Happy Birthday Mum

By | March 21, 2013
2 Comments

Hi there

Yesterday was my Mum’s 76th birthday.  We celebrated the special occasion with a family BBQ at our place.  It was a lovely evening and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the warm weather.

Here is the card I made for her:

I think Pool Party is one of my favourite colours – it seems to go with everything.  Here I’ve teamed it up with Rose Red another of my favourite colours.  I already had the image stamped so thought I’d start with that as my base.  It was stamped a bit too close to the edge of the paper to use the Labels Framelits so I had to try a few until I found one that fit the image nicely.  I love how we now have matching Paper Piercing templates for the Framelits – it just adds something to the card.  I like to mat my sentiments so worked out a way to mat the Ticket Punch myself – one of the joins is hidden behind the ribbon.  Mum really liked her card and BBQ dinner.
Supplies:
Stamp – Bordering on Romance, Made for You
Card Stock – Rose Red, Pool Party, Pool Party Core’dinations, Watercolour Paper
Other – Windows Collection Framelits, Ticket Punch, Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Crayons, Aqua Painters, Festive Paper Piercing Pack, Vine Street Embossing Folder, Stampin Sanding System
Can you believe it’s Friday tomorrow – yeah another weekend is almost here.  Don’t forget tomorrow is the last day to order and get FREE Sale-A-Bration products.

Try Stampin on Tuesday #110

By | March 20, 2013
2 Comments

Hi there

Another week has gone sailing by and it’s time again to showcase this weeks card for Try Stampin on Tuesday.

One of the ladies I work with is due to have her first baby in a couple of weeks.  This is the card I made for her recent baby shower.

The only stamping on this card is the greeting.  I managed to cut out an oval (using the new Ovals Collection Framelits) of the Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP that included the whale – isn’t it cute.  I’ve then picked some of the colours from the paper to mat the DSP.  I didn’t have any Melon Mambo ribbon so went with a double bow of Basic Black and Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon.

In my latest order I got the Happy Whale Die and couldn’t wait to use it on the inside of the card.  I used a marker to draw the eye.

Supplies:
Stamp – Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock – Basic Grey, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Marina Mist
DSP – Sprinkles and Sunshine
Other – Basic Black and Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, Happy Whale Clearlits Die, Small Oval and Large Oval Punch, Ovals Collections Framelits

SAB Calendar

By | March 19, 2013
4 Comments

Hi there

I forgot to post this project yesterday.  One of the ladies in our wider team was able to source these mini calendars for us.  This was a quick and easy project to make.

The base is 12″ x 4″ scored at 1/2″, 1 1/2″, 2 1/2″ and 7 1/4″.  Fold this in a mountain, valley, mountain, mountain formation.  Apply Sticky Strip to the 1/2″ tab and adhere together as per the my second photo below.  I’ve used the Sycamore Street DSP cut to 4 1/2″ x 3 3/4″ and Island Indigo card stock behind the calendar cut to 2 3/4″ x 3 3/4″.  The strips across the bottom are 1″ x 3 3/4″ and 3/4″ x 3 3/4″.

I’ve used the Itty Bitty Shapes Punches to punch out some DSP to fit inside the stamp from Madison Avenue – don’t you just love how our stamps and punches all go together.

Check back tomorrow for this weeks entry for Try Stampin on Tuesday – and this time I will remember to post it!

SAB Altered Note Pads

By | March 17, 2013
2 Comments

Hi there

What a day here in Auckland – finally getting some rain then this afternoon having an earthquake!

I thought I’d better post some creations I made a while ago using Sale-A-Bration products.  The last day to order and get FREE product is this Friday.  So if there’s one (or two) more things you’d like to get from the Sale-A-Bration catalogue please email me your order by 7:00pm Friday 22 March.

The first of my altered note pads is a 3B1 notebook cut in half.  I’ve covered it with Whisper White card stock that I’d embossed (front only) with the Vine Street Embossing Folder.  I’ve really enjoyed using the Blooming Marvelous stamp set and will be sad to see that set go.

The front of the note pad has a lift up flap – this is created using the Peekaboo Die.

The second pad is one I picked up at the local stationery shop.

This uses paper and ribbon from the Sycamore Street set, Pretty Petites stamp set and the Petite Curly Label Punch.  If you’re wanting a quick and easy project to create then this is for you.

Here’s hoping we get some more rain this week.
Check back tomorrow for another Sale-A-Bration project.

Take Two

By | March 13, 2013
1 Comment

Hi there

Well I’ve had a great day today.  Each year at work we have an International Food Day where staff get into teams and bring along their ethnic food.  ‘Team Kiwi’ went for something a bit different today – we did a leg of lamb cooked on the BBQ – it was SO nice.  I think everyone enjoyed it as there were no leftovers.  We had food from India, China, Korea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, North America, Pacific Islands (hope I haven’t missed anyone off the list).  The only down side was were we all so full it was hard to keep awake this afternoon!

Now on with the cards.  A couple of weeks ago Narelle and I taught this card we’d seen on Pintrest (not sure who the original creator was).  I really liked this and decided to put my own spin on it.  I don’t own the Alphabet die so looked through my stamps to see what else would work and came up with the below two designs.  They worked perfectly for the class I took last night as it gave the ladies two options to choose from.  I also gave them a choice of colours of Bakers Twine.

On the original card we had used a circle underneath the button but I decided to use the 7/8″ scallop circle to keep with the scalloped edge of the doily and the trim at the bottom.  I always like to have a card that can be used for multiple purposes just by changing the sentiment. I’m sure you’re going to see some more of these – I may try changing the embossing folder.
 I think I like the ‘Love’ one – which one do you prefer?
Supplies:
Stamp – You are Loved, Fabulous Phrases (Mafe for You)
Card Stock – Crumb Cake, Red Glimmer Paper, Whisper White
Ink – Real Red, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Punches – 7/8″ Scallop Circle, Large Oval, Decorative Label, Ticket Duo Builder
Other – Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Bakers Twine, Bitty Buttons, Paper Doily, Tasteful Trim Die, Sponge, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Try Stampin on Tuesday # 109

By | March 13, 2013
0 Comment

Hi there

Well our summer weather just keeps on coming.  Unfortunately we do need the rain as everything is turning brown.

It’s that time of the week again for another sketch challenge for Try Stampin on Tuesday.

I’ve used this sketch to create a baby card for one of the guys at work who recently became a dad – very exciting.

Supplies:
Stamp – Baby Prints, Embellished Events
Card Stock – Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Ink – Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue
Other – Cloudy Day Embossing Folder, Window Collection Framelits, 2 1/2″ Circle Punch, Word Window and Modern Label Punches, Bashful Blue Brads, Midnight Muse Satin Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun

Happy Birthday Julia

By | March 9, 2013
2 Comments

Hi there

Today is my friend and fellow demo’s birthday – hope you are having a wonderful day Julia.

Here is the card I gave her.

This was a CASE  from Mary Fish although I changed the colours and the punches as I didn’t have the ones she’d used.  That’s the great thing with card making – you see an idea and then adapt it to what you have.  I’ve used the Postage Punch (love this punch) and the 1″ Square Punch.  My most used item is the Colour Coach.  And yes that’s how I got my colours for this card.  I knew I wanted to use the Satin Ribbon as it makes beautiful bows so went to the CC and chose Raspberry Ripple’s Sweet Set combination.  Perfect Plum is probably one of my least used colours (along with River Rock) but it looks really good with Raspberry Ripple and Crumb Cake.  Every girl needs a little ‘bling’ so I’ve finished off the flowers with a Rhinestone.
I will be sad when Bloomin Marvelous finishes on the 22nd March.  If you’d like to get this set for free just place an order with me for $120 or more and it’s yours.  Orders need to be with me by Thursday 21 March.
Supplies:
Stamp – Bloomin Marvelous
Card Stock – Crumb Cake, Raspberry Ripple, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Ink – Crumb Cake, Raspberry Ripple, Perfect Plum
Other – Raspberry Ripple Satin Ribbon, Postage Punch, 1″ Square Punch, Dimensionals, Rhinestones

I hope you are enjoying this fabulous weather.  Catch you back soon.

NZSU Week 8 Challenge an TSOT # 108

By | March 6, 2013
4 Comments

Hi there

I’m loving the weather at the moment – cool at night and warm during the day – long may it last!

Over at the NZSU blog Callena has set us a challenge to use our favourite colour combination from the Colour Coach using the Creative Combination selection.  I found it hard deciding which combo to use as I have a number of favourites.  I finally went with Rose Red, Not Quite Navy and River Rock.  If I have time in the next few days I may create another one.

I’ve used the sketch from this week’s Try Stampin on Tuesday challenge – do pop over and check it out.

I used my Tasteful Trim die for the scallop down the side.  It wasn’t wide enough to add the ribbon so I cut it in two and then rejoined it with the ribbon.

Supplies:
Stamp – Bloomin Marvelous, Made for You
Card Stock – Not Quite Navy, Rose Red and Whisper White
DSP – River Rock
Ink – Not Quite Navy, Rose Red and River Rock
Other – Tasteful Trim Die, Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Rose Red Brads, Dimensionals

Well I’d better finish getting ready for work.  Have a great day

Thinking of You

By | March 4, 2013
2 Comments

Hi there

Hope your week is off to a good start!

Today one of my fellow crafters Lisa is having a birthday – Happy Birthday Lisa and I hope you have a great day.  Here’s the card I made for her:

I am loving this new two-tone ribbon and wanted to include a bow somewhere on my card!  There are so many things I like in the new Seasonal Catalogue – one being the Honeycomb Embossing Folder. This stamp is also from the Seasonal Catalogue and has now been officially ‘inked up’.  If you don’t have a copy of this new catalogue then send me an email and I’ll post one out to you.

Supplies:
Stamp – Just Thinking
Card Stock – Naturals White, Rose Red
Ink – Rose Red
Other – Two-Tone Pink Pirouette/Rose Red Ribbon, Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Window Frames Collection Framelits, Rhinestone, Dimensionals

Well my lunchtime is over and it’s back to work.
Catch you later.

Auckland Extravaganza

By | March 3, 2013
1 Comment

Hi there

Yesterday we had our teams Extravaganza event.  We had heaps of fun and the ladies made 5 different projects.  My friend Narelle and I taught this card to the ladies – we had fun teaching it and I think they enjoyed making it.

Here are all the projects that were taught:

I made the following little treat boxes (cased from Dawn Olchefske) for my customers.  I had to alter the pattern a bit so that it would fit our A4 card stock and also fit my chocolates!  I managed to get four out of an A4 sheet of card stock.  The theme for our Extravaganza was Sale-A-Bration and the new Seasonal Catalogue.  I used four SAB products to create my treats – Sycamore Street paper and ribbon, Pretty Petites and the matching Petite Curly Label Punch.

Well I’m off to bed as last week most nights were about midnight – which is unusual for me.  This may have had something to do with the prepping for Extravaganza and the fact that my husband was away on business all week.  I seem to put off going to bed on time when he’s away!

Have a great week.

Try Stampin on Tuesday #107

By | February 26, 2013
4 Comments

Hi there

I hope your week is going well.  Can you believe it we’re nearly at the end of February – where is 2013 going!!

I’ve used today’s sketch for a baby card.  Some friends from Church just become grandparents for the first time and I wanted to let them know how excited I was for them.  What better way than to give a handmade card!

In my last order I got some of this new Two-Tone Ribbon – the photo doesn’t do it justice.  When I got my new catalogue it was only on my ‘maybe’ list but when I received a card from my good friend Julia it changed lists to the ‘next order’ one!  It is so beautiful and makes lovely bows.  I have some other girl baby cards to make so you’ll be seeing more of this ribbon soon.

Supplies:
Stamp – Baby Prints
Card Stock – Naturals White, Rose Red
Ink – Rose Red
Other – Two-Tone Ribbon (Pink Pirouette/Rose Red), Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Daubers, Dimensionals

Well I’m off to bed – catch you back here soon.

Seasonal Showcase

By | February 24, 2013
2 Comments

Hi there

We have had another stunning weekend here in Auckland although I don’t think the garden is that happy with  all this heat.

Yesterday I had a workshop with a lovely bunch of ladies.  The hostess was celebrating a birthday so got some of her friends together for some crafting fun.  It was a great time and they all do so well.  I had met the hostess at the first workshop I held back in June last year.  I had no idea who she was inviting but it turned out I knew two of the ladies from my past!  One from my teenage years who I hadn’t seen in decades and one lady who knew my parents.  You just never know who you’re going to meet through crafting 🙂  It was great catching up.

Well on with the card I taught:

I used the same layout as my SAB swaps but this time used products from the Seasonal catalogue along with Midnight Muse.  This is such a versatile layout and made so much easier with the help of the 1″ square punch!  I’ve teamed the Polka Dot and Stripes Embossing Folders to match the DSP.  The Colour Coach came in handy yet again to help choose the right coordinating blue.
Supplies:
Stamp – Collage Curios, Ciao Baby
Card Stock – Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue, Naturals White
Ink – Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue
DSP – 2012-2014 In Colour Designer Series Paper Stack (Midnight Muse)
Other – Stripes, Polka Dot, Honeycomb Embossing Folders, 1″ Square Punch, Petite Curly Label Punch, Midnight Muse Satin Ribbon

Have a great week

Collage Curios 3 x 3

By | February 22, 2013
2 Comments

Hi there

I’m loving the new Collage Curios stamp set and have just finished making 20 3″ x 3″ cards for one of the ladies I used to work with.  She needed some ‘thank you’ cards so while in the ‘production’ mode I made myself a set of four birthday cards in the same style (will blog them later).  Here are the ‘thank you’ cards.

I used this years In Colours and made five of each colour.  These are great to have on hand so were quick and easy to make.  The butterfly is from the Papillon Potpourri set and matches perfectly with the new Bitty Butterfly punch.  The greeting comes from my most used set – Made for You.

Supplies:
Stamp – Collage Curios, Papillon Potpourri, Made for You
Card Stock – Whisper White, Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green, Primrose Petals, Midnight Muse
Ink – Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green, Primrose Petals, Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple
Punches – Postage Stamp and 1″ Circle, Bitty Butterfly

Try Stampin on Tueday #106

By | February 20, 2013
3 Comments

Hi there

My original thought for this weeks sketch was for a birthday card but once I’d sorted out my colours and accessories I changed my mind 🙂  This is a real mix of old and new products (and even one retired because it just worked).

Here’s the sketch

and here’s my take

This is the first time I’ve used the Designer Builder Brads – they are so cool.  You can create your own brad by either using paper (as I have) or a stamped image.  Here’s a closer look.
I hand cut one of the Pool Party flowers from the Floral District paper and stuck it to the brad then added the epoxy bubble.  My flower was bigger than the bubble but I think it adds to it.  Before adding the brad to my card I cut a 1″ circle out of Island Indigo card stock so that is would stand out more against the Core’dinations Pool Party card stock.
I didn’t have any current So Saffron ribbon but managed to fine a piece of retired ribbon.  It was wider than I’d wanted so I just layered it under the card stock to show the width I wanted then adhered a bow on top with Glue Dots.
Supplies:
Stamp – Lacy and Lovely
Card Stock – Island Indigo, So Saffron, Naturals White, Pool Party Core’dinations
Ink – Island Indigo
DSP – Floral District
Other – Designer Builder Brads, 1″ Circle Punch, So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Tasteful Trim Die

Don’t forget to check out Try Stampin on Tuesday and join in the fun.

Team Swaps – Seasonal Catalogue

By | February 18, 2013
3 Comments

Hi there

On Saturday our team had it’s regular training session.  These are always so much fun – lots of catching up, laughing, eating and business help 🙂  Most sessions we do swaps and this time our swaps used products from the new Seasonal Catalogue.  Swaps are a great way of getting different ideas for using the new products.  There were 18 of us swapping so now I have 18 new ideas using products from the Seasonal Catalogue.  Here is the card I made.

This time I decided to go with a 3″ x 3″ card with a twist.  I had seen this style over on Mary Fish’s blog and thought it would be cool to recreate using the Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP.  It is kind of like a gate fold with the top piece fitting under the embellishment to keep shut.  Here is a photo of it opened which also shows off the cute whale paper.
The front picture is cut from another sheet of paper in the same pack using the 1 3/8″ circle punch.  I did two colour combinations using Pacific Point ink with the whale holding either a yellow or green umbrella or Melon Mambo ink with the whale holding pink umbrellas.
Supplies:
Stamp – Ciao Baby
Card Stock – Whisper White
Ink – Pacific Point (or Melon Mambo)
DSP – Sunshine and Sprinkles
Other – 1 1/4″ and 1 3/8″ Circle Punch, 7/8″ Scallop Circle Punch, Cloudy Day Embossing Folder, Dimesionals