A Sneaky Scallop Trick!

Here's a nifty trick if you want a scallop edge to go around a circle, but don't have the right sized scallop circle punch. Start off with a Scallop Circle with a hole punched out of the middle (my hole is 3/4" circle): Cut straight through one of the gaps between scallops and cut a slit at every 2nd scallop (don't go all the way to the edge):

Apply SNAIL to the back of your circle and work your way around the circle, pressing the scallop in place as you go. Work so you can see the right side (that's the one that matters...the underside will be hidden anyway!):

Depending on the size of your circle (mine is 1 3/4") you may need to add an extra scallop or two:

Here's the finished product:

And on a card:


Sneaky, hey?!

I {heart} Hearts Special Offer

There are only a couple more days to support Haiti and buy the I {heart} Hearts stamp set. You can read all about it HERE.
It's a great opportunity to buy a gorgeous stamp set and support a worthy cause at the same time, but only until February 28.
I've already showed you one project I have made using this set, but now for 3 days only, I'm offering it as a BUNDLE. Here's what you can make:

And this is what you get in the bundle:

I {heart} Hearts stamp set
Full Heart OR Heart-to-heart punch (or any punch of your choice)
Scallop Notecards and envelopes (30)
1 inkpad (in the colour of your choice)
PLUS a Sale-a-Bration set of your choice
and the instructions to make the Accordion File
and I will also donate $15 to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund for every bundle sold.

The price of the bundle is $109.80, which includes FREE shipping to your door. This offer is only available until February 28. Email me if you would like to take part!

Note: other supplies I have used to make this project (which can be purchased from me) - Very Vanilla Cardstock, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Baja Breeze inkpad, Pink Pirouette inkpad, Chocolate Chip inkpad, Baja Breeze Striped ribbon.
I have used Best Yet (Level 1 Hostess set) but the Whimsical Words Sale-a-Bration set would work equally well.

A Quick Punch Trick!

I promised that I'd be back to show you how I made the little label in THIS post, so here I am (finally!) Tina guessed correctly. Here's how I did it...complete with pictures.
First stamp your little sentiment on a scrap of cardstock, and punch it out using the SIDE of the Designer Label punch:Now, so you can feed it back into the punch, make a "handle" from another scrap of cardstock. I attach my handle using snail adhesive.
TIP: if you touch the SNAIL adhesive a few times with your finger after you apply it, it will not be as sticky, so you can easily remove the handle afterwards.

Next, feed it back into the punch and punch the other side:

Voila, a cute little label:

Here it is on my card:

Isn't it easy when you know how? I hope you learnt something new today!
Tomorrow I'll be back to show you my scallop circle trick.

Sale-a-Bration Blog Hop

Now that we're well and truly into Sale-a-Bration, my team and I have decided to take you on a tour of the wonderful stamp sets in the Sale-a-Bration Brochure. Sale-a-Bration runs for only 2 months, so on my own it's difficult to showcase everything that can be done with these very versatile sets. This way, you get to see lots of different projects by lots of different artists!

You may have just come from Chary's blog, but if you are starting here, don’t worry … you can make the complete circuit just by following the links at the end of each post. There are 9 stops along the way and we hope you will visit each one to see the wonderful creations we have to show you!
At the end of each post there will be a link to take you to the next stop on the tour. Feel free to “share the love” and leave a comment! So sit back, relax and enjoy!

For my first creation, I have used the very cute "Good Neighbours" set. This card was inspired by a little row of blue dutch china houses that I remember seeing in my neighbour's house as a little girl. I loved visiting her and playing with those little houses!

I had fun stamping these in every shade of blue and cutting them out. Here's a close-up so you can see the dimension: I used Razzle Dazzle for the background, stamped in Versamark and sponged over the top with Not Quite Navy and Bordering Blue pastels.

My next creation uses the "Happy Moments" set. I've made lots of pretty, girly cards with this set, and this was my attempt at a more masculine one. I've used Tall Tales DSP (from the Summer Mini):
Can you work out how I've added a scallop edge to the 1 3/4" circle? I'll be back soon to show you how, and also to tell you how I made that little tag in my last post too!
Well, that’s all from me. Now you’re off to enjoy the wonderful creations of Juliette!

Thanks for stopping by! In case you get lost along the way, here are all the participants:

http://www.juleskraftikrafts.blogspot.com/
http://fionastamps.blogspot.com/
http://www.nicolestalker.com.au/blog
http://www.lornacasha.blogspot.com/
http://www.stampingitout.com/
http://www.ruthbishop.com.au/
http://www.sallycancraft.com/
http://charybelfield.wordpress.com/

FYI: The Sale-A-Bration stamp sets are FREE sets you can earn for every $100 purchased till 31st March. These stamp sets are not available to buy so if there is one, two, three or maybe all 4 you would like then you need to contact your demonstrator (or me if you don’t already have a demonstrator) and place an order before you miss out.

Sale-a-Bration Blog Hop tomorrow!

It's Blog Hop time again!
I just wanted to pop in and tell you some exciting news. My team and I have put together a Sale-a-Bration Blog Hop for you to enjoy. We go live tomorrow morning, so make sure you drop by and take the tour!

Vintage Labels Stamp-a-Stack

This set is of this month's Stamp-a-Stack designs. I've used my favourite paper for masculine cards - Windsor Knot, and kept to Sage Shadow and Chocolate Chip for the colour combo. To make this set of cards all you need is one stamp set (and it's FREE - Vintage Labels Sale-a-Bration set), one inkpad (Chocolate Chip) and some patterned paper...and just a few punches! I've jazzed the cards up with some wide Chocolate double-stitched ribbon and some of the little Clips. There's a mini bulldog clip, and 2 different types of paperclips in the Assortment. You get 24 in a pack, and they're great to add a little something extra, especially on masculine cards.

Here's a Quick Question for you (those who have attended my class are not allowed to give it away!). Can you tell me what punch I used the make the little "Happy Birthday" in the card on the left, and how I did it?

I still have a couple of spots in my last class for the month next Tuesday night. Email me if you'd like to come along!

A Bit of Razzle Dazzle

Have you ever bought a stamp set on a whim? You weren't sure how you were going to use it, and you certainly didn't need it, but just had to have it? When I saw Razzle Dazzle in the Mini, it went straight onto my wishlist (and then of course I ordered it at the first opportunity!). The image that I have used on this card was the one that first caught my eye...not that I would ever buy a stamp set based on liking just one image (cough, cough!!). But isn't it great when that impulse buy turns out to be a really smart decision? And you end up loving all the stamps in the set and wondering what you ever did without them! (and can quietly pat yourself on the back for having such wisdom and the courage of your convictions)

I just love colouring this image with markers. The other day I grabbed a few scraps of my favourite papers and coloured the stamp to match them. This one is the "Sweet Always" version. Then it was really easy to whip up a batch of cards, all similar but different. I used Kraft cardstock for the base of all of them. It's a great neutral colour that goes with everything.

I'm loving buttons at the moment too. This one is a latte button, with a strip of Regal Rose "thread" (just a very narrow strip of cardstock)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

My New Family Pic

You guys are really observant! It seems that a few of you noticed our new family photo over there ----->

I can't take the credit for the gorgeous pic. I'm lucky enough to have one of the best family photographers in Australia as my cousin (no I'm not at all biased!). I'm not a big fan of studio photography, and just wanted some natural and relaxed pics of us at home, and that's what Amanda specialises in. You can see more of her work at Spitting Image Photography. She also runs really popular photography classes for kids!

Here are my 2 favourite pics of the kids (including the furry kid!)

Sale-a-Bration Project by Mail

These are the teacher gifts I made for my kid's teachers last year. They were quick and easy to make (which really fitted the bill at the time!) and the teachers seemed to like them too :o)

Since then, I've had lots of requests to run this as a class, but since my class schedule is full, instead I've been running some special Sale-a-Bration Workshops. I've had lots of fun going to people's houses and helping some lovely groups of ladies make this Stylish Tote and matching set of 4 cards and envelopes....and I've got lots more still to do during February and March!
If you live in the Sydney area and think your friends would love a night at your place making this set, here's how it works:

I'll come to your place and provide all the materials. Each guest pays $10. As the Hostess, you can make yours for free, plus you'll receive Hostess Benefits from any sales on the day!
It's a lovely way to catch up with friends, and do something creative at the same time.
My calendar is filling up fast, so let me know if you would like to book a date. I can do weekends, plus weekdays and some weeknights.

If you don't live near me, but would still like to make this set, I'm offering it as a Project by Mail. For $120 you'll get the following goodies to complete your project. For this bundle I'm offering shipping and handling FREE, so $120 gets your goodies straight to your door! I'll mail you the instructions separately, with a handmade card from me, to give you some more ideas using Razzle Dazzle :o)

In this bundle, you will recieve:
A6/C6 cards and envelopes (20 cards, 20 envelopes)
'Razzle Dazzle' Stamp Set
4 Classic Inkpads (I used Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, Apricot Appeal, and Certainly Celery, but you may substitute any colours you like)
Fine Supernova Glitter (5 colours x 7.1g each)

You'll get FREE The Happy Moments Sale-a-Bration set and the instructions to make the tote and card set, plus a handmade card from me.

Note: To complete the project, you will also need a Black inkpad, White A4 cardstock, Tombow glue and Sticky Strip. I used the Word Window Punch to make a handle for the tote.

I also used The Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch and some Pink Taffeta ribbon to decorate the tote with a tag. If you would like me to add any of these to your order, just let me know, and I'll give you free shipping on those too :o)

Sweet Treat Flowers

This is what I made as little thank you gifts at my Open House. I made 50 of these, and it really didn't take very long at all. All you do is take a Sweet Treat Cup and poke a skewer in it. You can use the 1/16" punch to make the hole first, which is easier than just forcing the skewer through the plastic. The pointy end of the skewer will now rest on the inner top part of the cup (without going through it). Now fill with skittles, or your favourite treat. Punch a 1 3/4" circle of cardstock in your desired colour. I used Only Orange... I know, can you believe it?? Peel the adhesive backing off the Sweet Treat Cup and stick the circle on top (it only just fits). You'll still have a rim of adhesive to stick 7 x 1" Circles around to make flower petals. I used Yoyo Yellow...for maybe the first time ever! Now use Tombow glue to stick another 1 3/4" circle over the top, to make the back look neater. I also stamped on mine "Wishing you the sweetest day ever" (from the "Something Sweet" set). I tied some Old Olive ribbon around the skewer for leaves. It's probably the only time in my life I wished we had Green Galore ribbon!
I stuck these in a ceramic container filled with a square of floral foam. I decorated it with the Kaleidoscope Paper. Everyone seemed to like them :o) I think they would make a cute little party favour for a Birthday Party, Christening or Baby Shower!

Renovation Pics!

Yes, finally! Thank you all for being so patient and understanding during my blogging hiatus. My catchphrase over the past few months has been "we're getting there". Every time I'd look at the chaos surrounding me, I'd remind myself that it was all a step towards "getting there". Now, I finally feel like I am almost there. Things are starting to feel normal again, and it is such a relief! I've been keeping my head down and only been taking one day at a time for so long, and it is only now that I feel I can look up and see clear through to next week! I'd forgotten what that was like!
So, without further ado, here are some pics of the (almost) finished result, as promised:
It almost looks like it has always been this way, doesn't it? Upstairs we now have a rumpus room (that's Coco making himself comfy on the beanbag!):The kids have brand new bedrooms. Amy's is Almost Amethyst (ish!):And Jacob's is Brocade Blue (sort of!):They also have their very own bathroom (still awaiting a shower screen):And downstairs we have a lovely big room, perfect for holding classes, parties, or Open Houses like the one I had yesterday:Do you like the colour? I wanted neutral, but not beige. It's called "linseed" by Dulux, but I'm calling it Sahara Sand ;o) The "wooden" floors are Vinyl planks, can you believe?! They are quiet, were quick to install, and easy to clean. I'm loving them!
This is where you can make yourself a cuppa:
And now the bit I know you really want to see.... My Craft Space. It runs along one entire wall of our Big Room (we couldn't think what to call it, as it's so many rooms in one, but the name Big Room seems to have stuck!). I have lots of storage in these cupboards. The tall ones are "besta" from IKEA. The small one hides my computer in it, and is from FreedomHere's an inside view: Sneaky, huh? It's perfect for hiding away mess and computer paraphernalia. Next to that is my favourite thing. My Craft desk!
The sideways bookcase holds all my stamps, and Dave cut it down and put it on wheels for me, so I can wheel it out. The bottom levels hold stamps that I'm not currently using (eg Spring Mini sets, not yet retired, Christmas sets, etc). The desk and drawers are from IKEA and is nice and long and deep. The drawers hold all my adhesives, tools, wheels, envelopes, and embossing gear. On my desktop the mini office drawers hold small punches, ribbon originals, rub-ons, a few inkpads (Stazon, versamark, encore), re-inkers, wheel cartridges, aquapainters and Blender Pens. I have my inkpad caddy next to that. A rack (from IKEA) holds my most-used punches (circles and ovals). I have a caddy to hold Stampin' Scrub, mist, bone folders, scissors, sanding blocks and stamp-a-ma-jig, and my Stack and Store carousel is next to that.
The desk hutch came from The Barn (office furniture store) and we brought it home to find it was about 2mm too high to fit under the stairs! So my handy husband chopped off the bottom, which left me with a narrow piece of wood, perfect to hold ribbon spools in place! It was meant to be :o)
The top shelf holds sample cards, Hodgepodge tins, markers and crayons, with room to grow. I have spare trimmers on the very top. I just love it, and can't wait to have a free day just to play. I've spent time making cards for classes, but I have yet to just stamp for me....soon!

Under the stairs is where I keep my filing cabinets, which hold all my cardstock, plus a drawer for business files.
I also keep my workshop tote there, plus a basket that holds outgoing customer orders. On top of the filing cabinets I have 12x12 paper storage units, which I bought on Ebay, and they fit perfectly. I've never had my papers so accessible before, but now I can see exactly what I've got, and use it :o) In the corner are my drawers from Howard's Storage that hold all the cut-up cardstock for classes. I can have a drawer for each class, and keep them totally organised. Dave is going to build me a new punch rack that fits on the wall under the stairs. At the moment the rack is resting on the floor. Coco has his doggie bed right next to my desk, where he can keep an eye on things.

So there you have it! If you've made it all the way through my tour, I hope you've enjoyed having a peek at our new space. We even have a spare room now, which is so exciting (currently full of boxes, but that's another story!)
I'll be back soon with some show-and-tell from my Open House.