Stampinantics

JAI #102 - JUST CASE KATHY TANNER

2012-01-27T01:00:00.003+13:00

Well, this is a sad post for me, as it is my last Challenge on the Design Team of JUST ADD INK. I have had a fabulous time being part of this wonderful group of very talented girls and I will miss it very much. So it seems fitting to end my last challenge CASEing the very talented KATHY TANNER. Pop over to Kathy's blog, choose a design you love and recreate or put your own spin on it.

I love how this card turned out! You can see Kathy's original card HERE. I have used the same technique as Kathy, but have used a narrower mat behind the image, flipped the ribbon treatment and used a HUGE button for effect! I had a wonderful time putting this together - and isn't that what it is all about?!!

The team have come up with some gorgeous recreations of Kathy's work, so be sure to pop over to JUST ADD INK and join in the fun this week!

NOW, THIS IS MORE LIKE IT!!

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001+13:00

After my disastrous day in the craft room the other day (see post HERE), I have finally been able to turn out something I am proud of! I had to go back to my trusty sponges to get the look I was after though. My brayer is back in the box for the moment!

One of my favourite stamps sets is "Lovely as a Tree", but with all the gorgeous products Stampin' Up! realease regularly, it hasn't seen ink for quite sometime. I really enjoyed putting this card together, so I went ahead and did the inside as well:

Now I feel better. My creativity had taken a major hike, but I have a feeling it may be coming back - WHEW! I have even managed a couple more cards, slightly different from my usual style. Check back again later to see them!

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Because I care
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, More Mustard, So Saffron
Card Stock: Choclate Chip, More Mustard, Whisper White
Accessories: Scalloped Ribbon, Button, Glue Dots, Stamp-a-ma-jig

ONE OF THOSE DAYS - ARGHHHH!

2012-01-21T12:03:00.000+13:00

I was feeling inspired this morning to get in my craft room and make cards - I don't feel inspired now!! How can things go so badly wrong?!! If you have had one of these days - read on for a laugh at my expense!

I had a great (I thought!) idea for a card and couldn't wait to pull out my brayer. I masked off the bottom of my cardstock and went to work. Looking great, until I pulled off the mask!! Big splotchy inks spots, where there should have been pristine white cardstock! Oh no! What to do? Cut the bottom off! Rescued - yah! Except I then stamped my image, only to have some ink transfer from the base of the stamp!! What is going on! How to rescue this now? I know, stamp some grass in the foreground. Except I thought I had grabbed Elegant Eggplant only to see Wisteria wonder on the carstock instead - duh! That's ok, it's ok - breathe! Restamp slightly lower in Elegant Eggplant for a dimensional look instead. That doesn't look too bad. Sponge in a couple of slopes so the tree doesn't look like it is hanging in mid air! Stamp a simple sentiment, then STOP!!! This is what I finally came up with after all my design issues:

Not at all what I had in mind, but at least it didn't end up in the bin!! I am going out for coffee now. The craft room is closed!

CAS - MY FRIEND

2012-01-17T06:47:00.000+13:00

Yesterday I finally managed to have a play in my craft room! It has been a long time since I have been able to tinker around just for me. I decided to enter a challenge with Stampin! Up's Founder and CEO, Shelli Gardener, who is taking things back to simple with a challenge called Simply Stunning Creative Challenge.

This card is simple! With only a couple of mats and a Basic Pearl for embellishment, the rest is all stamped. I used a clear block to create the textured background, and my one of my (many!) favourite stamp sets "My Friend". This card was another made in under ten minutes!

Stamps: My Friend
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Clear Block, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Word Window Punch, Basic Pearl, Adhesives

JAI #100 BLOG HOP!

2012-01-13T01:00:00.002+13:00

In celebration of 100 challenges, JUST ADD INK have got a Blog Hop for you this Week! If you have already started the hop, you will have arrived here from the lovely Patrice Easton's gorgeous project at Spring Blossom Musings. Normally when celebrating a 100th Birthday, you would expect a message from the Queen. In keeping with that theme, the brief was to just add Crowns.

There is a prize for commenting on all the Design Team member posts this week, and a prize for the winner of our Just Add Crowns Challenge. So please leave some comment love on your way around the Hop!

I decided to try my hand at a View Master card. I kept the front of the card fairly simple, because the fun is in the "wheel" of cardstock peeking through the punched window.

Simply spin the wheel and the image changes to a new one! How cool is that?!!

I have also used Purple (Elegant Eggplant) and Gold for this card in keeping with the regal theme!

I will be teaching this type of card to my Crafty Class Ladies at the end of this month. If you would like to join in and live local, then register for this class today! Please see my Class Page at the top of this blog.

In the meantime, we are by no means done! The next stop is the wonderful Ruth Clarke, and boy, does she have a fabulous project to share with you!

Simply click on the Crown to be taken to your next stop on the Hop!

PLAYING WITH KITS

2012-01-06T07:30:00.000+13:00

I decided to give my Craft space a New Year's clean up - you know -start as you mean to go on! I came across quite a few card samples from swaps, classes etc, that hadn't been completed or made up. It was amazing just how many I had and how much room they were taking up. So I made it my misson to sit down and actualy complete them.

For some reason I had a lot of card bases in Riding Hood Red! I didn't necessarily complete the cards as they originally looked, but I did have a lot of fun playing around.

This is another CAS card. I have actually used DSP!! Must do that more often, as it looks great as a mat. Some soft sponging to age it slightly, the addition of a bow and sentiment - COMPLETE! I am really enjoying cards that take 10 minutes or less to complete at the moment!

JUST ADD SCRAPBOOKING!

2012-01-01T06:39:00.000+13:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!

Over at Just Add Ink, we are celebrating the New Year with a new monthly challenge - Just Add Scrapbooking. Join us on the first Sunday of each month for a new theme.

This month, being the first ever challenge, what better theme than "Firsts" or "One (1)". Just add that anywhere on your title. Or perhaps this will inspire you to try your very first layout - that counts too!! I am a novice scrapbooker, but like to try to push myself, so these challenges will be a wonderful way to extend my knowledge. I hope you will feel inspired to have a go too!

I chose to scrap this rather unique (in my family's tree, anyway!) event. My daughter was the very first girl to make her school's First Fifteen Rugby team. Man, did that raise a few eyebrows! And she was great! No fear of getting dirty and breaking a fingernail, lol. She certainly put some of the boys to shame too.

To be truthful though, I haven't completely finished this layout. I love how it has come together so far, but need something a little extra in the top right hand corner to balance things out. I have a few ideas floating round in my head, but the great thing about scrapbooking is that you can come back to it later with a fresh eye. Good things take time!

Now for more inspiration to help you start, pop by Just Add Ink to see the masters in action! Delys Cram and Ruth Clarke are working hard to bring you this fresh challenge each month. Their scrapbook pages are absolutely beautiful.

BEEN & GONE!

2011-12-29T08:52:00.000+13:00

Christmas that is!! Over for another year - PHEW!! But other events still happen, so I thought I would share a couple of my latest CAS creations with you.

First up - Birthday for a Guy! I have finally got the set I have had my eye on since the catalogue came out last September - Need for Speed! I love the "sketchy" kind of feel to these images. The plane was made for a sponged sky background, and Ispritzed a contrail to give the impression of movement and speed.

The second is a Sympathy card, made all the more sadder (is that a word?) at this time of the year when we should all be laughing and having fun. Again, I have used the Confetti White card stock to sponge on. I love the textured and moody colour the sponging turns out on this less than smooth card stock. I cut a rectangular mask out, laid it on my card stock and just picked random colours to sponge. Removed the mask and stamped an image from the hostess set "Up in the Air". It is a line art image, so I used my markers to colour it in and make it a silhouette. Add a pearl and sentiment - done.

Once again, both of these cards can be created in under 10 minutes. I can see I will be doing a lot more cards with this CAS style in the New Year.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. Wishing you all a very Prosperous 2012!

JAI #99 - JUST ADD WRAPPING

2011-12-23T01:00:00.001+13:00

How do you dress up those gifts to give? At Just Add Ink this week, there are some gorgeous ideas to give you a start, and just in time for Christmas! While my project is not strictly "wrapping", it is a great way to dress up a gift!

I quite often get Maccona Coffee, mainly because the jar is pretty cool! It has a great shape and lends itself to be "altered". I have filled this jar with Christmas coloured Jelly Beans and used the same colours to decorate the jar.

Using the wide grosgrain ribbon, I have wrapped it around the top of the jar and added Jingle Bells to the bow.

I have made a Poinsettia flower, using the 5 Petal Flower Punch and added plenty of glitz to it too! Add a label and it is all ready to gift to someone special.

This is just one way you can dress up your gifts though, so be sure to pop over to Just Add Ink to see all the other gorgeous projects the Design Team have come up with for you! We would love to see how you use your crafting skills to dress up your gifts too!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE ♥

CHRISTMAS NOTECARD

2011-12-18T10:36:00.001+13:00

How's this for a super cute and really quick 3" x 3" notecard? I like these notecards in place of tags for a gift. I have used a cute stamp set called "Every Litte Bit". You can find it on page 46 of the main Idea Book & Catalogue. It has 28 images for every occassion you can think of and is just perfect for these notecards. I made a bunch of these to put with gifts this year.

I stamped the image in Staz On Black, then used my Stampin' Write markers to colour it in. I then punched the image using the 1 1/4" Square punch. I punched another coordinating piece of cardstock (Old Olive) with the 1 3/8" Square punch, layered them with Dimensionals and stuck to the card front. I then tied a mini bow, using THIS tutorial, with the new Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine from the Summer Mini Catalogue, and stuck that above the ornament using a spot of Tombow Multi.

Another nice, quick project, although not when you are making multiples, like I was! I also stamped the front of the Mini Envelopes, although, opted not to colour the image in this time.

CAS - CONFETTI CARD

2011-12-12T06:37:00.000+13:00

Taking another look at the "You Are Loved" stamp set today, from the Summer Mini Catalgoue. This time as a Thinking of You/Sympathy type card. I have gone with clean and simple with this image, by using a method called "thumping". I have inked my flower image with markers, starting with the lightest colours first, so I don't contaminate them with a dark colour. I have then "thumped" (gently) a darker marker over portions of the image, to give it a more dimensional look. "Huff" on the stamp to remoisten the ink, then stamp as normal. How easy!

I have used Confetti White as my base card. It suits the image I have used perfectly, with all the little bits of petals inlaid in the card stock.
To lift it just a bit more visually, I have added random pearls around the image and rounded the opposite corners of the base card to soften the edges.
A clean and simple card which can be created in under ten minutes! Gotta like that.

FANCY FOOTWORK

2011-12-09T06:26:00.000+13:00

Something a little different from me today! Another CAS card using the Emboss resist technique I haven't used for quite sometime. The stamp set is called "You are Loved" from the new Summer mini catalogue. If you haven't seen this catalogue yet, you can check it out HERE. There are so many grogeous new products to play with!!

I have used Naturals Ivory card stock as my card base. I love the petals inlaid in this card. Stamped my image in Versamark, sprinkled Clear Embossing Powder over the image and heat set it. I have then masked off a portion of my card across the width and sponged Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder and Blushing Bride ink in a random pattern. This really makes the embossed image "pop". I have then used one gorgeous Jewel brad thats helps draw your eye to the sentiment.

The "Fancy Footwork" I was referring to in my blog title is along the bottom of the card. I used the Decorative Label punch to cut away about 1cm of the base, then layered Wisteria Wonder card stock underneath. A simple, but pretty Valentine's Day card.

GOING NAUTICAL

2011-12-07T06:51:00.000+13:00

One of the new stamps in the Summer Mini Catalogue is called "Open Seas" and is just a pefect stamp set for guys! Especially if they love boating or anything Nautical. It has been sitting on my shelf uninked for the past two weeks, but I FINALLY had a chance to play with it yesterday!

I kept the stamping fairly simple, but just added lots of mats to the card front for interest. I used mini brads for a wee bit of hardware. How cute are they?! I also added the cool knot you see along the front. You can find the super tutorial for this knot HERE, thanks to a fabuoulous blog called Paper Pursuits.

If you belong to Pinterest, you can access all my links to other tutorials and the other great ideas I use! There are so many great tutorials out there and Pinterest helps me to remember them all, by pinning them on boards and providing links. A really valuable resource!

Don't forget to get your order in for Christmas. Stampin' Up!'s fabulous December Frenzy promotion has lots of things for you to select at up to 50% off normal retail price! I love a bargain!! My last order will be submitted on the 12th of December, so please get your order to me early, so you will have it for Christmas!

FOR THE WOMAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING

2011-12-02T06:29:00.000+13:00

Birthday's can be so hard to cater for, can't they? Especially for Mum! What do you get for the Woman who has everything she needs? My Mother is celebrating her Birthday on the 8th of December, and this year I have been making the women in my Family gift card tins, fill to overflowing with cards for all occassions, for their Birthday's. While there is hours of work invlolved in this gift - it is completely handmade and personalised for that particular person.

I wanted to go with a vintage theme for Mum. Not saying she is old though! Just wanted something a bit nostalgic. It also took me out of my own comfort zone, as I don't normally do vintage! I loved using the Hat Pin (retired), and I have also used the Velvet Ribbon available in the new Summer Mini Catalogue. I didn't want cream though and dyed this ribbon, using my Night of Navy ink pad. I was surprised how beautifully this ribbon dyed up! Not at all patchy as I thought it would.

For the card, I CASE'd a design from an old Stampin' Up! Catalogue. I used the design as a basic template and then added the DSP, ribbon and stamps I used on the tin. I told you I don't throw anything out and for good reason - there are so many fab designs to recreate!

Mum doesn't have a computer, so I am not spoiling the surprise for her by showing you early! I wanted to share with you a great gift to give that "hard to buy for" person in your life, made especially with them in mind.

"GO TO" BOOK

2011-11-30T06:35:00.000+13:00

It is my good friend Rhonda's birthday today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY RHONDA! I needed to make a Birthday card for her, but time hasn't been my own for a few weeks now that the silly season is upon us. I desperately needed some help to get a card made in time for her special day, and what better tool do I have for inspiration than the Stampin' Up! catalogue!

I have CASE'd this card directly from the catalogue and you can see the original on page 10. Of course I didn't have all the same items or colours available in my own stash, so changed things up a bit and made do with what I had. Thats the great thing about the Stampin' Up! catalogue! You don't have to have exactly the same items, but the basic ideas are all there to use.

Stamps: Bring on the Cake, Simply Soft
Inks: Craft White, Old Olive, More Mustard, Early Espresso
Cardstock: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, More Mustard
Accessories: Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Old Olive Brad, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Extra large Oval Punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaer Embossing Folder, Scoring Tool, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals

LETS GET COZY!!

2011-11-23T06:50:00.000+13:00

I promised another fabric project I have been working on, and here it is!

If you are anything like me, you LOVE fresh made Coffee and often stop for one on a trip into town. The thing I hate most, is HOT Latte. It should always be made to drink straight away and not scalding, but some Barrista's have not learnt that yet! I get sick of burning my fingers, so have made a Coffe Cozy that I can pop in my handbag! No more burnt fingers - woohoo!

This is another pattern I stumbled across while surfing the net. It is by the very talented Jeni Baker, who has kindly done a free tutorial. You can see her tutorial at Skip To My Lou. Again, I have used Stampin' Up!'s fabulous Designer Fabrics to make them. Add elastic and a button and you are good to go.

I have a stall at the Artisan's Christmas Market in the Mall on the 3rd of December. Be sure to pop by and say "Hi" as I have been making tonnes of Christmas goodies for you to give!

NEVER SAY NEVER!

2011-11-18T06:47:00.000+13:00

Hope you are all sitting down!! I have been playing with my SEWING MACHINE!! OMG! I didn't think I would see the day that I would be hunched over that piece of equipment for hours at a time - but I have been! Here's what I have been making:

Little Tissue holders for your handbag! These are super cute and so handy to have. Just pop a small packet of tissues inside and you are good to go. Of course, that meant I had to get super friendly with my Iron as well. I normally consider that piece of equipment a four letter word of the worst kind, lol. But if you are going to go to all this effort, an iron is your best friend and so worth the chore!

Stampin' Up! have a wonderful selection of fabrics (of which my prototype is not). But once I knew what I was doing I just had to use them! The photo above is a sneak peek of the fabric available in the soon to be released Summer Mini catalogue. Aren't the colours divine?!

These two are made using the Deck the Halls designer fabric, which is available in the main IB & C.

I must say the fabrics have set me a new challenge - learn to sew properly! It also meant I needed to know a bit more about my sewing machine than just "plug in and go!!" Thank you Vicki, for taking the time to show me how to service my machine and that it actually needs oil! You ROCK!!

I found a great tutorial on Pinterest that got me started on this sewing lark. If you haven't checked out this site - you should! So many wonderful ideas on there. Be prepared to spend hours just looking! I will be back soon with another project I have been working on too!

SURPRISE!!

2011-11-13T06:37:00.000+13:00

For me or for you - I am not too sure! I can't believe I have not blogged for TWO weeks! I have so much going on that I just have not been able to create for myself recently. It is such a busy time of year with Christmas just 6 weeks away! Lots of Craft fairs, Stamp Clubs and workshops to prepare for. I am so lucky I get to do something I truly love!

I thought I would share just a quick post this morning. This is the Thank You card I whipped up yesterday morning for my Stamp Club Ladies, to pop in their orders. Nothing like leaving something to the last minute!
A very simple sponged card, just what the Doctor ordered!

FRIGHT NIGHT

2011-10-31T06:18:00.000+13:00

I know as a country we don't go much for Halloween, but it is growing. It is a shame we don't carry more Halloween stamps in our Idea Book & Catalogue, like the US does. Luckily for me, I have a super friend in the States (waving at you Diana!!) who sent me a set called "House of Haunts", which I have drawled over for quite sometime! Tonight being Halloween, I thought I would share the quick card I made yesterday, while having a play with this delicious stamp set!

Of course, I pulled out my trusty sponges to give my background the real moodiness and atmosphere a spooky Halloween scene needs!

Happy Halloween to you all! ♥

Stamps: House of Haunts
Cardstock: Old Olive, Perfect Plum, Basic Black, Whisper White
Inks: Basic Black, Perfect Plum, Bluching Bride, So Saffron, Old Olive, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Sponges, Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig, post-it-notes, Regals Brads, Piercing Tool

JAI #91 - A COLOUR CHALLENGE

2011-10-28T01:00:00.001+13:00

I have been away from JUST ADD INK on a wee break for a while, but have actually been able to participate in this weeks gorgeous challenge brought to you by Bron Eastley!

How do you like these colours?!! Aren't they GORGEOUS! This is the wee cutie I came up with:

Of course, I had to decorate the inside as well. I left the sentiment off the front of the card, but I think it makes a nice touch on the inside instead. What do you think?

I hope you will play along with us at JUST ADD INK this week. I look forward to seeing your creations! Make sure you visit what the other JAI designers have come up with too, you won't be disappointed!

IT'S NOT TOO LATE!

2011-10-21T07:35:00.000+13:00

To take advantage of the Stampin' Up! October special, if you haven't already done so. For more details, click HERE. Contact ME to place your order or book a workshop!

I love the Stitched Stocking promotion and while I haven't had much time to play, I do have a teaser for you!

Stamp Set: Stitched Stockings, Contempo Christmas
Cardstock: Old Olive, Whisper White
Inks: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Regals DSP, Mat Pack & Piercing Tool, Dazzling Diamonds, 2 Way Glue Pen, Dimensionals

CHRISTMAS POP-UP

2011-10-18T18:51:00.000+13:00

As most of you already know, I am primarily a card maker. I tend to stick to the typical flat card, but this week I thought I would share a super cool Pop-Up card with you. These cards are actually very easy to make and you can find the fantastic tutorial for this card HERE.

Keeping with the Christmas theme, I chose to use the set "Snow Swirled" for this card. I really love the filgree tree! I have also teamed it with the Soft Holly wheel, along the card base.

The best thing about this card? It folds flat!! So you can still pop this in the post.

If you have never made one of these free standing Pop-Up cards, why not have a go?! I promise you won't be disappointed with how easy they actually are!

THE TIME HAS COME.....

2011-10-15T06:54:00.000+13:00

To start working on making those Christmas cards if you want the recipients to get them in time! I always promise myself that I will get a head start every year and make them early! Every year, October rolls around and, YIKES!!! I haven't even begun to plan for Christmas.

With that in mind, and limited time to actually craft, I came up with these wee cuties. You can easily knock off a one of these simple Christmas cards in under ten minutes. Swap colours and ribbons, add some bling, and Viola! A cute, clean, simple Christmas card to add to your stash!

I have stamped a clear block in my chosen ink colour (to match the ribbon of choice) and stamped on Very Vanilla or Whisper White. This creates a fast background and gives the impression of texture. I then stamped Dasher and the sentiment in a contrasting, colour. Add a few Basic Rhinestones to the antlers and it is done. I coloured the Rhinetsones with a permanent marker to match the background colour also.

So there is another use for Clear Blocks Ladies! Don't just use them for mounting your clear stamps, stamp with them too! They come in a variety of sizes and prices, and are ergonomically designed with fingers grips on all four sides.

The best thing is that Stampin' Up! Have now added a storage case for you to store them all in one place! It also opens out flat and has a foam core to protect your blocks and is only $35.95!

Contact ME today to place your orders for this handy storage case and the verstatile clear bocks!

SEPIA SILHOUETTE

2011-10-11T17:19:00.000+13:00

I just want to say Thanks to everyone who has contacted me or left comments on my last blog post. I really enjoyed making that card and a few of you have asked for a tutorial. So here it is!

I decided to do this CAS, sponged card in sepia tones and also make it a sympathy type card too. Never seem to have one on hand when I need one!

Because I do so much sponging and brayering, I make my templates out of acetate, so I can use them over and over again. Simply hand draw your hills/clouds across the acetate and cut out. I also put a sticker on the acetate, so I don't lose it!! It is all but invisible otherwise *grin*

Mask off the sides of your card with post-it-notes. I didn't worry about covering the bottom part, since I wanted to taper out the colour before I got to the bottom.

Place your cloud template on you card and gently sponge your clouds in small circular motions, starting at the top of your card and moving your acetate down the card as you go.

I also move the acetate across the page, so the clouds don't look uniform. (See the sticker position). The other reason I like acetate, is that you can see exaclty how much colour you are putting on the card.

Swap templates and sponge in the hills, letting the ink run out before you get to the bottom of the card.

Use your Stamp-a-ma-jig to place your sentiment where you want it. I have used Word Play.

Using a marker, ink up the silhouette image of your choice. For me, it was the single flower from Inspired by Nature. Stamp your image. Card done!

The colours I have used are: Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, and Crumb Cake.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial. I would love your feedback!

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

2011-10-09T16:53:00.000+13:00

I can't believe I have been away so long from my blog!! I like to be able to put up work on a regular basis, but just haven't been able to get a thing done over the past few weeks. I decided to take a leaf out of my friend Kim's book and create a Clean and Simple card (CAS).

I went back to my first love - sponging! Using Kim's idea of masking a portion of the card, I went to work and created my background. It really suited the new Hostess stamp set "Simply Soft", so I got a chance to ink it up! This was originally a line art stamp, but I decided to create the silhouette again, by colouring in the stamped images in the same marker - in this case, Chocolate Chip. Not a single embellishment in sight! Be sure to check out Kim's site, Joyful Creations with Kim, too. She does the most amasing CAS cards! Tell her I sent you, won't you?

Thanks Kim for giving me the kick start I needed *mwah*

FOR THE COFFEE FREAK!

2011-09-26T19:23:00.000+13:00

I admit it, I am a total Coffee nut. I even have my own Coffee Machine - I just love it so much! I recently helped a friends daughter (answering questions) with her studies and as a Thank you, she gave me a box of Robert Timms Coffee Bags. Well, what can I say? I was pretty thrilled, but the box was pretty ugly! So I made one up to keep them in - much prettier!

This is a just a basic box template I made to fit the packets and once you understand how boxes go together you can make ANY size you want. Such a handy thing to know though - think personalised gifts!

Of course, you can also decorate them any way you want. Obviously, I didn't want to forget what was in this box! I think the bold font gives it away, lol. I also think the sentiment is soooooo TRUE!

Anyway, I have sat down and put THIS particular template into a basic tutorial for you and it is FREE! I hope you make plenty of delightful boxes with it!

WELL WORN AND GRUNGY!

2011-09-24T12:10:00.000+12:00

Is kinda how I am feeling at the moment!! But I feel good enough to turn out this card using the new DSP "Well Worn". Teamed with the "Grunge Rock" stamp set, I am really pleased with the lived in feel of this card!

I love the new Well Worn DSP, with all the earthy tones and images in the paper. It really lends itself to the torn look too, which most of you know, is totally against my nature! I also used twine as an accent, which I ran thorugh my ink pad to add colour. Lots of sponging on the stamped sentiment and guitar images to tone down the stark Very Vanilla base. This is going into my box of cards for when a "manly" card is needed!

Make sure you check back in a couple of days to see the latest project I am working on using this gorgeous new DSP. I am hoping to have a tutorial for you too, since I haven't done one in a while! But my lips are sealed for now, shhhhhh...............

HEY BABY - CAS

2011-09-22T07:38:00.000+12:00

I haven't made a Baby card in so long! To be honest, I had to keep it clean and simple because I really struggled to come up with an idea! It happens to the best of us *grin*.

I made this for a friend of a friend who have just adopted their first long awaited Baby. How cool is that?! In case you can't tell, it's a Girl!! I thought we would start things off right with a bit of bling and a pretty wee bow - what more could a Girl want - right?!

ALL WRAPPED UP

2011-09-18T07:03:00.000+12:00

I have been a little slack in the posting department, but I have been working very hard towards a Launch workshop I am holding today. It really has been nose to the grindstone! I have been playing with new product (and old) so I could showcase gorgeous samples to inspire.

This wee box is made with the Big Shot Mini Milk Carton Die. Instead of making a standard Milk carton, I have cut two die templates, cut one side off each and put together to form this cute hexagonal Gift Box. Teamed with the new Mocha Morning DSP and the fabulous lace Ribbon Border Punch, it really makes an elegant little gift box. Of course, Pearls are elegant too and I have added one to each flower centre.

There are soooo many new and beautiful products in the 2011/2012 Stampin' Up! catalogue, along with all of our old favourites. The Hostess benefit scheme has also changed and is so much more flexible now, allowing you to receive both FREE and heavily discounted product. If you haven't got a copy yet, why not contact me today and order one? Better yet, book a workshop with me and get it for FREE!

ONE LUMP OR TWO?

2011-09-12T06:56:00.000+12:00

Anyone for Tea? I have seen some gorgeous Tea Caddy's during my blog travels recently, and being a good Tea and Coffee drinker myself, wanted one I could put on my bench or give as a gift. In the end, I had to play around myself to whip up this little beauty - but I love how this came together.

I have used the glorious new Designer Paper called Mocha Morning and the colours of the Caddy itself are Soft Suede and Crumb Cake. I have also used lots of subtle sponging to add a more vintage feel to the stark DSP.
While I have a fabulous stamp set called "Morning Sip", the images were a little small for my needs, so I drew my own teabag for the front panel. I put the bag and tag together with twine and popped them on the front panel with dimensionals.

I also wanted to be able to refill this when the last teabag is used, so I added a flip top lid!

I can't wait to make some more of these cuties as something "extra" for friends and family at Christmas. Now I want to make some in different sizes too that I can take to my monthly Craft fair. I know I certainly can't resist a good Cuppa!

JAI #84

2011-09-09T06:43:00.000+12:00

This week at JUST ADD INK we have a super colour challenge for you - Just Add White and one other colour!

Whether you want to use white as a base, or colour as a base - anything goes! Cant wait to see what you come up with.

I choose Gold and White. I don't have a lot of Wedding Cards in my stash, so my main aim was to add to that! I recently got the Gold Card Stock from Stampin' Up!an it is a grogeous! It isn't overly shiney but has such a lovely iridescence about it. Of course I also heat embossed the sentiment with gold, just to make it really "pop". I also gently sponged Champagne Shimmer Paint over the dry embossing for a bit of glitx and colour.

I hope you will pop by JUST ADD INK this week and join in with this simple (but challenging!) challenge. Head over there now to see what the rest of the Deisgn Team have been doing!

ITUNES INSPIRED 21ST BIRTHDAY

2011-09-05T07:03:00.000+12:00

What kind of 21st Birthday card do you make for a tattooed Rock Chick celebrating her birthday?! That was the challenge presented to me recently. Harder yet, what kind of present do you get?!! My darling Husband came up with the idea of the Itunes card voucher and picked one up to put in her card.

As soon as I saw the voucher, I knew I had to recreate the artwork using my brayer and sponges. This is the end result:

This turned out to be such an awesome card to do and I really didn't want to give it away!
To achieve these reuslts, I used Whisper White as my artwork base. I stamped the Extreme Guitar in Versamark, then "rock n rolled" it in Rich Razzleberry and Elegant Eggplant, and heat embossed using Clear embossing powder. I randomly sponged the background in Pool Party, Lucky Limeade and Marina Mist. Using my trusy post-it-notes, I then masked off sections and sponged again in marina Mist to create the background sections. of course, I also carried this over to the inside of the card too!

Using the same method of sponging I described above, I just colour one corner of the card in colour, I also used my music wheel and Pool Prty ink to create a light mosaic of music (which is hard to see here) under the birthday sentiment. I also "rock n rolled" the Grunge Rock guitar in the corner, omitting the embossing. As it turns out, the guitar was a great choice as that was the gift her family got her for her 21st!

"D" IS FOR DAD!

2011-09-03T06:59:00.000+12:00

It is Fathers Day this Sunday and luckily, my Dad's card has arrived safely. I hope the Lotto ticket inside is as lucky! Just remember who gave it to you if it wins Dad!

This card came together for Dad really quickly. My Dad doesn't do sentiment too well, so I definietly didn't want anything soppy. Quick, simple and to the point, is what my Dad appreciates. I also included artwork on the inside, but the photo didnt turn out at all well, so I can't show you. Note to self: Check photo's BEFORE sending card away!

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, French Foliage
Card Stock: Early Espresso, So Saffron, Very Vanilla
Inks: Early Espresso, So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede
Accessories: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alpha Die, Post-it-note (for masking) Stamp-a-ma-jig, Brayer, Sponges, Jumbo Brads

SU BIG DAY OUT PRESENTATION CARD

2011-08-31T08:11:00.000+12:00

I was thrilled to be asked to make a presentation at the SU Big Day Out in Auckland last weekend, so of course I did a card in my favourite style - brayer and sponging! I was also lucky enough to have two of the new In-colours to play with (Lucky Limeade and Wisteria Wonder) and teamed with the Forever Young stamp set, I knew just the look I was after.

I have actually used four techniques on this card - brayer, sponging, masking and direct to paper. It has a real whimsical feel about it so the Imagine sentiment from Word Play was perfect for my needs. I have teamed the artwork with the new In-colour ruffled ribbon in Lucky Limeade - a really delicious ribbon!

SO MANY NEW FAVOURITES!

2011-08-29T19:20:00.000+12:00

I have just returned from a fabulous Stampin' Up! event in Auckland and want to share a project I presented on Saturday to my fellow demonstrators that attended. I was challenged to make a "manly" card using a delicious DSP called "Mocha Morning", which is available from the 1st of September. I have teamed it with quite a few new favourites - Forever Young stamp set, Glimmer Brads and Stampin' Up! Gold card stock.

I love this Clock and knew I wanted to 3D it somehow. I have layered the clock face three times and put acetate behind the top layer to give the impression of a glass face. The original stamp has three pendulums beneath the clock. I chose to make my own using hemp twine and the new Neutrals Glimmer Brads.

Mocha Morning DSP has all my favourite Neutral colours and I was spoilt for choice as to which design to use. I chose this one simply because it worked so well with the Gold card stock. I was thrilled how this card turned out - for a change it was just as I imagined it!!

JAI #82 - From your Stash

2011-08-26T01:00:00.001+12:00

This week at JUST ADD INK, you get to use something you have hidden away in your stash and haven't used for some time!! This is a great challenge! I have dusted off a stamp set called "Coast to Coast" which hasn't seen ink for about a year!

Killing two birds with one stone here, as this is my BIL's Birthday card too. He is an ex-sailor, so anything to do with the sea appeals to him.

I have kept it pretty manly with wide grosgrain ribbon and an antique brad, which looks like a compass. I have also used the Lattice embossing folder in my Big Shot to add texture to the main card. I have stamped a birthday sentiment on the inside.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the Design team are guilty of leaving on the shelf! Be sure to pop over to JUST ADD INK for a looksee and join in!

PUMPKIN PIE LATTICE SET

2011-08-24T06:26:00.000+12:00

A wee while a go I designed a project for Ustamp with Dawn and Friends, featuring a brayered technique using the Stampin' Up Lattice embossing folder. Last weekend, my Stamp Club ladies recreated this set using Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Chip Inks from the SU range. Such a quick wee project to make, but a great way of gift giving.

If you would like to make these projects too and have a step by step tutorial to use over and over again, then book this class with me. This is just one of many classes I can bring to you. Simply gather a few friends and enjoy your own private class in your own home. Email ME for more details.

POP UP BIRTHDAY

2011-08-22T01:00:00.000+12:00

I came across a sweet little tutorial the other day - A pop up tutorial by Lori Heiling, and just had to try it myself. A super cute little card that comes together very quickly. I like quick at the moment!!

I opted to put a belly band around the top of my card to help keep it closed, and used that to put the Birthday sentiment on.

Simply slide the belly band off and open the top of the card. Up pops a Birthday Cake! How cute is this card?!!

ODE TO SNOW!!

2011-08-18T18:55:00.000+12:00

Well, have I had an interesting week!! I just had to share this photo taken from our deck! So what, it's just snow right?!! Wrong - it's SNOW!! We don't get snow!! Even on the worst day of winter, we don't normally see this white stuff.

It has been a challenging week though. Watching cars slip and slide outside our place and having to get towed, once they lost traction. People abandoning their cars, and walking the rest of the way home. Couldn't even get out to work on Tuesday!! Never thought I could use "snowed in" as an excuse for the boss!!

So I spent my day off making a card that I thought was very fitting on this occasion! I love the sentiment stamp "Remember When", because this is a card I intend keeping, to remind me of this incredible event!!

I have used Concord Crush as the card base and the new In-colour, Wisteria Wonder for the snowy background. Of course, I pulled out my Brayer for this card. I am so glad I have something (apart from a cold) to remember this incredible winter by!

SNEAKY BIRTHDAY

2011-08-16T07:36:00.000+12:00

I am going to tease you all with a sneak peak stamp set called "Creative Elements". I made this Birthday card for Julie (downline) a few weeks ago. I wanted to use a new set Julie didn't have, so she could keep it as a sample if she wanted to!

I chose to stamp the images on Naturals Ivory cardstock. A robust cardstock that stands up well as a card base. I don't know why I waited so long to get some - it is gorgous to work with! I stamped in Early Espresso and Cherry Cobbler. Coloured the flower with a blender pen, fussy cut, then added to the card with another new product - a Glimmer Brad. Another clean and simple card!

JAI #80

2011-08-12T01:00:00.000+12:00

I hope you will join us this week at JUST ADD INK for this fabulous sketch challenge we have for you!

I loved the sketch when I saw it and knew I wanted to do a double fold card that you could latch closed.

I have also used a stamp set I have admired for some time and only just ordered for myself - Greenhouse Garden. Such a gorgeous Two-step stamp set! I don't own a much in the way of floral stamps, so I really enjoyed playing with this set! I also teamed it up with my Colour Sprizter tool for added texture to an otherwise plain card front. I have used new Glimmer Brads on the front and wrapped Early Espresso ribbon around them to close the card.

I chose Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White for my colours and carried the image over to the inside of the card. I have also used my trusty Mat Pack and piercing tool to outline the white panels.

I hope you find inspiration in this sketch challenge too and join in the fun this week at JUST ADD INK. The Design team have come up with beautiful samples for you to oooh and aaah over too, so be sure to pop by for a look!

UP & AWAY ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

2011-08-09T01:00:00.001+12:00

It's my BIL's Birthday today (waving at you!!) and he is a total plane nut!! So when it came to designing his Birthday card - it had to have a plane on it!! Unfortunately this set (Sentiment Journey) is retired, but I can still play with it myself!

I got out my trusty sponges and cloud template and created the clouds in Bashful Blue and Marina Mist, after first masking off the plane contrail. I then stamped the plane image and sentiment in Basic Black. I kept the rest of the card simple with plain matting in Basic Black, the Word Window Punch for a little side detail and the addition of White Brads for some embellishment.

Of course, I think a card is made just that much more special when you carry the theme to the inside too. Again I sponged just a few clouds around two sides,, leaving room for a message to be written. I have no doubt that he will love this card! I get such a kick out of tailoring a card for a specific person.

I hope you had a wonderful day BIL!!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

2011-08-05T07:01:00.000+12:00

One of the many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is the monthly Stampin' Up! magazine "Impressions" that I recieve in the mail. I really look forward to this publication each month as I get so many great ideas from it, along with business tips and tools I can apply to my own SU business. This month, there was a fabulous idea to create your own stencils with punches from the Stampin' Up! range.

I love the simplicity of this card and it was really quick to make, but it packs a real punch wih the 3D flower on the front! If you book a worskhop with me, I will show you and your guests how to make this gorgeous card. Not only will you make a sample for yourself, but you will get the stencil to keep too!

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Demo yourself, I would love to talk to you! Simply email ME with your contact details. I would love to tell you more about the Stampin' Up! opportunity and the many benefits you will recieve and earn!!

SINGLE LAYER SYMPATHY

2011-08-03T18:45:00.000+12:00

I thought I would try to make a card that had no layers, bling, or accessories of any kind. I have simply used a card base of Whisper White.

I love how this has turned out! The only other thing I used besides ink and stamps, was heat embossing for the snow on the tree.

Luckily for me, Lovely as a Tree is a set that is not retiring! But plenty of others are! Be sure to check out my Specials and Promotions page for the Last Chance List and get your orders in to me before time runs out and they disappear forever!

GOODBYE AUTUMN SPICE

2011-08-01T16:43:00.000+12:00

The mini catalogue has now retired and we are getting ready to say goodbye to the 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! catalogue. I had to have one last play with the Autumn Spice Designer Paper and made these gorgeous Tote Bags for the Craft Market next weekend.

Don't they look gorgeous in that paper? I love these little Totes! They look so sofisticated. It is hard to believe they are made out of paper!! I got this template from Adela at Creations by AR. She has the most wonderful designs for sale!

But Autumn Spice is not the only thing retired or retiring with Stampin' Up!

During the month of August Stampin' Up! are clearing away the old to make way for the new!! Some items are discounted by 40%!!

You can view the Last Chance List HERE. So many gorgeous products going, never to be seen again. So if you have some of these items on your wishlist - email me your order now! Orders are accepted only while stocks last.

JAI #78 - COLOUR CHALLENGE

2011-07-29T01:00:00.000+12:00

The team At JUST ADD INK have another colour challenge for you this week. This is another card that simply came together when I saw the colours we had to play with! Such gorgeous EARTHY colours!!

I love it when I have a clear idea of what I want to do - it doesn't happen all that often!! So going with the Earthy theme.................

I decided to do a Telescope card for my Dad's Birthday. Both the colours in the challenge and the sentiment I chose dictated the card..........

Although I don't know what possessed me to hand cut all the continents!! It took me hours to make this card. But my Dad is worth it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD ♥

I hope you will join me and the rest of the Just Add Ink Design Team this week with this gorgeous challenge. I can't wait to see you entries!

PLASTERING IT OVER

2011-07-27T06:42:00.000+12:00

I was driving home from work yesterday and an idea for a Get Well card just "popped" into my head. I had to get it down on paper before I forgot it!! Not quite what I had imagined., things have a life of there own once you begin work on them! But I am still reasonably happy with it.

My Piercing Tool and Mat Pack certainly got a workout though! As did my sponges (of course!). This card was made with someone special in mind and I can't wait to see what she thinks of it. The very fact that it has bling on it should brighten her day, lol

HAVE I BEEN BUSY? YOU BET YA!!

2011-07-25T06:53:00.000+12:00

Would you belive I have managed to spend the entire weekend (less housework!) in my Craft room. What a great feeling that is! Working madly to try and restock for my monthly craft fair. Just wish I had enough daylight hours to photograph my projects for you to see! But I do have these two photo's to share with you in the meantime.

These Post-it-Note holders are really popular and I only had two left after last months stall.

This first one has been sponged with Cajun Craze and Always Artichoke in a random pattern. Using Early Espresso, I then stamped randomly over the top with a stamp from Autmn Days. Always Artichoke on the sentiment, stamp on vellum, added a couple of eyelets - done!

This next note pad would have to be my favourite. I want to try a nightime scene with this same view next! Sponged my background and then spritzed it with water. What a fabulous look! Once dry, stamped in Choclate Chip with a stamp out of Just Believe. Used the Chocolate Chip marker to fill in the solid "ground". I didn't want to put a sentiment on this one, I really like the background too much and didn't want to lose it's effect.

These Note pads are so easy to create and make such a lovely "extra" in any gift. Want to learn how to make these? With Christmas coming up, they would be great stocking fillers. Contact ME today to arrange a Workshop so I can show you how!

NEWSPRINT BIRTHDAY

2011-07-21T01:00:00.000+12:00

While blog surfing yesterday, I visited Tui Nathans lovely blog site and saw THIS card. I was WOWed by it and decided to CASE Tui (waving at you Tui!!). Funny how you can start a CASE and it takes on a life of it's own, eh? While mine doesn't look much like Tui's original card, hers was definitely the inspiration I needed to create this one:

Here is the list of Stampin' Up! products I used to create my card:
Cardstock: Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Vellum
DSP: Newsprint
Inks: Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Stamps: Just Believe, French Foliage, Bring on the Cake
Accessories: Itty Bitty Punches, Neutral Brads, Sponges, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals

UNDERWATER BABY

2011-07-18T17:20:00.001+12:00

Here's a baby card with a twist - an underwater one!!

I had an idea in my head that just wouldn't go away, so I started this card this morning before going to work, and have just finished it after walking in from work. I love it when a plan comes together!!

This card is a follow on from the Just Add Ink design I did last week. I forgot how much I enjoy using my sponges since discovering the Brayer. Now I have pulled them all out again and I plan on making quite a few more cards using this fab technique. Hope you like it!!

JAI #76

2011-07-15T01:00:00.001+12:00

How does an Inspiration Photo strike you this week? That is what you have to play with at JUST ADD INK!

I had a bit of trouble with this photo, to be honest. I really couldn't come up with much!! But then we had the most awful week of weather, just look at our poor town!! That is hail NOT snow!! It took about five hours to melt away!

When I came back to the inspiration photo, I thought of summer and how I wished I could be on a beach somewhere! The colours in the photo were my inspiration. Although, because of poor lighting (I think you can see why!), the Baja Breeze looks more like Marina Mist in the photo!

I have sponged this entire card, not a brayer in sight! The colours I used were Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, and Baja Breeze. I also passed my Sprinkles Wheel over the "sand" to give it a bit more texture, and added white gel pen to create the fizzy water's edge. When I look at this now, I don't feel quite so cold! Roll on Summer!!

I love how everyone takes different inspiration from photo's like these. Why don't you pop on over to JUST ADD INK to see what the rest of the Design Team have come up with. I promise you won't be disppointed!

BLACKBOARD NOTEBOOK

2011-07-10T20:39:00.000+12:00

As some of my readers may know, I attend a Craft Market here in Upper Hutt on the first Saturday of every month. I have been attending this market for nearly two years now and have met many of my wonderful customers there. I like to keep a track of the things that appeal most to customers, and one of those products is this cute wee Post-it-Note holder. These fly out the door. Over the past couple of days, I have been working hard to replenish my stock!! I will share some more with you at a later date, but I wanted to show you this one:

This little book showcases the Blackboard technique. This is the first time I have tried this technique and I love it!!

If you would like to try this technique, I highly recommend it! Read on to find out how...............

1. Using a fairly solid stamp and white Craft Ink, stamp your image onto a dark coloured card stock. Make sure the image is dry before continuing. You can speed up the drying process by using a heat gun.
2. Using the Stampin' Up! Stampin Pastels, colour over the white stamped image with a cotton bud.

3. With the rubber that comes with the Stampin Pastels, remove any excess chalk around the image.

4. You can leave your image as is, or add some white highlights with a white Gel Pen, as I have done. It really makes the image "pop".
5. Make sure you seal your work so it doesn't smudge. You can purchase a Pastel sealer from most Craft shops, but you can also use hairspray.

I hope you enjoyed my mini tutorial and try this fabulous and eye catching technique yourself.

Happy crafting to you all ♥

JAI #75 - A COLOUR CHALLENGE

2011-07-08T01:00:00.002+12:00

This week we have a colour challenge for you and I have to say - these are MY colours. I just love them and hope you do too!

I decided to do something a little different to the usual card I normally favour. I came across this gorgeous shoe template at Creations by AR and just had to buy it! What's not to love?! I knew exactly how I wanted it to look too, with this gorgeous colour combination.

I wanted a black sole, as most shoes have. I wanted the body of the shoe to be Vanilla. I have also stamped on the toe of the shoe using Champagne Shimmer paint and the Tree from Pendant Park. I think the shimmer paint and simple design of the leaves adds an understated elegance.

I wanted the Soft Suede and Cherry Cobbler to carry on the elegant theme, so used a tiny version of Tania Gould's gorgeous rolled roses and tipped them all with Shimmer paint again. If you would like to know how to make these roses, then pay Tania a visit HERE.

The JUST ADD INK Design Team have come up with gorgeous projects for you to view too, so be sure to pay us a visit!

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

2011-07-05T07:04:00.000+12:00

I always have the need for Birthday cards, but don't always have the time to make them. I actually had some time to craft the other day and came up with this simple little design. I wanted to see what it would look like with different textures and colours, so now I have a stash of these little guys to call on when I need a card in a hurry.

All it takes is one stamp, one colour (in this case, Regal Rose) and one embossing folder (Petals Aplenty)! It is that easy!! Of course, I also added a faux bow and a gorgeous coordinating brad, just to finish them off. I would love to show you how to make these little cuties - so why not consider Hosting a workshop and I will show you how!

Wild Wasabi and Lattice

Concord Crush and Polka Dots

Real Red and Vintage Wallpaper

Which one is your favourite? I love them all.........................

FANCY FOLDS BLOG HOP - JAI #74

2011-07-01T01:00:00.005+12:00

JAI FANCY FOLDS EASEL CARD

I hope you enjoyed viewing Kim Badelt's gorgeous Tri Shutter card and you're ready to check out another Fancy Fold. I have made a Funky Fold Easel Card which is held open with rolled roses.

Cardstock you will need:

10cm x 20cm Basic Black, Card base

10cm x 10cm Basic Black, Card base topper

8.5cm x 8.5cm Poppy Parade (cut 2, 1 outer, 1 inner)

8cm x 8cm Whisper White (cut 2, 1 outer, 1 inner)

Poppy Parade Roses, buttons or brads

Accessories:

1/4" Black grosgrain ribbon, Basic Pearl, Mini Glue Dots, Sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig

How to:

1. Using Poppy Parade ink and a sponge, gently sponge both pieces of the Whisper White across the top only. Lay one piece of Whisper White aside for the card inner later.

2. Using your Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement, Stamp the "love" sentiment from Occasional Quotes, in Basic Black, 2/3 of the way up the card front.

3. Along the bottom of the card front, stamp the flower from Silhouette Sentiments in Basic Black.

4. Adhere your ribbon across the centre of your card. Using Mini glue dots, adhere a separately tied bow and top with a pearl.

5. Score the 20cm x 10 cm Basic Black card base in half at 10cm, then score again on one side only at 5cm. Place tape or snail on the outside 5cm portion of the card stock as in the photo.

6. Take the second 10cm x 10cm piece of Basic Black cardstock and lining the bottom up with the first 20cm piece, adhere where you have put the adhesive. When you push this piece up, it should resemble and Easel - hence the name!
7. Adhere both pieces of your Whisper White artwork to the 8.5cm square pieces of Poppy Parade mats.

8. Adhere the front piece (with sentiment) to the front of your card base and the plain on to the inside of your card.
9. Add buttons, brads or rolled roses placed on the lower third of the inside of your card. This will enable the front of the card to slot behind, keeping the card open.

Thanks for stopping by, now it's time to move onto the fabulous, Mae Collin's Blog where she has another awesome Fancy Fold for you to try.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DH ♥

2011-06-26T08:37:00.000+12:00

It was my darlings Birthday yesterday - won't say how old he was though. Needless to say - there was a GST increase. Making cards for him is hard. I had a choice of Motorbike or boat. I don't think he has ever been anywhere near a bike, so that kinda narrowed it down!

I went with a fun fold this time. THE Bron Heslop gave me a gorgeous sample of a fancy fold she had done recently and I was really taken with it. So here is my version:

I used my sponges on this card, so I could get more detail on the small space I had to work with - a brayer would have had a hard time! I have popped the sails up with Dimensionals and put hints of Dazzling Diamonds in the water. It really does sparkle like moonlit water! I will leave you with a close up:

JAI #73 A SKETCH FOR YOU!

2011-06-24T01:05:00.001+12:00

Over at JUST ADD INK this week, we have a sketch challenge for you:

And a challenge it was for me, since I had my weeks all mixed up and didn't realise I needed to submit this week! Oh dear, what a panic I got myself in!

In the end, I decided to keep it simple - which is actually another challenge in itself for me! My first thought when I saw the sketch, was to put a length of ribbon on the card, but not everyone has ribbon available, so again, I challenged myself to only use cardstock - hence the punch hearts. I think they go perfectly with the sentiment and I couldn't help but add a bit of sparkle to a few of them with the gorgeous Stampin' Up! fine glitter.

Pop on over to Just Add Ink to see what the other Design team members have put up for your viewing pleasure. We would love it if you joined in too!

FRENCH FOLIAGE

2011-06-21T17:28:00.000+12:00

I finally got to play with my new set "French Foliage"! After borrowing it from a friend, I just had to get it for myself. Such a lovely, versatile set. It also suits the nature kind of cards I love to do. This time however, I have taken a leaf (excuse the pun) out of Teneale Williams book.

I love her style and wanted to create something along the same lines. I love how this card has turned out - thanks for the inspiration Teneale!!

INLAID FOR YOU

2011-06-17T07:05:00.000+12:00

A quick post this morning to show you some Inlaid Embossing cards I recently taught at one of my classes. Such an easy technique to do. Have Bigshot - can do!

I have used the Lattice embossing folder on one and the Petals a Plenty on the other, just to see what they would look like! I have kept these simple by just using two small dies - little leaves and the Beautiful Wings embosslits.

How to:

1. Select you die cuts and cut your peices out.
2. Using Tombow Multi Adhesive lightly adhere the pieces on your card stock.
3. Insert your carstock into your embossing folder of choice and run through the Bigshot.
4. Adhere with Dimensionals to you card base.

It is that easy! If you don't own these embossing folders or dies and want to add them to your collection, I would be more than happy to order them for you. Email ME to place an order today!

QUILT - HOW TO

2011-06-14T08:00:00.000+12:00

I promised a tutorial on how I do my Quilt cards and here it is!

The instructions are for this particular card, but of course, you are only limited by your imagaination! This is my take on a traditional Quilt block called "Log Cabin".

1. Cut a mat of cardstock measuring 8cm x 8xm for your base. You will be sticking DSP (Designer paper) to this, so old cardstock is good! We are going to hide it :-)
2. Choose three or four contrasting DSP's and cut strips 1cm wide, and at least 6-7cm long. For the centre peice you wil need a 2cm x 2cm square piece of DSP.
3. Using a pencil, draw across the diagonal of your cardstock, to find the centre.
4. Experience has taught me that Anywhere Glue stick works the best for this technique. It gives you slipability (new word?) and allows you to correct mistakes if you need to! I used tape in this picture, but that doesnt allow you to move the strips if you stick them down crooked. I make the mistakes so you don't have to!

5. Cover the entire card backing with the Anywhere Glue Stick (just $9.25 for a pack of two - bargain!)
6. Stick your 2xcm x 2cm peice of DSP down over the centre, matching the corners of the DSP to your drawn diagonal lines. This will ensure your first piece is straight!
7. Adhere four strips of DSP down each side of your centre piece.

8. Continue to add your DSP in the same direction on all four sides, alternating the colour in each round until your have covered the entire card base.
9. Turn over and using the edge of the card base as a guide for your scissors, carefully cut away the excess DSP.

Your finished quilt block should look like this.

I have used mats of 8.5cm x 8.5 cm and 9cm x 9cm for this card. The card base is half A4 cut down the length, then scored in half at A5 size.

Other samples of my Quilt cards can be found HERE and HERE.

There are so many Quilt Block designs available on the net to gather lots of ideas. The sky is the limit with this type of card! This is a great way to use up all those pesky little scraps you have lying around.

I hope your enjoy and use this tutorial often!!

NIGHT OF NAVY QUILT

2011-06-13T06:49:00.000+12:00

If you have pesky scraps (and lots of them, if you are anything like me) then a great way to use them up is to put them to use on a Quilted card. This is a great technique to help use up all those scraps bits of cardstock and DSP we all manage to aquire!

I have used Night of Nacy and Riding Hood Red for the card base and mats. I let the DSp I used, choose those colours for me! I have also used a traditional quilt block called "Log Cabin".

I have another quilt card to share with you, and if I can manage to get my act together, I will share a quick tutorial on how I do these. Be sure to check back in a couple of days for that!

JUST ADD BLACK & WHITE #71

2011-06-10T01:00:00.002+12:00

Join me this week at JUST ADD INK for a real challenge - Just add black and white only! I thought it would be fun to leave all colour in the draw to see what we could all come up with.

The design team have made some beautiful samples to share with you this week, so be sure to pop over and have a look. Better yet - join in the fun with your own creation!

I had a lot of fun putting together this week card and as we speak - it is in the hands of fellow Just Add Ink Designer who celebrated her birthday yesterday.

I not only created the card, but a broach to be worn too! Which is why I have kept the card pretty simple. I wanted the broach to be the star of the show, with it's laquered look and bit of bling. I have also added an insert, because these always finish a card beautifully.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for yesterday Delys - I hope you got this in time and in one piece! **MWAH**

FOR YOU, BABY

2011-06-08T07:50:00.000+12:00

My baby girl turns 17 years old today! Where has the time gone? I wanted to share a quick post of the birthday card I made for her. Those of you who know her, know what a huge fan of Michael Jackson she is. I made a MJ card for her last year which you can see HERE. After she got over her initial disappointment that it wasn't another MJ card, she did give her approval anyway!

Sorry about the photograhy! It really is quite a blingy card, but the lighting just doesn't pick it up. I took this late last night before I sealed the envelope!

ALTERED NOTEPADS

2011-06-07T06:16:00.000+12:00

Sorry I have been MIA lately. This working 5 days has really cramped my style! I have been busy in the background working on some projects for classes and Stamp Club, but I can't show you those yet!

I did want to share a couple of cute Altered Notepads I recently made for my monthly craft fair. The first is a Post-it-Note holder and pen set using French Foliage. Now I don't actually own this set, but I did borrow it from the lovely Rhonda Imrie and I have to say I LOVE IT! It is my new favourite set (like I don't already have enough favourites!). I haven't used traditional Autumn colours here though. Instead I have used Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand and Perfect Plum. I have stamp the background using the smallest SU acrylic block to get the "brick" thing going on.

The second Note pad is a altered shopping list. I got the cutest swap at Convention from Barbara Bicknell and just had to have a go at recreating it myself. This was fun to put together and I have altered the pen to match too, by inserting the same DSP on the front of the pad, down the barrell of the pen.

I do hope to post a bit more regularly than I have been lately. So please come back often to check and leave a comment - I do so appreciate hearing your thoughts on my projects!

MAY STAMP CLUB

2011-06-01T17:41:00.000+12:00

I such such a fun weekend because I got to be a student for a change! Diane and I held our monthly Stamp Club last Sunday and it was Diane's turn to teach. What a fantastic job she did, although I had far too much to say, as usual. (Note to self - keep quiet and listen!) I have some photo's to share of the gorgeous projects she taught us, along with our Ladies watching every move she made. Absolute dedication!

Diane itching to get started

Diane had everyone's total attention!

Of course, we had quite a few laughs along the way too! But we didn't want to miss a thing!

I think the ladies were pretty thrilled with the projects!

I will leave you all with a close up of the lovely projects we made.

Thanks Diane for a fabulous day!

DUST IT OFF!!

2011-05-29T08:25:00.000+12:00

Do you have any stamp sets that haven't seen the light of day for a while? I do!! It is so easy to reach for the "now" sets and leave those that are still current in the main catalogue gathering dust. So I decided I would pull out a set I haven't used for a while. The problem was - WHICH ONE?!

I opted for "Lots of Bots". This is a really cute set which is great for colouring or paper piecing, which is what I have done here. I also wanted to keep it "manly" for the boys, hence the hardware and lack of ribbon!

It was a worthwhile excercise to rummage through my current, but hardly used sets. How many have YOU got that could do with a little inky love right now?

JAI #69 - FUSSY CUTTING

2011-05-27T01:00:00.003+12:00

Are you up for a great challenge? Yes? How about Fussy Cutting?! This is the challenge JUST ADD INK have put together for you this week. What is fussy cutting? Pretty much anything that requires a pair of scissors, or craft knife. Fussy cutting is a great way to add interest to you projects.

I have used a really cute template from Papercrafters Library for my project this week. The little tote bag opens out flat, so you could use it as a card and gift in one. I have used it to put a couple of teabags in. A great way to have a cuppa with a friend who doesn't live nearby!

I have hand cut the bag for a start and added a layer of cardstock and DSP on the belly of the bag. I then stamped the images from the Morning Cup stamp set on multiple scraps of DSP and cut out. I stamped the images again on cardstock and attached the cut out pieces. I then used my markers to add shadows and cut out the images again before sticking them to my bag.

I hope you can see the detail in the close up. This is one of my favourite techniques. It does help if you have a really sharp pair of snips too. My favourite to use are the Stampin' Up! Paper Snips. They are so sharp and have a nice pointy end for getting right into corners.

Pop on over to JUST ADD INK to see the fussy cutting the rest of the Design Team have been doing for your viewing pleasure!

AUSSIE BIRTHDAY WISHES

2011-05-25T01:00:00.001+12:00

As promised, here are the gorgeous Birthday cards I rececieved from across the ditch! Thank you girls, I love them all, and I am blessed to have friends like you!

To see more of their gorgeous designs, simply click on a name to visit a blog. Be sure to leave them some comment love so they know you have been for a visit!

BIRTHDAY GOODIES

2011-05-23T07:20:00.000+12:00

I celebrated my 44th Birthday last week and was blessed with many Birthday wishes from around the country and over the ditch! I would love to share the gorgeous cards I received from around New Zealand first, but do check back to see the lovely cards I got from Demo friends in Australia too.
Just click on the artist's name to go visit their blogs and check out all their other work. Don't forget to leave some comment love, so they know you have been for a visit!

Delys Cram

Rhonda Imrie

Bron Heslop

Debi Ryan

Anna Mangnall

Paula Reid

Diane Taylor

Thank you all so much for your kind wishes. They were geartly appreciated!

LAST USTAMP PROJECT

2011-05-20T07:23:00.000+12:00

It is with real sadness that I put up my last Ustamp project for you all to see. My personal circumstances have changed a lot and I needed to take stock of the way I do things. So unfortunately, this will be the last Ustamp project I do for a while. Although I am hoping to go back and design as a Guest now and again in the future.

This project is a Brag Book Album, box and card set. Not for the faint hearted, I might add! I love these little Brag books and had to make a box that would contain the whole gift!

I have not used any brayering in this project and gone back to sponging only, which as you know, is my first love!

I have used the Silhouette technique again with the "Every Moment" stamp set. I have to say, it is one of my favourite stampsets and I love pulling it out and getting it inky!

Don't forget to check out my Special and Promotions page to see what the latest weekly specials for May are!

BACK TO REALITY

2011-05-17T17:12:00.000+12:00

Convention 2011 has been and gone! Back to reality and work tomorrow :-(

I had a fantastic time in Melbourne and met so many of the artists I admire, ate to much, laughed so hard, and the best bit - met most of the Just Add Ink crew that I get to work with each week. Unfortunately, a few couldn't make it, but we were thinking of them!

Front row left to right: Kim Badelt, Nikki Spencer, Mae Collins, Delys Cram
Back Row: Tania Gould, Bronwyn Eastley, Jodene Tripp, ME, Jo Eades

While I was away, one of my Class projects went live on Ustamp with Dawn and Friends too. It is not too late to join either, for many more wonderful projects from artists around the world.

This is a beginners class I designed using the Tart and Tangy stamp set. The tutorial includes and Acetate Box, two book marks, a Post-it-Note holder and pen, Card and envelope and last but not least, A bag of lollies for the lucky recipient!

MELBOURNE CONVENTION 2011 - Roomate Gifts

2011-05-15T01:00:00.002+12:00

The last post I would like to share with you all is the gifts I made for my roomies:

I have made bags for each of them with their own bag tags to secure them closed.

Inside each of these wee bags I have put:
1. A pack of gum - to keep the breath fresh and hunger pains at bay while we craft.
2. A note pad and matching pen - to take down the wealth of information we will invariably be given.
3. A pack of tissues - for when we laugh so hard, we cry.
4. A pack of sticking plasters - for the paper cuts we will probably get!
5. TOFFEES - to keep up the energy, you understand!

I hope the girls liked them, as much as I enjoyed making them all. As you read this, I am winging my way back to reality. I hope to bring you lots of photo's from my trip soon!

MELBOURNE CONVENTION 2011 - Swap #2

2011-05-11T01:00:00.001+12:00

This is the secound Swap card I made. Again 20+, but this one had no coloring in! Again it involves Brayering, sponging and direct to paper, with a bit of masking thrown in :-)

I love the Neutral range of colours and I think this would be my favourite of the three swaps I have done. The sentiment is from a new set I have just got: Word Play. I love all the sentiments in that set, but this one I felt, was really appropriate for Convention!

MELBOURNE CONVENTION 2011 - Swap #1

2011-05-09T01:00:00.005+12:00

While I am away at Convention, I thought I would leave you with some of my swaps and also the Roomie gift I have made for the ladies I am sharing an apartment with, over the next few days.

I have made three different swaps of which this is the first. There are a lot of different techniques on this wee baby: Brayering, sponging and direct to paper. Not to mention, turning a line art stamp into a silhouette. I have no idea what posessed me to do 20+ of these - the colouring alone took me hours!! I will also be showing a class in Auckland just how I achieved this look. Hope they like It.

JAI #67 - A SKETCH

2011-05-06T01:00:00.002+12:00

This week at Just Add Ink we have a sketch to try. I immediately thought flowers and pretty, but then I thought, NO! I want to man it up instead!!

"Sail Away" was the perfect stamp and is available as a single stamp in the Autumn/Winter Mini. Mine hadn't seen ink yet, so this was the perfect opportunity to get it dirty!

I have fussy cut the yacht and layered it on the new Decorative Label Punch, which I sponged waves on first. I also sponged waves and clouds on the main panel behind to carry the theme through.

Here is a close up of the fussy cutting! Pretty time consuming, but well worth it for the effect. I have used markers and a blender pen to add colour to the sails.

I also made my own Life Saver out of small circle punches and adhered thread behind to simulate the ropes that would normally go around the outside. It is really hard to see, but I also stamped "En Francais" on the Baja Breeze base card, in versamark, and then sponged Baja Breeze around the outside of the card. I hope you like the manly slant I took on this card.

Don't forget to check out what the rest of the Design Team have come up with this week and have a go yourself!

SEPIA BIKE

2011-05-03T08:17:00.001+12:00

Another CAS (clean and simple) card to share. I really love this motorbike image and I know a lot of guys that will too. I wanted a card that was easy to reproduce in a workshop.

I have used textured Crumb Cake cardstock for the base card, and have distressed the edges of the Early Espresso mat. I sponged the edges of Very Vanilla in Crumb Cake and Espresso, then stamped my Bike image and sentiment in Espresso on top. I have used my Markers to colours the tires and body of the bike. The addition of a simple ribbon tag completes the project. A great way to showcase ribbon, markers and the Cutter Kit, with the sponging technique thrown in for good measure! I have also added dimensionals behind the mat to pop the main body of work off the card. Feel free to demo this at your next workshop!

CAS - PRETTY IN PINK

2011-05-01T07:02:00.000+12:00

I am meeting my team today for Coffee and Cake before I fly out to Melbourne next weekend for Convention. I challenged the girls to make a swap using something from the new mini Catalogue. Here is my swap card:

I have kept it really simple and PINK!! Not normally a colour I use a lot of, but after my marathon Covention swap making, I have practically run out of every other colour I own! This delightful stamp is from a set called "Bring on the Cake". It has a massive 13 stamps to the set and is made up entirely of Birthday sentiments. You can never have too many of those!!
I have paper pieced a heart on part of the image, used my markers to colour the numbers I wanted (23 is the age I would like to be again!!) and added some Dazzling Diamonds for some glamour to the numbers also. This is such a cute card to make and great for a beginner! If you like this card, then why not book a workshop with me so you can make it too?

Make sure you pop over to my Speacials and Promotions page for HOT deals during May. Stampin' Up! Have a selection of deals for you each week, for one week only - don't miss out!

JUST ADD A FLOWER

2011-04-29T06:45:00.000+12:00

Over at Just Add Ink this week, the challenge is to just add a flower to your project. Just in time for Mother's day!! It is not my design turn this week, but I thought I would show you some of the flowers that I have made in the past. Flowers are such a lovely embellishment and there are so many ways you can make your own!

These I have made with ribbon - Satin and Organza

These are are quilled. Made using a very narrow strip of cardstock, one dge punched with a scallop circle punch. I have also added "dew drops" using Crystal Effects.

This flower is made by punching full scallop circles. I have also used the faux suede technique.

And this little Sweetpea, which looks so real, is made by punching the cardstock with the butterfly punch, wetting it, scrunching it, then molding the card to the desired shape.

I hope I have demonstrated just how easy flowers are to create yourself, and that you will have a go and enter your challenge card at Just Add Ink this week. Don't forget to pop on by to see the gorgeous designs the Team have for you !

ON THE ROAD AGAIN........

2011-04-26T16:56:00.000+12:00

I am totally loving the new Motorbike stamp in the current Mini Catalogue. It is hard to find a really nice stamp suitable for the men in our lives. When I saw this one however, I knew I had to get it :-)

I finally had a chance to play with it during the weekend and I knew exactly what I wanted. This card came together beautifully. I really like the monotones too, I think it makes it kind of nostalgic. What do you think?

ALTERED KEYRING

2011-04-24T07:14:00.000+12:00

My daughter is starting to get a collection of keys, but had nothing to put them on. While out shopping the other day, I found this keyring you can put a photo in, so decided to do a little artwork for her. Not much room to do so. I think the measurements were about 1" x 1 1/2" to work with!!

I have also included a couple of ribbon embellishments on the outside of the keyring. Unfortunately there was no room under the plastic to bling it up a bit, but I think the artwork is really cute. I decided to go slightly rustic instead. Rachael loved it, so that makes me really happy!

JUST ADD - MATESHIP

2011-04-22T01:05:00.001+12:00

This weeks challenge at JUST ADD INK is a goodie!! Just add Mateship. I had a few ladies over stamping one day. One of my lovely ladies had this stamp set, so I whipped it from under her nose and borrowed this cute stamp! Thanks Vicki!!

I really enjoyed colouring this cute outline stamp. I used my Stampin' Write markers, just perfect for colouring! I used a blender pen to pick up some of the Baja Breeze colour from my ink pad to colour around the outside of my image to make it stand out more. I really like the wee sentiment from Teeny Tiny Sentiments too. I use this a lot on my "friends" type cards.

This is in honour of ANZAC day, when friendships were so important for our troops overseas, and still are.

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand
forces during the First World War.The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand. This is a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same remembrance day, but making reference to both countries in its name.

AROUND IN CIRCLES

2011-04-20T06:05:00.000+12:00

I love seeing new ideas for cards, especially for Male cards. I have seen a new technique on several blogs recently that I just had to try myself called "Inlaid Embossing". The card that finally inspired me to have a go was designed by my good friend, Bron Heslop, and you can see her card HERE. Of course, I have changed it, but only slightly.

I have gone for the Blues, using Night of Navy and Baja Breeze, but kept the eyelet and ribbon tag feature, which I really liked. I have also used a mixture of solid and outline circles. This card was so easy to do and came together much faster than I would have thought possible. One I will defintely be making more of. Thanks Bron, for the wonderful inspiration!!

INAUGRAL STAMP CLUB MEETING

2011-04-18T10:59:00.000+12:00

What a FABULOUS day I had yesterday!! I have been wanting to start a Stamp Club for quite sometime now, and have recently teamed with Diane Taylor to make it possible!!

We held the first get together yesterday. What better way to spend a cold, gray afternoon, than stamping with friends! I think it is safe to say, the ladies realy enjoyed the afternoon:

With Easter coming up it was only logical to start with a couple of Easter Projects. I had so much fun with my last punch art class, that I wanted to do it again with the Stamp Club's first projects. Here are the projects our lovely ladies made:

An Easter Chick hatching in time for Easter and an Egg filled Easter Carrot. The carrot has been done many times by many demos, I don't know whose original idea it was - but Thank You, whoever you are!! We all had fun making this cute 3D project!

Of course, I had to get sponging in there somewhere, so we sponged a whole heap of clouds for our background! The sentiment has been stamped on the inside of the card.

JUST ADD - CHOCLOATE!!

2011-04-15T06:10:00.000+12:00

This week was not my turn to design, but I couldn't resist this wee challenge! Over at JUST ADD INK this week, the challenge is a sweet one - JAI 64 - Chocolate Wrapper Colour Combo!

Use your favourite chocolate to inspire you. My favourite is Cadbury. I love the melt in your mouth flavour and texture. Although I don't eat a lot of chocolate (it gives me migraine) I do still enjoy the odd nibble! So with this traditional bar in mind, I designed this card:

My fellow Design Team memebers have come up with some simply DELICIOUS projects you are not going to want to miss. After last weeks challenge, I had a blast doing this one!! I hope you will join in too!!

CUTE AS A BUTTON

2011-04-12T07:52:00.000+12:00

For my latest tutorial at Ustamp with Dawn and Friends "Big Shot Brilliance", I decided to do another Scrap Book Page. Brave or stupid? To be honest, I am in love with this page. The photo inspired everything. It is of my daughter at just one day old. I have been holding on to it for 16 years, knowing I wanted something really special!

This page uses a number of techniques such as Brayering, distressing, sponging on stamps, repitition. Not to mention all of the Big Shot elements!

I have also teamed it with a coordinating Card and Envelope.

I am really delighted with the entire project and hope I can inspire others to have a go too!

BIRTHDAY TIN

2011-04-10T07:42:00.000+12:00

It was my mother-in-law's 86th Birthday recently. What do you get someone who has everything? MIL quite often asks me to do cards for her to give to her friends, so I figured a lovely altered tin full of cards for all occassions was the best way to go. I managed to lay my hands on a tin that was just the perfect size for what I needed. So I had a rummage through my stash and came up with this:

I used the Blossom branch from the Easter Blossoms stampset for the main image. I coloured it using a blender pen and ink pads. I have added a bit of bling to some of the flowers using Basic Pearls. This photo really doesn't do the tin justice! I cut out "CARDS" using Bigshot and Timeless Type Alphabet and then put Crystal Efftects over the top to make them shine.

I wanted to make it all the more special by having a coordinated Birthday card and envelope to go with it.

I now have three more tins in my craft stash waiting for the same treatment! I can't think of a more perfect gift to give someone than handmade with love. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAULINE!

JAI #63 - Inspiration

2011-04-08T01:00:00.002+12:00

Inspiration!! Oh my! Where on earth did you find this photo, Delys?!! I can honestly say, this caused me untold headaches trying to gleen inspiration from it. Will you be able to?? Join us at JUST ADD INK this week and see what you come up with!!

Here's the card:

What do you think? I decided to use the colours and the stripes, but also keep it on the simple side. I quite like how it turned out, though this was not my first attempt!!

Head on over to Just Add Ink to see how the rest of the Design Team took inspiration - you won't be disappointed!!

ROCK MY WORLD!

2011-04-06T17:37:00.000+12:00

I am doing a workshop on Saturday and one of the attendees is a man!! I am really looking forward to this, as not too many men I have come across are interested in stamping! So I wanted to do my Make & Take with him in mind. I hope he will like what I have come up with........

I will be doing a slightly simplier version than this, omitting the 3D portion of the stamping, just to save time. I have included sponging, distressing, random stamping and even a tiny tag of ribbon. I have had this silhouette stamp for some time and this is the first time it has seen ink - naughty!!

QUILT CARD AND FREE PASS WINNNER!

2011-04-05T08:43:00.000+12:00

Hi All,

A BIG thank you to all those who emailed me regarding the Ustamp giveaway. I really appreciated hearing from each and every one of you!! Unfortunately, there can only be one winner. CONGRATULATIONS to Donna Arps! Keep an eye out for your email invitation mid April Donna!

Now I also wanted to share a very different card with you, than what you would normally expect from me. My MIL asked/commissioned a card from me for a dear friend turning 90!! Luckily for me, I also know this lovely lady and know she used to make the most fantastic quilts. What better card to make than a Quilt Card.

I am really pleased with my first ever attempt. It really is a very easy technique and a great way to use up all those pesky little scraps of DSP!! I hope you like it Pat, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

BUNNY BUM

2011-04-03T06:50:00.000+12:00

I have to show you this cute card my class Ladies made recently, which I have called "Bunny Bum", for abvious reasons. This card uses Punch Art. I don't normally use this technique, but it is so much fun, I can see I am going to be the lookout for other cool ideas!!

Now on a different note:

Are you a follower of my blog, that I have never meet before? I am always on the look out for inspiration and that could be you! I have ONE free pass to the next round of Ustamp with Dawn and Friends to give away. If you would like this FREE pass, then email ME and tell me what inspired YOU to become a follower on Stampinantics. Please leave me your email address and Blog address, if you have one. I will be paying each entrant a visit over the next few days to check out YOUR work! The winner will be announced on Tuesday 5th of April - it could be you!!

JAI 62 - JUST ADD A BAG OR BOX

2011-04-01T05:37:00.000+13:00

Just Add Ink have a doozy challenge for you this week! Just add a Bag or Box. I love making 3D items and while it was not my turn to design this week, I do have something to show you - my current Ustamp with Dawn and Friends project - Lattice Tote and Wallet. It is part of the Big Shot Brilliance round and it is not too late to join in either!

There are so many techniques I have packed into this project, including Brayering. Can you see how?

The girls at Just Add Ink have made amazing projects to inspire you too. I want to recreate ALL of the projects they have made!! Pop on over and see the eye candy they have come up with this week!!

CLAMSHELL BOX

2011-03-30T06:28:00.000+13:00

Boxes are so much fun to make and you can customise them for just the right gift. I love discovering new ones to try and this little cutie was taught by Danille Daws at Ustamp. I love that it wraps around itself, eliminating the need for wraping paper!

It is called a Clamshell Box and is so easy to make! I have used Velcro dots to close this one, but you could use magnetic domes or ribbon to really fress it up.

Ustamp with Dawn and Friends has so many wonderful tutorials to try. Forty, to be exact, from designers all around the world. Early Bird registration is now open, so why not join us for the next round? Click HERE to sign up today!

LOOK WHAT I GOT!! (RAK)

2011-03-29T07:04:00.000+13:00

Do you love your postman as much as me?? Every now and again he decides to deliver something that isn't a bill!! A coulpe of weeks ago, I went to the mail box and pulled out this beauty!

It was sent to me from Danielle Daws, co-creator of Just Add Ink. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to get this little beauty in the post. I am a huge admirer of Danielle's work. She has the most amazing design ability and her colour combinations are fantastic. As a Watercolour artist however, she simply blows my socks off! If you would like to see more of Danielle's work then pay her a visit HERE and say hello!

Thank you so much Danielle - you made my day ♥

DO YOU LIKE CHOCOLATE?

2011-03-27T11:31:00.000+13:00

If the answer is YES, then you are going to want to book a workshop with me, so I can show you the gorgeous (and scrumptious) Eat Chocolate stamp set being released in April!! I would love to do a workshop for you and your friends, so I can show you ALL the delicious new product releases coming! imply drop me an email using the Contact me section on the right side of my blog post.

I am going to leave you with a sneak peek today. I made this card for my Sister-in-Law's birthday. Obviously she LOVES chocolate!

And the inside.........

JAI #61 - JUST ADD STAMPS

2011-03-25T01:00:00.001+13:00

and nothing else!! Oh my, what a challenge THAT was!! I went for Clean and Simple (CAS). Can't get any simplier than this now can you?!!

I have used the stamp set Birthday Bakery. A great line art set, allowing you to colour in to your hearts content! I have used my Blender Pens and Ink Pad to colour this set. The colours are so vibrant I really didn't need to add anything else anyway!

Our lovely Design Team at JUST ADD INK have come up with so many fabulous designs for you to get inspired by. Stop and see what else you can do when you Just Add a Stamp!

GUEST ARTIST - LESLEE HOLSTON

2011-03-22T19:35:00.000+13:00

Over the past 6 months or so, I have had the pleasure of getting to know a lovely Lady in Virgina, USA, by the name of Leslee Holston. She is a fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and passionate card maker. I fell in love with Leslee's work - she just can't make a bad ANYTHING!! So, I asked Leslee if she would allow me to feature a peek of her work for you all to enjoy too. Lucky for me, she said YES!!

She recently designed and made invitations, cards and favours for her neice's Baby Shower.

How cute is this invitation!

The party favors are all made with the Mini Milk Carton die.

Leslee has used the Baby Bundle set on all and kept the color scheme, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette and Certainly Celery, throughout the project.

Now Leslee has told me she has also made a Diaper Cake, which she will be blogging herself very soon. I can't wait to see it and you can too, when you visit Leslee's Blog: http://www.les4inspiration.blogspot.com

WGTN REGIONALS & SNEAK PEEK

2011-03-21T20:24:00.000+13:00

Well, I had an exciting weekend! My team and I joined fellow Demonstrators from throughout the Wellington regional (and a couple from beyond - Hi Anita!) for the Stampin' Up! Regionals last Saturday. What a day! We had Business training, Makes & Takes and plenty of fellowship. I came away absolutely buzzing. I also got to share in some fabulous swaps from the other Demonstrators. I thought I would share the two I made.

The first is a Brayed card, which I also got to demonstrate when I presented a WOW. What a thrill that was, although I don't really remember much of what I said. I hope I made at least a bit of sense. Nerves do that to me, lol. This was my prototype though, which I managed to drop my ink pad on!!! Luckily, the way it landed, it just looks like part of the grass, so I have kept this one for myself :-)

The second is a sneak peek of a new Stamp Set coming with our Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue that goes live on the first of April. I LOVE chocolate (who doesn't!) and just had to make a swap with this set!! If you would like to see this set in person, then you might want to consider a workshop, so you can have a play with it too!! Email me to book your workshop in April!!

PENDANT PARK SYMPATHY

2011-03-19T07:15:00.000+13:00

I recently held a Brayer Class and decided to do a couple of Sympathy Cards. Unfortunately, I have needed a couple recently, and just didn't have any on hand. I certainly wasn't in the right frame of mind to make any either. So decided to put my class to good use and have the Ladies make a couple they could put away for just these sad occassions.

I have used the stamp set Pendant Park for this card. I have had this stamp set for a while and not used it. Combine Pendant Park and a Brayer and it makes for a relatively quick scenery card. Pendant Park also comes with a lovely border stamp and I used this as a highlight on the inside of the card.

The colours I chose to use for this card where simple: Always Artichoke and Marina Mist, with just a hint of Basic Black. I was careful not to make the colours too somber. I also chose to put the sentiment on the inside, not the outside. I wanted the artwork to speak for itself.

I "framed" the card very simply with just one photo corner punch. If you would like to know how I did this card, the turorial is available for purchase. Just visit my "Tutorials for Sale" page at the top of this blog for more details.

JAI #60 - A colour Combo

2011-03-18T06:45:00.000+13:00

It is my "OFF" week at Just Add Ink, but I was really hoping to play anyway, but it was just not meant to be :-(

But that doesn't mean YOU can't play along. Head on over to JUST ADD INK this week to see the seriously gorgeous Design submissions the rest of the team have put up. There is some real eye candy there for you to admire.

The colour combo for you to play with is:

Go on - I know you want to!!

PUNCH ART SNEAK PEEK

2011-03-17T06:51:00.000+13:00

With Easter coming up next month, I thought it would be fun to do a Punch Art Class. I don't normally dabble in this type of work, but now that I have, I can see I am going to have to add to my Punch Collection. These projects are so cool!

I thought I would tease you all with a couple of sneak peeks of the projects I will be teaching on the 26th of March. See my Classes Page at the top of my blog for more information.