KM Designs

and the winner is....

2012-02-10T12:23:00.001+11:00

Syd-ney!

sorry couldn't resist - isn't it funny how certain things stick in your head. Did this one stick in yours too? When Juan Antonio Samaranch announced Sydney had won the 2000 Olympics - it became a bit of a catch cry for our town - and is forever stuck in my head whenever anyone says "and the winner is..."anyway I digress and you have probably already skipped over this part of my ridiculous rambling straight to find out that the Letterbox Love challenge winner was......

EVERYONE!

I was so impressed by everyone efforts that I do have a little "Packet of Love" to send back to everyone who was a part of it. What is love unless it's shared hey!

Though I did also choose one to get an extra special prize and that goes to

Larissa!

I have lots of nieces and nephews - 20 to be precise and 14 of them are boys so making 'boy cards' is a challenge that I face often and I really appreciated Larissa's take on this. I think this card could suit girl or boy being purple because purple rocks!

Watch out Gini, Erika, Naomi, Sarah, Maureen and Larissa for a bit of Letterbox Love coming your way soon!

(Hopefully much sooner than it took me to do this!!!)

Letterbox Love Challenge Final Entrants

2012-02-10T09:58:00.002+11:00

Oh dear it has taken me so long to get to this I really do apologise but life has had other plans for me over the past few months and my blogging has given way to them! More on that later.

Now to the final entrants on my Letterbox Love Challenge.

This lovely one one is from Erika.

I love how she uses the two colours of patterned paper by cutting on the diagonal, balancing the chocolate highlights and matching the little bow on the digonal - how cute!

and this gorgeous one from Naomi.

I love the colour combo and the butterflies from Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die. This photo doesn't show the lovely shimmery highlighting she has done on the butterflies or the strip of patterned paper on the inside which the punched bottom strip reveals.

and this sweet one from Maureen.

I love the innovative use of the bauble punch to make it a vase and the cute little ribbon tag on the bottom of the Hodgepodge hardware frame.

So you can see it wasn't easy to choose a winner.

It' been very lovely having these card decorating my home for the past few months! My next Post will reveal who I've chose to win my Letterbox Love Challenge.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-19T23:18:00.001+11:00

Well it has been ages and I apologise but I've been back teaching 3 or 4 days a week suddenly and so many others things have been going on including MIL's 70th, Mary Poppins, Parramatta College course and all the regular family stuff that I have much to tell just not the time to tell it! Hopefully after Christmas when things calm down I will. Plus I'll get back to the Letterbox love Challenges that I have not forgotten about but got a fantastic prize for the winner of!

In the meantime this is my favourite card this year. I love the Big Shot it makes this card extra special and it's so easy to do. I'm loving the freshness of the pink/green combo as a change from green/red. Hope you like it too. In case I don't get back here before Christmas I wish you and your loved ones a very blessed Christmas and New year and hope to see you in 2012.

from my family to yours

December Frenzy up to 50% OFF!

2011-12-05T22:31:00.000+11:00

Click here to see deals

November Promo - Big Shot Bundle and 10% off selected dies

2011-11-01T07:13:00.001+11:00

This month promtion is 10% off selected dies and a Big Shot bundle offer.

Click this link to see which dies.

Email me to place your order.

Letterbox Love 3: Sarah

2011-10-21T14:40:00.000+11:00

Today's Letterbox Love Challenge card comes from Sarah who has just joined SU! - YAY Sarah! I'll post a link to her blog when she gets one going.

Sarah chose the new Calypso Coral InColor to use and teamed it with black and white which makes for a very striking design.

Please leave some comment love for Sarah!

Letterbox Love 2: Gini

2011-10-19T16:58:00.000+11:00

Today's Letterbox Love Challenge comes from Gini.

She has used the new InColor Lucky Limeade some of the new Hostess DS Paper and some retired DS paper.

Please leave some comment love for Gini!

Letterbox Love Challenge Larissa's card

2011-10-14T16:18:00.000+11:00

Happy Birthday Grunge Rock by Larissa

At my new catalogue launch I set a challenge for any of the attendees to participate in if they wished.

The challenge was to use one of the new InColors with a piece of patterned paper I gave them to choose from and some white and then add anything else they wished.

Many of the girls accepted the challenge so my letterbox has received some love these past few weeks and here is the first of the cards I received to show you!

This great card is by Larissa.

How to pick a winner - it's going to be hard I may need your help!

(If I can work out how to do that!)

Please feel free to leave a comment here and now so Larissa feels the love too!

Letterbox Love Challenges coming soon!

2011-10-11T14:44:00.001+11:00

October Promotion

2011-10-01T07:46:00.000+10:00

This month you can prepurchase this gorgeous coordinating stamp set and Punch that will be in the upcoming mini catalogue OR you can earn it FREE!

See the stamp set and punch here

Host a workshop that reaches $450 in sales and it's yours!

Contact me now to book a workshop.

We Dig You Joshie

2011-09-30T18:43:00.001+10:00

My Joshie turned 2 today and being obsessed with trucks, cars, diggers, trucks, diggers,cars... this set was the perfect choice for his card. My effort was rewarded when he exclaimed "BIG DIGGER!!!" upon seeing it.

You may notice the new Textured Impression Folder Houndstooth on there as well as the No 2 from the Simple Numbers Bigz Die.

Colours: Marina Mist, Real Red, Not Quite Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Daffodil Delight, Whisper white & Basic Black
Here he is playing with his favourite present from this morning - a new Cars 2 car - hasn't left his hand all day - even during the Smurfs movie!

Button Buddies

2011-09-28T13:41:00.000+10:00

is such a cute set and oh my goodness I think it is the easiest stamp set I've ever used.

I admit I just copied straight from the IB&C and made this cute set of notecards.

The images stamp up beautifully and are matched so well with the buttons in the packs on p141 it's almost too easy!

How cute for a baby card. I just added the sentiments from Teeny Tiny Sentiments.

What a sweet card to show someone you care and flowers that last forever!!!!

The pig is probably my favourite!

and these cherries look juicy enough to eat!

The flower I used in my launch is also in the set so it's a very versatile set and will get well used.

stamps & scrap for the boys

2011-09-26T13:39:00.001+10:00

My boys chose these stamp sets and I've already used both - one for a card for my nephew and the other for my littlest's birthday invites. This DS paper 'Well Worn' is perfect for boys and I can see it being used over and over. It has really masculine patterns and colours and I think is suitable for a huge range of ages. Here's a closer look....

Then I was inspired to get busy with some scrapbooking so got two kits and shared them with a friend as you get so much in one kit it's easy to split in two. This one is Country Club and while it's not obviously "boy" I think it will lend itself nicely to the males in my life!

Then there's Party Animal - it's certainly bright and great fo the younger men in my life. I'm really looking forward to getting some pages done quickly with these kits!

Pocketful of Posies and other girly things!

2011-09-24T13:42:00.000+10:00

This is the DS papers that really impressed me the most. How beautiful are these 6 designs? And on the back are another 6 lovely patterns versatile for both male and female cards or pages. I'm so inspired to make beautiful layouts with these I can't bear the thought of cutting them up so I just have to search my picture library for the perfect photos to match each page. There will hardly be any work to do to get the layout looking great with a back ground like these ones!

These are some other supplies I got that inspire me to be quite girly. I'm not really a girly-girl and having 4 other boys in the house there's not a lot of girly stuff going on here often, that's why I love having classes and balancing the girl quotient in our home!

This paper is the hostess paper Cheerful Treat - I think the word for it truly can only be 'pretty' and these stamp sets will work well with these designs. I have here 'Four Frames', a Hostess set 'Precious Butterflies' and another Hostess Set 'Happiest Birthday Wishes'. So much inspiration now to find the time to do it!

New supplies

2011-09-22T21:51:00.000+10:00

My supplies from the new catty arrived the other week and I've been drooling and setting up and having fun playing in the limited time I've had recently. As you can see I got a few of the papers and they are what prompted me to show you these on my blog. In the catalogue and probably on here the picture don't do the DS papers justice.When I got them I was so impressed with them I had to lay them out and admire the designs in full. So over the coming days I'll show a bit closer up what they look like and what I've decided will work well together to get my creative brain working.

New Catalogue Launch

2011-09-15T22:48:00.001+10:00

At the start of the month I had a launch party for the new catalogue and it was a lovely evening with a great bunch of ladies who all love Stampin' Up!'s products and enjoy having a laugh, a chat and a good craft session.

I had these lovely bags (photo to come) made up using the new Designer Series Paper Cheerful Treat that you can only get with Hostess Dollars - isn't it pretty! I used the flower from the Button Buddies stamp set. It stamps up so beautifully and being able to punch it out with the scallop circle punch make it so easy to use.

I'd prepared 2 make and takes to do.

One using the gorgous A La Carte stamp "Something for Christmas" p 15 $19.95. Such a lovely image - I am a bit partial for ornaments! It's so easy to make a really lovely card with this stamp. Just a grab a few markers and away you go.

The other was using the Button Buddies set and the flower to make a little notecard. If you cut an A4 sheet into 3 at 9.9cm this is the size you get. I thought it would be nice for my guests to make a card that matches the bag they got so if they wish to use the bag to give a gift they have a card to go with it!

Another thing on the "To Do" list was collect cardstock and patterned paper to enter a challenge and I've had cards filling my letterbox already so look out for posts of those over the coming days.

Everyone left with a year full of special offers, their lovely creations, their copy of the new catalogue to drool over, a challenge idea on their mind and a smile on their face. It was a really enjoyable night.

Join at a FANTASTIC price!

2011-09-02T12:19:00.001+10:00

PROMOTIONS

Stampin' Up! have announced the best offer I've seen yet to join in the fun of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Get this mini kit (worth over $310) for only $169 AND get all the fantastic advantages of being a Demonstrator.

Even if you don't want to do all the things a demonstrator can do (like run workshops or sell to other people) but just want direct access to SU! and a 20% discount - it is worth investigating! You no longer need an ABN to join so it's easier than ever.

This offer is only for September.

If you're after a bit more than this offers then you can get the Regular Starter Kit at 20% OFF.

That's over $690 worth for only $231.20!!!

Stampin' Up!'s 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue

2011-09-02T11:09:00.001+10:00

The new Stampin' Up! 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue is here! Those coming to my launch tonight will get their copy then but if you aren't and want copy email me. You can pick up from me for $10 or I can mail it to you for $15. It comes with a voucher from me worth $10!

Click on the picture to view the catalogue online.

get in quick!

2011-08-09T21:10:00.000+10:00

these are now gone too...

Sanded
Full Calendar

Bashful Blue 12x12 cardstock
Early Espresso 12x12 cardstock

Spiral Punch
Photo Corner Punch
Star Punch
1 3/8 x 5/8 Oval Punch

SO if there is something you've got your eye don't be disappointed get in quick.

Going Going....

2011-08-04T13:16:00.001+10:00

Gone! already!!!!

Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets
Metallic Eyelets
Pewter Jumbo Eyelets

Get in quick if you don't want to be disappointed.

retirement list - wahoo!

2011-08-02T21:55:00.002+10:00

Yes the excitement is here!!! The retirement list is available and yes there are some fantastic bargains on it! As always it's best to get in quick as you can never tell which items are going to go faster that you can say "I love SU!"

Some of the highlights to look out for:

40% off:
Gifted (page 21) is now $29.97 (wood) or $23.97 (clear)
On a Pedestal (page 33) is now $20.97 (wood)
Hello, You (page 133) is now $11.97 (wood)

....and 25% off 22 other sets!!!

25% off Fresh Cut Notes (page 123) so now only $13.13 a packet

40% off Jolly Holiday DSP so at $10.17 for a pack of 12 sheets it's perfect for a head start on your Christmas cards, scrapbook pages and gift giving.

25% off Striped Ribbon in Real Red, Certainly Celery, Night of Navy and Early Espresso making it just $14.96 per roll.

40% off "Good Times" Simply Scrappin Kit (page 131) - now only $22.17!

This is the last chance to purchase New Colour Kits from the Colour Renovation (in ink pads, Markers, pastels, and Crayons) page 117 and 142. The Crayons and Pastels are 25% off!

5 Punches are Retiring. - the Spiral Punch, Designer Label Punch, Small Oval Punch, Photo Corners Punch and Star Punch (page 146-8)

15 Wheels are Retiring (page 158-9). get in quick with those!

Email me with your order as soon as possible.

FREE gift with purchase during July

2011-07-09T11:24:00.000+10:00

During July place an order of $100 and you will receive a gorgeous FREE bundle of ribbon and buttons worth $31.95.

Bundle includes:
• White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon with repeating flower designs. Approx 13.7m.
• 48 flower buttons. Sixteen each in 3 colours (Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo and Pacific Point). Approx 1.27 cm

Email me to take advantage of this offer.

colour embossing without coloured powders

2011-07-06T11:16:00.000+10:00

It's July so to get a bit of a taste of what Christmas in winter would be like here's a Christmas card.

It's a bit strange to try and feel like Christmas in winter when its been 22C here (but I'm not complaining). I was talking to my sister in London the other day and she was saying that it's 22C there too - but Summer time. The Aussie weather is pretty good really.

Anyway to the point! Coloured embossing without the coloured powder!

It's very simple really. You firstly ink your stamp on a clear Versamark pad and then onto the coloured dye ink pad then stamp it onto the paper. Sprinkle with clear embossing powder and melt the powder till shiny with a heat gun. Done!

Don't forget to clean your stamp before changing colours as because you've inked it in Versamark first it will look pretty clean after you've stamped it but still needs to be cleaned.

Oh and Happy Christmas in July! :)

faux tearing butterfly

2011-06-21T11:43:00.000+10:00

This is a case of a card my Team leader Marelle made a few years ago for the Stitches N Craft show at Rosehill. We were demoing Faux Tearing.

It translated well with this beautiful Strength and Hope stamp set.

The set is a fundraiser for Breast Cancer research worldwide however it is flexible enough to use for all sorts of purposes. The background words are very lovely for most occasions and the one word that is fairly specific to cancer which is the word "survivor" is on the right hand side of the stamp so when it's stamped on a thinner piece of card like this white piece used you can stamp it so that 'survivor' doesn't appear on the card.

To order your set of Strength and Hope email me.

embossed medallion

2011-06-18T08:05:00.004+10:00

I love this card in so many ways!

I love that it is so simple and quick to make AND it is elegant and stylish.

What I love about the Medallion stamp is it's so big and intricate that it doesn't need much else on the card. Perfect for an anniversary engagement or wedding card. I would have loved this as our wedding stationery theme.

Notice the neat bow. It's a wonderful faux bow {I can't claim invention of sadly} but it uses a little bit of ribbon and quite a few glue dots but very worth it in my opinion- not only for it's stylishness but also for it's "postability".

bunnies, reds and race cars

2011-06-16T14:44:00.001+10:00

This is going back in time ages ago but we spent some time in Bathurst over Easter and I made this little box for my niece.

Toby loves that the paws seem to push the flap down.

Couldn't resist putting a little fluffy tail inside!

The bunny is made using all SU! punches. Aint he cute?

At the time there were some beautiful changing leaves and the reds were stunning.

This row was stunning.

We also saw some races that were on at the track at Mount Panorama and were on top of the Pit Building when one of the races started, it really gave an insight into the adrenaline that must pump through the body before the lights go out to start the race. You could feel it from all the way up here!

Holiday class

2011-06-09T11:30:00.000+10:00

Goodness me it's been ridiculously long since I posted something proper! Sorry about that. Life has been a little crazy so blogging didn't make it to the top of the "to do" list. Little ones sick, and very busy with all the specials of the week, Parramatta College and workshops.

I have much to show you just haven't found the time to post it.

But first as I promised the gorgeous girls who came to my class last holidays a photo from the Cupcakes and Bunnie class.

It was really fun preparing this class as the bunny was so cute! and it was great seeing how the girls and the 4 boys who were also there personalised their cards with their creativity.

Thanks for coming - sorry it took so long to post this!!

Deals of the Week #4

2011-05-25T06:27:00.005+10:00

The last Deals of the Week for May - haven't they been great?

Here's the last of the bargains for May.

Email me with your order.

Item no. Page no. Item Reg Price Sale Price

113838 62 Right on Track Stampin' Around Wheel $11.95 $8.37

115619 68 Retro Remix Stampin Around Wheel $11.95 $8.37

119975 134 Vintage Type Rub-Ons $15.95 $11.17

118760 134 Play Date Rub-Ons $16.95 $11.87

Deal of the Week #3

2011-05-19T20:35:00.001+10:00

More fantastic specials this week on Ribbon and Brads.

Get some beautiful embellishments to add those finishing touches to your cards that really make it special!

Item No. Page No. Item Reg Price Sale Price

#119750 137 Daffodil Delight 5/8'' (1.6 cm) Satin Ribbon $16.95 $11.87

#119963 137 Certainly Celery 3/8'' (1 cm) Taffeta Ribbon $12.95 $9.07

#109112 139 Square Fire Rhinestone Brads $19.95 $13.97

#109113 139 Square Ice Rhinestone Brads $19.95 $13.97

Want $110+ to spend in the catalogue?

2011-05-17T12:26:00.002+10:00

Stampin’ Up! have just announced a fantastic promotion for hostesses from May 23rd to the end of June. Host a workshop that reaches $450 (including postage!!!) and you get an extra $70 in Hostess benefits.

That is a level 1 stamp set or paper pack and $40 regular Hostess cash plus another $70 hostess benefits = $110 Hostess benefits.

Email me to book in a workshop today!

deals of the week 2

2011-05-11T10:31:00.005+10:00

This weeks specials include some excellent specials on Dies for the Big Shot plus the new colour Pastels Kit.

Email me with your order.

115957 151 Thanks Embosslits Die $21.95 $17.56

114513 151 Sweetest Stem Embosslits Die $21.95 $17.56

113483 155 Pennant Bigz XL Die $74.95 $59.96

120963 142 Stampin Pastels New Color Kit (19) $28.50 $22.80

Deal of the Week #1

2011-05-03T14:07:00.002+10:00

Throughout May SU! are announcing

This is the first one and it's all about stamps at a great discount!

Email me to place your order before they run out of stock.

Item Description Regular Price Sale Price

121578 Tag Alongs Wood-Mount Set $31.95 $19.17

120468 More Monkey Accessories Clear-Mount Set $23.95 $14.37

121550 More Monkey Accessories Wood-Mount Set $29.95 $17.97

120003 Cottage Garden Clear-Mount Set $24.95 $14.97

119163 Cottage Garden Wood-Mount Set $32.95 $19.77

121494 Compliments to the Chef Wood-Mount Set $35.95 $21.57

If you have a catalogue:
Tag Alongs is on page 37

More Monkey Accessories is on page 59
Cottage Garden is on page 75
Compliments to the Chef is on page 98

Fox & Friends mini cards

2011-04-15T08:07:00.000+10:00

I forgot to post these ages ago when we made these.

My son helped as the Fox & Friends set really appeals to him.

These are tiny cards but perfect for gift tags.

I often leave my cards sentiment free if they aren't being made for an immediate purpose so then i can just choose one appropriate at the time, stamp it and it's right for the occasion.

Cute aren't they?

quick accents card

2011-04-13T14:12:00.001+10:00

Here is a very quick and simple card made using the quick accents and the Nursery Suite DS paper.

How cute is that bunny!!!

You can also get the bunny in the stamp set So Cute but this is just a bunny cut out of the paper.

A sweet new baby card I think! Or even an Easter Card?

So it's not just for scrapbookers.

Nursery Suite Accents

2011-04-10T11:27:00.000+10:00

One of the things that is easy to pass over in the catalogue is the Quick Accents. This hte the Nursery Suite one. Its' 2 12" pages of thick stickers. It's perfect to share with a friend especialy if they only have girls and you only have boys!

Chopped up you really get an idea of how much comes in those two sheets!

Here is a closer view of what we each got.

I shall have to come back with the projects I've made with these soon.

Never Ending Card

2011-04-05T11:20:00.000+10:00

These cards are amazing - they are actually very simple in design

- it's hard to believe how simple until you've done it really!

But they take time to decorate as there are so many parts to cover.

I've combined my two favourite things from the big catalogue in this card.

The Elegant Soiree DS paper and the Just Believe stamp set.

Oh, and the 2 step Owl punch is just so very cute - had to use that also.

So you just keep flipping and folding til you've seen everything but then you just want to keep on flipping it.

It's good therapy!

I have a class on this running later this month Hope you can come to it.

Book in here.

Summer Mini Items still available

2011-04-03T03:44:00.000+10:00

Many of the items from the Stampin Up! Summer Mini are still available to purchase
Check here to see what is

Warning Petrol Fumes in this post

2011-04-01T13:32:00.001+11:00

I can't believe today is the first day of April- the past three months have flown. Mind you we have been rather busy -parties parties parties -so I thought a recap was in order.

Today is my spunky's hubby's birthday so the partying is far from over and with holidays to look forward to the end is not in sight - which is a good thing!

3 weeks ago was Jake's 5th birthday and he had a Buzz Lightyear party - last year it was a Woody party. It's hard to believe how long one child can love the same movie characters but I guess it is played out in the movies themselves isn't it! I do wonder what he'll do with his Woody and Buzz when he is 18 - however I'm sure they won't be in as good a condition as they were in TS3!

Here is his Spaceship cake and the birthday boy dressed in his new electronic Buzz wings, gravity belt, suit etc.

A week later we had my nephews 21st party - check how cute his cake is!

It's Dave defeating Andy Murray (our favourite tennis player)

and we celebrated my sister-in-law's 40th too.

Then last weekend it was my birthday and as our birthdays are so close we used up our frequent flyers and went to Melbourne for the day to celebrate both. We had a very early start so plenty of time to enjoy a bit of Melbourne to start with including the Haighs chocolate chop -YUM!!!

We had a great day wandering the track, we changed a F1 car tyre in a competition, saw Webber and Vettels suits from last year,

Scotty met his childhood hero

(being from Bathurst and a Ford fan growing up Dickky Johnson was a legend)

Unfortunately this was as close as I got to Jenson that day!

We really enjoyed some time together without interruptions!

SO often people are surprised when they find out I like motor sport. But I know I'm not the only girl around and I'm not as full on as some. In fact in my SU! team i know of at least 4 others who have all been to the F1 - lucky chicks! SO if you're a fan (which if you've made to the end of this post you're must be half way there!) then our team is very welcoming to fellow revheads!

Now I'd best be off to finish hubby's card and gift.

Autumn Winter Mini Catalogue is here

2011-04-01T10:59:00.000+11:00

Click on the image to go to the catalogue online

gift pack

2011-03-29T11:30:00.002+11:00

This is a gift pack I did up for my sister-in-law who'd been having some treatment and deserved some spoiling and treating herself. It was fun thinking of all the little things to send then placing them with coordinating papers and ribbons so each showed the thought and care that had gone into choosing them.

The paper is the retired Raspberry Tart DS paper. Such pretty designs. The ribbon also retired Rose Red Double stitched Ribbon and the box was one I'd been given with something else in it but fit everything nicely and was easy to post.

She loved it.

Extreme Guitar

2011-03-26T10:02:00.001+11:00

My nephew (another one - I have 18 nieces and nephews) loves guitar and I bought this stamp with him in mind so had fun making this card. I used some of the Christmas DS paper for the background and stamped "Mr Rock star" on it and embossed it with black Embossing powder. Then using the star from Season of Joy with Versamark and adding some dot and blobs here and there with the Versamarker I clear embossed it and brayered over it with Concord crush ink. Wiping away the excess revealed a rocking dude.

The alphabet die cutting set for the Big Shot gave the perfect personalised sentiment.

I really like this card and so did he which is the most important thing!

lovin' the alphabet die cut set

2011-03-24T22:02:00.001+11:00

I am loving the alphabet die cutting set for the Big Shot. It makes cards so easy to make. This is the card I made for my nephew's 21st. As usual it was finished 5 mins after were were supposed to leave for the party hence the terrible photo of it.

But the idea came from wanting to tell him what we think of him and why we are proud to be related to him. So coming up with "21 reasons why we think you're cool" was easy and quite quick to put together. Some Dotto along the cardstock makes it easy to stick letters as the excess just rubs away with the Adhesive remover.

There'll be more cards using it coming up soon.

Jenson Button winked at me today....

2011-03-23T00:29:00.001+11:00

Sorry it's been a while but life has been very full lately. Jake turned 5 and parties ensued plus my nephews 21st and my birthday next weekend it's one party after the next! But today was something just as exciting but quite different.

Yes I like motor sport - in particular Formula1. Quite unusual for a girl I know but there are more of us card making chicks who like speed than you may think. My SU! team is testament to that!

So today I headed off to Bathurst with my brother to see Jensen Button and Craig Lowndes swap cars for a few laps around the track.

It was pretty exciting to see a F1 car live for the first time and at the best track in Australia = very cool. There were plenty of people there so I was most impressed that I managed to get this

and not only that but a wink - yes it's true - (he was giving me a thumbs up at the same time as the wink but that sounds much less exciting) My hubby was most impressed that i managed to get his shirt signed by Button so didn't mind when I told him "we had quite an interlude" :)

(Does anyone else know that movie quote?)

I also managed accidentally to get this fabulous shot of two fellas with Jenson.

Their camera didn't work which they were bummed about and I didn't realise I had this one until I was walking to the car so if by some completely random chance you know these fellows point them in my blogs direction.

It was a beautiful day and was so thankful that I was able to go thanks to my sister in law and friend who picked the boys up from school and Nan who looked after Josh while were at the track.

Now I'm really looking forward to Saturday when we go to Melbourne to see all 24 cars racing around the track. Ear plugs packed!

Back with Jakey's round up party and some cards soon!

a convert

2011-03-08T12:06:00.002+11:00

A good friend who has never ventured into the land of Scrapbooking asked for some help with her idea for her family's Christmas gifts.She had found some rare photos and wanted to give them in a special format so asked for some guidance. These are her creations.

Now this is a pretty big deal really. It may not seem like it but it is quite momentous.

A lot of my closest friends don't "get " Scrapbooking. And it is often the source of much amusement to them that I do. So it was a vindication, may I just say, when the email came through along the lines of .... " I know I always bag you out about scrapbooking BUT..."

just as well I'm thick skinned and forgiving :)

I've always told them they are repressed!

I won't name her as I'm not sure she's ready to "go public" yet but she did give me permission to show them here.

SO I hope you enjoy her creations - I'm sure her Nan, Mum, Dad and sisters (and brother-in-laws:) ) all do - right Thomas!?!

monsters in the dark

2011-03-04T11:38:00.000+11:00

This card didn't quite work out as well as I had hoped but the idea is cute. Monsters eyes popping out of the darkness. I stamped the eyes from the Make-a-Monster stamp set from the big Stampin' up! catalogue in bright colours and Versamark then embossed with clear embossing powder. I also used the VersaMarker to fill in the eyes so that the whites of the eyes would show through after brayering over the entire thing with black ink and then wiping off the excess with a tissue.

For the edging i used the scallop edge border punch and punched it twice slightly adjacent to the first punch so instead of a scallop it has a more jagged "teeth " like look.

The alphabet set was Short order which is now retired but one of my must keeps.

punch bunch

2011-02-25T16:06:00.000+11:00

These are some cards we are doing tonight with Jakey's previous teachers from Kindy. I gave them a card class as a gift and they are hoping to use it as a team building exercise. Perhaps I should have chosen to do a really difficult scrap album with lots of folds and techniques to see how they worked well to deal with challenging situations.

Instead I chose these are they are such lovely images to use and fun to combine with the punches plus a few techniques involved - markers direct to rubber, omitting, punching and dry embossing with the Big Shot - always fun and impressive!

This one is definitely my favourite.

And this one came together really easily and really makes sense by accident. I thought stamping the extra owls in blushing bride would be a nice touch and then was thinking what can i use the little round stamp from punch bunch for? it was bleedingly obvious : genuine friends - the one brown owl among the shadowy friends - the shadowy owls.

BTW at the boys school today were 2 tawny frog mouth owls trying to sleep in a tree. Not sure why they were there but i reckon they might try a different tree tomorrow! They were beautiful (in their own way.)

A very simple baby card and birthday card. Such a versatile set.

NZ

2011-02-22T14:21:00.000+11:00

Just thinking of and praying for those in Christchruch who've been devastasted by the huge Earthquake there. Coverage is all over our tv's and looks terrible. May the rescuers reach those who need them quickly and there be no more aftershocks.

Dad's birthday

2011-02-22T14:17:00.003+11:00

Today would have been my Dad's 81st birthday and i can't quite believe it. I can't imagine my Dad being 81, he died only a year and half ago but still 81 sounds "old" (sorry if you are reading this and 81 or older, I'm sure you still feel young and offended by that!) it's just my Dad was really well until just before he died so I think of him as being like that which is good. For a while after he died it was hard to not remember how ill he was towards the end but that is fading now and good memories are flooding back.

How he would say silly things on the phone, like telling me Mum had just got out of the shower and wasn't dressed and she, hearing him, would say "who are you talking to?"and he would say "just the minster" {cheeky!} or the TV shows he enjoyed which I was watching last weekend on the new 7Mate channel 'JAG' great show! This card reminds me of him as the colours are quite masculine and he loved gardening {roses more so} but still i could have given him this card and he would have said "hmmm... so you need all those things to make this 'ey love?" " no.. very nice".

Happy Birthday Dad!

For the SU! fans out there - can you work out how I did the Not Quite Navy label?

There's a clue in the ingredients list - leave a comment with your guess.

I juts added this to the Just Add Ink challenge - first challenge I've done in quite a while.

As you can see I've flipped it but it seems that's okay.

Ingredients: Fast and Fabulous stamp set Hostess Level 2, Cherry Cobbler, SO Saffron, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla., Early Espresso, Top Note Die, Big Shot, Small Oval punch, Scallop Square punch, Curly Label Punch

faux bliss?

2011-02-18T16:29:00.001+11:00

What a terrible blog post title that is!!! but it kinda explains the card...

I used the Bliss stamps set - love it! in this card and the faux tearing technique so I guess I could have called the post "Tearing Faux Bliss" though that sounds worse!

Anyway I tore a piece of regular paper and placed it over the top 7/8ths of the card then stamped the flourish repetitively over the bottom. When I had filled most of the space i moved the scrap paper up slightly and using a sponge dauber sponged all over and around the edges of the card to add to the vintage feel.

The little birdy was a sweet touch and isn't that Night of Navy satin ribbon just beautiful!

It ties bows very nicely.

Here is the same card in Early Espresso and Crumb Cake really showing the faux tearing effect.

blissful butterfly

2011-02-16T10:42:00.001+11:00

One of the most popular SAB stamp sets is the Bliss set.

It has such a gorgeous flourish and butterfly.

I had a play and came up with this card.

Hope you like!

Ingredients: Baja Breeze, Earl Espresso, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Crumb Cake

new year new look

2011-02-14T12:12:00.001+11:00

so it's a new year {well it's been that way for a month and a half now so I'm sure you already knew that!} and I'm ready for a fresh look on the blog and thankfully blogger have provided it.

Hope you like it -it's still a work in progress but it's nice to have a change once in a while - not too often!

They boys have settled into school well - hooray! and have taken Valentine's chocs for their teachers - not that we do anything special usually - but as a teacher I know it's always nice to get choc from the students.

Actually I fib, we do have a small, recently begun tradition for Valentines - Aldi brought out Chocolate roses on plastic stems and heart shaped pasta a few years ago and I got them as a joke so now that's what we do! - so special!!!

Anyway, here is something special. Our close friends turned 40 last Nov within three days of each other and they had a belated party in Dec and we had this box from something we'd been given so I recycled it into a gift box for them using some retired DS paper.

The lid slides off to reveal some chocs, lollies and Gold lounge movie tickets {plus a babysitting offer} lying on a bed of straw (or whatever you call that stuff) I forgot to take a photo of the inside sorry!

Now that is what is more romantic than Valentines - seeing two people invest in their marriage every day.

Hope you are having a lovely day!

sweet heat!!!

2011-02-04T16:56:00.000+11:00

Summer this year has certainly been hot! Today my thermometer says 40.8C. I Love Summer but when you've had this for 5 days straight that's a bit much! However that is nothing compared to what we've watched in horror happen to those who've suffered greatly recently in the floods in SE Queensland, Northern NSW and Victoria and then TC Yasi. They have been through an awful lot and are going to need a lot of help to pull through the difficult past few months.

I'm so pleased to be part of a company that does it's bit to help and have compassion to those in need. Stampin' Up! have announced that for every stamp set over $30 sold $2 will go towards the Premiers Flood Appeal until Feb 15th.

Here is one of the SAB sets in action Sweet Summer -isn't it beautiful? - perfect for watercolouring which I love.

Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze, Old Olive and Tempting Turquoise and a bit of Pumpkin Pie make this color combo.

And a scalloped envelope box to go with it. I stamped the flowers and little leaf in coloured ink for a quick DIY patterned paper to go with the card.

too hard to choose from

2011-01-26T10:14:00.000+11:00

Here is a little peek at the SAB sets on offer - one free with each order of $100.

Which would you chose first?

It's hard {I know!} I just placed my order yesterday and got 3 of them and hopefully will get the other one before the promotion finishes.

Email me to get yours!

Sale-A-Bration is here!

2011-01-25T12:37:00.000+11:00

click the picture to take you to the webpage or email me for a copy of the SAB catalgoue.

a lovely break

2011-01-24T20:51:00.000+11:00

Just popping in to say no I haven't disappeared but instead have been enjoying a lovely break from all regular things including this blog - apologies if you have been coming hoping for new posts.
We have been enjoying time at the beach, in the harbour, with family and friends and lots of swimming - I feel like I've had a real Summer this year!
I will be back soon - School is in in one week but who's counting?
I already have a few things lined up to show so do keep coming back and with SAB starting tomorrow its a great time of year for Stampin' Up!

Dianne's drawers

2010-12-15T09:38:00.002+11:00

This was the gift I made for my Secret 'Santee'.

In the 'Naughty' drawer was Hershey Kisses chocolates and in the 'Nice' drawer some lovely embellishments from the new Summer mini catalogue. In the 'Sparkly and Bright' drawer was crochet trim and glitter in little pots.There was another part with patterned papers and Rafaello white chocolates.
I found the tutorial for these drawers on Splitcoast Stampers - such a great resource.

Welcome Christmas

2010-12-06T12:53:00.001+11:00

Last week was fun for stampings sake.

We had our annual Christmas Party for our Stampin' Up! team. You can choose to participate in a Secret Santa gift giving thing or not and I did so the first thing was to send a Christmas Card to the person you've been given - can you call them a Secret Santee?

I decided to use the Welcome Christmas stamp set as it's so beautiful. I love the silhouette images and thought it's like looking in through a window and peeking at another family sharing a special moment - perhaps it's the voyeurist in me!

SO that's where the inspiration for this card came from. It took quite a while and my first feedback was from hubby 'wow that's busy!' - gee thanks!

and it's quite outside my usual style but I am quite happy with it.

I'll be back later with the gift I made.

December frenzy is on now!

2010-12-01T10:06:00.000+11:00

Stampin' Up! have announced some fantastic specials for this month.Some wonderful stocking stuffers and bigger gifts too - things that maybe you've had your eye on for a while that at these prices are hard to resist!!

Item Page Description Retail Price   Sale Price
STAMPS
119181 39 A Little Treat Wood-Mount Stamp Set $21.95 $10.98
120018 39 A Little Treat Clear-Mount Stamp Set $15.95 $7.98
119189   40  Tote-Ally Tess Wood-Mount Stamp Set   $37.95   $26.57
111255   43 Daisy Dash Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel $15.95 $9.57
121482   56   Baby Bundle Wood-Mount Stamp Set   $49.95 $34.97
119161   72   Autumn Days Wood-Mount Stamp Set $38.95   $19.48
120012   77   Pendant Park Clear-Mount Stamp Set   $27.95   $13.98
113031   88   Tart & Tangy Wood-Mount Stamp Set   $21.95   $15.37
115806   91   Fresh Cuts Wood-Mount Stamp Set   $38.95   $27.27
115946   102   Wonderful Favorites Wood-Mount Stamp Set   $39.95   $23.97
119167   104   Heard from the Heart Wood-Mount Stamp Set   $38.95   $23.37
119185   105   Teeny Tiny Sentiments Wood-Mount Stamp Set   $62.95   $31.48
116681   161   Kind Heart Wood-Mount Stamp Set    $11.95   $5.98

MARKERS
105115   118   Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Write Marker   $5.75   $4.03
105106   119   Certainly Celery Stampin’ Write Marker   $5.75   $3.45
100045   119   Pretty in Pink Stampin’ Write Marker   $5.75   $3.45
105114   119   So Saffron Stampin’ Write Marker   $5.75   $3.45
105111   119   Bashful Blue Stampin’ Write Marker   $5.75   $3.45
105108   119   Regal Rose Stampin’ Write Marker   $5.75   $3.45
105109   120   Bravo Burgundy Stampin’ Write Marker   $5.75   $3.45
100069   120   Night of Navy Stampin’ Write Marker   $5.75   $4.03
100082   121   Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker   $5.75   $3.45

ACCESSORIES
103104   122   Small Cello Bags   $7.50   $4.50
111325   140   Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware   $57.95   $28.98
112530   140   Circle Scissor Plus   $54.95   $32.97

Email me to place an order.
Click on the flyer to go to a larger copy.

last day to get free ribbon

2010-11-30T08:58:00.001+11:00

Today is the last day to get FREE ribbon to use on all your Christmas cards, crafts and gifts. Email me to take advantage of the special offer.

This card was made using Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla cardstock, Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso Ink, the Ornament punch, Delightful Decorations stamp set, Jolly Holly DS paper, Scallop Trim punch and the sentiment is from Occasional Greetings.

into your heart

2010-11-24T09:00:00.000+11:00

I think this stamp set is so sweet I just love the (very 1950s) image of the family around the tree placing the star on top! Such a lovely moment to think about. We here are excited about setting up our tree, decorations and lights and it's only one week til we can - though we might start early on Sunday while we have time!

These are cards I've done at workshops this month so I've used the stamp set and NEW designer Series paper and FREE ribbon you can get with this months special bundles.

Email me to get yours!

Ingredients: Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper (NEW), Soft Suede, Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White, brads, Dimensionals, Real Red 3/4" Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon (FREE), Mistletoe ribbon originals (FREE)

elegant birthday

2010-11-12T14:11:00.000+11:00

Elegant Lines is such a beautiful Textured Impressions folder from the Stampin' Up! IB&C. It is so easy to make elegant cards with it.

I put the Baja Breeze cardstock through the Big Shot using the folder sideways so I had the blank space at the bottom. The ribbon then covers over the edge of the impression and joins underneath the sentiment. I punched along the bottom edge using the Scallop Trim punch which allowed room to see a bit of the inside of the card. Using the Elegant Soiree DS paper that matches I attached a strip to the bottom edge of the inside that also has one edge punched with the Scallop trim punch. The sentiment from Perfect punches is a really simple finishing touch.

contempo ornament

2010-11-08T21:15:00.001+11:00

Isn't this ribbon just stunning?

I tried a few different things on this card and am quite pleased with the result though it's not my usual style. The Contempo Ornament set caught my eye - it's such a beautiful design on the ornament and a stylish font for the greeting. The Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder for the Big Shot is hard to go past - it looks good on anything just about!. For a change I used Soft Suede and Cherry Cobbler with Whisper White for the highlights.

just believe

2010-11-04T09:25:00.000+11:00

I so love this stamp set "Just Believe". It was the first one to get on my wish list from the new catalogue.

I think it is so easy to do simple and elegant cards with it - just love it.

Teamed up with a stamped paper gift bag - so easy to give lovely gifts.

Ingredients: Crumb cake, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Old Olive,

FREE RIBBON! Dressing Up Christmas Promo

2010-10-16T10:02:00.000+11:00

Create beautiful packaging to fit any Christmas gift with exclusive products from Stampin’ Up!®

This Christmas season there are two ways to get FREE exclusive ribbon: get one spool of ribbon when you purchase a Christmas gift-giving bundle and one spool of ribbon when you host a $550 aus/$600 nzd workshop!

Gifted Bundle
Gifted Set and Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper
Wood-mount 124041; $66.90 Clear-mount 124042; $56.90

Welcome Christmas Bundle
Welcome Christmas Set and Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper
Wood-mount 124045; $69.90 Clear-mount 124046; $59.90

Season of Joy Bundle
Season of Joy Set and So Swirly Stampin’ Around Wheel
Wood-mount 124043; $67.90

Delightful Decorations Bundle
Delightful Decorations Set and Ornament Punch
Wood-mount 124044; $72.90

You choose one of these Ribbons for FREE with each bundle purchased.

115608 | Real Red 3/4" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon retail value $19.95

116792 | Mistletoe Ribbon Originals retail value $21.95

116795 | Sleigh Bells Ribbon retail value $15.95

113099 | Riding Hood Red 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon retail value $19.95

Valid from 16th Oct to 30th Nov2010. Email me to place your order.

Blue Monsters and 1 y.o.'s = a dangerous combination

2010-10-15T10:10:00.001+11:00

WOW! there has been so much going on I feel like I've hardly been able to breathe!

School holidays held some thing new every day and we had Joshua's 1st birthday party and my mum staying so it's been full on in our house and I've hardly touched the computer let alone my blog!

Much to show though.

The New Catalogue launch was a great success. The winners of the Lucky Door prize were Elva and Erika - "E" was obviously the letter of the day. Which reminds me of Joshua's birthday party -we had a Sesame Street party the invitations were using the characters I'd made in this post.

But more of that later...back to the launch. We had the goody bags ready to go and the cupcake picks looked very cute but I forgot to take a photo - was too busy demonstrating the make and takes, showing samples, giving out the special offers and goody bags to remember!
I have managed to do a fair bit of creating and should be back with more soon.

In the meantime here are the cupcakes we had at Josh's party

and his birthday cake.

It was big cupcakes pushed close together and iced as one and then two extras iced as the googly eyes on top. I saw the idea online and thought it was very clever.

But the funniest part of the party was that we had a real Cookie Monster in our midst!

If you look carefully you'll notice that the big cookie was gone by the time we sang Happy Birthday! We have no confession but an eyewitness testifies to seeing Josh's great Uncle munching on a rather large cookie early on in the party!!!! How funny!

Here is the birthday boy and his cousin enjoying Pass the Parcel.

And opening presents with Great Aunt and Grandma {I love this photo}.

Needless to say the boy had a great day and the rainy weather didn't bother us.

The jelly cups were a hit however come with a warning ~ combine a Cookie Monster jelly cup with a Cookie Monster blue iced cupcake and, believe me, you do not want to see the effect of that on a nappy the next day!
Back with more later.

New Catalogue Launch Party!

2010-09-23T08:18:00.001+10:00

On Saturday I am hosting my New Catalogue Launch Party.

Come and enjoy some bubbly and cupcakes while you check out Stampin' Up!'s new goodies. There will bee some very Special Offers, you'll be able to join in a make and take (or two!),

there will be a goody bag to take home and you might even win a Lucky Door prize!

When: Saturday 25th September

Time: 2:30 - 4pm

Cost:$10 payable on the day ( includes a copy of the new catalogue and a gift voucher)

RSVP Friday 14th Sept Midday

If you cant make it along but would still like a copy of the new catalogue email me. They are $15 including postage to you and you will receive a gift voucher with it!

Hope to see you Saturday!

neighbourhood wheel

2010-09-13T11:59:00.007+10:00

My nephew and his wife, {Hi Mark & Lauren (actually Happy Birthday Lauren!)} have moved into their first house together and had a house-warming which we couldn't attend unfortunately.

The best gift I thought I could send to them were thank you cards.

The Neighbourhood wheel which is in the new Stampin' Up! catalogue is very cute and a perfect choice.

I also got out my SAB set Good Neighbour and teamed with the Funky Forest wheel it worked great for variation.

I played around with various colour combos and enjoyed raising some images up on Dimensionals.

Always a Cute Bunny

2010-09-11T08:03:00.003+10:00

My niece made this card while she was staying with us recently while her mum while she was in hospital. Isn't it gorgeous?

She just loved making it and the sentiment was just perfect for her mum.

The inside is full of creatures from Fox and Friends - we had to make sure she left room to write in it!

Ingredients: Always, Forest Friends, Polka Dot Impressions Folder, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Going Grey (retired)

Boho Blossom punch wreath

2010-09-10T09:48:00.001+10:00

I've received my box of goodies from the new catalogue and am working on lots of delicious new samples but to tide you over here is a design inspired by a card in the new catalogue made using the Boho Blossom punch.

These three wreaths have all been made using the two smaller flowers from the punch and I have embellished each a little differently. You can't see but I've stamped the background with stamps from the Season Of Joy set.

One I have punched the smallest flower in real Red and cut it into quarters which gives the four hearts. I then used Crystal Effects all over it to give the shiny effect.

Another I used my Crop-A-Dile to punch little berries out of red cardstock and glued them on in threes.

And finally I stamped the small flower from Season of Joy and cut them out to embellish.

Ingredients: Season of Joy stamp set, Boho Blossom punch, Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss (retired) Real Red

Fantastic Starter Kit Special

2010-09-01T04:50:00.003+10:00

THERE’S NO BETTER TIME TO JOIN AS A STAMPIN’ UP! DEMONSTRATOR!
Join Stampin’ Up! during the month of September and get a complete set of In Colors – that’s Classic Stampin’ Pads™, Stampin’ Write™ Markers, and an assortment of card stock – completely FREE along with your demonstrator Starter Kit. The Starter Kit has over $415 aud/ $590 nzd worth of stamping and business supplies and is always a great deal at only $289 aud/ $339 nzd. Add the value of the free In Colors ($84.90 aud/ $100.90 nzd), and there is no better time to become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator!

Stampin' Up!'s new Idea Book & Catalogue

2010-09-01T04:42:00.000+10:00

Stampin ' Up!'s new Idea Book & Catalogue is here. You can view it online if you click here.

It's full of wonderful things that you can now order.

Email me to order from it or get your own copy.

Stampers Anonymous Blog Hop

2010-08-31T20:42:00.006+10:00

Welcome to our Stampers Anonymous SU blog tour! Tonight we are delighted to show you projects using products from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue.

You may have just come from Kerry Bunting's blog but if you are starting here, don’t worry … you can make the complete tour just by following the links at the end of each post. There are 14 stops along the way and please feel free to leave some comment love along the way …

At the end of each post there will be a link to take you to the next stop on the tour.

So grab a hot choc, scroll down, click on and enjoy!

I've started with two of my favourites sets from the new catty. The 'Woodgrain' background stamp - isn't it just fantastic? I can see this being very useful - especially for cards for the men. I stamped it in Chocolate Chip ink on Soft Suede cardstock.

Then I've stamped the sentiment from 'Sparkly & Bright', the cute new Christmas Stamp set, on a piece of Old Olive cardstock in Chocolate Chip and the background sparkle stamp in Old Olive. Then using my 2way Glue pen sparkled it up with some Olive Fine Supernova glitter. I stamped the reindeer in Chocolate Chip and coloured the nose with my Real Red marker and getting out my 2way glue pen again covered Mr Reindeer in Chocolate Fine Supernova. Well with a name of 'Sparkly and Bright' it is just asking for glitter right!?!

I punched him out with my 1 3/4" circle punch and then layered 2 round tabs in Real Red behind.

Easy really!

Next I wanted to try a fun card that the boys would love. I've kept with Sparkly & Bright and made a viewfinder card. When you turn the white (and sparkly) tabs the different images from the stamp set rotate.

We start with Mr Claus himself.

I've used a Build-a-Brad as the splitpin that holds it all together and allows the white piece to turn. Santa's face just fit perfectly in the circle for the Brad.

Next we have the stocking

the tree

Mr Reindeer again

Hope you've enjoyed my rather Christmas focused efforts!

Now you’re off to enjoy the wonderful creations of Lorna Casha. Thanks for stopping by!

If you happen to lose your way here’s a list of all participants.

1. Fiona Harvey http://fionastamps.blogspot.com

2. Juliette Chapman http://juleskraftikrafts.blogspot.com

3. Kerry Bunting http://www.kbpapercraft.blogspot.com

4. Kirrily Matthews http://kirrilymatthews.blogspot.com

5. Lorna Casha http://www.lornacasha.blogspot.com

6. Marelle Taylor http://www.marelletaylor.com

7. Meighan Wheller http://meighanwheller.blogspot.com

8. Melissa Gillis http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/wishflowerstudios/blog

9. Michelle Marchant http://michellemarch.blogspot.com

10. Nikki Stalker http://www.nicolestalker.com.au/blog

11. Sally Williams http://www.sallycancraft.com

12. Sam Coppack http://samcoppack.blogspot.com

13. Sandy Quail http://www.scrappyhabits.com

14. Sharon Wilson http://shaz.argyle.com.au/blog/index.php

Big Deal and Outlined alphabets farewell

2010-08-31T10:50:00.000+10:00

I am so sad to see these alphabets go - last day to get them! They are so versatile and have served me well and will continue to to I know! My nieces in QLD recently had birthdays and I had these Pukka Notepads put aside for them so sat down with another niece to create personalised covers for them.

I just love Stampin' Up!'s Manhattan Rose Embossing folder for the Big Shot. It is just so completely elegant and easy and quick - a winning combination. I used the Outline alphabet for Eliza-Jane's one and finished it off with the Build-A-Brad using a flower from the 'Always' stamp set. Colours Baja Breeze and Regal Rose.

Then for Tianna's I wanted a brighter, bolder more fun look so used the Big Deal alphabet and Polka Dot Embossing Folder in the Big Shot.

I stamped her name in yellow first then filled them with the small flowers from the Cottage Garden stamp set in Rose Red and Baja Breeze.

I then stamped the name again in Versamark over the top roughly and embossed with clear embossing powder. Using my brayer I rolled Rich Razzleberry all over the and wiped the excess off the letters to reveal the flowery name - cute! And finished with a Build-A-Brad using another flower from Cottage Garden in Baja Breeze. Colours Rose Red, So Saffron, Baja Breeze and Rich Razzleberry.

I'm loving the Build-A-Brads - they are lots of fun to use.

Come back at 9pm tonight to do a tour of the new catalogue with our team Blog Hop.

in my soup!

2010-08-30T20:15:00.000+10:00

Animal Crackers is one of the cute stamp sets leaving us on the Last Chance list. How cute is this little giraffe - hard to go past!

I had fun with the scraps from my DS papers. I think this might have 2 different types on it. Urban Oasis is the green and Windsor Knot is the brown and yellow striped pieces. I just outlined the giraffe with markers to give colour to the image.

Animal Crackers $34.95

Urban Garden DS paper is a crazy 50% OFF at $8.48

Windsor Knot is 25% OFF at $12.71

Email me to place an order.

Together Forever

2010-08-30T14:08:00.001+10:00

This gorgeous stamp set is soon to be gone forever. Together Forever is a beautiful set useful for engagement and wedding invitations, cards, albums and 3d projects.

This was the card I made for a recent wedding we went to.

It was a beautiful Italian wedding full of fun.

I love the cute Rhinestone brads - the colour of this hasn't come up right in the photo but it matched the flower beautifully.

If you love this set make sure you place your order before tomorrow night to get it as it's on the Last Chance List!

ETA: Colours used Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Whisper White, Basic Black

tonights class altered tins

2010-08-26T07:06:00.002+10:00

What to do when your baby ends up on Formula and you have 20 tins you've collected?

Come tonight and make your own version! Email me to book in.

Perfect as gifts for the teacher - fill it with hot choc sachets, lollies, stickers etc

or for storage for your craft room, kitchen, shed etc

or in my case for those tiny bits and pieces to float around my kitchen that seem to multiply when I'm not looking and I can't stand - through them in here and then sort back into their places later.

fresh cut notes

2010-08-20T17:27:00.000+10:00

These gorgeous Fresh Cuts Note cards are continuing the in new Stampin' Up! catalogue but this absolutely beautiful Cottage Wall DS paper isn't sadly. These note card are so easy to use and make such delicious cards so quickly. I've stamped and cut out a flower from the Cottage Garden stamp set and layered it over the middle of the flower and then pushed a Filigree brad and Rhinestone brad through the middle.With matching envelopes don't they look great.

chalkboard technique

2010-08-19T10:39:00.002+10:00

The chalkboard technique is always such a wow!

Such a beautiful effect and I think this 'Medallion' stamp (currently in the Stampin' Up! Autumn Winter Mini catalogue) is made for this technique.

We are doing these two cards at my class this Friday night 20th. Email me to book in.

Sesame Street Scallop Circle Die cards

2010-08-12T10:40:00.002+10:00

At my recent Mums and Kids class we did these Sesame Street cards. It was a fun afternoon - particularly for the parents! It was good to break out Stampin' Up's! scallop circle die for the Big Shot and so easy to make these card bases.

I've seen quite a few of these around on the net in various forms so cannot quote a specific source of inspiration except to say I did study the Sesame Street website to try and get it as close as possible. For those fans I admit that I got it wrong with Big Bird. I don't know how I missed that he has pink eyelids and turquoise eye lashes.I shall be back with close-ups and a "made over" Big Bird!

Update on Stampin' Up!'s Last Chance List

2010-08-05T13:23:00.013+10:00

These stamp sets, paper and accessories are running low...

A Rose is a Rose

Playful Petals

Totally Tabs

Short Order Alphabet

Basic Black, Kraft and Basic Gray cardstock

Real Red wheel cartridge

Pop up Glue Dots

These are Gone...

Sahara Sand A4 cardstock
Close to Cocoa A4 cardstock

Sweet Slumber Specialty Paper

Email me to place an order before your favourite goes too.

Last Chance to get these beautiful products

2010-08-03T10:15:00.007+10:00

The Last Chance list is here and there is SO MUCH on it as we are making way for a fantastic new catalogue. These beautiful products though are going and we won't see them again so get in quick to get them before they're gone. Some are 25 -50% OFF

Click here to view list

Email me to place your order.

Fond Farewell going quickly!

2010-07-20T10:32:00.006+10:00

The supply of several colours is getting very low so get in quick to get your favourites.

This has been posted on the SU! demonstrator website.

"After our supply of smooth card stock is depleted for the colours listed below, we will be able to substitute textured card stock, while supplies last:
Almost Amethyst A4 (item 108621)
Blush Blossom A4 (item 108617)
Cameo Coral A4 (item 108603)
Close to Cocoa A4 (item 108600)
Creamy Caramel A4 (item 106567)
Gable Green A4 (108592)
Lavender Lace A4 (item 108622)
Pale Plum A4 (item 108616)
Sage Shadow A4 (item 108620)
Taken with Teal A4 (item 108609)

Because the demand for each colour varies, we are unable to specify at what point textured card stock will be substituted for smooth. There will be no change in item number or price for these substitutions. If you do not want to keep the textured card stock, we will gladly arrange for you to return it for a refund."

DEAL #4 the final deal

2010-06-23T12:11:00.006+10:00

The final deal of the week is on *bling* and ribbon and a great deal it is - 40 - 45% off! Email me to place your order.

Page 149 - Square Ice Rhinestone Brads for $11.97 (normally $19.95)
Page 149 - Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads for $11.97 (normally $19.95)
Page 149 - Square Fire Rhinestone Brads for $11.97 (normally $19.95)
Page 150 - Bashful Blue 1" Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon for $10.97 (normally $19.95)
Page 151 - Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon for $8.97 (normally $14.95)

Deal of the Week #3

2010-06-16T12:32:00.008+10:00

This week's deal is a fantastic saving off selected stamps sets. Remember this deal only lasts until next Tuesday 29th and I'll be placing my order at 9pm so email me before then to get yours!

114263 P34 A Happy Heart Reg $41.95 SALE $20.98 115792 P57 Greetings Eight Reg $49.95 SALE $24.98 116330 P78 Bella's Bloom Reg $24.95 SALE $14.97

113009 P97 Enjoy Every Moment Reg $53.95 SALE $26.98

114283 P105 All Scallops Reg $55.95 SALE $27.98

2nd Deal of the Week

2010-06-09T21:27:00.000+10:00

Stampin Up! have released their 2nd Deal of the week for June. It runs til Tuesday 15th and I'll be placing my order at 9pm so email me to order yours.

This week’s deal is huge discounts on five of the Designer Series Papers.

You can see all the papers on page 132 of the Idea Book & Catalogue.

112470 Haiku Designer Series paper now $10.17

113976 Pink Flamingo Designer Series paper now $11.02

113992 Tea Party Designer Series paper now $10.17

113975 Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper now $11.02

114037 Sweet Slumber Specialty Designer Series paper now $14.92

Here's a sample using the Raspberry Tart papers.

Check out Teneale Williams site for amazing samples using more of these papers.

A 6th birthday

2010-06-09T10:29:00.000+10:00

My "little big man" turned six a couple of Saturdays ago and he adores magic. He discovered it at a School Holidays show at the shopping centre and still loves it a year later! So we had a magic party. Mummy sewed 3 magicians capes, Daddy did a Magic Show with the help of some pretty cool tricks from the Magic Shop at Chatswood (and some dodgy facial hair), which ended with an unexpected bang and lots of colourful paper and streamers, we had a Top Hat cake, played Pin the Wand on the Magician (that Toby drew) and Pass-the-Top-Hat plus the party bags were a game too. They were each given a token and had to find the correct adult then do an activity to get their loot. It was lots of fun and noisy!

Colour Renovation - get your retiring colours now before they run out!

2010-06-07T10:05:00.008+10:00

You may have already heard that Stampin' up! have decided to do a colour reno on their colour families.

For over two years, they have done extensive research including investigating colour trends in the fashion, home décor, and crafting industries, and have conducted focus groups involving demonstrators, customers, and Stampin' Up! experts to bring us a fresh, on-trend colour palette to work with!

The new colour palette is organized into four collections: Subtles, Brights, Regals, and Neutrals. We will see 25 current colours remaining, and ten past In Colors returning as core colours, and the addition of five new core colours. Check the colour charts to see what the new collections look like, and what colours will be retiring.

Each year we will have five new In Colors, and they will remain for two years. This means that the 2010-2011 In Colors will be introduced this year, but will not be retired until the 2012-2013 colours are introduced. This year there will be only be five In Colors, but after that, we will always have ten (the previous year's plus the new).

*IMPORTANT NOTE*

Any retiring colour product that run out of stock from now will not be replenished so if you have some favourite colours that are going (I know I do!) now is the time to get them before they disappear.

brayering a Manhattan Rose

2010-06-02T13:25:00.001+10:00

I've had fun recently playing with my brayer. Stampin' up! sell the Rollerball brayer which I believe is the best on the market. There is a great video on how to do this here by Patty Bennett. We are doing this card at my class on Thursday night. Email me to book in!

Josephs Coat technique with my brayer

2010-06-01T13:40:00.000+10:00

I made this card for my sister for her birthday. Firstly I brayered a piece of Whisper White cardstock on one side Regal Rose and the other Rose Red leaving it lighter in the middle. Then I stamped in Versamark the flower from Stampin' Up!'s Vintage Vogue set and embossed it in clear embossing powder. Then with my brayer again I rolled over the entire piece of card with Rich Razzleberry and wiped off the ink from the flowers to reveal the gorgeous colour blend underneath. And I decided to "Tenealify" the inside {well as well as I can! she does the most gorgeous insides!} This card was inspired by Marelle's card and is one we are doing at my class this Thursday. Email me to book in.

Stampin' Up!'s Deal of the Week

2010-06-01T09:45:00.006+10:00

Throughout June Stampin' Up! are having a special each week.

The first one is all about the Scallop Square, Trio Flower, Boho Blossoms and Scallop Oval punches and what a great special it is!

Instead of $30.95 they are only $20.12 that's almost 35% off.

Email me to place your order. Valid only until June 8th

This deal of the week runs from 1 June, 12:01 AM (AET) through 8 June, 11:50 PM (AET).

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
112081	152	Scallop Square punch	$30.95	$20.12
109183	153	Trio Flower punch	$30.95	$20.12
110711	153	Boho Blossoms punch	$30.95	$20.12
114889	n/a*	Scallop Oval punch	$30.95	$20.12

Toby's Pop Up Twirl card

2010-05-31T16:35:00.000+10:00

I'm back {finally} with this card I made for Toby ages ago. He loved it so much he kept wanting to play with it before I'd even given it to him. I think Pun Fun is one of Stampin' Up!'s cutest and most versatile sets in this catalogue. That's where this rocket comes from. Splitcoaststampers is a fantastic resource for stampers all over the world and it's there that I saw the tutorial on how to make this kind of card. As you open it the rocket spins. I wish I could show you but my video wouldn't upload, sorry. You can see the tutorial with video on Splitcoast here. Back with more on his party soon. Ingredients: Pun Fun stamp Set, Short Order Numbers (retired), Good Morning Sunshine DS paper, Large and Small Star punches, 3/4" and 1" circle punches, Watercolour crayons, Black Stazon, Basic Gray ink pad, Real Red ink pad, Dazzling Diamonds, 2way glue pen, straw, twine, Birthday Wish stamp (retired)

20% OFF Starter Kit Promotion starts today

2010-05-21T09:06:00.004+10:00

Great news! Until July 31st you can join Stampin' Up! for 20% off the regular cost. Instead of $324 which is a great deal anyway it's only $259 for over $590 worth of product!! Contact me today to find out more.

Toby's card

2010-05-20T10:57:00.003+10:00

I ran my first Mums and Kids class last Saturday which was fun. Toby joined in as I had a spare spot and this was one of the cards he made. Quite stylish and sophisticated don't you think? What a cutester! We used the Pattern Paper Pack II which is a Level 1 Hostess reward plus animals from 'Fox and Friends' -the cutest set in Stampin' Up!'s Autumn Winter mini catalogue. He turns 6 this Saturday - I'll be back to post the spinning rocket card I made for him later. Off to make rainbow jelly cups and a Top Hat cake for his party! {he loves magic....}

mums card

2010-05-13T11:56:00.000+10:00

I know it's a bit late but this is another one of the cards we did at the Shoebox swap. This uses Stampin' Up!s gorgeous Vintage Vogue stamp set and {yes} Rich Razzleberry - I'm afraid I've gone a bit crazy with this colour of late! Nikki organised this card. I love the use of the clear Rhinestone brads in the centre of the flowers. This card would suit so many occasions but I made it for my mum and she loved it. I used Teeny Tiny Sentiments from the Autumn Winter Mini - they are fantastic and cover every occasions and fit perfectly in the Word Window punch.

shoe box swap

2010-05-11T13:30:00.001+10:00

I am so sorry it is taking so long to post anything at the moment but I am trying my best to enjoy the constant rounds of washing, feeding, playing, cleaning, mediation, homework etc that take up each day as I know it won't be like this forever. I especially love the playing part of the day as Josh is such a delightful baby. But I do enjoy feeling a sense of completion every now and again :) SO back to what I promised oh so long ago! My shoe box swap. As I said you put everything in a shoe box required to make the card and then just pass your shoe boxes around. It was quite an efficient way of making a range of cards in one go. This card layout is similar to the card in the Stampin' Up! Autumn Winter mini catalogue. Instead I've used Rich Razzleberry and Basic Black cardstock plus Ribbon. I stamped the Medallion stamp in Versamark and then set Black embossing powder into it with my heat tool, then punched the scallop edge along the bottom and backed it with black cardstock. If you look closely you can see where I got Versamark on the edge of the stamp and the edge of the rubber pressed on the cardstock as I turn the stamp upside down and put the card on top. I discovered it's not necessary as the stamp leaves an even image when placed on top of the paper so don't bother. I intend to stamp the Mr & Mrs from Stampin' Up!s "Together Forever" stamp set and place it over the blemish. Will show you the updated card when I get to it. And here's a photo of Josh just to prove how irresistible he is.

Mothers Day

2010-05-11T09:45:00.000+10:00

Hope you all had a Happy Mothers Day.

We had a beautiful day meeting with family at Newcastle. It was such gorgeous weather we made the most of it with a picnic at King Edward park. We ate {most importantly:)}, went for stroll,played cricket in the beautiful afternoon light,and slid down the hill on a big card board box Toby found. Even my mum went on it - good on her! Unfortunately my camera battery died, actually I think it was fortunate as I had a rather undignified moment trying to slide down head first with my niece and my nephew decided to help by pushing our feet which...well I'll leave that to your imagination....no damage done .. well perhaps only to my sense of style and grace. These are my three sons, who treated me like a princess for the day and made it so special it was my best Mothers Day yet.

a cheap tip

2010-04-21T10:17:00.000+10:00

is the awesome Adhesive remover and is only $3.75. I think the name is fairly self explanatory however it's range of uses may not come so easily to mind. This shows just one use that I find invaluable. I love cutting (in case you didn't know) and things being a bit gluey doesn't deter me cutting away so often my scissors end up looking like this which really isn't conducive to cutting nice clean lines. However a few rubs of the adhesive remover and the scissor look brand new.

i know it may look like I just turned the scissors over for the photo but both sides were this gunky and they both came up beautifully and shiny I just didn't realised I flipped the scissors over when I took the second photo. other uses include: - cleaning off your stamping surface after bits of snail get on there and before your card gets stuck to the scratch paper underneath and tears while you pick it up - doh! - cleaning up after a messy glue on card stock experience see this post - gently roughing up the rubber on brand new rubber stamps so they ink up well - removing Snail from where it wasn't meant to go on your card/layout I'm sure there are more that I'll discover or remember in future but that will have to do for now...

Lots of Bots

2010-04-19T09:40:00.003+10:00

Last week my teams' meeting was a stamping day at Nikki's house. Everyone who went did a shoebox swap and it was great. My next post will be more details about what shoe box swap is in case you've never done one. Cathie did this card for her box and I love it! It's made using Lots of Bots from the Autumn-Winter Mini and it's so cute for little boys and even older boys too! The sentiment says "Happy Birthday Human" and another in the set says "ERROR I'm Sorry". So cute! I'll be back with my Shoe box swap soon.

2010-04-08T17:49:00.003+10:00

STAMPERS ANONYMOUS AUTUMN/WINTER MINI BLOG HOP BLOG CANDY WINNERS! Many thanks to all of you who took the time to leave comments on our blogs and let us know you liked the projects we created for you using products from the new mini catalogue. We hope we inspired you and showed you that creative opportunities are endless! Two winners of the blog candy have been drawn and they are: PAULA FULLER and LISA MARTIN Congratulations Paula and Lisa! Would you ladies please email Kerry Bunting to notify her of your contact details so she can get your candy in the mail.