If you have received my June newsletter you'd recognise this card.  I quite liked this cute little Trendy Trees card CASEd from the catalogue (pg 99.) 

Thought I'd mention that Lin Mei has a great tutorial for making a little vellum sheet to use with your StampAMaJig for lining up those trunks so you don't end up with a tree floating off into space.  :-)   Very handy tip!

And Tracy emailed me with some lovely newsletter feedback and another use for StampAMaJig sheets - as a palette for markers and ink pads.  People who came along in May to my class scribbled some marker colour onto a stamp case and used it with an aquapainter to watercolour.  The StampAMaJig sheet would be great for this.  Tracy says she puts white paper underneath so you can see lighter colours better.  Thanks for the great tips.  You can visit Tracy at  her blog .

I got another piece of positive feedback this week! You'll find it at the end of this post.

Marker Club

If you're interested in building your collection of 48 markers over 8 months plus the carry case, the set of 4 neutral markers, a Level 1 hostess set of your choice, $70 to spend, 8 free monthly gifts and 8 bonus marker tutorials, I'm taking names for Group 2 now.  $40 per month for 8 months. 

All the details here:  Marker Club Information

Get in touch to ask questions or join the club. 

Product Shares

I've got a couple of product shares running this month too. 

In Colour Striped Ribbons - 1m of each of the 6 In Colours           

$13 including postage

DSP Patterned Paper - 6" x 6" square of each paper in the range. 

138 squares in total.  You can find the DSP papers on pages 132 -135

$50 plus postage.

DSP Patterned Paper - 3" x 3" square of each paper in the range

138 squares in total

$11 for one share plus $6.50 postage = $17.50

$22 for two shares (to make the double page display) plus $6.50 postage = $28.50

For Australian Demonstrators wanting a 3" x 3" square of each paper to make a DSP display (or anyone else wanting a small sample of each paper to use in their projects)

Template for the display book and display ring available free, email me if you'd like a copy.

Contact me if you're interested in any of these shares.

And while I'm in INFO mode, I have some retired sets for sale too. 

Find them here: Sue's Retired Sets

Back soon with some creations.  Some of my team are heading over here on Thursday evening and we're getting out the inks and stamps so hopefully I'll be feeling super creative and will have lots to show you afterwards.  (Unless I'm too busy chatting - always a possibility!)  It's fun to stamp with friends.  If you don't know any crafty people, come along to a class and perhaps you'll make some new crafty friends!  Class details here.

This made me smile this week ....

My daughter Hannah (6) got into the 'positive feedback' mood too and left me a little note.

"Mum, and you have been very nice to me the last few days.  Keep up the good work."

And Jack (2) can always make us smile.  Here he is in fine form with red wig, Ben 10 top  and Hannah's pink Barbie high heels.  Quite the combo.  Must put that one aside for the years to come!

Hope you've had some smiles this week too.

Cheers, Sue

Our first marker club is full and kicking off later this month.  Annette is our first hostess so is busy selecting her $70 of Stampin' Up goodies and deciding which Level 1 hostess set is her favourite.

I'm taking names for a second group now.  This group will commence in June (or when the spots fill.)

Find all the details here - Marker Clubs

If you'd like to try out some of our Stampin' Write Markers - we're doing Marker techniques this month at my classes.  You can check dates and available spots on my class details page here.

Back soon with some cards and scrapbook layouts! 

Cheers, Sue

Have you used our Stampin' Write Markers?  I use mine all the time.  You can use them to colour directly to rubber for multicoloured images, for watercolouring, for colour coordinated scrapbook journaling and heaps more. 

Register now for my 2009 Marker Club if you'd like to get the following:

• a full set of 48 Stampin' Write Markers in a handy storage case,

• plus a set of 4 Neutral Markers

• plus a Level 1 Hostess Stamp Set of your choice (from pages 17-19)

• plus $70 to spend on Stampin' Up! merchandise of your choice

• plus a marker tutorial each month to show you ways to use your new markers

• plus a small gift each month from me

The cost is $40 per month for 8 months - payable each month by direct deposit to my account, by cheque, or cash (in person only) and this includes postage/handling.

Each month (for 8 months) you will receive 6 Stampin' Write Markers, your tutorial plus a small gift to use for papercrafts.

For ONE of the eight months you will be the Marker Club Hostess.  That month you will receive your handy carry/storage case, a set of 4 Neutral Markers, the Level 1 Hostess Stamp Set you have selected, plus your choice of $70 of Stampin' Up! products.

OK Sounds Good, When Do We Start?

8 people are needed for a club to proceed, and you need to make an 8 month commitment to the group.  The first club will start once we have 8 names.

If you would like one of the remaining places in the first group, please contact me to register your interest.  Note:  4 spots left in the first group.

Phone: 0417 377 057 or (03) 9325 4913

Email: smadex@bigpond.com

Some Examples Of Ways To Use Your Markers

Stampin' Write Marker Info

Stampin' Write Markers are dual tipped.

One end has a 0.5mm fine point and the other has a brush tip.

They contain water based dye ink and are odourless.

Store your markers horizontally to keep the ink evenly distributed between both tips.

The carry case is designed for horizontal storage of your markers.

Interested?  Register today to join the crew for my 2009 Marker Clubs.

Phone or email if you have any Marker Club questions.  I'd be happy to help.

Cheers, Sue

Have you got a Cropadile in your tool kit?   I reach for mine regularly to set eyelets, punch holes and dry emboss.   (If you would like to purchase one, check out my Cropadile and Eyelet bundle at the end of this post.)

If you'd like to know how to use a Cropadile, I've written 2 articles over at Aussie Scrapbooking with step by step instructions and some examples of cards and layouts.

Pt 1:  Setting Eyelets With A Cropadile

Pt 2: Dry Embossing With A Cropadile

For this card (featuring Stampin' Up's Outlaw Designer Series Paper) I've used the Cropadile to set the jumbo pewter eyelet, and to do the row of raised dots at the bottom.

Here's another example.  Should I mention this was my first attempt so my top row is a little wonky - for those with their detail glasses on.      :-)

A simple way to add a subtle but effective finishing touch to your card or scrapbook layout.

Sue's Cropadile and Eyelet Bundle

• Cropadile  $54.95

• Mat Pack $18.95  (or substitute a second Jumbo Eyelet pack)

• 2 Containers of Eyelets**,  $11.50 each pack, each pack contains 200 eyelets (50 each of 4 colours),  6 colour combos to choose from, Metallics, Rich Regals and Bold Brights are still currently listed as available, Soft Subtles, Earth Elements and Basic have sold out so be quick for this one

• 1 Container of Jumbo Eyelets $17.95    Choose from Antique Brass or Pewter, approx 60 eyelets

• Plus I'll email you my Cropadile Instruction Sheet to print out with a step by step illustrated guide to using your cropadile for setting eyelets and dry embossing, and a handy small reference box with the settings to use for your Stampin' Up Eyelets.

BUNDLE COST:  $110 including postage

** Note:  The smaller sized eyelet packs are all on the retiring list so these are only available while stocks last.   3 colour combos have sold out already.

Phone 0417 377 057 or email smadex@bigpond.com to place your order.

Cheers, Sue

I love eyelets but used to find them a bit of a pain to set - getting out my mouse mat and mallet and eyelet setter and hole punch ..... 

How about a handheld tool that does all that and makes eyelet setting a breeze?  Meet Cropadile.  (I have a special Cropadile Bundle offer at the end of this post if you'd like to add one to your tool kit.)

If you'd like to read my step by step instructions for how to set eyelets with a Cropadile then head over to Aussie Scrapbooking for my latest article. 

Click here - Aussie Scrapbooking Article:  How To Set Eyelets With A Cropadile

Plus you'll find some cards, scrapbook layouts and tags with eyelets added as a finishing touch. 

You can find the Cropadile and our range of eyelets and jumbo eyelets on page 145 of our catalogue.  A Mat Pack is a handy addition too with a template to help with accurate setting. You can also use this when you're dry embossing with your Cropadile .  (Stay tuned for another Aussie Article about that very soon.)

If you love eyelets perhaps you'd be interested in this bundle I've put together.

Sue's Cropadile and Eyelet Bundle

• Cropadile  $54.95

• Mat Pack $18.95  (or substitute a second Jumbo Eyelet pack)

• 2 Containers of Eyelets,  $11.50 each pack, each pack contains 200 eyelets (50 each of 4 colours),  6 colour combos to choose from

• 1 Container of Jumbo Eyelets $17.95    Choose from Antique Brass or Pewter, approx 60 eyelets

• One free SAB stamp set.  Choose of the 4 SaleABration Stamp Sets with this bundle.  (You can find the SaleABration Catalogue here to help you choose your stamp set.) 

• Plus I'll email you my Cropadile Instruction Sheet to print out with a step by step illustrated guide to using your cropadile for setting eyelets and dry embossing, and a handy small reference box with the settings to use for your Stampin' Up Eyelets.

BUNDLE COST:  $110 including postage - only until the end of February.

Phone 0417 377 057 or email smadex@bigpond.com to place your order.

Cheers,  Sue

Just recently I added some Chunky Glitter and Tombow Glue to my craft supplies.  (You can find them in the Summer Mini. Pg 15) 

Quite liking working with them both.  The glitter is of course nice and sparkly and as an added bonus I find it cleans up easily too!  I think because it is a little chunky and heavier, it doesn't stick to my scrap paper and the excess tips back into the container with ease.  

The Tombow glue has a pen applicator and a broad tip applicator. 

It is a liquid glue, removable or permanent (just follow the directions) and acid free.  Use it on paper, photos, cardboard and .... with chunky glitter! 

The Tombow Glue is listed as $12.95 in the Summer Mini but the price has been revised to $7.95.  Aaaahhh - lovely!

In our Sparkle Class this month we're all making one square card using a set from For A Friend (Hostess Stamp Set) and trying out the glue and glitter.  You can find one version back on this post.  

Here's another combination for a quick baby card. 

(Speaking of baby cards - you should check out Lin Mei's gorgeous baby card  for her new niece using that little pin from Short and Sweet.  Isn't it just adorable!  I love the big pin she made using a range of punches.)

The Recipe:

Stamp Sets: For A Friend (Hostess Set.)  I've done the background with one of the flowers from Polka Dot Punches - one of the SaleABration Sets.

Cardstock: Pretty In Pink, Purely Pomegranate, Spring Fling Designer Series Paper for the lovely dotty piece

Ink: Basic Gray and Pretty In Pink

Other: Tombow Glue and Chunky Glitter, Rose Red Marker

Just a simple quickie with a touch of sparkle.   I really like the stamps from Polka Dot Punches as a background.  (And I've got a card to show you soon that features them a little more prominently.) 

Happy Friday!  Have a great weekend.

Cheers,

Sue

If you went to one of my January classes last month you will have made this card:

There were a few colour/patterned paper combinations to choose from.  Some people put the congratulations on the front, and the rest of the greeting inside the card.  Or left off the rest of the greeting so they could add it when an occasion arose.  Good idea!

Thought I'd show a variation that is stepped up just a little with some sponging on the base card, patterned strip, flower and scallop circle.   (This one is in Madex Creations February Newsletter.  Have you got your copy yet??  Register your email address at the top of the right column and I'll send one through now, then at the start of each month.)

The base card (and sponging) is Blue Bayou and I've sponged Soft Sky onto the patterned strip and the edges of the flower and scallop.  (You can get the flowers and rhinestone brads, plus pearls, beads and hat pins in a Pretties Kit.  If you'd like a share of a kit for $12.50, check this page for details.)

I used my little sponge daubers.  It took me a while to get the hang of these little handy sponging tools but I love them now.  At first I was getting circular 'blobs' but use a gentler touch now, and begin off the cardstock on my scrap paper and quite like the effect.  Mostly I like the fact that my fingertips don't get as inky!  I do love my inks but inky fingers is not always the look I am after!

These little guys are on page 150.  I'm keeping one for each colour I use regularly.  (I've inked up 6 so far, so have another 6 to go.)  On the same page you can find the other sponging option - packs of 3 circular sponges you can cut into wedges.  I like Marelle's idea of holding them with a little bulldog clip so the fingertips stay a little cleaner, and also for greater control. 

Happy sponging!

Cheers, Sue

Had a sudden urge to glitter something on the weekend so Hannah (6) and I spent some time at my craft desk.  A touch of sparkle always brightens the day ... (and the floor!) 

The Recipe

Stamp Sets:  Paisley Background Stamp (loving this at the moment) and Bodacious Blooms (love the big bold flowers)

Colours:  Elegant Eggplant cardstock and ink, Whisper White craft ink

Other: Eleg Eggplant ribbon, Heat and Stick Powder plus Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and my Heat Gun, and of course raided my Pretties Kit for those rhinestone brads, hatpin, pearls and beads.

Pretties Kit - Hatpins:

Take the end off the hatpin and thread your beads and pearls on.  There are tiny spacer beads to put between them. 

I've used a glue dot on the top bead and bottom pearl to hold it in place. 

They are very handy those little glue dots.  You can find them on page 148 and you get 250 for $9.50. 

I've only just discovered them on a recent browse through the catalogue and now I use them all the time.  Great for sticking the halfback pearls on or ribbon or other embellishments.

February Classes - A Touch Of Sparkle

We'll be making some sparkly creations at my February classes.  4 dates to choose from.  Note: They book out quickly these days!   Details here.

Cheers, Sue

Oops - nearly forgot to post a pic of  Hannah's sparkly creation (DD 6.)  I manned the embossing gun but she managed the rest.  (And added a bunch of stuff from her rather large craft stash too.)

Blog Tour - Product Share Page

As well as giving my blog a bit of a facelift I've been through and added a few new features, and tweaked some of the old ones.  Here's the next step on the tour ....

A page I've added is the Product Share page.  Here you'll find details of any product shares I'm currently organising. 

Sometimes there are embellishments that you would like to share amongst a group of people.  And sometimes there are people who'd like a hand to find a group interested in the same knick knacks!   This is the spot. 

I'll list details of what the share includes, how much each share is and how many people we need to fill the group.  Once the group is full I'll contact you for payment by direct deposit or Paypal and can then order the product.  I'll split it into shares and post yours to you. 

If there is a product that you're interested in getting a share of, send me an email and I'll see what I can organise.

First up we have a Pretties Kit Share.  Two groups have been filled, ordered and posted and I'm taking names for the third group now.  Find all the details here.  If you love beads, those gorgeous hat pins, pearls and flowers then this is the share for you.  Or order a whole Pretties Kit tin for yourself during Jan/Feb and you'll be more than halfway to a free stamp set from the SaleABration catalogue.

Blog Tour - Search

I was hunting back through my blog to find this beaded card I did months ago and it took me AGES. 

So I figured maybe a Search Function would be handy. 

Hunted about and found a search widget to pop onto my blog and so now you can find the Search Section in the right column. 

Trusty old Google.  You can search just this site or the whole of cyberspace.  (Watch out - don't get lost out there!  I've been known to lose an hour or so thanks to good old Google.)

By the way if you need details on this card you can find them in this post.   One of my favourites.

More blog tour guide notes to follow soon!

Cheers, Sue

I've been looking forward to getting back into my inks again.  Today while Jack was napping I gathered together some supplies and had fun creating.

I used my SaleABration set - Botanical Blooms.  (Get this set free during Jan/Feb when you spend $100.)  A StampAMaJig is VERY handy for making use of this set.  Read on for some step by step instructions for how to colour your flowers.

The Recipe

Colours: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Sage Shadow and Very Vanilla.

For the greeting I've used a scrap of Wintergreen patterned paper that was mainly Sage Shadow in colour and coordinated well with the stamped panel.

Stamp Set: Botanical Blooms 

Accessories: Pretties Kit, Silver Hodgepodge and my new Designer Label punch.

Colouring Flowers

White flowers and Vanilla cardstock - no that just won't do.  Do you have some of the white flowers in the Pretties Kit?  You can colour them to match your inks and cardstock.  Here is one way to do this:

I'm using a couple of sponge daubers (pg150) and my ink pads to add some colour to these two flowers.

Just dab your sponge dauber onto your ink pad then onto your flower. 

Keep building up the colour until you're happy with the look.

Now - believe me this is the most important step.  ( I think I should write it in BIG LETTERS and stick it to my notice board.)

Leave it to dry.

No really - leave it to dry.  (Perhaps I should staple it to my forehead!)

No taking short cuts with this step.  (Yes I am talking to myself here, am a bit inclined to rush!)

See that lovely Pale Plum small flower there above. 

Now look at my completed card!  Yes I will 'fess up - I decided to layer it 5 minutes after I'd finished sponging it and some of the darker ink speckled the lighter flower, so I had to make it a little darker. 

Next time I will LEAVE IT TO DRY.  Hee hee.

The flowers look great with a rhinestone brad or a pearl in the centre.

There are other ways to colour your flowers - use a brush or aquapainter, or markers, or ink from an ink refill bottle. 

Cheers, Sue

If you'd like to get some flowers, pearls, hatpins and beads to create with - grab a Pretties Kit for $55.95.  (Pg 144.)  Or check this page for how to get 1/5 of a kit for $12.50 incl postage.