Just a quick one...

I thought I'd pop in quickly to remind you that today is the last day to order from the Summer Mini, and also your last chance to get your hands on a Sale-a-Bration set!

Here are a couple of last-minute projects from the Summer Mini. These were the make-and-takes at my open House on the weekend.

A cute little photo wallet, using "Hello Again":

This is the inside view:

And a simple card using "For Everything":

It's such a pretty set. We also used it to make a Slider Card, in this month's Technique class:

Here is the Slider pulled up, so there's room to write a secret message:

I'm busy getting ready for our Autumn/Winter Mini Blog Hop tonight. Make sure you come back at 9pm, to join in the fun!

I've Done it!

I still can't quite believe it! What seemed an impossible task at the beginning of this month -a mountain too high to climb- I have actually achieved. I use the word "I" very loosely...I feel like I have hand hands helping me up the whole way, and I most certainly couldn't have done it without you all. It's funny, that the reward I thought I was aiming for has become secondary to what I learnt along the way...and I know I'm getting all philosophical now, but isn't that just life in a nutshell? Earning the trip is fabulous, but discovering that I had so much support out there means so much to me and that has been the best thing that has happened this month. So you all have my heartfelt thanks for that.
It is such a relief to be at the top of this mountain!

I have a couple of last Summer Mini projects to show you. Here's a card I made for an embossing workshop a little while ago (Hi Marilyn!)

We embossed Razzle Dazzle in silver. I made the large circle with my Circle Scissor and framed it with a scallop edge. To make the Scallop frame, just punch a scalloped strip using the Scallop Edge punch, make some cuts along the way (every second scallop) and work it around the circle. I also crimped mine too, to give it a ruffled texture. The rest of the card is nice and simple....En Francais background, and some Taffeta Ribbon

TIP: Do you sometimes struggle to find a place for your greeting? Try punching a hole from the front of your card, and popping the greeting inside. For this card, I have a Wide Oval on the inside (with that gorgeous Swirly Oval from Vintage Labels Sale-a-Bration set) and I punched a Large Oval from the front of my card.

ONLY 3 MORE DAYS TO SALE-A-BRATE!

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Razzle Dazzle, Vintage Labels
ink: Night of Navy
card: Bordering Blue, Night of Navy, Whisper white
other: White Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Ede Punch, Circle Scissor, large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, sponge daubers, Crimper

Butterfly Prints Stamp-a-Stack

I can't believe the inkpad caddy STILL hasn't been won! I'm starting to get worried that maybe I forgot to include that voucher in the envelopes (which I know is impossible, because I counted so carefully!). I'm also worried that it will be in Envelope #100 and you will all think this is rigged! (which it's not because I was so careful about not knowing which envelope it was in - I really didn't want to know, or I would give the game away for sure - I have the worst poker face!)

There are only 26 envelopes left, which means you have a 1 in 26 chance of winning it if you place a $100 order! ...I'm trying not to panic that there's just over a week to go and I have no more workshops booked, just several classes and an Open House here on Sunday.

Due to popular demand, I'm holding an extra Stamp-a-Stack class tomorrow (Tuesday night). I have a couple of spots left if you'd like to come along. Here's one of the sets we'll be making:(the other one is HERE). Email me if you'd like to come along and make all 8 cards!

Butterfly Prints (and the co-ordinating punch) has been the most popular set from the Summer Mini. It's a bargain, at $25.95. It's become my go-to set when I need a quick card or tag. I'm really going to miss it when it disappears in a week's time....

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Butterfly Prints, Whimsical Words, Polka Dot Background
ink: Baja Breeze, Basic Grey, Regal Rose
card: Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Basic Grey, Regal Rose, Whisper White
other: White Taffeta Ribbon, Heart-to-Heart Punch, Butterfly punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop[ edge Punch

Happy Moments with Razzle!

I've found Happy Moments to be the most popular Sale-a-Bration set this year. It's just so versatile. It has stamps for all occasions and 3 bonus little greetings too. In my head I have lots more ideas for this set, but I'd better get my act together and stamp them, or I'll run out of time! There's less than 3 weeks left to Sale-a-Brate!
This was one of my February Stamp-a-Stack Designs. I paired Happy Moments with Razzle Dazzle, and I think they are getting along quite nicely together, don't you? Razzle Dazzle is happy to be in the background while Happy Moments takes centre stage! The inside cover of the Sale-a-Bration Brochure provided my inspiration for these cards, and the colour combinations are just some colours I was playing around with that I hadn't used in a while.
I coloured the images with Watercolour Wonder Crayons and an Aquapainter. It's my preferred choice when colouring on Whisper White cardstock.
I made my tag shape by using the grid paper to mark it out evenly. I used the Double Rectangle Punch to punch 2 neat holes for my ribbon.

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Razzle Dazzle, Happy Moments
ink: Whisper White Craft, Versamark,
card: Tempting Turquoise, More Mustard, Going Grey, Real Red, Whisper White, Rose Red, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, So Saffron
other: Watercolour Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter, Double Rectangle Punch, Certainly Celery Grosgrain, So Saffron Striped, Real Red Striped, Real Red Grosgrain.

Butterfly Calendar

Thank you all so much for your support! I've had so many lovely emails and comments from you gorgeous people. I've had Demonstrators offer to place an order through me (so sweet, but of course I said no!) and customers of other Demonstrators offer to place a one-off order through me, just as a thank you "for providing so much Inspiration on my Blog" (she had to twist my arm, but I eventually said OK to that one!). So thank you! As you can see I still have a LONG way to go, but I'm just trying to take one day at a time. At least at the end of this I'll know I've given it my best shot!
In the meantime, I guess I'd better get on with providing some of that Inspiration to you all!
This is the Calendar we made at my Open House in January:

It's an easel card, which I thought would be perfect for displaying a calendar. So super quick and simple, so it would be a terrific one to mass-produce, and easy enough for even kids to do (attention all you school teachers out there!). I went with the stylish colour scheme of Basic Black, Baja Breeze and Whisper White. I love a black, white and one-other-colour combo! Try it next time you're stuck for a colour combination.

Not much explanation required here, just straight stamping (Butterfly Prints from the Mini and Vintage Labels Sale-a-Bration Set) and punching (Wide Oval, Designer Label and Butterfly). I used a Rhinestone brad for the centre of the butterfly. The sentiment has been popped up on Dimensionals so it holds the easel in place.

I got the calendars from a educational craft supplies company. Most of them get the calendars in just before Christmas.

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!

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!

I'm back!

I'm back home, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed and ready to tackle 2010 head-on! We had a lovely break in Port Macquarie. The weather was perfect, and we swam, read, swam some more and just generally chilled out.
Since we got back, we've been getting stuck into assembling desks and cupboards for my Craft Room, and painting upstairs. The Painting Fairy came to visit while we were away (my lovely Dad!) so upstairs has been undercoated, and the ceilings done, and both kids bedrooms walls too. What a lovely surprise that was to come home to! So we just need to do the trims and the rumpus room walls and we'll be done, ready for carpet. When I say 'just the trims', it's 7 doors and architraves, 6 window frames, 2 windows, all the skirting's and the stairwell banisters.....I think I'll stick to thinking of it as 'just the trims'!
Having spent the last 2 months sharing a room, the kids will be really ready to appreciate having their own space!!
I'm looking forward to getting stuck into some stamping too. I'm hoping to set up my desk today (yay!). And I've only got a couple more months to qualify for the Incentive Trip, which was my big goal for this year, and I still have a fair way to go for that, so I'd best get cracking! I'll be sending out my newsletter hopefully today or tomorrow with all the latest specials, class dates and an invitation for an Open House to come and see the renovation in all it's glory. Make sure you are subscribed, using the link over there----->

As you know, I haven't been able to stamp lately, so here's one from the archives. This was a card we made at a team meeting before Christmas. Nice and bright and summery, using 'Butterfly Prints' (from the Summer Mini) paired the 'Flight of the Butterfly' set (from the main catalogue):

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Butterfly Prints
ink: Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Versamark
card: Tempting Turquoise, Kiwi Kiss, Pumpkin Pie, Real red, Whisper White
other: Butterfly Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Square Scallop Punch, Mat Pack, White Gel Pen, Rhinestone Brad, dimensionals

Stop Press: Don't forget the Catalogue Inventory Clearance! 2 stamp sets are now SOLD OUT at the discounted price - 'Jumbo Outline Alphabet' and 'Just Riding'. The others are still available, but only for a limited time!

Twin Butterflies

My adorable twin nieces turned 1 last week (can you believe it??). Even though I know they're too young to appreciate cards and gift-wrapping yet, I knew their Mum would, so I had fun making their cards and pressies the same, but different.
It was a good chance to play with lots of new goodies from the Summer Mini too :o)
I've used Kaleidoscope DSP, "Butterfly Prints" stamp set and matching punch (see my Bundles for a great deal on these!) and the 1 3/4" Circle Punch too (sooo handy!)
I chose blue for Hannah:
It's Tempting Turquoise to match the Kaleidoscope paper. These papers have lots of Bold Brights colours, but they have a slightly faded-out look to them, like well-worn fabric. To co-ordinate with that, I sponged the Tempting Turquoise cardstock with Whisper White Craft ink. My 1 3/4" circle actually started it's life as a plain white circle. First I sponged it in Tempting Turquoise and Green Galore, and then pressed my Versamark inkpad all over it. Then I applied heat-and-stick powder, heated it until it is just sticky, and then applied dazzling diamonds glitter. One more blast of the heat tool to set the glitter and voila - bling! Certainly Celery ribbon and a Rhinestone brad complete the card.
I have to say, I'm loving the butterfly set and matching punch. It sure beats cutting out all those wings!
Of course I had to make wrapping to match. This is a pull-treat pouch: And inside is....

A Colin Buchanan cd! The girls love music already, and I figure you're never too young for memory verses, right?!

Here is Becca's version in Pixie Pink (also sponged with white):

More gift-wrapping to match:And the peek-a-boo surprise inside:

A Colin dvd this time. And hiding behind is a Target voucher for Mummy and Daddy to spend ;o)

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
stamps: Butterfly Prints, Wow Flowers
ink: Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Whisper White
card: Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Whisper White
other: Kaleidoscope DSP, Butterfly Punch, Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon, Word Window Punch, Clear Rhinestone brads, Horizontal Slot punch

Summer Mini Bundles

The Summer Mini is here! If you haven't got your copy yet, simply email me with your address and I will be happy to mail one out to you. You can also view it online HERE.
If your wishlist is huge, why not take part in my Special Offers.....Get a Free Bonus when you purchase my Summer Mini bundles, and joining a Share is a great way to try a sample of everything without blowing the budget.
Places are limited, so don't miss out!
There are 3 Summer Mini Bundles to choose from. You may like to purchase just 1, 2 or even all 3. The more you purchase, the more freebies you will qualify for, and the more chances you have to WIN!

#1 Something Sweet Bundle $75.90*

Something Sweet Stamp Set (p 9) +1 3/4" (4.4cm) Circle Punch (p 8)

= 12 Sweet Treat Cups FREE

#2 Butterfly Bundle $56.90*

Butterfly Prints Stamp Set (p 12) + Butterfly Punch (p 12)

=a marker for FREE (in the colour of your choice) OR 20% off Flight of the Butterfly Stamp Set (Main Catalogue page 82) - $43.16 - over $10 off!

#3 Circle Scissor Bundle $92.90*

Circle Scissor (p 22) + Glass Mat (p 12)

= 2 FREE markers (in the colours of your choice) OR Dotto re-positionable adhesive 50% off ($12.50 instead of $24.95)

For each Bundle you order, you will go into the draw to win any Hostess set of your choice! (Level 1, 2 or 3)

* normal 5% or $5.95 (whichever is greater), Shipping and Handling applies.
Bundles only available until 31st December, 2009

Summer Mini Shares

DESIGNER BUTTONS $10.80
20 buttons (10 Playground, 10 Sherbet)

SCALLOP NOTE CARDS $7.50
9 cards (3 of each colour)

FLEURETTES $5.20
3 handcrafted, crocheted flowers (3 sizes)

REAL RED POLKA DOT RIBBON ¼ roll (approx 2.3m) $5.20

PINK PIROUETTE 1 ¼" RIBBON
¼ roll (approx 2.3m) $3.90

GROMMETS $4.70
12 small and 4 large grommets in 4 colours

Buy all 6 shares for $35 (a saving of over 5%!)

PLACES ARE LIMITED, SO BOOK IN NOW!

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.

The Closing Date for Shares is 14th December, 2009

Send me an email to join a Share!

Summer Mini Blog Hop

It's HERE!

Welcome to the Stampers Anonymous Blog Tour! You may have just come from Sharon'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 14 stops along the way and we hope you will visit each one to see the gorgeous creations we have to show you!

For our first tour we decided to showcase the beautiful new products in the Summer Mini, available to you from December 1st. At the end of each post there will be a link to take you to the next stop on the tour. It would be fantastic if you could “share the love” and leave a comment! So grab a cuppa, sit back, relax and enjoy!

I have 4 projects to show you. First I have a dragonfly card that I made using the (NEW!) "Nature's Nest" Stamp Set. It's a beautiful set to watercolour:

I've used Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa and Not Quite Navy, and coloured on Watercolour paper using Blender Pens and inkpads. I've made the wings and the inner part of the sentiment glossy using Crystal Effects. I've stamped a small flower from the (NEW!) "Razzle Dazzle" set in the background, and the 'friendship' sentiment is from the (NEW!)"For Everything" set. I've layered it on a Designer Label that I cut in half to make narrower. Lots of sponging on this one, and I also crumpled the Not Quite Navy piece and then sponged the creases to give it more texture.

I've gone pink for my next creation:

I've used the very pretty (NEW!)"Razzle Dazzle" set for my main image. I inked up the whole image in Pink Pirouette and then used a Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose marker to highlight parts of it. I made the large circle with the (NEW!) Circle Scissor (love, love, love this tool!) and sponged around it. The sentiment is also from "Razzle Dazzle" and I stamped in Chocolate Chip ink onto Pink Pirouette cardstock and punched it out with the Word Window. Isn't the (NEW!) pink ribbon just to die for? It's so soft and luscious. The white patterned border are (NEW!) "Dots and Designs" Rub-Ons. I layered my card on Kraft cardstock, just to take away from the 'pink-ness' a bit!

The next one is not so girly. I needed to make a card for Jacob's birthday yesterday. 9 year-old boys are pretty hard to impress, but when Jacob opened this card he said "Your cards are getting pretty clever Mum. You'll be doing pop-ups next!" LOL

I had lots of fun making this one....and I used all Bold Brights colours! Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Yoyo Yellow *shock!* I've used the (NEW!) "Something Sweet" set to make a gumball machine, and filled it with mini m&ms. This set co-ordinates with (NEW!)Sweet Treat Cups and the (NEW!) 1 3/4" Circle Punch! There are lots of little details on here - a small (NEW!) silver grommet on the gumball machine, and the (NEW!) ribbon has pretty white polka dots on the other side, but I've used the plain side, which just has stitching. The greeting is a (NEW!) "Chit Chat" Rub-on. Here's a close-up pic:The 'arrow' has been made from a large and small photo corner punch with the ends trimmed off. I didn't want him to have to destroy the card to get at the m&ms, so I made it a slider. And this is what it looks like inside:
When the m&ms are gone, he can still use the slider to reveal the greeting and stamped gum-balls inside.

The final creation I have to show you is a little box with accordion sides and 6 scallop notes inside. I've decorated it all using the (NEW!) "I {heart} hearts" set. Here's the outside of the box:

This is what it looks like from the side:

And inside:And this is the set of (NEW!) Scallop Notes:These are so cute, and the perfect size for a little gift card. They come in a mixed pack of Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette and Chocolate Chip, with Very Vanilla envelopes. Mine all have a punched window on the front, and since the (NEW!)"I {heart} hearts" set co-ordinates with the 2 heart punches, this came together so quickly. I'm thinking this would make a great class in February, or I could do it as a workshop for a group of people at your house...

Well, that’s all from me. Now you’re off to enjoy the wonderful creations of Kerry (the brains behind this whole adventure!). Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Summer Mini Catalogue on line tomorrow (email me if you'd like a hard copy!), and I'll also be hosting some Special Shares and Bundles that I will post up here tomorrow and also send out in my newsletter. Stay tuned for that!