Just Add Ink Challenge - JAI27

For another great place to find challenges, layout and inspiration - head on over to Just Add Ink.  You can participate in their sketch or colour challenges.  This week's challenge is a sketch challenge, and it's one I will use over and over again!  This week's challenge sketch:

Needing to break away from the Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive & Pale Plum colour combo's I've been using of late, I wanted to do something with bright colours.  And of course, the Tart & Tangy stamp set with bright bold colours is the perfect solution!  It just happens to be one of my all-time favourite stamp sets too!!

Here's a front view which hopefully shows the embossed background a bit better!

This was a great challenge to play along with!  And a great colour combination for a dreary winter day here in Canberra.  Here's what I used:

Stamps: Tart & Tangy and Tiny Tags
Ink: Yoyo Yellow, Just Orange, Green Galore, Garden Green & Bravo Burgandy
Papers: Whisper White, Yoyo Yellow & Green Galore CS
Other: Circle & Medium Tag punches, Big Shot & Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Ribbon, Crochet Thread, Crystal Effects &Stampin' Dimensionals.

To give the cherries some oomph, I highlighted them with Crystal Effects and raised them with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Perfect.  Now I might go and get some fruit ... feeling a bit hungry for some!!

Cuteness!!

I just had to show you a lovely handmade set I received in the mail last week.  I know I have been showing lots and lots of baby cards, but I just couldn't help showing this one too!!

The first two photos show the front and side of the most cutest box.  I have never seen anything like it, and I think it's just amazing and so creative!!  And not only that, it was filled with baby goodies!!  How lucky am I!

Isn't it just the cutest thing ever???

It was also accompanied by a matching card (it looks darker in this photo then it actually is, as I took photographed it at a later time, and the natural light just wasn't so great).

Now all this work is by the lovely Kerri who I have 'met' through the world of Stampin' Up! and the internet!!  To see more of Kerri's absolutely lovely work, head on over to her blog: Kerri D Design.  I highly recommend it!

Pocket Scraps

Yesterday, I blogged about using up scrap pieces of papers.  Today I wanted to show you the cards I made at home AFTER the scrap night, where I had access to more stamps and ink pads.  I pulled out one of my all-time favourite sets: Pocket Silhouettes.  I love this set and all the many things you can do with it!!

Here's what I used:

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes & Much Appreciated (retired)
Inks: Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Rich Razzleberry & Orchid Opulence
Papers: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry & Old Olive, scrap DSP
Other: Sponge daubers & Kindy Glitz

I took the time to sponge the edges of the stamped focal piece with Close to Cocoa.  It helps to give more dimension to the card.  You can see that the card on the right hand side has more 'sponging' as I experimented with depth of colour.  I am so going to miss the Close to Cocoa colours from SU though, as it's on it way out with retirement.  On the upside, there will be new colours to play with!!

Clean & Simple Blog Hop (FTL100)

Do you ever need inspiration for your layouts and cards?  I do!  There are so many different websites and blogs out there, that you're bound to find one that suits you!

I love this challenge website that I recently came across: Clean & Simple.  It's just one of a few I subscribe to, but don't always get the chance to play along with.

But .......... I then saw this layout challenge which fit in perfectly with my plan to use up my Razzleberry Cottage scraps I have on my craft table!  It also happens to be part of their special Clean & Simple: 100th sketch blog hop (FTL100).  This is the layout challenge for the week:

 So here's what I made:

I have used a Whisper White CS base and added some trim with the Scallop Edge punch.  I pulled out my Twinkling H2Os to colour in the flower (it's just a shame you can't see the lovely shimmery effect that it made!)

Here's what I used:

Stamps: Asian Artistry & Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Inks: Close to Cocoa & Old Olive
Papers: Whisper White & Rich Razzleberry CS and Cottage Wall DSP
Other: Scallop Border Punch, Horizontal Slot punch, Rhinestones, Pink Satin Ribbon & Twinkling H2Os.

If you want to play along, head on over to the Clean & Simple blog, by clicking here!

Scraps & Stuff

Friday (just gone) was our monthly Scrap night, although I think we need to rename it to Scrap & Chat night, as some nights we do more chatting instead of scrapping.  But you have to admit, it's great therapy to sit and chat with your friends!  I also had baby Jessica with me too, which meant a bit of baby cuddling was involved!

I didn't do any scrapping this time (although I normally try to on these nights) as I'm still working on my thankyou cards!!  This time, I decide to take the Scrap Night name literally and make thank you cards out of scraps!!  I have so many scrap/left over pieces from our Razzleberry Cottage workshop, so I decided to put them to use!

As I now have to carry a baby capsule, nappy bag, hand bag and craft bag to these nights, I packed a bare minimum of supplies!  I packed my scrap pieces of papers, a couple of punches, stamp sets and embellishments.  I actually found it quite therapeutic using scraps.  Making room for more purchases you see!

Here's what I used:

Stamps: Cottage Garden & Much Appreciated (retired)
Inks: Close to Cocoa, Rich Razzleberry & Orchid Opulence
Papers: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry & Cottage Wall DSP, non-SU: Bazzill Bling (lime)
Punches: Extra-Large 2-step Bird, 5-Petal Flower, Scallop Edge, Spring Blossom, Large Oval & Scallop Oval
Other: Rhinestones & Kindy Glitz

Anniversary Gift Set

As promised, today I'm proud to show you the Coaster Book I made pictured with the Anniversary card I showed to you yesterday!  I'm quite proud of myself, as it's all my own work - no copying or case-ing from anywhere.  I'm currently working it up as a tutorial for the next monthly workshop which shows just how much I like it!!  Here it is:

You might note there are ribbons 'sticking out' of the book ... they all form part of the inside!  Yep, it's a surprise for now as I've got to finish writing inside the book, but it's essentially finished aside from my writing a few words.

Notice the scrunched up flower on the book?  That was also made from the cream coloured envelope I recycled!  And look how different it looks to the one on the card!!  That's because I used different techniques!  Cool, huh!

Anyway, a short message today as I've got a shocker of a headache!  Comes from not having a lot of sleep last night.  Ah, the joys of having a newborn.  Might have a nap sometime today!!

Anniversary Card

Have I mentioned that my mum travelled from Holland to Australia the other week?  It was a surprise trip for me (my WH knew) and a fantastic opportunity for little Jessica to meet her Oma.  I can be a bit more public about this, as my sisters in Melbourne don't know either.  In fact my mum is on her way to Melbourne as I type and I won't ruin the surprise by typing it here.

Anyways ..... My mum has some lovely friends in Holland that often send us cards and gifts in the mail.  Small tokens to show their appreciation that we 'share' our mum (that is, she lives in Holland for most of the year and comes to Australia for the summer & Christmas!).  One lovely couple are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.  So as a small way of saying thank you, I made them a 'Happy Anniversary' card to match the Coaster Book I have made. 

This little project uses one of my favourite combo's: Chocolate Chip & Baja Breeze!!

I've used quite a few techniques, but it was all in good fun.  I recycled a cream-coloured envelope which I used to make the flower.  I pleated my ribbon and used the Top Note Big Shot die!

All supplies are SU unless otherwise stated:

Stamps: Asian Artistry & Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Papers: Whisper White CS & Baja Breeze DSP
Inks: Close to Cocoa
Other: Horizontal Slot Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon & Sponge Daubers, Big Shot & Top Note die
Non-SU: Button, crochet thread and recycled envelope

The Coaster book is currently being prepared as a tutorial.  More info to follow later this week!

House - Keeping!

With having a new baby in the house and limited internet connectivity over the last few days due to weather, I've realised that I'm behind on some of my web house-keeping and regular reminders.

Some of the Stampin' Up! Offers currently available include:

Stampin' Up! Two-Step Stampin' Offer

Don't miss out on these stamps sets currently on offer.  To find out which stamps, click here for more info!

Starter Kit Special Offer

Until 31 July, get a 20 percent discount on the Starter Kit when you join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator! 

Click here for more info!

Stamp with Me Newsletters

Are you staying connected with the latest news, offers and updates?  If not, subscribe to my 'Stamp with Me' Newsletter and you'll receive monthly newsletters and any special offers.

Click here to subscribe! 

Stamp with Me on Facebook

Look for us on Facebook and always stay up to date!  Click here to find my Stamp with Me Facebook page!

Cheep Talk Thankyou

I have been making lots of thank you cards.  Not one of them have made their way to the post yet (LOL) but they will be soon.  I've got so many to do and I hope to have them finished by the weekend!

This latest batch of cards uses the Cheep Talk stamp set (currently available with the SU special offer of 20% discount - click here for more details) and a few techniques, such as embossing and punching.  Here they are:

 

Here's what I used:

Stamps: Cheep Talk & Much Appreciated
Papers: Whisper White & Pink Pirouette CS, Cottage Wall DSP
Inks: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip & Basic Black
Other: Scallop Edge Punch, Slit Punch, Pink Ribbon, Signo White Gel Ink Pen, Circle Scissors, Big Shot & Polka Dots Embossing Folder

I did CASE this card and techniques.  I'll update this post when I can credit the source ASAP.

Now I better go do some writing INSIDE the cards so that I can send them!!

Water-Colour on cards

Have you ever tried water-colouring techniques on your cards??  It's such a relaxing and enjoyable thing to do!  Brings back memories of childhood colouring-in books!

Just look at this example from the Stampin' Up! Two-Step stamping promotion: 

I think it's just absolutely and wonderfully stunning!!!  There are quite a few techniques around for you to try too!

My favourite technique is using water-colour pencils direct on the paper and using my Aqua Painter to magically turn it into a water-colour piece of art!  Other techniques use water-colour crayons or using the Stampin' Up! Blender Pen with Stampin' Up! Classic ink pads or Stampin' Write Markers.

Whatever way you prefer, pick a water-colour project and give it a go.  Use papers especially designed for this technique, such as the Stampin' Up! Water-colour paper pack for amazing results. 

On a side note, I love the use of the Signo white gel ink pen and white button used to highlight the above flower and turn something nice into something special.

If you need any help with your water-colouring supplies or techniques, be sure to contact me ... I would love to help!

Thanks

Thank you cards are in full swing here!!  I'm still getting presents in the mail and it's truly wonderful!  I'm just struggling to keep up with thank you cards!!

This card is a 'kind-of' case from a cute card I saw today.  The beauty of this style of card, is it's simplicity and you are able to make a number of them in a hurry!  Here's what I mean:

Stamps: Tart & Tangy and Much Appreciated (retired)
Inks: Black, Ruby Red & Garden Green
Papers: Pink Pirouette, Old Olive & Whisper White CS and Bella Rose DSP
Other: 1 3/8" Square Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch and Crystal Effects


I have dabbed the cherries with Crystal Effects which highlight the cherries and give them some real shine.  I have used Stampin' Dimensionals to pop up the scallop circle too, so it's a real focal point.  To see the original inspiration of this card though, click here.  I love using my punches though to make backgrounds on my card.  It was a great method using up my One Sheet Wonder (OSW) piece of cardstock too.  And now it's a great way to use up scraps of DSP that I had left over from our Christmas in July project.  Thrifty, that I am!!  Now I'm off to make some more!!

Calendar Updates

It's school holiday craziness here in Canberra.  I have my sister and her two boys (Brendan 7 yrs & Aaron 3 yrs) from Melbourne visiting us and to meet baby Jessica.  Of course, Brendan & Aaron are the right ages for my boys (Luke 7yrs & Matthew 2.5yrs) and they've been playing wonderfully together, even if a little noisy!!

At the moment, it's all quiet though.  I've got Matthew and Jessica having their afternoon sleeps and my sister Laura has taken the other 3 boys to see Toy Story 3.  Time for me to catch up on chores, computer stuff and a little bit of crafting!! 

My July calendar page is a little late though, although I have the excuse of a newborn in my house!!  I made my July page to complement our Christmas in July project from Sunday.  These calendars are a great way to use up scraps and keep the whole theme going!

Here it is:

This page uses the following:

Stamps: Holiday Line Up
Inks: StazOn (Black) & Stampin' Write markers in assorted colours
Papers: Riding Hood Red & Old Olive (textured), Green Bazzill Bling (background)
Other: White brad, Dazzling Diamonds & Rhinestones

While I'm here, I must also show my June page which I have also neglected to show :(

Stamps: Cheep Talk
Inks: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss & Soft Suede
Papers: Rose Red, Apricot Appeal, Old Olive (textured) & Good Morning Sunshine DSP
Other: Pearl, Spring Blossom punch, Pacific Point ribbon & white button


Now I'm gonna duck out and get the washing off the line before the sun goes down and it all goes damp again.  You have to love drying the washing in winter!!  Especially chilly Canberra winter!  Ciao!

More Birthday Cards

I am so loving Australia Post at the moment.  It seems like every day there are more cards and presents in the mail!!  Having a third baby, I didn't expect to be so spoiled but Jessica must be a drawing card as there are cards and gifts galore!!!  As June is birthday month in my household, there have also been quite a few birthday cards too!!  Here are another two handmade cards I received and boy, the attention to detail in these cards are amazing!  So a BIG thankyou to Michelle and Cheryl.  They are beautiful!!

Cheryl's card features intricate lacework all hand coloured and folded.

Michelle's card features the Easel style of cards very popular right now.  

I haven't made one myself but would love to now that I've seen one!!  Both cards feature fantastic techniques that I might just have to try!!  Thanks!!

More OSW!!

Eek!!  I was cleaning up my craft table yesterday (desperate measures) as it was piled high with accumulated stuff over the last few weeks.  I haven't been getting much of a chance lately to do crafting.  Something to do with a newborn in the house.  I do get crocheting done though, as I can sit and crochet while holding a baby asleep in my arms.  Yep, I'm getting good at doing things with one free hand again!! A talent all new mums learn super fast!!

Anyway, I digress!  I found a piece of my One Sheet Wonder cardstock that I somehow had left over from earlier.  I don't know how that happened, but as I'm trying to make lots of thank you cards, it came in good use.

This is what I made:

And this is what I used:

Stamps: Cottage Garden & Tiny Tags
Inks: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, River Rock & Basic Grey
Papers: Pink Pirouette (textured), Basic Grey & Whisper White
Other: Sponge Dauber, Medium Jewellery Tag Punch, Pink Ribbon & Crochet Thread

As I discovered, this is a perfect card layout for when you need to make cards in a hurry or when you need to make a whole pile of them.  Like a stamp-a-stack really!!  I also used my sponge dauber to sponge the edges with Pink Pirouette around the OSW piece.  Adds a soft touch I think!

Now I must go prepare for the Christmas in July day tomorrow and make some kits.  I can't wait!

Sweet Slumber Specialty Paper - All gone

With the announcement of the Stampin' Up! Colour Renovation and the fond farewell to certain colours, Stampin’ Up! have announced that the retiring colours are selling out quite quickly and from today, all retiring colour products are only available while stocks last.

Stampin' Up!  have announced they have sold out of all Sweet Slumber Specialty Papers and Close to Cocoa Cardstock! 

Keep checking my SU Colour Renovation pages for updates on any products that are selling out or contact me for more info!

For more information on the SU Colour Renovation - Click Here

Stampin' Up! Two-Step Stampin' Offer

Stampin' Up! Two-Step Stampin' Offer

 

two-step into FABULOUS!

Stampin' Up!'s Two-Step Stampin'™ sets allow you to quickly and easily take your creativity to the next level!

And from 1 - 31 July 2010, you'll get 20% off from selected Two-Set Stampin' sets from Stampin' Up!'s current catalogues. No limit, no minimum purchase required!

Choose from any of these selected sets:

Loads of Love, was $39.95 now $31.96

Big Bold Birthday, was $53.95 now $43.16**

A Rose is a Rose, was $66.95 now $53.56**

Playful Petals, was $52.95 now $42.36**

Cheep Talk, was $47.95 now $38.36

Wonderful Favourites, was $39.95 now $31.96

Tiny Tags (Wood-mount), was $38.95 now $31.16*

Tiny Tags (Clear-mount), was $28.95 now $23.16*

Cottage Garden (Wood-mount) was $32.95 now $26.36*

Cottage Garden (Clear-mount) was $24.95 now $19.96*

* From 2010 Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue

** Retiring Stamp Sets

For more information, click here for the flyer or email me at carolyn@stampwithme.com.au