UStamp with Dawn & Friends

By | May 1, 2011
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Hi

The latest round of U Stamp with Dawn & friends has started – it’s not too late to join.  This time I decided to join in the fun with Worldwide Swaps – my first time doing swaps.  All you have to do is make 6 identical cards using the Big Shot in some way.   So yesterday afternoon I started making my cards so that I could get them off to the US ASAP.

I knew what type of card I would make (Twisted Easel) but it took a bit of time deciding how to decorate it.  I have just recieved my new Blossom Party die so it was a good time to trial that.  In the end I used four different dies – can you pick them? and an Embossing Folder to make the cards.  So tomorrow 6 of these will be winging their way to Idaho (Well I think that’s where they’re heading).

I chose my colour combination with the help of the Colour Coach.  I decided I wanted to have Melon Mambo as one of the colours as I haven’t used it yet.  The flower has been embossed with the Square Lattice, this is my favourite EF.  I cut out the Modern Label then stamped my sentiment and then cut another two labels to mat it.  I was really pleased with the end result – I hope the recipients like it too.

Supplies:
Stamp – So Happy For You
Cardstock/Paper – Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant, So Saffron, Whisper White, Melon Mambo DSP Pattern Stack
Dies – Scallop Circle #2, Blossom Party, Little Leaves, Punch Windows – Modern Label
Other – Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Eyelet Border Punch, Dimensionals, Old Olive Ribbon

Hope you have a great week.
Paula

Another Suspension Card

By | April 30, 2011
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Hi

Here is another take from last Monday nights Crafters Anonymous class.  This time I changed it to a vertical card and did three suspended images:

and here is the inside:
I think next time I do this card I will use temporary adhesive to attach the DSP & cardstock, cut the circles, stick the suspended images to the DSP and then adhere it to the card.

Supplies:

Stamp – Simply Said
Cardstock – Certainly Celery, Real Red
DSP – Summer Picnic (retired)
Other – Bashful Blue Ribbon, 1 1/4″ & 1 3/8″circle punches, Dental Floss
Paula


Try Stampin on Tuesday #12

By | April 28, 2011
1 Comment

Hi there

Well it’s that time of the week again – a new Try Stampin on Tuesday challenge has been loaded.  This weeks challenge was to have an envelope or pocket holding something on the front.  I’ve gone for a sweet treats cup filled with M & M’s.  Great for a birthday card.



So that you don’t ruin the card getting to the M & M’s I’ve made a ‘trap’door on the inside of the card.  This allows you to keep the card for another refill!

I used the Magnetic Movers & Shapers Die with the circle Holiday Window coordinate to cut the card out.  This way you can have your treat cup anywhere on the card.  If you use a hand punch you can be limited to the positioning.
Here is the sketch
Supplies:
Stamps – A Little Treat, Good Neighbours
Cardstock – Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Whisper White
Ink – Old Olive, Rose Red, Marina Mist
Other – Big Shot, Movers & Shapers Die, Circle Holiday Window Coordinate, Round Tab punch
Don’t forget to visit Try Stampin on Tuesday and join in the fun – also sign up as a follower (you may win something)
Have a good evening
Paula



Crafters Anonymous – 25 April

By | April 26, 2011
1 Comment

Hi

I hope you had a lovely Easter break.  The weather in Auckland wasn’t that great for outdoor activities but when you are a crafter that is often a good thing as you get time to create.  I was able to make my Mothers Day cards (can’t post my Mum’s yet as she might see her card!).

I had a bit of a disaster on Saturday – my laptop died on me 🙁  One minute it was working and the next minute the screen went blank and no power.  Phil took it in this morning to get looked at.  Hopefully it’s just a fuse that’s gone.

Last night I attended my second online class for Crafters Anonymous (Phil had to watch TV so I could use his computer – what a good husband).  It was heaps of fun – 37 women on-line making the same card but with different finished products depending on the paper & stamp sets we had chosen.  Thanks Tia for a wonderful evening.

Here is my finished spinner card – which I’ve already given away!  I will have to make another one & see how it turns out with a different stamp & paper.

I have found a great tutorial for tying bows – they never fail now.  I made my own templates up out of heavy card.  I have three sizes – 1″, 3/4″ & 1/2″.  These measurements are the ‘loops’of the bow.
Supplies:
Stamp – Bliss
Cardstock – So Saffron
DSP – Tea Party
Other – Certainly Celery Ribbon, 1 1/4″circle punch, scallop punch
Paula


Try Stampin On Tuesday # 11

By | April 23, 2011
3 Comments

Hi

I hope you are having a lovely Easter break.  The weather in Auckland yesterday wasn’t that great but it was good for crafting so I made my card for this weeks challenge at Try Stampin in Tuesday.  We were given a basic layout but I knew immediately what I would do.

During the week I had visited Dawn’s blog and seen her card using the technique of Emboss Resist.  (Check out her entry on preparing solid image stamps).  Ages ago I bought the stamp set Inspired by Nature but hadn’t used the flower stamp.  Well now I have & I am really pleased with how this turned out.


Here is the sketch we were given.

I also had time to tidy my craft desk – it’s amazing what you find hidden under everything!  I found my little easel which makes it easier for taking pictures.

To make this card I started with Whisper White cardstock and inked the stamp with Versamark and then applied white embossing powder.  I then sponged Daffodil Delight ink to the background in a circular motion.  It doesn’t have to been applied evenly – that is part of the effect.  If there is any ink on the embossed area just wipe it off with a tissue.  For my colour combination I used the trusty colour coach – where would we be without this!  I left it for a bit to dry and then cut it up as per the sketch making sure I didn’t cut the flower.  At this stage the inside of the card is blank as I’m not sure what I will use it for.

Supplies:
Cardstock – Whisper White, Cherry Cobler, Early Espresso
Ink – Daffodil Delight
Other – White Embossing Powder

TFL
Paula

Crafters Anonymous

By | April 23, 2011
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Hi

I have finally got around to posting my project from Monday nights on-line class at Crafters Anonymous.  It was the first time I had particpated and it was fun.  Here is what we made:

It’s like a Pillow Box but with a handle.  I’m pleased with how it turned out considering this was my first attempt at an on-line class.  The bow is made out of double sided DSP.  I swapped the paper over for the middle layer to give a contrast.
Supplies:
Cardstock – Pumpkin Pie
DSP – Washington Apple (retired)
Paula

I made the top 3

By | April 21, 2011
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Hi

Just to let you know I made the top 3 over at Try Stampin on Tuesday for the first time.  I am so happy.

Here is my badge:

and here is my winning card.

Have a wonderful Easter break and take time to remember the reason for Easter.

If you are travelling please have a safe journey.

Paula

Happy Birthday Dad

By | April 20, 2011
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Well today is my dad’s birthday and tonight the family are getting together to celebrate.

I recently saw a card using the technique of inlaid embossing so thought I’d give it a go.  When I was cleaning my crafting desk (there was no room left to craft!) I found some cirlces left over from other projects so that gave me the base for my card.  Here is my first attempt at inlaid embossing:

I also made a box (filled with chocolate!) carrying on my circle theme.  This is the same box that I showed last month except this time I adhered the sides together rather than having it like an explosion box.

 
Dad will get his ‘real’ present tonight.

Supplies:
Stamp – On Your Birthday
Cardstock – Crumb Cake, More Mustard, Baja Breeze, Bravo Burgundy
Other – Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Scallop Circle Die, 1″ & 1 3/4″ Circle Punches, Modern Label Punch

Paula

Work Birthday Gifts

By | April 19, 2011
1 Comment

A while ago I mentioned that I make the birthday gifts for staff – well I have finally got round to photographing them!  I made up 60 of these over the Christmas holidays with the help of my niece & mum – we had fun making them.  The cards and ‘owl’ paper clips were made using up leftovers from the old Bright cardstock that I’d used for last years birthday gifts and the boxes are made using the current Bright cardstock.  Each box gets filled with: a note pad, highlighter, vivid, bulldog clip, post-it pad, two long paper clips, three pens a Chuba Chup and the Owl paper clip.  I got some ‘wobbly’ eyes from Spotlight to use for the owls and then adhered two scallop circles together (paper clip in between) with big dimensionals.  Everyone loves getting stationery.  The dies certainly make a big job so much quicker.

Supplies:
Stamp – Fox & Friends
Cardstock – Brights and Whisper White
Ink – various
Other – Fancy Favour Die, Circle Punches, Owl Punch, Scallop Circle Punch

Paula

Gift Box with Cards

By | April 18, 2011
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Hi

As promised here is the gift box I made for my friend.  I saw this on DawnOlchefske’s blog and have made a few of these (still have to blog the first few batches!).  It’s a lovely way to box up some cards for a gift.

 Supplies:
Stamp – A Flower for all Seasons
Cardstock – Early Easpresso,Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa (retired)
DSP – Candy Lane (retired)
Markers – various
Other – Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Brads, 1 3/4″ Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Riding Hood Red Ribbon (retired)

Paula

Try Stampin On Tuesday # 10

By | April 17, 2011
3 Comments

Hi there

I can’t believe I haven’t posted for a week! 

After a busy week at work I finally got round to making a card for the Try Stampin on Tuesday challenge. 

My girlfriend has her birthday this Wednesday so thought I’d use this challenge for her card.  I wanted to do something a bit special so instead of just cutting a shape I made a folded frame as my shape.  These are really easy to make & give an extra dimension for a 3D effect.  Rather than colouring in the image with markers I used my ink pads & a blender pen.  I’m really pleased with how this card turned out.  Check back tomorrow for the gift set I’ve made to go with the card.

Supplies:
Stamp – Happy Moments
Cardstock – Early Espresso, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla
DSP – Candy Lane
Ink – Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Wild Wasabi
Other – Blender Pens, Small & Large Oval, Trio Flower (retired)
Have a great week.
Paula

For a Friend

By | April 10, 2011
3 Comments

Hi

I have a vey special friend and I have wanted to send her a card for ages just letting her know how special she is to me.   When I saw Paula Dobson’s project on U Stamp with Dawn & Friends I fell in love with it & have been wanting to trial it.  Well here it is.  I used the colour combination fromSPCC.  I first tried brayering in Pretty In Pink on the Grey but it didn’t show up so I brayered in Grey on the Pink.  I only have the ink spot of Grey – do you know how hard it is to ink your brayer with an ink spot instead of rolling on a big ink pad – not that easy.  I guess there’ll be more ink pads on my wish list!  I didn’t have any grey ribbon so I sponged some white with the grey ink.  To make the envelope on the inside I cut out two scallop envelopes – one in pink paper & the other in grey (just the top portion) and stuck them together.  The other side of the pink paper was to ‘loud’ for the card.  The rest of the voucher reads ‘to one full body massage’  I’m really pleased with the final product.

 

Supplies:
Stamp – Vintage Vogue
Cardstock – Going Grey, Pretty In Pink, Vaery Vanilla
Ink – Going Grey, Pretty In Pink
DSP – Tea Party, Urban Oasis
Other – Lattice Square Embossing Folder, Scallop Envelope Die, Corner Rounder Punch, Ribbon

TFL

Paula

Brief Case Gift Box

By | April 9, 2011
2 Comments

Hi

It’s been a lovely day in Auckland, NZ.  I have spent the morning & early afternoon in the garden trimming the hedge & weeding before the cold weather arrives.  My arms are now covered in scratches & my back is a bit stiff.  So a great way to relax after that is to come inside, have a shower and then do some crafting – and look what you can make!

As promised I have made a gift for the card I posted yesterday.  It’s a project by Jackie Topa on the latest round of U Stamp with Dawn & Friends.  When I saw this project I knew I had to recreate it.  I have carried the colours I used in the card to the gift.  I will definitely be making this again!  It was really easy to make.  The buckle is held down with Velcro dots.

Isn’t it cute?  I’ve filled this one with Whittakers chocolate squares but any type of chocolate or lollies would do.
Supplies:
Cardstock – More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
Other – Box #2 bigz xl die, 2mm circle handheld punch, Sticky Tape, Velcro Dots
TFL

Paula

Inkspiration

By | April 8, 2011
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Hi there

I finally got round to making a card using the colour combination from Inkspiration.  I loved the autumn tones of the challenge and as I have a few male cards to do this month  it worked in well.  I’m a bit late though for the challenge – never mind the receiver of the card won’t know that!  I combined the colour challenge with a layout challenge from Sketch Frenzy Friday.  I wasn’t a big fan of the Regal colours but I think I’m warming to them!  I don’t have anything in the Poppy Parade range so changed it for Riding Hood Red (this was allowed) and this is what I came up with.

I really like the effect colouring in gives and have yet to try aqua painting.  Maybe that needs to be my next challenge – try a different technique.  I have sponged round the edge of the sentiment as I feel this softens the starkness of Whisper White or Very Vanilla against a dark mat.
This was the sketch:
I hope to try and make a gift to go with the card from the latest round of Ustampwithdawnandfriends.  If you haven’t joined in yet take a look and sign up for the next round.

Supplies
Stamp – Happy Moments
Cardstock – Riding Hood Red, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla
Markers – Riding Hood Red, More Mustard, Cajun Craze
Punches – 1 3/8″, 1 1/4″ circle punch, Scallop Edge Border

Have a great weekend.
Paula

Try Stampin On Tuesday #9

By | April 7, 2011
5 Comments

Hi there

Well here’s my next Try Stampin On Tuesday card.  I decided to use this weeks layout for a masculine card.  I have three male birthdays this month so thought I’d better make a start.  I used DSP for my four squares – I’m trying to use up retired papers before I buy the new ones.  I’ve done pretty well and my supplies are now reducing.  I still had some Kiwi Kiss paper so looked in last years catalogue for some colour match inspiration.  I found a combination of Kiwi Kiss, Going Gray, Bashful Blue & Not Quite Navy – all good masculine colours.  Here’s my take on the sketch:

and this is what we were given:
Supplies:
Stamps – Loads of Love, Loads of Accessories, Happy Moments
Cardstock – Going Gray, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
DSP – Urban Oasis
Markers – Going Gray, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Real Read, Old Olive
Punches – Word Window, Modern Label
TFL
Paula