Now in saying all this it doesnt mean we dont share the Christmas Joy with our friends overseas where it is winter and snowing at Christmas and this is probably why “Christmas in July” is such a fun thing here in Australia and why some of my customers have asked for ‘Christmas in July’ Stamp A Stacks.

I splurged and purchased two new Christmas stamp sets the other week – not that they are new to Australia but just new to me I am sure some of my customers are over the cards I did last year with Snow Swirled, Lovely as a Tree and Wish for Peace although I still do love those sets so you might see another one or three cards made with those over the upcoming months.

If you have been a long time visitor to my blog you will know that I love to make Christmas Cards using ‘non’ Christmas stamp sets.  This past weekend I’ve been playing with the Autumn Days stamp set from the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue and made a couple of simple and very easy Christmas cards.

How nice is this?? and so easy to make and quick too!  I’ve just used the Pine Cone stamp from Autumn Days and stamped on the base card in Versarmark to give it the watermark look – you could even clear emboss the base card too to give it a little extra lift.

The main image is the same Pine cone stamp coloured with the Stampin Write markers then stamped onto Very Vanilla Cardstock. I’ve then stamped the Merry Christmas from Teeny Tiny Sentiments down the bottom and tied a ribbon around it – easy as!!

Do you like the second one??

The only difference is I’ve stamped the sentiment in green and tied the Red Taffeta Ribbon around the card. Now this bow has no tying! Yep no tying at all – this is so easy you’ll wonder why you hadnt thought of it before!

I got this idea from my lovely friend and downline Andrea Lowcock. You simply hold your ribbon in the bow shape, open a brad and have it so the prongs are going up and down then wrap the brad prongs around the ribbon. Adjust your bow before tightening the prongs. See …. easy!!!

These cards are just so so easy to make and would make a great Christmas card and you could do a bundle of these in just one night – even in front of the Television if you’re into multitasking!

The previous sets I’ve made were the one’s done for our Sale A Bration Spectacular and ESAD Blog Hop with the Rose is a Rose stamp set which can be found here.  I also made some very quick and easy notecards using the Thoughts and Prayers set which you can see here.

Now just recently I participated in the ESAD Secret Stampin Sister Swap and I thought about what to make and one of my sister’s friends said she loves the Pocket Silhouettes and didnt have that set. So in the last month in the Swap you send 2 cards, a handmade gift and a gift to the value of $30 so I ordered the Pocket Silhouettes set for her.  Then I wanted to make something using Pocket Silhouettes (my set not her new one!) so then my mind drifted off to the Notecards and I thought why not. I also thought I’d give some of our retiring subtle colours a bit of a last ‘hurrah’ so to speak.

This is the box I designed to pop the notecards into.  Its funny where you get inspiration from as the inspiration for this box came from and skin care sampler kit. One of those lightbulb moments! The paper I’ve used on the box is from Bella Rose Designer Series Paper pack.

These are the cards and envelopes that I made to put in the box … there were 6 in total with envelopes.

I love the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set as it has 4 different flower/leaf stamps plus two greetings and all for just $33.95 so it makes a very cost effect purchase and you can use this set for masculine, arty or feminine cards.  As my good friend Libby says … Your creativeness is only limited by your imagination.

Special Offer #1

Now as a special offer to all my lovely friends who read my blog if you purchase the Pocket Silhouettes and the Notecards from me before 31st July I will also give you the template for this gift box.

Special Offer #2

Now if you’re thinking that you spend too much money on stamps and accessories then have you considered joining the Stampin’ Up! family?  Why would you want to do that? Well as a Stampin Up! Demonstrator you get a 20% discount on everything you order.

Wait!! Thats not all! (sorry couldnt resist!)

If you place your first order withing 45 days from the date you joined then you get a bonus 10% discount – so place your first order within 45 days and you get 30% off that first order! Sweet hey?

Wait!  Thats not all!!

If you join now you will receive the new 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogue for free and one month before it is officially released.  You would also then be able to order a month before it is released from the pre-order selection.

Wait … thats not all!

Until 31st July you only pay $259 for your Stampin’ Up! kit – thats 20% off or a saving of $65!!  The kit is regularly $324 so look at all the money you’ll be saving – see and this means you can get more from the new Idea Book & Catalogue!  The kit includes stamps, inks, cardstock, accessories and business tools all valued at over $560 – so its a win/win deal for you!

Also, if you sign up with me before 31st July not only do you get all these goodies and a hugely discounted price but you can also select either a Stamp-a-majig or the gorgeous Pocket Silhouettes stamp set as a free bonus from me – so now you will just under $600 worth of products for just $259!

Email or Ring me today to ask any questions you might have or to arrange your free no obligation information pack.

You can even sign up online via my Demonstrator Website so there’s no pesky paperwork to fill out and post off – wow I’ve just saved you another 60 cents!

I am happy to report that Tess has now been shopping and has a lovely Gift Bag with a present inside for her friend.

It lifts the card a little dont you think? and who wants to visit a friend on their birthday without a little something in a gift bag?

The gift bag is simply a small piece of Designer Series Paper with some white tissue paper scrunched up and sticking out the top.  The handle was created using the Word Window punch.

Hope you like my little addition

After deliberating for what seemed like hours (which was really about 20 minutes or so) on what papers to use I finally gave in and went with the gorgeous Cottage Wall Designer Series Papers.

As much as I love the Tote-ally Tess set and ‘had’ to have her I’ve struggled to use her in cards.  So I’m challenging myself  to use Tess more so I hope you will see a few different “Tess” cards over the next few weeks.

Why dont you make a card with Tess too and pop a comment with the link to your blog post or online gallery?

This one is simply a “Birthday Tess” carrying a little cupcake. Looking at the card now I could have added a little gift bag as well – I might even still do that and send through a photo once its done.

Recipe:

Stamps: Tote-ally Tess, Short and Sweet
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP
Inks: Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron, More Mustard, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Ridinghood Red, Going Gray.
Accessories: Big Shot, Lots of Tags sizzlits, White Taffeta Ribbon, Aqua Painter, Stampin Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, Mini Glue dots.

One of my favourite ways to colour is to use my Aqua Painter and the ink pads to water colour and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the Certainly Celery top went with the Rich Razzleberry pants. 

So who’s for a cupcake?

I could go one right about now!  Why not treat yourself to one today and why not grab a Latte at the same time to wash it all down! In honour of all the birthdays we’ve had lately of course

How good is this month’s promotion?  A whoppin 20% OFF  selected 2 Step Stamp sets – thats the demonstrator discount so how lucky are you?

Here’s the list of Stamp Sets and the discounted price

*From 2010 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue

**Retiring stamp sets!

I love Stampin’ Up!’s promotions and I try to show you various projects in relation to the promotion and yesterday I had a play with the Playful Petals Stamp Set.

Now this set is actually retiring at the end of August so if you want it you better get it now – especially since its over $10 off the regular price!

I love this flower stamp – actually I love all the flowers in this set!  Maybe because I get to colour them in all purty colours.

I havent actually used the Tea Party DSP (it is designed from this stamp set) but I have used the colours from that pack to colour my flowers and for the cardstock and inks I used.

I have also specifically used the colours that are staying after the Colour Renovation happens.  I’ve even reorganised my inks, markers, reinkers and cardstock to the new colour families and I must say I do like the colours that have been grouped together even if I do now have a few holes here and there!

I also wanted to show you a close up of the flower on the bottom left as its all ‘dimensionalised’.

Is that even a word? well it is now!  I’m sorry its not so ‘clear’ as my camera isnt as flash as some and close ups arent one of its strong points!  I think you can still see the dimension it has though.

Have a wonderful Friday – I’m off for a Coffee and some toast – late breakfasts here during School Holidays!

In my ‘reading’ I did find some gorgeous cards and projects to inspire and case.  Now when you do case a card or something you’ve found online the ‘proper’ thing to do is to give credit to the person who inspired you.  In today’s case this card is one I cased from the very lovely Lynda Shrimpton.  Lynda is an avid blog reader – I know this cos not only does she frequent my blog but those of my demonstrator friends and she always leaves the best comments! Thanks Lynda

Isnt this a great card??

Now I did change the colours somewhat as I wanted to use this as one of the cards for today’s Stamp A Stack.

Recipe

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Weathered background, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Inks: Sahara Sand, Close to Cocoa
Papers: Close to Cocoa, Naturals Ivory
Accessories: Stampamajig, Sponge Daubers, Stampin Dimensionals
Technique – Shadow Stamping

If you look closely at the card you can see a faint shadow on the swirl. This is done by using the two inks – one light and one darker and you definitely need to use the Stampamajig to place the second stamping.

If you love this effect and would like to see how it is done why not book in for my Technique Class or have me come show you at a Workshop in your home.

Now I have some sad news …..

As you know we have the colour renovation happening when the new Idea Book & Catalogue comes out in September (not long now) and some of our beloved colours are being discontinued. Now while Stampin Up! have tried to keep up with the demand some of the colours will be gone early due to demand and everyone ordering and the first item to go is Close to Cocoa A4 Cardstock.  So while the full packs are no longer available you can get it in the mixed Earth Elements pack but again this is only while stocks last.

So please if there is any other retiring colour cardstock, inks, markers or refills you ‘need’ get it early before its too late!

Have a totally blessed Sunday!

It was nice to receive a phone call this morning from the lovely Lisa to advise me that it actually just got to 10C!!  She is such a sweetie and so thoughtful!

Today’s card is one that I cased however now I cant find where it was that I cased it from – I’ve changed computers so if you do recognise this as your design please let me know so I can give credit where it is due.

How nice is this card?

Recipe:
Stamps: En Francais, Baroque Motifs
Paper: Mellow Moss, Very Vanilla, Basic Gray
Inks: Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Extra Large 2 step bird punch, Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, sponge daubers, Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals.

Now when I made this card I wanted the dots from the  Textured Impressions Folder to stand out so I just used my sponge dauber with the sahara sand and gently rubbed over the top just to make them ‘pop’ a little – it doesnt need much just a light touch.

Although it looks involved it is surprisingly simple. Its been a very popular card in my Stamp A Stack classes too.  Its also another good card to show that everyone really needs to have that Extra Large 2 step bird punch in their supply.

Now for my special offer ….

As its the end of the financial year here in Australia and I’m just shy of a sales target I am offering free postage on all orders received today and tomorrow!  So until the end of June (tomorrow) any orders placed will be processed with free shipping.

Dont forget about the Deal of the Week as it also finishes tomorrow. Selected rhinestone brads and ribbons on sale ….

So contact me now with your order – you can email, ring or send that courier pigeon – but make sure he has some Red Bull first so he gets here in time!

Today’s is a little different as I’ve combined another challenge in the same card – a colour challenge from Inkspirations4U!

So I thought the title for today’s post is fitting as not only am I sharing two challenges in one card but I’m also using the very cute ‘Share A Cup’ a la carte stamp from the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue.

Here’s the colour challenge from Inkspirations4U …

My card was inspired by some gorgeous little cards that the lovely Bonnie Thurber (the Stamp Whisperer herself!) demonstrated.

Here is my card ….

I wasnt sure about the colours at first but then when I put them together I really like them!  I think they’d be great for boy birthdays too

I love this little stamp – it was so nice of Stampin Up! to make a stamp just for me dont you think? and then to make an actual mug with the image on it just so I could get one at the Manager’s Reception before Convention this year. So very thoughtful!

I hope you like this card as I did enjoy making it – well after I got those cups to sit right!

One definitely needs the Stamp-a-majig and a post it note for this card!

Now its time for you to skip along to the next Diva in the Saturday Sketch Design Team being the very lovely Maxine Conrad and see what she’s done with Carol’s sketch.

Have a great ‘rest’ of the Weekend!

Last week my lovely Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator friend Sonia Garbut announced she was a guest designer for a new online class called Inkspirations4U and was offering a free pass … well…. Sonia’s 2yo daughter pulled out my name so I won a free pass!

How exciting is that?  I never win anything!

Before the projects started rolling in Madeline gave us a colour challenge to get us started.

Now those colours happen to be some of my favourites but boy did I have a hard time putting them together!

Here is what I came up with ….

I love this flower image from Asian Artistry. Its just gorgeous … and so is that dragonfly!

I used my Stampin Write Markers to colour the image however I wanted it to have a soft feel to it so I coloured the leaves and stems with the Basic Grey marker and then stamped it off once. I then inked the flowers with the Pretty in Pink marker, huffed and then stamped onto Naturals Ivory cardstock.  I also sponged around the edge of the naturals ivory piece but again after dabbing the sponge on the Basic Gray Ink pad I dabbed it off first to give a softer edge – it tends to blend into the Basic Gray piece behind it this way.

Using the Rich Razzleberry as the base card fulfilled the ‘colour challenge’ although I wasnt totally sold on the card. I thought the Rich Razzleberry was too dark for this sympathy card so here are a couple of variations …

with ribbon

changed base card to Pink Pirouette

Now as much as I love Rich Razzleberry I think the softness of Pink Pirouette on this last card fits the ‘soft sympathy’ feel I was after.

The projects coming through the Inkspirations4U classes are so nice and its not too late to join and well worth the US$20 it costs so why not pop over to Inkspirations4U and join up – would love to see you there!

I do hope you are keeping yourself warm on these chilly winter days. Its days like today that it would be nice if our friends in the Northern Hemisphere would send some of their heat our way and I’d only be too happy to send it back during our summer – sounds fair doesn’t it?? if only we could!

Many times I have people say to me that they could never be a demonstrator as they don’t have the imagination and creativity I do. Thing is I dont think I have any more creativity than the next person – maybe I just use it differently.

I get my inspiration from many places but one I particularly get inspiration is the Stampin’ Up!® Idea Book and Catalogue or the Mini Catalogue.  These books are not only wonderful for showcasing the stamps and accessories we sell but it is full of samples and ideas – The Idea Book & Catalogue has over 300 ideas and samples to inspire you.

Here is a case of one of the cards from the current Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue. It highlights using the Big Shot with our Extra Large 2 step bird punch and the Perfect Polka Dot Textured Impressions folder.

This is a great card and very easy to do and I would love to show you how to make this card and all the lovely other items you can make with the Big Shot.  Don’t forget I have my Big Shot Bundles and you can find them on my Latte Specials page.

How would you like to get your Big Shot at 30% off??

Well you can! Just by joining the wonderful Stampin’ Up! family and my Stamp A Latte Team.  When you join Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator and place your first order of $300 or more within 45 days you will receive a bonus 10% commission on this order so instead of 20% commission you get 30%.

If you join Stampin’ Up! before 31st July then you also get the Starter Kit at 20% off – that’s a saving of $65!!  Contact me today for your free information pack.