value!

Bundle includes:
• White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon with repeating flower designs. Approx 13.7m.
• 48 flower buttons. Sixteen each in 3 colours (Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo and Pacific Point). Approx 1.27 cm

Simply email me with your order.

I've been having lots of fun with my ribbon and buttons. I'll be back to show you some of the things I've made soon!

More French Foliage

2011-06-30T10:13:00.003+10:00

Here's a nice simple one using French Foliage. What a great "bloke" card! I think I'll make a couple of these for Father's Day coming up...
I've used Naturals Ivory cardstock and stamped the woodgrain background in Crumb Cake ink. The strip of Always Artichoke cardstock has been given the Faux Suede treatment: run the strip of cardstock across a table edge (or you can use a bone folder) several times to loosen the fibres of the cardstock. Gently separate the two layers. Scrunch it up and open out again and then lightly tap it on the Always Artichoke inkpad.

Anyone else following Masterchef? We're all addicted here. It's exciting seeing the contestants being whittled down. Amy is a big fan of Ellie, and Jacob thinks Hayden is going to win. I myself like Kate :o)

French Foliage

2011-06-27T09:38:00.004+10:00

Probably my most-used set from the current mini would have to be French Foliage. It's one of those very forgiving stamp sets - it's practically impossible to make it look bad! I've used the beautiful leaf images a lot, but I also find myself reaching for the other elements in the set - the fine script and the ink spatters in particular...very handy for covering up an "oops"!
For this stamp-a-stack, I took my inspiration from page 20 of the Mini. I loved the look of embossing a piece of cardstock in the same colour as the base card, and sticking it over the top. I made multi-coloured leaves by using a sponge dauber to sponge directly onto the rubber in More Mustard, Cajun Craze and Crumb Cake. The Spiral Punch makes a great "notepad" border, perfect for masculine cards (I have a sneaking suspicion that this punch will be retiring come August *sob*). I've used Bring on the Cake (also in the Mini) on all these cards...it has a great variety of Birthday phrases. Very handy if, like me, you make more birthday cards than any other.
We stamped on Naturals Ivory cardstock, which is a lovely soft antique white. Finally, a piece of Linen thread finishes these cards off nicely.
I hope you have a great week. My sister is on Maternity leave now so I'll be spending some time this week helping her put the finishing touches to Junior's room :o)

Cupcake Stamp-a-Stack

2011-06-23T16:51:00.002+10:00

Where has this week gone?? In fact, where has the first half of the year gone??

I thought you might like to see some bright and cheery stamp-a-stack cards we made using the Build a Cupcake stamp set and punch (love this punch!).

In these cards, I've showed a few different ways to make cupcakes by either using the stamp set alone (with no punching), or by using the punch alone (no stamping) or by using a combination of the two. I've also used the Melon Mambo Pom-Pom trim, the In Stitches Jumbo Wheel and the Decorative Label Punch, all in the Mini.

I love pairing the Decorative Label with the Wide Oval punch...it makes a real feature of it.

The colours I've used are Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink., Tempting Turquoise and Chocolate Chip - sweet pinks with the other colours to balance it out a bit! :o)

Coasters!

2011-06-17T15:06:00.006+10:00

This month's Project Class is something a little bit different. We are making a set of 4 coasters and a Holder for them to go in.
This project came to life when I was searching for a nice set of coasters to buy my Mum for Mother's Day. I couldn't find any that I thought she would like, so of course I did what all good crafters do - I made my own!

I found a very ugly set of coasters in a homewares shop, on sale for only $5.95 (and they had heaps of them, because of their ugliness). I like a challenge, so I bought them, thinking that I could give them an Extreme Makeover. Here's what they look like, after they have had their Stampin' Up! treatment: I covered them with Blueberry Crisp DSP and also used the Razzle Dazzle stamp set. In my class next week everyone will be able to choose their favourite DSP to cover their coasters, and they will also learn how to make them heat and water-proof!
I hope you all have a lovely weekend. We finally seem to have seen the end of the rain here in Sydney for a little while, so I'm planning to enjoy the great outdoors!

Lunch Sack Mini Album

2011-06-15T08:42:00.014+10:00

The days seem to be just flying by at the moment, and there don't seem to be enough hours in them either!
I promised to show you the Paper Bag Mini Album that I made using the Mini Lunch Sacks (on page 21 in the Mini Catalogue). I made mine into a Gratitude Album. I have so many things in my life to be grateful for, and I think like most people I sometimes take them for granted. So this album is filled with quotations about gratitude and photos of special people in my life, and it's something I can flip through when I need a gentle reminder about how many blessings I have *smile*
Here's the cover, embellished with autumn leaves cut out using the Leaves Die on the Big Shot in Autumn Spice DSP:

I've used 3 Mini Lunch Sacks to make the album and each one can be opened up, so you can slip little mementos or some journalling inside:

The other pages are just the Autumn Spice DSP (it is a specialty paper and is cardstock weight, so it's perfect for projects like this)
Here are the rest of the pages (you should be able to click on them to see a larger version, and read the quotes):

I held it all together using my Crop-a-dile to punch 2 holes and then setting 2 Jumbo eyelets to the front, and 2 more to the back. This holds it securely and gives it a neat finished look too. The ribbon is just to pretty it up!

It was a fun project to make, and didn't take too long either. Hope you like it!

2 spots left!

2011-06-09T13:50:00.002+10:00

Due to popular demand, I am opening up a second group, but I only have 2 places left, so you'll need to be quick! All you need to do is email me your $90 order, and then you can choose $22 in freebies to add to it. I'll be placing the orders tomorrow!

Here's the info in case you missed it:
Would you like to to advantage of this month's Hostess Promotion, but don't have time to host a workshop?

Why not join in my Virtual Workshop? It's easy! All you have to do is email me your order of $90 or more* by this Friday 10th June with "Virtual Workshop" in the subject line. Once I get 5 orders, I will combine them and all 5 of you share in the Hostess goodies! This means that for every $90 you spend, you get to choose $22 in freebies! And what's more, I will put the 5 names in a draw to win a Level 1 Hostess Set!
I can run another one later on in the month if there is enough interest.

The orders will be sent to me (the usual shipping and handling charge of 5% applies), and I can either deliver it to you if you live nearby or mail it if you are further away (I will cover the cost of mailing it to you).
Email me now to join in the fun!

* your $90 order can include the 5% shipping and handling fee

Amy's Birthday card

2011-06-09T13:43:00.002+10:00

How about a nice bright card in some lovely WARM colours? (it's been freezing here in Sydney). This was the card I made for Amy for her birthday. She turned 14, but she is still very much into all things cute and cuddly! (with a vampire or two thrown in!)
I've used a new stamp acquisition Every Little Bit. As Demonstrators we get to earn stamp sets for free, and I must say free stamps are my favourite kind of stamps! *smile*

Virtual Workshop!

2011-06-05T16:09:00.003+10:00

Would you like to to advantage of this month's Hostess Promotion, but don't have time to host a workshop?

Why not join in my Virtual Workshop? It's easy! All you have to do is email me your order of $90 or more* by this Friday 10th June with "Virtual Workshop" in the subject line. Once I get 5 orders, I will combine them and all 5 of you share in the Hostess goodies! This means that for every $90 you spend, you get to choose $22 in freebies! And what's more, I will put the 5 names in a draw to win a Level 1 Hostess Set!
I can run another one later on in the month if there is enough interest.

The orders will be sent to me (the usual shipping and handling charge of 5% applies), and I can either deliver it to you if you live nearby or mail it if you are further away (I will cover the cost of mailing it to you).
Email me now to join in the fun!

* your $90 order can include the 5% shipping and handling fee

Come and take a look!

2011-06-03T17:43:00.002+10:00

After a small hiatus, the Elite Challenges Blog is up and running again. The lovely Carol has set some great challenges for us. It's been ages since I participated in a challenge, and the rainy weather in Sydney this past few days gave me the perfect excuse to sit and stamp ;o)
I did all the challenges for May and June. You can check out my six entries HERE
Let me know what you think!
...and while you're at it, have a look around at some of the other fantastic work over there!

Mini Lunch Sacks

2011-06-03T08:20:00.003+10:00

I'm loving the Mini Lunch Sacks in the Mini Catalogue at the moment. It's so easy to dress one up (here I just used some leftover scraps of DSP) and pop a little something for a special someone inside. I used a Big Button (also from the mini) which I just stuck on with a Dimensional. I've attached only the lower half of the button so that the folded-over edge of the bag slots into it and holds the bag shut. The little tag sits in a mini envelope made with the Petal Card Punch. Too cute!
Stay tuned and next time I'll be showing you the Mini Album I made, also using the Mini Lunch Sacks.
It's so nice to see the sun out here in Sydney (after a week of rain)...now to tackle the mountainous piles of washing!!

Bow Tie Owl

2011-06-01T12:38:00.003+10:00

I've been having fun with the owl punch. It's just so cute! I've given my owl a bow tie which I made using 2 chopped up owl's feet (sounds quite gruesome doesn't it?!)
The colours I've used are More Mustard, Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip, and the sentiment is from the level 2 Hostess set Apple Blossoms. I've also used the Woodgrain stamp on the Top Note.

Party Party!

2011-05-27T08:21:00.003+10:00

It seems to be never-ending parties around here at the moment! It's my brother-in-law's 40th on the weekend, which I'm helping to do some food for. And then it's Amy's 14th Birthday on Monday...I know! Can you believe I am the other of a 14 year-old?? ("She looks far too young!" I can hear you thinking LOL)
In the spirit of all that partying, here's a cute little gift card I whipped up a batch of. So easy, thanks to the In Stitches Wheel and the Create a Cupcake set and matching punch. It's very handy to have a few of these little beauties ready for the next party that comes along!
Have a great weekend!

Nature Walk Birthday

2011-05-25T09:11:00.003+10:00

I whipped up a batch of these cards to send out to some very special team members for their birthdays over the last month or two.
I used the Nature Walk set from the current Mini, which I seem to be pulling out a lot lately! I stamped first, then ran it through the Big Shot with the lattice embossing folder. I kept to mainly neutral shades (Sahara Sand and Soft Suede) and added a dash of Night of Navy.
The sweet little Happy Birthday greeting is from the Create a Cupcake stamp set, also in the Mini. I created a mat for the word window using the Decorative label punch, and embellished it with a couple of sweet little pearls.
It's a grey day here in Sydney...perfect to stay indoors and make cards...maybe I'll do just that!

Deal of the Week 4!

2011-05-25T09:02:00.002+10:00

Throughout the month of May, Stampin' Up! will be offering Deals of the Week. This is the fourth and final deal for the month, and it will only last for a week...so don't miss out!
For Deal Number 4 we have 30% off some Wheels and Rub-ons:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
113838	62	Right on Track Stampin' Around Wheel	$11.95	$8.37
115619	68	Retro Remix Stampin Around Wheel	$11.95	$8.37
119975	134	Vintage Type Rub-Ons	$15.95	$11.17
118760	134	Play Date Rub-Ons	$16.95	$11.87

There are no limits to the number of Deals of the Week you can purchase and no minimum purchase is required.* Now is your time to stock up on your favourite products! Email me to place your order by Tuesday 31st May.

Be sure to hurry and purchase each week's deals early on so you don't miss out! When the new week's deals start up each Wednesday at midnight, the last week's deals are over . . . forever!

*There is no limit to the number of Deals of the Week items you may purchase. However, if we run low on product we will return the product to full catalogue price before the end of the week. If this happens, we will announce it on the Stampin' Up! website homepage.

Strength and Hope Stamp-a-Stack

2011-05-23T10:04:00.005+10:00

This was our other stamp-a-stack for May. I really wanted to use the Strength and Hope set. Not only is it a beautiful set, but it raises money for a really good cause too.
The colours I've used are Not Quite Navy, Rich Razzleberry and Always Artichoke. I stamped the script stamp in my favourite Neutral, Crumb Cake.
There are lots of TIPS on this set of cards:

I've deepened the tone of the Not Quite Navy cardstock by swiping my Versamark inkpad across it.

Check out the butterfly in the bottom-right corner... You can make a different-shaped butterfly from this set by chopping it in half and repositioning the wings! Use a pretty brad to cover the join and Voila!

Have a look at the card on the bottom left; I've made a longer jewellery tag by punching with the Word Window first, and then inserting it into the jewellery tag punch. It's the perfect width!

I used the Decorative label punch to make a Decorative border; You can use the side or the top to create a pretty curvy border.

I also discovered a nifty way to tie a flat knot using the wide grosgrain ribbon, but I think I need a tutorial to explain that one. Let me know if you're interested, and I'll do one up.

The baby shower for my sister was yesterday, and it went really well. It was so nice to really celebrate this pregnancy with her. It was a gorgeous sunny day, there was lots of yummy food, friends and family and cute little gifts to ooh and aaah over. 2 months to go now, and I'll be an Auntie again!

I'm hoping to get my newsletter out today (yes it is late!!), so keep an eye out for that, if you're on my subscriber list...

Nature Walk Stamp-a-Stack

2011-05-18T10:08:00.004+10:00

I really love the challenge of designing cards for Stamp-a-Stacks...finding a design that is both simple enough to mass produce and yet still has some 'wow' factor can be quite tricky. I don't always manage to pull it off, but after I made this set of cards, I was happy with them (and that's a rare occurrence, believe me!)
I like the large amount of white space, and then the delicate touches of colour. It's nice to know that a line-art stamp set doesn't always require a lot of water colouring. I applied my colour with a blender pen and just a touch of ink. I've used DSP from the 12x12 Patterns Stacks, all in Subtles Colours. The Basic Grey compliments it nicely, without being too harsh. I also used Confetti White cardstock. Not only is it easier to watercolour, but it is also a little sturdier than Whisper White for a base card and it is also not as stark, with pretty flecks in it.

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Nature Walk, Occasional Greetings
ink: Basic Grey, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Rose Red, Perfect Plum
card: Confetti White, Basic Grey
other: Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Subtles Patterns DSP