Competition on Paper Crafter's Library - Win a Years Subscription!

Win a One Year Subscription to Paper Crafter’s Library with their Fan Badge Contest!” Paper Crafters is running this contest for the next 9 months – where they will be giving away a total of 18 ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIPS to the Paper Crafter’s Library – each valued at $200! To find out how you can enter visit this blog post

Who Loves You? Owl Card

I saw a card similar to this here last month and I made it up and then it's taken me over a month to blog it, running just a bit behind! I loved it when I saw it though as it is just one of those cards that uses fairly simple elements of letters, sponging, white gel pen dots and punching, but NO STAMPING!!

Ink: Poppy Parade

Card Stock: Early Expresso, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, DSP In Color (hostess level 1)

Accessories: Owl punch, paper snips, white gel pen, 2 way glue pen, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Junior Timeless Type alphabet die, Full Heart punch.

Valentines treat

Want a quick little treat for those you care about? Perfect for Valentines Day, birthdays, Easter, Bonbonaires - change the colours/punch and you have a different look to the treat pouch. This template I got from Andrea Walford and we made it as part of a workshop last night along with a matching card.

The side view is this:

It has red M&Ms in the small cello bag - of course you could use any treats (lollies/candy) to fill the bag as appropriate to the occasion. I think the key is to not overfill the cellophane bag or it distorts the treat holder and makes it look appealing. The ribbon is actually 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon, that I folded in half length ways and then just tied a reef knot, before finishing off with a fish tail cut to the ends to make it look pretty! 

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Ink: Cherry Cobbler Stamp 'n write marker

Card Stock: Love Letter DSP, Pretty in Pink 

Accessories: Full Heart punch, scoring blade, Riding Hood Red 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon (retired - free in 2010 promotion), Basic Rhinestone, small cellophane bag, Sticky Strip, Heart to Heart punch

Non SU: M&Ms

Inkspiration Colour Challenge #52

Well I am loving the new Paper Crafter's Library, it only launched this week, but I got this lovely box tutorial & template from it and had a nice time making it up (I didn't use the stamp sets or designer paper that they did as I don't own them - but it is easy enough to adapt things). I also combined it with a colour challenge set down by the Inkspirations crew which was to use the following:

It is actually a "sweet set" colour suggestion from the Stampin' Up! Color Coach so even though I wasn't thrilled with the colours, I knew they would work well together! Here is the result:

A nice box with a flip top magnetic lid that would be perfect for popping a gift into. The Paper Crafters Library video tutorial (38 minutes of it for one project so it's like an online class) even covered for beginners how to water colour and sponge. 

The white gel pen dots really add something nice to the box don't they? I am also loving the new 2 3/8" scallop circle punch. 

I painted three of the flowers in total from the Growing Green stamp set onto water colour paper, added white gel pen highlights and then punched the bottom one out in a circle and layered the next two up with Dimensionals before adding yet more highlights with Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

Stamps: Growing Green, Just Believe

Ink: Peach Parfait, Basic Black, Baja Breeze

Card Stock: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Peach Parfait, Water color paper, Hostess Level 1 Designer Series paper pack - In Color

Accessories: Big Shot, Little Leaves Die, Top Note Die, white gel pen, Stampin' Sponges, 2 2/8" scallop circle punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, SNAIL, sticky strip.

Don't forget to check out the Inkspirations blog to see what other wonderfully talented people came up with for this colour combination!

Paper Crafters Library

I just found a wonderful new resource for Paper Crafters launched by the awesomely talented Andrew Walford, it's for all level of stamping experience from newbies to experienced crafters to demonstrators, but I think isolated crafters or ones that benefit from more visual and in depth instruction will really love it. There is a permanent link on the side of my blog, but you can also click here and it will take you to the site. She is offering a special charter membership rate until the end of this month. If you want to see the type of instructional videos she makes, you can check out a vast array of free ones she has done on You Tube to see some of her work. Anyway let me know what you think!

ESAD Blog Hop - Snorkelling Scrap Pages & Butterfly Writing Set

Okay so who isn't loving everything in the new Stampin' Up! catalogue? If you have just joined the blog hop or have come here from the super talented Susan Joyce I hope that you are enjoying some terrific ideas for how to use those Big Shot dies! So get a cuppa and enjoy the journey as I hope you’re ready for the ESAD Big Shot Blog Hop!

What is ESAD?

ESAD stands for Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators and it is an online group just for Australian and New Zealand demonstrators for Stampin’ Up! We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends, and wonderful blog visitors but we share our love for what we do with each other as Demonstrators. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know how and cyberstamps and we are always there to help and support each other when its needed.

So if you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group.

I have created two different projects for this blog hop, the first is a scrap page layout using the Circles #2, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet  & Top Note dies for the super versatile Big Shot & the second is a writing compendium using the Beautiful Wings Embosslit and the Elegant lines textured impressions embossing folder.

I took inspiration for this layout from the new Celebrations DSP and extended the circle theme across the pages using the Circles #2 die, the Top Note die photos I hand cut off the perforated edge of the die to create a border around each photo. I also stamped a few of the bashful blue circles with a stamp from Circle Circus to continue the theme of the DSP.

  

Stamps: Circle Circus

Ink: Real Red

Paper: Celebrations DSP, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Pacific Point, Pear Pizzazz DSP from DSP  ( level 1 hostess).

Accessories: Big Shot, Circles #2, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet,Top Note, Circle Scissors, SNAIL, Paper snips, Stampin' write journaler, 2-Way glue pen, 

The second project is a writing compendium based on a design by Andrea Walford that I originally made in June and have remade using products from the new catalogue. It is a lovely gift as it is a compendium that holds 4 cards and envelopes all on the same theme. I chose to use the new elegant lines embossing folder which is so gorgeous and the new Elegant Soirée DSP with the new Beautiful Wings embosslits which is such awesome value - I totally love it.

Wouldn't this make the most wonderful gift? I also used the new basic pearls to embellish the cards. It's hard to see with my photography, but the embossing is so deep, it's just gorgeous and when you emboss on plain white or vanilla card stock and sponge over the top, the design pops out and looks fantastic. 

This is what the inside of it looks like:

Here's a close up of one of the cards as well - how terrific is it that Crumb Cake (kraft) is now available in an ink pad!

Stamps: Elements of Style, Afterthoughts (level 1 hostess)

Ink: Soft Suede, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze

Card Stock:Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Basic Gray, Elegant Soirée DSP

Accessories: Paper piercer, Stampin' Dimensionals. Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon, 1" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Stamping sponges, SNAIL, Scallop edge punch, Crop-o-dile, Jumbo eyelets pewter, Sticky Strip, Basic Pearls.

Anyway congratulations for getting this far through my post! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me and I will try to help out, I do have scrapbook, card and gift set classes like the above running regularly, for a calendar of events, please check my website. The next blog to hop on over to is that of Dani Fender  and you are going to love what she has made! 

Cottage Garden Class photos

Back in April I did a Mothers Day class based upon a couple of the new autumn/winter mini catalogue stamp sets. It was based upon a class from  Andrea Walford  (but we don't have the same stamp sets that they have available in North America - so I adapted the design) anyway I finally got around to taking some photos of the class. The class including all supplies you need to make the 4 cards and card box is just $20. Of course if you would like to get together with friends and do this class at anytime just email or phone me and I'd be happy to accomodate. You can also see a full list of events & classes on my website at anytime.

Here's a close up of part of the box front - do you like the layers and depth that is added by the use of the Stampin' Dimensionals and the glitter, all of the butterfly wings are free from adhesive as well so you can gently pop them up to give more an illusion of flying. Personally I also love the effect a simple line (or two) or paper piercing can add.

Supplies

• Stamps: Cottage Garden & Teeny Tiny Sentiments

• Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, Old Olive, Basic Black Classic inks 

• Paper: Rich Razzleberry CS, Pale Plum CS, Old Olive CS, Whisper White CS, Cottage Wall DSP, Whisper White Envelopes

• Accessories: Snail adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals, mini glue dots, Sticky Strip, Crystal Effects, Silver brads, Dazzling Diamond glitter, Button Latte, paper snips, Stampin’ Scrub, Stampin’ Mist, Bone Folder, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Paper Piercing tool, Mat pack, Paper Cutter with scoring blade, Scallop Edge punch, Large Oval Punch, Pencil and ruler, Velcro pieces.

I Wish Christmas Scrapbook

I've taught and made a few different scrapbooks using the Simply Scrappin' Kits from Stampin' Up! They are such terrific value and so versatile as you can make lots of scrapbook pages, dozens of cards, cover notebooks or do something like the below designed by Andrea Walford which uses just half a kit! I taught this at Christmas and am starting to do it again as some people are already thinking of getting organised for Christmas already! It makes a wonderful present in itself or a lovely record of Christmas for years to come.

It looks equally stunning with any of the Simply Scrappin kits depending upon the occassion e.g. a baby album or a wedding etc. What is also awesome is that it can be done as a complete class by mail and as there is no stamping required it just requires some time and patience which will definitely be rewarded as within 2 hours you have a simply stunning result!

The original design and beautiful layouts are the perfect place to preserve your family’s Christmas memories! In this class you will make a 6” x 6” mini scrapbook album created with Stampin’ Up!’s I Wish Simply Scrappin’ Kit. The album contains 11 pages, allowing you plenty of space for your pictures! The class kit includes all instruction and materials for just $35, so if you have 4 peole who want to do this give me a call and I'd be happy to schedule a class to suit you, or keep an eye out for classes later in the year as I will be teaching this from home again soon.

Of course you can just use the leftovers from the kit to make some gorgeous 12"x12" pages or 6"x6" pages like the one below that I did of my son's first Christmas - very cute and very fast to make!

Vintage Vogue Writing Compendium Class

The Vintage Vogue is another wonderful class adapted from the super talented Andrea Walford  this time the neutral colors of the Bella Bleu designer series paper combined with the Vintage Vogue, Best Yet, Butterfly Prints stamp sets give this card set a nostalgic feel that brings us back to the days when sending hand-written notes to our friends and loved ones was common. In this class you’ll create a card portfolio and 4 standard-sized cards. I've also been reading up on some tips on photographing my projects and although I don't think you can see the wonderful effect of the dazzling diamonds glitter in the centre of each flower. I think I've managed to improve the look of the projects even though I know I have a way to go yet. Don't you love the fabric in the background - left over sheer curtain fabric from my front window (if you ever need curtains or blinds in Perth give this friend a call - to say they are amazing is an understatment!)

Date: Tuesday 15th June 7.30pm or Thursday 17th June 9.30am

Cost: $25.00

Location: South Lake

Cost for this 2 hour class includes all materials and light refereshments. Please email me to sign up for this class.

If the time & venue doesn't suit, but you still want to do the class? Get some friends together and I'll bring the class to you (minimum 4 participants).

Supplies

• Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Butterfly Prints & Best yet.

• Ink: Close to Cocoa & Chocolate Chip Classic inks

• Paper: Bella Bleu designer series paper; Chocolate Chip cardstock, Kraft cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Medium Very Vanilla Envelopes

• Accessories: Kraft Taffeta ribbon, Clear Translucent envelopes, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Crystal Effects, Paper Snips, Crafter’s Tool Kit or paper piercing tool, Mat Pack, Scallop Edge punch, 1 ¾” circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, burrterfly punch, Stampin' Sponges, bone folder, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin’ Scrub and Mist, paper trimmer and scoring blade, pencil and ruler, Sticky Strip, mini glue dots, Snail adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals, jumbo antique brass eyelets, crop-a-dile.

Crazy For Cupcakes

I have another wonderful class from Andrea Walford in May called Crazy for Cupcakes - it uses the wonderful Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set and the result is a mouthwatering set of scrumptious cards presented in a giant cupcake gift box - a perfect present in itself! The class is approximately 2.5 hours and includes all materials and refreshments, rememebr if this time & date doesn't suit - get 4 friends together and I'll happily bring the class to you! Email me to reserve your space.

Date: Thursday 20th May 9.30am or Tuesday 25th May 7.30pm

Cost: $20.00

Supplies:
• Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, On your Birthday
• Inks: Basic Brown, Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose Classic inks.
• Paper: Sweet Always DP, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White envelopes
• Accessories: Sticky strip, Snail adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals, 2-way glue pen,Crystal Effects, 1" Double - Stitched Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon, 5/8" Regal Rose ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter,silver brads, paper snips, 1/16” handheld circle punch, 1 ¼” circle punch, oval punch,  aqua pen, Stampin’ Scrub, Stampin’ Mist, paper trimmer & scoring blade, bone folder, Stamp-a-ma-jig,Uni-ball Signo gel pen, Embossing Buddy, Stampin’ Sponges, pencil & ruler, Velcro pieces

Happy Stamping

For All You Do Mothers Day Class

All I can say is YAY kindergarten has finally after two weeks of school holidays, PD days for teachers and a public holiday returned to normal so I'm looking to get some serious stamping done! I've been doing a few custom classes of late for people, so if you see items you'd like to create or tools you'd like to learn to use or use with more proficiency, please give me a call!

The next class I am running was designed by the very talented Andrea Walford and is called For All You Do - after the gorgeous stamp set she used to create the items with, however in Australia we don't have that stamp set (pictured below), but not to be deterred I have recreated it using the new Cottage Garden & Teeny Tiny Sentiments stamp sets from the new autumn/winter mini catalogue. Rest assured my redesigned one looks almost equally as stunning & as soon as I get another 5 mintues to organise myself and take some half decent photos I'll upload those as well.

Date: Thursday 29th April at 9.30am or Tuesday 4th may at 7.30pm
Duration: 2.5 hours
Cost: $20

All supplies are included in the cost as well as light refreshments.

Supplies
• Stamps: Cottage Garden & Teeny Tiny Sentiments
• Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, Old Olive, Basic Black Classic inks
• Paper: Rich Razzleberry CS, Pale Plum CS, Old Olive CS, Whisper White CS, Cottage Wall DSP, Whisper White Envelopes
• Accessories: Snail adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals, mini glue dots, Sticky Strip, Crystal Effects, Silver brads, Dazzling Diamond glitter, Button Latte, paper snips, Stampin’ Scrub, Stampin’ Mist, Bone Folder, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Paper Piercing tool, Mat pack, Paper Cutter with scoring blade, Scallop Edge punch, Large Oval Punch, Pencil and ruler, Velcro pieces.

Of course if you would like to get together with friends and do this class at a different time/location, then that is fine too, just email or phone me and I'd be happy to accomodate. You can also see a full list of events & classes on my website at anytime.

Happy Stamping!