Hello and welcome to the first Art With Heart Team Blog Hop.  I'm lucky to be a demonstrator in this fabulous team, lead by Claire Daly.  There are 80 demonstrators from all over Australia in our team and we stay connected with a fun and friendly online forum. 

If you're interested in becoming a Stampin' Up demonstrator and you'd like to become a member of our friendly, supportive team, check here for more info and get in touch for more details.  Its lots of fun!

This is our first team blog hop.  Keep an eye out, we'll be having one at the end of each month. 

Previous Blog Hop Stop

You might have come here from the gorgeous Nikki Sadler's blog, or perhaps you're starting your blog hop from here. 

How To Blog Hop

Just follow the links at the end of each post for the next destination.   Grab a cuppa and enjoy the journey through our patch of blogland.  Each stop has a gorgeous Valentine's themed project, and a prize to be won for leaving a comment at each stop (details below.) 

Without further ado, here's my Valentine's project. 

The Recipe

Stamp Set:  Like-O-Meter (pg 3 Summer Mini)

Colours: Whisper White, Real Red and Night of Navy

Other: Night of Navy grosgrain ribbon, white small grommets, Crystal Effects, Stampin Write Markers (Night of Navy and Real Red) 

I decided on a z fold card and a clean simple look for my Valentine.

I did have a giggle reading the various options on the Like-O-Meter stamp.  (My personal favourite is 'A lot but not like a stalker.'   :-)

I used Stampin' Write markers to colour direct to rubber so that I could use two colours. 

The grommets are so easy to use.  You just pop your cardstock onto the spongy bit from a Mat Pack (pg 155) or onto a mouse pad and poke them through, then bend the prongs back with a bone folder.

I've filled mine with Crystal Effects for a subtle touch of gloss.

Blog Hop Prize Draw:

If you leave a comment on all the stops in our Art With Heart Team Blog Hop within 72 hours (before 6am Feb 2nd) you'll be eligible for our prize draw.  This month you email Nikki at nikki@inkyart.com.au to let her know you've commented at all the stops and she'll draw a name from a hat for the prize.   (Non SU demos only sorry for the blog candy.)   Good luck!! 

Next Stop:

The next stop on the blog hop is the talented Kristine Thompson who has a Valentine's themed project to share with you.  (Click on her name to visit her blog.)

Now just in case you get lost along the way, here's the full list.

Ros Davidson

Gayatri Murali

Erica Boxall

Nikki Sadler

Kristine Thompson

Kimmy Meiklejohn

Kathryn Mangelsdorf

Kathryn Lowe

Di Dunk

Judy May

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you're enjoying the first Art With Heart Blog Hop.  Catch you next time!

Cheers, Sue

Now until my new SaleABration sets arrive, I'll be showing you lots of things I've been making with Vintage Labels as this was the set I chose for the demonstrator preorder.  I love this card.

Base card is Choc Chip, with a Pink Pirouette panel on top.  Pierced holes down the side were done with my trusy Paper Piercing Template. 

You get this in the Mat Pack (pg 155) and I have a paper piercer to poke the holes with.  Put the setting mat (the hard plastic bit) down first on your work surface, then the soft pad down on top.  Put your cardstock on top of the pad then your Piercing Template on top of the stack.  Line up your holes using the template line and poke away. 

OK back to our card.

I've used the Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip and Pink Pirouette Designer Series Prints papers (pg 135) and stamped onto some with the Vintage Label stamps, punched some with the Curly Label Punch and made some accents with the Heart To Heart Punch and Boho Blossoms Punch.  And a brad to finish off. 

Popped the 4 curly labels up with Stampin' Dimensionals of course.  (I'm stocking up on these during SaleABration.  They're handy if you need to add a little to your order to make up to the nearest $100 for another free SaleABration set.) 

I punched a bunch of these pieces and had fun mixing and matching.  Here's the same design with a slight tweak of the colours.

Marker Club News:

We filled those last 2 spots for Group 3, but had some more interest so I've started Group 4. 

Check all the details here and let me know if you'd like to join in the fun of a Marker Club. 

Parcels are posted and tutorials are emailed each month so it doesn't matter where you live. 

$40 per month for 8 months and you'll build  up a great collection of 52 markers, plus lots of other goodies along the way including one SaleABration set if you join the club soon.   

February Classes Starting to Fill:

Are you in the mood for a stamping class?  They're lots of fun.  I hold mine at my place (Avondale Heights, in Melbourne's west.)  We kick off again in February and there are 4 dates to choose from.

$20 for the class and in February we'll be doing some techniques using punches including the gorgeous Glitter Windows.  We'll make a sample for our book, you'll get an instruction sheet to go with that and then you'll make 3 cards and matching envelopes working at your own pace. 

Suitable for beginners and more experienced stampers.  A nice relaxing time out from day to day life and a great way to do some craft without finding a space at home.  Phone or email to book your spot.   12 spots filled so far, 20 still left. 

More details here if you need them.

Back soon with more of my little Curly Label Punch Cards from yesterday using different paper packs.  I'm having so much fun with these I think I'll try ALL the papers!

Cheers,

Sue

January 25th - that means SaleABration has officially begun here in Australia.  This is one of the biggest Stampin' Up specials of the year with lots of ways to earn free stamp sets.  

Here's a couple of little cards I made using one of the free SaleABration sets 'Vintage Labels.'  I've been having lots of fun with it and my various packs of Designer Series Patterned Paper and Curly Label Punch. 

There's 2 more variations at the bottom of today's post.

Now a quick run down for those of you who are new to SaleABration!

 
  
That's the SaleABration catalogue with this year's 4 fabulous limited release stamp sets.  

Click here to view it online.   Get in touch if you'd like a copy mailed to you and I'll pop one in the post.

WHEN:  SaleABration runs from now until the end of March. 

CUSTOMERS:  For every $100 of products you order, you can choose a SaleABration stamp set free.  (Spend $200, get 2 free sets and so on.)

HOSTESSES:   Host a $600 workshop during SaleABration and workshop hostesses can choose an additional SaleABration stamp set free.   Still some dates left, get in touch to book a fun afternoon or evening workshop.

JOIN AS A DEMONSTRATOR:  Join my friendly team during SaleABration and get any current stamp set up to $79.95 in value as a free extra bonus with your starter kit.   Contact me for more info. I'd love to welcome you to my Think Ink team.   

ORDERING FAQ

Click here to view our current catalogues online.  You can place an order with me by phone (0417 377 057 or 03 9325 4913) or email (smadex@bigpond.com)

Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, Direct Deposit or cheque.

Aussie Post will deliver your order right to your door.  Orders usually take 1-2 weeks to arrive, depending on your location. 

FEEL LIKE A SPLURGE??

Place a $300 order with me during SaleABration and in addition to your $300 of fabulous products you'll receive:

* THREE SaleABration sets

* A Level 1 hostess set of your choice (5 stamp sets and 1 paper pad to choose from  pg 17 - 19)

* Free shipping

Stay tuned here for lots more cards using this year's gorgeous SaleABration sets.

The 4 little cards here today used Bella Rose patterned paper packs and coordinating cardstock.  I had fun mixing and matching the punched pieces.  Keep an eye out here in my patch of blogland in the coming weeks for the same card design using other patterned paper packs. 

Have a great week!

Cheers, Sue

I always like to spend some time in January reflecting on the previous year and making some goals for the coming one.  This year I picked out 6 key roles or areas I wanted to focus on.   I wrote up some index cards and blu takked them to the wall near my desk but that looked a little boring!  So I decided to make a scrapbook collage style page to record a few key thoughts. 

Here's a look at a couple of the key roles I picked out and some of the words I brainstormed to go with them:

Being a mum

And my much loved Stampin' Up craft business:

If you'd like a look at the other 4 areas and the completed layout, head over to StampAMemory for the full article.

Click here:   StampAMemory Article

We're off to my Great Aunt's 80th today.  It'll be a big Madex reunion.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and having that feeling I always get at extended Madex family gatherings of being part of a big friendly clan. I'm glad the kids get to feel that connection too. 

(Note: If anyone has any last minute orders from the Inventory Sale - we get back Sunday afternoon so I'll check emails Sunday evening. )

Have a great weekend,

Cheers, Sue

Hello again,

Here's a couple more super simple cards made using - yes you guessed it - Razzle Dazzle. We did these  at my Summer Mini Launch back in December.  Just ink, cardstock and stamps for these ones. 

It really is the coordinating ink and cardstock colours that make Stampin' Up products so easy to create with isn't it.

This one uses Pale Plum and Perfect Plum ink and cardstock from the Soft Subtles colour family, plus of course Whisper White - such a nice cardstock to stamp onto.  I've used the flower from Razzle Dazzle.  (Think it might need a rest now!)  Plus the greeting from the hostess stamp set Best Yet.  Quite a nice set of greetings in that stamp set.  Get in touch to book a SaleABration workshop or gather some orders totalling $300 if you'd like to earn it for free.

This one uses Brocade Blue and Night of Navy from the Rich Regals colour family.   I left this one blank but if you'd prefer a greeting, the Night of Navy ink works well over the Brocade Blue flower (stamped off once onto scrap paper for a lighter tone.)

We're back now from a lovely relaxing family holiday to Canberra.  So many things to do there.  The kids loved Questacon and we enjoyed the art gallery exhibition.  There were 6 rooms for the Masterpieces From Paris exhibition and once we'd made it to room 4 there was a kids' space room too, which was handy for recharging the kids' interest.  They could look in the mirror and do a self portrait, there were still life arrangements set up to draw, jigsaws of famous paintings, some picture books and you could make a star for the Van Gogh wall. 

We went up the nearby tower for a view of the city too.  I was telling Hannah that there was a revolving restaurant there too.  She looked a bit puzzled.  'Revolting restaurant???' she asked.   

Anyway - enough travel tales.  It was nice to be away, but nice to get home again too.  (Or it will be once I finish unpacking!) 

Hope you are having a great week and have squeezed in some relaxing craft time,

Cheers, Sue

Back again with another Razzle Dazzle card to share.  This time I've used my Stampin' Write markers.

Colours:  Elegant Eggplant, Rose Red and Old Olive - one of my favourite colour combinations.

 Here's a closer look at the Razzle Dazzle flower.

I love colouring direct to rubber using my markers.  I've used Regal Rose with Rose Red on the tips for the pink flowers.  Remember if you spend a little time colouring a more detailed stamp - give a 'huff' of warm breath to moisten the ink before stamping. 

I have 2 spots left in my latest Marker Club if you'd like to build up your collection of 52 Stampin' Write Markers over the next 8 months. 

$40 per month for 8 months.  

Along with your markers, you'll also receive the handy carry case, 8 tutorials with step by step instructions for a range of marker techniques, a level 1 hostess set of your choice, $70 of Stampin Up products of your choice, a free little gift from me each month to use in your crafts PLUS if you join the group now you'll also receive a SaleABration stamp set. 

 More details and pics here. 

Get in touch if you'd like one of the last remaining places. 

Phone 0417 377 057 or email smadex@bigpond.com

Now where was I??  Back to today's card.  The rub ons are from the Dots and Designs Rub Ons once again.  I've also used my eyelet border punch, and the Old Olive matting piece has been for a run through the crimper for a touch of extra texture.

Back soon with more to share.

Cheers, Sue

Good morning, good morning.  Happy Monday to you.  We're actually in Canberra for a few days holiday at the moment but here's one I prepared earlier as they say!  

I'm in love with this flower stamp from Razzle Dazzle (pg 18 of the Summer Mini.)  It comes up well in one colour, and I'll show you how it looks with some Stampin' Write markers in tomorrow's card. 

Actually - I've stamped it with Brocade Blue here and then highlighted a few bits with my Night of Navy Marker for a little bit of added interest.  The white piece is matted with Night of Navy cardstock, and then vellum cardstock for a soft look.  The background is stamped with the small flower from the Razzle Dazzle set using Versamark.   

The panel at the bottom uses one of the gorgeous rub ons from the Dots and Designs Rub Ons pack on page 19 of the Summer Mini.  Here's a closer look.

I really love them too!  Some white taffeta ribbon finishes the card off. 

I'll be back home mid week, but have email, internet and mobile access while I'm away if you need anything.    

Cheers, Sue

I love the Butterfly Prints stamp set in the Stampin' Up Summer Mini Catalogue.   Here's a couple of simple cards I whipped up with the stamp set and coordinating Butterfly Punch.

Just cardstock, inks, stamp set and punch for these ones, plus a few minutes of time.  Some days I want to create something elaborate using all the bits and bobs in my craft stash and other days I love a nice simple design that doesn't take much time or equipment.

Colours:  Elegant Eggplant, Rose Red and Whisper White. 

Stamp Sets: Butterfly Prints and the hostess set Best Yet. 

Tip: I found a nifty idea for punching the butterflies on this card on Jayne Mercer's blog, the idea came from one of her team - Michelle.   I've punched the butterfly carefully so that it doesn't punch all the way through.  Then you raise the wings a little and you can see the cardstock or patterned paper underneath.  I had to have a few goes on scrap paper to get the knack.  I found it easier if I squeezed the punch with my right hand and jammed my left hand fingers in between the handle bits you are squeezing and gradually removed them.  (Does that make sense??  I need one of those little video hook up thingys!  Some tips are easier to show than to describe.)  Anyway - that helped me keep a bit more control.  It feels like you are punching all the way through but as soon as you see the wings pop you stop. 

The colours in this one are Basic Gray, Whisper White and Basic Black - a nice striking combination.

That's it from me for today.   I think I can hear John whipping up banana smoothies - yum!   Hope you're having a great weekend.

Cheers, Sue 

Just a quick one today to keep you up to date on the latest Stampin' Up Australia news. 

Wild West Alphabet has joined Just Riding and Jumbo Outline Alphabet on the sold out list for the Inventory Clearance Sale. 

Click here to check the:  Inventory Clearance Sale Flyer

Note:  You can still purchase the sold out stamp sets at their regular catalogue prices, and the bonus is that they will now be die cut (rather handy with those alphabets!)   If there are any other items on the sale list that you are after, get in touch with me and I'll get your order in promptly.

Back soon with more cards. Cheers, Sue

Another birthday card today and I'm getting more use out of that Curly Punch Bundle punch I love.

This one is for my sister in law.  I wanted to make it extra special.  She makes gorgeous cards and I just LOVED these ones she made for the kids, John and I for our birthdays last year using quilling technique.  (Oops forgot to take a pic of Jack's.)

Aren't they great!

For today's birthday card I used Bella Rose Designer Series Paper pack and some matching cardstock, plus my groovy new punch and of course some Stampin' Dimensionals.  Ooh there's a sneaky peek at something new there too if you look very closely!

Here's the inside of the card in case you like seeing inside cards as much as I do!

I've used another piece of the DSP (patterned paper) that looked good for writing a greeting on - a nice light Pirouette Pink. 

Hey did you like my nails!?  Hannah and I had a girly afternoon on the weekend and played 'nail salons' in the bathroom while our boys were otherwise occupied.

I'm thankful to have a daughter to do some girly things with from time to time.   We had such a nice time chatting while we had a bit of a pamper.

Hope you're having a great week.

Cheers, Sue