Shari-Anne Happy Crafter

Less Is More Take 2!

2012-02-22T14:46:00.000Z

Thought I'd have another go at this weeks Less Is More Challenge Punches or Die Cuts.

As I said before, Stampin' Up! have so many punches & dies that you could probably enter this challenge every day for a couple of months & still not exhaust the supply.

I'm guilty of totally neglecting this Daisy Die & I think this is only the second time I've used it (shame!!)

Stampin' Up! Supplies

Stamps - Curly Cute
Cardstock - Melon Mambo
Ink - Rose Red
Other - Daisy Die & Antique Brads

You can never have too many cupcakes!!

2012-02-22T08:00:00.000Z

Don't you just love the new Create a Cupcake stamp set & punch in the Spring Mini Catalogue? It's one of those sets I know I'll use over & over again.

At the last Jems quarterly training Jules had a Cupcake Inspiration Station and this was one of the cards on display.

Just couldn't stop at making one!!

Stampin' Up! Products

Cardstock - So Saffron, Whisper White & Red Glitter
Ink - Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette, Lucky Limeade, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry, Wisteria Wonder, So Saffron & Basic Black.
Punches - Cupcake & Modern Label
Other - Stripes Embossing Folder & Basic Rhinestones

Stampin' Up! The Next Generation

2012-02-20T08:00:00.000Z

Please leave a comment for Ciara.

My 12 year old has been bitten by the scrapbooking bug! She's spent the week sorting out photos & has already started on her second page.

As you can see from the picture I haven't let her loose on my Stampin' Up! Designer Papers but I have given my girls all the papers I won't use now I'm a demonstrator & it included this lovely bright piece of DP & cardstock.

She's stamped the bunting using the various Stampin' Up! colours & the Pennant Parade stamp set. She's also used the new Cupcake stamp set & matching punch.

She's also used the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Dies for the number 1. She's an expert on the Bigshot.

I think she's done a fantastic job & know she would love to hear your comments.

P.S Please ignore the lovely wall in the background of the photo!! we were in the middle of decorating lol!!

Less Is More Week 55 - Die Cuts or Punches

2012-02-18T12:24:00.000Z

The challenge over at Less Is More this week is to use Die Cuts or Punches on your project. Well it didn't take me as long as last week to come up with a card Stampin' Up! have so many Dies & Punches that I was spoilt for choice.

I saw a card earlier this week where the tiny flower from the Fresh Vintage sale-a-bration set had been used in a little posy & decided to take it a step further & added some flower stems. If I can find which blog it was I will edit this post to give credit.

A really easy card to reproduce & I've punched out lots of the flowers so I may make a few more this afternoon!!

Stamp Set - Fresh Vintage (sale-a-bration) & Vintage Vogue (Main Catalogue)

Carsstock - Certainly Celery

Ink - Wisteria Wonder, Tangerine Tango, Pink Pirouette, Lucky Limeade & Rose Red
Punches - 1/2" Circle
Other - Basic Rhinestones & Retired Ribbon.

Another Scrapbook page

2012-02-17T08:00:00.000Z

This is the second scrapbook page I did for Wednesday night Scrapbook Club.

I love this picture as it's one of the few we have of both mine & Johns parents. I'm so lucky to still have my mum & dad but Johns mum & dad were killed in a car crash 9 years ago & we remember our wedding day as one of those lovely occasions where all everyone seemed to do was laugh! . My mum is on the right in peach & my dad is on the left of the picture.

Stamp Set - Marry Me (Spring Mini) & Vintage Vogue (Main Catalogue)

Papers - Beau Chateau
Cardstock - Very Vanilla & Baha Breeze
Ink - Baha Breeze, Pretty In Pink, Crumb Cake & Bashful Blue
Punches - Curly Label, Large Label & Heart to Heart
Other - Antique Brads, Victoriana Crochet Trim & Blossom Party Die

Marry Me Meets Vintage Vogue

2012-02-15T12:33:00.006Z

Scrapbooking is a fabulous way of 'dressing up' your photos and preserving them for future generations.

You are never too young or too old to Scrapbook and believe me once you get started you start to take your pictures with a scrapbook layout in mind.

I have Scrapbook Club tonight and this is one of the layouts I've done to give the ladies some inspiration.

I've teamed up the lovely new wedding stamp set Marry Me from the Spring Mini Catalogue with a classic from the main catalogue Vintage Vogue. Vintage Vogue is one of those stamp sets that you can use for so many occasions & I find my self reaching for it time & time again.

Can you see how it's been used around the edges of the Very Vanilla cardstock??

If you look at the Beau Chateau papers in the Main Catalogue its hard to see that it includes this lovely sheet which is ideal for scrapbooking & creates a lovely title for the page.

The flowers are a mix of Vintage Vogue stamped images & the Blossom Party Die in the Spring Mini. Don't they go well together.

I've used the Curly Label Punch to create photo corners around the photos. Simple but effective.

It's hard to believe that this picture was taken nearly 18 years ago!!

Stampin' Up Products

Stamp Set - Marry Me (Spring Mini) & Vintage Vogue (Main Catalogue)
Papers - Beau Chateau
Cardstock - Very Vanilla & Baha Breeze
Ink - Baha Breeze, Pretty In Pink, Crumb Cake & Bashful Blue
Punches - Curly Label, Large Label & Heart to Heart
Other - Designer Frames, Antique Brads, Victoriana Crochet Trim, Blossom Party Die & Vellum

Elementary Elegance

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000Z

Have you managed to get your hands on any of the sale-a-bration stamp sets yet??

I can't decide which is my favourite between Fresh Vintage or Elementary Elegance but then I haven't used the Sprinkled Expressions or Outlined Occasions yet so I might change my mind several times over the sale-a-bration period!!

This is the design I've used for my customer thankyou cards this month.

Stampin' Up! Products

Stamp Set - Elementary Elegance & Just Believe
Papers - Everyday Enchantment
Cardstock - Calypso Coral & Very Vanilla
Ink - Calypso Coral
Punches - Curly Label & Modern Label
Other - Basic Rhinestones

If you would like to order any Stampin' Up! products & earn yourself a free sale-a-bration set for every £45 you spend then please get in touch.

Less Is More Week 54

2012-02-11T16:22:00.000Z

My Sale-a-bration sets arrived yesterday!! Yes I said sets because for every £45 you spend you can choose one of four fab stamp sets or a pack of Everyday Enchantment Designer Papers. See all the sets & papers here.

The challenge at Less Is More this weeks is STRIPES & I'll admit to being a little bit put off at first as I don't have any stamps with stripes but after thinking about it for a bit I decided to use embossed stripes instead.

I was going to use the Stampin' Up! Stripes Embossing folder but that would have given me stripes much wiper than I wanted so I've just used my scorer to make 3 stripes above & below the image.

Stampin' Up! products

Stamps - Fresh Vintage (sale-a-bration) & Curly Cute

Ink - In Color Stampin Write Markers in Lucky Limeade & Calypso Coral

Other - Basic Pearls

Less Is More Aqua

2012-02-09T23:58:00.000Z

It's taken me all week to get around to making this card! I had the design in my head but just didn't have the time to make it until today.

Apologies for the pictures at the moment. I've lost my camera!! I've put it somewhere safe & just can't remember where so I'm using my daughters camera & I'm not happy with the close up pictures at all!!

I'm entering this card in this weeks Less Is More challenge which is to use the colour Aqua.

Stampin' Up! Products

Stamp set - Create a Cupcake
Card - Tempting Turquoise & Whisper White
Ink - Tempting Turquoise
Punches - Lace Ribbon Border, Small Oval & Scallop Oval.
Other - Beautiful Wings Embosslit & Basic Rhinestones

Create a Cupcake Part 2

2012-02-07T22:51:00.000Z

The other 2 projects from Saturdays class were this decorated bag & 2 matching gift tags.

You can get the bags in packs of 10 & they're great for co ordinating with your cards.

The new Scallop Circle Punch is fab for making these quick & simple gift tags.

Everthing from the class co ordinated & made a nice little gift set.

If you live in Leeds and would like details of my card & scrapbooking classes please drop me an email.

Stampin' Up! Products

Cardstock - Calypso Coral, Whisper White & Baja Breeze

Stampset - Create a Cupcake & Curly Sentiments

Ink - Calypso Coral, Crumbcake, So Saffron & Pretty In Pink

Punches - Cupcake, 23/8" Scallop Circle, 13/4" Circle & Eyelet Border Punch

Other - Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon

Create a Cupcake

2012-02-05T16:35:00.000Z

I think this might just be one of my favourite cards!! It looks complicated but really isn't one you break in down into sections. The ladies at both my classes this week really enjoyed making it.

Thankyou to the lovely Angela of Sparkly Cards & Papercrafts one of my Stampin' Up! sisters as it was a card she made that made me want to have a go & I finally managed to find the instructions here.

Stampin' Up Products Used

Cardstock - Calypso Coral, Whisper White & Baja Breeze
Stampset - Create A Cupcake
Punches - Small Oval, Scallop Oval, Scallop Border, Word Window & Cupcake
Ink - Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, Rose Red, Pretty In Pink & So Saffron
Bigshot & Striped Embossing Folder
Other - Ribbon Baja Breeze

Sale-A-Bration 2012

2012-01-24T21:53:00.000Z

It's Here!!

The most exciting time of the year in the Stampin' Up! Calendar (in my opinion!). The time when you can buy fabulous Stampin' Up! products and get amazing freebies!!

What is sale-a-bration?

Sale a Bration runs from today until 31st March. As a customer for EVERY £45 you spend you will be able to chose a free item from the sale-a-bration brochure which can be viewed by clicking HERE. There are 4 stamp sets and a beautiful set of papers to choose from & because sale-a-bration runs from today until 31st March you have plenty of time to earn all 5 items!!

If you host a workshop and the total is over £300 you also get an extra sale-a-bration set.

If you join my team during sale-a-bration you will receive and EXTRA FREE STAMP SET of ANY VALUE from the catalogue or the mini catalogue.

If you have any questions about sale-a-bration please drop me an email.

Create a Cupcake but so much more!!

2012-01-22T16:28:00.000Z

What do you think of the new Create a Cupcake stamp set & matching punch?!! Fab aren't they?

But what I love better than getting new products from Stampin' Up! is to find that they can be used for more projects than you first think.

Cupcakes are really 'in' at the moment so to be able to create them so easily is brilliant but this stamp set & punch can be used for so much more as we found out at last weeks Julies Jems Quarterly Training. What do you think of these for inspiration?

I think this has got to be my favourite!! The Create a Cupcake punch has been used to punch the ice-cream & cherries & the cones are from the Pennant Parade stamp set.

For this one the Create a Cupcake stamp set has been used to stamp the handbags & various circle punches used to make the handles & bag fronts.

The punch has been used for the clouds, the basket & the ropes on the balloon. Very clever!!

And you can even use the stamps to make popcorn buckets!!

All in all a very versatile stamp set & punch. I can't wait to see what else can be done with these.

It's Here!!

2012-01-04T09:42:00.000Z

The New Spring Mini Catalogue!!

and it's full of the most wonderful craft items from papercrafting to jewellery & more lovely material.

If you would like a copy of the new mini you can get one from me for £1 including p&p. Please email me & I will get one straight in the post for you.

Or you can view one online by clicking on the picture below.

I have a class tonight & tomorrow night & we will be using one of the new stamp sets so I will be back later with some pictures.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T11:42:00.001Z

I would like to wish all my blog readers a very

HAPPY NEW YEAR

and all the very best for 2012.

2011 was a very exciting year for me as I became a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator on 11/1/11 & what a year it's been. I now have a lovely customer base and a large group who come to my monthly classes. I also have a team of 4 demonstrators who are not only my downline but also lovely friends. It has been an absolute pleasure watching my class ladies develop their crafting skills especially those who had never picked up a stamp or ink pad before!!

I am looking forward to my business growing in 2012 and adding more classes & events so watch this space.

Thankyou again for taking the time to visit my little crafting space & I look forward to your visits in 2012.

Another Easel Calendar

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000Z

Here is another version of yesterdays calendar. This time I've used the Stampin' Write markers & shadow stamped the image which gives a lovely subtle effect.

Stampin' Up! products used

Stamps - Love & Sympathy, Parlour Prints & the sentiment is from a retired set.
Papers - retired
Ribbon - Very Vanilla Satin
Ink - Pear Pizzaz & Poppy Parade Stampin' Write Markers, Old Olive & Basic Black Ink Pad
Other - Top Note Die

Easel Calendars

2011-12-22T09:00:00.002Z

Here is one of the projects we did at my last card class of 2011. Everyone really enjoyed making these calendars & some went on to make them as gifts for friends, colleagues & teachers! This one is from a batch I made to take in to work so I have used some retired products on these but the class ones used the gorgeous Timeless Portrait Designer papers.

I made a batch of these to take in to work & they also went down very well.

I'll be back tomorrow with another version of these calendars.

Stampin' Up! Products used

Stamps - Forever Young, Parlour Prints & Just Believe
Cardstock - Island Indigo
Ribbon - Retired
Ink - Basic Black
Papers - Retired
Other - Linen Thread & Top Note Die

Table Decorations

2011-12-21T09:00:00.002Z

My lovely SU Mum Jules gave us all one of these cute little decorations at our last Julies Jems team training. We all make projects to swap with the rest of the team & it's great for future inspiration.

I made a batch of 15 of these & took them in to work last week. Talk about gone in 60 seconds!! the first 3 people bought all but one which I had to keep as a sample & took orders for more which have been delivered today.

Now all I need to do is make the ones for our Christmas dinner table.

Thanks Jules for all your inspiration in 2011 & here's to a prosperous Stampin' Up! 2012!!

Altered Heart

2011-12-20T09:14:00.002Z

Firstly I need to apologise for my lack of blogging since the beginning of November. Things have been very busy in the Glynn Household & with one thing & another my blog had to take a back seat. I certainly haven't been idle & have been busy fulfilling lots of commission orders & Christmas orders & will be glad when Friday arrives & they've all been passed to their new owners!!

Right, on to today's project.

One of my closest cousins is my eldest daughters Godmother & I always struggle with what to buy her for Christmas so when I saw this gorgeous heart my 'SU sister' Nicky had made for our 'SU Mum' Jules I just had to have a go for my cousin. Sue really appreciates all things handmade & has kept all the cards I've sent her over the years so I know she will love this.

I spent an evening last week making these beautiful flowers using the Fancy Flower punch, Rose Red cardstock & First Edition Speciality papers finished off with the gorgeous Antique Brads, very therapeutic.

I've also added a little butterfly made with the Beautiful Wings Embosslits Folder & added some basic Pearls.

SUE has been die cut using the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet. I've cut eight of each letter & layered them to give a chipboard effect & then covered them with Crystal Effects.

A touch of Chantilly Lace in a double bow again finished with an Antique Brad and some Champagne Glass Stampin Glitter, very sparkly!!

The whole thing has been covered with Glimmer Mist made using the Frost White Shimmer Paint which hasn't shown up in the pictures but is beautiful in real life.

If you're still with me lol!! here is the heart before my makeover!

Less Is More - Stars

2011-11-03T23:19:00.000Z

I'm very late entering this weeks challenge at Less Is More but better late than never!

I've used all retired Stampin' Up! products on this card but it gave me the effect I wanted.

I'd tried punching out a star & using the leftover bit as a template to stamp through onto the white background but it didn't quite work & the stars weren't defined enough so I decided to use the actual punch stars to stamp on.

I've used the Strength & Hope stamp to stamp on the stars which gave me perfect Christmas wording & the sentiment is from another retired set.

It's been a long time . . . . . . . . . .

2011-10-28T19:29:00.001+01:00

. . . . . . . . . . . . . since I made one of these!!

When I first started crafting (about 7 years ago) I used to make lots of these but since I've started using all Stampin' Up! products I haven't made one. They are really easy to do apart from the shoes which is a bit fiddly.

A friend of mine really wanted one for a Christening she's going to at the weekend so I relented & agreed to make one.

I really enjoyed it but they are a bit time consuming so won't be mass producing them lol!!

Sail Away With Me

2011-10-23T09:00:00.002+01:00

I know I'm not on my own in finding it difficult to make mens cards so was delighted to see two of the mens stamps from the Mini Catalogue making it in to the new Stampin' Up!Idea Book & Catalogue one of which is this one 'Sail Away'

I've done alot of distressing on this card & sponged around the edges of the Whisper White cardstock using Crumb Cake Ink.

I've also frayed the edge of the ribbon & used the fibres to thread through the button.

Another 4 cards for my ~~Sail~~ Sale box!!

Stamps - Sail Away, Oval All & Sincere Salutations
Paper - Neutrals (Early Espresso)
Cardstock - Whisper White & Night of Navy
Tools - Large Oval Punch & Scallop Oval Punch
Embellishments - Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Night of Navy (retired) & Subtles Designer Buttons (Marina Mist)

Less Is More - Polkadots

2011-10-22T13:19:00.000+01:00

For details of my In Color Ribbon share please see here

This weeks challenge at Less Is More is POLKA DOTS!!

I've missed the last couple of challenges & was determined that I wouldn't miss another week so went straight to my craft room as soon as I read the challenge.

I've used the new Pennant Parade stamp set to create the Christmas Tree & folded it to give a 3D effect but it also folds flat for postage so would be perfect to mass produce. We made these trees at Jems Training on Saturday & also used the new First Edition papers so I'm hooked on these!!

I've stamped the pennant in Old Olive on Certainly Celery cardstock so the Polkadots show up clearly. Spot the obvious mistake!! yes the tree pot!! I stamped it directly onto the white cardstock but it was wonky!! but it was the last thing to go on the card so had to re stamp it on a separate piece of card.

Do you like the effect with the Striped Grosgrain ribbon?? I've frayed the edges. I like the effect & have used it again on the card I'll show you tomorrow.

Stamp - Perfect Pennant

Cardstock - Certainly Celery

Paper - First Edition

Ink - Old Olive

Tools - Pennant Parade Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch

Embellishments - Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Rich Razzleberry (retired) & Basic Rhinestones

Triple Treat Flower

2011-10-20T11:22:00.000+01:00

I think this is one of my favorite stamps from the new catalogue is the Triple Treat Flower & it's a bargain at £7.95.

I love the detail on this stamp & it looks lovely stamped in any colour. The best thing about this stamp is that it co ordinates with two of the Stampin' Up! punches!! how cool is that. Makes it soooo easy to mass produce & I made 6 of these in no time!!

The new Ruffled Ribbon is also a 'must have' & you can have a share of each of the new In Colors see here.

Unfortunately I couldn't add the new Antique Brads as I'd used them all on my cards from yesterday but I will be ordering more a.s.a.p!!

Stamp             Triple Treat Flower
Cardstock       Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo & Whisper White
Ink                  Lucky Limeade & Island Indigo
Punches          5 Petal Flower,Fancy Flower & Modern Label
Ribbon            Island Indigo & Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon
Misc                Square Lattice Embossing Folder

Pennant Parade Flower

2011-10-19T22:39:00.001+01:00

This is one of the cards we made at Jems team training on Saturday. This isn't actually 'the' card as that is packed nicely in a baggy book ready for me to show at workshops but I liked the design so much I had to make 6 more for my sale box.

Jules gave our table palpitations when we saw TWO of the beautiful new Antique Brads on one card (the other was next to the sentiment) so the ones I made today only have one brad in the centre.

The flower petals have been made by stamping onto First Edition Speciality papers & then punched out using the fab new Petite Pennants Punch showing that this stamp set doesn't have to be used for just creating bunting!

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Stamps          Pennant Parade
Papers           First Edition
Cardstock     Elegant Eggplant & Wisteria Wonder
Ink                 Elegant Eggplant
Punches         Petite Pennant, Scallop Oval, Large Oval & Boho Blossoms
Misc              Antique Brads & Elegant Eggplant Scallop Dots Ribbon

Before & After

2011-10-17T09:29:00.002+01:00

For details of my In Color Ribbon share please see here.

At team training on Saturday I was presented with the Clear Block Caddy by my lovely upline Jules for reaching Bronze 3 on the Stampin' Up! Career Ladder.

I have recenty converted to Clear Blockism & admit to being a bit addicted to them at the moment so the caddy is a great addition to my storage tools.

When I unpacked it on Saturday night my first thought was 'that needs jazzing up a bit!!' but wasn't quite sure how. Then in the shower yesterday morning I thought of the Decor Elements Stampin' Up! Logo I had received in my Starter Pack (I have some of my most inspirational moments in the shower lol!!) but didn't really know what to do with it.

Voila PERFECT! for the front of the caddy.

Did You Know . . . . . . .

2011-10-15T18:57:00.001+01:00

. . . . . . . . that Stampin' Up! now do material?? AND that you can use it with your Big Shot!!

I have just spent a lovely day with my Stampin' Up! family & this time had an SU Daughter to take along with me. I have been lucky to sign up 4 Demonstrators in the last 2 weeks so now have my own team which is very exciting & takes my Stampin' Up! journey to the next level.

We made some gorgeous projects which I will share with you over the next few days but today I wanted to show you what can be done with the material.

We had a lesson from the lovely Gemma in how to make 'Suffolk Puffs' or 'Yoyos' as they are known in the US.

I made a brooch for my Stampin' Up! tool case & I'm really pleased with it as a first attempt.

The Big Shot cuts perfectly through all materials including chipboard so it cut through the material like a hot knife through butter!!

I've used Designer Fabric Flirtatious & you get 3 co-ordinated designs each piece measuring approx 68.6 x 45.7 cm. The material has been cut using the Fun Flowers Bigz L Die & a Suffolk Puff, Scallop Dots Ribbon
& a Stampn' Up button to finish off.

If you would like any of the Stampin' Up! products or a Stampin' Up catalogue please contact me at s.glynn2@ntlworld.com

Ribbon Share

2011-10-13T23:11:00.001+01:00

My In Color ribbon arrived yesterday & it's gorgeous in real life!! It's ready to be posted out to those who have already ordered it & I guarantee you won't be disappointed. If you would like a share please see the details here and contact me on s.glynn2@ntlworld.com

In Color Ribbon Share

2011-10-05T17:56:00.001+01:00

The launch of the new Stampin' Up! Catalogue sees a new In Color Collection for 2011 to 2013 (In Color's are in the catalogue for 2 years) and BOY are they cool colours!!

I haven't decided yet which is my favorite but I'm really looking forward to working with these colours in my Stamp Class next month.

Would you like some of each of the In Color 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon but don't want to pay for 5 reels?? well you're in the right place!

I have a ribbon share to offer you.

1 1/2 metres of each of the colours

£7.50 Collected

£8.50 Posted (UK)

The ribbon is already on order so I don't have to wait to fill the share before posting out.

Please email me s.glynn2@ntlworld.com for details of how to pay.

I think I'm in love!!

2011-10-01T10:55:00.000+01:00

With the new Lace Ribbon punch from Stampin' Up!

This was one of the products demonstrators were able to pre-order from the new catalogue (one of the many perks of being a demonstrator!!!)

Today's challenge at Less Is More is to use the colour of your eyes as the colour scheme for your card.

I've used three different Stampin' Up! blues Baja Breeze, Pacific Point & Night Of Navy to create this card and in true Stampin' Up! fashion the Ribbon Lace punch co-ordinates with the 1" Circle Punch so you effortlessly layer your colours behind the beautifully intricate circles.

The Ribbon Lace Punch easily punches through cardstock which is more than you can say for some other brands of punch!!

Cardstock : Whisper White, Pacific Point, Baja Breeze & Night Of Navy
Stamp Set : Curly Cute

Ink : Pacific Point
Punches : Ribbon Lace Border & 1" Circle
Other : Basic Rhinestones & Stamp-a-ma-jig

Oh Happy Day!!!

2011-10-01T08:57:00.001+01:00

Todays the day that all the UK Stampin' Up! Demonstrators can share what we've kept under wraps for the last few weeks,

The New 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Catalogue

It's a very exciting day in the Stampin' Up! Calendar & this is the first year I've been caught up in the excitement.

If you would like the new catalogue delivered to your door for £4.95 then please email me your details.

If you would like to become a member of the Stampin' Up! family by joining my team, then October is the perfect month as Stampin' Up! are offering an add on to the already fantastic value starter kit.

Not only do we have a BRAND NEW KIT for £119 (worth £240), but you will ALSO get a new IN COLOUR bundle of 5 inkpads and some card stock FREE.

Right I'm off to finish preparing for my lovely class ladies who I'll be presenting with the new catalogue his afternoon. Can't wait to hear all the oooOOOOHH's & aaAAAhhhHHH's when they see all the lovely new products.

Tomorrows Class

2011-09-30T18:06:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow is the launch of the new 2011/2012 Stampin Up Catalogue & to say that this catalogue has caused alot of excitement among us demonstrators is an understatement. We're all itching to show our lovely customers this years new lines in particular the new In Colors.

Tomorrow is also my monthly card class which I hold on the first Saturday of the month & is slowly growing. I have 9 regular attendees & 3 or 4 that make every other class. They are a lovely group & it is a pleasure to teach them.

Tomorrow is the second of our Christmas Classes & we will be making these three projects.

A bottle hanging gift tag.

A Centre Step card

A Gift Tag

The design has been cased from my SU Mum Jules although I have changed the flowers slightly.

The class is also turning into a bit of a baking competition & we have the lovely Elizabeth baking a ginger cake for tomorrow!!

Stampin' Up! Products used

Cardstock : Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive & Very Vanilla

Stamp Set : Contempo Christmas

Ink : Old Olive

Punches : Boho Blossom, Five Petal, Scallop Trim Border, Scallop Trim Corner, 1" Circle, 1 3/4" Circle & 1 3/4" Scallop Circle
Paper : Jolly Holiday (retired)

Ribbon : Certainly Celery 5/8" Satin

Other : Basic Rhinestones, Little Leaves Sizzlit & Stamp-a-ma-jig

First Tutorial

2011-08-27T22:36:00.000+01:00

I wanted to share a little tip with you on how to use your Top Note Die to die cut anything pre printed which needs to be centred on the die before cutting. I've used it here to cut a photo which I'm using to make a little album of my daughters First Holy Communion but I've also used it to centre computer printed wording, poems etc.

Firstly run a piece of white cardstock through the Big Shot using the Top Note Die. Discard the centre piece & keep the outer frame.

Stick the top edge of the frame to the die using cellotape.

Place your photo or whatever it is you want to centre under the frame and adjust it until you are happy with the position.

Run the 'sandwich' back through the Big Shot & voila you are left with a perfectly cut picture exactly as you want it.

I hope you have found this useful.

Less Is More Recipe - Take 3 Challenges

2011-08-27T22:15:00.001+01:00

Great challenge this week at Less Is More, we have to make our own recipe of any three challenges over the last 29 weeks. After seeing Chrissie & Mandi's White on White cards I knew this had to be one of my 'recipe ingredients'.

My three challenges are

Week 14 - White On White
Week 15 - Embossing
Week 19 - In The Frame

I've used the Scallop Trim Border & Corner punches to create the white frame on the front of the card.

The flower is made using the smallest two flowers from the Fun Flowers Die which is exclusive to Stampin' Up! & creates the most amazing flowers. I've cut these from Stapin' Up! Vellum Paper which is really quite strong & holds up well to the embossing using the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder & I think gives a lovely effect.

I've finished it off with a button from the Naturals Collection & some white embroidery cotton. I've punched the sentiment 'Mr & Mrs' from the Occasional Quotes stamp set using the Jewelry Tag along with another couple of plain tags threaded on a tiny safety pin.

The sentiment has been punched out using the Large Label Punch & then mounted again using another two punched labels.

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

50th Wedding Anniversary Commission

2011-08-26T21:21:00.000+01:00

Here is another commissioned card for a 50th Wedding Anniversary. I've used So Saffron cardstock which I thing works really well with the Gold Miri card & ribbon. I've punched the corners of the white cardstock with the Scallop Trim Corner punch, I love this punch.
The flowers from the Vintage Vogue stamp set have been stamped with So Saffron Basic Ink & finished off with a bit of bling.

I've printed the sentiment & punch it out using the Large Label Punch. I've punch another label in Gold Miri & mounted this behind the sentiment.

The 50 has been mounted on two Top Note Dies. The first is cut in So Saffron & the second in white cardstock which has been trimmed down & then passed through the Big Shot using the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. Don't you just love the detail on this folder?

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Less Is More - One Layer Use Ink

2011-08-16T19:02:00.000+01:00

Well its taken me a few days pondering over this weeks challenge over at Less Is More but I'm pleased with the outcome.

I cut the card shape using the Scallop Circle Die & masked a section across the middle with post-it-notes. I sponged the Pear Pizzaz layer first & then moved the post-it-notes up half an inch & sponged the Pacific Point layer.

The flowers are from the Pocket Silhouette set stamped in Basic Black ink & the sentiment is from the Occasional Quotes hostess set.

Finished off with a bit of bling using the Basic Rhinestones.

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Topnote 70th Birthday

2011-08-04T09:00:00.001+01:00

Another commissioned card this time or a 70th birthday.

I've used the Topnote Die again but this time I've run it through the Elegant Bouquet Embossin Folder which gives beautiful detail to one side of your projects.

I've used the beautiful little butterflies from the beautiful wings Embosslit Die, I just love this die & use it more than any other.

Again I've used the Rose Red Seambinding to match the retired paper.

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Topnote 50th Wedding Anniversary

2011-08-03T09:00:00.001+01:00

Here is a recent commission for a 50th Wedding Anniversary but the customer didn't want traditional Gold so I opted for my favorite Rose Red cardstock. The paper is from the gorgeous Springtime Vintage from the Mini catalogue, I love these papers.

The corners have been punched using the Scallop Trim Corner Punch which punches beautifully through both card & paper.

The centre is the Topnote Die which has then been embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder & then inked around the edges with Rose Red Basic Ink.

The corner detail is created using the smallest flower from the Boho Blossoms Punch, a bow made from Rose Red Seambinding & the leaves are the Little Leaves Sizzlits Die.

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Less Is More - Feeling Fruity

2011-08-02T18:47:00.000+01:00

This weeks challenge over at Less Is More is Feeling Fruity & they want to see either fruit or fruity colours.

I don't have any fruit stamps or images so I have gone for fruity colours & have used ORANGE & LEMON.

The cardstock used is from Stampin' Up! & is Peach Parfait & the paper is Daffodil Delight from the Brights Paper Stack.

I've used the pennant stamp from the Party This Way stamp set & stamped it in Peach Parfait. I stamped 6 flags & cut out the middle after stamping the F U N letters using the Just Perfect Alphabet. I've popped some dimentionals under to lit the middle section & threaded a very thin strip of Daffodil Delight through to join up the flags.

The sentiment is from the Occasional Quotes level 3 Hostess Set.

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Simply Stampin Challenge - Photo Love

2011-08-02T09:51:00.000+01:00

My daughter wanted a card for her boyfriends birthday & she had this lovely photo she wanted me to use.

She's not a mushy sort of gal so I decided to use the Celebrations Designer Papers & matching cardstock Real Red, Bashful Blue & Old Olive.

I've used the Large Label Punch from the Mini Catalogue to create the frame & the Heart Punch for the detail at the left of the picture. The buttons are Old Olive from the retired range & Linen Thread for a bit of detail at the corners.

I've stamped her boyfriends initial using the Broadsheet Alphabet.

I'm entering this in the challenge at Simply Stampin.

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

August Special Offer from Stampin' Up!

2011-08-01T23:13:00.000+01:00

I can't believe it's the 1st August already!! where is this year going. 1st August also brings another special offer from Stampin' Up! & this month you can earn yourself 3 fabulous freebies one of which is an exclusive cosmetics purse or if like me you're more into your craft tools than make up it will make a lovely little tool bag.

Simply place an order of £75 or host a workshop totalling over £250 this month and you will receive this fantastic FREE gift. Yes, everything you see in the photo will be yours absolutely FREE!!

As well as the cosetics purse you will also receive a roll of Rich Razzleberry wide striped ribbon and a pack of 24 mini clips.

If you would like to place an order or book a workshop please email me.

Less Is More - 2nd Card

2011-07-26T09:42:00.000+01:00

I needed a couple of thinking of you cards for a customer so decided to use the Less Is More recipe again but I hope I've left enough white space to qualify. I deliberately kept the butterfly to the right to leave white space on the left of the card.

I've used the same elements, Seam Binding, Butterflies & buttons but have gone for a different colour scheme.

All the elements of this card except the tiny buttons are from Stampin' Up!.

I've used So Saffron & Baha Breeze cardstock & Baha Breeze Seam Binding to make the bow. I had to go back to my own technique for the ribbon as I just couldn't get Chrissie's tutorial to work for me this time :-( but will definitely keep practicing!!

The butterfly is made by layering the different size butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Embosslit & I've used the tiny buttons again to make the 'flight path'.

The bottom of the white cardstock has been stamped with the wording from the Strength & Hope stamp set in So Saffron Basic Ink & then I've run the cardstock through the Big Shot using the Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder.

The sentiment is from the So Happy For You stamp set which is no longer available stamped in Baha Breeze & punch out using the Large Modern Label punch.

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Less Is More - Recipe Challenge

2011-07-23T12:43:00.000+01:00

I don't take part in many challenges since I became a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator as I just don't have the time. The one challenge I do try to follow every week is the Less Is More Challenge as it really gets me out of my comfort zone. Another great challenge this week

BUTTON OR RIBBON

(or plurals thereof)

I decided to add both to my card & had a go at the bow tutorial Chrissie posted this week. Although I'm pleased with my first attempt at the bow I think I need more practice at getting the 'tails' to go in the right direction.

I've used the Strength & Hope Butterfly and stamped 2 layers, one on Pink Pirouette cardstock & the other on Stampin' Up! Vellum paper. I've used tiny little pink heart shaped buttons down the butterfly body.

The sentiment is from the Stampin' Up! Occasional Quotes stamp set stamped in Rose Red Ink & the bow is Old Olive Seam Binding which ties beautifully.

I was going to add a couple of small butterflies but decided less is more on this one!!

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Give Me The Money

2011-07-17T09:00:00.000+01:00

Last week it was my eldest daughters 16th Birthday & like all teenage girls all she wanted was money, dosh, wanger!! I didn't just want to hand her it & so put my new Pillow Box Stampin' Up! die to good use. This die is exclusive to Stampin' Up! & makes the cutest little gift boxes or if you put 2 or three together they can make a lovely long gift box. I'll post about that tomorrow.

I've used Night of Navy cardstock for the body of the box & wrapped a piece of Striped Grosgrain Ribbon across the centre.

The sentiment has been stamped in the middle of one of the Four Frames stamps & punched out useing the Large Label Punch.

Finished off with this cute little flower punched using the two smallest flowers from the Boho Blossom Punch & a little bow made with Night of Navy 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Less Is More - Second Entry

2011-07-16T14:31:00.000+01:00

While I was in my craft room this morning creating my first card for this weeks challenge I decided to have a bit of a tidy!! I've had quite a few commissioned cards to finish before the girls break up from school & when I'm busy my craft room just get more & more untidy!! When I couldn't even see the desk this morning I decided enough was enough lol!!

I found these 3 footballs from the Goal stamp set from Stampin' Up! already stamped out & ready to use so set about creating another card for this weeks circles challenge.

I've used the Goal stamp to create a grass effect & have stamped it in Pear Pizzazz & Old Olive. The sentiment is from the Party This Way set punched out with the Word Window punch (I did stamp it directly onto the card using my Stamp-a-ma-jig first!! bad idea to do that after I'd stuck the footballs down as I couldn't get the SAMJ flush & the sentiment smudged duh!!)

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Less Is More - Circles

2011-07-16T13:54:00.000+01:00

Another week another Less Is More Challenge & this week the theme is circles.

I love the Celebrations Designer Paper from Stampin' Up! and this pattern was perfect for this challenge. I've teamed it up with the Owl Punch again to create a birthday card.

Mr Owl has been mounted on a punched circle in Bashful Blue then a Scalloped Circle in Real Red & another punched circle in Whisper White which has been run through the Big Shot with the Lattice Folder.

The sentiment in from my new set (can't believe I didn't buy this set earlier) Curly Cute.

Thanks for looking & for any comments you might leave.

Less Is More Sketch

2011-06-25T11:17:00.000+01:00

I was awol from last weeks Less Is More challenge as I had a very busy weekend with my youngest daughters First Holy Communion & then straight after that was the build up to my eldest daughters Prom!! My head is still spinning from it all but as soon as I saw this weeks sketch I had to dash to the craft room & get this card made.

I've used the oh so cute Owl Punch from Stampin Up & the gorgeous Brights paper stack. I just love this little fella or lil lady whichever takes your fancy! & decided to use the sketch to have him peeping out from behind the circles.

Just too cute!!

Just a few pictures to share with you from our celebrations last week.

Butter wouldn't melt!!

This is more like my cheeky little Tomboy of a daughter lol!! Here she is with her 3 best friends.

My husband is seriously out numbered in our house & is always last in the bathroom!!

This is what kept me away from LIM last Saturday morning!! The pink & chocolate ones are my creations & the ices cupcakes are Mr Costco!!

Thanks for visiting & for any comments you leave.

Less Is More - One Layer In The Frame

2011-06-12T18:22:00.000+01:00

I've been trawling the net looking for ideas for this weeks challenge at Less Is More which is One Layer Card In The Frame & came across a couple of tutorials on Youtube for the embossing folder resist technique.

I really like the effect of the embossing around the edge which has been done with the new Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. The sentiment is from the Just Believe set from Stampin' Up! stamped in Rose Red Classic ink which I've centered using my Stamp-a-ma-jig.

I've finished off with three flowers punched with the Boho Blossom punch in Rose Red & So Saffron with tiny pearl beads at the centre.

Gift Card Holder

2011-06-08T21:16:00.000+01:00

Here is another of the projects from my card class on Saturday. When I was preparing all the elements for this I started to think I'd maybe been a bit ambitious as most of my ladies are beginners & the only card they had made was at one of the workshops I'd had. However, they all did really well & were all delighted with their gift card holders.

The cardstock is Soft Suede run through the Big Shot first with the Top Note Die & then with the Square Lattice embossing folder. I love the feel of the card once its been embossed with this folder. It gives it a lovely feel (oo er I can see a fetish developing lol!!) & looked like leather.

I've used some thinly cut strips of card to loo like leather strips wrapped around the outside.

The strap is secured with a piece of cardstock punched with the word window punch & held by two silver brads.

The inside of the wallet has been designed to hold a Gift Card. Some of the ladies had decided to put money or a lottery ticket in theirs & one of the younger crafters was going to put a picture of herself inside for her Grandad.

I've punched the top piece of card with the large label punch.

Less Is More

2011-06-05T22:14:00.001+01:00

Two posts in one day!! That doesn't happen very often but I wanted to get my entry for this weeks Less Is More on tonight as I'm at work for the next two days. It's lovely working term time but no so great going back :-(.

The challenge this week is Monochrome & a definition of this is given on the LIM blog.

I've used Pink tones & by using Stampin' Up! products I can be sure that everything colour co-ordinates.

I've used Pretty In Pink cardstock trimmed with the Scallop Trim Border punch & stamped the wording from the Strength & Hope stamp set in Whisper White Craft Ink. I've then over stamped the scroll & Hope stamps from the same set in Rose Red Classic Ink.

Finished off with a few little butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Embosslit in Rose Red.

My 11 year old said "that's a bit plain"!! but my 7 year old replied "I think it's really pretty Mummy!! . . . . out of the mouths of babes lol!!

Not A Top Note In Sight

2011-06-05T09:00:00.000+01:00

Don't you just love the new Stampin' Up! Owl Punch?? & doesn't he look cute holding his balloons?

Cardstock is Real Red & the papers are from the Celebrations pack.

I've used a scallop circle cut in half to make the owls wings .

The balloons have been stamped in Pear Pizzaz, Real Red & Pacific Point Classic Ink and are on the inside of the card held down by the Party This Way sign.

Todays Card Class

2011-06-04T09:00:00.003+01:00

Here is one of the projects my ladies will be making at todays card class. The theme is 'Something For The Men' & is my first card class so fingers crossed everything will go to plan.

I've chosen to do an easel card using the Top Note Die as these are so easy to do using this die. The cardstock is Soft Suade & the paper is Soft Suade from the Neutrals Paper Pack run through the Square Lattice embossing folder which totally alters the look & texture of the paper.

The Motorcycle has been stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink & the edges have been ripped & distressed. The strip across the card is a very thin piece Soft Suede cut to look like a leather cord.

The sentiment is from the Four Frames stamped in Chocolate Chip & mounted on Chocolate Chip cardstock both have been punched using the new Large Label Punch.

I {heart} Weddings

2011-06-03T09:00:00.001+01:00

Another card using the pretty heart design but this time for the Bride & Groom.

I've used the retired Bride Papers from last years catalogue & the Top Note Die (are you getting sick of seeing this die yet??) has been run through the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.

The 'groom' heart has been punched from the Groom papers, also retired, & the 'bride' from Whisper White & run through the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder. Both are finished off with Basic Rhinestones

Rose Red Engagement

2011-06-02T09:00:00.001+01:00

I've had alot of Commission orders over the last couple of weeks hence the lack of blogging.

The design for this card was cased from a wedding card my Stampin' Up! Mum Jules made. I love the way the hearts can be used to represent a 'couple' & could really be used for lots of different occasions.

This time I've used them to represent the newly engaged couple.

The Top Note Die has been used again (boy am I loving this die!!) to cut a piece of Crumb Cake Textured cardstock & a piece of Very Vanilla run through the Square Lattice folder has been used across the middle.

The hearts are Very Vanilla, Rose Red & Crumb Cake finished off with Basic Pearls.

The paper is from the Springtime Vintage & both that & the Rose Red cardstock have been punched at the corner with the Scallop Trim Corner punch.

The leaves have been die cut using the Little Leaves Sizzlit & the flowers are from the Boho Blossom punch.

I've also used a piece of Rose Red Seam Binding across the middle. Phew I didn't realise I used so much on this card!!

Nice & Bright

2011-06-01T09:00:00.001+01:00

I really like the layout of yesterdays card so thought I'd use it again but make it a bit brighter this time.

I've used the Square Lattice folder on a piece of white cardstock to create the background & also on the Tangerine Tango paper from the Brights Paper Stack.

The Top Note Die has been used to cut a piece of Tempting Turquoise cardstock & I've stamped the Happy Birthday from the Party This Way stamp set straight on to it using Whisper White Craft Stampin Pad.

The ballons are also from the Party This Way set & have been stamped in Tempting Turquoise & Tangerine Tango Classic Inks. I've used Linen Thread for the balloon string & a piece of Tempting Turquoise cardstock run through the paper crimper to finish off across the card.

2011-05-31T20:25:00.000+01:00

This is a card cased from an American Stampin Up blog but now I've come to look for it I can't find the blog. I will give credit when I find the link.

I've used part of the Top Note die to form the bottom of the card & stamped the sentiment straight on to the Very Vanilla cardstock in Night of Navy Clasic Ink. The paper in Springtime Vintage from the Mini Catalogue which has been run through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice embossing folder which gives it a fabric look & feel. I really love this folder!!.

I've used the Beautiful Wings Embosslit die on a piece of Not QuiteNavy cardstock to match the backing card. These little butterflys are gorgeous and really add a little extra to the card.

The flowers from the Vintage Vogue stamp set have been stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock in Night of Navy & Baja Breeze Classic inks & finished off with a bit of bling using the Basic Rhinestones.

I've used the gorgeous Baja Breeze Seam Binding to finish off.

I'm entering this card in the following challenge

Allsorts Challenge Blog - Things with wings

Daisy Die

2011-05-14T15:12:00.000+01:00

As soon as I saw these flowers at a recent training day with my Stampin' Up! mum Jules I knew I had to have a go at making them. Jules had been sent some by Jo & they looked great in a little vase.

With the new Daisy die they are so easy to make & it just meant cutting & layering the different size flowers.

The stems are barbecue wooden skewers & I've cut some really fine strips of Pear Pizzaz cardstock & wrapped it around to form the stem & leaves.

The centres have been blinged using the new Glass Glitter.

Easy when you have the right tools!!

Big Shot - Not just for card.

2011-05-12T17:55:00.000+01:00

I came across some Leopard Print felt today whilst out shopping & as we are all leopard print mad in our house I thought I would have a go at making something with it.

The Big Shot Fun Flowers die cut through the felt like a hot knife through butter, I was so excited lol!! I had also bought a piece of black glitter felt to layer with the printed pieces & I'm really please with the result.

I'm going to make this into a brooch for me but am going to make up some more to make into hair accessories for my oldest two girls.

If you fancy making your own accessories & would like the Big Shot or any of the new dies, some of which are exclusive to Stampin' Up!, then please get in tough with me.

Football Crazy

2011-04-29T23:43:00.000+01:00

I had the pictures & idea for this scrapbook page a while ago but had to wait until I had the Goal stamp set from Stampin' Up! before I could finish it off.

My youngest daughter is absolutely football mad & always has a football with her wherever she goes. We recently took her to Elland Road the home of Leeds Utd to spend her Christmas money on new kit & she insisted on having her picture taken with the statue of the legendary Billy Bremner. Billy Bremners son 'Little Billy' was my very first boyfriend which my girls think in hilarious!!

The 12 x 12 cardstock used is from the Brights Textured pack & is Pacific Point & the mat & tag are in Whisper white & Daffodil Delight. The paper is from the Celebrations paper pack. The strip across the middle is Whisper White & has been run through the Paper Crimper.

I've used the Just Perfect Alphabet for the wording stamped in Pacific Point & punched out using the 1" circle punch. I've used Linen Thread on the tags.

Thanks for looking.

Another Vintage Vogue

2011-04-24T09:27:00.000+01:00

Sorry, I'm afraid it's Vintage Vogue again, but I needed a birthday card to match the gift envelope in yesterdays post!.

Apologies for taking this picture before the glue had dried on the Rhinestones but I was in a hurry to go to the party!!

The challenge over at Less Is More this week is 'Off Centre' so I followed this when making this card.

The ink colours are Rose Red, Regal Rose & Old Olive. I've used my Sweet Swirls standard wheel again (I'm loving this wheel!!!) in Old Olive across the bottom of the card & edged it with Old Olive Grosgrain ribbon. The sentiment has been made using one of the Four Frames stamps stamped in Rose Red & punched out using the matching punch. I've stamped the Birthday Wishes in Regal Rose & punched it out with the oval punch to layer on top of the Four Frames.

Vintage Vogue to the rescue!!

2011-04-23T17:37:00.000+01:00

I think of all the Stampin' Up! stamp sets I have Vintage Vogue is the most versatile. It can be used for so many occasions & I've used it on birthday, sympathy, get well & thankyou cards & I know it has been very popular with my customers.

Its my cousins 60th birthday today & we decided to buy her a voucher for our local Spa so she can pamper herself. When I bought the voucher, to say how much was inside, I was a little underwhelmed with the packaging!!

So . . . . .Vintage Vogue to the rescue.

I've stamped the envelope with some of the Vintage Vogue stamps in Old Olive & Rose Red & the flowers are Rose Red & Regal Rose finished off with Basic Rhinestones.

The 'plaque' is computer printed & mounted on Melon Mambo cardstock with the corners of the whte finished off with the Scallop Trim corner punch. All tied up with the new Rose Red Seam Binding.

Much more presentable!!!

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

I think I need A Bigger Table

2011-04-22T09:00:00.001+01:00

Here are a few pictures of the display table I had at my Stampin' Up! Workshop last Saturday. It's a great way of showcasing all the different ideas & projects.

I also like to have a display of the Stampin' Up! accessories you can buy such as buttons, rhinestones, pearls, brads & ribbons & it's amazing how many extra things people order when they can actually see the products as the catalogue just doesn't do them justice.

If you are in the Crossgates/East Leeds area & would like to book a workshop or order any of the gorgeous Stampin' Up! products please contact me for details.

Special Blessings

2011-04-21T17:57:00.000+01:00

I have a busy time coming up in May & June when the First Holy Communions take place in our Parish. I get alot of orders for personalised cards so need to get my thinking cap on for the 2011 designs!! I also need to make quite a few 'basic' Communion cards so started on those today.

I've used the Special Blessings Stamp Set & Sweets Swirls Standard Wheel from Stampin' Up. I've stamped the wheel & cross in Rose Red to match the lovely Rose Red Seam Binding & the sentiment has been stamped in Basic Black. Finished off with a bit of bling with the Basic Rhinestones.

I'm having a clearout

2011-04-17T23:16:00.002+01:00

& have started listing some of my craft items on Ebay here. I'll be adding more stuff every day.

Here's one you don't get very often!!

2011-04-17T21:16:00.000+01:00

When I got a phone call last week for a 70th card I assumed it was a 70th birthday . . . . .wrong . . . . this lovely couple are celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary at the end of April WOW!!

I googled 70th Anniversary & apparently it's Platinum but I decided to go with a nice Spring colour, So Saffron.

I've used the Scallop Trim Corner for the corner detail on the white cardstock & So Saffron Basic Ink Pad to stamp the flowers from the Vintage Vogue stamp set. Finished off with a bit of bling on the flowers & corners using the Basic Pearls.

All the other products used are from my stash.

Baja Breeze

2011-04-16T17:24:00.000+01:00

This is one of my favorite colours & I am so pleased to see one of the colours of the new Seam Binding in the Mini Catalogue is Baja Breeze.

I've used the Sweet Swirls Standard Wheel to create the border & the sentiment is from the Level 3 Hostess set.

I've stamped the Four Frames stamp in Baja Breeze & punched it out using the matching Label punch. I've then created a border for the stamped label using two more labels punched in the Baja Breeze textured cardstock. Finished off with Basic Rhinestones for a bit of bling.

Thanks for looking.

Just Believe

2011-04-15T09:00:00.001+01:00

Even with all the new stamps sets in the Mini Catalogue I still find myself going back to one of my favorites in the main catalogue Just Believe.

When I came across a new stamping technique today that required a large stamp I knew that this would be ideal.

I've coloured the stems of the flower with Pear Pizzaz Stampin Write & then tapped over the stems with an Old Olive Stampin Write to give the effect of two tone stems.

The papers are the gorgeous new Springtime Vintage & the cardstock is Old Olive.

I've made the flowers using the Five Petal & Boho Blossoms punches in Vellum, Springtime Vintage & Old Olive.

The ribbon is Whisper White Organza & the Basic Pearls to finish off the flowers.

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

New Baby

2011-04-14T20:20:00.001+01:00

It's ages since I've entered any challenges but when I saw this weeks challenge over at Less Is More I wanted to have a go. All cards have to be CAS & this week you have to make the sentiment the focus of the card.

Stampin' Up! have some fabulous sentiment stamps & I was lucky enough to earn a full set of them at a recent workshop. One of them is this lovely baby sentiment.

I embossed the cardstock to make the double frame & stamped the sentiment in the centre using my Stamp-a-ma-jig.

The ribbon is the Whisper White Organza from Stampin' Up! & the tiny baby feet are from my stash.

I'm also entering this card at One Stitch At A Time where the challenge is to make a card for a new baby.

Thanks for stopping by & for any comments you leave.

Big Shot Cards - 3

2011-04-13T09:00:00.001+01:00

Todays card was the quickest of the five cards but I think you'll agree it is so elegant.

The embossing folder is the Manhattan Flower & has been used to emboss a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock. The sentiment is from the Level 3 Hostess set & the Very Vanilla Satin ribbon has been made into a very elegant bow finished off with a Basic Pearl.

Big Shot Cards - 2

2011-04-12T09:00:00.001+01:00

This card was made using the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder & the Beautiful Wings die. Yes, you've guessed it . . . . . . these are both exclusive to Stampin' Up!

The sentiment has been stamped onto one of the Four Frames stamps & the ribbon is the Whisper White Organza from the main catalogue.

Big Shot Cards - 1

2011-04-11T09:00:00.001+01:00

As promised here is the first of the cards we made at training using the Big Shot & various Stampin' Up! dies & embossing folders.

This is my favorite card. So simple & yet so effective.

Using the Springtime Vintage papers, the Top Note die & Fun Flowers die which are both exclusive to Stampin' Up! & the Square Latice embossing folder which is also exclusive to Stampin' Up!.

Don't you just love these Big Designer Buttons!!

Mum & Dad

2011-04-10T14:27:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I was at an all day training event with my Stampin' Up family. It was the first time I've been to one of these events & it was lovely to meet the other members of 'Julies Jems' in the flesh! What a lovely group & it was a pleasure spending the day with them.

We were asked to bring along a black & white photo for a scrapbook layout we were doing so I chose a picture of my mum & dad taken last summer.

We used the gorgeous new Springtime Vintage papers from the Mini Catalogue along with 12" x 12" cardstock in Crumbcake & Baja Breeze. I love this colour combination. The ribbon is the new Seam Binding in Rose Red & the chipboard letters have been given an overdose of bling with the stunning new Glass Glitter. Now I'm not usually a fan of glitter but this stuff is just fab & I managed to do this without making a mess.

The buttons are the new Big Designer Buttons threaded with the Seam Binding in Baja Breeze.

We also got to have a play with the Big Shot which is now available through Stampin' Up! & used some of the new dies & embossing folders.

On this project I've used one of the exclusive dies, yes you can only get this beauty through a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, Fun Flowers. This die produces the most gorgeous BIG flowers which are idea for scrapbook pages but also look stunning on cards.

We made some lovely cards using the different dies & embossing folders available to use with the Big Shot which I will show you over the next few days.

Thanks for stopping by & for any comments you leave.

Sisters are doing it for themselves

2011-04-09T09:00:00.002+01:00

Stampin' Up! sisters that is!!

The Jems are having a Blog Hop & you're invited.

The Stampin' Up! team I belong to is called Julie's Jems & is headed by our lovely 'Mummy' Jules. I'm spending the day today at a full days team training (my first) & I'm really looking forward to a day of crafting & we get to play with our latest Stampin' Up! toy - The Big Shot! can't wait!!

Some of the Jems have put together this blog hop to give you some fab inspiration, all you need now are the yummy new products from the new Mini Catalogue.

You should have arrived here from Kate's Blog or if you've just randomly landed here you need to go back to the start at Sarah-Jane's Blog & join in with the fun from the beginning.

The fabby Mini Catalogue has been out for over a week now & there are some beautiful projects in blogland using all the yummy new products.

For my card I've used the gorgeous new Springtime Vintage papers OMG these some of the nicest papers I've seen and these pictures just don't do them justice.

I've also used the lovely new Seam Binding in my favorite Rose Red & the pretty butterfly from the Strength & Hope stamp set.

Time to hop across to Karyn's Blog & see what fab project she has for your inspiration.

Strength & Hope

2011-04-06T09:53:00.000+01:00

Making a difference starts with

ONE STAMP SET

and what a gorgeous stamp set it is!! Stampin' Up! is donating £1 from every Strength & Hope set sold to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

This card is a case from a blog I follow but now I can't find which blog??!! when I do I will update this post with a link to the right blog.

I've used Chocolate Chip & Blushing Bride cardstock & Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose & Rose Red ink. The corner detail is created using the scroll stamp from the Strength & Hope set which I think gives a lovely effect.

I've used the new Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon & a Clear Rhinestone Brad to create the Breast Cancer Ribbon embellishment.

I've stamped the butterfly twice, once on Blushing Bride cardstock & again on Vellum Paper & finished it off with a Basic Pearl.

Can you see the join?

2011-04-04T14:15:00.000+01:00

I was asked to make some cards for some candidates who are being received into the Catholic faith on Easter Saturday evening.The request was for a simple card with simple wording.

I have really had my moneys worth out of my Special Blessings stamp set from Stampin' Up! & out it came again.

I wanted to use some little metal cross charms I had but used the Special Blessings sentiment on the front & 'on your special day', from the same set, on the inside.

Can you see what I've used to make the mats that he charm is mounted on?? It's the Decorative Label Punch (120907) from the Mini Catalogue. I've punched one label in white & two in purple. The purple labels have then been cut & put together like a jigsaw at the back of the white mat to make a larger purple mat (hope that makes sense!)

I've used the Scallop Trim Corner punch (118870) to give detail to the corners.

Another great way to use your Stampin' Up! punches!!!

If you love Cath Kidson . . . . . .

2011-04-02T22:03:00.000+01:00

. . . . . . . . you'll love the new Springtime Vintage (121782) papers in the Mini Catalogue. The picture in the catty really doesn't do these papers justice. I had a lady at a workshop today who got very (& I mean very!!) excited when she saw these papers & bought everything I'd used to make this card.

I've also used the gorgeous new stamp set Four Frames (123440) & the matching Decorative Label Punch (120907). This could be my new favorite punch especially when you see how I've used it on the card I have to show you tomorrow. The sentiment is from the Level 3 Hostess Set Occasional Quotes & has been punched out using the 1 3/4 Oval Punch (119855) & added to the frames with dimensionals

The cardstock is Soft Suede ( 119982) which I think goes really well with these papers & I've also used another of my favorite products from the new catty which is the Seam Binding in Crumb Cake (122332).

Finished off with a bit of bling using the Basic Rhinestones (119246)

It's here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-01T13:26:00.000+01:00

Exciting times!! I can now share the fab Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue with all my lovely visitors.

The new Mini Catalogue is jam packed full of lots of lovely goodies, too many to list. If you want to have a look click on the picture above & you can lose yourself inside with all the lovely new stamp sets, the fabulous Big Shop & my favorite . . . . . the seam binding!!!

If you would like to order anything from the Mini or would like any information about Stampin' Up please don't hesitate to contact me.

Happy Crafting

Not Long To Wait

2011-03-29T23:46:00.002+01:00

Until the new Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue launch on 1st April.

Lots & lots of new products & some surprises in store.

I'm having fun playing with all the lovely new products I ordered (one of the many perks of being a demonstrator) & am dying to show you what I've been up to.

Simply Thankyou

2011-03-25T10:10:00.000Z

I like to include a Thankyou card with workshop orders to put in with a little information pack consisting of workshop/class dates, hostess benefits & this time I will include a free complimentary Mini Catalogue.

I've used the gorgeous & very versatile Vintage Vogue stamp set (117690) and the Thankyou is from the Fresh Cuts stamp set (111634). The ink is Peach Parfait (119783), Pear Pizzazz (119784) & Tangerine Tango (111834).

I've used the Modern Label Punch (119849) to punch out the greeting & Scallop Oval punch (119856) to mount the greeting on Tangerine Tango cardstock (116206).

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave.

Just Believe

2011-03-24T09:56:00.000Z

Where has the last two weeks gone??

I've been really busy preparing for Stampin' Up! Workshops & making swaps for the Stampin' Up Mini Catalogue that launches on 1st April & all I can say is there are some fantastic new products for all you Stampin' Up! fans!!

On today's card I've used the gorgeous Just Believe stamp set (116948) which I absolutely love. I've used Stampin' Write markers instead of ink so that I could stamp the flowers in a different colour. I love this technique & so did the ladies at my workshop on Saturday.

I've used some retired Stampin' Up! papers on this card as I'm trying to use them up on the cards I sell.

The cardstock is Old Olive (106576) & the ribbon is Whisper White Organza (114319). I've used the Scallop Trim Corner punch (118402) to create the delicate corners.

Thanks for looking.

The same but different

2011-03-16T18:25:00.001Z

A neighbour asked me to make cards for her husbands twin sisters who will be 60 this week. The brief was one likes pinks & one likes blues but she wanted the cards to be the same. She provided the pictures & I went to work.

For the blue card I've used Not Quite Navy cardstock (108606) & retired Stampin' Up! papers. The ribbon is Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117291).

For the pink card I've used Rose Red cardstock (108613) & Blushing Bride Papers from the In Color Paper Stack (117158). The ribbon is 5/8" Organza in Whisper White (114319).

On both cards I've used the Boho Blossoms punch (119858), 5 Petal Flower punch (119880) & Basic Pearls (119247). I've punch using the papers to match the card & Vellum Paper (108631). I've also used the Scallop Trim Corner punch (118870) to add detail to the corners of the cardstock.

I'm entering these in the following

Papertake Weekly - Trio Tastic (Three flowers)

Daring Cardmakers - Make your own embellishments (flowers)

Right, off to deliver them, I hope she likes them.

Crazy For Cupcakes

2011-03-12T10:43:00.000Z

I have another Stampin' Up! workshop at home on 19th March and will be demonstrating the Crazy For Cupcakes stampset (111618) so I'm busy making samples to show the ladies how this set can be used.

I've staped the image in Basic Black (101179) on to Whisper White cardstock (106549) & then coloured using the In Color Markers (119801) and the cakes are coloured using the Crumb Cake Basic Stamp Pad (121030) using a blender pen.

Todays card is made using clours from the In Color Range (Page 81 in the catalogue). The cardstock is Pear Pizzazz and the Designer Paper from the PaperStack (117158) is Poppy Parade. I've punched the edges of the paper using the Scallop Trim Corner (118870) - this punch adds such a beautiful finish to any card.

I've stamped the sentiment in Basic Black (101179) onto a strip of Twill Tape (119970). In my opinion this tape is so under-used. It comes in three widths (I've used the medium width) & is ideal for use with buttons, stamps, brads, the list is endless!!

I've finished off with a row on the smallest Basic Pearls (119247).

I'm entering this card at

Cute Card Thursday - Birthday Card

Creative Card Crew - No flowers

Love Letters

2011-03-10T23:34:00.000Z

Today's card was inspired by a card I saw yesterday on Sarah-Jane's blog , I just love making my own flowers & am always looking for different ways to use my Stampin' Up! punches so just had to have a go at this beautiful rose. It's made using the Fancy Flower punch (118073) & Love Letters Designer Papers (117162). . . . gorgeous!!

Here is the link to the tutorial for the rose done by Catherine. I particularly like her tip for keeping the roses upright while drying!! very clever.

I've used Real Red (106578) cardstock & Love Letters Designer Paper (117162).

I've made the corners at the bottom right hand side using the Eyelet Border punch (119853) in two layers. The ribbon is Real Red (119251) & finished off with a little bit of bling using Basic Rhinestones (119246).

'MUM' has been stamped in Real Red Basic Ink (103133) onto Whisper White card (106549) & then cut out & mounted on Very Vanilla cardstock (106550). I've rounded the corners of this using the Eyelet Border Punch (119853).

I think I will have to make a box for this card as the rose stands very high off the card but it is a gorgeous embellishment & so easy to make.

Party This Way - So many ways

2011-03-09T10:55:00.001Z

I wanted to show you today how versatile the Party This Way stamp set is by using it in three different colourways.

The first card is using Real Red (106578) & Bashful Blue (106565) cardstock and Celebrations Designer Papers (117164). I've cut a tiny strip on Real Red card on the guillotine to use as a thread for the bunting.

The next is using Chocolate Chip (108599) & Crumb Cake (121685) & again a tiny strand of the Chocolate Chip as string. I've stamped the balloon background in Crumb Cake Basic Ink (121030) & the bunting & sentiment are stamped in Bravo Burgundy (105214) onto Very Vanilla cardstock (106550).

And last but not least, my favorite of the three.

Rose Red (108613) & Pretty In Pink (106568) cardstock with Melon Mambo Designer Paper from the Brights paper stack (117155).

The bunting has been stamped with Regal Rose Basic Ink (105211) onto Whisper White cardstock (106549) & finished off with the very sparkly Basic Rhinestones (119246). The flowers have been punched using the smallest flower from the Boho Blossoms punch (119858) & a little Basic Pearl (119247) in the middle. The sentiment is from the Level 3 Hostess set Occasional Quotes which is a fabulous stamp set.

The lettering on all three cards has been stamped using the Just Perfect Alphabet (115358) perfectly aligned with my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) a must have tool in any stampers arsenal!!

If you would like to order any Stampin' Up! products or need to know anything about Stampin' Up! please do not hesitate to get in touch.

I'm entering the 'Mum' card in the challenge at Cupcake Craft Challenge - Pink Polkadots & ABC Challenge - P is for Pearls

Just For You

2011-02-24T12:41:00.000Z

Shazza, one of my Stampin' Up! 'sisters' is not very well at the moment so I've made her this card to let her know I'm thinking about her. We both signed up as Demonstrators in January so are both frantically trying to build up a samples board so hopefully this will be one she can use.

I've used Melon Mambo (119980) & WhisperWhite (106549) cardstock & Melon Mambo Designer Paper (117155) from the paper stack (this is such great value for money!!)

I've made the flower using a strip of Melon Mambo paper punched down one side with the Eyelet Border punch (119853) & then run through the paper crimper (101618). I've them mounted the large & small flowers from the Vintage Vogue stamp set (117690) stamped in Melon Mambo (115656) & Rich Razzleberry (102277). The leavers are from the same set and are stamped using Old Olive (102277). The sentiment is from the Just Believe stamp set (116948) and is stamped in Old Olive (102277) and punched out using the Word Window punch (119857) then mounted on a tab made using the Scallop Trim Corner punch (118870).

I really like how this card has turned out so am off to make another one for my sample board!!.

Thanks for looking.

Down at the bottom of my garden . . . . . . . .lives

2011-02-23T00:28:00.000Z

Here is my DT card for this weeks challenge over at Crafty Creations which is

Down at the bottom of my garden. . . . lives??,

your chance to let you fantasies run free!!

I've used a lovely fairy image & have used the 'out of bounds' technique but went a little bit wrong on the right hand side!! that'll teach me to slow down a bit.

I've mounted the computer printed sentiment on acetate so that it stands off the card which I've tried to show in this photo.

The flower is made using 2 of the flowers punched with the Five Petal SU punch & a rose in the centre. The ribbon is from my stash.

Thanks for looking.

A Bliss-ful Weekend - My First Workshop

2011-02-22T11:50:00.000Z

I had my first Stampin' Up! Workshop at home on Saturday & when I woke up & saw the snow on Saturday morning, I'll be honest, I could have cried!!! Lucky for me the majority of people coming lived locally but even the 3 living further afield braved the snow in the name of crafting!!!

I was really nervous as to whether I would remember all the things I needed to tell the ladies as none of them had heard of Stampin' Up! before so everything was completely new.

On the advise of my lovely Stampin' Up! mum Jules I decided to demonstrate a scrapbook page using the beautiful Bliss set which is free with a spend of £45 or over until 28th February (not long left to get this beauty!!). I haven't done a scrapbook page before & apart from preparing the card & paper mats I was going to use the rest was done on a wing & a prayer lol!!

I've used a 12 x 12 sheet of Blushing Bride paper from the In Color Designer Paper Stack (119799) a mat of Pear Pizzazz paper from the same pack & a mat of Concord Crush cardstock from the In Color Card Pack (121701).

I've stamped the lovely big flourish from the Bliss set using the Pear Pizzazz Classic In Pad (119784). The page is finished off with ruffled 5/8" Organza Ribbon (114319) & journaling with a Stampin Write Marker from the In Color set of 5 markers (119801) in Pear Pizzazz on a tab punched using the Modern Label Extra-Large punch (119849). Some lovely little butterflies from the Bliss set stamped in Rich Razzleberry (115658) & little Basic Pearls (119247) to give that elegant touch. The Bliss wording has been stamped in Rich Razzleberry (115658) over the flourish stamped in Blushing Bride (119786) & punched out using the Full Heart Extra-Large punch (119883)

The whole page came together really well & I'm really pleased with the finished sample. It certainly helped to 'sell' the Bliss set & most of the ladies chose this as their free set after purchasing over £45 (before p&p) from the catalogue.

They all went on to make a 'make & take' I demonstrated & were all delighted with their stamping skills. All in all a very good workshop & a great start to my Stampin' Up! career as I also took a booking for another workshop. I managed to achieve a 'Level 3 Hostess Gift' & chose the Occasional Quotes & £60 in free goodies from the catalogue, the great thing about being the Demonstrator & Hostess for the workshop.

If you want to purchase anything from the catalogue or are interested in anything to do with Stampin' Up! then please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thanks for looking.

I'm entering this is the following challenges

ABC Challenge - Old Fashioned (I think the flourish & Bliss give this a vintage feel)

Incy Wincy Designs - Use punches

My Time To Craft - Hats (Johns top hat is in the picture!!)

Party This Way!!

2011-02-14T23:26:00.000Z

Here is another project I've made to display at my first workshop on Saturday. I've used the template for the little gift bag I made in an earlier post but have adapted it to fit smaller 4 x 4 cards.

I've also made a selection of little cards to go in it all using the Stampin' Up! Party This Way stamp set & Celebrations Designer Papers.
For the string on the balloons I've cut some Crumb Cake card into very thin strips & attached it to the balloons.

I love this bunting stamp & used with the Just Perfect Alphabet stamp set you could write any message.

For this card I've cut some really this strips of Real Red card on the guillotine & threaded it through the bunting to look like string.

There's that Crumb Cake string again lol!!

and again!!!

Stampin' Up! products used

Stamp Set - Party This Way 118744 page 31 - Just Perfect Alphabet115358 page 77

Designer Paper - Celebrations 117164 page 89
Ink - Pacific Point 111837 page 82 - Real Red 103133 page 82 - Pear Pizzazz 119784 page 81

Cardstock - Whisper White 106549 page 85 - Pear Pizzazz 121693 page 81 - Real Red 106578 page 82 Bashful Blue 106565 page 83 - Crumb Cake 121685 page 85
Ribbon - Real Red Taffeta 3mm 119251 page 96
Accessories - Silver Brads 104336 page 98
Tools - Word Window Punch 119857 - Modern Label Punch 119849 - Scallop Trim Border 118402 - page 104/105 - 1/2" Circle Small 119869 page 106

Thanks for looking.

Those yummy colours again

2011-02-12T08:49:00.000Z

When I was asked for a Thankyou card for a 'retiring' governor at school I knew it had to be the Bliss stamp set & Rich Razzleberry & Old Olive colour scheme. I promise my next project will feature different Stampin' Up! designer papers lol!!

I've used the Just Perfect Alphabet set & stamped the 'Thankyou' directly onto the Designer Paper using my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig!! an invaluable tool if you want to get your sentiments & lettering straight.

I've created a background for the butterflys on Very Vanilla cardstock using Old Olive & Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pads.

The cute little butterflys are stamped in Rich Razzleberry & finished with little Basic Pearls.

Stampin' Up! products used

Stamp Set - Bliss from the sale-a-bration offer - Just Perfect Alphabet 115358 page 77
Card Stock - Rich Razzleberry 119981 page 82

Ink - Old Olive 102277 page 82 - Rich Razzleberry 115658 page 82
Designer Papers - Brights Paper Stack 117155 page 91
Ribbon - Rich Razzleberry Satin 119752 page 96
Accessories - Basic Pearls 119247 page 99
Tools - Stamp-a-ma-jig 101049 page 107 - Scallop Trim Border punch 118402 page 104/105

Thanks for looking & for any comments you leave, I do appreciate it.

Todays Offering

2011-02-10T08:00:00.001Z

I was really disappointed to miss the recent all day Stampin' Up! training run by my upline Jules but when I called around last week she gave me a template of one of the projects they'd made, a lovely little gift bag.

I've gone one step further & made some 5' x 5' cards to go in the bag all using the same colour scheme & the Vintage Vogue stamp set.

The colours are Old Olive & Rich Razzleberry which I think go really well together & are so rich looking.

Stampin' Up! products used.

Stamp Set - Vintage Vogue 117690 page 62
Card Stock - Old Olive 106576 page 82 - Rich Razzleberry 119981 page 82
Ink - Old Olive 102277 page 82 - Rich Razzleberry 115658 page 82
Designer Papers - Brights Paper Stack 117155 page 91
Ribbon - Rich Razzleberry Satin 119752 page 96
Accessories - Silver Brads 104336 page 98 - Basic Pearls 119247 page 99
Tools - Scallop Trim Border punch 118402 - Scallop Trim Corner punch 118870 - Boho Blosson 119858 - Eyelet Border punch 119853 all page 104/105

Thanks for looking

Crafty Creations Challenge 105 - Three Little Words

2011-02-09T10:40:00.000Z

A great challenge this week over at Crafty Creations - Three Little Words

The Cheers To You stamp set was one of the first sets I bought from Stampin' Up! but I'm guilty of not using it nearly as much as I should do!! It's so versatile & also has two little champagne glasses & a beer glass so can be used for so many cards.

I've coloured the images using a mixture of Stampin' Up! markers & Classic Ink Pads using the Blender Pen. The Blender Pen came in my Demonstrators pack & is a tool I've not used before but after a lesson from Jules, my Stampin' Up! 'mum', I was away & it is definately now on my list of must have Stampin' Up! tools!

This card is a case of a card made by Jules but as the motto for all Stampin' Up Demonstrators is 'Share What You Love' we are encouraged to 'case, case, case' & it certainly increases to pool of ideas & projects we can all use.

I've listed below the Stampin' Up! products used. Thanks for looking.

Stamps - Cheers To You 111037 page 32
Cardstock - Rich Razzleberry 119981 page 82 - Pumpkin Pie 108601 page 82 - Whisper White 106549 page 85
Paper - Brights Designer Series 117155 page 91
Inks Pads - Black 101179 page 85 - Rich Razzleberry 115658 page 82 - Pumpkin Pie 105216 page 82 - Old Olive 102277 page 82
Markers - Daffodil Delight 119677 page 82
Ribbon - Rich Razzleberry Satin 119752 page 82
Accessories - Basic Rhinestones 119246 page 99
Tools - Blender Pen 102845 page 102 - Scallop Edge Border 119882 page 104/105

I'm entering this in the following challenges

Craft Your Passion - Anything goes
Fab'n'Funky - Texture (ribbon)

Great Stamp Set

2011-01-27T20:37:00.000Z

When I ordered my Demonstrator Starter Kit I could chose from all the Stampin' Up! sets so I was like a kid in a candy store & already having some of the stamp sets made choosing even harder!!

I took the advice of my upline Jules & ordered the Schoolbook Serif Alphabet stamp set & am so glad I did.

I had a last minute text yesterday for this card & usually I would computer print the name on the front of the card but thought I'd use my new stamps. Using my Stamp-a-ma-jig (an invaluable tool for stamping sentiments etc) made lining up the letter easy peasy!! & I'm really pleased with the result & so was my customer especially as (unbeknown to me) her niece has red hair lol!! perfect.

The flowers are made by punching out the middle size flower from the Boho Blossoms punch (this is a great punch as you get three diferent flowrs from the same punch) & the border on the nameplate is made using the Scallop Border Punch.

SU products & catalogue page
Stamps - Schoolbook Serif Alphabet - page 77
Cardstock - Rose Red - page 82
Ink - Rose Red - page 82
Tools - Stamp-a-ma-jig - page 107 & Scallop Border Punch - page 105, Boho Blossoms Punch - page 105

Thanks for looking

Another week another challenge

2011-01-26T00:21:00.000Z

This weeks challenge over at Crafty Creations is to heat it up!!

I've gone for the beverage option & chosen yummy (hot) chocolate colours.

I've used Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip cardstock & retired Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon.

The stamp set is a freebie if you spend over £45 during Sale-a-Bration (contact me for details) & I absolutely love the elegance & versatility of this stamp set.

I've punched the corners of the Very Vanilla cardstock using the Stampin' Up! scalloped corner punch & the bottom using the scalloped border punch. I've finished off with some adhesive pearls on the butterfly & flourish. The sentiment is from the Because I Care stamp set which is a one of the choices of hostess gifts if you host a workshop & take over £150 in sales (contact me for details).

What's in the box?????

2011-01-19T10:30:00.001Z

Here's a big clue!!

After 2 years of using Stampin' Up! products I've finally taken the plunge & become a demo!! I absolutely love all things Stampin' Up! and have promoted the products amongst fellow crafters (a lovely group of ladies I meet on a Friday) for quite a while now.

I have always bought my goodies from my lovely friend Jules, who is now my upline (Stampin' Up! Mum!!), but thought it was about time I put my knowledge to the test & start to run my own workshops & of course gain from the many incentives that Stampin' Up! offer to it's demonstrators.

Now is one of the best times to join as a demo as not only do you get the Starter Kit valued at more than £230 for the bargain price of £119, during 'sale-a-bration' which runs to 28th February 2011 (click on the link on my sidebar to view all the sale-a-bration offers) you also get to choose an extra stamp set valued up to £44.95!!. Now I love a bargain as much as I love Stampin' Up! products so becoming a demo was my late Christmas present to myself lol!!

And here are my goodies

and there's more!!!

So I spent last night watching TV & mounting all my lovely new stamps so today I'm ready to rumble!! & start making some workshop samples! Exciting times!!

So, if you live in the Leeds/West Yorkshire area and would like to book a workshop, order Stampin' Up! products or just want to know more about Stampin' Up! please contact me here.

The winner of the Kenny K digis . . . . . . .

2011-01-19T10:04:00.000Z

. . . . . .I do apologise for being so late in letting you know the winner of the two Kenny K Design digis from the Crafty Creations blog hop!!

The winner was number 6 which is

Lisa Jane

well done hunny!!! Please contact me here to claim your prize.

Old Meets New.

2011-01-18T16:28:00.000Z

Don't you just love the detail on these stamps??!!

The flower is from the 'Because I Care' stamp set which is one of the hostess choices from Stampin' Up! & the pretty butterfly is from the Bliss set which is currently free if you spend over £45 (excluding postage) with Stampin' Up! as part of Sale-a-Bration. If you would like to know more about these offers or anything to do with Stampin' Up! please drop me an email - my email link can be found by viewing my profile.

I'm trying to use up some of my retired Stampin' Up! stash to make room for some yummy new goodies!!

I've used Rose Red from Stampin' Up! on the card as follows :

Cardstock (current)

Ink (current)

Stitched ribbon (retired)

Designer Paper (retired but now available in new designs)

I've have also used the Scalloped Corner & Scalloped Border punches from Stampin' Up! (I think these are my favorite punches at the moment!!)

The sentiment is computer printed & punched with the Large Label punch from Stampin' Up! The pearls & staples are from my stash.

I am entering this card in the following challenges

Cute Card Thursday - Monocrome

Papertake Weekly - Ribbon & Pearls

Stamp Something - Anything goes

Totally Papercrafts - Happy Birthday

Thanks for looking.

Crafty Creations Challenge 101 - New Beginnings

2011-01-12T00:01:00.000Z

Well my New Years Resolution started well but something stepped in last Thursday that sent my focus off in a different direction & although it's craft related it didn't give me much time to blog every day as I'd intended. All will be revealed shortly. Exciting times ahead - hopefully!!

It's my turn to set the challenge this week at Crafty Creations & when I thought of the challenge a few weeks ago I thought I was being very original but it seems quite a few challenges at the moment have the same theme!

New Beginnings

Now this could be many things, just use your imagination!!

We are being sponsored this week by my friend Janet at Pink Gem Designs who is offering 4 digis as a prize to one randomly drawn entry.

I've used one of Janet's digis for my card this week & how cute is this little guy?!

I've coloured him using copics & cut out using Nestabilities Circle & Scallop circle dies. The cardstock is Stampin' Up! & the paper is from Dovecraft.

The cute little tags have been punched using the Stampin' Up! Tag Punch & the sentiment is computer printed & punched using the Stampin' Up! Word Window punch & the Large Label punch.

A bit of bling & some itty bitty feet from my stash & some cute little romper suits cut on the Cricut & job done!

Thanks for looking.

The Diet Starts Here

2011-01-05T16:24:00.001Z

As soon as I saw this Mo Manning digi I thought OMG that's me!! & from reading her Facebook page I'm not on my own. How many of us get on the scales regularly & pray that we've got away with that 'very large' bar of chocolate or that yummy Danish, or both!!

Well this is my year to change all that (I'm sure I said that at the beginning of 2010!! (& 2009!!)) & this time I mean business. As the saying on the calendar goes

& I've certainly tried one more time . . . . . . . time & time again lol!!

This was a total contrast to my last project & I loved making it.

I've followed the sketch at Wild Orchid Crafts.

The papers & cardstock are once again from Stampin Up. The lace & ribbon are from my stash as are the pearls. The flowers are punched using the Marianne Creatables punch & emboss & finished off with more pearls. The mini calendars are from the Anita's range.

I'm entering this in the following challenges

Wild Orchid Challenges - Sketch followed on top part of calendar

Craft Your Passion - Anything goes

One Stop Craft Challenge - New Beginnings (starting a diet :-) )

Papertake Weekly - Anything goes - with lace

Simon Says Challenge - New Beginnings (the diet again!!)

Thanks for looking.

What a Faff !!

2011-01-03T13:08:00.001Z

You know when you start a card & just go with the flow when you're making it & it's a nice easy card & you want to make it again & again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . well this definitely isn't one of those cards!!!

I wanted to have a go at a window style card but this was the only image I had that would look right being split into pieces - that was the easy bit - the layering of the 'window' panels was the hard part, trying to get them all to look even!!

Then I decided to do a ribbon ruffle across the middle which is easy peasy - if you don't want the two sides to match - but if you want the ruffles to run in opposite directions it's not so easy & trying to hide the doublesided tape!! - I came pretty close to throwing this one I can tell you!!

The cardstock & DP are all from Stampin Up as is the ribbon.

I'd already made the little ribbon flower & these felt flower pieces from Stampin Up (discontinued) were perfect to finish it off.

A bit of bling in the corners & a 'thanks' sentiment cut on the cuttlebug & job done!! . . . . . . . . . but never again lol!!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges

Phindy's Place - Give thanks

Cute Card Thursday - Thank you

Papertake Weekly - Be thankful

Allsorts Challenge - Thankyou

C.R.A.F.T Challenge - Thankyou

Thanks for looking

Sparkly Birthday Card

2011-01-02T15:36:00.000Z

My Crafting New Years Resolution is to post more often on my blog. Now I was going to challenge myself to post every day but for me that's totally unrealistic so just for starters I'll try for more often than once a week!! now that shouldn't be hard . . . . . . . should it??

In my first challenge for 2011 I've chosen to use the sketch over at The Sugar Bowl which is to celebrate their 2nd birthday & two lucky winners can win some fab prizes.

I've used the super cute Dress Up Maggie which is still one of my favorite Sugar Nellie images. I've coloured her using copics & have blinged her up with stickles for her boa & gold liquid pearls for her necklace.

The cardstock is Bazzill Basics (I have loads of this & am determined to use it up) & the paper is from Dovecraft. I didn't want to cover the paper so have used a small glitter oval as the backdrop & the squares in the DP as part of the sketch.

The tiny pink pearls, ribbon & pom pom thread are from my stash & I've made the little ribbon flower from a roll end of ribbon.

I saw the little sentiment banner on Debby's blog & thought it would suit this card perfectly.

I'm also entering this card in the following challenges

Stamp Something - Glitter

Totally Papercraft - Time to party

Creative Card Crew - Birthdays at Christmas

Moving Along With The Times - Birthday & circles

Thanks for looking.