Elaine Hunter - Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

new colour blog hop!

2010-06-06T09:30:00.029+01:00

Hello... and many thanks for joining our In Love With Stamping blog hop! If you've been working your way around the 'chain' by following the blog hop links, you'll have joined me from Sandra's blog.

Three new Stampin' Up! colours were launched on 1st May, giving us a small preview of what's to come on 1st October when the colour families will be completely overhauled. The idea of the blog hop was to showcase the three new colours: Melon Mambo, Soft Suede and Rich Razzleberry.

I was hoping to find time to make something more exciting than a couple of mediocre cards... but I'm afraid time disappeared (once again), so a couple of cards it is. I'm sure the other blog entries will put mine to shame!

Both of my cards were created using the Vintage Vogue stamp set and I've managed to sneak a piece of the new Cottage Wall patterned paper and some Dazzling Diamonds glitter onto each.

The first card has a Melon Mambo base with some Soft Suede and Whisper White cardstock layers... and it also includes some of the brilliant new Melon Mambo dotted ribbon.

For the second card, I've used a base of Rich Razzleberry with some Kraft cardstock. The background was created using the Bella Toile background stamp; I can't see past the SU background stamps - so versatile.

Thanks for visiting my blog today... and I'm sorry my cards were so dull! :oD The next stop on the blog hop is Victoria's blog, and you can see the relevant post by clicking here.

another one...

2010-05-19T00:01:00.002+01:00

Another card made with the three new colours and the Vintage Vogue stamp set! It's very similar to the card shown in my post of 5th May. I've changed the colours around, but the layout is almost identical. It looks a bit "cluttered" in the photo, but it looks more subtle when you see it in the flesh... I've overdone it with the contrast in Photoshop! I absolutely love the new ribbon, particularly in the Rich Razzleberry colour.

Thanks for looking!

studio sketches

2010-05-16T23:32:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post... A card made using the Studio Sketches Level 1 hostess set in the mini catalogue. No ribbon/glitter etc... it was made for a man in his 70s! I think it looks a bit drab in the photo, to be honest - but it looked much better in real life and I don't like to do anything too fancy with male cards. I think the patterned paper was from the Ski Slope set which was in the previous mini catalogue; it really didn't look like Christmas paper on the card!

new colours!

2010-05-05T21:03:00.001+01:00

Another big delay between blog posts... Sorry. I must try to remember to post more regularly!

Some exciting news, though... Stampin' Up! has released three new colours! The colours are three of the current American "In Colours": Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede and Melon Mambo. All three will become part of the new core colour families available from 1st October.

The card shown above was created using all three of the new colours and the Vintage Vogue stamp set from the mini catalogue. There are ink pads and packs of cardstock which will be carried over to the new annual catalogue on 1st October. In addition, there are three new rolls of matching dotted ribbon, a new pack of designer series patterned papers (Cottage Wall) and a set of acetate printed sheets, all of which will be available only whilst stocks last.

easter

2010-04-09T11:29:00.000+01:00

A bit late in posting, but here's my Easter card! I managed to find time (just) to make two... although I had hoped to make a few more. The ribbon and bow on this one was re-tied and neatened up a bit after the event, although I don't have a photo. The card was completely inspired by this one on Andrea Walford's blog - cute! I enjoyed cutting out those little chicks and colouring them with watercolour crayons. There's dazzling diamonds glitter on each of the eggs, although you can't really see it in the photo.

Have a good weekend!

everything comes...

2010-04-07T22:09:00.003+01:00

... to those who wait! Yes... Stampin' Up! demonstrators have been told today that there will be NEW COLOURS in the new annual catalogue which will be released on 1st October! This means that not only will we be getting any new/future "In Colours" which are launched in America or elsewhere (the aim being that all markets will have identical colours), but we'll also be getting some of the In Colours which were previously made available in other markets over the last few years - and those colours will become part of new colour families. Very exciting! It has been a long wait (for me, at least), but it's brilliant news all the same! Each year there will be five new "In Colours" which will last for two years before being discontinued. This means that there will be 40 standard colours from 1st October 2010 (rather than 48, as we have at the moment) plus 5 In Colours (... and, after the first year, there will be 40 standard colours plus 10 In Colours).

The new colour groupings are shown above and there will be four collections... Brights, Neutrals, Subtles and Regals. The existing Earth Elements group will disappear (and the other three groups have been re-named).

The 15 brand new colours available from 1st October will be as follows:-

Melon Mambo

Rich Razzleberry

Pacific Point

Daffodil Delight

Tangerine Tango

River Rock

Soft Suede

Early Espresso

Cajun Craze

Riding Hood Red

Cherry Cobbler

Pink Pirouette

Marina Mist

Baja Breeze

Wild Wasabi

Kraft will also be re-named as Crumb Cake.

The retiring colours are shown on this image:-

If you love any of the retiring colours, now is the time to stock up (whether on ink pads, cardstock or any of the other co-ordinating items)!

new mini catalogue!

2010-04-01T10:37:00.001+01:00

Well... today's the day! The new mini catalogue has launched, effective from 1st April - 30th September 2010. Click here to view a copy online or drop me an email (by clicking here) if you would like me to post a copy to you.

There are so many great things in the new catalogue, although I think I love the vintage stuff most of all, the sweet pea stamp set, wheel, papers and felt... and, of course, the bird punch... I've used it to create yet another card. I've also used the new tag punch and matching Tiny Tags stamp set, plus the heart from the new Framed With Love stamp set. I'm getting so much use from the bird punch... a bargain at £13.50 and it's a big punch! I like the new design of the punches (which is the same as the new EK Success design)... easier to store, as they clip flat for storage and take up less space.

Thanks for reading... and have a great Easter!

hearts

2010-03-26T02:56:00.002Z

Friday again! The week has passed so quickly. Erin has started crawling properly, so every minute is spent watching her like a hawk to make sure she doesn't venture somewhere she shouldn't!

This is a quick card I made to use as a wedding RSVP. The background was stamped with the Paisley background stamp, the "celebrate" sentiment is from the Wonderful Words stamp set and the stamped hearts are from a new stamp set called Framed With Love (contained in the new mini catalogue due to launch on 1st April; please contact me by email by clicking here if you would like a copy). I've also used the new March promotion heart punch. The ribbon, vellum flower button and paper flower were random scraps found on my desk... yes, I'm still cleaning (but I'm getting there!).

small wonder

2010-03-22T14:03:00.001Z

A baby card made for my cousin, who had a wee boy (well... a 7lbs 13oz "wee" boy, so not really "wee" in the true sense) a few days ago. I've used the pram stamp from the Queue Up (level 3 hostess) stamp set and the sentiment is from the SAB set which was available free during January and February. In summary: you can't actually buy any of these stamps... but never mind!

The ribbon and patterned papers were scraps found on my desk. I've cleared a good bit of my desk (at last!) and I'm working on the remainder... and I'm trying to use up some of my old scraps.

The cardstock colours are So Saffron and Ballet Blue.

bird on a branch

2010-03-18T01:26:00.000Z

Another preview of something new coming on the 1st of April... something involving the little bird shown on this card (and, no, it's not a stamp!). You'll have to wait and see! If you don't already have a demonstrator, I'd be happy to give you more information and/or take your order; please get in touch (by clicking here).

The colours I've used are So Saffron, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie. The ribbon is Chocolate Chip tafetta... just love that ribbon!

Thanks for looking!

flower

2010-03-17T09:16:00.002Z

Just a quick card made a few days ago... The flower was made using four punched scalloped circles (cut at each scallop, crumpled and inked)... I've used the technique a few times (and you've probably seen it around long before now), but never as a flower on a stem. In the past, I've used the flower with a button and linen thread as an embellishment rather than a focal point, so I thought I'd try something different.

There's a "happy birthday" sentiment at the bottom of the card, albeit hidden by the ribbon! Also... have you noticed the leaves? Felt! Something new to look out for from 1st April.

fabulous friend

2010-03-08T00:10:00.016Z

A quick card made using three of the products from the "Perfect Pairs" promotion, namely the scallop oval punch, the Oval All stamp set (for the sentiment) and the Simply Said stamp set (for the flowers). The patterned paper is from the Kaleidoscope set and I've used Chocolate Chip ink.

greenhouse garden

2010-03-05T02:29:00.000Z

I've got quite a few cards to share, bearing in mind that I haven't really uploaded any in rather a while... ! Here's the first. It's an easel card made with a Real Red, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White colour scheme. I've used the En Francais background (partly inked - I've been using it over and over again recently) and one of the stamps from the Thank You Kindly set for the sentiment.

Secondly, a sympathy card using the same colour scheme and background. Unfortunately, I've had to make quite a few sympathy cards recently. The large branch stamp and sentiment are (or were) only available in America and Canada. The little flower is from the Greenhouse Garden stamp set.

perfect pairs

2010-03-05T02:04:00.001Z

March - how did that happen? I'm still around... just! I can't believe I haven't posted this year. The year didn't start well - three burst pipes in January as part of the "big thaw" (and I'm still dealing with the outfall from that) and then my cousin (who was only 42) died suddenly. It's funny how life just takes over your life, if that makes sense... albeit I didn't realise I'd been out of the loop for quite so long!

There's a new Stampin' Up! offer for the month of March. You can buy any of the punches listed on the Perfect Pairs promotion leaflet (shown above; click on it to enlarge it for easier viewing!) for the reduced price of £10 (normally £12.50) when you buy one of the matching stamp sets listed on the leaflet. Although the aim of the promotion is to show how well the punches match the co-ordinating stamp sets, you can buy ANY punch with ANY stamp set... which is great if you've already got one half of a "pair" but still want to take advantage of the offer and grab a reduced price punch.

In addition... there's a NEW punch! The full heart punch is available during the month of March and/or whilst stocks last. It will be in the new annual Catalogue and Idea book which launches on 1st October, but meantime it's available only until the stock depletes... which could be quite soon, if the interest shown by demonstrators is anything to go by! I've ordered mine and can't wait to receive it... it matches the Simply Said stamp set and will be useful for a few other things too. If you're interested, please get in touch.

sale-a-bration is here!

2009-12-30T23:13:00.001Z

Christmas has flown past... A belated Merry Christmas to you! I can't believe it's almost 2010. The whole year seems to have passed so quickly.

A new Stampin' Up! promotion kicks off today and runs until the end of February 2010. Click here to view the sale-a-bration brochure online via the Stampin' Up! website. Alternatively, please contact me if you would like a copy of the brochure. There are four stamp sets to choose from and you can earn them completely free!

There are three ways to earn free stamp sets during sale-a-bration:-

1. Spend

Spend £45 (before shipping and handling) and earn one free sale-a-bration stamp set of your choice. Spend £90 and earn two... etc. There is no limit.

2. Host

Host a workshop of at least £300 (net sales before shipping and handling) and earn one free sale-a-bration stamp set in addition to the existing hostess benefits. This is an ideal time to host a workshop if you were thinking of doing so anyway!

3. Join

Join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator during sale-a-bration and choose a free stamp set of your choice (excluding hostess sets) from the Idea Book & Catalogue (up to a maximum of £38.95 in value). Please contact me if you would like more information about becoming a demonstrator and/or if you have any queries about what it involves... you don't need a massive customer base (or, in fact, any customers at all - you can buy for yourself and get a discount on your products).

late...

2009-12-19T00:10:00.001Z

This is an anniversary card which was made - and delivered - rather late... not ideal, as it was for Ian! I told him it was better late than never!

I've used the new Love You Much stamp set for the card itself, although the 'happy anniversary' sentiment is from the Cheers & Wishes stamp set. The base cardstock is Chocolate Chip and the sentiment is stamped with the same colour of ink, so it doesn't show up terribly well in the photo. There's also a large heart (top left) stamped with Chocolate Chip ink which isn't terribly visible at all. I really like the Love You Much set... I've been playing with it quite a bit and you can do so much with it.

new blog design!

2009-12-18T13:27:00.000Z

I'm so glad that my old blog banner etc have exited stage left! I'm still working on the layout of the new blog, but all of the new bits and pieces have been designed by Veronica McCollum of V K Design Company. Veronica will use your ideas (if you have any) or give you a push in the right direction (if devoid of ideas!)... she's great to work with and I love the little multi-coloured cow which she has created for me.

As far as I can gather, it seems to be snowing just about everywhere in the UK except my neck of the woods! It's cold here today, but no sign of snow... albeit it's a nice, bright day (the sky is really white... so perhaps we'll get some snow later?) and that means I've been able to take some decent photos or some of the things I've been making recently. The Christmas card shown above is the one I've made for Ian this year and I made a similar one for his parents. I've used the Sparkly and Bright stamp set for the sentiment and the background. The two tree stamps are part of an American set, though, and are not available in the UK.

freebie!

2009-12-17T00:10:00.001Z

This is a sneak preview of a card made using two of the stamps from a stamp set which you will be able to earn for free for a limited period commencing on 30th December! Contact me by email (by clicking here) for more information.

I've also used the star punch and "To The Nines" designer patterned papers. It's masculine card for one of my cousins. Cards for men are often really difficult to make, I think, although I found these papers to be ideal. I don't like to use ribbon on male cards, so I've used the stars to make it a bit more interesting (and, for the same reason, some of them are overhanging the edges of the card... albeit it still fits in a standard size Stampin' Up! envelope).

Again, apologies for the poor lighting. It was a case of poor photo or no photo. Once again, the card had to make a sharp exit before daylight!

alive

2009-12-16T02:25:00.000Z

Well... once again, I find myself having to confirm that I am alive! I am pleased to say that I am, indeed, alive. I don't know how time manages to disappear so quickly. We were on holiday (we didn't venture terribly far afield... the north east of Scotland!) for a week mid-November and ever since then I seem to have been chasing my tail. I can't believe it's almost Christmas.

I've got a few cards and other bits and pieces to post, the first of which is shown above... a "new home" card for a friend using the Neighbourhood wheel as the focal image. Apologies for the shadows/poor lighting; I had to give the card away almost as soon as I'd made it and it gets dark so early nowadays.

There's a brilliant new Stampin' Up! promotion starting soon. It kicks off on 30th December. Please email me if you'd like more information. Existing customers: leaflets have been posted to you and should be with you soon if you have not already received them. Details will also be posted on this blog shortly.

Lastly... I'm having my blog re-designed. Hopefully it'll "go live" soon!

sage and eggplant

2009-11-03T00:10:00.002Z

Two colours I don't use very often... Sage Shadow and Elegant Eggplant. I thought I'd combine them in this card. My starting point was actually a piece of the new Nouveau Chic patterned paper. Sage Shadow is one of the colours featured heavily in those papers, which made me decide to use it along with the patterned paper... and I think it looks great with the deep purple shade.

Oh... and there's the medallion stamp again! I've used a small amount of Old Olive ink in the centre of the medallion to give it a slight "two tone" effect.

holiday extravaganza promotion!

2009-11-01T00:10:00.032Z

November already! Time flies. Some good news to kick off this new month...

From 1st November to 29th December inclusive, Stampin' Up! is offering a free small tag punch or tag punch (items 6 and 7 on page 88 of the current catalogue) worth £12.50 for each £45 you spend on specific items. Spend £90 and qualify for both free punches! There is no "catch"; the only requirement is that you select your products from the items shown on the leaflet above; click on the image to enlarge it or click here to visit the Stampin' Up! web-site for more information. Other items are excluded from the promotion.

There are some brilliant items included in the promotion, including the new Circle Circus stamp set at £23.95 (useful for both card-making and scrapbooking) and the new On Board art journal books (perfect for making mini scrapbooks or for creating journal books to use as gifts). There are some staple card-making items too, like Whisper White, Real Red and Old Olive A4 cardstock, Old Olive and Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbons (£6.25 each) and Bold Brights Stampin' Write marker pens (£24.95 for a set of 12)... so... if you've been thinking of buying any of these products, now is the time to do so!

I'll be posting some samples made with some of the items on the leaflet and both of the tag punches. Meantime, please contact me (by clicking here) to place your order! Likewise, please get in touch if you have any questions. Thanks!

joy

2009-10-29T09:40:00.001Z

Joy? This medallion stamp brings me joy... I'm obsessed with it! It's so versatile... I've been using it for scrapbook page backgrounds too.

I thought I'd have a go at making some Christmas cards with it and this is the first of the batch. The "joy" stamp is from the Perfect Presents stamp set. There's a thick stripe of Dazzling Diamonds glitter along the left hand side of the Merry Moments patterned paper... again, I've used the new glue pen.

If you'd like to purchase the medallion stamp, please contact me by clicking here.

Thanks for looking!

stuff for sale

2009-10-28T18:24:00.000Z

I have a few old Stampin' Up! stamp sets for sale. You can view them on the side bar of my other blog by clicking here. Thanks!

joy

2009-10-27T17:10:00.001Z

This is the last of the batch of Christmas cards made last week using the Season of Joy stamp set and So Swirly background stamp. To be honest, I'm not so keen on this one.... I think it is the red ink sponged around the focal stamped piece which doesn't do it for me! I do sponge and distress everything to death, but I don't like the effect with red ink (well, not on this card, at least).

I do like the strip of Dazzling Diamonds glitter along the top of the scallop edged border, though - I used the new chisel tip glue pen to draw a line of glue and sprinkled the glitter over it.

cocoa christmas

2009-10-26T00:10:00.001Z

Another Christmas card made at the same time as the other batch last week. Again, I've used the Season of Joy stamp set and the So Swirly wheel. The base layer was made from Close to Cocoa cardstock and the card itself was made from Naturals Ivory cardstock (my favourite!).

I've stamped the poinsettia stamp in Old Olive and cut out some extra petals to use as leaves. The tree was coloured with markers and stamped; you can see the use of the two shades of green markers (Old Olive and Garden Green) much better in this photo.

double layer tree

2009-10-23T15:17:00.001+01:00

Another easy Christmas card using the Season of Joy stamp set. I've coloured the tree with markers twice (two shades of green for the tree itself - Old Olive and Garden Green)... one tree was cut with paper snips and layered on top of the other. I've layered the second tree slightly lower than the first tree using Dimensionals and I've covered it in Dazzling Diamonds glitter. The Real Red base card was stamped using the So Swirly wheel stamp with versamark ink to give a scroll effect watermark... love those wheels... so quick and easy!

I've used Close to Cocoa card to mount the sentiment and the tree (both of which were stamped on Whisper White). The patterned paper is from the Merry Moments set.

Have a good weekend!

tree trimmings

2009-10-22T10:37:00.000+01:00

I love this new Tree Trimmings stamp set! I finally managed to mount the stamps and use it a few days ago. For this card, I've cut out the baubles and mounted them using Dimensionals foam pads. The swirl on the base card was stamped with Chocolate Chip ink using the swirl stamp from the Season of Joy stamp set. I also love the new Old Olive stripe ribbon... so glad we've got it in our new catalogue; I've been using it on quite a few of my Christmas cards.

silent night

2009-10-21T13:44:00.000+01:00

At last... I've made a start on my Christmas cards! I've used the Silent Night stamp set for this one. The image was watercoloured with Earth Elements watercolour wonder crayons and I've used Dazzling Diamonds glitter (applied with the glue pen) for snow.

The base card was made using Old Olive cardstock and I've sponged Chocolate Chip ink around the edges. The strip of patterned paper is from the Merry Moments pack. I'm really pleased with this card... I'm definitely going to make a few more the same!

daylight and sunshine!

2009-10-17T12:17:00.000+01:00

At last... seem decent daylight (with sunshine - as opposed to grey cloud) to take a photo of this card! The card was really easy to make, but I quite like the effect. I've used the new Retro Remix wheel with a Close to Cocoa ink cartridge on the whole of the base card... a cheap and easy way to make your own background paper. I've sponged around the edge of the card using the same colour of ink. I'd sponge everything given half the chance, so sometimes I need to restrain myself!

I've used the new 1 3/4" large circle punch (ideal for layering with the other circle punches), new word window punch and the 1" circle punch... also the Hello Again stamp set (for the flower)... such a cute and useful little stamp set for £9.95. The sentiment is from the Trendy Trees stamp set. I've also used the new mat pack and paper piercing tool to make holes around the edge of the Close to Cocoa layer... easy and effective.

Lovely and sunny today... it was nice yesterday too, but I think it's to rain tomorrow, which is a shame.

Secondly, another quick photo of a card I made a couple of weeks ago... the photo was taken at night, unfortunately, so the rotten light and use of flash has bleached the image a bit. I've used the new Circle Circus stamp set and the Good Friend stamp set for the sentiment... again - quick and easy! Still guilty of over-use of those Earth Elements colours, I'm afraid... I'm using them for everything at the moment. I'll try to use something different in my next post (but not guarantees!).

Have a great weekend.

autumn...

2009-10-14T16:15:00.000+01:00

Another autumnal card... and another birthday card (well, two, in fact - I made two the same, one for each of my aunts! They're coming to visit tonight, so it was a bit of a "Last Minute Larry" job on my part... just made it in the nick of time). I love autumn, so it's a great excuse to use Earth Elements cardstock and inks for just about everything at the moment.

This card is fairly basic to make. The only remotely time-consuming thing was cutting out the frame. (Yes, I DID deliberately cut off the little twirly bits at the top and bottom of the bracket - I wanted a cleaner looking bracket frame for this card!). I've sponged Chocolate Chip ink around each of the layers.

No rain here today... a proper autumn day. Cold, but not too cold... and lots of leaves on the ground - brilliant!

Products used:-

- stamps: Autumn Days; Frames with Flourish; A Bit of Birthday Cheer

- cardstock: Whisper White; Ruby Red textured; More Mustard

- inks: Chocolate Chip; More Mustard; Really Rust

- other: Pumpkin Pie stripe ribbon (love this!); antique brass large brad; stampin-ma-jig (to line up the birthday sentiment in the frame)

thanks so much

2009-10-09T00:10:00.015+01:00

I had to try out my new medallion stamp and eyelet border punch straight away... so used them both (and the new Pumpkin Pie striped ribbon and word window punch) on the same card! Again, Earth Elements colours for the main image layers. I've stamped on Naturals Ivory cardstock (which is a really rustic cardstock - nice and thick and a totally different effect from the much smoother Whisper White/Very Vanilla cardstocks which are designed for clean stamping). Colours soak or "bleed" into Naturals Ivory cardstock, which gives a nice effect and is useful for watercolouring.

The base cardstock is SU Real Red and is approximately 4" x 4.5". I've inked the medallion with Ruby Red and Pumpkin Pie (and was going to use Ruby Red as my base cardstock, but just fancied the brighter Real Red; Ruby Red would have co-ordinated better, but Real Red is a bit brighter and livens up the card!). The Close to Cocoa strip was cut from a sheet of 12" x 12" textured cardstock.

Can't get enough of the medallion stamp...

good friend

2009-10-08T16:43:00.000+01:00

A really quick and easy card made using some of the circle stamps from Circle Circus and the "good friend" sentiment from the stamp set of the same name. Again, I've used more-or-less Earth Elements colours... I can't see past those colours at the moment (it's the "autumn feeling"!). The base card was made using So Saffron SU cardstock.

major excitement...

2009-10-08T16:36:00.000+01:00

A new box of SU goodies! My UPS man came late at 3.30pm... it was very much a case of "watched kettle doesn't boil"/"watched doorbell doesn't ring"... I was starting to hyperventilate! Then, when he did eventually materialise, I almost didn't answer the door... I couldn't see his van through the glass (it turned out he had parked it at a distance) and assumed it was another junk caller trying to sell me monoblock cleaning or tree cutting services that I don't want (but, if I did, I wouldn't buy it from a bloke who randomly turned up at my door anyway... funnily enough).

Can't wait to play with my new things! I've got the medallion stamp... excitement! And... the new border eyelet punch! Now I just need to find some free time to play with everything... that's the hardest part.

cupcakes

2009-10-07T15:51:00.000+01:00

I've been busy cutting out cupcakes... 12 large ones and four small ones! One or two doesn't take too long, but 16 takes a fair while. I've made four of these cards, you see... three for birthdays and one to keep as a sample. I'm really pleased with the colour scheme... I've used Earth Elements, which wouldn't be the most obvious colour scheme to use with cupcakes... but I was thinking "autumn" and thought I'd give it a try. I used the Stampin-ma-jig to line up the "happy birthday to you" sentiment to make a circle... the idea came to me in a flash of inspiration and it worked!

Gone are the days when I used to make one of each card. I've been making cards for 20+ years and I never, EVER used to make more than one of the same card... but for the last few months I've been making multiples of most cards - it saves time and time is something most of us don't have much of (or, at least, much to spare!).

Products used:-

- cardstock: Close to Cocoa textured cardstock; Whisper White

- stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes (page 32 of the catalogue)

- ink: Black Stazon; Close to Cocoa

- Patterned paper: Spiced Cider

- punches: scallop circle; scallop border; 1 3/8" and 1" circles

- ribbon: Chocolate Chip tafetta

- other: Stampin-ma-jig; white gel pen; glue pen; Tombow mono multi glue; Dazzling Diamonds glitter; Earth Elements watercolour wonder crayons

new catalogue

2009-10-06T09:52:00.000+01:00

At last we have a brand new Stampin' Up! annual catalogue! It was launched on 1st October (whilst I was on holiday - good timing on my part!) and it contains some great new things... I'm really glad that we have the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set and matching butterfly punch, as well as 12" x 12" packs of kraft cardstock, the eyelet border punch and the word window punch. Click here to view the catalogue on the Stampin' Up! website. Please drop me an email if you would like more information. I have purchased catalogues for all existing customers... your free copy of the new catalogue will be with you shortly, if it is not already. Otherwise, please contact me if you would like to purchase a catalogue at the reduced price of £4 inclusive of postage.

changes...

2009-10-06T09:40:00.000+01:00

I've been on holiday for the last week in a place called Gardenstown on the Aberdeenshire coast. I've posted about it here... I now have two blogs! My other blog, Carpe Diem, will become the repository for my ramblings, scrapbooking photos, general photos and other random stuff. This blog will become my Stampin' Up! blog from today onwards, so this will be my last "non-Stampin' Up!" post. I've moved my lovely cow banner to my other blog (which is now the Carpe Diem blog). All a bit confusing for now, I know, but it will make things easier in future and I've been meaning to get this sorted for a long time... but just haven't had time.

still here

2009-09-23T10:46:00.005+01:00

Yes, I'm still here...! Nothing much to report, aside from running around non-stop after a baby and a dog. I've managed to find some time to do a few scrapbook pages, though, including this one. My tactic is to stay up very late at night and get no sleep, but that way I find time to craft! (OK... I didn't say it was sensible). I've used a lime green Maya Road mist with a mask made from an old scrap of scalloped square cardstock found in the midden-ous pile on my desk; I love these mists and I find I'm using them a lot at the moment. The new colours have a bit of shimmer in them - just the right amount and not as much as the Tattered Angel glimmer mists (which I don't like quite so much). The photo of my page isn't the best, I'm afraid, primarily because the lighting at 2am isn't particularly good!

I also seem to be making (and eating) a lot of cherry scones. Why? I don't know. All I know is that I make the scones and then they disappear. Marley quite likes them, as does Ian. I've scoffed a fair few myself.

The other thing I seem to be doing a lot of is washing/laundry; whatever you want to call it, it's the same - time-consuming and there seems to be lots of it. What really gets my goat is finding a pair of socks (or two or three) on the floor once I've got the stuff in the machine and the machine is running. Do men ever pick up socks? I need a better sock radar.

Erin is being a good wee soul. Lots of fun and she's smiling and laughing all the time. Yesterday morning she tried to sit up on her own, which is amazing (to me, at least - I wasn't expecting that quite so soon) and she tried twice more last night and once again this morning... a determined and persistent wee girl!

Marley's birthday book

2009-09-14T12:16:00.003+01:00

No sunshine today thus far, but no rain either... so I'm fine with that. It feels like a nice autumnal day. Autumn is by miles my favourite season, but preferably not with torrential rain and gale force winds that we've had over the past few weeks! This is another of the mini books I managed to complete over the course of the "summer". It contains a bunch of photos I took to celebrate Marley's first birthday. I've used black, white and silver, lots of white gel pen and little circular distressed embellishments made from punched circles. The back cover is stamped on the right hand side (see below) with one of the stamps from the Stampin' Up! Fresh Cuts stamp set. I think the chipboard album was a Cosmo Cricket one, but can't quite recall as I'd had it lying in a cupboard for ages crying out to be used!

I've been up since 5am this morning (not with Erin... she slept until much, much later!) as I've got a billion things to do... so I'm off to do them! If I'm lucky, I might manage to find time to do something creative later (ok... much later)!

ice cream and cherries

2009-09-13T10:35:00.004+01:00

Well... some sunshine at last! It was sunny yesterday and it's the same again today. After all the rain, it seems incredible that we've had a few days of sunshine in a row. The weather encouraged me to make this ice cream card for a friend. The stamps are by Unity Stamp Co and the cardstock is SU. The ribbon and patterned paper were bits and pieces from boxes on my desk, so I'm not sure about the manufacturers.

I was very bad yesterday when I went shopping, as I bought more baby clothes... there are such nice clothes for babies and I didn't realise H&M sold baby clothes - a friend told me they had some nice things and it's not a shop that I've ever shopped in, really. They had a whole range of Hello Kitty and Bambi things and I had to buy a few, notwithstanding the fact that the last thing Erin needs is more clothes. My tactic now is to buy bigger sizes with a view to justifying purchases and saving money in future.... Seems logical to me!

mini books

2009-09-10T23:57:00.009+01:00

Aside from thank you cards in spades, I've been working on quite a few mini books over the last few months.

This one uses a template from the Cocoa Daisy web-site (created by the talented scrapper who owns this blog; a link to the template is here). It's a book covering the months of June, July and August and, in retrospect, the "warm days of summer" front cover was probably tempting fate (or, perhaps, just being rather too optimistic for the west coast of Scotland). I haven't quite finished it, but the front cover is shown above and the inside front cover is shown below. I managed to bind it today using my bind-it-all (which always takes me forever - I seem to have a mental block with it).

... another (easy) thank you card

2009-09-10T23:52:00.004+01:00

Another easy card. I've used stamps from Unity Stamp Co for this one (and, once again, Stampin' Up! oval punches). The cardstock is SU Regal Rose and Whisper White and the patterned paper is also by SU.

Bizarrely, it hasn't been raining for two days out of the last four.... that's the first two days in about six weeks that we've had no rain. Everywhere is like a swamp and Shrek has taken up residence at the bottom of my garden.

thank you cards

2009-09-10T23:40:00.003+01:00

Some fairly quick and easy thank you cards I've been making over the last few months... I've made loads of each (and I don't usually make more than one of the same card)! I've been using them for baby gifts and a number of other things and I made the first batch of 20 or so for a card swap I was involved in back in June.

I've use the Stampin' Up! oval and scallop oval punches on both cards (and there's Dazzling Diamonds glitter around the scalloped sections). I've also used the Oval All stamp set and I've used the Paisley background stamp for the Regal Rose card and the Pocket Silhouette stamp set for the Real Red card.

Alive!

2009-09-07T13:25:00.003+01:00

Alive! Yes, I'm still alive (notwithstanding three days of labour... they call it "labour" for a reason). Baby Erin is now part of my world and she's two months old. Time has flown and everything - including this blog - ground to a halt for a while, but I'm back in the land of the living once again (well... sort of). Erin is brilliant... I don't remember what life was like without her and I feel very privileged indeed to have her. She is truly a little miracle. I think she thinks I'm her personal stalker, as the first thing she sees in the morning is my face peering at her and it's the same last thing at night! She hasn't learned how to use a rubber stamp yet, but it won't be long.

Owl

2009-04-30T20:07:00.002+01:00

An owl birthday card made for a friend using some of the new Hero Arts stamps and Nestabilities "Labels 1" dies.

The rain seems to have stopped this evening... we'll see how long it lasts! I'm still hoping we'll get a proper summer this year and that the sunshine we had earlier in the month will return in May. Fingers crossed.

In the time taken to upload this photo, Marley has destroyed two of Ian's socks...

Fresh Cuts

2009-04-22T13:29:00.005+01:00

A birthday card made for my mum. Happy birthday!

Products:-

- stamps: Fresh Cuts; Oval All

- cardstock: Whisper White; Certainly Celery

- ink: Lavender Lace; Almost Amethyst; Certainly Celery

- punches: Oval and Scallop Oval

- other: Pretty in Pink tafetta ribbon; Stickles Stardust glitter glue

Also... some random photos of Marley enjoying himself whilst out on a walk with Ian during the spell of good weather last week... he (i.e. Marley - not Ian!) loves to paddle in the river.

Thanks... and 3rd Birthday

2009-04-12T00:30:00.000+01:00

Firstly, a batch of very quick and simple thank you cards I made a few weeks ago using the new Stampin' Up! Forest Friends stamp set, Sweet Always designer paper, white taffeta ribbon, the scallop circle and circle punches and Close to Cocoa and Pumpkin Pie cardstock....

Secondly, a birthday card made for a friend's three year old son. I've used Copic markers to colour the stamped image, which I can't usually be bothered to do (as it takes too long and I'm too lazy!).

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T11:40:00.003+01:00

Some easy Easter cards... I made a bundle.

All products are by Stampin' Up!, except the green dotted notecards (Amuse ArtStamps), which I think I bought ages ago in America...... I found them at the back of a cupboard and thought I should use them before they rotted away! I've used the Never Ending Joy and Occasional Greetings stamp sets with Soft Subtles ink pads, markers and cardstock. There's some Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the tulips.

Happy Easter! Looks like we'll get some sunshine this weekend.

4D scan

2009-04-03T15:28:00.003+01:00

This is a photo of the baby's face taken during the 4D scan I had a week ago; it's amazing what they can do with technology nowadays! They still think the baby is a girl... I hope so, if only for the reason that if it's a boy he'll be wearing girls clothes! Despite saying I wasn't going to buy much, I've gone a bit mad and bought quite a few things...

Petal Pizzazz

2009-04-02T18:27:00.003+01:00

Another Mother's Day card, this time made using the Petal Pizzazz stamp set from the new Stampin' Up! mini catalogue.

I've used two colours on the flowers (Real Red and Only Orange), with some Close to Cocoa. It's a bit "loud" and it hurts your eyes if you stare at it too long! The ribbon is by May Arts.

Nice sunny weather here today, which is a miracle for the west coast of Scotland at this time of year.

Mother's Day

2009-03-28T09:28:00.005Z

Once again, I've lost track of time... I had intended to upload this card last weekend!

This is a Mother's Day card made for my mum using the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set, a piece of chipboard and some other bits and pieces. I've used Dazzling Diamonds glitter in the aperture at the centre of the chipboard flower.

New Products!

2009-03-11T23:00:00.000Z

A quick card made using some of the stamp sets from the new Stampin' Up! mini catalogue (effective from 1st April 2009) and the new oval and oval scallop punches... I've used Soft Subtles colours.

Products used:-

- stamps: Oval All and Playful Petals

- cardstock: Almost Amethyst textured cardstock (base); Whisper White; Pale Plum

- ink: Basic Black; Lavender Lace

- ribbon: Whisper White tafetta

- punches: corner rounder; oval punch; oval scallop punch

- other: Soft Subtles markers; paper snips; Tea Party designer paper

Colour Challenge

2009-03-08T01:10:00.006Z

My submission for Kristina Werner's current colour challenge (number 44)... Stampin' Up! Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa and Whisper White. The stamp set is the SU Best Wishes & More set.

Hearts

2009-03-02T08:00:00.001Z

This is a card I made absolutely ages ago... but forgot to post! It was very easy to make. One heart stamped image has been cut out and layered on top of the other.

Products used (all Stampin' Up!):-

- stamps: Best Wishes & More; Whimsy jumbo wheel

- ink: Bashful Blue jumbo wheel cartridge; Real Red; Bashful Blue

- cardstock: Whisper White

- patterned paper: Holiday Treasures

- other: Dazzling Diamonds glitter (in the circles on the wheeled section); red gingham ribbon

Chipboard Promotion

2009-03-01T01:00:00.002Z

Effective throughout the whole of March from today, 1st March, Stampin' Up! is offering a 25% discount on all "On Board" chipboard packs. Please contact me if you are interested. There is no minimum qualifying purchase and no limit to the number of packs you may purchase. The packs are shown on pages 78 and 94 of the current catalogue.

Crab Apple Crafts

2009-02-28T14:40:00.003Z

Saturday again. I'm glad it's the weekend!

I've been very slow with blog up-dates... I'll try to do better!

I was down in Cheshire at Rosemary Merry's Crab Apple Crafts shop last weekend. A friend arranged it in advance and eight of us went... their new dog, Boo, was obviously expecting us (as you can see from the dog's blog post!). We did two classes and made two mini books. One was a quadrant style book... one of those box books which "pops up" in four pieces when you open it (and you can tie it open) and folds flat when closed. I haven't finished decorating it yet - and nor have I added any photos - but I've attached a couple of photos of the part we made in the class last weekend. We used green and lilac Core'dinations papers and I think the patterned papers are mainly by K & Co.

Pocket Silhouettes

2009-02-17T09:00:00.003Z

I love the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set. This is one of a series of little thank you cards I've made using Earth Elements cardstock and markers. Quick and simple. I've used Dazzling Diamonds glitter around the main image and on the flower heads.

Happy (Belated) Valentine's Day

2009-02-16T22:24:00.003Z

... and here's the card I made for Ian (on the day itself... a bit late, I know, but I am behind with everything because of all the work we've been having done in the house). Ian made me a very fancy lunch, which was much better than my card!

The base card is Bashful Blue and I've used Real Red and Tempting Turquoise cardstock and watercolour crayons for the squares. The stamp set is the Sealed With a Kiss set.

February

2009-02-08T15:14:00.002Z

February already... and I see I've managed almost no posts during January! Hopeless.

We've been having work done to the house, which seems to be taking up most of our time. I've had my 20 week scan and everything seems to be fine so far.

It's snowing heavily today; I think the forecast is snow for the remainder of the evening and early morning tomorrow. We haven't had much snow at all this year, unlike most of the remainder of the UK.

I've attached a photo of a card made using the Botanical Blooms SAB stamp set and Earth Elements colours.

Happy New Year... and free Stampin' Up! stamp sets!

2009-01-02T13:07:00.002Z

Happy new year! 2008 seems to have flown past.

Sale-a-bration has reached the UK! Throughout January and February, Stampin' Up! is offering free stamps. There are four stamp sets to choose from; click here to view the brochure.

Customers: receive a free Sale-A-Bration stamp set with every £45 purchase.

Hostesses: receive a free Sale-A-Bration stamp set with every £300 or more workshop hosted, in addition to the normal hostess benefits.

New Demonstrators: choose any retail stamp set (up to £38.95 in value) from the current catalogue when signing up during the promotion. Contact me if you're interested!

Baby

2008-12-30T14:19:00.004Z

Following the theme from the last post... A new baby card made for a friend's wee boy about a month ago.

The cardstock is SU Bashful Blue and I've used the same colour of ink to stamp the little pattern stamp from the Bundle of Joy stamp set on the background. The "sweet heart" stamp in the punched circles is also from the Bundle of Joy stamp set and the stamp on the lower left is from the Best Wishes & More stamp set.

News

2008-12-30T13:54:00.005Z

Well, this is why I've been "quiet" for a while... The due date is probably around the end of June.

I have a couple of scan photos, but I think this one is quite funny, as the baby has turned to stare at us - you can see the eye sockets! Cheeky. The photos are fairly poor compared with the images we saw on the monitor - we could see the arms and legs waving around very clearly!

Coldplay

2008-12-07T20:55:00.005Z

We went to see Coldplay at the SECC in Glasgow last night... they were excellent, as you'd expect. Very slick and professional. The second photo above shows the band during a short acoustic set where they left the stage and stood behind us.

Here's a very lame recording of "Yellow"... love those yellow balloon beach balls! If you can be bothered to watch as far as 47 seconds, the sound improves dramatically when I remove my finger from the microphone (d'oh)!

I'm back (again)!

2008-12-06T18:54:00.003Z

I've been in America (central Boston) for the last two weeks... but I'm home again. I managed to wangle a trip to see The Eagles in concert at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA (about an hour west of Boston) on Wednesday 26th November... it was excellent.

Stars

2008-11-07T22:43:00.004Z

As the majority of this week has, once again, been taken up with (unexpected) time in hospital and related trauma, I won't even go there... You couldn't make it up - it has the storyline of a rotten TV drama.

Instead, here's a card I made this evening to cheer myself up whilst listening to The Long Road Out of Eden album by The Eagles (the panacea for all ills!).

I've used the new SU "In the Stars" stamp set and the new Chocolate Chip double-stitched ribbon. I've used Earth Elements markers to colour the stamps to give the stars a "tie dye" effect.

Colour Challenge

2008-10-30T23:16:00.003Z

Kristina Werner's colour challenge this week was an interesting one: Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Sage Shadow and Whisper White. If you haven't visited Kristina's blog, click here to have a look; it's brilliant!

My card is shown above. I've used the Stampin' Up! Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set, Pumpkin Pie designer series patterned paper, Ruby Red cardstock, Sage Shadow and Whisper White cardstock, Watercolour Wonder Crayons in Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Sage Shadow and Creamy Caramel (plus a few others to add shadow). The cake is covered in Stickles glitter glue.

Missing in Action

2008-10-30T23:12:00.004Z

I haven't posted in ages... so many things going on. Then, to top it off, I managed to land myself in hospital with a urinary tract infection this week!

Here's a mug shot of Marley wearing his Halloween costume... spiderdog! His dog training class had a Halloween party on Tuesday evening.

Leaves

2008-10-15T23:22:00.002+01:00

A birthday card made for my aunt... The leaves are from the SU All Natural stamp set and they were watercoloured with Earth Elements Watercolour Wonder Crayons... they're also covered in Dazzling Diamonds glitter, although you can't see it in the photo.

Monday...

2008-10-13T21:33:00.003+01:00

... my least favourite day of the week! Still... at least it wasn't raining today - makes a change.

A quick card made for a friend... nice bright colours and there's glitter on the flower. The top layer was die cut from SU Pumpkin Pie cardstock and the sentiment forms part of the Best Yet Level 1 hostess stamp set.

New Home

2008-10-12T17:45:00.004+01:00

A new home card made for a friend using the Stampin' Up! "Neighborhood" (note: dodgy American spelling omitting the letter "u"!) wheel. Colours: Real Red, Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip.

We went to see James Blunt at the SECC on Friday night. I'd booked the tickets ages ago and pretty much forgotten about it, so wasn't really in the mood to go - I'm not the greatest fan. He was really good, though, albeit most of his songs are depressing! Also, the quantity of people who kept getting up and leaving their seats every two minutes (making everyone in the row move and ensuring that no-one behind could see anything much during the whole charade) was starting to drive me demented... I said to Ian that it was a bit like that children's game with the little plastic people who pop up every two seconds and you need to smack them back down with a big plastic hammer... except I didn't have a big plastic hammer (but I'd have paid good money for one).

Friends

2008-10-09T07:00:00.001+01:00

A quick and easy card made using some items from the new catalogue, including the new scallop edge punch!

Products used (all Stampin' Up!):-

- stamps: Best Yet and Organic Grace (Level 1 hostess sets)

- cardstock: So Saffron, Whisper White, Real Red

- ink: Real Red; Bashful Blue

- patterned paper: Bashful Blue Designer Series prints

- ribbon: Bashful Blue tafetta

- other: scallop edge punch; Dazzling Diamonds glitter; 1 3/8" circle punch

Bashful Blue

2008-10-08T07:00:00.001+01:00

I thought I'd have a go at a Christmas card using blue for the base card... I've used SU Bashful Blue with the Season of Joy stamp set. The patterned paper on the left hand side is SU Dashing. The other colours I've used are the usual suspects - Real Red and Old Olive. I've used a simulated pearl from the Pretties kit for the centre of the poinsettia.

Off the Leash!

2008-10-07T07:00:00.000+01:00

A scrapbook page using a photo of Marley running around in the hills on Sunday... this was his first time "off lead" in such a big area with so many other dogs... he had a great time and kept running around with his tongue hanging out! The layout I've used is a Cathy Z internet assignment sketch; I wouldn't normally use such a big text box and I wouldn't normally fill the page with three full blocks. I quite like the effect, though. I've sanded around the photo and I've sanded over the embossed paper on the left.

Bergamo

2008-10-05T08:00:00.001+01:00

This page was produced using the other sketch supplied for this week's balance and symmetry lesson... Again, the sketch was very clean; the large photo is 11" x 7" and we were to use four squares of identical size underneath (one text box and three photos)... I've cheated and I've added a title below, plus stamping, painting and distressing on the base card (kraft).

We've visited Bergamo in Italy so many times I've lost count! I'm sure it merits more than a single page, but this is the only one I've produced thus far.

Symmetry

2008-10-04T14:26:00.005+01:00

This is another double layout for the online Cathy Z scrapbooking class I began last week... This week the theme is symmetry and balance. We've been given two sketches to produce layouts from. This sketch requires two 7" x 5" photos, three small photos and one text box over two 8.5" x 11" pages. The sketches and example layouts we've been given are very "plain" and clean, but this is about as minimalist as I can do, I'm afraid...

Photos of Marley last weekend! ;o)

I've used the Pocket Silhouettes stamp to stamp the lower portion of the layout (can't get enough of that stamp set... I'm using it on everything at the moment!). The cardstock is SU Garden Green.

World Card Making Day

2008-10-04T11:06:00.003+01:00

Today is international World Card Making Day... I hope you find time to make some cards!

Stampin' Up! is offering a WCMD promotion from today until 11th October... There's a 20% discount on both Simply Sent Card Elements sets (pages 74 and 75 of the catalogue) and on both Simply Sent kits (page 93 of the catalogue). The discounted prices are as follows:-

Flower Power Card Elements set: £10 (normal price: £12.50)

Rock Star Card Elements set: £10 (normal price: £12.50)

Happy Day Simply Sent kit: £31.96 (normal price: £39.50)

Sending Happy Thoughts Simply Sent kit: £31.96 (normal price £39.50).

The Simply Sent kits are a bargain at £31.96; the Happy Day kit includes chalks, whilst the Sending Happy Thoughts kit includes Dazzling Diamonds glitter and a glue pen. Each kit includes three mini Stampin' Spot ink pads, brads, ribbon, cardstock, envelopes and a complete stamp set which you can keep to use with other materials in future. Each kit also include full instructions to make two different cards.

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing any of these items. Remember that this offer is in addition to the birthday offer which is available for the whole month of October... any WCMD purchases count towards the £20 minimum purchase required to qualify for the discounted birthday sets; if you spend £20 or more during October, you are entitled to purchase one of three stamp sets (Crazy for Cupcakes, Birthday Best or Cheer and Wishes) at a 20% discount (click here for more information).

Tag

2008-10-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

A little tag made with the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set. I've used a similar format to the card shown in yesterday's post, although the base card is Ruby Red (stamped with the Boho Friend wheel using the Close to Cocoa ink cartridge) and the ribbon is Pumpkin Pie.

Pocket Silhouettes

2008-10-02T08:00:00.000+01:00

This birthday card was made using the new Stampin' Up! Pocket Silhouettes stamp set... I love this stamp set! It's a bargain at £15.95. I've stamped the envelope to match the card. The mustard coloured ribbon was a scrap from one of my ribbon jars; I'm not sure about the brand. I've used Stardust Stickles glitter glue around the heads of the seed pods.

Products used (Stampin' Up!):-

- stamps: Pocket Silhouettes; Boho Friend wheel; Occasional Greetings

- cardstock: Confetti White; Whisper White; Chocolate Chip textured cardstock; So Saffron

- ink: Chocolate Chip; More Mustard; Close to Cocoa

- other: linen thread; hole punch; Pretties kit (flower and simulated pearl); antique brads; distressing tool from cutter kit; Very Vanilla C6 envelope

Oh, and... Happy Birthday, Helen! 21 again! ;o)

Launch Day

2008-10-01T00:05:00.002+01:00

Well... today is the 1st of October and the launch day of the new Stampin' Up! catalogue! If you don't yet have a copy and you'd like one, please get in touch. Orders from the new catalogue can be placed from noon today.

The little card shown above was made using the True Friend stamp set, Boho Friend wheel, Ruby Red carstock, So Saffron cardstock, Chocolate Chip textured cardstock, the distressing tool from the cutter kit, Earth Elements markers and Pumpkin Pie ribbon... very quick and easy.

There's a special offer during the month of October to celebrate Stampin' Up!'s 20 year anniversary, namely 20% off three stamp sets if you spend £20 or more.

- Crazy for Cupcakes (page 32) - £16.76 (normal price: £20.95)

- Birthday Best (page 33) - £8.76 (normal price: £10.95)

- Cheer & Wishes (page 58) - £11.96 (normal price: £14.95)

Another explosion card...

2008-09-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

A square Christmas explosion card... this is another of the cards I made for demonstration at the Stampin' Up! Training Day.

I've used the Season of Joy stamp set once again. The swirl stamp is brilliant (and can be used for any type of card, not simply Christmas cards); I've covered the entire Whisper White base card (except the front diamond-shaped panel) with the swirl stamp using Old Olive ink..... a quick, easy and inexpensive way to turn a plain piece of cardstock into something much more impressive! I've used silver brads for the bauble on the tree. The tree trunk was made from a small section of self-adhesive brown cardstock from the Simply Scrappin' Home Again hostess kit; you could use any brown cardstock. Again, I've used Dazzling Diamonds glitter around the front panel.

Today is the last day of September, which means that tomorrow must be 1st October... and the launch day of the new Stampin' Up! catalogue! If you'd like to order from the new catalogue and be amongst the first to receive your new goodies, please get your orders to me no later than this evening to enable me to order them tomorrow when the ordering system goes live. You can contact me by email by clicking here.

Christmas cracker cards...

2008-09-29T08:00:00.006+01:00

This is one of the Christmas cracker cards I demonstrated at the Stampin' Up! Demo Training Day the Saturday before last. It's a variation of the explosion card shown in earlier posts. Although I like the effect of the square explosion cards, I wanted to find a way to make the cards fit a standard Stampin' Up! rectangular envelope.

I've used Old Olive cardstock for the base, with Dashing patterned papers. The central piece was made using a stamp from the Season of Joy stamp set with an eyelet and two scallop circle punched pieces of Real Red and Old Olive cardstock. I've used Dazzling Diamonds glitter around the front panel.

The card has two "extension" pieces at either end. I've used Real Red cardstock for this one. Each piece is 4" x 3", which adds one inch of extra cardstock at each end. When the card is folded flat, it fits a standard sized C6 envelope (including the Stampin' Up! Very Vanilla and Whisper White envelopes).

True Friend - Plum

2008-09-28T08:00:00.003+01:00

I've used the Stampin' Up! True Friend stamp set and matching wheel for this card; the stamp set will be available for you to purchase soon.... the new catalogue launches on 1st October next week! I have received my pre-ordered copies of the new catalogue; please contact me if you would like a copy.

I'm really pleased with the finished article (for once!).

Materials (all Stampin' Up!):-

- stamps: True Friend; Boho Friend Stampin' Around wheel

- ink: Close to Cocoa; Perfect Plum

- markers: Perfect Plum; Pale Plum; Mellow Moss; Old Olive

- cardstock: Perfect Plum; Pale Plum; So Saffron; Naturals Ivory; Very Vanilla

- other: 1 1/4" circle punch; 1 3/8 inch circle punch; linen thread; Elegant Eggplant grosgrain ribbon; rhinestone circle brad

Finished!

2008-09-27T15:57:00.004+01:00

I've managed to finish the page shown in the earlier post... here it is. I'm quite pleased with it.

ps - I've just found this blog... really clever use of the Pick a Petal stamp set (little mice!). Have a look if you have time.

Saturday

2008-09-27T12:57:00.003+01:00

Very glad it's Saturday... and I have some free time (!).

A couple of photos... the first one is a photo of Marley caught in the act last night - he found himself a nice roll of Charmin and destroyed it whilst I wasn't looking. I think he did a good job for a 16 week old pup.

The photo below is a work in progress. I've signed up for an internet Cathy Z scrapbook course... it's called "Design Your Life" and it kicks off next week. I blame Helen for this... although she has a better excuse for doing the course than me, as she's bought it as a birthday present for herself! My birthday has been and gone... so I'm doing the course because I'm a lemming.

Before the course starts, we've to do two pages, the bits and pieces for one of which are shown above. We've to use browns, red and greens. The boxes are to be no larger than 3.5" x 3.5" and the base cardstock for the page is Bazzill kraft. That aside, it's pretty much free reign. When it's finished, (apparently) it will be nine boxes saying something about me. Look how tidy my desk is(n't)! The course runs until 25th December, so it should be interesting and it'll give me a boot into action to get something done - an achievement in itself.

Demo Day - Box

2008-09-27T08:00:00.003+01:00

This is the second of the two make and take projects we made at the Stampin' Up! Training Day last Saturday. If you need a copy of the template to make the box itself, please get in touch.

The stamps used for the box and the tag are part of the new Level 2 hostess set called "Fall Flair". I love the new stitched ribbon... it's a new product available in three shades from 1st October.

Baroque Christmas

2008-09-26T08:00:00.001+01:00

I can't decide whether I like or loathe this card... I had all the pieces on my desk and I liked the concept... but looking at it assembled with the pieces stuck down, I can't decide! I won't be replicating it, put it that way.

The base card is SU Ruby Red over-stamped with Ruby Red ink using the background stamp from the Baroque Motifs stamp set. The Season of Joy front panel has been coloured with Ruby Red and Old Olive chalks over Versamark ink.

Roses - Demo Day

2008-09-25T08:00:00.003+01:00

This is one of the two make and take projects we made at the Stampin' Up! Training Day last Saturday. The stamp set is a new one called "A Rose is a Rose" - it's a large set of 14 stamps and it's one of the "two step" stamp sets... we used a couple of shades of green and pink to build up the different layers of the roses and leaves.

The torn edge at the bottom didn't quite work, in my view... although it looks interesting, the card wasn't able to stand upright, because the front was shorter than the rear! I've since added an extra piece of Confetti White cardstock under the front torn edge... and that seems to do the job. The pink scalloped section on the lower part of the card was created using the new scallop border punch.

Award Tags!

2008-09-24T17:00:00.000+01:00

These little tags were attached to two individually packaged cream coloured gerbera flowers given to me by the UK Stampin' Up! country manager last Saturday in recognition of two awards I'd somehow managed to earn...

I love the colours - So Saffron and Perfect Plum. A wet watercolour wonder crayon has been used to create the "spatter" effect on the tags... and I see they've used my favourite eyelets! The flowers were lovely, but I like the tags even more - not least because they'll last longer!

Samples

2008-09-24T08:00:00.000+01:00

Some photos of the various displays at the SU Demo Training Day last Saturday... I think the majority, if not all, of these samples were made by UK demos, but I'm not certain. If you click on the photos, you'll be able to see larger versions (and the same applies to any other photos on my blog).

Another one...

2008-09-23T08:00:00.000+01:00

Another little pouch card! This one is a bit different, as both sections of the top part are level and the tag sticks out of the top. The base card is So Saffron and the cardstock has been wheeled with the new Boho Friend wheel (available in the new catalogue from 1st October - it matches the True Friend stamp set) using Close to Cocoa ink. I've used Dazzling Diamonds glitter in a few places on the front panel. The ribbon is kraft taffeta. I love the large eyelets... I've been using them on just about every project lately.

Tree Explosion

2008-09-22T11:41:00.003+01:00

This is one of the "explosion cards" I demonstrated at the Demo Training Day on Saturday. This particular card is square (approximately 4" x 4" when closed), although I also demonstrated a means of extending the basic width of the card to 6" to make it a perfect fit for a standard SU (C6 size envelope). I'll post the other cards over the course of the week. Please get in touch if you need instructions.

I've used the Lovely as a Tree stamp set for this card. The base card is Whisper White cardstock and it is 4" x 12", which means you'll be able to make three cards from one sheet of 12" x 12" cardstock. Whisper White cardstock is ideal, as it's easy to fold. I've added two strips of Chocolate Chip textured cardstock down the sides of the end panels.

I've stamped the end panels with the acorn and leaf stamp from the stamp set using Chocolate Chip ink. It was supposed to be quite heavily stamped (and the images a bit obscured) to give some balance to the card when it is open (bearing in mind that I've left the white sections between the front panel and the end panels unstamped). I've used some gingham ribbon and those large eyelets again.

The central tree image was stamped on Naturals Ivory cardstock and mounted on Chocolate Chip textured cardstock. I've used Earth Elements markers to colour the tree before stamping. I coloured the trunk of the tree and part of the lower branches using Chocolate Chip. Thereafter, I coloured the whole upper portion of the tree with the Old Olive marker and then "thumped" the Old Olive portion with the Garden Green marker and some more Chocolate Chip (to give some depth and an illusion of additional branches peeking through the leaves). The "thumping" technique involves taking the marker and holding it on its side and tapping randomly against the pre-coloured section - it's really easy and effective. Lastly, I spritzed the tree with water and then used an aqua painter brush to colour the trunk slightly and to draw some shadows under the tree. The Naturals Ivory cardstock is ideal for use with water. (Whisper White cardstock is brilliant for stamping - the best cardstock I've ever used - but not ideal with water as it's a bit too smooth and has a slight sheen... the water runs off!).

True Friend

2008-09-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

Some pouch cards made with the new True Friend and Totally Tabs stamp sets... I'm using these as little thank you cards to pop in bags with orders or to deliver with the new catalogues.

An odd colour scheme, but I like it! Real Red, Bashful Blue, Whisper White and So Saffron.

Swap Cards

2008-09-21T12:15:00.004+01:00

This was my swap card for the SU Demo Training Day in Glasgow yesterday. I received loads of really nice cards in return.

We had a great day and had the chance to make some projects using lots of lovely things from the new catalogue. My pre-ordered catalogues are now on their way to me from Germany and I should have them next week. Please contact me if you would like a copy. Existing customers: your new catalogues will be with you as soon as I can get them to you! Orders can be taken in advance, but cannot be placed until noon on 1st October... lots of new goodies to choose from!

I was really pleased to be asked to do a demo as part of the Training Day and I decided to demonstrate an "explosion card" made to fit a standard size SU or other C6 envelope. I'll post the information and my samples within the next day or so.

Demo Day

2008-09-20T17:00:00.000+01:00

Well... today's the day! At long last the day of the Glasgow Stampin' Up! demo training day has arrived! We'll be given a copy of the new catalogue... I can't wait to get my hands on mine!

I've prepared this post in advance to ensure that I don't forgot to upload photos of my submission for the demo card "competition". We've been asked to submit an entry of our choice... no criteria. I've made a card, as I didn't really have time to do anything particularly fancy.

I've used the Season of Joy stamp set and various punches. I'm really pleased with the front of the card and I'll replicate it again, I think, with different stamps. I've used the spiral stamp from the Season of Joy set with versamark ink on the base card to give a watermark effect on the background... it's not terribly visible in the photo, but gives a nice touch to the card.

The inside of the card is shown below; I saw a card using little spirals on the inside of a card on one of the American demo blogs, but it didn't say who came up with the idea. There were no instructions, so I don't know how the blog card was made... I just made up my technique as I went along! The card I saw had little cut out butterflies on the spirals. I've changed the concept slightly by adding the punched circles and ribbon etc... the little flower punches added to the spirals are double-sided i.e. a flower has been adhered on each side (so you have something nice to see no matter which angle you view it from!).

Happy Anniversary

2008-09-19T21:30:00.001+01:00

Ian's anniversary card! I've used the dog stamp from the For Father set... it doesn't look like our springer, but we're fans of golden retrievers and I couldn't resist. The other bits and pieces (except the eyelet) are from the Home Again Simply Scrappin' hostess kit - I love the Stampin' Up! textured cardstock and can't wait to be able to buy packs of it from the new catalogue!

Happy anniversary, Ian. :o)

True Friend

2008-09-17T00:20:00.003+01:00

This is the first card I've made using the new Stampin' Up! True Friend stamp set which I was able to pre-order from the new catalogue. There's a layer of vellum paper behind the torn layer of Real Red cardstock (overstamped with Ruby Red ink). The background has been chalked with Ruby Red chalk.

I've coloured the flower with markers (Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Old Olive and Garden Green) and added Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

One word: rain. It has been raining for as long as I can remember... the last few days have been particularly bad, everywhere is flooded and we almost had a powercut earlier!

Piranha Dog

2008-09-13T15:16:00.004+01:00

A photo of Marley taken today... he's huge! He's 15 weeks old.

Ian dropped a wooden spoon in the kitchen earlier and forgot to pick it up... he left the room for less than 10 minutes... and this was the result. I like the way he had a go at both ends! "Piranha Dog" seems to be a fitting name! He just loves to chew... especially wood. He can destroy something in no time at all.

Good news!

2008-09-12T21:16:00.010+01:00

The scallop border punch in the current American Stampin' Up! catalogue will be in our new UK Stampin' Up! catalogue due to be launched on 1st October. It'll be priced at £10.95. I love the punch! It's a bit like the Fiskars Threading Water punch, but without the holes - so much more versatile as you can always make the holes with a hole punch or crop-a-dile.

In addition, the catalogue will include textured 12" x 12" cardstock in all four colour families and, best of all... the "Pocket Silhouettes" stamp set which is one of the main stamp sets featured in the new American catalogue! The stamp set will be priced at £15.95. You can see some sample cards in the Splitcoaststampers gallery by clicking here. It's a fabulous set.

You can pre-order any of the new items from me now and I'll be able to place your orders from 1st October.

Something odd... whilst I was looking at the Splitcoaststampers gallery yesterday, I noticed that they've used one of my stamped images as a gallery link; the image is a watercoloured cocktail glass from one of my cards made with the Cheers to You stamp set. It has been used as the link to the current "C - D" section of the gallery. You can see it by clicking here and scrolling down. I'd recognise my colouring anywhere, so I did I double-take, I can tell you, when I stumbled across it by accident! The actual card it was taken from is in the gallery - it's not one of my favourites, to be honest. (Typical!). I've copied the little image below, as no doubt it will be replaced with another one when the colour-scheme changes (it's currently orange).

Lastly... a little mini-book I made with Hero Arts stamps about five months ago was inadvertently picked up by the Hero Arts blog staff and received a little mention on their blog and a prize! I say it was inadvertent, as I didn't actually make the mini-book for the blog challenge (the closing date for which was fairly recent); any Hero Arts gallery items with the word "mini-book" as a tag must have been fair game - which meant I was incredibly surprised to browse their blog and spot my mini-book! That's not bad - twice in a week that I've stumbled across my images on the internet by accident! You can see the relevant page of the Hero Arts blog by clicking here and scrolling down. My book is the one shown below. I know I sound like a broken record, but I don't think my mini-book is particulary great... I've definitely made better mini-books! It was supposed to be quick and easy - it was made from some blank square cards bound together with fibres; the inner pages are stamped along the edges and the centre portions of the pages are covered with patterned paper. The edges have been distressed with chalk inks.

More Joy

2008-09-09T08:00:00.001+01:00

A further very quick card made using the Season of Joy stamp set. I'm using this card as a make and take for part of a mini workshop - it had to be easy to make and quick to assemble. I've used the cutter tool (the "distressing wheel") around the edge of the Old Olive layer.

Materials used (all Stampin' Up!):-

- stamps: Season of Joy; Wonderful Words

- cardstock: Whisper White; Old Olive; Naturals Ivory

- ink: Old Olive

- patterned paper: Dashing

- other: Dazzling Diamonds glitter; scrap of red ribbon (non-SU)

Season of Joy

2008-09-08T21:16:00.004+01:00

Another card made using the Season of Joy stamp set. The background was stamped using the scroll stamp and the small flower stamp with Versamark ink, but it's not visible in the photo. (If you click on the photo to see the larger photo you can see it to some extent on the upper portion; the lower half was washed out by the camera flash).

Additional cards to follow over the next few days!

Materials (all Stampin' Up!):-

- stamps: Season of Joy

- cardstock: Real Red; Whisper White; Old Olive; Bashful Blue

- ink: Old Olive; Versamark

- patterned paper: Dashing (discontinued and on sale during September)

- other: moss gingham ribbon; Dazzling Diamonds glitter; silver brads

Pouch Card

2008-09-05T20:48:00.003+01:00

This card is almost identical to the card shown in the previous post... the layout and colours are the same, but I've used a set of Christmas stamps! The stamp set (shown below) is called Season of Joy and it will be available for purchase from 1st October. I'll be posting some Christmas cards made using this set, but I thought it would be interesting to show the versatility of the set... its use isn't limited to Christmas projects. I've used the swirl stamp and the snowflake stamp instead of the Carte Postale stamp set and French Flair background. The swirl tab stamp from the Totally Tabs stamp set works well with the swirls on the base card.