Was moving some photos from my phone to my computer and came across a few I made at our last craft retreat and hadn't shared yet.  As soon as I saw the Very Versailles stamp set I knew it would go straight into my collection.  

Tips To Make This At Home:  I've cut a whisper white rectangle with my stitched rectangles dies (or you could cut a plain one with a trimmer if you're just starting out and don't have a die cutting machine in your tool stash.)  Cut an oval window from a scrap piece of cardstock - I've used one of the layering ovals dies.  Lay it over your white piece and secure with post it notes.  Sponge some ink into the oval window.  I've used Old Olive, Mint Macaron and Highland Heather. Lift off the oval window piece to reveal your sponged background.  I've stamped the gorgeous branch from Very Versailles in Memento black ink.  

For a softer look - I've used Basic Gray ink for the branch in this next card and sponged very lightly when making the background. 

Sponging through a shaped window is a great way to make an interesting background for your next card.  Keep an eye out in packaging for some windows you can use as sponging masks for your card making.  Stampin' Up! make it easy to create a coordinated card with our matching inks and cardstock - you can't go wrong.  

Happy creating! 

Take care, Sue

Product List: Shopping links to make this card at home

Very Versailles Cling Stamp Set [149275] $40.00	Layering Ovals Dies [151771] $58.00	Stitched Rectangles Dies [151820] $61.00	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [147090] $13.00
Mint Macaron Classic Stampin' Pad [147106] $13.00	Highland Heather Classic Stampin' Pad [147103] $13.00	Mint Macaron A4 Cardstock [138344] $15.25	Highland Heather A4 Cardstock [147010] $15.25

Each month the Art With Heart team that I belong to has a creative showcase with a different theme. 

This month it is masculine cards and the team have gotten together to share lots of ideas for cards for the guys in our lives. 

I always seem to run out of those so some extra inspiration will be handy.  Are you looking for some masculine card ideas?  You've come to the right spot.  

I've got the link to the showcase host at the bottom of this post - head on over there to see lots more masculine card ideas from the crew. 

Mine is a quick and simple card and it is easy to whip up a batch of these while you have your supplies out.  Just grab a pack of patterned paper that has designs that work well for masculine cards.  I've chosen In Good Taste - such great textural looking designs.  Select a few coordinating cardstock colours and the Rectangular Postage Stamp Punch plus your favourite adhesives and that's about all you need to make these at home. 

Tips for this card: I've cut a layer 13.8cm x 9.5cm.  To add a little extra oomph to this you can pop it through with an embossing folder (see card below.)  Or if you don't have an embossing machine - use the scoring blade on your trimmer and add some scored lines such as I've done in the card above.  You can trim this layer with another colour just a smidge bigger if you like.  I like to punch a stack of the postage stamp rectangles then choose 4 to mix and match.  This bit always seems to take the longest - so many great patterns to choose from.  I start with the outside two and leave about half hanging off the edge.  Then add the inner two and you can even up the spacing.  Trim off the overhanging parts then add to your base card.  A quick greeting with the Classic Label punch to finish off and you're all set. 

The links to the rest of the team's cards can be found over here on Rachel's blog - Rachel is our lovely showcase host each month. Click on that link to have a browse through some other fab projects if you need some ideas for masculine cards.  Our showcase team would love it if you could say hello in the comments.  

Happy creating and stay well.

Cheers, Sue

This was such a simple card to put together - just a card base and 3 other parts - but I LOVE how it turned out.  Sometimes my simplest cards are my favourites.  

Like to make this one at home? Here's the details.  The 7cm wide panel is cut from one of the brushed metallics pack sheets - you get a mix of gold, copper and bronze - and embossed with the beautiful dandelions embossing folder.  Just stunning.  I popped it on an Early Espresso card base and added some copper ribbon and a greeting on crumb cake.  

I've been test driving the new Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine to make this card.  If you're in the market for a groovy machine to give your cards a bit extra vavoom - I've got a video showing you some of the features of this one.   

Happy creating.  I'm just loving spending time at my craft desk lately. Tomorrow I need to have a post office day and get some into the mail. That's the true magic of cards, writing a message and sending them to someone special.  

Cheers, Sue

Click on the pic if you'd like to shop for any of the supplies used: 

Dandelions 3D Embossing Folder [152953] $17.50	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653] $209.00	Stitched Rectangle Dies [148551] $61.00	Stampin' Seal [152813] $14.00
Basket Weave & Metallic Ribbon Combo Pack [153553] $14.00	Early Espresso A4 Card Stock [121686] $15.25	Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [147114] $13.00	Crumb Cake A4 Card Stock [121685] $15.25

Our clearance rack with retired stock at discounted prices has had a refresh this week and there are some great bargains to be found.  Those patterned paper packs - some for just $8 are flying off the shelves.  Here's a quick look at a few things that are there this morning - although they are while stocks last.  

Head on over here to see what's still there and grab yourself a bargain:  Clearance Rack

Happy creating.

Cheers, Sue

PS Did you spot anything different here on my blog?  Hannah is doing Yr 12 VCD (Visual Communication Design) and made me a new blog header as part of her folio so I'm giving it a whirl.  

Hello and happy spring!  Isn't it nice to reach a new season and hopefully some bluer skies and a little sunshine to lift the spirits.  I love all the blossoms about and my favourite magnolia blooming in our backyard.  

A couple of bits of Stampin' Up! news for September. 

Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine

Our Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine is available now for anyone looking for a new machine for their craft space.  

I've been giving mine a test run and I love how smoothly it rolls, and loving that fold up platform - it tucks away nicely.  Let me know if you've got any questions about the new machine.  Happy to help.  The new magnetic plate for this machine is available from 1st September too as an optional extra.  

Here's the shopping links:    

Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine

Optional (but very handy!) Magnetic Plate

Clearance Rack Refresh

We've got some new additions to the clearance rack today so pop on over and see what grabs your eye.  These are retired products at a discount and they tend to disappear fast.  

Find it here: Clearance Rack

Get and Go Starter Kit Promotion

We also have the Get and Go Starter Kit promotion.  Join as a demonstrator during September and for $169 you get to choose $235 of products of your choice from any of our current catalogues PLUS during September you'll also get enough cardstock pieces to make 16 cards, a pack of Rhinestone Basic Jewels, the So Much Love stamp set (shown right), and the Queen Anne’s Lace stamp set (shown left.)

Use your components to get creating straight away.   Here's some ideas below of some things you can make with the included pieces.

If you're just starting out with your cardmaking - pop some inks, adhesives and an acrylic block into your starter kit selection to make these cards.  Get in touch if you'd like to chat further about what to select. 

I love that Queen Anne stamp set - isn't this card featuring it so pretty.

And one more card to show off that So Much Love stamp set.  

If you're keen to grab $235 of things for $169 plus these beautiful stamp sets and other supplies - just make your list of products to the value of $235 and head over here to join my Think Ink team:  Grab My Value Kit

We'd love to welcome you.  We're a friendly relaxed bunch.  You can join to get your products at the demonstrator discount or you can develop a work from home business - it is completely up to you.  If you've got questions - get in touch and I'd be happy to chat through further details.

September Host Code

Our new host code for September is TKWUCSYB.   Pop that on if you're ordering online and I'll mail some samples to you in the coming month.   I've got envelopes all set to go out this week if you used the host code in July/Aug.  

Happy stamping and a very very happy Spring hello to you too.

Cheers, Sue