Dasher and Dancer

Most afternoons I have my two little "lions" sitting on either side of my steps reflecting on their day and enjoying the afternoon breeze.  Each year I try to add some new christmas lights and some sort of decoration to my collection.  This year I saw these gorgeous reindeer and tried to resist.  I managed for several weeks but yesterday whilst driving my car somehow managed to get to Parramatta on its own and before I knew it I was parked outside the Christmas Warehouse!!  Now I don't know how that happened but who am I to fight fate, so I thought, if they are there I will have to have them.  Well it was obviously meant to be  as not only were there a few left but they had been marked down - bonus!!
I rushed home and set up Dasher and Dancer and just as I went to take the photo, one of my little "lions" came out to take up his post.  He was a little miffed and certainly gave me a look of disgust as his possy was gone and some strange creature had taken over.  I will have to teach him some Christmas spirit.

I want to take this chance to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.  A huge thank you to everyone who has attended my classes throughout the year and best wished to all that take the time to pop in and look at my blog.
If you are travelling please stay safe and I hope you have time to relax and enjoy special moments with your family and friends. 
I am sure that Santa will visit each and everyone of you as you have all been excceptionally good all year and that you experience a little of the magic that Christmas brings.
2011 is just around the corner and I hope that the year ahead is full of happy times and pleasant surprises.  I am looking forward to catching up with everyone and hearing how you all spent the festive season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Peek - A-Boo

This was just a quick card I put together using one of the little characters I created whilst playing with my new toy.   I have punched out a circle from the front of the card and the owl is acutally stuck to the inside of the card.  The papers are from the Celebrations pack.  The colours are Bashful Blue, Pacific Point. Real Red and Pear Pizazz.  The words are from Curly Cute which was a late addition to my modest (ha, ha, I wish) stamp collection.

My Alfred Hitchcock moment

Birds, birds and more birds!  There are greater powers working here to make me get over my bird thing.  Hopefully this will be it and I can move on.   These were made at the last class of the year which was sad but I was ready for a break and can't wait to come back refreshed and ready to hear everyones holiday stories. 

This was created using the Punch Potpourri Level 1 Hostess Set with a little EnFrancais and Medallion background stamps.  The colours are Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip which I love together.

I have to thank my friend Kez (thanks Kez) for getting me hooked on the Owl punch but you have to admit that even though it is a 'bird' he/she can be very cute.       I say he/she as you can create so many different personalities with this punch it is amazing.  I have to admit I have had hours of fun creating different characters with this one. 

The colours are Pacific Point, Marina Mist, Real Red and Whisper White.

Christmas Tree Lantern

One of my lovely customers sent me a link to a very talented lady called Danielle Daws.  Sorry I haven't linked you directly to her positing but if you look on the right hand side for Christmas Tree Box you will be taken to the posting.

I absolutely loved what she and her very handy hubby had created so just had to make one.  The solid tree in the photo is how the template turned out.  I was lucky enough to have a play day so I actually made a few and enlarged the template to get different sizes.  Knowing how much I love Christmas I couldn't help but wanting to take this further.  I then had a thought that wouldn't it look great with windows and a flickering candle inside.  No you don't need to imagine burning curtains, fire alarms and fire fighters rushing in! - a battery operated tea light candle. 

I enlarged the tree to 130 percent and cut out windows and inserted vellum.  This size makes the base large enough to put a tea light candle in.  They look so good at night time. 

The larger candle was rolled with So Swirly and Silver ink which sadly has retired but you just have to have silver with Christmas.  I added some Rhinestones which are on page 140 of the catalogue and can be missed so easily as they are not displayed very well but are a MUST have.

Thanks Danielle for the inspiration and what a great hubby you have for drawing up the template. 

Watercolours

Watercolouring can be so much fun and this little set is just right for this technique.  We used Every Moment which is on page 72 of the catalogue and can be easily missed - I know I missed it the first few dozen times I flicked through my catalogue.  The colours are Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Sahara Sand and Watercolour paper.  We used the Aqua pens to "paint" the image and of course we had to add a little Dazzling Diamonds that unfortunatley don't show up too well in this photo.  Both the butterfly and flower centre dazzle.

What is going on with me lately - another bird!!!!  This is also part of the Every Moment set.  The colours are the same as the card above and the words are from Elements Of Style.

To give the non watercolour lovers a break we also did this quick but effective card inspired by the Catalogue.  By simply changing the colours and embelishments you can adapt this card to be either male or female orientated or adult to child very easily.  This one is done in Pear Pizzaz, Concord Crush and Whisper White.  We used the Polka Dot embossing folder a punch or two, a bit of ribbon and some bling and there you have it, quick, simple but effective.

I have done this in several colour schemes and also used the layout for several Christmas cards but unfortunately I can't find the photo's I took before I gave them out!  That's what happens when you don't do things immediately.  Maybe Santa will bring me a personal organisation fairy!  Fingers crossed!

Fast and Fabulous Gift Set

This was a little Card Set we created to either keep on hand for those last minute occassions or to give away as a gift for someone special.  The stamp set is one of my favourites but sadly it isn't one that you can buy as it is a Level 2 Hostess Set but even better you can earn it for FREE!!!   All you need to do is  host a workshop with a few friends and you could not only get this set for free but also earn $60 in free spend.  Now there is a great reason to get some friends together.
The folder is made from Soft Suede.  The other colours are Whisper White, Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry.  We made 4 cards with co-ordinating envelopes.  The cards were kept generic so they can be used for many occassions.  We used Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive grosgrain ribbon and the scallop trim border punch.  The stamp set is a 2 Step stamping set so we all got loads of practise using the Stamp-a-ma-jig so everyone should be an expert using this now.

Missing In Action

I have so many things to post to catch up but have been crazy busy lately and unfortunately my blog site has suffered.  Hopefully I will get to post a heap of photo's later next week.  Thanks for checking in.

Loads of Extreme Elements

It has been so long since I posted but hopefully I can catch up now.  These cards were from a few weeks ago and it was a week of the Elements.

The first card uses Elements of Style which is a gorgeous set even though it has a bird in it.  Believe it or not I have used the bird several times.  I was looking for a classic black and white theme.  The image is stamped in Basic Black and the photo doesn't show that some of the flowers have been mounted and sprayed with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.  We used the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and to create a different look we put Whisper White ink onto the folder before we ran it through the Big Shot.  You can just see a white outline of the impressions.  When doing this you need to reink the folder each time you run it through and the ink just washes off when you are finished.

The second card uses Extreme Elements and Extreme Surfboard.  The colours are Marina Mist, Pear Pizazz and believe it or not Real Red.  When I looked at this photo I realised the red looks very orangy but I don't have time to take another photo.  The surfer is stamped in Pacific Point.  The words are from A Word for You and we used the markers to just pick up the Happy Birthday as 'with a cherry on top" didn't quite fit this card.  Markers are a great way of picking out certain "pieces" of stamps giving you even more versatility with your sets.

Just Believe in the majic of Butterflies

 Just Believe is one of the sets I just had to have as soon as I saw the new Catalogue.  This is the first chance I have had to use it and I am even more in love with it.
The colours are Pretty In Pink, River Rock (so glad this one came back) and Very Vanilla.  We used the markers to colour the stamp.  The River Rock layer has been stamped with Wonderfully Worn background to give it a slightly textured look.
We used the Bigshot and the Lots of Tags Sizzlits and the Word Window punch.  The words are from Just Believe.  We have mounted an extra flower for some dimension and added some Pretty In Pink Grosgrain ribbon.

This is a fairly simple card but looks effective.  The main card is Rich Razzleberry with River Rock and Very Vanilla.  The butterflies are from the Beautiful Wings Embosslits which is another must have in my books.  The Vanilla card was run through the Big Shot with the Finial Press Embossing Folder.  The butterflies were sprayed with a Shimmer Mist created from the Champagne Shimmer Paints.
The ribbon is Rich Razzleberry Satin and the tags were created from the Teeny Tiny Tags and Jewellry Tag Punch.

Christmas Purse Box

I have wanted to make on of these for such a long time and finally got around to doing it as a class.  I just love this design.  It makes a really cute gift wrap option or use it to put some special photos in as a display.
Now these really are very simple to make and it is then up to you as to how much you decorate them.  For some reason the open picture is importing on its side so imagine it being up the right way.  I have spend so much time navigating computer problems lately I am just going to accept that this is how it is on this one.

The colours are Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla.  The patterned paper is Jolly Holiday and the ribbon is Old Olive.  The stamp set used was Delightful Decoratons and the Merry Christmas is from Many Merry Messages.We did some embossing with the Silver Embossing Powder and used the Ornament Punch along with the large and retired small Star Punches.

I am hoping to make a few more of these before Christmas as they are a great quirky packaging idea.  Hopefully a few that attended the class will make some more also (I'm giggling).

To relax everyone after making the Christmas Purse we did a few very simple gift tags using the Level 3 Hostess Set, Playful Pieces.  This is such a versatile set and these have been copied from the Catalogue.  If ever there was a reason to host a workshop, this set is it.  There are SO many wonderful things you can create from this set it is incredible! 

A Touch of Music

I have been MIA for some time now with my postings.  Sorry about that but life took over and so did the dreaded Tax man and getting my computer back on track.  I have had huge wrestles and many hours of hair pulling trying to get my computer back to how it was and I think I have finally won.  Now the only thing hanging over me is getting my tax return done so fingers crossed that over the next few weeks I will get on top of that and then I will have plenty of time to play and post!

This card was from class three weeks ago!  I just love the new Music Notes wheel and look forward to spending more time creating with this.  The colours for this one are, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler (of course) and Whisper White.  It is a really quick and simple card with the most time spent doing a running stitch through the grosgrain ribbon to gather it up.  You can do the same look by running a strip of tape along the card front and then "tuck it" as you go.  Actually sewing it makes it a little more permanent though and you can play with the gather.

The words are from A Word For You on page 110 which is a gorgeous new set, I just love the font.

This second card uses Artistic Etchings which  I nearly didn't buy but I am glad that I did.  The colours are River Rock, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla.  The River Rock and Very Vanilla layer have En Francais stamped in River Rock Ink and have been edged with a dauber in River Rock.  It is very hard to see in the photo but we stamped the medallion from Artistic Etchings over the En Francais using the Champagne Shimmer Paint.  Now if you haven't got your hands on the fantastic Shimmer Paints yet, what is wrong with you?!!!!!!!  These are the MUST HAVE product of the year!  You can stamp with them, make a shimmer mist that sparkles or colour them and have a sparkling ink.  The options are endless and they can just lift an image giving your cards a whole new look.  Make sure you add them to your next order!

Christmas Decorations

This was one of the projects at my last class of term 3.  I didn't get time to do any posting before we went away so trying to do a bit of catch up.

This card and gift tag uses the gorgeous Delightful Decorations set.  The colours are Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke.  The words are from Teeny Tiny Sentiments and we used the Lots of Tags for the Big Shot and the Ornament Punch.

I also used the new Scallop Trim border for the inside.  I haven't been a real fan of Always Artichoke but I think it goes really well with my new favourite, Cherry Cobbler.

Off to (Sunny?) Qld

Our whole family is off to supposedly sunny Qld today for 2 weeks.  I have been looking forward to this break for awhile now so hoping that the weather picks up. 
We are going to the theme parks and Australia Zoo and generally for a bit of a look around.  This will be our first road trip with all the kids for quite a while so it will be interesting how many times teenagers can ask "are we there yet"?
I have a few girlfriends on speed dial to pick me up from the airport if it all gets too much (ha,ha).
I won't be posting for a few weeks but will be checking emails every so often so if you have any queries shoot me off an email and I will repsond when possible.
Classes will begin back the second week of school term so the first being Tuesday 19th October.  I am looking forward to getting back into classes but I have been enjoying my holiday so far.
I knew it was time for a holiday when I was sitting on my lounge having breakfast last Tuesday and the delivery man, that I normally pounce on, arrived with a brown box and slid it onto my verandah.  Not only didn't I pounce on him but I also sat and finshed my breakfast before I bothered to get up and bring the box in.  Now that is a definate sign that I was ready for a break.
I hope everyone enjoys the school holidays and I look forward to catching up with you in a couple of weeks.

GIANT CRAFT SALE

Spring is in the air and a group of demonstrators are getting together for the third time and cleaning out our cupboards for a giant craft sale.

This will be the craft sale of the year so make sure you put it in your diaries and come along.
There will be stamp sets, patterned papers, embelishments, ink pads, ribbons and much much more!!!!!

It will also be a great opportunity to pick up some gifts in time for christmas.

So bring a friend or two, grab some bargains and make a day of it.  See you there!!!!

When: Saturday 23rd October

Time: 9am - 1pm

Where: The Church Hall

Blacktown East Presbyterian Church

Cnr Heffron Road and Gallop Grove

Lalor Park

New Goodies

This was the first card I made with my new goodies from the 2010-2011 Catalogue and I dedicate it to my Grandmother.  I just love the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.  It brings back memories of staying at my Grandmothers house as a child and looking up at her ceilings as they all had elaborate workings.  I always find it intersting what things in life awaken memories from our past.

Materials Used:

Card Stock:  Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Gold - Brushed Metallic
Ink:  Baja Breeze, Gold
Stamps:  Friends Never Fade, For You Flower
Other: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Fancy Flower Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" circle punch, sponge

This was a quick card using the new Baby Tees Jumbo Wheel.  This wheel is so cute and makes a quick, easy card and looks just as cute done in girly colours.

Materials Used:

Card:  Night Of Navy, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Ink:  Night Of Navy

Stamps:  Baby Tees Wheel, Perfect Punches

Other: Scallop Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch

This was another quick and easy card that does not look as good in the photo as it does live.  I have to admit I did not think I would like the Greenhouse Gala papers from photo's that I had seen but when I got my pack I was pleasantly surprised!  It just goes to show that I really need to see a full size sheet and up close and personal to make a final decision.

Materials Used:

Card: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Ink:  Chocolate Chip

Papers:  Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper

Other:  Scallop Edge Punch. Wide Oval Punch, Paper Piercer, Two Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

A Tough Day At The Office

This is a self indulgent posting of one of my gorgeous cats - Monty.  He started the day hard at work on the computer and just had to take a little cat nap to recharge the batteries.  After a little play time there was some tv shows to catch up on which can be more exhuasting than you would think. He is such a shy, modest young man in his sleeping positions don't you think!

Brayer Class

I love this butterfly from Great Friend as it is so versatile.  Sorry about the photo quality but my camera is taking blury photos and I can't work out why. 

Materials Used:

Card Stock:  Rose Red, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White

Stamps:  Great Friend

Ink:  Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Versamark,

Extras:  White Embossing Powder, Jewellry Tag Punch, Linen Thread, Rose Red Ribbon (retired), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Brayer

I kept this card neutral but many used it as a Fathers Day card and we added Happy Fathers Day from Teeny Tiny Sentiments.

Materials Used:

Card:  Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Stamps: Seaworthy

Ink:  Night Of Navy, Bashful Blue, Versamark

Other: White Embossing Powder, Brayer

Wow, Wow, Wow

I got most of my first order from the new Catalogue today and I have been like a kid in a candy store ever since. All I can say is WOW, I am so excited!  I just can't decide what to work with first and have been walking around in circle all afternoon. 

I mounted all my new stamp sets this afternoon and then my children started wanting to know what was for dinner - how rude - couldn't they see I had other ideas in mind!  Luckily for me I had some ready made pizzas in the freezer and I am sure that they covered the 5 food groups if I looked carefully!

Now my biggest dilemma is that I have another box due to arrive tomorrow and I have no more pre prepared meals to draw on.  Looks like it is time to get closely acquinted with the local take aways.  I need one of those majic noses that I could wiggle and freeze frame life around me so I can just play!  Anyone know where I can get me one of those????

Hopefully I will have some creations to share with you soon and will post as soon as I can.

Punch Art Class

This week saw my dining table stacked with punches as I thought it would be a nice change from stamping (not that you can ever have enough stamping) and see what we could create using just punches, well almost!

The first card is a revamped one from a year or two ago.  It is a cute little Japanese lady using punches and patterned papers. 

Materials Used:

Card:             Basic Black, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red
Papers:          In Colour Designer Series, Riding Hood Red
Punches:        Wide Oval, Large Oval,  Small Oval, 1 1/4" circle, 1 3/8" circle, 1/2" Circle
                     Boho Blossoms Punch
Stamp:           Teeny Tiny Sentiments


The second card is a mystery as to what it actually is.  I am waiting to get some feedback as to what little children see it as.  It kind of reminds me of the Aeroplane Jelly plane from my childhood or a very odd looking rabbit!  Anyway I thought it was a fun, bright character for childrens cards.

Materials Used:

Card:                Real Red, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Basic Black
Punches:           Wide Oval, Large Oval, Small,Oval, Heart, 1 3/8" Circle, 1/2" Circle
Stamps:             A Little Birthday Cheer
Access:             White Gel Pen


The third card created a lot of chatter and giggles.  We created this little bikini card and we had many variations.  We had every style of bikini bottom imaginable from boy leg, high cut, low cut, g-string, french knickers, henrietta high pants, you name it!  We also had a few variations on the top, anywhere from Dolly Parton to the itty bitty if you know what I mean - some pointed up, down or side ways.  Some where more realistic looking than others.  I think everyone had someone in mind while making this one.

Materials Used:

Card:            Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette
Punches:       Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" Circle, Word Window, Small Oval, Large Oval
Stamps:        Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Access:         Big Shot, Pretties Kit, Designer Series Patterned Paper

Last Chance Specials

Stampin' Up! has released an awesome special today on some of the items on the Last Chance List.  I got a huge surprise when I saw this announcement. 
There are some fantastic specials on this list so make sure you have a good look and let me know if there is anything on it that you would like.  Make sure you look at the punches as they are marked down by an amazing 50%!!!!
I doubt that these are going to go fast at this price so don't wait until the last minute.

(Sorry about format but I wanted to get this news out ASAP and didn't have time to sort out formatting problems)

Item # Page Description Discount Discounted AUS Price


116342 42 Big Bold Birthday 50% $ 26.98

116408 100 Seeing Spots 50% $ 14.98

116344 121 Big Deal Alphabet 50% $ 38.98

116208 126 In Color card stock (A4) 50% $ 7.25

105538 127 Bold Brights Stampin' Write markers 25% $ 43.46

105537 127 Soft Subtles Stampin' Write markers 25% $ 43.46

105540 127 Rich Regals Stampin' Write markers 25% $ 43.46

105541 127 Many Marvelous Markers 25% $ 175.46

105550 128 Bold Brights Classic Stampin' Spots 25% $ 31.46

105551 128 Earth Elements Classic Stampin' Spots 25% $ 31.46

105539 128 Earth Elements Stampin' Write markers 25% $ 43.46

105552 129 Rich Regals Classic Stampin' Spots 25% $ 31.46

112042 132 Urban Garden Designer Series paper 50% $ 8.48

112041 134 Bella Rose Designer Series paper 50% $ 8.48

107305 152 Oval Large punch 50% $ 15.48

113692 152 Eyelet border punch 50% $ 15.48

109043 152 Scallop Circle punch 50% $ 15.48

113694 152 Heart to Heart punch 50% $ 15.48

112082 152 Wide Oval punch 50% $ 15.48

112091 152 Scallop Edge punch 50% $ 15.48

113693 152 Full Heart punch 50% $ 15.48

104310 155 Crafters' Tool Kit 25% $ 58.46

112004 AW28* 1-3/4" Circle punch 50% $ 15.48

116629 CO* Butterfly punch 50% $ 15.48

It's Hear!!!!!!

I got a very welcome delivery yesterday....... my order of the very much awaited 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue arrived!!!!!!!  I normally meet the delivery driver with enthusiasm but he got an extra excited greeting yesterday.  He must think I am some kind of crazy lady.
If you want to get your hands on one of these Catalogues don't forget to book into my In With The New, Out with The Old Launch Night next Friday 27th.  Take a look at my earlier posts for the details and either call or email me if you want to attend.  Please feel free to invite any friends you think may be interested.

I will be busy this week creating some new samples with all the goodies I have managed to get my hands on.

If you can't make it along and still want a Catalogue, let me know and I will arrange to get a copy to you.
I hate to tell you that on my first run through I have a Wish List too long to believe!!!!  I will have to work out a way of culling it - just for a short time though. (ha, as if!)

Christmas In August

It was time to do Christmas Cards again this week and we got to add 3 more cards to our collections.  Two of these where nominated as "special people" cards and one was a "mass production" card.  This was due to the amount of work in each one.

This first card was the "mass production" card.  I have to apologise for the photo as it does not do the card justice.  We used the Lovely As A Tree and Heard From The Heart sets.  The card stock is Night of Navy and Silver.  The tree and words were stamped in Silver ink and we then added Puff Paint which unfortunately is not a SU product but is great to create that snow effect.  This was sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds and then hit with the heat gun.  It is very hard to see in the photo but the tree glitters and looks stunning.  This card could be done in any colour combo and look striking.
We used the large and small star punches for the insert and sadly the small star punch is being retired so don't miss out and order one before August 31st if you NEED one of these!

This card is simple but effective but for some colouring in is not their favourite pass time.  I actually find it quite relaxing and theraputic.

We used Old Olive, Real Red and Whisper White card stock.  The image is from Holiday Line Up and stamped in Basic Black ink.  We coloured in with Real Red and Old Olive markers.  Once again we used the large and small star punch for the inside.  The small star punch is so versaltile an can be used for birthday cards, male cards and christmas so it is a MUST have in your punch kit in my books.  I can't believe that SU are retiring it but we have to have faith that they know what they are doing and perhaps something better is coming.  Contact me to order one if you don't have one already.

The third card was some fun Punch Art.  We did use quite a few punches to make this adorable Santa but he is very cute!  I will try to list them all.

Scallop Square, Scallop Oval, Scallop Circle. Large Oval, Word Window, 1/2" Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, 1 3/4" Circle, 1/4" Circle, Boho Blossoms. (Phew!)

The colours are Real Red, Garden Green, Basic Black, Pink Pirouhette and Whisper White

The words are from Many Merry Messages and the Swirls are from Spotlight On Christmas which is sadly retiring.  I am going to miss that set as it can be used throughout the year also. 

I am looking forward to Christmas In September as we will have some new Goodies to play with from the 2010-2011 Catalogue which I can't wait for you all to see.

Week 4 Classes - Black Magic

We got to experiment with the "Black Magic" technique this week.  This photo is not the one that we did in class but one that I played with after classes had finished.  This is sadly one of the retiring stamp sets so I wanted to do something with it one last time.

The photo doesn't do the colours justice but I am limited to what my camera can do and my photo taking skills - not sure which is the most deficiant.

What I used:

Stamp Set:     Kindred Spirits, Trendy Trees
Ink:               Craft White, Watercolor Pencils
Card:             Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black
Ribbon:          Rich Razzleberry
Punches:       Word Window, Large Oval, Scallop Oval

The second card we did uses my all time favourite stamp set which very sadly is retiring from the Catalogue but I will not be parting with mine.  I also used Vellum which I don't use very often but when I do I remember what an effective look it creates.  It is a great way of softening bright colours or adding style to a formal card.

Materials Used:

Stamp Set:     A Rose Is A Rose, Heard From The Heart
Card:             Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Ink:               Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black
Ribbon:          Riding Hood Red Satin Ribbon
Other:            Vellum

The many sleeping positions of Benji

I have posted a few pictures of one of our two cats, Benji in the past as he has some strange sleeping habits.  He is basically a lazy cat and will sleep any where and will often stop half way to where he is going and have a little nap on the way.  We have many photo's of his wierd and wonderful sleeping spots and I will try and post a different one occassionally.

He wanted to be close to my eldest while he was doing his homework and when he got kicked off the keyboard this is as far as he got.  You would have to wonder if he is comfortable??

Class Catch Up - Week 2 - Gift Cards

Week 2 saw us making a cute little bag with 4 gift cards.  This would make a great little gift or just looks great on the sideboard waiting for an occasion to use the cards.

There was quite a bit in these so I will just quickly list what I used:

Card:
Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Old Olive, Basic Black
Ink:
Black Stazon, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Stamps:
Occasional Greetings,  Petal Pizzaz, Flower Fancy, Thoughts & Prayers
Punches:
1/2" circle, 3/4" circle, 1" circle
Other:
Melon Mambo ribbon, crystal effects, Dimensionals, brads, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Big Shot

I have to admit, the day before classes started this week, I had a HUGE creative block.  I actually sat at my dining room table for 6 hours trying to come up with something.  The week prior had been full on and I was tired and not feeling the best so the pressure was on.  That is probably the worst creative block I have ever had and it was such a relief when it all came together.  I think the end result was worth it in the end but I hope I don't have another day like that for a long long time!!!

Class Catch Up - Week 3 - Brayering

I have always admired cards that have been brayered but never tried it so after a lesson from the very talented Brayer Queen Kerry, I thought I should put my under utilised brayers into action and get them earning their keep.
Both cards are very simple and quick to make but look like you have spent hours getting the colour just right.

Card 1:
Basic Black, Old Olive, Night of Navy, Whisper White card stock
Bashful Blue, Old Olive and Night of Navy ink
Lovely As A Tree Stamp Set
Versamark and Black embossing powder
Brayer
Brayering is a great way of creating a certain colour card stock if you don't have it. Once you have done a few practise runs it is so much easier than I ever imagined and so much fun creating different colour scenes.

Card 2:
Really Rust, Basic Black and Whisper White card stock
So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie and Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip ink
Inspired by Nature stamp set
1 1/4" circle punch
Brayer
I love the colour combination of this one.  It reminds me of the summer we are all longing for.

I really enjoyed brayering and will definitely be doing more of it when time permits me to have some play time.

Class Catch Up - Week 1 - Christmas In July

Yeah!!!!! I have my computer back so now I can catch up on some postings.  The first week back at classes this term was Christmas In July.  From now on, one week a month will be dedicated to stocking up on Christmas cards to take some of the stress out of December.

The first card used:
Real Red, Garden Green, Silver and Whisper White card stock.
Large and small star (retiring)  punches, 1 3/4", 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punches
So Swirly Wheel
Silver and Versamark Ink pad
Silver Embossing Powder
Spotlight On Christmas Stamp Set (Retiring)
Dimensionals

This was relatively easy to make.  I rollered strips of the red and green card with the So Swirly wheel and silver ink and punched out the stars.  They were then laid out around the circles mounted in the centre.

I can't believe that the small star punch is going as it is so great for Christmas and children's birthdays so if you don't have this one you might want to consider it before stock runs out!

The second card used:
Baja Breeze, Whisper White card stock

En Francais, Medallion stamp sets

Silver Ink, 1 3/4" circle punch and pearl from Pretties Kit

These are 2 of my favourite stamps and ones that I have been using a lot of lately.   The Medallion stamp is just so versatile and makes a gorgeous quick card that always looks stylish.  If you don't have this one, I just can't understand it!!!!!
This card can be used as a Christmas card or an all occasion card.

The 2010 - 2011 Catalogue Is Almost Here!!!!

Out With The Old and In With The New - Invitation

It has been 18 months since I last said that but it is finally here!!! The very much awaited new Catalogue is just around the corner. Sadly in order for us to get the new one we have to say goodbye to some of our favourites. So to do this I am having a "Out With The Old and In With The New" Night.


For those of you who haven't been to one of these before it is when I sell off all my retiring sets (well maybe not quite all of them), and introduce some of the new products. You get a copy of the new Catalogue and take part in some make and takes.

It is a relaxed night where you get to catch up with old and new friends, have a drink, some nibbles and maybe win a prize or two!

When:  Friday 27th August
Where: 15 Daphne Ave
              Castle Hill
Time:    7 - 9.30pm
Cost:    $10 (includes your copy of the new catty)
RSVP:  Monday 23rd August
              9686 4069, 0411 222 501 or thedeans@ihug.com.au


I hope you can make it and please feel free to bring along a friend.

Last Chance List Update

Well the craziness has taken hold and things are selling out already.  I can see it is going to be difficult to keep you updated as it will probably change daily but I will do my best.

SOLD OUT
Sahara Sand A4
Close To Cocoa A4
Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP

RUNNING LOW
A Rose Is A Rose Stamp Set
Playful Petals Stamp Set
Totally Tabs Stamp Set
Short Order Alphabet Stamp Set
Real Red Stampin' Around Cartridge
Basic Black A4 (40 sheet packs)

There are some real bargains hidden in this HUGE list with 6 stamp sets marked down by 50% and 17 others marked down by 25% so make sure you have a good look!

One thing that sold out very quickly last year where the wheels.  There are 7 jumbo wheels and 8 standard wheels going this year so if they are on your list, don't wait too long!!

 Don't panic about all the punches on the list as most of these are being reconfigured into the new punch style.  There are 5 punches not returning however, and they are:
Small Star
Trio Flower
Double Rectangle
Horizontal Slot
Slit

There is so much to take in on this list so if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

LAST CHANCE (RETIREMENT) LIST

Well I can 't believe that it is August and it is finally time for the much awaited with nerves LAST CHANCE LIST.  I have been looking over mine tonight and there are a few things that I am upset about but I just have to remember that the new Catalogue is now only a month away and there will be so many other things I will have to have I am sure.

Please remember that although everything on this list is available until August 31st, some things are selling out and once they are sold out, that's it, there gone forever!  I would suggest not waiting too long to order if there are things that you must have as you may miss out.  So don't hesitate to contact me and I can place an order for you.

I haven't had any time to post the last 2 weeks classes as yet.  I still don't have my computer back and it is really driving me crazy.  We have also had a Japanese exchange student staying with us for the past 10 days which has been so much fun and he went home today.  Our house seems unusually quiet and we are all trying to get used to him not being here.  It gave my eldest son a fantastic oppotunity to work on his Japanese as it is one of his subjects at school.  We have all learnt some phrases and naturally, we have sent him home with a few "Australianisms".

Suffering Missing Computer Syndrome

The past few days have been very stressful in my house.  My almost new laptop became very sick over the weekend and had to be taken to the Techo Doctor.  The news was all bad - a faulty hard drive.  After I lost my breath for a few moments realising that I wasn't going to get my computer back that day, I thought, "No problems", my warranty will cover that.  I came home and went to dig out my receipt and warranty certificate and shock horror, I couldn't find them.  Now I normally know where almost everything is in this house but Murphy was sitting on my shoulder at that moment.  Needless to say I started tearing apart filing cabinets, draws, cupboards, and still no paperwork.  There was no stress in this house on Monday, what with this, having to prepare for this weeks class starting Tuesday, a child going away on camp for 3 days and an exchange student arriving for 2 weeks - can you imagine!   I spent hours searching, sorting, tidying ( I know have pretty organised cupboards at least) and come Tuesday morning still no joy.
A girlfriend rang me and brought some calm to my situation.  She said don't worry, you got it at Harvey Norman and they should be able to print out your reciept!  Well I was on the phone as soon as I hung up and a lovely calm young man had both my receipt and warranty certificate printed out within seconds!  Now that is a service worth remembering.  I am sold on Harvey Norman now - not that I plan on losing any more receipts like this.
I still have the problem of no computer though as I have to send mine in for repair.  This means that what little time my teenage children will allow me to get on their computer may limit the amount of postings I get to do in the next week or two so please bear with me and I will catch up with photo's as soon as I can.
If you need me for anything, please don't hesitate to call me on 0411 222 501 as I have limited email access also. I am forever saying to my children that they are far too dependant on computer technology but I now realise that I am just as bad.
I will post photo's as soon as I can, promise!

July Two Step Stampin' Promotion

For the entire month of July you have a fantastic opportuntiy to get a 20% discount from some the gorgeous Two Step Stampin' sets.  A Rose Is A Rose is one of my absolute favourites and sadly it is going to be retiring as at the end of August.  If any of these sets are on your Wish List now is the time to grab them.

Item          Page             Description               Regular Price            Sale Price


116386     39                 Loads of Love            $39.95                 $31.96

116342    42                 Big Bold Birthday**     $53.95                $43.16

115860    78                A Rose is a Rose**       $66.95                $53.56

116332    86                Playful Petals**             $52.95                $42.36

115770   98                Cheep Talk                    $47.95               $38.36

115946  115               Wonderful Favourites     $39.95                $31.96

119187   14*              Tiny Tags (wood-mount) $38.95              $31.16

118592 14*               Tiny Tags (clear-mount)   $28.95              $23.16

119163 31* Cottage Garden (wood-mount)      $32.95             $26.36

120003 31* Cottage Garden (clear-mount)       $24.95             $19

** Retiring
*  Autumn/Winter Mini

If you NEED any of these sets, send me an email and I will order them for you.

Class Week 9 - Blue Birds and Flowers

If you know me you know I am not a huge fan of Birds - in any form of craft that is - not the real ones.  I did however buy the Two Step Bird Punch from the Mini Catalogue so of course I had to put it to use.  I had quite a bit of fiddling to get to the end result on this one but it has grown on me.
I was really upset to see that Brocade Blue was one of the colours being retired in September so it was a main influence in this weeks cards.  I am going to miss this colour.
The main card is Bashful Blue and we got to play with the Scallop Circle Big Shot die.  The large blue circle is cut with the Scissor Circle.  The birds stamped with En Francais background and edged with Bashful Blue.
The flowers are from the Boho Blossoms punch.
I don't often put in photo's of the insides of my cards but I will try and do this from time to time.

Our second card is also in Brocade Blue and Bashful Blue.  Using Vintage Vogue we created this field of flowers.  The Top Note makes a great background to work with.  Now I think that there should be a punch for everything but sometimes you just have to cut out.  We did have to do a bit of cutting this week but I think the end result was worth it.  Some of the flowers have had Dazzling Diamonds added to the edge of the petals and we also coloured a Dimensional and added some Bling to that.  The shape of our Dimensionals are fantastic for flower centres don't you think? 

If you are like me and love Brocade Blue now is the time to stock up on inks, card and ribbon as the retiring colours are now on a "until sold out" basis.

It's Not What's In The Box!

Whenever I place an order I am always so excited when the delivery man arrives with my box of goodies.  I can't wait to unpack it and play with any new and exciting things I have ordered.  I would normally unpack and then put the box straight in the bin.  Today it was cold and I have to go out later so I thought I would put the box out when I left.

Well to some it's not what is in the box that is important but the box itself, priceless!!!

Workshop Bonus

A common phrase around our house at the moment is - "It's EOFYS" which is directly related to the advertising on television.  For those of you blessed to not have heard this, it means End Of Financial Year Sale.  When my youngest heard this, he thought it was an actual event and wanted to know how long it went for and what happened at EOFYS.
I got to thinking and thought I will have my own EOFYS of sorts - so from now until the end of July, if you host a workshop and achieve the minimum of $300 in sales, not only will you receive your FREE Hostess set and $30 FREE spend on any products - I will give you another FREE Hostess set.  You will also receive a bonus gift from me!!!!  That's a lot of FREE goodies. 

Now I know a lot of you think workshops are a lot of work - but they needn't be.  All you really need to do is invite a group of friends around, have a cuppa or two and a bickie (preferably chocolate, of course).  That simple.  You can pick a theme for the projects you make and then just sit back and have fun, how easy is that!!!

So what are you waiting for? Give me call or email me and book a date before time runs out!

Inspired By Nature - Week 8 Class

When I post each weeks class photos it reminds me of how fast the weeks are flying by.  It is hard to believe that there are only 2 weeks classes left before school holidays.  I don't know about you but I am convinced that the world is spinning faster and the days are getting shorter.  Its either that or I just can't fit as many things into a day that I used to.

Inspired By Nature is one of my favourite sets and I haven't used it for a long time.  I also got to do a project that I have wanted to do for a long time.

This is an Easel Topped Desk Drawer and I have wanted to make on of these for months.  I have seen many people do these but I got my template from Jenny Moors.

This one is done in Not Quite Navy and Baja Breeze and the papers are from Urban Garden.  The flower is from Inspired By Nature and was punched out with the 1 3/4" circle punch.  The other two layers were done with the Circle Scissor Plus.  We added Dazzling Diamonds with the Two Way Glue Pen.  The "handle" on the drawer is from The Designer Brads.

Instead of putting a stamped image on the top, you could put a family photo and put a Post It Note pad instead of the calendar.  You could also put a brad or pearl instead of the calendar as an anchor for the easel.

We did this card to match.  The main image was stamped onto a larger piece of card and then cut into 1" strips to create a "tile"effect.  To create the illusion of the flowers being in the foreground we stamped off the grass before stamping onto the card.  This makes it lighter so it appears to be further away.

We created a 'spotlight" by stamping the flower image onto scrap adn punching it out and mounting it over the main image.  Of course we had to add some bling to match the Desk Drawer and you can never have enough bling.

This is the same class but done in Basic Greay and Kiwi Kiss.  The papers are also from Urban Garden.