STAMPIN' UP!'S "SENT WITH LOVE" BABY CARD

Welcome to my final day of sharing projects I've made using Stampin' Up!'s "Sent With Love" products!  Well, it won't be the last you'll see, but I have devoted a few days to blogging exclusively about these products.

I like to think of "out of the box" ways to use my Stampin' Up! products, and in order to do that, have to step away from the computer!  Whilst I love blog-surfing, and checking out Pinterest, I sometimes lose sight of my own 'style', and can't imagine using products in ways other than those I've already seen.

One of the sheets of Designer Series Paper in the Sent With Love pack is a lovely Pool Party piece, with a white criss-cross design.  I decided it'd be perfect for a baby card:

Stamps: Sent With Love, Baby Bundle, Tiny Tags

Card: Crumb Cake, Whisper White

DSP: Sent With Love Designer Series Paper

Ink: Crumb Cake and Pool Party stampin' pads, Versamark inkpad

Other: Pool Party embossing powder, Labels Collection framelits, Jewelry Tag punch, Neutrals brad, Pool Party ruffled ribbon, Linen Thread, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Needlepoint Border embossing folder, Delicate Designs embossing folder, Large Scallop edgelits, glue dots, sponge dauber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



JAI #129 : A SKETCH CHALLENGE

This week at Just Add Ink, we have a great sketch that Mae has developed:

I've broken out my new Berry Blossoms Designer Series Paper for my Design Team sample this week.  This paper is bright, and fun, and has loads of polka dots - what's not to love?!

I have taken a couple of liberties with the sketch, but hope you can still see the inspiration I drew from Mae's design.   The patterned paper (Calypso Coral polka dotted layer) has been used in place of the vertical panel to the left of the sketch, because I liked that there were flowers reaching up from the bottom of the panel.  I've also altered the scale of the overlapping panel, and placement of my butterfly (just because I didn't want the embellishment to get lost amongst all the dots!).

Stamps: Tiny Tags

Card: Calypso Coral, Whisper White

DSP:  Berry Blossoms Designer Series Paper

Ink: Calypso Coral stampin' pad and marker, Lucky Limeade stampin' pad, Early Espresso stampin' pad and marker

Other: Mat Pack and Paper-Piercing tool, Beautiful Wings embosslits, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die, In Color Designer Printed brads, Paper Daisies, Neutrals brads, Whisper White organza ribbon, Scallop Edge border punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Jewelry Tag punch, sponge daubers, mini glue dots

Be sure to check out the rest of the Design Team samples - they're all very different, and gorgeous!

SALE-A-BRATION SAMPLES: FRESH VINTAGE & EVERYDAY ENCHANTMENT

Aren't you just loving the gorgeous options Stampin' Up! has provided this year, for Sale-a-Bration freebies??  In case you're not "au fait" with what Sale-a-Bration is, it's one of THE most exciting events on the Stampin' Up! calendar, and runs from late January until the end of March.  For every $100 spent, you can earn a stamp set, or other pretty items, for FREE!!

I was sooooo happy to find out yesterday, on Dawn Olchefske's blog, that the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch is the PERFECT tool to use with the flowery medallion stamp in the Fresh Vintage stamp set!!  I had a little play last night with some scraps of Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper, to make a couple of tiny 'thank you' cards.

On these cards you'll see the paper, and brads, that are freebies this year in the Sale-a-Bration period.  Absolutely beautiful.  I am in love with the brads that match the patterns on the paper (look closely).

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (SAB), Short & Sweet

Card: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede

DSP: Everyday Enchantment (SAB)

Ink: Pool Party, Crumb Cake and Soft Suede stampin' pads

Other: Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch, Word Window punch, sponge dauber, Everyday Enchantment brads (SAB), Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Stampin' Dimensionals 

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (SAB), Tiny Tags

Card: Very Vanilla, Poppy Parade, Soft Suede

DSP: Everyday Enchantment (SAB)

Ink: Poppy Parade, Crumb Cake and Soft Suede stampin' pads

Other: Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, sponge dauber, Everyday Enchantment brads (SAB), Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

...... and here are the two little cards together.  Cute, don't you think?!

STAMPIN' UP!'S BEAU CHATEAU BEAUTIES

In our brand new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue (it's in my sidebar - just click on the image to check it out!), there is a gorgeous collection of co-ordinating products called the Beau Chateau suite.  Think French Provincial, vintage, nostalgic.  I have made a couple of cards using some of the Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper.

This first card has a lot of texture.  I adhered the panel of DSP to some Soft Suede cardstock, then ran the two layers through my Big Shot (die-cutting and embossing machine) inside the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.  I love the resulting rich, brocade look to it.  The scalloped circle is punched from another of the pieces of paper in this collection - beautiful, don't you think?

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla

DSP: Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper

Ink: Soft Suede and Pink Pirouette stampin' pads

Other: Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch, Designer Frames embossing folder, Victoria crochet trim, Basic Pearls, sponge daubers, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, mini glue dots, paper snips

My second card uses as its focal point the second embossing folder in the new Designer Frames set.  LOVE these little folders; they're fast becoming a favourite new toy.  The floral paper, punched out with the XL Oval punch, fits perfectly inside the oval frame - love that!

..... and a close-up of my favourite part of this card:

Stamps: Tiny Tags, Vintage Vogue

Card: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette

DSP: Beau Chateau Designer Series Papers

Ink: Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette, Crumb Cake and Marina Mist stampin' pads

Other: Jewelry Tag punch, Designer Frames embossing folder, Big Shot, XL Oval punch, Pretty in Pink brad, Crumb Cake seam binding, sponge dauber, paper snips (to cut out the oval, and distress the cardstock)

NATURE WALK MEETS BOTANICAL GAZETTE

I have a card to show you, made with Stampin' Up!'s new Nature Walk stamp set, and Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper (hence the less-than-imaginative title of today's blog post).

I was inspired by Bonnie Klass's card, to use the blue bird sheet of paper from my pack (wasn't quite sure what to do with that), and to stamp a little bird inside the cage.  This may be an obvious idea, but I thought it was brilliant, and had completely forgotten I owned the aforementioned bird stamp!  (Oh dear, do you think this girl has a little too much SU! stuff??!!)

I have added Old Olive into the mix, because an all-blue card was a little hard for me to do.  I always feel 'safe' with green!  Here's my vintagey Nature Walk card:

Stamps: Nature Walk, En Francais, Friends 24-7, Silhouette Sentiments, Tiny Tags

Card: Crumb Cake, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla

DSP: Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper

Ink: Night of Navy stampin' pad and marker, Old Olive and Crumb Cake stampin' pads

Other: Mat Pack and Paper Piercing tool, Curly Label punch, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, Basic Pearls, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pinking Hearts border punch, sponge daubers, Night of Navy 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Victoria Crochet Trim, Vintage trinkets, Regals brad

"CUTE BY THE INCH" OWL CARD

Thanks to my awesome Stampin' Up! customers excitedly placing orders during Sale-a-bration, I was recently able to earn the "Cute by the Inch" stamp set I'd had my eye on.  This set of stamps has some very sweet images in it; not the least of which is the owl.

It was about time I broke out the Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper, that I just HAD to have, but that hasn't been shown much love lately.  I'm really into earthy tones, and these papers are perfect for 'brown and green' projects.  Here's the card I made last night:

Stamps: Cute by the Inch, Confetti, Tiny Tags, Itty Bitty Bits

Card: Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi textured, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green

DSP: Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper

Ink: Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake, Garden Green and Chocolate Chip stampin' pads

Other: 1 1/4" square punch, 1 3/8" square punch, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, Itty Bitty Shapes circle punch, Neutrals button, Linen Thread, sponge daubers, mini glue dots

"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.

COLOUR Q CHALLENGE #71

Take a look at the colour 'challenge' (I use that term loosely, because they are so beautiful together) over at ColourQ this week:

What a great inspiration pic, to go all flowery and girly.  My entry is a 10cm-square card for a friend. 

Stamps: Printed Petals, Daisy Dash jumbo Stampin' Around wheel, Tiny Tags

Card: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride

DSP: Pretty in Pink Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink: Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink and Pink Pirouette stampin' pads, White Staz-On inkpad

Other: Paper snips, Whisper White satin ribbon, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, Scallop Border punch, Fancy Flower punch, Birds and Blooms sizzlits die, sponge dauber, Whisper White brad (from Neutrals assortment), Corner Rounder punch

COLOUR Q CHALLENGE #69

Today I'm playing along for the first time in a Colour Q Challenge.  I have made a little 10cm x 10cm square card .... such a cute size, that I was introduced to by my friend Chris.   Boy have I packed a lot onto this little area, though -  I ended up using 5 stamp sets and 4 punches!

Here are the gorgeous colours that Arielle has chosen to be used on a papercraft project:

I think these colours together look quite rustic, and folksy (is that a word?).  LOVE them!

Here's my little creation:

Stamps: Love Defined, Itty Bitty Bits, Tiny Tags, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Confetti

Card: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Cajun Craze, Peach Parfait

Ink: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Cajun Craze and Peach Parfait stampin' pads and markers

Other: Peach Parfait poly-stitched ribbon, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Owl Punch XL, Word Window Punch, Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, aquapainter, Kraft corduroy button, sponge dauber, ruler, bone scorer, mini glue dot, Tombow multi glue

I know that's rather a big button for such a little card, but I was determined to use it ... I received an assortment of Kraft Corduroy Buttons (not available in Australia) for Christmas, from a dear friend, and I just love them.  I like the texture it adds, in conjunction with the ribbon.


HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!!

CURTAIN CALL COLOUR CHALLENGE: {ACT 58} ... second card!

I'm back, as promised, with another card made using the following colours from Stacey's Stamping Stage:

Again, I have used a Crumb Cake base, and polka dots - two of my favourites!  Here is what I came up with, using the cute toadstool stamp from "Funky Four":

Stamps: Funky Four, Tiny Tags

Card: Crumb Cake, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Concord Crush

DSP: "In Colour" patterns Designer Series Paper (hostess pack)

Ink: Concord Crush and Crumb Cake stampin' pads, Staz-On white inkpad, Basic Gray marker, white gel pen

Other: Pinking Hearts border punch, Basic Black button (from Neutrals selection), Basic Black taffeta ribbon, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, sponge dauber, Beautiful Wings embosslits, mini glue dots, Nestabilities, Mat Pack and paper-piercing tool

I've had a lot of fun combining these colours, and hope that my cards bring a smile to your face.

CURTAIN CALL COLOUR CHALLENGE: {ACT 57}

Today I received in the mail a cute little CC Designs stamp, so decided to use her (Cupcake Kiki) on a card for this week's Curtain Call Colour Challenge.  These are the colours that Stacey is challenging us to use on a papercraft project:

Here is the result of my play session, with Cupcake Kiki and my Prismacolor pencils (blended with odourless mineral spirits):

Sorry about the wonky photo; I think my head was screwed on crooked when I took it!  After colouring the image with my pencils, I used my Sakura Gelly Roll silver pen to highlight the flower centre, and the creases on the cupcake case.  I added Crystal Effects to Kiki's shoes, the cupcake icing (which was then sprinkled with pink super-fine glitter), and the flower in her hair.  She looks very sweet in real life, even if the details aren't really clear in my photo.

These are the ingredients I used to make this card:

Stamps: Cupcake Kiki (CC Designs), Tiny Tags

Card: Basic Gray, Cajun Craze,  X-Press It Copic blending card

Ink: Memento black inkpad, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Gray and Cajun Craze stampin' pads

Other: Prismacolor pencils, odourless mineral spirits, Crystal Effects, Sakura Gelly Roll silver pen, pink super-fine glitter, pink rhinestones, oval and scalloped oval Nestabilities, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, Whisper White satin ribbon, Basic Gray taffeta ribbon (retired), Pretty in Pink 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Big Shot, sponge dauber

CURTAIN CALL COLOUR CHALLENGE #54

Take a look at this gorgeous colour combination that Stacey has come up with this week:




Here is the card I made (which is NOTHING like the original ideas I started out with!). 

Stamps: Wonderfully Worn, Bella Toile, Tiny Tags, A to Z

Card: Crumb Cake, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla

Ink: More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie and Crumb Cake stampin' pads

Other: Beautiful Wings embosslits, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, sponge dauber, Antique Brad, Very Vanilla 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Scallop Edge punch, stampin' dimensionals

This is just a very quick post, as I have to go to work (darn it - really interrupts my stamping time!).  I hope that, wherever you are, you have a lovely day!

CAMEO CORAL, I'LL MISS YOU :(

I've taken a break for a few minutes from making Christmas cards (I'm determined to be organised this year .... despite making the same promise to myself every year around this time!!).  Today's post is dedicated to a Stampin' Up! colour that is rather polarising.  Cameo Coral - seems you either love it, or you hate it.  Me, I love it.  It's a rich, bright colour, and I will be sad when it retires at the end of August.

I have paired Cameo Coral with Chocolate Chip, and broken up the colour with some Whisper White.  Here's the busy, flowery card that resulted:

...and a close-up of the Tiny Tags (just 'cos they're cute!):

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Boho Backgrounds, Tiny Tags

Card: Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Whisper White craft stampin' pad, Cameo Coral and Chocolate Chip stampin' pads

Other: Chocolate Chip and Whisper White taffeta ribbon, Sponge Dauber, Medium Jewelry Tag Punch

Do you like my new watermark?  The wonderful Karen Giron came to my rescue, when it dawned on me that my existing watermarks have my old blog address on them (I'm switched on, I tell ya!).  I have a few gorgeous new watermarks that I'll be rolling out as I get some more cards uploaded.  I'm going away for a stamping weekend with friends this weekend, so should have some projects to share after that.

Also, the next Art With Heart team blog hop is coming up on the first Saturday of August - that'd be the 7th, a VERY special day (I'll tell you why, then)!  I, and some of the other demonstrators in my wider Stampin' Up! team,  look forward to sharing with you then, a few projects designed for/around the men in our lives.

"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/

MY AUTUMN GARDEN, and a couple of reminders ...

Don't you just LOVE Autumn?  Okay, well, we're officially into winter now in Australia, but I am still clutching to the notion that it's Autumn, because I adore all the leaf colours, and the cool (but not too cold) weather.

There are two things in my garden that make me happy at the moment.

The first is my rather sadly neglected rhododendron bush, that, despite its woodiness and curled leaves, never fails to produce beautiful blooms like this:




I should've photographed it 2 days ago, but still wanted to share with you the sublime COLOUR of those flowers.


This little guy, and his friends, are another welcome addition to the garden at this time of year:




You just can't beat the beauty of nature, can you?


Okay, now onto a couple of stamping-related things.


Yesterday I held the first of my two classes for the month, focussing on using markers with your stamps.  I thought I'd share with you one of the four cards we made.  There are still a couple of spots available in my class (same theme) on Saturday 19th June, if you'd like to join in on the fun.  I'm in Mt Evelyn - just email me if you'd like to secure your place.






Finally, a reminder to check back in here on Saturday (5th June) - time for another blog hop!  The "Art With Heart" team of Stampin' Up! demonstrators has a blog hop on the first Saturday of every month.  I hope you'll visit my blog, and those of my team-mates, to get some inspiration for your own projects.  It's a whole heap of fun!

"ALL A FLUTTER" TOP NOTE CARD

Before going off to Stampin' Up! Convention in Sydney, I made this card so I'd be able to share something new in my absence.  I think most of my regular blog visitors will probably be in Sydney too, but hopefully one or two of you are enjoying the posts I scheduled for the days I'm away! 

I really enjoyed making this card, using several products from the gorgeous Autumn-Winter Mini catalogue.  My Big Shot got a good work-out, cutting a couple of Top Note dies, and a label, and embossing the 'dotty' panel.  Great fun!  I've also used a few punches - the XL Two-Step Bird Punch provided the little branches, the Medium Jewelry Tag punch created the 3 tiny tags attached with a brad, and the Wide Oval punch (from the main Idea Book & Catalogue) was the perfect 'landing pad' for my butterfly.  The Wide Oval fits perfectly inside the Sizzlits label, doesn't it?  Love that look.





Stamps: All A Flutter, En Francais, Tiny Tags

Card: Kraft, Melon Mambo, Soft Suede, Whisper White

Ink: Melon Mambo and Soft Suede stampin' pads, Versamark inkpad

Other: Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Wide Oval Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzlits die, Top Note die, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, XL Two-Step Bird Punch, Soft Suede Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon, sponge dauber, Vintage brad, dimensionals



I look forward to sharing with you soon some photos of my Stampin' Up! Convention experience ... just have to upload, and sort through my piccies.  I hope that you've had some excitement in your life this week too!

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 :)

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

SCALLOP NOTES II, POLKA DOTS, AND A BIT OF PUN FUN

Yes, folks, I'm back, for the second time in one evening!  After signing off earlier, with a promise of making cards in the coming days, I checked the 'family planner' on our bench and realised that the next few days are pretty full-on for our family.  So, I've taken advantage of a bit of time this evening with only one son home (he being the son who is not particularly interested in talking to his mother).  I went into my craft room and had a little play with some products that are about to be 'retired' from our range of Stampin' Up! goodies.  With less than two weeks left of the current Summer Mini catalogue, I decided I should focus on showcasing some of the products.

Back in this post I showed a few of the pretty things that are available only until the end of March.  I love the little Scallop Notes II, which are the sweetest 'love note', or gift card, size.  They are on page 7 of the Summer Mini catalogue, and at $23.95 for 30 cards and envelopes, are great value.  The Scallop Notes come in a selection of Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip (10 cards of each colour); all of the envelopes are Very Vanilla.

I have a few photos to show you of the results of my play session this evening.

First up is a 'group shot' of the three colours of cards, so you can visualise them, if you're not familiar with Stampin' Up!'s colours.





Now I'll show them to you, one by one, so I can include a list of all the products used to make each card.

Behind this first card is a blank, standard-sized card, so you can see how little and cute the Scallop Notes are!  I'm a very 'visual' person, so find it much easier to see something than have it described to me.



Stamps: Pun Fun

Card: Pink Pirouette Scallop Note II, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Basic Gray

DSP: Bella Rose

Ink: Basic Gray and Pink Pirouette stampin' pads, Pretty in Pink marker

Other: 1 3/4" circle punch, Word Window punch, sponge dauber,Trio Flower punch, white gel pen, dimensionals



On this next card, I've used an adorable little stamp set and punch that will be available to purchase from next month.  They're TINY (and that's all I'm saying for now)!





Stamps: Pun Fun, Polka Dot background, plus new, exciting little stamp set...

Card: Baja Breeze Scallop Note II, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Basic Gray, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette stampin' pads, Pretty in Pink marker

DSP: Pink Pirouette Patterns Designer Series Paper

Other: Sponge dauber, Flower Fusion Too, Pretty in Pink brad, glue dots, exciting little punch... :)



The little house stamped on this last card is from one of this year's Sale-a-Bration stamp sets, called Good Neighbors.  The stamps can be earned for FREE if you spend $100 on Stampin' Up! products before the end of March.  A stamp-a-ma-jig comes in very handy if you're using this stamp set!  See the cute little envelope underneath the card?





Stamps: Good Neighbors, Short & Sweet

Card: Chocolate Chip Scallop Note II, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip cardstock

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Kiwi Kiss stampin' pads

DSP: Kiwi Kiss Patterns Designer Series Paper

Other: Sponge daubers, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Word Window Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Scallop Circle Punch, dimensionals, Pumpkin Pie 1/4" grosgrain ribbon



I hope you've enjoyed my little Scallop Notes II 'showcase'.  Let me know which one is your favourite!

Christine :)