JUST ADD INK #32

This week's challenge at Just Add Ink, is to "just add material" to a card or other papercraft project.  I don't have any fabric (much to my mother's dismay, I can't sew to save my life), so I have drawn a rather long bow (pardon the pun), and used one of the sweet little fabric flowers from Stampin' Up!'s Pretties Kit, that is about to retire.  I have also used the solitary Baja Breeze corduroy brad that I had left (LOVED those things, but it's time for me to use up my hoarded supplies!).

Here is the card I came up with, using the "oldies but goodies", plus some gorgeous new products that will be available from this coming Wednesday!!  Counting down the hours until 1st September, when the brand-spanking-new-AMAZING 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue goes 'live'!!

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, Friends Never Fade (*NEW*)

Card: So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark inkpad, So Saffron, Baja Breeze and Basic Black stampin' pads

DSP: Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper (*NEW*)

Other: Scallop Edge punch, Fancy Flower XL punch (*NEW*), 5-petal Flower punch, Pretties Kit, Baja Breeze corduroy brad, sponge daubers, Stamp-a-ma-jig, dimensionals

I just LOVE how the 5-petal flower punch fits beautifully with the new Fancy Flower XL punch.  I can see this becoming a recurring theme on my cards!

Hope you're having a happy day.  I had a lovely mini-golf, and hot chocolate / cafe latte, date with my littlest man this morning, while his big brother was at cricket training - such a nice way to spend the morning!

RETURN OF TWO FAVOURITES ... and another go at JAI #31

This week's Just Add Ink challenge is open until midnight tonight.  I couldn't resist making another card using this great colour combo:

I've added some white into the mix, and used a couple of stamp sets that I am pleased to say will be in Stampin' Up!'s new Idea Book & Catalogue being released on 1st September!  These stamps are favourites in my collection, but to date had been available only for a limited time in mini catalogues.  Yippee!  I'll get to play with them, and show them off, some more :)

Stamps: Oval All, Butterfly Prints

Card: Kraft, Real Red (smooth and textured), Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Sahara Sand stampin' pad, Versamark inkpad, Real Red and Chocolate Chip markers

Other: Butterfly Punch, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, sponge daubers, white embossing powder, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Kraft taffeta ribbon, dimensionals

SOME VERY HAPPY NEWS!!

If you haven't already, please visit the Helping Hudson website, to find out the results of the fundraising efforts a team of us have had going for the past 3 weeks!!

We are incredibly humbled by the collective generosity of the papercrafting, and wider, community.  Thank you, to everyone who helped us reach the lofty heights we have!

Christine xx

JUST ADD INK #31, and HELPING HUDSON TECHNIQUE CHALLENGE

The colour challenge over at Just Add Ink this week is right up my alley!  Here are the colours to incorporate in a papercraft project:

 I already have a HEAP of cards I've made using these colours, but of course I had to make a new card specifically for the challenge.  While I was at it, I decided to incorporate this week's technique challenge, at Helping Hudson, to use embossing and sponging.  If any of my customers are reading this, they'll probably just laugh or roll their eyes, because any card I make just isn't finished if it's not sponged to within an inch of its life! Sponge daubers are highly valued items in my house, and get a VERY good work-out in my classes!!

My brother and sister-in-law are about to celebrate being married 24 years.  They are no-fuss people (clearly not Leos, ha ha), and I thought this colour scheme would be perfect to use on their anniversary card.  I love the 'understated' look of stamping on kraft card; because it has a rougher tooth than Whisper White, the ink does not absorb as well.  That rustic look is just what I was going for.  I've sponged around every panel and element (including each heart) ..... I had planned to sponge around the outer edge of the card front, but got too excited about having enough light to photograph the card on this bleak day, so will do that before I put the card in the post!  The 'embossed' part is the Kraft dotty panel in the centre, and the sentiment panel; I've used the 'debossed' side to complement the simply, un-fussy, look of the rest of the card.

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Real Red

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Chocolate Chip, Real Red and Sahara Sand stampin' pads

Other: Heart to Heart Punch, Round Tab Punch, Word Window Punch, Linen Thread, 5/16" jumbo brads, dimensionals, sponge daubers, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder

Our "Helping Hudson" fundraiser officially winds up on Sunday!!  So, if you haven't already been to the website to purchase the fabulous bundles of tutorials (AMAZING value, at only $10 for 10 tutorials), or make a donation towards Hudson's Kidwalk, please do so in the next two days.  Your support is greatly appreciated - thank you!

"SUNNY DAY" FISH

Ah, no, it's NOT a sunny day here in Melbourne!  I have had some of the papers from my "Sunny Day" Simply Scrappin' Kit out, to have a play, after being inspired by the very creative Kathryn Ruddick.  You must check out what Kathryn has just made, for a 3-D item challenge at "Helping Hudson".  It is bright and cheery, and just plain fun - what we all need, especially when the weather is very bleak.

I just had to have a go at making the gorgeous little punch-art fish that Kathryn used on her project.  Great fun, I have to tell you!

Here are some tiny 'thank you' cards that were very quick to whip up once I'd made the fish (which, themselves, were very quick to whip up!).

Stamps: Short & Sweet

Card: Tempting Turquoise, Pink Passion, Whisper White

Ink: Tempting Turquoise stampin' pad, Jet Black Staz-on inkpad, black fineline marker

Other: "Sunny Day" Simply Scrappin' Kit, Word Window Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, XL Two-Step Bird Punch, sponge dauber, SNAIL adhesive

Ethan, my 9-year-old, wanted to try his hand at making a fish too, so he chose which punches he wanted to use, and came up with this little guy (which I think has great character with his big eye, don't you?!):

I've had to photograph these inside, because it is very grey and wet outside.  Hope they put a smile on your face!  Thanks, Kathryn, for the inspiration - I love your work!

The "Sunny Day" Simply Scrappin' Kit, at $36.95, is fantastic value for scrapbookers and cardmakers alike. The pack contains co-ordinating double-sided Designer Series Papers, 12"x12" cardstock in three colours, and heaps of adhesive die cuts.  As you can see, it's very bright and happy!  It is available only until 31st August (since it's in our current Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue).  I can take orders to be shipped direct to your door, wherever in Australia you live.  So, if you don't already have your own Stampin' Up! demonstrator, email me, and I'd be very happy to help you!

Christine :)

"HELPING HUDSON" COLOUR CHALLENGE ....and a Sneak Peek!

This week's colour challenge at "Helping Hudson" is to use these beautiful colours together:

I have had all sorts of ideas this week, but they haven't come to fruition, so I decided to 'clear my mind' and go back to using my tried-and-true Top Note die.  I hope you're not thoroughly sick of seeing it, after all my "quilted" Top Notes that I shared with you the other day!  This die is just so versatile; I love it to bits.

The only stamping on this card is the sentiment, which is a new, to-die-for CUTE stamp, that will be available from 1st September.  It even has its own co-ordinating punch (also used on my card) - you'll just *have* to have these, people!!

I love all the colours in this week's challenge, and think they complement each other beautifully.  Here is the card I made today .... please forgive the 'questionable' photography.   It was all I could manage, quickly snapping a shot of my card out on our decking, before the gusty wind picked it up and carried it away.  (I got it back.)

Stamps: *New* stamp being released 1st September

Card: Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Baja Breeze textured

Ink: Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze stampin' pads

DSP: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, So Saffron Prints DSP, Bella Rose Designer Series Paper

Other: Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, Button Latte buttons, Perfect Polka Dots and Manhattan Flowers embossing folders, Mini Glue Dots, *New* punch coming 1st September

JUST ADD INK #30

The wonderful girls over at Just Add Ink have combined their regular weekly challenge with a little helping hand for Hudson.  The Design Team have come up with the most incredible submissions this week - you MUST go check them out!  Gorgeous, delightful, and awe-inspiring - and I'm talking about the women themselves, not just their amazing projects.

The theme of this week's challenge is to "Just Add Wheels".  I am pretty darn proud of myself, because, having had limited opportunities to stamp 'just for fun' lately, I've been able to kill three birds with one stone (figuratively speaking, of course).  This month I'm running  a couple of classes with a 'wheels' theme, in aid of the "Helping Hudson" fundraiser.  One of the cards we made fits the bill perfectly for the JAI challenge.  The third bonus is that this card is intended for a very dear friend of mine, who is in the happy position of having just become a grandmother for the very first time.

I've incorporated a Stampin' Around wheel (Fast Flowers was used to create the gorgeous background on the main panel), two circles to hold and mat the image, and a pram which, of course, has wheels.  How cool is that for meeting the criteria?

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes, Fast Flowers stampin' around wheel

Card: Confetti White, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink

Ink: Regal Rose stampin' pad, Pretty in Pink stampin' pad, standard ink cartridge and marker, white gel pen

Other: Mat pack and paper piercing tool, Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Word Window punch, sponge dauber, Circles #2 Sizzix die, dimensionals, Clear Rhinestone Brad (gem popped out), affixed with Crystal Effects

I'm hoping to fit in some more stamping time this weekend, so you never know, you might even see another post from me before the end of tomorrow!  Thanks for visiting my blog, and I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend.

QUILTED TOP NOTES IN RETIRING DESIGNER SERIES PAPERS

Well, folks, the title of this post is a pretty good indicator of what I have to show you today!

When our current Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalogue finishes at the end of this month, ALL of the packs of Designer Series Papers will retire, to make way for new designs and colours.  Now is the time to put in an order for any of the papers you've had your eye on .... once they retire, they won't be coming back.  Great news, though - several of these papers are on special!!  I'll tell  you a bit more as I go along.

A GREAT way of using up any scraps of Designer Series Paper (which, from hereon in, shall be referred to as "DSP") is to make a Quilted Top Note.  I'm sure you've seen these all over the 'blogosphere', but I hope you'll still enjoy what I have to show you.  When I found out how simple it was to make these, I had a bit of a 'field day' with my Big Shot, Top Note Die, and different packs of DSP.  I love the different looks achieved by switching around the colours. 


Firstly, I'll show you a card I made using "Bella Bleu" DSP, which is simply divine.  I think I might've gone a bit overboard with the blue on this card!

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Best Yet

Card: Brocade Blue, Kraft, Very Vanilla

DSP: Bella Bleu

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Brocade Blue stampin' pad, Sahara Sand stampin' pad & marker

Other: Top Note die, 1 1/4" square punch, XL Two-Step Bird Punch, sponge daubers, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Scallop Circle punch, Brocade Blue 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon, white gel pen

The next card I have to show you is a Christmas card, similar to one I've shared before, and to those that all of my class participants have made in the past month.  This card uses "Holiday Treasures" DSP, which is the Christmas paper in the current catalogue.  I love it, especially for this technique - the patterns and colours co-ordinate beautifully, don't you think?  "Holiday Treasures" DSP is on sale this month, for only $12.71 per pack!  Each pack contains 12 sheets of double-sided 12"x12" patterned paper.  That equates to only $1.06 per sheet, which is super-cheap for DSP.

Stamps: Snow Swirled

Card: Old Olive, Whisper White

DSP: Holiday Treasures

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive and Riding Hood Red stampin' pads, Versamark inkpad

Other: Top Note die, 1 1/4" square punch, Wide Oval punch, sponge daubers, Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon, black fine line marker

One of my favourite paper packs from the current catalogue is "Haiku" DSP.  It, too, is on special, until the end of August (or, until sold out) at only $12.71 per pack!  Here is a simple card I made, using the Quilted Top Note technique:

Stamps: Tiny Tags, Seeing Spots

Card: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White

DSP: Haiku

Ink: So Saffron, Old Olive and Tangerine Tango stampin' pads, Versamark inkpad, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad

Other: Top Note die, 1 1/4" square punch, Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, sponge dauber, Whisper White taffeta ribbon, Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, black fine line marker

My next card uses "Raspberry Tart" DSP, also on sale this month (while stocks last), for $12.71 per pack.  Sorry about the glare off the silver hardware - I couldn't photograph it well, but it reads "Friends Forever".  This card has NO stamping on it at all!!

Card: Rose Red, Whisper White

DSP: Raspberry Tart

Ink: Cameo Coral stampin' pad

Other: Top Note die, 1 1/4" square punch, 1" Rose Red double-stitched ribbon, Kiwi Kiss satin ribbon, Fleurettes II and Hooray Designer Hardware (both NLA), Crop-a-dile, sticky strip, sponge dauber, white gel pen

Finally, I have a very bright and happy card made using "Pink Flamingo" DSP.  This gorgeous, colourful, paper is on sale this month for a mere $8.48 - that's a 50% saving on the regular price!

Stamps: Polka Dot, Short & Sweet

Card: Cameo Coral, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

DSP: Pink Flamingo

Ink: Cameo Coral stampin' pad, Versamark inkpad, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad

Other: Top Note die, 1 1/4" square punch, Lots of Tags sizzlits die, Word Window Punch, Whisper White taffeta ribbon, Tempting Turquoise 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, sponge daubers, rhinestones from Clear Rhinestone brads, black fine line marker, mini glue dots

I hope this variety of cards inspires you to try out the technique for yourself.  Email me if you need any help, or further details.  I can take orders for any of the retiring products up until 31st August, but make sure you get in soon if you don't want to miss out!

"ART WITH HEART" TEAM BLOG HOP - MEN IN OUR LIVES

Hi all

Today is a very exciting day for me - not least of all because it's time for another blog hop with some of my wonderful Stampin' Up! team members.  IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!  21, again :)

As a Leo, it's a little difficult for me to accept that it's not "all about me", but I'll move on and talk about the blog hop, which is probably why you're visiting my blog today!

Being the first Saturday of the month, it's time for our "Art With Heart" team blog hop. This month our theme is "Men in our Lives". We hope to inspire you with our male-focussed projects, for Father's Day, birthdays, or just celebrating the males who are special to us.
The "Art With Heart" team of Stampin' Up! demonstrators comprises over 90 women, spread across Australia, and is led by Claire Daly (based in Melbourne). We have a very active online team forum, that is a great source of inspiration, support, and friendship. If you'd like to join us, whether it be as a hobby demonstrator (to receive great discounts, every day, on Stampin' Up! products), or to start up your own rewarding, home-based business, please email me; I'd love to have you join our friendly team!

As with each of our blog hops, we offer *blog candy* - a little prize for one person who visits all of the participating blogs, leaves a comment, then emails Nikki Sadler to confirm that all blog posts have been commented on. The offer for the blog candy is valid only for 72 hours from the launch of our blog hop; so, to be in to win, make sure you email Nikki by 6.00am AEST Tuesday 10th August. Blog candy cannot be won by Stampin' Up! demonstrators, but we would dearly love for you all to visit our blogs and leave comments anyway!

Today there are 9 of us taking part in the blog hop. You may have come from my talented friend Judy May's blog, or may be starting off here.  Either way, it's lovely to have you visit - thank you!  When you've finished looking at my blog post, just click on the link below to go on to Tina Gillespie's blog. You can start at any of the blogs along the way; you'll do a 'circuit', and cover all 9, as long as you follow the links on each blog.


Now, onto my projects. I have chosen to make a couple of Father's Day cards, using the wonderful sentiment from my Occasional Greetings stamp set, that's on page 112 of the Stampin' Up! catalogue.  This set contains a great variety of sentiments, including greetings for Mother's Day and Father's Day - I love it.

I really love the colours in this first card that I have to share with you.  Let me know which is your favourite!

Stamps: Occasional Greetings, Sanded, Party Hearty

Card: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Basic Gray

Ink: Kiwi Kiss and Basic Gray stampin' pads

DSP: Urban Garden, Urban Oasis

Other: Basic Gray corduroy buttons (retired), dimensionals, White gel pen, sponge daubers, mini glue dots, edge distresser

Some of the things that I like to use often on male cards are Jumbo Eyelets, Weathered background stamp, and paper piercing/edge distressing.  Here's a simple card that incorporates all of these elements:

Stamps: Occasional Greetings, Weathered

Ink: Basic Gray, Baja Breeze

Card: Basic Gray, Baja Breeze (smooth and textured), Whisper White

DSP: Urban Garden Designer Series Paper

Other: Mat pack and paper piercing tool, Jumbo Eyelets (set with a Crop-a-dile), Top Note die, sponge dauber, dimensionals

 


Finally, I'd like to share with you a project dedicated to a young man who is very special to me.  The scrapbook page below includes two of the most important males in my life - Andrew (hubby) and Jack (our eldest son).  In April, Jack went on his first overseas cricket tour, representing the Yarra Valley (in Melbourne's outer east).  Such an auspicious occasion - I had to scrap it! 

Here's a close-up of the journalling:

Hmm, now that I see it on screen, it's not exactly crystal clear - sorry!  The hand-written journalling reads:

"Jack, we were incredibly proud that you, at 14, were selected as part of the Yarra Valley under-17s team touring Sri Lanka and Malaysia.  This photo was taken just before you headed off to the airport.  You and Dad had a fantastic trip.  We're sure you will go on to great things with your cricket, son.  We're with you every step of the way!"

Another couple of close-up shots, so you can see the stamped background (the Just Cricket stamp set gets quite a work-out in my house!):

Here's a list of products used to make this layout:

Stamps: Just Cricket, Starring You

Card: Kraft 12x12, Summer Sun, Whisper White textured, Brilliant Blue

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Brilliant Blue stampin' pad and stampin' write marker

Other: Curly Label Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Mat pack and paper piercing tool, Brilliant Blue brads, title rub-ons (not SU!)

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my projects for this month's blog hop.  Next on the 'tour' is Tina Gillespie, who will no doubt have someting very creative to show you.  Please check out all 9 blogs on the hop, and leave some comment love!  Don't forget you can win a prize by emailing Nikki after you've commented on each blog.

I've included below a complete list of all the participants in today's hop, so that if you lose your way, you can refer back to it.

Christine Blain (that's me, the birthday girl!)http://www.christineblain.blogspot.com/


Tina Gillespie
http://scissorspapercard.blogspot.com


Kristine Thompson
http://inkspotcreations.typepad.com


Nikki Sadler
http://inkyart.com.au


Dianne Dunk
http://www.stampartbydi.typepad.com


Alisha Watson
http://www.ratherbstampin.typepad.com


Sue Madex
http://www.madexcreations.com


Kathryn Ruddick http://www.katlodesigns.com


Judy May
http://www.judymay.typepad.com/

HELPING HUDSON COLOUR CHALLENGE - WEEK 1

Over at the Helping Hudson blog there are three challenges open all week, each week, for three weeks (get that?!)!!  We have a Colour Challenge, a Sketch challenge, and a Technique Challenge.  There are FANTASTIC PRIZES (generously donated by Stampin' Up! Australia) on offer for the winners of each challenge, and we'd love to see you take part.


There are some requirements in order to be eligible for the prizes. Here's all the fine print:



• Stampin’ Up! Australia requires that prizes are only to be awarded to Australian residents.  Whilst we cannot ship prizes overseas, any challenge winners outside Australia have the option of nominating an Australian resident to donate their prize to. (Yay for international stamping friends!)


• Participation requires a donation of either $2 per challenge, or $10 to enter all 9 challenges (see here for Paypal and other payment options)


• You can enter the same card in more than 1 challenge, but you must make a donation for every challenge you enter. If you only make 1 donation the card will only be eligible for a prize in the first challenge you entered;


• Prizes will be awarded to the winners once their donation has been verified


• By entering you agree that if you are judged to be the winner a photograph of your project will be featured on this website;


• Winners of all challenges will have 72 hours after their name is announced in which to claim their prize. If you're the lucky winner of a challenge, email us at hudsonchallenges@gmail.com and let us know your details so we can post your prize. Any unclaimed prizes will be given away in a random draw of all challenge entrants on the 25th August.




** Great news!! If you do not have a blog we can help you take part! Just email your name, the name of the challenge you are entering and a photo of your entry to hudsonchallenges@gmail.com so that the Helping Hudson team can include your entry in the relevant challenge.**


I'm not eligible for any prizes (boo hoo), but I thought it'd be fun to play along.  The colour combo this week was a particularly challenging one for me, but I'm up for a challenge!  Here are the colours we're asking you to incorporate in a papercraft creation (that must be submitted by midnight, AEST, Saturday 7th August):

I have made a little "thank you" card, using my beloved Top Note die.  Here's the end result:

Stamps: Medallion, Short & Sweet

Card: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White

DSP: Urban Garden, Tea Party

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Not Quite Navy and Rose Red stampin' pads, white gel pen

Other: Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon, XL Two-Step Bird Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Top Note Die, sponge daubers, dimensionals

Can you see the Medallion image stamped on the Whisper White card?  It is a pretty bleak day for taking photos, but I hope you can see it - was rather pleased with that idea.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

Two of the products I've used on this card are on special this month, on the Last Chance List, and are available only while stocks last.  That scrumptious ribbon (Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain) is a whopping 50% off, at only $9.98 for a roll.  The pink dotty paper (with the scalloped edge) is from the Tea Party DSP pack, which is discounted by 25% this month, to only $12.71.  If either of these items is on your 'wish list', be sure to order them soon, before they are gone forever!

If you haven't already, please play along with the challenges - you never know, you could win something really cool!

TWO CHALLENGES IN ONE

I'm having a quiet "at home" day today, feeling a bit sorry for myself because I'm not well.  However, I'm not one to lie on the couch, or watch tv - I get restless.  So, into my craft room I go ... determined to make amends for the god-awful card (thank you to those of you who left kind comments - you are very sweet!) I entered in this week's Just Add Ink challenge.  Just to re-cap, the challenge this week is to make a card for a male, using these colours:

I LOVE colour challenges, but I must admit this one's not much of a challenge for me - I'd happily use these colours on all of my cards!  (Oh, except for the odd break to make something in red.)

Soooo, I decided to combine the Just Add Ink challenge with a sketch challenge.  Those two words send shivers down my spine - I struggle with sketch challenges!  They're effective, though, 'cos they challenge me (I do realise this is the idea), and I often do come up with a concept and run with it.

I'm taking part in the sketch challenge over at the Helping Hudson blog.  We're aiming to raise a LOT of money for Hudson, so please visit the blog, and join in on the fun.  There are FANTASTIC prizes on offer for the winners of each challenge.  We have a colour challenge, a sketch challenge and a technique challenge running each week for 3 weeks - check them out here. You can take part in each challenge for a $2 donation; or, if you donate $10 you're able to take part in all 9 challenges over the 3 weeks.  Small change, that collectively will make a big difference to this little boy's life!  One of this week's challenges is to make a project using this sketch:

and ..... drumroll, please ....... this is what I came up with (just in time for my brother-in-law's birthday, as it so happens):

Stamps: Happy, Happy Birthday Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel; On Your Birthday

Card: Kraft, Baja Breeze textured, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Sahara Sand and Chocolate Chip stampin' pads

Other: Star Punch,Large Star Punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Top Note Die, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, paper snips, Mat Pack and paper piercing tool, dimensionals, sponge daubers

I 'roughed up' the edges of the Scallop Oval, using my paper snips, to make it look a little less 'girly'.  I've used debossed Kraft stars, and embossed Chocolate Chip stars, for a bit of contrast.

I'm happy to report, I like this one! 

JUST ADD INK #28

The fabulous team at Just Add Ink have come up with a double challenge this week - to incorporate these yummy colours

  





in a man's card.  Now, that in itself is not really a challenge, because I love making cards for men and boys, and these are some of my "go-to" colours.  However, in the process of making my card I learnt the value of "less is more".  I'll explain.  I had a very clear vision in my head of what I wanted this card to look like.  You know, simplistic design, grungy and distressed looking background, bit of edge distressing and some faux stitching (all staple elements in many of my male cards). 

I started off with a panel of Kraft card, and stamped the Sanded background in Sahara Sand.  Nice, subtle, texture, and I should've left it at that.  But, no, I decided to over-stamp it with Sanded again, in Baja Breeze.  Hmm ... not quite the look I was going for.  I applied a bit of Chocolate Chip ink with a sponge, to my stamp of choice (the brocade image from Friends 24-7), to give a subtle, masculine look to one side of the card.  In an attempt to cover up the Baja Breeze stamping I'd regretted, I stamped Sanded AGAIN, this time with Chocolate Chip ink.  This detracted from my subtle brocade-y pattern, so I stamped the brocade bits again with full-strength Chocolate Chip ink.  Now the card just look imbalanced, so I proceeded to stamp the brocade pattern all over my card (with ink sponged onto the rubber, so it wasn't toooooo dark).

What I've ended up with is a card that very nearly got thrown in the bin.  However, because I've been rather short on "stamping just for fun" time, I decided to share my creation with you instead!  I'm hoping I'll get a chance in the next few days to make another card that is more to my liking.

I don't have my grandfathers any more, but my boys do, so one of them might just be lucky enough to receive this card one day, LOL.

Oh, to top off the "this isn't working out as I'd planned" experience, when I stamped "Wonderful", I got a small line of ink where I didn't want it.  Hence the lightly ruled line underneath that word - it was an attempt to salvage the Baja Breeze panel.  There are no mistakes in stamping ... just creative opportunities!

Here's what I used to make this card:

Stamps: Sanded, Friends 24-7, Wonderful Favourites

Card: Kraft, Chocolate Chip

DSP: Parisian Breeze and Baja Breeze Patterns Designer Series Papers

Ink: Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip stampin' pads, Chocolate Chip stampin' write marker

Other: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Jumbo brads, mat pack and paper piercing tool, sponge dauber, edge distresser

HELPING HUDSON - A "WHEELY" GOOD CAUSE

I am very excited to FINALLY be able to share with you, news of a fundraiser that has been organised by a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators in Australia.  From the 1st to the 22nd of August, you'll have the chance to buy some incredible papercraft tutorials, take part in challenges, and have some fun with daily giveaways.  You don't want to miss this!! Stampin' Up! Australia has donated lots and lots of prizes for us to give away.  We're able to post them only within Australia, but please don't let this stop you entering the challenges if you are outside of Australia; we welcome any support you're willing and able to give.

You may have already noticed the 'blinkie' in my blog sidebar, but if not, here's your chance to learn about something great that we are hoping to do for a very special little boy, named Hudson.

PLEASE, visit the blog www.helpinghudson.blogspot.com, to learn all about the cause that is close to our hearts.  We would love your support, to help Hudson become more mobile, and be able to keep up a bit better with his brother and sister, and other little friends.

If you are a stamper or scrapbooker, we just know you will LOVE the tutorials that have been generously donated by some amazing papercraft artists from Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and U.K.  You can buy bundles of 10 tutorials, to make fabulous projects, for only A$10.00.  Every cent that is paid for tutorials goes towards Hudson's 'wheels'.   We have six value-packed tutorial bundles on offer, and if you order 4 or more, you will receive for free an exclusive bonus bundle!  How much papercrafting inspiration can one person get??!! 

If you're not a stamper or scrapbooker, we would still love your support.  On the blog you'll find details of how a donation may be made to Hudson's cause.  Every little bit helps.  Together, we hope to achieve GREAT things!

Come on, let's get Hudson moving!  Here's a picture of Hudson, having a go in his friend's KidWalk - just look at that happy little face, will you?