SC 086/13: STAMPIN' UP! POLKA-DOT PIECES THANK YOU CARD

I was delighted to be asked to be a Guest Designer at Sunny Challenges & Creations for their challenge going live today:

If you're a regular follower of my blog, you probably know that I seldom deviate from a rectangular card - sometimes I switch from a top-fold to a side-fold, but the occasional square card is about as adventurous as I get! 

I enjoyed this challenge, as I've just got my hot little hands on Stampin' Up!'s Deco Labels Collection framelits - and they are GORGEOUS.  My card base was made with the largest of the four dies, and it makes a rather tiny card - oh-so-sweet.  This card is only 10 cm x 9 cm in size.

Stamps: Polka-Dot Pieces, Summer Silhouettes, Itty Bitty Banners

Card: Smoky Slate, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

DSP: Smoky Slate Patterns DSP

Ink: Smoky Slate and Basic Gray stampin' pads, Daffodil Delight stampin' pad and marker

Other: Deco Labels Collection framelits, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Bird Builder punch, Bitty Banners framelits, sponge daubers, Multipurpose liquid glue

 

 

Make sure you take a look at the Design Team's samples, for inspiration.  We'd love to see your 'shaped' creations.

 

 



SC 056/12: STAMPIN' UP!'S SUMMER AFTERNOON

You may recall that I was rather sad at finishing up my time with Sunny Challenges & Creations at the end of August.  Well, I am pleased to say that my Guest Designer spot has been extended for the month of September.  The person who was going to feature as Guest Designer for this month had to withdraw for family reasons; a truly sad time for her, but I am honoured to be able to step up.

This week's challenge is a pretty cute, fun one - to make a square card, measuring 10cm x 10cm.  I didn't realise quite how small a canvas it would be to work with, but I loved it!  Here's the sketch to use as a starting point for the card:

I have had a play with a few new products just released in Stampin' Up!'s Annual Catalogue for Australia and New Zealand.  Some of my favourites are the Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper, and the new In Colors.  Summer Starfruit is a new colour that I think is rather polarising ....  but I LOVE it!

Here's my take on the sketch:

 

 

Stamps: Summer Afternoon, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Confetti

Card: Crumb Cake, Summer Starfruit, Watercolour paper

DSP: Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper

Ink: Crumb Cake stampin' pad and marker, Midnight Muse stampin' pad and marker, Soft Suede marker, Summer Starfruit stampin' pad and marker, Basic Gray marker, Old Olive marker, Timber Brown Staz-on (not SU!)

Other: Blender pens, Labels Collection Framelits dies, Bitty Banners Framelits, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Sweet Buttons embosslits, Beautiful Wings embosslits, Basic Pearl, Linen Thread, sponge daubers, stampin' dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue

 

 

 

Make sure you check out the rest of the Design Team samples at Sunny Challenges & Creations - and please, play along with us!  We'd love to see your card!

 

 

 



JUST ADD INK #117 : A COLOUR CHALLENGE

Delys has set us a very challenging challenge at Just Add Ink this week!!    The idea is to make a card or scrapbook page using the following colours only:

I so wanted to stamp a sentiment in black, but as it turned out I had a lot of fun making a card in monochromatic tones!  Here's what I came up with:

Stamps: My Friend, Tagtastic

Card: So Saffron textured and smooth, Whisper White

Ink: So Saffron and Daffodil Delight stampin' pads, Versamark inkpad

Other: White embossing powder, sponge daubers, So Saffron 3/8" taffeta ribbon, Whisper White 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Itty Bitty shapes punch, Basic Pearls, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, Perfect Pennants die, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, mini glue dots

Be sure to check out the rest of the Design Team's yellow creations!  We hope to inspire you to play along with us this week at Just Add Ink.

STAMPIN' UP!'S EASY EVENTS FRAMELITS CARD

I just had to share with you a cute little card I've made using Stampin' Up!'s new Labels Collection Framelits dies.  These fabulous wafer-thin metal dies cut beautifully, come in 6 sizes that mat together, and of course co-ordinate with the gorgeous new Apothecary Art stamp set ..... do you need any other reasons to order them???!!

I call this my "polka dot overload" card.  Check out the dotty stamped base card, the polka dot leaves on the cute paper, the polka dot embossing on the smaller Framelits, the polka dot ribbon, AND the polka dot brad.  Cute, don't you think?!  It makes me happy, anyway!

I made this card by using the largest of the Framelits to cut through a folded piece of Lucky Limeade card (positioning the fold just below the top of the die, so the fold stayed intact).  The frosting on the cupcake was a little 'trial and error' process.  I started off colouring it with my Melon Mambo marker, but decided to add dimension, so coloured over that with a Versamarker (same clear ink as the Versamark pad, but in a handy-dandy pen - gotta love that!), and sprinkled Melon Mambo embossing powder over the top, then heated it.  I wasn't 100% happy with the patchy result I got, so I coloured AGAIN with the Versamarker, sprinkled Iridescent Ice embossing powder over the top, and heated it.  I like the irregular look I finally achieved;  in future I'll know I can cut out at least one of those steps!

Stamps: Easy Events; Dot, Dot, Dot

Card: Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Whisper White

DSP: Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Versamarker, Jet Black Staz-on inkpad, Melon Mambo marker, Lucky Limeade marker, Concord Crush marker

Other: Labels Collection Framelits dies, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon, In Color Designer Printed brad, 2 1/2 " Circle punch, sponge daubers, mini glue dots, stampin' dimensionals

PENNANT PARADE BRIGHT AND CHEERY CARD

Tomorrow is my lovely sister-in-law's birthday.  (I'm actually blessed to have three lovely sisters-in-law; I am one lucky girl - love them all dearly.)

Despite living only a very short distance from the birthday girl, I am guilty of not always getting her birthday cards to her in time.  This year, however, I was very organised, and delivered it a day early - woohoo! 

Stamps: Pennant Parade, Happiest Birthday Wishes, Up, Up & Away

Card: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Daffodil Delight

DSP:  Big Top Birthday Designer Series Paper

Ink: Jet Black Staz-On inkpad, Real Red stampin' pad

Other: Brights button, White baker's twine, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Petite Pennants Builder punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, paper snips, mini glue dots, stampin' dimensionals, Tombow multipurpose liquid glue, , Scallop Square Nestabilities

CTD #160 : STAMPIN' UP!'S PRECIOUS BUTTERFLIES

It has been a while since I've played along with the challenges at The Color Throwdown, so I was determined to remedy that this week!

Here is the gorgeous colour combination put forward for us to use on a papercraft project:

I have made a card for a lovely friend who I'll be meeting for lunch tomorrow.  Of course I left it until late in the day to photograph (forward planning is sadly lacking in my little world sometimes!!), so please forgive the dark photo.  I had a lovely time incorporating polka dots and butterflies on this card.

Stamps: Precious Butterflies

Card: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Regal Rose textured

DSP: Regal Rose Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Regal Rose stampin' pad and marker, Early Espresso stampin' pad and marker, Versamark inkpad

Other: Beautiful Wings embosslits die, Very Vanilla satin ribbon, Chantilly Crochet trim, Basic Pearls, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, XL Oval punch, Decorative Label punch, brad (not SU!), paper snips, sponge daubers

JUST ADD INK #83 - A SKETCH, AND HAPPY NEWS

I am thrilled to say that I'm a Guest Designer for Just Add Ink for the month of September.   I've been a flag-waving fan and follower of this wonderful challenge site since its inception, and try to take part in the challenges every week.  Some of my loveliest 'stampy' friends are already on the Design Team, and it is a real honour to join them for the next 5 weeks.  Thanks, girls, for inviting me to join in the fun in a slightly more 'official' capacity!

This week Bron has come up with the following sketch:

I have a bit of a tendency to take sketches VERY literally (rather than using them as a starting point), and this week is no exception!  I've made a card that I think has a distinctly 'folksy' sort of country/naive feel (does that make sense?!).

Stamps: Just Believe, Sweet Stitches stampin' around wheel

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

DSP: Baja Breeze Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink: Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, and Baja Breeze stampin' pads, Crumb Cake stampin' pad and marker

Other: Boho Blossoms punch, Circles #2 die, 1 3/4" circle punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Crimper, Sweet Buttons embosslits, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Square Lattice embossing folder, sponge daubers, Mat Pack and Paper Piercing tool, Kraft corduroy buttons (retired)

"CHEEP TALK" note card

My "Cheep Talk" stamp set has been sitting, unloved, on the shelf for quite some time.  It's a gorgeous set, so today I decided it was high time it saw some ink.

I have SOOOOOOO many ideas and projects swimming around in my head at the moment, that I wasn't sure where to start.  So, I turned to page 50 of the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue, and used the cute little note card as inspiration.  My card is a direct copy, but in different colours, and is 10.5cm square.  I knew I wanted to use Marina Mist on my card, so I got out my trusty Color Coach and opted to go with the suggested colour combination of Marina Mist, Old Olive and Real Red.  I think the end result is pretty darn cute - what do you think??

Stamps: Cheep Talk, Tiny Tags

Card: Old Olive, Marina Mist, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Real Red stampin' pad and marker, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist and Old Olive stampin' pads

Other: Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Marina Mist satin ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, paper snips, Circle punches (Itty Bitty Shapes, 1" and 1 1/4"), stampin' dimensionals, mini glue dot, Basic Rhinestone

I hope this inspires you to get out your own copy of the catalogue, and try making a card you like; it's a great resource, so make the most of it!  If you don't have your own hard copy, and would like one, please email me at stampwithchristine@gmail.com.  I can send out catalogues anywhere in Australia.

COLOR THROWDOWN #129 : BABY BOY CARD

I just love these days, on which my stamping plans come to fruition!  I've been itching to use my Baby Tees jumbo Stampin' Around wheel, that I just HAD to have, but until now had not actually inked up (y'know, yet another one of "those" purchases!).  The colour challenge over at Color Throwdown is, I think, perfect for a baby boy card.  Take a look at what inspired me:

I don't have any Ballet Blue cardstock or ink left (I was a bit ruthless in culling all my retired Stampin' Up! products!), so I've used Marina Mist.  My 'dark' green is Wild Wasabi, and the light green is Certainly Celery.  Here's my cutie-patootie card:

Stamps: Baby Tees jumbo Stampin' Around wheel, Baby Bundle

Card: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Marina Mist

DSP: Certainly Celery, Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi and Crumb Cake Patterns Designer Series Papers

Ink: Jet Black Staz-On inkpad, Crumb Cake stampin' pad and marker, Certainly Celery, Marina Mist and Wild Wasabi stampin' pads

Other: Scallop Edge punch, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, sponge daubers, paper snips, Linen Thread

CURTAIN CALL COLOR CHALLENGE: {ACT 69}

I've had an "at home" day today, which I love.  Well, I did endure an interminably long school assembly, and some grocery shopping first, but the last few hours have been spent at home, catching up on ironing, washing (I'm kidding myself if I think I can ever 'catch up' with that!), and some stamping.  Apart from lunching with friends, this is my favourite kind of day!

Ethan, my youngest, has a birthday party to go to this coming weekend; his friend is turning 11.  I've used the colours in Stacey's Curtain Call Color Challenge to make the birthday boy a card.

...... and here's the card:

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Party This Way, Punch Bunch, Rough Type Alphabet

Card: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Real Red

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Real Red and Crumb Cake stampin' pads

Other: Scallop Square punch, paper snips, Linen Thread, Stampin' Dimensionals, sponge dauber, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder

Two of the stamp sets I've used on this card are available only until the end of March.  The Rough Type alphabet set, that I've used on the 'flags' is in Stampin' Up!'s Summer Mini catalogue, and is a great buy at only $47.95 for wood mounted stamps (there are 28 in the set), or $37.95 for clear mount.  The letters are sized perfectly to fit on the Mini Vintage Tags, also in the Summer Mini, so check them out!  You can view the Mini by clicking on the image in my blog side bar ..... contact me if you have any questions.  The sentiment on Jarryd's birthday card is stamped using Punch Bunch, one of the four gorgeous Sale-A-Bration sets that you can get for FREE, if you purchase $100 worth of Stampin' Up! product from me.  This offer ends 31st March (and is valid only in Australia).

CURTAIN CALL COLOUR CHALLENGE: {ACT 58}

Look at this fabulous colour combination provided by Stacey this week:

The possibilities, with these colours, almost give me heart palpitations!!  LOVE them.

Here is my first attempt with the colour combo.  I was dying to use my new "Take A Sip" Stampin' Around Wheel; it pairs perfectly with the tiny cup from the new "Itty Bitty Bits" stamp set released in Australia today.

Stamps: Take A Sip wheel, Sincere Salutations, Confetti, Itty Bitty Bits

Card: Crumb Cake, Concord Crush, Whisper White

DSP: Whisper White Patterns Designer Series Paper (from the Neutrals stack)

Ink: Crumb Cake stampin' pad and marker, Basic Gray stampin' pad, Basic Black stampin' pad, Concord Crush stampin' pad and marker, white gel pen

Other: Wide Oval punch, Lots of Tags sizzlits, sponge dauber, Whisper White 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Concord Crush poly-stitched ribbon, Itty Bitty circle punch, mini glue dots, Tombow multi glue, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder

I'll be sharing with you shortly another card that I have made using this colour combination, so please check back in later!

CHRISTMAS BLOG HOP

Today I am taking part in a blog hop, with 10 friends, to show you some projects with a CHRISTMAS theme.  You may have come here from Ros Davidson's blog, but if not, don't worry - you can continue in a loop and visit all 11 blogs by clicking on the link at the end of each blog post.  I'm sure you'll get some great ideas, visiting everyone's blogs.

I'd like to share with you a few Christmas cards I've chosen to make in non-traditional colours.

This first card is my favourite, but I would love to hear which one appeals most to you; they're all quite different.  Please leave a comment, and let me know you've been to visit!

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Contempo Christmas, Delightful Decorations

Card: Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise (textured)

Ink: Poppy Parade and Tempting Turquoise stampin' pads, Jet Black Staz-on inkpad

Other: Poppy Parade poly-stitched ribbon, Ornament Punch, Basic Rhinestones, stampin' dimensionals, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Scallop Edge border punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, mini glue dots

Next up is a less bright card; for this one, I've used another of Stampin' Up!'s "in colours", Peach Parfait, teamed with Basic Gray and Very Vanilla.

Stamps: Dasher, Snow Swirled

Card: Very Vanilla, Basic Gray

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

Ink: Basic Gray and Peach Parfait stampin' pads

Other: Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Wide Oval Punch, Peach Parfait poly-stitched ribbon, sponge dauber, Eyelet Trim border punch, Basic Pearls

My last card uses green and purple, with cream, and I love it!  (Since I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I don't think I've referred to colours as "green and purple, with cream"!!  That was a BIG step for me, to not use their SU! names, ha ha). 

Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Snow Swirled, En Francais

Card: Wild Wasabi (textured), Perfect Plum, Naturals Ivory

DSP: Wild Wasabi and Perfect Plum Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink: Wild Wasabi, Perfect Plum and River Rock stampin' pads, Jet Black Staz-on inkpad

Other: Very Vanilla satin ribbon, Wide Oval Punch, sponge dauber, Eyelet Border punch, paper snips, mini glue dots

Next stop on today's blog hop is the blog of my friend Nikki Sadler.  We hope you'll visit all 11 blogs, and check out everyone's creations.  Here is a list of everyone participating in the blog hop; if you lose your way, just check back in here!

Ros Davidson

http://www.rosdavidson.typepad.com/


Christine Blain (that's me!)
http://christineblain.blogspot.com/


Nikki Sadler
http://www.inkyart.com.au/


Kristine Thompson
http://www.inkspotcreations.com/


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


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


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


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


Amy Buchanan
http://fashioninggreatimpressions.com/


Gardenia Pepworth
http://alittlelessuseless.wordpress.com/


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

I hope you have a great day; I will - we're off to a wedding, and my boys will both be in suits!  What fun.  Will share photos later!

JUST ADD INK #45 - SKETCH CHALLENGE

Normally I see the words "sketch challenge" and am tempted to run for the hills! I MUCH prefer colour challenges, but am trying to embrace the whole concept of stretching myself to try new things! This week's sketch at Just Add Ink sparked all sorts of ideas in my head - I can see myself using this gorgeous, simple, sketch time and time again.  Thanks, Danielle!  Here's the sketch:

I was in the mood for a bit of colouring in today, so had another play with my new Cupcake Kiki stamp - this time, I watercoloured her, using my Stampin' Up! markers and an aquapainter.  Using a white gel pen, I added a few little details - stripes on Kiki's stockings, and dots on her top (as well as highlights on her hair baubles, and in the flower centre).

This card will be going to someone we know who recently had a really nasty fall, and is 'out of action' for several weeks.  Hopefully it'll put a smile on her face.

Stamps: Cupcake Kiki (CC Designs), Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Watercolour Paper

Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento inkpad, Early Espresso stampin' pad and marker, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Night of Navy, and Baja Breeze markers

Other: Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, aquapainter, Nestabilities, Rain Drops heart embellishment, Word Window punch, stampin' sponge, sponge dauber, Signo White gel pen, Baja Breeze Patterns DSP (retired)

I'll be back to "normal programming", showcasing Stampin' Up! stamps, tomorrow.  Please come back to visit my blog over the weekend, as I will be taking part in a blog hop with some stamping friends.  We've got some AWESOME Christmas projects to show you!!

Thanks for visiting my little corner of the world :)

CURTAIN CALL COLOUR CHALLENGE #56

This week at Stacey's Stamping Stage, the challenge is to use the following gorgeous colours together in a papercraft project:

I found this colour combination really enjoyable to work with, and came up with another friendship card (that I get so much pleasure out of making, and giving!).  Shocking photography, but I hope you can see it well enough.

Stamps: Sanded, Bella Toile, Hello Again, Friends 24-7

Card: Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Peach Parfait stampin' pads and markers, Chocolate Chip stampin' pad

Other: Peach Parfait poly-stitched ribbon, Top Note die, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Nestabilities, stampin' sponge, mini glue dots, 3/8" circle punch (*NEW* in upcoming Summer mini)

"WE STAMP FOR LARA" CUPCAKE CARD

You may have noticed, in my blog side bar, a little badge linking to the "We Stamp For Lara" fundraising event that's running throughout November.  Please, if you can, support Madonna Dunn (a fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator) in her efforts to raise much-needed funds to help make her little daughter's life a bit easier.  There are heaps of great papercrafting tutorials on offer, along with weekly challenges and giveaways.  Please visit Madonna's blog for details.  If you're able to make a donation, or pay the small $25 fee for an entire month of papercrafting fun, please consider paying directly into the nominated bank account, rather than Paypal.  We want to make sure that the funds go exactly where they're intended!!

This week's challenge, at We Stamp For Lara, is to make a cupcake card.  I was thrilled to have some time in my craft room today, to make cards for a few challenges I've been wanting to participate in.  Thanks to my friend Kerry, I have lots of gorgeous little die-cut cupcakes, that I created with her Sizzix die on a girls' weekend away a few months back.  The die, and the paper I used, is not from Stampin' Up!, but everything else on my card is.

Stamps: Fast Flowers stampin' around wheel, Sincere Salutations

Card: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Blushing Bride

Ink: Blushing Bride, Old Olive and Crumb Cake stampin' pads

Other: Wide Oval punch, Old Olive brad, Scallop Trim border punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Scor-Pal, Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Blushing Bride poly-stitched ribbon, mat pack and paper-piercing tool, sponge dauber

INKSPIRATIONS COLOUR CHALLENGE #46 .... again!

I had some lovely time to myself, in my craft room, last night (while all three of my boys had a Mike Tyson DVD blaring).  I had already made one card for this week's Inkspirations Challenge #46, but loved the colour combo, and wanted to challenge myself to come up with a completely different card.  The first card I made was very soft, which didn't really reflect how I saw these colours initially:

So, for my second card, I added accents of Poppy Parade - such a bright, happy, orangey-red.  I have not shown much love to the Birds and Blooms sizzlits die I bought a while back, so the starting point for this card was to incorporate some of the cute Scallop Circles (I like to call them flowers) from the set of dies.  I started off by cutting out both sizes of Scallop Circles, in So Saffron, and adhering them to the top portion of my So Saffron card base.  This card is all about the texture!

Stamps: Perfect Punches

Card: So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze

Ink: Baja Breeze stampin' pad and marker, Poppy Parade marker, So Saffron stampin' pad and marker

Other: Birds and Blooms sizzlits die, Beautiful Wings embosslits, sponge dauber, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Curly Label punch, 1" Circle punch, Basic Pearls, Poppy Parade poly-stitched ribbon, mini glue dot

JUST ADD INK #38

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so please visit the Cancer Council's website at www.pinkribbonday.com.au, to see how you can help the cause.  Is it too much to dream that we will have a cure for this disease in this generation?  Five years ago this month, I lost one of my dearest friends to breast cancer, and I am sure that most of you, like me, know someone who is also a breast cancer survivor.  Let's do all we can to make sure ALL women, and men, who have breast cancer, are survivors.


The challenge for this week, at  Just Add Ink, is to "JUST ADD BLING .... AND PINK!!", to a papercraft project. 

Here is the card I came up with:

Stamps: En Francais, Trendy Trees

Card: Crumb Cake, Whisper White (smooth and textured), Pretty in Pink

DSP: Crumb Cake and Pretty in Pink Patterns Stack Designer Series Papers

Ink: Pink Pirouette and Crumb Cake stampin' pads

Other: Pretty in Pink satin ribbon, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Two-step XL Owl punch, Two-step XL Bird punch, Basic Rhinestones, sponge dauber, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, mini glue dots, Tombow multi glue

I took the photo in late afternoon light, so it's not great, but I am rather pleased with how this sweet card turned out - hope you like it too!

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

IT'S A HAPPY FRIDAY, INDEED

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

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

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

Stamps: Friends Never Fade, Tiny Tags, Oval All

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

DSP: Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper

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

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

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

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

Stamps: Funky Four, Perfect Punches

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

DSP: Blushing Bride Patterns Designer Series Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stamps: Oval All, Butterfly Prints

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

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

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