Archive for the ‘Creativity’ Category

I’ve had a bit of a creative block lately and today it was nice to pull out some stamps and ink have the creative juices flowing.

Well it officially became Spring on Wednesday however the last two days its felt like Autumn again so I pulled out some Autumn colours as some customers have asked for ‘male’ cards.  I then decided that if I’m doing Autumn colours then I should use an ‘Autumn’ stamp set and there’s no better Autumn set than Autumn Days.

  I love this wheat stamp!

This is a very quick and easy card and you can adapt it for any occasion just by changing the sentiment.

The sentiment on this card is from the Sense of Time stamp set which I am glad to say is in the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue.

Recipe:
Stamps: Autumn Days, Sanded, Sense of Time
Paper: Soft Suede, More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Inks: More Mustard, Soft Suede, Always Artichoke
Accessories: 1 1/4″ square punch, 1 3/8″ square Punch, Sponge Daubers, Crimper, Stampin Dimensionals.

Have you got your copy of the new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue yet?  Its 164 beautiful pages of stamps, accessories, colours, tools and ideas – its a must have!  Email or ring me today to arrange your copy – or arrange a date to hold your demonstration and get the gorgeous catalogue for free!

I do hope you like this card and I hope the ladies tomorrow night like it too!

cos the ESAD 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue Blog Hop is here!

I do hope you have got yourself a cuppa and a biscuit – maybe even a chocolate one as there are 25 lovel blogs as part of this New Catalogue tour!

What is ESAD?

ESAD stands for Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators and it is an online group just for Australian and New Zealand demonstrators for Stampin’ Up!

We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends, and wonderful blog visitors but we share our love
for what we do with each other as Demonstrators. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know how and cyberstamps and we are
always there to help and support each other when its needed.

So if you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group. Now if you’re not a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and would like to be please email me for a ‘no obligaton’ information pack.

Now as I’m the first in the blog hop you just keep going until you get back to me – easy   Also, if you happen to come across a link that doesnt have their posts up then scroll down to the bottom of the last blog post you were on and there will be a list of all the blogs involved.

We have blog Candy!

This blog hop we are offering blog candy for those who take the time and effort to visit every blog and leave a comment on all the blogs. All you have to do to be entered into the draw is to visit each blog and leave a comment on each one. Once you’ve done this email me and let me know you’ve fulfilled the requirment and  advised your name, email and location and I will enter you into the draw! How easy is that??

Now onto my project ….

One of the great new sets in the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue is called Artistic Etchings and I was lucky enough to be able to pre-order this set – one of the benefits of being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is being able to pre-order stamps before the catalogues are released to the general public.

Now I wanted to make something more than just a few cards and I’ve mentioned before that I love using the Stampin’ Up! notecards.  So I designed a ‘bag’ that would fit the notecards inside.

So using the notecard size  I went about designing the little briefcase and I just love how it turned out. I deliberated for quite some time on how to get the briefcase to get the texture of a real bag and decided that it would be easier to just use my stamp pad to create the lines/scratches on it. Then I just stamped some of the images from Artistic Etchings on the case to mimic those luggage bags with stickers and labels on them.

The three little cards fit in the briefcase perfectly and it uses a velcro dot to close the bag.  Here are the cards …

Now as I was making the briefcase and cards I thought of making a concertina passport photo book. I then remembered that my neice and her hubby are currently living in the UK and have made a couple of trips over to Europe and in particular France so I messaged Cath and asked if I could use some of their photo’s to which she was happy to do so.

So I set to work on the Passport.  Again I made it the size of the notecards so it would fit in the briefcase – and this way I wouldnt have to make another bag!  I downloaded and printed the photo’s I wanted to use and then set about to create the concertina part. I placed the photo’s without sticking them down so I knew where to put my stamps.Once I’d stamped and sponged the pages I popped the photo’s in and tagged them and I was done.

The Paris label on the front was printed on cardstock using word and I then attached the frame from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge (which I’m glad is in the new Catalogue) and popped it on the front.  It might look involved but it really was quite easy once I’d worked out where to put what photo.

I do hope you like what I’ve made as I really did enjoy making these two little projects. It’s Cath’s birthday later this month so I’m going to send the briefcase and the passport over to her – I do hope she likes it!

Now its time to head off on your journey to the next Blog that’s part of the hop being the lovely Keryn Campbell from New Zealand (see I knew you’d need a passport!!)

Here’s a list of all the ladies participating in the blog hop just in case one of the links in the posts dont work …

So today it is a new day, a new month, a new season and we have a new Catalogue and new specials!  Whew its gunna be a good good day

First things First … new Idea Book & Catalogue!!

doesnt it look beautiful?? and how good does it look in my sidebar?  Just click on the image and you’ll go straight to the catalogue so you can view it online right now!  I have copies here if you want your own so contact me today to arrange your copy or why not book your spot at my 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue Launch Party on either 17th or 18th September?

The new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue is full of lovely new stamp sets, accessories, papers, tools and cardstock so you’ll need to make a cuppa and have a good long look – now what do you think I will buy first??

In past years when the new  Idea Book & Catalogue has been launched we havent had other promotions to thrill you will – well who needs them with new stamps to buy?? Well I’m happy to announce we have two new promotions for you for the month of September!

We have lovely new colours for you to fall in love with!!

We’ve been telling you for a while now about the new Colour Renovation – well its now here and to help you get all the colours you need without having to double up on those colours you already have Stampin’ Up! have designed ‘Colour Renovation Kits’ for you to purchase.  There are five lovely kits to purchase and they are Cardstock, Markers, Crayons, In Colours  and Classic Ink Pads. You can get full details of all the kits here

but wait!! there’s more …

(Sorry couldnt resist!)

How would you like to get this awesome In Colour kit for free?  yes free!!

Oh how nice is this??

When you join my Stampin’ Up! team during September you will receive this In Colour Kit absolutely free!  Thats a bonus $84.95 worth of products free!

but wait!! there’s more …

The Stampin Up! Starter kit has also had a renovation … and its now cheaper to join! Yes thats right … the Starter Kit is now just $289!!

Check this out …

How cool is this kit?? You can click on the image for more information or email me today for your free ‘no obligation’ information pack.  Wouldnt you like to have a fun job like mine?  All you need to join is a desire to have fun, a credit card and an Australian Business Number. You can even join online at my Demonstrator Website – just click on the Join Today button below and youre on your way to having the best job in the world!  The password you will need is “Latte2010″ to complete the Agreement.

Dont forget to pop back at 10am to do the ESAD New Catalogue Blog Hop!

and neither do old Catalogues!!  They are thoughtfully placed on the shelf for easy reference for ideas and motivation!

Yes today is the last day for both the 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalogue and the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue – it will be a sad moment when I put these two lovely Catalogues on the shelf but then when I turn around I’ll have a gorgeous new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue to not only purchase from but also draw some inspiration and motivation from.  It has 161 pages of gorgeous stamps, papers, accessories and samples to drool over and I know you will love it just as much as I do!

Today’s card uses a new stamp set – Friends Never Fade and some new Designer Series paper from the Greenhouse Gala pack.

This is a sweet and very simple card to do and it also uses the gorgeous Polka Dot Textured Impressions embossing folder.

I know you are going to love all the new Designer Series Papers and all the dies and folders for the Big Shot as I do and I cant wait to share more of them with you.

Now dont forget – tomorrow morning at 10am is when the ESAD “New Catalogue” Blog Hop starts and it starts right here!!  So make sure you kick the kids out the door early tomorrow and grab a cuppa and a couple of biscuits to get you through the 25 blogs who are all showcasing items from the new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue.

Catalogue Launch Party

I am holding two Launch parties for the new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue – yep not one but two!  I thought I’d hold two that way those that work during the week can come on the Saturday and those that done can come on the Friday.

So if you’d like to come along and see the new products and stamps showcased then please contact me today to reserve your spot. You can choose Friday 17th September or Saturday 18th September.

Now that Saturday also happens to be my birthday so there will also be Birthday Cake to share with you and as well as a couple of projects for you to make and take home we’ll also have a couple of door prizes and lots of fun and laughter … and chocolate   If you dont already have your catalogue you can purchase it on the day for just $10 (usually $12,95) or get it for free when you place an order of $100 or more on the day or book your own demonstration.

Dont forget to contact me and book your spot as my house is not huge and I want it to be comfortable for everyone!

Remember … ESAD “New Catalogue” Blog Hop starts right here at 10am tomorrow … so synchronise those watches now!

Its that time again – a new round of the Secret Stampin’ Sister program! I cant believe we are up to round 4 already!

I’ve received  a couple of gorgeous cards this month and I wanted to share them with you today.

How nice is this card?

These arent colours I would have put together but dont they look so very nice?? Colours used are Kraft (Crumb Cake), Baja Breeze and Elegant Eggplant.  I’m going to add this one to my Stamp A Stack Selection – I love it.

I love the touch of the Elegant Eggplant ribbon and the scrunched flower.

They have used the lovely Medallion stamp too – I thought it odd when I’d made those Medallion cards the other week and here comes one in the mail for me!

Now I received this card a couple of weeks ago and then yesterday I received the second card for the month of August.

How cool is this one?? and just in time for Father’s Day too!

This card is so neat … and I love how the tie and shirt have matching hankies in the pocket! Too cool – the Designer Series Paper used here is the Windsor Knot papers which will retire on 31st August but suit this card so well.

Now with every good suite the jacket opens up as shown below and the shirt layer opens to reveal a white background for you to pop your message onto …..

Now dont forget the Last Chance List and those items that are discounted even more than before – also I’m still offering free post on all orders up till 31st August so get on the phone or shoot me an email with your order and how you wish to pay.

As you must be aware by now the current 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalogue and the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue both finish on 31st August which is just next week!

Stampin’ Up! have advised this morning that they have given more discounts on items being discontinued … just feast your eyes upon this …

*CO=Carryover Flyer
*AW=Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue

Wow how good are these prices?? Its jaw-dropping stuff!

So grab your phone and contact me today to take advantage of this super sale!!  Remember they are only available while stocks last and I am offering free shipping until 31st August, 2010.

Get your orders in soon, before these products are gone forever!

Being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator has brought many wonderful people into my life and some of these just happen to be other demonstrators.  I run an online forum for demonstrators from Australia and New Zealand called ESAD (Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators)  and through this group I’ve met lots of wonderful ladies and also as we share our creations online with those demonstrators we find ourselves inpired and motivated by others.

One such card that inspired these cards today was created by Julia Leece – a demonstrator from New Zealand.

Here is my card in the lovely purple tones of Elegant Eggplant and Pale Plum

I love these colours together and will be so sad to see Pale Plum retire next week – its been one of my favourites over the four years I’ve been a Demonstrator.

I loved this card so much that I decided to make a few in different colours ….

The other colour combinations I’ve used here are Baja Breeze/Basic Black and Pretty in Pink/Chocolate Chip – these make a lovely Stamp A Stack card and the girls enjoyed making them here the other week. This is another versatile card that would suite any occasion just by changing the sentiment.

Now dont forget there is just one week left to order anything from the current 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue and the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue as these books both finish on 31st August.

Now as a special offer to my lovely and loyal customers from now until 31st August anyone placing an order of $100 or more I will pay the shipping and handling!  So this gives you a little more spending money right? Dont forget to check out the Last Chance List and the Availability List here.

So go grab a cuppa and have a good look through both catalogues and get your orders to me – you can email me or ring me.

Sorry for not posting the last couple of days … I got my birthday present early and have been playing with it and configuring it and trying to work out how to get it to do what I want it to do – what is ‘it’??  It’s an iPad!  I’m not as impressed as I thought I’d be but I’m slowly working it out.

If you remember I had my lovely friend Tanya come stay for a few days at the beginning of the month and one of the projects she brought kits for us (us being my lovely friend Lisa and myself) to make is this awesome 3d Truck complete with cards!

How cool is this truck? and doesnt every girl need a pink truck? I think so!!  Looking at the above image I’m thinking we could even pop on some swirls or flourishes around the fender. Now that would be cool would it not?

Here are the lovely cards we made to pop inside ….

They are like a gate fold. Now when I was making my cards I got a bit of a serve from the girls asking why I put the presents and pets in the back. Well when you move you have to take the pets right?? and there will also be all those housewarming presents you’ll need to pick up too!! Or maybe they are all the new stamps and accessories in the upcoming 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue!!

Now if you didnt want to put cards in the back of the truck you’d be able to fit in some coffee/hot chocolate sachets, chocolates, gift card, small stamp set, ribbons, brads, glimmer paints, gorgeous new sizzlits dies or some of the lovely new textured impressions embossing folders! So much to choose from!!

Now you wont fit the new Idea Book & Catalogue in the back of that truck but you can arrange your own copy from me as I have received my order of 4 boxes!

You can get yours by ….

• paying $10 plus postage. Now if you live close by and can pick it up or I can drop it off you wont have to pay the postage. Also, you will receive a rebate of $10 on your first order from the new catalogue of $100 or more.
• book a workshop & get it for free – its that easy!

Now if you do happen to purchase yours from me and after reading the book decide you need a workshop to earn the awesome new products for free then I will give you a voucher valued at $10 to use at your workshop.

Contact me today to arrange your workshop and get your free catalogue!

Ribbon Spools ?

Well empty ones at least!

You can pull the spools apart and remove the circle pieces of cardboard. Now you could keep one of each size and use these as circle templates – that is until you’ve saved the money to buy the Circle Scissor Plus!

These can also be used to create curves and rounded corners larger than the punch does or theres always the templates for making pom poms! Do kids still do that these days?? I know I always used to make them as a kid – ahh childhood memories – gotta love them!

But what about the plastic spools???

Well this is what you can do with the spools ……………

You can make them any height and you can pop in so many different things …

• ribbons
• smarties
• buttons
• m&m’s
• brads
• chocolate bars – well long skinny ones like this White Knight or Curly Wurlys
• roll up money and pop inside
• keys to the new car (I wish)
• a map with directions to the new iPad (now that would make an awesome birthday gift!)
• coloured pencils
• watercolour crayons
• a lovely pen

So many different ideas!  All you need to do is to measure around your spool and thats how wide you cut your piece of acetate and the height is up to you! Use sticky strip to hold it all together and your done – soooo easy!  If you wanted to jazz up your tubes then you could always use the lovely printed window sheets in the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue.

Dont forget to keep an eye on the Last Chance List and the availability list and make sure you put your order in before the items you want are gone for good.

Also, I should have my delivery of new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogues over the next few days so if you havent pre-ordered yours you’d better do so soon!

Just a quick note that a few of the ESAD girls are busy making samples to introduce the new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue to our lovely customers and blog readers.

So be sure to check back on the 1st September so you can start hopping along and viewing all the gorgeous art work. You can start here on 1st September and all the projects will be up at 10am Sydney time so mark your diaries!