JAI #96: JUST ADD TANIA GOULD

This week's challenge at Just Add Ink is to CASE one of Tania Gould's gorgeous creations.  Tania is on the JAI Design Team, and has a beautiful style.  I scrolled back through Tania's blog and chose this card, as the use of the Top Notes really appealed to me - not something I'd think to do:

The starting point for my card was a Certainly Celery flower that I'd made, and not yet used.  After consulting my trusty Stampin' Up! Color Coach, I decided to pair Certainly Celery with Marina Mist, using some white on my card as Tania did.  It's only now that I've photographed the card, that I see I stamped the sentiment a bit crooked - oh well, it adds to the handmade charm, don't you think?!

Here's my version of Tania's card:

Stamps: En Francais, Always Elegant, Happiest Birthday Wishes

Card: Marina Mist, Whisper White, Certainly Celery

Ink: Certainly Celery stampin' pad, Whisper White craft stampin' pad

Other: Top Note die, sponge daubers, Marina Mist Scallop Dots ribbon, Certainly Celery taffeta ribbon, Subtles glimmer brad, Fancy Flower punch, 5-Petal Flower punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Eyelet border punch, sticky strip, mini glue dots

JUST ADD INK #78

This week at Just Add Ink, it's colour challenge time.

Great masculine colours, I think; and I needed a little push to get organised for Father's Day!  With August shaping up to be a very busy month, it's likely I'd leave my father's and father-in-law's cards until the last minute if I didn't make a start now. 

I think my Autumn Days stamp set has been inked up only once, so I was determined to use it, and use a bit of creative licence when colouring the pheasant!  I love how these colours worked together.

Stamps: Autumn Days, Sanded, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

DSP: Certainly Celery Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink: Sahara Sand stampin' pad, Chocolate Chip marker, Certainly Celery marker, Not Quite Navy stampin' pad and marker

Other: Top Note die, paper snips, Word Window punch, Jumbo brads, sponge dauber, aquapainter

COLOR LAB COLOUR CHALLENGE #39

Things have been a bit quiet around here lately, haven't they?!  I've had a pretty full-on week, working full-time and attempting to juggle all the usual after-school commitments of the kids; the usual stuff we do to keep our families going.  I just don't like not being around for the boys after school - I miss them.  Thankfully, today was my last day of work for a few days, so I relaxed tonight by making a card.  It's been almost a week since I stamped, and I've missed my creative outlet!!

I am scraping in for this week's ColorLab Challenge #39, to use the following colours together:

I have just purchased Stampin' Up!'s Cottage Garden stamp set (on special this week, for only $19.77 for 7 wood mounted stamps, or a mere $14.97 for clear mount).  My mission tonight was to use it on the card for this challenge.

Here is what I made .... night time, indoor, amateurish photography and all!

Stamps: Cottage Garden, Silhouette Sentiments

Card: Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Old Olive

DSP: Sweet & Sour Specialty Designer Series Paper

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive stampin' pads

Other: 1 3/4" circle punch, 2 3/8" Scallop circle punch, Circles #2 Bigz die, Beautiful Wings embosslits, Brights brads, Word Window punch, Pumpkin Pie satin ribbon, Top Note die, Mat Pack & paper piercing tool, mini glue dots, corner rounder punch

It's now only one week until Stampin' Up! Convention for us Aussies and Kiwis.  I can hardly wait!!  I will try to have more cards to share with you before then, but things are getting a little hectic in the lead-up to Convention, so I won't make any promises.  I'll be back to share more as soon as I can :)

INKSPIRATIONS COLOUR CHALLENGE #50

I'm back, with blog post number 3 for the day!  This week Makeesha's challenge is to use the following colours on a papercraft project:

Because I'll be working tomorrow (boo hoo), I grabbed the opportunity today to make a simple friendship card that fits this challenge.  My personal challenge was to leave all the edges of the card "un-sponged"; it wasn't easy!  I've inked up my new "Love Defined" stamp set again; I'm loving it!  The background is stamped in Versamark ink, and I've used markers to ink up the little Rich Razzleberry flowers (from Itty Bitty Bits - another gorgeous new set).  The marker colour is a little softer than the bold ink from my juicy inkpad; I wanted a softer look to complement the ribbon colour.  Stampin' Up!'s taffeta ribbons are all slightly lighter in colour than the other styles of ribbon.  The tiny little flowers have been punched out using one of the new Itty Bitty Shapes punches - too cute!

I've taken this photo in fading light outside, so it's a bit out of focus, but hopefully you can still see all the details.

Stamps: Love Defined, Perfect Punches, Itty Bitty Bits

Card: Tempting Turquoise (smooth and textured), Whisper White

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Pear Pizzazz stampin' pad and marker, Tempting Turquoise marker, Rich Razzleberry marker

Other: Top Note die, Curly Label punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch, Beautiful Wings embosslits, Rich Razzleberry taffeta ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, 2-way glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds, stampin' dimensionals, mini glue dots

JUST ADD INK #44 .... second attempt

I am really loving Stampin' Up!'s River Rock colour at the moment; it has grown on me since I first saw it a couple of years ago, and didn't warm to it.  I have made another card for this week's colour challenge at Just Add Ink, using these great colours (with Very Vanilla added into the mix):

I coloured directly onto my Upsy Daisy stamp with markers, in all three colours, then lightly spritzed the stamp with water before stamping onto a Very Vanilla piece of card - that had been cut out using the Top Note die, and stamped (second impression) with En Francais.  I love the understated look of the flowers stamped in these colours.

...and here's a close-up of the little details surrounding the sentiment:

Stamps: Very Vintage jumbo Stampin' Around wheel, En Francais, Upsy Daisy, Silhouette Sentiments

Card: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, River Rock (smooth and textured)

Ink: River Rock stampin' pad and marker, Chocolate Chip stampin' pad and marker, Wild Wasabi marker

Other: Top Note die, 3/4" circle punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Beautiful Wings embosslits, sponge dauber, stampin' dimensionals, Victoria crochet trim (*NEW), paper snips, Tombow multi glue

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)

INKSPIRATIONS COLOUR CHALLENGE #46

This week Makeesha has set a challenge to use these colours in a papercraft project:

I had to make a birthday card for someone very dear to me, and decided these colours would be a good starting point.  It may not look like I've used Poppy Parade (because it is such a vibrant colour in real life), but I have!  I wet some watercolour paper before adding colour, to dilute the Poppy Parade and Baja Breeze that I used to watercolour the hydrangea.  I'm surprised, but really pleased, with the softness of colour that resulted. 

Stamps: Very Vintage jumbo Stampin' Around wheel, Pocket Silhouettes, Because I Care (hostess set)

Card: Baja Breeze (smooth and textured), Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Watercolour paper

Ink: Baja Breeze stampin' pad, Jet Black Staz-on inkpad, Poppy Parade stampin' pad, Pear Pizzazz and Old Olive stampin' pads

Other: Aquapainter, sponge dauber, Beautiful Wings embosslits, Word Window Punch, Button Latte (retired), Very Vanilla 5/8" and 1/4" grosgrain ribbons, Top Note die, Mat Pack and paper-piercing tool, mini glue dots, Tombow multi glue, paper snips

"TECHNIQUE" BLOG HOP

Today I am taking part, with 4 fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators, in a "Technique" blog hop (just a "mini blog hop this time!).  Each of us is showcasing a different technique to use in your stamping and/or scrapbooking, so hopefully you'll get some new ideas!

You may have come from the gorgeous Nikki Sadler's blog, but if not, don't worry!  You can start here, and do a 'loop' by clicking on the link at the end of each participant's post, until you've covered all 5 stops.

The technique I have chosen to focus on today is PAPER PIECING.  This technique is ideal for using with line image (rather than solid) stamps.  It's an alternative to colouring in an image, and is a cute way to highlight a portion of a stamped image, to co-ordinate with patterned papers used on your project.

It's very easy to do.  Simply stamp your desired image onto cardstock, and stamp it again on patterned paper.  (Alternatively, you could stamp it onto other coloured card - either plain, or that you've stamped with a design.)  Cut the paper image out, and stick it over the top of the base image; voila - instant colouring!


For my first card, I have stamped several of one of the "Fifth Avenue Floral" flowers on a Whisper White panel.  I've chosen to highlight just one of the flowers in red (I do love red, and polka dots - did you know?!), using "Play Date" Designer Series Paper.  This is a very simple design, but the paper piecing makes the flower really "pop", don't you agree?

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Bella Toile, Upsy Daisy

Card: Whisper White, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Basic Black

DSP: Play Date Designer Series Paper

Ink: Crumb Cake stampin' pad, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad, Real Red and Basic Black markers

Other: Sponge dauber, Basic Black brads (from Neutrals assortment), Stamp-a-ma-jig, Mat Pack & paper-piercing tool (for placement of brads)

Next up is a Christmas card, using Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper.  I stamped the Christmas tree (from the ever-versatile "Fun & Fast Notes" set) on Very Vanilla card.  I stamped it again on the Old Olive spotty paper, and cut around just the foliage before adhering it to my card.  I coloured the trunk, pot and star with markers.

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes, Contempo Christmas, En Francais

Card: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler

DSP: Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper

Ink: Cherry Cobbler stampin' pad and marker, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad, Chocolate Chip marker, Daffodil Delight marker

Other: Wide Oval punch, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Edge punch, mini glue dot

Lastly, I'd like to share with you a birthday card I made with a young boy in mind.  Again I've used "Play Date" Designer Series Paper - this time, the striped "boyish" paper.  I love that each pack of Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper contains such a variety of designs, that complement one another so well.  The nose of the rocket is paper-pieced with Real Red cardstock on which I had stamped a star.  Pretty cute little rocket, don't you think?

Stamps: Seeing Stars, Pun Fun, Party Hearty

Card: Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise (textured), Real Red, Crumb Cake

DSP: Play Date Designer Series Paper

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Tempting Turquoise, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron and Real Red stampin' pads

Other: Top Note die, sponge daubers, Buttons #5 Sizzlits die, Scallop Circle punch, 3/4" circle punch, 5/16" silver brad, Crystal Effects

Next stop on today's blog hop is the blog of the super-creative Amy Buchanan.  This girl blows me away with her ideas!

Here's a list of all of us taking part today:

Judy May

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

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

Christine Blain
http://www.christineblain.blogspot.com/

Amy Buchanan
http://www.fashioninggreatimpressions.com/

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


Have fun checking out everyone's creations, and please leave us comments so we know you've been to 'visit'!

BIRTHDAY "PARTY THIS WAY"

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

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

Stamps: Party This Way

Card: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White

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

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

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

"HELPING HUDSON" COLOUR CHALLENGE ....and a Sneak Peek!

This week's colour challenge at "Helping Hudson" is to use these beautiful colours together:

I have had all sorts of ideas this week, but they haven't come to fruition, so I decided to 'clear my mind' and go back to using my tried-and-true Top Note die.  I hope you're not thoroughly sick of seeing it, after all my "quilted" Top Notes that I shared with you the other day!  This die is just so versatile; I love it to bits.

The only stamping on this card is the sentiment, which is a new, to-die-for CUTE stamp, that will be available from 1st September.  It even has its own co-ordinating punch (also used on my card) - you'll just *have* to have these, people!!

I love all the colours in this week's challenge, and think they complement each other beautifully.  Here is the card I made today .... please forgive the 'questionable' photography.   It was all I could manage, quickly snapping a shot of my card out on our decking, before the gusty wind picked it up and carried it away.  (I got it back.)

Stamps: *New* stamp being released 1st September

Card: Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Baja Breeze textured

Ink: Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze stampin' pads

DSP: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, So Saffron Prints DSP, Bella Rose Designer Series Paper

Other: Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, Button Latte buttons, Perfect Polka Dots and Manhattan Flowers embossing folders, Mini Glue Dots, *New* punch coming 1st September

QUILTED TOP NOTES IN RETIRING DESIGNER SERIES PAPERS

Well, folks, the title of this post is a pretty good indicator of what I have to show you today!

When our current Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalogue finishes at the end of this month, ALL of the packs of Designer Series Papers will retire, to make way for new designs and colours.  Now is the time to put in an order for any of the papers you've had your eye on .... once they retire, they won't be coming back.  Great news, though - several of these papers are on special!!  I'll tell  you a bit more as I go along.

A GREAT way of using up any scraps of Designer Series Paper (which, from hereon in, shall be referred to as "DSP") is to make a Quilted Top Note.  I'm sure you've seen these all over the 'blogosphere', but I hope you'll still enjoy what I have to show you.  When I found out how simple it was to make these, I had a bit of a 'field day' with my Big Shot, Top Note Die, and different packs of DSP.  I love the different looks achieved by switching around the colours. 


Firstly, I'll show you a card I made using "Bella Bleu" DSP, which is simply divine.  I think I might've gone a bit overboard with the blue on this card!

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Best Yet

Card: Brocade Blue, Kraft, Very Vanilla

DSP: Bella Bleu

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Brocade Blue stampin' pad, Sahara Sand stampin' pad & marker

Other: Top Note die, 1 1/4" square punch, XL Two-Step Bird Punch, sponge daubers, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Scallop Circle punch, Brocade Blue 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon, white gel pen

The next card I have to show you is a Christmas card, similar to one I've shared before, and to those that all of my class participants have made in the past month.  This card uses "Holiday Treasures" DSP, which is the Christmas paper in the current catalogue.  I love it, especially for this technique - the patterns and colours co-ordinate beautifully, don't you think?  "Holiday Treasures" DSP is on sale this month, for only $12.71 per pack!  Each pack contains 12 sheets of double-sided 12"x12" patterned paper.  That equates to only $1.06 per sheet, which is super-cheap for DSP.

Stamps: Snow Swirled

Card: Old Olive, Whisper White

DSP: Holiday Treasures

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive and Riding Hood Red stampin' pads, Versamark inkpad

Other: Top Note die, 1 1/4" square punch, Wide Oval punch, sponge daubers, Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon, black fine line marker

One of my favourite paper packs from the current catalogue is "Haiku" DSP.  It, too, is on special, until the end of August (or, until sold out) at only $12.71 per pack!  Here is a simple card I made, using the Quilted Top Note technique:

Stamps: Tiny Tags, Seeing Spots

Card: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White

DSP: Haiku

Ink: So Saffron, Old Olive and Tangerine Tango stampin' pads, Versamark inkpad, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad

Other: Top Note die, 1 1/4" square punch, Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, sponge dauber, Whisper White taffeta ribbon, Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, black fine line marker

My next card uses "Raspberry Tart" DSP, also on sale this month (while stocks last), for $12.71 per pack.  Sorry about the glare off the silver hardware - I couldn't photograph it well, but it reads "Friends Forever".  This card has NO stamping on it at all!!

Card: Rose Red, Whisper White

DSP: Raspberry Tart

Ink: Cameo Coral stampin' pad

Other: Top Note die, 1 1/4" square punch, 1" Rose Red double-stitched ribbon, Kiwi Kiss satin ribbon, Fleurettes II and Hooray Designer Hardware (both NLA), Crop-a-dile, sticky strip, sponge dauber, white gel pen

Finally, I have a very bright and happy card made using "Pink Flamingo" DSP.  This gorgeous, colourful, paper is on sale this month for a mere $8.48 - that's a 50% saving on the regular price!

Stamps: Polka Dot, Short & Sweet

Card: Cameo Coral, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

DSP: Pink Flamingo

Ink: Cameo Coral stampin' pad, Versamark inkpad, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad

Other: Top Note die, 1 1/4" square punch, Lots of Tags sizzlits die, Word Window Punch, Whisper White taffeta ribbon, Tempting Turquoise 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, sponge daubers, rhinestones from Clear Rhinestone brads, black fine line marker, mini glue dots

I hope this variety of cards inspires you to try out the technique for yourself.  Email me if you need any help, or further details.  I can take orders for any of the retiring products up until 31st August, but make sure you get in soon if you don't want to miss out!

"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/

HELPING HUDSON COLOUR CHALLENGE - WEEK 1

Over at the Helping Hudson blog there are three challenges open all week, each week, for three weeks (get that?!)!!  We have a Colour Challenge, a Sketch challenge, and a Technique Challenge.  There are FANTASTIC PRIZES (generously donated by Stampin' Up! Australia) on offer for the winners of each challenge, and we'd love to see you take part.


There are some requirements in order to be eligible for the prizes. Here's all the fine print:



• Stampin’ Up! Australia requires that prizes are only to be awarded to Australian residents.  Whilst we cannot ship prizes overseas, any challenge winners outside Australia have the option of nominating an Australian resident to donate their prize to. (Yay for international stamping friends!)


• Participation requires a donation of either $2 per challenge, or $10 to enter all 9 challenges (see here for Paypal and other payment options)


• You can enter the same card in more than 1 challenge, but you must make a donation for every challenge you enter. If you only make 1 donation the card will only be eligible for a prize in the first challenge you entered;


• Prizes will be awarded to the winners once their donation has been verified


• By entering you agree that if you are judged to be the winner a photograph of your project will be featured on this website;


• Winners of all challenges will have 72 hours after their name is announced in which to claim their prize. If you're the lucky winner of a challenge, email us at hudsonchallenges@gmail.com and let us know your details so we can post your prize. Any unclaimed prizes will be given away in a random draw of all challenge entrants on the 25th August.




** Great news!! If you do not have a blog we can help you take part! Just email your name, the name of the challenge you are entering and a photo of your entry to hudsonchallenges@gmail.com so that the Helping Hudson team can include your entry in the relevant challenge.**


I'm not eligible for any prizes (boo hoo), but I thought it'd be fun to play along.  The colour combo this week was a particularly challenging one for me, but I'm up for a challenge!  Here are the colours we're asking you to incorporate in a papercraft creation (that must be submitted by midnight, AEST, Saturday 7th August):

I have made a little "thank you" card, using my beloved Top Note die.  Here's the end result:

Stamps: Medallion, Short & Sweet

Card: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White

DSP: Urban Garden, Tea Party

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Not Quite Navy and Rose Red stampin' pads, white gel pen

Other: Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon, XL Two-Step Bird Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Top Note Die, sponge daubers, dimensionals

Can you see the Medallion image stamped on the Whisper White card?  It is a pretty bleak day for taking photos, but I hope you can see it - was rather pleased with that idea.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

Two of the products I've used on this card are on special this month, on the Last Chance List, and are available only while stocks last.  That scrumptious ribbon (Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain) is a whopping 50% off, at only $9.98 for a roll.  The pink dotty paper (with the scalloped edge) is from the Tea Party DSP pack, which is discounted by 25% this month, to only $12.71.  If either of these items is on your 'wish list', be sure to order them soon, before they are gone forever!

If you haven't already, please play along with the challenges - you never know, you could win something really cool!

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

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

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

Here are the ingredients used on the cards:

Stamps: Short & Sweet

Card: Confetti White, Soft Suede

Ink: Soft Suede stampin' pad

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

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card: Very Vanilla

Ink: Rich Razzleberry and Sahara Sand stampin' pads

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

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

"CHRISTMAS IN JULY" BLOG HOP

Hi everyone!

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

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

The "Art With Heart" team of Stampin' Up! demonstrators comprises over 90 women, spread across Australia, and is led by Claire Daly (based in Melbourne).  We have a very active online team forum, that is a great source of inspiration, support, and friendship.  If you'd like to join us, there is no better time - Stampin' Up! in Australia has a fantastic special offer on the Starter Kit, until the end of July.  Whether you'd like to join up as a hobby demonstrator (to get discounts every day on every product), or are interested in starting up a low-risk, rewarding home-based business, you can't beat being able to sign up for only $259!  (The retail value of the Starter Kit is $580.)  The fabulous Starter Kit contains lots of stamps, ink pads, cardstock, and business supplies - plenty to 'get you started', and there's lots of continuing support available.  If this sounds like something that suits you 'to a T', please email me; I'd love to have you join our friendly team. 

As with each of our blog hops, we offer blog candy - a little prize for one person who visits all of the participating blogs, leaves a comment, then emails Nikki Sadler to confirm that all blog posts have been commented on.  The offer for the blog candy is valid only for 72 hours from the launch of our blog hop; so, to be in to win, make sure you email Nikki by 6.00am AEST Tuesday 6th July.  Blog candy cannot be won by Stampin' Up! demonstrators, but we would dearly love for you all to visit our blogs and leave comments anyway!  

Today there are 12 of us taking part in the blog hop.  You may have come from Kathryn Mangelsdorf's blog; however, if you are starting here, that's fine.  When you've finished looking at my blog post, just click on the link below to go on to Kristine Thompson's blog. You can start at any of the blogs along the way; you'll do a 'circuit', and cover all 12, as long as you follow the links on each blog.


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


Here is the card I made:




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


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




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


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




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


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





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

Card: Kraft, Chocolate Chip textured, Old Olive

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

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



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



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

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

Claire Daly

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

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

JUST ADD INK #22

This week's challenge over at Just Add Ink is to use the following scrumptious colour combination in a papercraft project:







The only challenge, as far as I was concerned, was narrowing it down to one card - I **LOVE** these colours!!

After starting off on a completely different tack, this is the card I ended up with:





Stamps: Owl Together Now, Weathered, Picture This

Card: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss

Ink: Rich Razzleberry stampin' pad, Tempting Turquoise stampin' pad and marker, Kiwi Kiss stampin' pad

Other: Top Note die (cut in Big Shot), Fleurettes II (retired), Trio Flower Punch, Tempting Turquoise brads, Kiwi Kiss corduroy brad (retired), blender pens, paper snips, mini glue dots



It's a drizzly, grey day in Melbourne today so I hope you can see the photo clearly.  I think this card is pretty cute, even if I did have to explain to Ethan (9) what the sentiment means - he just didn't "get" it.  (Apart from that, he liked the card!)


 

"QUILTED" TOP NOTE DIE

Two posts in one day - and both for the Just Add Ink challenge this week!  I love the challenge to "add stitching" to cards, so I hope you'll humour me and look at my second entry.

I've been having a lot of fun playing around with "faux-quilted" Top Notes; of course, for someone who is proficient in neither sewing nor quilting, I had to incorporate some "faux stitching".

This week I have to send a card to a beautiful, sunshine-y, girl for her 9th birthday.  I dug out my Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper, went to work with my square punch, some Snail adhesive, and a Top Note die, and this is what I came up with:




Stamps: Polka Dot, Wow Flowers

Card: Cameo Coral, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Cameo Coral stampin' pad and marker, Tempting Turquoise marker, Summer Sun marker, black fineline pen (not SU!)

Other: Top Note die (cut using the Big Shot), Whisper White taffeta ribbon, Pink Flamingo DSP, 1 1/4" square punch, sponge dauber, dimensionals, Crystal Effects, circle punches - 1", 1/4", 1 3/8", Scallop Circle



HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!  Love from Aunty Chris xx

"ART WITH HEART" TEAM BLOG HOP - CELEBRATIONS

Hi everyone

It's time again for the blog hop that my team has on the first Saturday of every month.  As my post title suggests, the theme for the blog hop is "Celebrations".  Being such a broad theme, I'm sure you'll get all sorts of inspiration from the girls; I, for one, am looking forward to checking out everyone's creations!

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 8th June.  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 11 of us taking part in the blog hop.  You may have come from Tina Gillespie's blog; however, if you are starting here, that's fine.  When you've finished looking at my blog hop post, just click on the link below to go on to Judy May's blog.  You can start at any of the blogs along the way; you'll do a 'circuit', and cover all 11, as long as you follow the links on each blog.


When I had to make a decision about the project I wanted to share with you, what stood out for me was the celebration, four years ago, of my grandmother's 90th birthday.  What a momentous occasion!  I was so glad I was able to travel to New Zealand with my father, sister and brother, to be part of the special celebration.  My sole surviving grandparent at the time, Granny Lou (my Dad's mother) shared her special day with four other generations - I have a treasured photo of five generations of females!  Granny Lou's brother and sister, also having lived long lives, were there as well. Amazing!  Granny Lou died in August 2008, so it meant a lot to me that I'd spent time with her on her milestone birthday.

I have scrapped a few photos taken on the day of the party.  There was a pink and white theme on the day, so I went with those colours.





Here is a close-up of the Top Note I used to mat the focal photo:




Can you see how I have clear-embossed, on the white cardstock, the rose from the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set?  I love the subtlety of clear embossing on white (note to self: use that more often!).  I also stamped the same rose randomly over the Pink Pirouette textured card, first in Versamark, and again (slightly offset) in Pink Pirouette ink.


Here's a close-up of the journalling (also featuring the rose - can you see it?):




Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Life Definitions

Card: Whisper White textured & smooth, Glossy White, Pink Pirouette textured & smooth, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black textured

Ink: Versamark inkpad, Jet Black Staz-On inkpad, Pink Pirouette Stampin' Pad, Pretty in Pink Marker

Other: Trio Flower Punch, So Saffron brads, Clear Embossing Powder, Top Note Die, Timeless Type Alphabet die, sponge dauber, Bella Rose DSP, mini glue dots



I really enjoyed creating this page, and will definitely enjoy looking at these photos more often, now that they are not stashed away.  I hope you've enjoyed this little family snippet of mine, and will now go on to see the absolutely gorgeous (I've had a sneak peek, so I can testify to that!) project made by Judy May. 


Here is a list of the other 10 participants in today's blog, in case you 'lose your way'!


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't forget, if you leave a comment for each of us, then email Nikki to let her know you've done so (before Tuesday 6.00am), you'll go into the draw for some Stampin' Up! blog candy!

Thanks for visiting, and have fun!