Convention Swap

Well it's now a week since I attended the Stampin' Up! convention in Brisbane so I guess it is well and truly time to show my swaps.  I didn't want to show too early, but now they've been handed out, its no longer a secret!

 I've made little tea sachet holders.  They are so adorable .... well I think so!  I found them over at the Zakka Life website and thought they were even easy enough for me to make!!

Of course, I had to combine the Origami tea bag favours with the Tea Shoppe stamp set.  Just matched perfectly!!

I've used a dimensional behind the top of the cup only, to prop the cup open so it could hold the 'flowers'!!  I glued down the bottom of the cup!

And of course a project involving origami needs scrap book paper, just like Stampin' Up!s wonderful designer series papers.  I've used the Subtles patterns pack.  Love all these colours!

I've made a dozen or so, not that many really as I knew I was arriving halfway into the first day of Convention and would miss out on the swapping.  I still found a few girls to swap with, so I didn't mind!

So here's what I used:
Stamps: Tea Shoppe
Papers: Whisper White CS & Subtles DSP
Inks: Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple inks
Others: Bakers Twine, Label punch, Itty Bitty punch, pearls & sponge daubers.

For all the instructions, including photos of how to do the folds of origami, head to: http://zakkalife.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/origami-tea-packet-favors.htmlhttp://zakkalife.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/origami-tea-packet-favors.html

Something for Everyone!

Retiring Lists are now here and there is something for everyone.  Get your favourite retiring products before they are gone!

Hundreds of stamps and accessories from the 2012-2013 catalogues are retiring, and this is your chance to get them before they're gone. Many products are only available while supplies last, so be sure to get your orders in early!

And remember some items have amazing discounts!  Some products are discounted to 25% off and some even are 40% off!!


The quickest way to order, is online.  It's an order that is on-the-spot and your order is packed and shipped as shipped as soon as you’ve paid!  Use this special Retirement Hostess Code K7VCQ6SC and once the orders reach $300 I’ll draw one customer to win a $50 shopping spree of hostess rewards!

Retiring Lists … click on these links to download the lists …

• Retiring Stamps List
• Retiring Accessories List

To order online, click on the Shop Now link below and start shopping.  Don't forget to use the Hostess Code: K7VCQ6SC

Or contact me on phone 0417 165345 or email and I'd love to help!  Happy shopping!

More Dress Ups

So yesterday I shared my first card using the Dress Ups collection.  I love the creations I've seen so when I needed to make a 16th birthday card, I knew this one again would be perfect!

 This time I used a cardstock base for the dress, the funky and one of my favourites, Melon Mambo. It's so bright!  I used a little flower again and made a gem necklace too.

 

I've used Wisteria Wonder as the card base and while not a traditional match for Melon Mambo, I thought it went cutely together (is there such a thing!).  I've stamped a Happy Birthday in matching colours.

I also love the use of the Delicate Designs embossing folders on both the dress and the card base.  Adds so much interest!  And I know that the recipient of the card loved it, which is always a plus!!

Stamps: Memorable Moments
Papers: Wisteria Wonder, Melon Mambo & Whisper White CS and Sycamore Street DSP
Inks: Melon Mambo & Concord Crush inks
Others: Dress Up framelits, Delicate Designs Embossing Folder, Label punch & gems

Dress Up!

So have you tried the Dress Up stamps and coordinating framelits yet?  Love them!  I haven't had much of a play yet but have been watching the most adorable creations over on Pinterest!

So when I needed to make a card using these, I already had the inspiration and was ready to create!

I made this card as a Thank you for one of my favourite customers (OK you got me, I only have favourite customers!!) and was asked how to use the Pattern Pieces stamp set (retired) that I had given as a hostess thank you gift.  So I thought, I know.  I'll make it as a background stamp with the Dress Ups collection.  It is perfect for the feature of the dress!

I've stamped Pattern Pieces in Pool Party ink which matched perfectly with the dress I had cut from Sale-a-Bration DSP.  I used Island Indigo to make a little flower for the dress.  And I used a gem for a necklace and hand drew the necklace chain with a grey-led pencil.

It's so sweet!  And did you notice that I used some Calypso Coral washi tape from the This & That Collection.  Love it!!

I'll be back tomorrow to share another creation with the Dress Ups!

Stamps: Pattern Pieces &  So Happy for You
Papers: Calypso Coral & Whisper White CS and Sycamore Street DSP
Inks: Early Espresso & Pool Party inks
Others: Dress Up framelits, Delicate Designs Embossing Folder, Washi tape, & Gems

Convention Wrap Up!

Well the weekend of the 2013 Stampin' Up! Convention went by so very fast.  Staying in the sunny city of Brisbane, I spent a wonderful three days with my stampin' friends before joining up with my family for another glorious day!

If you've never heard of a Stampin' Up! convention, well it's the annual event for any Australian and New Zealand demonstrators to attend, see the new products, make projects, share and have fun.  I did!

That's me in sunny yellow!

 

 We saw lots of projects, using products from the current catalogue and the new catalogue.  Just wanted to share a few photos from the Stampin' Up! South Pacfic facebook page that shows a few of my favourite things!

Projects by Juliana Main

These projects show case the Epic This & That range which were so cute and fun.  I love how these projects go beyond the journal.

Flowers by Jessica Williams

These gorgeous flowers were made with Crepe paper from the current Seasonal Catalogue, coloured with re-inker and held together with florist wire and tape.  So cute!

Project designer - unknown

These flowers are simply stunning and were one of the many projects on display.  Sadly I'm not sure who the designer is, but the work is beautiful and definitely inspiring!

MDS card project - designed by Stampin' Up!

I finally got to see what all the fuss is about!  About My Digital Studio - MDS that is!  We had a class on making this card with the MDS software and we were given instructions and a final version of the card.  I'll be sharing this one with you real soon!

So just a few of the fabulous things I got to see, do and make.  I will be sharing more projects with you over the coming weeks.  But in the meantime, I can announce with much delight the next convention in 2014 will be held in MELBOURNE.  I'm so there!

It's Convention!

Well hello! I'm writing from sunny Brisbane where the weather is a tad warmer then Canberra. Lol!!

And oh my goodness, I can't wait to share lots of new projects and products with you really soon. So for now, just sharing a couple of pic's from the Stampin' Up! Product playground.

Can I say it's all just gorgeous and fun! Maybe you'll come to convention with me next year? Why not.

Hostess Promotion Offer

So I'm heading to convention today and I thought why not have a special promotion offer!  Why not share the fun! 

Stampin' Up! have introduced a new Hostess Code which allows all online orders using the same  hostess code to be grouped together as a workshop order.

While I’m away at Convention this week, all you have to do is visit my online Stampin' Up! store and do your shopping online. You will need to enter in the hostess code, which will then group all the orders together.

The special Hostess Code is –   PXVK3PXU

Once the workshop ends, the orders are totaled.  Grouped orders must reach a minimum of $300 of orders to receive Hostess Rewards.  When grouped orders are $400 and over, the Hostess Promotion will kick in and you’ll receive an extra $60 rewards to spend. 

Each order will receive a ticket and go into a draw for the Hostess Reward benefits.

 

Don't forget you need to put your orders through my online store to take advantage of the Hostess code promotion.

 

And all orders earn loyalty points with my Stamp with Me Loyalty Club!

New MDS Downloads

If you haven't already noticed, Stampin' Up! release their new MDS (My Digital Studio) digital downloads on Tuesdays.  So while it is Wednesday today (eek where did that day go), I thought I would share the latest MDS downloads available now!

This digital collection is the Family Spotlight Ensemble (item 134508) priced at just $21.50.

Features:
* Digital exclusive
* Everything you need to throw the most memorable family reunion yet
* Templates for invitations, table tents, game, iron-ons, and recipe book
* Make an impression with tea towels, tote bags, and recipe books for the whole family

Colours:
Basic Gray, Marina Mist, Ruby Red, Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Wild Wasabi

So go on, make your day filled with digital creativity!

Check out my Online Digital Store for awesome deals and beautiful digital art!!

P-inspiration

Hello everyone,

It's almost lunch time on a sunny day here in Canberra.  To see the sky so blue is so inspiring after having a glorious weekend away at the coast over the weekend.  The sky at the coast was so blue and the water even bluer (but much too cold for swimming!!).  I came back with the crafty bug and needed to sit and make some cards.

When I need ideas, I head to Pinterest.  I find it an amazing resource for ideas.  So when I saw this one, I just had to give it a go.  It was just the bright yellow colour that so captured my attention!

I just love the sunny yellow in this card.  I couldn't quite take a photo without the shadow but you can see the matching yellow flower too!

 

This really is a lovely card to make. I used the negative of an oval that I had cut out with the Big Shot to use as a stencil for the sponging of Daffodil Delight.

 

I've matched with Early Espresso using the pretty swirl stamp from Everything Eleanor and finished off with some bling.  Love my rhinestones!  I used this card to send to a friend's daughter in memory of her passing 12 months ago.

This card was inspired by Nancy Ferb's no layer card.  Click on her link for all the details of such a beautiful card!

So here's what I used: 
Stamps: Everything Eleanor & So Happy for You
Papers: Whisper White CS
Inks: Daffodil Delight &  Chocolate Chip
Accessories: 3/8: Vanilla Flower Trim, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Glue Dots & Sponge Daubers

With thanks

I love to send all my customers little thank you cards when they make orders with me.  Just a little something to say thank you for being my customer and a friend of mine in this crafty world.  I think a personal touch really means something.  So it was with pleasure I made a set of cards featuring the lovely Nature Walk which I suspect will be retiring soon-ish. (as it's on the USA retirement list).  So time to dig out Nature Walk and use some fun colours!

I saw a card using this stamp set on Pinterest world using a very similar colour combination, I can't quite remember now, but I used Pear Pizzazz and Concord Crush!  Cool colours I think!

I've combined this with the Pear Pizzazz seam binding ribbon (also another fave of mine) and some sponging and big-shotting.  This was a great design for making lots of cards!!  Except for cutting out the little bird, that was a bit fiddly.  Cutting the bird cage was much easier!

So to make these, I've used the following supplies:

Stamps: French Foliage & Nature Walk
Inks: Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush & Early Espresso
Papers: Whisper White, Concord Crush & Pear Pizzazz CS
Other: Pear Pizzazz seam binding, sponge daubers, oval sizzlits, honeycomb embossing folder & the Big Shot!

All of these items are available on my online shop, or contact me direct :)

xx

FREE Backpack Digital Download

Show all the teachers in your life that you care and appreciate them with this 'Packed For You' Designer Template - Digital Download
And the best part, it's free!
Price: $0.00 - FREE!! Download includes: * 2-page décor template (8-1/2" x 11") * 7 punches Features: * Digital exclusive * Fill the backpack with their favorite treats or a gift card * Coordinates with the You Are So Nice Kit Colors: Apricot Appeal, Blushing Bride, Dusty Durango, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Rich Razzleberry, Wisteria Wonder Order it at my online shop (item number: 134687) or contact me by email or phone :)

Dino ROAR!

So here I am with the last birthday party card in the run of birthday parties we've had.  Of course, it's another card I left to the last minute and I had to have it for the Saturday just gone by.

Having run out of ideas for punch art, I went back to my Stamp cupboard in the search of an age-appropriate stamp set.  My fingers found DinoRoar!

I've used just two of the dinosaur images.  I stamped them with Black StazOn ink onto watercolour paper and used my watercolour brush and Soft Suede & Kiwi Kiss inks to colour in.  It was so much fun.

Although looking at my artwork closely, looks like I should have been a bit more careful where I painted the grass, or where I put the dinosaurs!!.  In fact, I think they might have moved a bit .....

I've used the Square Lattice embossing folder for interest and added a little banner the dinosaurs are playing tug-of-war with!!

So here's what I used:

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Dinoroar and Memorable Moments
Inks: Poppy Parade, Early Espesso, Soft Suede & Kiwi Kiss classic inks, Black StazOn
Papers: Whisper White, Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Pacific Point and watercolour CS.
Other: Punches, Aqua brush, Big Shot & Lattice Embossing Folder and Crochet Thread.

Enjoy!

For the girls

Well, I know I've been talking about it a lot .... but I've had a real run on birthday parties for my son Matthew.  Seems like every child in his class seems to be having birthday parties every weekend.  And while most of them have been for 6 year old boys, sometimes there is a girl's party too!

Last weekend, Matthew was invited to a little girl's party.  I needed to make a card that was quick, suitable for a 6 year old and girly!  I didn't have much time so inspired by Pinterest, I grabbed a few bits and pieces and got to work!

I've used Melon Mambo as the card base and punched a scallop circle out of the top corner.  I had some pretty little butterflies in my stash of cut-outs and added them to the card.  Little bits of bling are the winner here!

I've stamped Happy Birthday with the Memorable Moments stamp set.  Such a handy set, especially when you want to add numbers to the card (which I didn't here!!!).

Now I've added some non-Stampin' Up! product to this card with two strips of Washi tape.  My boys had given me Washi Tape a while ago that I hadn't used ... and now that Stampin' Up! have a range of their own Washi Tape (from the Epic This & That range), I thought I would try what I had in my stash while waiting for order from SU!!

So a pretty card overall and one you could use for any girl, any age!

Here's what I used:
Stamps: Memorable Moments
Inks: Early Espresso
Papers: Whisper White, Melon Mambo & Pretty in Pink CS
Other: Big Shot and Beautiful Wings sizzlit, Scallop Circle Punch, bling and Washi Tape.

Enjoy!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mums and especially my mum!

I made my mum a card inspired by several I saw on a Google Images search and I know it hasn't quite reached her yet over in the Netherlands, but hopefully will arrive very soon (sorry mum!).  So mum .... your virtual card!!

 I've used one of my favourite stamp sets on this card - Elements of Style. I have a feeling this set might be retiring though, as it's on the US retirement list.  Oh well, it's definitely a stamp set that will always stay in my Stamp Cupboard.  I've used this set for so many projects!

 I've used a combination of Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White for this card.  These two cardstock colours together are so fresh.  And the Pear Pizzazz seam binding is a lovely colour offset and cute too!

I've stamped the flower with Early Espresso ink and then used my watercolour brush to add the colours of Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink for the flowers.  The leaves are also in Pear Pizzazz.

And of course the card had to have a  Happy Mother's Day sentiment.  Because that's what it is for!!  So mum, I hope you receive yours soon.  And to all the mums, mum-to-be, fur-animal mums and just to say to your mum, I hope you had a lovely Mothers Day.  I did xx

Here's what I used:
Stamps: Elements of Style & Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Inks: Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Regal Rose & Pretty in Pink
Papers: Whisper White &Pear Pizzazz CS
Other: Sponge Daubers, Aqua brush, label punch, Big Shot & Labels Collection dies, Honeycomb Embossing Folder, and Pear Pizzazz seam binding.

Enjoy xx

Swallowtail

Well, it must be time for another Butterfly Card.   I do love them so much!  Surely it's been noticed by  now (wink)!!

 

Isn't this card design stunning?  I love it and it was based on the design work of Becky Jensen of Stamp That.

The design is so elegant but really quite simple when you think about it!  I've used a very different colour combination for me: Calypso Coral, Basic Black and River Rock.  Definitely not my first choice in colours!

There's quite a few levels of embellishments but they go together really well!

So I hope this card inspires you to try something different!  Definitely go and visit the blog of Stamp That to see the original inspiration and all the other amazing cards! 

Here's what I used:
Stamps: Swallowtail
Inks: Basic Black & River Rock
Papers: Calypso Coral, Basic Black, Whisper White & River Rock CS
Other: Pearls, Large Oval & Label punch, Big Shot & Beautiful Wings embosslit.

More parties

Yep, you read it correctly!!  More kids parties.  In fact, I think we're averaging one per fortnight if not more.  Matthew is one popular child and also a member of a kindy class which invites every child in the class to the party (I hope that novelty wears off before his birthday!!).  Today's party was a marathon effort - there were 32 kids.  I suspect even more.  Those were the ones I could count that were relatively standing still!!  Thankfully not my party to host!!

Anyway, this card I made for one of his friends who recently turned six.  Yet another search on pinterest and I came across a card made by a friend of mine - Deb Fearns.  Her card inspired several, as I didn't find hers first but a case'd card!!  So now, here's my version!

Don't you just love SUPER OWL!!  He's so cute!!  I used the Owl Builder punch for the owl and the Bird Builder punch for the wings and cape.  Throw on some googlie eyes and he's very cute!

I've also background stamped with Baja Breeze ink (sob so sad this is retiring) using Circle Circus stamps.  Add some background matting for interest and some Summer Starfruit thingies to look like he's flying (yes, technical terms used on my blog). 

You can make your own superowl too.  Very quick and so cute!

Here's what I used:
Stamps: Circle Circus 
Inks: Baja Breeze & Basic Black
Papers: Basic Black, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Raspberry Ripple & Summer Starfruit CS, DSP
Other: Owl, Bird, Modern Label punches, black brads, googley eyes and bling, Big Shot to cut the number 6!

Thanks to Deb for her inspiration!