Circle Card

Today I would like to show you a card featuring the Circle Circus stamp set from Stampin' Up! This card design was given to me at the SU Convention in my goodie bag! We got all the supplies and the stamps to make this card (and another 2 projects) in our bag! I love collage type cards, and this one uses collage and stamping really well. Perfect for me! Here's what I mean:

Stamps: Circle Circus

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Tangerine Tango & Pacific Point, and VersaMark™

Papers: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point & Tangerine Tango

Other: Scallop Circle Punch & Circle Punches, Kiwi Kiss Striped Ribbon, brads & button. All SU!

Tools & Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals & Paper Piercing Tools

I hope you liked the card! If you are like me, the magic of VersaMark is only becoming known to me. Imagine stamping in a clear ink and it dries to bring up the pattern (such as the yellow bubbles at the bottom of the card). My one tip would be to ensure you allow time for the VersaMark ink to dry as it is quite a sticky ink (if you know what I mean)!

Anyway, back to preparing for the Upsy Daisy Class. Enjoy your weekend and Saturday night :)

Circle Circus

Do you ever look at your stamp sets or even those in the catalogue, and wonder what on earth would I use that for? Some sets seem so easy, such as Christmas stamps which you know you'll use for Christmas cards and gifts ... but what about the others? Circle Circus is one of those that I looked at (in the new SU Idea Book & Catalogue) and thought, I won't use that set - what would I use that one for??

But you'd be surprised if you realise how versatile this set really is! Use it for cards for males, females and kids alike. The circles can be used to make flowers, backgrounds even soccer balls. They are great for off-the-page projects and scrap layouts. As they say, the only limit is your imagination.

If you're wondering, what on earth is Circle Circus ... well here it is:

Over the next few days, I'll be showing some projects I have made using the Circle Circus set. You'll be surprised at what you can do to!

Thankful Trendy Trees!

Today I had to have some craft time, some stampin' time! After a shocking day at work, it was so therapeutic to sit down and play. A thank you card was in order for the lovely pay team officer ever who fixed up the mess that someone else had made. I decided to use the same format and design as that shown to us at Stampin' Up! Convention earlier this month. It also uses the new set 'Trendy Trees' which is great for an Autumn sort of day! Here it is...

Stamps: Trendy Trees

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Inks Chocolate Chip, So Saffron (Tree 1), Old Olive (Tree 2), Yoyo Yellow & Tangerine Tango (Tree 3) & Pacific Point (Tree 4)

Papers: Stampin' Up! Textured Chocolate Chip CS, Whisper White & Kiwi Kiss, scrap of So Saffron

Other: Stampin' Dimensionals & Stiped Riding Hood Red Ribbon & Twine

I think this card is perfect to give to someone you've never met yet you can be so thankful though. I dare not ask my WH if it would be a suitable card for a male though!!

June is almost here!

Do you get the idea the days are going by and winter is almost here! I had a close look at my diary and the date really hit me!! How did we get to the end of May so fast and winter is really around the corner now! Luckily the thought of winter and June reminded me the next page of my calendar is due. I love my little calendar. After I take the photos to show you all, I punch two holes with my crop-a-dile and join it to the rest of my calendar pages with some binder rings. Each month so far uses a different technique, stamp set and/or colours. I'm finding it difficult now to remember which is my favourite page! Maybe, it will be June after all, being my birthday month, but we're still got so much more of the year to go!

post script : Sorry, I have taken the photo of this page AFTER I punched the holes!

Anyway, the calendar page for June uses the Eastern Blooms set which I have used the Stampin' Write Markers to colour directly onto the stamp. Some I have stamped directly onto the page, some I have cut out. But you'll notice most of them have been embellished some how. Wouldn't be me, if I didn't!

Stamps: Eastern Blooms

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Yoyo Yellow, Pumpkin Pie, Green Galore, Riding Hood Red & Pink Pirouette

Papers: Stampin' Up! Whisper White & Rose Red

Other: Stampin' Dimensionals & non-SU: Kindy Glitz, rhinestones and adhesive pearls

I've just had a thought! If June is almost here, that means the current SU offer of free Designer Series Papers, (buy 3, get 1 free) runs out on May 31, so don't miss out on this one!

I've got lots to do to update my monthly craft, scrap and stamp club nights - so stay tuned and I'll let you know what the forthcoming dates are too!

Trendy Trees

Goodness it's been a few busy days!

On Sunday, I spent half the day with a bunch of really fun girls. Yes - you know who you are at Memoranza in Macgregor. I was very pleased with myself as I got two pages done with photos and journaling. I just need to add the dates and then they are completely finished. Imagine that. 6 pages finished this year already :) I also learnt two little projects too which I'm pleased about.

I have just spent the last two days doing physical training for my paid employment. Ouch I hurt. I have pain on top of pain, and very sore muscles. They even made us do half an hour of warm up. Which to me should mean sitting next to the heater (it was a cold morning here in Canberra) not running around a large area doing exercise!! Although I have to admit, I was warmed up afterwards!

Anyway, as I hurt all over and I cannot reach my craft table (everything was moved away last night for the carpet cleaners to come today), I finished a card for a male friend who lives in Holland. I thought this was a more than suitable card for a male. My DH says it is ok if you're metro-sexual. Can't win! I thought it pretty cool!

Stamps: Trendy Trees, Circle Circus & Occasional Greetings

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango & Red Riding Hood and VersaMark™

Papers: Stampin' Up! Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive & Good Morning Sunshine DSP

Other: Sponges (or daubers), Circle Punches, Clips & Stampin' Dimensionals

Tip: I have sponged Close to Cocoa ink around the very vanilla cardstock and have used three loads of ink for the Autumn leaf coloured tree (if you want details on this - give me a holler!). I have stamped the background circles on the Old Olive card with VersaMark.

Just a short post today as I'm tired but I will see you tomorrow!

A Rose Card

Oops - where did the week go? Before you know it, it's the weekend and yet another week has flown by!

It's been a busy few days. Yesterday (Friday) we were busy picking carpets and flooring for our new house. It's only weeks away now, as exciting as that sounds, it also means the big move is close by too! Last night was Scrapbooking night at Trudy's. Not a lot was done (despite best intentions) but lots of inspiration and ideas were discussed. All in time for Memoranza tomorrow! I did get introduced to the Wii and now I see what all the fuss is about. Lucky BBL and I have our birthdays in June, I can see some ideas floating for birthday presents!

Anyway, just wanted to show the card that I made my good friend Fiona. She may or may not have received it by now (all depends on the friendly Australia Post) but I wanted to make something to match the tea folder I showed you on Wednesday. Not necessarily match in colours but at least with the theme of Roses. So below is my example which was cased from a fellow SU Demonstrator and friend. She had made these as swaps for the Convention earlier this month and they are just lovely. Chris Parker-Barnes is one talented lady!

Stamps: A Rose is a Rose & It's Your Birthday

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red & Mellow Moss

Papers: Stampin' Up! Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette & Mellow Moss

Other: Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Spiral Punch, Eyelet Edge Punch & Paper Tearing Tool

Tip: Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to help line up your stamped roses!

I have taken the concept of using the card front as the feature focus of the card. If you know what I mean!

But now I must go and do some chores after being out all morning (shopping for presents, soccer & taking kids to parties), maybe even do some washing :(

Have a lovely night!

Bella Rose

Back to work today after two lovely days off, which was a bit sad :( I guess I have to go to work sometime and make a living to pay for all my crafting supplies:) Oh to earn a dollar or two!

As I knew it was going to be a busy day at work and then straight to a Committee meeting, I prepared something in advance. Which is lucky too, as May and June are busy months for me in terms of birthdays! I made another version of the tea gift folder for a friend of mine (isn't it lucky, so many of my friends drink tea!!). Just wanted to show how you could change a few things, to make them look completely different.

Today's version uses ribbon to tie the folder and a stamped image on the front as the main feature. Change the colours and the Designers Series Papers and you have something completely new. I think it's so cool!! You can see that I've gone back to my favourite papers - Bella Rose and the lovely 'A Rose is a Rose' stamp set. I wonder what combination I can try next!!

Stamps: A Rose is a Rose

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red & Rose Red

Papers: Stampin' Up! textured Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White & Bella Rose Designer Series paper

Other: Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Dew Drop & horizontal slot punch

Tomorrow night I am home and have no outside commitments, so I'll post the instructions then, so for now - ciao and have a lovely night :)

Bella's Party Box

What a wonderful morning again!! I helped in Luke's Kindy Class during math's time. We were split into groups learning about groups of tens. I was so proud of Luke, he knew his numbers all the way from 1 to 100, as well as in ten's. Kids learn so much, it's purely amazing.

I then came home, did a bit of a tidy (the house is still looking ok after my BIG clean last week) and then caught up on some of my photo-taking. If my photos have been looking a bit dodgy, well there's good news. Tonight I start my Digital Photography Course. I might learn about lighting, backgrounds and what all the buttons on the camera are for!! I hope to go into a specific Digital SLR course, but small bits at a time and the beginner course it is.

Having pulled out the SLR and dusted it off, I have taken a photo of Bella's Birthday Party Favours Box which I am just about to put in the mail! It's full of invitations, fairies (of course), cupcake picks, butterfly straws and flower flags. Lots and lots of pink, flowers, butterflies and glitter!! I love it. The fun for Bella doesn't end there. I have made a badge, a card and maybe I'll make some name cards when I know who they will be. I will be sending this closer to her birthday (first week in June), so lots of time.

Here's the photo of the box by the way (boring Australia Post Box sorry):

I also wanted to show you the card and teabag holder I made for my good friend Kate. I had a pack of Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper still unused. It's one of my favourites and sadly it is now retired. But as I love it, I had to use it for my friend! So here's the card:

Have a close look at the scallop circle and circle inside. I have puched a circle of Bali Breeze DSP and adhered it to the back of a piece of acetate. I have then adhered the acetate into the inside of the card, to make it look like it's floating inside. Cool, huh?

And here's the tea bag holder. I made a 'belly band' with Pacific Point and Whisper White cardstock, with the eyelet border giving it a bit of interest. I will post up the instructions later today or tomorrow. I just have to PDF it!

Stamps: Greetings Eight

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Chocolate Chip

Papers: Stampin' Up! Apricot Appeal, Pacific Point, Whisper White & Bali Breeze DSP

Other: Eyelet Edge, Scallop Circle & Oval punches, eyelet & photo tag, acetate & waterccolours

Tip: Use your aqua-brush to watercolour the piece of cake image.

Anyway, I'm off to the craft store. I need to buy some pin things that you stick onto the back of badges! Can't be pricking five year old little girls with unsafe pins on their badges, can I?

A Kind Word

What a great day I had! I had a "Me" Day and yes, they do come around regularly, about every 5-6 weeks! After working both days of the weekend, I now have today and tomorrow as my "weekend"! Today, it was all about me. No housework, no chores, no bills! Other than dropping off/picking up kids, it was MY day! So I took myself off to the local craft store and made a wonderful project which I will show you over the next few days. I will hold a similar class - so you can make yours too. You will love it. I loved the class so much, I came home and made my own version using Stampin' Up! products. Stay tuned on this one.

Today I wanted to show you a card I made for a friend. She's a young girl (or should I say woman, as kids seem to be growing up so fast these days!). She's got gorgeous red hair and freckles which made me think back to my childhood of Sarah Kay, Holly Hobbie & Matilda (the Aussie version). I saw this stamp set used by Shelley Gardiner, the co-founder of Stampin' Up! and had to just try it for myself. I wasn't even going to buy this set until I saw her demonstrate how pretty it is!

You can't see it in the picture, but I also stamped the little image of the cats playing in the hat. I punched it out with a circle punch and then adhered it to the bottom right hand corner of the card inside. Gives the inside a little bit of interest.

I hope you like it and come back soon to see all my projects this week!!

Stamps: A Kind Word & Pretty Princess (retired)

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Chocolate Chip

Papers: Stampin' Up! Tempting Turquoise, Riding Hood Red, So Saffron & Whisper White

Other: Scallop Edge & Scallop Square Punch, Red Gingham Ribbon, Flowers, Dew Drops & Watercolour pencils/crayons.

Tip: Use your aqua-brush to watercolour the little girl on the swing.

Would you like to join Stampin' Up!?

May is National Scrapbooking Month and a wonderful time to join in on the celebrations with Stampin' Up!'s wonderful promotions.

Reward yourself with Free Designer Series Paper!

There are two promotions to enjoy this month! During May you can purchase three packs of Designer Series Papers for $16.95 each and receive the fourth pack free. These papers are acid and lignin free, sized 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5cm) and double-sided. The quality of these papers are superb and the designs and colours will coordinate with all your projects. Use these papers for scrapbooking, cards, boxes, tags, bags and more. Click here for more information.

Join Stampin' Up! and enjoy the special Scrapbooking Starter Kit!

May is also the perfect time to join Stampin' Up! and enjoy their special offer. During May only, you can join Stampin' Up! for only $150 with the limited offer Scrapbooking Starter Kit. In this Scrapbooking Starter Kit you will receive these items (or change the colours & packs if you like).

As well as these scrapbooking items to get you scrapping straight away, you also get all the Stampin' Up! business supplies to get you started. This includes:

• Getting Started DVD
• Getting Started Guide
• Guest Invitation Postcards (100 postcards)
  
• Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue (8 catalogues)
• Project Sample Sheet
• Recruit Brochures
• Hostess Benefit Forms and
• Customer Order Forms.

The Scrapbooking Starter Kit is valued at $186 worth of Stampin' Up! products as well as all the business supplies!

Of course, you can join Stampin' Up! with the standard Starter Kit for $324 with the optional add-on of the Stampin' Memories Kit for $75. All colours, stamp sets and cardstocks can be changed, if needed.

So why join Stampin' Up!?

Would you love to make money while stamping, set your own hours and supplement your income with a successful home business? Being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator means you'll enjoy all of this and more. Would you like to pay for your stamping, scrapbooking and crafting supplies, create a full-time or part-time career, or simply get a discount on your stamping supplies? Stampin' Up! will help you do it.

Stampin' Up! needs all kinds of Demonstrators

Are you a Hobby Demonstator? A Discount Demonstrator? In for the short-term or you would like a career?

Stampin' Up! caters for and supports all demonstrators and allows you to build your business to your own personal style.


For more information or to receive an information pack, pleae contact me:

Carolyn McPherson
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Ph: 0417 165 345
email: carolyn@stampwithme.com.au

Thanks for touching my life

Is it blowing a gale at your place? It sure is here making it a great night in. Perfect for catching up on all those projects and items on your to-do list! Tonight I helped Luke finish all the cards he had made for his friends (six in all). Now I've taken the moment to write this before I lose my internet connect again (about the 100th time this week!).

Anyway, I wanted to show you a card I have used as a bit of a birthday template for some of my close friends. The beauty of this card in my opinion, is the sentiment more than anything. I've just sent one to my wonderful friend Dianne in sunny Queensland. Each card is a tiny bit different (different colours for inks or cardstocks or background papers) but you'll get the idea!

Stamps: Baroque Motifs & A Rose is a Rose

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Old Olive & Rose Red

Papers: Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White & Bella Rose Designer Series Paper (DSP)

Other: Dew Drops & Glue

I hope you like my card. As you can see, the sentiment that thanks someone for touching your life is just perfect. I wish I could have thought of a sentiment like that :) It's also amazing to see what you can do with minimal stamping and embellishments. Makes for minimal fuss but a clever card!

And in other news: I will be postponing my Upsy Daisy class for another week, so stay tuned on that! While you've got your calendar out, have a look at Saturday 1 August. It will be Christmas in July (stamping style) just celebrated a little bit late. For those who went to the Festive Favourites Gala afternoon at Kingston, it will be something like that - just better! As soon as I know more, I'll let you in on the news!!

I've almost finished putting together my party pack for Bella - so I'll be showing that this weekend too. Just need all the Kindy Glitz to dry!! See you tomorrow.

Bella's Invite

We're still having internet issues, so I'll make this a quick and snappy post while I've still got access! As promised here is one of the invitations I have made for my niece's birthday party. You can see that I've used lots of pink :) I've also made a little tag with the number five on it, so everyone will know that Bella is turning five. Of course, you'll see there are no actual details for the party. That's because I don't know it yet!! My sister will have to fill it in herself!

Stamps: Please Come & Baroque Motifs

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Pink Pirouette & Rose Red

Papers: Stampin' Up! Pink Pirouette & Whisper White

Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter & 2-way glue pen

Non-SU: Ribbon, Rhinestones, Crochet Threads & flowers

Tip: If you have the SU Pretties Kit - you'll see all the flowers are white, you can dye them to your desired shades by soaking them in SU Re-inkers. If not, there are lots of brands on the market that supply flowers. See your local craft shop!

I have used the Pink Pirouette ink to stamp the baroque motifs on both the Whisper White cardstock and the Pink Pirouette cardstock. Unfortunately the photo doesn't show the glittery highlights. You'll have to take my word on it!!

If you would like the template used for the invitation, please contact me. Otherwise I will upload it this weekend - if you can wait that long!

That's it for now. The internet speed is slower than dial up and hence very frustrating!! See you tomorrow!

Happy Birthday Aaron!

Yesterday (May 12) was the second birthday of my nephew Aaron. Now that the day is passed, I can show you the card that I made and sent to him down in Melbourne. It was a brief respite from all the pink I have been working with lately! I used all the In Colours of 2009 (well almost all, all the bright & dark ones anyway!) and had a little play. I was very surprised to find that out of all the stamps I have, I don't really have much in the way of stamps for little boys (and girls come to think of it!). I might have to pull out my SU catalogue and go shopping again (LOL!!!).

So here it is:

Stamps: A Good Friend & Birthday Best (retired)

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Tangerine Tango, Red Riding Hood, Kiwi Kiss & Pacific Point

Papers: Stampin' Up! Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White & Good Morning Sunshine DSP

Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Crimper, Eyelet, Seed Bead (for eye) & Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (around the edge of the wing)

Tip: I have used the SU Calendar letters & numbers set to stamp the number two inside the balloons & the Stampin' Dimensionals to "lift up" the wing!

So Happy Birthday Aaron, I hope you like your card and your party on the weekend. I'm sorry we can't come :(

Beaded Flower Fairies

What a lovely Autumn day. My house is clean, the kids are at school and all is quiet. Perfect time for catching up on my projects. Last Friday night was our monthly craft night, and I worked on my project - beaded flower fairies for my niece. My beautiful niece Bella is turning 5 next month and I've volunteered to make all the invitations, party accessories and gifts for Bella and her friends (yes, it is generous of me but really, it was the excuse to work with pink!!!). Anyway, I packed my bag and off I go to our craft night only to discover I left the flowers at home. I didn't get very far with my project, but I did finish the fairies on the Saturday. They are so cute. I've made a few extra for myself!!

These little fairies were inspired from a similar project in the current issue of the Get Creative magazine. I changed a few things (smaller beads for hands & feet, as well as different flower skirts) and added faces, but otherwise the instructions are just the same. I've made them into necklaces for Bella and her friends!

These are a few extra I made that hide beautifully in my Chrysanthemums (flowers I buy myself every Mothers Day!):

I'll be showing you the rest of the projects for Bella over the next few days as they have to be finished and put in the mail this week! Speaking of parties, I better start thinking about Big Boy Luke's 6th birthday and party which is next month too. June, is birthday month in my house. Me, my dad, Bella, Luke, my mother-in-law, my brother, and many of my friends. Gosh, lots of cards to make!!

ps. if you don't have the magazine - Let me know, I'll email you the instructions!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all you mums out there! And importantly, I'm sending my own Mum Happy Mother's Day wishes, all the way to The Netherlands.

My apologies for not posting more Mother's Day items the last day or so, we are having huge technical dramas! In simple words, no internet connection. And if we do, the internet speed is slower than the good-old days of dial up. Frustrating! For example, I turn the computer on, open email. Make a coffee, hang the washing, and then see if the email system is working! And trying to do anything, open pages or even visit websites is even slower. It took us over an hour to order a pizza on Friday Pizza Night!

Mother's Day is all about thinking of your mum's and doing that little bit more for them. Personally for myself, I am happy with a bunch of flowers, a new pair of PINK slippers and maybe morning tea or brunch somewhere nice! Today I was absolutely spoilt with lots of hugs and kisses from my boys, two pairs of slippers (one pair my Big Boy Luke bought all by himself at the Mother's Day stall at school), a novel and a book about digital photography, a double-CD set and a little key tag "made" by Matthew at childcare. How lucky am I?

We also went out and enjoyed the sunshine and beauty of Autumn at Kingston by the lake. It was absolutely beautiful and we all had a lovely time, from the feeding the swans, having a "picnic", playing soccer and "exploring" the woods!

So happy day to all the mums. I hope you had a day as special as mine!

My Mum's Mother's Day Card

If you're wondering what sort of card to make for your mum, well I'll give you a sneak peek of the card I made for my mum (sshhh. Don't tell her though). The 'A rose is a rose' set from Stampin' Up! is the perfect stamp set to use for Mother's Day (and other occasions too!). I have used the In Colours of 2009, coordinated them with the Bella Rose Designer Series Paper, and then selected my cardstock and ink colours to match. Here's what I mean:

Stamps: A Rose is a Rose & Occasional Greetings
Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Rose Red, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive & Chocolate Chip

Papers: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Red Riding Hood & Bella Rose DSP

Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Piercing Template, Mat & Tool & Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Tip: I have used Stampin' Dimensionals (foam pads) to "lift" up selected flowers and leaves.

I used the Mother's Day stamp from the very versatile Occasional Greetings set and have used the 'Thankyou for touching my life' sentiment stamp from the Rose is a Rose set inside the card.

I hope my mum likes it!

Anyway, it's only a short post today. Tonight is craft night - and I have to pack my bag which means selecting what items I must bring with me. We're off to Lyneham tonight!!

Mother's Day Gifts

Back to work today. I have survived my sinus headache and I think I'm now getting on top of this cold that Matthew so thoughtfully shared with me! Only two days of work this week. Now that's what I call a short working week. Wouldn't it be nice if life was always that way, two days of work, five days of weekend. I wish it would pay as well as if it was the other way around!!

Have you organised your mum's Mother's Day gift yet? My gift has to be flat packed and able to send overseas. If you didn't already know, my mum lives over half the year in Holland and the rest of the year, she is back here in Australia. As she's in Holland now (chasing the summer sun I think), I need to be able to send her a gift that is easily packed, won't get damaged and will be as nice as if she was receiving a gift here! To try and not ruin her surprise, all I will say is diary/planner with photos of my boys on the cover.

Anyway, just wanted to share a few gift ideas over the next few days. Ones that you could make yourselves or even get the kids to help out too. One of these, is a decorated candle with matching card. If you're like me, you'll have a stash of beautiful scrap-papers. I know I have! I had a few scraps, of last year's Ginger Blossoms Designer Series Papers from Stampin' Up!. I just loved this set of papers and it coordinated so well with the Embrace Life stamp set from Stampin' Up!. Luckily the stamp set made it into this year's Stampin' Up! catalogue but unfortunately the Ginger Blossom DSP didn't. Although it's a good time to mention that Stampin' Up! have other absolutely gorgeous papers in this year's catalogue and you can enjoy the current promotion, by buying three packs of selected DSP and choosing the fourth set free. I know which ones I'll be choosing... Bella Rose, Bella Rose. Ok, maybe some others like Washington Apple or Candy Lane or Holiday Treasures. I can't pick! Although I do want Bella Rose!!!

So here's my candle and matching card:

Stamps: Embrace Life

Inks: Stampin' Up! Versamark (stamped on the River Rock CS), Rose Red & Old Olive

Papers: Stampin' Up! River Rock (Retired), Tangerine Tango & Whisper White. Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper (retired)

Other (Stampin' Up!): Stampin' Dimensionals, Tag Punch & eyelet

Non-SU: Crochet Cotton Thread & Dew Drops

Tip: I have used Stampin' Dimensionals (foam pads) to "lift" up the flower.

I hope this idea gets you thinking. I think I might try it with the Bella Rose set :)

Mother's Day Flower Pot Card

Today's post is yesterday's post late!! Last night I couldn't get an internet connection (and we are so never doing wireless modem again!), so I will post it this morning instead! I can't wait for the new house where we will go back to internet through the phone lines. Woohoo. The house is at lock up stage and only needs to be painted. Moving time is coming soon!

Anyway, this morning I want to show you a Mother's Day Flower Pot Card. I have been inspired by the work of a fellow demonstrator, Robyn Lawton, who gave me one as a 'Swap'. I have used the exact same colours as her wonderful work (the Tangerine Tango Flower Pot Card) and then to show you how versatile this card is, I have then made the Flower Pot Card in Bashful Blue and using the same flower topper. Confused? Here's what I mean!

Just by changing the colours, the background stamps and even the ribbon makes for a new look card. I have also cut the scalloped edge on the blue card in line whereas on the orange card, the scalloped edge overhangs, just like a terracot pot would! Here's the colours I used:

Stamps: Petal Pizzazz, Tres Chic (Orange card) & Circle Circus (Blue card)

Inks: For the flowers: Stampin' Up! Tangerine Tango, Red Riding Hood & for the flower pots: Tangerine Tango or Bashful Blue.

Papers: Stampin' Up! Tangerine Tango or Bashful Blue, Whisper White & Red Riding Hood.

Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Scallop Circle & Scallop Edge Punch, Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon or Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon.

Tip: I have used Stampin' Dimensionals (foam pads) to "lift" up the red flower.

Now that you know what I've used, have a look at the flower top insert:

To add your greeting, you can either stamp or write over the front red layer or on the back. You pick! But isn't it cute!

If you want the cutting measurements for the card - email me. I have the cutting measurements or I can scan in a template!! Feel free to ask. That's it for now. Have a lovely day :)

Bella Rose Card Folder

Matthew and I had a stay-at-home day today. Both of us have a cold and have shared our miserable company together. Matthew (in my opinion) was just super-excited to be with me for the whole day after not having me around for the weekend. I was away all Friday and Saturday (day & night) at the Stampin' Up! Convention here in Canberra. I spent a lot of Sunday on the couch nursing my head cold. Although we did go visit the new house. So much has been done over the past week. The kitchen has been installed and my Craft Corner/Nook/Studio is in. So much space and natural light. Woohoo!

Anyway, I wanted to show you a few projects I have in mind for Mother's Day. Today I wanted to show the Card Folder I have made with the Rose is a Rose stamp set and matching Bella Rose Designer Series Papers from Stampin' Up! This would make a beautiful gift for your mum. It's hand-made and shows how much time and thought you've put into the gift. Here's a sneak preview of the Card Cover:

If you would like to make this Card Cover - contact me for instructions. Use the beautiful Rose is a Rose stamp set from Stampin' Up to make the matching cards. I can also help you with a Kit to make this gift with the Bella Rose DSP.

Tomorrow I will show you different cards you can make your mum!

SU Convention!

Well! Do I have lots to tell! Today I spent the day at the National Convention Centre for the 2009 Australian & New Zealand Stampin' Up! Convention. Imagine that - a conference room full of stampers and scrappers alike. The day was just buzzing. We saw lots of demonstrations, examples and ideas. And sat down in the hugest "craft room" ever to do our 'Makes & Takes'. Can't get better than that!

On top of that -we're all very excited about the first of May being the start of Scrapbooking Month. Boy, is it going to be a busy month!! I might even get a few more pages done. Should be easy with all the great Designer Series Papers, stamps and embellishments that Stampin' Up! has to offer. Check these ones out:

Of course, if you would like to take advantage of these fabulous offers, be sure to contact me at carolyn@stampwithme.com.au and look out for special events coming soon!