If I had to pick a favourite thing in the new Seasonal Catalogue I think it'd be the Honeycomb Embossing Folder.  Love those hexagons.

Did you know that the little pad of patterned papers in the Seasonal Catalogue has all of the newest batch of In Colours in it - plus Crumb Cake.  Very handy I thought.  You can grab a pack of mixed in colour cardstock, perhaps a pack of Crumb Cake as well, and combine it with the Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Stack to make a swag of cards.   I've used Gumball Green here with a Crumb Cake base.

Before you ask, nope there's not a coordinating hexagon punch.  (Would be nice though wouldn't it.  Let's put that on our wish lists.)  But no problem -  it is easy to make them.  Just pop the patterned paper through the Big Shot with the embossing folder, then follow the lines to snip the hexagons.  A good 'in front of the TV' type of job.  The slow part of this card is arranging and rearranging the hexagons.  (Or perhaps you're more decisive than me!) 

The greeting is from the Saleabration stamp set Vintage Verses.  Love the flowing fancy font.  This set is one of the options you can choose as a freebie with a $100 purchase before March 22nd.

The cute little frog is from the Spring Sampler stamp set (page 23.) I was on such a roll with my scissors that I cut him out too. 

Have a super week.  Wish me luck - I'm back teaching tomorrow.  I'll be working 2 days a week til lunchtime taking small groups of Grade 5 students for some intensive maths sessions.  Looking forward to it.  I've been giving my laminator a good workout making resources.  Still lots of time for my stamping business too.  I love that both my jobs are quite flexible.  All working well together - nice when the planets all align isn't it. 

My stamping technique classes kicked off last week for 2013 and it was lovely to see some of my class regulars again, and to meet a few new faces as well. (Waving a hello.) 

Two more classes this week.  Thursday is booked out but there's space left Wednesday if you'd like to catch a class and learn a nifty technique for making a shiny metallic feature to add to a card.  For more details click here.   

March classes are starting to fill up too, you can see the dates and times for those on that same page - scroll down a bit. 

If you're not local or can't make it along to class - keep an eye out for my next newsletter.  I'll have some step by step pics for our Faux Metal technique.  If you'd like to get a copy direct to your inbox each month - there's a subscribe button up the top right there.  Just enter your email address and follow the prompts. 

Happy stamping! 

Cheers,   Sue

After More Details On The Products Featured?  Here They Are ....

Honeycomb Embossing Folder.  

Seasonal Catalogue, Pg 6, $13.95

Print Poetry DSP Stack.  48 sheets, 11.4 x 16.5cm.  Perfect size for cards. Mix and match.

Seasonal Catalogue, Pg 16, $11.95

You can find the mixed pack of 2012/14 In Colours that coordinate with these papers on page 152 of the main catalogue.  $11.95 for a pack of 20 A4 sheets.  You get 4 sheets of each of the 5 colours. 

Crumb Cake cardstock is on page 156.  $11.95 for a pack of 24 sheets (A4.)  Great colour that seems to go with everything. 

Spring Sampler stamp set.  Set of 24 cute images.  Great with markers. 

Seasonal Catalogue, Pg 23,  Clear mount $67.95,  Wood mount  $53.95

I think this is my favourite of the cards I've made lately. 

It was for a card swap so I made 12 of them.  Originally I was going to emboss the butterfly in black but it was midnight so John and the kids were sleeping and I didn't want to wake them with the heat gun.  (Not that the heat gun is that loud, but doesn't everything sound so much louder in a quiet, sleeping house.)

I looked around and noticed my Crystal Effects bottle so used that instead.  The Swallowtail butterfly is stamped with StazOn black ink then there's a thick coat of Crystal Effects over the top.  So thick that I used an entire bottle on my 12 swaps.  I started out using a brush, but found it easier to just use the nozzle to aim. 

I was rather impressed that I managed to resist touching them that night to check if they were dry. 

(I ALWAYS end up leaving a fingerprint by checking too early!) 

Left overnight, they were ready to go in the morning.

I've used Summer Starfruit and Basic Gray cardstock.  I really didn't care for Summer Starfruit when these new In Colours were released, but it has grown on me.  Now I've used a whole pack and need to order more!  I love it with black and grey. 

The grey cardstock is spritzed with some Isocol/Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint to give some sparkle.  The ribbon is the very elegant 1 1/4" Two Tone Basic Gray/Black ribbon.  (Pg 13.) 

Stampin' Up Seasonal Catalogue Products Featured:

Swallowtail large stamp. 

Page 18.  $24.95 clear mount (note - you'll need a large block) or $30.95 wood mount.

Honeycomb Embossing Folder

Page 6.  $13.95.  I really love this folder, but then again I am completely addicted to embossing folders. 

For beginners: You need a Big Shot die cutting machine (or other die cutting tool) to use the embossing folders and cutting dies.  Definitely one of my most frequently used tools so well worth the investment I think if you love papercrafts.

Crystal Effects

If you like the glossy finish of the Crystal Effects you can find that on page 177 of the main catalogue.  $10.95 for a bottle which will last ages (unless you go berserk with it painting big butterflies!)  It creates a glossy, lacquered look over images, paper etc.  It also works as an adhesive. 

HINT:  I usually keep a pin taped to the side of the bottle to poke in if the nozzle has gotten plugged.  I did read a tip somewhere to store it upside down then the nozzle part doesn't dry out, so might try that with my new bottles. 

Need To Get In Touch??

CONTACT DETAILS:  0417 377 057 or smadex@bigpond.com

Send through an email or give me a ring if you'd like to:

* place an order or ask a product/technique question,  

CLICK HERE: How To Order

* book for a February or March class    

CLICK HERE:  Class Dates and Details

* order your complimentary copy of the new 40 page Seasonal Catalogue

* or if you'd like to join a fabulous, friendly team 

CLICK HERE: Demonstrator Benefits

Happy stamping and have a fabulous week!

Cheers, Sue

Back again with another card I made while playing with the Artisan Embellishment Kit. 

All of the things on this card are from the kit, except the base which is Primrose Petals and the strip and circle of patterned paper which are from the More Amore DSP. 

I thought the cards that the kit ribbons are wrapped around looked too nice to discard, so trimmed some off one, rounded the corner again and popped it on to my card. 

This would be a padded bag, or hand in person card with those bumpy bits.  I had fun arranging and rearranging and rearranging and rearranging the elements.  ;-)

You can find the Artisan Embellishment Kit and the More Amore DSP on page 10 of the new seasonal catalogue.

Things To Remember:

* Drop me a line if you'd like me to post you a free copy of the new catalogue.

* Choose a free saleabration item with every $100 purchase until March 22nd.  19 to choose from.

Check them out here.

* February and March class dates and details are up on the class page and filling very fast.  Get in touch to grab a spot.  Details here.

* Join my team.  Starter kit is only $169.  Choose $294 of products.     Click the link below to join right now and your kit could be on its way in no time. 

Or click here for some more details about becoming a demonstrator.

Have a great week,

Cheers, Sue 

One of the things that jumped from the new seasonal catalogue straight onto my wishlist was the Artisan Embellishment Kit on page 10.  Lacy and layered is not really my comfort zone but I've thoroughly enjoyed having a play with this kit and trying out a different style.

Isn't the lace lovely.  My base is brushed bronze (retired), and then I've got a Pool Party layer with a nice embossed edge. 

The heart is from the laser cut sheets of hearts in the More Amore DSP pack (pg 10).  They come in two colours.  I love the assortment of resin buttons in the Artisan kit.  I've used glue dots to attach them here.

The butterfly punch is the new little one on page 13.  I can't resist a new punch! 

I'll be back tomorrow to show you another card I made with the kit. 

Products Featured include:

Embossing folder - Delicate Designs (Main catalogue, pg 188, $15.95)

Glue Dots  (Main catalogue, pg 177, $8.95 for a pack of 300.)

It has been fun to experiment with something different.  Reminds me of when I got my wedding dress. 

Mum and I had a lovely day out browsing wedding dress shops and I'd tried on a stack. 

At this particular shop the assistant was putting my selections into the change room and said - let's just try this one too. 

It was quite a different style to the ones I'd been looking at and I didn't like it at all on the hanger.  

 I put it on and fell in love with it instantly.  

That's really got nothing to do with cards has it!?  Must have lace on the brain.  

Happy stamping and thanks for stopping by.

Cheers, Sue

Love Stampin' Up products?  We'd love to welcome you to my Think Ink Team.

Would you like $294 of quality craft supplies for $169?  Join my team today and your starter kit could be on its way before you know it.  Choose any current products.  Valid until March 22nd.

Did you spot the Soda Pop Tops in the new seasonal catalogue?  They're on page 24 and I thought I'd give them a run while I was having a card making session at my desk. 

They team up nicely with the Collage Curios stamp set and the 1" circle punch.  I mucked up my stamping on the middle one so decided after putting the card together to cover it up with a button I had left from my Artisan Embellishment Kit.  The gorgeous lace is from that kit too.  I used glue dots to stick the soda pop tops down. 

Products featured:

The Soda Pop tops.  They come in two sizes - I've used the larger ones.  A pack of 16 - 8 of each size - for $6.95.  Page 24

Collage Curios Stamp Set:  Page 24.  This set of 9 stamps is $28.95 for clear mount, $35.95 for wood.  I love that text circle. 

You can find this one on page 16.  It is the Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Stack.  These pads of 48 sheets are so handy.  They're 11.4 x 16.5cm, perfectly sized for cards.  4 each of 12 double sided designs.  Really lovely collection of patterns and they coordinate with all 5 of the latest In Colours so if you team it up with an A4 mixed pack of In Colour cardstock you'll be all set.  Crumb Cake too - a gorgeous neutral colour.

We've also been busy here with back to school week.  Hannah's in Grade 5 this year and Jack is in Grade 2.  Here they are all set to head off (logos blurred for online land - that's not a milo stain, at least not on the first day of school - wink.)

I had a similar expression on my face too (shh)  since I've got a nice little week or so before I head back myself.   

If you've got littlies or not so littlies that have just headed back to school, sending best wishes for a happy year of learning new things, making new friends and having lots of fun.  And a big pat on the back to all the teachers out there too.  You do an awesome job and there's not enough pats on the back these days. 

Happy stamping everyone.

Cheers, Sue

February 1st - Official launch day in Australia for the Stampin' Up New Seasonal Catalogue. 

More lovely goodies to browse through.  Gorgeous projects throughout as well to inspire a bit of time at the craft table. 

Click here to view it online:   Online Catalogue

Phone or email if you'd like me to pop one in the post for you.  So much nicer browsing through the real thing.  And handy for post it noting!

And Saleabration is on til March 22nd so you get to choose from 19 freebies.  One for each $100 of products ordered.  Decisions decisions .

I do love that beautiful journal on the front cover. 

Here's a card featuring just two of the gorgeous new embellishment options - the ribbon trim (pg 5) and the large rhinestone jewels (pg 8.)

This card layout has been floating about all over the place so I'm not sure who to credit but thank you. 

A chomp out of the shimmery white cardstock (embossed with the fancy fan embossing folder) showcases the DSP underneath.  I've used the Saleabration freebie - Sycamore Street Designer Series Patterned Paper on this one.   A couple of little punches and the jewel to finish.

And here's one of my new favourites - I just love this ribbon trim.  The beautiful soft flowers sit on lovely netting - so easy to just stick it down onto your project.  Snip off one or a whole bunch.  I popped some little rhinestones in the centres to coordinate with the flower centre jewel. 

Some of the products I've used on this card include:

Flower Trim:   Page 5 -  $11.95

Fancy Fan embossing folder

Main catalogue: Pg 189, $13.95

Blossom Punch

Main catalogue: Pg 185, $29.95

Sycamore Street DSP (Patterned Paper)

Free with $100 purchase

Have a fabulous weekend.

Cheers, Sue