The Irresistibly Yours DSP is one of my favourite picks from this year's Saleabration range.  (Get a pack of this free with a $90 order.)  It has embossed white patterns so you just add your favourite colour inks by sponging, brayering or dabbing directly with an ink pad.  Rub the excess ink off to reveal the lovely embossed patterns.  LOTS of fun to play with and a range of embossed designs in the pack. 

The stamps on the greeting panel are from Butterfly Basics and I've cut it out with one of the oval framelits. 

Hope you've got some time to get inky this week. 

Looking for a class?  Pop on over to my class page if you'd like to catch a craft class in January or February.  Find it here:  Class Page

Cheers, Sue

Bits and pieces to make this card:

Keen to try Project Life and not sure how to go about it?  Here's a few tips and pics to inspire a start. 

Project Life is an approach to memory keeping developed by Becky Higgins a few years ago.  Pocket style pages, slip in the photo, jot on the journaling card and slip that in too.   Done.  You can add things if you'd like or just keep it simple.  I love it. 

I'm using an album this year and am starting with the kit Happiness Is.   Love the colours.

Here's a sample of a few of the cards included .....

There's also a coordinating accessory pack if you'd like to add just a few decorative touches. 

I used the cork numbers for the year for my 2015 cover page.

There's lots of ways to do Project Life.  I've done one week per double page before.  This year I'm keeping it super simple and super easy.  No rules.  Just printing off pics I like during the year and slipping them in.  Adding in some stories.  Fill any blank spots with the filler/pattern cards. 

You can add some stamping if you've got stamps and inks. 

The box the kit comes in becomes a handy storage box.  It fits the accessories and journaling pens too.  (I love the arrows shown above.  They're sort of like post it notes.  Just jot the date on the yellow ones and add it to your page.)

In no time at all your album starts filling up with pages of memories, funny little moments that are otherwise so quickly forgotten and favourite pics. 

Would you like to join me (here in cyberspace) in putting together an album this year?  All you need is an album, a kit and your photos.  Add an accessory pack and journaling pens if you'd like.  Not a big time commitment and those albums are so so great to look back on once a few years have passed by.  I'll post some pics here during the year to show how I'm using Project Life to record a few snippets of our 2015 life.

Happy memory keeping.  If you've got any questions, ask below. 

Cheers, Sue

Browse the Project Life section of my online store here to see the various kits available.

Online Store:  Project Life Range

Shopping from home and would like the products I used above? Here's the details.

Over on my brand new team facebook group page we've had a bit of a party weekend with challenges and prizes and lots of fun.

One of the creative challenges was to make a card inspired by this painting (from Hannah's bedroom.) 

I decided to try cutting one of the big butterflies from watercolour paper.  Then I selected some reinkers (inspired by some of the colours in the print.)  So Saffron, Lost Lagoon, Cajun Craze, Blackberry Bliss and a touch of Basic Black.  I sprayed the butterfly with water and dripped reinkers. 

Once I'd dripped lots of colour I sprayed it again with water.  (I have an empty Stampin' Mist bottle that I've filled with water and clearly labelled so I don't mix it up.)

Now leave it to dry. 

In the meantime I quite liked the leftover blobs of watery ink.  I decided to pop a piece of naturals white cardstock under my damp inky base paper and press. 

I added some stamping using the Butterfly Basics stamp set.  I REALLY love the netting stamp from this set and the dashed border too.  I used the greeting from this set as well. 

I really love this card.  Can't wait to try it in some more colours. 

Tip:  Use lots of the lighter colours and only the TINIEST bit of the darker ones - the dark ones really take over. 

I enjoy cards where they turn out differently each time and there's an element of random in how they end up looking. 

Happy creating.

Cheers, Sue

If you're shopping for the products used in this card, here's the links:

Looking for a fun little memory keeping project this January?  I love the So You Project Kit from the Stampin' Up Occasions Catalogue.  Each page is just 4" x 4" and you get lots of bits and pieces with the kit.

You can follow the suggested layouts in the kit, or just ad lib like I've done to suit your project.

I decided to just not think about it too much (I have a tendency to overthink it and not get started!) and just pick out some pics from last year of things that make me happy. 

Printed off the 6" x 4" pics on my Epson Picturemate (such a handy addition to the stash for easy, instant scrapbooking.)  Then just trimmed off 2 inches.

Fun to mix it up with a few peek a boo elements. 

You can stamp with Staz On ink onto the window sheets that go on top of the photos, and onto the cork and wood panels and shapes. 

I figure if I'm having a day of the bleaughs, I can flick through this little album to remind myself of all of life's blessings.

Find it here:  So You Project Kit  $34.95.   Includes album, pages, cork and wood elements, patterned paper, window sheets, ribbon, sequins, clips, washi tape. 

Order $90 of products during Saleabration and you can choose one of the Saleabration range items for free - there are stamp sets, pretty papers, buttons, ribbon, Project Life or choose a pack of Blendabilities from the range listed.

Have a happy January. 

Cheers, Sue

I love this Perpetual Calendar Kit in the Stampin' Up Occasions Catalogue.  Comes with lots of bits and pieces .....

And all in a lovely box.  (Mine isn't decorated yet.)

There's a coordinating stamp set .....

Or you can just decorate with any stamp set in your collection if you'd prefer.  

PERPETUAL CALENDAR CLASS

If you live locally (I'm in Avondale Heights - in Melbourne's west) I've got a class coming up on Thursday January 29th.   7.30 - 9.30pm. 

Class fee is $30 which includes your Perpetual Calendar Kit. 

We'll be using my stamps and inks to complete our calendars.  Register by 20th January and payment can be made by direct deposit (or dropping by) before the class. 

Hope to see you there.   My February class dates are over on my class page too if you'd like to book your spot.  Click here:  Class Page

CALENDAR KIT SHOPPING

If you live further afield or can't make it to class, here's the links to purchase your Perpetual Calendar kit and stamp set if you'd like to try this project at home.

Shop Now:  Perpetual Calendar Kit

Shop Now:  Perpetual Calendar stamp set

HINTS AND TIPS

The instructions are microscopic so bring a magnifying glass.  You really don't need them though I found.  Just stamp the month. I found it easiest to do this first.  Then stamp something in the top section and bottom corner.  Then layer over one of the assorted die cuts - banner/feathers/hearts - then layer the starting letter of the month over the top (from the included alphabet die cuts.)  Or you can decorate however you'd like if you'd prefer. 

BIG BIG TIP:   I completely forgot when I started this to take note of which months have 30 days and which have 31.  Make sure you do this.   The page for February has 28 days so if you have a special date for the leap year Feb 29 - you'll need to pencil this in.  Bit of an oops there. 

Happy stamping! 

I'm off to buy a glue gun ready to tackle the bunch of flowers kit on the front cover.  Wish me luck.  Note: This flower kit is a fabulous project but a very big one - takes many, many hours.  Possibly not the best one for beginners.  I'll let you know how I go.  I'm not renowned for my lengthy project skills, or my success with dangerous equipment - talking about you hot glue gun.  ;-)  

Cheers, Sue

The mini treat bag thinlits are great for cutting patterned paper to quickly put together this little bag.  It is just the right size to fit a couple of our note cards in.  Or some other small treat. 

I made this one using the elegant Something Borrowed DSP.  This paper is in Sahara Sand and White.  I used some more on the little note cards I popped inside the bag. 

I've used the crumb cake note cards.  Quick and easy to add a panel of patterned paper, some ribbon trim and a butterfly.  That's the new white jute ribbon on the left and the beautiful sahara sand lace on the right.  The butterfly is in Early Espresso.

My extra, extra long 100th edition of my newsletter went out to inboxes overnight so keep an eye out for that.  If you'd like to get my newsletter with card ideas, memory keeping inspiration and all the latest Stampin' Up news - there's a sign up box at the top right here. 

Have a fabulous day. 

Cheers, Sue

It is official.  Sale-a-bration starts today along with the new Occasions Catalogue.  Here's all the details ....

You can find the gorgeous new Occasions Catalogue here:  Stampin' Up New Catalogue

Or browse the products in my online store here: Occasions Catalogue Shop Online

Chock full of lovely products for all those special occasions we make cards and gift for - birthdays, Valentines Day, congratulations occasions, Easter and just because. 

And to double the excitement it is also the start of Sale-A-Bration which means lots of free products ....

Here's how it works from today until the end of March when you place an order. 

Spend $90 - Earn one FREE Saleabration product

Spend $180 - Earn two FREE Saleabration products

Spend $300 - Earn three FREE Sale-A-Bration products PLUS $50 to spend on Stampin' Up products **

Spend $400 - Earn four FREE Sale-A-Bration products PLUS $100 to spend on Stampin' Up products**

(Postage and Handling are extra:  5%, minimum $5.95)

** You earn Stampin' Rewards on orders of $300 or more.  You can spend your Stampin' Rewards on any Stampin' Up products you like from any current catalogues or from our Weekly Deals or Clearance Rack

Check out the Saleabration Brochure to find this year's selection of Saleabration Free Products for you to choose with a qualifying order.  Click here: Saleabration Brochure

There are stamp sets, pretty papers, buttons, ribbon, Project Life or choose a pack of Blendabilities from the range listed for your Saleabration free item.

GET YOUR COPY OF THE OCCASIONS CATALOGUE

Need a copy of the new Occasions Catalogue and Saleabration Brochure to study in detail and stick post it notes on? 

Phone or email to get your complimentary copy in the post today. 

SALEABRATION PRODUCT CLUB

If you'd like to spread your purchases out and earn free products I'm taking names for my Saleabration Product Clubs for one more week. 

• Spend $100 per month for 3 months (Jan - March)
• Choose a free Saleabration product each month
• Plus one month you'll get to choose at least $50 of Stampin' Up products as club rewards. 

Phone or email to get more info or join in the fun. 

STAMPIN' UP:  CREATIVE KITS

Did you list relaxing creative time on your resolutions for 2015? 

We've got some lovely project kits in this catalogue to help you get creative in an easy, fun way.

Here are just a few .....

Stampin' Up Build A Bouquet Kit  $35.95

Create your own spring bouquet! Each kit makes 25 flowers.

Kit includes
■ Cotton-paper flowers
■ Die-cut cardstock elements
■ Cotton ribbon and linen thread
■ Gift tag and floral tape
■ Floral stem wires
■ Faceted buttons for flower centers

Stamps, ink, and adhesives sold separately.

Hello Life Project Kit    $35.95

Show off the little things that make you happy on this super cute wire frame. Coordinates with Basic Black, Crushed Curry.

Kit includes
■ Die-cut frames and accents
■ Die-cut letter stickers
■ Window sheet
■ Crushed Curry Thick Baker’s Twine
■ Crushed Curry Baker’s Twine
■ Thread
■ Metallic silver clothespins
■ Shaker Frame
■ Sewing needle
■ Wire frame

Stamps, ink, and adhesives sold separately.

Perpetual Birthday Calendar Kit   $26.95

Never forget a birthday again! The Perpetual Birthday Calendar will help you keep track of birthdays.

Kit includes:
■ Printed calendar sheets
■ Die cut accents and adhesive letters
■ Printed cardstock sticker (for front of box)
■ Die-cut Gold Glimmer Paper Banners
■ Die cut printed banners
■ Confetti stickers
■ Clipboard
■ Gold binder clip

Stamps, ink, and adhesive sold separately.

Kits are a great way to get crafty with all the planning and prep done for you.  I love them!

I'll be back during January to share some more new catalogue creations with you. 

Happy New Year.  I hope this year brings you lots of laughs, love and of course creativity. 

Cheers, Sue