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".