A BIT OF CUTENESS, AND SOME COLOURING

So far, at least, I have managed to resist the rather strong pull of Copic markers.  (Admirable, don't you think?!)  A couple of years ago I treated myself to a full set of Prismacolor coloured pencils, for my birthday.  They are THE most luscious pencils to use, with beautiful blending quality due to the high wax content in the leads.   Since becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I've been neglecting my pencils, and have chosen not to often use other brands of stamps.

However, the other day I bought some X-Press It Blending Card (designed for use with Copics), to see if I'd get a good result with my Prismacolors and Odourless Mineral Spirits.  I've always used Expression super-smooth card with my Prismacolors, but was curious to see how X-Press It compared.  I must say it's pretty good.  I still have about half a box of Expression to use up, but, hey, in about 5 years once it's empty, at least I know of a good alternative!

On both cards I have to show you, I've used a cute litte Stampavie image (I've had her for a couple of years, and don't remember her name, sorry!), and some Stampin' Up! products.

Stamps: Stampavie, SU! Sincere Salutations

Card: Crumb Cake, X-Press It Blending Card

DSP: Rich Razzleberry Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black inkpad, Crumb Cake stampin' pad

Other: Sponge Dauber, Lots of Tags sizzlits die, Prismacolor coloured pencils, Odourless Mineral Spirits, blending stumps, Basic Rhinestone

The second card I made, which I think is a bit reminiscent of the 1970s with the colours I've used, is going to a friend who is having a very bad run with injury and illness at the moment.  Hopefully it'll brighten her day.

Stamps: Stampavie, SU! Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Soft Suede, Peach Parfait, X-Press It Blending Card

DSP: Peach Parfait Patterns Designer Series Paper (hostess pack)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black inkpad, Soft Suede stampin' pad

Other: Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Beautiful Wings embosslits die, Basic Rhinestone, Prismacolor coloured pencils, Odourless Mineral Spirits, blending stumps

"EXTREME ELEMENTS" Earthy Series - part 2

I love my recently-used colour combo of Tangerine Tango, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla, so decided to apply it to some cards using "Extreme Elements".  Are you sick of seeing this stamp set yet??  Hubby is - he says "I really don't like this set as much as you do, you know".  Hmph.  I am still having a heap of fun with it, so I'll continue to share what I make!

Here are two 'boy' cards that I came up with, to make use of a panel that I'd stamped with several stamps from  Extreme Elements.  I cut the panel in half, so I could make two different designs. 

Stamps: Extreme Elements, On Your Birthday, Wonderfully Worn

Card: Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake

Ink: Crumb Cake stampin' pad and marker, Tangerine Tango stampin' pad and marker, Early Espresso stampin' pad and marker

Other: Colour Spritzer tool, Buttons #5 die, Jumbo brads neutral, Linen Thread, Modern Label punch, sponge dauber, edge distresser

Stamps: Extreme Elements, On Your Birthday

Card: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla

DSP: Crumb Cake Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink: Crumb Cake stampin' pad and marker, Early Espresso stampin' pad and marker, Tangerine Tango stampin' pad and marker

Other: Mat Pack and paper-piercing tool, Neutrals brad, Modern Label Punch, sponge daubers,         1 3/8" circle punch, Scallop Circle Punch, stampin' dimensionals

"JUST ADD INK" CHALLENGE 36

This week's challenge over at the wonderful Just Add Ink site is to make a card, scrapbook page, or other papercraft item, using this sketch as a starting point:

As tempted as I was to make a pretty, girly, butterfly card (I'm quite a literal person!), I decided to use the sketch to come up with a male card - suitable particularly for a boy.  There are a few special young men in our lives who have birthdays coming up, so I need to get organised.  This was a good kick-along for me.  I just LOVE the colour combination of Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso and Tangerine Tango.   

Look at how well these colours go together:



.... and a close-up of the balloons, so you can see the 'strings' I added using Linen Thread.  See what a beautiful crisp image the balloon stamp (from the "Party This Way" set) gives?  I love it.

Stamps: Wonderfully Worn, Party This Way

Card: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

DSP: Tangerine Tango Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso and Tangerine Tango stampin' pads

Other: Sponge daubers, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Linen Thread, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Tombow Multi liquid glue

SEPTEMBER BLOG HOP - NEW CATALOGUE PRODUCTS

Hi everyone!  I know some of you will think today is an exciting day, because (apparently) the AFL Grand Final is being played.  However, something even MORE exciting is happening!!!  A group of us, all Stampin' Up! demonstrators, have a blog hop happening today - and we're showcasing products from the brand new Idea Book & Catalogue.  Now, isn't that more interesting than some footy game?!

There are 10 of us taking part in the blog hop today.  Each person taking part will have a link, at the end of her blog post, to take you on to the next person's blog.  I'll also list everyone at the bottom of this post, so if you lose your way, you can check back here to see who else you need to pay a visit to.  I'll bet there will be some fantastic ideas that you'll pick up along the way.  So, make yourself a cuppa, settle in, and have fun! 

I have chosen to make a little series of cards using the new Two Step Extra-Large Owl Punch (I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot of this little fellow around blogland, but I just couldn't resist - this is one of the items I was most looking forward to getting in the new catalogue), and the beautiful new Woodland Walk Designer Series Papers.  These papers, as my friend Judy said, are "very green" - that's why I like them!  Love the earthy tones, and the variety of patterns.

In this first card, I've used a few new stamps as well.  See if you can spot them (by the way, I'm in LOVE ... you'll see a lot more of these too!).

Stamps: A to Z, Confetti, Perfect Punches, Occasional Greetings

Card: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi (textured and smooth), Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip stampin' pad and marker, Wild Wasabi stampin' pad, Sahara Sand stampin' pad

DSP: Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper

Other: Two Step XL Owl Punch, mat pack and paper piercer, Round Tab XL Punch, stampin' sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig

My second card has very little stamping on it - just the dotty Garden Green panel (new, cute, background stamp!!), and the sentiment.  Look how beautifully the Word Window Punch mats onto the new, gorgeous, Modern Label Punch - LOVE that!

Stamps: Dot, Dot, Dot and Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Garden Green stampin' pad, Chocolate Chip stampin' pad and marker, Sahara Sand stampin' pad

DSP: Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper

Other: Two Step XL Owl Punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Scallop Edge border punch, sponge daubers, Linen Thread, stampin' dimensionals

Lastly, I have a simple card that shows off a couple of my favourite patterns from the Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper pack. 

Stamps: Hello Again

Card: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Crumb Cake

DSP: Woodland Walk Desgner Series Paper

Ink: Chocolate Chip stampin' pad and marker

Other: Two Step XL Owl Punch, Early Espresso taffeta ribbon, 1 3/4 x 7/8" Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval XL Punch, stampin' dimensionals, mini glue dots, sponge dauber

Well, that's it from me, folks.  The next stop on the blog hop is the blog of  Tina Gillespie, who I am sure will have something gorgeous to show you!

Here is a complete list of all participants in the blog hop.  Thanks for visiting, and leaving us some comment love!  May you have a happy, relaxing Saturday, and if you're a footy fan, I hope you're happy with the result (me, I'd rather be stamping!).


Ros Davidson
http://rosdavidson.typepad.com/ros_davidson_live_life_an/2010/09/blog-hop-time.html

Nikki Sadler
http://www.inkyart.com.au/inkyart/2010/09/new-catalogue-blog-hop.html

Christine Blain
(that's me!)

Tina Gillespie
http://scissorspapercard.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-catalogue-blog-hop.html

Amy Buchanan
http://fashioninggreatimpressions.com/?p=748

Erica Boxall
http://www.ericaboxall.com/2010/09/new-catty-bog-hop.html

Kathryn Mangelsdorf
http://klm55.blogspot.com/2010/09/blog-hop-featuring-new-idea-book-and.html

Kristine Thompson
http://www.inkspotcreations.com/ink-spot-creations/2010/09/new-catalogue-blog-hop.html

Alisha Watson
http://ratherbstampin.typepad.com/rather-b-stampin/2010/09/new-catalogue-blog-hop.html

Judy May
http://judymay.typepad.com/just_judy_designs/2010/09/new-catalogue-blog-hop.html

"GROWING GREEN" IN CONCORD CRUSH

Yesterday I took delivery of the gorgeous new "Growing Green" stamp set. I have no self-restraint; I'd told myself I wouldn't buy it until October ... couldn't even hold off another week!  I knew I wanted to use Crumb Cake with the maidenhair fern image, but this morning when I went into my craft room I was inspired to use Concord Crush - the new, striking, bluish-purple colour in Stampin' Up!'s range.

I made a couple of pretty simple cards, but I like them, so thought I'd share.

Stamps: Growing Green, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Whisper White, Crumb Cake

DSP: Daffodil Delight Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack, Concord Crush Patterns DSP (from Hostess Pack)

Ink: Concord Crush and Daffodil Delight stampin' pads

Other: Concord Crush poly-stitched ribbon, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, mini glue dot, sponge dauber

Stamps: Growing Green, Oval All, En Francais

Card: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Concord Crush

Ink: Crumb Cake and Concord Crush stampin' pads

Other: Beautiful Wings embosslits, Large Oval punch, Scallop Oval punch, sponge dauber, stampin' dimensionals



Okey dokes, that's it from me for today.  Make sure you pop back tomorrow, to check out the blog hop I am participating in!



CHRISTMAS CARD CLASS - part 2

As promised yesterday, I have a couple more Christmas cards to share with you.  In the class I ran yesterday, we made four cards, all using new products from Stampin' Up!  I am loving the new "Delightful Decorations" stamp set, and the Ornament punch that makes it so easy to cut out the ornaments.

Here is the third card we made using these stamps, and "the" punch:

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Christmas Classics

Card: Shimmery White, Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke

DSP: Always Artichoke Patterns DSP (from the Regals Patterns Stack)

Ink: Rich Razzleberry and Always Artichoke stampin' pads

Other: Ornament XL punch, Scallop Trim border punch, Large Oval punch, Scallop Oval XL punch, mat pack and paper-piercing tool, sponge dauber, stampin' dimensionals

The last card I have to share with you is a bit more 'rustic' looking than the other cards we made.  The focal image is the gorgeous new "Dasher" stamp, that is only $14.95.  This beautiful reindeer will feature heavily on my Christmas cards this year, I'm sure!  I love the colour combination of Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla. 

Stamps: Dasher, En Francais, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler

DSP: Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso stampin' pads

Other: Buttons #5 Sizzlits die, Word Window Punch, Linen Thread, sponge dauber, mini glue dot



I hope you have some fresh ideas for making your own Christmas cards.  Please get in touch with me if you have any questions!

Please come back again on Saturday, 25th September, and work your way around the blog hop I will be taking part in.  There will be lots of pretty things to look at!

CHRISTMAS CARD CLASS

This morning I held a class, in which we made four Christmas cards using new Stampin' Up! products.  I've committed to holding one Christmas class a month (since July) until at least November, in an effort to be more organised than I'm prone to being!

The first card we made was so I could show how beautifully the new Cherry Cobbler ink, cardstock and papers match.  We used "Jolly Holiday" Designer Series Papers, which have a beautiful array of patterns (lots of circles and polka dots, so I'm happy!).  It's a simple card, but I think it's quite elegant, with the addition of some scrumptious new Old Olive 5/8" satin ribbon, and a single rhinestone.  What do you think?

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Occasional Greetings

Card: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

DSP: Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper

Ink: Cherry Cobbler stampin' pad

Other: Ornament XL punch, Old Olive 5/8" satin ribbon, Basic Rhinestone, Stamp-a-ma-jig, mini glue dots

We again used the "Delightful Decorations" stamp set, and co-ordinating Ornament punch, using the same colours but with a very different result.  The pattern in the punched-out squares on this next card was made by stamping the beautiful ornate Christmas tree, from "Snow Swirled", then punching out portions of the image.  I love it, and was quite pleased with myself for coming up with that idea - I wanted something 'swirly', to go with the pattern on the ornament, and the background of the card.

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Snow Swirled, Short & Sweet, So Swirly jumbo wheel

Card: Old Olive, Very Vanilla

Ink: Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive stampin' pads, Versamark inkpad

Other: Ornament XL punch, Word Window punch, 1 1/4" large square punch, 1 3/8" XL square punch, stampin' around jumbo handle, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Very Vanilla 3/8" taffeta ribbon, sponge daubers, Stampin' Dimensionals, mini glue dots

I'll be back tomorrow with the second instalment of today's Christmas card class.

You can expect a few posts from me in coming days, as on Saturday 25th I will be taking part with some friends in a blog hop.  Hope you come back to visit, and join us all, to get some ideas on how to use lots of new products from Stampin' Up!

JUST ADD INK #35

This week's challenge at Just Add Ink is to make a sympathy card.  I wasn't sure that I'd get a chance to take part this week, as I've had a couple of classes (silly me, arranged them with different themes, so had double the preparation!) this week.  However, I am really pleased that I have been able to have some "play time" in my craft room this afternoon.

I think soft greens are beautiful, especially with white, on sympathy cards.  I have teamed Pear Pizzazz with Whisper White, and added in some of the new yellow in Stampin' Up!'s range - the gorgeous Daffodil Delight.

Because the light was failing when I went to photograph this card, I'm not sure if you can see that the base card has been stamped with the floral image from "Elements of Style".  It's the same stamp I've used in the main panel, but I've used Pear Pizzazz ink, stamped it off once on scrap paper, then stamped the lighter impression on my card.  Anyway, enough words - here's the picture:

Stamps: Elements of Style, Thoughts & Prayers

Card: Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

DSP: Pear Pizzazz Patterns Designer Series Paper (hostess pack)

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Pear Pizzazz stampin' pad and marker, Old Olive marker, Daffodil Delight stampin' pad and marker

Other: White embossing powder, Whisper White 5/8" satin ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, blender pen, sponger daubers, mini glue dots

I will be back soon with another post, to show you a couple of cards we made in today's Christmas card class!

EXTREME ELEMENTS for Ethan

Today my 'baby' is having a milestone birthday - he's 10!!  I'm trying not to be all soppy, and lament the loss of all the past cuteness, but I must say I am struggling a bit with my littlest growing up.

I'm having great fun with my new "Extreme Elements" stamp set, and right from when he saw this creation, Ethan requested that I use the stamps on his birthday card.  (Darn it, there goes my idea of a cutesy owl card.)  I think every time I use this stamp set, I like it more and more.  Here's what I came up with, using some of the fantastic fresh, new, colours from Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Perfect Punches, Sanded

Card: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Cajun Craze

Ink: Early Espresso, Marina Mist and Cajun Craze stampin' pads, Soft Suede marker

Other: Star Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Early Espresso button (from Neutrals assortment), Colour Spritzer tool, sponge daubers, mini glue dots, paper snips

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY, Ethan!  Love you, buddy xx

CARDS FROM YESTERDAY'S CLASS

Yesterday I got to spend an afternoon with some of my wonderful friends, who are also customers.  I ran a class, to share a whole lot of the new products I've bought from Stampin' Up!  We made 4 cards.


The first one is a little "love note" sized (3" x 3") card, using the beautiful "Elements of Style" stamp set and a couple of new "in colours".  The photo doesn't show it well, but we used Shimmery White cardstock - LOVE it!

Stamps: Elements of Style, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Shimmery White, Pear Pizzazz

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush

Other: Concord Crush 1/2" poly-stitched ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, sponge dauber, Word Window Punch, paper snips

The next card we made was using the new Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, which I think looks divine on the new Early Espresso cardstock - don't you?  This card also shows Poppy Parade, another of the new "in colours", and a new border punch (that I am also loving to bits!  Easily pleased, aren't I?!).

Stamps: For You Flower, Confetti

Card: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Early Espresso

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Poppy Parade stampin' pad, Early Espresso marker, white gel pen

Other: Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Fancy Flower XL punch, Scallop Trim border punch, Mat pack and paper-piercing tool, stampin' dimensionals, Early Espresso taffeta ribbon, Poppy Parade 1/2" stitched-poly ribbon

Now, I couldn't possibly hold a "new products" class without letting the girls have a play with the new Two-Step XL Owl punch!  Here is the card we made (don't you love the 'feathers' on the owl's tummy?):

Stamps: Tiny Tags

Card: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze

DSP: Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper

Ink: Baja Breeze and Soft Suede markers

Other: Circles #2 Originals die (in Big Shot), Elegant Lines embossing folder, Basic Pearls, Two-Step Owl XL punch, Two-Step Bird XL punch (for the branch), Tombow Multi glue

The last card I have to share with you is another using the cute "Funky Four" stamp set.  The colour inspiration for this card came from the new bright and cheery "Play Date" designer series paper.

Stamps: Funky Four, Confetti, Teeny Tny Sentiments

Card: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise

DSP: Play Date designer series paper

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Chocolate chip stampin' pad and marker, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive markers

Other: Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Beautiful Wings embosslits die (in Big Shot), Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, sponge dauber, Tombow multi glue

What a nice way to spend an afternoon, don't you agree?!

JUST ADD INK #34

This week at Just Add Ink, the sweet colour combination to work with is this:

It's no great surprise that I LOVE the new Crumb Cake Patterns Designer Series Paper, so I started off with a gorgeous dotty panel of that paper.  I've been dying to ink up the cute little toadstools from my new "Funky Four" stamp set as well.  Here's the card I made, for a dear friend of mine who moved away:

Stamps: Funky Four, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Whisper White, Certainly Celery

DSP: Crumb Cake Patterns Designer Series Paper (from Neutrals Patterns Stack)

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad

Other: White embossing powder, So Saffron brads, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, Beautiful Wings embosslits, paper snips

It's a beautiful sunny morning in Melbourne; Spring is definitely in the air, and I think that makes all of us feel just that little extra bit of happiness, doesn't it?!  I have a lovely day planned, including lunch with a friend, and hopefully quite a bit of stamping time later in the day.  I hope your day is equally as enjoyable!

"EXTREME ELEMENTS" Earthy series ... part 1

I have no doubt that my new "Extreme Elements" stamp set will get a very solid workout.  I can envisage making a lot of masculine cards with it, and probably mostly in 'earthy' tones.  Hence the title ... stay tuned for further instalments!

Here's a little something I whipped up this morning before meeting some friends for coffee.  The Soft Suede background panel has been stamped with the new "Wonderfully Worn" background stamp, which I can also see becoming a staple item for male cards (particularly now that my old faithful "Weathered" stamp has been retired, and has gone to another home).

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Perfect Punches, Wonderfully Worn

Card: Naturals Ivory, Soft Suede, River Rock, Not Quite Navy

Ink: Soft Suede stampin' pad and marker, Not Quite Navy stampin' pad, River Rock marker

Other: Colour Spritzer tool, mat pack and paper piercer, Neutrals button assortment, Buttons #5 Sizzlits die, Linen Thread, sponge daubers, Wide Oval Punch, paper snips

Back later, with more!

JUST PEACHY THANKS

I'm working my way through the new colours of ink and cardstock that arrived on my doorstep a couple of days ago.  It's so exciting to have new colours in the Stampin' Up! range; change is a good thing!

The dominant colour I've used on the card I have to share with you today is Peach Parfait, one of the five "in colours" that will form part of Stampin' Up's colour offerings for two years.  I have been using rather a lot of orange and green in my cards lately, but this orange is a softer colour than you've seen on my recent cards. 

After stamping the Bella Toile background (isn't it a gorgeous stamp?!), I used an Aquapainter to subtly draw some of the ink colour in from the outlines.  The cluster of flowers was created by stamping the flower images from Punch Potpourri (a new hostess stamp set - ask me how you can get this for FREE!), then punching them out using the Boho Blossoms punch.  A bit of sponging, some ribbon, and a punched-out sentiment, complete the card.  Simple, but (I hope you agree) pretty.

Stamps: Bella Toile, Perfect Punches, Punch Potpourri

Card: Very Vanilla, Basic Gray, Peach Parfait

Ink: Peach Parfait and Basic Gray stampin' pads

Other: Boho Blossoms punch, aquapainter, stampin' sponges, Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon, Scallop Oval Punch, Basic Pearls, stampin' dimensionals, mini glue dot

"EXTREME ELEMENTS" in extreme colours

And now, for something completely different!

One of the stamp sets I was most excited to see in the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue, is "Extreme Elements".  I LOVE making cards for boys and men ... I could see myself using this stamp set to make subtle, grungy backgrounds in earthy colours.  Well, the card I've made today is not one of those!

As I mentioned in my earlier post today, I am particularly taken with the new "In Colour" Patterns Designer Series Paper.  I decided I wanted to work with Concord Crush, a new purple, so I started off choosing some patterned paper in that colour.  The pattern made me think of a teenage boy / young man, and perhaps a graduation card.  Here's the "unsubtle" result of combining Extreme Elements with Concord Crush paper, and Poppy Parade (another of the "in colours", in the range for two years) ink:

I'm pleased to say that it gets the tick of approval from both of my boys (and even a "Whoa - that's AWESOME!" from my 9 year old).

Here's a close-up of one of my new favourite punch shapes - cut using the Modern Label Extra Large punch (just because I think it looks cool):

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Perfect Punches

Card: Basic Gray, Poppy Parade, Whisper White

DSP: Concord Crush Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink: Basic Gray, Poppy Parade and Concord Crush stampin' pads

Other: Modern Label XL Punch, Basic Gray button (from Neutrals assortment), mini glue dot, stampin' dimensionals, paper snips

I am REALLY happy with the way this card turned out, and am looking forward to stamping "Extreme Elements" in lots of different colour combinations.

I do have another card to share with you, but I will save it for tomorrow! 

IT'S A HAPPY FRIDAY, INDEED

Today I've cleared my schedule, and kept the entire day free to play with NEW STAMPS, papers and other goodies!!  When I arrived home from work yesterday, there were a few brown boxes just crying out to be opened.  Yippee - all the new Stampin' Up! products I ordered last week are now in my hot little hands.

It has taken me the best part of this morning to make just one card, because I've felt rather overwhelmed by the amount of choice I have.  I didn't know which products to play with first!

Before I show you the card I've come up with, I have a card to share with you, that I made the other day (before I had my new coloured cardstock and inks).  It's using "Friends Never Fade", one of the gorgeous new stamp sets, that I was able to pre-order before the official release of the new Stampin' Up! catalogue.

Stamps: Friends Never Fade, Tiny Tags, Oval All

Card: Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Confetti White,Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery

DSP: Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper

Ink: Certainly Celery stampin' pad and marker, Pumpkin Pie stampin' pad and marker, Sahara Sand stampin' pad

Other: 1/2" circle punch, Pewter Build-a-Brad, Fleurette II, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, 1 3/4 x 7/8" Oval punch large, Scallop Oval punch XL, sponger daubers, mini glue dots

Even though it doesn't show in the photo, I 'dirtied' the crocheted flower a little, with Sahara Sand ink, so it would blend in with the 'rustic' colouring of the card.  I really love the look of coloured ink on Crumb Cake card - must use that more often!

Now, onto this morning's creation.  I am in LOVE with the "in colour" Patterns pack of Designer Series Paper, so that was my starting point.  I chose to use Blushing Bride, a really sweet new pink, that will be in Stampin' Up!'s range for the next two years.  On my card, I've used HEAPS of new stuff.  There are two new colours of card and ink, some new paper, two new stamp sets, a new border punch, a tiny, adorable, Sizzlits embosslits die, and .... drum roll please ..... a new, self adhesive (hallelujah!) pearl!  Anyway, enough of my words - here's a picture!

Stamps: Funky Four, Perfect Punches

Card: Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Whisper White

DSP: Blushing Bride Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Blushing Bride stampin' pad and marker, Pear Pizzazz marker

Other: Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Basic Pearl, 1" circle punch, Curly Label Punch, white embossing powder, Beautiful Wings Embosslits die, Scallop Edge border punch, Scallop Trim border punch, mat pack and paper piercer, sponge dauber, mini glue dots, Tombow mono multi glue

I'm loving the new border punch, and think it is so cute that the tiny flower from "Funky Four" co-ordinates with the pattern on this paper.  I am looking forward to having some new ribbons to go with all my new papers and inks ... it is very hard to exercise patience at the moment!

Right, back to my craft room, to see what else I can come up with.  I hope your Friday is as happy as mine is!

BIRTHDAY "PARTY THIS WAY"

Today I held the first of my classes for September .... hands down, one of my favourite ways to spend a few hours!  I am not-so-patiently awaiting delivery of all my new Stampin' Up! goodies.  However, we were able to make four cards today, using new products that I was able to order before the release of the new catalogue (one of the many perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!).

I thought I'd share with you the card we made using a great new stamp set called "Party This Way".  We actually have SUNSHINE today in Melbourne (hence the glary photo!).  Take a look at these cute balloons:

Stamps: Party This Way

Card: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Pacific Point and Tangerine Tango stampin' pads, Basic Black stampin' write marker

Other: Top Note die, stampin' dimensionals, Tangerine Tango striped grosgrain ribbon (retired), Word Window punch

Simple, but cute, don't you think?  I was determined to make at least one card without flowers, because I tend to favour stamps and papers with a natural, organic, lean.  I love the patterns on the candle and the balloon in this stamp set; I'm sure I'll get a LOT of use out of it.

"JUST ADD INK" CHALLENGE #33

The girls over at Just Add Ink have posted a sketch challenge this week.  I LOVE taking part in the challenges, but I must say I have a really hard time with sketch challenges; I'm so much more of a "colour challenge" girl!  Here's the sketch, to base a papercraft challenge on:

.... and, here's my (rather loose) interpretation, of the sketch.  Couldn't resist using more of the gorgeous new Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Papers.  I can see I'm going to have to order me another pack of these papers very soon!

Stamps: Great Friend, Friends Never Fade

Card: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Rose Red

Ink: Basic Black, Certainly Celery and Rose Red stampin' pads

Other: Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, White jumbo brad 5/16", Certainly Celery 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, sponge dauber, Mat Pack and Paper Piercing Tool, white gel pen, paper snips

We've had a lovely family day so far (and still a few hours to go ...), to celebrate Father's Day.  This morning, after letting Andrew (and the teenager who doesn't 'do' mornings) have a bit of a sleep-in, we visited the fabulous Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.  LOVE the deli and fresh food section .... what a great place to visit.  We've paid a visit to Andrew's Dad (mine's in Western Australia, as he usually is at this time of year, enjoying the warm weather on Father's Day), and are now home in time to be sheltered from the miserable weather that's just come over!  I hope that all the Dads in your lives are enjoying their special day, too.

WELCOME BACK "GREAT FRIEND"!

I am thrilled that an "old favourite" stamp set of mine, from last year's Spring Mini Catalogue, has made its way into Stampin' Up!'s brand new Idea Book & Catalogue.  "Great Friend" is a beautiful set of 5 stamps, for only $31.95.  I've missed being able to use the gorgeous butterfly from this set. I also love the frame (that frames this card's sentiment) - it's a very easy shape to cut around.

While I'm impatiently awaiting delivery of my new colours of card and ink (that might be a couple of weeks away still), I thought I'd use some colours I love from the core range.  Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, and Very Vanilla go beautifully together; I've popped them onto a Crumb Cake card base.  I need to get out of the habit of telling everyone I use a lot of Kraft card, and embrace the name change!!  Don't you just love the Very Vanilla and Basic Black "Newsprint" Designer Series Paper I've used on this card?

Stamps: Great Friend, Wonderful Favourites

Card: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black textured

Ink: Soft Suede and Rich Razzleberry stampin' pads, Versamark inkpad

Other: Newsprint DSP, clear embossing powder, Pewter Build-a-Brad, 1/2" circle punch, Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon, sponge daubers, Sticky Strip, paper snips

I have worked out my class schedule for September.  If you live in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs, and would like to use lots of new catalogue products to make some cards, please check out the "Classes" tab at the top of this page!  I'd love to have you join in on a few hours of stamping, talking, and eating with new friends!


Christine :)