Just for a Laugh

My hubby has been attending "World Balloon Convention" in Dallas for the past 10 days. He's home safely now, with many a tale to tell!
A few of the ladies at my classes got a sneak peak of his "Circus Themed" costume, and I thought you all might like to have a giggle at my hubby, dressed as a Human Cannonball. You can view his blog post HERE.
....Gotta love a man who's not afraid to let the whole world have a laugh at his expense! Make sure you leave him a comment!

 

Only one day left!

This was one of those cards that came together really quickly (don't you love those?!). After I made it, I liked it so much that I promptly whipped up several more for some special birthdays this month. I've made mine with the gorgeous Sale-a-Bration paper (only one day left to get your hands on this!). I'm utterly convinced that it is impossible to make an ugly card with this paper!
You could easily adapt this design using other papers. I can see a gorgeous (quick!) Christmas card in the future...

I will be at my niece's 21st birthday celebration on Saturday night, so any last-minute orders must reach me by 5pm. Thanks!

Another Shameless Case

This is my other thank you card design:

This one's actually a case of a case. My lovely team member Cheryl made me a birthday card that looked a lot like this, and she cased it from the fabulous Dawn O.
More Concord Crush. This colour disappears come September. Sale-a-Bration is a great time to stock up on retiring 2010-2012 In Colors and qualify for some freebies at the same time.

Email issues....

Just a quick note to say that I have been having some email server issues over the past few days. If you have sent me an email and haven't had a reply from me, could you please re-send it? Thanks!

A Shameless Case

I can't believe there are only a few days left of Sale-a-Bration! I needed to whip up a bunch of thank you cards for some special people, and here's one of the designs I used:

It's a shameless case of the fabulous Dawn O. Isn't she clever? Such a simple yet gorgeous design.
My version is in Concord Crush, and I've used Petite Pairs for the sentiment. I'm really going to miss this Fresh Vintage stamp set.



P.S 65 still to go. Barring a minor miracle, it doesn't look like I'm going to make it :o( Thank you so much for all your support, though. I really appreciate it.

You're Invited!

This is no April Fool....Come and welcome in the new Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue at my Launch Party! In every Mini Catalogue, Stampin' Up! unveils all-new stamp sets and accessories. The 2012 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue is chock full of gorgeous products that are only available for a limited time. Come and pick up your copy at my Launch Party on Sunday, 1st April. I hope to see you there, and if you know anyone who would like to join us, please invite them too!

NEW MINI CATALOGUE LAUNCH PARTY

Come and enjoy a glass of bubbly and some Easter treats while you check out all the new Stampin' Up! goodies. You can pick up your free copy of the new Mini Catalogue, there will be some very Special Offers, you'll be able to join in a make-and-take (or two!), there will be a little gift to take home, and you might even win a Lucky Door Prize! So come and join the fun.
I'm having 2 time slots, and places are limited!

When: Sunday, 1st April
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
OR 7:00pm - 9:00pm (let me know which time suits you when you RSVP)
Place: 27 Ryan St, Dundas
Cost: FREE! (includes a copy of the new Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue)

Bookings Essential by 27th March. Let me know if you'll be bringing a friend!
PLACES ARE LIMITED, SO EMAIL ME TO BOOK IN NOW!

Bag-a-lope Bunny

Here's an Easter Project I made "just because". I was thinking of using the Top Note as a Bunny head, and once I get an idea into my brain, I just can't rest until I've tried it out.
So I made his head, but then couldn't find the perfect bag to put it on, so I made the bag too. This "bag" is made out of a C6 Whisper White envelope. It's called a bag-a-lope, and I just punched through the middle so you can see the "contents" of his tummy....which were supposed to be Easter Eggs but they...ummmm...had all disappeared mysteriously, so I used marshmallows (less delicious, therefore lasting longer in this house) instead. Happily, the colours matched perfectly but now they have disappeared too (have another Pascal Swirl).
Lots of punches used here...can you guess which punch I used for his paws?

Easter Egg Tube

I hope you're enjoying these Easter projects. It's fun making a few humble chocolate eggs into something a bit more special. Here's an Easter Egg holder with a difference:

Can you believe this little beauty was made using 2 Fancy Flowers (punched) for the top and bottom and just a piece of scored cardstock for the body? How clever is that? I can't take credit for it. I actually got the idea from a Stampn' Up! publication, available to Demonstrators (one of the many perks of joining SU!). When I saw it, I thought it would be the perfect treat holder to fill with eggs....and it is! In the magazine, their examples were sealed shut, but I made mine open at one end, by threading ribbon through it. I don't like having to destroy the pretty packaging to get at the yummies inside.
I have one more Easter Project to show you, so stay tuned!

  P.S. 77 to go

Easter Basket

I have another Easter Project to show you today. I love it when I find a new and clever way to use a Big Shot Die! I've seen lots of baskets around, made using the Two Tags Die, so of course I had to try it myself:

Isn't it cute? It's the perfect size to fit a few small eggs in, or one of those "hunting" eggs that come in an egg carton.
I'm on a Pool Party kick at the moment...that colour just seems to go with everything! And since the luscious Everyday Enchantment Sale-a-Bration paper came out, I'm loving the look of Pool Party paired with Calypso Coral and Peach Parfait. Those are the colours I've used here. I've also used some of the FREE Sale-a-Bration ribbon and brads to embellish my basket.

Only 2 weeks left!

I can hardly believe how fast this year is going. It just hit me, so I wanted to pop in and remind you all that there is only 2 weeks left of Sale-a-Bration and the Summer Mini.

If you've been thinking about placing an order to get some of the wonderful freebies on offer, now would be a good time to do it! I'd hate for you to miss out.

Sale-a-bration is a wonderful time to join Stampin' Up too because as well as the amazing value Starter Kit, you get to choose an extra stamp set of any value absolutely free! I can honestly say that joining Stampin' Up! has been one of the best things I've ever done and have no hesitation in recommending it, whether you're aiming to start a business or simply cover the cost of your hobby. If you've been wondering if it might be right for you, just send me an email or give me a call. I can give you all the information you'll need to make up your own mind without pressuring you in any way.

I hope you're having a lovely weekend!

Easter Bunny Box

I've been having lots of fun making some Easter Projects, and I thought I had better show them to you all before it is too late....can you believe how fast this year is going? Easter is only 3 weeks away!!
You might remember my Christmas Petal Cone Gifts? Well, here is an Easter Bunny version that we'll be making in my class next week:

And here's a back view, so you can see his cute little tail:

He's the perfect size to fill with chocolate-y Easter Treats! As well as the Petal Cone Die, I've used lots of punches including the soon-to-be retired and gone forever Stocking Punch (for the arms). What will I do for arms when this punch disappears? Make sure you order yours by March 31!

Wednesday night's class is full, but I still have some places available for Tuesday night (20th) and Wednesday morning (21st). We will also be making 2 other Easter projects, which I will be back to show you soon. Email me if you would like to book in!

Not much change to report - 83 to go

36-Card Bundle

This is one of the cards I've been featuring at my Sale-a-Bration workshops, and it was also the make-and-take at our Team Meeting last month. You might recognise the design from my card HERE. I took the same layout, but gave it a Sale-a-Bration twist:

To make life easy, I've also been offering a bundle of products that can be purchased until the end of the month. With this bundle, you can make 36 of these cards, suitable for all occasions, in a variety of different colour combinations. All you need to add is some white or vanilla cardstock and an optional stamped greeting.

Here's what you get in my Sale-a-Bration 36-Card Bundle:
1 pack of In Colour A4 cardstock (24 sheets in Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party and Island Indigo)
1 pack of In Colour markers (same colours as above)
1" Square Punch
Postage Stamp Punch
FREE Sale-a-Bration Set (Fresh Vintage, or substitute if desired)
FREE Lucky Envelope

All this for $109.75, valued at at least $120 (depending on what you win in your Lucky Envelope!). This includes Shipping and Handling, so the products will be delivered straight to your door.
You may substitute any items to those of equal value if you prefer.

It would make a great gift for a beginner stamper, or an easy bundle to take away with you and stamp.  You could have all your birthday cards for the year made, or even package up sets to give as gifts. The only cutting you need to do is to cut an A4 sheet into 12 7x7cm squares.
Remember to add some white or vanilla cardstock and envelopes if you don't already have some!

If you'd like to order this bundle and claim your freebies too, just email me. This offer is only available until March 31.

Simply Soft Thanks

I've been meaning to get this post up all day, but it's been one of those days where I've just been chasing my tail. Now I'm finally sitting down with a cup of tea to update my blog. I'm still making my way through replying to all the lovely emails I've received, so if you haven't had a reply, I just haven't got to it yet...but it's coming, I promise!
In the meantime, I did take some time out on the weekend to make a thank you card for you all. My heart is just filled with gratitude at all of your kind words (and another part of me is a bit embarrassed to be honest, and feels like hiding under a rock until March is over!).
What better way to express gratitude than a handmade card:

I've used last week's Clean and Simple Sketch and the Simply Soft Hostess Stamp Set. I hadn't watercoloured for a while, and colouring always takes me to a calm and peaceful place, which is just what I needed.
I've used Wisteria Wonder and Pear Pizazz, and stamped on watercolour paper.
And for those who are wondering - 84 to go.

Bargello Spice Cake

I'll be teaching the Bargello Technique in next week's class, and this is the card we'll be making. It's amazing the effect you can create just using strips of patterned paper!
I've used the Spice Cake Paper from the Summer Mini...love, love, love this paper! I'll be very sad to see it go at the end of this month :o(
The flower stamp is a single stamp, the Triple Treat Flower. It works perfectly with 3 punches - the Fancy Flower, 5-petal Flower and 1/2" circle...and it's only $16.95 - how good is that!


P.S. Thank you all for your kind words and messages of support. I think the thing that saddened me most is hearing of other people who have also been affected by negativity. In my experience, the stamping community is full of talented, generous, lovely people, and it is a shame when that is tainted by just a couple of "rotten apples"
....and an extra special thank you to the lovely ladies who placed an order with me too. Rest assured, I haven't completely given up on getting the trip, and I will be honouring the Lucky Envelope Promotion for the rest of the month too. I just won't be counting down on my blog.

An Apology and an Explanation

Hi everyone,
I've decided to cancel my Lucky Envelope Promotion. It seems that I have unwittingly offended people by running this promotion. I have had a couple of emails from other Demonstrators, and from the customers of other Demonstrators telling me of their unhappiness. It was never my intention for anyone other than my own customers to participate, and I only advertised it through my blog and to my newsletter subscribers.
I made the decision to effectively give away my Commission (and then some) in prizes this month in order to try and earn the trip, and it was not my intention to take away from the sales of any other Demonstrator.
Two years ago when I ran this Promotion, it generated lots of positive feelings and I was left feeling uplifted by the generosity of so many people (and I like to think that maybe they enjoyed helping me too). This time, it seems to have stirred up only negative feelings, and no trip is worth spending the month feeling the way that I do at the moment.
Thanks everyone for your support and understanding.
Now, back to your regular programming :o)

Paper Quilting

My Technique Class next week is Paper Quilting and this is the card we'll be making:

I just can't get enough of the Sale-a-Bration Everyday Enchantment Paper. I don't think there's a single pattern in the whole pack that I don't like. It's always a shame to have to stick one side down! It's just as well that it's free, so I don't mind using it :o)
I wouldn't have thought to put Pool Party, Peach Parfait and Very Vanilla together, but I have to say I love the combination.

Nautical Pennants

This is the other Stamp-a-Stack Design that we'll be making at tomorrow night's class:

I've used the "Nautical Expedition" Paper from the Summer Mini and the Pennant Punch to create this set of cards. Did you know that you can make a Banner, a Pinwheel, Party Hats and a Star, all using the Pennant Punch? Punches are so versatile! I've also used the Outlined Occasions Sale-a-Bration set and the new Baker's Twine on these cards.
The colours I've used are Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, Crumb Cake, Basic Grey and Early Espresso.

Sprinkled Expressions Stamp-a-Stack

Have you ever seen a stamp set in a catalogue and thought that you didn't like it until you sat down to use it, only to find that you actually do like it after all? I must confess that I wasn't really sold on this set Sprinkled Expressions initially, but since all the items in the Sale-a-Bration Brochure are free, it was a good chance to try it and step out of my comfort zone. And to my surprise, I was pretty happy with the result.
I kept to a monochromatic colour scheme for each of these cards, in Wisteria Wonder, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard and Island Indigo. I've added a touch of sparkle with some Dazzling Diamonds glitter and also the Silver Glimmer Paper. These cards are so quick and easy to whip up a batch of. If you'd like to get your hands on this stamp set, simply email me with your $100 order, and you'll get the set for free.

This is one of the designs for next week's Stamp-a-Stack Class. I have a couple of places left. I'm running the class on Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Wednesday night. Just send me an email if you'd like to book in. I'll pop back soon to show you the other design we'll be making.

 

100 Lucky Envelopes....again!

Just when I thought I had no chance of making this year's Incentive Trip to Broome (and convinced myself that I was perfectly OK with it!), Stampin' Up! announced a Double Points promotion for March, which essentially means that the sales dollars I need to earn the trip has been halved. I've thought long and hard about whether it is achievable or not, and what it came down to is that I felt that I at least had to try.... so I feel very cheeky for asking, but again I'm going to really need your help if I'm going to get there.
How can you help?
I need 100 people to place a qualifying Sale-a-Bration order (from any Catalogue) of $100, and then I'll qualify for the Trip (to me that sounds a lot less daunting than the actual Sales Figure I need to make!)

As a thank you from me for placing your order, I have 100 Lucky Envelopes here:

It's a strange feeling to know that this box is all that stands between me and the Trip! Each envelope is numbered and contains a voucher with a prize written on it. The first person to place an order for $100 or more in March will get Envelope Number 1, the second person Number 2 and so on. I will keep a tally here on my blog of the number we are up to, so you can Countdown with me! I will be taking this box everywhere with me, and Hostess Club and Workshop orders will all qualify for an envelope, if they are over $100.

I'm not going to ruin the surprise and tell you what the prizes are, but I will say that each envelope contains a prize of at least $10 in value, and there are some Hostess sets in there too, AND 1 Lucky Person will win a Big Shot - $149.95 value! (if you already own a Big Shot, you can choose Big Shot Dies to the same value)

My hubby had the task of putting vouchers in envelopes, so I have no idea what is in each one, but I will open your envelope as soon as you place your order (either by email, in person or phone) and let you know what you have won!

It's going to be heaps of fun to Countdown the numbers and have so many give-aways throughout the month. Don't forget you'll also qualify for a Sale-a-Bration set with your order of $100!

Email me if you'd like to place your order and win!
Wish me luck, and thanks in advance for your support :o)