kareN stampZ

Very versatile Pennant Parade

2011-10-01T14:39:00.002+13:00

Well if you look at the Pennant Parade stamp set you'd think of birthdays & celebrations but I saw a very cool card up on the boards at a recent SU! event I attended & thought that is too cool making Christmas trees with it - the set has a matching punch with it so it makes it quick & easy - 2 of my favourite words!

Stamp set: Pennant Parade
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Punches: Petite Pennants Builder Punch
Other: Basic rhinestones, dimensionals, Chocolate Chip Scallop Dots ribbon, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder

Well it's the first of October & Stampin' Up! have an awesome promotion to anyone hosting a $500 workshop or more this month the opportunity to earn the Simply Stocking stamp set & matching builder punch for FREE. Contact me if you'd like to know more.

Totally off stamping for anyone that likes fantasy, tales of brave knights & ladies one of my friends has started a blog aptly named The Castle of the Beloved Queen - do go check it out & say hi & tell Poli AKA Lady Pol I sent you xxx

Last but not least the WOW paperKRafters annual Christmas event is coming real soon on Saturday October 29th 1-5pm in West Harbour.

$40 gets you everything you need to make 4 fun & fabulous projects with instructions (you only need to provide adhesive, scissors & a bone folder), a chance to win spot prizes, afternoon tea, $10 shopping on the day with any order over $50 - seats limited so book your spot ASAP!

Flip Flop Card

2011-09-24T08:40:00.003+12:00

Well I'm not sure what you'd call this card but I really love cards that have a wee twist & this is a card inside a card to me - the original I found on the fabulous Nancy Riley's blog - where she calls it's a 2-way open card.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Cottage Garden
Ink: Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz
Paper: Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Sunny Garden DSP (retired)
Punches: Word window,1-3/4" scallop circle, 1-3/8: circle, 1-1/4" circle & the flower is hand cut using our fabulous paper snips (I've had a few comments that it looks punched out when seen in real life)
Other: Old Olive brad, dimensionals

Well it's a gorgeous Spring day in Auckland today so I hope everyone has a super weekend.
Happy stampin' in the interim

Hello My Friends

2011-09-16T14:02:00.000+12:00

Hi all I'm not really sure where the days & months go but I'm going to try really hard to blog at least once a week in time for the for the weekend for starters for a catch up - as I'm sure you all know the new IB+C has launched from SU! & I don't know how they do it but they manage to surpass themselves everytime.

This was one of the wee projects that attendees at my Launch made recently, a covered notepad. I just love this colour combo - it's so bright & cheery; Pacific Point, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight & it uses the new My Friend stamp set, which I love.

Well the Rugby World Cup has kicked off in NZ & last Friday was a frenetic day from dawn to very late for me so I thought I'd just share a collage of my day's experiences!

Hope your weekend goes well I have a rugby match to attend tonight - go the AB's

Love my leather belt

2011-08-06T11:39:00.000+12:00

Hi all I had a go at making a faux leather belt for the very first time for this very cool buckle card that Rhonda Fawcett from my team showed us at a play day recently.

I'd seen faux leather/alligator skin on blog posts but it wasn't till I saw it in the flesh that I thought I have to have a go at that as it was so shiny. And now I've done it so easy!!!! All you do is cover the piece of card with clear embossing powder & before you heat set it create a pattern with your bone scorer & viola :)

This was the 2nd project at my Masculine class the other night with it's matching gift card holder & it was a real hit with all the ladies so a big thanks Rhonda!

Stamp sets: Motorcyle (retired), Oval All, Sandy Speckles (wheel)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Versamark
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Peach Parfait, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Punches: Corner Rounder, Word Window, 1-3/4" Oval, Curly Label
Other: Mat pack, paper piercing tool, clear embossing powder, heat gun, vintage brads, square lattice embossing folder
Techniques: Big Buckle card, Faux Leather, Gift Card Holder

UPDATE: Retired items are now appearing on the retired list there's a link on the top RHS of my blog which takes you to the status at the end of the previous day; so far jumbo eyelets have gone (that was a good prediction of mine but pretty obvious), metallic eyelets & now the punches (they're normally the first).

There are 3 stamp sets that are 40% off which is phenomenal & my Gifted set is on it's way - phenomenal value at $28.77 (clear mount) RRP was $68.95. So if you haven't check out the Retiring List I'd do so ASAP as once it's gone it's gone forever.

Enjoy your weekend & happy stampin'

August 1st & it's time to say farewell

2011-08-01T08:29:00.002+12:00

It's August 1st & that means we're only one month away from a new Idea Book & Catalogue it also means that the items that are not carrying over are being retired - some you'll see are 25% - 40% off.

The promotion page on my SU site is going to be updated daily at 1000am NZST but the list is only a reflection of what was available at the close of the previous business day.

The retiring list can be seen HERE & if you're like me, do print off a copy & tick which ones you want. I am also taking pre-orders for the new IB+C $12 posted to you (anyone who has spent over $350 with me in the last SU! year 1/9/10 - 31/8/11 will earn it for FREE or if you've a hostess & hosted a workshop in the same period where you reached level 1 rewards).

Talking about workshops the NEW hostess rewards are phenomenal & the hostess only stamps are very cool now that I can see them & you could earn one item from the main catalogue for 50% off (I'm hoping a few people might earn that Big Shot for half price with this reward system) but more about that later but it's not too early to book a workshop now for September onwards - there are some very funky new Christmas stamps.

Do contact me ASAP if you'd like to order anything as things do go fast.

Sailing Away...maybe forever gone after tomorrow

2011-07-30T11:30:00.001+12:00

Hi all & happy weekend - just a wee reminder that tomorrow is the last day to order from the Autumn-Winter Mini catalogue and we have 2 fabulous a la carte stamps perfect for men-themed cards in it, this is one of the cards I showed at my masculine card class last night it uses the fabulous Sail Away stamp which is priced at only $17.95 & maybe after tomorrow no longer available to purchase ever again.

I saw this card on Amy Celona's blog & I really loved the cut out sails they really popped out to me - just changed it a wee bit as I wanted to show ink to paper directly as a technique for men plus added the wee pendant which adds a nice nautical touch which my upline Jacque had showed when we played with the stamp a month or so ago.

Here's my cutting directions as we use A4 card stock down under.

Soft Suede: A5 card and a piece 10.5 x 9 cm for the torn mat.
Whisper White: 14.3 x 10 cm
Marina Mist: 13.8 x 9.5 cm
Crumb Cake: 8.5 x 7 cm

Stamps: Sail Away, Live Laugh Love
Ink: Marina Mist, Soft Suede
Paper: as above
Other: Dimensionals, hemp twine, neutral brads

Who needs a ray of sunshine??

2011-07-24T16:50:00.000+12:00

I sure do I don't think I can ever remember being this cold before at wintertime! The sun was shining yesterday & I was fortunate to have some play time with my team the WOW paperKRafters.

One of the projects we KReated was to take a $2 clipboard & cover it using my stash of now retired DSP and ribbons - even if I do say it looks fabulous & makes me feel happy. This pattern came from a pack called Pink Flamingo which was a tad bright but great for this project.

We used Mod Podge to stick the DSP to the board & then again to seal it. Everyone chose different papers but they all looked fabulous & so much prettier than the "before" board.

More butterflies

2011-07-06T19:35:00.000+12:00

This is known as the 7's box it is a piece of A4 scored at 7,14,21,28 & 7, 14 cm. I really like it & the fact it makes such a sturdy wee box, this one was filled with heart shaped soaps, a wee stamp & a wee ink pad & was one of the demonstration items I did at a work shop recently.

The card stock has been wheeled with the Kindness wheel to, to make a subtle background.

Stamp sets: Flight of the Butterfly, Kindness wheel
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Stazon white
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Vellum Paper
Punches: Butterfly, scallop oval
Other: Dimensionals, stamp-a-ma jig, acetate, mini glue dots, fire rhinestone brads.

Peek-a-boo

2011-07-02T10:35:00.000+12:00

I know it's been awhile since I blogged but gosh life seems to go so fast lately. This is the workshop card Miah & her friends made last weekend at her workshop. As the attendees were approx. 6 years old I wanted something that was cute but hopefully couldn't fail & it didn't! Or they were very clever which was also true.

Cutting measurements:
Top mat (Melon Mambo or Marina Mist) 6.5 x 10.5 cm
Whisper White 6.8 x 12 cm
Basic Black 10" x 7" - love that our cutter has inches & cm

There is a wee trick to the card & I mucked up my first demo so that meant no one else did - they all learnt from my mistake :)

Scallop border the whisper white piece - this width should be exactly the right width to give entire scallops.
The trick is to punch out your scallop circle on the top mat by inserting your punch from the top as far down as it goes & centred.
Then attach to Whisper White - with your 1-3/8" circle punch from the side punch a hole in the centre of the scallop.
Attach to Basic Black & punch out a hole with the 1-1/4" circle - this gives a wee black frame.
Insert another whisper white mat inside.
Stamp a small image - glitter it up.
Place around the image a scallop frame.

Inside the card

Stamp sets: Flight of The Butterfly, Short & Sweet
Ink: Melon Mambo, Marina Mist, Basic Black
Paper: Melon Mambo, Marina Mist, Basic Black, Whisper White
Punches: Scallop border, scallop circle, 1-3/8" circle, 1-1/4" circle
Other: Basic Black 1/8" taffeta, 2-way glue pen, dazzling diamonds glitter

Happy stampin'

Convention 2011 Report Part 3

2011-06-06T20:08:00.000+12:00

Today's report is all about bags in all sorts of sizes & colours. The above tag was decorating one of my favourite bags - the one that is full of stamps & other goodies I earned or all attendees at convention received.

I was pleased that the stamp sets are now unmounted & come in DVD cases for less space & weight & talking of DVD cases - look at this very cool gift I received from SU! & is signed by none other than Shelli Gardener.

This rather colourful one was our convention bag & it sure is bold & bright & happy :)

I'd be hard pushed to say which one of these is my favourite both bought at Memento Mall one pretty but useful & one such a good idea for a rubbish tote & it folds down to a frisbee looking piece of black plastic, wire & elastic band.

I'm sure you'd all agree with me that is a good collection of bags in all sizes, shapes, colours & uses - just what every girl wants. So pencil in this date for the next SU! Convention 31 May- 2 June 2012 in Canberra. So if you'd like to join a small friendly team & come to Convention next year with me to collect a few bags don't hesitate to drop me a line.

Happy stampin' in the interim.

Brayering inspired by Paula

2011-05-28T13:10:00.002+12:00

I'll have some more Convention photos coming but thought I'd share one of the cards we made at my home class last night (the other one I'd already blogged HERE). I was inpsired by the fabulous card that Paula Dobson from my team had swapped with me at Convention which I blogged about with my last posting. As the first card for class was already prepped & the predominating colour was Cajun Craze I had to change the colour combo - using my unbelievably fantastic Colour Coach I recreated Paula's card in More Mustard & Garden Green & as I know Paula loves Garden Green I'm sure she'll be happy with my efforts ;)

Stamp set: Just Believe
Ink: Garden Green, More Mustard
Paper: Garden Green, More Mustard, Very Vanilla
Punches: Word Window, 1-1/4" circle
Other: Brayer, vintage brads, post it note

Take a look at the difference sanding does to a solid stamp. I always sand my solid stamps lightly before use & then clean, as I had used this stamp set before I was a bit shocked to see how it stamped. Click on the image above to make it go larger too.

The image on the LHS is my demo from class & the one on the RHS my sample prep before class. I might post a So Saffron / Wild Wasabi combo one day too.Sanding blocks are only $7.95 for 2 - once you own them you'll wonder how you ever did without them.

Last but not least I'll share a monochromatic wee note card my fabulous downline Sally Williams gave me using the Just Believe stamp set and Crumb Cake ink, ribbon & card stock - fabulous - very classy.

Well I think everyone enjoyed last night's class as those that didn't already own a brayer ordered one. Remember my home classes are the last Friday of the month at my place 7pm kickoff but if you'd like to have a go at doing something you see on my blog schedule a home workshop & now is the perfect time to host a home workshop (if your home is too small you can use my place) .

Stampin' Up! has announced an amazing promotion which has just kicked off & runs until the end of June - all hostesses with workshops with sales of $550 or more (including GST and shipping) that are held between 23 May and 30 June 2011, will earn an EXTRA $100 in hostess rewards on any catalogue merchandise! This is on top of all the other rewards you also receive. You may also gather orders from your friends to take advantage of this great offer & share the rewards of free shopping & stamps. Contact me to book yours today.

Convention 2011 Report Part 2

2011-05-26T18:21:00.002+12:00

We'd better do some cards today that I received as swaps - us demonstrators love swapping amongst ourselves when we get together - it's a great way to get new ideas & form friendships - the POWER OF A CARD!

So let's start with my own team swaps I received.From my roomie and best friend Donna Blackmore:

Then a real cutie from my fabulous upline Jacque Pedersen:

Racheal Knight created with the big shot fabulous wee gift pads - WOW :)

Patrice Halliday-Larsen also decorated the front cover of notepads to make us a wee gift - a pink version would also be very cool for our gal pals that are a bit wild at heart.

Paula Dobson - formerly known as NZ's Queen of Sponge; has discovered brayering - I love the colour combo Paula!

Did I mention shopping yesterday - I went across with my old trusty blue suitcase which I've owned forever & came home with a new super king size duffel bag on wheels. I am very thankful I did Works Deluxe returning back - this gave me 2 suitcases allowance (always a good thing when you go to SU! conventions) & access to the airline's lounge - this also came in very handy as we were 3 hours late in take off as a problem with one of the computers on board.

I'll be back tomorrow with more photos - catch you then I hope.

Convention 2011 Report Part 1

2011-05-26T00:06:00.002+12:00

Hi all I stayed on after convention & caught up with one of my oldest girlfriends Jo, that lives in Melbourne permanently now. I love Melbourne but it can be really cold (we landed on the coldest day in either 70 years or 5 years!) but the food & the shopping are always great. Just some quick pictures to share of the event to start the ball rolling - I plan to blog daily for the next week so do check back to see more.

The Convention Centre is right on the Yarra River (which was a rather interesting shade of brown - Soft Suede would be a good description of it's colour).

First order of business swapping with other demonstrators ~ 500 attendees.

Donna, my best girlfriend, roomie for the meeting & fellow demonstrator.

Donna & myself - yes the theme of the meeting was Share What You Love.

I meet the Aussie Karen Rodgers (except she has a D in her surname) - both of us holding up our swaps from the other.

The fabulous Shelli Gardener kicking off the meeting; as always an inspiration to us all as demonstrators and as humans.

Check back tomorrow for some more piccies & cards.

Final deal of the week has been announced - rub ons & wheels

2011-05-25T05:18:00.001+12:00

This promotion ends May 31st so contact me if you'd like to know more or place an order

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
113838	62	Right on Track Stampin’ Around Wheel	$14.50	$10.15
115619	68	Retro Remix Stampin Around Wheel	$14.50	$10.15
119975	134	Vintage Type Rub-Ons	$19.50	$13.65
118760	134	Play Date Rub-Ons	$20.50	$14.35

There's aliens on the stairs!

2011-05-16T06:45:00.000+12:00

This was a fun card I made & thought I'd share with you while I'm on holiday post convention. It uses the owl punch to create aliens. My upline Jacque taught this at a class awhile ago.

Stamp sets: Just Believe, Circle Circus, On Your Birthday
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Concord Crush, Marina Mist, Rose Red, Sahara Sand
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Concord Crush, Marina Mist, Rose Red, Sahara Sand
Punches: Two-step owl, Itty Bitty Shapes, Heart to Heart
Other: White Signo gel pen
Technique: Staircase fold

Very special mail for me :)

2011-05-13T10:33:00.003+12:00

Isn't this just a fabulous card - lucky me received this in the post awhile ago from Stampin' Up! inviting me to the Manager's Reception with Shelli Gardener & other members of the home office staff.

By the time you see this post the reception will have been & gone & the convention will be half way through for me. This year it's 3-days long & is in Melbourne - my favourite city in Australia.

They've used an unknown word set to me - maybe a hint of what will be coming in the new IB+C. Doesn't the Eastern Blooms stamp set work really well with the 5-petal punch. Catch you on my return home.

Belated Mother's day

2011-05-10T10:29:00.001+12:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Mother's day either being spoilt as a mum or sharing time with your mum. I made my mum her favourite smoked chicken pie for dinner which even my fussy niece wanted 2nds but she was too slow.

I had a lovely card I'd made ages ago at a bleaching class at my upline's place which I knew mum would love & she did - she loves butterflies with a passion!

Stamp set: Elements of Style
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Basic Gray, Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride card-stock & DSP
Other: Black embossing powder, aquapainter, bleach, Blushing Bride poly twill ribbon, Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon, Finial Press & Square Lattice embossing folders, Beautiful Wings die, cutter tool, basic pearls
Technique: Bleaching

Deals of the week kicks off today

2011-05-01T10:00:00.000+12:00

Get high-quality Stampin’ Up! products up to 40% off during our Deals of the Week! Each Wednesday in May, you’ll find a new list of select Stampin’ Up! products on sale for that week.

This Week’s Deals (1-10 May 2011)

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
121578	37	Tag Alongs Wood-Mount Set	$38.95	$23.37
120468	59	More Monkey Accessories Clear-Mount Set	$29.95	$17.97
121550	59	More Monkey Accessories Wood-Mount Set	$36.95	$22.17
120003	75	Cottage Garden Clear-Mount Set	$31.95	$19.17
119163	75	Cottage Garden Wood-Mount Set	$39.95	$23.97
121494	98	Compliments to the Chef Wood-Mount Set	$43.95	$26.37

If you don't own an Idea Book & Catalogue click HERE to see the online catalogue.
If you'd like your own copy contact me to order one for only $10 with free shipping plus also receive the current mini catalogue.

I'll be placing an order for this week's deal Sunday May 8th if you wish to share shipping costs (5%) & get your goodies shipped to my house for pick up; otherwise shipped directly to you 5% or a minimum of $9.95. You are of course welcome to order something else & share the shipping costs.

I'm actually away at the SU! convention in Melbourne 11-19 May. The deals will be available to see on the dates below on my SU! promotions page.

Weekly Deals # 2: announced Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Weekly Deals # 3: announced Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Weekly Deals # 4: announced Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Yes it is Autumn

2011-04-24T12:54:00.000+12:00

Brr & warm wishes to you all.

I thought I'd ink up my new French Foliage stamp set that arrived the day before the long weekend - it's rather fabulous & I've used every single one of the six stamps on this card which is simple & inspired by Dawn Olchefske.

Stamp sets: French Foliage, Sincere Salutations
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, More Mustard. Cajun Craze, Perfect Plum
Paper: Confetti Cream, Perfect Plum, Early Espresso
Other: Hemp twine, dimensionals, clear D block (Dawn's shadow effect)

Thanks for poppin' in :)

Happy Easter from me & a time for giving

2011-04-22T23:19:00.001+12:00

I hope everyone's long weekend is going according to plan - though my Easter egg supply may not be big enough ;)

I thought I would share on this Holy day the Strength & Hope campaign for Breast Cancer Research. Click on this link if you'd like to hear a personal message from Shelli Gardener, CEO & co-founder of SU!

Throughout the 2011 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue sales period, Stampin’ Up! will donate $2* from the sale of each Strength & Hope set ($34.95 unmounted or $43.95 wood mounted) to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

Below is is a gorgeous card that Sarah Roche from my team created with the set. I do love the colours - very sexy pink (Melon Mambo) teamed with Pink Pirouette, for think pink for breast cancer!

Thanks Sarah it is a stunning card - if you'd like to make a difference plus scoring a gorgeous stamp set - contact me to order yours today.

EEK another year older - yes me!

2011-04-14T22:08:00.000+12:00

Thought I'd share with you all 2 of my favourite birthday cards that I received to help me celebrate my day created by the very talented Judy Beetson & Debbie Lamb using one of the new stamp sets now available in the newly released Autumn-Winter mini Nature Walk

Made by Debbie

Made by Judy

Receiving such gorgeous cards as these almost makes it worthwhile turning another year older - thanks Judy & Debbie.

Extravaganza time

2011-03-23T00:41:00.000+13:00

Hi all my team had it's extravaganza event for Sale-a-bration AKA SAB last weekend & I was working with Jacque using my favourite set in the catalogue which you can earn for free for every $120 you spend until March 31st.

Our project was a very funky modern gift set - covered notebook, matching pen & bookmark, a few other goodies could be fitted in the acetate box easily.

Stamp set: Bliss
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Early Espresso
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Confetti White
Punches: 1-3/8" circle, 1-1.4" circle
Other: White satin ribbon, hemp twine, Lots of Tags #3 sizzlit, basic pearl, dimesionals

Remember you only have until March 31st to earn any of the SAB sets so if you're interested in knowing more or you'd like your own catalogue rather than reading it online do drop me a line. My e-mail address is at the top of the blog.

The flip flop album or should that be the WOW I love it album!

2011-03-11T19:58:00.001+13:00

This was such a cool project that my fabulous upline Jacque taught us the other night. It's kinda fascinating and the pictures won't do it justice but it just kinda goes & goes & goes - lots of hidden crevices - so expect this project to be taught at class after I've practiced teaching it to my fabulous downline.

Hopefully a picture tells a 1000 words so here's some snap shots of the WOW flippity flop album :) The DSP used is called Playdate & it's fun.

Thanks Jacque this was a very cool project xxx

Needing inspiration??

2011-02-16T22:51:00.001+13:00

Do check out my Demonstrator website with Stampin' Up! there's some fabulous ideas online. I just love this project they've posted for this month.

Good news I hope; my classes etc for 2011 kick off Friday March 4th - my online calendar for classes & events has been updated on my blog & on my demo site site so book in as some cool projects are coming up.

What's your favourite SAB set?

2011-01-29T00:48:00.000+13:00

Mine is Bliss so was really rapt when one of the projects I created at Jacque's class the other night used the set. You too can earn this set for FREE if you spend $120 on Stampin' Up! merchandise - or host a $700 workshop & earn it that way. There are 4 sets to choose from & they're all fabulous - click HERE to see them all.

Stamp set: Bliss
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Paper: Confetti White, Soft Suede, Elegant Eggplant, Elegant Soiree DSP
Other: Gold Glow smooch spritz, top note die, Vintage wallpaper EF, bleach, Early Espresso satin ribbon, basic pearls, brayer, sponge, dimesionals

Getting organised for 2011 and doing it in style!

2011-01-24T09:29:00.003+13:00

SU! style that is - this was the 2nd gift idea from Jacque's class that I mass produced & heaps of my friends got as a gift for Christmas or late birthdays in 2010.

The $2 shop sells really good diaries for $2.50 but they have really naf covers but a lovely plastic cover which is just perfect for tucking in a gorgeous front - unbelievably its is almost identical to a standard card size.

Thanks Andrea yes I meant 2011!

Stamp set: Just Believe
Ink: Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Basic Gray
Paper: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Shimmer White, Very Vanilla, Elegant Soiree DSP
Punches: Word window, 3/4" circle
Other: Basic pearls, antique brads, sponge daubers, dimensionals, cutter tool, spritzer tool

Cookies in a jar?

2011-01-22T21:46:00.000+13:00

Yah I am surrounded by PCs & cables but can access both my computers and I do know Christmas is over for another year but this was such a cool gift to give with some gingerbread cookie cutters. I know my friend Carolyn loved hers.

I made this at my fabulous upline Jacque's class & the 2nd gift I made there (which I will reveal tomorrow) was replicated many times! Jacque got the recipe from HERE & I must admit this is a cooking site that I do frequently use.

Stamp set: Got Treats
Ink: Early Espresso, Real Red
Paper: Real Red, Early Espresso
Punches: Scallop trim border
Other: Real red polka dot ribbon, Circle Scissors Plus

Hi all soon be back to blogging

2011-01-18T20:45:00.001+13:00

I've just upgraded my old PC but having a few hiccups with transferring stuff across - hopefully with the help of all my nerdy friends (bless them) I'll be back for good real soon. Even all my photos are on the other box :(

Stampin' Up! have a promotion whilst we wait for Sale-a-bration so from now until January 24th.

Details: Purchase the Sweetheart Stamp Set or Full Heart Punch and get a FREE package of Heart Treat Cups valued at $7.95 value

Item	Page	Description	Price
121576	38	Sweetheart Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$46.95
120780	38	Sweetheart Clear-Mount Stamp Set	$37.95
119883	147	Full Heart Punch	$41.50

Christmas 2010 :)

2010-12-26T22:38:00.001+13:00

Baby deer

Is over for another year - why does it go so fast! Well I thought I'd take a few days of blogging when I started my holidays 2 weeks ago & 2 became 12 but I really needed it - shame the holiday is over & back to work in 2 days time. I thought I'd do a quick summary of some of the high & low lights of this year's event & will be back blogging about cards etc tomorrow.

The low lights the rain & it's accompanying humidity & tangled lights - I will put them away tidier this year. Gave up in the end & got the wire cutters out!

What a tangled mess!

Let it rain & rain non-stop

My boys have hated the heat but did enjoy playing helping put up the lights!

Napoleon AKA Napster in the sun

I'm sure she can't see me here!


Rear guard attack by Tiger

I had to laugh at this - sitting at my computer desk & I look across the road & there's Santa in suburbia visiting my neighbours.

Finally all presents wrapped & I manage to get out of Auckland for Christmas morning in Hamilton with Pete & his family and the most presents I've ever seen under a tree for 2 very spoilt wee boys.

Pete & me under the tree when there is room for us!

Who is the biggest Thomas fan Keegan @20 or his cousin Logan @3!

Pete's children; Keegan & Cassie with their nana.

Xmas lunch :)) The table was decorated by Keegan beautifully - go army boy - nice to see you've got a sensitive side (though I think Aunty C was directing from the sideline)..

Then back to Auckland for the Rogers celebrations/dessert. My lovely nieces & nephews - gosh they're no longer babies anymore.

Amber, Mikaela, Max, Amos

Mikaela & Max strike a pose :)

The end of the day:)

So I hope everyone's day was as FABULOUS as mine. Catch you soon with card making - though I am so over cards still, have I made a heap in the last few weeks.

Spinning really fast

2010-12-14T00:21:00.001+13:00

This was another one of the projects I recently made at my team's Christmas party - the technique was taught to us on the day by Sally Williams but all credit must go to Janet Appletree who comes to my classes who suggested a few years ago we snip the ends of a teeny weeny amount on the dimensionals that go between the coins - it sure does work - no "clumphing". The decoration has got quite a lot of dazzling diamonds glitter on it & looks really pretty spinning in real life.

Stamp sets: Christmas Greetings, Delightful Decorations
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Versamark
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday DSP
Punches: Word window, scallop edge
Other: White embossing powder, basic rhinestone, dazzling diamonds glitter, dimensionals, 2x 10c pieces
Technique: Spinner Card

Just in case you receive a late Christmas card

2010-12-12T22:51:00.000+13:00

and haven't sent the recipient a card how about a Happy New Year card using the oh so summery Island Oasis DSP and Tropical Party stamp set - this also would be fabulous for an invitation for drinks.

Isn't our new textured plate just FABULOUS! Love it! This was my make n' take from my free summer mini launch party, along with Christmas cake, cherries, strawberries, chocolate balls & bubbly - it's been a FUN weekend all right. I CASED my card from Kay Kalthoff whose cards are the same but much cleaner looking - I hope mine reflects summer & pacifica/kiwiana.

Stamp set: Tropical Party, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Tempting Turquoise or Rose Red
Paper: Whisper White, Island Oasis DSP, Fresh Cut notes card & envelope
Other: Square lattice textured EF, hemp twine, Bold Bright brads, word window punch, word window punch, dimensionals, sponge dauber.

Don't forget Teeny Tiny Sentiments (wood mounted) is part of the December frenzy and is reduced 50% - phenomenal value at $37.98 for a set of 24 - there is a saying in there for every occasion.

You've got mail

2010-12-06T22:16:00.000+13:00

The best sort handmade cards - I have my first 3 handmade cards & unbelievably they were all from someone who's name started with the initial J!

So in the order I received them from Jan (bit scared about returning the favour as this is fabulous) a red perfect dot embossed card front with silver embossed saying from Season of Joy on gray card stock for the front.

But look at the inside - WOW now how clever is this!

Then my dear friend Jackie gave me hers - a Christmas saying & some cut out trees from designer series paper.

Then my neighbour & friend Joan popped hers in my letter box today using the ever so versatile bird punch or in this case a wee red robin which has also been dry embossed.

So as Sesame Street would say the cards today are bought to you by the letter J and what a fabulous collection they are!

Sarah's cute birdhouse

2010-12-05T10:17:00.000+13:00

This was such a cool, easy project that Sarah taught our team last week at our play day.

We all had different DSP for the roof & they all looked fabulous. Here's my completed one full of mini Santas (it took the whole bag full) & I have to say that our mini clips are really strong & so cute!

Dasher Part 3

2010-12-03T23:14:00.000+13:00

This was a really cool card inspired by a swap from Delys Cram and then demoed to me by my upline Jacque when we were doing brayering techniques.

The sky was brayered but the rest of the colouring was done with sponges, sticky notes & ink. The flourish stamp from Cottage Garden gold embossed made a lovely border.

Stamp sets: Dasher, Cottage Garden, Many Merry Messages
Ink: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Soft Suede, Versamark
Paper: Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Whisper White
Other: Brayer, sponges, post-it notes, Old Olive 5/8" ribbon,

Move over cheep talk there's a new bird on the block!

2010-12-02T23:04:00.001+13:00

and it's called Aviary - just released in the new Summer Mini. It's a set of 9 stamps with 4 different birds & 4 different cages & a bird cage stand, priced at $42.95 for clear mount or $53.95 wood mounted - it's seriously cute - so expect lots of posts. These are 2 cards I received recently from other demonstrators - we like to swap cards when we meet.

From Sarah Roche a delightful pocket card - love her colour combo too of Pear Pizazz & Rich Razzleberry.

From Jacque Pedersen a real aviary of birds! I think Marina Mist might be Jacque's favourite colour now.Jacque's also used the new Textured Impressions embossing folder - which is one of my favourite "new things" I can now share.

Thank you both they're both just adorable!

Small gift idea?

2010-12-01T22:54:00.000+13:00

Covering a small notepad with some scrummy DSP makes a delightful wee gift.

I got 4 pads for $2 & look at it now.

This is the newly released Island Oasis DSP which can be found in the new Summer Mini catalogue - bring on the pina coladas! I've teamed it with it's matching Tropical Party stamp set for a real summery look & it matches these cute pens I got at the Stampin' Up! convention this year perfectly.

It's summertime :)

2010-12-01T00:01:00.001+13:00

So let's kick off December with a new mini catalogue & a stupendous sale - many of the items are 50% off :) Contact me if you'd like to order anything.

Item	Page	Description	Retail Price	Sale Price
119181	39	A Little Treat Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$26.95	$13.48
120018	39	A Little Treat Clear-Mount Stamp Set	$21.95	$10.98
119189	40	Tote-Ally Tess Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$45.95	$32.17
111255	43	Daisy Dash Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel	$19.50	$11.70
121482	56	Baby Bundle Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$59.95	$41.97
119161	72	Autumn Days Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$46.95	$23.48
120012	77	Pendant Park Clear-Mount Stamp Set	$36.95	$18.48
113031	88	Tart & Tangy Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$26.95	$18.87
115806	91	Fresh Cuts Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$46.95	$32.87
115946	102	Wonderful Favorites Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$47.95	$28.77
119167	104	Heard from the Heart Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$46.95	$28.17
119185	105	Teeny Tiny Sentiments Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$75.95	$37.98
105115	118	Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.87
105106	119	Certainly Celery Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
100045	119	Pretty in Pink Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105114	119	So Saffron Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105111	119	Bashful Blue Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105108	119	Regal Rose Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
105109	120	Bravo Burgundy Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
100069	120	Night of Navy Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.87
100082	121	Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker	$6.95	$4.17
103104	122	Small Cello Bags	$9.25	$5.55
111325	140	Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware	$70.50	$35.25
112530	140	Circle Scissor Plus	$67.95	$40.77
116681	161	Kind Heart Wood-Mount Stamp Set*	$14.50	$7.25

As well as that the Summer Mini launches today & all items are available until 31 March 2011 - click HERE to see the online version.

Things to do

2010-11-30T19:55:00.002+13:00

I'm sure this is one of the catch phrases of us all at this time of the year & my dear friend Judy gave us all a very pretty notebook to jot down ideas to help get us organised as the silly season starts being silly!

She's covered a notebook with Ski Slope DSP (no longer available), a very sparkly ornament & my favourite alphabet set of all time Tidy Alphabet (retired but a real keeper).

Thanks Judy I'm sure it will come in real handy!

Who can resist Dasher Part 2

2010-11-29T23:12:00.000+13:00

This is my take on the earlier version which used Cherry Cobbler CS & Winter Post for the snowflakes.

Stamp sets: Dasher, Snow Swirled, Tiny Tags
Ink: Old Olive, Versamark
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Whisper White
Other: Petals-a-plenty EF, Old Olive 1-1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon, Antique brad, dimensionals, Frost White Shimmer Mist paint, black embossing powder, sponge dauber.
Technique: Emboss Resist

I'm back but back with a goodie to share!

2010-11-28T23:11:00.000+13:00

One of those crazy weeks when classes, workshops & a team event get in the way of blogging but have lots to share. Yesterday was my team the WOW paperKRafters Christmas party/play day - absolutely fabulous day, 6 projects in 7 hours & lots of food :)

This is the project I demoed & was shared to me by my upline Jacque & then I shared with my team - which is what being part of a team is all about. If you'd like to know about being part of a fabulous team do check this page out.

Stamp sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: White Craft, Early Espresso
Reinkers: Rich Razzleberrym Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink
Paper: Confetti Cream, Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizazz, Watercolour
Other: Rich Razzleberry 5/8" grosgrain, Top Note die, little leaves Sizzlit die, Manhattan Flowers embossing folder. dimensionals, white embossing powder.

The colour combo which is rather fabulous was the Colour Coach's pick for Rich Razzleberry which became the focal point as that was the ribbon I had enough of & the right size for the project. I'll be sharing the tutorial for this project with my newsletter readers as well as links to the new Summer mini catalogue and December's specials, which I hate to tell you this but they're very tempting as quite a few items 50% off. So if you haven't signed up for my Monthly Newsletter the sign up box is on the right-hand side of my blog, next newsletter out December 1st!

Popping Pendant Park

2010-11-24T22:58:00.000+13:00

Donna & her friends wanted a lesson on poppin' pastels & Christmas and this is what I came up with and it's not even a "Christmas set" - it was fun seeing all the different versions they created - don't tell anyone but I think Donna's Wayne had the most funkiest colour combo & blending. Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself!

Stamp sets: Pendant Park, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Versmark, Old Olive, Early Espresso
Paper: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Punches: Modern Label, Word Window
Other: Stampin' Pastels, sponge dauber, cutter kit, dimensionals, Sleighbell ribbon, basic pearls
Technique: Poppin' Pastels

What a delightful gift card holder!

2010-11-21T07:59:00.004+13:00

Many thanks to Rachael Knight from our team who swapped this great idea with me. She used the punched out shape to be the closure/fastening mechanism & it works! I see Lisa Bullock from our team took the concept & made the wheels on a truck do the same!

I recreated Rachael's idea with Jolly Holiday DSP & the Christmas Cocoa DSP the sayings are from Snow Swirled. My only change was to take a small bite with a small oval out of the word window punched "slot".

Stamp sets: Delightful Decorations, Snow Swirled
Ink: Cherry Cobbler or Real Red, Old Olive or Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb cake (AKA Craft), Very Vanilla or Whisper White , Jolly Holiday or Christmas Cocoa DSP
Punches: Ornament, word window, small oval, scallop trim border
Other: Old Olive or Real Red 1/8" taffeta ribbon, dimensional, basic pearl or rhinestone, sticky strip, mini glue dot

Thanks Rachael what a great concept & it's quick & easy which are my favourite catch phrases for all things Christmas.

Quick & easy gift token holder

2010-11-20T10:37:00.000+13:00

This is the next project we did at my class the other night & folds up so that there is a wee pocket to insert those gift cards that look like a "credit card" into - yes SU! does great gift packaging - for any demos that read my blog this project can be found in October 2009 Impressions which is online & the template is in the library (Pouches 2).

Stamp set: Snow Swirled
Ink: Old Olive
Paper: Old Olive textured, Cherry Cobbler, Jolly Holiday DSP
Punches: 1-1/4" circle, 1-3/8" circle, scallop trim border
Other: Rhinestone brad, dimensionals, crop-a-dile, Very Vanilla 3/8" grosgrain ribbon

I'll be back tomorrow with the 2nd holder which is really fabulous but if you'd like to learn any of these projects - think about scheduling a home workshop - I'll come to you & all you need is 4-10 friends & it's all FREE.

Really quick Christmas cards!

2010-11-18T22:11:00.001+13:00

As there's hardly any stamping! I've used the fabulous Christmas Cocoa Designer Series Paper that is only available with the Christmas Bundle offer which closes November 30.

The paper used for this one is flocked & is fabulous in real life.

I'm not sure why this is just a straight paper but almost looks 3D.

Stamp set: Many Merry Messages
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Real Red or Soft Suede, Whisper White, Christmas Cocoa DSP
Other: Ornament punch, dimensionals, Real Red 1/8" taffeta ribbon, mini glue dots.
Cutting: 4-1/8" square card with 3-7/8" & 3-3/4" mats.

So if you'd like to order some of this fabulous paper get in before November 30.

I am blown away by this card

2010-11-16T23:21:00.001+13:00

It's so amazing & yet so easy! Brayering was the technique my fabulous upline Jacque taught at class last night. She took her inspiration from Michele Zindorf (of course).

Stamp sets: Sense of Time, Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Wild Wasabi, Always Artichoke, Craft Whisper White, Basic Black
Paper: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Whisper White
Other: Marina Mist grosgrain ribbon, black embossing powder, Signo White gel pen, Stampin' Pastels, brayer, sponge

Krystal's cardstock basket

2010-11-14T10:35:00.000+13:00

This was one of the cool projects I learnt last weekend & was demonstrated to me by Krystal Karauti from Taupo - it made my Pete go WOW & that reaction is normally not his usual platitude.

Believe it or not this was created from one piece of 12 x 12 " & I have the template :)

Thanks Krystle too; it's to cool for words - here's early construction of the basket:

Stamp set: Season of Joy
Ink: Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Other: Scallop eyelet border punch, brads

Looking for the perfect packaging for a wine bottle

2010-11-12T22:36:00.005+13:00

Karen's aka Moi on the LHS & Michelle's on the RHS

Look no further than Stampin' Up! & the fabulous wine card holder of Michelle Cave from Hastings (as she's from the wine growing country & her husband is in the industry I think we'll trust her ;-)

This is such a cool idea & so easy you're probably thinking like me why didn't I think of that before!

It's just a piece of 9 x 6 " card stock folded in half & then scored at 6" & one of the top corners removed. Tracy Hanshaw from Aussie has a template on her blog which you can check out HERE to see.

Stamp sets: Lovely as a Tree, Christmas Greetings or Many Merry Messages
Ink: Early Espresso or Basic Black
Markers: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Garden Green
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday DSP, Early Espresso or Basic Black
Punches: 1-3/8" circle, scallop circle
Ribbon: Very Vanilla 1/4" grosgrain or 1/8" Basic Black taffeta
Other: Basic rhinestones

Such a fabulous project Michelle & I can see the birthday version one coming up real soon !

Patrice's suspension card

2010-11-10T23:03:00.000+13:00

Don't ask me why but I like snowman on Christmas cards, so this was one of my favourite projects from my play day in the weekend. I didn't stuff this one up too much apart from 1 step so only had to swap the side my snowman was on. This project was taught to me by Patrice Halliday-Larsen and she made it so easy!

Stamp set: Punch Pals
Ink: Night of Navy, various markers
Paper: Night of Navy, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Other: lots of circle punches, Top Note Die, Perfect Dots EF, Petals-a-plenty EF, Champagne Mist shimmer mist, dimensionals, Rich Razzleberry 1/8" taffeta ribbon
Technique: Suspension card

My first time to be...

2010-11-08T20:42:00.003+13:00

an attendee at one of the team's Extravaganza events that took place in the weekend. It was funny in some ways being on the wrong side of the table but in a fabulous way!

So I partook in the Rotorua event; demonstrating were Delys & Jenn from Whakatane, Patrice from Hamilton, Kirsty & Krystle from Taupo. I've managed to snap 3 of them but 2 must have been a bit camera shy.

Look here's my bag with my name & wee treat - didn't I feel special.

And then imagine my delight to see my convention swap up on one of the display boards.

A quick squizz at one of the projects being created - yes some were complicated & I have to confess I did my first 2-3 with lots of errors but by the end of the event I was a pro - you'd think I did this for real ;-)

I'll be back soon to share some of the projects that worked!

So thanks Delys, Jenn, Patrice, Krystle & Kirsty for a great afternoon of papercrafting

Look no stamps!

2010-11-07T21:41:00.001+13:00

This was a fabulous project that the very talented Paula Dobson's NZ's Queen of Sponge taught our team many moons ago and then was gobbled up by my Craft Room - I'm spring cleaning now & finding all sorts of lost but now founds :)

She took her inspiration for the card by Rangitoto Island for us Aucklanders & no stamps were involved in it's creations - just ink & sponges & post it notes!

Ink: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black
Paper: Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

This truly is magnificent - thanks Paula it was a fun day!

Revisiting the past

2010-11-05T23:14:00.001+13:00

This is cased from one of the first cards I ever made at one of my upline's Jacque's classes - over 3 years ago. I always loved the original but lots of the products used at that time we didn't actually have available to buy, so it was put away & came out of the box last week for my Beautiful Cards class. The original was a Bashful Blue & Chocolate combo. I think the white gel pen shows up best on the blue but still pretty in pink!

Stamp set: Scribble This
Ink: Basic Brown (retired), Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Other: Vintage Wallpaper EF, large oval punch, jumbo Chocolate Chip brad, dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, blender pen, white Signo gel pen, sponge, Photo Corner punch, Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon (retired)

Just love the flourish with this set. See good things do take time - the Mainland Ad is right!

Which do you prefer?

2010-11-04T22:49:00.004+13:00

My original take on this card was the "more traditional" Old Olive card with a Cherry Cobbler mat to pop it - see HERE - but last weekend I took part with my team in a swap of cards & ideas for Christmas - to be precise 21 of them & wow some stunning ideas - 3 of them are featuring in a class coming to you in November see my LHS side bar for further details.

I'd been making so many cards lately in Old Olive that I had just about run out of the colour when I went to make another 21 so I thought I'd reverse the colours around & I love how it's brightened up my original design - I like the new version best i.e. this one & so did my fab team as they voted for it to be most demonstrable card tied with Kate Tobeck's one - which chuffed me immensely as I love Kate's work!

How to create a perfect mat
Well we're stuck with metric paper A4 & A5 - so as much as I'm an inches girl in real life I find cm better to work with when preparing my "mats"

These are my favourite 3 sizes pinned up all over my craft room
10 cm x 14.3 cm
9.5 cm x 13.8 cm
9 cm x 13.3 cm
- otherwise 1/8" or 1/4" smaller increments. This card below has used an A5 Cherry Cobbler - cut in half lengthwise to create a mountain-fold, Old Olive @9.5 x 13.8 cm & Whisper White @9 x 13.3 cm. The beautiful flourish & star is found in the Baroque Motifs stamp set (set of 6 $47.95), one of the ornaments from Delightful Decorations and the message is from Many Merry Messages. This looks so much better in real life.

Last but not least finally I have my Retired Stamps For Sale list up - click on the link above for all my retired stuff.

So Swirly Christmas

2010-11-02T00:16:00.002+13:00

This is one of the projects I demonstrated for Kirsten & her friend's last week. I love wheels - they're so quick & easy! The So Swirly wheel is so versatile - perfect for a card or a scrapbook page. Dependent on it's colour & sentiment perfect for any occasion.

Looks great just as a monochromatic Old Olive. But definitely more pizazz with the addition of a Real Red mat & ink; the wee star is from the Priceless stamp set. The Sleigh Bells ribbon is on promotion at the moment & you can earn it for free - click HERE to see how.

Stamp sets: Priceless, Curly Cute, So Swirly wheel
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red
Paper: Old Olive (textured), Real Red, Whisper White
Ribbon: Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain or Sleigh Bells (for a limited time - promo)
Other: Dazzling diamonds glitter

Quick & easy thank you

2010-10-30T19:35:00.000+13:00

Yep the story of my life lately; quick & easy & hopefully with a bit of pizzazz.

I just got a box of goodies the other day with my Greenhouse Garden stamp set & the Elegant Lines embossing folder. I've used 2 of the new in-colours Concord Crush & Peach Parfait - yummy & bright - with the aid of my Colour Coach I've found their dynamic duos - Cajun Crush & Perfect Plum. I've stamped the PP off once & used the Concord Crush as the "highlight".

I do love 2-step stamping so think I'll be playing with a few more dynamic colour combos.

If you'd like to know more or to order any of these products don't hesitate to contact me.

Beautiful butterfly with lots of style!

2010-10-28T23:37:00.000+13:00

Firstly a huge thanks to Lisa Freeman for the inspiration for this card. I loved Lisa's card but chose my colours to be the same but different shades dependent on my ribbon availibilty.

Stamp sets: Elements of Style, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Basic Brown, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizazz, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede (sponging)
Paper: Blushing Bride, Pear Pizazz, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Other: Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die, word window punch, modern label punch, cutter tool (distressing), sponge dauber, basic pearls, sticky strip, dimensionals, Blushing Bride poly twill ribbon, blender pen.

I've ruched the ribbon by running a strip of Sticky Strip on the Pear Pizazz layer & then folding the ribbon on top of the Sticky strip.

Craft Market this coming Saturday

2010-10-28T00:09:00.000+13:00

Calling all Nor-Western readers of my blog the WOW paperKRafters are holding their first craft market/garage sale this coming Saturday from 3-5pm.
WHERE: Marina View Primary School Hall, West Harbour 97-99 Marina View Drive. Free parking & entry. We'll have goodies to buy for Christmas plus our retired stamps, ribbons, DSP - the majority reduced to clear.

My dear friend Wendy's mum Pat Blayney will be there with her fabulous Christmas cakes & chutney's marketed under "Mrs B" - she is a regular at the Craft Markets around town & her stuff alone is worth the trip.

Who can resist Dasher?

2010-10-25T23:04:00.002+13:00

Not me & certainly not Shimmer Mist paint. This was the lovely card we created at Jacque Pedersen's card class this week. Just love stamping the Shimmer Mist directly onto the snowflake to make nice shimmery ones!

Dasher was embossed first in black & then the Shimmer Mist was lightly daubed around him & then onto the large snowflake from the Winter Post set. Dasher is an a la carte stamp that means it's a single stamp & priced at $18.50

Stamp sets: Dasher, Winter Post, Tiny Tags
Ink: Old Olive, Versamark
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Whisper White
Other: Petals-a-plenty EF, Old Olive 1-1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon, Styled silver Hodgepodge brad, dimensionals, Frost White Shimmer Mist paint, black embossing powder

Jolly Holiday Bird

2010-10-24T23:50:00.000+13:00

This is the lovely demo swap that Judy Beetson shared with us but her slack upline has been too busy to share with you all it's fabulousness!

Stamp set: Perfect Punches
Ink: Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Jolly Holiday DSP
Punches: 1-3/8" circle, scallop circle, extra large 2-step bird, corner rounder
Other: Perfect dots EF, Big Shot, dimensionals & a wee basic pearl for his eye (so cute!)

Thanks Judy I do love it :))

More cracked glass cards

2010-10-23T23:49:00.000+13:00

This is a fabulous card that I had the pleasure of making at Debbie Lamb's class a wee while ago & it's fabulous in name too as it uses the lovely level 2 hostess set Fast & Fabulous

Stamp sets: En Francais (background), Fast & Fabulous
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Regal Rose
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip
Ribbon: 5/8" chocolate chip grosgrain (retired now but replaced with Early Espresso - darker chocolate in colour)
Technique: Cracked glass

Blue and White Christmas

2010-10-23T00:54:00.001+13:00

Well this is certainly not your traditional Christmas - but appropriate for us down under where we have lots of blue - skies & the sea are all around us. I received this card a s a swap from Sally & I really like the cleanliness of it all.

Sally mixed drops of Pacific Point re-inker with Frost White shimmer mist & daubed directly on the stamp to get a translucent look which does not photograph at all! The card in it's entirety revealed:

Check out her BLOG for all the finer details. Anyone purchasing the Delightful Decoration stamp set & it's matching punch receives a free roll of ribbon (4 to choose from - valued from $19.95 to $26.50 in value)

Southern Girls Challenge Blog

2010-10-21T18:29:00.000+13:00

This is the brainwave of Tracy Jackson & Louise Forsyth - 2 lovely gals I meet through blogging. They asked me to sponsor this weeks challenge which is all about glitter so go check out the Southern Girls challenge blog & good luck if you enter. I'm donating this years Sale-a-bration stamp set Good Neighbours as that seemed an appropriate name for the prize.

Cracked glass technique

2010-10-20T22:38:00.001+13:00

This is a fun technique where you stamp an image & then apply layers of clear embossing powder (4-5 works best) freeze for 15 minutes & then crack. Sponge in the cracks to emphasise them & viola:

This is the card my upline Jacque taught us the other night & had a few techniques extra on board as well - a bit of popping pastels, we've used the Signo white gel pen to make the flowers pop - but it was fun & I'm going to use it for a Sympathy card as it's a bit somber to me. The stamp set used is Upsy Daisy.

Where have I been?

2010-10-18T11:04:00.001+13:00

Not in Hamilton Island but working at the Dunkley's Craft fair with the fabulous Rachael & Vicki-Lee which was so much fun (though my feet did get a wee bit tired) - as they say a change is as good as a break - here's a picture just before start time - I should have taken the after shot but I'm sure the team would still be cheery & bright! Thanks anyone that did pop in & say hi I'm sure one of us will be in touch with you if you entered the door prize draw which was won by Ann C from Takanini - congratulations Ann!

I'll just share another quick & easy Christmas card that I did at workshop recently. Trust me Quick & Easy is exactly what you want at Christmas time.

Yep red & white again & one embossing folder - one Christmas message & the so versatile Delightful Decorations stamp set & punch which is one of the Christmas bundles on offer at the moment - buy the set as a bundle & receive a roll of fabulous ribbon.

Stamp sets: Delightful Decorations, Christmas Greetings
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Real Red & Whisper White
Other: Ornament punch, Real Red glitter or Real Red marker, Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, basic jewels & dimensionals

Dressing Up for Christmas

2010-10-16T06:24:00.003+13:00

Oh who loves free - me & wow these ribbons on offer & Christmas Cocoa Designer Series Paper are not available in our market. So from today until November 30th if you order one of the Christmas bundles you earn one free roll with each bundle and/or host a $600 workshop to earn one roll for free too.

Click HERE to see all the details & the ribbons in closer detail.

Contact me to order yours ASAP as they say that it's whilst stocks last.

Found the Christmas Cocoa paper online - it is a specialty paper & is flocked - sounds amazing - colours Soft Suede & Real Red - not sure if there's a bug but it's letting you order the paper separately $23.50 + 5% shipping - so get in quick if you're interested in getting some ;-)

And I think I've found a picture of the"unknown:" ribbons online - the joys of finding stuff that has been in the US & now retired. The top one is definitely Sleigh Bells & the middle one is in Mistletoe & I think you might get the other one too looking at the picture online.

Glossy ornaments - so shiny & bright

2010-10-14T22:21:00.001+13:00

Sarah Roche made this simple but stunning effective card for her demo swap - Sarah's is the "2nd youngest member" of my team but she does awesome cards - always a little bit extra - this one has all the ornaments clear embossed so they're super shiny.

She's also the furthest South, based in Hamilton if anyone is looking for a demonstrator in that area; click on her name to schedule a workshop & make your own baubles shiny.

Stamp set: Contempo Christmas, Heard from the Heart
Ink: Old Olive, Chery Cobbler, Versamark
Paper: Old Olive, Chery Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Whisper White
Other: Ornament punch, dimensionals, clear embossing powder

HELP no Christmas stamps!

2010-10-14T00:01:00.001+13:00

This was the dilemma Claire faced when our team set it's swap theme as Christmas - but she was very clever as she had a word saying & improvised. I totally love it as it's so unique. Can't wait to see what you come up with next. Claire has just started blogging so do pop in & say hi - click HERE for her very lovely blog.

Stamp set: Many Merry Messages
Ink: Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Versamark
Paper: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Jolly Holiday DSP
Other: Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds, Very Vanilla Ribbon, Basic Pearl, white embossing powder
Punches: Circle & scallop edge

Reuse & recycle

2010-10-11T21:47:00.001+13:00

I probably don't need to preach this too hard to fellow crafters but one of my favourite things to recycle is the DSP backing cardboard - it makes 4 very nice 6x6" squares which are the base for my scallop box that the WOW paperKRafters created yesterday at our team training. It was a CASE of one that Rachael Knight sent me for my birthday this year resplendent in Rich Razzleberry - the girls & I all really like our Cherry Cobbler one so a huge thanks Rachael - though I'd appreciate if you use less Sticky Strip next time so I can pull it apart easier! Judy also had a fancy ribbon holder with her yesterday so look at my bow - gorgeous!

Stamp: Medallion (background)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red textured, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday DSP and last but not least the DSP cardboard backing sheet
Other: 2-step large bird, Little Leaves Sizzlit die, Scallop Circle BigZ Die, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, sticky strip, anywhere glue stick, mini glue dots, white Signo gel pen, dimensionals.

Rachael, Vicky-Lee & myself are working at the Dunkley's Craft Show at the North Shore Events Centre on Saturday & Sunday - so do pop in & say hi & buy some of our Christmas goodies - though I don't think you'll see this box out for sale as I love it too much. You can print out this coupon too if you'd like to save on the door entry.

And if you'd like to join a team of like minded ladies do please click on my tab above - Join My Team - the fun we have is too good not to share!

I'm in love with side-step cards

2010-10-10T21:13:00.001+13:00

Well so much so that I shared how to with my team today at training plus they received one as a swap - so I have lots of gorgoeus cards to share that I received in return - I do love swapping cards & ideas.

Stamp sets: Delightful Decorations, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Season of Joy
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Crumb Cake
Paper: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday DSP
Punches: Large ornament, modern label, word-window, 3/4" circle
Other: Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon (3/8”), basic rhinestones, dimensionals, mini glue dots, Snail adhesive

Don't you hate it when ....

2010-10-09T11:47:00.001+13:00

You're finished your card & it falls in the ink pad or in my case I drop another stamp on it - but too pretty not to share - this is a side step card & my upline Jacque taught me how to make it the other night.

I have my own down-line training tomorrow so if they're very good (& I know they will be as they're so fabulous) I 'll show them too :)

Stamp set: Season of Joy
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Poppy Parade, Early Espresso
Paper: Bashful Blue, Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, Whisper White
Punches: Scallop oval & large oval, 1" circle
Other: Poppy Parade poly twill, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, dimensionals

A different sort of Christmas Card?

2010-10-05T22:36:00.000+13:00

Well this in no way could be called a traditional Christmas card but it works & is a take on the lovely Tree Haze sponged bag that Paula Dobson taught me - click HERE to see the original concept.

Stamp sets: Lovely as a Tree, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Soft Suede, Basic Black
Paper: Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Punches: 1-3/8" circle, Photo Corners
Other: Sponge, gold brads, dimesionals, Dazzling Diamonds glitter (lots of it - let it snow!), post-it note

Ann & her friends did this at their workshop at the weekend & they all ended up with a pretty good take on it and we all had lovely messy fingers - so much fun! So if you see something on my blog you'd like to have a go at & get your fingers messy; do contact me as dates are filling fast & Christmas is approaching fast!

Red and White Christmas

2010-10-03T22:17:00.002+13:00

This was the last of my 3 Quickie cards from class & this was the only one I cased & therefore I made quite a few mistakes but it was midnight, so it had to do.

Stamp sets: Delightful Decorations, Christmas Greetings
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White
Other: Ornament punch, Real Red satin ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, silver brads, petals-a-plenty EF

Here's the link to the card I cased from at Heather Summer's blog which is a much better effort than mine - thanks Heather for the inspiration

Our new colours for Christmas are....

2010-10-02T11:59:00.001+13:00

Old Olive & Cherry Cobbler - so scrummy together!

This was the 2nd of my Quick & Easy Christmas cards - using the very versatile Baroque Motifs & the Ornament punch & yes more Champagne Mist shimmer paint - this time daubed on the stamped image.

Stamp sets: Delightful Decorations, Baroque Motifs, Many Merry Messages
Ink: Cherry Cobber, Old Olive
Paper: Cherry Cobber, Old Olive, Whisper White
Other: Ornament punch, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, sponge dauber, 1/8" old olive taffeta ribbon, mini glue dots, dimensionals

You can really mass produce these very easily - so perfect for Christmas - contact me if you'd like to place an order.

Who's the most dashing of them all?

2010-09-29T23:01:00.000+13:00

Why dasher of cos' (though I've made him Rudolph with a shiny red nose). He's one of our a la carte stamps i.e. single stamps & only $18.50 to buy. This was one of my 3 Quick & Easy Christmas cards that was this week's class (the ladies easily made their 3 cards in 1-1/2 hours - so we finished EARLY! - so more time for chatting :)

The photo doesn't show it but the embossed piece of card stock is our new Shimmer White so it's shimmery & the piece of card stock with Dasher on also has been sprayed with Champagne Mist shimmer paint - so also all shimmery. This was my favourite of the 3 as I just love Dasher xxx

Stamp sets: Dasher, Season of Joy
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Shimmer White
Other: Champagne mist shimmer paint, Petals a plenty EF, Merry Details Sizzlit die, circle fire rhinestone brads, basic rhinestones, dimensionals

If you'd like your own Dasher do contact me to purchase or any other product - I also have space in Friday night's class if you'd like to join us.

Elements of Style - my new favourite set

2010-09-28T19:20:00.001+13:00

Well I had a lovely crafty weekend just gone which started off perfectly with a cracked glass class at Debbie Lamb's place and it was payback time for Debbie as I loved the first card (& so will you) & have now ordered the stamp set - it's normally the other way around. She's always telling me off for making her fall in love with sets that she hadn't looked twice at before. Clever Debbie worked out how we can still have spotted ribbon too!

Stamp set: Elements of Style
Ink: Versamark, Pacific Point, Marina Mist - also yummy I love it!
Paper: Marina Mist, Whisper White
Punches: 1" circle
Other: Marina mist 5/8" grosgrain, white Signo gel pen, silver hodgepodge, clear embossing powder
Technique: Cracked glass

This is definitely a class I'm going to CASE as it was so much fun, thanks Debbie. So look out for Cracked Glass technique on my class schedule if you'd like to make this card or contact Debbie to schedule a workshop and have the class bought directly to you.

Gift bag in a box

2010-09-28T00:01:00.000+13:00

It's been a wee while since I've demoed how to do one of these but it's one of those projects that are extremely easy to do & I demoed how to at a 10th birthday party recently along with a cupcake bookmark.

The girls (& the 1 boy) seemed to enjoy the presentation and were suitably impressed. The actual gift bag on the day got filled with bath bombs, lollies & stamps - what more could a girl want for her birthday!

Technique: Gift Bag in a Box
Paper: Bella Rose DSP, Pretty in Pink, Real Red
Punches: Round tab, Boho blossoms, Crop-a-dile, scallop edge
Other: Sticky strip, white brads, Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon

With Christmas coming this is a very cool gift wrapping idea so if you'd like to know how to make one contact me to schedule a FREE workshop with 4-10 friends.

Thanks for stoppin' by.

Embossing folder playtime

2010-09-26T09:42:00.003+13:00

This was something my team looked at our last training afternoon - brayering in an embossing folder - putting in a piece of Whisper White card stock & running it through the Big Shot - we chose Melon Mambo as such a strong colour. As you can see the technique worked perfectly - the embossed bits remained white & the card stock is coloured - I had to see it to believe it though.

Stamp set: Oval All
Ink: Melon Mambo, Basic Black
Paper: Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Whisper White
Punches: Scallop oval, large oval
Other: Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, dimensionals, brayer, Big Shot

Well the next Team Training (play afternoon) is Sunday 10th so if you're interested in becoming a demonstrator & would like to play with us do contact me & don't forget that the Starter Kit offer with the additional In-Colour bundle closes October 15th.

Thanks for poppin' in!

A simple but pretty effective thank you note

2010-09-25T10:29:00.000+12:00

I too received some happy mail this week from the very lovely Lisa Bullock & this is a great idea if you want to mass produce some thank you note cards. She's used Every Moment & Artistic Etchings stamp sets.

It really brightened my day & I think this is one of the reasons that we love to share the love of what we do as it does bring so much pleasure to create it & then even more so when shared.

Thanks Lisa for brightening my day.

My beautiful techniques booklet

2010-09-22T22:49:00.000+12:00

Well a few of my team mates Bron & Narelle have already blogged their efforts but this was such a fun project we made at our upline Jacque's place the other night. The first technique we did was chipboard.

Maybe Stamping 101 will come to West Auckland soon. I must admit I love this DSP it's my favourite in our new offerings Elegant Soiree.

2nd go at Floating Reinker

2010-09-21T22:49:00.002+12:00

After my first attempt which I was pretty happy with but felt needed a wee bit of tweaking. I thought now how do you do this properly. Looked on SplitCoast Stampers - nilch; so Googled the term & found lots of helpful blogs.

These are the tips I found most useful:

I knew you needed as high an emboss as possible to get "compartments" - good recommendation to use Craft White & white EP - I think whoever recommended this was right as I could see separate puddles of water the 2nd time.
Use Shimmer white paper - still waiting on my next order - so watch out for Part 3. Otherwise watercolour paper (tick).
Wet both sides of your card stock after embossing - I did this anyhow as it seemed logical to stop the card stock bending.
Make sure the embossed side is really wet!
Add 1 drop of re-inker to a used Dimensionals backing (this is my favourite tip), pick up the drop of ink with your AquaPainter & spread & blend - this was so much easier and I only used 1 drop of each of the colours. On my first attempt I just added drops to the wet card stock & let them run!

Stamp set: Simply Said
Ink: White Craft, Regal Rose (ink & re-inker), Rose Red (re-inker), So Saffron (re-inker)
Paper: Regal Rose, Whisper White, watercolour paper
Other: White embossing powder, Manhattan Flowers EF, Regal Rose 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, sponge dauber, aquapainter.

First go at Floating Re-inker Technique

2010-09-20T16:30:00.000+12:00

I wanted to make a thank you card & I've always loved this one that Tee-Jay sent me so thought I'd have a go with one of the new in-colours Blushing Bride which is such a pretty pink.

I can see why I love it - it's a dynamic duo for Regal Rose which I love, when I look at my Colour Coach - this means to you & me it's a half tone of Regal Rose.

Stamp set: Simply Said
Ink: Versamark, Blushing Bride, Regal Rose, Rose Red, So Saffron
Paper: Blushing Bride, Whisper White, watercolour paper
Other: White embossing powder, Manhattan Flowers EF, Blushing Bride poly-twill ribbon, dimensionals.

Julia brightened my day :-)

2010-09-19T09:51:00.001+12:00

Julia Leece that is - she sent me some special mail - isn't she sweet - and it's so pretty thanks Julia

I'm not sure of all the finer details but can tell she's white embossed the Medallion background stamp - looks like she's "kissed" it too - the thanks inside the Pretties flower comes from the new stamp set Perfect Punches, the hatpin also come from the Pretties kit, the card stock is Close to Cocoa (retired now) and Pretty In Pink - she's also added a crimped mat but the photo doesn't reveal that; other than that you'll have to ask her. Thanks Julia it was a lovely surprise on a very dreary wet & windy day otherwise! And read the comments - some of the finer detail has been revealed ;-)

Somethings have to be believed to be seen!

2010-09-18T00:21:00.002+12:00

Like me using Garden Green - why haven't I used it before? I love it!

Still struggling whilst I build up my new colours & very thankful I have packs of Wild Wasabi from the last time around. It's also the dynamic duo for Garden Green!

My favourite stamp set in the new catalogue is Just Believe & I do love this DSP Woodland Park. I think it reminds me of flatting & maidenhair ferns in the bathroom - so maybe an 80s thing!

Stamp set: Just Believe
Ink: Early Espresso, Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake
Paper: Garden Green, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Punches: 1-3/4" circle, scallop trim border
Other: Early Espresso taffeta ribbon, sponges, sponge dauber, basic pearls (self-adhesive), dimensionals

Fabulous wine bag

2010-09-14T00:12:00.000+12:00

My dear friend Judy bought along a bottle of wine for me to drink after my launch party the other day & she made it really pretty with a tag from the Oval All stamp set which thankfully has returned & she's used up some of the fabulous retired Ginger Blossum DSP that we all loved.

Fabulous bag Judy & the wine wasn't half bad either!

The colour coach strikes again

2010-09-12T23:53:00.000+12:00

Loving my new colour coach - this colour combo came from the coach too Wild Wasabi & Perfect Plum & I think it's a winner & I hope all the ladies that popped in yesterday thought so too.

The a la carte stamps are growing & this one even has it's own matching punch.

Stamp: For Your Flower
Ink: Perfect Plum, Wild Wasabi
Paper: Perfect Plum, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Punches: Fancy flower extra large, 1-3/8" circle
Other: Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, dimesionals

This is just a wee notecard 3x 3" and one of the cool extras we have this year is mini envelopes 7.9cm square & you get 40 for $14.50

Fast & fabulous it sure was!

2010-09-12T01:11:00.002+12:00

One of the hostess sets this year we have is called Fast & Fabulous and it sure is, but the only way you can get this set is to host a workshop with qualifying sales ($700) or place an order for the same amount.Saying that an awful lot of workshops do achieve this sales target very easily!

I used this set at my launch party for the new catalogue and I put my new colour coach to good use creating the colour combo used for this & the 2nd card the attendees got to make and take home with them.

Stamp sets: Fast & Fabulous, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Basic Black, Poppy Parade
Paper: Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Confetti White
Punches: Scallop Trim border
Other: Beautiful Wings embosslit die, Poppy Parade stitched poly ribbon, dimensionals, mat pack and paper piercing tool, basic pearl

So if you'd like to earn this fabulous stamp set contact me to book a home workshop with you & your friends.

Last of the team swaps

2010-09-10T13:56:00.001+12:00

and all 3 of them have used Embossing Folders! Vintage Wallpaper & Perfect Dots.

Firstly Rachael Knight's fabulous Christmas Tag box - she's used one of our new stamp sets called Perfect Punches

Then Ria Kaire's shabby chic Artistic Etchings card

Then Bron Heslop's fabulous For You Flower card and she's made the centre very shiny with lots of Crystal Effects

Well it's my launch party tomorrow so better get back to the cleaning! Hope to see some of my readers there.

Vintage Wallpaper?

2010-09-08T23:12:00.002+12:00

I'm so hoping a nice courier man visits me tomorrow with my new stamps, colours, ribbons, DSP & embossing folders. I'm wishing I'd pre-ordered as the wait is killing me :)

So whilst I wait I thought I'd share 2 gorgeous swaps I got from my team mates showing you the depth of the emboss in one of our latest folders - it's amazing.

Firstly from Julia Leece - who has made hers darker. Julia's is sealed inside a cello bag that was impossible to open in case you're wondering why it's so shiny.

and then Jacque Pedersen - who has made her's lighter. Amazing the same concept but so different!

But you have to agree with me what stunning elegant cards the embossing folder creates & you too can own one for the mere sum of $19.95. It is an exclusive design & can only be purchased through a demonstrator.

I'm renovating HERE

2010-09-07T20:55:00.004+12:00

Hi all, I've also been forced to spend a lot of time at home lately as Industrial Relations keep breaking down on the day job so I've been renovating; which involves clearing out 3 years of being a SU! demonstrator & so my Launch Party this coming Saturday will have out a lot of stuff I am being brave & "retiring 90% of the old" as I have to make room for the new plus need to put food in my tum. I am very thankful that I have my Stampin' Business at the moment to help pay a few bills!

So don't miss the sale of the year plus you get to eat, drink, make a card or 2 & go in the draw to win stuff. Contact me if you'd like to know more.

To save me going mad looking at the 4 walls last week I dragged Judy & myself along to my upline's card class & Jacque did it again - added another stamp set to my wishlist! Loved this card - lots of new products here.

Stamp sets: Greenhouse Garden, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, French Filigree (Background)
Ink: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, Versamark
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Punches: Extra large 2-step bird, eyelet border
Other: Ice rhinestone brad, Circle Scissors, dimensionals, Whisper white envelope, sponge dauber

So don't forget FREE catalogue release party at my house this coming Saturday - hope to see you there if you can make it.

WOW Team swaps Part III - Lesley's Mambolicious Box

2010-09-05T15:02:00.001+12:00

The final installment of my team swaps last weekend - Lesley Stewart made us all an origami box - I chose a Melon Mambo one as it looked so cheery.

She's added a few flowers from the Flower Fancy set and a self-adhesive pearl - this is one of the cool new products we now stock $11.50 for 150 of them in 3 sizes; 2,3 and 5 mm.

WOW Team swaps Part II

2010-09-04T00:03:00.000+12:00

As promised the 2nd installment (just a wee bit late wasn't X-factor Australia great!)

Judy Beetson shared as her swap a cute gift bag created with a cellophane bag, some lovely Greenhouse Gala DSP & the new level 2 hostess set Cute by the Inch and CUTE it is!

As you can see there's 9 stamps in this set & if you'd like to earn your own set do think about scheduling a workshop with me. Thanks Judy these cute gift cards will be very handy.

The newest member of our team is Sarah Roche from Hamilton East & WOW all right - this is Sarah's first demo swap & as you can see she is not an inexperienced stamper. I still have my first demo swap when I only had a few stamp sets & pads - I'd signed up but was still waiting for my Starter Kit - it was 28 September 2007! Gosh doesn't time fly when you're having fun - check it out HERE - I can squirm a little now unlike Sarah's effort which is sensational! So any readers from the Waikato that want to contact her - click on Sarah's name above to e-mail her.

WOW Team swaps Part I

2010-09-02T20:01:00.000+12:00

Well my team is officially the WOW paperKRafters but we shorten ourselves to the WOW team. As we think we're pretty WOWtastic & we no longer are just a team of SU! demonstrators Way Out West but we have team mates in Meadowbank, Bucklands Beach & Hamilton - so if you're not a Westie & would like to find one of these lovely ladies do send me an e-mail & I'll forward your details onto them.

We're still a small team (10 including me) so here's the latest round of swaps amongst ourselves - these will be presented in 3 parts for your delight. Starting at the oldest team mate in SU! years.

First off the blocks is Debbie Lamb from West Harbour who's cased the new IB+C, so go check out page 2 - she's used the large heart punch & dry embossed & stamped various images - love it & this would make a lovely Valentine's card too as not over the top.

Stamp sets: Tiny Tags, Circle Circus, En Francais (BG), Sanded (BG)
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Old Olive
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Soft suede, Naturals Ivory
Punch: Full heart extra large
Other: Mat pack, paper piercing tool, 1cm twill tape, antique brass brad, dimensionals, perfect polka dots embossing folder

Then Sally William's from Massey East stunning card using a new stamp set & one of our new Designer Series Paper - very yummy!

Stamp sets: Friends Never Fade, Occasional Quotes (level 3 hostess)
Ink: Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Versamark
Paper: Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Glossy White, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Other: Clear embossing powder, 1/4" white grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, sponge dauber

Your chance to win an Asian Artistry stamp set

2010-09-01T00:01:00.003+12:00

All orders of $50 or more I receive until September 12 will go in the draw to win the stunning level 2 Hostess set Asian Artistry stamp set that has just retired. Why am I celebrating - it's the new Catalogue Launch today :)

Click HERE to view the catalogue online & HERE to see the Stamping' Supplies for all the projects.

Last but not least would you like to take part in some shares for Designer Series Paper & ribbons click on my Specials button to see all the finer details but a share is a great way to get a lot for a little. Well I hope you're as excited as I am so do contact me with your order & maybe a chance to win a very lovely stamp set.

Kia Ora from NZ

2010-08-31T18:37:00.001+12:00

Well It's Maori Mate is the only NZ themed stamp set we have & it retires today so I thought I'd share this absolutely fabulous card one of my down line Lesley Stewart from Te Atutu Peninsula created.

If you like to contact Lesley (click on her name above) to learn how you make Crumb Cake (Kraft) look like woven flax - I'm sure she would be happy to schedule a workshop with you.

This really was an amazing card in real life & I only hope my photo does it justice.

Remember today is the very last day to order from the Retiring List & lots have already retired permanently as they've sold out - so do contact me ASAP if you require something & please include your phone. no. in the e-mail so I can contact you if required.

Love shack

2010-08-29T22:33:00.000+12:00

No not a B52 song but love in the tree using my new Woodgrain background stamp & a Mr blue bird & a Mrs red bird - so cute! Thanks to Megala on SCS for the inspiration

It was the WOW paperKRafters team training day today so as well as "training" which is really playtime for us all it's swap time - demos love to swap cards & ideas. This was my swap - the "love shack".

Stamp sets: Tiny Tags, Woodgrain (background)
Ink: Real Red, Pacific Point, Basic Black marker
Paper: Real Red, Pacific Point, Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake (Kraft's new name after the 'renovation'), Naturals Ivory
Punches: 1-3/8" circle, scallop edge border, jewelery tag, extra large 2-step bird, hand-held 1/16"
Other: Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, linen thread, sponge dauber, dimensionals

And here's the team in action with one person hearing that cake & coffee was up - pretending to supervise.

Do they really call this training?

2010-08-29T08:24:00.000+12:00

Awhile back I spent a really lovely day with my team & fellow demonstrators being trained by Stampin' Up! We always get a free stamp set & this training was no exception and we received the really incredibly versatile set Every Moment - which is a set of 4; $30.95 clear or $38.95 wood mount.

You too can order this set come September 1st.

This was my favourite project on the day, we were taught the masking technique & watercolouring with real watercolouring paper, other new things to look out for on the card is the lovely yellow we're getting Daffodil Delight I love it! Self adhesive pearls, 1/8" taffeta ribbon If this is there idea of training it's my idea of heaven. I have my own downline training to do today so going to be a great day - yes being a SU! demonstrator is the bestest job in the whole wide world!

Stamp set: Every Moment
Ink: Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Paper: Watercolour, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Old Olive
Other: Aqua painter, pearl, clip, 1/8" Old Olive taffeta ribbon, 3/8" Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon, spritzer tool, scallop edge border punch (on special for $17.98 until August 31st)

Who wants to Party with me?

2010-08-27T20:31:00.001+12:00

Wow it's only 5 days to the release of the new Idea Book & Catalogue - to celebrate it's release I'm throwing open my home in Henderson on September 11th from 10-5pm (the doors close at 5pm so please arrive no later than 4pm) for a look at the IB+C & hopefully lots of projects, prizes, free make n' takes & of course food & drink it really will be a party! RSVP me if you'd like to attend.

Talking about parties this is one of our new stamp sets called Party This Way. Those circle images are all "balloons" punched out - quick & easy!

Ink: Wild Wasabi (yah it's back), Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, WhisperWhite
Punches: 1", 3/4" and 1/2" circle
Other: Dimensionals

Last Chance List - grab a bargain time :)

2010-08-26T07:00:00.001+12:00

Available until August 31st only so contact me ASAP if you'd like to order something. To see the whole list check out the Specials tab or click the Last Chance List at the top of the blog

Item #	Page	Description	Discount	Discounted AUS Price	Discounted NZ Price
116342	42	Big Bold Birthday	50%	$ 26.98	$ 31.98
116408	100	Seeing Spots	50%	$ 14.98	$ 17.98
116344	121	Big Deal Alphabet	50%	$ 38.98	$ 45.98
116208	126	In Color card stock (A4)	50%	$ 7.25	$ 8.63
105538	127	Bold Brights Stampin' Write markers	25%	$ 43.46	$ 51.71
105537	127	Soft Subtles Stampin' Write markers	25%	$ 43.46	$ 51.71
105540	127	Rich Regals Stampin' Write markers	25%	$ 43.46	$ 51.71
105541	127	Many Marvelous Markers	25%	$ 175.46	$ 209.96
105550	128	Bold Brights Classic Stampin' Spots	25%	$ 31.46	$ 37.46
105551	128	Earth Elements Classic Stampin' Spots	25%	$ 31.46	$ 37.46
105539	128	Earth Elements Stampin' Write markers	25%	$ 43.46	$ 51.71
105552	129	Rich Regals Classic Stampin' Spots	25%	$ 31.46	$ 37.46
112042	132	Urban Garden Designer Series paper	50%	$ 8.48	$ 9.98
112041	134	Bella Rose Designer Series paper	50%	$ 8.48	$ 9.98
107305	152	Oval Large punch	50%	$ 15.48	$ 17.98
113692	152	Eyelet border punch	50%	$ 15.48	$ 17.98
109043	152	Scallop Circle punch	50%	$ 15.48	$ 17.98
113694	152	Heart to Heart punch	50%	$ 15.48	$ 17.98
112082	152	Wide Oval punch	50%	$ 15.48	$ 17.98
112091	152	Scallop Edge punch	50%	$ 15.48	$ 17.98
113693	152	Full Heart punch	50%	$ 15.48	$ 17.98
104310	155	Crafters' Tool Kit	25%	$ 58.46	$ 68.96
112004	AW28*	1-3/4" Circle punch	50%	$ 15.48	$ 17.98
116629	CO*	Butterfly punch	50%	$ 15.48	$ 17.98

My family's Dr Doolittle

2010-08-25T17:54:00.003+12:00

is my sister Faye Rogers from Christchurch, Animal Communicator extraordinare - she's on Close Up tonight so hope you can tune in & watch her otherwise check out this link.

And here is her blog.She was awesome!!!

Diagonal Double Pocket Card

2010-08-22T22:40:00.000+12:00

Try & say that in a hurry! Yes the Diagonal Double Pocket card was the technique that my upline Jacque taught us at training yesterday & a fancy flower - I've mastered the card thanks to my team mates but my flowers leave a wee bit to be desired - practice I can see as I loved my card so much I'm going to teach my downline it next weekend at my team training.

Julia Leece has mastered the flower & has also made a really cute one with Fox and Friends today which is stinkingly cute - so click on her name & go check them out.

Without further ado here's my first effort at the card which I'm rather happy with Soft Suede & Baja Breeze - yummy.

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Very Vintage (wheel)
Ink: Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Old Olive
Paper: Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Whisper White, Watercolour Paper
Other: Crop-a-dile, jumbo eyelet, Kraft tafetta, aquapainter, sponge, scallop edge border punch

Extra large 2-step bird punch box & tags

2010-08-21T17:47:00.000+12:00

I just love the large bird punch - it's so versatile & until the end of August it's only $35.95 (plus shipping). I was always surprised (pleasantly) that it was this price when it was released.

I can share with you now that I have my own copy of our new Idea Book & Catalogue that come September 1st it's increasing in price to $41.50, so if it's on your wishlist now is maybe a good time to get it.

This divided slider box is another fabulous project from Jenny Moors that we made at my home class last night. For those of you that know me I don't do punch art but made an exception for this as it's so fabulous. The attendees made 12 tags to go in their boxes so they mayn't do punch art anymore either!

Stamp set: Tiny Tags
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence, Old Olive, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP.
Punches: Extra large 2-step bird punch, Boho Blossoms, Medium Jewelery Tag, 1-3/4" circle, 1-3/8" circle, handheld 1/16"
Other: Dimensionals, aluminum metal edge tag, rhinestone bards, silver brads, silver cord (retired), 2 way glue pen, mat pack, paper piercing tool, Rich Razzleberry dotted grosgrain ribbon, Sticky Strip

So do remember the retiring list - come Septenmber 1st the extra large 2-step bird punch will increase in price and (sob) Orchid Opulence & Cottage Wall DSP will retire forever. So do contact me if you'd like to order any of them or anything else.