Now if you're in the mood for some baking and have found this post by googling raspberry tart recipes, you may be a little disappointed!  Or perhaps we can tempt you into some card making! 

I've been having fun creating with some of my pack of Raspberry Tart patterned papers.

As soon as I saw this stunner of a card by the super talented Carol Dunstan I just had to give it a go.  (Warning: if you go blog hopping over there you better make a cuppa first, there's heaps of inspiring cards!  I could get lost for hours, or til one of my munchkins gets hungry and comes hunting for a mother!) 

Anyway - here's my CASE.

My version simply uses some of the designs from the Raspberry Tart paper pack punched with the 1 1/4 inch punch, with some of the coordinating Cameo Coral and Kiwi Kiss cardstock.  The greeting is from Basic Phrases - my newest handy greeting set (pg 117.)

Can't wait to try it with another paper pack.  Remember patterned papers are on special this month - buy 3 packs from the list and get a 4th free.  The list to select from is here.  Until the end of May only.  Give me a holler if you'd like to place an order.  Hmm, what's the email equivalent of a holler?  If I was a Twitterer I could say give me a tweet.  Shhhh, more cards - lets get back to it.

Now of course, while the gear is all out, may as well try another!   Here's a Kiwi Kiss version with the gorgeous satin ribbon.

And another with a matching Sunny Boy gift bag.  (Thanks to Marelle's tutorial here.)  They're called Sour Cream containers in the US I believe.

This little bundle was for someone from my team who reached a milestone recently.  A big congratulations to Angela Dickins on her promotion.  You can find her gorgeous creations on her blog here.  (I love the title ' What the Dickins!  Very clever!!)  This card by Ange is one of my favourites.  I must get out my Circle Circus set and give it a go. 

The little sunny boy containers are perfect for popping in a few little goodies.  I loved Marelle's tip for folding over the rim and tying the top with ribbon rather than adhering that end too, saves wrecking the bag to get to what's inside!

And that's it for my Raspberry Tart creations.   Hope you liked them.  

I am so over the moon that it is Friday night and I get a lovely, lovely sleep in tomorrow morning.   (That's a tad sad isn't it, but I do love my Saturday mornings!)  Then we're off to help our nephews celebrate their 4th and 1st birthdays so lots of fun in store.  And I'm gas bagging sharing some creativity at the Milleara Market in Avondale Heights on Sunday from 9 til 3.  Pop by if you're in the area and would like to see some cards or ask product or stamping questions, or just for a hi!

And if you were REALLY looking for a raspberry tart recipe, I'm afraid I can't help but you might like my sister in law's Black Forest Cheesecake Slice Recipe - it's easy to make and DELICIOUS!

Have a marvellous weekend.

Cheers, Sue

This post is for those lovely ladies I know through my classes and workshops and other encounters, or perhaps through my blog, who are thinking about the May 'Join Stampin' Up for $150' Special and feeling a little tempted.  Hmmm, is that you??

If you're wondering if you'd like to become a demonstrator, and would like to chat further about the details, and ask questions over a cuppa, I'd like to invite you to my place on Monday May 18th, 7.30 - 8.30pm.   I can tell you more about the many demonstrator benefits, about what support I can share, and about my friendly team 'Think Ink.'   If you have questions about joining Stampin' Up or about what support I can offer and whether that's right for you, I hope I can help with answers.  We Think Ink girls would love to welcome some new faces to the crew.  Phone or email to let me know you're coming, or to arrange another time that suits if you can't make it along on that date.

I'm in Avondale Heights, in Melbourne's west.  I host team get togethers regularly through the year for those that like to catch up in person for some stamping and card making, and of course idea sharing and chatting! 

I am also very fortunate to have lots of talented ladies up my particular branch of the Stampin' Up family tree!  I am part of Claire Daly's Art With Heart team, and Angela Sargeant's Elite Stampers, which means my team have access to 2 great online forums.  Great for those that live further afield or who like to catch up in cyberspace to share ideas, tips, and encouragement.  So handy for those like me who tend to do that in the wee hours when 'in person' would mean we'd all be in our PJs!  There are product shares, challenges and heaps more available in our online forums, along with the opportunity to make some great friendships which I personally think is the nicest part.  

So what do you have to do as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator??

Its really up to you and what your plans are.  Some people join to get their gorgeous Stampin' Up! products at a discount (minimum 20% off) and build up their craft stash.  Some want to pass their catalogues around to family and friends, or hold workshops to help fund their craft habit ☺or perhaps bring in some extra $$. 

Some are like me.  I've found I really enjoy sharing my love of papercrafts with others through classes and workshops, and that it fits in well with my family and with my other commitments. There are great rewards and incentives, as well as lots of support for those who work to build strong thriving home based businesses.  And with such high quality products that generate their own excitement, its really quite easy too!

Whatever your goals, I'd love to welcome you to my team and help you towards them.

If all this has your heart racing just a little ....

(hmm quick pulse check pause)

... then please get in touch for more info, or come along for a cuppa and chat on Monday 18th May, at 7.30pm. 

Phone: 0417 377 057 or (03) 9325 4913   Email: smadex@bigpond.com

Or if you can't wait and want some more info NOW, you might like to check out this short video produced by Stampin' Up a few years back and released online this month.   Here's the link:

First Impressions Video:  Some more info about Stampin' Up!

Shelli Gardner introduces the video and it was so lovely to meet her at our recent Stampin' Up! convention.  She's such a warm positive person, and I'd never have guessed she's a grandmother! She's a good ad for keeping fit, active and enthusiastic!  The video was put together before Stampin' Up! launched in Australia but the content is informative for us here as well. 

Cheers, Sue (in her PJs of course!)

We have a special guest card maker today, one of the lovely ladies in my Think Ink team - Lydia.  She makes beautiful cards and runs stamping classes in Caroline Springs.  Here is one of her recent creations.

This one features the stamp set 'Time Well Spent' and Lydia has also used Short and Sweet for the greeting, the pastels to colour the layered flowers, Spring Fling Patterned Paper and the lovely soft Pretty In Pink taffeta ribbon.

We've been doing Rock and Roll technique in my March classes.  You can see some examples here and here.  There are 3 spaces left for the final Rock 'n' Roll class for this month.  Find all the details here if you'd like to join us.

Here's an elegant card Lydia made featuring Rock 'n' Roll technique.  I love this combination of Purely Pomegranate and Elegant Eggplant.

This card is based on a design in the magazine 'Australian  Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft' Vol 14, No 5 by Bev Mantle. 

LYDIA'S CLASSES: CAROLINE SPRINGS

Lydia runs stamping classes each month in Caroline Springs.  She has a technique class on Monday April 27th at 7pm.  Techniques are Embossing and Emboss Resist. 

For more information or to book for the class please phone Lydia on 0408503044 or email her at lovetocraft@bigpond.com

Thanks Lydia for sharing your cards with us.

Cheers, Sue

Sue Bayliss from my Think Ink team runs classes at her home in Essendon on the second Thursday of every month. 

Afternoon: 1.00 - 3.00pm    

Evening: 7.30 - 9.30pm

Class Cost   $15

In most classes you will complete 3 cards and sometimes a extra little project as well. 

Dates

Thursday Feb 12th 1.00pm - Watercolour Class including a Waterfall card

Thursday Feb 12th 7.30pm - Watercolour Class including a Waterfall card

Thursday March 12th 1.00pm - Embossing Class

Thursday March 12th 7.30pm - Embossing Class

How To Book:

You can contact Sue Bayliss by email: sandb53@bigpond.net.au  or by phoning 0423 792 655  if you'd like more information or would like to book a spot at the table for one of her classes.

Does your New Years Resolution list have 'try something new?'  Perhaps you'd like to try a stamping class.

I hold Technique Classes each month at my place in Avondale Heights.  They're lots of fun and a great way to try new techniques plus a range of Stampin' Up products.  They're also a great way to spend an enjoyable, relaxing evening with other people who share an interest in papercrafts.

For those people who have been keen on a class but have other commitments on Thursday evenings, you'll be pleased to know I've just listed a new night of the week - you'll find a Wednesday class on the list too. 

Check this page here for my latest class dates, topics and times.  Classes do book out so I'd recommend booking in early if there is a topic that interests you.  If a class you were hoping to attend is booked out, you might like to place your name on the waiting list in case of a cancellation.

Introducing Sue Bayliss

One of my new team members, Sue Bayliss, also runs stamping classes at her place in Essendon.  Sue makes lovely cards, gift boxes and other creations.

Here are the details for the classes she's holding over the next few months plus contact details for Sue if you'd like to attend.

Class Times

The second Thursday of every month I hold classes at my home in Essendon.

(Note: Jan class is the third Thurs of the month due to holidays.)

Afternoon Classes: 1.00 - 3.00pm

Evening Classes: 7.30 - 9.30pm

Class sizes are limited to 6 to ensure personal attention where needed.

Class Cost

$15 - this includes all requirements and materials for the class.  Just bring yourself and enjoy our classes.

Class Details

In most classes you will complete 3 cards and sometimes an extra little project as well.  Each class will focus on a particular technique so you can choose to attend classes that include techniques that appeal to you, or come and do them all if you would like to broaden your horizons.

Dates

Thursday Jan 15th 1.00pm - Chalk Class and Box in a Bag

Thursday Jan 15th 7.30pm - Chalk Class and Box in a Bag

Thursday Feb 12th 1.00pm - Watercolour Class including a Waterfall card

Thursday Feb 12th 7.30pm - Watercolour Class including a Waterfall card

Thursday March 12th 1.00pm - Embossing Class

Thursday March 12th 7.30pm - Embossing Class

How To Book:

You can contact Sue Bayliss by email: sandb53@bigpond.net.au  or by phoning 0423 792 655  if you'd like more information or would like to book a spot at the table for one of her classes.

Here are two of Sue's recent creations.  Aren't they stunning!

Join My Team

If you love cardmaking, scrapbooking and/or stamping, perhaps you'd like to join my team.  My friendly little team is called Think Ink and I'd love to welcome you to the group.  You'll have the opportunity to come along to team nights and make some cards together if you live locally, or can join the online forums we belong to if you are further afield.  This is a great way to get to know other Stampin' Up demonstrators from all over Australia.  We share ideas and encouragement, there are group challenges and sometimes we organise card swaps or product shares.

Email (smadex@bigpond.com) or phone 0417 377 057 if you'd like me to send you some more information about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.  Its loads of fun, whether you want to buy for yourself and friends/family, or build you own family friendly business.

Cheers, Sue