Greetings from the craft desk this weekend.  I'm still enjoying being able to actually work on my newly sorta clean desk.  Hoping to get the rest of the room looking a bit less like an episode of hoarders over the school holidays.  Wish me luck!!

New Host Code

We have a new host code for the next few weeks.  It is PMTKWCRV

Pop that on when you're ordering online and I'll pop some samples in the post for you next month.  

October Card Classes (Melbourne)

October class dates are here now if you're keen to catch a class next month.  We'll be doing Faux Linen technique.  (So I need to take a trip to Bunnings for some fine sandpaper.)  Plus we'll be making some other cards including some Christmas cards.

4 dates to choose from this month: 

Wednesday 10th October: 7.30 - 9.30pm   6 spots left

Friday 12th October: 10am - 12   Booked Out

Thurs 18th October: 7.30 - 9.30pm     Booked Out

Friday 19th October: 10am - 12    4 spots left

Class fee is $25.   Everything is supplied and classes are suitable for beginners and enjoyable for experienced card makers.  Classes are held at my place in Avondale Heights.  

Phone/text 0417 377 057 or email [email protected]  to grab your spot at the table.   Don't forget to pop the date in your diary.  We'd love to make you welcome at card class.  I have the loveliest group of class regulars.  Come and join us. 

New Video Gear

I've added a few extra bells and whistles to my video set up.  Catch my latest video here where I give them all a test run.  (Still figuring out how to drive them all - wink.)  I've got some foil edge cards to share plus we'll have a closer look at the Timeless Tidings Christmas Card Kit.

I'll be back live tomorrow over on facebook at SueMadexPapercrafts.  Hopefully at my usual 11am time but we've got a couple of tradies coming to do some jobs in the kitchen tomorrow so I might need to be a bit flexible with the timing I think. 

Have a great weekend.

Cheers, Sue

Are you in Melbourne's west?  Are you keen to catch a card class this month?  I've got space left on a few dates in August.

We'll be having LOTS of fun with Brushos watercolour ink crystals for our technique this month.  Sneak peek below.  Make a sample to pop in your technique book plus we'll make another into a card. 

We'll be making two other cards using other snazzy products. 

Plus you can put together two more colour family charts if you'd like a sample cardstock colour swatch to take home. 

Classes are suitable for beginners and enjoyable for more experienced crafters.  Class fee is $25 and everything is supplied.  We'd love to make you feel welcome at class this month. Pick a date that suits and contact me to book your spot.

Here's the dates:

Wednesday 22nd August: 7.30 - 9.30pm   4 spots left

Friday 24th August: 10.00am - 12.00     2 spots left

Thursday 30th August: 7.30 - 9.30pm Booked out - ask to go on the waiting list.

Friday 31st August: 10.00am - 12.00   4 spots left

Best not to wear white to this class - it could get messy.  Wink! 

Want to try it at home.  I'll have the finished card and instructions after the last class is done so check back here on the blog in a couple of weeks. 

Happy stamping.

Cheers, Sue

We had such a lot of fun with this beautiful watercolouring on craft ink technique at classes in July/early Aug. It looks lovely and artistic and is very easy to do with just a few bits and pieces. 

(Note: Technique inspiration from the talented Patty Bennett.  Find her card, technique post and video here. )

Technique Instructions:

Stamp your outline image in white craft ink and emboss with white embossing powder. 

Squirt a drop or two of white craft ink onto a lid or palette and use a damp aquapainter to pick up some ink.  Use the craft ink to colour your image.  It soaks in a little so you may want to do a layer or two.  Leave to dry thoroughly, or use a heat gun to speed this up a bit.

Now comes the fun bit.  Choose your colours and pop a drop or two of your classic ink reinker/s onto your lid.  Pick up a little ink with your aquapainter.  I like to do a brush stroke or two onto scrap paper first or a tiny blot on paper towel or I seem to get too much ink on that first dab. 

Colour in your image.  It blends beautifully over your base layer of white.  You'll find you'll naturally get more and less ink in places which looks really effective and effortlessly artistic I think!   Leave to dry or use that heat gun again. 

The colour fades a little once dry.  You end up with a lovely soft looking image. 

This sample uses Melon Mambo and Shaded Spruce.  I've used the exclusive August only Blended Seasons bundle for these projects.  Get yours today before it is gone for good.  Blended Seasons Bundle

Here's some more colour combos inspired by the cards my lovely class regulars made.   This one uses a mix of Smoky Slate and Night Of Navy for the flowers with the leaves left white and Wink Of Stella Glitter Pen for highlights.  So sparkly in real life.  (Inspired by class member Maree M - loved this combo.) 

Love this one too with the flowers left white this time with Daffodil Delights centres and a pale wash of Pear Pizzazz for the leaves.  Those speckles are the sparkles - hard to photograph. 

Class regular Brenda loves purple.  I gave her combo a whirl too - Highland Heather with a touch of Navy for the centres. 

What's your favourite colour combination?  This is a great technique to try on Crumb Cake cardstock with any of your favourite outline style stamps. 

You can see these cards on this week's Monday video here:  

Happy colouring!

Cheers, Sue

 Shopping from home?  Here's the shopping links if you need them. 

Product List

Blended Seasons Clear-Mount Bundle [149894] $113.00	Whisper White Craft Stampin' Ink Refill [101780] $8.00	White Stampin' Emboss Powder [109132] $8.75	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141897] $11.50	Aqua Painters [103954] $20.00
Crumb Cake A4 Card Stock [121685] $14.75	Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [131160] $6.50	Highland Heather Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [147167] $6.50	Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [119791] $6.50	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [119672] $6.50

I've taken inspiration from the Occasions Catalogue for today's card.  This was one of the cards we made at February card classes.  (Keen to catch a card making class in March? Dates and details here:  Classes)

It features the Lift Me Up stamp set and coordinating Up and Away thinlits.  I love how you can cut each stripe of the balloon in different colours then layer the detailed balloon over the top.  See the different pieces there at the left in this pic.

Colours: I've used Watermelon Wonder, Calypso Coral, Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette and White for the stripes then Basic Gray over the top for the detailed layer.  Soft Sky for the base layer and some cute clouds to finish. 

Balloon Options:  You can either keep the balloon basket on (such as in my card below) or you can snip it off and replace it with a little stamped note (see card above.)   There are a bunch of different balloon themed greetings in a snazzy font. 

Adhesives: I used the fine tip glue for this one.  You just need a little.  I'm not the biggest fan of liquid glues (I always seem to get them EVERYWHERE!) but I quite liked the fine tip glue for this project. 

Have you ever been in a hot air balloon?  I love watching them on the horizon from our back balcony on clear mornings.  John and I (and a little bump that was to be Hannah) went up in one in Canberra.  Such a smooth ride and so quiet.  A memorable trip and great views of our capital city.  

I'm enjoying creating with the balloon bundle.  Get the stamp set and thinlits as a bundle and save 10%.

Have a fabulous day.

Cheers, Sue

Shopping from home?  I love to shop in my PJs.  Here's the products I've used.

Product List

Lift Me Up Wood-Mount Bundle [144711] $90.25	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock [140490] $12.25	Watermelon Wonder A4 Cardstock [138341] $14.00	Calypso Coral A4 Card Stock [124392] $14.00	Card Stock A4 Blushing Bride [131287] $14.00
Pink Pirouette A4 Card Stock [116203] $14.00	Basic Gray A4 Card Stock [121689] $14.00	Basic Gray Archival Stampin’ Pad [140932] $12.25	Rhinestone Basic Jewels Embellishments [119246] $8.75	Pearl Basic Jewels Embellishments [119247] $8.75
Fine-Tip Glue Pen [138309] $12.00

Care for a cuppa?   The Cup and Kettle Framelits and coordinating 'A Nice Cuppa' stamp set are just the products for making a comforting card for someone. 

Tips and Techniques:  This was one of our class cards last month.  We used the 'Have A Cuppa' Designer Series stack and the cards looked quite different depending on which patterned paper people chose.  Grab the designer paper stack and the coordinating cardstock pack and you can't go wrong.  We used a range of circles from the circles framelits too - a handy pack to have.  They layer well with our doilies.  Some washi tape for a little extra oomph. 

The heart shaped steam is rather snazzy.  It looks good cut from the Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper too. 

I love this card from Rachel Palmieri where she sponged the tea pot for some added dimension - must try that next time. 

Would you like to catch a card class in April? 

Not many spots left so be quick to grab your chair at the table.  Dates and details here: Classes

All this talk of tea pots has put me in the mood for a nice cup of tea.  Off to boil the kettle.  

Happy Stamping!

Cheers, Sue

Product List

A Nice Cuppa Photopolymer Bundle

[141074]

$69.50

Have A Cuppa Designer Series Paper Stack

[140567]

$14.00

Have A Cuppa Cardstock Pack

[140720]

$12.25

Circles Collection Framelits Die

[130911]

$45.00

It's My Party Designer Washi Tape

[140556]

$14.00

February Card Classes:

Are you keen to get stuck into some card making? Like to make some cards and have a little me-time? 

February is here which means it is time to start new classes for 2016. Classes are held at my house in Avondale Heights, in Melbourne's west.

We'll be using some of the gorgeous new stamps and tools in the Occasions and Saleabration range to make 3 cards with coordinating envelopes. 

Learn some stamping techniques, try out some new craft items and have fun with a table of craft loving ladies.  A great way to get some creative time into your 2016.

Class fee is $25.  All materials supplied.

There are 5 dates to choose from this month.  Phone or email to grab a place in the date that suits you. 

Wednesday 17th Feb:  7.30 - 9.30pm     5 spaces left

Friday 19th Feb: 10am - 12         6 spaces left

Wednesday 24th Feb: 7.30 - 9.30pm     8 spaces left

Thursday 25th Feb: 7.30 - 9.30pm   3 spaces left

Friday 26th Feb: 10am - 12     8 spaces left

General Class Information

WHERE: 

I hold classes at my house in Avondale Heights, Melbourne.    Classes are held at my dining table.  Friendly and fun - all welcome. 

HOW DO I FIND OUT DATES?

I often publish the class dates and details in my newsletter first* so make sure you subscribe to that (there's a sign up box up at the top right there) if you're keen to catch a class.  (* Except for this month when we're flat chat with back to school and work and so I'm posting them here on the blog first.) 

HOW MANY PEOPLE AT A CLASS?

There's a maximum of 8 people per class and dates do book out, so it is a good idea to book early.   If a class you're interested in is booked out, please ask to go on the waiting list in case of cancellations.

SUITABLE FOR?

Classes are suitable for beginners and experienced stampers and card makers.  I aim to keep things friendly, fun and relaxed.

WHAT DO I BRING?

Just bring yourself and your class fee.  All tools and materials are supplied.

CLASS FEE:

Class fee is $25 (unless otherwise specified.)  Payable at the class.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you cannot make a class you've booked for, please let me know as soon as possible so that someone else can possibly take your place at the table. 

ARRIVAL TIME FOR CLASSES:

** Note: With after school activities for the kids we're often squeezing in dinner just before class.  Please aim to arrive around 7.25pm for evening classes as before that we'll be running around like headless chooks  getting home and organised.  Much appreciated! 

Hope to see you at a class.  It is a great way to try some new products and techniques, meet some friendly crafters and build up a stash of cards.

Cheers,
Sue

Just popping in quickly to update you with a few little snippets of Stampin' Up news. 

WEEKLY DEALS

Here is the latest batch of weekly deals.  These prices finish on Tuesday night and we'll have a new batch of Weekly Deals each Wednesday morning.  Find them here:  Online Store Weekly Deals

CARD MAKING CLASSES

February Classes start this week.  Spaces left for most dates. 

We'll be making 3 cards at this class featuring new products from the Occasions and Saleabration range. 

Try out the butterfly thinlit, the bow punch and more. 

5 dates to choose from:

Wednesday 18th February:  7.30 - 9.30pm    5 spots left

Friday 20th February:  10am - 12    6 spots left

Wednesday 25th February:  7.30 - 9.30pm   5 spots left

Thursday 26th February: 7.30 - 9.30pm   3 spots left

Friday 27th February:  10am - 12   3 spots left

Class Fee:  $20

Phone or email to book your spot, then don't forget to pop it in your diary, on your calendar or in your phone.    Classes are held at my place in Avondale Heights, in Melbourne's west.

Check my class page for March dates if you're keen to get your diary organised.  Click here:  Sue's Class Page

MADEX CREATIONS NEWSLETTER

The latest edition of my Madex Creations newsletter has just zoomed on its way to inboxes.  If you'd like to join the fun, there's a sign up box at the top right here.  Just fill in your email address and click GO.

SALEABRATION FREEBIES: HOW TO CLAIM YOURS

If you are ordering by phone or email, just let me know what you'd like to pick.  One free Saleabration product for every $90 of goodies you order. 

If you are placing an order online, here's how to select your free saleabration products.

Once you've put $90 of products into your shopping bag, you'll see this appear down the bottom of the screen.  "Congratulations: You qualify for one or more free saleabration products, Click Here."

When you click, you'll see a pop up menu appear and you can select your chosen freebies. 

My personal favourite is this gorgeous Irresistibly Yours DSP.  White with white embossed patterns - you just add your ink by sponging, spritzing or brayering. 

Another one I'm loving is the Lotus Blossom stamp.  A triple layer stamp - beautiful.

Or you can start your collection of Blendabilities alcohol markers, or add to them.  Choose a pack of Blendabilities as your Saleabration freebie.  They come in packs of 3 - you get a light, medium and dark of your chosen colour.

That's about it for news from Stampin' Up in Australia today.  I hope you are having a lovely Sunday. 

We've been focused on getting back into school and work routines, getting settled in to Year 7 homework and all that the last few weeks.   I hope to be back sharing some creations of my own with you very soon. 

Have a great February. 

Cheers, Sue

I love love love this card.  (Inspired by this Linda Higgins' creation.)

The butterflies are a nice image to colour if you're just starting out with Blendabilities alcohol markers.  Quite loving our new lace too - teamed up here with the Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon.  The seam binding is so soft and easy to work with.  I'm completely bow challenged so I tend to just knot.  ;-)

We're making this card at class this week.  I've got 2 spots left on Thursday night (7.30pm - 9.30pm) if you're free and would like to try some colouring.  $30 includes a pack of Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities to use at class and take home afterwards.

Happy stamping and have a great week!

Cheers, Sue

Doing some shopping?  Here's what I used in today's card.

Papillion Potpourri Wood Stamp Set

$32.95

Stampin' Blendabilities™ Markers Cherry Cobbler Assortment

$20.95

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$9.95

Crumb Cake A4 Card Stock

$11.95

Crumb Cake 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon

$11.95

Venetian Crochet Trim

$11.95

Elegant Butterfly Punch

$27.95

Small Butterfly Punch

$27.95

Dictionary Wood Stamp Set

$30.95

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.95

Circles Collection Framelits Die

$45.95

Stamping Sponges

$5.95

 

Table by StampinBuddy.

 

Want to catch a card class?  Here's my upcoming class dates and details. 

Classes are held at my house in Avondale Heights, Melbourne.

AUGUST BLENDABILITIES CLASS

We'll be using Stampin' Up's new alcohol makers Blendabilities to make 2 cards, plus you'll get to stamp a few more pieces using a range of my colouring friendly stamps to take home.

We'll also be taking a break from the markers to make a beautiful peacock card using a blender pen and white craft ink to add highlights.

Here's a look at our 3 cards for this class.  (Middle card inspired by Linda Higgins - thanks!) 

(Wednesday Launch Ladies - note the revised price/format for this class.  Tweaked it a bit.)  

Class Fee:  $30

........ includes a pack of Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities Markers for you to use at class and take home afterwards.  Pack of 3 - light, medium and dark Cherry Cobbler.

Payment for this class needs to be made by Wednesday 13th August so that the markers can be ordered in time for the class.  Payment can be made by direct deposit, cheque (or cash if you're local and can drop by.)

Get in touch if you need bank details for direct deposit.

3 dates to choose from (and available space as of 5/8/14,  5pm.  Check class page for up  to date details)    

Wednesday 20th August:  7.30 - 9.30pm    Booked Out

Thursday 21st August:  7.30 - 9.30pm      4 spaces available

Friday 22nd August:  10am - 12       5 spaces available

Phone or email to book your spot if you'd like to make these 3 cards and take home a pack of Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities. 

CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER CLASSES 

We'll be making 3 Christmas cards using some new products from our upcoming Holiday Catalogue.  Get into the festive spirit with some Christmas creating.

Class Fee:  $20.    All materials supplied.

5 dates to choose from and filling up very very fast.  Christmas classes are always popular.

(Numbers correct as of 5/8/14 at 5pm  but check my class page for the latest.)   

 Thursday 11th September:  7.30 - 9.30 pm      5 spots left

Friday 12th September:  10am - 12        8 spots left 

Wednesday 17th September: 7.30 - 9.30pm     Booked Out (ask to go on waiting list)

Thursday 18th September:  7.30 - 9.30pm     1 spot left

Friday 19th September: 10am - 12     4  spots left

Get in touch if you'd like to book a spot.

Cheers,  Sue 

This was one of those class cards that looked quite different depending on which DSP (patterned paper) and colours people selected.  Here's another of my variations.

I love the Sweet Sorbet DSP.  Lovely soft colours.  Some ribbon and tags to finish this one.  I love the Retro Fresh washi tape too.

Hope your weekend is relaxing.  Any craft time for you this weekend? 

Cheers, Sue