Folder fun

Card recipe 1:

Stamp: Welcome christmas

C/S: Peach parfait, riding hood red, pink pirouette, & whisper white

Ink: wild wasabi, basic black, riding hood red & poppy parade

Misc: Old olive grosgrain ribbon, paper snips, glitter glue & snail

Card recipe 2:

Stamp: Snow swirled

C/S: Whisper white, pink pirouette

Ink: Poppy parade, frost white shimmer paint

Misc: Old olive ribbon, sponge dauber, snail and paper snips

I love the colour contrasts on these cards. One the first one I just swiped my inkpad over the folder before embossing, the second one after embossing direct to paper. Deliberately not covering consistently. I inked the tree first then dabbed the stars on the tree with shimmer paint-from the lid ;) before stamping. Doesn't it look pretty.

Decided it was time to start using my stash of ribbon more too..

medallion wreath

Ok. I know I'm biased, but over the past 2 days I have made the best cards. I'm in love with the Vintage wallpaper embossing folder and frost white shimmer paint (as you'll see) -just look what you can do with it and how spectacular it looks.

All I did here was after inking the medallion in wild wasabi was dab ink from the lid of the paint with a sponge dauber all
over the stamp.

card recipe:

Stamps:Medallion, Welcome christmas, Music notes.

Cardstock: Pacific point, Whisper white, Baja breeze.

Ink: Wild wasabi, Tempting turquoise.

Misc: Ribbon, Scorer, Glue dots, Dimensionals, Snail,

Paper snips.

Wheelie simple storage

So I've been looking at storage for my wheels for a while. so wandering around yesterday I looked at a 24 cupcake container or cupcake tree to store them in-which would be great for your desk if you don't have any drawer space left! Then it dawned on me-cake rack! So simple
almost everyone has one. Overlap cake racks for more storage if your drawer is long enough. And you can stack smaller wheels ontop of each other. What do ya think?

Happy 20th Birthday Sarah!

Stamps-Boomin' beautiful, En francais

Paper: Cameo Coral, whisper white

Markers&/or inkpads: Cameo coral, regal rose, real red, certainly celery, mellow moss and basic black

Misc: Glitter, brad, circle punch, sponge dauber, 2 way glue pen, sticky strip, embossing powder

& ribbon originals.

BAD BLOGGER, BAD! I know. Where have I been?

Working my little tail off. But things seem to have calmed down now and have a new found balance between work and home life. Up until recently it was work/eat/sleep with no real time for anything else. So my creative side has been bursting to get out!

The colours for this card seem fitting for today. We went to the oyster festival, and it was sooo hot that I got burnt. Over the course of this evening I have turned a lovely shade of red. And of course I don't tan, I peel which is the worst because it's like having dandruff all over you :( I should've known better!

So it was my friend/colleague's birthday yesterday, and this is what I gave her (along with a hilarious retro quote book which was so good I had to get me one too).Unfortunately she's moving to melbourne shortly, but guess where I might be staying when convention rolls around ;)

So a pretty simple card really. Embossed on cameo coral, sponged the edges and corners. used two colours on the leaves and petals to add shading. Two way glue + glitter makes a big difference. I'm not a glitter girl but it "makes it" Rock n roll the sentiment using cameo coral then regal rose. Oh and the ribbon is so EASY. Sticky strip across the card, then adhere end of ribbon and start folding back as you go across. No stitching required!

Kindred spirits always bloomin with beauty

It felt soo good to have time to stamp today!

So I challenged myself to use a main card base that I wouldn't normally use so much of-

Always Artichoke.

And I wasn't going to buy another floral set, I have so many already. But after seeing soo many beautiful cards with Bloomin with beauty I had to have it. Kindred spirits was one I liked but not enough to get it, until the little light bulb went off! I think it's something to do with the fact they're both being retired. So if there's something your umming about that is retiring have a look to see whats been done with it, you might be pleasantly suprised.

So the background is also stamped in Always Artichoke with En Francais and Kindred spirits.

The flower is stamped on Kraft in Basic black , and coloured with markers (with the petals only having a hint of colour around the edges), and mounted on Soft suede. Although it looks like I've softened the edges with white, I've actually used crystal effects over the entire flower panel which gives it more of an aged look. I was going to do the cracked glass technique, but am quite pleased with the outcome.

Error-I'm sorry!

WOW! It has been a long time is anyone still here? I've been so busy working soo much and taking care of my sick son, I haven't had time to stamp or blog and I've neglected you-sorry! Hopefully I can make up for it now.

Like what you see? I've used the little bot from the "Lot's of Bots" set, watercoloured him and punched him out with the 1&3/4"punch; both from the mini catalogue. I've embossed the background using a piece of tan Urban Oasis DSP. You can see in the bottom corner some of the paper design, but it adds to the effect. Then I've swiped a Silver encore pad then a black pad over the embossed area which is mounted on basic black CS. I love it!

Have you scene sponging like this?

I bought this set just to sponge this! I had this idea in my head as soon as I saw the Pendant Park set. And oh so easy!

Mask off bottom with post it and sponge around a scallop circle in bashful blue for the sky beginning from the top working your way across and down. Mask off the sky and sponge with Kiwi kiss. Create shade under the tree with a sponge dauber with kiwi kiss again.

For the trees dab colour here and there with Kiwi kiss, Wild wasabi, Groovy guava, Riding hood red, and Purely pomegranate. Then use a brown marker to colour the branches. Doesn't it look like autumn trees. Ink the bench in close to cocoa, and a little chocolate chip on the squirels and stamp.
The border was done by diagonally masking off the corners and using my stamp a ma jig for perfect alignment. So proud of myself, rarely do these things turn out as I imagine them!

Beautiful Nature

I feel like it's been an eternity since I made a card!
But lookie what I made today..after hours of looking for my snail adhesive. I tell you I only find things when I'm not looking for them lol.

Anyway this stamp has been on my wish list for ages! And this is the first of many cards with it I'm sure.

Sponging directly on the stamp: Regal rose, Rose red, Bravo burgundy and Garden green. The edges were sponged with Pretty in pink while still in the die to get the border.

The background dots are done with a Stampin Up Perfect polka dots embossing folder on Riding hood red cardstock. I then painted over, waited for it to dry and sanded the dots to bring the colour back through and mounted on Pretty in pink...what do ya think?

King for a day!

Sorry it's taken me soo long to post. Two new jobs and two birthdays this week. My wonderful partner had his birthday on tuesday and it was my son's 7th birthday yesterday, and I whipped up this quick and simple card for him using the "card games" stamp set.

How clever am I?! I don't know if anyone else has thought of it but it's a brilliant way to personalize your cards. Cut out a window in the card and snail a photo to the back, or you could cut a photo to size and adhere.

(Stampin Up' Card games, Basic black & whisper white CS, Haiku DSP and basic black inkpad)

Coooeee!

Hi All! Yes I'm still around.

I know, I know I still owe you some cupcake projects. I've been a very busy girl with my new venture, getting my name out there at the Newcastle Show last weekend with my wonderfully nutty team mates (It's not a sunday without a few nuts!). Lots of fun and tons of talented kids of all ages doing make and takes.

(My computer isn't playing nice, so I can't show you the fun we had)

While your waiting for the next instalment, something else to be excited about! A new

Stampin Up! catalogue has just been released! And if your anything like me you will want everything in it.

*New release cling mount stamps and thick, sturdy acrylic blocks with rounded edges and grip

*Beautiful new coloured inkpads, with co-ordinating ribbon and cardstock

*Not to forget the bigshot the best die cutting machine on the market!

And look new slim line easy press punches

Have a look at the new Autumn/Winter mini catalogue here.

Stamp out the boredom and get the kids stamping in the holidays. The girls are going to love the stamp set on page 22, and check out page 23 for the boys (...yes they love to stamp too).

Like what you see? Order through me on 0410 838 767 and have it delivered directly to you.

(sorry Australian residents only)

Now things are close to normal again, I'll get cracking and have another one for you in a few days time.

Hop-ping you have a great Easter!

Jumping with Joy!

Guess what! As of thursday I am now one of many talented Stampin Up demonstrators :)

Why did I join I hear you ask?

Initally as a customer I was drawn into the range of co-ordinating stamping and scrapbooking products, the generously sized inkpads, and the ability to buy a set of stamps for the price it would normally cost to buy one.

As time passed I began going to classes and soon realized it was a wonderful opportunity to meet other crafters who had tips to share and friendships to offer.

Finally having learnt so many techniques and having a wealth of product knowledge, I decided it was time to share what I have learnt with others and to receive a discount on that looong list of products I still want!

So have I sparked your interest? Have a browse of our catalogues here. Any questions or want to place a order? Just flick me an email....I don't bite honest!

Easy Easel Cupcake

(simple birthday thanks, label classics-SU)

Another idea for the Cupcake is to make a glitter frosting by inking with versamark, and cover with heat and stick powder then tap off excess. Heat until you see the texture change and then cover with dazzling diamonds and heat again briefly (from the underside is best so you don't accidently scorch the glitter) to make it stick.

The easel is simply made by scoring a 12x28cm along the landscape side at 7cm and 14cm. Valley fold at 14cm, then fold the 7cm score inside to the 14cm fold, and bring back out. The bottom of the easel card front measuring 14x28cm is then adhered only to the flap that was folded in. You can use buttons, brads or ribbon on the inside of the card as I have done here to keep it open.

SU's patterned paper is double sided and here you can see I used two sides of the one sheet of Raspberry Tart DSP. The white and pink side would make elegant invitation cards.

I'll be M.I.A for a week while the new computer is getting fixed...grrr. More ideas using this stamp are on standby, and I will have some fantastic news to share with you by then!

Have a great week!

Thanks Tui you! Cupcake

(Simple birthday thanks, Sweet little sentiments-SU!)

When I first saw this stamp, I wasn't sure how much I'd use it. But once I realized I could omit the "thankyou" message inside, it has become a great versatile birthday cupcake (stay tuned for other great ways to use it!).

Anyway my first idea was to just glitter the frosting, and at the time I was going to make dozens of them for my swaps but somehow after making the first one I looked like the milky way!
I wanted the look of frosting, but wanted to steer away from using soo much glitter. It needed something, but I was stuck until I saw what Tui did here. Brilliant! Why didn't I think of that?!

So I outlined the frosting and filled it in with crystal effects. then placed the beads while it was still wet. After it had dried I decided the cherry needed bling, and again using the crystal effects filled it in and sprinkled on the glitter.

Be sure to check out Tui's blog, you won't be disappointed!

(The card base and frosting is Pixie pink. Pink Passion stampin pad, Parisian breeze DSP background and Raspberry Tart DSP which has been crimped)

CAS Valentines Matey!

Sometimes you don't have the right sentiment or images to stamp for special occasions. Don't feel limited by your supplies-improvise!

So here I combined SU's Ahoy Matey with A Happy Heart. I partially inked one sentiment from each set and combined them to say something different. And you can even hand write part of the sentiment yourself as I did with "You arrr a treasure".

The cards are stamped in Staz on black on Sahara Sand which has been distressed, adhered on Sahara Sand and coloured with markers and a bit of Crystal effects on the hearts.

Great CAS cards to make at the last minute!

Tri-fold template

Finally! Here it is. You can click on the picture to get a larger look. Of course you can make your card taller and your cuts wider to suit your embellishments and stamped images.

6x6 tri-fold valentines card

These cards have been around for a while, and when I made mine I wasn't happy with it because it didn't seem stable enough and I wanted a proper card front that I could decorate.

So here's how i made it. I will upload a template with the dimensions as directed.

1: Cut 2 pieces of cardstock measuring 15cm X 30cm (6"x12").

2: Score card front at 15cm (6'') along the landscape (long) side and fold, set aside.

3:Turn the second piece around to portrait (short) side. Using a pencil lightly mark at 5cm (2")and 10cm (4") on either end. Line up first marks with a ruler top to bottom and cut from 5cm (2") to 25cm (10"). Repeat with second marks.

4: Turn back around to landscape side and score at 5cm (2"), down to beginning of first cut
and beginning of second cut down to bottom edge. Score again top to bottom at 10cm (4")and 20cm (8"). Finally score from the end of the first cut to the end of the second cut.

5: Now begin folding. Fold the first top and bottom crease towards you creating a valley fold. Along the second crease fold back the top and bottom portion back, creating a mountain fold. The crease inbetween will need to be a valley fold. The third crease top and bottom valley fold, and middle mountain fold. Finally the last centre crease a valley fold.

6: Glue the back part of the first panel of the tri-fold to the inside edge of the card front. Fold closed the tri-fold, and glue the back panel. Line up the edge of the panel with the back of the card front and close the back of the card to adhere. Decorate as desired.

Aloha 2010 Calendar

(Do the Hula, Calendar, Canvas - Stampin Up)

I've used this design to make lots of masculine card with this set, and I love it so much I could easily admire my work every day of the year!

I made it so that the months easily tear off by using SU preforating tool which leaves a broken line cut above the top of the calendar months which are then stapled together and is hidden under the scored and folded SU kraft cardstock. And yes I hand wrote the days and dates; best to have another calendar on hand to copy correct day placements, particuarly when your watching the season return of Grey's Anatomy!

The background was stamped on Very Vanilla with the Canvas background stamp. The flowers were rock n rolled, and the leaves were darkened on the ends by tapping the inkpad on both sides. I have inked my stamps using distress ink and spritzed with water before stamping for a more blended/watercolour look, but you could easily do this with your regular SU inkpad.
The main image is stamped in staz-on and watercoloured using markers and an aqua painter. The flowers on the hula girl and on the tips if the flower have kindy glitz, and using a crop-a-dile I added the SU jumbo eyelet to the top.

The sun is easy to create by using a negative circle, and sponge inside. Mask off the trees and moving around a post it note as you sponge along the edge.

February 14 fever

I know it's not even February, yet I've made enough Valentine's Day cards this past week or so to last me for years to come!

So these three cards use basic stamping and masking, but maybe you'll learn something along the way or see something that inspires you.(Stampin Up - A Happy Heart)

Basic masking using two chalk ink tones. I like the soft effect of the chalk. Now if you don't have any chalk inkpads, you can easily create a softer tone using your regular inkpads. Often you can stamp an image 2 or 3 times or more before re-inking your stamps, each time acheiving a more subtle tone. Experiment with you ink colours. If it's too dark stamp it off once or twice on a scrap piece first.
(Stampin Up - Upsy Daisy, Sweet little sentiments)
Now after stamping off on a scrap piece once or twice, using the same colour go over parts of the stamp with the edge of your inkpad or inked sponge dauber before stamping. You could also do something like this using 2 colours as long as the second colour added is darker or you'll stain your lighter colour inkpad.

( Stampin Up - A Happy Heart)
Keep it soft and simple. But if it looks like it's not quite finished, make the focal point pop out of the background using crystal effects or glitter glue like I have on the previous two images.
Click on any image to get a better supersized look.

Ahoy Matey!

So here is another card stamped with the same set. The Parisian Breeze DSP from SU is distressed around the edges and adhered to my favourite chocolate chip. The map was a piece I had wheeled several times previously to save time. I coloured in all except the "land" with markers, using a white gel pen for the mountains. I swiped creamy caramel over the map to "age" it. The ships mast was to thin to leave it as one piece, so I adhered it to two toothpicks which also pops it up. The tag (from the newsagent) is stamped and sponged in chocolate chip.

You arrr treasured

So it's about a month till Valentines day and we normally love to use the traditional pink, red and white; some ribbon, glitter and some other cutesy things for the ones we love...something we ourselves would love to receive. Although they appreciate the gesture, it's not really manly is it? Something that might be put in a drawer to look at from time to time, somewhere his mates won't see it.

So with that in mind this is what I came up with. The card base is Sahara Sand which has been stamped with SU "A Happy Heart" in Bravo Burgundy and then sponged with Creamy Caramel, Close To Cocoa along the sides and Chocolate Chip on the corners and edge.

"Matey's Map" was rolled on Chocolate Chip on Whisper White cardstock, coloured with markers and a white pencil for cliff tops, and sponged in Creamy Caramel and Close To Cocoa. The edges of the map were sponged with black chalk ink.

Using my Stamp-a-ma-jig I stamped the chest and pirate from SU "Ahoy Matey" on the map in Chocolate Chip first for placement and for the finer details-legs and arms. Stamped again on Sahara Sand, coloured with markers, cut out the solid pieces and adhered. I went over the legs and arms with a darker brown pen as they had blended into the background.

"You arrr invited" was partially stamped and the "treasured" was hand written, then sponged and put on foam that had been edged with ink so it wasn't as noticable. Then distressed and sponged the edge.

What do you think?

unfrogettable love

So coming up next month is Valentines day so what better time than to share your love of stamping with the one you love.

S.O.S (save our scraps)

Don't throw away those scraps that are left over, sometimes they're just the final touch you need. The chocolate chip matt was punched out several times before I used it as a frame. To look at it you wouldn't know. You can often get more out of your favourite cardstock/patterned paper this way. You could even cut out a piece in the middle where it won't be seen before matting. Again the scallop border of pink pirouette was a scrap piece and so was the ribbon. As it is partially hidden under the image there is no need to go all the way across.

The frogs from Stampin Up's "Unfrogettable" set are stamped in staz-on on whisper white. I then watercoloured them with markers by scribbling on a saucer and picking up colour with my aqua painter; and added dimension to the frogs, heart and crown with crystal effects. The card base is Rose red and the hearts and crosses from "A Happy heart" are stamped in real red.

Red roses for you

I love this Stipped Rose stamp! Unfortunately for me I didn't know how much I wanted it until after it retired, and I was having a very hard time obtaining one. Lucky for me my friend Theresa sent me a whole lot of stamped ones as a RAK! So here is just one of a bunch I've made.

First I coloured the image with pencils using two tones per colour on whisper white and mounted it on rose red cardstock that had been first stamped with the dotted background using versamark. I then went over the edge of the petals in crystal effects, which really gives it a 3d effect. Cut an oval out of vellum and punched the edge with the scallop edge punch and adhered it over rose. I cut a small slit on the side of the card and tied the ribbon around the card front. Added corner punch in shimmer to finish off.

Can you bear it?

I was trying to come up with more masculine cards as it's soo easy to play with all those pretty papers and ribbons, and as a result I have an abundance of feminine cards. SO what about the men in our lives. Ok so I know the ribbon isn't entirely masculine but I couldn't resist. Having said that though, guess who bought 18 rolls of ribbon for $50 without any help from me. Guess I don't have an O.S.R.D (obsessive compulsive ribbon disorder) as much as I thought!

The background trees from Happy Camper are stamped on whisper white in garden green and chocolate chip marker with a layer of coloured vellum ontop (You could easily create your own coloured vellum sheet with a brayer). Another row of trees is added ontop. Card base is creamy caramel and the bear and fire are stamped on kraft in chocolate chip. The fire is easy to create using red, orange and yellow pens. Shade a little red on the top of the flames, a little orange and then yellow. Draw a line inbetween each log to define them better and create shading and your done!

Loads of love

Just a quick and simple card using the Loads of Love set, watercolour wonder crayons, aqua painter and crystal effects. You can either outline the image with a crayon where you want the darker areas and blend out with the aqua painter or you can do what I do and pick up the colour directly from the crayon. As I don't have a grey crayon I scribbled on a saucer with a marker and blended it the same way. Too easy!