More Double Crimping

I am just loving this double crimping - also known as 'Faux Seersucker'.. I'm going to stick with double crimping, as Seersucker always reminds me or cute little girls dresses in pink and white! I only have boys in my house, so I best stay away from the pretty in pink stuff!

Anyway, here is the second example of the card I made the other night, using pretty much the same colours but with an attempt to make it a little bit different!


Stamps: Upsy Daisy & Circle of Friendship
Inks: Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow and Brocade Blue
Papers: Lavender Lace, Green Galore and Whisper White
Other: Crimper, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Punch

Feeling a little bit clever and at a loss of what to do, I made another card as I had my Close as a Memory stamp set sitting next to me. So using different colours, this is what I came up with!!

Stamps: Close as a Memory & Upsy Daisy (for the sentiment)
Inks: Garden Green, YoYo Yello, Pumpkin Pie & Basic Grey
Papers: Apricot Appeal, Old Olive and Whisper White
Other: Crimper, Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon and Dew Drops (non-SU)

Anyway, I had better dash. I best pick my son up from school!!

Using Magazines as Inspirations

I admit it! I am a magazine-a-holic. You can ask my husband if you're not convinced. He's the one who had to move my heavy boxes full of saved and favourite magazines. I try to cull periodically, but it's near impossible when you love them all!! Every fortnight, we get our 'pocket money'. You know the sort - the one you can spend after all bills and everything else is paid. I spend mine on magazines and coffee. They both represent my down time or more appropriately my, me time!

Anyway, what all this is leading to, is the inspiration I got from a current Cardmaking & Papercraft Magazine (Issue 19). I like this magzine as it uses all different products and techniques, including Stampin' Up! So when I saw a card using the Upsy Daisy stamp, well I just had to do it.

What makes this card unique, is the double crimping of the cardstock with the main image. Here's a picture and then I'll explain:


Stamps: Upsy Daisy & Circle of Friendship
Inks: Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow and Brocade Blue
Papers: Lavender Lace, Green Galore and Whisper White
Other: Crimper, White grosgrain ribbon, Circle punches & sponge dauber

As quoted by the magazine for the crimping:

Feed your stamped image through the crimper from one end and then turn the cardstock 90 degrees and feed it through again. This technique is called faux seersucker giving the cardstock a puckered texture.

Tip: I actually fed it through 3-4 times, rotating 90 degrees each time, as the 'faux seersucker' look was a bit faint and I wanted to make it more pronounced. The beauty of this, is you can decide how much 'crimping' you need!

I'll see you next visit with more!!

Snow Swirled : Step 1 and Step 2!

As I promised on Saturday, I have used the "sketch" of the floral vine card to create my Snow Swirled Christmas cards.

This time I tried something different, I wanted to test the "stepping up" process, in other words, taking a card and adding that something extra to it. That "something extra" is often as simple as a ribbon, brad, glitter or other embellishment. Sometimes using background stamps or papers might be the "something extra". It's taking your card from a simple design to the next level. Confused?? Here's what I mean!

This card is simple. It's a neat design, with a little bit of interest added through the Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper (DSP), dazzling diamonds and rhinestones for bling on the snowflakes as well as the small snowflakes stamped either on Whisper White CS and then raised with Stampin' Dimensions or on Baja Breeze CS.

Now see how you can "step this card up" and make it even better!!

Other than the fact I used Ruby Red CS as my card base, the most striking changes are the use of the Eyelet border punch instead of the Scallop Border punch and some red ribbon. Makes quite a difference doesn't it!!

Here's what I used:

Stamps: Snow Swirled
Papers: Baja Breeze, Ruby Red & Whisper White CS, and Holiday Treasures DSP
Inks: Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip
Other: Scallop Edge Punch or Eyelet Border Punch, Red Riding Hood Ribbon, rhinestones and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Fresh & Pretty

I am so excited to show you this card. Inspired again by the Mainly Flower blog, this card was so simple and fresh. The original had dry embossed the little flowers to give dimension and shape. I didn't! I'm not sure which box my embossing stuff is still packed in. ..... Maybe with the box that has the Big Shot cutting mats! Anyway, it still looks great. I am so proud of myself. I have also used it as a basis for a couple of Christmas in July cards. But you'll have to wait for that one!!

Stamps: Fresh Cuts
Papers: Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Tea Party DSP and scraps of So Saffron, Pink Pirouette & Brocade Blue
Inks: Certainly Celery
Other: Scallop Edge Punch & Corner Punch, Ribbon, Pearls and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

I have used Dazzling Diamonds Glitter with the 2-way glue pen to highlight the vines. You can almost see a glint of it in the photo. I stamped this one freehand but you could also use the Stamp-a-ma-jig too. The punched flowers conveniently cover any joins if you need!! I love this card and can't wait to try it in other colour combinations. The Tea Party DSP is so pretty too. Lots of pretty things to make!!

July!!

I was so eager to show my new calendar page for August, that I had completely forgotten to show you my July page!! Keeping with the theme of Christmas in July and the featured use of the lovely Snow Swirled Stamp set, I just had to make a July page with it.

Luckily I had lots of scraps lying around from all my preparations for Stamp Camp, so it wasn't too hard to put this one together. I am amazed that I am finding it fairly easy to use the blues and browns in my Christmas cards! I am such a traditionalist that I would normally use only green & red, with silver or gold thrown in. I'm growing!!

Without further ado, here it is .....


Stamps: Snow Swirled
Papers: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Old Olive & Ruby Red CS, Holiday Treasures DSP
Inks: Baja Breeze, Ruby Red & Old Olive
Other: Rhinestones, Kindy Glitz, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Bring on Christmas in July.

Doing the Tango

All week I've been playing with the colours and papers for Snow Swirled Stamp Camp, I'm really looking forward to showing you all the Snow Swirled project's I've been making, but you're going to have to wait and see!! So to give myself a well earned break from all the home moving physical labour, I had the urge to create with something new and vibrant.

Having used the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set the other week for the Tote project, they were still sitting within reach on my desk. I wasn't sure what colours to use, so went looking through my swaps and photos of the Stampin' Up! Convention and decided to use the In Colours. They are vibrant. They are cool, funky, fresh and retro!! This card is pretty much a CASE (nice word for copying) but as the placement of where you stamp and the colours you use, make each card unique. So here's the end result!!

The colours go really well together. Obviously not something I would have thought of myself, but SU was so thoughtful to match the in colours (well some of them anyway!!) Here's what I used:

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral
Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point & Kiwi Kiss
Papers: Stampin' Up! Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White & Kraft CS
Other: Tangerine Tango Grosgrain Ribbon & a silver brad.

Hmmm. What else could I do with these colours ......

Using the Blues

A few days ago, although the way time is going, it's probably more accurate to say, a few weeks ago! I saw a lovely card using the Fresh Cuts stamp set from Stampin' Up! and the simple but fresh colours of blue and white. I finally got hold of the colours myself, and made my own version of the card!

The original card (from the blog Mainly Flowers) uses a textured background. Sadly, I haven't yet unpacked my accessories for my Big Shot and still can't use it. I'm sure it's in one of the boxes .....

Anyway, I made the card with a few adjustments. It's simple but it's a great thank you card for a friend of mine!
Stamps: SU Fresh Cuts
Inks: SU Brocade Blue
Papers: SU Brocade Blue, Night of Navy & Whisper White
Accessories: Non-SU Paper Flowers, blue brad & blue gel ink pen

It's given me a few ideas for more cards using this and similar colour combo's. Only problem is I should be unpacking boxes or something!! Maybe I could sort my craft cupboards instead! That might keep me motivated :)

August isn't far away .....

In between all my packing or unpacking, as the case may be! I noticed that the month of July is quickly going by. School resumed today for term 3 here in Canberra and we're already past the half way point of Winter.

So .... it started me thinking of August and the fact I needed a calendar page!! I needed a quick one too. I'm supposed to be working after all, and I'm not sure if calendar pages qualifies!! I also had to go back to work today, so I wanted something fast but pretty. This is what I came up with:

Stamps: Stampin' Up! Upsy Daisy & Flight of the Butterfly

Inks: Stampin' Up! Baja Blue & Pink Pirouette

Papers: Stampin' Up! Pink Pirouette & Whisper White Cardstock

Other: Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker Kindy Glitz & Stampin' Dimensionals

I apologise for the lack of picture quality. I'm still playing with my new toy - the upgraded Canon Printer, Scanner & Fax machine in one. Maybe tomorrow it will look better. But maybe not!

Baby Pink

You may have noticed my appearance on this blog has been a bit sporadic this week. I tell ya! Moving is hard work. My back aches and I'm exhausted, yet the boxes just keep on coming!! I hope the end is in sight although I dare not believe it!

I took a break from all this hard yakka to make a little baby girl card for my niece born just a day or two ago. Baby Lily Yvonne. Isn't it a pretty name? And such a pretty name needs a very pretty card! I saw a card made by Laurie from 'Just Give Me Stamps'. And I thought to myself. I can do this. I just need to search through my stash and see what I could use!!

Stamps: Stampin' Up! Short & Sweet and Big on Spring (retired)
Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Basic Grey
Papers: Stampin' Up! Pink Pirouette, Pixie Pink, Whisper White Cardstock & Patterns Pack 2 Designer Series Papers (DSP), scrap of textured pastel green.

Other: White Gel Ink, Scallop Oval Punch & Scallop Edge Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Non SU: String, pegs, Rhinestones & Buttons

I am really happy with this card. I LOVE it!! I have been looking at it all day and smiling to myself. You might have noticed that I used the Scallop Oval Punch. Did that get your interest??? It's new and coming in the Spring Mini Catalogue out on 1 August!!

I have moved!!

Well, my family and I have. Moved house that is.

After two days of sheer labour, sweat and tears, we've almost moved everything over. And for those of you, not quite in the know, we have literally moved over the road. About 1 minute's drive if that!! (It takes that long because of all the roundabouts and turns!). But it's not all in vain. We have moved to our fresh newly built house with more room, more space and more yard (although it's complete mud at the moment!!). Gotta love those curtains hanging up made out of bed sheets!!

Anyway, I have not made any cards the last two days (I think I had a good reason) but my craft space is almost unpacked (without any sense or order though). So I wanted to show you a card I made a few days earlier.

And shock, horror!! It does not contain any Stampin' Up! products. As you know, I am the biggest SU fan ever (love the quality) but sometimes I like to dabble with other products. I'll try and remember everything I used for you!!


Stamps: Bella & Heidi Grace - Only Time (clear stamps)
Cardstock - Bazzil in blues. Brown dotted patterned Paper
Ribbon - Blue stripes
Ink - Staz On (Brown)
Bling - Blue mini pearls & silver rhinestone (KaiserCraft), Kindy Glitz
Technique - Watercolouring (with pencils)

I hope you like her. She's going to be a good friend of mine :)

Anyway, back to the boxes ......

Calling all Scrappers and Paper-Crafters in Canberra

Christmas in July (August)!

Calling all paper-crafters and scrapbookers.... I need you!!

Join us on 1 August 2009 to celebrate Christmas in July in August. Put this date in your diary now, for an afternoon of Christmas Creativity, Fun & Inspiration. Designed for both Scrappers and Card-makers alike, you'll be sure to find your perfect project to get you on track and ready for Christmas! I have 5 spots left I need to fill!

Date: Saturday 1st August 2009

Time: 1.30pm -4.30pm

Where: Nellie Melba Hall, Chinner Crescent, Melba ACT

RSVP: 24 July 2009

So what will we be making?

Snow Swirled Paper-Craft & Stamping Project

Make the stylish card tote with four pocket cards & designer envelopes, matching pen and notepad set. Enjoy this project again and again with full colour instructions to make these as gift sets at home.

Snow Swirled Scrapbooking Project

If scrapbooking is more your style, we have the Snow Swirled Scrap Pages designed just for you! Use the same papers, colours and accessories. Design your own pages or follow the templates and instructions to make two pages in time for Christmas. Just add photos. You'll also be making the note pad and pen, to write your notes on!

So what do you have to do?

Take a seat, make a cuppa and enjoy your specially prepared kits. All kits will be prepared for you with enough goodies to make your chosen projects.. I will provide the inks, stamps, punches and all materials to make your projects. Just bring along your scissors, cutters (if scrapbooking), and your smile!

Enjoy light refreshments, door prizes and your goodie bag (kit).

The Small Print

Snow Swirled Cost Options

Option 1: $72* - Includes the Snow Swirled Stamp Set, instructions and materials to create the Cards & Tote Project OR the Scrapbook project. Bonus inclusion: Instructions for both projects!

Option 2: $25* - Includes all instructions and materials to create the Cards & Tote Project.
Option 3: $25* - Includes all instructions and materials to create the Scrapbooking Project.

* Class Fee of $25 - non-refundable

All you need to do to join in on the fun ...

Contact Me!

For more information or to reserve your place - email me to RSVP!

Click here for the information flyer

Click here for a Stamp Camp Registration form
What if I can't get there?

You can always enjoy these Snow Swirled Projects at home.

Just contact me !

I really hope you'll join me and enjoy an afternoon with Christmas in July projects. Meet new friends or invite your own friends. You will be glad you did!

Carolyn McPherson

Stamp with Me

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

email: caroyn@stampwithme.com.au

Phone: 0417 165 345

Fifth Avenue Floral Workshop

Aarggh. I have gremlins in my computer again!! The internet connection keeps dropping out, my website editor is playing up and my newsletter program has a mind of its own. After 2.5 hours, I think I've sorted it out through sheer perseverance. I guess we'll soon see!!

So righto, moving along!

Yesterday we made the lovely projects using the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set and Urban Oasis DSP from Stampin' Up! You might remember the class description, as a Window box with four cards? Well, the four cards are amazing. I am going to show you my favourite card. I guess the great part of it is, it's unique. Your colouring in will always be a one-off creation, no matter how much you try to be exact. And that's a good thing!!

Stamps: Stampin' Up! Fifth Avenue Floral
Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze & Basic Grey
Papers: Stampin' Up! Kraft, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey & Whisper White Cardstock & Urban Oasis Designer Series Papers (DSP)

Other: Kraft tafetta ribbon & blender pens

If you want to know the rest of the projects and cards. You'll just have to enquire about the Class-to-Go at home. You won't be disappointed!

My Project - Coaster Set

Well my project is finished. There were quite a few stops and starts, but that was to let the paint dry. I'm really happy with how they turned out. I'll show the pic and then give you the instructions and ingredients!!

Ingredients:

From Stampin' Up! - Urban Oasis Designer Series Papers (DSP)

From KaiserCraft - Coaster Set & paint

Bella - Rub On's

Instructions:

1. Sand all edges of coaster pieces and holder

2. Paint sides and bottoms of each coaster thoroughly with paint. Paint the coaster holder. Allow to dry.

3. Trace shape of coaster onto DSP. Cut out DSP and glue to the unpainted side of each coaster.

4. Trim edges if necessary.

5. Apply rub-ons to selected coasters and to the coaster holder if desired.

6. Varnish to protect coasters from stains and spillages!

(My apologies for the photos. The grey coaster was taken with a flash. The Kiwi Kiss coaster was without!)

My Project - Part 1

Gosh what a day!! We sold our house 'unofficially' today (I think it's sold 'officially' on Monday) and we received the keys to our new house! We are now the proud owners of 2 houses with mortgages to match!! The carpet layers were busy today, and it's looking good in the new place. The removal truck is booked for Wednesday next week, any volunteers anyone???

It's been a day of running around here and there though, but all for a good cause :0). I'm trying to catch up through a mile long of emails (I'll get to you I promise ....), packing, looking after 2 gorgeous boys and sorting out house stuff. I also checked out the Nellie Melba Hall for Snow Swirled Stamp Camp. Looking good!!

Anyway, today's post is a Part 1. I'll hopefully have Part 2 to show tomorrow. Part 2 requires my WH going to the hardware shop to buy varnish or something similar. I'm sure I will have to bend his arm to go to the Hardware shop (more commonly known as Daddy's shop!). As I'm starting to babble, I'll try to get to the point!! Tomorrow just happens to be the birthday (and 40th birthday at that) of my good friend. I'm running a bit late on the gift but what do you get someone who probably has everything she needs? So while browsing in my local craft store (a bit of a habit, that one). I saw the Kaisercraft Beyond the Page range.

I grabbed a pack and quickly went home to see what I could match. I will tell you now, that I needed grey paint to match my Urban Oasis DSP, some glue (loving the Tombow Adhesive) and scissors. Here's what Part 1 looks like...

Can you guess what I'm making??? You'll just have to wait for tomorrow if you can't!!

You might notice the colours and papers match the card I made on 8 July 2009. Absolutely. They will be gifted together!

Snow Swirled Stamp Camp Reminder

Just a little reminder today about the Snow Swirled Christmas in July (August) event we are holding.

I have uploaded all the flyers and registration forms. Click on the links or email me at: carolyn@stampwithme.com.au and I will get cracking on preparing your kit packs!

Click here for the information flyer

Click here for Stamp Camp Registration form

If you don't live in Canberra or you just can't attend, you can still join in. The projects are designed for you to make at home too. With the full instuctions, materials and the Snow Swirled stamp set - you'll be all set to go!!

Another Birthday Card to show off!

I also wanted to show off another card I received from my good friend Fiona. I love what she has done with this one and am so proud of her for making it. I am hoping to infect all my friends with the need to make cards!!

Here it is ...


I'm loving the simplicity of it all. Hmmm, this card is putting ideas in my head ....

Pulling out the boxes!

I couldn't resist. I unpacked some boxes and dug out some of my craft supplies. I shouldn't have really, considering we have another inspection tomorrow. Oh well. Guess I will just have to pack them up again. The good news is I should be able to move my craftin' stuff in on Monday ... not long to go now!

Part of my supplies that I pulled out of the box were specifically for the Fifth Avenue Class we are having in Queanbeyan this weekend. I did all my cutting and prepping, and then decided to play with my off-cuts. As I had limited myself to how much I could pull out of the box (LOL), I kept to a fairly simple layout. A bit of cutting, a bit of colouring in with chalks, but I couldn't resist the glitter and bling!!! Here it is ...

Stamps: Stampin' Up! Fifth Avenue Floral

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Baja Breeze & Basic Grey

Papers: Stampin' Up! Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey & Whisper White Cardstock & Urban Oasis Designer Series Papers

Other: Chalks, White grosgrain ribbon, Crystal effects & Dazzling Diamonds glitter, and Kaisercraft rhinestones

If you're wondering about the flowers, I have lightly coloured them in chalks: blue for the petals and yellow for the centres. I have then put a big dollop of Crystal Effects in the centres and lightly sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds. Sounds like I am icing a cake or something!! I have also popped up the white flower with Stampin' Dimensionals!

I also distressed all the edges of the cardstock and papers with my finger nails. Just for something a little different! I hope you enjoy :0)

A Couple of Announcements!

A bit of a wind-down day today! It was very hard to drag myself out of bed to go to work, when all the boys were staying home for the school holidays. I don't have much leave available at the moment, so I'll be saving mine for next week - when we move! I am so looking forward to being in the new place now and settling into our new home. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly!!

A few announcements today! So no projects to show and tell, but it's all good news, I promise!!

Firstly, the new Spring Mini Catalogue from Stampin' Up! is on its way.

Launched on 1st August, it will delight. For all my friends (aka customers) coming to the Snow Swirled Stamp Camp, you'll get your very own copy in your Snow Swirled Project Kit. If you are on my catalogue mailing list, keep a look out for your copy around the 3rd of August.

For anyone else who would like a copy, please contact me (email: carolyn@stampwithme.com.au ) and let me know your mailing address. You'll love the new catalogue! I love what I have seen so far!

I would also like to announce that the upcoming Christmas in July Stamp Camp is going to be a great event too. Yep, we're busy with events now! Although, if it's all starting to get a bit hectic in dates and planning, please let me know and we can reschedule to a time that suits us all! Here's a sneak peek of the project:

If you can't attend my class, you can always have it bundled up as a Class to Go. There's no stamping in this one, so it is a great project to do at home!

Click Here for more info!

A Card with Texture

Well it's been a busy weekend! Friday night I took my big boy Luke with me to Craft Night (seeing it is now school holidays, I thought one late night wouldn't hurt!). He was so excited and packed a bag full of markers and papers, as well as a few trusty toys! Luke does amazing drawings and this time we're making them into a book! I continued with my felt purses, as everything else is packed away in boxes at the moment!

Saturday saw us frantically cleaning and scrubbing! It was our first open day in the effort to sell our home. After it was all over (and yes it was successful and went well), we were so tired that sitting on the couch was a great thing to do! I stayed up late watching tv and just relaxing. Some days you need those!

Today was also quiet at home. With most of our 'homey' belongings packed out of site, our house looks more like a showroom than a home! Seeing it was such a lovely day, I went and visited my friend Michelle and oohed and aahed over her lovely craft room and all her creations! Inspired me to pull out a few things and make a little card. Lots of birthdays to tend to in July, you know! This card only uses a few bits and pieces, so I didn't have to unpack too many boxes!!

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes & Upsy Daisy

Inks: Kiwi Kiss

Papers: Kiwi Kiss & Chocolate Chip Cardstock & Urban Oasis Designer Series Papers

Other: Crochet Thread, Kaiser Craft paper flowers & rhinestones

The paper flowers give the card a little bit of texture and interest! I'm really happy with it!

A Random Act of Kindness (RAK)!!

One of the nice things about craft, be it paper-craft, knitting, sewing or whatever, is the feeling of community. There are so many groups out there you can join, be it your local craft group or the virtual crafting groups. I belong to a few actually :) I go to my local craft shop to get craft lessons, I organise the monthly craft nights and scrap nights, and I am in the virtual craft world too! I like them all!! One of the yahoo groups I belong to is Stamping Oz Style (SOS). And guess what, earlier this week I received a birthday card from a fellow SOS friend, it's what we call a 'Random Act of Kindness'. Don't you love it! Here's the lovely card I received. My favourite colours too - pink and brown!!

Thank you very much Kerry!

Did you notice the diamond pattern on the brown cardstock. Looks like something I can try with my new birthday present (aka The Big Shot). Just wish I was able to unpack my crafting supplies and play again! Luckily it's monthly craft night tonight and I can play with a little bit of my stuff :)

I have lots of birthday cards I received for show and tell, so I hope to get them all ready to show! I love it!!

Pink Silhouettes

July! Crazy isn't it! This year is flying by and here we are already in the new financial year (means a lot to me, the whole accounting thing you know!). We're still living with boxes and a very neat and tidy house, so it's lucky I prepared for this week in advance to make sure I had lots of projects to show you! Here's one I prepared earlier!!

This card was made for my friend (V's) birthday! I went back to my trusty Pocket Silhouettes set and tried a new set of colours to get a more feminine look. I think it succeeded. Always helps when you use a colour like pink!

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes

Papers: Stampin' Up! Whisper White and Pink Pirouette

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze and Pink Pirouette

Other: Eyelet border punch, Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals & Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

As you can see, I used the eyelet punch to border the picture, an extra section to highlight the picture (popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals) and then used the Dazzling Diamonds to add glitter. Not too bad! Of course, all products are from Stampin' Up! and are just gorgeous! Even if I do say so myself! I hope you like :)