Clean and simple is my favourite style of card.  Doesn't this branch die from the Artistic Dies look elegant silhouetted in black on a crumb cake base?  I've also used the Rectangle Stitched dies and the Bark Embossing Folder to add a little texture.  That snazzy greeting shape is from the Pierced Blooms dies.  One nice thing about putting my dies on black magnetic backing sheets is that it helps really highlight those extra ones you find in packs like this great shape.  I know I'll be using that one a lot.  Well worth throwing a pack of those adhesive backed Artistry Blooms sequins into your cart when you're next ordering - they're great colours and so easy to add to a project for a final simple flourish.  

How are you?  I'm super grateful I managed to get away for a lovely craft retreat last weekend before the cases took off again and we are back to staying close to home.  A handful of friends and I went to Craftaways in Rye.  It is a great little place all set up for groups of up to 10 crafters or quilters.  Had a most enjoyable weekend of getting back into the creating mood again after a bit of a break away from the inks.  I was rather chuffed with myself that I managed to get all my craft gear unpacked and put away just after I got back - that sometimes takes me a few weeks.  Wink!  

Hope you are keeping warm and keeping the spirits up. 

Take care, Sue

Would you like a tour of my craft room?  I always love seeing people's craft spaces.  Here's mine on a sort of tidy day.  :-)  

Hannah turned 18 last week (I know - how fast does time fly!)  We couldn't get together with family and friends as we usually would so we had to think a little outside the box to make the day special. 

I've used the Christmas Countdown Project Kit and decorated it with some pretty colours to make this set of gorgeous drawers.  Each drawer has a message from grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins plus our clan.  Just print off the greetings and wishes and fold them to go in the little drawers.  

Doesn't it come up well all decorated.  I've used Peony Garden DSP plus a little of the In Good Taste DSP (patterned paper.)  I've also used some Whisper White embossed with Greenery embossing folder.  (In my video below I accidentally said shimmery white but it is the whisper white.)  I've cut some leaves from Champagne foil for a little extra shine, and added some Beaded Pearls and Elegant Faceted Gems.

The set of blank drawers come in your kit (along with some Christmas decorating parts to make an advent calendar.)  To repurpose it, just choose your favourite patterned paper or coloured cardstock to make an alternative set of drawer fronts to decorate for a special occasion.  Cut each drawer front piece to 5cm square and you can either trace one of the templates from the kit and cut with scissors or a HUGE shortcut would be to get a 1" circle punch.  I didn't have one of those but I did have the Timeless Label punch and just used the edge of that.  It is a little shallower than the circles in the kit but still worked well and was a lot easier than cutting with the scissors.  

I made a matching card and envelope using some of the same supplies.  

Here's a shopping link if you need any of the supplies I've used:  Project Supplies

I've put together a video giving a closer look and a few more tips for this project.  

Thanks to the lovely Ann from Complete Balloon Decorating in Buckley St, Essendon for the beautiful balloons.

And thanks to the lovely Helena from Bakes By Her for the extra special cupcakes and biscuits.

Wow - doesn't really seem ALL that long ago that Hannah was a cute little bub and now she's 18 and soon to finish school.  That saying is so true - the days are long but the years are short.  Wishing you every happiness Hannah.  xx

Happy creating.  

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

Time to say bye to another favourite stamp set Beautifully Baroque.  I've used the baby wipe ink technique for this one - basically lay a baby wipe on a plastic plate and drip in a few colours of reinker.  I've used Cherry Cobbler, Island Indigo and Crushed Curry.  Then use that as a temporary ink pad.  Here's my card ....

Shimmery White cardstock again. 

Here's a closer look at how I did my greeting.  I inked up my greeting in Island Indigo and stamped it off on scrap paper twice before stamping it onto my Shimmery White.   Then stamped my greeting (from the retiring set Lacy And Lovely) over the top in Cherry Cobbler. 

Time to grab out the framelits and find one that fits.  This one is from Apothecary Accents.  The oval was a good fit too. 

Some sponging and tiny pearls to finish. 

Speaking of retiring products - I think our online stores have been having some wobbles and not many products are showing up in the Retiring Item section.  The techs are working on it as we speak so check back soon and they should reappear. 

Or check the retired lists here as a PDF:   Retiring Stamps

Retiring Accessories

You can phone or email through your order and payment details if you'd like something before it is no longer available at the end of the month.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Cheers, Sue

Another variation on the congratulations card I shared the other day.  This one is on a crumb cake base.  The lace ribbon is a nice one to add in with a little feature bundle of ribbons.

While we're talking about congratulating team members - If you're looking for a home based business, perhaps Stampin' Up is for you.  I've loved combining it with being a stay at home mum, and now with being a part time primary school teacher.  I find it very flexible and it has been truly rewarding - in helping to pay the bills and even providing a couple of holidays for John and I, in creative terms as I've built up my craft stash and techniques, but mostly in friendships as I've met some really lovely people through my 6 years as a demonstrator.  Get in touch if you'd like some more info and perhaps we can be congratulating you in a year or two! 

I loved getting reaquainted with my embossing products while I made these congrats cards.  I haven't embossed in ages - I'm sure there were cobwebs on my gear!  Such a lovely addition to a card though so well worth getting the heat gun out.  Here's the rich, gorgeous Cherry Cobbler embossing powder.

Do you love embossing?  I seem to manage to get it everywhere but I do love it. 

Happy stamping!

Cheers, Sue

We've had lots of excitement lately in my Stampin' Up team with some girls who've worked to achieved big promotions.  Perfect time to sit down and make some congratulations cards. 

I loved the Happy Congratulations set in the Occasions catalogue so this was a nice opportunity to give it a run. 

A few years ago at our Stampin' Up convention I learnt a trick from one of the demonstrator presenters (now who was that - I forget, if you know leave a comment and I'll link!)  It was a nice way to use ribbon scraps as a feature on a card.  Just lay some lengths together and tie them with a longer piece. 

Storing and Using Scraps Tip:  Ever since I've been saving my ribbon offcuts in a basket in a drawer and every now and then I grab a bundle that seem to work together and add them to a creation.

Products Featured:

Happy Congratulations Stamp Set

Occasions Catalogue: Page 37

Wood $28.95   Clear  $22.95

A set of 4 stamps - very elegant. 

Check it out more closely here. 

Gold Sequin Trim

Occasions Catalogue: Page 23

$8.95

Feel like a bit of sparkle, perhaps a touch of disco?

Quite loving this sparkly sequin trim.  Right here. 

Other products:  Cherry Cobbler base, Crumb Cake panel, Fresh Prints DSP stack for the patterned paper piece, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Gold and Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powders, Heat Gun, Very Vanilla for the tag, and some ribbons.

Got anyone to congratulate this month?  I made 3 cards using the same design but different colours so I've got a couple of other variations to share in the coming weeks - stay tuned. 

And since I do really love a good inspirational quote, maybe I'll finish off with one I saved this week.  Do you have any favourite quotes?  I've always loved collecting ones that speak to me.

Have a great week and happy stamping!

Cheers, Sue

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 [email protected]

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

September 1st is here and that means it is time to launch the new Stampin' Up Idea Book and Catalogue for 2011/2012. 

Click here to view the new catalogue online:  Current Catalogue 

If you'd like a copy to pore over in person, drop me a line and I'll organise one. 

$15 includes postage to your door.   $10 to pick up.

Grab a cuppa first - there's lots of yummy new goodies inside. 

Some of my favourites so far ....

Pg 7 - The fabulous new hostess rewards scheme.  Earn hostess dollars on orders/workshops of $300 or more. 

Pg 59 - Dinoroar - A fabulous cute set for those little dinosaur fans.  Perfect for kids cards.

Pg 89 - Creative Elements - love this set!  And flip over a page for Delicate Doilies - another favourite of mine.

Pg 95 - Four Frames - works with our Decorative Label Punch.  Been waiting for this one.

Pg 127 - Can't wait to get my hands on some Mocha Morning Specialty Paper with some gorgeous flocked sheets.

Pg 139 - Cherry Cobbler wide striped ribbon - Yay!

Pg 140 - 5 designs of the new Designer Fabric plus the adhesive roll (iron on.)  Mmmmmm!

Pg 145 - Cherry Cobbler embossing powder.  (Can you tell I love Cherry Cobbler?!)

Pg 151 - Can't wait to try the Doily Triple Layer punch and love my new Lace Ribbon Border punch.

Pg 157 - Some new embossing folders - love the stripes.

..... and better not forget Pg 163 since I'm a big storage fan.  Love the clear block caddy and Die Storage. 

So that's a few of my favourites - what has caught your eye?  Leave a comment and let me know.

Here's a card that features a few new products .....

 
Stamp Sets:  Delicate Doilies and Perfectly Penned

DSP: Timeless Portrait

Colours: Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

New Catalogue Launch

Local Ladies - there's room left for my Catalogue Launches if you'd like to come along on Wed 14th or Thurs 15th September.  Details here.    Avondale Heights, Melbourne.

September Starter Kit Specials:  

If that's not enough exciting news for one day, there's a couple of great specials this month too. 

If you've ever thought of becoming a demonstrator yourself - either to pursue as a business, or just to buy for yourself - there are two starter kit specials on during September. 

$169 Mini Starter Kit

If you've been thinking of joining but already have a nice collection of Stampin' Up supplies then this is the kit for you.  With contents valued at $310, you'll get all the benefits of becoming a demonstrator for just $169.    Find out what is in the mini kit here:  Mini Kit Details

20% Off The Full Starter Kit

If you'd prefer the full starter kit, boosted with some new additions now and valued at over $610 - then during September it is 20% off.   That means just $231.20 during September.   Check out the full starter kit here:  Full Starter Kit

If you'd like to join the crew - get in touch and I can answer any questions you've got, tell you about the demonstrator benefits, and get you started.  It is quick and easy to join online.

......  So happy New Catalogue Day!  I look forward to sharing some new catalogue creations with you over the month.  Get in touch if I can help you with any September Stampin' Up questions.

Cheers, Sue

Back again with another bleach card to show you.  After June classes were over I decided to try the bleach technique with a few different colours.  Concord Crush just changes a little but I loved the subtle effect.

Once again I've used Elements Of Style (page 99.)  Such a beautiful image for all the techniques involoving colouring.  I clear embossed it onto the background and left this uncoloured.  

Then clear embossed it again for the feature panel and coloured it in with the bleach filled aquapainter.

The greeting is from Teeny Tiny Sentiments (the greeting set for just about every occasion!) 

Some Basic Pearls (pg 140) team up well with the Modern Label punch (pg 146/7.)

I had a leftover scrap of cardstock with part of a bleached flower so used that for the inside of the card.

I quite like these ones I tried on Cherry Cobbler and Rich Razzleberry so must turn them into cards too over the school hols. 

I could keep myself amused for quite a while testing out the various colours.  (And procrastinating from doing housework - grin!!)

Have a great day.  Check back tomorrow for some exciting July news!

Cheers, Sue

My newsletter ladies will recognise this card.  It features the Beveled Windowpanes on page 16 of the Autumn Mini and the butterfly from Nature Walk stamp set.

The base is Early Espresso, the bottom panel is Soft Suede - embossed using the Framed Tulips embossing folder, and the top panel is Naturals Ivory.  I love the subtle fleck in this cardstock.  Early Espresso taffeta ribbon and some hemp twine to finish, plus some glue dots to help attach the windowpanes.

The windowpanes are a nice way to highlight something on your card or project.  Here's a closer look.  There are 3 sizes in the pack - 2.5 x 2.5cm, 2.5 x 3.2cm and 3.8 x 5cm.  I've used the largest one on today's card.   A pack of 12 (4 of each size) is $16.95, or perhaps you'd like to share them with a friend or two. 

Hannah's Candle

Hannah and I had a craft evening recently stamping on candles.  I can't show you mine as it is for my Marker Club  girls, but Hannah was very proud of her creation so let's share that one.

She used a combination of Vintage Vogue and Friends Never Fade.   She is definitely taking after her mother as she took some step by step photos on her camera as well which made me smile. 

Have a lovely week.  Stay warm!  Rather chilly here in Melbourne this week - perfect weather for popping the heater on, staying indoors and doing some crafts.

Cheers, Sue