Note Cards and Envelopes

By | March 2, 2016
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Hi there

Have you used our Note Cards and Envelopes lately?  I love how they are cut and scored and ready to be decorated – what could be easier.

Here are two that I created recently.  For the first one I covered the front with the Botanical Blooms DSP.  Before adhering the DSP I did a bit of stamping on the DSP.  In this paper pack there are a couple of papers that lend themselves to be stamped on with the Botanical Blooms stamp set.  Can you see where I’ve stamped?  Hint – look closely at the leaves and some of the flower centres.

A great way to add some depth is cutting two flower images using the Botanical Builders Framelits.  The centre of the flower is a Candy Dot.  These are great used on their own or attached to our Brad Bases.  Next a sentiment is needed for this card.  My ‘go to’ sentiment set at the moment is Suite Sayings from the Occasions Catalogue.  I love how the Tags and Labels Framelits nest in together creating the mat for the sentiment.

My second card has some stamping directly onto the card base and then I’ve added another layer of Whisper White card stock.

I’ve used the Sale-A-Bration set Botanicals For You.  Some added dimension is created with some of our Pearls – gives it a bit more of a feminine touch.  The colours are Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Soft Sky and Hello Honey and Momento Black.

Note Cards are great to have on hand if you need to whip up a quick card.  Here are some other designs I’ve done recently with Note Cards

Botanical Blooms in Blue

By | February 28, 2016
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Hi there

For those of you in New Zealand I hope you’re coping with the humidity!  On Friday night I saw the New Zealand production of Phantom of the Opera which was fantastic.  My cousins husband is playing the Phantom and he was superb – such an amazing voice.

Earlier this month my friend celebrated her birthday.  She’s a real ‘blue’ girl so I decided to turn Botanical Blooms into the blue tones (with a touch of yellow) rather than use the earthy colours of the papers and this is what I cam up with:

I was really pleased with the outcome.  The technique for stamping the flowers is the same as I used for this card here.  Each flower turns out a little bit different just like in real life as no two flowers are exactly the same.
Supplies:
Stamp – Botanical Blooms, Suite Sayings, Butterfly Basics (used for sentiment on inside of card)
Card Stock – Marina Mist, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink – Soft Sky, Pool Party, Marina Mist, So Saffron, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight, Mossy Meadow
Other – Botanical Builder Framelits, Daubers

Leave me a comment and let me know what colour combinations you have used with the Botanical Blooms stamp set.

Success looks good on You

By | February 25, 2016
1 Comment

Hi there

Last month I had one of my customers sign up as a demo with me which means I now have a team 🙂 – very exciting.  She has already placed her first order so I sent her this card to say ‘Congrats’ – I’m so proud of her.

One of my favourite sets from the Occasions Catalogue is Suite Sayings.  The ten sentiments cover so many different occasions and this one was perfect for a congratulations card.

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Layered Letters Alphabet, Suite Sayings
Card Stock – Cucumber Crush, Whisper White
Ink – Tip Top Taupe, Cucumber Crush
Other – Tip Top Taupe Dotted Lace Trim, Doilies, Gold Cord, Tip Top Taupe Envelope Paper

Have you have been thinking of joining Stampin’ Up! – well now is the time to join.  During Sale-A-Bration you can become a demonstrator for just $189NZD and choose $285NZD worth of product PLUS you get to choose and additional $70NZD more of FREE products for your Starter Kit – and the kit ships for free!  So if you think this could be for you contact me now to find out more.  I’d love to have you in my team.

Balloons, Balloons and more Balloons

By | February 23, 2016
2 Comments

Hi there

I’ve been having fun of late with the Balloon Builder and Balloon Celebration stamp sets from the Occasions Catalogue

The first three cards have the same background.  This is created by applying ink to a clear block (I used the ‘E’ block) then stamping the block down onto a Whisper White card front.  I used Soft Sky ink for all three.  This technique gives a bit of a texture to the card.  You can use any sized block to create this look.

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Balloon Builder, Crazy About You
Card Stock – Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink – Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, Soft Sky, Momento Black
Other – Balloon Bouquet Punch, Basic Black Bakers Twine

Supplies:

Stamp Set – Balloon Celebration, Crazy About You, Balloon Builder
Card Stock – Bermuda Bay, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink –  Soft Sky, Momento Black, Real Red
Other – Balloon Bouquet Punch, E Clear Block

Supplies:

Stamp Set – Balloon Celebration, Crazy About You, Balloon Builder
Card Stock – Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink –  Soft Sky, Momento Black, Real Red
Other – Balloon Bouquet Punch, E Clear Block

I stamped all three insides the same – keeping it simple.

And here’s a feminine take on the balloons

 

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Balloon Celebration
Card Stock – Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Ink – Pink Pirouette, Blushing Bride, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Soft Sky Momento Black
Other – Washi Label Punch, Balloon Bouquet Punch, Dimensionals

Having the coordinating Balloon Bouquet Punch makes it quick and easy to create a card (or two) with either stamp set.

Bokeh Technique

By | February 20, 2016
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Hi there

Today’s card uses a really effective technique called Bokeh.  Our Demo Support team based in Australia are wonderful and I’ve had a bit of help lately from Clare so I wanted to send her a card to say ‘thanks’ for her patience and help.

To create a card with this technique first sponge the whole piece of card stock in your chosen colour.  I’ve gone with Soft Sky, Pool Party and a bit of Island Indigo.  I then used a stencil I had created and applied the White Craft Ink with a dauber.  Leave it to dry for a bit before adhering to your card base.  To create your stencil grab a piece of scrap card stock (about 4″ x 4″) and then cut out a range of difference sized circles.  I used the three smallest circles from the Circle Framelits.  Place them randomly on the card stock and cut out.  Once you’ve daubered the first lot of circles move your stencil to another area of the card front and repeat the process until you are happy with the look.  The stencil can be used multiple times.

If you have created projects using the Bokeh Technique I would love to see your creations so why not take a photo and email it to me.

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Awesomely Artistic, One Big Meaning
Card Stock – Whisper White
Ink – Soft Sky, Pool Party, Island Indigo, VersaMark
Other – Black Embossing Powder, Dauber

Burnishing Technique with Awesomely Artistic

By | February 18, 2016
1 Comment

Hi there

One of my favourite sets from the Annual Catalogue is Awesomely Artistic.  I have used it in so many different styles of cards but I think this is one of my favourites.  I saw this card created by Deb Valder (a US demo) and just had to give it a go.  My colours are a bit darker than hers and I still need to practise this technique more but I was still pleased with the outcome.  I had to make a few changes to the measurements so that it would fit our NZ card stock size and added pearls to the flowers for a bit of ‘lift’ and dimension.

This card uses the burnishing technique to create the background.  Burnishing gives a smooth consistent look to the colour whereas sponging creates texture and gives a more rough look.  With sponging you are tapping the ink onto the card stock.  When burnishing your sponge or sponge dauber has constant contact with the card stock.
Supplies:
Stamp Set – Awesomely Artistic, Balloon Builder
Card Stock – Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink – Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Soft Sky, Blushing Bride, Archival Black
Other – Sponge, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Basic Pearls.

Well I’m off to Rotorua tomorrow afternoon for the annual Creative Inkers Stamp Camp.  I will try and schedule some posts for you so check back tomorrow night to see what’s new.

Fancy Fold Cards – February Card Class

By | February 17, 2016
2 Comments

Hi there

Do you like Fancy Fold cards?  Well here are two that I’ve taught at this months card class.

The first one is a Buckle Card.  All you need is a standard card base, Word Window Punch, Project Life Corner Punch and your Stampin Trimmer and you can create this cool card.

I’ve chosen to use the It’s My Party Suite from the new Occasions Catalogue.  I love how we have bundles within the catalogue that allow you to save money.  The Party Wishes Stamp Set and the Party Punch Pack come as a bundle – and you get to save 15%.  If you would like to purchase this bundle hop on over to my online shop.
I’ve added a strip of It’s My Party DSP down the side which shows through when the card is closed. 
Supplies:
Stamp Set – Party Wishes
Card Stock – Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink – Melon Mambo, Mint Macaron, Crushed Curry, Momento Black
DSP – It’s My Party
Other – Party Punch Pack, Word Window Punch, Project Life Corner Punch

The second card uses the Scallop Tag Topper Punch – yes this punch can be used for cards and not just tags.

 The Scallop Tag Topper Punch creates the closure for the card.  You only need a few supplies to create this fancy fold card – Standard card base, Scallop Tag Topper Punch and your Stampin Trimmer.

The Botanical Builders Framelit is so versatile – you can achieve so many different looks just by changing the coloured card stock you use.

These products are also part of a bundle – Botanical Blooms Stamp Set, Botanical Gardens DSP and Botanical Builders Framelits – yes three products in this bundle.  Visit my online shop if you would like to purchase this bundle.
Supplies:
Stamp Set – Botanical Blooms, Suite Sayings
Card Stock – Mossy Meadow, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette, So Saffron, Old Olive, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink – Mossy Meadow, Rose Red, Momento Black
DSP – Botanical Gardens
Other – Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Botanical Builder Framelits, Mint Macaron Bakers Twine
I also made another sample using this same fold but with the It’s My Party Suite:

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Party Wishes
Card Stock – Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink – Melon Mambo. Mint Macaron, Crushed Curry, Momento Black
DSP – It’s My Party
Other – Party Punch Pack, Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Lots of Labels Framelits, Melon Mambo Bakers Twine
If you’re interested in making fancy fold cards or learning new techniques contact me to join my monthly card classes.

Flower Shop Garden

By | February 16, 2016
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Hi there

Well the rain has been teasing us today.  I went for a walk this morning with Mum and Dad and it started raining – well we thought that was the case and before you knew it it had stopped!

Today’s card is for a lovely lady who is celebrating her birthday today – happy birthday Judy 🙂

I found the strips of DSP on my desk so thought I’d create something to use them with.  Smoky Slate goes with so many colours – I’ve chosen Wisteria Wonder, Watermelon Wonder and Crushed Curry.
I also made a conscious decision to use a stamp set from the Annual Catalogue – Flower Shop hadn’t seen ink for some time so it was chosen.  What stamp set haven’t you used recently?
As it was a birthday card I had to add some ‘bling’.  Rhinestones go well for the centre of the flowers.

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Flower Shop, Butterfly Basics
Card Stock – Watermelon Wonder, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink – Watermelon Wonder, Wisteria Wonder, Crushed Curry, Momento Black
Other – Banner Triple Punch, Rhinestones

Watercolor Wings in Blue

By | February 15, 2016
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Hi there

I know – two posts in one day – that’s because I missed posting yesterday and I really do need to keep on top of my blogging otherwise I’ll never get to show you all the cards I’ve made.

One thing I find when a new seasonal catalogue comes out is that we tend to forget to use products from the Annual Catalogue.  So for this card I’ve used Watercolor Wings and Butterfly Basics which can be purchased as stamps only or as a bundle with the coordinating framelits/thinlits (you then save 15%).  The only thing I’ve used from the Occasions Catalogue is the Clear Wink of Stella.

I mentioned in an earlier post that my least used colour family was Subtles and so I have been making sure to use colours from this ‘family’.  I’ve managed to use three colours – Soft Sky, Marina Mist and Pear Pizzazz – on this card.  I stamped the ‘fern’ image onto the card stock before running it through the Big Shot with the Embossing Folder (I tried it the other way round and it didn’t work!)

The position of my ‘bricks’ have worked well and allowed me to stamp the sentiment directly onto the card front.

Both butterfly images are actually a three step stamp and not the usually two step.  The first layer is stamped in Soft Sky, then Marina Mist and finally Night of Navy.  They also have coordinating framelits/thinlits which makes the cutting so easy. 

I wanted my main butterfly to have a bit of sparkle – got to have some sort of bling! so I’ve used the new Clear Wink of Stella.  This is a glitter pen and is used to accent stamped images without the mess 🙂

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Watercolor Wings, Butterfly Basics, Crazy About You
Card Stock – Marina Mist, Whisper White
Ink – Soft Sky, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Pear Pizzazz
Other – Bold Butterfly Framelits, Butterflies Thinlits, Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Clear Wink of Stella

Happy 57th Wedding Anniversary

By | February 15, 2016
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Hi there

Not only was yesterday Valentines Day but more importantly it was my parents 57th Wedding Anniversary.  Congratulations Mum and Dad – you guys are such an amazing couple and have set a wonderful example for us (your kids) and many others who come in contact with you.

First up I’ll show you the card I made for them and then I’ll show you the card I made for Dad to give Mum.

Now you’ll have to believe me on this one as it doesn’t show up in the photo but I used the new Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush on the flowers.  It gives a nice shimmer and is way easier to apply (and less messy) than using Glitter – especially for small images.
Supplies:
Stamp Set – Number of Years
Card Stock – Calypso Coral, Whisper White
Ink – Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Watermelon Wonder, Pear Pizzazz
Other – Basic Pearls, Wink of Stella Clear

 I don’t actually own the Bloomin’ Heart Thinlit or stamp set but at last years’ OnStage event one of our projects used this suite.  The Heart Thinlit is cut out of Love Blossoms DSP then the flowers are stamped on the solid image using the Bloomin’ Love set.  Pearls were added later.

When I got home from the event I mounted the heart onto Basic Grey card and then onto a Blushing Bride card base so I wouldn’t loose it.  Last week I asked Dad if he had bought a card for Mum yet.  When he said no I said don’t worry I’ll make one for you.  I added the sentiment from the Number of Years set and voila a card was created.
Supplies:
Stamp Set – Bloomin’ Love, Number of Years

Card Stock – Blushing Bride, Basic Grey, Whisper White
Ink – Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, VersaMark
DSP – Love Blossoms DSP Stack
Other – Bloomin’ Heart Thinlit Die, White Embossing Powder, Pearls

Workshop Creations

By | February 13, 2016
1 Comment

Hi there

Another beautiful day here in Auckland – I’m loving this summer weather.

Today I held a workshop with 11 lovely ladies – as always we had lots of laughs and a bit of creating!

It was hard to choose which new products to showcase so I went with two.  Using our Note Cards made preparation easy – Stampin’ Up! had already done if for me.  The Note Cards come in a pack of 20 and are already scored and include an envelop – how easy is that?  Note Cards come in Whisper White or Crumb Cake.

The first card uses the Botanical Blooms Suite – here I’ve used the stamp set and framelits.

 I CASED this design from Tracy Elsom – each flower turns out a little different from the one before so each project is unique.

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Botanical Blooms, Suite Sayings
Card Stock – Whisper White Note Cards, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink – Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Watermelon Wonder, Hello Honey, Mossy Meadow
Other – Botanical Builder Framelits

Our second card uses the Balloon Celebration bundle of stamp set and punch.

 I had pre-punched the paper balloons using the Sale-A-Bration Perfectly Artistic DSP pack and the Elegant Eggplant balloon.

 The ladies stamped using the two-step method the Soft Sky/Marina Mist and Pear Pizzazz/Garden Green balloons.  I also showed them how to punch out the balloons as I showed in a previous post here

They had a choice of sitting for a coffee or a tea – which do you prefer?

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Balloon Celebration
Card Stock – Note Cards, Whisper White
Ink – Wisteria Wonder, Eleganr Eggplant, Pear Pizzazz, Garden Green, Soft Sky, Marina Mist, Momento Black
DSP – Perfectly Artistic (Sale-A-Bration)
Other – Balloon Bouquet Punch

Enjoy the rest of your weekend 🙂

Balloon Jelly Beans anyone?

By | February 11, 2016
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Hi there

I’ve been busy this month making birthday cards and wedding anniversary cards – I needed 18 cards this month!

I decided to make two of this design – easier to stamp two as you need to clean the stamp between colour changes.  One is being sent within NZ and the other to my nephew in Canada.

 For the shape of my jar I’ve used a stencil I created from the Enjoy the Little Things Project Kit.

Can you spot the difference between the two cards – and its not the colour of the Jelly Beans 🙂

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Balloon Builder, Suite Sayings
Card Stock – Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink – Real Red, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Momento Black

A Party without Cake is just a Meeting

By | February 8, 2016
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Hi there

For those of you in New Zealand I hope you’ve enjoyed the long weekend.

I really love this sentiment from Party Wishes – from now on all birthdays MUST have a cake 🙂

I wanted my candles to have a bit of a ‘spark’ so I’ve used the Gold Dazzling Diamonds.  You could also use the Gold Wink of Stella (at the time of making the card I hadn’t purchased it but I have it now.)

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Party Wishes
Card Stock – Melon Mambo, Mint Macaron, Whisper White
Ink – Melon Mambo, Mint Macaron, Crushed Curry, Momento Black
DSP – It’s My Party
Other – Party Punch Pack, Dimensionals, Mint Macron/Basic Black Bakers Twine, Gold Glitz Dazzling Diamonds, Banner Triple Banner Punch

Celebrating Silver

By | February 6, 2016
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Hi there

Today my brother and sister-in-law are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary – hope you guys are having a great day – you are very special to us.

When I first saw this bundle in the new Occasions Catalogue I knew I needed it (not want lol).  It’s great having some decent sized numbers and coordinating framelits along with an image that can be used with the number or on its own – very versatile.

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Number of Years
Card Stock – Marina Mist, Whisper White
Ink – Marina Mist, Soft Sky, Pear Pizzazz, Night of Navy, VersaMark
Other – Large Numbers Frameltis and Little Numbers Thinlits, Silver Embossing Powder

Stepping out of my comfort zone – Timeless Textures

By | February 4, 2016
2 Comments

Hi there

For today’s card I’m stepping out of my comfort zone a bit – this is not my normal style of card but it just seemed to work with this stamp set.

 This is a new set in the Occasions Catalogue called Timeless Textures.  It really lends itself to these colours and style.  Can you spot the five little pearls on the card?

This set only has images so I’ve used sentiments from Awesomely Artistic and Butterfly Basics to compliment it.

Supplies:
Stamp Set – Timeless Textures, Butterfly Basics, Awesomely Artistic
Card Stock – Rose Red, Very Vanilla
Ink – Blushing Bride, Rose Red, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Other – Project Life Cards and Labels Framelits, Pearls, Dimensionals

This card was for a friend and fellow demo who is celebrating her birthday today.