Lady & the Stamp

A Distressing Technique

2012-02-13T07:41:00.000-05:00

Today's technique on Splitcoast is "Wrinkle Free Distressing" ... pretty simple to do, and very effective. Here's a link to the tutorial. I would never have tried this technique, it just isn't my usual Clean and Simple style, but I love the challenges on Splitcoast because they, well, challenge me! Not sure I love this card, but it does show the technique off ... you can make your own mind up!

Recipe
Stamps : Elementary Elegance
Ink : Soft Suede, Pool Party, Peach Parfait
Cardstock : Peach Parfait, Watercolour Paper
Accessories : Label Punch, Dimensionals, Water Spray Bottle, Acetate

Valentine's With a Twist

2012-02-09T07:53:00.002-05:00

The Ways to Use it Challenge today on SCS is to make a Valentine without using RED or PINK. I chose to use Pool Party which is an icy blue. Clean, Simple and really nothing to this one ... much nicer than the 'hot mess' from yesterday! The photo makes my paper piecing look red ... but it's Calypso Coral on there, not red or pink, I promise!!!

Recipe
Stamps : Best of Everything
Ink : Soft Suede, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Everyday Enchantment DSP, Pool Party
Accessories : Paper Snips, Scissors, Dimensionals

Colour Challenge & Sketch Challenge

2012-02-08T07:39:00.002-05:00

This is the sketch for today's Splitcoast Challenge and my card, affectionately called 'Hot Mess' ... boy, isn't it awful? LOL. I put it on to show you that I really can't do Vintage, try as I might! What a mish mash ... hee hee.

And back to my comfort zone ... here are 2 other cards I made yesterday for the colour challenge, Poppy Parade, Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight. Not my faves, but I enjoyed making them 'Clean & Simple' :)

Recipes
Hot Mess Card : All SAB products, Everyday Enchantment DSP & Fresh Vintage
CAS Cards : Season of Friendship tree, Pocketful of Posies DSP

Mum's Birdie

2012-02-07T10:13:00.000-05:00

My gorgeous sister put together a little stocking filled with yumminess for me for Christmas. In it were some Cath Kidston goodies (OK, if you don't know me, then you need to know that I am a MASSIVE CK fan, her stuff just reminds me of home ...). I also got this adorable lavender filled bird to hang in my closet. Hang in a closet? In the dark? Where it can't be seen? Nooooooo .... it's hanging on my Ott Lite on my desk and I look at it (and smell it) every day. So today I looked at it and thought I should try to make a paper version .....

... and as I'm fiddling around trying to make my 'Twitterpated' bird, I am constantly thinking about my Mum who is feeling VERY poorly with Shingles. She's had it for a number of weeks and is slowly, slowly, slowly improving but she's really been hit hard with it and I'm worried about her, and wishing I lived near her so I could pop in with this cute bird to cheer her up. BUT, I can post it, and it will be with her in about a week. Good enough mum? Wait until you see him, he's so much cuter in the flesh :) Here are close-ups ...

So when you receive him, Mum, know that those hearts he's holding in his beak are filled with love from me ~ and I hope you will be even more improved by then. Love you! And thanks to my lovely big sister, Sarah, for sending the lavender bird in the first place. I love you too!!!

Recipe
Stamps : Sentiment from Tea Shoppe
Ink : Soft Suede
Cardstock : Cherry Cobbler, Shimmery White & Twitterpated DSP
Accessories : Lots of Punches! Twitterpated Buttons, Twine, Dimensionals, Sponge

A Stripes Challenge

2012-02-06T07:26:00.001-05:00

Today's Splitcoast Technique Challenge is to make stripes out of cardstock, or designer paper. What a great idea! I wanted to use the new Twitterpated DSP, because it's just lovely AND because that's the design focus for the Creative Crew this month.

Here's a closer look at the Blossom Punch. I made 2 blossoms, sponged the edges lightly with soft suede ink and made little snips down the petals so I could 'fan' them out. I love the way you can make this punch do so many different things ...

Recipe

Stamps : Mixed Bunch

Ink : Cherry Cobbler

Cardstock : Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Twitterpated DSP

Accessories : Blossom Petal Punch, 3/4" and 1" Circle Punches, 8mm 1/2 Pearls

Mixed Bunch Class

2012-02-05T15:55:00.000-05:00

I haven't been holding any classes since I started up my Clubs in the Autumn ... but when I saw this stamp set in the Occasions Mini, I KNEW I had to build a class around it and the coordinating punch. It's SUCH a versatile set. Class details will be coming to my customers via e:mail but I will be offering the class as a .pdf file too so if you're interested, let me know.

Here are some close up pics of the blooms on the various cards ... I loved putting them together, so easy to get a 'wow' effect with this set.

Valentine ~ Clean & Simple

2012-02-05T13:28:00.004-05:00

Here's a quick and easy Valentine ... The card is 4 1/4" square, with a 4" square layer popped up on dimensionals with the centre cut out using the new Stampin' Up Framelits Hearts Dies. I just added a piece of designer paper behind the cut-out, added some stitching and a sentiment and 'hey presto'. I think this is really cute!

Recipe
Stamps : Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink : Melon Mambo
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Melon Mambo & Cheerful Treat DSP
Accessories : Framelits Heart, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Sewing Machine

A Notebook & A Birthday

2012-02-04T10:17:00.000-05:00

It's my sister's birthday next week so I needed to make something to put in the mail today! A quick notepad and card and I already have her gift ready to go ...

The notepad is small (3 1/2" x 5 1/2") so it will slip easily into her handbag. I couldn't use dimensionals, 1/2 pearls or anything fancy like that because they get knocked off when everything's swimming around in the bottom of your handbag!!! So it's just clean and simple. The card is pretty much the same layout, but I did use dimensionals this time. In Colours (love them) and a little bit of embossing with the hearts textured impressions folder in the Mini Catalogue.

Recipe

Stamps : Awash With Flowers

Ink : Pool Party, So Saffron, Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz, Wisteria Wonder, Soft Suede

Cardstock : Shimmery White, Calypso Coral, Pool Party

Accessories : Scallop Trim Border Punch, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, SAB Brads, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder 'Adorning Accents'

Wednesday's Sketch Challenge

2012-02-01T20:57:00.000-05:00

Here's today's Splitcoast sketch. Isn't it fun? You can either make your card-front exactly as the sketch, or you can turn your card into a fancy fold. That's what I did. Here it is shut :

I cut off the top 3" of the front panel and decorated it with Stampin' Up's gorgeous pleated satin ribbon and Twitterpated Designer Paper. Gorgeous! Then the inside was stamped in Versamark on Baja Breeze with a focal point using the new stamp set 'Bordering on Romance'. I really tried to make my colouring look good. It's a process. Practice, practice, practice ... not good enough yet, but I'll get there! I added some highlights with a White gel pen.

Recipe
Stamps : Bordering on Romance, Create a Cupcake (sentiment)
Ink : Stazon Black, Versamark
Cardstock : Twitterpated DSP, Shimmery White, Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories : Baja Breeze Pleated Satin Ribbon, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, 1/2 Pearls, Reinker and Blender Pens

Send Me Soaring & a Fab Frame

2012-01-30T09:09:00.000-05:00

I love this stamp set from the Occasions Mini, it's called Send me Soaring. Isn't it a versatile and fun set? Unfortunately, after taking ages to sponge my clouds and make the hills, I placed the 3 kites too close together and not in a very pleasing 'order'. BUT, once you've inked those tails you're committed! I tried to retrieve it with the 3 birds from 'Up, Up & Away' to balance out the left upper side. It's OK, good enough to send to a friend in Russia who has the flu. Get well soon, George!

Here's a closer look at the kites.

Recipe

Stamps : Send me Soaring, Up Up & Away (birds), Confetti

Ink : Marina Mist, Basic Black, Old Olive

Cardstock : Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Shimmery White

Accessories : Sponge, Circle Punches, Edgelit Die (to make the hills)

One of my sweet customers (and now friend!), Linda Leslie, came along to club this weekend with a 'show and tell'. I thought this was just the sweetest thing and she graciously allowed me to take a pic so I could share it with you all. She got the frame (10"x10") from Michaels, removed the glass and has now made this Valentine frame, a Halloween one and also a Christmas one. How adorable is this? I love it! Going to have to find one of these frames next time I'm out shopping. Thanks Linda for sharing it with us all. You are a talented papercrafter!

Sympathy & a Birthday

2012-01-26T06:48:00.003-05:00

This first card is a quick and effective sympathy card. I stamped the tree in 2 colours, the trunk is Early Espresso, and the leaves are Always Artichoke. Once the image was stamped, I took the writing end of my Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker and highlighted the bottoms of the leaves. Then I tried a similar effect on the tree trunk. It's a VERY subtle way to add some shade and dimension to a solid stamp. Like I said, it's subtle so here's a closer look :)

... and on a slightly more cheery note, it's my friend Sue's birthday today! Happy Birthday, dear friend! Elaine and I are taking her out to lunch, then we're going to see Iron Lady all about our former PM, Margaret Thatcher (yes, we're ALL English!). Looking forward to a fun afternoon with my girlfriends. Oh, and look! It's another rolled flower ...

This card uses a Sale-a-Bration set WHICH YOU CAN EARN FOR FREE with every $50 spent called Elementary Elegance. Isn't it gorgeous? Lots of samples floating around out here on the internet if you google search it :)

Recipe

Card 1 ~ Stamps : Thoughts & Prayers, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink : Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, Tea Stain

Cardstock : Very Vanilla, Artichoke, Espresso

Accessories : 1/2 Pearls, Scallop Trim Punch, Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon, Circle Punch, Sponge

Card 2 ~ Stamps : Elementary Elegance

Ink : Pool Party

Cardstock : Shimmery White, Pink Pirouette

Accessories : Big Shot, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Curly Label Punch, Pirouette 1/4" Taffeta Ribbon, 1 1/4" circle Punch

Rolled Flowers

2012-01-25T16:24:00.000-05:00

Have you tried 'rolled flowers' yet? They're surprisingly easy to make ... I keep seeing the most beautiful cards by the wonderful Heather of DownstairsDesigns and thought it was about time I had a go ... this could be my new obsession!!!!

Recipe
Stamps : Loving Thoughts
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Calypso Coral, Poppy Parade, Blushing Bride
Ink : Poppy Parade
Accessories : 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2 Pearls, Bird Punch (leaves), Label Framelit, Polka Dot EF, Big Shot

Leadership & a Sketch

2012-01-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

I was in San Antonio for Leadership last week. Wow, that's one experience not to be missed! I know a lot of online Demos have blogged about it, so I shan't bore you with my details, BUT, if you're not sick of hearing about it and would like to see some of my pics, then click here for more photos.

I'm busy prepping for my Clubs this weekend, but I thought it may be a good idea to get my mojo going with this week's SCS sketch.

Did you see the make n' take from San Antonio regionals? It's such a cute flower and it's made with our punches. Here's a close up. The flower base and 2nd layer are made with the layered 'triple flower punch' and the centre is made using the dotted kite from 'Send me Soaring' and then punched out with the small heart. You need 4 hearts to make the flower centre. It's topped off with an itty bitty button and twine. Cute, don't you think?

Here's a close-up of my version of the Regionals flower. I used Tuesday's colour challenge colours and thought the black layer would make it all 'pop'.

Recipe
Stamps : Send me Soaring, Outlined Occasions (sentiment)
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black
Ink : Lucky Limeade
Accessories : Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Black Button, Limeade Baker's Twine, Small Heart Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Triple Flower Punch, Dimensionals, Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, Word Window Punch

Framelits ~ An Exciting Discovery

2012-01-12T09:46:00.002-05:00

I'm going to San Antonio, TX next week for Leadership ... excited? Ya think?!!!!!

I've been working on a swap I'm participating in and whilst trying to figure out a great layout, I made an exciting discovery. I wanted to use one of the new framelits, Lables Collection. I ran the smallest one through my big shot and mounted a trimmed image onto it but something was missing. So I started playing around and look what I discovered! The large oval punch fits PERFECTLY in the centre of the Labels Framelit to make yet another beautiful effect! Just had to share ...

Stamps used : Tea Shoppe
Accessories : Wisteria Wonder, Big Shot, Smallest Labels Framelit, Large Oval Punc, Wisteria Ruffled Ribbon

A Splitcoast Sketch

2012-01-11T09:13:00.000-05:00

Look at this great SCS sketch for today's challenge. I love its simplicity, you could really gussy this one up ... I stayed CAS and went with the new SAB set Outlined Occasions and the DSP Everyday Enchantment. The ribbons and brads are ALSO available during SAB which starts on Jan 24th, I can't wait!

Here's a closer look at the sentiment

Recipe
Stamps : Outlined Occasions
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Lucky Limeade, Everyday Enchantment DSP
Ink : Black StazOn
Accessories : SU Markers, Everyday Enchantment Ribbons & Brads, Edgelit & Big Shot

Fabric

2011-12-29T13:01:00.001-05:00

Apologies for this photo, the lighting is all 'off' .... Sarah stole my (sorry, BORROWED) my Ott Lite to do some sketching and it hasn't made its way back to my craft room! Anyway, the lighting is awful, BUT, I wanted to show you how to use fabric on a card. This Scottie dog is from some fabric I found in England when I was with my sister, I ironed some interfacing onto the back to make it stiff and to stop the fraying, then I cut out the Scottie. Mono Multi glue seems to have stuck him down to the Vanilla Cardstock nicely. This one is going to my friend who lost her dog over Christmas. So sad :(

Here's a better pic of the fabric. Cute isn't he?

Carstock is Very Vanilla and Pool Party and the sentiment is stamped in Rose Red to bring out the red roses on the fabric.

A Few Thank Yous

2011-12-28T10:12:00.001-05:00

Had fun yesterday stamping with some very good friends ~ I need thank yous after receiving some fabulous Christmas presents! Here are a couple of designs using Stampin' Up products soon-to-be-available from the Occasions Mini :)

Recipe
Stamps : Tea Shoppe, Apothecary Art
Ink : Versamark, Pool Party, Black StazOn
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Pool Party, Watercolour Paper, Blushing Bride
Accessories : Big Shot, Framelits, Modern Label Punch, 1/2 Pearls, White EP, Heat Gun

Travel Kleenex Tutorial

2011-12-17T09:55:00.005-05:00

Thanks to my good friend, Lisa W, for helping me link the TUTORIAL for my travel tissue pouch. It's at the sidebar, just click and it will take you straight to the directions :)

December Club

2011-12-16T13:38:00.003-05:00

A quick post today. Tonight and tomorrow are my 2 Stampin' Up Clubs and these are our projects. The card uses the Holiday Mini set, 'you are loved'. It's delightful, I'm really hoping it makes it to the Big Catty in 2012. We made this card at Regionals and I thought my girls would enjoy it. The reindeer tag (or bookmark) is based on my friend, Dawn Marie's, scrapbook page. Thanks Hottie for showing me how to make them ;) And the final project is one of my Kleenex travel tissue pouches :) Tutorial will be up this weekend!

Kleenex Travel Pouch

2011-12-13T11:18:00.002-05:00

I was out shopping with Mum when she was visiting, and we bought a multi-pack of Kleenex travel tissues for Dad's flight home. We gave him his one packet, and left the others down in the basement .... waste not want not. Why not prettify them and give them out as Christmas Presents?

I started with this prototype ....

... and ended up with this!

I'm working on a tutorial, it'll be linked in the side-bar and, once again, free of charge :) I'm never going to make any money at this game!!!! But I hope you enjoy making yours, and leave me a link so I can come and see what you did. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Bright Hopes & a Button Challenge

2011-12-05T09:21:00.001-05:00

Here's my card for today. I managed to squeeze in today's 'Technique Lover's Challenge' over on SCS. We were to make a holiday card using buttons. I just used one, wanted to keep it simple. Also couldn't resist using the new ruffled ribbon. Isn't it lovely? It's from the soon to be released Occasions Mini catalogue. Love it!

Recipe
Stamps : Bright Hopes
Cardstock : Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
Ink : Versamark
Accessories : Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, RHR Pleated Ribbon, Button, 1/2 Pearl

Send Me Soaring

2011-12-04T20:00:00.001-05:00

Here's a new set from the 'soon to come' Occasions Mini. Nice and simple, just like me :) It's called Send Me Soaring, I love it's simplicity, this one's going to one of my Besties who's having a rough time right now.

Here's a closer look at the kites:

Recipe

Stamps : Send Me Soaring

Ink : Soft Suede, Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, Riding Hood Red

Cardstock : Shimmery White, RHR, Marina Mist, Lucky Limeade

Accessories : Adorning Accents EF, Fashionable Hearts Embosslits, Big Shot

Mum's Card

2011-12-02T19:59:00.001-05:00

Mum wanted to make a 'special' card for her sister's birthday, she's going to be 70. She used a new set, Apothecary Art, along with the new Framelits. How gorgeous is this? The 70 is die cut from Glimmer Paper and the background uses some scoring ... wowsers! Great card, Mum!

Occasions Mini Sneak Peak

2011-12-02T16:16:00.001-05:00

When you've had a crappy day, nothing beats sitting down with a box of new Stampin' Up goodies and getting inky! This card has lots of new things which will be available shortly in the Occasions Mini Catalogue. The stamp set is called Bordering on Romance, and it has coordinating stamps with the new Edgelits Dies. I LOVE THEM! So easy to use and perfect for a little accent on the edge of a card. Can you see the new hatpin too? Cute! And that ribbon? It's gorgeous .... can't wait to make more!!!

Recipe

Stamps : Bordering on Romance, Tiny Tags

Ink : Poppy Parade, StazOn Black

Cardstock : Shimmery White, Poppy Parade, Twitterpated DSP

Accessories : Hatpin, Circles #2 Die, Large Scallop Circle Punch, Tag Punch, 1/2 Crystals, Pleated Ribbon, Blender Pen & Reinkers

Birthday Cupcakes

2011-11-30T07:47:00.001-05:00

I needed some birthday cards so thought I'd pull out the 'Create a Cupcake' set and coordinating punch. I went looking for inspiration in the SCS galleries and thought I'd take the basic idea of this card. I took the basic layout and put my spin on it. I played around with DSP and settled on these 2 designs.

Here are more pics showing the subtle differences ...

Recipe
Stamps : Create a Cupcake
Ink : So Saffron, Perfect Plum, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Perfect Plum, Subtles DSP
Accessories : 2 3/8" Circle Scallop Punch, Circles #2 Die & Big Shot, Circle Scissor Plus, 1/2 Crystals, Texture Plate, White Gel Pen

Christmas Berries

2011-11-25T22:10:00.001-05:00

Making different colour-ways with the same stamp (from Easy Events). The image on a coloured cardstock uses the 'Black Magic' technique per the fabulous Karen Barber!

Thanksgiving and a New Baby

2011-11-25T11:22:00.001-05:00

I hope your Thanksgiving Day was wonderful, ours was. We were invited out for a traditional American Thanksgiving Day Meal (thank you Wiersing Family). It was wonderful, we THOROUGHLY enjoyed the company and the food and I wish we could eat like that EVERY day! This is the card I made for LeAnne and Jeff, nothing too difficult or fancy, but they loved it.

I also made this card for my cousin Antonia who gave birth to the newest member of our family last week, Sebastian Frederick Alexander Close. This card is a total copy of the one in the Idea Book & Catalog, with my spin on it. It was fiddly to make, but I LOVE it!

November Club

2011-11-18T12:41:00.001-05:00

It's my November Club this weekend. These are our projects. The small 'Triple Treat Flower' project is a pull-out 2012 Calendar to keep in your handbag. The 2 cards were inspired by fellow bloggers, the hot air balloons by Darlene and the Vintage Skates by Judy Marshall.

2011-11-15T09:16:00.001-05:00

Today's colour challenge over on Splitcoast was to use Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral and Baja Breeze. These colours don't scream 'Christmas', but I think I pulled it off. My mum's staying and, as she so politely put it, "It's lovely, but I wouldn't choose it" ... hee hee. That's English for "I don't like this one" ...

Recipe
Stamps : Christmas Postcard
Ink : StazOn Black
Cardstock : Watercolour Paper, Naturals Ivory, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Baja Breeze
Accessories : Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, 1/2 Pearls, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch, Blender Pens & Reinkers

2011-11-13T17:42:00.001-05:00

Mum & I spent a happy afternoon in the new basement stamping! We stumbled across this blog by 'Darlene' who just does AMAZING WORK!!! I absolutely 100% copied the hot air balloon card ... loved it! And then I followed a tutorial on how to make SU Markers look like Copics. Enjoyed EVERY second of it today. Mum did some great work too!

A Basement Facelift

2011-11-13T17:23:00.001-05:00

Here's my messy basement before my Dad arrived to give me a makeover! What a MESS :)

Here we are constructing the IKEA kitchen cabinets. So easy to put together, and not horrendously expensive.

It took us 3 days to get everything finished ~ Dad can make anything!!! A few trips to Home Depot for 'emergency' supplies, like the 2" hole cutter drill bit which wouldn't fit into our drill! Had to buy a bigger drill just to make that one hole. Worth it though, now all my electrical wires come up through one point on the desk ... so neat and clever!

Here I am with Mummy making use of the new space. I'll show you what we made in my next post!

Happy Birthday, Terry

2011-11-05T05:18:00.001-04:00

I wanted to tell you a story about my friend Terry. Picture this, you are in your mid-30's. You pack up your ENTIRE LIFE and wave goodbye at the airport to your Mum & Dad, board a plane with your dog in a crate, clutching the hand of your little 5 year old daughter and head to a new Country where your husband's waiting for you. Your 'home' is a strange apartment, furnished with a stranger's furniture. Your husband goes off to work that first day and you have no car, not one single friend nor a single family member to just give you a hug and tell you it's going to be OK. It took 6 weeks to find a home and move into what would soon become everything familiar.

Guess how lucky I got? I moved right next door to Terry. Oh my WORD. Poor woman must have thought I was a lunatic "where can I buy decent meat?", "where can I take Sarah to make new friends?", "how does this work?", "what do you use this for?" ... and she was a lifeline. In more ways than one. She made me feel like I had a friend, right from the first meeting. And I'm happy to say that 10 years later, she's still next door and she's still my lifeline. Our lives have changed a lot, I don't need her as much as I did in those first few months, but she's still my #1 American Gal and I love her to BITS!

Happy Birthday, Terry. We love you!

The card I made was really simple. I've made a pumpkin and a Christmas Tree card using this technique, so I thought I'd make Terry's card with a 3-D heart.

To make a 3-D shaped image, punch out 5 of your shapes and score down the centre. Fold Each shape and glue the sides together, then attach to the front of your card.

Recipe
Stamps : Floral Fillers, Perfectly Penned
Cardstock : Blushing Bride, Shimmery White
Ink : Blushing Bride
Accessories : Heart Punch, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, 1/2 Pearls, Blender Pen & Ink

October Club Projects

2011-10-23T11:47:00.001-04:00

I had my Stampin' Up Clubs this weekend ~ the girls in Club make it so fun. These are the projects we made this month. They were a little bit 'tricky', lots of fussy-cutting, but well worth it :)

Karen Barber's Colour Challenge

2011-10-18T10:50:00.003-04:00

Sending apologies for my lack of blogging. Lots of stuff going on around here which I won't go into on my blog ... but I lost my mojo pretty much completely after some news about my husband's health. I want to send special thanks over to the gorgeous and hugely talented Karen Barber who made my eyes widen and my creative mojo start rumbling this morning when she posted the Colour Challenge and THIS fabulous creation. The colours are Regal Rose, Lucky Limeade and Blushing Bride. Wowser ... what could be prettier!

I decided to go 'vintage' ... well, my version of vintage anyway! This set is called Creative Elements and it's the first time I've cracked the box open to use it. LOVE IT! The sentiment is from Kindness Matters.

Recipe

Stamps : Creative Elements, Kindness Matters

Cardstock : Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade, First Edition Specialty DSP

Ink : Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade, Blushing Bride, Regal Rose

Accessories : Spritzer Tool & SU Markers, 1/2 Pearls, Word Window Punch, Limeade Ruffle Ribbon, Chantilly Ribbon

Online Ordering Tutorial BLITZ!

2011-10-01T00:34:00.002-04:00

In conjunction with “About a Girl”, weare pleased to offer you the very first project in our series “Online OrderingTutorial Blitz”!

If you place an online order with me of a$35 value or more (see our order suggestion below) you will receive NINE step-by-step photo tutorials FREE OF CHARGE, delivered direct toyour e:mail. We have included everything you need for your Halloween Celebrations!All projects are planned around the Frightful Sight Suite of Products :

Scaredy Cat Stamp Set(w) 122555 $19.95 or (c) 122557 $14.95

Frightful Sight DSP122351 $10.95

Black 1 ¼” StripedGrosgrain Ribbon 115615 $9.95

Totalling $35.85 for clearor $40.85 for wood

Check back over the next few days for more fabulous sneakpeaks ~ and don’t delay, place that order today!

Here's a pic of our very first step-by-step tutorial you'll receive when you place your order. Isn't it FABULOUS? Robin came up with this gorgeous pin which is so fun to just wear, or attach to a Halloween gift bag. Yay ~ so easy to make too. Make sure you don't miss how to make it by placing your Stampin' Up order with me today!

Baby Shower Invitations

2011-09-30T20:47:00.001-04:00

I'm helping a friend make her baby shower invitations tomorrow, I offered these 2 cards for her to choose from, she chose the one with the baby buggy on the right. We're going to have an assembly line going, we need over 80!!!!

The tutorial for this centre-step card is under 'free tutorials' on the right sidebar.

Embossed Stockings

2011-09-21T13:25:00.000-04:00

I wanted to do the sketch challenge today, look how simple it is, just my style!

I chose the new 'Stitched Stocking' set from the Holiday Mini ... I know we're all going to be sick of seeing samples made with this by January, but look how gorgeous it is!!! I pulled out my embossing powders (I hope the pic shows the gloss) and trimmed the stockings with the new velvet ribbon. How couldn't you LOVE this?

... and a close-up of the embossing and stocking details .... see the dazzling details on the toes and heels?

Recipe
Stamps : Stitched Stocking, Bright Hopes (sentiment)
Cardstock : Holly Berry Bouquet DSP, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Ink :Versamark
Accessories : Embossing Powders (Wild Wasabi, Pewter, Cherry Cobbler), Big Shot, Snow Burst Embossing Folder, Curly Label Bigz XL Die with Punch Windows Movers & Shapers, Modern Label Punch, Vanilla Velvet Ribbon, Dazzling Details

A Quick 'How To' for Rhea

2011-09-14T19:49:00.004-04:00

Rhea, from Rhea Stamps, left me a comment a few days ago about how to make the scallop square cards I often put together (I love them!). Well, my friend Robin, About a Girl, showed me this quick and easy trick to make the scallop square card PERFECT! A lot of people just make a fold and cut the squares with the fold just inside the cutting blades. But that makes the card lobsided ... so here's Robin's trick :

Step 1 : Cut out TWO scallop squares using your Big Shot and Bigz Die

Step 2 : Score ONE of the scallop squares at the first indented scallop. On the Stampin' Up Simply Scored Tool it's at 1/2". (well, it would be at 1/2" on ANY scoring tool but I just wanted to say Stampin' Up Simply Scored Tool because it's the best one there is) ....

Step 3 : Using Sticky Strip (or strong glue), stick the scored back piece to the front.

And here's a pic taken from the BACK, see the score-line? This makes the perfect, scallop square card! Hope that helps, Rhea :)

September CLUB Projects

2011-09-14T09:30:00.001-04:00

First, I must apologise for the lack of stamping on my blog recently. My husband is going through some scary health issues, I won't go into details here, this is a happy, stampy place ~ but thanks to my good friends who have held me together over the past week, all will be well!

So, without further ado, here are the 3 projects we'll be making in my newly enrolled Club this weekend. I always want to show projects with a twist on the traditional card, the Halloween one was inspired by Monday's TLC, Fill the Opening, brought to us by the lovely and talented Joan Ervin. The easel card is GENIUS, and the brainchild of Bronwyn Eastley who is an immensely talented SU Demo out of Tasmania, Australia. This is my version on Bronwyn's Two Tags Easel card, with a little more inspiration from my friend Lisa Foster's new catty swap card! Thanks Lisa :) The final project is all mine ... I found some teeny notepads in Staples whilst shopping for Sarah's back to school supplies. They are so cute and will fit beautifully into a purse, or kitchen drawer. I ALWAYS need notepaper in a hurry! I hope my Club girls enjoy making these projects ... and hopefully you'll be inspired to try some too.

50th Wedding Anniversary

2011-09-08T09:56:00.000-04:00

I've made this 50th Wedding Anniversary card for my parents. Very Vanilla Base, More Mustard, Spice Cake Designer Paper and a Top Note cut out of Vellum Cardstock. Easy to do, although heat embossing on vellum can be a bit of a nightmare! Here's a closer look and the inside.

Recipe
Stamps : Curly Cute, Kindness Matters, Butterfly Prints
Ink : Versamark, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
Cardstock : Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Spice Cake DSP, Vellum
Accessories : Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Big Shot, Top Note Die

Christmas Stockings

2011-09-03T21:58:00.002-04:00

I'm pretty sure you've heard that the new SU Holiday Mini Catalogue is now live! There's a link in my side bar if you fancy having a look :)

I decided to try out a couple of new products today, the stocking stamp set and coordinating punch, and the new snowflake embossing folder. How cute are they? I can see everyone having A LOT of fun with this set of products :)

And here's a closer look at the stockings ...

Recipe
Stamps : Stitched Stockings, Pines & Poinsettias (Sentiment)
Ink : Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobbler
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories : Stocking Builder Punch,Snow Burst Embossing Folder, 1/2 Pearls, Tasteful Trim Die, Big Shot

Embossed Kissing

2011-08-29T10:17:00.004-04:00

What a great new technique "Embossed Kissing" which was brought to my attention in today's SCS technique challenge. Here's the challenge thread with a 'how to' from Joan Ervin.

I used my Ornate Blossom solid stamp with the Finial Press embossing folder. I love how this turned out! Here's a close up of the embossed kissing :

Recipe
Stamps : Ornate Blossom
Ink : Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze
Cardstock Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze, Shimmery White
Accessories : Scallop Square Bigz Die, Big Shot, 1/2 Pearls, Finial Press EF, 1 1/4" Square Punch

Simple Birthday Icecreams

2011-08-24T09:18:00.003-04:00

I needed to make a birthday card today and the sketch seemed nice and simple (right up my alley) so I put together this card using the summer set Sunny Fun and the Nursery Nest DSP. I trimmed the image with Ruffled Ribbon and hey presto, job done :)

Recipe
Stamps : Sunny Fun
Ink : StazOn Black
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Nursery Nest DSP, watercolour paper
Accessories : Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon, Watercolour Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter

Memory Book

2011-08-21T22:35:00.004-04:00

... actually, more like photo album! These are so easy to make and I love how you can personalise them for any occasion! Sarah took tons of photos while she was with mum & dad in England this June. Mum's been asking DAILY when she can have a few of the best ones ... so rather than just e:mail them, Sarah printed off her favourites and I made this book up.

The photo pages are the SU clear envelopes, they stack beautifully on top of one another, then I made a front and back sheet and scored about 3/4" in from the end. Then just use a Crop-a-dile to make the jumbo eyelet holes and tie with ribbon. EASY! And Mum & Dad love their book. I made a second one of photos from Jersey .... try one, whoever you send them to will be THRILLED!

Sweet 16

2011-08-18T06:53:00.005-04:00

My lovely daughter, Sarah, celebrated her 16th birthday on Tuesday! Roy and I can't believe how quickly the time has gone ~ she's turned into a truly beautiful (inside and out) young woman and we are so proud that she's our daughter. Here she is with her boyfriend, Tyler, tucking into a Birthday Breakfast ....

Instead of a Birthday Cake, I ordered a dozen cupcakes from DC Cupcakes ~ these things are WICKEDLY WONDERFUL ...

We celebrated at a local restaurant, put on our posh outfits and had a fabulous evening together ~ here's Sarah with her Daddy, and then another pic with Tyler.

Happy 16th, Sarah. We love you <3

A Sketch for Dad's Birthday

2011-08-10T13:38:00.003-04:00

This is today's sketch over on Splitcoast. I was happy to see it would work perfectly with the SU sailboat stamp "Sail Away", it's my Dad's birthday next week and he's as nuts about sailing as I am about stamping!!! I thought this would be perfect for him.

I used the soon to retire Nautical Expedition Designer Series Paper along with 'Sail Away' stamped in Not Quite Navy Ink. The strip along the bottom is the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch with Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine glued to it.

Recipe
Stamps : Sail Away, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Cardstock : Not Quite Navy, Nautical Expedition DSP, Shimmery White
Ink : Not Quite Navy
Accessories : Scallop Circle, 1" Circle, 1 3/8" Circle & Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punches, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Blender Pen

Colour Challenge Christmas!

2011-08-09T13:18:00.002-04:00

Colour Challenge over on Splitcoast today is "Kraft, Yellow & Red" so I chose Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Cherry Cobbler. My new Holiday Mini order arrived recently, so I thought I'd take advantage of the red and make a Christmas card. I don't think yellow is particularly Christmasy, but I like it!!! Here's a closer look at the central image. Isn't that Cherry Cobbler embossing powder fabulous?

Recipe
Stamps : Bright Hopes
Ink : Versamark, Crumb Cake
Cardstock : Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories : Big Shot, Circles #2 Die, Lace Border Punch, 1/2 Pearls, Cherry Cobbler EP & Heat Gun, Dimensionals

.... one more New Home

2011-08-08T16:58:00.003-04:00

I couldn't stop at one, so here's the 2nd House & Home card CASE'd from the Idea Book & Catalogue ... I tried the 'kissing' technique on the lamp shade. It looks pretty funky & retro, don't you think?

Recipe
Stamps : House & Home, Fabulous Phrases
Ink Poppy Parade
Cardstock : Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Domestic Goddess DSP
Accessories : Designer Frames EF, Big Shot, Poppy Parade Ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers

New Home

2011-08-08T15:37:00.003-04:00

My parents have been friends with the Murthwaites since I was 2 years old when Brigitte found me down by the river in my sleep-suit ... oh my, I was a hyperactive toddler!

Mum & Dad STILL don't know how I got out ... The Murthwaites lived down on the Dee Peninsula in the Wirral, over-looking the river, Mum & Dad were about 6 houses up the road on Park West. I must've got out of bed, climbed down the stairs, out of the front door, down the drive, down the road, down the STONE steps onto the beach and then onto the river shore. Luckily for me, Auntie Brigitte spotted me from her bedroom window and ran down to the beach before I got into trouble!!! She knocked on a few doors asking if anyone knew who I was and eventually found our house ... mum was so horrified that she forgot to thank Brigitte, so went looking for her the next day ... faux pas no. 1 was that she was asking for the pretty French au pair who may live nearby ... when she found Uncle Colin, he corrected Mum, Brigitte was his new wife, not the au pair!!! A firm friendship was cemented that day, and I always refer to Brigitte as my favourite French Auntie who, probably, saved my life that day!

Crikey, that was long-winded .... Mum told me this week that Colin & Brigitte have moved house so I wanted to put a card together for them. Brigitte is probably the most talented crafter I know and influenced both my sister and me heavily when we were children with her knowledge of everything crafty! One summer when our families were vacationing together in France, Brigitte just ran up a dress for my Sister with no pattern in about 2 hrs. We still have that dress to this day. Anyway, I hope she likes this cute little card ... I'm sure she'll let Mum know!

Here's a closer look at the main focal point of the card. The design was CASE'd from page 52 of the Idea Book & Catalogue.

Recipe
Stamps : House & Home, Fabulous Phrases
Ink : Lucky Limeade, Pool Party
Cardstock : Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Accessories : Sewing Machine, Linen Thread, Mini Clothespins, Stampin' Write Markers

20th August Card Class

2011-08-07T20:28:00.005-04:00

Here are the cards we'll be making at my next Card Class. If you'd like details, let me know and I'll e:mail them through. This first card is based on a design by my friend, Debra, the tag at the top is a magnetised bookmark ~ genius!

A Special Birthday

2011-08-05T12:09:00.003-04:00

I got new stamps on Wednesday from the upcoming SU Holiday Mini. This one is part of a Valentine Set called "You are Loved". I really love it! I decided to pull out some neglected tools, the background is a texture plate and the circle inside the scallop is made using the Circle Scissor Plus.

I popped up the flower centres with dimensionals. This is very simple but I love how it turned out.

Recipe
Stamps : You are Loved
Ink : Poppy Parade
Cardstock : Poppy Parade, Shimmery White, Peach Parfait
Accessories : Perfect Details Texture Plate, Big Shot, Circle Scissor Plus, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Dazzling Details, Scallop Square Bigz Die

Beau Chateau Engagement

2011-08-05T11:49:00.006-04:00

Sarah has a wonderful flute teacher who got engaged while we were away in England. I'm a bit late, but I made her this card to celebrate. Sarah has learned so much from Kinuka and we truly appreciate everything she has done for her. Congratulations, Kinuka, we hope you'll be very happy!

Recipe
Stamps : None!
Ink : Baja Breeze (sponging)
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Beau Chateau DSP
Accessories : Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Flower Garden EF, Big Shot

ETA : Patsy ~ the instructions will be available shortly on the sidebar of my blog under 'free tutorials' ... thanks for the interest!

Nature's Pace

2011-08-01T20:51:00.003-04:00

I love, love, love this new stamp set called Nature's Pace. I used it for my New Catalogue swap card too ... this is based on that swap which I'll post here once they've all been sent out. had a lovely long chat with my Mum today and she said that Auntie Sue isn't feeling 100% ... I think this may cheer her up a little and let her know I'm thinking about her.

Not sure if you can tell from the pic, but the teeny weeny bee in the middle is popped up on dimensionals. It looks pretty good in the flesh!

Recipe
Stamps : Nature's Pace, Sweet Floral (Background Stamp)
Cardstock : Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Soft Suede
Ink : Basic Black, Crumb Cake
Accessories : 1/2 Pearls, Scallop Trim Border Punch, SU Markers, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon

Another Birthday!

2011-07-31T08:47:00.004-04:00

I made this for my friend, Shari who has a birthday today :)

I used a new stamp set, along with one of the shapes from the new Big Shot Perfect Pennants Die. Love that!

Recipe
Stamps : Patterned Party
Cardstock : Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz, Shimmery White
Ink : SU Markers, Poppy Parade
Accessories : Big Shot, Perfect Pennants Die, Markers, Circle Scissors Plus

Birthday Celebrations

2011-07-30T17:56:00.000-04:00

I'm going out to dinner tonight with one of my dear friends tonight ~ Dawn Marie ~ she's a fellow SU demo and if you click on her name you can see her blog! I wanted to take her a card made with goodies from the new catty and decided to use the triple wheel. She shared with me that she didn't 'really' care for it, so I thought I'd try to make her change her mind!!! I popped up the little flags on the bunting to make it a bit more special. I really love how this turned out, I hope she does too :)

Recipe
Stamps : Awning, Happy BDay, Pennant (Builder Wheel)
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler
Ink : Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories : Builder Wheel, Lace Ribbon Border Punch

Keeping it Simple

2011-07-20T21:52:00.003-04:00

Just a quick card before my bedtime ... this one proves that you don't have to get all fancy schmancy ... 2 background stamps and one sentiment with a tiny bit of ribbon trim and Bob's your Uncle! If you're not English, you won't know what that means .... hee hee!

I cut a piece of ruffled ribbon in half lengthwise and glued the ruffled edge to the sentiment strip. Easy peasy, lemon squeasy :)

Recipe
Stamps : Netting & Sweet Floral Background Stamps, Perfectly Penned (sentiment)
Ink : Crumb Cake, Island Indigo
Cardstock : Crumb Cake
Accessories : Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon

Joi's Birthday

2011-07-20T18:35:00.003-04:00

My new friend and downline, Joi, has her birthday today. I've been trying to make her a card all week and my cards were just 'blah' so I'd given up! Well, I just thought I'd have a quick go at the sketch today from SCS and I came up with this! I'm going to drive the card over to her house and leave it at her front door while she visits her mum (shhhh, don't tell her!).

Look at this cute rose made out of Stampin' Up's seam binding ribbon. I was taught how to do this from a tutorial from a fellow SU demo in Dorset, England, Jo Dumbleton. Here's her video. It's really easy to follow ... and the results are FABULOUS! Thanks Jo!

Recipe
Stamps : Build a Cuupcake, Distressed Dots
Ink : Concord Crush, Rose Red, Lucky Limeade
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Rose Red
Accessories : Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon, 1/2 Crystals, Dimensionals, SU Stampin' Write Markers

Tuesday Colour Challenge

2011-07-19T10:59:00.002-04:00

I haven't made a card in a while because Sarah got back from her month's trip to stay with my parents in England last Tuesday. We've been busy catching up and sorting out and entertaining friends! It's great to have her back in the house :)

Today's Colours on Splitcoast are Pool Party, Wild Wasabi and Chocolate Chip. Here's what I came up with. The photo makes it look like there's a nasty splodge by the butterfly (top right) ... but it's just my shimmer spray, it looks fine in the flesh!

Recipe
Stamps : Precious Butterflies
Ink : Pool Party, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Pool Party, Wild Wasabi
Accessories : Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, 1/2 Pearls, Scallop Lace Border Punch

Reverse Masking

2011-07-11T10:16:00.003-04:00

It was nice to see an older technique over on Splitcoast today, reverse masking. I kept mine fairly simple, making a mask out of the Scallop Squares Duo Big Shot Die and placing the floral blooms from 'Field Flowers' in the centre. Simple, but effective!

Recipe
Stamps : Field Flowers
Ink : Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake
Cardstock : Naturals Ivory, Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush
Accessories : So Saffron Taffeta Ribbon, 1/2 Pearls, Sponge, Big Shot, Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die

Baby Clothesline

2011-07-10T15:19:00.003-04:00

Friends of ours had a baby boy when Sarah and I were away in England in June. I HAD to make a baby card ... and had a brainwave while making the pig card (below) ... why not try a washing line and pin up a baby-gro with the new mini pegs? How cute is this? I'm chuffed with this one ;)

So easy to make ~ take your Baby Tees wheel and roll your desired Baby-Gro onto Shimmery White Cardstock. Cut it out and colour it, stamp 2 trees to 'hang' your washing line on, string across your white baker's twine and hang your baby-gro onto the clothesline with the new Stampin' Up mini clothespins. Easy, peasy!

Recipe
Stamps : Baby Tees (wheel), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink : Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade
Accessories : White Baker's Twine, Mini Clothespins, SU Markers, Dazzling Diamonds, Scallop Edge Punch, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon

Thank you PIG

2011-07-10T13:48:00.003-04:00

For those who know me, and have visited my home, it's no surprise that I bought the stamp set with the pig in it ... I LOVE pigs, I have them surreptitiously dotted all over my home ... oink! The best one is a pig 'bust' hanging on the wall over my sink in the kitchen, Sarah thinks it's creeeeeepy!!! LOL.

Anyway, how could anyone resist this cute piggie with his button nose? Come on now!!!!! I also managed to use one of the new cute little clothes pegs, how cute are they? I need to make a baby card next, maybe I could make one with a baby-gro hanging on a washing line? Hmmmm ... off to make some more ...

Recipe
Stamps : Button Buddies, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink : Regal Rose, Versamark
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Regal Rose
Accessories : Clear EP, Heat Gun, Clothes Peg, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Button, White Baker's Twine, 1/2 Pearls

Cheery Bright Thank You

2011-07-10T11:42:00.002-04:00

One of my new Stampin' Up sets is "Up, Up & Away", it's glorious! So today, I thought I'd browse the Featured Stamper gallery to see if anything would work with this set ... hey presto! Look at this photo of Patter's paint daubers! Fabulous colours! Just the thing for inspiration.

So I took my new set out and came up with this ...

... and a closer look ...

Recipe
Stamps : Up, Up & Away, Kindness Matters (sentiment)
Ink : Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede, Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise
Cardstock : Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade, Shimmery White
Accessories : Lots of dimensionals, rotary cutter

Welcome Home

2011-07-09T22:54:00.004-04:00

The Inspiration Challenge on SCS today included a photo of a T-Shirt with the Union Jack on it. I decided to make a card for my daughter Sarah who returns from England on Tuesday. It'll be so good to have her back home! Here's my take on the Union Jack, it's made with Pool Party & Calypso Coral ... love it!

Here's a close-up of the centre. I really like how this turned out :)

Recipe
Stamps : Floral Fillers, Borderlines, Happy Greetings, Elements of Style
Ink : Versamark, Calypso Coral, Pool Party
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Calypso Coral, Pool Party
Accessories : Heat Gun, White EP, Tangerine Tango EP, Heart Punch, Big Shot & Top Note Die

Colour Focus Challenge

2011-07-09T21:23:00.004-04:00

I wanted to participate in some of the July Creative Crew challenges (from SCS). I chose to make a card for the Colour Challenge ~ New In Colours. I love them all put together on a card. How cute is this? I LOVE the new ruffled ribbon, this one is Pool Party ... GORGEOUS! So easy to work with and tie ... and look at that little blue-bird! So quick and easy to put together, here's a close-up.

Recipe
Stamps : The Best of Everything
Ink : Pool Party plus In Colour Markers
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Calypso Coral, Pool Party
Accessories : SU In Colour Markers, 1/2 Pearl, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Small Oval Punch, Dimensionals

A Doily Challenge!

2011-07-07T11:06:00.002-04:00

I'm still trying to organise my retired and new SU goodies, but wanted to make time for some stamping today! The 'Ways to Use It challenge on SCS today is 'Doilies' ... hooray! I have a new DSP and a new Doily set ~ coupled with fabulous, vibrant coloured Embossing Powder ... and hey presto! Challenge done :) I wanted a few close-up shots to see if you can see the background I made layering up the doily with embossing powders, they look so shiny an pretty in real life. The camera hasn't really captured that, but you get the idea!

This central doily is cut out of the specialty DP called 'Flirtatious' ... you get a whole sheet of these doilies which can be cut apart, or used as a whole sheet. Love it!

Recipe
Stamps : Perfectly Penned (greeting), Delicate Doilies
Ink : Versamark
Cardstock : Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Shimmery White
Accessories : Embossing Powders in Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo and Tangerine Tango, 1/2 Crystals, Heat Gun, Dimensionals

A Sketch & Some New SU Goodies

2011-07-06T14:35:00.006-04:00

I'm in the middle of unpacking my huge box of Stampin' Up new goodies but HAD to take some time to make a card for today's sketch challenge! I love, love, love this DSP called "Domestic Goddess" (the colour scheme reminds me of the 50's) and the single stamp called "Now You're Cookin". I thought it would make a good New Home card for my friend Jenni who recently moved to Chicago. Here's the sketch ...

And here's my card ...

Recipe
Stamps : Now You're Cookin'
Cardstock : Domestic Goddess DSP, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Shimmery White
Ink : Pool Party, Calypso Coral
Accessories : Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon, 1/2" Circle Punch, Pinking Hearts Border Punch

Minna's Christening Card

2011-07-03T12:12:00.004-04:00

My main job this weekend was to make a Christening Card for my cousin Kate's little girl, Minna. She's being Christened up in Yorkshire on Sunday next ... but due to the American 4th July Holiday, the card won't get there in time. I should have been more organised! Story of my life. Oh well, better a few days late than never.

Here's a closer look ~ I used the newly retired paper, Nursery Suite because a) I had tons of it left and b) it's too darn cute NOT to use :)

And here's the inside, it's such a fun fold which I cased from Mary Fish. The video showing you how to use it is here.

Recipe
Stamps : Curly Cute, Simple Serif Alpha & Numbers (RETIRED)
Cardstock : Blushing Bride, Shimmery White, Chocolate Chip, Nursery Suite (RETIRED)
Ink : Chocolate Chip
Accessories : Vintage Trinkets, 1/2 Pearls, Lace Ribbon, Heart Punch, Pennant Punch, Dimensionals, Scallop Trim Edge Punch

Fairy Shoes

2011-07-02T21:05:00.004-04:00

My sister made me a pair of fairy shoes for my birthday. They are exquisite ... made from silk ... just simply fabulous! Every girl should have a pair. I shan't talk about them, I'll just show you ... and look how tiny they are sitting in my hand .... thank you, Sarah ~ what a wonderful gift. I shall treasure them, I know that was a labour of love!

Shadow Box

2011-07-02T20:40:00.003-04:00

So now I've found my way back into my stamping room, you can't stop me ~ ha!

I took a great pic of Sarah down on the beach when we visited my sister in Jersey, Channel Islands. She was wearing her new dress which is very sheer and very full and she just lifted the skirt up while I happened to be taking pics of the sea. I love it! A few months ago I found some 5 1/2" square shadow boxes from IKEA and I suddenly thought I could put the pic in there with some of the shells we picked up on the beach that day. This will be a welcome home present for Sarah when she comes back to America on the 12th. I love how it turned out, nothing fancy schmancy, just some Marina Mist and Crumb Cake cardstock .... easy peasy! I'm going to have to get some more of these little shadow boxes!

July Class

2011-07-02T15:12:00.004-04:00

Now I'm back in the USA, I'm concentrating on work! Mainly the new Stampin' Up catalog and my related classes. Well, I have to have SOMETHING to cheer me up now I've left England!

These are the cards we'll be making at my next class, which will be held on Saturday July 16th, at 10.30am. If you're interested in attending, please let me know.

This first card uses the new In Colours in a scallop formation at the bottom of the card along with the new set & matching punch "Pennant Parade".

Here you'll see I've used the new border punch which is GORGEOUS, and a new In Colour "Pool Party". This is a swing card which is very unusual but so fun to work with.

And finally, a masculine card! Very simple in neutral shades.

Hopefully I will have lots of time for stamping now I'm back, my new catalogue order arrives next week so I will have lots of lovely new things to work with!

I'm on my Holidays!

2011-06-25T08:52:00.002-04:00

Huge apologies for not posting for almost three weeks ~ I'm on holiday in England with my family (having a wonderful time!) This weekend, I'm visiting my sister who lives in the Channel Islands. She's an avid crafter but her number 1 passion is quilting, I'd say number 2 is card making ~ she's bloody good at it too so it's a shame she's always quilting (hee hee).

I think that any crafter, whether it be card making, quilting or .... {insert your craft of choice} ... loves to see where creating occurs. So, as a special treat, I thought I'd share the most wonderful crafting location, in my sister's back garden .... it's heavenly, I think all it needs is a loo and a bed and you'd never have to leave!!!

Here's the front, with Monty her Lhasa Apso, waiting to be let in! And here we are enjoying a cuppa outside!

Here's the view from the front door, there's a roll-out cutting table which converts into a massive cutting area for working on larger quilts. Dad made it for Sarah, it's beautifully made and fits perfectly against the back wall.

Moving to the right, here's the work bench, which wraps around 3 walls and gives a huge working space ~ including a piece which folds up with a gate-leg for an extra work surface (Sarah's relieved that she can also 'hide' the not-so pretty stuff behind it)!

I particularly love the seaside fabric for the curtains ~ very apt as the view from the garden is the English Channel, she's located up on a cliff top in St Ouen and the views are stunning (lucky duck ~ beats my gloomy basement!).

Now, prepare yourself for custom-cabinet ENVY!!! Look at these beauties. Here they are closed, and below you can see them open. Mum, Dad, Sarah and I stopped at IKEA on our way to Gatwick on Thursday and found the hanging shoe storage thingies ~ perfect until she gets her shelving put into the central cupboard (which could take her hubby some time)!

Signing off for now ~ I'm back in the USA next week so hopefully I'll get some stamping done before my ever-growing list is ordered on July 1st from the NEW CATTY :) Can't wait for that!

June's Card Class

2011-06-05T20:49:00.003-04:00

Saturday June 11th is my next Card Class. These are the projects we'll be doing. This 'double diamond fold' card was inspired by something I saw on Jenny Moor's blog in the UK. I googled the name of the fold and then fiddled around a little with computer paper to see if I could make something work. This is what I came up with! Jenny always has fabulous projects and I love her work (maybe it helps that she's English!).

My 2nd project is based on the engagement card I shared with you last month. Since then, Splitcoast have created a tutorial for this style of card ~ you can find it here. My dimensions are not exactly the same, my card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" when shut.

... and last but not least, I wanted to make a card incorporating the owl punch as many of my loyal customers have purchased this one. I have seen several variations on the idea of a tree trunk, so I fiddled around and came up with this one.

For the first time ever, I haven't had to advertise a class, this one filled up with all the girls who came to May's class ~ thank you so much to all my lovely ladies, you make my job very rewarding and happy <3

Centre Step Card

2011-06-05T14:47:00.003-04:00

In my next class, on June 11th, I'll be teaching you how to make a centre step card similar to this one ~ I wanted to practice it using the new stamp set and DSP, Delicate Doilies. To finish it off, I used a stamp from the new hostess set "Tag Tastic". Love how this turned out!

Recipe
Stamps : Delicate Doilies, Tag Tastic
Cardstock : Wisteria Wonder, Flirtatious Speciality DSP, Shimmery White
Ink : Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Wisteria Wonder
Accessories : Lge Oval Punch, White Taffeta Ribbon, blender pen & reinker

I couldn't stop at ONE!

2011-06-02T14:35:00.002-04:00

I just had to ink up another new set ... this one is called Delicate Doilies and has coordinating Designer Paper AND this gorgeous punch! I popped the centres of some of the shapes up to give it dimension, the border is popped up too ~ I had to cut those dimensionals REALLY small :)

Recipe
Stamps : Delicate Doilies
Cardstock : Wisteria Wonder, Shimmery White
Ink : Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party
Accessories : Dimensionals, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Trio Punch, Border Lace Ribbon Punch

New Goodies from Stampin' Up

2011-06-02T13:25:00.003-04:00

Just got my box of pre-order stamps and new colours from Stampin' Up. Had to throw something together really quickly ... my fingers are itching to play :)

Have you seen the link on my sidebar to retiring stamps and accessories? Hope that helps you decide what you need to get before the beginning of July!

Recipe
Stamps : Pennant Parade, Curly Cute
Cardstock : Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Shimmery White
Ink : Lucky Limeade
Accessories : Big Shot, Timeless Type Junior Sizzlits, Pennant Punch, Twine, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Dazzling Diamonds

A Card for Baby Alfie

2011-05-25T16:46:00.004-04:00

A quick card today for my friend Cathy's new baby, Alfie. I used the Nursery Suite DSP (fabulous ... why haven't I used it before now?) and the Petal Punch. Love how this turned out.

Recipe
Stamps : So Cute
Ink : Choc Chip
Cardstock : Nursery Suite DSP, Shimmery White
Accessories : Mini Safety Pin, White Taffeta Ribbon, Petal Card Punch, Tag Punch, Watercolour Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter

Practice, Practice, Practice

2011-05-24T21:19:00.002-04:00

While I was away this past weekend with my gal pals at Memories Manor, I took some time to practice my watercolouring. I just sent this little card down to my friend Robin in PA. We all missed her terribly, hope she likes it!

My daughter, Sarah, pointed out that my light source isn't correct .... WHAT-EVAH! More practice needed .....

Here are some of the best friends a girl could wish for .... what a fabulous weekend we had ~ love you girls :)

Recipe
Stamps : On the Grow
Ink : StazOn
Cardstock : Watercolour, Shimmery White, Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride
Accessories : Watercolour Wonder Crayons, Aquapainters, Baja Breeze Ribbon

Avery's Sew Suite Bear

2011-05-24T20:51:00.003-04:00

I swore I'd never make another bear ... but when my dear friend Robin asked if I'd make one for her little girl, Avery's, 3rd birthday ~ well, I couldn't say no! Here she is ... Avery's Bear.

.... hope little Avery loves her ~ give her a squeeze from me, Robin :)

A Blue Engagement Card

2011-05-15T12:38:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine asked me to make an engagement card using blues, so I put my thinking cap on and came up with this! Isn't the fold clever? I CASEd it from LeAnn Greff's blog and will be showcasing it in my June 11th class. I love how it turned out, it's actually quite simple, but SO effective!

Recipe
Stamps : Occasional Quotes
Ink : Pacific Point
Cardstock : Pacific Point, Beyond the Garden DSP
Accessories : 1/2 Pearls, White Taffeta Ribbon, Heart Punch, Sponge

Simple Summery Sketch

2011-05-11T10:15:00.002-04:00

I love today's SCS sketch, isn't it easy and fun? I need a card for my friend Lisa, it was her birthday yesterday (oops!). I don't think she'll mind this being late.

This set is now available in the summer mini catalogue, I love its simplicity. Here's a close-up of the layering.

Recipe
Stamps : Touch of Kindness, Dot Dot Dot
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Ink : Old Olive, Daffodil Delight
Accessories : Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Scallop Trim Punch, Dimensionals, Paper Snips

Birthday Tea

2011-05-10T12:55:00.003-04:00

Once in a blue moon, I'll post something on my blog which uses a Non-Stampin' Up set ~ I know, shocking isn't it? But I did say once in a blue moon :)

I needed a card for my cousin Katy and thought this new little teapot set purchased last week at the MI Mega Meet would fit the bill perfectly, along with the colour challenge colours on SCS.

Here's a closer look at the lovely little images.

Recipe
Stamps : Non SU
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Certainly Celery, Blushing Bride
Ink : Certainly Celery, Blushing Bride, So Saffron
Accessories : Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon

Happy Anniversary Richard & Sarah

2011-05-03T12:20:00.003-04:00

I am the worst sister in the world. My lovely, big sister, Sarah, has been married for 25 years TODAY and lives across the Atlantic from me ... so post takes about a week. Guess where her 25th Anniversary card is? Yup, here on my desk :(

I thought I'd make amends by making a blog post in her and her husband's honour! Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary, Sarah & Richard, may the next 25 be EVEN happier for you both! Here's your card which you'll get next Tuesday (hee hee). Good job she really loves me, isn't it?

The card is quite simple, layers of shimmery white cardstock, embossed with the Big Shot & SU embossing folders, the 25 is from the Timeless Type Jr Sizzlit set, cut out in chipboard and inked up with Versamark, silver heat embossed and finished off with dazzling diamonds :) It's mounted onto Vellum punched out with the Decorative Label Punch. It's actually much more silvery and sparkly in real life ... so it's worth the wait, Sarah.

Love you both ~ Have a wonderful day!

Recipe
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Basic Gray, Cardstock Vellum
Ink : Versamark
Accessories : Big Shot, Chipboard, Sizzlit Timeless Type Jr Alpha Dies, Polka Dot and Finial Press Embossing Folders, Top Note Die, Decorative Label Punch, Silver Embossing Powder, Dazzling Diamonds

A new Style of Card for MAY!

2011-05-02T11:51:00.003-04:00

I'm so happy it's May ~ please may it bring SUNSHINE to Michigan? LOL. The technique today on Splitcoast is the 'Twisted Easel Card' ... how fun is that! It's SERIOUSLY simple!

I used the new 'Hello Blossoms' stamp set which is available now from Stampin' Up, inked up with SU Markers and then stamped again in green so that I could cut out the letters and pop them up on the original. Cute isn't it?

The stopper here is the triple layer punch outline which is also new in the mini, it's 'Blossom Bouquet' and I just used the outer shape and layered the 1" and 3/4' Circle Punches inside. I love how that looks!

Did you know I take orders online? I don't like to push my business on my blog, I know a lot of people who visit me already have their own demonstrators, but I thought it was worth mentioning that my Stampin' Up site, where you can place online orders, is at the side. There, that's all the 'selling' I'll do for now ~ I hope you're relieved :)

Recipe
Stamps : Teeny Tiny Wishes, Hello Blossoms
Cardstock : Crumb Cake, Peach Parfait, Blushing Bride, Shimmery White
Ink : SU Markers, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories : Peach Parfait In Colour Ribbon, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, SU Markers, dimensionals, twine, button, 1" & 3/4" circle punches

A Sketch With Sympathy

2011-04-27T08:45:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately today I need to send out a Sympathy Card, one of my daughter's friends lost his Grandfather yesterday.

I used today's sketch from Splitcoast, using the blossoms from the set "Easter Blossoms" ... I am NOT ready for this set to disappear and have my fingers and toes crossed for it to make it to the Big Idea Book & Catalog being released in July. I just feel like I haven't used it enough! Here's a close up of some of the details. I stamped with StazOn ink and then used a blender pen and Blushing Bride marker to get some dimension on the flower, then the circles are just made with SU punches and a little pearl accent in the centre. I really love how this turned out, just sorry that it's being sent at a time of sadness.

Recipe
Stamps : Easter Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Basic Black, Blushing Bride
Ink : blushing Bride, Basic Black
Accessories : Modern Label, Word Window, Itty Bitty Shapes, 3/4" Circle & 1/2" Circle Punches, White gel pen, 1/2 Pearls, Basic Black 1/8" Ribbon, Blender Pen

Birthday Colour Challenge

2011-04-26T09:49:00.004-04:00

The colour challenge today is so fresh and spring-like ~ Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue & Baja Breeze. Love it! I wanted a birthday card for another friend on the 30th so decided to use my brand new 'Engraved Greetings' I got for FREE during SAB. Yay! This is actually the simplest card, but I love how it turned out. Shimmery White cardstock makes anything prettier :)

My dear friend, Debra, taught me a trick ~ if you want to heat emboss an image but don't have the right coloured powder, just stamp the image in the classic ink of your choice, and then stamp directly over it with Versamark (using a Stamp a Majig) and use CLEAR embossing powder. It works BEAUTIFULLY. I added clear embossing powder to the main image to make it more prominent. I also wanted to make the image a little more interesting, so I stamped it again in Celery and punched out the centre with our tiny oval punch. Lots of dimensional layering and a few 1/2 crystals and hey presto! I think this is a VERY easy to achieve look. Hope Susie likes it ;)

Recipe
Stamps : Engraved Greetings
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery
Ink : Celery, Baja, Versamark
Accessories : Big Shot, Polka Dot EF, Scallop Trim Border Punch, tiny oval punch, 1/2 Crystals, Clear Embossing Powder, Celery Taffeta Ribbon.

Postage Stamp Set

2011-04-25T08:28:00.002-04:00

Good Morning! I missed a complete week of stamping ... major withdrawals here :) Tomorrow is my dear friend Joyce's birthday. I wanted to make something with the new Summer Mini sets I preordered and chose the postage stamp punch and coordinating set. I LOVE this ~ the envelope from the Bigz XL Die "Bitty Box & Envelope" fits the smaller scallop square from the Bigz Scallop Square Duo Die ... and the postage stamp punch layers beautifully in the middle. LOVE it! Got to run to the PO so Joyce gets this tomorrow! Here's the card with the envelope & contents open.

Recipe
Stamps : Pretty Postage, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock : Tempting Turquoise, Shimmery White
Ink : Pumpkin Pie
Accessories : Big Shot, Bigz XL Bitty Box & Envelope Die, Bigz Scallop Square Duo Die, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Postage Stamp Punch, Trio Punch, Pumpkin Pie Taffeta Ribbon, 1/2 Crystal

Masculine Card Class

2011-04-17T15:37:00.003-04:00

May's Card Class will be all MASCULINE CARDS! I have been asked by many customers, many times for an all-Masculine class and I'm happy to say that I've managed to get 3 man-cards I'm happy with :) Phew! Two of the cards are made with product from the all new Summer Mini Catalog ~ you've got to try these, I love them!

I will be e:mailing out the class details shortly, it will be 10.30am Saturday 14th May at my home in Farmington Hills MI. All details will be in the e:mail.

A Card from a Dear Friend

2011-04-17T12:20:00.003-04:00

Many of you know "Patty B" from Splitcoast, she's a moderator, VSN organiser and general 'behind the scenes marvel' .... well I'm happy to say she's also my friend. I was SO touched to get this card from Patty, not only because it's GORGEOUS, but also because she'd obviously thought about me while she put it together. Many of my friends know me as "The Yorkshire Tea Mingler" ... I drink tea ALL THE TIME! Well Patty had some packaged tea and decided to cut the container apart and turn it into a card. Way to go on the recycling Patty.

You need to look at the details here ... the Queen's Guard (top left) is punched out and run through the Big Shot with what looks like the dot embossing folder ~ the main tea package has been cut out with the Top Note Die and run through again with the Manhattan Flower. And you see that little tag? Is that the hello teacup all shrunk? WOW! Patty, the details on this are amazing, I love your 'American' take on 'British' tea. Thanks, this will be treasured.

A Furniture Stamp and a Neglected Stamping Tool

2011-04-15T10:43:00.004-04:00

Wow, it's Friday already :) Today's F4A (Free for All) Challenge is to use a furniture stamp and a neglected stamping tool. Well, just the other day I saw this card on my friend, Jamie's, blog. I told her she'd inspired me to use it, so today's the day :)

I don't have a lot of time (prepping for tomorrow's class) so I made it SUPER CAS, which I like anyway ~ my neglected stamping tool here is black embossing powder and a heat gun ~ I'm not sure you can see the gloss in the pic!

Recipe
Stamps : Have a Seat, 3 Little Words
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Going Gray
Ink : Versamark, Going Gray
Accessories : Heat Gun & Embossing Powder, White Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

A 'Re-Do' and a Sketch!

2011-04-13T08:02:00.003-04:00

This card is for my great friend, Elaine. She's one of those people you would choose to be your family, and I'm proud to call her my friend. Elaine was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last Summer and she's been through the Mill and back with harrowing Chemotherapy and now Radiation treatment ~ but through it all she's slapped a big old grin on her face, laughed and joked and inspired everyone around her to make the best of what's been dealt them, because if she can get through this, then it really doesn't matter if the dog peed on the carpet, or the supper was over-cooked.

I'm so happy to say that on Monday ALL of Elaine's cancer treatments will be OVER! We're going out to celebrate on Friday, and I wanted to mark the occasion with a card. What better set than the Breast Cancer set "Strength & Hope" exclusive to Stampin' Up?

I started off making this card all shabby and vintagey ~ well, there are 2 important elements to this set, firstly, the "H" has the word Hope underneath it, and secondly the background is full of inspirational words. So when I made the vintage style card, the words were lost in amongst the distressing and sponging. So I made a 2nd, cleaner card which I like much better. HOPE stands out much more as do the inspirational words. See the difference? The cleaner, fresher one is at the top of this post, and the vintage one is below.

Recipe
Stamps : Strength & Hope
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Blushing Bride (or Naturals Ivory for the vintage one)
Ink : Blushing Bride
Accessories : 1/2 Crystals, Circle Punches

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeasy!

2011-04-12T11:36:00.003-04:00

The colour challenge colours on SCS today are Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron and Pretty in Pink. This is such a soft and pretty combination, I wanted to use a floral stamp ... and all my new "Mini Catalogue" stamps are out on my desk so I reached for 'Fabulous Florets'. I love how you can do collage stamping so easily and quickly with this set, all I did was stamp with the given colours and then layer the central image onto Pear Pizzazz, ran it through the Big Shot with the new 'Flower Garden' embossing folder and, hey presto! Done! I did add a tiny bit of ribbon for interest but that's it. Here's a close-up of the embossing folder image ~ if you click on it to make it larger, you may see the shimmer from the 'Shimmery White' paper, it sparkles beautifully on the raised bits IRL.

Recipe
Stamps : Fabulous Florets
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Pear Pizzazz
Ink : So Saffron, Pretty in Pin, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories : Flower Garden Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon

Scallop Circles

2011-04-11T21:40:00.003-04:00

I have had such a busy day but was itching to try today's technique before bed! It's such a great idea, you can make scallop circles using your Stampin' Up BORDER punches! The full tutorial is on Splitcoast Stampers under TLC320.

I'm always sending girlie cards to my mum and my sister in England ~ so I thought I'd make a card especially for my Dad today. He's a nautical man through and through. His early career was in the boat building dockyards of Liverpool where he worked as a Naval Architect. Needless to say, when I saw the new set "The Open Sea" it had my Dad's name written ALL OVER IT :)

So here's his card, I had to make the sentiment using my computer, but I love how it turned out, I hope he likes it too!!! Mum, I know you read my blog, shhhhhh, don't tell him its on its way! Hee hee.

Recipe
Stamps : The Open Sea
Cardstock : Naturals Ivory, Night of Navy
Ink : Early Espresso
Accessories : Scallop Trim Border Punch

April Card Class

2011-04-08T23:15:00.005-04:00

Saturday 16th April Class ~ 10.30am. Here are the projects we'll be making at my next card class. These projects will be using stamp sets and Designer Papers from the upcoming Summer Mini Catalog ~ you'll get to try them out before they're available to order on 1st May.

A criss cross card:

A tri-fold Pocket Card (open):

And a Tri-fold Card.

Even More Mini Previews!

2011-04-08T12:16:00.001-04:00

Just made some time to play a little more with the new postage stamp punch and the two triple layer punches. Love these!

The triple layer punches are SO easy to use. There are 3 shapes to choose from and a little sliding lever, so you just slide the lever to whichever punched shape you want, and that's what gets punched out. Couldn't be simpler :)

Punches used : Postage Stamp Punch, Dolily (flower centres) & Blossom Bouquet Punches. The tiny flower is the Trio Punch with a 1/2 Crystal in the centre.

Postage Stamp Punch & Embedded Embossing

2011-04-08T08:48:00.002-04:00

Good Morning & Happy Friday :) Today's 'Free 4 All' challenge on splitcoast was to try embedded embossing. This technique could NOT be simpler. You punch out the shapes of your choice, glue them down onto cardstock and run the whole thing through the Big Shot in an Embossing Folder! Such a cool result :)

Here's a close-up of the postage stamp punch which is available on 1st May from the new Summer Mini Catalog. Please pretend that I got the image centred in the 1" square :) Ha! I just noticed that!

Recipe
Stamps : Pretty Postage
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Peach Parfait, Blushing Bride
Ink : SU Markers
Accessories : Big Shot, Lattice Embossing Folder, Trio Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, Peach Parfait Ribbon

More Mini Previews

2011-04-06T12:47:00.003-04:00

A few more pics to whet your appetite for the next Mini Catalogue from Stampin' Up! You will be able to order on 1st May ... here's more Fabulous Florets ...

This card is made with the new set 'The Open Sea' and the Nautical Expedition Designer Series Paper.

Recipes

Card 1
Stamps : Fabulous Florets, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink : Versamark, Wild Wasabi
Cardstock : Tangerine Tango, Shimmery White, Wild Wasabi, Beyond the Garden DSP
Accessories : Tangerine Tango & Wild Wasabi EP, Scallop & Plain Oval Punches, 1/2 Crystal, White Taffeta Ribbon, TT Marker

Card 2
Stamps : The Open Sea, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink : Early Espresso
Cardstock : Naturals Ivory, Early Espresso, Nautical Expedition DSP
Accessories : Modern Label and Word Window Punches, Scallop Edge Punch

New Summer Mini Preview

2011-04-06T08:14:00.003-04:00

I'm SO EXCITED! I am playing with my pre-order for the new Summer Mini which goes live on May 1st. The sketch over on Splitcoast today had 'Fabulous Florets' written ALL over it :) And look at the gorgeous Designer Paper ... isn't it lush?

Here's a close up of the .... wait for it .... WILD WASABI Embossing Powder! Yes, it's embossed, and the powder is gorgeous .... ooooh, today will be a good day!

Recipe
Stamps : Fabulous Florets
Ink : Versamark, Pacific Point
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Pacific Point, Beyond the Garden DSP
Accessories :Regal Brads, Wild Wasabi Embossing Powder {swoon}, Heat gun, Dimensionals

Colours & Buttons

2011-04-05T12:03:00.001-04:00

What a great colour combo for the challenge today on Splitcoast! Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze and Pear Pizzazz. You can see from my card that I stamped the background with all different buttons for the set, Button Button. I love the way this looks with these colours, it also qualifies for the Scrapbook Focus Creative Crew Challenge for April which is to make your own background using stamps!

The sentiment is computer generated and mounted onto one of the gorgeous frames from the upcoming set Four Frames. A touch of ribbon and hey presto! Easy peasy lemon squeasy! Here's a close-up ...

Recipe
Stamps : Four Frames, Button Button
Ink : Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade
Cardstock : Shimmery White, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade
Accessories : Designer Label Punch, Button & Twine, Seam Binding Ribbon, Computer

April Creative Crew ~ My Final Month!

2011-03-31T19:28:00.008-04:00

I'm sad to say that these are my final Creative Crew challenges as a Design Team Member :( I want to say a huge thank you to the team, Patty, Lydia, Jana for their fabulous management of the CC challenges, I can't wait to see who's up next. I will, of course be participating in the May challenges, but as a player, not a designer.

First up, keyword CCREW0411CF ~ Catalog Focus *Punches*. We are to use the many and varied Stampin' Up punches in our projects. I chose to make a criss-cross card using the Sweet Stitches DSP along with the little tiny flower from Trio Punches. I love the dimension these dinky little flowers can add to a project. I added bling to mine :)

Here are a couple of close ups so you can see how it was all pulled together.

Keyword CCREW0411DF ~ Blueberry Crisp DSP, or the colour combo of Sahara Sand, Pacific Point, Not Quite Navy and Very Vanilla. This first card is made with the Flower Folds Bigz XL Die, the first pic is the flower all folded up with a ribbon to tie it shut, then you can see it open with the lovely sentiment in the centre.

When you untie the ribbon, the flower opens up, like this ...

My second Blueberry Crisp card is this one. It's a tri-fold. I love this one ;)

Keyword CCREW0411HF ~ Holiday Focus is on Mother Ocean ... or ... Watercolouring. Here's a very simple watercoloured card for this challenge. I adore these Scotties, I had a smile on my face the whole time I was colouring!

Keyword CCREW0411SF ~ Scrapbooking Focus was to make a page with NO DSP, so we were to make our own backgrounds. I am not a scrapbooker so I decided to make a picture with my lovely daughter, Sarah as my focal point. I made my background out of the Simply Said and Always stamp sets.

And that's it for my April Creative Crew Projects. I hope you get a chance to play along with us on Splitcoast, all the recipes can be found at my Splitcoast Stampers Gallery which you can find here.

A Clean Cut Sketch

2011-03-30T08:05:00.004-04:00

This is the sketch today on Splitcoast. I really like its simplicity so kept my card VERY plain and simple ... I wanted to use Designer Papers for the layering and keep the focal image uncluttered and unadorned. It is SCREAMING out for a sentiment, so I shall computer generate one when I decide who is getting this :) Here's a close up of the detail in the sewing machine.

Recipe
Stamps : Sew Suite
Cardstock : Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Sweet Stitches DSP
Ink : Early Espresso
Accessories : Blender Pen & Reinkers