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Sunday 20 December 2009

Diamond Wedding Commission

Time has been flying by way too quickly. So much to do and so little time to do it in........ then this weekend I have had raging tooth ache. Taking far too many pain killers, but I am in so much pain. Definitely a trip to the dentist is on the cards tomorrow.

Along with my Christmas preparations, I have been working on a card commission. I was asked to make a Diamond Wedding Anniversary card. One of the ladies that teaches my son his bowls has her mother and father celebrating their Diamond Wedding on boxing day. Sixty Years, now that is a long time....not many can boast that, thought I was doing well at 28 years LOL.

So this is what I created. I know I am safe to post pictures here, as they don't read my blog.



I decided to use the old faithful stampset, A Rose is a Rose. I love this set, you can do so much with it. The first photo doesn't show it very well, but the roses are all glittered with Dazzling Diamonds. Well it is a Diamond Wedding Anniversary LOL. The sentiments where printed on my computer using a colour the shade of Regal Rose to match the roses.


Inside the card is a verse.



Also to make the card even more special, I made a box to match.




and here is the card presented in the box.


This is the first card commission I have done, and I have to admit, I was worried that the lady wouldn't like it. What you like isn't always someone elses taste if you know what I mean. But she was thrilled and commented that her Mum & Dad where having a party and the colour theme was pink....

Anyway, off to take some more pain killers. Back soon.... Bye

Supplies:

Stamps: A Rose is a Rose

Ink: Regal Rose, Always Artichoke, Versamark

Card: Whisper White, Regal Rose

Other: 5/8" White Satin Ribbon, Speciality Paper - Bride, Eyelet Border Punch, Dazzling Diamonds.

Thursday 3 December 2009

It's begining to look alot like Christmas

At Last I have started making my christmas cards for this year. Yes, I always leave it to the last minute LOL. Got to get some of them in the post, so that was the kick I needed.

I saw a card similar to this whilst blog hopping, it wasn't made with Stampin' Up! products, but the colours jumped out at me. I can't remember where I saw the card to give credit, sorry, but if the original artist stops by or you know who it was, then please do let me know so I can give credit.



As I said the colours jumped out at me. I am not a great fan of Kraft colour, but with the white and green I think it is stunning. The tree on the front is stamped with Versamark and embossed with White embossing powder.



I decided to stamp the inside of the card also, using the same stamp used on the background on the front of the card.

Supplies:
Stamps: Scandinavian Season
Card: Whisper White, Old Olive, Kraft
Ink: Old Olive, Whisper White (Craft), Versamark
Accessories: Whisper White Grosgrain ribbon, White Embossing Powder

Saturday 21 November 2009

12 Blogs of Christmas Tour



Welcome to the 12 Blogs of Christmas. Myself and some other Stampin' Up! demo's are posting two Christmas projects which we hope will give you ideas and inspire you. By clicking on the '12 Blogs of Christmas' Icon above you will be guided to the next blog in the tour, do this on each blog and you will complete the tour and return back to where you started. We hope you enjoy your journey and please do comment along the way. It's so great to hear from people who have stopped by. You may be starting the journey here or have found me by passing through Zoe's blog, whichever, I hope you enjoy browsing all the lovely christmas projects.

How are you getting on with your Christmas presents. Me I haven't even started !! well tell a little lie, I have made one present for my chiropodist, Paula. (I can post this as she doesn't use computers !! so won't see it LOL)

I was doing the weekly food shop when I noticed these scented candles. They had been reduced to 89p, and I could see a crafting potential there, so I grabbed a few. (Am I the only one that does this?)



I was so busy thinking about what I was going to do with these candles, while doing the rest of the shopping, I forgot the eggs! Anyway, this is what I have come up with.

The top of the jar was much bigger than any of the Stampin' Up! punches I own, so I used a die cutter to cut out a scalloped Whisper White circle and Real Red and Whisper White plain circles in various dimensions. The candle was Red, which is why I choose these colours, plus red is my favourite Christmas colour.

On the smallest circle I stamped the snowflake from the Winter Post stampset in versamark ink and covered with Heat and Stick powder. Heated this with the heat gun then sprinkled on the red glitter from the Fine Galaxy range in the Stampin' Glitter. I then just dabbed some real red ink around the edges to highlight the circle before layering all together and sticking onto the lid of the candle.



Next I wanted to make a little box to put the candle in. Its a very simple box, created by just measuring the base and height of the jar. Using the base measurement then adding the height measurement x 2 cut a piece of cardstock that size. In my case the base measured 9cm square and the sides where 6 cm tall. So I cut the cardstock 21cm x 21cm and scored it at 6cm, turned the card once and scored again at 6cm, turned again etc until all four sides where scored at 6cm.
Next I decorated the card with the snowflake in Real Red ink, then snipped one score mark to the next score on each corner and attached the flaps to the sides using double sided tape. You can see the base in this photo below.



Next was the lid. Again work out your measurements, but this time the centre needs to be a fraction larger. So in my case I used 91/4cm x 5cm x2. So my card was cut at 19 1/4 cm x 19 1/4 cm and scored at 5cm all around. (I hope this makes sense to you, I found it difficult to explain sorry).



Next step is to decorate your lid. I placed a square of Real Red card with a strip of the beautiful new Whisper White Satin ribbon attached, and topped it off with a glittered snowflake like I used on the lid of the jar. Before assembling the lid, I used my Scalloped border punch on the sides. (This is why my side measurements where quite large, the punch does take a small section of card away with it when punching)


Add a tag and you have a great little gift that anyone would be happy to receive.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Winter PostCard: Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Versamark, Real Red
Accessories: Whisper White Satin ribbon, Stampin' Glitter, Scallop Border Punch,



Second Project

For my second project I have chosen to stay with the same stampset and colours, like I said earlier Red is my favourite Christmas colour. LOL




I have made some name place cards for our Christmas dinner table. These where so quick and simple to make.




I used a font on my computer for the names and printed them onto Whisper White cardstock. (This card runs through printers like a dream). I cut Whisper White card 7.5cm x 7.5 cm and folded in half. Layered a piece of Real Red card onto one side (you can do both if you wish) then added the name. The snowflake from Winter Post stamp set was stamped in Real Red ink onto Whisper White card and then cut out. A rhinestone brad was placed in the middle of the snowflake before attaching to the place card.




These are so quick to make, and will make your Christmas dinner table look fabulous. Why not try something like this yourself this year.

I hope you have enjoyed my projects and will now pass you over to the fab Michelle for more inspiration.

Carole x

Thursday 19 November 2009

Do you need Christmas Inspiration?

Well I might have the answer for you. Myself and a few other Stampin' Up! demonstrators are organising a blog hop on Saturday. There will be two Christmas projects on each blog and you may also find some candy along the way.



All the projects will go live at 10 am and the links to complete the hop will be completed as soon as possible after that. So book the date in your diary and see you on Saturday.

Sunday 15 November 2009

Purple Trimmings

I love this stamp set. I normally use traditional colours for my Christmas cards, but I decided to try out Lilacs and Purples for a change. The photo below shows the top of the card all sparkly with glitter. I used the Polka Dot Background stamp inked with Versamark and stamped onto Elegant Eggplant card. Then sprinkled with Heat and Stick powder and blasted with heat gun, then sprinkled with Silver Glitter from the Fine Galaxy range of the Stampin' Glitter. Here is a close up. Not a great photo I am afraid because the weather has been so dull and dreary the last few days.
The ornaments have been stamped in versamark first, before the colour ink, then clear embossed to give that shiny affect, that Christmas baubles have.
Supplies:
Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Polka Dot BG, Occasional Greetings
Card: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace, Versamark
Accessories: Silver Stampin' Glitter, Eyelet Border Punch, Heat Gun,

Sunday 1 November 2009

FREE TAG PUNCH

Yes you are reading that correctly. During the period 1st November - 29th December you will receive a TAG PUNCH or a SMALL TAG PUNCH (worth £12.50 each) with every £45 spent from the Christmas Gift giving guide below.




(Please click here for a bigger version)


Wow what an offer..... If you are like me and havn't started your Christmas shopping yet, what a great time to buy for your crafting friends and family and get a free gift for yourself

You can email me with your order, and get your Christmas shopping started.

Plus as a special offer from me....anyone ordering from the Gift giving guide will receive FREE P&P on orders over £45.

Monday 26 October 2009

Now is a great time....

If you have been thinking about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, now is the time to act. Between 22nd October and 13th November Stampin' Up! have reduced the cost of the Starter Kit by 10% so instead of the normal price of £139, you will pay £125. Yes £125 for all this:-




Four complete stamp sets
Stampin’ Around jumbo wheel, ink cartridge, and handle
Ribbon
Card stock
Love Notes and envelopes
Five Classic Stampin’ Pads
Stampin’ Pastels
Craft & Rubber Scissors
Stampin’ Scrub and Mist
VersaMark Pad
Blender pens
Adhesives
Business supplies


So if crafting a big part of your life and you would love to earn money while doing something you enjoy with the convenience of setting your own hours, then Stampin' Up! is the perfect opportunity for you. Contact me to learn more about being a demonstrator.


As an extra bonus, anyone joining my team during this promotion, will receive a stamp set of choice to the value of £20.


So what are you waiting for.....don't miss this opportunity.


Cristmas Wreath

This card is one of a few I demonstrated at Needham Market Scrapbooking and craft Fair.



Lots of people passed comment about it, and where most surprised when they found out the stamp set used wasn't a Christmas one. A few of you suggested that it would look nice done in blue and silver, so I gave it a go. Here it is.



Let me know which one is your favourite. Mine ...... that is a difficult one, but I think I am swaying to the Green and Red, I am a bit of a traditionalist and love these colours together.



Supplies: Green Wreath

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes,
Card: Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive
Accossories: Stampin' Glitter (Fine Galaxy), 2-Way Glue Pen, Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon.

Supplies: Blue Wreath
Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes,
Card: Ballet Blue, Whisper White
Ink: Ballet Blue
Accossories: Stampin' Glitter (Fine Galaxy), 2-Way Glue Pen, Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon.

Monday 19 October 2009

Road trip to Needham Market

Yesterday I was up bright and early, and set off to Needham Market, Nr Ipswich to demo at the Cardnaking and Scrapbooking Fair . There where lots of local retailers with their mobile shops there and little old me promoting Stampin' Up!. Have to say I had a blast. The weather was cold, but the sun was shining and tons of people called in to do some stash shopping.

Here's a picture of my stand. Quite a small afair compared to the others but lots of people stopped by and checked me out. It was great talking to so many talented people.



On my stand I held a free draw for a basket of Stampin' Up! goodies. This morning, before he went to school, I got my son to draw a name from the box and I am please to announce the winner is

Neta, from Halstead

Congratulations Neta, I will be posting off the goodies to you tomorrow.

Thank you to all the lovely people that stopped by yesterday, it was great meeting you all.

Carole x

Tuesday 6 October 2009

Another Christmas Card

Well there are more sore throats and colds in the house. DS is off school again with such a sore throat, if it is no better tomorrow a trip to the Docs is on the cards I think. I havn't had much time for card making but managed another xmas card..



In the new catalogue, we have some fabulous fine glitters, and I choose to use the lovely deep red one on this card. I have used the fir cone image from the Autumn Days stamp set along with the Hung Up on the Holidays stamp set.

Supplies:

Stamps: Autumn Days, Hung Up on the Holidays, Season of Joy
Card: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Real red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive,
Accossories: Stampin' Glitter (Fine Galaxy), 2-Way Glue Pen


Hope you are all well

BFN

Carole x

Thursday 1 October 2009

Todays the Day..



Today is the day the big reveal takes place. The New Stampin' Up! catalogue is revealed to everyone. There are some new yummy things in there and I have already placed my own order. There is a Link on the right hand side of my blog to view the catalogue online, however if you are like me and prefer to have a copy in your hand to browse, then contact me and I will get one to you pronto.

To celebrate the launch the first three people to place an order with me will recieve a suprise gift.

Carole x

Saturday 26 September 2009

The 'C' word

At work this last week we have been pricing up all the Christmas cards, wrapping paper, tree ornaments etc ready to be put on display this next week. I try not to think about Christmas too early on, but I really need to be more organised this year. LOL, I say that every year. Well there is a new christmas stamp set in the new catalogue, that has got me in the mood. Look at this beautiful card I made. (even if I say so myself)



It is a very traditional looking card, using traditional colours of Red, Green and Gold. The baubles are all embossed and really shiny, but it isn't showing up in the photos very well.
Not long now, before the launch of the new catalogue. Mine arrived yesterday, so contact me to order yours, cost £5.00 (which is refunded with your first order)



Supplies:

Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Autumn Days, Occasional Greetings
Card: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Real red
Ink: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Versamark
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Gold Embossing Powder

Wednesday 23 September 2009

Ohh My

Ohh My...where have the days gone. So much has been going on in the Claxton household. Some good and some not!
Firstly, my son started back to school after seven weeks of holiday. He started High school and had been so excited about it all. He has loved it so far, although is coming home very tired. It is such a big school compared to his Junior school and he is having to walk from each lesson now instead of all the lessons being in the same room like before. However this week he has been off school ill!! you know what it's like, they all get back together and then all the colds etc start. Like all men he has been dying the last few days, but is feeling better tonight, so I think he can go back to school tomorrow. Hooray...I can do some crafting.

I celebrated my birthday, 21 again and again and some, LOL. Thank you to everyone who sent me lovely cards and birthday wishes. I love you all.

Bad things, well my washing machine decided to give up on me. Why do they always decided to do it with a full load in !! so out shopping for a new one. Then to top it all, I knocked the iron off the ironing board and it landed onto the carpet hot plate down, so I now have a lovely burn mark the shape of an iron there...then, Yes there's still more... I was cleaning the bathroom and the large bathroom mirror came off the wall. Luckily it didn't break, I don't need 7 years of bad luck.

Anyway... the best thing so far is being able to pre-order some of the new stamps out of the new catalogue. Not long to the 1st October, when we can reveal the catalogue in its full glory, but here is a sneak peek at one of the stamp sets that will be in there. This is a Hostess Level 2 stamp and it's beautiful, I love it.



If you would like to get your hands on this stamp set all you need to do is have a qualifying workshop at your home. Contact me for details.

Supplies
Stamps: Whimsical Wings, A Bit of Birthday Cheer
Ink: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip
Card: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Gold Brads, Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

Tuesday 1 September 2009

Last Chance and Bargins



It’s that time of the year when Stampin’ Up! release the items that will be retired from the current catalogue. A big surprise this year are the bargins to be had – there are reductions of 25% and 50% on selected items. You can view the list here.
A bonus from me...anyone placing £30+ (before P&P) order with me, before September 7th, will qualify for free P&P.
Be quick, with prices like this items will be sold out very quickly.

Thursday 20 August 2009

One of those days....

I am having one of those days....you know the ones. Everything you touch goes wrong kind of day !!

Today was going to be my well earnt crafting day, but I have to admit I have struggled to make anything worth showing...I was not happy with anything I had made by lunch time, so gave up and closed the door to the craft room.

I do have a card I can share with you all though. I made this a few days ago for the lovely Bekka, who's birthday it was today. I first met Bekka about a year ago and we have kept in touch since. She is a truly wonderful person and Bekka, I hope you have had a wonderful birthday and have been spoilt rotten today.




Like me Bekka loves this stamp from Bloomin' with Beauty stamp set, so it was a good excuse to use it again..LOL

Supplies

Stamps: Bloomin with Beauty, Sincere Salutations
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Creamy Caramel, Certainly Celery, Rose Red
Card: Rose Red, Regal Rose
Accessories:
Cuttlebug Embossing Border

Thursday 13 August 2009

Something different

I have moved away from my stamping style with this card. I saw a similar one on an American blog (can't remember where, sorry) a few weeks ago and fell in love with it.



It was quite simple to make... The house is made from Designer Paper layered onto Very Vanilla card and the roof is Creamy Caramel card punched with the scallop border punch, with little dots inked all along the edges with Chocolate Chip marker pen. The owl is from the Forest Friends stamp set is stamped with Chocolate Chip ink onto Very Vanilla, punched out with the 1-1/4" circle punch layered onto Chocolate Chip card punched with the 1-3/8" circle punch. Three buttons from the Designer Buttons from the Mini catalogue placed on the card. The Birthday Wishes sentiment, from the Basic Phrases stamp set is stamped with Chocolate Chip ink, then lines and dots drawn on the card with Chocolate Chip marker. A simple but effective card I am sure you will agree.

Supplies:
Stamps: Forest Friends, Basic Phrases
Card: Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel,Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip,
Accessories: Designer Paper, Designer Buttons, Marker Pen (Chocolate Chip)


Just before I finish, I would like to say a big thank you to my wonderful SU team member Alex for nominating me for three awards
...





do pop over and browse her blog, she has some truly wonderful creations over there. Thank you hun for nominating me.

Thursday 30 July 2009

How Bad am I ?

I am such a bad person! My wonderful down line Karen celebrated her birthday last week and I missed the date. Somehow I had got in a muddle and had it down for August. Anyway, I realised my mistake and quickly created a belated birthday card to send off to her.




Yet again I made a grab for the Bloomin' With Beauty stamp set. This is certainly proving to be my favourite. This time I used Summer Sun and More Mustard Ink to colour the flowers. The card base is a white 5" x 5" card with Old Olive card stock and a panel of So Saffron DP. The coloured flower image was placed onto So Saffron card stock which had been paper pierced in each corner. Very Vanilla Grosgrain ribbon finishes it all off nicely.

Supplies:
Stampset: Bloomin' with Beauty
Card: Whisper White, Old Olive, So Saffron
Ink: Summer Sun, More Mustard, Creamy Caramel, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Crafters Tool Kit, Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon

Awards

For my first award I need to say a big thank you to Maria, who left me this award on her blog. Head on over and give her a visit. Her work is truly inspiring.





My second award, is from Alex. Alex is a member of my Stampin' Up! team. She is such a talented crafter and a truly wonderful person. Pop over to her blog here. You won't be disappointed.



Thank you ladies, I am truly honoured.

Now I am supposed to pass these awards onto others, but I have such difficulty in choosing people. I follow so many talented crafters and their blogs I find it difficult to pick out individuals. So my awards go to all crafters. If you come and visit my blog, please do leave me a message so I can come and visit you and if you wish take an award away with you.

Monday 27 July 2009

Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 1

Another challenge completed. I really loved the colours in this challenge over at Stacey's Stamping Stage, they jumped right out off the screen at me.




I do have a massive confession to make though!... When I grabbed the Not Quite Navy Ink off the stand, it was still wrapped in its cellophane. I have been a demo for 18 months and I bought all the ink pads with my very first order. It was the same with the card stock! SHAME on me....

Anyway here is my creation. Have to admit I loved these colours together and will be trying them out again soon.




Supplies:

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Thank You Kindly
Ink: Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy
Card: Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Gold Brads

Sunday 26 July 2009

Weekend Sketch Challenge

While looking through the Blogs in my Google reader, this sketch over at Laurie Schmidlin's blog Just Give Me Stamps caught my eye.



I loved this layout and decided to make a card for the challenge.




The first thing you will notice is, It's not Pink LOL..... but I am still using the Bloomin' With Beauty stamp set. I just love this stamp. Love the flowers and all the different colours you can use. This time I used my Blender Pen with Pale Plum ink to colour the flowers. For the flower centres I used Perfect Plum .

Supplies:

Card: Pale Plum, Whisper White, Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke
Stamps: Bloomin' With Beauty, Oval All, Baroque Motifs
Ink: Pale Plum, Bashful Blue, Creamy Caramel, Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Certainly Celery DP, Scallop Oval Punch, Oval Punch

Thanks for stopping by.

Carole x

Friday 17 July 2009

Teachers gifts

I can't believe that today my son walks out of his Junior school for the last time. In September he will be starting his journey through High School. Yesterday there was a prize giving service at the local church for all the leavers. I was able to have a proud mum moment, when Ryan received an award for his help in maintaining the schools laptops and training IT monitors from each of the year classes. I was a bit miffed that I couldn't get anywhere close enough to get a photo of him receiving his prize, but here is one I took yesterday when we got home from school.

I have to admit, I am very proud of him, he has worked so hard, and achieved so much this past year. His SAT'S results where fantastic, all 5B's and he was one of the top achievers in his year. He is turning into a very confident young person and I am sure a lot of this is down to his fantastic teacher he has had in Year 6. He went off to school today armed with presents for her and the TA.





I also made this for the class to give to their teacher.

I found this kit from House of three and using the little squares, the TA got all the children to write a thank you note to the teacher. I then put them all together in a book. Here are a few more photo's.

Hope she likes it. There are some real fun messages hidden in there, I had to smile when I was reading them, while putting the book together. Well here starts SEVEN weeks of school holidays, lots of cricket matches to attend and hopefully some lovely warm weather. (there is a Storm here at the moment, I can hear the Thunder so has better got off this puter!!

Monday 13 July 2009

Stamping at Last !

I expect you have been getting a bit fed up with all these photographs LOL. Well I got in the craft cabin yesterday and managed to make a few things. One of the projects is for my sons teacher so can't share that just yet. But I did create a couple of cards using the Bloomin' with Beauty stamp set.

This is such a great stamp to colour, this one has been coloured in pinks. I decided not to make the card too fancy as the image is so beautiful.

Supplies:
Stamps: Bloomin' with Beauty, Oval All
Card: Regal Rose, Rose Red
Ink: Regal Rose, Rose Red. Bashful Blue
Accessories: 5/8" Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Blender Pens

Next card is same image, but coloured in purple's.



Supplies:
Stamps: Bloomin' with Beauty, Oval All
Card: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum
Ink: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Oval and Scallop Oval Punches


Couldn't leave without showing you another technique I have learnt in Photoshop. Putting Text on Photographs. The idea is to put text in white areas of your photo's. Boy did I have plenty to choose from.. I have placed a folded paper looking texture behind both these photos then added the text.

This one was taken about a 4 years ago. One of those very ordinary photo's you have of the kids. But now worth looking at.
This second one is of my DS and our friends children in Ireland back in 2005, just before my DS fell over in the water and got soaking wet. His nickname for the rest of the holiday, was SpongeBob LOL. Again the photo was taken far too far away, but adding the text has created it into a worth while picture.