Kylie's Card

This Christmas Card was the favourite choice of my children. Love the look of the Dashing Papers, and the Season of Joy Stamp set. I think Kylie got the card technique from SCS. Isn't it fantastic.

Tracey's Card

Christmas Cards for Tracey is huge. She makes hundreds of cards every year and I think the card she made for our group is very simple and elegant. She admits it's a card that she was shown how to do from a friend so it's not an original, but it is very different to the cards Tracey usually makes and it is always refreshing to look at card making from another angle I think. Thanks Tracey.

Sarina's Card

It is really nice to see the Holiday Thyme papers again. I was really surprised by this card because Sarina mentioned that she was going to do a really simple card and instead attempted the Criss Cross Card. This is great Sarina. Thanks.

Nancy's Card

You can see that Nancy and I had similar ideas for our cards. She has used the Figgy Pudding papers and also the Season of Joy Stamp Set from Stampin' Up. Isn't it lovely. Thanks Nancy.

Linda's card.

This card has plenty of Wow factor. I love a card with hand sewing! It is a tri-fold card. The inner fold has the nativity dry embossed on it and it is really lovely (sorry I didn't take a pic of it). Thanks Linda.

Renae's Christmas Card

This is a card that I received from my friend Renae. I really don't know if the card is an original or not but don't you think it is lovely. Thanks Renae.

Figgy Christmas

Here is a Christmas Card I made for my Scrapbooking friends. Every year we make 6 of the same card and then give them out so that we also recieve 6 different cards. The girls are quite talented. I will show you a few of these cards in the next posts.

In this card I have used Basic Grey Figgy Pudding papers. The stamp set is Solemn Stillness. I love the elegance of this Stampin' Up! stamp set.

Dashing Season

This one is for you Peta. Here is another card using Season of Joy and Dashing double sided papers. Hope you like it.

Navy Season of Joy.

This is the another card by Peta.  I really like that she has used a non-traditional colour combination. It also make me realize how versatile the Season of Joy stamp set is.  The poinsettia stamp was used here.  The card is a variation of a card on SCS.

Wintergreen Joy

Peta was inspired by a card on SCS for this card. It used Soft Sky, Sage Shadow and Whisper White cardstock.  The stamp set used is Season of Joy which was in the Spring Mini Catalogue and sadly is no longer available.  I love how the wintergreen papers co-ordinate with the card colours and the Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon.

Perfectly Peta

My friend Peta has been nice enough to allow me to share some cards that she has made and I will post these over the next couple of days.

I love the layout of this card, and the lovely organza ribbon. Isn't it just lovely.
Thanks Peta.

Tying Up Christmas

Let's start tying up Christmas the Stampin' Up! way. This month is you spend $20 on any product you wil get 20% off 12 selected products which will help you to tie up your Christmas activities. Click here

Products include Stamp sets, ribbons, calendars and tags.

Summer Mini Catalogue

It's time to say goodbye to the Spring Mini Catalogue and a big hello to the Summer Mini Catalogue (AU/NZ). Why not have a peek

Merry Christmas.....Mate

I have been inspired by Claire Daly's wonderful idea. She has been posting 12 days of Christmas cards which has been wonderful. Please use the link to her blog site"Art with Heart" on the right to be inspired. I thought I might give it a go and post my own 12 Cards of Christmas. Let's see if I can do it?

A couple of weekends ago, I went away for the weekend with my crafty friends and we had a great time. We spent the day making cards, and some other off the page projects. Lots of christmas cards were made and this is one of the cards I made. I made quite a few to send out to my family members. I really love water colouring at the moment and in this card I used the Happy Christmas Mate stamp set. The card is an adaptation of the card that is in this years Stampin' Up catalogue. Colours are Real Red, Old Olive and Whisper White. I also used Stampin' Write Markers, watercolouring paper, Old Olive designer series paper and Real Red grosgrain ribbon.

Wonderful Circles

This card was made using the new Eastern Blooms stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalogue. I used the colours from one of Kristina Werner colour challengers. They are Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Rose Red and whisper white. I used the Wonderful Favourites stamp set as well. I think this stamp set is the best valued stamp set in the catalogue.

Bang, Crash, Boom

Sorry but this isn't card related. My poor, poor car. Another car jumped out at mine and this is the result. My car is still at the panel beaters and I really miss it.

More Watercolouring...

Here is a preview of another stamp set that is in the Summer Mini Catalogue. It is the For Father stamp set and I had to have it because I am still loving watercolouring. Card stock colours are Kraft, Wild Wasabi, Ruby Red and watercolouring paper. I also used Stampin' Write markers, Close to Cocoa ink pad and the Sanded background stamp.

Live your Dream

One of my favourite products in the Summer Mini Catalogue is the Afternoon Tea Double Sided Designer Papers, especially the striped paper that I used on this card. The paper co-ordinates with Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip and Groovy Guava and Whisper White. I have also used the Live Your Dreams Stamp set and Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon.
(There are several cards like this on SCS so it is difficult to work out who should have design credits. I think credit should go to Kay Kalthoff but if you think you are the original designer please feel free to let me know and I can change it.)

Eastern Blooms

I am really enjoying the Eastern Blooms stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalogue and I have used it to make this card. I apologize for using Chocolate Chip and blue yet again. It's the colours I use to get my mojo going again and as you can see from my lack of posts over the last few months, my mojo needed a boost.

I was inspired by a card by Dorothy Cate also known as Smart Blonde_2000 on Split Coast Stampers.

Cards coming soon

The promotions for November are exciting but I know you must be wondering where my card examples have got to. I will post some in the next few days. We have had weeks of drizzle and overcast whether which isn't great for taking photos so I will get busy when the sun comes out. It doesn't feel like spring here at the bottom of the world at the moment.
Of course there are plenty of fantastic blogs listed to the right if you are looking for inspiration.

Stay tuned......

Being Single Never Looked So Good

From the 10th - 30th November, you can purchase single Stampin' Write Markers for only $4.95. These dual end markers feature a fine tip for details and writing and also a blush tip for colouring, watercolouring and inking stamps. This is great for when you want to use several colours on the one stamp. These markers have never been sold separately before and it's great to be able to pick and choose the ones we want.

Click here for more details

Christmas Gift Guide.

Well Christmas is fast approaching and Stampin' Up has a great range of gift ideas that will suit all budgets.  Click here to see the Gift Guide If the hardest part is trying to decide, a gift voucher is a great option available to you.  If I can assist you with gift selections, please contact me and I will be happy to help.

World Card Making Day

The 4th October is World Card Making Day and Stampin' Up! is celebrating the creativity of handcrafted cards and the personal connections they forge between friends and family.

To help you enjoy this time Stampin' Up! is offering 20% off all of it's Simply Sent Card Kits from the 4th-11th of October. These sets can be seen in the 2008-2009 Idea Book and Catalogue on pages 12-14. These kits are fantastic for those new to card making or when you need to make a card in a hurry.

Happy Birthday Stampin' Up!

It is Stampin' Up!s 20th birthday this October and they are celebrating by offering a great promotion.  The It's Our Birthday promotion offers 20% of  these selected stamp sets.

Item #	Page	Description	Usual Price	Aust 20%  off Price
112594	37	Big Bold Birthday	$53.95	$43.16
108894	38	Pretty Princess	$45.95	$36.76
108753	51	Birthday Best	$25.95	$20.76
110246	55	Crab & Company	$52.95	$42.36
112318	118	Short & Sweet	$29.95	$23.96

This offer is available from the today until the 31st October.

Holiday Harmony Buckle

This is my first attempt at a buckle card and I was surprised to discover that it is easier than it looks. I really love the  Season of Joy stamp set and the Holiday Harmony double sided designer papers from the Spring Mini Catalogue. I also used the Merry Christmas stamp from the Occasional Greetings stamp set.  The stamped image was made using the Rose Red and Always Artichoke Stamp Write Markers.  It case you haven't guessed it the card colours are Always Artichoke, River Rock, Purely Pomegranate and Very Vanilla.  

Bloomin' Again

I'm still in love with the Bloomin' with Beauty stamp set.  This card was made using Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Mellow Moss, Purely Pomegranate and the SU watercolour paper.  Other stamp sets used were Circle of Friendship and En Francais.  Accesories are Purely Pomegranate satin ribbon and Stampin' Write Markers. I used the corner rounder to make the scallop on the edge of the Very Vanilla card.  Rumour has it that there is a scallop edged punch coming soon. We used one at Regionals and it is so easy to use and looks great.

Coach Thank You

 I made this card for one of my daughter's netball coaches to say thanks for the effort they had put in.  You have to admire 14 year olds who dedicate their time to coach younger girls.  They really did a great job.

I fell in love with a card that uses this layout by the very talented Kristina Werner. I have altered the colours, paper and message. The card is Pretty in Pink and uses retired papers from last years mini catalogue.  There is no stamping involved! The 'T' is covered chip and the 'hanks' was printed on the vellum from the computer.  Back to stamping next time!

Girly card

This week it was my daughter's birthday.  In fact it was the birthday of 5 of the girls in her group of friends at school.  Three of which are on the same day, one is the next day and then another one two days later.  It is a busy week!

This card I made for one of her friends.  The card is a copy of card by Sarah Gough with a change of colours and a bit of cuttlebugging. I used the Garden Whimsy, Polka Dot background and Circle of Friendship stamp sets. Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose and Certainly Celery card and inks were also used with Whisper White card.

Thanks for looking.

 

Cuttlebug Folder Cover

I made this!!!!  I didn't cover something I bought.  I actually made this folder. I covered it, mod podged and decorated it.  As you can tell I am really quite happy that I finished it.  I often struggle to finish most things that aren't cards so I was a little proud of myself.  Inside this cover is my cuttlebug embossing folders.

Let me know if you are interested in seeing the inside and I will add a pic.  

Another Girly Birthday card

This is a card my daughter made for one of her school friends for her birthday. It is a direct copy of a card but I don't have the name of the original creator, I am sorry.  So if this is yours please let me know. I just wanted to post it because I am proud of her efforts.

Got to love Regionals

Last weekend I drove to Perth to attend the Stampin' Up! Regionals.  It was very exciting to get to use products and stamp sets that aren't available in Australia yet.  I will definately be getting the scalloped edge punch when it arrives.  I really loved doing the card swaps and I will make sure that I make a lot more cards next time.  It is great to have over 20 cards to inspire me though.

Above is a picture of the stamp set Live Your Dreams and the great things we made while we were at regionals. The top folder holds 3 small cards and matching envelopes.  We also made 2 cards and a 6" x6" scrapbooking page.  This is definately one of the perks of being a demonstrator.  I love having these exclusive stamps.

We were also very lucky to have some very talented women talk to us.  Makeesha Byl gave us another perspective of the catalogue layouts, Cathy Clark inspired us with new techniques using the Stampin' Around ink cartridges and Sarah Klass taught us how to make beautiful gift boxes. Makeesha has updated the information she provided onto her blog, so make yourself a cuppa and sit back and have a read. 

Preppy Father's Day

This card was made using East Coast Prep paper.  I am sorry that I can't name the person who inspired this card but there are a few cards at SCS using these papers and colours together. Card colours are More Mustard, Real Red, Wild Wasabi and Tempting Turquoise.  Stamps used are from the Occasional Greetings set and the sanded background stamp.    

Thanks Peta

Somedays you stare at a half finished card and don't know why it isn't right. This card sat on my desk for a week until I asked Peta what I should do next and after a couple of very clever suggestions.......I finished it. Hope you like it.

The colours are Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and River Rock.  I used the Brocade Backgrounds paper yet again and the stamp sets used include, In the Spotlight, Think Happy Thoughts, Be Happy and the retired set Wishing you.

Free Wheelin' Promotion

From the 1-30th September, when you buy a preselected stamp set you'll receive the co-ordinating Stampin' Around wheel absolutely free. .

Dad's Not Neglected

I made this card for my dad for Father's Day on Sunday.  The yacht is from Seaworthy set by stampin' Up.  Do you think my Dad will like it?

Bloomin' Rose

I was inspired by a card by NZ Stampin' Up Demonstrator Sarah Gough.  I really love this rose stamp from the Bloomin' with Beauty set from the Spring Mini Catalogue.  I also used the brocade backgrounds designer paper with Mellow Moss, Very Vanilla and Rose red card.

Sympathy Card

When I made this card, I wanted it to be simple with no flowers and to be suitable for any gender.  As you have probably noticed, Chocolate Chip and Soft Sky with Very Vanilla are one of my favourite colour combination.  The Simply Sent Card Kit use is Simple Delights.

To help celebrate World Card Making Day,  Stampin' Up! is offering the Simply Sent Card Kits at 20% off  between the 4-11 October.  With these kits, card making can't get any easier.

Christmas Card Swap

Here is a card I made for a christmas card swap.  I used the Dashing double sided papers.  Real Red, Old Olive and Very Vanilla were the card colours.  Stamp sets used include Many Merry Messages and Season Of Joy.

Craft Room

This is a picture of some of my craft room.  It rarely looks like this because it usually has card making stuff every where!  That is why I took this picture.  You have probably guessed that I have been shopping at Ikea.

Gift Certificates

If you are searching for the perfect gift for a crafty friend or loved one and you don't know what to buy them, why not get them a Stampin' Up! gift certificate.  I can arrange a certificate to the agreed value, presented in a hand crafted gift wallet.

Alternatively, if you have a special occasion coming up, why not let your loved ones know that they can give you a Stampin' Up! certificate.  This saves them from wandering around the shops trying to decide what to buy and you also get exactly what you would like.

Bloom Card

Sorry this card is a bit blurry.  Tried to take this pic several times but it kept moving. LOL.  It is another attempt at watercolouring.   I love this Bloomin' with Beauty stamp set from the spring mini and I know I will have to stop using this stamp to give the others a turn.

Crafty Girls

My daughter had some friends over for card making and this is one of the cards that they made. I made up packs for them to get them started on their first card and then let them free to be creative after that.

Tuesday's Tip

I think our blender pens are the best and I use mine a lot so when the blender pen becomes empty, this is what you can do.  Instead of buying a new set of blender pens, you can use this blender pen refill recipe.

Blender Pen Refill Recipe

2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons of glycerin

5 tablespoons of distilled water

1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol

Put the ingredients in a small jar and just let the tip of the pen soak up the liquid for about half an hour.  Then soak the other end of the pen.

Season Of Joy

Now could be the "Season of Joy" after seeing the new Spring Mini Catalogue. This card was made using the "Dashing" double sided papers with Mellow Moss, Old Olive and Real Red card. It also has Mellow Moss and Old Olive inks.   Using the large and small square punches makes this card simple. It is inspired by a card by "cardsandmore" on SCS.

I made this card because I wanted to  explore water colouring.  Don't look too close, I am only a beginner. This card was made using the Bloomin' with Beauty stamp set.  Night of Navy, Balley Blue and Almost Amethyst card was used.  

Spring Mini Catalogue

I got a sneak peek of the new Spring Catalogue which will be available from the 1st August.  It really is impressive. I have already put in my pre order and can't wait until the new products arrive. I will be able to start making cards straight away because the stamp sets are all pre-cut. Yay!

I am really looking forward to sharing this with you.  If you live in Albany and surrounding areas and would like a copy of the new mini catalogue.  I am happy to deliver one to you at the beginning of August.  If you would like to be the first of your friends to host a workshop using the new products from this Mini Catalogue, contact me and we can make plans. 

Join Stampin' Up!?

If you've ever thought of becoming a Stampin' Up demonstrator, now is a great time.  From the 1 July through to the 15 August,  you will receive $25 of the Starter Kit.  This means that you will receive over $560 worth of fantastic Stampin' Up product for just $299.  You will get a 20% discount off your product purchases (excluding supply items and shipping), with 30% of your first order.  You will also get access to the demonstrator website which is full of great ideas and information, not to mention support from me of course.

If you would like to know more, please contact me for a free no obligations, information pack.

Three Becomes Thirty-Four

Above is the level one hostess set, "So Many Sayings" but you probably have noticed that it isn't mounted on the 3 blocks that are part of the package.  I recently purchase these blocks from another Stampin' Up!  demonstrator whose husband is a carpenter.  Having the stamps individually mounted allows me the versatility of being to pick and choose the stamps I want to use quickly and it is a little easier than highlighting the sentiment I want with a Stampin' Marker.

I think it is great value too.  For $6.50(the cost of the blocks) I have 34 stamps instead of 3.

If you think you would like to do the same with this set, I am happy to pass on the details of where to get the blocks.

Dahlia Card

My friend Peta was kind enough to show me how to do a Dahlia fold and this is one of the cards I made using the Berry Bliss double sided designer papers.  Cardstock colours are Chocolate chip, Close to cocoa, Pretty in pink and Purely pomegranate. I also used the En Francais background stamp with Chocolate chip ink and sponged the edges of the card with Close to cocoa and Purely pomegranate ink. I hope you like it.

Sleepover

My daughter had three friends sleep over on the weekend.   My dh took the girls and my son for a hit of golf which they all really enjoyed.  I tagged along and enjoyed the walk.  

After dinner the girls decided to explore my craft room.  Being creative kept them busy for hours and they continued with this in the morning.   I was pretty sick with the dreaded lurgy so I didn't even think twice about the fact that there were four eleven year olds attacking my precious Stampin' Up products.

I am so glad that I let the girls go free in the craft room.  There enthusiasm about creating was impressive and they were hinting for an invite to come back again next weekend to make cards and boxes again. Above is a photo of what they made. 

Garden Whimsy

I really like these three in-colours together.  Although these colours have only been in Australia for a couple of months, I have really grown attached to Soft sky, Blue bayou and Groovy guava.

The stamp sets used are Garden Whimsy and Baroque Motifs. Ink colours are Soft sky, Blue bayou and Groovy Guava.  The photo corner punch and spring bouquet punch was also used.