Just a quick note today to let you know that I have just updated the Retiring Stamps and Retiring Accessories lists. (You can find these in the list in the left hand column.)   These list the items that will be retiring from the current catalogue and will no longer be available after the end of March.  Items listed in red are sold out already and items listed in yellow are low in numbers.  Most of the stamps and accessories in the Summer Mini Catalogue are also only available until the end of March. 

Click on the catalogues link at the left if you'd like a last minute browse through the current catalogues.  Phone me on 0417 377 057 if you had your eye on any of these items and want to put in an order.  I am offering 10% off all retiring items as a 'Sue Special.'

Otherwise - not long now til the new catalogue arrives! 

Now I had best go pack some bags.  It is freezing here today so a bit hard to get my head into gear for packing for 29 degrees weather in Rockhampton!  Nice to see some rain though!  Back Sunday.

Cheers,  Sue

A package came yesterday in the mail and it was a new stamp set (and a free one too that I earned during a recent promotion - gotta love freebies!)  After much perusing, I chose Artfully Asian and after having a play with it last night am very pleased with my choice.  It wasn't a set that caught my eye on my first few looks through the catalogue but I have seen some lovely cards made with it so went back for another look.

Here is what I made last night.  Did 2 versions of the same card but they look quite different - one in the soft Bashful Blue and one featuring the vivid Real Red.

To make this card I stamped the blossom image in Basic Black then used my aquapainter and ink pad to colour it in.  (An aquapainter is like a little brush and it has a reservoir you fill with water.  You squeeze it to let a little of the water down into the brush part, then dip it in colour - for example some ink on the lid of your ink pad or a Watercolour Crayon. If you have too much water on your brush, you just brush it onto a scrap of paper to remove some.)  I used Bashful Blue for the flowers and Black for the leaves (although I only used a little colour so they have come out grey.) 

I matted the white card with the blossom image onto black card and trimmed it so only a little of the black showed to make a frame.  I used an A5 piece of Bashful Blue card for the main part of the card.  I stamped the leaf image in the top right and bottom left using Bashful Blue ink.  Then I had my first go at sponging around the edges of the card.  (Just got a piece of sponge, pressed it into the ink and blobbed it around the edges until I was happy with the result.  Hmm there is probably a better term to use than blobbed but am a bit tired today so that will have to do!)  I stamped the Thank You in black ink then attached a piece of organza ribbon (from my stash - got it from a craft store somewhere.)  Glued on the white/black blossom stamped piece of card and voila.  I am going to like this set I think.

Here is the same card but this time using Real Red in place of the blue.  And another ribbon from my giant ribbon basket!

And while I was unloading the camera I found the only two photos that I managed to snap while we were in Seymour over Easter.  A nice shot of the kids with their Maddy and Poppy perhaps, or of them opening their Easter Eggs, or playing in the pergola.  Nope ......  All I took were two photos of the delicious fish we had for tea!  (I have a bit of a strange habit of taking photos of food at family events.  I have a great collection somewhere of tables all laid out with food, not exactly sure what I think I am going to do with all these snaps.  Will have to make a giant food album one day?!) 

Dad went to Tassie recently with some mates on a fishing trip and caught about 14 fish - I think mostly rainbow trout - so mum and dad's freezer is well stocked.  We had one for dinner and it was delicious .....  Here it is before we set into it. 

Thanks Dad - yum!

And that might be about it for me until next week.  I think I am banned from my craft supplies until then or I'll never get my list of jobs crossed off my to do list!  We have some relatives arriving tomorrow (hmm - so I'll be off tidying up a bit!) then we all fly up to Rockhampton on Friday to visit John's dad for his 70th birthday.  Back Sunday.

Have a lovely week and weekend til I check in next!

Cheers,    Sue 

Hope everyone had a great Easter, and that Easter Bunny was kind! 

We had a nice time visiting mum and dad in Seymour, but had to cut our visit short by a day as the kids were a bit crook.  Jack ended up with a nasty case of croup and a quick hospital visit.  (Lovely people there at Seymour hospital.)  He is much better now, and Hannah is pepping up again too.   We are off to Rockhampton on Friday to visit John's dad for his 70th birthday so fingers crossed that they are well and truly better by then.  A coughing bug would not be a good birthday present!

Have had a few site visits from family and friends lately (hi everyone - thanks for stopping by) so thought I'd add a couple of snaps.   Jack might not appreciate me adding this photo but it cracks me up.  He just loves putting Hannah's silvery flowergirl sandals on and doing a bit of mowing!

Now for a quick card.  These two are just very quick and basic ones I made using Greetings Galore.  Quite a versatile set with 8 different picture/greeting combos to cover Christmas, new bubs, weddings, thank yous and more. 

I stamped the greeting/picture on Very Vanilla card then added some colour with my Rich Regals markers.  I used a few layers of coloured card to frame the stamped image - some narrow, some a little wider.  The card on the right also has some patterned paper (Recollections set - its retiring end of March.)   I hope to get back into my inks and papers tonight so hopefully will have a few more creations to add in the next few days.  Have been learning lots of new techniques that I can't wait to try out.

And before I go - not long to go now until the end of March.  I have had quite a few people put their email address into the box and click on the subscribe button down the left column there - so they will be receiving an email to let them know when I add a new post here.  They are also going into the draw for a new 2008/2009 Idea Book and Catalogue.  Hannah is looking forward to being a barrel girl.  We'll draw a name out on April 1st so subscribe by the end of March if you'd like to be in the running.    (Aust residents and non SU demonstrators only for the catalogue comp please.)

Happy back to work after Easter all - better go and do some washing and finish unpacking before its time to pack again.

Cheers,  Sue 

Just a quick update tonight to let you know I've put April Class details, costs, dates and all that onto the side menu (under April classes - starts with A so should be at the top of the list there at the left.) 

If you live in the Avondale Heights vicinity -or feel like a drive :) - and want to get stuck into some cardstock and inks and stamps but haven't got any or haven't found the time to get them out - come along to one of my Stamp A Stack Cardmaking Sessions or Technique Classes.   Craft lovers and craft beginners all welcome!

Thursday 17th April and Tuesday 22nd April are the dates for the diary.  We'll be making a start at around 7.30pm (but if you can't make it until a little later it'll be easy to catch up.) 

If it sounds like your thing, have a look at the details and phone or email to book a spot.  (Keeping it to 6 seats at the table so we don't have to battle for the paper slicers, or the tim tam plate!) 

Here's one of the items we'll be making in our April Technique Class, along with some embossed cards.

Which reminds me - this bookmark uses the gorgeous set Stem Silhouettes - my favourite stamp set so far.  This one is from our Summer Mini Catalogue and I am sad to say that it didn't make it into the new Idea Book and Catalogue that starts in April.  So just a reminder to anyone out there that had a wish list going from the current catalogues - order your favourites soon, before the end of March and before they are out of stock.

Which also reminds me.  The new Idea Book and Catalogue (Apr 08 - March 09) is just around the corner.  I am having a New Catalogue Launch on Tuesday 8th April at my place.  (Phone for directions!)  7.30- 9.00pm.   Have a cuppa and browse through the new catalogue and see what great new stamp sets and accessories fill the pages.   Plus a host of new ideas for cards, scrapbook pages and gift boxes.   While you are here, try stamping onto a candle.  Easy to do and looks great.  (Catalogue/Idea Book available on the night for $10 if you can't put it down and would like to take one home!)   Phone or email if you'd like to come along (so I know how many candles to get, and how many cups to wash!)

If you just can't wait til then for a new catalogue, you can preorder one from me for $12.95 (including postage) and I'll post one to you when the lovely boxes arrive.  Email/phone to arrange.

Family news - I've had Hannah home with a mild bug all week.  Looks like its all better now.  (Fingers crossed.)  Jack is fine tuning the art of dealing with frustration today.  He has spent ages stacking these little plastic cotton reels into towers then when it falls over throws a complete wobbly.  He looked so proud of himself when he managed to get 8 stacked.  And Hannah and I did have a bit of a chuckle as he transformed from mild mannered easygoing kid to ferocious maniac when they fell down!   (Now by approaching 6pm the chuckles had worn off and it was dinner and off to bed for the little guy before he did himself an injury!)

Well - that was a little longer than I'd planned!  Better go, hope your week is going well.

Cheers all,   Sue 

Hi Everyone,

Thought I'd pop a card on quickly before I head off to watch Jekyll. 

This one uses a technique called Poppin' Pastels.  First the card then I'll tell you about it.

I stamped the flowers from Bodacious Bouquet onto Whisper White cardstock using Versamark.  Then I used a piece of sponge (or you could use a cotton ball) and dabbed it onto the colour I wanted from my set of Stampin' Pastels ®.   The good thing about these is that you have all 48 colours plus neutrals in one set.  I used some of the colours from Earth Elements - Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red and Old Olive.  Pat the sponge or cotton ball onto the versamarked image and voila - your colour.  You can start off subtly then add more to make the colour stronger if needed.   I like the smudgy type effect.  (There is probably a better way of phrasing that but hey its Sunday night!) 

I matted the white card with Ruby Red and a thin layer of Basic Black (should have used Choc Chip actually but nobody is perfect!) then tied some Chocolate Grosgrain ribbon around.  This whole strip was then adhered to my Pumpin Pie card.  I stamped Happy Birthday in Chocolate Chip ink using Warmest Regards hostess stamp set to finish it off.

Oh and I should also add that I got the basic layout design from a card by Jenni Oliver - check out her work.   

And while I was unloading card photos I came across this cute one of Jack playing with his car.  He drives them all over the house saying 'Brum brum .'  I think this balances nicely with his habit of trying on Hannah's silvery sandals and clip clopping about!  Anyway here is my little guy - 18 months.

And that is it for today.  I'm putting the finishing touches on my first newsletter, which I'm hoping to make a monthly happening.  If you'd like a copy sent to your inbox email me and I'll pop it over when it's done.  I'll get one of those little 'Subscribe to my newsletter' boxes happening soon but have to figure out how to do that first so that'll have to be another day!    Cheers all,    Sue

Hi everyone,

Two birthday parties to go to this weekend so have been making kids' cards today.  Thought I'd do some personalised ones.

and

The colours haven't quite photographed well today (and it is too hot to go try again - phew!) They are a little brighter in real life.  Ally's uses Pink Passion, Perfect Plum, Bashful Blue, Pale Plum, Whisper White cardstock and inks.  Zachary's uses Brilliant Blue, Real Red and Bashful Blue ink and cardstock.  Stamp sets were Best Friend's Alphabet Upper and the SaleABration set Birthday Whimsy. 

Happy birthday Alexandra and Zachary!

Now back to my first time being tagged: 

Apparently, the rules which you must abide by if you are tagged are:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

So here goes - my tagger is Rebecca.

Random facts ...

* My dad was in the army and I was a pretty rare army kid - we lived in Seymour the whole time while our neighbours came and went every couple of years.  (Dad was a mechanic on the Leopard tanks so stayed where they were based in nearby Puckapunyal.)

* Both our children came about with the assistance of the wonderful people at Melbourne IVF.  Cheerio Dr Hale!

* I used to LOVE Fizz Wizzes til I got a box of about 80 for my 21st and ate them all in about a week.  Don't think I've had one since!  (There was a watch in the box too in case you are thinking that was a bit of a weird present!)

* I use exclamations marks all over the place and can't seem to write a paragraph without one!

* Not long after I started teaching one of the children in my grade vomited on me and I had to duck home to get changed. (Well it did say some weird facts.)

* My favourite day of the week is Saturday when John gets up with the kids and makes us all pancakes for breakfast - and I have mine in bed with a book or magazine.  Aah - is it Saturday yet???

* I have a 200 litre tropical aquarium with 29 fish (rummynose and cardinal tetras, cories, a bristlenose catfish, and 3 lovely little otos that go on clean up duty and eat algae.)  Wish I could find a pet that would eat dust!  (PS John made the stand that it is on. Isn't he clever!)

OK so that's that part done.  Now off to find some new bloggers to link too.  Might have to save that for another day - its nearly time to wake up Jack and pick up Hannah. 

Cheers,  Sue

At Claire's place the other evening I had a chance to stamp some images from sets that I don't own - very handy.  I wanted some that would be suitable for cards for Hannah's age group - 5. 

Pretty Princess stamp set fitted the bill nicely.  Stamped a few onto white cardstock and brought them home.  Hannah and I had fun on the weekend using the blender pens and Stampin' Pastels ® to colour them in.  Here are the cards we made.

Hannah's uses Brilliant Blue and Pretty in Pink cardstock.  Mine is on Pink Passion with some YoYo Yellow and Whisper White.  I also used the set Itty Bitty Backgrounds  with Pink Passion ink for the spotty background.  Dug out some fancy scissors I'd bought eons ago when I first got into scrapbooking (and have hardly used since - just about had to dust cobwebs off!) to make the edging on the card and the pink ribbon with a little gold for some sparkle is from my stash.  (And Hannah's is from her stash!)  She had such a good time colouring the princess - might have to get this set. 

I've been tagged by Rebecca (check out her site - lovely cards) so I have to write 7 facts about myself but will have to get to that tomorrow - its a busy day today.  School run, Gymbaroo for Jack, tap dancing for Hannah, and John and I are celebrating our 9th anniversary so I'd best go make an anniversary card too, and tidy up a bit!  Got bits and pieces for a nice tea but it will be a bit more pleasant not surrounded by toys and ink pads!   

Cheers,   Sue

PS - OK back again.  Just finished the card and thought I'd pop it on before I tackle the tidying.  (The last of the great procrastinators!)  Cardstock: Night of Navy.  Ink:  Encore Gold.   Stamp Sets: Stem Silhouettes and Mostly Flowers.   Gold ribbon and gold paper from my craft supplies.   

And a quick peek at the inside.  Stuck a few bits on the left side to cover up the ribbon ends.  The sentiment is from Stem Silhouettes.  I like it - it says 'Blessings brighten when we count them.'  How true.  I have lots of blessings to count and be thankful for today.  Hope you do too!

This card uses Stipple Shells stamp set and is based on the design on page 80 of the current Idea Book and Catalogue.  Tweaked it a bit to fit with the colours and sets we had (between my sister and I - thanks Lisa!)  I used Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue, Always Artichoke and Whisper White cardstock and inks.  (Sincere Salutations set for the greeting - my most used set I think - and Itty Bitty Backgrounds for the spotty background.)  A piece of retiring Bluebird ribbon as well to finish it off.

And now it is time to go and make the little guy some lunch - he will wake up from his nap any minute.  We have fun walking - or should I say meandering - back to the car after I've dropped Hannah to school.  He tries to jump the lines on the footpath, but his feet don't leave the ground.  He sort of bends down then does a little flick of the head and says 'Jump!'  Quite a funny sight.  A bit of an improvement on his previous trick of sitting down in every square and feeling the concrete!   Anyway - off to make a sandwich.   Cheers! 

Hello again,

Hope your long weekend was fun and relaxing.  Ours was - well throw in a little bit of hectic here and there.

I had a lovely evening of stamping at Claire Daly's on Saturday night with some of my Stampin' Up! cousins.   Learnt heaps of things and had lots of fun.  (Did you know you could stamp onto candles?) 

Claire showed us all how to make Easter baskets.  Didn't have any Easter eggs in the pantry (bother - I could have eaten the props) so haven't taken a photo of that one yet - stay tuned.   Hannah (my 5 year old) and I have been having a great time making baskets together following Claire's terrific tutorial.

Here are a couple of mine:

This one uses Pale Plum, Perfect Plum and Whisper white cardstock and inks.  Stamp sets used were Simply Said, and my Watercolour Joy Stampin' Around ® Wheel.  (Next time I will choose a coordinating soap when I am looking for photo props!  That one is annoying me.)

My sister came over today to join Hannah and I for a bit of creating (while Jack took a nap and John was off pedalling.)  She brought her Stipple Shells stamp set and By The Sea Wheel so we had fun making baskets with them.

(And you might spot Sincere Salutations 'Birthday Wishes' making another appearance .)

Always Artichoke, Naturals Ivory cardstock and Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip ink for those playing at home!

And of course couldn't go to bed without popping a photo of Hannah's creation onto the page.  I promised I'd show her tomorrow online.  I got the basket template cut out and ready and she assembled it all herself and decorated it with her own design - even tied the bows.  Using her own ribbon I should say - she chose that as a star chart reward.  Think she might take after her mum!  We had a lot of fun creating together (which was nice after a few days last week of cranky daughter and grumpy mum!) 

Cheers,   Sue  (or Susan for mum and the family and anyone I knew pre about 1990!)

Hannah has a few birthday parties coming up so I've been coming up with some young girl designs!  (Does anyone else find their children have a busier social calendar than themselves?  Hannah's diary is filling fast!!) 

This birthday card uses the hostess stamp set Reason To Smile and also Lots Of Thoughts.  I used Pink Passion  and Orchid Opulence cardstock from our Bold Brights colour family.  Plus some Whisper White and Confetti White.  I used my square punches too.  To make the butterfly I coloured the stamp in with a mix of colours from my new Watercolour Crayons - Bold Brights then brushed on some water with an aquapainter before stamping the image. Once it had dried I stamped over the top with Pink Passion.  Since girls like a bit of sparkle I also added some rhinestones.  Here is a closeup.

Happy Birthday Cassandra! 

Friday afternoon at last and a long weekend to look forward to.  Gotta love it.

Cheers all.