Need more time to Craft

Ribbon Swatches for SALE

2012-02-02T14:32:00.000Z

I have been busy creating these lovely Ribbon Swatches to showcase all the colours and types of ribbon available to purchase from Stampin' Up!. It is a great tool to take to workshops so people can see for themselves the colours and quality that is on offer.

I am offering these for sale to fellow demo's and more details can be found here on my Demo Fairy blog

SALE-A-BRATION

2012-01-24T19:03:00.000Z

Well today is the start one of the most exciting periods in the Stampin' Up! calendar. Sale-a-bration is here!! Yes it's that time, where you can earn FREE stamps and this year a set of Designer papers! Now these are only available for a short period of time. 24th January until 31st March 2012. After the 31st March these stamps are no longer available. You can choose a free set for every £45 (before shipping charges) you spend. See the choices here

Why not book a party during this period and share this fantastic offer to your crafting friends. By becoming a hostess you can earn even more free crafting goodies. Contact me today to discuss and book your date.

Last Four Months

2012-01-15T20:46:00.001Z

So here are the last four months of the Calendar.

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my Calendar panels and I have inspired you to make one yourself. They look great when complete.

Calendar Part 2

2012-01-13T21:34:00.001Z

Today I showing the next four months of the calendar.

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

So over the weekend I will post the last four months of the Calendar, so make sure you pop back.

2012 Calendar

2012-01-12T21:15:00.002Z

This year I decided to make christmas presents for my downline, and wanted something they would be able to use all year. I saw these in Boots and decided to have a go at making a calendar for them.

The Calendar is actually designed for you to add photos, but I thought it would be a good idea to design a little panel for each month instead of using photos.

So over the next few days I will share with you each month. Today is January, February, March and April.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

Tomorrow, I will share May, June, July and August so check back.

Spring Mini Catalogue

2012-01-10T21:08:00.000Z

Wow, what a wonderful start to the year, Stampin' Up! have launched a mini catalogue running from 4th January to 30th April.

To view the catalogue on-line click here or if you would prefer a paper copy, email me here.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T20:01:00.001Z

Merry Christmas everyone.
Hope you have a great time over the festive break. xx

70th Birthday

2011-10-24T22:01:00.002+01:00

Last Monday, my Mum celebrated her 70th Birthday so a special birthday card was called for.

As soon as I saw this stamp set (Everything Eleanor) in the new catalogue, I know it just had to be on my first order. It didn't disappoint, it is so elegant. I used the new colours, Calypso Coral and Pool Party along with Crumb Cake with pearls finishing off the flowers beautifully. I can see lots more projects being created with this set.

It's half term, so I am off work and looking forward to getting my cabin sorted (it's a mess) and knuckle down to some serious crafting.

Supplies:
Stamps: Everything Eleanor, Sincere Salutations
Card: Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Whisper White
Ink: Pool Party, Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral
Other: Timeless Type Junior Alphabet, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Basic Pearls.

Busy Time

2011-10-18T21:45:00.000+01:00

I am so loving the new catalogue. There are so many new and exciting things to craft with. This year we even have FABRIC, which I am loving. When I first left school (many moons ago) my first job was working in a fabric shop, I used to love sewing and making my own clothes, I also made soft toys to sell at craft fairs, life changes and so did my crafting adictions LOL, but it has been great to get back into sewing again.

I have been kept busy with creating my samplers for the past couple of weeks, this year I have had a lot of orders which is great. Here are some photo's of the samplers and details can be found here my other site DEMO FAIRY.

These samplers are such a great way to show my customers the new fabric and Designer Papers from the new catalogue, seeing them for real is so much better than the pictures from the catalogue. If you are a demo and would like a set, then please email me.

I will be back later in the week with a special card, made with much love for my Mum's special birthday we celebrated the weekend just gone, so be sure to check back.

It's HERE

2011-10-02T14:25:00.000+01:00

we can reveal the new catalogue.

You can view the catalogue on-line here or contact me if you wish to purchase a paper copy £4.50 posted out to you.

There are some fantastic new items in this catalogue, such as new exclusive sizzix dies, Halloween stamps and papers, crochet lace trim, Fabric YES we now stock fabric!!

I have placed my order and cannot wait for my goods to arrive so I can get busy making lots of new samples.

Along with this catalogue is the launch of the new Hostess Benefits. They are so generous and if the order/party sales are more than £300 you can choose any item from the catalogue HALF PRICE.

Contact me for more details or if you wish to book a party or place an order.

Say Goodbye - Get your favourite products before they're gone

2011-09-02T19:54:00.000+01:00

With the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue just around the corner, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to hundreds of our favourite stamps and accessories in order to make room for exciting new products. Items on the Retired List are only available while supplies last. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Click here for the list to see which products you can’t do without, and email me your order straight away to avoid disappointment. Remember it's while stocks last or until the end of the month!

PS – Newsletter subscribers, you should have received an email copy of this list along with details of how you can get your New Idea Book and Catalogue as soon as they are available and for FREE. If you did not get your email please let me know. If you are not already a subscriber and would like to know about the subscriber offer its not too late – join my mailing list before Tuesday and you too can benefit! There is a box at the top right hand side of this blog ...

FREE GIFT

2011-08-31T11:12:00.001+01:00

Please note: This post will remain at the top of my blog for the Month of August.

Please scroll down for newer posts.

Stampin' Up! have come up trumps with their offer this month. Get an exclusive gift from Stampin' Up! with a qualifying purchase or workshop!

Your gift includes a beautiful, exclusively-designed cosmetic bag, along with Rich Razzleberry 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon and a 24-piece Clip Assortment.

This offer is only available during August so contact me today for more details, to place your order or to book your Stampin' Up! workshop!

And the Winner is ...

2011-07-19T14:20:00.000+01:00

So Sunday I spent the day at Bramford, Nr Ipswich, with my downline and great friend Rebecca, meeting up with tons of lovely people who like us love to craft. We had a very busy day and chatting with everyone and gathering details with our door prize forms. In my previous post you can see the bag of goodies that one lucky person could win, just by filling in the form.

I am pleased to say the winner is:-

B SIMPSON

Well done... your prize is on it's way to you. x

I am afraid I don't have any photo's to show you of our stand. I took my camera, but totally forgot to take a photo. We where having far too much fun... x

Papercraft Show

2011-07-14T21:30:00.000+01:00

Scrapbooking and Cardmaking Papercraft Show

Bramford School Sports Hall

Duckamere

Bramford

Ipswich

Suffolk IP8 4AH

Sunday 17th JULY

10.00am - 4.00pm

£2.00 Entry

Come and visit my stand at the above event and enter my Free Draw to win some fantastic Stampin' Up! products.

Make and Takes and Demonstrations all day. Do stop and say hello.

My Training Swap

2011-07-10T20:09:00.001+01:00

I have been trying to get this post written the last couple of days and scheduled to appear this morning, before I started my journey to Peterborough for our training event. But Blogger has been playing up and every time I have tried, it gave me an error!! But it appears to be playing ball tonight. So here is the card that all those cut and punched pieces from my previous post where made into.

Isn't he cute. I think it would make a great child's Christmas card, and you could even stamp the child's name on the banner instead of the christmas greeting.

Here is a photograph of a few of them together, I made 37 of these in total (too many to photograph all together) I had lots of comments from my fellow demonstrators, on how lovely they where, so I am happy. Thats what crafting is about.

Supplies
Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Sincere Salutations
Card: Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Real Red,
Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Pacific Point
Ink: Whisper White, Real Red, Bashful Blue
Punches: 1-1/4” Square, Heart Small,
Word Window, Ornament, Heart to Heart,
¾” Circle, Scallop Edge Border
Accessories: White Gel Pen, Black Marker

Busy Crafting

2011-07-03T17:33:00.000+01:00

I am busy crafting today....the men of the house have gone to Milton Keynes to see 'FOO FIGHTERS' so I have been here on my own since 9 am and I don't expect them back until way way past my bed time....so I can craft to my hearts content.

Lots on 'MY TO DO' list so check back over the next few days to see what I have been up to. At the moment I can only share with you this photo of my swaps ready for team training at Peterborough next Sunday.

These are now being constructed and I will share with you the completed card, well 40 cards in fact, very soon along with the projects we make on the day.

We have such a blast on these days, I love meeting up with my downline, fellow demo sisters and of course my up-line. I always return so motivated.

If you are interested in becoming a demonstrator and want to learn more about the training Stampin' Up! and myself offer, along with everything else Stampin' Up! contact me for an informal, no obligation chat.

Big Shot Daisies

2011-06-26T22:28:00.001+01:00

Oh my... where have the last seven days gone? I have had such a busy week extra hours at work and then my dear son having a sport event every evening and of course Mum has to do the taxi duties. You can see why my blog name is what it is!

I did manage to get into the cabin today and had a little play with my Big Shot and the wonderful Flower Daisies die. I was actually creating some flowers ready for an event I am attending, which I will show another day. I had a few scraps of card left over large enough to cut the smallest daisy, so I decided to cut a load out. Well us crafters waste nothing do we ;-)

Made this card (and four others the same)

Each daisy is three layers and has a Daffodil Delight glittered centre. They are so cute.

Reminder: I have only a few days left available in July to book your party. Remember you can earn an extra £20 on top of the normal Hostess benefits. See post here for more details. So contact me soon to book your party to avoid disappointment.

Supplies:
Stamps: Build A Blossom (leaves)
Card: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight
Ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Accessories: Big Shot, Flower Daisies die, Blossom Petals Punch, 3/4" circle punch, Dazzling Diamonds, Subtles Designer Series Paper Patterns Stack

Sympathy Card

2011-06-19T17:20:00.000+01:00

I learnt today that my elderly neighbour across the road passed away last night. He had been ill for a couple of years now and in the past few months had deteriorated quite a lot. He is now free of pain and at peace. So a Sympathy card is required.

I have used the good for every occasion, Lovely As a Tree set. This is a firm favourite stamp set that I turn to time and time again. A simple card created using Post it Notes to create a border in the middle of the WW card and brayering Baja Breeze ink to create a band of colour. The Trees are then just stamped over the colour border.

Supplies:
Stamps: Lovely As a Tree
Card: Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Ink: Baja Breeze, Early Expresso
Accessories: Brayer, (Sentiment created on PC)

Manhattan Wedding

2011-06-14T22:59:00.000+01:00

The wedding season is upon us, so I thought I would share a beautiful wedding card with you today.

This card is created with the Stampin' Up! Exclusive Embossing Folder 'Manhattan Flowers'. I used Whisper White card but created the Perfect Plum flowers by inking the embossing folder before running it through the Big Shot.

Here is a photo of inside of the card.

Just look at the impression from these embossing folders. They are so deep, I just love them. Remember this folder along with 4 other folders are exclusive to Stampin' Up! and can only be bought through myself. Contact me today to order yours.

Supplies:
Stamps: Tiny Tags
Card: Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Ink: Perfect Plum
Accessories: White Satin Ribbon, Manhattan Embossing Folder, Jewelry Tag Medium Punch

Nature Walk Father's Day card

2011-06-08T20:52:00.001+01:00

Today I am sharing another Father's Day card. This card is made with the Nature Walk stamp set. This stamp set is so versatile and can be used for male or female cards. Remember this female card. I used Soft Suede and Crumb Cake from the neutrals collection to give the vintage look. I created the mottled background by inking the Clear mount block D with Crumb Cake ink then stamping the block onto WW card. The great thing about Stampin' Up! is the colour matching and co-ordination, which this card showcases. If you would like to know more about Stampin' Up! and the co-ordinating products then why not book a party. Email me for more details.

Supplies:
Stamps: Nature Walk, Something to Celebrate
Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede
Card: Soft Suede, WW
Accessories: Soft Suede & Rich Razzleberry Markers, Clear-mount Block, Neutrals DP, Spritzer Tool

Punch Art Sheep

2011-06-05T21:28:00.002+01:00

I was asked by a workmate to create two Father's Day cards for her. One of them she requested sheep on it!! Hmm now at the moment Stampin' Up! don't actually have any sheep stamps in the current catalogue so I had to put on my thinking cap.

I had seen a lot of Punch Art animals on various blogs and decided to have a go at creating a sheep. I made the sheep quite easily but then needed a card design to put him on. This is what I came up with.

Isn't he just so comical, grazing in a field beside the fence, in front of the barn.

If you would like to see more Punch Art animals, how about booking a workshop, invite family and friends and we could have a fun evening making some. Plus if you hold your workshop in June or July you could earn an extra £20 free products. See post here for more details.

Fantastic Offer

2011-06-01T13:32:00.000+01:00

In my last post I showed you one of the exclusive stamp sets available Free to people who host a workshop. Well Stampin' Up! have just made it even more exciting by giving Hostesses the chance to earn an extra £20 Free Merchandise. Host a workshop totalling £250 or more in product sales during June and July to qualify for the extra £20 spends.

Let me explain what a workshop is. You get your friends together. They don't have to be crafters. They may just fall in love with it all and you will then have someone new to share your hobby with. I will come along and show you how the fabulous Stampin' Up! products work and you will get a chance to try some of them before you buy.

As the Hostess you will receive a Free stamp set and the following:

So the minimum you would have to spend is £45. Yes that's £45 of FREE crafting product and isn't FREE product just simply the best kind.

So contact me today to book a date to PARTY. The first 5 people to book their dates will receive an extra gift from me at their party.

Fast and Fabulous - Hostess Set

2011-05-29T20:49:00.003+01:00

Today I decided to create with the Level 2 Hostess set FAST AND FABULOUS. One of the beautiful stamp sets that are Free and exclusive to the Hostess of a qualifying workshop.

I love this particular set because you can use a number of techniques with it. Today I used the 2-step stampin' technique. This is where you use a lighter ink, in my case I used Daffodil Delight, for the base image then use a darker colour (Soft Suede) for the overlay image.

Here is a close-up showing the 2-step Stampin' Technique. It is so easy to do and so affective.

Would you like to know how to do this, and other techniques and earn FREE, EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS at the same time? Host a workshop. Contact me today for more details.

Supplies:
Stamps: Fast & Fabulous, Oval All
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede
Card: Soft Suede, Blushing Bride, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Blushing Bride DP, 1-3/4 x 7/8" Oval Large Punch, Scallop Oval Extra-Large Punch, Little Leaves Sizzlit Die, Basic Pearls, Blushing Bride 1/2" stitched-poly ribbon

Nature Walk

2011-05-25T09:26:00.000+01:00

Today I am showing off a card made for our dear friend June. We met June through bowls and she is such a wonderful caring person. She has taken my son under her wing so a special card was required. I decided to use the beautiful Nature Walk stamp set.

The little bird in this set reminds me of all the birds in my garden at the moment, busily collecting to build their nests and raise their young.

The colours used are Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive which go so well together, with the bird stamped in Soft Suede. The card was finished off with Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon scrunched across the corner of the image.

Creating this affect with ribbon is so easy. Invite some friends round for a creative party and I could come along and show you all this and other ribbon techniques. Interested? Email me for more details.

Supplies:

Stamps: Nature Walk

Card: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Soft Suede

Accessories: Brights DP Stack, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon, Basic Pearls

Birthday for my husband

2011-05-19T09:01:00.001+01:00

My dearest Hubby had a birthday on Tuesday. He had to work, but we went out for the evening at the local American Diner. Why is it their burgers taste so much better than what you get a home. LOL

Anyway A male card was required. I have to admit I find it really difficult to design male cards, but Stampin' Up! solved my problem in the new Mini Catalogue. They released a single stamp of a motorbike and as my hubby used work with and own a motorbike, I just knew it was the one to use.

Now I just love Red shiny paintwork on motorbikes, so I decided to colour the tank and mudguards red and then placed Crystal Effects over the top to give the look of beautiful shiny paint.

Yet again Red paper from the Brights Designer Paper stack was used. (I really can't do without these papers)

Supplies:
Stamps: Motorcycle, Curly Cute
Ink: Basic Black
Card: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red
Accessories: Real Red & Old Olive markers, Brights DP stack, Crystal Effects

Paper Flowers Tutorial

2011-05-12T09:36:00.000+01:00

I have had quite a few requests asking how I made the flower in my previous post. Now I don't claim to have invented this, there are tons of tutorials out in blog land showing how to make paper flowers! but here is mine for my followers. x

I made my flowers with the following Stampin' Up! punches.

Boho Blossoms Extra Large

5-Petal Flower Extra large

Fancy Flower Extra Large

I used Pink Pirouette card stock and punched THREE of each of the 5-Petal Flower and the Fancy Flower. Then I punched THREE of the pointy star shape from the Boho Blossom punch (Note: you can punch these from the little scraps of card left over from punching the other shapes)

Take the three smaller shapes and layer on top of each other but each one slightly off centre from the one below. With a paper piercer make a hole in the centre and pop a brad through. Layer the 3 x 5-petal punched shapes, again off centre make a hole and place the brad through these. Do the same with the 3 x Fancy flower shapes. Open the brad at the back to secure the layers together. They should look like this.

Now comes to the fun bit. Spray the flower with water then start to scrunch up each layer towards the centre of the flower. I found using my paper piercer to lift each petal made the task a lot easier.

Continue scrunching up each layer. You will notice as you lift each layer there will be sone dry patches left on the card underneath. Spray some more water on these areas to make it easier to scrunch the layers.

Continue scrunching up the petals until it looks like this. (Note the more tightly you scrunch the better your flower will look)

Now we start to unfold each petal. Take care as your card is now very wet and quite fragile. I found it best to fold each layer one by one and I used my piercing tool to tease each petal.

When you get to the centre, you can either tease the petals quite flat or leave them quite scrunched. Continue teasing your layers into the shape you like.

Leave your flowers to dry (I left mine overnight) and once dry they will be quite sturdy. I finished mine off with a Stampin' Up! Basic Pearl in the centre of the flower.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and will have a go at making your own.

They are so easy to make.

*************************************

For anyone wishing to purchase the three punches to enable to make flowers just like mine, I am offering a special package until the end of the month (31st May 2011)

1 x Boho Blossoms Punch

1 x 5-Petal Flower Punch

1 x Fancy Flower Punch

1 x Pack of A4 card stock (20 sheets 2 each in 10 colours) You choose which colour collection

Buy for £57 delivered to your door and receive a pack of Basic Pearls (worth £4.50) FREE.

Please email me if you wish to take advantage of this bundle offer.

Paper Flowers

2011-05-08T21:45:00.001+01:00

At last I found myself able to craft today. The last week or so has been a little manic. Many of you that know me, know that my son plays cricket and this week the season kicked off (or should that be bowled off) lol. He plays for the U13 and U15 teams as well as in one of the Saturday teams. To top this he also plays bowls for the local club and next weekend is in trials to be selected to play for Suffolk U25 team. This last week we have had 3 cricket matches and 2 bowls matches so I haven't been home much. But today we where all at home for a welcomed rest.

I decided to have a go at making some paper flowers.

I was so pleased how it turned out. I decided to use Pink Pirouette card as I wanted to try and make a vintage style flower and thought this a suitable colour. I loved the flower so much I couldn't wait to get using it. I decided to create a pillow box using my new BIG SHOT and PILLOW BOX die in Baja Breeze card.

I love these two colours together, they seem so romantic. The leaves are made from Pear Pizzazz card using the new sizzlits die 'Little Leaves' from the mini catalogue.

I am now experimenting with different colours for the flowers, so expect some more flower related projects soon.

This next week is another sport filled week so I best get myself organised with crafting I can complete on the go.

See you soon. x

Simply Stampin' Challenge 2

2011-04-14T14:02:00.001+01:00

There is a new challenge blog called Simply Stampin' Challenge. Last week there was a sketch to follow and this week the challenge is to use the following colours -

Now these are not normally colours I would choose to use myself. But this is what it is all about to challenge yourself. So off I went to the cabin and fiddled and faffed and came up with this.

Boy was it a challenge, but I am so happy with the results. To bling it up I placed our beautiful rhinestones in the centre of the flowers.

Supplies:
Stamp: Just Believe
Card: Wild Wasabi, Bravo Burgundy, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla
Ink: Bravo Burgundy
Accessories: 1-1/4" circle punch. Scallop Trim Border, Rhinestones, Subtles Designer Paper stack

Build A Blossom

2011-04-08T20:18:00.000+01:00

Thank you everyone who have left lovely comments on yesterdays post. I am feeling much better today, so made sure I got into the cabin and crafted today.

There is one stamp set in the mini catalogue that is fast becoming my favourite and that is Build a Blossom on page 12. It doesn't look much but boy am I having fun creating different colour combos. Today I used Concord Crush on Whisper white and punched out the petals using the Blossom Petals Punch.

I decided to use a button and ribbon in the centre of the flower and choose a Pumpkin Pie button from the Brights Designer Button pack. Don't the two colours look great together. I decided to follow that colour theme throughout.

Supplies:
Stamps: Build A Blossom, Just Believe
Card: Concord Crush, Whisper White, Certainly Celery
Ink: Concord crush, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Button, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Blossom Petals Punch, Concord Crush Poly Ribbon, Pumpkin Pie Taffeta Ribbon, Pumpkin Pie Designer Paper

The weather forecast for Norfolk this weekend is sunny and warm, but I'm going to be stuck inside both days as my son is playing in bowls tournaments. But it does give me the opportunity to browse the mini catalogue yet again and plan some more projects. If you would like a copy of the Mini catalogue, please contact me and I will get one sent out to you.

Have a good weekend. x

Simply Stampin' Challenge 1

2011-04-07T14:46:00.000+01:00

Hi Folkes.

I finished work yesterday for three weeks and was so looking forward to getting my cabin and crafting, but my dear son has given me a shocking cough and cold. I am hacking away constantly, so much so my sides ache!!. However I did force myself to go in there this afternoon and create a card for a new challenge blog, Simply Stampin' Challenge.

Here is what I created. Considering I am feeling unwell, I am quite pleased with the result.

Supplies:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Butterfly Prints, Basic Phrases
Card: Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Not Quite Navy
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Versamark
Accessories: Butterfly Punch, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Scallop Trim Border,
Basic Pearls, Clear Embossing Powder, Corner Punch.

Mothers Day card

2011-04-04T21:40:00.003+01:00

This is the card I made for my wonderful Mum.

I decided to use the Greenhouse Garden stamp set and the two step stamping technique. It is such a fun technique to do and gives you such fantastic results.

Supplies:
Stamps: Greenhouse Garden, Occasional Greetings
Card: Kraft (from my stash), Old Olive, Whisper White, Certainly Celery
Ink: Melon Mambo, basic Grey, Old Olive
Accessories: So saffron from DP Subtles Collection, Basic Pearls, Two-Step bird punch

MINI 2011

2011-04-01T19:33:00.000+01:00

View on-line Here

At last I can share the New Mini catalogue with you all. It has been so so hard to keep this under wraps until today!

The most exciting news is - We now stock the BIG SHOT die cutting system

along with a whole host of dies exclusive to Stampin' Up!

If you would like a paper copy of the mini or place an order then please email me.

Love and Future Wedding

2011-03-30T09:28:00.001+01:00

I received an excited email a few days ago from my lovely downline Alex, letting me know that she had become engaged...... how wonderful is that. I can remember the excitement I felt when I became engaged all those many years ago (we celebrate 30 years of marriage this year!!)

So of course, I wanted to send Alex and her future husband a card to congratulate them both.

I decided to use pretty pinks for the card, so picked Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette and Rose Red. Of course I had to use our fabulous pearls to finish off the scallop border.

Don't they look wonderful and add such an elegant touch to the card.

Supplies:
Stamps: I (Heart) Hearts, Cheers and Wishes
Card: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Ink: Rose Red
Accessories: Heart Punch, Basic Pearls

Don't forget, the new Mini Catalogue Launches on the 1st April. Check back to see all the fabulous new items I will have to offer.

Hello.. I am still here

2011-03-23T20:22:00.001Z

Oh Gosh I can't believe it has been twenty three days since I blogged. There has been so much going on in our household the past three weeks. Firstly my son turned 13 on the 13th, so we had family celebrations and a shopping trip into Norwich so he could buy the Ipod Touch that he had been saving for. Then came my brothers birthday on the 16th. I made this card for him. A clean and simple style using paper from the fabulous Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack. I have to admit to becoming a lover of these stacks and have been using them a lot recently.

And behold on the same day as his birthday my brother became a Grandad! so yes I became a Great Aunt!! hmm he is not sure about grandad and I'm not sure about the Great Aunt LOL but anyway, we welcomed baby Katelynn into the family and she is the most adorable baby with a head of beautiful black hair.

I do have more craft items to share with you, but a lot of them are using product from the upcoming mini catalogue, so I am unable to share until after the 1st April, Sorry, but I can assure you you are going to love what is in there! so If you would like a mini catalogue posted out to you please contact me and I will post one straight away. You won't be disappointed.

And lastly I thought I would share what we had this evening.... made by my son at school today.

Needless to say all that is left now are crumbs ...LOL.

March Frenzy

2011-03-01T21:43:00.000Z

'Happy St David's Day' to all my Welsh readers. I know my Dad will be wearing a daffodil in his lapel with pride today.

So March is here and with it another great offer from Stampin' Up! called March Frenzy. You can get up to 30% off selected items. Check out the list here.

The offers are available from 1st - 31st March 2011 or until stocks last so don't wait, if there is something on the list you would like, email me straight away.

SALE-A-BRATION

2011-02-28T13:41:00.001Z

Yes it's the time of year that Stampin' Up! fans wait for. FREE STAMPS for anyone spending £45 (before postage charges) Yes for each £45 spend between 30th December and 28th February 2011 you can choose from the following limited edition sets.

BLISS

SWEET SUMMER

PUNCH BUNCH

SO HAPPY FOR YOU

Aren't they all just gorgeous. I want them all....... If you are like me and can't make up your mind which set to have then how about hosting a party. Invite friends, family and neighbours into your home to show them this fantastic offer. I will come along and give you all a fun time playing along with these fantastic products. If your party attracts sales of £300 (before postage) you as the hostess get to choose one set free. What are you waiting for.... Contact me today to book your date (don't leave it too long as dates are already filling up fast) or if you wish to place an order.

Over the next few days I will be posting some cards made with these SAB stamps so make sure you pop back soon.

Punch Samplers for sale

2011-02-23T12:07:00.000Z

I haven't blogged for a while and I do apologise for that. Life has been a bit manic the last month. I have been working hard doing workshops because so many people want to get their hands on the FREE Sale-a-bration stamp sets. REMINDER: You only have 5 days left to get yours. After this date they won't be available. Contact me with your qualifying order as soon as possible.

I have also been working hard on my new venture. A website called Demo Fairy to create and sell business tools to help other demos. Pop over and have a look. The items for sale on there are not just useful for demo's, Stampin' Up! fans can benefit from the tools as well. For example today I have added a PUNCH SAMPLER.

This a great tool to use to choose a punch suitable for an image if there isn't a co-ordinating punch available. The squares are 3.5" x 3.5" vellum and the shape punched then laminated. This makes them durable and cleanable. Each shape is placed onto a 2" book ring so can be taken off the ring if required.

By using the vellum, you can place the shape over your image to find out which punch is most suitable to use.

I am now off to do some crafting so do come back soon to hopefully see one or two new creations. LOL

Designer Paper Sampler

2011-01-30T16:39:00.000Z

I just love using the Designer papers from Stampin' Up! and there are so many to choose from! There is nothing like seeing these papers in real life to see the colours and beautiful designs. The catalogue just doesn't do them justice. So to help you all see just how fantastic these papers are, I have made these paper samplers available for sale. (by kind permission of Michelle Last, who originally designed it)

There are 11 sets of designer papers and two sets of Specialty papers making 13 matchbook samples in total. Each DP sample is 4 inches x 3 inches and the papers range from 5 cm to 10 cm in 1 cm increments held on a 2inch book ring.
Please note: due to the size of the samplers and some of the patterns of the papers it has not been possible to show all the pattern as you can only do this on a full 12 x 12 sheet.

£12.00 including postage.

Michelle Last originally designed this Designer Paper Sampler and I would like to say a big THANK YOU to her for allowing me to use her design. Thanks Michelle x

Bliss

2011-01-21T20:34:00.001Z

The Sale A Bration stamp set BLISS is a beautiful vintage style set of stamps. I have seen many cards made with this set which I have fallen in love with, but this style of card takes me out of my comfort zone. However Stampin' Up! have provided us with a Colour Spritzer Tool, that allows you to give your cards a splatter look on them which helps to achieve the required look.

I decided to use Rich Razzleberry, along with Crumb Cake and Pretty in Pink.

Here is a closer photograph of the pleated Pretty in Pink ribbon. (As you can see it is straight in the photo below so I'm not sure why it looks so crooked in the one above LOL) The beautiful Pearls we have now, just finish it all off beautifully.

Remember...These Sale a Bration sets are only available until the end of February...contact me if you would like to get your set.

Supplies:
Stamps: Bliss
Card: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Crumb Cake
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzleberry, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Pretty in Pink 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Colour Spritzer Tool

Spring Flowers

2011-01-18T10:04:00.001Z

Well today the sun had shown itself for a short while it has been raining her the past few days to it is a welcome site. Why is it you feel so much better in yourself when the sun shines.

Todays card reminds me of spring. Lots of colours used on this card to make it bright. Again it it has been created using the Sweet Summer Sale-a-Bration stamp set. You know the ones you can earn for FREE. See post here for more details. Why not host a workshop, and invite your friends and family for an evening of crafting in your home during February. I have a few dates available so contact me to book your preferred date.

Supplies:
Stamp: Sweet Summer (Only available during SAB 2011)
Card: Pacific Point, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
Stampin' Write Markers: Peach Parfait, Pink Pirouette, Pear Pizzazz, Marina Mist
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scalloped Oval punch, Oval Punch, Basic Pearls

Sale-A-BRATION cards

2011-01-07T19:43:00.003Z

At last you say..LOL...

well I do apologise, I have been suffering with a migraine the past few days so working on the computer has been very difficult. I have only just managed to answer emails so blogging was out of the question. But it's gone now.. hurray so here are a set of cards made with the Sweet Summer SAB set.

This set is made with patterned paper from the Brights Designer Paper stack. I have made them with no sentiment so they can be used as little notelets.

It was very difficult to choose what colours to use from this selection as they are all so fabulous but in the end I choose

Regal Rose

Rich Razzleberry

Daffodil Delight

Tangerine Tango

Tempting Turquoise

Aren't these just so cute..I love them.

Now you can order the following to make this little set of cards and have tons left over for other projects.

Patterns Designer Series Paper stack (Brights) 117155 £15.50
Stampin' Write Markers (Brights) 119702 £23.96
12 x 12 Card Stock - Crumb Cake 119929 £6.25

ALL for £45.71 plus Postage direct to you of £4.95 so £50.66 in Total and you can get the Stamp set SWEET SUMMER for FREE.

Would you like to be able to make these cards, if you order these items through myself, I will send you a tutorial on how to make them for FREE.

Contact me to place your order.

Bundle Up for Christmas

2010-12-30T13:04:00.000Z

Stampin' Up have launched a fantastic offer for November and December, buy a qualifying bundle and recieve a Ribbon bundle of your choice for FREE.

The Gifted Bundle: Gifted Stamp Set and a pack of Jolly Holiday Designer Series papers.
£35.70 in Wood Mount and £30.70 in Clear Mount

The Welcome Christmas Bundle: Welcome Christmas Stamp Set and Christmas Cocoa Speciality Designer Series Paper.
£36.90 in Wood Mount and £31.90 in Clear Mount.
This Designer Series Paper is not in the current catalogue and is only available as part of this bundle and only while stocks last!

The Season of Joy Bundle: Season of Joy Stamp Set and So Swirly Stampin’ Around Wheel.
£36.45 Wood Mount only

The Delightful Decorations Bundle: Delightful Decorations Stamp Set and the Ornament Punch £37.45 Wood Mount only.
and these are the ribbons you can choose for FREE (one ribbon bundle per one qualifying bundle)

Hmm..I am finding it hard to choose a favourite, they are all beautiful, think there will be more than one bundle ordered by me..LOL. Which one is your favourite?

I am sure that these bundles are going to sell fast, as they are such a great choices to help us with getting ready for Christmas, which is only 8 weeks away. EEK.

If you would like to order your bundle, or like me bundles, then please call or email me. I am also able to take credit card payments now, so ordering is quick and simple.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T20:37:00.001Z

Merry Christmas everyone. Hope you have a great time over the festive break.

Another Welcome Christmas Card

2010-12-23T20:42:00.000Z

Here is another card made with the Welcome Christmas stamp set.

I only made one of this card as it was for a special person over in Australia. There is loads of Dazzling Diamonds on this one, to make the snow glisten.

Supplies:
Stamps: Welcome Christmas, Sentiment from Contempo Christmas
Card: Soft Suede, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: Christmas Cocoa DP, Dazzling Diamonds, Whisper white 5/8" Satin Ribbon.

Welcome Christmas Card

2010-12-22T22:34:00.003Z

Ohh Gosh, I hadn't realised it was such a long time ago that I posted on my blog. I can only apologise to my readers. Life has become a little manic and some things have had to give. But I have managed to make my xmas cards and send out to everyone so I can now share them online.

My first card is made with the lovely Christmas Cocoa designer paper that is part of the Bundle Up offer. (DONT FORGET YOU ONLY HAVE A FEW DAYS LEFT TO ORDER) and the fabulous Welcome Christmas stamp set.

This stamp set is one of my favourites, there is so much you can do with it. I have more cards to show you using this set so make sure you call back over the next few days... If you would like to order any of the Bundle Up sets before the offer finishes please email me

Supplies:
Stamps: Welcome Christmas, Sentiment from Contempo Christmas
Card: Soft Suede, Whisper White, Real Red
Ink: Basic Black, Soft Suede
Accessories: 1\4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch. Christmas Cocoa DP.

Advent Calendar

2010-11-30T21:50:00.000Z

Those Birthday cards are safely on their way to Australia and I was going to share them with you today, but on reflection I think I will wait until I know they have been received just in case the person they are intended for see them.
So instead I will share a commission I completed end of last week. The person wanted a Frank Lampard Advent Calendar but couldn't find one anywhere! Someone suggested I may be able to make one. I found it a bit of a challenge at first to come up with a design, but once I started it came together quite well. I am afraid the photographs are not that good and it looked better IRL.

I made 24 little boxes 1 1/2 inches square which could hold a chocolate each and decorated them with the snowflake from the 'Season of Joy' set. Each box was numbered and on the inside of the lid of each box I put a picture of Frank Lampard, so as each day passes the photo appears on the top of the box, like below.

I was requested to include a box for Christmas Day, so I made this box bigger for a much bigger treat to be put inside. The 'Do Not Open' stamp from the Winter Post set was perfect for this box. Well tomorrow is the 1st December and the big countdown starts... I still haven't done much of my present buying and must really get a bit more organised...

Remember the Bundle Up offer is still on during December where you can get your FREE ribbon. See this post for more details. Make sure you order early so you are not disappointed.

Roomie Gifts

2010-11-21T22:36:00.000Z

It is a tradition to give a small gift to the person you share a room with during Convention. I wasn't sure what to make and then saw this tutorial over at Splitcoast Stampers. I thought it would be a great idea to make one each for Rebecca and Michelle. I had to adapt the measurements a little because the tissue boxes I bought where not square, so if you follow it be careful.

Here are my creations using the beautiful Greenhouse Gala Designer Papers and the Ornate Flowers stamp set.

I also made a little gift bag for each gift.

I have been busy today making some Xmas cards and two special birthday cards that need to be posted off soon to Australia. I will take a photo tomorrow in daylight and share with you all very soon.

Convention swaps

2010-11-05T20:12:00.024Z

Well I'm Back.... got back from the second European Stampin Up! Convention late last night and couldn't wait to sleep in my own bed. I have had such a ball the last two days, my feet havn't touched the floor. I love spending time with people who enjoy crafting as much as I do.

Now at any Stampin' Up! event us demo's attend we always try and swap a little card with each other. I love doing this because you can get such inspiration from other crafters.
Now like I said in my previous post. October was such a busy month for me, and I knew I would have to start on my swaps early if I was to get them all completed. So I decided to use a stamp set and colours that I already knew where going to stay in the new catalogue. So I used Trendy Trees.

This is just a close up of the card. I actually made 120 of these. Here is just a small portion of them.

I did want to make more than 120 swaps but must confess to getting a little fed up making up the same design. So I decided to make a few different ones.

Although this design is quite simple it was time consuming. The picture doesn't show it very well but there is shading all around the heart, paper piercing on the Pink card and fixing the little tags with the brad was a tad fiddly. So only 40 where made of these little beauties LOL

Next week I intend to fill you all in on all the Convention fun we all had, so do pop back to check it out.

Card 1

Stamps: Trendy Trees, Basic Phrases

Card: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery

Ink: Melon mambo, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze.

Accessories: Small Corner Punch, Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Card 2

Stamps: Punch Potpourri, Tiny Tags

Card: Crumb cake, Soft Suede, Pretty in Pink

Ink: Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Regal Rose

Accessories: Full Heart Punch, Jewelry Tag Medium Punch, Sponge Dauber

Silver Brad, Mat Pack & Paper-piercing Tool

Golden Wedding

2010-10-31T16:42:00.000Z

Oh my, where has the month of October gone. It was my intention to keep my blog updated a bit more regular than I have been, but time has just got away from me this month.

I have been doing so many things. The most important thing along with all the sporting competitions that my son has taken part in is my Mum and Dad celebrated their GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ! Yes 50 years. What an achievement.
The family got together and celebrated last weekend. Of course I had to make Mum & Dad their card. I decided to use the flowers from the Vintage Vogue stamp set and embossed them with Gold embossing powder. The background has been created with the Cornelli Lace Jumbo wheel with Crumb Cake ink. I also used Gold Miri Card and Gold ribbon from my stash.

Here is a close up of the embossed flowers

and of course a tag for the present.

I stupidly forgot to photograph the present all wrapped up with the matching ribbon used on the card. It was probably because I has left it until the last minute to wrap it up and was running late to get to my Sisters. What am I like..LOL

I have been doing allot of crafting this month as well as celebrating. It is the most exciting time for all Stampin' Up! Demo's. We are having Convention on the 5th and 6th November.

I have been so busy getting all my swaps and gifts ready for this event. This is what I have been up to today. I have already made 150 swaps, but decided to make just a few more..

Of course I can't show you any of these finished projects just yet or I will spoil the surprise for my roomies and friends. While I am away I will schedule a couple of posts showing you my swaps and of course when I return from Convention I will share all the fun we demo's had.

Be sure to come back won't you.

In-Colour Collectors Club

2010-10-03T21:15:00.002+01:00

This year we are lucky to have the new beautiful In-Colours. These colours will last for two years before being retired and we will get 5 new colours each year. To give you the apportunity to collect all these In-Colours I am running this club.

I need FIVE people for this club and it will run for 5 months (I will run it each time I have 5 people interested)

Each month you will be assigned one of the five in-colours and during the month you will receive the following items in that colour.

CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD

A4 CARDSTOCK (24 smooth sheets)

1/2" STITCHED-POLY RIBBON (13.7M)

8 SHEETS OF 12X12 PATTERNED PAPER

STAMPIN' WRITE MARKER

INK REFIL

Each person in the club will be made the hostess for one month. On that month as a Hostess you will also receive One pack of Rhinestones, A Level 1 Hostess stampset and £15 to spend as you wish from the Idea book and catalogue.

This club will cost £29 per month if you collect the your items from me

or £32 if you have them posted out to you.

If you would like to take advantage of spreading the cost of purchasing these products and would like to join this club...email me to book your place.

Join a Hostess Club

2010-10-03T21:05:00.002+01:00

Do you love the Stampin’ Up! Products and want to build up your collection a bit at a time?

Do you wish you could own one of the Level 1 Hostess stampsets, but you don't want to host a workshop?

This club may be the answer.

How does it work

You commit to spend £15 per month from the Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalogue for 10 months. You can spend more if you wish and if you know you would spend £30 a month you can take two places in the club. (Postage and Packing will be charged extra)

What are the Benefits

As well as the products you order you will also get..

Free copy of the Idea Book and Catalogue (rrp £5.95)
Once during the 10 months (or twice if you take two places) you will receive Free Hostess Benefits of 1 Level One stamp set and £15 to spend in the Idea Book and Catalogue (based on sales of at least £150)
Project ideas, Special extra's such as mini kits, small gifts and prizes.

How do I join

Each club will start when I have 10 places filled. You don't need to know 9 other people, leave your name and as soon as I have 10 people interested I will start the club.

Email me if you would like to book a place in this club.

At Last I can show you

2010-10-01T08:55:00.006+01:00

The 1st of October is a big day in the Stampin' Up! world here in the UK. It is launch day of the new catalogue. There is so much loveliness in here, you are going to want it all.

Click Here to see catalogue

Now I am sure your wish list will be very long, I know mine is. I will be announcing some product shares over the weekend, which may help you get some of those wish list items ticked off your list.

If you would prefer to have your own copy of the catalogue then please contact me and I will get one sent out straight away.

Last Chance

2010-09-01T21:45:00.003+01:00

With the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue just around the corner, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to several of our favourite stamps and accessories in order to make room for exciting new products. Items on the Last Chance List are only available while supplies last. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Plus, in a rare promotion, select retiring products are up to 50 percent off! Don’t miss this last chance to get them.

Click Here for Last Chance List

Please note:

•This list of retiring products is as complete as we can make it at the present time, but items may be added to or dropped from this list.
•All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue.
•Hostess sets do not have a price because they can only be earned by hosting a qualifying workshop.

Check out the list to see which products you can’t do without, then contact me today to place your order. Everything is while stocks last so don't delay and be disappointed.

Anyone ordering £50 or more with me this month will receive an inkpad of your choice, FREE
so what are you waiting for...........

20% OFF Two-Step Stamping Sets

2010-08-31T13:06:00.000+01:00

Please scroll down for newer posts, this post will remain at the top of this blog for the entire month of August.

(click on the picture to make it bigger if you're having trouble reading it).

During August (1st to 31st) Stampin' Up! are offering 20% off some of their Two-Step stamp sets.

Two step stamping is one of my favourite techniques and you can be so creative with little effort. Over the month of August I will share with you some projects, using some of the sets on offer, so be sure to call back and check them out.

This is sure to be a very popular offer, so if any of these sets are on your 'Wish List' contact me now to purchase them.

Mambo Olive Trendy Trees

2010-08-06T20:08:00.002+01:00

This little card is created using one of my favourite stamp sets 'Trendy Trees'. It is such a versatile set that can be used for male or female cards and is one of the sets that has 20% off this month.

Today I have used the retiring Creamy Caramel as the base card with Melon Mambo square of card layered onto Chocolate Chip card. I then stamped the trees, using Chocolate Chip, Old Olive and Melon Mambo Ink onto a strip of Whisper White card and placed in the centre of the Melon Mambo square. The sentiment is also from the 'Trendy Trees' set and has been stamped in Chocolate Chip. A small Old Olive button finishes everything off.

If you would like to own your own Trendy Tree stamps, remember you can purchase them for this month only for £10.36 plus P+P (normal price is £12.95 plus P+P). Contact me to order or for more information. Also please don't forget, retiring colours will disappear on the 1st October, so if you have any favourite colours that are retiring, you need to stock up over the next two months.

Supplies:
Stamps: Trendy Trees
Card: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Old Olive Button from Earth Elements button pack, Linen Thread

Fantastic Hostess Offer

2010-07-31T23:00:00.002+01:00

This post will remain at the top of my blog for June and July.

Stampin' Up! have a fantastic offer on for June and July. Any person hosting a workshop in their home, during June or July will receive an additional £20 of freebies as long as the sales totals are £250 before P&P. So make sure you get in quick, dates are going fast. Email me to book your workshop date.

Floating Snowflake Xmas Bauble

2010-07-21T08:57:00.001+01:00

As promised, here is the tutorial for the Floating Snowflake Xmas Bauble, that I demoed at the training event. Here is the bauble finished.

You will need the following Supplies:

Clear Glass bauble
Stampin' Up! Icicle Rub-ons
SU Medium Window Sheets
Felt tip pen (Not permanent as you need to be able to remove from window sheet)
Scissors

Firstly, take a Medium window sheet and using the felt tip pen draw a circle the required size. My baubles where 6cm and I found that the inner of my Stampin' Up! mini glue dots was just the right size (approx 5cm)

After drawing your circle, you will need to draw a little tab, like in the photo below. (Sorry about the inky fingers in these photo's, I did the inking tutorial first LOL)

By adding this tab you have now drawn a bauble outline on the window sheet. Cut out the bauble and you will be left with the shape with black lines left from the felt tip pen.

Take a soft cloth or some Kitchen Roll and clean off the felt tip from around the edges of your shape. (This is why we must not use permanent marker)
You will then have a clear bauble shaped piece of window sheet.

Next, choose which rub-on you wish to use and rub-on to the centre of window sheet shape. As you can see mine isn't very central..LOL

Now is the time to place the snowflake into the bauble. Gently roll up the window sheet and place through the top of the glass bauble, making sure the little tab is at the top and the last to enter the bauble. As the sheet drops into the bauble it will un-ravel and become flat inside.

The little tab becomes an anchor, as it just pokes up into the neck of the bauble, and this keeps the window sheet upright inside the bauble. Replace the top onto the glass bauble making sure the little metal prongs sit either side of the window sheet. You now have a beautiful bauble that has a snowflake that floats inside.

Again, I do hope you have enjoyed my tutorial, and will enjoy making your own versions.

A note of warning: If you wish to make this decoration using the Stampin' Up Icicle Rub-ons, please note these are in the mini catalogue Item no 116804. The pack contains two sheets, 1 each in Silver and Whisper White and priced £7.50. Items in the mini-catalogue are available until 30th September, so be sure to order yours before this date as there is no guarantee they will be available in the new 2010/11 catalogue. If you would like more details, please contact me.

Handmade Glitter Xmas Baubles

2010-07-20T12:53:00.001+01:00

My demonstration at the Peterborough Training was Glitter Xmas baubles. I have had such fantastic feedback from those who attended, I thought I might try and do a tutorial for you all.

Here are the baubles. This one is glittered with a snowflake rub-on

And this one has a snowflake floating inside a clear glass bauble.

I think we will make the glitter Bauble first.

You will need:

Clear Glass bauble (I had difficulty in finding mine a couple of weeks ago, but now there are many more available)
Stampin' Up! ink refill in your choice of colour (I used Not quite Navy)
Stampin' Glitter - I used the Turquoise colour from the Fine Cosmo set
Small spoon - I found a medicine spoon was quite good.
Stampin' Up! Icicle Rub-Ons

First take the top off the glass bauble, this comes out easily, by squeezing the two little wires together and pulling. Next drop about 15 drops of ink into the bottom of the bauble.

Start to swirl the ink around the inside of the bauble. Now I found the best way was to let the ink pool into one area, then rotate the bauble very slowly, making sure all the ink covers.

Gradually the ink will cover the inside of the bauble. If you need more ink, add a few more drops. When you get to near the neck of the bauble, have a couple of sheets of kitchen roll handy and be careful. You will be getting to the stage where your bauble is nearly upside down, to get the coverage you require, which means excess ink will drop out. (I know from experience LOL)

Once your bauble is covered evenly inside by the ink, tip it upside down for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the excess ink drain out. I found a polystyrene tray that had some pears in from the supermaket a great holder. I put kitchen roll in the try then tipped the bauble upside down on it. The kitchen roll mopped up the ink and could be disposed of easily. This is important, because if you leave alot of excess ink inside, you will end up with leakages while being stored, until all the ink has dried up.

Once the ink has drained, then we can glitter. I found it easier to position the bauble upright in the tray
and I also found it easier by making myself a little paper funnel.

Add glitter to the inside of the bauble, you don't need too much, as you can see from the photograph above, approx half a teaspoon is enough. Place a pad of Kitchen roll over the opening of the bauble and shake the glitter all around the inside. Take a look at your bauble turning it around to check that all places are glittered, if not just add a tiny bit more glitter and shake again. Once complete your bauble will end up looking like this

Then you can decorate your bauble. I choose to use, the Stampin' Up! Icicle rub-ons, but you can let you imagination run away with you and decorate how you wish.

I found the easiest way to use the rub-ons was to do each, arm (not sure if this is the correct word to use LOL) of the snowflake in turn. Because the bauble is round you have to rub the snowflake on carefully.

Here is the completed bauble

Here is a bauble in a different colourway. I used Perfect Plum reinker with the Orchid colour glitter.

I do hope you have enjoyed my tutorial, and it would be great to see any baubles you create. Leave a link in the comment box and I will pop over to have a look.

Tomorrow, I will share with you the tutorial to make the floating snowflake bauble.

Christmas in Peterborough

2010-07-18T22:02:00.003+01:00

Today I have had the pleasure to spend the day with my fabulous mentors Monica and Bekka, along woth some wonderful fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators and my special friend Michelle, who kept me company travelling to the training event.
Thank you all for such a great day, I just love these get togethers.

The theme today was 'Christmas' yes thats right, CHRISTMAS! but as we crafters know we do have to start early to get everything complete that we all need to do for this special yearly event. I was honoured to be asked by Monica to Demo at this event, and my remit was to demo the beautiful Icicle Rub-Ons from the mini catalogue. So I have been a busy designing projects for today, which has proven to be quite a challenge in 30+ degrees. LOL.

I will share my projects with you early next week.

But for today, Here are the swaps I made for todays event.

23 of these where made and swapped with all the wonderful people attending and I recieved some awsome projects in return. Thank you ladies and gentleman (you know who you are) :-)

Here is a closeup of my swap.

The trees and Father Christmas have Dazzling Diamonds on them, but I am afraid the photograph isn't showing them up very well.

Supplies:
Stamps: A Holly, Jolly Christmas, Swirling Stars Wheel
Card:Kraft, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Accessories: Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, Real Red Satin Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds

I will be posting my demo projects over the next few days, so do call back to have a peek.

New look to my blog.......

2010-07-07T12:46:00.000+01:00

Sorry I have been a bad blogger, but life has just got a wee bit hectic. I am sure you can all relate to this. Also the whole family one by one has been struck with a very bad summer cold and with the heat we have had the last few days it has made us all feel pretty bad. But we are all on the mend now, thank goodness.
Crafting has been going on behind the scenes but I am unable to share this with you just yet. Sorry.

But one thing I can share with you all is my blog makeover. Now I have wanted to do this, for such a long time but didn't have any idea what I really wanted. I have always admired the work that Michelle Laycock does over at Laycock Designs and when she released some Pre-made designs for sale on the 1st July I fell in love with a design on there. Origionally it was just a header, but Michelle has also designed a background, signature and facebook badge to match for me. Thank you Michelle, I am just loving my new look.

I will be back to blogging again very soon, so please do call back.

Testing the siggy!

2010-07-07T02:32:00.001+01:00

write your post here!

The POSTMAN left me this today...

2010-06-22T11:14:00.002+01:00

This morning my postman knocked on the door with a parcel for me. Taking it from him, I was wondering who on earth was sending me something. On opening it this is what I saw.

My wonderful upline Monica sent me this gift to say a big thank you for helping her to achieve the Stampin' Up! Incentive trip to Monaco. Pop over to Monica's blog to see all the wonderful things that Stampin' Up! did for her and all the other achievers. They did some fantastic things and recieved such wonderful treatment, I am so jealous.
Now I know you are wanting to know what was inside that fabulous little box..well

Yes some of the Macaron's that Monica posted about here, don't they look lush. They have travelled very well considering, they have come from Monaco to Yorkshire by plane then Yorkshire to Norfolk by post. Thank you Monica, you are such a wonderful person and always thinking of others. Thats why I love and admire you so much and so pleased you are my Stampin' Up! Mum. x

If you too would like to have a chance of earning a trip like this, then contact me today for more details on becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. You could be on the next trip.

Now if you'll excuse me, I am now off to make a cuppa and taste these treats before the men of the house come home..LOL

Why I love being a Stampin' Up! Demo

2010-06-21T21:50:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I had the most wonderful day at the Needham Market, Cardmaking and Scrapbooking Fayre, meeting tons of wonderful fellow crafters. My wonderful downline Clare, was there helping me and we had such fun together. Here is the stand all set out.

We met so many wonderful crafters yesterday, and that is why I love my job. Crafters are wonderful, friendly people, who are so willing to share so much with others and I get to share the fabulous Stampin' Up! products with them.

During the day we ran a Prize Draw, and I am pleased to announce that the WINNER is.............

MARY HUGGINS from Harleston.

Congratulations Mary. I will be sending out the prize to you tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with us yesterday it was great to meet you.

If you are visiting my blog because we meet yesterday, do please leave a comment and say Hello.

Happy Fathers Day..

2010-06-20T09:00:00.002+01:00

Happy Fathers Day to my Dad and of course my Husband. Although it seems this year we will not be spending it together as a family. My husband left right early this morning to go and watch the Motor GP at Silverstone. Me, I am Demoing at the Cardmaking and Scrapbooking Fayre at Needham Market, with my downline Clare and my son has a cricket match.

Because Hubby is not around much today, we gave him his presents and card last night. Here is the card I made for DS to give. I thought it was a good idea to do it in England colours, Red, White and Blue, but after the way the team played on friday, perhaps it wasn't such a good idea. LOL

Supplies:
Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Occasional Greetings
Card: Real Red, Whisper White, Night of Navy
Ink: Night of navy, Real Red
Accessories: Gold Brads, Word Window Punch

Here is the card I made for my Dad.

I have had this stamp set for ages, but not used it much, don't ask me why, because it is georgous. I decided to give it a bit of a grunge/antique look, and blended ink around the image before stamping the beautiful fern image. layering it onto black card made it pop. I decided to crack open the Sweet Pea Designer Paper that arrived a couple of days ago. There are so many beautiful papers in this stack, I had a hard job choosing which to use. I decided on one with Green, yellow and Turquoise colours in it.

Supplies:
Stamps: Touch of Nature, Occasional Greetings
Ink: Old Olive, Creamy Caramel, So Saffron
Card: So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black
Accessories: Word Window Punch

Well, I hope you have had a great day celebrating. I will be back tomorrow with a post about the fayre, so do pop back and see what we got up to.

Anniversary

2010-06-09T22:06:00.001+01:00

Our friends celebrated their wedding anniversary today, so of course I made a card...and created another of those fantastic flowers with the scallop circle punch.

Here is the card in full

I decided to use the georgous Apricot Appeal card, for the flower and card base and then inked up the old faithful Bella Toile background stamp with Apricot Appeal ink for the central panel. I love this stamp, it produces such elegant cards.

Supplies:
Stamps: Bella Toile, Basic Phrases
Card: Apricot Appeal, Whisper White
Ink: Apricot Appeal, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Rhinestone Brad

I am busy at the moment getting ready to demo, with my downline Clare, at the Scrapbooking and Cardmaking Fayre, on Sunday 20th June at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market, Suffolk. The event starts at 10am until 4pm. If you are a crafter and live near, do come along, as there will be lots of local shops selling their wares. I know it's fathers day, but there will a cafe area that hubby/dad can sit in while you browse and why not make a day of it and visit the lakes near by. Please do stop and say HELLO if you are coming.

Thank You cards

2010-06-06T23:48:00.002+01:00

I must appologise for being a bad blogger....I decided to decorate our dining room, thinking it wouldn't take long....boy did I get that wrong. The room had a wallpaper border around it with a dark red (Rich Razzleberry in SU Colours) on the lower half of the wall and a light beige on the top half. It took ages to get the border scraped off, then the red needed three coats of basecoat paint to hide the line in the middle of the wall. Then to top it off, the new colour I choose didn't go on very evenly so needed two coats. But it is all done now and today was spent putting things back in. I now have to make sure the two men in the house don't start using it as a hording room like they did before..LOL

I am now done with decorating for a while, so I will try to blog more often..promise :-)

Today, I would like to share my May 'Thank You' Cards. Anyone that placed an ordered through myself got one of these little cards. I had already written quite a few before I realised I hadn't taken a photo of them. What am I like.

I used the fabulous new colours Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry and my new stamp 'All a Flutter' available from the Mini catalogue until 30th September.
Here is a close-up of the butterfly, coloured in using Melon Mambo & Rich Razzleberry ink and then glittered on spots using the 2-way glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds.

and a photo of an individual card..

Supplies:
Stamps: All a Flutter, Thank you Kindly, En Francais BG
Card: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, 2-way glue pen, Stampin Dimensionals

Why not host a workshop with friends, and receive your own 'Thank You' card. Stampin' Up! have a fantastic offer on at the moment. Contact me to book your date.

'Happy Birthday' to my Husband

2010-05-17T12:58:00.001+01:00

Today is my wonderful Husbands birthday...and of course I had to make him a card. I have to admit male cards are the ones I find the hardest to do, I am sure you know what I mean...LOL. SO this is what I came up with.

I have fallen back to my old faithful set Lovely as A Tree. This set can be used for any occasion. This card is a 5.5 x 5.5 inch card. using Close to Cocoa, Punpkin Pie and Chocolate Chip colours.

I also made a holder for some gift vouchers that I gave him.

Again using the same colours to make it a matching set, but a different stamp from the set.

and a photo of them together as a set.

Although I have used this set as a Male birthday, don't forget Fathers Day is coming soon.... it would be a great set for any Dad. May even do this set again in different colours for my Dad...so do check back and see what I do.

Supplies:
Stamps: Lovely as A Tree, Solid Stripes, A Bit of Birthday Cheer
Card: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip

Friends Birthday

2010-05-13T10:10:00.003+01:00

This little card was created for a friend who celebrated their birthday Monday.

3D flowers on cards are big at the moment and I have been wanting to try out these flowers for a long time. So easy to make yet so striking. You will be seeing more of them on my cards, that I am sure of.

Supplies:
Stamps: Sincere Salutations
Card: Rose Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black,
Paper: Night and Day
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Scallop Circle, Clear Rhinestone Brad, Stitched Felt

There is still one spot available on the ribbon and paper share here, if anyone is interested. Contact me to book.

Unexpected time for stamping

2010-05-08T16:49:00.007+01:00

The cricket and outdoor bowls season has started, which means I am taxi driver most weekends and evenings for my son. But today the weather has stopped play...... LOL, so guess what, MUM can play in her craft room.
This is the good side of the tale, the bad side is, it was my turn to do the Cricket tea today, so I am left with loads of food. Good job I made sure the dates on the cakes etc where OK for a couple of more weeks, so will keep until the next home game, when guess who will be doing the tea!

The weather here in Norfolk, is Rain, Rain and more Rain, trouble is it is soooooo coooold as well. It feels like December again. But I turned up the heater in the craft room and came up with these. Same design, just different colours.

Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue

Apricot Appeal and White

Only Orange and White

Brocade Blue and White

Supplies:
Stamps: Bella Toile, Touch of Nature, Thank You Kindly, A Bit of Birthday Cheer, Sincere Salutations.
Ink: Chocolat Chip, Appricot Appeal, Only Orange, Brocade Blue
Card: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue

The Ribbon and Paper share posted here is very popular. If you would like to own ribbon and paper in the new colours but don't wish to buy them all as once this may be for you. Email me to book your place.

Ribbon and Paper Share

2010-05-01T22:26:00.002+01:00

Get a sample of these new products without having to buy it all....
Why not join my Ribbon and Designer Paper share.

You receive

3 metres Melon Mambo ribbon

3 metres Rich Razzleberry ribbon

3 metres Soft Suede ribbon

12 sheets of 6x6 Cottage Wall papers

All for the price of £9.95 which includes postage to you.

If you would like a place in the share, then please contact me as soon as possible.

11 New Products

2010-05-01T21:57:00.001+01:00

This is the May offer from Stampin' Up! and guess what, they are new colours as well.......

Arn't they just beautiful. And yes that is Polka Dot Ribbon you see, however the ribbon, the 'Cottage Wall' Designer Paper and the 'Flower Fantasy' Window Sheets are only available while stocks last! The Ink Pads and Card Stock will be included in the upcoming Idea Book and Catalogue (October).

I am loving these colours and will be placing my order straight away....If you would like any of these lush new products then please contact me to place your order.

Flight of the Butterfly

2010-04-23T14:15:00.001+01:00

This card was made for the sketch challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers. (SC277). Sketches are one of my favourite challenges, closely followed by Colour Combo's.

I decided to use my Flight of the Butterfly stamp set as I wanted to experiment with using vellum as wings of the butterfly. I stamped the pretty flower wings with Versamark ink then sprinkled white embossing powder over and melted with heat gun then used the butterfly punch to punch out the wings.
Here is a close up of the butterfly.

The smaller butterfly has also been stamped with Rose Red ink onto the Vellum and layered onto the white embossed wings.

Supplies:
Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Occasional Greetings
Card: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, White Vellum
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Tea Party DP, White Embossing Powder, Butterfly Punch, Rose Red & Regal Rose Markers

I am busy making cards for swaps at our SU Training Event at Peterborough on Sunday. It is such a difficult task as there are going to be so many tallented demo's there and I always feel mine don't come up to scratch. So please pop back early next week to see what I came up with.

Recruiting Promotion

2010-04-22T11:44:00.000+01:00

If you have been thinking about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, now is a great time to do it....
To co-inside with the Hobbycrafts Show anyone who joins between 23rd April and 7th May will recieve 10% discount off the Starter Kit. Your kit will cost £125 instead of the normal £139. What a bargin!

Being a stampin' Up! Demonstrator is a flexible, fun business you can build to suit your needs and desires which you can adjust for you. Whether you just want to sell to family and friends or turn it into a full viable business.

Interested, please contact me for a friendly chat where I can fill you in with the details and answer any questions you many have.
But remember, the offer finishes 7th May.

Exciting Changes

2010-04-07T21:27:00.001+01:00

Exciting Changes are happening in the Stampin’ Up! world

Stampin’ Up! are revamping their colour families. I am so excited about this I wanted to share with you all as soon as I could. So what are they going to look like. Here is a chart listing the families.

And look, there are some of the in-colours that we in the UK where so envious of our US sisters at having. Plus we will be having 5 new in-colours (details of these have not been released yet)

To allow for these exciting changes, some colours will be retiring:- Here is a list of the casualties.

Now the new colour families will arrive here in the UK on the 1st October in the new catalogue, so if there are any retiring colours that you love and are on your must have list, or you have any of the colours and require a set of re-inkers, then you have six months to stock up …… I know there are a few colours I am sad to see on the list and will be stocking up on.

If you have any questions or would like to place an order please email me.

Curtain Call Colour Challenge: Act 24

2010-04-06T10:44:00.002+01:00

The Curtain Call Color Challenge: Act 24 over at Stacey's Stamping Stage is:-

I had some crafting time in my cabin yesterday, so decided to give it a go. I do find myself quite often duplicating my favourite colour combo's on my papercrafting so doing colour challenges like this take me out of my comfort zone and make me use some of those often passed by colours. This combo did just that. I often use Kraft and Tempting Turquise, but Garden Green is often passed for my favourite Old Olive or Certainly Celery. Must say, I really enjoyed using this green and will be using it more often on my projects.
So here is my card for the challenge.

I have used my favourite stamp set from the new Mini Catalogue, VINTAGE VOGUE. It doesn't seem to matter what colour you use with this set, it always looks fab.

Supplies:
Stamps: Vintage Vogue, A bit of Birthday cheer
Card: Whisper White, Garden Green, Karft
Ink: So Saffron, Garden Green, Tempting Turquoise
Accesstories, So Saffron brads, White Taffata Ribbon

Chocolate bar wrapper

2010-04-05T14:53:00.002+01:00

Happy Easter to all my readers.

I have been busy the last few days getting my Easter cards and presents made. Why oh why do I always leave it to the last minute. LOL
I decided this year that buying Easter Eggs was a waste of money. For what you have to pay for them you get very little chocolate!! so I bought a big bar of Cadbury Milk Chocolate for everyone and made a wrapper for each of them.

I decided to use Elegant Eggplant card to match the wrapper colour and Whisper white. The fabulous bird is from the Good Freind stamp set, stamped in Elegant Eggplant ink onto Whisper white card, then cut around and layered onto the wrapper. Didn't take me long to put these together, thank goodness.
Here is a close up of one of the bars.

I also made some easter cards using the new Bird Punch just launched in the mini catalogue.

Well the long bank holiday break is nearly over, enjoy the rest of this Bank Holiday Monday and I will be back soon with more cards I have been creating today, while Hubby has been in the garden.
Bye for now

Carole x

Vintage Vogue Birthday

2010-04-02T22:06:00.002+01:00

Today is my friend Jo's Birthday. Not sure she reads my blog, but just in case 'Happy Birthday Jo'.
I decided to use the Vintage Vogue set from the new Mini Catalogue.

My present to her was a Gift Voucher from our local beauty salon, so she could book herself in for a pamper. The lady in the salon gift wrapped the voucher for me which included some pretty satin flowers in lilacs and purples, so I choose these colours for my card. Stupidly I forgot to take a photo of the gift wrapped voucher !!
Anyway, colours used are Perfect Plum and Pale Plum. I tried the vintage look with this card, by sponging around the edges of each layer to soften the whole look.

Supplies:
Stamps: En Francais BG, Vintage Vogue
Ink: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Elegant Eggplant
Card: Very Vanilla, Pale Plum
Accessories: Oval Dies (not SU) Very Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Pearls from Pretties Kit

Today is the Day.....

2010-04-01T11:59:00.002+01:00

Yes It's here at last. Today is the day we can all order from the Stampin' Up! 2010 Mini Catalogue.....

Click Here - To view catalogue on-line.

There are so many fantastic new things in it, I don't know where to start. For us crafters it is like being a child in a sweet shop. LOL. Over the next few days, I will be showing off some of the lovely new things available.

If you would like to have a paper copy of the Mini catalogue, then please email me and I will get one sent to you in double quick time.

2010 Mini - Blog Hop

2010-03-27T10:00:00.005Z

Hi and WELCOME if you have just arrived from Theresa's blog as part of the 2010 Mini Blog hop. I just love her projects. If you have come direct to my blog, then why not join in. A few Stampin' Up! Demonstrators are displaying projects that can be made using some of the new fabulous items coming in the 2010 Mini Catalogue available on 1st April. Just click the links to be taken in a loop around all the blogs.

Onto my projects.......... now I am totally IN LOVE with a new punch that's is in the mini. It's the Extra-Large Two-Step Bird punch. It is so versatile for cardmakers and Scrapbookers alike. As soon as saw the punch, I knew I would make a scrapbook page with our beautiful dog, BEN on it. Now Ben spends hours watching out for birds in the garden.... then shoo's them off if they dare land..LOL.

Being a Black Labrador, it is so difficult to get a good photograph of him. This is a 6"x6" size page, and I used the colours, Basic Black, Old Olive, Whisper White and Regal Rose. I just loved how the punched bird looks on this page. The Regal Rose panel has been stamped with Versamark ink using a stamp from another set coming in the mini, called Vintage Vouge. (I expect you will see this on the hop somewhere in more detail) I also used it on the punched bird and wing. The little felt circles on the punched leaf are new as well :o)

Now to my second project. With Easter happening next weekend, I thought I would make a little basket of chocolate eggs and matching Easter card.

The little box is so easy to make. I found the pattern for the box here. For my box I used Tempring Turquoise card and Pink Flamingo Designer Papers (from the main catalogue). Again the bird punch has been used to decorate my box. This time I used So Saffron card for the bird body and sponged lightly around the profile of the bird with Chocolate Chip ink. This just makes the bird pop away from the box. Here is a close up of the box.

Here is the little easter card I made to match. It is a little 4"x4" card, decorated with the Tempting Turquoise card and same Designer Paper used on the box. The Bird has been punched and sponged again like with the box, but placed onto a circle of Whisper White card layered onto a scollop of Chocolate Chip card.

Well I do hope you have enjoyed my projects. If you have time please do leave a comment, I can then come and visit you... Like me you may have just fallen in love with this Bird Punch, if you wish to own one or/and some of the other fantastic new products, then please contact me.

It just leaves me now to wish you a Happy Easter (for next weekend) and point you in the direction of the fabulous Zoe who has some fantastic items to share with you.

Mini Blog Hop

2010-03-24T19:06:00.001Z

It's on it's way..........be sure to come back on Sunday after 10.00 am and check out all the lovely projects made from the fabulous new products from the Mini Catalogue out 1st April. If you would like a copy of the catalogue then please contact me.

March 2010 Offer - Perfect Pairs

2010-02-28T22:56:00.001Z

Click here to view flyer as a PDF

And YES that is a new punch you can see in the picture. It is the Full Heart Punch and is only available during the month of March or while stocks last. Now I really don't think it is going to last the month. The next time it will be available will be in October when the new catalogue arrives.
You can get this punch at a reduced price of £10 when ordered along with the Simply Said stamp set or on it's own for £12.50. Don't wait too long though, remember it is while stocks last !! Contact me straight away to secure yours.

If the heart punch isn't for you check out the other co-ordinating punch and stamp sets in the offer.

Box of Thank You cards

2010-02-25T13:06:00.000Z

I love the projects that the girls over at Stamp With Us do for their on-line classes. This little box was one of the classes in the 'NEW YEAR' session held a couple of weeks ago. I didn't get around to doing this the day the class was released but found a gap in my busy schedule to create yesterday.

I made my box with Always Artichoke and Regal Rose card stock and the Live your Dream stamp set.

The box holds 4"x4" little cards and envelopes side by side and I have designed two cards and made up 4 of each design to make a fabulous little gift. I often give things like this out for raffle prizes for my son's clubs fundraising. A little something different to the normal chococlates or wine LOL

Here are the little 4"x4" cards close up.

Supplies:
Stamps: Live your dream
Card: Always Artichoke, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Ink: Always Artichoke, Rose Red
Accessories: Always Artichoke & Regal Rose Stampin' Write pens, 5/8" Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Corner Rounder Punch

Sale-A-Bration

2010-02-24T18:59:00.002Z

This Post will stay at the top of my blog for the period of

Sale-A-Bration. Please scroll down for newer posts.

Well I hope you all had a great Christmas and Santa left you lots of lovely gifts under the tree. Our Christmas was fabulous, and my lovely DH bought me a beautiful gold necklace, some lovely warm slippers, and some money to treat myself in Sale-A-Bration.

Yes, one of the most special events in the Satmpin' Up! year is here. Sale-A-Bration starts on 30th December 2009 and continues through to 28th February 2010.

This event gives us three Special Offers:

OFFER 1 - For every £45 you spend (Before postage) you can earn one free stamp set of your choice from the sets below. So spend £90 and choose 2 stamp sets etc.

Aren't these sets just adorable. I can't decide which ones I to have, so just may have to have them all LOL.

OFFER 2 - Host a workshop of at least £300 (Net Sales before postage) and earn one free stamp set in addition to the generous hostess benefits. Yes it's that easy. Invite some friends round for a fun evening of crafting, organised by myself and you can earn free products. How cool is that. Interested? then give me a call on 01508 548516 or email me.

OFFER 3 - Become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator (Like myself) and choose a free stamp set (Excluding Hostess sets) from the Idea Book and Catalogue (Valued up to £38.95).

You can start you own Stampin' Up! business for only £139 and with that you will get supplies to help you get your business off to a great start.

If you don't like the idea of running workshops, classes etc, then consider becoming a demo just for the discount on the Stampin' Up! products. Contact me straight away for a chat and answers to any questions you might have. You won't regret it I promise.

And I have a SPECIAL OFFER of my own to anyone that becomes a Demonstrator during this period. Join my team and I will also give you a stamp set of your choice (Excluding Hostess Sets) from the Idea Book and Catalogue (valued up to £38.95) So there is no better time. Don't wait, contact me straight away for details. If you sign up early in the event, you will have time to earn free stamp sets, yourself.

Clean And Simple Sketch FTL76

2010-02-03T19:22:00.002Z

I just Love the Clean and Simple style and Love the blog Clean and Simple Stamping. There are tons of card sketches to be found over there. This is the Sketch for this week. As soon as I saw it I knew it would be a layout I would use for many future cards. I love it.

Here is my first card created with the sketch.

Again I have gone for Kraft cardstock, with Whisper White. This seems to be a favourite colour combo at the moment. LOL

Supplies:
Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Happy Moments SAB2010
Card: Kraft, Whisper White
Ink: Brilliant Blue, Pink Passion, Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange
Accessories: Tempting Turquoise Ribbon

Hatian Disaster Relief

2010-01-24T19:25:00.001Z

On January 12, 2010 a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, leaving in its wake devastation so overwhelming that the Haitian people and their leaders can only look for help from the outside to cope. In the past, when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers, when a tsunami struck Indonesia, when a hurricane destroyed New Orleans, and when wildfires ravaged Australia, Stampin' Up! demonstrators stepped forward and showed their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. This time is no different.

From now until 28 February, 2010, you can partner with Stampin' Up! to make a difference in the lives of those who continue to suffer from the effects of this devastating earthquake.

Stampin' Up! will set aside £1 from the sale of every Greenhouse Gardens stamp set (113824 for £22.95)and donate that money to the Red Cross’ International Response Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

I have decided to dedicate my my February Classes to using this stamp set and all proceeds from the class will go to the Haiti fund. The cost will be £25 and we will make 2 beautiful cards and a small box using 'Greenhouse Garden'. The stampset will be included in the price of the class.
For more details see here.

If you would like to join us in the class or purchase the stampset please email me.

Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop

2010-01-24T09:34:00.001Z

Welcome to Sale-A-Bration Blog hop. Myself and some other Stampin' Up! demo's are posting some projects using the wonderful Sale-a-bration stamp sets. By clicking on the Sale-a-Bration 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 Emma's blog, whichever, I hope you enjoy browsing all the lovely Sale-a-bration projects.

I have two cards to share with you today, using the stamp set 'Happy Moments'. I do love this little set, you can cover so many events, male or female with it.

My first card is suitable for a male birthday. We all struggle to make cards for males don't we. I have used the Present stamp from the set and coloured two of the presents in Certainly Celery, then the middle present is paper pieced with a scrap of Designer Paper in Real Red. I was really pleased how this card turned out, I think the Certainly Celery and Real Red is really set off by the Kraft and Whisper White.

My next card is a female card....all pink and pretty.

This has been made using the little flower posy. Coloured with Pretty in Pink, Rose Red and Certainly Celery. I made the card base by using four 2" x 2" squares of Tea & Crumpets Designer paper and faux stitched them onto a 4 3/8th" square of Chocolate Chip card.

I do hope you enjoyed your vist and my projects. It would be lovely if you could find time to leave me a comment before travelling on to Maggie all the way up in Scotland to see her beautiful creations.

Please Note: The Sale-A-Bration stamp sets are only available until 28th February 2010 and can be earned Free by placing an order for £45 (before P&P). More info can be found here. If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

2010-01-22T19:32:00.000Z

Myself and a few fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrators are taking part in a Blog Hop on Sunday January 24th.

I look forward to welcoming you back on Sunday, when you will see some fantastic creations using the Sale - A - Bration stamp sets. See you then..............

What fun we had.....

2010-01-17T21:34:00.000Z

Yesterday, I spent the day with 30 other Stampin' Up! demos at Peterborough for some training given by the lovely Monica and Bekka.
I think I can say on behalf of everyone, what a great day they put on for us.
Bekka's business tips, Monica's craft projects and the fabulous Jules talk, advising about recruiting helped alot of Demo's. These girls are so generous with their time and happy to share their knowledge with everyone. Thank you ladies.

At these type of events, it is customary to swap cards with other demo's. By doing this you build up different samples of cards and show off many different styles. Some very different from your own style. Which is why I love swapping.

Here are my cards I made for the swap.

Yep 30 of them. I really enjoyed making thes. Even pricking all around the Kraft square, to do the faux stitching. I took them with me to my son's sporting events and sat pricking away, while waiting for him.LOL
I hope eveyone I swaped with, liked them.

Supplies:
Card: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Summer Sun, black stazon
Stamp: Happy Moments (SAB 2010)
Accessories: Pricking tool, Blender Pen, Round Tab Punch, Elegant Eggplant Stampin' Write

More Sale-A-Bration

2010-01-08T22:49:00.001Z

Many of you know, that my little crafting place is a log cabin in the garden. But it does get so cold in there during the winter. I have a good electric heater in there, but the weather has been so so cold, I am finding I am having to have it turned up full blast to take even the chill off. I really cannot afford to do this, so crafting has been put on hold for a few days. However, this cold snap doesn't seem as though it is going to disappear soon, and I have been so fed up. I decided to grab a few things and challenge myself to make a card. It was so cold in there, I had to wait for my punches to warm up before I could use them. LOL

This is what I came up with, and I am so happy with the result. Isn't it funny how crafting can put you in a happy place.

Supplies
Stamps: Happy Moments (SAB), En Francais
Card: WW, Rose Red, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Whisper White (craft)
Accessories: Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink & Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write, 1/2" circle punch,Petty in Pink Taffata Ribbon, Tag and Small Tag punches, Word Window Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Flower from Pretties kit,

January Classes

2010-01-07T15:03:00.001Z

All materials are supplied to make a gorgeous box, with 4 cards (designed by Jenny Moor's) using the Flight of the Butterfly set and the beautiful Bella Bleu Designer paper. Class is being held at my home (NR14) places are limited so book early.

Please email me for more details or to book your place.

Cost of Class - £15 (This includes light refreshments)

Dates:
Wednesday 27th January 7.00 - 9.30pm

Saturday 30th January 2.00 - 4.30 pm

Venue: My home NR14 6

Please note: if these dates are unsuitable, please contact me to discuss. I may be able to accomodate a different date for you.

For more details of future class dates please click on the Classes tab at the top of my blog, or here

Diamond Wedding Commission

2009-12-20T18:12:00.004Z

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.

It's begining to look alot like Christmas

2009-12-03T19:22:00.005Z

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

12 Blogs of Christmas Tour

2009-11-21T09:51:00.005Z

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

Do you need Christmas Inspiration?

2009-11-19T09:36:00.004Z

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.

Purple Trimmings

2009-11-15T21:07:00.005Z

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,

FREE TAG PUNCH

2009-11-01T12:47:00.009Z

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.

Now is a great time....

2009-10-26T19:41:00.006Z

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

2009-10-26T15:33:00.009Z

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.

Road trip to Needham Market

2009-10-19T19:37:00.005+01:00

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

Another Christmas Card

2009-10-06T20:29:00.005+01:00

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