JUST ADD INK #68 ... and MOJO MONDAY #191 ..... and SUO CHALLENGE #19

I had a really rewarding couple of hours in my craft room last night.  Since returning home from Stampin' Up! Convention, my head has been so full of ideas that I've been unable to sit still and FOCUS!  I've really missed playing with my stamps, though, so was pleased that a bit of inspiration came my way last night.

I absolutely love the colours in this week's Just Add Ink challenge; I've not used them together before, but WOW - how gorgeous do they look?!

I've combined these scrumptious colours with this week's Mojo Monday sketch; this is my first EVER entry over at Mojo Monday, which is pretty exciting (for me, at least!).  I decided this sketch worked beautifully with my new stamp set that I was itching to ink up.  Here's the sketch I worked from (although I opted not to add a square under the scalloped circle):

...... and here's the result, that I am also entering in the current SUO Challenge, to use flowers in a project.  Tulips are my all-time favourite flower (well, peonies come a very, very close second).  I had white tulips as my wedding bouquet, just in case you like reading a bit of personal trivia :) .......

Stamps: A Flower For All Seasons, Occasional Greetings, Confetti

Card: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Perfect Plum, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze textured, Watercolour paper

DSP: Pear Pizzazz Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad, Perfect Plum, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze and Crumb Cake stampin' pads, Peach Parfait marker (for the bird's tiny beak!)

Other: Blender pens, Two-Step  Owl Punch XL, Circles #2 die, 1 3/4" circle punch, 2 3/8" Scallop circle punch, Square Lattice embossing folder, white embossing powder, Itty Bitty Shapes flower punch, Neutrals brad, sponge daubers, Whisper White organza ribbon

I really love this card; it makes me happy.  Hope it does the same for you :)

JAC-INKS CHALLENGE #6 : ELEGANT SOIREE

The current challenge running at Jac-Inks is a sketch challenge :

I decided it was high time I showed a bit more love to my Elegant Soiree Designer Series Papers, so I punched out 9 squares of co-ordinating papers, and came up with this little card, that I really love! 

Stamps: Occasional Greetings

Card: Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede

DSP: Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper

Ink: Crumb Cake and Soft Suede stampin' pads

Other: 1 3/8" x 5/8" Oval punch, 1 3/4" x 7/8" Oval punch, Heart to Heart punch, Beautiful Wings embosslits die, Sweet Buttons embosslits, Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder, Itty Bitty shapes flower punch, 1 1/4" Square punch, 1 3/8" Square punch, Basic Pearls, Fancy Flower punch, 5-Petal Flower punch, Boho Blossoms punch, sponge dauber

COLOR LAB CHALLENGE #36

Thanks to my friend Kris, I was prompted to check out this week's Color Lab Challenge.  I've been a bit remiss in keeping up with my usual favourites this past week, as I've had to work three days in a row (a bit taxing when I've got rather used to not working! LOL).  Now that it's school holidays, so the usual rushing around is reduced a little, I hope to get in some stamping time.


Here's the great colour combo for this week:

I decided Stampin' Up!'s French Foliage set would be perfect stamped in these colours.  It's a great set for creating a collage-style background, with minimal effort.  LOVE it!!!  I've gone for a very simple style of card, with a masculine feel.  I really had to stop myself from adding brads, or twine, or piercing .... but I'm really pleased with the end result.

Stamps: French Foliage, Occasional Greetings

Card: Early Espresso, Naturals Ivory

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Poppy Parade stampin' pads

Other: Stamp-a-ma-jig, sponge daubers, paper snips

JUST ADD INK #42

This week at Just Add Ink, the challenge is to make a card / project using this sketch as a starting point:





The thing that first caught my eye was the flower with a button centre, so I've gone with that.

Here is the card I made using my favourite colour (red), favourite card base (Crumb Cake), and my favourite new embossing folder!

Stamps: Friendly Words jumbo wheel, Occasional Greetings, Greenhouse Garden

Card: Crumb cake, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Crumb Cake stampin' pad, Real Red stampin' pad and marker, Basic Black stampin' pad

Other: Real Red polka dot ribbon, Basic Black satin ribbon, Real Red 1/8" taffeta ribbon, sponge dauber, paper snips, Basic Black button (from Neutrals assortment), Basic Rhinestones, mini glue dots, stampin' dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Square Lattice embossing folder (available in Australia from 1st December!)

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

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!

"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/

JUST ADD INK #24

Today is the last day to enter this week's Just Add Ink challenge.  I've been meaning all week to come up with something, but the school holidays seem to have just swallowed my time!  I'm loving having time with my boys, and being at home.

This week the team at Just Add Ink have a sketch challenge, encouraging us to make something using this sketch as a starting point:







Now, I LOVE the sketch, but I don't love Clean and Simple - at least, when I try to pull it off!  I'm not good at leaving a lot of white space, despite the fact that I admire it greatly in others' creations.  I always want to add brads, buttons or ribbon, or a few layers!

The idea that I had in my head really didn't look right when I put it into practice.  So, I found myself adding an extra flower to balance out my card!  Here's what I ended up with:





This past week I've been playing around with the 'chalkboard technique', which is a lot of fun, and is a great way to use those Stampin' Pastels (chalks) that have been sorely neglected for far too long!  I stamped the gorgeous flower, from my Eastern Blooms stamp set, using Whisper White craft ink on Elegant Eggplant card.  Then, using a cotton bud (I like that I can control it better than a cotton wool ball), I picked up colour from my pastels, and applied it in a circular motion to my stamped flowers.  I love the rich colours that resulted.  Here's a close-up of the flowers:





The Stampin' Pastel colours I used are Taken With Teal, Whisper White and Lovely Lilac.



Here are the other ingredients used to make my card:



Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Occasional Greetings

Card: Kraft, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White

Ink: Whisper White craft stampin' pad, Elegant Eggplant and Sahara Sand stampin' pads

Other: Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, White 5/16" brads, sponge dauber, paper snips, dimensionals




 

FIFTH AVENUE FLORAL

The new Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions embossing folder from Stampin' Up! has rekindled my love for the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set. Let me explain.

The roses created by using the embossing folder co-ordinate beautifully with the large rose stamp in Fifth Avenue Floral.  I know, that's obvious, but I have taken a look with fresh eyes at the stamp set that has not received much love from me lately!  I've also revisited some of my unloved Designer Series Papers ....the same rose pattern features prominently on the Urban Oasis papers.  At this point you're probably thinking "okaaaaay, tell me something I don't know".  I'm not sure I can do that!  I'm just pleased that a few beauties that I had forgotten about for a while are back in the forefront of my mind.

On the weekend I had a few of my stamping friends over for a Mother's Day card class.  We made three projects, ostensibly with a Mother's Day theme, but, since most of us don't need more than one or two Mother's Day cards, we switched around a sentiment or two.  Since I've rabbited on a bit about Fifth Avenue Floral, I thought I'd share with you what we made with one of the flower stamps from that set.  Here's the card, and a list of ingredients:




Stamps: Sanded, Fifth Avenue Floral, Occasional Greetings

Card: Pale Plum, Whisper White

Ink: Pale Plum and Rich Razzleberry stampin' pads

Other: Wide Oval Punch, Top Note Die (cut using the Big Shot), Whisper White taffeta ribbon, sponge dauber, dimensionals, Pale Plum marker (to colour the centres of the Pale Plum flowers)



To complement this card, we each made a cute little pillow box, to hold a small gift (perhaps some earrings or a necklace, or a couple of small chocolates) ... here are the card and pillow box together, followed by the products used to make the pillow box:




Stamps: Sanded, Fifth Avenue Floral

Ink: Pale Plum and Rich Razzleberry stampin' pads

Other: Pillow Box Die (and Big Shot), Sticky Strip, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon


Now, I mentioned that I've also rediscovered my Urban Oasis Designer Series Paper.  I have let the paper 'do the talking' in my next card, as I think it is just so beautiful.  I've added a few co-ordinating accents, since Stampin' Up! does them so well.  See how I've stamped the rose from Fifth Avenue floral on the tag?  LOVE how that co-ordinates with the pattern on the paper.




Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Kiwi Kiss and Basic Black stampin' pads

Other: Urban Oasis DSP, black brads (from Vintage selection), Kiwi Kiss satin ribbon, Sizzlits Lots of Tags die (used in Big Shot), sponge dauber, kitchen string, mini glue dot



Even though I've been a bit gushy, I hope I've inspired you to take a look in your (no doubt vast, like my) stamp collection and show a bit of love to some of the stamps that might not have been used for a while. 

"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




 

EASTER BLOG HOP

Today I'm taking part in the "Art With Heart" team blog hop, that has an Easter theme.  Before you go any further, you might want to make yourself a cuppa!

The Art with Heart team, lead by Claire Daly, is a friendly team of over 80 Stampin' Up! demonstrators, Australia-wide.  We have an online team forum, which is a source of great support and friendship amongst like-minded demonstrators.  If you're interested in joining our group, please email me!

Our team blog hop is a monthly event, appearing on the blogs of team members on the last day of every month.  This is my first blog hop ever, which is pretty exciting; I look forward to taking part in many more, and gaining and sharing inspiration.  I hope you'll join me for the ride!

You may have just come from the blog of the gorgeous and talented Erica Boxall , but if not, don't worry! There are 14 stops along the way on today's blog hop, so you have plenty of cards, layouts and 3-D projects to check out.  Please look at all the lovely creations; we'll make it worth your while!  If you leave a comment on every one of the blogs along the way, then email Nikki Sadler at nikki@inkyart.com.au, you will go into the draw to win some beautiful 'blog candy'.  There is a deadline of 6.00am (AEST) 3rd March, to leave your comments and email Nikki.  We'd love to hear from all of you, but please note that the blog candy will be awarded only to an entrant who is not a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Right, enough of the 'formalities', and on with my "creation of the day".  I've chosen to make an Easter card (which, to regular visitors to my blog, will come as no surprise - it HAD to be a card, because that's my passion!).  Even though Easter falls in Autumn in Australia,  I think most of us have Spring colours in mind when we think of Easter (it's all that northern-hemisphere influence in our lives!!).  I've chosen to use pastel colours in my card - all details are below:



Stamps: Occasionally, Occasional Greetings

Card: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Certainly Celery

DSP: Pink Pirouette Patterns

Ink: Blush Blossom, Barely Banana, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery and Basic Black stampin' pads

Other: Sponge daubers, Wide Oval Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Certainly Celery 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, mat pack and paper piercing tool, Scallop Edge Punch, paper snips


Right, now it's time to visit the next blog on our tour.  You'll find a link at the bottom of each post, letting you know who to visit next.  Please go on to have a look at the lovely creation that Kathryn Lowe  has come up with.  Enjoy the rest of 'the tour', and don't forget to show us all a bit of comment love!  Thanks for visiting :)


Just in case you are starting here, and would like to visit each and every blog on the 'tour', here's a list of the other 13 participants:

Ros Davidson
http://rosdavidson.typepad.com/ros_davi%20...%20g-hop.html

Kristine Thompson
http://inkspotcreations.typepad.com/ink%20...%20g-hop.html

Sue Madex
http://www.madexcreations.com/madex_creations/2010/02/easter-blog-hop.html

Di Dunk
http://stampartbydi.typepad.com/my-blog/2010/02/....html

Nikki Sadler
http://www.inkyart.com.au/inkyart/2010/%20...%20g-hop.html

Judy May
http://judymay.typepad.com/just_judy_designs/2010/02/february-blog-hop.html

Erica Boxall
http://www.ericaboxall.com/2010/02/east ... .html.html

Kathryn Lowe
http://www.katlodesigns.com/stamping_with_kathryn_low/2010/02/easter-blog-hop.html

Kim Meiklejohn
http://www.paperenchantment.com.au/

Gayatri Murali
http://scrapawayg3.blogspot.com/2010/02/art-with-heart-team-blog-hop-and-blog.html

Kathryn Mangelsdorf
http://klm55.blogspot.com/2010/02/art-with-heart-blog-hop.html

Tanja Westwood
http://tanjawestwood.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/art-with-heart-easter-blog-hop/

Tina Gillespie
http://scissorspapercard.blogspot.com/2%20...%20g-hop.html


Have fun, and don't forget to leave comments!

BUTTERFLY PRINTS, IN RED AND BLACK

Now, you may find this hard to believe, from my cryptic post title, but I've been having a play with my Butterfly Prints stamp set (one of the beautiful new sets in Stampin' Up!'s Summer Mini catalogue).  Guess what colours I've used?

I am a great fan of the colour red (so, sorry if it's a bit overdone!), and it always looks striking with black.  With that in mind, and with wanting to use the yummy Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon, also from the Summer Mini, this is the first card I came up with:



I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but I have stamped in Versamark (clear) ink on the red card.  First I stamped the En Francais background stamp, then I stamped over the top of that with the same butterfly stamp that's used in red and black.  Here's a closer shot of the top portion of the card, just because I like what I did with it:



Bit blurry, sorry - quickly grabbed a photo in between heavy rainfalls this afternoon! I used Basic Black ink to stamp the flowery butterfly directly onto the red card.  I've then secured (with a thin strip of double-sided tape) a punched-out red butterfly over the top, and lifted the wings.

The 'ingredients' used in this card are as follows:

Stamps: Butterfly Prints, En Francais

Card: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark ink pad, Basic Black and Real Red stampin' pads, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad (sentiment)

Other: Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Butterfly Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig



While I had out the stamps, card and ink (and about 2" square of space on my desk, with all the other supplies I have spread around), I made another card using the same colours, with a little injection of my old favourite, kraft.  Here's the second card (son number 1 likes this one better; hubby likes the first one better):



Stamps: Butterfly Prints, Occasional Greetings, Flight of the Butterfly

Card: Real Red, Kraft, Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Real Red and Basic Black stampin' pads, Whisper White craft stampin' pad

Other: Real Red brads, Butterfly Punch, dimensionals, mat pack and paper piercer, edge distresser, corner rounder punch.

Which one do you like best?  I have a distinct favourite, that came together easily, but I'm curious to read what you think - leave me a comment!!  :)

The "I WISH" SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' KIT is getting quite a workout ...

Hi friends

I've made another card using Stampin' Up!'s "I Wish" Simply Scrappin' Kit, using Old Olive card (this is one of my favourite greens).  This card was quick and easy to put together, using paper and stickers from the kit, and minimal stamping.  Hope you like it!


Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Occasional Greetings

Card: Old Olive Textured

Ink: Old Olive Stampin' Pad

Other: "I Wish" Simply Scrappin' Kit (paper, stars, bauble and scalloped trim), rhinestone (popped out of clear circle rhinestone brad), sponge dauber, Stamp-a-ma-jig

IT'S A "PARTY HEARTY" PARADE.....

One of the stamp sets, in the current Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue, that I was not convinced I 'needed', was Party Hearty.  However, some brilliant creations by some of my friends, and fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators (part of our Art With Heart team), put paid to any doubts I had - so, I've joined the Party Hearty bandwagon! 

I found a really nice, simple, clean layout of a card on Splitcoaststampers, and unashamedly CASEd it.  Here is the result (bad photography and all):



Stamps: Party Hearty, Occasional Greetings

Card: Taken With Teal, Whisper White, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss

Ink: Taken with Teal, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss

Other: Small Tag Punch, 3/4" circle punch, eyelet (from my stash), Crop-a-dile, linen thread, 1" Double-Stitched Rose Red grosgrain ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig

How CUTE do those little party hats look??  I love them!  And to think I didn't need them - ha!!

Here's a slight variation, using the same basic layout, but using only Party Hearty stamps (including the present image stamped in Versamark all over the Rose Red panel), and a couple of teal rhinestone brads:



Stamps: Party Hearty

Card: Taken with Teal, Whisper White, Rose Red

Ink: Taken With Teal, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Versamark

Other: 1" Double-Stitched Rose Red grosgrain ribbon, rhinestone brads, 3/4" circle punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig



I have one more Party Hearty card to share with you.  I was so loving this layout, that I made a third card, using a different colour combination.  In the upcoming Summer Mini, there is some luscious Real Red polka dot grosgrain ribbon.  I am a sucker for red ribbon, and love polka dots, so this is one of my favourite products in the Mini Catalogue! (Easily pleased, aren't I?)  This time I teamed Real Red with Chocolate Chip, and Tempting Turquoise. 



Stamps: Party Hearty, One of A Kind

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

Ink: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise

Other: 3/4" circle punch, 3/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon - SUMMER MINI, Stamp-a-ma-jig

I love these simple, cute cards.  Which one's your favourite??

BIRTHDAY CARD FOR A "CRICKET-MAD" BOY

Don't keel over in shock, people - I know, two posts in one day, after a bit of a drought in the posting area!  Actually, two posts in minutes, because I didn't get myself properly organised before saving my Christmas card post.

Jack, my darling first-born son, turned 14 on Saturday.  He lives and breathes cricket; as far as he was concerned, he had the perfect birthday - playing junior cricket in the morning, and senior cricket in the afternoon.  It meant (as it does every Saturday) that he left home at 7.00am, and didn't get home until 7.00pm.  Personally, I can't see the appeal in that, but this post is about Jack, so I won't bore you with my views on cricket!

This season Jack changed cricket clubs, and has joined a club with a great development programme, which is helping him work towards his goal of playing cricket for Australia one day.  He's determined, so we'll see!  His new club colours are (in Stampin' Up! colours!) Brilliant Blue and Summer Sun, with a Basic Black strip.  With this in mind, I made this card for Jack:


Stamps: Just Cricket, Occasional Greetings, Defining Alphabet

Card: Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Summer Sun, Basic Black

Ink: Versamark, Basic Black, Brilliant Blue, Summer Sun, Riding Hood Red

Other: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Wide Oval Punch, 3/4" and 1" circle punches, black brads (from Vintage assortment), stampin' dimensionals

ORGANIC OUTLINES CHRISTMAS CARD

Yesterday I attended my first Stampin' Up! event, being Melbourne Regionals (a full-day training session, with stamping and socialising time mixed in) at Crown Promenade Hotel.  What a fun day, with hundreds of like-minded women (and two men)!  It was a very long day, as I was up at 5.45am - a bit like a child on Christmas Eve, over-excited about the day ahead!  The function itself ran from 8.00am (registration) until 3.30pm, and I enjoyed coffee afterwards with a couple of my special stamping friends.  It was so nice to spend a day with 'the girls', but all too soon it was over.  The absolute highlight of the day (oh, apart from the friendships, that is!) was having Bonnie Thurber, from Stampin' Up! in the US, take part.  She is such a warm, friendly, funny woman - a total delight.  What a shame we can't keep her!

At Regionals, a number of demonstrators swapped cards/ card fronts, to share ideas on how to use Stampin' Up! products.  I've come home with some amazing creations, that have inspired me to do some 'different' things.  Here is my card, that my swaps were based on:

Stamps: Organic Outlines, En Francais, Occasional Greetings

Card: Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla

Ink: Real Red, Always Artichoke, Old Olive

DSP: Ski Slope

Other: Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, sponge dauber, Real Red & Always Artichoke brads, dimensionals

Once I arrived home from Regionals, I was looking forward to an easy dinner and relaxing at home.  However, my accident-prone husband (who is on Warfarin and has an unstable blood clot in his leg), had a fall and rolled his ankle - it was swollen and we suspected fractured, so off to hospital we went!  Thankfully it turned out to be a sprain; it is now bandaged and we are back home.  A more eventful end to the day than I needed!

Hope you like the card - I'm rather fond of it myself!

CHRISTMAS CLASSICS

I am having a HEAP of trouble with Typepad, and have tried numerous times over the last few days to post, only to be thrown out repeatedly.  I had a rather lengthy post saved, and it has disappeared into oblivion, so today I am feeling just a bit grumpy!!  (Alright, a lot grumpy.)

I've been playing with my gorgeous new Christmas Classics stamp set (LOVE the crisp images it produces), and have a couple of cards to share, if only the uploading of images is successful, on my 247th attempt.  Here goes ..... 

Oh, wait, I just remembered I promised my sister, Lynda, that I'd post a photo of the birthday cards she and I made for Ethan recently.  Lynda and I are twins on one day of the year (she was born the day before my first birthday); for the other 364 days we do share thoughts, ideas and colour-choices in clothing.  It's a bit uncanny sometimes.  This year Lynda was super-organised and had made my little man a birthday card early.  Foolishly, I didn't think to check with her as to what colours and stamp set she used (you'd think that after 40+ years of 'twin-like' behaviour, I'd know better).  This was the result - Lynda's card on the left, mine on the right:



Now for the Christmas cards I have to show you - both using Christmas Classics stamp set and Ski Slope Designer Series Paper, from Stampin' Up!  I have tried several times to upload these photos, and add all the 'ingredients' used, and such is my frustration at failing repeatedly that I am going to try ONE MORE TIME to just get the pictures up.  I'll skip all the extra explanations - if you need any details, just email me!  Here's what I came up with:


How cute are those baubles?  Here's the next one (my favourite) - let me know which one you prefer!  I know some of my friends need no prompting to let me know, but I'm interested to see your feedback :)




Well, hallelujah, I've successfully uploaded 3 photos, and even managed to add some text -what progress!  I'm going to sign off here (don't want to push my luck).  Fingers crossed my next post will be smooth sailing, and will take less than 4 days to complete!  

GETTING READY FOR FATHER'S DAY....

I have been asked by a friend if I'd make some Father's Day cards, seeing as it's Father's Day next weekend.  While I was in the process of stamping out the fantastic sentiment from the Occasional Greetings stamp set, I decided to get a bit of a production line going.  I'm up to my fifth card, and need a little break, so decided to upload some photos to share with you.

The first few cards are made using the colours Always Artichoke and Mellow Moss, with either Whisper White or Very Vanilla as the neutral - such a beautiful colour scheme, and nice and earthy for cards for men.  This first card is all Stampin' Up! :



Stamps:  Occasional Greetings, Lovely As A Tree, Linen (retired)

Card: Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Mellow Moss

Ink: Always Artichoke and Mellow Moss stampin' pads

Other: Always Artichoke and Mellow Moss 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Always Artichoke brads, sponge daubers, dimensionals, 1 1/4" square punch, 1 3/8" square punch

For my second card I combined Very Vanilla with the two greens.  On the main panel I stamped the trees first in Always Artichoke ink, then (using my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig) slightly offset the image to the right, and stamped again in Very Vanilla ink.  I like the soft effect that resulted.



Stamps: Weathered, Occasional Greetings, Lovely As A Tree

Card: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss

Ink: Mellow Moss and Always Artichoke classic stampin' pads, Very Vanilla craft stampin' pad (retired)

Other: Dimensionals, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, corner rounder punch, edge distresser, sponge daubers, brads (not Stampin' Up!) from stash

The last card I'll share from my 'green series' incorporates Jumbo Eyelets, which are a favourite embellishment of mine, when it comes to cards for males.  They are so easy to set in place using the Crop-A-Dile - love that tool!  If you are tired of noisy or labour-intensive ways of setting eyelets, please talk to me - I can change your life in this regard!



Stamps: Occasional Greetings, Lovely As A Tree, Weathered

Card: Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Mellow Moss

Ink: Always Artichoke and Mellow Moss stampin' pads

Other: Dimensionals, sponge daubers, Jumbo Eyelets (set with Crop-A-Dile), string from stash



Finally, I have something completely different.  I recently bought a new Checkerplate embossing folder for my Cuttlebug - it's great!  It really does make silver or grey cardstock look like metal.  Here's what I made:



Stamps: Occasional Greetings, Weathered

Card: Whisper White, Brushed Silver, Riding Hood Red, Coredinations Black

Ink: Basic Black and Riding Hood Red stampin' pads, Versamark

Other: Jumbo Eyelet (set with Crop-A-Dile), 5/8" silver brad, Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain ribbon, sponge dauber, Cuttlebug and checkerplate embossing folder

SNOW SWIRLED ..........the blue series

Whilst I still have the Snow Swirled stamp set on loan, I am trying to come up with a few different cards.  I haven't used silver for a loooooong time, but decided to combine a bit of silver embossing, with Whisper White, and Bashful Blue - I think the result is really lovely, and soft. 

My photo of this first card is a bit blurry (sorry), but I was pleased with the 'clean' result.  I started off with a Whisper White card base, and attached a panel of Bashful Blue card on which I had randomly stamped the large snowflake from the set, using Versamark ink to create a subtle background.  I distressed the top and bottom edges of this panel.  On the main panel, I stamped the large snowflake in Versamark on Whisper White, then used Silver embossing powder - how striking does that look?  I added a blue rhinestone brad to the centre of the snowflake, and stamped the sentiment in Bashful Blue ink.  A bit more edge distressing and use of punches finished off that part.  I rounded the bottom corners of the two panels, and did a bit of paper piercing to complement the pattern of the eyelet border punch.  Is this too much waffle?  Should I just show you what I made?  Okay, here it is ...



Stamps: Snow Swirled

Card: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Brushed Silver

Ink: Bashful Blue stampin' pad, Versamark ink pad

Other: Silver embossing powder (& heat gun), Eyelet Border Punch, corner rounder punch, piercing tool, edge distresser, Bashful Blue taffeta ribbon, blue rhinestone brad (from Ice Circles selection), stampin' dimensionals


While I had all the supplies out, I made a card that appealed much more to my husband's symmetrical brain.  To create the white panel on the bottom part of the card, I inked up the large snowflake stamp in Bashful Blue ink, then stamped the image off twice onto scrap paper before stamping the image on Whisper White card - love the soft result of this.  I did the same on the white panel on which I then overstamped the sentiment, in Basic Gray ink.  For the square snowflake panels, I white-embossed the snowflakes onto Brushed Silver card, which I think looks beautiful.  Here's the card, followed by all the details:



Stamps: Snow Swirled, Occasional Greetings

Card: Bashful Blue, Brushed Silver, Whisper White

Ink: Bashful Blue and Basic Gray stampin' pads, Versamark inkpad

Other: White embossing powder (& heat gun), sponge daubers, stampin' dimensionals, Bashful Blue 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/4" square punch, 1 3/8" square punch, 2-way glue pen, dazzling diamonds (glitter)



Right, lastly (hope you're not too saturated by blue-hued Snow Swirled cards yet!) I would like to share my personal favourite of the series.  Not surprisingly, Andrew (darling husband) doesn't like it.  I don't think six brads on one card is over-embellishing - do you?? 



Stamps: Snow Swirled, Short & Sweet

Card: Very Vanilla, Brocade Blue, Sahara Sand

DSP: Bella Bleu

Ink: Brocade Blue and Sahara Sand stampin' pads

Other: Sponge daubers, Word Window Punch, Ice Circles Rhinestone brad (blue), Clear Rhinestone brads, stampin' dimensionals.



I'm having so much fun with this set, I don't think I'll give it back to its rightful owner!  I have a super-busy week at work coming up, so may not get to create and/or blog for a little while, but I'll be back soon.  Thanks for visiting my little corner of blogland. :)

CHRISTMAS CARDS (yes, already)... and a sneak peek..

On Saturday I held a "Christmas in July" card-making class .... for once, I am making an early start so that I don't get too overwhelmed come December 20th!  The class went for 3 hours, and I'd like to thank Lynda, Dannika, Rachel, Cynthia, Marissa and Kerry for helping to make it a great afternoon.  I really enjoyed it, and think everyone else did too.  I had grand plans for us to make 3 cards, then continue on with a 'free time' session, so everyone could use my supplies to create a stash of cards.  Time flew, and we managed 3 cards and a candle - then it was time to wind it up.  I think we need another session, girls!  I was too excited about having my friends over, to remember to take photos of the day 'in action', but I thought I'd share with you all a shot of the cards we made on the day.

I showed the girls how a variety of Stampin' Up!'s stamp sets can be used to make Christmas cards.  You don't have to use traditional Christmas colours or Christmas-only stamps to make lovely festive cards.  One card we made was a traditional style, using Always Artichoke and Bravo Burgundy - love these colours together, even though it was a little out of my comfort zone at first! The main image is from "Lovely as a Tree"; not a Christmas set, but don't you think the tree looks "Christmassy"?  Next we made a "Season of Joy" (fantastic, versatile stamp set) card, using Riding Hood Red and Very Vanilla, with Kiwi Kiss ribbon.  The third card, that had very little stamping on, and made good use of the large star punch, was made with Baja Breeze and Whisper White, with a little Basic Gray.  Take a look below:



It's now only a matter of days until Stampin' Up!'s Spring Mini catalogue 'goes live'.  In conjunction with the fabulous 2009/2010 Idea Book & Catalogue, we will have some new stamps, papers and accessories available for 4 months only.  If you'd like a copy of 'the mini', please email me and I'll be happy to send one out to you!

I am in love with the Parisian Breeze specialty designer series paper that will be available in Australia and New Zealand from August 1st.  This is a gorgeous, heavyweight, paper that contains some of my  favourite colours.  I have used it to make a card for my friend who is celebrating her 40th birthday tomorrow, and thought I'd share with you a sample of a couple new yummy products.  My card uses a great, versatile, new stamp set (called Oval All) and co-ordinating scallop oval punch. 



Stamps: Oval All

Card: Whisper White, Kraft

DSP: Parisian Breeze

Ink: Baja Breeze and Sahara Sand stampin' pads, Timber Brown Staz-on

Other: Large oval punch, scallop oval punch, aquapainter, Baja Breeze ribbon from Valet ribbon originals, kraft taffeta ribbon, sponge dauber, dimensionals, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Kaiser rhinestones