June Challenge - Step it Up!

Are you ready for another challenge?
Anyone can enter....if you don't have a blog, you can email a pic of your creation to me, and I can show it on my blog, or you can use any photo hosting website.
This month's challenge is to make a card, and then "step it up".
You might like to add brads, buttons, ribbon, glitter, more layers - anything you like just to make the card a bit more special. You can either take a card you have already made, and just make a "stepped up" version of it or you can start from scratch and make 2 versions of the same card, one plain and one stepped up. Just make sure you show both versions in your blog post.
You have until June 30 to make your creations!

Here's my original card. It's a nice quick and simple one, perfect for a make-and-take (in fact it was the make-and-take at the workshop I did on Friday night - Hi Wendy and Sarah!)

And here it is "stepped up":

I've added some more layering, and sponged the layers. I've also added some brads, ribbon and silver hodgepodge as embellishments, and I've cut out the 2 butterflies and popped their wings up with dimensionals, and added some glitter too. Here's a close-up:

I'm going to try Mr Linky this month, but if it doesn't work (I don't have much faith in technology) just leave a link to your cards in the comments section of this post.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you all come up with! I'll pick my favourite at the end of the month, and the winner will receive a sample pack of Stampin' Up! embellishments.

Materials (all Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Priceless, Sincere Salutations, So Swirly Jumbo Wheel
Ink: Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery
Cardstock: Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Other: White gel pen, Large Oval Punch, Designer Label Punch, Styled Silver Hodgepodge hardware, Dimensionals, Wide Celery Grosgrain ribbon, sponge daubers, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

A New Month!

It's hard to believe it's December already, but with it brings a new Catalogue, a new promotion, and they've even extended one of the November promotions for a bit longer!

The Summer Mini is LIVE, and isn't it gorgeous?? I just love all those papers, and I have a favourite stamp set already....read on for some Blog Candy ;o)

The promotion for December is just amazing. You can get 20% off 12 great items, just by spending $20. It's not often you can get a set of 6 stamps for just $16.76!

Here's the list of all the items that are 20% off:

Festive Favourites stamp set (page 27) was $45.95 now only $36.76
Crazy For Christmas stamp set (page 28) was $39.95 now only $31.96
Snow Flurries stamp set (page 29) $20.95 now only $16.76
Tag Time stamp set (page 43) $53.95 now only $43.16
Many Merry Messages stamp set (page 111) $64.95 now only $51.96
12″x12″ Days-to-Remember Calendar (page 133) was $20.95 now only $16.76
6″x6″ Days-to-Remember Calendar (page 133) was $18.95 now only $15.16
Winter Bright Simply Scrappin’ (page 138) was $36.95 now only $29.56
Three for You Punch Box (page 138) was $85.95 now only $68.76
Very Vanilla 5/8″ grosgrain ribbon (page 146) was $14.95 now only $11.96
Certainly Celery 5/8″ grosgrain ribbon (page 146) was $14.95 now only $11.96
White Square Aluminium Metal Edge tags (page 147) was $7.50 now only $6.00

The Single Marker Promotion has been extremely popular, and now you have until December 14 to take advantage of it. Woo Hoo!

Now I thought it's about time for some Blog Candy of my own...tell me which is your favourite paper from the Summer Mini - Afternoon Tea, Bali Breeze, or Ginger Blossom - AND have a guess at which stamp set is my favourite? The winner will be drawn at random later in the week, and will get some Felt Fusion Flowers to try. Open to Australian residents who aren't Stampin' Up! demos (but feel free to have a guess anyway, and let me know in your comment if you aren't eligible!)

And now for a card...this is the card we made at my Catalogue Launch night, a nice simple one:

Stamps: In the Stars, Lots of Dots (Jumbo Wheel)
Ink: Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Night of Navy
Cardstock: Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Other: Large Star Punch, Small Star Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Wild Wasabi Double-Stitched ribbon, Wheel guide

A Quick one!

I can't believe I only have a few more days to show you cards from the Spring Mini Catalogue! That means YOU only have a few more days to order from it!!
This is a really quick card, perfect for those times when you have to dash out the door, and realise that you need a card for someone.
Just grab a pre-cut and scored A6 card and matching C6 envelope. Wheel the "It's beautiful" Jumbo wheel (from the Spring Mini) in Certainly Celery. Punch out some Groovy Guava and So Saffron flowers using the "One of a Kind"stamp set (from the Spring Mini) and the matching "Boho Blossoms" punch (also from the Spring Mini) and stick them on using the 2-way glue pen. Stamp the large flower from "One of a Kind" (did I mention that this is from the Spring Mini, and it's only $35.95? ;o) in Groovy Guava ink and colour using a sponge dauber, and pop a flower in the centre using a Dimensional. Stamp 'for you' (also from "One of a Kind") in Groovy Guava, and finish with some Groovy Guava ribbon and some Dazzling Diamonds glitter. Just apply 2-way glue where you want the glitter, sprinkle it on, and tap off the excess...no need to even wait for it to dry! How quick is that?

12 Cards of Christmas - Card 2

Here's another card using predominantly non-Christmas sets. A bit more modern and funky this time. Just one Christmas Jumbo wheel is all you need, along with an alphabet stamp set and a circle motif. I used Big Pieces for the "o", but you could use any circular design.
I also used non-traditional colours for this one - Tempting Turquoise and Real Red.
I just wheeled the background in Tempting Turquoise ink (I initially used the Wheel Guide to line this up, but with a bit of practise, I managed it without). I added some glitter to the centre of the "o" using my 2-way glue pen as a finishing touch.

We also made this one in Certainly Celery and Real Red at the Stamp-a-Stack, which looked rather noice....but then I am partial to a bit of Celery ;o)

Stamps: Big Deal alphabet, Big Pieces,All About Christmas Jumbo wheel
Inks: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White
Other: Tempting Turquoise Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red Striped Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2-way glue pen

A wonderful bargain!

This was my other September Stamp-a-Stack design. You can see the first one here. These cards were really quick to whip up, using punches, wheels and the Wonderful Favourites set. Did you know that this set is the bargain of the catalogue? It's priced at $40.95 in the US catalogue, and $39.95 in ours *oops!* So, it should be around $77.95 BIG oops! Check out all the stamps you get in the set (23 of them!) on page 119.
It's a great set to scrapbook with, and for those difficult male cards (stamp "Wonderful Father-in-law" and pair it with some masculine patterned paper, and you are done!). I made my cards more with kids in mind, but they could really go to anybody. By the way, I'm allowed to put "my favourite daughter" on there, because I only have one ;o)
I think these are pretty self-explanatory, but let me know if you have any questions.
One little TIP: to make the 'leaves' for the flowers, I just punched a Celery flower, and trimmed off a couple of petals, and stuck it behind a flower.

Stamps: Wonderful Favourites, Jumbo Star Wheel, Jumbo It's Beautiful Wheel (mini catalogue), In the Spotlight (level 2 Hostess)
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Brocade Blue, Night of Navy, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Brocade Blue, Night of Navy, Real Red
Other: Word Window punch, 5-Petal Flower punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Large Star punch, Small Star punch, Silver Brads, Wide Celery Grosgrain, Red Striped Ribbon, Dimensionals

As promised....

I'm back again!
I just love this set 'Big Bold Birthday'. It's 20% off this month, and it's a great set to be a bit creative with, and turn the shapes into different things. My favourite thing to make though, is the cupcake, with all that pink fluffy frosting. Cupcakes seem to be everywhere at the moment!
I used the matching Happy, Happy Birthday Jumbo wheel on the Old Olive background cardstock. I used the wheel guide to line it up straight. Not all wheels need the guide, but it sure helps when you really want it to be straight!
The Soft Sky cardstock is textured. I have to remember to pull out my textured cardstock more often. It's tucked away on my shelf, as it doesn't fit in my filing cabinet with my other cardstock, so I always forget it's there. The cupcake base has been stamped in So Saffron ink, and cut out. I inked the frosting in Regal Rose ink, and then 'kissed' the spotty stamp on it to remove some ink, and then stamped on Whisper white cardstock and cut it out also, and popped it up using Dimensionals. I also stamped and cut out the candle and little flower (and put a silver brad in the centre). I mounted it all on a large aluminium-edged circle. I used rub-ons on the Regal Rose ribbon, and stapled the edge with a regular stapler. I used mini glue dots to hold the other edge in place. I inked 'make a wish' using So Saffron, Old Olive and Regal Rose markers, and cut the words out separately.

Last day to Free Wheel!

Well, the promo actually finishes tomorrow, but today is the last day you can Free Wheel with me. We're heading off camping with a couple of other families tomorrow morning. It's school holidays here in NSW, so we're taking advantage of the lovely Spring weather (hoping it holds out!) to get away from it all for a couple of days.

This is a nice quick card I made with my favourite bundle on offer, 'Priceless' and 'So Swirly'. I'll send this card to anyone who orders a Free Wheelin' bundle with me by 9pm tonight, and I'll also include a little thankyou bonus thrown in! Email me to take advantage of this offer.
I think this card is fairly self-explanatory. The only slightly tricky bit is to get the shading on the butterflies wings, I inked the butterfly in Almost Amethyst first, and then sponged Lovely Lilac ink on the stamp with a dauber, before stamping on Whisper White cardstock.

Stamps: Priceless, Short and Sweet, So Swirly Jumbo Wheel
Ink: Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery
Cardstock: Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Other: White gel pen, Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch

I Enjoy Team Meetings!

This was the card that I designed for the make-and-take at our last team meeting. I have a meeting every month with my team (Stampers Anonymous) to share our stamping creations and experiences, as well as business tips and information, over a cuppa and some yummy treats. We all take turns bringing the nibblies, and preparing the make-and-take, and this time it was my turn for the make-and-take!
Even as my team grows, I don't ever want to stop stamping together...it's so much a part of what we are about. This make-and take is really simple, and didn't take long to make, even having to share all the supplies. We all pitched in and made some extras, so that I could mail them out to all the girls who couldn't make it to the meeting.
I used the Daisy Dash wheel in Versamark ink on the background, and filled in the flower centres with a white gel pen. 'Enjoy' (from the Spring Mini) has been stamped in Blue Bayou ink on Whisper white cardstock. The small flower and words (from the same set) have been stamped in Purely Pomegranate ink. I punched the flower out with the 1/2" circle punch, and popped it up using Dimensionals, and the words have been punched out with the word Window punch (it beats trying to stamp it straight!). A piece of the gorgeous double stitched Purely Pomegranate ribbon adds that finishing touch.
This would make a great masculine card, by substituting the flowers for stars, spots, or something more 'manly'. I love the way 'enjoy' fills the card up so nicely that it leaves very little work to do!

A Dud!

Every now and then I like to show you a card that I really don't like....just to show you that we all make things that don't turn out the way we want them to!
I was thinking the other day that I'd like to make a card with this colour combo - Groovy Guava, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla (it even sounds yummy!). And I was also thinking that I hadn't made a No Cutting card for ages (go here to see what I'm talking about). The "Free Wheeling" Promo was the perfect excuse I needed to make a card combining these 2 thoughts (I don't need much encouragement to make a card!).
So I whipped this one up in just a few minutes, immediately hated it, and it has sat on top of my filing cabinet ever since! I wasn't even going to show you all, but I do think it's good to know that we all make duds sometimes :o)

Let me know how you think I could improve this card, or whether I need to toss it, and start over!

Stamps: Priceless, So swirly Jumbo Wheel
Card: Groovy Guava, Very Vanilla
Ink: Blush Blossom, Groovy Guava, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla
Other: Kraft Taffeta Ribbon

A Quick one!

This is a card I made to match the bag-a-lope in THIS post. This is a great card for those times when you need to dash out the door to a party, and you realise you haven't got an appropriate card made.
Simply grab an A5 Whisper White card (you can buy these in a pack of 20 for $11.50, with envelopes, and they are even pre-cut and pre-scored for you!), wheel "So Swirly" in Bashful Blue, stamp the butterfly from "Priceless" in Purely Pomegranate, and the small flower in Blue Bayou. Add a greeting (mine is from "Short and Sweet") and some ribbon, and you are done! I stamped the envelope to match, and also added a bit of sparkle with 2-way glue and Dazzling Diamonds glitter.
How easy is that?? Now if that hasn't convinced you to take part in This Month's Promotion, I don't know what will.
Now I really do have to dash out the door to a party...a Stampin' Up! Party of course! We're making Christmas cards tonight (Hi Deb and girls!)

Free Wheelin'

Stampin' Up! have announced a great promotion for September. You can read all about it HERE

There are 6 stamp sets to choose from, and with the purchase of each, you get a FREE Jumbo wheel!

I really like all the sets they've selected, but my favourite would have to be "Priceless" and the "So Swirly" wheel....I'm just a swirly kind of gal!

This is a cute little bag-a-lope I made using Priceless and So Swirly:

A bag-a-lope is a gift bag made out of an envelope. They're really easy. If you haven't tried one before, here's how you do it. Just take an ordinary envelope and seal it shut. The bigger your envelope, the bigger your gift bag will be. Then chop off one of the sides to form the opening for your bag. Score the other 3 sides at about 2cm. You can score at any length really; the further in your score line is, the wider the sides of your bag will be. Fold along each of your score lines in both directions. Now when you put your hand inside the envelope, you should be able to form it into a bag shape, with a flat bottom. You will have 2 small triangles that you need to adhere to the base with some Sticky Strip (extra-strong double-sided tape).
If you have any trouble following these directions, email me, and I can send you some more visual instructions in a word file!

Before I turned my envelope into a gift bag, I wheeled it with So Swirly Jumbo wheel in Bashful Blue ink. I then randomly stamped the small flower from "Priceless" in Blue Bayou ink, and the words 'so kind' in Purely Pomegranate. I made a flap for the top of my bag-alope from Purely Pomegranate cardstock, and scalloped the edge with the Corner Rounder punch (guard removed). The butterfly is also from Priceless, and has been matted on Bashful Blue, and then a scalloped circle of Blue Bayou. I used a white gel pen to add dotted highlights to the scallop. Blue Bayou double stitched ribbon holds the flap shut.

Bag-a-lopes are really cute as lolly bags for parties, or for holding a small gift. When I demo these at workshops, I use it to hold the Hostess gift or door-prize - usually a small stamp....now that's a perfect gift! ;o)

I'm Back!

I had the most relaxing weekend away, tasting wine and enjoying delicious food and the company of dear friends...but since then it's been all go, and here it is, Wednesday already, and it's my first Blog entry for the week! I still have lots to do, including sending this month's newsletter out, so this will be a quick one.

I am running a class every night this week. Last night was a Stamp-a-Stack class. I run these every Tuesday night (and one Tuesday morning) and the same class runs for a month. So last night was the fifth time I've run the class this month (phew!)

Everyone made 8 cards. This was one of the designs:
Rather than making 4 identical cards, I like to give them the option of making 4 cards that are the same, but different. We used the Priceless set, with the addition of 2 Jumbo Wheels (So Swirly and Star) and made 2 girly cards and 2 for the boys.

The colours are Groovy Guava, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi for the girls and Pumpkin Pie, Blue Bayou and Wild Wasabi for the boys.

If you like the idea of making a "stack" of cards in one sitting, you can check out some other Stamp-a-Stack designs in the "Stamp-a-Stack" category over there ----------->

My repeat Hostesses often like to have a Stamp-a-Stack party for their next Workshop booking rather than a traditional workshop. This way, everyone pays a small fee, but gets to take home a whole bunch of cards. Contact me if you'd like to book a Stamp-a-Stack party in your home!

Blending colour directly on rubber

A few of you have asked how I did the multi-coloured flower image in my last post, so I thought I'd go into a bit more detail and also show you another example. Applying colour to a bold stamp before you stamp it is one of my favourite ways to add impact to a card. It's quicker than watercolouring a line art image, but still looks great. You simply use markers to colour directly on to the rubber in whatever shades you desire.
Here, I've coloured with Almost Amethyst on the outer rims of the petals, and Apricot Appeal towards the centre, using the brush-tipped end of my marker. I've left a small blank space where the 2 colours would meet, which is where I'll do some blending. Use a fine-tipped Aquapainter with water in it, but dry the tip off on a tissue, so it isn't too wet. Then, just blend the 2 colours together. You don't want to end up with a muddy brownish colour, so don't overwork it. A few strokes should do it. Then stamp onto Whisper White or Very Vanilla cardstock, and hold your stamp down on the paper for a few seconds, to allow the colour to soak in. I've found that you won't get a very good result on other types of cardstock.
Next, I've done some 2-step-stamping with this image, where I've inked up the matching line image with my markers, and stamped it over the top of the bold image, to give a dimensional look.
The vellum has been wheeled with the Scatter Sunshine Jumbo wheel in White Craft ink. I've attached most of it behind the main image, so the adhesive won't show, with just a few bits of Snail adhesive behind some of the whiter flowers. The Snail adhesive is invisible under vellum if you use it behind a patterned area. I've torn the bottom of the Apricot Appeal cardstock.
The rest of this card is pretty simple: paper piercing in the corners, 3 Apricot Appeal brads in the lower right-hand corner for balance (I used the Paper Piercing template to get them lined up straight!)
I hope that helps those of you who have had trouble colouring and blending straight onto your stamps. Those of you who haven't tried it, why not give it a go!

NEWSFLASH! There will be a new mini coming out on the 1st August, and I received my Demonstrator copy today (one of the things I love about being a demo is getting to see it all first!). We get to pre-order on the 1st July, and I have an enormous wishlist already. Some of the sets I've been eyeing off on US blogs will be here really soon....YAY! Email me if you desperately want to know if your favourites have made it here!

Carte Postale Wedding and a Special Offer!

I'm off to Queensland tomorrow for my Cousin's Wedding, so you won't be hearing from me until Sunday.

This is the card I made for Justine and her new hubby-to-be, James. I always make Wedding cards and baby cards with a recipient in mind. It doesn't seem right to keep them in stock, and something about these major life events makes me want to sit down and make a card to mark the occasion.
This was a tricky one to photograph, with all the embossing. I started by wheeling a piece of Brushed Silver Cardstock with 'Leaves a la Carte' Jumbo wheel in Versamark ink. I sprinkled silver embossing powder over it, and heat-embossed. Something about embossing adds instant elegance! I attached this to a layer of Buckaroo Blue (retiring In Colour), and then to my Whisper White card base. Then I mounted a panel of Whisper White and Buckaroo Blue. I've used the floral emblem from Carte Postale, and had lots of fun cutting and punching various layers, and finished off with a Rhinestone brad in the centre (these will be available in our new catalogue on April 1!). The word 'love' has been stamped in Versamark on a strip of vellum, so you can see the scroll motif stamped behind it. I know the bridesmaids are in blue, which is why I chose that colour. I hope they like it!

Since it's the Last Week of the Summer Mini Catalogue, I'm running one last Special Offer. For every $25 you spend in orders from the Summer Mini, you'll go into the draw to win a
$40 Gift Voucher to spend on the New Idea Book & Catalogue!
Orders must be placed by 9pm Monday, March 31

The only products from the Summer Mini that made it through to our new Catalogue are:
Backyard BBQ, Flip-Flops wheel
Bud Basics, Basic Outline wheel
Carte Postale, Leaves a la Carte Wheel
Round Tab Punch, Spiral Punch
Wide Grosgrain Ribbon (Chocolate, Celery, Vanilla)
5x5 Art Journal

That means NO Stem Silhouettes, NO French Flair, NO gorgeous papers, and NONE of the other gorgeous Stamp sets *sob*
Place your order by next Monday if you want any of these products.

Don't forget it's also your last chance to order retiring items too....that includes all the current In Color range. So, if you have in Color inkpads, you may like to stock up on some cardstock to go with them!

Sunny Boy Tutorial

Here is the tutorial I promised you! Those of you in the U.S. would know these as Sour Cream containers, but here in Australia they're Sunny Boy containers. They are really quick and easy to make, and a great way to package up a couple of little Easter gifts. Enjoy!

1. Cut a piece of A4 cardstock in quarters (14.8 x 10.5cm). You can use a larger piece to make bigger containers, but this size is really cute! I've used almost Amethyst.

2. Stamp as desired (because who wants a plain container??) I've used the Twinkle wheel (retiring) in Lovely Lilac.

3. Score 1cm from each end, with your cardstock in Portrait orientation (my team members know this step really well, because I told them to do it the wrong way in our meeting last week *blush*). I used my trimmer with a Scoring Blade, but you could also use a Bone Folder and a Ruler.

4. Apply Sticky Strip along one of the shorter edges. Sticky Strip is extra-strong double-sided tape...this stuff really does STICK!

5. wrap your cardstock around a cardboard tube (a used paper towel roll or loo roll does nicely!) This is not essential, but makes it easier to form a smooth tube shape. Peel the backing off the Sticky Strip and affix along the opposite edge of the cardstock to form a tube.

6. Flatten one edge with your bone folder. Try and make sure the join is not exactly in the middle, but slightly to one side. Use a piece of Sticky Strip to join this end together

7. Flatten the opposite end with your bone folder, this time at right angles to your other side. You can join the ends together with Sticky Strip, or punch a couple of holes and tie a piece of ribbon through it to hold it closed.

8. Punch a tag using the greeting of your choice. I've used the Bunny Hugs set (retiring) in the Summer Mini. I punched 2 tags, and stuck them together and then watercoloured them.

Attach your tag with some pretty ribbon. I've used Pink Organdy (retiring)

Please let me know by email if any of those steps aren't clear, or if you have any trouble!

Pink Buds

Bud Basics is one of my favourite stamp sets from the Summer Mini. I seem to pull it out again and again. I love the way the Jumbo Wheel co-ordinates with the Stamp set. It makes it so quick and easy to decorate cards, bags and boxes.
The colours I've used here are Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose, with a dash of Celery. The ribbon is the "Flirty" ribbon from the Summer Mini. The flower has been popped up on Dimensionals, and I've added a pink brad to the centre.

The Fifth Day!

This is one for those of you who haven't even starting making their cards yet! It's my famous No Cutting Card, in it's Christmas garb! See this post for an explanation!
I've used 'Bouquet' Jumbo wheel on a piece of Kraft cardstock, cut to the size of my cardfront. If you wanted to make a whole batch of these, you would leave your sheet A4 size, and cut it in quarters after you had stamped. I love the Bouquet wheel. I can use it all year round as a florally background, and then colour it green and red, and viola it's a Christmas wheel!
I've used my Aquapainter and a couple of drops of re-inker onto my inkpad lid for a good depth of colour. I've added some highlights with the White Gel Pen (I can't tell you how many of these I go through... I use them all the time!)
The rest of the card is really easy. I've used Always Artichoke as my card base. Just tear off part of the front, and attach your Kraft piece behind the tear. It all looks nice and neat on the inside too. Liz has taken it a step further in this post on her blog, by using the torn-off piece too. Clever!
I've stamped Season's Greetings (from 'Many Merry Messages') in Whisper White ink, and coloured a couple of extra leaves and berries, and stuck them on with the 2-way glue pen as a simple little embellishment.

The Third Day of Christmas...

How about 3 hanging ornaments instead of those French hens??
Some of you may recognise this card if you've attended a workshop of mine lately.
I've wheeled the Orchid Opulence piece using the Twinkle wheel, by rolling it in my Versamark pad. TIP: make sure your pad is nice and inky, or your wheel will come out a bit patchy-looking. This has to be one of the most versatile wheels to use all year round! I've also made this card using Pink Passion instead of the Orchid, and it looks fab too!
When the Versamark is dry, paper pierce the top edge using your Piercing tool and mat pack. Next, stamp your ornaments on Whisper White cardstock. I've used Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise and Orchid Opulence inks. Stamp the strings in Going Gray ink. This is a softer alternative to black, when you don't want something quite as stark. It's a lovely silvery grey colour, which I also use a lot for shadows in my watercolouring. I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp my strings in the position I wanted them...well worth the little bit of extra effort! My biggest tip for this tool is to leave it out of it's box, right on your workspace, so it's no effort to get it out!
I made a wavy edge on the bottom of my Whisper White piece using the Cutter Kit. Just do a freehand wave using the cutting blade. Practise on some scrap cardstock first!
The final step is to use a Green Galore marker to ink "JOY" from the "Peace Joy Love" stamp in All Year Cheer I.
A bright and cheery card in some non-traditional colours!

Party, Party!

I've got a few last Spring Mini cards to show you, since this is the LAST WEEK of the Spring Mini, and then I'll be launching into full-on Christmas mode. I've even got a tutorial that I've been working on to show you later on this week, but it's a surprise!
I've had a busy couple of weeks, and this week I have my "Out with the Old, In with the New" Mini Catalogue Party on Wednesday night. It's going to be heaps of fun. There's a Special Guest stamper, free make-and-takes, prizes, Special offers and a goody bag to take home! I only have a couple of spots left though, so email me if you'd like to come! Then it's Jacob's 7th birthday on Thursday, so I think I'll be partied out by the end of the week.
This is one of those oh-so-difficult masculine cards, made easier with the help of the Round tab punch and the 'Tagger's Dozen' set. I used my trusty markers to ink the stripes individually and echoed the stripes by also inking the candles individually. Then I've echoed (lots of echoes here!)the asterisk candle flames with the 'twinkle' wheel, in Versamark ink, to give a tone-on-tone effect. I punched a window in the stripes with my square punch, and the "Birthdays are the Best" stamp fits perfectly in there.
cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Really Rust, Whisper White
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Really Rust, Mellow Moss, Brocade Blue
Stamps: Dream Come True (stripes), It's Your Birthday, Tagger's Dozen, 'twinkle' wheel
Other: Round Tab Punch, 1 3/8" square punch, Markers

2,4,6,8 Box

I thought I should show you some more creations made using the gorgeous sets in the Spring Mini Catalogue before they disappear at the end of this month and I can't use them anymore *sob!* I'm really going to particularly miss Scribble This, Big Pieces and Polka Dots and Paisley.

Here's a little 2,4,6,8 Box that I made using Polka Dots and Paisley and the Petals Jumbo wheel. I demonstrate a lot of these at workshops and they always get a WOW. There's something magical about turning a flat sheet of cardstock into a 3D item. These little boxes get their name from the fact that you score your A5 cardstock at 2,4,6 and 8 inches. Amy Rysavy has a great tutorial on her blog.

I wheeled my Cool Caribbean cardstock in Tempting Turquoise ink first, then made my box, as per the tutorial. I always use Sticky Strip to assemble all my boxes. It's the only tape that holds them together securely. Then, I just added a quick Celery and White Grosgrain ribbon handle, attached with Tempting Turquoise brads. The Belly band (gotta love that name!) is just a piece of Tempting Turquoise cardstock wrapped around the box, and secured with Sticky Strip. Then I've popped a little embellishment on the front; I've stamped the dots from "Petals and Paisley" on a piece of Whisper White cardstock in Cool Caribbean ink. Then I've inked the flower using a Tempting Turquoise and Certainly Celery marker. I've also used my marker to ink only the word "joy" from "find joy in the little things". I mounted it on a piece of Certainly Celery, and then popped it up using Dimensionals.

It's a perfectly sized little box to pop a little stamp in for my Hostesses. Some little chockies in a Christmas-themed box would make a great gift!