JUST ADD INK #26 ..... TAKE TWO

This week's challenge at Just Add Ink is to add embossing to a papercraft project.  I've already shared with you my card that has heat-embossing on it, so I thought I'd also share a little project that incorporates dry embossing.

I had some panels of card that I'd put through my Big Shot, using Stampin' Up!'s Manhattan Flowers embossing folder.  You know when you get new toys (especially die cutting and embossing ones), how you kind of go to town and over-use them, leaving you with piles of die-cut and embossed pieces?  Well, I got a bit tired of making cards with my Manhattan Flowers embossed pieces, before I'd actually used them all.  I cut a couple down, using the Top Note die in my Big shot, and made some cutie-pie smaller cards.  Take a look:

Here are the ingredients used on the cards:

Stamps: Short & Sweet

Card: Confetti White, Soft Suede

Ink: Soft Suede stampin' pad

Other: Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, page from old book, Vintage brad, Word Window Punch, Sponge Dauber Top Note Die, Manhattan Flowers embossing folder, paper snips

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Very Vanilla

Ink: Rich Razzleberry and Sahara Sand stampin' pads

Other: Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon (reversed), Word Window Punch, Build-A-Brad, 1/2" circle punch, Cottage Wall DSP, Sponge Dauber, Top Note Die, Manhattan Flowers Embossing folder

I can see myself making lots more of these - such fun, and they'd make a lovely little boxed set, don't you think?

"CHEEP TALK" .... IN RETIRING COLOURS

This month's promotion, from Stampin' Up!, is a sale on eight fabulous Two-Step Stampin' sets.  I decided to get out my "Cheep Talk" stamps, and share with you a couple of simple cards that I think are pretty cute and happy.

"Cheep Talk" is a set of 11 stamps, and is on sale this month for only $38.36!!  That's incredible value, especially considering how versatile the set is - birds, heart, flowers and a branch that lend themselves to all sorts of possibilities.  If you don't own this set, I can help you out - just email me, and I can order it for you, and have it delivered straight to you, anywhere in Australia.

As the title of my post suggests, I've made my cards in colours that are available only until the end of August.  With Stampin' Up!'s exciting Colour Renovation, happening at the beginning of September for us in Australia (when the new catalogue comes out), 30 'old favourite' colours will be retiring.

Here's the first card I made, using Mellow Moss and Pale Plum:







.... and a close-up of the brads I made, just because I have a bit of a love affair going on with Build-A-Brads:





Stamps: Cheep Talk

Card: Mellow Moss, Very Vanilla, Pale Plum

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Mellow Moss, Pale Plum and Perfect Plum stampin' pads

Other: Stamp-a-ma-jig, sponge daubers, Build-A-Brads, 1/2" circle punch, Buttons #5 Sizzlits die, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder



I decided that for my second card I wanted to use Close to Cocoa.  This beautiful brown has already been way more popular than anticipated, in the wake of the 'retirement' announcement, and unfortunately cardstock is no longer available in this colour.  You can, however, still buy Close to Cocoa inkpads and refills.  I've teamed the cardstock with some gorgeous Candy Lane Designer Series Papers, and a bit of stamping in Close to Cocoa and Riding Hood Red.





Stamps: Cheep Talk

Card: Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla

Ink: Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette stampin' pads

DSP: Candy Lane Designer Series Paper

Other: Mat Pack and paper piercing tool, Close to Cocoa marker (for faux stitching), Stamp-a-ma-jig, Ruby Red brads, Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon, sponge daubers, Circle Punches - 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8", Scallop Circle



 

"CHRISTMAS IN JULY" BLOG HOP

Hi everyone!

Being the first Saturday of the month, it's time once again for our "Art With Heart" team blog hop. 

This month our theme is "Christmas in July".  Now is a great time to kick-start your Christmas cards (if, like me, you can't even entertain the idea of starting any earlier!) and other projects.  We hope to inspire you with the creations we're sharing today.

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, there is no better time - Stampin' Up! in Australia has a fantastic special offer on the Starter Kit, until the end of July.  Whether you'd like to join up as a hobby demonstrator (to get discounts every day on every product), or are interested in starting up a low-risk, rewarding home-based business, you can't beat being able to sign up for only $259!  (The retail value of the Starter Kit is $580.)  The fabulous Starter Kit contains lots of stamps, ink pads, cardstock, and business supplies - plenty to 'get you started', and there's lots of continuing support available.  If this sounds like something that suits you 'to a T', 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 6th July.  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 12 of us taking part in the blog hop.  You may have come from Kathryn Mangelsdorf's blog; however, if you are starting here, that's fine.  When you've finished looking at my blog post, just click on the link below to go on to Kristine Thompson's blog. You can start at any of the blogs along the way; you'll do a 'circuit', and cover all 12, as long as you follow the links on each blog.


Right, enough of the formalities, and onto my projects.  I have chosen to make a little gift set, using the "I Wish" Simply Scrappin' kit, that's on page 137 of the Stampin' Up! catalogue.  Be sure to take a look at the kit; it is seriously good value for your Christmas projects.  The kit costs $36.95, and contains enough textured cardstock, co-ordinating Designer Series Papers, and self-adhesive die cuts to make numerous scrapbook pages, or DOZENS of cards! 


Here is the card I made:




I thought it was way past time I gave a bit of love to my Two-Step Bird Punch.  For these projects, I've used both sides of some Designer Series Paper from the "I Wish" Kit.  The key colours are Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Real Red; yummy, don't you think?!  The patterns on the paper co-ordinate with the Snow Swirled stamp set; the Build-A-Brad just above the bird was created by stamping a snowflake onto Designer Series Paper, punching it out with a 1/2" circle punch, and adhering it to the brad base, before topping it off with an epoxy sticker (that comes in the Build-A-Brad set).  I LOVE being able to make co-ordinating embellishments.


To go with this Christmas card, I made a darling (if I may say so myself) little gift box:




The photo's a bit fuzzy - sorry.  There's a clearer one coming up!  I've made these little pillow boxes before only using cardstock, but I LOVE the result using paper.  I'm totally in love with how cute this is!


Next, I made some tiny little gift tags, to go inside the pillow box:




I got a little carried away and made 10 tags, but by the time I'd added a couple of layers to the tags, they wouldn't all fit inside the gift box!  The pillow box will hold 6 of these tags.


Here are all my projects together, followed by a list of Stampin' Up! products used to make them:





Stamps: Snow Swirled, Spotlight on Christmas, Tiny Tags, Weathered

Card: Kraft, Chocolate Chip textured, Old Olive

Ink: Chocolate Chip stampin' pad and marker, Old Olive stampin' pad, Versamark inkpad

Other: "I Wish" Simply Scrappin' Kit, Build-A-Brad, 1/2" Circle Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Star Punch, Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Crop-a-dile, Linen Thread, Pillow Box and Top Note Dies (used in the Big Shot), XL Two-Step Bird Punch, sponge daubers, Sticky Strip, dimensionals



Thanks for taking the time to visit my little corner of the world today.  Next up on the blog hop is the gorgeous and creative Kristine Thompson; please go see what she has made, and enjoy the rest of the tour!  Don't forget to leave a comment for each of us, then email Nikki Sadler, if you'd like to go into the draw for this month's blog candy.



In case you need a bit of help, here's a complete list of all my team members taking part in the blog hop:

Ros Davidson http://www.rosdavidson.typepad.com Di Dunk http://www.stampartbydi.typepad.com Kathryn Mangelsdorf http://www.klm55.blogspot.com/ Christine Blain http://www.christineblain.typepad.com Kristine Thompson http://www.inkspotcreations.com/ Nikki Sadler http://www.inkyart.com.au/ Erica Boxall http://www.ericaboxall.com/ Kathryn Ruddick http://www.katlodesigns.com/ Sue Madex http://www.madexcreations.com

Claire Daly

http://www.clairedaly.typepad.com/

Judy May http://www.judymay.typepad.com Alisha Watson http://www.ratherbstampin.typepad.com/

JUST ADD INK CHALLENGE #19

There are many things on my stamping "to do" list this week ... one that I'm able to now cross off is my entry for Just Add Ink #19.  Take a look at this scrumptious colour combo, to be included in a papercraft project:







I LOVE the rich colours, and had pretty much decided to make a card with a lot of clean, white space, and just accents of these colours.  What I came up with was something entirely different!  I changed my mind when I discovered that I have Elegant Eggplant TEXTURED cardstock ... one of the great things about being a hoarder is that I am often surprised to find that I own so many (ha ha) beautiful things! 

I broke out my Friends 24-7 stamp set, because it has not been used for quite a while.  I created a background on the textured card, by repeatedly stamping the damask image in Versamark ink (and swiping the inkpad around the card edges).  After stamping the same image on Whisper White card, using Elegant Eggplant ink, I punched out a portion using the Full Heart punch.  (Of course I had to add a bit of sponging around the edges of the heart.)  The floral image in the Build-A-Brad is punched also from the damask pattern; I didn't add the epoxy sticker to finish off the brad, as I wanted it to have the same "wallpapery" look as the card.

Here's what it all looked like in the end (as you can see, not much white space after all!):





Stamps: Friends 24-7, Short & Sweet

Card: Elegant Eggplant textured, Melon Mambo, Whisper White and Taken With Teal

Ink: Elegant Eggplant stampin' pad, Versamark inkpad

Other: White embossing powder, Word Window Punch, Full Heart Punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Build-A-Brad, 1/2" circle punch, dimensionals

 

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

It's time, once again, for the blog hop that is held by members of my Stampin' Up! team on the last day of every month.  With Mother's Day celebrated (in Australia and New Zealand, at least) on the second Sunday of May, we thought we'd give you plenty of ideas to mark the occasion.  Equally, if not for Mother's Day, we hope to inspire you with creations that can be given as a gift to any special woman in your life - be it for a birthday, thank you, get well, or just a 'thinking of you' occasion.

Before I show you the cards I've made, I'll explain a little about the blog hop itself.  The Art with Heart team is made up of over 90 Stampin' Up! demonstrators, Australia-wide, led by Claire Daly (based in Melbourne).  We have a fabulous group of women who openly share their talents and lives with one another; our online team forum is a great source of support, business advice, and friendship, and is a highlight for me of being part of this great team.  If you are interested in joining our Stampin' Up! 'family', please email me.

Fourteen of us are taking part in today's blog hop; please follow the links and visit the blog of each participant.  If you leave a comment on each one, then email Nikki Sadler by 6.00am on 3rd of May (to let her know you've commented on every blog), you'll go into the draw to win some wonderful blog candy.  Please note, that Stampin' Up! demonstrators don't qualify for the 'prize', but we'd still love to receive comments from you :)

You may have come from Gayatri Murali's blog, but if not, don't worry - you can start the blog hop at any point along the way.  I've provided below a list of the 13 other participants, so you can ensure you stop by to check out everyone's creations.  We have some very talented stampers and scrapbookers in our team, and I'm sure you'll love seeing the variety of projects on offer today.


Now, to my cards.  For this month's blog hop, I wanted to focus on the beautiful Textured Impressions embossing folders that are now offered by Stampin' Up!  My first card uses the Manhattan Flower folder.  I hope you like the effect I achieved, by embossing a kraft panel, and cutting around the flowers before overlaying the 'debossed side' on a Rich Razzleberry card that had been embossed with the same folder.  (That was a bit 'wordy', wasn't it?  Just take a look and you'll see what I mean!)




Stamps: Vintage Vogue, On Your Birthday, Fifth Avenue Floral

Card: Rich Razzleberry, Kraft, Very Vanilla

Ink: Sahara Sand and Rich Razzleberry stampin pads

Other: Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions embossing folder, Lots of Tags sizzlits die, 5/8" Jumbo Brad (Very Vanilla), Kraft and Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon, linen thread, sponge dauber, Clear Rhinestone brads (rhinestones 'popped out')



Using the same colour combination (just because I love it), I have made a Mother's Day card, featuring a panel embossed using the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  Here it is:




Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Kraft, Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Rich Razzleberry and Sahara Sand stampin' pads

Other: Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon, Word Window Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Lots of Tags sizzlits die, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions embossing folder, sponge daubers, Build-a-Brads, 1/2" Circle Punch, Corner Rounder Punch


Thanks for visiting my blog today!  The next stop on your 'tour' is Di Dunk's blog - she's sure to have something lovely to show you, so please visit and leave her some comment love.


Here is a comprehensive list of the rest of today's blog hop participants:


Ros Davidson: http://rosdavidson.typepad.com/ros_davidson_live_life_an/2010/04/women-in-our-lives-blog-hop.html

Nikki Sadler: http://www.inkyart.com.au/inkyart/2010/04/art-with-heart-team-blog-hop-women-in-our-lives.html

Tanja Westwood: http://www.tanjawestwood.typepad.com/

Kristine Thompson: http://www.inkspotcreations.com/ink-spot-creations/2010/04/art-with-heart-team-may-blog-hop.html


Name: Sue Madex: http://www.madexcreations.com

Gayatri Murali: http://scrapawayg3.blogspot.com/2010/04/art-with-heart-team-april-blog-hop.html


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

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

Tina Gillespie: http://scissorspapercard.blogspot.com/

Kathryn Mangelsdorf: http://klm55.blogspot.com/

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

Nicole Rouillon: www.simplymade.typepad.com

Kathryn Lowe: http://www.katlodesigns.com/


Have fun visiting all of the blogs, and don't forget to leave a comment on each one before emailing Nikki to enter the draw for blog candy.





 

A LITTLE CARD, AND A REMINDER TO "HOP ON OVER" ....

The other day, when I latched onto the scrumptious colour combination of So Saffron and Elegant Eggplant, I stamped out numerous flowers using my Vintage Vogue stamp set.  Can you tell I'm just loving this set??!!  Here's how I used a few more of the flowers, and one of my favourites, a kraft Pendant Note:



Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Tiny Tags

Card: Pendant Note (kraft), Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant

Ink: So Saffron and Elegant Eggplant stampin' pads

Other: 1/2" circle punch, Build-a-Brad, Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, sponge dauber, Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon, Elegant Eggplant 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, So Saffron brads, dimensionals



I can see that I'll have to start giving away some of these little cards soon; I'm amassing quite a collection.  They're addictive!  (Well, fundamentally, that's my opinion about Stampin' Up! products in general.)


The 'reminder' I alluded to in my post title, is that Friday is the last day of April, and you know what that means???  Yes, it means that we'll be into May on Saturday (and the countdown to Stampin' Up! Convention will be well and truly underway!) ..... BUT, it also means that it's time for another "Art With Heart" team blog hop.  Be sure to pop back in and visit on the 30th, and/or over the weekend.  There will be 14 of us taking part in this month's blog hop, that has a theme of Women in our Lives.  I, for one, can't wait to see what beautiful creations my team mates come up with.  In addition to the 'eye candy' there will be blog candy on offer. 

Until then, keep warm (if you're in Melbourne)!

Christine :)

VINTAGE VOGUE.... just a little bit regal

I have a couple of cards to share with you today, totally inspired by my friend Nikki Sadler.  She sent me a gorgeous card, stamped in Elegant Eggplant and So Saffron, using Vintage Vogue (one of Stampin' Up!'s beautiful new stamp sets).  Take a look at this card Nikki made for her Mum, using the same colours, with accents of Old Olive.  How lovely is that?  The yellow and purple (as 'commoners' would know So Saffron and Elegant Eggplant) I think looks gloriously regal.  So, I've totally swiped Nikki's idea and made some cards of my own!

Please forgive the slightly blown-out colours in these photos; I was in a hurry to get the cards photographed and on my blog today, because I've been very remiss in my blogging, and have only a short time in which to do this!  It's overcast, and not ideal for taking photos.

Here's the first one, made for a lovely friend whose birthday is coming up:





Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Very Vintage (wheel), Oval All (retired)

Card: So Saffron, Elegant Eggplant, Very Vanilla

Ink: So Saffron stampin' pad and marker, Elegant Eggplant stampin' pad and marker

Other: Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, sponge daubers, dimensionals, Dress Up Ribbon Originals, Build-A-Brad, 1/2" circle punch



This next card was a happy mistake.  Well, not altogether a mistake, but I started off making a landscape-oriented card (so the 'friends' sentiment was on its side).  I didn't want to add ribbon, or have it too 'fussy', but it looked like it was missing something.  When I turned it to a portrait orientation, with the fold at the top, I thought it looked much better!  Simple, but that's what I was after.





Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Very Vintage (wheel)

Card: So Saffron, Elegant Eggplant, Very Vanilla

Ink: So Saffron stampin' pad and marker, Elegant Eggplant stampin' pad

Other: 5/16" Jumbo Brad (Very Vanilla), dimensionals, Crystal Effects, sponge daubers, Stamp-a-ma-jig



I really love these colours together, and hope you enjoy seeing what I've made.  Now, off to grab some lunch and spend the afternoon catching up on chores, so I can spend an evening catching up with girlfriends!

PENDANT NOTES

One of the NUMEROUS new products that I just HAD to have, from the Stampin' Up! Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue, is Pendant Notes.  For only $17.50, you can get 15 die-cut note cards, in kraft (yum), with matching kraft envelopes (double yum!)!!  These lovely cards, that measure just over 10cm x 10cm, make it super-easy to whip up a lovely personalised note card in minutes.



The first version I have to show you was simple to make, but I think you'll agree, gives an elegant result.  I stuck a square of Rich Razzleberry card on the inside of the card front, and adhered a flower, some ribbon and a little sentiment.  Enough words - here's what it looks like:





Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Short & Sweet

Card: Pendant Note (kraft), Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Other: Rich Razzleberry grosgrain ribbon, Word Window Punch, 5/16" Whisper White brad, glue dots



The die-cut pattern on the front of the Pendant Notes co-ordinates beautifully with a stamp from Baroque Motifs.  I stamped the Baroque Motifs image on Whisper White card, with Rich Razzleberry ink, and cut around it before adhering it to the middle of the card with a Build-A-Brad.  Here's what I mean:







....... and a closer look at the front of the card (just 'cos I like all the elements!):





Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Tiny Tags, Very Vintage wheel

Card: Kraft, Soft Suede, Whisper White

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede

Other: Rich Razzleberry grosgrain ribbon, linen thread, Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, Build-A-Brad

YAY FOR THE BUTTERFLY PUNCH (and JUMBO BRADS)!

With the 'expiry' of the recent Summer Mini catalogue, from Stampin' Up!, I was most concerned that the Butterfly punch would be no longer available.  This long-awaited, versatile, punch has been available in Australia for only a few short months, and has proven very popular - it co-ordinates not only with the Butterfly Prints stamp set from the Summer Mini, but with the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue (which is current through until the end of August).  I LOVE it.

Great news, people!  Stampin' Up! has several products, from both the Summer Mini catalogue, and the earlier Spring Mini catalogue, that will carry over into our new catalogue coming out in September.  Even though these products don't appear in a current catalogue, they are still available to purchase.  So, if you haven't yet bought the Scallop Oval punch (that mats beautifully behind the Large Oval punch), or the Butterfly Punch, or Jumbo brads, to name a few, don't despair!

I thought I'd share with you today a few cards on which I've used these products, so you can see what a nice touch they add to a card.  Settle in for a little trip down Memory Lane!


First up, the BUTTERFLY PUNCH:












On this next card I've used both the Butterfly Punch and the SCALLOP OVAL PUNCH:



... and another card (using a retired stamp set), showing how well the Large Oval Punch fits inside the Scallop Oval Punch:




Stampin' Up!'s punches co-ordinate so beautifully with the stamp sets, and make it very easy to achieve a beautiful result with your card-making and scrapbooking.

Being a huge fan of brads (split pins) as an embellishment, I've made a number of cards with both the 'giant' 5/8" size, and the smaller 5/16" brads, both of which come in a Neutrals Assortment (Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip and Silver).  Unfortunately, I seem to have given away most of the cards, without photographing them first.  Here are a few photos of cards that have the 5/8" JUMBO BRADS on them:










I love how flat these brads are. The smaller size (5/16") is great to add to flower centres.


So, as well as feeling the excitement of all the gorgeous new products just released in Australia, I'm really happy to be able to share this news about some 'not so new' favourites.

If I can help you with a Stampin' Up! order (no need to hold a workshop, if you'd just like to order direct), please email me.  I am happy to answer any questions I can!

"ART WITH HEART" BLOG HOP - AUTUMN/WINTER MINI CATALOGUE!!

Welcome to the "Art With Heart" team blog hop, showcasing new products in the Stampin' Up! Autumn/Winter Mini catalogue (going 'live' tomorrow!).

The "Art With Heart" team, of some 90 Stampin' Up! demonstrators spread across five states of Australia, is lead by Claire Daly.  It is a team that has provided me with some fantastic friendships - I'm proud to be a part of it!  We have an online forum that is a great source of advice and support from like-minded (mad!) stampers and scrapbookers.  If you'd like to sign up as a demonstrator, and be part of our Stampin' Up! 'family', please email me at c.blain@yarravalleysnackfoods.com.

Our team blog hop occurs on the last day of every month.  A number of us take part each month, so you're sure to find lots of inspiration along your way, visiting the blogs of team members involved.

You may have just come from the blog of the gorgeous, bubbly, Kristine Thompson.  If not, don't worry - you can join at any spot on the 'tour'.  There are 14 of us involved in today's blog hop.  Make sure you leave a comment on every one of the blogs along the way, then email Nikki Sadler at nikki@inkyart.com.au.  Let Nikki know you've commented on each blog, and you'll go into the draw to win some "blog candy".  There is a deadline of 6.00am (AEST) 3rd April, to email Nikki.  We'd love as much "comment love" as we can get :), but please note that the blog candy will be awarded only to an entrant who is not a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Okay, onto my cards using my FAVOURITE new stamp!  I have chosen to use the Medallion stamp, which I'd been hoping-against-hope would be brought out in Australia with this new catalogue.  And whaddya know - we got it!! 

First up is a card using my often-used, and much-loved, colour combo of kraft and red, with a bit of brown:




Stamps: En Francais, Medallion, Occasional Greetings

Card: Kraft, Chocolate Chip

DSP: Bella Rose

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

Other: Clear embossing powder, Eyelet Border Punch, Curly Label Punch, sponge dauber, Flower Trio Punch, linen thread, paper piercing tool and mat pack, Playground designer button, mini glue dots, Dress Up ribbon originals

(Even though the colour looks a bit 'orange', I've used Riding Hood Red.  Blame the photographer.)


While I had my big, beautiful, Medallion stamp out I decided to make a second card, using the same layout, but a completely different colour combination.  I am in LOVE with Melon Mambo, one of the three new colours introduced with this catalogue.  It's bold and bright (not quite as muted as this photo shows).   What do you think of this one????




Stamps: En Francais, Medallion, Occasional Greetings, Polka Dot

Card: Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Melon Mambo stampin' pad, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad, Versamark inkpad

Other: Clear embossing powder, Eyelet Border Punch, Curly Label Punch, sponge dauber, black Basic Jumbo Grommet,1/2" circle punch, Build-A-Brad, Valet Ribbon original


You're sure to see many more cards from me, using this stamp.  I'll try to show you some other things as well in the coming days and weeks :)

Thanks for visiting today - I really appreciate it.  Now it's time to go on to Kathryn Mangelsdorf's blog, to see her beautiful creation.  Enjoy the rest of the tour!

Just in case my blog is your starting point for today's blog hop, here's a list of my 13 team-mates who are also involved in this fun 'event'.  (Make sure you leave comments!)



Ros Davidson

Tina Gillespie

Kathryn Lowe

Sue Madex

Gayatri Murali

Di Dunk

Kristine Thompson

Kathryn Mangelsdorf

Tanja Westwood

Judy May

Kim Meiklejohn

Nikki Sadler

Claire Daly




 

"JUST ADD INK" 10 - COLOUR CHALLENGE

This week the colour 'challenge' (and I use that term loosely, because, hey, take a LOOK at these yummy colours!) over at Just Add Ink  is to make a card/item using this colour combo:







I've kind of 'gone to town' on this one.  Might just be a tad overdone, LOL, but I LOVE the new wheel that is coming out in the Autumn/Winter Mini catalogue in just a few days.

I won't waffle on, because I am about to race out the door to have dinner at my in-laws' (yay to not having to cook ... ah, again!).  Here is my card:





Stamps: Very Vintage wheel (out 1st April), Inspired by Nature, Best Yet

Card: White Glossy Card, Kraft, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa

Ink: Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom and Cameo Coral stampin' pads

Other: Sponge daubers, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/2" circle punch (not Stampin' Up!), Scallop Circle Punch, edge distresser, Build-a-Brad, 1/2" circle punch, Valet Ribbon Originals, Kraft taffeta ribbon.

HAPPY MOMENTS .... AND ANOTHER BIRTHDAY!

This coming week is a busy time for birthdays, in both Andrew's and my families.  Today is my brother-in-law's birthday ... I'm a little late making his card, but figured that would be okay because we'll be seeing him in a couple of days for his Mum's birthday (we don't all get together too often, so it'll be a great catch-up).  Yes, my mother-in-law is turning 70 this week, as mentioned in my earlier post.  In between the two, my nephew is celebrating his birthday.  So, I will have yet another birthday card to share with you tomorrow!

For now, I'd like to share with you the card I made (for my brother-in-law) using my favourite retired Designer Series Paper, called Parisian Breeze.  I've been holding onto it, not wanting to use it (since I won't easily be able to get my hands on more) ... but, really, I think it might take me a while to work my way through two whole packs, so I may as well get some enjoyment out of it!  The focal point of this card is the stack of presents, from the Sale-A-Bration set (that you can get for FREE if you purchase $100 of Stampin' Up! product) called Happy Moments.  I love the versatility of this image.  I've white-embossed it on kraft (oh, come on, it's DAYS since I did that!), coloured the top present with a Chocolate Chip marker, and paper-pieced the other two presents.  The middle one is cut out of Baja Breeze card, that has been stamped with the Sanded background stamp (in Baja Breeze ink), and the bottom present is paper-pieced from Parisian Breeze DSP.

I stamped a small piece of Chocolate Chip card, with the Sanded background stamp inked in Chocolate Chip, and punched out two 1/2" circles, to make Build-A-Brads.  I liked the look of them with a matte surface, so didn't use the epoxy sticker that normally completes a Build-A-Brad. 





Here's a close-up of the presents, and the brads:



I am loving the Sanded stamp, especially for masculine cards.

Here are all the ingredients I used for this card:

Stamps: Sanded, Happy Moments (Sale-A-Bration set), On Your Birthday

Card: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze

DSP: Parisian Breeze (retired)

Ink: Chocolate Chip stampin' pad and marker, Baja Breeze stampin' pad, Versamark inkpad

Other: White embossing powder, 1/2" circle punch, Build-A-Brads, 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, sponge dauber, Stamp-a-ma-jig, dimensionals, rectangle nestabilities, edge distresser

"JUST ADD HEARTS"

I know, 2 posts in one day - incredible!  See what happens when I get time away from work?  I love it!  (Hubby chastises me for 'wasting' time on the computer - what does he know??!)

I've decided to play along with a challenge on the new Just Add Ink site; established by, and for, Stampin' Up! demonstrators in Australia and New Zealand.  The challenge for this week is to "just add hearts" to a papercraft project.  Given that card-making is my true love, a card it has to be.



My stamping friends and regular blog followers will know that I am a little, ah, obsessed with brads.  I've been resting the old Build-A-Brads a bit lately, so decided to go all-out on this card!  The design on the brads is actually the filigree heart stamp (how beautiful is it?), stamped onto Very Vanilla card and punched out with a 1/2" circle punch.  Nicely matched to the main images, don't you think?

Here are the details of the card:

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Sweet Little Sentiments

Card: Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla

Ink: Riding Hood Red and Chocolate Chip stampin' pads

DSP: Candy Lane

Other: Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon, Build-A-Brads, 1/2" circle punch, edge distresser, stamp-a-ma-jig, paper snips (I cut the hearts out by hand).



Make sure you visit the Just Add Ink blog, and show the girls some love!


 

HAITI RELIEF EFFORT supported by Stampin' Up!

Amidst all my light-hearted posts about the cute stamps on offer at the moment, I'd just like to share with you an initiative that's been announced by Stampin' Up! Australia. 

In the wake of the devastating earthquakes in Haiti this past week, Stampin' Up! has put in place a fundraising effort that will run through until 28th February.  I know that stampers, by nature, have big hearts (happy to make a generalisation here!), so I'd like to appeal to you to support this very worthy cause.  The Red Cross are working on the ground in Haiti, to help people rebuild in the aftermath of this catastrophe.

One small way that we, as stampers, can help, is by purchasing the great I (Heart) Hearts Stamp set from the current Summer Mini catalogue.  For every one of these sets sold between now and 28th February, Stampin' Up! will donate $2.00 to the Red Cross in Haiti.

Please click on the link below to read all the details:

Download Haiti_Relief_0110_AU_NZ.pdf



Not only is this such a worthwhile cause, but the stamp set itself is gorgeous.  There are 8 heart images in the set, it is $42.95, and several of the hearts co-ordinate with Stampin' Up!'s heart punches (oh yeah!).

I'll leave you with a picture of a card I made using this set, so you can see just how pretty the hearts are.



Please, email me if you would like to order this set from me.  If you already have your own Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I hope you will support her/him, in helping to make this campaign hugely successful.

TODAY'S "SUMMER MINI" SAMPLE

The upcoming Summer Mini catalogue from Stampin' Up! contains some products that just scream "summer"!  I've made a card using the Designer Series Paper that will be available to buy from 1st December - beautiful colours, perfect for 'girly' projects.  There is very little stamping on this card; just 'bling' and a new embellishment from the Summer Mini.  What do you think - girly enough???


Stamps: Wow Flowers (sentiment)

Card: Pink Passion, Tempting Turquoise

DSP: Kaleidoscope - SUMMER MINI

Ink: Versamark ink pad

Other: White embossing powder, Scallop Edge Punch, White Jumbo Grommet - SUMMER MINI, Build-a-Brad, 1/2" circle punch, coloured rhinestones (popped out from rhinestone brads), Stamp-a-ma-jig

Introducing "PUN FUN"

Hi friends

I'm happy to be able to squeeze in one more post before jetting off into the sunset.  Over the weekend I have had the chance to play with Stampin' Up!'s very cute stamp set called Pun Fun.  I have used a couple of the images, but none of the matching sentiments, on my cards.  It's a great set, with a million different uses; unfortunately I was a little limited in the amount of time I had in which to create, so I'll give you just a small sample.

My favourite image from this set is the cup - it really tickles my fancy.  I have unashamedly 'CASE'd (copied and selectively edited) this first card from some gorgeous creations I found on Splitcoaststampers - a really inspirational online community.  The stand-out features on this card are the yummy papers from the Sweet Slumber collection; heavy weight double-sided papers, with gorgeous co-ordinating and complementary designs.  I simply stamped the cup onto 3 different papers, cut them out and mounted them on another piece of paper - so easy, but a cute, cute result.  Here it is:



Stamps: Pun Fun, Short & Sweet

Card: So Saffron

DSP: Sweet Slumber

Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Baja Breeze stampin' pad

Other: Sponge dauber, Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain, Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon, scallop edge punch, craft knife, mini glue dots

I could happily have just made dozens of 'cup' cards whilst I have this set on loan, but branched out and used my next-favourite image, which is the rocket.  This is such a great stamp for boys' cards in particular.  I was inspired by my friend Claire to use Riding Hood Red and Pacific Point together - these are two of this year's "in colours", and whilst I LOVE the red, I am taking a little longer to warm to the blue.  I think I just need to use it more.  I've used a little, little bit of paper piecing, and used some of my fab-o star brads from Stampin' Up!  After I'd photographed the card, I actually raised up the scalloped sentiment on dimensionals (I made this card while we were away at our cabin on the weekend, and I took only double-sided tape with me), so just use your imagination a little with that!



Stamps: Pun Fun, Starring You

Card: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point

DSP: Washington Apple

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point stampin' pads

Other: 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, star brads, Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain, dimensionals (added later!)

I mentioned above that I'd used Washington Apple DSP on my card.  This paper is really lovely, and inspires me to combine colours that I wouldn't have thought to put together.  A very simple card, jazzed up with my favourite Build-A-Brads, that I created by punching out 1/2" circles of Washington Apple DSP.  I really like how well the Starring You stamps go with this rocket image.



Stamps: Pun Fun, Starring You

Card: Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

DSP: Washington Apple

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue stampin' pads

Other: 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, sponge dauber, Build-A-Brad, scissors to 'rough up' card edge (since I forgot to take my edge distresser away with me!)

Now I'm off to finalise washing and other bits and pieces before we finish packing for our big trip.  Please come back to visit after mid-July - I'll be back!

Christine :)

I have a couple of new favourites ......

Hello my friends!  I've been a bit absent from the blogging world lately, as we are attempting to prepare for being away for a couple of weeks.  There is so much to think about in advance of a holiday, with having our own business; it becomes rather stressful, trying to envisage anything that may eventuate in our absence, and putting into place contingency plans!!  We are SOOOO looking forward to the wonderful trip we are about to go on - just busy, busy, busy in the lead-up.  So, if you think I've dropped off the face of the earth in the next few weeks, I assure you we are just languishing in warmer climes, and I will be back!

But for now, I'd like to share with you a couple of cards that I've made in 'stolen moments' in my craft room in recent evenings.  I am LOVING the En Francais background stamp from Stampin' Up! This is the first 'favourite' I refer to in my post title.  It never fails to impress me, how a single stamp can turn a plain ole' piece of card into a panel that looks intricately detailed.  I love that it can be stamped off, and used as a subtle background, or it can be stamped boldly to be a feature.  Super-versatile, and I don't think I will tire of this stamp.

On my first card, I tried out a new (for me) colour combination, of Very Vanilla (yummo), Creamy Caramel and Baja Breeze.  The centre of the flower was stamped in Baja Breeze onto vanilla card, then punched out with a 1/2" circle punch, so I could custom-make a brad.  I am a bit disappointed with the result, as the resin in the Build-A-Brad has a real yellow tinge to it - I had read on others' blogs that they had found the same thing, but so far all my other brad 'tops' have been lovely and clear.  Anyhoo, I think this card is rather pretty, and hope you think so too!

 

Stamps: En Francais, On Your Birthday, Polka Dot Punches, Organic Grace

Card: Creamy Caramel, Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze

Ink: Creamy Caramel stampin' pad and marker, Baja Breeze stampin' pad

Other: Sponge Daubers, rectangle nestabilities, 5-petal flower punch, Build-A-Brad, small brads from my own extensive stash!

Now, the next product that has worked its way into my heart, and I must say comes a close second to kraft card, is Stampin' Up!'s Naturals Ivory card.   It has a coarser 'tooth' than the super-smooth Very Vanilla, and is just a bit more 'rustic' looking.  For my next card, I combined Naturals Ivory with Kraft and Purely Pomegranate (one of last years 'in' colours, the demise of which  thousands of us are still lamenting!).  I had some pomegranate textured card, which is just beautiful on its own, but which I decided to alter a bit by repeatedly stamping one of the Pocket Silhouettes images on, to create a subtle background.  I've used Sahara Sand ink to complement the kraft (these colours are a great match - I'm a mad fan), and in adding ribbon I decided I could get away with including a strip of River Rock (another retired 'in colour'), as the yellow tones go well with the ivory card, don't you think?  Here is my creation:



Stamps: En Francais, Pocket Silhouettes, Occasional Greetings

Card: Kraft, Purely Pomegranate textured (retired), Naturals Ivory

Ink: Purely Pomegranate (retired), Sahara Sand

Other: Labels One Nestabilities, sponge daubers, kraft taffeta ribbon, mini glue dots, double-stitched ribbon in Purely Pomegranate & River Rock (retired)

I'm now off to have a coffee with my dear friend Claire. I took the day off work to run errands and attend Claire's Stampin' Up! new demonstrator training session, but everyone else has bailed out on us!  Oh well, don't want to miss the opportunity for a chat before I go away as I will miss our first-Thursday-of-the-month stamping night .  If you're reading this, Kerry, Judy and Leanne, I love you all and I'll see you at the August one!!  Will miss you, girls.

Christine x

The perfect way to spend a wintery Saturday

Hi folks,

It's a bleak, cold day in Melbourne today - perfect for spending time in my craft room, so that's just what I've been doing.  Yippee!  Working full-time, and trying to tend to the needs of the family, leaves little play time some weeks, and this past week has been one of those.

Yesterday afternoon we were all packed and ready to go away for the weekend, when I received a call from Ethan's school asking me to pick up my sick little boy.  Poor little thing is feeling pretty miserable, so we are staying home this weekend after all.  Hubby and eldest son are out watching a local football match, and Ethan is happy to snuggle on the couch and watch tv for a while, so I have been stamping.

I have a couple of cards to show you.  I've just got the Lovely As A Tree stamp set, which I have been wanting for a loooong time, so decided to use it on my Dad's birthday card.  (I don't think there's any danger of Pop checking out my blog before he receives this).  The main colours I've used in the card are Chocolate Chip and Old Olive.  I really love how the Old Olive paper from the Holiday Treasures Designer Series pack complements the tree image.  I've also stamped the Weathered background on a separate panel of Old Olive card, to help add to the masculine feel of the card.  I have stamped a tiny leaf from Lovely As A Tree onto olive card, punched it out and created a brad with my trusty Build-A-Brad set.  (It's been a few days since I've made a card with the BAB - didn't want you to think I was neglecting it, ha ha.)  The word "POP" is made using twill stickers, from my extensive stash of alphabet stickers that have been sorely neglected since I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!



Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, On Your Birthday, Weathered

Card: Chocolate Chip, Old olive, Close to Cocoa, Confetti Cream

DSP: Holiday Treasures

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive and Close to Cocoa stampin' pads; Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Always Artichoke markers

Other: Sponge Daubers, Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain, Antique Brass Build-A-Brad, 1/2" circle punch, Nestabilities (rectangle & scalloped rectangle), horizontal slot punch, twill letter stickers and decorative scissors (not Stampin' Up!)

I LOVE the colours in this next card; white, baja breeze and kraft is one of my favourite combinations at the moment.  I love the look of white ink on kraft, and am also very partial to Sahara Sand ink on kraft (great match).  This card is intended for my parents-in-law, who are about to take our family on a fantastic holiday - an incredible experience.  To create the background of flowers, I stamped off once onto scrap paper, so the impression on the card is subtle.  I think everything else on this card is pretty self-explanatory, so I'll desist from waffling, and just show you the photo:



Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, En Francais

Card: Whisper White, Kraft, Baja Breeze

Ink: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand stampin' pads

Other: Eyelet border punch, sponge daubers, white embossing powder, Baja Breeze 5/8" striped ribbon, kraft taffeta ribbon, dimensionals

I have REALLY enjoyed spending a bit of time stamping today; I hate going days on end without making something.  I hope you enjoy looking at these cards; I sure enjoyed making them!

Christine :)

EARTHY, CUTESY AND GLARY (the latter being a classic example of the imperfection of handmade cards)..

I have three cards to share today, as you may have deduced from the rather rambling title of my post.

 My first card was inspired by a card on page 17 of the Idea Book & Catalogue.  I've gone for a more 'earthy' look, with subtle colours, mainly because I just love using kraft card.  The stamp set I've used is a hostess set, which is one that cannot be bought; you can earn it for free by placing an order, or holding a party - contact me if you'd like to know more (conditions do apply)!

Everything on this card is pretty self-explanatory.  Yet again I have used the fantabulous Build-A-Brad, this time to highlight the centre of a flower.  I've pierced around the scallop circle for a little added interest, because the subtle colours on this card are a bit subdued (bordering on insipid???) and I thought it needed 'something'!



Stamps: Organic Grace, Friends 24-7

Card: Kraft, Perfect Plum, Mellow Moss

Ink: Mellow Moss, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum

Other: Build-A-Brad, circle punches (1/2", 1 1/4", 1 3/8", scallop circle), kraft and mellow moss taffeta ribbon, sponge daubers, edge distresser, mini glue dots



Okay, now onto something completely different.  This is the "cutesy" card alluded to in the title, and my personal favourite of the cards I'm showing you today.  I have used the Owl Together Now stamp set, which contains 14 stamps (all for $52.95, which is great value - I have paid over $30 for one stamp in the past, before I discovered Stampin' Up!).  In this set, there are several cute owls, and co-ordinating accessories to allow you to create lots of different images.  I have used Good Morning Sunshine designer series papers, and a bit of embossing and ribbon to finish it off.  Hope it brings a smile to your face!



Stamps: Owl Together Now

Card: Whisper White, Summer Sun, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point

DSP: Good Morning Sunshine

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White craft

Other: White embossing powder, deckled rectangle nestabilities, Pacific Point striped 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, mini glue dots



Now for the 'glary', and not-so-terrific card of mine!  I have been stamping for YEARS, and like to think that I can make nicely finished cards most of the time, but thought I'd share this one that proves all card-makers have 'off' days!  This card was one of the (only 2) cards I made at our 5-hour stamping/chatting/laughing session at Claire's the other night.  No matter what I tried with this one, everything went on 'wonky' (for those in the northern hemisphere, this means crooked!).  I love the new Haiku designer series papers, and was determined to make a card with them on Friday.  Whilst I'm not real happy with this, I'll show you anyway!  I've let the papers do most of the talking; the only stamping is the sentiment, and the flowers stamped on the Tangerine Tango card.  The vertical strip of DSP is crooked, the Build-A-Brads are not lined up straight, and even the sentiment on the tab is crooked (despite me using the stamp-a-ma-jig, obviously all the while talking and not concentrating on the task at hand)!!



Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Basic Phrases

Card: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, So Saffron, Old Olive

DSP: Haiku

Ink: Versamark, Old Olive

Other: Build-A-Brad, 1/2" circle punch, Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Round Tab punch, sponge dauber

FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLY

Last week, as I was eagerly awaiting delivery of my new Flight of the Butterfly stamp set, I found a card on Splitcoaststampers (an online stampers' community) that took my breath away.  I had been imagining only soft, 'girly', colours when I envisaged using this set, but saw a black & kraft card made by Renee Van Stralen. 

I have used Renee's layout, but changed the colours around.  Even though it was the dark colours that initially drew me to her card, I ended up using Bella Bleu papers, and yummy vanilla and kraft colours.  Brocade Blue is a surprise favourite of mine at the moment; I am not normally a big user of blue, but I am really happy with the way this card has turned out.  Thanks for the inspiration, Renee!



Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Pocket Silhouettes, Best Yet

Card: Kraft, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla

DSP: Bella Bleu

Ink: Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy and Brocade Blue stampin' pads

Other: Kraft and Vanilla taffeta ribbon, mini glue dots, Build-A-Brad, stamp-a-ma-jig, dimensionals.



I hope to fit in much more creative time this week (some of the load has been lifted from me at work), so will be back with more cards soon!