Just Add Summer (#49)

At JAI this week it's 'Just Add Summer'. Here's my entry...

I really enjoyed doing another scrapping page. It's been a while coming; probably because I only just got some more photos printed a couple weeks ago. I think this photo captures perfectly my son's love for the outdoors. He's lapping up the sunshine that summer brings. Anyway, I loved the way the Crumb Cake softened the brightness of the other colours I used. Everything came out looking warm and summery without having to be too earthy.

Want to know how to make these cute little dandelions? Check out Inna's blog. I stumbled across her blog today and was amazed at her talent with quilling!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Basic Phrases
Colours: Crumb Cake, Pear Pizazz, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Whisper White
Others: Twill Tape, Greenhouse Gala DSP, Celebrations DSP

Wishing you a Happy New Year.
x

Edit 06/01/11:
Thanks for choosing my entry as a top pick! I'm blown away!

View top picks here

Just Add Ink #48

This week at JAI it's a sketch challenge which is just what I needed to get me going with this card for a special someone. The best thing was I finally cracked open my bottle of Crystal Effects and I'm chuffed with how easy it was to use and how it totally took my card to the next level of coolness - even if I do say so myself.

Supplies used:
Stamps: Birthday Bakery (hostess set)
Colours: Basic Grey, Concord Crush, Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Bashful Blue, Going Grey, Basic Black, Whisper White.
Others: Lap of Luxury DSP, Basic Pearls, Whisper White 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon 

A two year old's masterpeice...

This is the first year that my son has really been able to get involved with Christmas. Today I got him to make some special Christmas cards for his grandparents. He loves stamping just like Mummy! Of course, being only two, he had a little help, but you're never too young to get in touch with your creative side eh? Excuse the photo quality.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.

Baby Love

Feel like a wee break from all the Christmas crafts you're seeing around at the moment? Here's a little doozy I made for my cousin who is only a week or so away from giving birth. She's one of five girls and is having a boy so I imagine my uncle will be a very happy grandfather! A boy at long last! I love baby colours that aren't the traditional pinks and blues so here I've taken the chance to use some of our great Stampin' Up! In Colours.

Supplies used:
Stamps: Pun Fun
Colours: Peach Parfait, Concord Crush, Crumb Cake and a smidgen of Pear Pizazz
Others: Basic Rhinestones, Concord Crush ribbon, In Colour Designer Series Paper Pack (level 1 hostess reward)

Christmas Treat Cones

Thought I'd share this wee Christmas decoration idea that I cased off Vicky Hayes. Such a cute way of hanging little gifts or chocolates on the Christmas tree (which we have yet to put up...)

Supplies Used:
Jolly Holiday DSP, Gold brads, Rhinestone Brads, Modern Label Punch, 5-petal Flower Punch, Linen Thread.

{And for those of you who haven't heard. Our lovely girl, Penelope Ruth was born on November 17th. We're enjoying having her around.}

December Frenzy!!

December is a great month at Stampin' Up! Not only do we have the release of the Summer Mini but check out the items on sale below (some up to 50% off)...

Item	Page	Description	Retail Price	Sale Price
119181	39	A Little Treat Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$26.95	$13.48
120018	39	A Little Treat Clear-Mount Stamp Set	$21.95	$10.98
119189	40	Tote-Ally Tess Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$45.95	$32.17
111255	43	Daisy Dash Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel	$19.50	$11.70
121482	56	Baby Bundle Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$59.95	$41.97
119161	72	Autumn Days Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$46.95	$23.48
120012	77	Pendant Park Clear-Mount Stamp Set	$36.95	$18.48
113031	88	Tart & Tangy Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$26.95	$18.87
115806	91	Fresh Cuts Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$46.95	$32.87
115946	102	Wonderful Favorites Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$47.95	$28.77
119167	104	Heard from the Heart Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$46.95	$28.17
119185	105	Teeny Tiny Sentiments Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$75.95	$37.98
105115	118	Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.87
105106	119	Certainly Celery Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
100045	119	Pretty in Pink Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105114	119	So Saffron Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105111	119	Bashful Blue Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105108	119	Regal Rose Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105109	120	Bravo Burgundy Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
100069	120	Night of Navy Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.87
100082	121	Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
103104	122	Small Cello Bags	$9.25	$5.55
111325	140	Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware	$70.50	$35.25
112530	140	Circle Scissor Plus	$67.95	$40.77
116681	161	Kind Heart Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$14.50	$7.25

Just Add Ink #41

It has been a while since I entered a JAI challenge but today I, quite miraculously, had a bit of time to myself for fun! I needed a masculine design in preparation for my brother's birthday next week (I'm assuming he doesn't read my blog). Part of the challenge was to think outside the norm - so I tipped out my tin of old school buttons and here's what I came up with...

Supplies used:
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Colours: Crumb Cake, Old Olive (textured), Chocolate Chip, Naturals Ivory, Pumpkin Pie
Others: Buttons from my stash, Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

Christmas Card DIY Kits

Want to make your own Christmas Cards this year but don’t know where to start? I’ve made it easy for you! I’m happy to be offering Christmas Card DIY Kits. Each kit comes with comprehensive instructions and enough pre-cut and scored materials to make ten cards. The cards feature the Jolly Holiday papers with a lovely mix of Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla.

Check out the cards... 
(please note, each card will be slightly different due to the use of different papers within the Jolly Holiday pack).

Card kit - $35.00 for 10 cards

Kit includes:

Pre-cut card and designer papers

Ribbon

Very Vanilla Envelopes

Instructions

Optional Extras:

Contempo Christmas Stamp Set - $31.95 (woodmount) or $25.95 (clearmount)

Old Olive Stampin’ Pad - $14.25

Corner Rounder Punch - $16.95

If you purchase a Full DIY Kit (Card Kit and all three of the Optional Extras as above) you can get approx 15% off!

Full DIY kit (woodmount stamp set) - $85.00 – RRP approx $101.00

Full DIY kit (clearmount stamp set) - $80.00 – RRP approx $95.00

Orders for the kits need to be in and paid for by Friday 12^th November. Email me to place your order...

November Classes

Info for my November classes is now below for those of you not on my mailing list yet...

We will be making this fun gift box decked out in retro curves (plus 8x 3”x3” gift cards and envelopes). It’s something a little unique that’s great as a wee pressie for someone special or for yourself. We will be using the lovely Greenhouse Gala papers which co-ordinate with Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and Real Red. You will also come away with a template so that you can make the box over and over…

Dates:

Saturday 6^th November 10am-12noon

AND

Thursday 11^th November 7.15-9.15pm

Location:

Te Atatu Peninsula

Cost:

$20 per person

RSVP:

Wednesday 3^rd November (email me)

Celebrations Thank Yous

On the weekend we had a party to celebrate - well, quite a number of events happening in our little family. And what better way to say thank you for everyone's generosity than with the Celebrations Designer Papers?! I'm sure you can appreciate how simple these are. I say there's never an excuse to buy cards when you can whip them up in a matter of minutes, especially if you're doing them en masse and can cut two or three of the same card in one go.

Supplies used:
Stamps: Basic Phrases, Greetings Eight (retired)
Colours: Pear Pizazz,  Read Red, Bashful Blue, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Others: Pear Pizazz Ribbon, Sponge Daubers

Not Necessarily 'Out With the Old'

When I'm not preparing for a Demonstrator-related activity, I like to have a play with my retired stamping gear. Sometimes it helps you gain a little perspective and plan for the future better when you know which items you still love and use. Thought I'd share this little cutie with you... A card I gave to my other sister-in-law who recently got engaged.

Dress Up Christmas Promotion

From 16 October to 30 November you can get FREE ribbon! Check out the link for more details...

The Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP is not in our current catalogue so I have included a picture for your information. It features Real Red and Soft Suede and has a metallic touch to it as the papers are flocked.

Blog Award

Thanks Deb for awarding me with the following...
You're too kind!

Why not pop across and check out Deb's wonderful creations at Deb's Stamping Corner

Hearts for You

My lovely sister-in-law and her husband celebrated 10 years of marriage last week. I thought I'd share the love and celebrations and show you the card I sent them...

I wish the photo did it more justice as the new Poppy Parade In Colour is fast becoming a favourite of mine. It's a warmer red than Real Red so it gives off a slightly softer look. Teamed with the Chocolate Chip, it made for a stunning combination.

The hearts in the background are white embossed and I have sponged over the top. You'll notice a few darker patches in the red because I haven't sponged in a while and got careless! But sometimes we just have to work with our mistakes as that's what creativity is all about right?!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Always, Basic Phrases
Colours: Poppy Parade, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Others: White Embossing Powder, Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon (now retired)

Handy Hint

When you find a card layout that you like and you're making one already, cut a few extras for future use. You'll see from a couple of posts below that this layout looks familiar. I'd prepared the basic design earlier and finished it off later with a sentiment and picture appropriate for the person I was giving to. If you're pressed for time, try out this handy hint next time you sit down to do some crafting!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Upsy Daisy
Colours: Pear Pizazz, Baja Breeze, Peach Parfait, Chocolate Chip
Others: Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Greenhouse Gala DSP

Squash Book

These squash books are so easy and versatile. By no means are these my original design but that's the beauty of them - you can personalise them by making practically any size with any embellishments you choose. Here's a wee example of a 3x3 one I've done. Come along to my class on October 2nd if you'd like to learn how to make your own...

Class details:
Squash Books (various designer paper options available on first come best dressed basis)
Saturday 2nd October 
10am - 12noon
$15
Te Atatu Peninsula
BYO adhesive and scoring tool if possible.

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Short and Sweet
Colours: Pumpkin Pie, Pear Pizazz, Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Others: Rhinestone Brad, Greenhouse Gala DSP

Greenhouse Gala

As I sit here drinking my ice lemon tea in anticipation of warmer Spring weather I thought I'd share something else that makes me think of Spring - the gorgeous new Greenhouse Gala designer series papers and coordinating stamp set - Friends Never Fade. I love it when a piece of designer paper can really hold itself well even in the simplest of designs. Check it out...

Greenhouse Gala papers feature a blend of Pear Pizzaz, Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Baja Breeze. $20.50 on IBC page 125.

Friends Never Fade, set of four, IBC page 71, $38.95 woodmount & $30.95 clearmount.

Swing Card

Wahoo! Welcome to the new Stampin' Up! year! The new catalogue is now available for viewing online, or get in touch with me to order your copy today. If you're joining me at my Catalogue Release Party on the 11th you can get a catalogue for FREE with a qualifying purchase. Email me for more info or check out my Facebook page events.

Now onto the creative stuff...
I've been having a play with my new products (oh so fun!) and thought I'd share today's creation with you. I've seen this swing card done a lot recently and because it's my Dad's birthday tomorrow, it was the perfect excuse to try it out. Don't you love the new Friends Never Fade set featured? I was surprised how well it adapted for a male card.

Love the swing card technique? Share it with your friends by booking a workshop with me - it's a great time of year to get into stamping!


Supplies Used:
Stamps: Friends Never Fade, Happy Moments (now retired)
Colours: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Others: Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Papers - one which is fast becoming a new favourite, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon (now retired).

Scrapping Update

At the beginning of the year I printed a whole lot of photos of my son's first year of life convinced that I'd scrapbook them all... I still have about half of them sitting in the box. It's a good thing I don't put a timeframe on my scrap-booking achievements! However, when I took holidays in July I did feel the need to do his first year in review so that I could print out another batch and get going on those. Might I add, now that I have a bit more continual-scrapping experience (as opposed to single event albums), I will be more selective with my photo printing!

Simple yeah? Let me tell you, a lot of photos get culled when you limit yourself to two pages! Some fabulous news, by the way: the Animal Stories set featured in this layout (from the Summer 2009/2010 mini) will now be available again in the new Idea Book and Catalogue which starts tomorrow! I'm so glad!

While I was at it, I scrapped my all-time favourite photo of Felix (bottom one). As a new mum, that funny little waking up face gave me some real joy...

Till next time :)

Purple Lover

I recently made a 'congrats on your engagement' card for my purple-loving friend. It was the perfect opportunity to use up some Pale Plum (retiring soon, get in quick) which I haven't used often but I really enjoyed doing something with a softer look. I wanted it to be clean and simple, which is admittedly my usual take on things, but a little bit special as well. Here I've embossed the background and sponged over it in the corresponding ink colour to make it pop.

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Baroque Motifs, Basic Phrases
Colours: Pale Plum, Going Grey, Whisper White
Others: Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon (died with a Stampin' Spot), White Embossing Powder

Fifth Avenue Floral Gift Set

I'm back in the land of the living! Hope you like the blog's new look. I now that's taken care of I feel ready to post some stuff for your viewing pleasure. Over the next few weeks I hope to share some of the fun projects I had time to do in between unpacking boxes at our new house and on holiday (with my lovely stamping buddy, Olivia).

I've been dwindling down my Designer Series Paper collection in the lead up to the new catalogue release so I can spend my money on new stuff! If you have lots of DSP scraps lying around like I do, this design (adapted from a card by Hannah Plews - fellow team member) is a fantastic way to use them up! Get in quick and email me with your order if you would like to stock up on any of the retiring papers. Also, check out the One Last Chance list link on my Speicals & Promotions page.

Till next time!

Moving House

So it has been a busy couple of weeks since I posted last; the result of which is that we've found another place to live that will accommodate our growing family. In the rental world it all moves pretty fast so we're moving in just two weeks time and I thought I better sit down and make some cards for our friendly neighbours to say thanks for having us in their little community.

Sale-A-Bration seems like YONKS ago and today I used the Good Neighbours set for the first time. It took rather a lot of time to make four cards when each individual image required the use of the stamp-a-ma-jig. It's not something I'd have the patience for every day but they turned out really cute, especially in the Soft Subtles.

Never used the stamp-a-ma-jig or don't know what it is? Let me demonstrate it for you at a Workshop in your home or mine. I'm now taking bookings for August.


Supplies Used:
Stamps: Good Neighbours (now retired), Short and Sweet 
Colours: Soft Subtles Stampin' Spots, Whisper White, Kraft
Others: Certainly Celery Ribbon

Little Man Layout

On Saturday I attended our All Hands Team Training, hosted by the lovely Jacque. We spent the day making, listening and having fun. The very talented Delys Cram coached us through an awesome layout and I wanted to share how mine ended up. Check out the original on Delys's blog here. I was pleased with the way an essentially feminine layout could still be used for a boy. Photos of a grown man may have taken a bit more creativity, but a seven month old wasn't such a stretch.

And here's my now 18-month old checking out the 'low-lows' in the bottom corner and managing to be very gentle.

If you're a scrap booker, I'd highly recommend the On Board elements (Main Catalogue pp146-147). I've been wanting to try them for ages and now that I have, I'm definitely getting some! You can leave them as is, colour them, gloss them with Crystal Effects and much more...


Supplies Used:
Stamps: Vintage Vogue (current Autumn-Winter Mini), Weathered Background Stamp ($39.95), Flower Fancy ($77.95)
Colours: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Soft Suede, Basic Black, Kraft, Whisper White
Others: Hodgepodge Hardware, On Board Timeless Type, Extra-Large Two-Step Bird Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Aquabrush (to weather the edges), Basic Black Journaller.

Me & Mum Layout

So I finally got time to do that scrapbook page that's been brewing in my mind for ages. Of course, it never turns out as planned but that's what paper craft is all about right? I'm definitely happy with how it turned out.

This is a faux bow (pictured). It's done by sticking a loop of ribbon down on the main ribbon via another piece going around vertically. I hope that makes sense. 

I've put journalling on the back of this layout because I didn't want to upset its clean simplicity on the front.

Tip for scrap bookers - get an alphabet set! They're so worth it.

Supplies used:
Stamps: Priceless (versamark in background) $57.95, Schoolbook Serif Alphabet $91.95
Colours: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Night of Navy, Real Red
Others: Real Red Grosgrain 5/8" Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Marker

Baroque Thank You

My Aunty did  me a HUGE favour recently so at my Craft Day on Saturday I made her a special thank you card.

Tip of the day: If you're like me, you'll find your colour preferences change fairly often. Sometimes a stamp set that you were a bit sick of a while back can look absolutely amazing with your current colour obsession. It lends a great amount of freshness to the situation! Try it out...

Supplies used:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Fresh Cuts
Colours: Night of Navy, Going Grey, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Others: Pumpkin Pie 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Whisper White 1/2 pearl from the Pretties Kit.

Craft Day!

There's nothing like a group atmosphere to get the creative juices flowing... So it's time to get in the groove! Bring along any card or scrapbook project you're working on and share ideas and techniques with others.

I'll have supplies on hand for purchase if you're lacking that special something or need some extra cardstock etc. Also, come hear the news about the upcoming Stamp Club and all its benefits!

Date:	Saturday, 29 May 2010
Time:	13:00 - 17:00

Email me to let me know if you're coming and for address details.

Newborn Feet...

There's nothing like the cute little toes of a newborn right? This week at Just Add Ink it's a sketch challenge and this is the photo I chose to use. My son is 16 months old today (Where did the time go?) so you can tell this one has been sitting around a while just waiting for the right time...

Supplies used:
Stamps: Upsy Daisy
Colours: Kraft, So Saffron
Others: Bella Bleu Designer Papers, Very Vanilla Jumbo Brads, So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon, Vellum Card Stock

Photos Galore!

Ok, so at the risk of totally over-doing it I have managed to squeeze LOTS of photos onto this layout. I had so many and I wanted to use them all! Thinking about my scrapbook as a whole, it's ok to have some busy pages and some that are more about the journey of creating a feature piece. Of course with this many photos there's not much room for embellishment, so I've kept it simple and used the colours from this week's Just Add Ink challenge as accents.

By the bye, notice the wee fingers at the side of the first photo? I was going to crop it but he was doing such a good job of 'don't touch' that I had to shout it out.

The second picture shows the hidden journalling under the main photo. Where else was I going to put it right?

Supplies used:
Colours: Chocolate Chip, Barely Banana, Kiwi Kiss
Others: Kiwi Kiss Grosgrain Ribbon, Jumbo Brad