Stamping Galore

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club MFTWSC31

2011-08-09T20:28:00.000+12:00

Hi. Just enough time to enter this weeks challenge. Its been a busy week back to a normal term routine with lots of running around and not a lot of time to stamp. Here is my card for this weeks sketch challenge.

Here is the card from another angle.

And the inside of the card.

I really enjoyed making my card for this challenge, lots of pink pattern paper, my favourite.

Supplies:

stamps: pure innocence - a little birdie told me (MFT Stamps) ink: tuxedo black (memento), paper: kraft, pink, burgundy (SU), bitterweet hand dipped,(basic grey), accessories: ribbon, brads (su), prima flowers, copic markers, nestabilities petite scallop large, standard circle large.

Thanks for stopping by.

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club MFTWSC30

2011-08-04T20:35:00.000+12:00

Evening. It's the first week back at school after the holidays and we are all struggling with getting up on time after two weeks on holiday. Back to reality and after school activities so not as much time to stamp and post. I made this card last week and didn't get to post in time for the challenge.

I have used the cute little image from MFT Stamps ALM I need some face time. Here is photo from another angle, my son has been taking my photos for me and playing with the camera.

And this is the inside of the card.

Supplies

stamps: ALM I need some face time (MFT Stamps), ink: tuxedo black (memento), card: pink, black, craft (SU), basic grey, accessories: copic markers, nestabilites, hand made crochet flower, brads, dienamics dainty lace border.

Thanks for stopping by.

SFYTT July

2011-07-31T17:57:00.001+12:00

Hi. I can't believe it's the end of another month. Just enough time to enter this month's SFYTT. Nothing like leaving it till the last minute. I have really enjoyed making cards for all of the sketch challenges this week, unfortunately I missed the deadline for a couple, so will have to be more organised next time. I also gave myself a challenge this week. To use SU kraft as the base for all of my cards, I have so much kraft card I needed to use it up. Luckily kraft goes with everything, and I was really happy with how the cards turned out. Here is my card for this months sketch.

I have used the adorable blooming good day stamp from MFT Stamps And this is the inside of the card.

Recipe

stamps: Pure Innocence - Blooming good day (MFT Stamps),ink: tuxedo black ( memento), buckaroo blue, so saffron (SU), card: kraft, riding hood red, pretty in pink, wild wasabi, baja breeze (SU), home tweet home a place to nest pattern paper (my little shoe box), accessories: 3 flower punch , corner punch (SU), flower embossing folder (cuttlebug).

Thanks for stopping by to visit.

R is for Riley challenge 1511 and Mojo Monday 201

2011-07-30T20:51:00.002+12:00

Evening. I received an exciting parcel in the mail this week. My first order of Riley and Co stamps, of course I had to buy some more copic markers to colour Riley and I had to try out my new stamps right away, just as well I have been on holiday this week. This first card incorporates two challenges firstly the R is for Riley, to make a card with red, ribbon and rhinestones, I thought this weeks mojo monday challenge was ideal for this. Here is a picture of the mojo Monday sketch.

Here is my card.

I have substituted the buttons for rhinestones and I have used twine, instead of ribbon, I have also used my new water mark that my son designed for me.

Supplies: Stamps: Riley and Co, hero arts, ink: menento tuxedo black, su card, pattern paper, accessories: copic markers, su markers, su twine, diamantes.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge SSSC127

2011-07-30T20:41:00.000+12:00

Evening. I hopefully will just get this card into this weeks challenge in time. I received a parcel from the US earlier this week, with some Riley & Co stamps so perfect chance to try them out, they stamp up so beautifully and are so fun to use, I also gave myself another challenge with this card to not use pink . This is what I came up with for this weeks challenge.

My son took the photos for me, he is enjoying playing with different angles and lighting, so here is the card from another angle.

Supplies: Stamps: Riley & Co, Hero arts, ink: menento tuxedo black, card: su card and pattern paper, Accessories: su punch, su twine, copic markers for riley E31,E33,E35,E57 and W1 for around the picture, su markers.

Thanks for visiting.

A Little Birdie

2011-07-29T20:27:00.000+12:00

Evening. I was going to post my entries for the Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge and The Sweet stop sketch challenge, but I have had a camera malfunction, the batteries have died and I can't download my photos without batteries so will post them tomorrow. This is a little card I made a couple of weeks ago and hadn't go round to posting. I have used the gorgeous image from MFT pure innocence A little birdie told me.

Supplies: Stamps: MFT stamps pure innocence a little birdie told me, card: bazzill, su, su designer paper, ink: memento tuxedo black ink, accessories: opic markers, cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder, su ribbon, su punch, paper piercing.

Thanks for stopping by.

I need some face time

2011-07-27T21:09:00.000+12:00

Evening. Another wet cold night in Auckland, I am so pleased on am on holiday so we have been chilling out going to the movies and keeping warm. I am slowly building up my supply of cards, I have so many birthdays coming up and my card stock was really low. Here is a card I made using MFT alm I need some face time.

I also decided to decorate the inside of the card, this is what I came up with.

Unfortunately I was organised and had already put a watermark on this card so I couldn't use my new one, oh well I will just have to make some more cards.

Supplies:

stamps: MFT ALM I need some face time, card: stampin up, bazzill basics, echo park pattern paper, ink: menento tuxedo black, accessories: copic markers, prima flowers, stampinup brads.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blog makeover no 2

2011-07-27T21:02:00.000+12:00

I recently madeover my blog for a new start, but over the past few weeks I have decided that it was just not me. So I asked my son to help me come up with a new blog header and side bars for my blog. I told himeI wanted to keep it simple and clean cut and keep to blue and brown. This is the new look he came up with for me, he even designed a new watermark for me. I am really happy with the new look, much more my style, nice and simple. Thanks so much James.

MFTWSC29

2011-07-25T20:35:00.000+12:00

Evening. What miserable weather we are having at the moment. Winter is definitely here. With really cold temperatures and lots of rain. I shouldn't complain though at least we are not snowed in like friends and family in Christchurch. I managed to make time to make a card for Mft Wednesday stamp club. And a chance to christian my new alm stamp from MFT.. I really like these stamps, my 11 year old daughter loves them and wants to make cards for all of her friends. Here is my entry for this weeks challenge.

Supplies:

Stamps: MFT ALM I need some face time, paper: bazzill basics, stampin up old olive, lovely lilac,echo park pattern paper, Ink: memento tuxedo black, stampin up old olive, lovely lilac, accessories: copic markers, dienamics dainty lace border, su ribbon, cuttlebug embossing folder swiss dots, prima flowers, su brads

MFTWSC27

2011-07-11T21:02:00.000+12:00

Evening. MFT has another fabulous challenge this week. I have actually made two cards for this weeks challenge. I had already made my card, but had a package arrive in the mail today. So excited my second delivery of MFT stamps and my first DIENAMICS yeah, so couldn't resist giving them a test run. Here is my first card.

For this card I have used MFT stamps you're so tweet. I was going through my stack of patterned paper and dug out some basic grey paper and peared it with some bazzill basics and stampin' up.

Supplies:

Stamps: MFT you're so tweet, cardstock: bazzill, stampin'up, basic grey, ink: memento tuxedo black, miscellaneous: nestabilities, brads, ribbons, prima flowers, stampin up punch, copic markers

For my second card I used the same colours as I really liked how they came together, but used different stamps and of course my new dienamics.

Supplies: Stamps MFT fairy girl, Cardstock: bazzill, stampin'up, basic grey, ink: memento tuxedo black ink: miscellaneous: copic markers, nestabilies, dienamics, ribbon, brads, handmade crochet flower.

Thanks for stopping by to look.

Penny Black Hedgehogs

2011-07-03T21:26:00.000+12:00

Hi. Another weekend over and two more weeks until school holidays. Yay and two weeks off work. I can't wait. The kids and I are looking forward to sleeping in and chilling out, we have a list of movies we want to see, and friends to catch up with so should be good. Also a good time to spend in the craft room and catch up on some scrapbooking. I was looking at my stamp collection and pulled out a couple of old favourites from penny black. I just love the penny black hedgehogs and thought it was time to use them again. I made two cards using the same design and papers, I am into square cards at the moment, and also flowers.

I have stamped this image using memento tuxedo black, and coloured with tombow markers, I have used coluzzle circle cutters, and have layered onto patterned papers, have added flowers from and stampin up and used diamantes and pearls. The next card is very similar, I have used different penny black stamp and brads and prima flowers mixed with stampin up.

Supplies: Stamps: Penny black, Card: stampin'up, bazzill basics, pattern paper, ink:memento tuxedo black, accessories: tombow markers, coluzzle circle cutters, brads, pearls, prima flowers, stampinup flowers, pearls,diamantes.

Thanks for stopping by to have a look.

Hot Chocolate Time

2011-07-01T20:44:00.000+12:00

Evening. Thought I would take a break from my current obsession with MFT stamps and post something else tonight. Hot chocolates, I have certainly been having my fair share at the moment with the cold weather so thought perfect time to post this card using the like it a latte set from Stampin Up.

I have stamped the image in close to coca and really red.

I have then layered with chocolate chip and used inverted corner punch and brads. I have stamped coffee beans in cocoa on cocoa card. Regal rose has been embossed with cuttlebug devine swirl. Card is chocolate chip and chocolate ribbon.

Supplies:

Stamps: Like it a latte - Stampin'Up, Cardstock: stampin'Up chocolate chip, close to cocoa, regal rose, whisper white, ink: close to cocoa, extras: brads, ribbon, cuttlebug devine swirl embossing folder

Thanks for stopping by.

MFTWS126 - Birthday Princess

2011-06-29T21:12:00.000+12:00

Its Wednesday night and MFT stamps have another fabulous sketch. Thought I would give this ago, even though I don't have any dienamics right now, here is my card for the sketch.

The photo is not that clear sorry, I really need to work on my photos. I have used the birthday princess set from MFT pure innocence range, I really love these sets can't wait to add to my collection, I need to be patient and wait for the post to get to NZ. I have used one of my favourite colour combos pink and chocolate brown.

Supplies:

stamps: mft

ink: memento tuxedo black

cardstock: stampin up

other: brads, ribbon, cuttlebug embossing folder, nestabilties, prima flowers

Thanks for stopping by.

The Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge SSS114

2011-06-28T20:30:00.000+12:00

Another Sketch challenge to enter yeah. I really enjoy doing sketch challenges they really take the guess work out of making cards. This weeks challenge is a really nice one. Here is the sketch

Here is my entry for the challenge.

I was really happy with how this card turned out, I really like soft pastel colours and I enjoy mixing different pattern papers. I have used the lovely image from MFT Stamps, they are lovely images and I only have two two sets which of course is not enough, I have a wishlist and I am hoping to add to it soon.

Supplies:

Stamps: MFT pure innocence - your're so tweet

Cardstock: stampin up, bazzill basics, basic grey

Ink: memento tuxedo black

other: brads, copic markers, prima flowers.

Thanks for stopping by to have a look.

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge No 123

2011-06-28T20:14:00.000+12:00

Hi. Its been another wet cold day here in Auckland, and another opportunity to get into the craft room. I thought this sketch was the perfect opportunity to test out another of the MFT stamps I recently purchased Here is the sketch.

And this is my take on the sketch.

I have used Who's that girl you take the take from MFt stamps and copic markers to colour, still betting used to the markers, and I wish I had more colours but I am slowly growing a collection.

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT who's that girl you take the cake
Cardstock: stampin'up, basic grey pattern paper
Ink: memento tuxedo black
miscellaneous: stampin'up punch, copic markers, diamantes.

Hope you like my take on this sketch. Thanks for stopping by.

Flowery Birthday

2011-06-19T20:21:00.000+12:00

Hi again, I thought I would share another birthday card I made recently using the Stampin' Up set bloomin with beauty, this is such a lovely set and I really enjoy watercolouring with these images, I also dug out my floral background stamp, love this stamp I should use it more often.

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampin' Up Bloomin with Beauty
Cardstock: Stampin'Up watercolour paper, artichoke, bordering blue, navy
Punches, ribbon

Thanks for stopping by.

Anne-Marie

Mojo Monday 195

2011-06-19T20:07:00.000+12:00

Hi. Another weekend over and just enough time to get my entry in for the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. What a lovely sketch this week, another chance to use my nestabilities and my mft stamps. For this card I have used MFT pure innocence birthday princess coloured with copic markers, (love these markers) I need more I only have 8 so building my collection slowly. I have used the nestabilities petite scallped circles large and standard circles large. Hope you like my entry.

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT pure innocence - birthday princess
Ink pad: memento tuxedo black
cardstock: stampin up whisper white, river rock, bazzill basics pink, pattern paper kaisercraft
nestabilities, copic markers E50,E51, R20, E47, E49, RV21, RV13, stampin'up scallop border punch, stampin'up brads, prima flowers, pearls.

Thanks for stopping by.

Anne-Marie

Blog Makeover

2011-06-18T21:56:00.000+12:00

Hi. What a miserable day it has been, we have had such heavy rain, good day to be inside and play on the computer. I think I have finally finished makingover my blog, since I hadn't used my blog for 2 years it was in serious need of an overhaul. I have totally changed the header, background and colour scheme, nice and flowery now. I can't believe all the new gadgets that are available now and blogging has got easier, although I still have trouble lining things up and I don't think I will ever understand html, thank goodness for my son who is always happy to help me. Now that I am happy with the look of my blog, I can concentrate on posting some of my new cards I have made. Tell me what you think of my blog makeover.

Anne-Marie

Monday Lunchtime sketch challenge No 178

2011-06-17T21:53:00.000+12:00

Hi. This is my first sketch challenge in quite some time and I nice one for me as I haven't stamped in a while either, als a chance to try out some of the new bits and pieces I havebrouhgt recently. I got a parcel from MFT last week and have been dying to try out my new stamps. I have also been learning how to crochet and thought I would use one of the flowers I have been making. I also just got my first set of nestabilities so had to give them a go as well. Hope you like.

Supplies:

Stamps: MFT pure innocence- you're so tweet

Cardstock: stampin up: white, pink passion, on ly orange, pumpkin pie

miscellaneous: copic markers, E50,E51, R20, E49,E47, B23, memento ink-tuxedo black, nestabilities standard circle, petite scallop circle, ribbon, stampin up punch, brads

Thanks for stopping by.

Anne-Marie

Lovely Bouquet

2011-06-14T20:22:00.000+12:00

Hi. Its a quiet night at home for me so I thought I would so you a card I recently made for a friend at work. I have used one of my favourite Stampin Up Images from the bloomin with beauty set. I have stamped it in basic black and then coloured it using stampin up ink and markers and have put a little bit of glitter on the flowers. I have then mounted the image on black card and used various pattern papers. I made a pact with myself to use up my huge stage of pattern paper before I go and buy more, very difficult with all the new papers out there. I have stamped the birthday wishes stamp from hero arts on pattern paper and punched out

Stamps: stampin'up and hero arts, cardstock: stampin'up, various patterned paper, punches, markers, brads, flowers

Anne-Marie

Download Diva

2011-06-12T21:35:00.000+12:00

I couldn't resist trying out this new stamp from Whimsey Stamps, so cute, and perfect for my 16 year old niece. While on my wee spending spree I also brought some 8 copic marker, I have been reading about them for a while now and the ciao markers are available at my local scrapbooking store so couldn't resist trying them, I obviously need some practice, but I thought it turned out quite well for a first time. Hope you like it.

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Whimsey Stamps: download diva
Papers: stampin up, various pattern paper
Ink: versa fine black
punches: stampin up
copic markers: skin e50, e51, hair e49,e47, clothing rv13,rv21, b32, b23

Thanks for visiting.

I'm Back

2011-06-12T21:12:00.000+12:00

Well I can't believe it has been 2 years since I last blogged. A lot has happened in that time. Have renovated and painted the house, lost my craft area and have regained craft area, the kids have grown a lot, now have a teenage son at college and a daughter at intermediate, much busier running around to afterschool activities,have had family dramas to deal with and have not done a lot of stamping. Thought it was time to go back to something I have always enjoyed. Stamping and blogging. Lots of new products to try, have brought a cuttlebug and am waiting for some spellbinder dies to arrive and of course had to go on a wee shopping spree for some new stamps to help with the creative juices. Two package arrived this morning with stamps from Whimsey Stamps and MFT stamps so can't wait to show you my creations. In fact I couldn't wait and had to try out the Whimsey stamps so will show this now.

Anne-Marie

Its been a while

2009-07-20T14:20:00.009+12:00

Hi all. Its been quite a while since I have posted on my blog, almost 4 months. I have also had some changes. I made the very difficult decision not to carry on with my Stampin' Up! business. I loved being a demonstrator and introducing new people into the wonderful world of stamping, but work and family committments meant that I was not able to give Stampin' Up! the time that it needs. I will continue to blog as I love to show others the work that I do and to participate in the occassional challenge.

Here are a few cards I made a couple of month ago and have only got around to posting now.

This is a card I made for my Jacque who was my upline. Jacque is such an amazing talented person. She works very hard in her stampin up business and she won demonstrator of the year in April which was soo well deserved.

Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy
Card/Ink: Pink Pirouette, pretty in pink, close to cocoa, whisper white, chocolate chip
accessories: pewter brads, pink ribbon

Stamp Set: trendy trees
Card/Ink: whisper white, baja breeze, pink pirouette, chocolate chip, kiwi kiss
accessories: certainly celery

This is one of my favorite sets from the new catalogue. You do need to use a stamp positioner if you want to align the pictures though. Thanks for stopping by and having a look.

New 2009 -10 Idea Book and Catalogue

2009-04-02T14:04:00.002+13:00

Hi Everyone. The new Stampin' Up! 2009/10 idea book and catalogue is now here. It is jam packed full of new stamp sets and accessories. There are soo many items on my wish list, I am going to have to sell off some of my retired sets to make room for the new ones. Email me to get your own copy or you can click here to download a copy.

A fond farewell to some retiring sets

2009-03-31T20:30:00.012+13:00

Hi everyone. I can't believe the wait is finally over. Tomorrow 1st April brings us a new Stampin' Up! year and a new catalogue. Although I am very said that some of my favourite sets are retiring, my wish list from the new catalogue is continuing to grow. I am really looking forward to using the new in colours. I know pink pirouette is going to be a favourite.

I have a few cards to share with you this evening, all featuring retiring sets. First up a birthday card I made for my sister inlaw, I actually made the same card for my husband in different colours as I really liked it.

stamp sets: eat cake, circle fo friendship
card/ink: chocolate chip, whisper white, regal rose, barely banana,so saffron, certainly celery
accessories: regal rose ribbon, small oval punch,1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, brad from pretties kit, markers

This next card is actually made for a sketch sunday challenge, but I was too late getting my entry in.

stamp set: summer by the sea
card/ink: close to cocoa, chocolate chip, groovy guava, watercolour paper, soft sky, wild wasabi, designer series paper afternoon tea

The last card uses bud basics and designer series paper.

stamp set: bud basics
card/ink: chocolate chip, rose red, designer series paper close to cocoa, designer series paper rose red, whisper white
accessories: purely pomegranate ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by to have a look. Have a great evening.

Wild about you birthday

2009-03-30T11:00:00.007+13:00

Hi again, just trying to catch up on my blogging. I have a few cards to show. I have several birthdays coming up for nephews and nieces over the next couple of months so trying to get them all done and not leave it to the last minute. I have used one of my favourite children's sets for this card wild about you. It is great for both boys and girls. I hope Josh likes it.

stamp set: wild about you
card/ink: chocolate chip, ballet blue, whisper white, pumpkin pie, old olive
accessories: 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch

Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great day.

Mojo Monday week 79

2009-03-30T10:43:00.005+13:00

Hi Ladies, I made this card for this weeks challenge last week but haven't had a chance to do any blogging over the last couple of weeks. I have the morning at home as my son is not well so took the opportunity to enter the challenge.

Stamp set: birthday best (retiring)
card/ink: blue bayou(retiring), whisper white, basic black, old olive, pumpkin pie, spring break designer series paper (retiring)
accessories: scallop edge punch, twill tape

Thanks for stopping by to have a look.

Kristina Werners Colour Challenge No 44

2009-03-07T20:40:00.011+13:00

Hi All. Gosh I almost didn't check Kristina's colour challenge or the mojo monday challenge as I didn't think I would get a chance to make a card for either of them. I am soo pleased I did. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love pink, and I love chocolate chip, the two together is one of my favourite combinations so, of course I had to make a card for the challenge. Due to time I have made one card for the two challenges. I thought this was also a good opportunity to use a retiring set or two to give them a fond farewell. Hope you like it.

I really love the mojo monday sketches, and this weeks one ties in beautifully with Kirstinas colour challenge. I have stamped the image from summer by the sea on watercolour paper using black stazon. I have then coloured using the aqua painter.

stamp sets: summer by the sea, sweet shapes ( both retiring)
card/ink: chocolate chip, close to cocoa, pretty in pink, watercolor paper
berry bliss designer series paper(retiring)
accessories: matt pack, pretty in pink ribbon

Thanks for stopping by. Leave me a comment, I love to read them. If you like this card and would like to learn how to make it or order any of the products I have used email or phone me. Remember that the stamps sets I have used are both retiring at the end of March.

Embrace your Life

2009-03-06T20:44:00.007+13:00

I made these cards for a team training we did in February and wanted to show you how you can really change the look of a card just by adding some different elements.

I took a basic card, the image is stamped using markers directly onto the stamp, and added different elements to change the card.

On this first version of the card, I have stamped the image and used a few layers.

On this card I have stamped the always artichoke layer with the swirly jumbo wheel and used the scallop edge punch.

On this last version, I have added another layer behind the always artichoke of rose red, added some white ribbon, some glitter and brads. I was pleased with how the card ended up.

stamp set: embrace life
card/ink: rose red, always artichoke, whisper white, wild wasabi
accessories: markers, brads, ribbon, scallop edge punch, signo white gel pen

Thanks for stopping by.

Stampin' Up Retirement List

2009-03-06T20:23:00.002+13:00

Hi Everybody. I am so sorry about not posting this earlier. I have been away, we needed to go to a funeral so I have been trying to play catchup this week.

It's now March. I can't believe how fast this year is going. Its an exciting month for Stampin'Up! The last month to purchase from our current catalogue. It also the time when Stampin' Up! announces all of the products they are retiring. This years list is the largest we have had and although I am really sad to see some set retiring, it means that we are making way for some great new products. The list of retiring products was announced on 1st March and already quite a few items are sold out, so if you have been thinking about purchasing a stamp set that is retiring you need to act quickly so you do not miss out. Click here to view the the list in alphabetical order and click here to view the list by catalogue page number.

Among the stamp sets retiring are some of my favourites bodacious bouquet, paisly background, floral background, I will be very sad to see them go.

Below is a list of items that have already sold out or are low in quality
1st March:
107565 Flip Flops Standard wheel GONE
107212 Mateys Map Jumbo Wheel GONE
109020 Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
109015 Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
109016 River Rock Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
109017 Purely Pomegranate Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
109019 Groovy Guava Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
100381 Earth Elements Eyelets GONE
100378 Soft Subtle Eyelets GONE
105320 Basic Eyelets GONE
108748 Best Friend Numbers GONE

2nd March:
103195 Gifts Galore Standard wheel GONE
107561 Garden Annuals Standard Wheel GONE
109610 Confetti Simply Scrappin' GONE
104279 Leaf Prints Standard Wheel GONE

3rd March:
110255 Bundle of Joy GONE
112402 Short Order Numbers GONE
109018 Blue Bayou Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
108740 Bareback Low Quantity
108746 Best Friends Alphabet Lower Low Quantity

4th March:
111852 River Rock A4 card stock GONE
108720 Ahoy, Matey GONE
105316 Rich Regal Eyelets Low Quantity
101259 Black Hemp Twine Low Quantity
106662 Dasey Field Wheel Low Quantity
108638 In Color 12"x 12" card stock Low Quantity
109186 Theater Ribbon Originals Low Quantity
105445 Soft Subtle buttons Low Quantity
111850 Wild Wasabi A4 card stock Low Quantity
106610 Basics Outline Jumbo Wheel Low Quantity
103981 Earth Elements & Neutrals buttons Low Quantity
100900 Gift sacks Low Quantity
108763 By Land Low Quantity
104065 Fishy wheel Low Quantity
112253 Dad's Day Low Quantity
108849 It's Your Birthday Low Quantity
105531 Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware Low Quantity
112391 Everything Baby Low Quantity
112310 Fabulous Flowers Low Quantity
107464 Rough Texture Jumbo Wheel Low Quantity
107465 Speckled Jumbo Wheel Low Quantity
107467 Birthday Jumbo Wheel Low Quantity
108923 Stipple Rose Low Quantity
112272 Classic Backgrounds Low Quantity
108929 Symbols of Solicitude Low Quantity
112316 Forever in My Heart Low Quantity
105446 Rich Regal Buttons Low Quantity

5th March:
108747 Best Friends Alphabet Upper GONE
111851 Soft Sky A4 card stock GONE
112229 ABC Images Low Quantity
108857 Linen Low Quantity
108998 Beautiful Life Low Quantity
110248 Polka Dots & Petals Low Quantity
108765 Cheery Chat Low Quantity

As you can see the retiring items are going really quickly. Email me to make your order so you do not miss out.

Happy Sunday

2009-02-22T20:53:00.009+13:00

Hi everyone. Hope you have had a nice weekend. Its been a busy week and I haven't had a lot of time to blog. I also missed a couple of challenge I wanted to enter but I thought I would share the cards I made. The challenge was a colour challenge using rose red, regal rose and certainly celery, some of my favourite colours.For the first card I used one of the sets from our summer mini cataglogue, embrace life which is beautiful.

stamp sets: embrace life, so swirly jumbo wheel
card/ink: whisper white, regal rose, rose red, certainly celery, designer series paper rose red
accessories: word window punch.

I saw a the cute little handbag cards while I was blog surfing and just had to try one. I have a couple of friends who collect handbags and thought Perfect for a birthday card. Aren't they cute.

stamp set: short and sweet
card/ink: rose red, certainly celery, regal rose, whisper white
accessories: large oval punch, small oval punch, scallop edge punch, round tab punch
pretties kit, brads.

If you want to ask any questions about this card or place an order so you can make your own, click here to e-mail me. Remember you only have one more week to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration.

Thanks for visiting.

Anne-Marie

Kristina Werners Color Challenge no 42

2009-02-20T21:03:00.006+13:00

Hi Everybody. Hope you are having a good week. I didn't think I was going to make this weeks challenge, but I managed to get some time in the craft room tonight to make a card. I have never used a lot of the earth element colours so this was a very good challenge for me. I thought I would get out a couple of sets I haven't used in a while.

stamp sets; scribble, eastern blooms, garden whimsey
card/ink: old olive, whisper white, real rust, more mustard
accessories: olive ribbon, scallop edge punch, signo white gel pen

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Mojo Monday no 74

2009-02-17T21:18:00.006+13:00

Hi Everyone. Hope you are having a nice week. We are now back to our normal school routine at our house with afterschool activities keeping us busy and arguing about homework. Last week seemed to go by so quickly, I didn't get a chance to post. I have been busy making cards though, so thought I would start with the latest mojo monday sketch challenge. I have a lot of birthdays coming up for nieces and nephews so thought I would make a birthday card for this challenge. Sorry about the poor photo, the lighting wasn't great.

Stamp set: wild about you, circle of friendship
card/ink: chocolate chip, soft sky, wild wasabi, groovy guava, whisper white, designer series paper afternoon tea(summer mini catalogue)
acccessories: chocolate chip, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8"circle punch

Thanks for stopping by to have a look. Leave me a comment

Australian Bushfire Appeal

2009-02-15T21:22:00.002+13:00

We have all been affected by the graphic images that we have seen recently by the devastation caused by the Australian bush fires. Stampin’ Up! Are supporting the victims of the bush fires by donating to the Red Cross.

Purchase one of the following stamp sets between the 12th February and 31st March and Stampin’ Up! will donate 50% of the retail value to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal. It is a great chance to get a new set and support a wonderful cause.

Here are the sets:

- Looks Like Spring* (page 76) $68.95
- The Snowflake Spot* (page 27) $46.95
- Bodacious Bouquet* (page 80) $ 68.95
- Polka Dots & Paisley* (page 46) $42.95
- G'day Mate* (page 115) $42.95
- Be Happy* (page 51) $46.95
- Priceless (page 105) $57.95
- Seeing Spots (page 89) $35.95
- Baroque Motifs (page 98) $46.95
- Live Your Dream (page 3 - Summer Mini) $66.95

Note: The sets with an asterisk beside them will be on the upcoming list of retiring products, so will only be available while stocks last.

Email me at stampinggalore@gmail.com or phone me on 09 479-8759 or 027 2776742 to place your order. Order before the end of February and may earn yourself a free Sale-A-Bration set with every $120-00 spent.

Birthday Wishes

2009-02-08T19:50:00.008+13:00

Hi Everyone. Hope you have had a nice weekend. The weather has been fabulous here in Auckland. We have spent most of the weekend at the beach. James has his first full week at intermediate this week,so that will be interesting for him. Today I wanted to share the birthday card I made for my DH. I was really happy with how the card turned out and Richard really liked it. The eat cake stamp set is so great for masculine cards, its one I use a lot.

stamp set: canvas background, eat cake, circle of friendship
card/ink: blue bayou, wild wasabi, chocolate chip, soft sky, whisper white
accessories: chocolate chip ribbon, small oval punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, scallop circle punch, brads, cuttlebug folder

If you'd like to know anything more about this card or order anything I've used here, email or phone me. Remember that Sale-A-bration is still going until the end of February so when you order $120 worth of product you'll earn a free Sale-A-bration stamp set!

Thanks for stopping by.

Butterfly Award

2009-02-06T21:10:00.005+13:00

My dear friend Karen gave me this award the other day. Sorry for the delay in posting it Karen.

So the rules for this award:
1) Post the award(s) logo on your blog
2) Add the link to the person who nominated you
3) Nominate 6-10 other blogs & post their links
4) Let those people know that they have received the award

Now for something completely different:
A different challenge - to post the 6th photo found in your 6th folder in "My Pictures" and tell the story behind the photo.

Now I wondered what I was going to find when I went into my 6th folder. It was either going to be photo of James and Caitlin at the beach or a picture of our cats Monty and Jazzy. Well the 6th photo ended up being a photo of Monty. I remember my DH taking this photo. Monty had just slipped down from the top of the couch, I think he was finding it too hot, then he just spread out and went back to sleep, the kids thought it was hilarious.

Now I need to challenge 6 others to do this too:

1. Delys
2. Denise
3. Teresa
4. Zoe
5. Dawn
6. Jo

Hope you enjoy the award. I am looking forward to seeing what photo is in your 6th folder.

Kristina Werner Color Challenge no 40

2009-02-06T20:42:00.006+13:00

Hi Ladies. Hope you have had a nice day. It had been a public holiday here and the weather has been fantastic. We spend the morning at the beach boogy boarding and chilling out. This summer has been great. Well it's time for another color challenge from Kristina. This week was definitely a challenge for me of all the Stampin' Up! colour families, earth elements is the one I use the least except for a few colours. This one really got me outside my comfort zone. This is my entry.

Recipe:
stamp sets: polka dot punches, short and sweet
card/ink: old olive, more mustard, so saffron, taken with teal, whisper white, old olive designer series paper
accessories: scallop edge punch, small oval punch, large oval punch, 2 way glue pen, dazzling diamonds, white ribbon

Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great weekend.

Mojo Monday No 72

2009-02-04T21:10:00.006+13:00

Hi ladies. Hope you are having a good day. It has been another hot day today, but I shouldn't complain because before I know it the summer will be over and I will be moaning about the cold. I thought I better get cracking and make my entry for this weeks challenge over at Mojo Monday. I am really enjoying this challenge. This week I have chosen colours I don't usually use trying to get outside my comfort zone a bit. Hope you like it.

Recipe:
stamp sets: botanical blooms, circle of friendship
card/ink: baja breeze designer series paper, taken with teal, only orange, whisper white
accessories: scallop edge punch, scallop circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, teal ribbon.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Leave me a comment.

Scallop Hello

2009-02-03T12:13:00.004+13:00

Hi again. I wanted to share a card I made the other day using the say it with scallop set and some of the new designer series paper featured in the summer mini catalogue. I am really enjoying using the new paper they are gorgeous and match the stamp sets beautifully. I am on holiday this week as my son James is starting intermediate and does not start school until Thursday. I plan to catch up on the cleaning and get a head start on my craft. There are a couple of sketch challenges I want to enter this week and it will be nice to do some card making during the day instead of staying up till all hours LOL ....

Recipe:
stamp set: say it with scallops
card/ink: soft sky, chocolate chip, whisper white, designer series paper afternoon tea
accessories: chocolate chip ribbon, scallop square punch, pearls from pretties kit, dazzling diamonds

Thanks for stopping by to have a look. Have a great day.

Happy Tuesday

2009-02-03T11:48:00.004+13:00

Hi Ladies. Hope you are having a lovely day. Sorry I didn't post that week. I was getting ready for our first team event of the year which was on Saturday afternoon. We had around 80 guests and did 5 projects. It was a great afternoon. Yvonne and I teamed up and made a peek a boo card, using a masculine theme. I really enjoyed showing this as it is such a versatile card to make for any occasion. This is the card we made.

Recipe:
stamp sets: say it with Scallops, dotted wheel
card/ink: blue bayou, wild wasabi, soft sky, whisper white
accessories: scallop circle punch, scallop square punch, scallop edge punch, brads

This is the inside of the card. The chocolates are yummy and the foil matched the card beautifully.

Isn't this the perfect little gift. I am going to make one for my dh for valentines day. Also we sized the project so you can make 3 peek a boo cards from 1 sheet of a4 card stock, so this is a very economical project. Thanks for stopping by.

Mojo Monday 71

2009-01-27T20:42:00.008+13:00

Hi Ladies. Hope you have had a good day. I discovered the Mojo Monday blog a while ago and have enjoyed looking at the cool sketches that have put up every week but I have never gotten around to putting an entry into the challenge. Well today I finally got my act together and made a card to enter into the challenge. What I love the most about this challenge is that they layout is there for you, you just need to add the stamp and choose your colours. Sketches are great when your lacking creativity. Here is my entry for the challenge.

Recipe:
stamp set: embrace life
card/ink: watercolor paper, river rock, groovy guave, cameo coral, ruby red, designer series paper ginger blossom
accessories: white ribbon, black brads

What do you think?.Leave me a comment. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Hug Award

2009-01-25T21:50:00.003+13:00

Hi again, My lovely sbs23 sister Teresa had given me the hug award. To quote Dawn " it is a great way to give someone a hug that you've never met but who means something special to you now pass it on to 10 others...." Teresa visits my blog on a regular basis and always makes the loveliest comments which are really appreciated. Teresa has just started another blog for her art and she also organises the sbs23 challenges which I am looking forward to participating in.

The ladies I wanted to award are:

1. Karen Rogers Karen always comments on my posts. Luckily Karen is someone I can actually give a hug to as we are part of the same team, Karen is our IT expert and is always willing to lend a hand. Thanks Karen

2. Racheal Knight Like Karen Rachael, always makes lovely comments on my blog. Rachael is an inspiration to me, she works full time, has a family and runs a sucessful stamping business, I don't know how she does it ( I don't think she sleeps)

3. Amy Fleming Thanks Amy for the lovely comments you have made. I really appreciate it.

4. Zoe Zoe is one of my sbs23 sisters. Thanks Zoe for your lovely comments

Keep watching as I add to the list.

Twisty Treat

2009-01-25T21:13:00.008+13:00

Hi Ladies. Happy Sunday. It has been another hot sunny day here in Auckland, a great day to spend at the beach. My DH took James and Caitlin down for a swim so I could finish off my prepping for our team event. It's amazing how much you can get done with no interruptions. I now have all my cutting done. Yah!!!. I also had a little time to do a little bit of creating. I had a play with a couple of the sale-a-bration sets. I wanted to make my DH something for valentines day. He loves chocolate, so I thought the twisty treat bag would be perfect for him.

I have used a full sheet of 12x12 designer series paper but you can size this to waterever size you like. My DH is going to be spoilt as this will fit quite a lot of chocolate.

Recipe:
stamp sets: yummy, polka dot punches (both from sale-a-bration)
card/ink: designer series paper old olive, whisper white, note quite navy, old olive
accessories: old olive ribbon, hemp twine, scallop circle punch, word window punch

This card may look familiar to those of you who have looked at the sale-a-bration catalogue, I loved the coloured that had been used for the sample card. This is my take on it.

I really enjoyed using this set, it has been awhile since I did any 2 step stamping.

Recipe:
stamp set: botanical blooms, floral background
card/ink: blush blossom, ruby red, old olive, whisper white
accessories: white ribbon, scallop edge punch, sponges

Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Memo Cube Box

2009-01-24T20:47:00.004+13:00

Hi Ladies, hope you are enjoying your weekend. It has certainly been a hot day here in Auckland, we have spent the day trying to keep cool at the beach and in the pool. Thought I would just do a quick post tonight and show you a couple of little projects I have made over the last couple of night. I am busy prepping for a teams first event of the year, our extravaganza. This first project is a memo cube I have made that will be part of the door prize we have at the event.

Recipe:
stamp set: live your dream, carte postale
card/ink: certainly celery, pale plum, perfect plum, designer series paper
accessories: hodgepodge hardware, celery ribbon

This second project is a card I made while having a play using some of my new goodies from the summer mini catalogue.

Recipe:
stamp set: say it with scallops
car/ink: chocolate chip, groovy guava, designer series paper
accessories: square scallop punch, scallop edge punch.

Thanks for stopping by to have a look. Enjoy your weekend.

Kristina's Werners color challenge no 39

2009-01-22T21:25:00.005+13:00

Hi Ladies, I can't believe another week has gone by. Long weekend this weekend yah. I have been spoilt this week with not 1 but 2 deliveries from Stampin' Up!, so what great timing to be able to do Kristina's challenge using one of my new sets. But what one that was the problem. I chose eastern blooms from the summer mini catalogue and of course I had to try out my scallop edge punch. I'm sure you are going to see a lot of that on my card in the future. So here is my entry for the challenge.

Recipe:
stamp set: eastern blooms
card/ink: basic black, real red, so saffron, whisper white, green galore
accessories: scallop edge punch, brad from pretties kit

Thanks so much for stopping by to have a look, I love to hear your comments.

Kristina's color challenge No 38

2009-01-15T21:02:00.006+13:00

Hi Ladies. Its that time again. Kristina Werner's color challenge.This weeks colours are ruby red, pumpkin pie, pretty in pink, whisper white I really enjoy these colour challenges. I have to say I found this colour combination difficult, but that's what these challenges are all about. Going outside your comfort zone. The most frustrating thing for me this week is that I know I have new stamp sets and punches on the way and kept thinking what I could have done if I had them. I can't wait to get the scallop edge punch. Here is my challenge entry.

Recipe:
stamp set: eat cake
card/ink: ruby red, pumpkin pie, pretty pink, whisper white
accessories: pumpkin pie ribbon

Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think.

Getting Ready for Valentines Day

2009-01-14T21:28:00.004+13:00

Hi Again. 2 posts in one night. I'm doing well. I thought I would get a headstart on valentines cards. It will be February before we know it. I am enjoying the school holidays as there are no afternoon activities to take James and Caitlin to, so I can do a bit of stamping in the afternoons. Here are a couple of valentines cards I made. I haven't used pink in a while, so valentines is a great excuse.

Recipe:
stamp set: priceless
card/ink: regal rose, rose red, pretty in pink, whisper white
accessories: regal rose ribbon, corner rounder punch

Recipe:
stamp set: A little bit of happiness (hostess set level one)
card/ink: pretty in pink, rose red, regal rose
accessories: pretty in pink ribbon

As you can see I am still using my corner rounder to do my scallop edge. I have just ordered a scallop edge punch, so I can't wait to start using it.

Now the only question is. Do I give one these to my husband? LOL. I Don't think so. I better come up with another option. My daughter Caitlin will love it though.
Hope you have a nice evening. Thanks for dropping by.

Marie Antoinette Award

2009-01-14T21:01:00.003+13:00

Hi Guys. Guess What. Teresa from my sbs23 group gave me another award. The Marie Antoinette Award, which is soo lovely of her. I do really appreciate it as I have really neglected my duties as a sbs sister over the last few months and it is really nice that my sbs23 sisters are still coming to visit me. I can now go and visit my sister because I have broadband yeh, yeh,yeh. I just don't know how I survived without it.

What I have to do with this award is:

1. Link to the person who gave you the award (Teresa)
2. Nominate 7 more persons
3. Link the nominees and let them know about this award
4. Post the award on my own blog

Here are my 7 blog nominations.
1. Karen
2. Rachael
3. Jacque
4. Anne

5. Roxy
6. Diane
7. Delys

Swap Time Summer Mini Catalogue

2009-01-11T20:58:00.012+13:00

Hi all. Hope you have had a nice weekend. I went to my monthly meeting with our group. This month we did our swap from the summer mini and sale-a-bration catalogues. I always look forward to the swaps as we all have different styles and I always come home with great cards.

This is my swap. I was really unorganised this month as we had family staying. I had to come up with a quick card on friday night.

Recipe:
Stamp Set: Live your dream
card/ink: wild wasabi, chocolate chip, whisper white, groovy guava
accessories: only orange, yoyo yellow and green galore markers, small oval punch and large oval punch.

These are the swap cards that I received from our very talented team aren't they great.

This card is from Debbie Lamb.
Stamp Set: Time for you. I haven't got this set yet but it is on my list.
Card/ink: whisper white, wild wasabi.

This card is from Hannah Ryan. Check out her blog http://www.happystamping.co.nz/
stamp set: Ocean commotion, sandy shells standard wheels
card/ink: very vanilla, whisper white, more mustard, ballet blue, creamy caramel.

This card is from Tee-Jay Horrell
Stamp set: Yummy from sale-a-bration
card/ink: blue bayou, wild wasabi, groovy guava, purely pomegranate.

This card is from Heather Stewart.
stamp sets: say it with scallops, all scallops, in the stars
card/ink: chocolate chip, blue bayou, designer series paper afternoon tea, groovy guava, whosper white.
accessories: scallop punch, scallop edge punch, word window punch, star punch.

This card is from Sue Moreton
stamp set: live your dream
card/ink: purely pomegranate, pretty in pink, whisper white, designer series paper bali breeze.
accessories: scallop edge punch, horizontal slot punch, purely pomegranate ribbon.

This card is by Karen Rogers. Check out Karen's blog http://karenstampz.blogspot.com/
stamp set: say it with scallops, polka dot background
card/ink: wild wasabi, real red, pumpkin pie, whisper white.
accessories: 1 3/8 circle punch, scallop circle punch, scallop edge punch, small star punch.

This card is from Jacque Pederson. Jacque is my upline and is such a talented lady. Check out her blog at http://www.stamphappy.co.nz/
stamp set: a happy heart
card/ink: real red, bashful blue, caramel designer paper.

This card is from Denis Ibbett
stamp set: live your dream
card/ink: soft sky, blue bayou, whisper white, choclate chip, designer series paper afternoon tea.
accessories: chocolate chip taffeta ribbon, word window punch.

This last card is from Racheal Knight. Check out Rachael's blog http://knightstamper.blogspot.com
stamp set: yummy from sale-a-bration
card/ink: rose red, old olive, pretty in pink:
accessories: pretty in pink ribbon.

Thank's for stopping by today, I hop you enjoyed seeing my swaps.

Kristina's color challenge no 37

2009-01-08T21:05:00.006+13:00

Hi all. Hope you are all enjoying the holidays. I popped onto Kristina's blog today and saw that she had her challenge up. Normally I check too late. Great timing for me. What a great color combination, baja breeze, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip, old olive and whisper white. As we do not have baja breeze here in New Zealand yet I have used tempting turquoise. I made a couple of cards for the challenge.

I think this colour combination is great for children's cards so I thought I would take the opportunity to get a head start on some cards for my nephews. This was a nice a quick card to make. I stamped the lion from wild about you onto whisper white card stock using old olive, tempting turquoise and pumpkin pie ink. I then layers each with the same coloured card then onto a layer of chocolate chip onto the tempting turquoise card.

Recipe:
stamp set: wild about you
card/ink: whisper white, tempting turquoise, pumpkin pie, old olive, chocolate chip

For the second card I used an old favourite bodacious bouquet. This is such a versatile set.
First I stamped two of the flowers from bodacious bouquet onto whisper white card using tempting turquoise and pumpkin pie. Then on another piece of white card I stamped leaves in each corner using old olive. The flowers have been attached then I have layered onto pumpkin pie, tempting turquoise chocolate chip, and old olive. I have stamped a flower from simply said using whisper white ink onto chocolate chip card. Then layered onto old olive. I have used old olive ribbon.

Recipe:

stamp sets: bodacious bouquet, simply said

card/ink: whisper white, tempting turquoise, pumpkin pie, old olive, chocolate chip

accessories: old olive ribbon, pearl from pretties kit.

Thanks for stopping by to have a look

Stamping Christmas boxes

2009-01-07T21:03:00.006+13:00

Second post of the night. I am on a roll. I wanted to show you some of the other gift boxes I made for christmas. The first on is the box in a bag. I must have been one of the last people to try these. Once I started I could stop. They are soo easy and look really cool. The receipents of the boxes really loved them.

Recipe:

card/ink: real red, designer series paper dashing,whisper white
stamp set: present wheel ( sorry I can't remember the name)
accessories: 1 1/4 " circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, tab punch, ribbon

I saw these santa style bag in a box on splitcoast stampers, and couldn't resist making one. My daughter Caitlin just loved them.

Recipe:
card: real red, old olive, basic black
accessories: slit punch, tab punch, ribbon

The next is a box we made at our last meeting for the year, using acetate. It is a lovely box perfect for choccies, soap etc.

Recipe:
stamp set: season of joy
card/ink: real red, always artichoke, designer series paper dashing
accessories: 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, ribbon

I am looking forward to making some of these boxes using some of the papers from the summer mini catalogue. Thanks for stopping by.

New Year Stamping Resolution

2009-01-07T20:53:00.002+13:00

Hi Ladies

With the new year already in its second week I thought I would share some of my new craft resolutions. My first resolution for 2009 is to blog more often. I don't think I mentioned on my last post, we have signed up for broad band and last night we were able to use it for the first time. Wow what a difference. I could not believe how fast it was. No 2 is to make weekly comments on my sbs23 sisters blogs. I neglected my duty severely at the end of last year as dial up made my life difficult. I have started off well though, last night I visited everyone's blog to say new year. No 3 to do a scrapbook page at least once a fortnight. I enjoy scrapbooking but don't scrap as often as I would like. No 4. Be more organised. I am a shocking procrastinater at times and leave things to the last minute.

Thats my top 4. I would love to hear of any craft resolutions that you have for the new year. Thanks for stopping by.

Sale-A-Bration

2009-01-06T21:11:00.002+13:00

Its the beginning of a new year and time for Stampin'U Sale-A-Bration.From 1st January to 28 February. Earn free stamps. What a great way to start the year.

Customers - Select any one of the stamp sets in the Sale-A-Bration brochure for free with a purchase of $120.00. There's NO LIMIT - for every $120.00 you spend, you can choose a free Sale-A-Bration set! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to own these exclusive sets!!

Hostesses - When you host a workshop of at least $700.00, you'll receive a free Sale-A-Bration set in addition to the normal hostess benefits. This is the perfect time to host a workshop as your guests will also want to spend to earn a free stamp set making it easier for you to earn all of your hostess benefits.

Recruits - Sign gn up to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration and you can select any stamp set up to a value of $94.95 (does not include Hostess sets) from the 2008-2009 Idea Book & Catalogue for FREE! This is a great time to sign up and take advantage of getting free stamps.

Email me at stampinggalore@gmail.com to organise your workshop or place an order and start enjoying your free Sale-A-Bation stamps.

A Stamping New Year

2009-01-03T17:32:00.005+13:00

Hi Everyone

Doesn't time fly. It is already the 3rd of January. Where does the time go?. I hope you all had a lovely christmas and new year. We had a nice family christmas. My inlaws came and stayed for a few nights which was lovely. We all got spoilt and ate too much.

My children James and Caitlin got roller blades for christmas and have been having lots of fun with them. We live on a quiet culdersac so they have been able skate without worrying about traffic. We made sure they were equiped with wrist, elbow and knee guards as the last thing we wanted over the summer holidays were broken limbs. Guess what happened on New Years Day, James comes in holding his wrist. He had been on his scooter and had hit a crack on the pavement and come off. We did the rest, ice, compress and all was looking okay until last night. 9.00pm James comes out to the living room, crying his wee heart out. He had not been able to get to sleep because of his arm. To keep the story short. DH takes him to the doctor and guess who comes home at midnight with a cast on his arm. He has a suspected broken bone between his wrist and thumb. He will have to wear the cast for 2 weeks then have another xray. Poor Darling.

Not only was I spoilt at christmas with a new watch, cds, sheet sets and chocolates. I also go a new years present, which the whole family will benefit from. We have finally signed up for Broadband. Trying to blog using dial up has been a bone of contention for me for the past year. I am soo looking forward to being able to blog whenever I want to without checking if my dh is on the internet to check out my sbs23 sister's blogs without crashing. I have not been able to leave comments on my sisters blogs for a while due to dial up speed. The best thing is that we are going wireless, so both my dh and I will be able to be on the internet at the same time as that has always been a problem.

I have lots of pictures to show you but will filter them through of the next week or so. today I have a couple of gifts that I made for family to show you.

The first is what I call a gift album. I make these each year for family with photos of James and Caitlin in them. The grandparents love them.

Recipe:
stamp set: season of joy
card/ink: real red, old olive, designer series paper dashing

This is a fun little gift to make. I was hoping to post some more pictures today but due to an extremely slow dial up speed today, I will have to leave it there. Thanks for stopping by.

Christmas boxes and bags

2008-12-02T19:57:00.004+13:00

Hi everyone. How is your first week in December going. I am making an effort to blog on a more regular basis. Thought I would show you a couple of boxes and bags that are ideal to use for chocolates and soaps etc.. The first is a gift bag that was demonstrated at the Brisbane convention by Linda. We made a copy of the bag at my upline Jacque's house. Linda made it look so easy up on stage, it was a little bit fiddly but the result is great.

Recipe:
stamp set: priceless, so swirly jumbo wheel
card/ink: old olive, blue bayou, spring silhouettes designer series paper
accessories: white ribbon, cropodile, silver eyelets

This next little box is similar to the 2,5,7,10 box. I have cased the design from my upline Jacque. The box uses 1 sheet of A4 cardstock.

Rrecipe:
stamp set: petals jumbo wheel
card/ink: real red, white staz on ink (on acetate)
accessories: acetate, white ribbon, cropodile

I would love to see any gift boxes and bags you have made email me your picture and I will post them. I have to cut my post short tonight as my dh is wanting to get on the internet. Thanks for stopping by.

Summer Mini 6x6 Swap

2008-11-30T20:28:00.006+13:00

Our team the creative inkers had our November meeting on Saturday morning. I have been out of touch for a month or so and there were so many new faces, lots of new ideas which was great. The theme for this months swap was to make a 6x6 page using items for the new summer mini catalogue which starts 1 December. So here is a sneak peak. This is my page.

Recipe:
stamp set: live your dream
card/ink: perfect plum, certainly celery, regal rose, whisper white
accessories: brads

Here are pictures of our teams layouts

The summer mini catalogue starts 1 December. Thanks very much for stopping by.

Blue Bayou Anniversary Card

2008-11-30T20:20:00.004+13:00

Hi Everyone. One more day and the December is here. My family is busy getting organised for the Festive season. My dh really loves Christmas. Every year we goes out exploring for new ornaments for the house and new lights. This year we are going to light up our little street. Speaking of my dh we recently celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. I always find it difficult to come up with something new for him. Here is what I came up with.

Recipe:
stamp set: priceless
card/ink: blue bayou, soft sky, wild wasabi, whisper white
accessories: blue bayou ribbon, corner rounder.

Catching Up

2008-11-12T20:45:00.009+13:00

Hi Ladies
I am finally catching up with my blogging again. I am having a quiet week, my husband and son are away at camp, just the girls at home and full acess to the internet. I have moaned lots of times about dial up, and again we have been having trouble getting a good internet connection. I have to apologise to my sbs23 sisters, I haven't visited many of you lately because of this. I think I have finally talked my husband into getting broadband so hopefully this will be remedied soon.

I am currently busy making items for my last craft show of the year. I have a really bad habit of leaving things to the last minute, so of course end up spending the last couple of nights before the show being up really late getting really stressed. Will I ever learn.... probably not.

Here are a few card and a couple of boxes that I made over the last month.

Recipe:
stamp set: priceless
card/ink: always artichoke, purely pomegranate, regal rose, pretty in pink, whisper white

Recipe:
stamp set: priceless
card/ink: ballet blue, regal rose, whisper white
acessories: photo corner punch

Recipe:
stamp set: priceless
card/ink: kraft, always artichoke, bashful blue
accessories: photo corner punch

This is a little chipboard calendar, great for a gift for grandparents,put a photo on the inside.

Recipe:
stamp set: bodacious bouquet
card/ink: designer series paper, plum, lovely lilac, certainly celery
accessories: cropodile, twill tape, black brads

Recipe:
stamp set: like it a latte
card/ink: real red, chocolate chip, very vanilla

Thanks for stopping by for a look.

November Promotions

2008-11-12T20:38:00.002+13:00

Stampin' Up! have not 1 but 2 fantastic promotions running this month.

Stampin Write Markers Promotions
From 10th-30th November you can purchase stampin write markers individually for $5.95each. This is the first time we have had the opportunity to purcahase markers individually, don't miss out, this is a great chance to get your favourite colours.

Rubon Special
From 10th-30th November spend $20.00 on any catalogue merchandise and get 20% off rubons.

Email me to place your order.

I'm Back

2008-10-28T19:11:00.001+13:00

Hi There. I have been a really bad blogger lately. 2 weeks without blogging. I don't really have a great excuse apart from family committments and a killer migraine. Anyway I am back on board. It is neally November, so I thought definitely time for some christmas cards. Every year I buy one or two christmas stamps and make all of my cards using those stamps. This year I have chosen the season of joy set from The Stampin' Up spring mini catalogue. I just love this set, it has everything you need to make great cards. Here are a selection of cards and gift vouchers I have recently made using this set.

Recipe:
stamp sets: season of joy
card/ink: real red, whisper white
accessories: cuttlebug devine swirl embossing folder, sheer ribbon

Recipe:
stamp set: season of joy, so swirly jumbo wheel
card/ink: whisper white, purely pomegranate
accessories: cuttlebug devine swirl embossing folder, sheer ribbon

Recipe:
stamp set: season of joy
card/ink: purely pomegranate, wild wasabi, whisper white, yoyo yellow

Recipe:
stamp set: season of joy
card/ink: purely pomegranate, whisper white, wild wasabi, basic black

Recipe:
stamp set: season of joy
card/ink: purely pomegranate, very vanilla, wild wasabi
accessories: 1"circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8"circle punch, scallop punch

Recipe:
stamp set: season of joy
card/ink: real red, old olive, whisper white, designer series paper summer picnic
accessories: black brads

I hope you have got some ideas for some christmas cards, I will be posting a lot of gift boxes and different christmas ideas over the next few weeks. Thanks for dropping by.

Another Week

2008-10-12T16:50:00.005+13:00

Hi Everyone. I can't believe another week has gone by. Its almost the middle of October. Yikes..... Term four starts tomorrow and the countdown to christmas starts. I haven't been feeling very creative lately. One of my problems is that I am a creature of habit and have my craft routines. I enjoy stamping in the evenings listening to the radio/cd on my own. I am very fortunate to have my own craft room/rumpus/guest room. Normally I get the room all to myself, but when we have guests stay I have to share my craft area. So there has not been a lot of stamping going on for the last few weeks.

Thought I better get my act together and start my christmas cards and organise some christmas classes now that I have my space back. I am expecting an order this week so hopefully new stamp sets will spark my creativity . In the meantime I have been having a little play this afternoon and have come up with the following.

For this card I have used an old favourite bodacious bouquest, this is such a versatile set and can be used for just about any occasion

Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Bodacious bouquet, warm words
Card/Ink: wild wasabi, whisper white, soft sky, purely pomegrante
Accessories: celery ribbon, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8"circle punch

Recipe:
Stamp Sets: baroque motifs, fun & fast notes
card/ink: whisper white, soft sky, wild wasabi, basic black, purely pomegrante, yoyo yellow, creamy caramel
accessories: ribbon, blender pens

Sorry for the blurry picture on this last one, I took several photos, but couldn't get a good image.

Recipe:
Stamp Sets: warm words, gifts galore wheel
card/ink: mellow moss, real red, whisper white, basic black
accessories: ribbon, 1 1/4"circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, blender pens.

Thanks for stopping by.

Having a play

2008-10-05T21:10:00.005+13:00

Hi everybody. Hope you have had a nice weekend. My husband and I got the chance to have a night away as my mother in law is staying at the moment. It is school holidays which is always a difficult time for working parents and she is here to help look after the children. It was lovely to get away and have a night out.

This afternoon I got to have a play in the craft room. At our recent regional training we were given the live your dream stamp set, so I have been quite eager to have a play with it. Here are a couple of cards I made using the set.

Recipe
stamp set: live your dream
card: wild wasabi, whisper white, chocolate chip
Ink: groovy guava, soft sky, wild wasabi
accessories: chocolate chip ribbon

recipe:
stamp set: live your dream
card: regal rose, purely pomegrante, whisper white
ink/markers: always artichoke, rose red, so saffron
accessories: punches

We also learnt some really cool fun techniques at our training, sorry I can't remember the name but it creates a really neat background, using a cellaphane bag, glossy white card stock and stampin markers. All you need to do is scribble on the cellaphane bags with the markers then lie the glossy card stock onto the cellaphane. This is the type of effect you get. Isn't it neat.

The colours I have used are certainly celery, bashful blue and barely banana. I have then stamped over the background with an image from the fun & fast notes set. I will post the completed card in a couple of weeks.

Better get off to bed now, thanks for stopping by.

Canvas

2008-09-30T20:25:00.003+13:00

As you know my husband has recently come back from a trip to the cayman islands. He got to catch up with his brother and sister n law and niece and nephew. Rich took some lovely photos and asked me if I would do a canvas to send back to his brother. Our nephew Joshua started school while Rich was there, this photo was taken before his first day of school.

recipe
stamp sets: live your dream
card/ink: blue bayou, whisper white, spring break
accessories: twill tape, hodgepodge hardware

Gift Certificates

2008-09-30T20:11:00.004+13:00

Hi everyone. I can't believe it is the last day of September. Christmas is fast approaching. While at the mall last weekend I even noticed some stores have started putting out their christmas displays. Very scary. I thought it was a good time to remind you that gift vouchers are always a good option for some stamping goodies. That way you get to choose your stamping goodies. I love to make cute covers for gift vouchers like the ones below. If you want a loved one to get you a voucher get them to email me.

Recipe
stamp sets: wonderful words, seeing spots
card/ink: pretty in pink, so saffron, whisper white, certainly celery
accessories: 1 1/4" cirle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, sheer ribbon

Recipe
stamp sets: gifts galore
card/ink: brilliant blue, whisper white
accessories: sheer ribbon, cuttlebug embosser

Thanks for stopping by.

Tools of the Trade

2008-09-26T21:40:00.002+12:00

As stampers and scrapbooker we use a lot of different tools to help us create our wonderful projects. While blog surfing a while ago I came across this list of top ten tools that Michelle Fischer had compiled from a poll at splitcoast stampers. I thought it would be good to see what you think and whether you agree and what order you would use. Here is the list

1. Paper Trimmer - paper cutter than can cut up to 12x12 paper

2. Paper Snips - Paper snips are small, thin bladed scissors with a sharp pointed tip. They are great for cutting even in the tiniest of areas.

3. Bone Folder - Bone folders are used to score paper and make crisp folds.

4. Paper Piercer - used to pierce holes in your paper to make borders and decorative shapes. It can also be used to poke holes for brads and to help poke ribbon through holes.

5. Ruler - A clear ruler was recommended

6. Mat Pack - This pack has a template to help guide you with perfect paper piercing, also included is a foam mat and a self healing cutting mat.

7. Crop-o-dile - A great tool that punches through chipboard, multiple layers of card, tin also used for setting eyelets.

8. Punches - Used to punch out different shapes. The most popular ones in the poll were circle punches, corner rounders

9. Heat Tool - Used to emboss, heat set pigment ink, use with heat and stick powder

10. Stampin Scrub & Stampin Mist - A scrub and cleaner used to clean and condition your stamps an absolute must.

Other tools that were also mentioned were

Stamp-a-ma-jig - a stamp positioner helps you line up images perfectly everytime

Hobby Blade - Extra sharp knife used for cutting

Stampin Sponges - Great to use around the edge of projects and also for large areas

Edge distresser - This great little tool distresser the edges of your card.

So what do you think of the order. For me the stampin scrub would definitely be higher on the list. I think it is an essential tool, which I use every time I go into my craft room. I also would also put punches higher up on my list.

I would love to hear what your favourite tools are. If you wish to know more about any of these tools, please email me at stampinggalore@gmail.com.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Friday

2008-09-26T21:18:00.006+12:00

Hi Everybody. Thank goodness it's Friday. What a week. Last day of term and a very busy week for both James and Caitlin. James had his year 6 production, with two eveing shows and one matinee. He was exhausted when he got home tonight. They did the musical starblaze. I have to say I was blown away. I couldn't believe a group of 10 and 11 year olds could put together such a professional production. It was great. Both Caitlin and James had their finals in miniball, and boths teams played really well. Jame's team came 3rd and Caitlin's team came in 1st place after a very tough game. Caitlin's team also played the curtain razor for the Breakers basketball team. I was so worried about Caitlin as she gets quite nervous. I was so proud of her she went out and played her wee heart out. You should have heard us proud parent on the side line...LOL

Tonight I wanted to share the we gift book we made at class at my Upline Jacques house. We first saw this little gift book out this years convention in Brisbane. It makes the perfect little gift, you can either stamp in it or put photos in it. The book is made out of 1 sheet of 12x12 pattern paper. We cut this one done to 12x9".

Recipe:
stamp set: Carte Postale
card/ink: Designer series paper le jardin, river rock, so saffron
accessories: 1/4' circle punch, round tab punch, silver hodge podge hardware(from spring mini catalogue, double stitched ribbon soft sky.

I will post the totally finished book in a week or so. Thaks for visiting.

Fathers Day cake

2008-09-19T20:04:00.009+12:00

I just had to show you a picture of the cake my son made for Richard for fathers day. Rich arrived back the day before fathers day. He hadn't had a good time of it. He didn't get on his LA to Auckland flight as his Miami flight was late, so he had to fly LA to Sydney then onto Auckland. He was totally shattered when he got home as well as having a high temperature and a terrible cough. James decided he wanted to make his dad a cake and decorate it as a rugby league field. He had it all planned, what colours and lollies he would use to decorate it. It didn't turn out exactly how Jame's planned it but Richard loved it.

Back blogging at last

2008-09-19T20:04:00.006+12:00

Hi everyone. It feels like forever since I last did a post. Sincere apologies. I have had family staying and it was very difficult to try and get internet time, without feeling like I was being rude. My DH is now back from overseas and has been hogging the computer again and as we are still on dial up we can't be online at the same time. I have missed out on Kristina's last few color challenges. I am determined to enter this weeks.

Anyway a few weeks ago we had a regional training for stampin' Up!. It's always great to get together with friends. Of course we did a swap using a christmas set . I thought I would show you the cards I received.

First up is my swap I left my swaps until the last minute, very unlike me. So it had to be quick and simple. Here is what I came up with.

Recipe:
stamp sets: snow flurries, warm words
card/ink: soft sky, whisper white craft ink, wild wasabi, purely pomegrante
accessories: 3/4" circle punch, corner punch, matt pack, white ribbon

Here are pictures of the swaps I received. Some of them had yummy goodies in them. yum...

Aren't they great. I really enjoyed my night. I learned a few new techniques and we received a lovely new stamp set. I haven't had a play yet. But watch this space. Thanks for stopping by.

Fathers Day

2008-09-02T20:25:00.005+12:00

Hi all. I can't believe it's September. Boy has this year flown by, it will be Christmas before we know it. In fact I am doing a Christmas swap for Monday night so Christmas cards have already been started how scary. Well September also means the start of spring and of course Fathers day, which is this coming Sunday. My DH has very good timing. He arrives home Saturday morning. I can't wait to see him. I have missed him terriby. I have a couple of masculine card to post tonight. Of course I will not be able to use any of these card for DH as he has been checking out my blog while he has been away.

Recipe:
stamp set: loads of love
card/ink: old olive, not quite navy, spring break designer series paper, basic grey, going grey, basic black, watercolour paper, stazon black

Recipe:
stamp set: loads of love
card/ink: old olive, basic black, basic grey, spring break designer series paper, watercolour paper, stazon black, going grey
accessories: slit punch

Recipe:
stamp set: seeing spots
card/ink: night of navy, brilliant blue, gable green, whisper white
accessories: bold bright markers, certainly celery ribbon

Enjoy your evening. Thanks for stopping by.

Free Wheelin September

2008-09-02T20:07:00.003+12:00

Stampin' Up! have a great promotion for the month of September. Purchase any of the following stamps sets and receive the coordinating wheel for free. Save $18.95

* Artfully Asian Bundle (includes Artfully Asian stamp set and Watercolour Vine Jumbo set). Cost: $53.95.

* Bodacious Bouquet Bundle (includes Bodacious Bouquet stamp set and Bodacious jumbo wheel). Cost $68.95.

* Carte Postale Bundle (includes Carte Postale stamp set and Leaves à la Carte jumbo wheel). Cost $57.95.

* Merry, Merry Bundle (includes Merry, Merry stamp set and All about Christmas jumbo wheel). Cost: $53.95.

* Nursery Necessities Bundle (includes Nursery Necessities stamp set and Nursery Letters jumbo wheel). Cost $66.95

* Priceless Bundle (includes Priceless stamp set and So Swirly jumbo wheel). Cost $57.95

This offer is available 1-30 September. Email me to find out more or to place an order.

So Spoilt

2008-09-01T16:51:00.003+12:00

I am being so spoilt by my sbs23 sisters. I have been given another award. Thanks so much Roxy. A little message for my sister, I have been having trouble making comments on some of your blogs, it is probably my line as I am on dial up and we have had a lot of wet weather, which seems to affect my internet connection. please bear with me I will get to all of you.

As with the previous award I am able to nominate 7 blogs. As I am still getting to all of my sisters, I will nominate one person now and then choose some others. I wanted to give my friend Karen another award. Karen is part of the team I am in for Stampin' Up!. Karen works full time , but also seems to find time to help us all out. Karen has helped several of our team start blogs and is always there for assistance. She always makes lovely comments on everyones blogs (something I really need to work on). Hope you enjoy this Karen.

Withdrawal symptoms from Garden Whimsey

2008-08-31T19:39:00.005+12:00

Hi everyone, Hope you have had a nice weekend. I know it is only Monday. But I can't wait till the end of the week. It was a trying weekend for me. My DH is currently visiting his brother in the Cayman Islands. He phoned us on Sat morning to tell us the were preparing for a cyclone, talk about make me worry, forunately for the Cayman Island the storm passed over them. Having had a week with healthy children now my daughter Caitlin has come done with a virus, luckily not the high temperatures but a terrible cough and cold. The worst thing is the guilt, I feel really bad because I have had to take another day off work, where we are already short staffed, but as a parent children come first. It's sometimes difficult to get that balance. I am counting down to Sat morning when Richard arrives home. I normally enjoy a bit of time apart but this time I have missed him terribly. Now that I have finished what seems to be a weekly moan, on to some cards.

I haven't used my favourite set garden whimsey for a while, I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms. I just love this set. It looks great with any colour combination you put together. He are two cards have just made.

Recipe:
stamp sets: garden whimsey, so swirly jumbo wheel, think happy thoughts
card/ink: mellow moss, bashful blue, whisper white
accessories: photo corner punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, signo gel pen

Recipe:
stamp set: garden whimsey, so swirly jumbo wheel, think happy thoughts
card/ink: bashful blue, mellow moss, whisper white
accessories: 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, photo corner punch, brads, whisper white ribbon

As you can see I always seem to make two cards, using the same colours and sets, its good to see how you can change things with different placement.

Have a nice Monday. Thanks for stopping by.

Like it a latte

2008-08-29T20:45:00.004+12:00

I have just got this set which is very surprising given my love for good coffee. I have to confess that I buy a coffee everyday day. I even have my husband so well trained that in the weekend when he goes out early in the morning and lets me sleep in he always returns with a coffee for me. It makes me a much happier person. I know I am very lucky. I had made a couple of cards before I did Kristina's challenge, but I haven't had a change to post them. Of course they are in pink and chocolate, because that's just the best combination for this set don't you think.

Recipe
stamp set: Like it a latte
card/ink: pretty in pink, close to coca, real red, whisper white
accessories: Liquid applique

Recipe
stamp set: like it a latte
card/ink: pretty in pink, close to coca, whisper white
accessories: slit punch, sheer ribbon

Thanks for stopping by tonight. I am going to visit some of my sisters from SBS23 blogs. I am been having trouble making comments, so bear with me.

I've been nominated

2008-08-29T20:26:00.003+12:00

Well this is a first for me, I have been nominated for a blog award by two of my sister from sbs23. Thanks so much April and Joey. You guys have made my week.

The rules for this award are:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog
2. Link the person you received your award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you have nominated.

Here are my nominees

Karen
Jacque
Rachael
Diane
Sally
Zoe
Teresa

Thanks guys for visiting my blog and making such lovely comments.

Kristina's colour challenge no 20

2008-08-27T19:17:00.009+12:00

Hi Everybody. Well I just love Kristina's colour challenge this week. Anyone who knows me, knows that I just adore pink, and pink and chocolate together fantastic. So of course I just had to enter this weeks challenge. Because of the time difference I do not have a lot of time to get my challenge in. Here is what I came up with.

Recipe
Stamp Set: like it a latte
card/ink: chocolate chip, regal rose, pretty in pink, very vanilla, certainly celery
accessories: mat pack

Just a quick post tonight. Thanks for stopping by.

Getting grumpy with my laptop

2008-08-26T21:10:00.002+12:00

Hi everybody. I am now back to my normal routine. I was a little bit spoilt last week with all the time off work. James is now back at school and I am back at work plus the usual after school activities. I have been having an argument with my laptop tonight. I have been trying to load all my new sister onto my blog, and vista keep wanting to run updates. It just shuts down the whole system while it runs then logs back on. Unfortunately my DH is away at the moment and can not look at it. I have got everyone loaded now so I am going to go visiting.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers 23

2008-08-25T20:29:00.003+12:00

Hi everyone. Well I have been toying with the idea of joining the sisterhood and I have finally taken the plunge and joined up. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone. It is going to be great fun to meet new people who all have a common interest.

A little bit about me. I have been stamping for around 6 years now. I got hooked when a friend showed me embossing. I have been stamping ever since. I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator Aril 07 when Stampin' Up! came to New Zealand. I love Stampin' Up products and all my cards/pages use their products. I am part of a wonderful group called the creative inkers who are all lovely talented ladies.

I am married with 2 children a boy James aged 10 and a girl Caitlin aged 8. I work part time as a banker and stamp and scrapbook in my spare time.

I am really looking forward to meeting all of my fellow sisters, 19 new friends.
Thanks for stopping by, I look forward to chatting soon.

NZSU Embossing Challenge

2008-08-24T15:48:00.002+12:00

Happy Sunday. I can't believe it 3 posts in 3 days, its a record. James is still not well, so we are housebound. What better thing to do on a wet cold Sunday afternoon than create. Both Caitlin (my daughter) and I spent some time this afternoon making cards.

I have been slack lately and have not entered any of the NZSU challenges. I am absolutely loving the watercolouring at the moment, so thought I would incorporate it into the latest challenge at NZSU which is embossing. I feel you are going to see quite a bit of the bloomin with beauty set until I get it out of my system. Here is my entry for the challenge. The floral background stamp has been embossed using versamark and clear embossing powder.

Recipe:
stamp sets: bloomin with beauty, floral
card: watercolour paper, basic black, night of navy, ballet blue
ink: stazon black, versa mark, ballet blue, bashful blue, mellow moss, so saffron, chocolate chip, grey
accessories: stampin emboss powder clear, aqua painter, heat tool

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your evening.

Watercolouring

2008-08-23T16:25:00.007+12:00

Hi Everyone, Hope your having a nice Saturday. This afternoon I had a chance to have another play with some new stamps from the spring mini catalogue. When I first saw the bloomin with beauty set, I did not like it very much, not really my style. But during some recent blog surfing I have seen some beautiful cards using this set. Another thing I have never tried is the Stampin' Up! watercolor paper. To be perfectly honest I really didn't think it would make that much difference to the watercoloring. I ordered some to give it a go. This afternoon I tried it out. I stamped the 2 flower images from bloomin with beauty, one on the watercolour paper and the other on whisper white. I used the same colours on both. I have to admit I am converted. I couldn't believe the difference, the images stamped on the watercolour paper were brighter and more vibrant. Here are the stamped images

The image on the left is stamped on watercolour paper, the image on the right on whisper white.

Again the image on the left is stamped on watercolor paper.

Here are the two completed cards. What do you think.

Recipe
stamp sets: bloomin with beauty, floral background
card/ink: always artichoke, pretty in pink, purely pomegrante, watercolor paper, grey black staz on, so saffron
accessories: aqua pen

Recipe
stamp sets: bloomin with beauty, so swirly jumbo wheel
card/ink: not quite navy, soft sky, certainly celery, chocolate chip, creamy caramel, grey, black staz on, watercolor paper
accessories: certainly celery ribbon, matt pack.

If you haven't already, order some watercolor paper, you will be pleased with the result. Have a good evening, thanks for stopping by.

Sara's new blog

2008-08-22T21:06:00.002+12:00

Hi again, my friend and team member Sara has just started her new blog called stampscrapjourney.blogspot.com, be sure to check it out and leave a comment for her so she is encouraged to keep blogging.

Tart and Tangy

2008-08-22T19:23:00.005+12:00

Hi Everyone. I am soo pleased it is finally Friday. What a week it has been. My son James has been off school all weeks with this nasty virus. Today is the first day he has not had a raging temperature. There are certainly a lot of nasty bugs out there at the moment, hope none of you are ill with any of these.

My DH and I have been playing tag all week, one of us at home with James and the other at work, Tues and Wed we crossed over a couple of times, Rich went into work, came home at 9.00am I went into work came home at 2.30pm then Rich went back to work. We were both had it by last night. Unfortunately this week was not a good week for James to be ill, I had auditors at work (never a fun experience) and Rich was trying to get organised for his overseas trip. He is at this moment on a flight to LA. Hopefully he will sleep. It is not always easy to be a working parent.

Enough moaning from me, now that I have that off my chest. I am sitting here doing my first post from my laptop, I am still switching from my laptop to our other computer as Rich has not had a chance to load everything on, but guess what, I will be able to post whenever I want during the next two weeks.

I received a delivery from stampin up earlier this week, with some sets from the new spring mini, of course I had to have a play. Here is what I came up with.

Supplies
stamp set: tart and tangy
card/ink: real red, whisper white, old olive, designer series paper summer picnic
accessories: 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, photo corner punch, white ribbon, marker

Supplies
stamp set: tart and tangy, everyday flexible phrases
card/ink: real red, whisper white, designer series paper summer picnic, only orange
accessories: corner rounder punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, round tab punch

Supplies
stamp set: tart and tangy, sweet shapes
card/ink: bashful blue, whisper white, only orange, designer series paper summer picnic
accessories: 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, small oval and large oval punch.

Well I am going to try and publish this post now, hope you have a nice evening. Thanks for stopping by.

A New Look

2008-08-17T15:39:00.002+12:00

Hi All, hope you are having a good weekend. James my 10 year old son and I have been having a bit of a play today with my blog. Have you noticed any changes. I am been wanting to change to a 3 column template, we had a practice go last week but couldn't get my header image aligned properly so I decided to make a new one. Now I just need to reload a few things and I will be done. I have also taken out the labels as the list was getting longer and longer. I have inserted a search box which you can use to search different sets. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. thanks for visiting

Just Creating

2008-08-15T21:31:00.005+12:00

I have had a week of just creating. No particular theme or stamp set. Kristina did not have a colour challenge this week, I am hoping she is feeling better next week and will post a challenge. The first card I have to show tonight will look familiar to some. I have been playing with one of my hostess sets, a little bit of happiness. I really like this set, it is fun to color and there is a stamp for most occassions.

Supplies
stamp set: a little bit of happiness
card/ink: brocade blue, whisper white, groovy guava, kraft
accessories: twill tape, hodgepodge hardware, blender pens

The next cards were cased from Alisa Tilsner's blog, using one of my favourite new sets garden whimsey. I really love both of the colour combinations, I use them quite regularly.

Supplies
stamp set: Garden whimsey
card/ink: bashful blue, mellow moss, whisper white, real red, always artichoke
accessories: matt pack

The last card tonight was one that I was just playing around with the markers for different affects. I was really pleased with how it turned out.

Supplies
stamp set: bodacious bouquet
card/ink: mellow moss, always artichoke, pretty in pink, regal rose, whisper white, so saffron

Thanks for stopping by, have a great evening

Happy Friday

2008-08-15T21:24:00.002+12:00

Hi everybody, hope you had a great week. Well I got my laptop on Wednesday morning at work. I couldn't wait to get home and plug it in. It is cool I will take a picture in the moring to show you. My DH has been transferring all my folders onto it for me. One thing I am trying to get used to is not using a mouse, poor Richard was cursing and carrying on so we ended up buying a mouse tonight. I am hoping that all info will be transferred tomorrow so I can start really trying it out. Look out for some changes in my blog.

My New Laptop

2008-08-10T16:49:00.002+12:00

I am just so exited. This week I am expecting a delivery from Dell with our new computer screen, and also a new laptop for me. I just can't wait. I have often complained in the past about having to make an appointment to use the computer, but soon I will have my very own laptop. This will mean more post and also I plan to change things a bit. I will let you know when it arrives. Have a good week. Thanks for stopping by.

2,5,7,10 boxes

2008-08-10T16:26:00.006+12:00

Happy Sunday. Today has been a lovely day here on the North Shore. We have had so much rain in the last month, the grass is very boggy, but the sun is shinning. James and Caitlin have been making the most of the fine weather and have been outside on their bikes. I keep looking at my garden, it is such a mess, unfortunately it is still too wet so the weeding will have to wait a bit longer. Anyway I have been having a bit of fun over the last week making 2-5-7-10 boxes. These are great little boxes made from one sheet of A4 card stock.

I had a workshop on Friday night and for something a bit different, I decided to do a box and a gift card. Most of the guest were new to stamping and we all had a great time. The ladies got to try quite a few different techniques with the projects. Here is what we made. Thanks Gilly for a lovely evening, you were just a great host.

Supplies
stamp sets: heartfelt thanks, scribble jumbo wheel, scribble this
card/ink: real red, chocolate chip, whisper white, basic black
accessories: slit punch, blender pens
techniques used: two step stamping, wheeling, colouring with ink pad and blender pens, making a scallop edge with slit punch.

Here are another couple of boxes I have made over the last week.

Supplies
stamp sets: scatter sunshine jumbo wheel, simply said
card/ink: purely pomegrante, wild wasabi, soft sky
accessories: black brad, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, slit punch, white ribbon

Supplies
stamp sets: so swirly jumbo wheel, baroque motifs
card/ink: wild wasabi, purely pomegrante, soft sky, whisper white
accessories: rich regals brad, slit punch, white ribbon

This last card is one that I cased from Becky Carafa, her blog is the lakeshore stamper. I just had to make one. I love the bite out of the corner and I think all little boys would just love it. Now who am I going to give it to.

Supplies
stamp set: wild about you, canvas background
card/ink: blue bayou, soft sky, wild wasabi, spring break designer paper
accessories: scallop punch, word window punch

Color Challenge No 18

2008-08-09T19:01:00.004+12:00

Time for another color challenge. I am really enjoying these. Kristina always comes up with great combinations. I found this one a little bit tricky as we weren't able to use any white. Anyway this is what I came up with.

Supplies
stamp set: simply said
cardstock/ink: basic black, rose red, pumpkin pie, green galore
accessories: black brads

Let me know what you think. I love getting your comments. Hope you have a great evening. I have some more to post tomorrow. I have to limit my time in front of the computer screen until our new one arrive this week.

New Spring Mini Catalogue

2008-08-03T16:52:00.005+12:00

Hi Everyone. Sorry I haven't posted this week. I have been trying to stay away from the computer this week, as our old comptuer screen is giving me headaches. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new flat screen, which should arrive in the next week.

The new spring mini catalogue is now available to order from. It is packed with new stamps and accessories. The two cards I have to show you today are taken from the mini catalogue. One of the things I love about the Stampin' Up! idea book & catalogue and the mini catalogues are that they are a great source of inspiration. There are times when we are not at our most creative and at times like these, I like to call on our catalogue for inspirtion.

I simply love this colour combination. I have used the rock and roll technique on the main flower.

Supplies
stamp sets: bodacious bouquet, a beautiful thing
card/ink: pretty in pink, close to cocoa, purely pomegrante
accessories: prertty in pink ribbon, soft subtles brad

Supplies
stamp set: a beautiful thing
card/ink: chocolate chip, close to cocoa, whisper white craft ink, purely pomegrante, pretty in pink
accessories: pretty in pink ribbon, black brads, spring flower bouquet punch, signo white gel pen.

Next I have a set of four gift cards. I have had the simply said stamp set for awhile, but have never actually used it. I got inspiration from a similar card I saw on split coast stampers.

Suppplies
stamp set: simply said
card/ink: whisper white, pretty in pink, bashful blue, certainly celery, old olive
accessories: ribbon, brads.

Thanks for taking the time to visit. Leave me a comment. Have a good week.

Mini Pizza box

2008-07-25T22:06:00.007+12:00

Hi Ladies, hope you have had a nice week. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who made a comment about my color challenge entry. It is soo nice to receive comments. I really appreciate it.

On a recent blog surf I came across a template for a cute little pizza box. I can't recall the name of the blog, but I will find it again and give credit. With Christmas drawing closer, I thought I would start stockpiling some little gifts and I thought this mini pizza box was a little bit different. You can make 2 boxes out of 1 sheet of a4 cardstock. These are my first sample as well as a couple of gift cards.

This is a picture of the box opened.

This was my first box, I wasn't that happy with how it turned out.

I was much happyier with how this one turned out. I also made 2 matching gift cards to go with this one.

Supplies
stamp set: a beautiful thing
card/ink: always artichoke, rose red, barely banana
accessories: 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, pretties kit, white gel pen

Hope you are all wrapped up warm ready for the cold and stormy weekend. I think a lot of us will be stamping this weekend. Thanks for stoppping by.

Color Inspiration #17

2008-07-24T18:17:00.004+12:00

Happy Thursday ladies. Well here is my first official entry into Kristina Werner's color challenge. The colors for this challenge are rose red, regal rose, sage shadow and whisper white. I use regal rose and rose red alot, but I normally wouldn't use sage shadow with it. This is why I think Kristina's challenges are so great as it makes us go outside our comfort zone.

Supplies:
stamp set: garden whimsey
card/ink: whisper white, sage shadow, regal rose, rose red
accessories: markers, matt pack

I would like to know what you think? Please leave me a comment. Thanks for stopping by.

Spring Mini Sneak Peek

2008-07-19T22:54:00.007+12:00

As some of you will know the new spring mini catalogue is available from 1 August. You are going to love it. There are some lovely new sets to play with. As a demonstrator I get to order early. Some of the team from the creative inkers got together last night to do some swaps from the new mini catty to give you a taste of what is in there.

For my swap I went outside my comfort zone and chose the colours that Kristina Werner has for her colour challenge last week. I would love to know what you think.

Supplies
stamp set: a beautiful thing
card/ink: chocolate chip, close to cocoa, certainly celery, whisper white, really rust.

The following photos are swaps from team members.

Both Jacque and Anabel used Tart & Tangy to create these fun cards. Jacque, whose card is on the left used the roll n roll technique as well as a scratch and sniff card. Aren't they just adorable.

Tracee whose card is on the left used season of joy and sweet serendipity. Rachael has used one of a kind and boho backgrounds for her card. The flower is actually a magnet isn't that cool. Rachael has recently started a blog, the knight stamper be sure to check it out.

Sara whose card is on the left has also used tart & tangy and also made a scratch & sniff card. This set is perfect for scratch and sniff cards. Sara has also used designer series paper summer picnic which is in the new mini. Debbie has used true friend.

The last swap is from Pauline in Napier. She has done an absolutely gorgeous 6x6 layout with photos featuring her newly born twin baby lambs. Pauline has used enjoy every moment. We are all waiting for Pauline to start up a blog, so we can enjoy her work on a regular basis.

I hoped you enjoyed my little preview to the new mini catalogue. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

Blog Surfing

2008-07-19T22:41:00.003+12:00

Hi Ladies. Another week has gone by, rather quickly I might add. The school holidays are almost over and back to normality. As a blogger I like to surf other stampers blogs. One of my favourites is Kristina Werner's blog kwdesign.com. I found her blog not long after I first found out about the wonderful world of blogging. I am guilty of visiting Kristina's blog on a daily basis. I love her simple clean style. Kristina has a weekly colour challenge. My first project tonight features colours from this weeks colour challenge . I didn't actually enter her challenge this week as I was too late but next week I might give it a go.

Supplies
stamp set: A beautiful thing ( sneak peek from new spring mini catalogue)
card/ink: certainy celery, pumpkin pie, very vanilla, soft sky
accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch, white signo gel pen

Extravaganza

2008-07-13T19:55:00.007+12:00

Hi there. Well it has been another busy week. The creative inkers hosted our second extravaganza on Saturday afternoon in Birkenhead. We all had a fabulous time and our guests went home with 5 fantastic projects. Here are photos of a couple of the projects that we made. The card I demonstrated was the suspension card. I really enjoyed showing this project, as it has a wow effect but is quite simple to make.

Here is a close up of the suspension part of the card and also a picture of embossed circles using the cropodile

Supplies
stamp sets: garden whimsey, think happy thoughts
card/ink: soft sky, blue bayou, wild wasabi, purely pomegrante, very vanilla
accessories: 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, fishing line, glue pen, glitter

The next card is called a stand up card which Sara demonstrated. I had never made one of these cards and put it together this afternoon.

This card is great as it doesn't need an envelope and sits up by itself

Supplies
stamp set: baroque motifs
card/ink: soft sky, purely pomegrante, whisper white
accessories: ribbon

I am still making up the rest of the projects from our afternoon and will show them in a couple of days. Thanks for visiting.

Something Different

2008-07-08T16:25:00.007+12:00

Happy Tuesday. I can't believe it is already Tuesday. I have had a busy week and haven't had a chance to get onto the computer. The rain has contributed to this as I always have trouble getting a connection if we have a lot of rain. Today is the first fine day we have had in about a week so a good opportunity to get on the computer.

As I said it has been a busy week and I haven't done a lot of creating either. This is where being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is so great as we are provided with so many different things to give us inspiration as its not always easy to come up with your own. In the next couple of pictures I have tried a new technique called stippling. It is a technique I have never tried before, but I really like the result.

This is a very easy technique. All you need are Stampin' Up!s amazing stampin write markers. Instead of drawing on your stamp using the markers place little dots. One this first attempt I used the brush tip. It is a little time comsuming but the result is different and effective. I wanted to try and get more definition to the dots so in this next picture I used the fine tip of the marker.

Another thing I tried was to use the markers to colour our ribbon. This next card was taken from our monthly demonstrators magazine, a really loved the colour combination and how the putting a little bit of colour on white ribbon really changed the look of it.

Supplies
stamp set: garden whimsey
card/ink: old olive, pumpkin pie, purely pomegrante, tempting turquiose, whisper white, basic black
accessories: white ribbon, markers

Here is a close up of the ribbon. I have finally figured out how to use macro on my camera, so will be able to do more close ups from now on.

Thanks so much for stopping by, have a good evening.

Last of childrens cards

2008-06-28T20:33:00.002+12:00

Happy Saturday. I am a day late in posting this week. Last night was the start of a busy few weeks for me. I did a workshop last night and introduced some ladies to stampin up. We had a great night. These ladies were scrapbookers so I had fun showing them how you can use stamps on your pages. Thanks Carey-Lou for a fantastic night.

I have to confess tonights cards are ones that I made quite some time ago but. The first uses one of my favourite childrens sets wild about you.

Supplies
stamp set: wild about you
card/ink: whisper white, certainly celery, regal rose, so saffron, cool caribbean (07 in color)

The next card is my first attempt at a waterfall card. This is ideal for children. When I first showed this to James and Caitlin they thought I was soo clever and have been at me ever since to show them how to make one.

Supplies
stamp set: wild about you
card/ink: brilliant blue, green galore, whisper white, assorted card stock
accessories: brads

I have really enjoyed showing you some different childrens cards and of course now I have a good supply for all the birthdays and parties that come up. I can't believe it is now the end of June and only another week left till the school holidays. I am off now to tidy my desk and unpack my bag from this afternoons workshop. Have a great weekend, with this horrible weather it is a wonderful time to create. Thanks for stopping by.

More Swap Cards

2008-06-22T15:46:00.004+12:00

I have persuaded James to sit with me again while I have another go at posting using html code. Here are another set of photos from our team the creative inkers latest swap.

I just love the dress card made by the fabulous Pauline from Napier. Pauline doesn't have a blog yet, but hopefully we can persuade her to get one up and running. Anabel made the lovely invitation and Janine has made a cool masculine card.
The following stamps sets were used to create these cards: Bundle of Joy, Short and sweet, cheer and wishes, wanted.

Here are the last sets of photos.

Jacque my upline made the cool pirate card check out her blogstamphappy. Rachel has made the beautiful princess card. Rachael has justed started her blog knightstamper and I am sure we will see lots of wonderful posts on there. Karen has made a really cute card using wild about you. Click the link on the right to see more of Karens work. Sara I will post your card tomorrow. James had had enough. I am picking up the code and its not as difficult as I thougt. I have also been playing around with an online calendar from bravenet. Bear with me while I get all of the entries on there. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I am off to do some ironing and start dinner. Thanks for stopping by.

Swap Cards

2008-06-21T20:09:00.003+12:00

Happy Saturday. I had a lovely morning with the girls. We did children's cards for our swap. Its amazing the different designs everyone came up with and the different stamps sets used. Here are some photos of the great swaps I received.

These lovely cards have been made by Diane, Tracey, Leanne, Richelle, Densie.

Stamp sets: circle of friendship, happy everything, birthday best,bugs & kisses, little birthday cheer, jumbo outline alphabet, nursery necessaties, sweet shapes, fun & fast notes

I have another set of photos to post tomorrow, I have had James sitting with me helping me to do this post on blogger using HTML and he has been very helpful, but is now too tired to help me do another set of photos. He is hoping that I pick up the code quickly. Thanks James for all your help. Thanks for stopping by

Nice and Simple

2008-06-20T21:16:00.001+12:00

I haven't had a lot of time to create this week. It has been one of those weeks, the next two cards I have to show tonight took about 15 minutes each to make. Its surprising what you in whip up in a short time.

Supplies:

stamp set: think happy thoughts, canvas background, eat cake, card/ink: bashful blue, certainly celery, regal rose, accessories: mat pack, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop punch.

Supplies:

stamp set: birthday best, garden whimsey, card/ink: regal rose, rose red, whisper white, accessories: brads

Well I better get off and tidy up my craft room. It never seems to stay tidy for long. The girls are coming around after our meeting so I want it to look presentable. I will take a photo and post as well as some swap photos in the next day or so. Have a good weekend. thanks for visiting.

Another Friday

2008-06-20T20:59:00.001+12:00

Happy Friday. Gosh it has been a week since I last posted. This week has flown by. I am glad it's Friday. Our team the creative inkers are getting together tomorrow morning for a team meeting and swap. It's been a while since we all got together, so it will be good to catch up with the girls. This theme for this swap was children's cards which was great for me because that's all I have been making over the last few weeks. This is what I made for the swap.

Supplies

Stamp set: Garden Whimsey, so swirly Card/Ink: regal rose, so saffron, certainly celery

This swap I decided to go for nice and simple. I just love the so swirly wheel.

The next card I have to show today is super girly, very pink and pretty. It is a card my daughter would have loved when she was in her pink stage.

Supplies

Stamp set: eat cake, so swirly wheel card/ink: pretty in pink, chocolate chip, whisper white, accessories: pretty in pink ribbon, corner rounder punch

More childrens cards

2008-06-13T21:57:00.001+12:00

Happy Friday. I have another round of childrens cards tonight. I have been having fun making nice simple cards. I seem to be making a lot of boy cards so will have to try for some girly ones with lots of pink and glitter. Our team the creative inkers are doing childrens cards for our swap this month so I am will have to think up something special for that.

My first two cards tonight use lots of bright colours and of course the eat cake set. Its just perfect for a child's card.

Supplies stamp set: Eat cake, card/ink: yoyo yellow, tempting turquoise, only orange, real red, basic black

Supplies stamp set: eat cake. card/ink: gable green, real red, yoyo yellow, only orange, tempting turquoise, accessories: corner rounder punch, certainly celery ribbon.

I was really please with how the next two cards turned out. I haven't used wild about you for a while and I have often used it for baby cards. This time I decided to go outside my comfort zone, almost all of the colours are from earth elements. What do you think?

Supplies stamp set: wild about you, circle of friendship, card/ink: pumpkin pie, old olive, ruby red, not quite navy, basic black, accessories: 1 1/4"circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch

I cased my last card from one I saw on splitcoast stampers. Unfortunately I can't remember whose it was.

Supplies stamp set: eat cake, card/ink: certainly celery, chocolate chip, tempting turquoise, so saffron, accessories: 1 3/8"circle punch

Well I better get going and start planning my swap cards, I will give you a sneak peak early next week. Have a good weekend. Thanks for stopping by.